News 2008-08-10 Andanh.com

Toledo primed for revitalization, but key components still missing
Bob Seyfang sees his neighborhood brimming with people on the sidewalks moving in and out of specialty boutiques, dining at outdoor bistros, and shopping at local hardware and grocery stores.
He imagines a collection of art galleries within walking distance of his loft and envisions the arrival of new neighbors with a penchant for local nightlife. It seems a far-flung dream at the moment, considering Mr. Seyfang lives in Toledos lackluster downtown, an area that lost much of its vibrancy more than 30 years ago. But recent national trends show the tide may be shifting development back toward urban centers. Rising gas and energy prices have made many Americans wary of the long commutes and large, energy-sucking homes emblematic of suburban living. The average price of a gallon of gasoline largely a reflection of crude oil costs has skyrocketed over five years, jumping 171 percent from June, 2003, to June, 2008, nationwide, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. After peaking above $4 a gallon, prices have fallen back slightly, but oil analysts predict prices will continue to climb with world oil demand up and supplies outpaced. Some experts forecast prices above $10 a gallon within a few years. American eyebrows have been raised. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimated that the country drove nearly 10 billion fewer miles in May, 2008, than in May, 2007, an aversion that has become this years faddish choice. Living downtown in many major U.S. cities, or in the neighborhoods directly encircling the city center, not only saves on gas but can offer an attractive centrality of retail, entertainment, and residence, especially for an increasing number of young singles and empty-nesters.
In Toledo, urban living would benefit the thousands of downtown workers most but also further the hope that, with the success of the Mud Hens ballpark, Fifth Third Field, and the $100 million hockey arena rising nearby, downtown is on the cusp of becoming a popular place to live again. I just see it all happening. We have to pedestrianize downtown, Mr. Seyfang said. I think what we need to do is create a living environment where you literally dont need a car. If you want to go to Upper Michigan or Traverse City, you rent a car. If you want to go to Franklin Park mall to shop, you hop on a bus and go. Mr. Seyfang, who migrated from the suburbs to the Bakery Building on South Michigan Avenue with his architecture firm in 1989, describes many basic tenets of an architectural movement known as New Urbanism a school of thought blooming across the country in the face of increasing concerns about energy costs and environmental preservation. New Urbanism endorses the creation of heterogeneous neighborhoods with a variety of shops, offices, and accessible green space while encouraging public transportation and walking. The studys authors predict urban populations will continue to grow to 401 million by 2050 with rural populations falling to 44 million. Primed for growth Mike Young, a former city planner in Toledo who works in California, sees Toledo primed for growth. He talks about the beautiful neighborhoods that for years were the citys stability. New Urbanism I would live in the Old West End even now, he said. You have people in the core who have created a very stable and comfortable environment.
Others are worried that new urban housing trends may be tainted by gentrification as the poor are forced out to abandoned suburban homes. If [the poor] happen to own their house in the inner city, theyll do OK because the price will get bid up, said Douglas Kelbaugh, dean of the University of Michigan school of architecture and urban studies, but if theyre renting, which they typically are, theyll get squeezed out. In the real estate market were in right now, urban neighborhoods are performing better, said John Norquist, the former mayor of Milwaukee, who heads the Chicago-based Congress for the New Urbanism, an organization configured by a collection of prominent urban architects in 1993. In the sprawl, prices are collapsing; it really is a good time for [urban] development, he said. Statistics confirm why that may be happening. A U.N. study of world populations released this year showed a migration in North America clearly skewed toward cities. From 1950 to 2007, urban populations rose from 110 million to 275 million, while rural populations increased from 62 million to 63 million. Reversal of fortune?
