2024 Year in Review, Part 4:

Summary compiled by Pat Langley and Greg Enslen, based on original reporting from Pat Langley, Jim Dabbelt, Ashley Spring McCarroll, Samantha Enslen, Greg Enslen, Nancy Bowman, Cailey Petsch, and the 2024 Gazette staff.

 

October

Council discusses Country Estates Subdivision request to take over water system

Council members discussed the request, and City Manager Eric Mack explained that the city could accommodate Country Estates’ request by charging them the current going. Council members seemed agreeable as long as the costs were reasonable.

 

Senior craft ladies visit West Milton

The craft ladies from Tipp City Senior Citizens took a road trip to West Milton. They visited Wertz Variety Store to see what great things they could find to use for their crafts. Afterward, they had a delicious lunch at Pearson House.

 

New Carlisle holds Heritage of Flight Festival

The New Carlisle Heritage of Flight Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary Friday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 6. The event featured fireworks, carnival rides, live music, car, motorcycle and Jeep shows, a parade of planes and more.

 

School Resource Officer Warren Edmondson featured

Tipp City police officer and School Resource Officer (SRO) Warren Edmondson believes many people think he’s just a police officer in a school, but Edmondson wanted students to be able to see him, talk to him about their problems, and make them feel special and appreciated. So, he went into classrooms to introduce himself and tell students and teachers about himself and his job.

 

Jim Bayliff served as 2024 Mum Festival Grand Marshall

 

Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home owner Jim Bayliff served as this year’s Grand Marshall in the Mum Festival Parade.

 

Back to the Good Old Days: Seniors from Tipp High School reminisced about their lives

Four Tipp senior citizens from the 1960, 61, and 64 classes reminisced about their childhood and teenage lives in Tipp City. From their perspectives, life was good, and Tipp City was their playground. Historical Society Board member Jackie Wahl introduced the four: Mike Jackson (class of 64), Rex Spencer (class of 60), and Becky Moser Mattox and Diane Brundrett Voyentizie (class of 61). The Tippecanoe Historical Society hosted the event at the Tipp Senior Center on September 24.

 

Tipp Girls Tennis win MVL title

It was another successful Miami Valley League girls tennis tournament for the Tippecanoe Red Devils, as they claimed another MVL title with a win at the league tournament. Not only did they win the conference tournament, but they also finished atop the league standings.

 

Tipp City trees – and some cars - took brunt of storm damage

 

The remnants of Hurricane Helene tore through several states on its way from the Gulf of Mexico to Ohio, where the tropical storm has dumped 4 to 6 inches of rain on the region. Fortunately, Tipp City escaped much of the damage, with several trees falling from the windstorm.

 

“Anybody but the Chiefs” made waves nationwide

Tippecanoe High School teacher and musician Cory Breth just wanted to make a light-hearted song about his favorite team, the Cincinnati Bengals. Breth released a one-minute anthem about the next champion being “anyone but the Chiefs” and has seen his work explode on the national stage with over three million views.

 

Tipp runners sweep Dave Lightle cross country invite

 

In the lone home cross country meet of the season for the Tippecanoe squad, the Red Devils made the most of it, winning both the boys and girls races on a great night for running in Tipp City. Landon Kimmel cruised to the boys title, as the Tipp junior ran a two-mile time of 9:25.1, nearly 30 seconds ahead of runner-up.

 

Ribbon cutting celebrates Tipp City Global Methodist Church’s new parking lot

The Tipp City Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion
of the new parking lot. The event marked a significant milestone for the church and its congregation. The new parking lot ensures greater accessibility for all visitors, including enhanced spaces for handicapped parking.

 

Our Farm Sanctuary former director sentenced
Sophia Kartsonis, former director of Our Farm Sanctuary in Tipp City, was found guilty of six cruelty to companion animal charges, which included deprivation of necessary sustenance and committing an act of cruelty charges. The animal cruelty charges are second-degree misdemeanors. Kartsonis was sentenced to 90 days in jail.

November

Kimmel shatters State Record as Tipp Junior won D1 state title

Tippecanoe junior Landon Kimmel left no doubt on Saturday who the best runner in Ohio truly is. Kimmel, who missed last season with an injury, came back with a vengeance this year by completing his goal and winning the OHSAA Ohio Division 1 Cross Country State Championship at Fortress Obetz. Kimmel also shattered the all-time state course record.

