BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT B1 Your Community Press newspaper serving Miami Township and Milford E-mail: milford@communitypress.com We d n e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 1 0
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Vol. 30 No. 1 © 2010 The Community Press ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
KELLIE GEIST/STAFF
Amy Brewer was elected to be Milford’s mayor at the Jan. 5 Milford City Council meeting. Brewer, who asked her children Olivia and Max to join her at the podium, shook hands with Law Director Mike Minniear after he swore her in.
Maddie Stewart, front, and Kelly Nunner, both 9, of Miami Township enjoy their snow day last week. For more snow photos, see page B1.
Townships work to save electricity
Eleven of Clermont County’s 14 townships are working together to save money on electric. The counties, through the Clermont County Township Association, were able to purchase electricity in a discount electric buying program offered by Duke Energy Retail Sales. Johnna Reeder, spokeswoman Duke Energy, said energy, like many products, is cheaper in bulk. FULL STORY, A2
Moore charged for abandoning horses
Chad Moore, the Bethel man who allegedly left six horses, a donkey and pony alone on a farm without food or water, has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty and two counts of abandonment and could face up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine per count. Two of the rescued horses were euthanized because of malnutrition. FULL STORY, A4
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Brewer, Vilardo to lead city
By Kellie Geist
kgeist@communitypress.com
Amy Brewer and Ralph Vilardo will be leading Milford’s city council for the next two years. During the council meeting Jan. 5, Brewer was elected to be the city’s mayor with four council votes and Vilardo was unanimously voted to be the vice mayor. The mayor and vice mayor terms are for two years. “I want to thank my colleagues on council,” Brewer said. “This should be an exciting couple of years.”
Brewer was joined at the podium by her children, Olivia and Max, during the swearing-in. After settling into the mayor’s seat, Brewer said a few words. “I want to thank my colleagues on council ... And everyone for all their support,” Brewer said. “I want to be a positive face for Milford.” “I’m humbled, I’m honored and I’m privileged. I’ve waited for this for a long time ... and I’m looking forward to it,” she said. Vilardo also thanked his supporters and council for electing him as vice mayor.
“I’m definitely honored and humbled ... I do believe that together, we can move this city forward,” he said. “And I’d like to give a warm welcome to Mark and Laurie for joining us on council.” Also during the meeting, incumbent Brewer and new council members Laurie Walter and Mark Rohrig were sworn in to their council terms by Law Director Mike Minniear. Following the ceremonial agenda items, resident RJ Vilardo approached the podium. RJ Vilardo, who has lived in the city for more
than 50 years and is the father of council member Ralph Vilardo, asked council to put aside their differences and work together. “I’m concerned about the cattiness and the back-stabbing ... It’s a bad black mark and the talk of the city,” RJ Vilardo said. “I think you all need to get together and bond. Try to let bygones be bygones.” “And keep the best interest of the city in your heart. You’re representing Milford, one of the best cities this side of you know where,” he said.
Photo to benefit Milford historical society
By Kellie Geist
kgeist@communitypress.com
When members of the Greater Milford Area Historical Society brought four, 100-year-old pieces of a panoramic photo to Keith Keiser, they weren’t sure what would come of it. The pieces were tattered, faded and discolored. “(Keiser) was very optimistic about the photo, but it was hard for us to imagine what he could do with it,” said Donna Amann, society administrator. “It certainly exceeded our expectations.” Keiser, owner of Keiser Photography, spent about 40 volunteer hours restoring the photo in Photoshop, literally one pixel at a time. “I worked on it when I had time, at a real high magnification,” Keiser said. “It is just an amazing photograph and piece of history now that it’s all put together.” The restored photo, which is a circa-1900 panoramic of Milford taken from Indian Hill, is being sold to benefit the historical society’s library fund. Unframed black and white as well as sepia prints are available at the Promont House Museum for $30. Because Keiser donated his time and the prints, the $30 is all profit for the society. “I know the historical society has limited funds, and it’s just nice
This photo, taken sometime around 1900, was found in four pieces at the Promont House Museum.
KELLIE GEIST/STAFF
Keith Keiser, of Keiser Photography, restored and printed this historic photo of Milford. to have the expertise to be able to do something like this for them,” Keiser said. The owners of Row House Gallery also are trying to help. Pre-designed, framed prints can be purchased from Row House
Gallery for $220. Owner Nancy Meyer said the gallery will split any framing profits with the historical society. “We got a really good deal on the package molding so we could afford to donate a portion to the
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museum,” Meyer said. “The historical society is really active and important in our community and this was a great project that was right up our alley.” The photo, which is about 8 inches by 38 inches, is packed with history. The photograph includes the old railroad tracks, opera house, St. Andrews church, the tower on the Latitudes building and more. “It’s a really awesome photo, especially if you’re familiar with local history. The more you look at it, the more you find it in. You really just have to see it,” Meyer said. Amann said any money collected will go to the society’s library fund. She said society members want to upgrade the library for research and collection purposes. For more information or to purchase a print, visit www.milfordhistory.net. Call 248-0324.
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Mom, watch this
KELLIE GEIST/STAFF
Ralph Vilardo, right, signed the appropriate paperwork after Law Director Mike Minniear swore him in as the vice mayor at the Jan. 5 Milford City Council meeting.