Mr. Kelbaugh said this urban-suburban flip is happening in places such as Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, and New York and claims the only way to keep poor people downtown once the affluent decide they want to move in is to provide some sort of subsidy program. Depreciating and foreclosed suburban McMansions could be converted into multifamily homes, and Mr. Kelbaugh prognosticates that some suburban spots might become unsightly, dotted with empty lots and heaped with crime. With suburbia fumbling to address mortgage blunders, higher energy costs, and baby boomers looking to downsize, urbanity seems poised to swoop into the proverbial front door left open by a cul-de-sac nation. Kevin Kennon, executive director of the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies in New York City, said the global society is increasingly becoming more urban and predicts cities will experience major population increases in the next 50 years. Higher density should create opportunity to lower energy costs, he said. People are going to want to live closer to the city. In a 2005 report titled Turning Around Downtown: Twelve Steps to Revitalization, Christopher Leinberger, a fellow at the Brookings Institute in Washington, wrote,
Over the past 15 years there has been an amazing renaissance in downtowns across America. Mr. Leinberger said that in a sample of 45 U.S. cities, the number of downtown households increased by 13 percent during the 1990s, bucking a downward trend from previous decades. The proclivity to move to city centers has continued in the last eight years. Americas love affair with the low-density world of strip malls and spacious office parks began in the period after World War II, when President Dwight Eisenhowers interstate highway project, arguably the biggest public works project in world history, subsidized a move out of the cities and effectively banished urban development to the back of a suburban closet the country was filling with the prosperity of a booming economy and cheap gasoline. Revitalization With Americans catching on to the idea that smaller homes and shorter commutes could mean more money left in bank accounts, cities such as Toledo are trying to promote a vision for downtown development attractive to both potential residents and visitors. Toledo officials have not succeeded in revitalizing downtown, but they commissioned many studies on the topic.
Doug Farr studied urban Toledo when his Chicago-based sustainable architecture firm, Farr Associates, was hired by the city in 2004 to conceptualize mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly ideas for neighborhood redevelopment. Mr. Farr, who also penned a book on sustainable urbanism, said Toledo must first work to overcome its self-doubt. Theres this feeling that were not worthy and that its not for us, he said. Its a pervasive pessimism. Those sentiments echo the perceptions of state Rep. Peter Ujvagi, a Toledoan who represents the 47th District. Mr. Ujvagi said the city must generate a new rhetoric in its approach to development. Theres good news and bad news about Toledo, he said. The good news is that we havent made the same mistakes a lot of cities have made in terms of development. The bad news is that were behind a lot of cities. A lack of coordination Despite the lofty expectations outlined in the Toledo 20/20 Comprehensive Plan, a full-fledged vision for the city in the year 2020 compiled eight years ago, Mr. Ujvagi said a lack of coordination seems to be tripping up progress. The pieces just arent fitting together, he said. You look at City Council and the county commissioners and the infighting that continues to occur. There doesnt seem to be a mechanism to come to a consensus. Yet another study the 2004 Economic Development and Innovation Plan paid for by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority confirmed Mr. Ujvagis view about lack of downtown progress. The study concluded there was a lack of economic development planning and priority setting and there were many agencies but unclear roles. The latter assessment, the plan determined, resulted in inefficiency and underperformance for Toledo. A success story Other cities have been more effective in injecting life into moribund downtowns. In Fort Wayne, Ind. a city with a metro population equal to Toledos, just short of 600,000 a comprehensive plan released in 2002 provided the blueprints for 76 downtown projects. Sharon Feasel, a redevelopment specialist for Fort Wayne, said the city has completed nearly 50 percent of those objectives, including expansion of its convention center and smaller initiatives such as the landscaping of city center medians. The second-largest city in Indiana is in the middle of building a new ballpark for its Class A minor league baseball team, the Fort Wayne Wizards, in the Harrison Square area downtown. The project includes a Marriott hotel and 60 new condominiums. We set about the process of thinking about all of the complexities of downtown, she said. Downtown, everyone has to do everything together, and you have to mix all uses, all races, all incomes, mix all everything. We just literally set about trying to promise that this wasnt going to be a plan that sat on the shelf. Ms. Feasel said the plan has experienced so much success that Fort Wayne produced an update Blueprint Plus zeroing in on more specific parts of downtown, including the waterfront along the citys own stretch of the Maumee River. Lowering the hurdles For Toledo to duplicate Fort Waynes success and experience the urban growth seen around the country, it needs to lower the bars to downtown development. [Cities] should have streamlined procedures for development they decide they do want, said Jonathan Levine, chairman of the University of Michigans urban planning school. Anything