 

Council votes to return stop signs on Third Street at Plum and Dow; re-ups pool contract

Since the stop signs on Third Street at Plum and Dow were removed in 2022, many citizens have expressed concerns, particularly about children’s safety. After some discussion and review of a city-performed traffic study, council agreed to return the signs. Council also agreed to a contract with SwimSafe Pool Management for the management and operation of the Tippecanoe Family Aquatic Center for the 2025-2027 seasons.

 

“Orange Barrels and Cones are our Friends” – Construction begins on West Main sewer project

 

Construction began on a large new sewer line on the south side of Main St. from Kinna to 25A that would continue north along the east side of 25A to the Abbott plant. Abbott, the producer of Ensure and other products, is in the process of doubling in size, and its wastewater is overwhelming the current sewer line. In addition, the homes on the south side of Main St. near 25A use septic tanks because there is no sewer line available to them. The new line should accommodate both the current shortfalls and future expansions uptown and west to 25A.

 

Middle School students create voting experience for kindergartners

Students at the middle school helped their younger friends and family members feel just as patriotic as their parents on Tuesday, November 5. The middle schoolers asked students at Broadway Elementary to vote for their favorite cookie.

 

Tipp welcomed two new coffee shops

Sip Coffee opened in the space previously occupied by the Golden Leap, and Beanhive Coffee opened in the same building as Sweet Adalines.

 

Repacorp celebrates 50th anniversary

The anniversary was celebrated with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and Business After Hours event sponsored by the Tipp Chamber. Held at Repacorp’s Tipp City facility, the celebration brought together local business leaders, community members, and Chamber representatives for an evening of tours, networking, and honoring an incredible milestone. Established in 1974, Repacorp has evolved into a leading manufacturer of labels and packaging.

 

Council approves rezoning of the Walker property at 850 N. Hyatt

The 78-acre parcel of farmland east of Hyatt was previously un-zoned but changed to R1C, single-family residential. Council also voted to remove the Flex Building ordinance “in its entirety” from Tipp City’s zoning code, and Mayor Rogers swore in the new Emergency Services Assistant Chief, Adam Howard.

 

Tippecanoe Lodge #174 holds Memorial Service at Veteran’s Memorial Park

 

Aided by the teachers and children at LT Ball Intermediate School, Worshipful Master Chris Springer welcomed the veterans, students, and guests at the 9:30 a.m. service. Fifth-grade students, directed by Mr. Steve Parks, sang God Bless America.

 

Shook Construction selected as construction manager of new PK-8 building project

Superintendent Moran announced that Shook Construction had been selected as the PK-8 school construction manager, Garmann Miller as the architect, and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) will serve as a co-partner in the project. This group held their Construction Kick-Off meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20th.

 

Downtown merchants praise “Yuletide Winter’s Gathering” weekend

Tipp City downtown merchants were overwhelmingly delighted with the busy foot traffic and sales during the annual Yuletide Winter’s Gathering weekend. Most merchants reported increases compared to last year.

 

ARCpoint Labs marks 5th anniversary, opening of new location in Tipp Center

ARCpoint recently celebrated a dual milestone: its 5-year anniversary and the grand opening of its new location at Tipp Center. The event brought together community members, local business leaders, and staff to commemorate this new chapter in Tipp City. Owned by Forouzan Zakeri and now led in daily operations by her son, Meelaud Moazampour, ARCpoint Labs has expanded its presence in the community.

 

Downtown Tipp City Partnership kicks off a new tradition – a Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

 

With 25 entries and just a few no-shows, the creativity and excitement of the floats created an unforgettable experience for everyone. The free, family-friendly event featured Chris Rowlands, Monroe Federal’s Eagle handing out cookies, Rotary providing free hot dogs, Kiwanis sharing snacks and water, and Zack Jacobs Insurance offering free bottles of water. Mr. G and Grand Marshall Luke Zerkle welcomed the parade floats and chose the winner: Global United Methodist Church’s Polar Express float, complete with costumes and intricate props.