the city can do, they do for developers because it costs them when there are delays. To encourage growth, many developers argue they must receive assistance from the city. This help can come first in the form of building codes. Tom Lemon, principal planner for the Toledo-Lucas County Planning Commission, affirmed the city keeps a close watch on the building code last rewritten in 2004. Were trying to build some flexibility into the zoning code, he said. Business and jobs Struggles to invigorate downtowns bring appreciation for what most urban planners agree is the key ingredient in the downtown cheesecake: jobs. Mr. Kennon of the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies said successful downtowns will find ways to attract businesses that bring employment to the city center. Thats where youve got to start, he said. People will move where they have to work. The economics of this are really critical. The convenience of a shorter commute, and the gas savings associated with it, may already be enough to lure professionals out of the suburban woodwork, particularly younger workers looking for the additional buzz only a downtown can provide. The millennial generation 78 million born from 1977 to 1996 has started becoming a major part of the work force as baby boomers 82 million born from 1946 to 1964 begin to take a bow and pack up their desks. The group of fresh workers might be more apt to look for residences downtown if their jobs are already there. Norman Krumholz, a professor at the Cleveland State University school of urban affairs, said people come downtown first for the jobs and then for the amenities. The energy problems will probably make people make choices that are closer in, but the jobs are now in the suburbs, he said. Positive developments
Downtown Toledo employment has dropped from more than 40,000 workers at a peak in the early 1950s to less than 20,000 today according to the Census Bureau. But Mr. Ujvagi, who counts himself an avid urban enthusiast, deems one area particularly promising for northwest Ohio. The thing weve done right, by the way, is on solar energy, he said. There are some pretty exciting things about to happen off Nebraska Avenue and Dorr Street that can make a real difference. A solar energy start-up, Xunlight, plans to construct a production line for thin-film, silicon-solar modules at its facility at 3145 Nebraska Ave. near downtown and looks to eventually add to its 45-person work force. And theres the nations largest manufacturer of solar cells in nearby Perrysburg Township First Solar which employs more than 600 workers and had Wall Streets fastest-growing stock in 2007. All signify Toledos hope that companies spun out of places such as the University of Toledos Clean and Alternative Energy Incubator could fill the numerous empty buildings that blight downtown and the neighborhoods surrounding it. Making an urban splash While jobs offer a dependable verve for the city from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., other amenities will help to attract downtown visitors and solidify the relocation decisions of suburban ex-patriates. Satisfying the housing demand, particularly for empty- nesters looking to downsize and young professionals looking for starters, is likely the next step in downtown growth.
In Toledo, housing in the Warehouse District as well as future downtown residential projects in the Triangle Building and Water Street Station, and at the East Toeldo Marina District, could prove enticing to suburban pilgrims. With jobs generating activity during the day, and residents filling the void in the evenings, downtowns suddenly become more attractive to other businesses, much as they were 50 years ago when they served as the hub of industry. Most urban planners agree revitalization then typically goes to entertainment restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, sports venues followed by retail, a far more fickle downtown staple, all on the heels of other developments to complete the city center package. In places such as Brooklyn and Chicago, large chains Target and Home Depot already have made an urban splash. In 2003, Home Depot Americas largest home-improvement retailer opened a two-level store in the Chicagos Lincoln Park neighborhood, shedding an untenable big-box design in exchange for ceiling-to-floor glass windows and an interior escalator. Retail giant Wal-Mart has experimented with urban stores in places such as Fort Worth, Texas, and Long Beach, Calif. All of these elements create variety and build the micromarkets typically associated with downtowns. [Downtowns] can offer a whole bunch of social services and address economic issues in ways the suburb simply cannot, said Mr. Kennon of the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies. Every mall looks like every other mall, and if you want some variety in your life, the city is better at bringing variety. Key components While probably missing some of the necessary glue including a thriving nightlife, adequate green space, and inexpensive parking, Toledo appears to have many of the key pieces needed to make an effective downtown sales pitch. Very few cities in the country the size of Toledo have a ballpark, a convention center, a world-class art museum, a picturesque waterfront, and a budding arena to attract visitors and residents to the city. Mr. Seyfang, who now thinks about downtown issues on a daily basis as not only a resident but also as the leader of the Toledo Design Center, still believes he will have more company on the streets and sidewalks soon. The thing is, weve got an opportunity, right now, that very, very few cities anywhere in the country have, he said At some point, people will change the way they live. Its bound to happen. Contact Matthew Eisen at:meisen@theblade.comor 419-724-6077.

Singer, songwriter Isaac Hayes dies at age 65
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Isaac Hayes, the pioneering singer, songwriter and musician whose relentless "Theme From Shaft" won Academy and Grammy awards, died Sunday afternoon, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said. He was 65.
A family member found him unresponsive near a treadmill and he was pronounced dead an hour later at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, according to the sheriff's office. The cause of death was not immediately known. In the early 1970s, Hayes laid the groundwork for disco, for what became known as urban-contemporary music and for romantic crooners like Barry White. And he was rapping before there was rap. His career hit another high in 1997 when he became the voice of Chef, the sensible school cook and devoted ladies man on the animated TV show "South Park." Steve Shular, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said authorities received a 911 call after Hayes' wife and young son and his wife's cousin returned home from the grocery store and found him collapsed in a downstairs bedroom. A sheriff's deputy administered CPR until paramedics arrived. "The treadmill was running but he was unresponsive lying on the floor," Shular said.
The album "Hot Buttered Soul" made Hayes a star in 1969. His shaven head, gold chains and sunglasses gave him a compelling visual image. "Hot Buttered Soul" was groundbreaking in several ways: He sang in a "cool" style unlike the usual histrionics of big-time soul singers. He prefaced the song with "raps," and the numbers ran longer than three minutes with lush arrangements. "Jocks would play it at night," Hayes recalled in a 1999 Associated Press interview. "They could go to the bathroom, they could get a sandwich, or whatever." Next came "Theme From Shaft," a No. 1 hit in 1971 from the film "Shaft" starring Richard Roundtree. "That was like the shot heard round the world," Hayes said in the 1999 interview. At the Oscar ceremony in 1972, Hayes performed the song wearing an eye-popping amount of gold and received a standing ovation. TV Guide later chose it as No. 18 in its list of television's 25 most memorable moments. He won an Academy Award for the song and was nominated for another one for the score. The song and score also won him two Grammys. "The rappers have gone in and created a lot of hit music based upon my influence," he said. "And they'll tell you if you ask." Hayes was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. "I knew nothing about the business, or trends and things like that," he said. "I think it was a matter of timing. I didn't know what was unfolding." A self-taught musician, he was hired in 1964 by Stax Records of Memphis as a backup pianist, working as a session musician for Otis Redding and others. He also played saxophone. He began writing songs, establishing a songwriting partnership with David Porter, and in the 1960s they wrote such hits for Sam and Dave as "Hold On, I'm Coming" and "Soul Man." All this led to his recording contract. In 1972, he won another Grammy for his album "Black Moses" and earned a nickname he reluctantly embraced. Hayes composed film scores for "Tough Guys" and "Truck Turner" besides "Shaft." He also did the song "Two Cool Guys" on the "Beavis and Butt-Head Do America" movie soundtrack in 1996. Additionally, he was the voice of Nickelodeon's "Nick at Nite" and had radio shows in New York City (1996 to 2002) and then in Memphis. He was in several movies, including "It Could Happen to You" with Nicolas Cage, "Ninth Street" with Martin Sheen, "Reindeer Games" starring Ben Affleck and the blaxploitation parody "I'm Gonna Git You, Sucka." In the 1999 interview, Hayes described the South Park cook as "a person that speaks his mind; he's sensitive enough to care for children; he's wise enough to not be put into the 'whack' category like everybody else in town and he l-o-o-o-o-ves the ladies." But Hayes angrily quit the show in 2006 after an episode mocked his Scientology religion. "There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," he said. Co-creator creators Matt Stone responded that Hayes "has no problem and he's cashed plenty of checks with our show making fun of Christians." A subsequent episode of the show seemingly killed off the Chef character. Hayes was born in 1942 in a tin shack in Covington, Tenn., about 40 miles north of Memphis. He was raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died and his father took off when he was 1½. The family moved to Memphis when he was 6. Hayes wanted to be a doctor, but got redirected when he won a talent contest in ninth grade by singing Nat King Cole's "Looking Back." He held down various low-paying jobs, including shining shoes on the legendary Beale Street in Memphis. He also played gigs in rural Southern juke joints where at times he had to hit the floor because someone began shooting.