 

Downtown Partnership and city installed new wayfinding signs downtown

New wayfinding signs were installed in the heart of downtown Tipp City, culminating from a community-driven initiative to provide visitors with clear directions while preserving the charm and historic character that make Tipp City unique.

December

Tipp City Council approves purchase of Tipp City Plaza

 

The Council authorized the City Manager to establish business agreements/contracts with Woodard Development for three items: 1) enter into a contract for the city’s eventual purchase of Tipp City Plaza and Tipp Center, for a cost not to exceed $6,950,000, plus any closing costs; 2) enter into a property management and listing agreement for the plaza properties with Ascent Real Estate Advisors, a subsidiary of Woodard Development, to act as the city’s agent for listing of space available for commercial/retail lease, collecting rents, and maintaining the properties; 3) enter into a consulting agreement to help negotiate the purchase of 60 acres of land at the SW corner of 25A and 571. The land has the potential for commercial, retail, and residential development.

 

THS presents Murder on the Orient Express

Tippecanoe High School students brought Ken Ludwig’s stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery to life.

 

Tipp City Chamber held Annual Holiday Gala

 

The Tipp Chamber celebrated the spirit of community and business excellence at its Annual Holiday
Gala, where outstanding individuals and businesses were honored for their exceptional contributions. The event, held at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center, brought together community leaders, business
owners, and residents to recognize this year’s award recipients. The winners of the prestigious awards are as follows:
• Citizen of the Year: Steve Huffman
• Business of the Year: Concrete Sealants
• Small Business of the Year: Tipp Center
• Young Professional of the Year: Luke Zerkle
• Chairman’s Choice Award: Nick Heinl

 

12 Days of Tipp City Giveaway brings holiday joy

 

The Downtown Tipp City Partnership and the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce announced the return of their much-anticipated 12 Days of Tipp City social media campaign! This festive series has become a fun holiday tradition, with followers tuning in each day to see who will be featured in the fun and engaging daily videos.

 

Tippecanoe and Christmas Too Home Tour features homes on North Third Street

Each home on North Third Street was a story brought to life, beautifully decorated for the season with incredible care and creativity. Adding to the enchantment, guests were allowed a rare glimpse into the second story of the historic Burwell Building. Built in 1880, this stunning structure was once home to Ralph Burwell, a gifted artist and photographer.

 

City Council considers potential use of Eagle’s Lodge parking lot, approved sculpture

Council members discussed the potential use of the Eagles Lodge parking lot for general parking, not just Eagles’ members. The lot is located at the northeast corner of E. Main St. and N. First St. Members also passed a motion to allow the Tipp City Area Arts Council to install, at Canal Lock Park, the “Song Tree Sculpture,” a 12 ft. metal sculpture with chimes by artist Mary McConnaughey (Mary Mack).

 

Superintendent Moran reviews construction updates

Moran gave a brief PK-8 building update, saying that plans for the building were constantly changing as teachers, community members, etc., got involved with the project. One such design change will allow the tennis courts to remain where they are, an estimated $880,000 savings, and will avoid re-routing utilities, another large cost savings. The Superintendent ended the session by stating that he would like to remove all school fees beginning the 2025 school year.

  

Moran shares plans at first community Review of PK-8 School Design

Superintendent Aaron Moran met with approximately 20 Tipp teachers and citizens at L.T Ball to review the latest plans for the proposed PK-8 elementary school. The PK-8 printed plans showed the configuration of the rooms, stairs, elevator, doors, entrance, exits, gyms, etc. The paper plans were distributed around the room and placed on tables for easy review. The plan involves a three-story building. Moran emphasized that each floor is designed to meet the needs of the students and teachers who reside there and maximize flexibility and collaboration among students.

 

Jan Hillman: A Hero Dedicated to Others

During her lengthy career supporting and raising money for hospitals, charities and non-profit organizations, Jan Hillman has dedicated her life and energy to helping people throughout the Miami Valley who suffer from cancer. She founded her own company, Hillman Associates, where she served as Chief executive officer for 37 years. Hillman Associates offered fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning, and board member development services for nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Perhaps most notably, she has helped raise over one billion dollars throughout her career to help those with cancer and to fund research to eliminate it.