Students, colleges work to navigate federal aid policy
Some surprise help from the government this summer has made University of Toledo student Meghan Mills feel a little less stressed about paying for college.
She already works two jobs and has some student loans, but Ms. Mills, 18, of Fremont was still on the hook to pay a couple hundred dollars more for the upcoming school year money she didnt have. So when UTs financial aid office just weeks ago sent students an e-mail letting them know of a legislative change that allows them to get a federal loan for up to $2,000 more, she jumped at the opportunity. It will help out so I dont have to work as much to pay for it all now, said Ms. Mills, a sophomore studying respiratory therapy. Its really confusing for us as students to figure out how to pay for [college], because you dont know if you can get [financial assistance], or your parents, or if you even qualify. Theres a lot out there. The financial-aid process that some would argue always has been confusing has become even more so in the past few years with many changes that even higher education financial aid officials are trying to sort out. Where schools are typically stable right now, none of us are, said Greg Guzman, financial aid director at Bowling Green State University. There has just been an onslaught of changes. This school year in particular, there are changes to two primary funding sources and the creation of a grant program that officials warn could trap students into loans.
The federal Stafford loan program increased its loan limit by $2,000 on July 1, which helped Ms. Mills. Previously as a sophomore, she would have been allowed to borrow up to $4,500 for college and now can get up to $6,500. As a full-time, in-state undergraduate student, Ms. Mills pays $7,926 a year for tuition and fees. At BGSU, undergraduate tuition and fees total $9,044, while students pay $2,972 for a year at Owens Community College. In addition to the increased Stafford loan limit, interest rates for the loans are beginning a decline. For now, the rate is dropping from 6.8 percent to 6 percent, and it will continue to fall to 3.4 percent by 2011. The Stafford loan I would say has probably been the best [change], said Betsy Johnson, Owens director of financial aid. It would be $3,500 [for a freshman] in the past, barely enough to cover tuition and fees. Now its an extra $1,000 per semester, and theres your books. It helps cover costs without looking at an alternative loan, which has a higher interest rate, and not dipping into savings accounts as much.
Many students also are eligible for Pell Grants, a federal program that provides grants to low-income students, and for a recent increase that is helping UT students this school year, said Carol Baumgartner, UTs director of financial aid. Grants were increased by $490, changing the range of grants available from a minimum of $890 to $4,731 for school. A source of concern Theres a new, attractive grant program for students interested in teaching that begins this year, aptly called the TEACH grant. But it concerns some in the financial aid business. The TEACH grant, which stands for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education, makes $4,000 available a year up to $16,000. The program requires a student to agree to teach in a high-need field in a low-income school for at least four years. If her or she does not, the grants become loans retroactive to the first payment. Some of the requirements could be hard for a student to guarantee when their employment is in the hands of a school district or school board, so students need to be aware that what they thought was free money as a grant could become a hefty loan they have to repay, Mr. Guzman said. Rising costs Its important for students and their parents to be aware of financial aid offerings because of the rising costs of getting a college degree. According to the College Board, the average annual tuition cost for the 2007-2008 school year was $6,185 at a public four-year college and $23,712 at a private four-year college. It was $2,361 for a public two-year college. Five years ago, a four-year college education cost $4,098 in annual tuition at a public institution and $18,060 at a private. A public two-year college was $1,674 for that 2002-2003 school year, according to the College Board. Boosting access While the changes in financial aid offerings for this school year on the backs of others in recent years might make heads spin, the intent is to increase access to higher education. But why are there so many changes? One of the main reasons is something thats received a great deal of recent attention the Higher Education Act. It is five years overdue for a renewal and has had 14 extensions. While the higher education industry has changed since 2003, there have been various legislation changes to account for that. Congress passed the Higher Education Act on July 31, and it now goes to President Bush for his signature. The financial aid world has always been changing every year, so that part were kind of used to, Ms. Baumgartner of UT said. Whats a little off-kilter right now is in regard to the legislative acts that have been happening. Rather than regular cycles of renewing the Higher Education Act, there have been individual legislative changes, she said. Aid for veterans One of those recent legislative acts will greatly improve benefits for veterans. The new GI Bill passed in June will go into effect for the 2009-2010 school year. It essentially doubles the benefits provided by the former GI Bill passed in 1944. The new GI Bill covers full in-state tuition and fees for a public college, a monthly stipend, and $1,000 per year for books and supplies. The GI Bill is available for public schools, while most other federal aid, including the Pell Grant and work-study programs, are available at most colleges, both public and private, that are eligible for federal aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act originally passed in 1965. The FAFSA factor Next school year also will bring changes for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, a form that seeks information from students and parents, largely about their finances. The FAFSA is used to apply for federal aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study, and most states and colleges also use the form for their financial aid. The changes include getting rid of the worksheets and having such data included on the form. The Higher Education Act also calls for a revamp of the FAFSA, so further changes could be in store. More changes possible As more emphasis is put on higher education as an economic driver, chances are changes will continue, and financial aid officials plan to reach out more to keep families informed and avoid situations in which they get too far in debt or seek risky alternatives. Andrea McKeever, a 19-year-old from Bedford Township, opted for a private loan, which financial aid officials try to avoid, this year to help cover her tuition and fees at UT. She just transferred to UT from Monroe Community College, where she paid for school out of pocket. In her first year of navigating the financial aid world, she got a scholarship and a student loan and went to a private bank to pay for the $670 remaining to cover her junior year as a business major. Its been really stressful, she said. And the private loan stuff I had to find out all on my own. Paying for college has long been stressful for families, Mr. Guzman said, but its important not to dwell on a schools sticker price and focus on if its the place where a student will succeed. Make sure its a good fit sounds like something they just say, but its not, he said. Its not just how much is it going to cost me, its am I actually going to get that degree? We help with the cost issues so you can focus on that degree. Contact Meghan Gilbert at:mgilbert@theblade.comor 419-724-6134.

Verdict deepens divide in racially tense Lima
LIMA, OHIO - The fatal, split-second decision Police Sgt. Joseph Chavalia made the night of Jan. 4 widened the divide in the already racially tense city of Lima.
"Police department! Get on the ground!" he yelled for the third time that night at a figure ducking in and out of cover in an upstairs bedroom doorway illuminated by a light in the room.
Sergeant Chavalia wrote in his report about the drug raid how he twice ordered the person to get on the ground when he heard gunshots.
When a second round of shots sounded in the Third Street Lima home, the sergeant, standing on a flight of stairs with a fellow officer beside him, fired his fully automatic rifle in two rapid bursts, blasting the "shadowy figure" in the neck and upper chest.
"At the time I fired, I had no doubt in my mind that I was being fired upon by the person ducking in and out of the bedroom," the sergeant wrote.
But it turned out that no one was shooting at him, and the person he fired on was an unarmed Tarika Wilson, 26, who was holding her 13-month-old son, Sincere, in her arms.
Wilson died that night, and Sincere was struck in the shoulder and hand by bullet fragments. His finger was amputated as a result.
Wilson was shot in front of her five other children, who were hiding with her in the bedroom when Lima's SWAT team burst into their home.
The officers were there to arrest Wilson's boyfriend, Anthony Terry, who was wanted on drug-related charges. A single baggy containing 1 to 5 grams of crack cocaine was found in the home. Hiding downstairs when the officers burst in, Terry unleashed two pit bulls, which police shot and killed. Those were the shots Sergeant Chavalia heard. "There was absolutely, positively no doubt in my mind right then and there that whatever this was is shooting, and they're trying to kill me," he testified in his trial last month.
The jury believed him and, on Monday, acquitted him of misdemeanor negligent homicide and negligent assault charges.
When the verdict was read, some in the courtroom cried tears of joy, others of anguish.
The next day, Tarika Williams' mother filed a federal lawsuit against Sergeant Chavalia and the city of Lima on behalf of her grandson, Sincere. A day later, the U.S. Justice Department announced it was investigating the case for possible civil rights violations. The Rev. Jesse Jackson also vowed last week to intervene, but only under the leadership of Lima's black religious community. "At some point there will be some action," Mr. Jackson told The Blade. "This is a situation where the unarmed was killed by the armed. ... The lack of care, the lack of judgment. This is not about black and white. This is about wrong and right, and this is not right."
Sergeant Chavalia, who is white, was acquitted by a jury of four white men and four white women in a city of about 32,000 people, where one in four residents is black. Tarika Wilson was biracial.
Lima has a history of racial division, with long-standing complaints by the black community of brutality from an almost all-white police force.
"I'm born and raised in Lima, Ohio, so they can't tell me nothing about this place and these crooked cops around here. I went to school with half of them," said Darla Jennings, the white mother of Wilson. "It's divided. It's always been divided. You don't see too many whites coming into the black community and vice versa."
But both prosecution and defense at the trial said they don't think race was a factor in the jury's decision.
Sergeant Chavalia's attorney, Bill Kluge, said there were 18 or 19 jury candidates interviewed for the case, only three of whom were black.
One of the black candidates served as an alternate juror, but Mr. Kluge said he disqualified the other two for reasons other than their race.
"The first black juror was the grandmother of one of my clients and had been in my office before. That was a conflict of interest," Mr. Kluge said. "The second black juror used to be the owner of a club here in town called Club Utopia. She had a lot of issues with the Lima Police Department in dealing with an armed robbery. ... I didn't think she could get rid of her bias."
Special Prosecutor Jeff Strausbaugh of Defiance County said he believed Sergeant Chavalia acted negligently when he shot Wilson, but he also said he thought justice was served when the officer was acquitted.
Lima NAACP President Jason Upthegrove said, "Anyone who sat through the trial - the evidence was so overwhelming against this officer, [even] an unreasonable person would feel this guy was clearly guilty."
Sergeant Chavalia, who is on paid leave pending the outcome of investigations, has not granted interviews.
There were no demonstrations following the verdict, but divisions of race and class in the city remained apparent.
Lima Police Chief J. Gregory Garlock said his officers were relieved their fellow officer was not convicted.
"There was a sense of mixed reaction," he said. "Mixed in the sense that there was certainly relief the officer was not [convicted], but there was no happiness here. This was a tragedy."
Lima City Council President John Nixon said Lima does not have an issue with police brutality. He said a black jury would have ruled the same way and that justice was done when Sergeant Chavalia was acquitted.
"I think the record clearly indicates that there is not a police brutality issue, and it is not a reputation founded in fact," Mr. Nixon said.
Police Lt. Chip Protsman said Lima police crews were applauded by black and white residents when they drove through the community the night of the verdict.
"It's been very positive," he said. "We wanted the system to work correctly and it did. Everybody's happy it's gone and over with."
Most in Lima's black community feel differently.
Lima south-side residents Leiayre Freeman, 15, Datrion Downton, 18, and one of their companions were sitting on the porch of a house at the corner of Fifth and Reese streets the night of the verdict.
They said no one was cheering the police in their neighborhood.
"Not on the south side they wasn't," said Leiayre, who is black.
Mr. Upthegrove said Mr. Nixon, Chief Garlock, and other white city officials are in denial about the city's racial conflicts.
"We keep putting Band-Aids on shotgun wounds and wonder why no healing is taking place," he said.
Debbie Ballentine, an aunt of one of Tarika Wilson's children, said blacks in the community were hurt and outraged after the verdict.
"Some people have literally got sick just from hearing the verdict," she said. "It really hurt me because to me, they're pretty much telling the [police] whatever happened, it's OK."
The Rev. H. Frank Taylor, of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Lima, who is president of the city's Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, said the city's racial divide has created a systematic inequality for blacks.
"We feel our community is not able to dispense equal justice," he said.
Mr. Taylor and his fellow ministers will meet tomorrow to discuss how to act in response to Sergeant Chavalia's acquittal.
Mr. Upthegrove said Lima police are guilty of "dehumanizing" blacks and that must change if police want to regain the people's trust.
Chief Garlock said the police and community leaders have held stakeholder meetings to address the conflicts between police and some parts of the community.
"There's a segment of the community that is very much supportive of us. I'm talking both black and white," he said.
Councilman Nixon said the lack of racial diversity in city employment is an issue.
"There were issues that came up last year with regard to minority hiring," he said. "Those discussions have to continue and do continue."
Mr. Jackson said the community must learn to trust police for race relations to change, but Sergeant Chavalia's acquittal gives people a greater sense of fear and distrust.
What happened to Tarika Wilson was an injustice for people of all races and black and white must join together to protest that injustice, he said.
"This is a case where citizens of good will, black and white, must find common ground."
Contact Chauncey Alcorn at:
calcorn@theblade.com or 419-724-6168.

Richmond, Va., entrepreneurs tap into rich history
RICHMOND, Va. - The 1788 state capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson stands a few blocks north of the Richbrau Brewing Co.
A few blocks south runs a 1785 canal championed by George Washington.
And down the cobblestone street in the historic Shockoe Slip neighborhood sits the birthplace of American freedom of religion.
In the middle of it all, Richbrau's owner Mike Byrne makes his own beer and serves hamburgers.
"Cities need to take advantage of their historic backgrounds," he said. "We have wonderful history. That's why I'm here."
Shockoe Slip, not far from I-95 on the south side of downtown, emerged from a pile of ashes left by a retreating Confederate Army that had claimed Richmond as its capital before the arrival of Ulysses S. Grant and the Union Army in April, 1865.
Much of the handcrafted woodwork inside Mr. Byrne's restaurant, including the tables and chairs, comes from the period just after the Civil War.
"This building was built in 1872," he said. "The building next door is 1866."
Jim Watkins, deputy director for Venture Richmond, a downtown promotion and support agency, said that after a lull in the early and mid 20th century, Shockoe Slip developers adopted orphaned buildings and created neighborhood mainstays, including the famed Tobacco Company restaurant.
"You had some entrepreneurs that opened up businesses there," he said. "They said, we're going to do this, this is good for our city."
Applying similar logic to Toledo's downtown development, city planners would like to reach back and bring along a history older than Schokoe Slip's Civil War roots.
Tom Lemon, principal planner for the Toledo-Lucas County Planning Commission, said the city needs to build on its past. "We have a collection of buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century. They portray kind of a different period in history," he said. "It's a pretty neat example of architecture."
Mr. Lemon explained that major new construction goes before the Toledo Historic District Commission, which offers guidance, though the commission technically has no approval power for the design.
Planners of the new downtown multipurpose arena, which will wear a classic mix of brick and glass on its exterior, heeded the older buildings flanking it before breaking ground in 2007.
"It was very important that the arena fit the downtown atmosphere," said Steve Miller who will serve as general manager for the arena. "They didn't want some kind of modern building that kind of stuck out."
"Looks aren't everything, but they always help."
The neighborhood of restored taverns and warehouses in Richmond throws visitors nearly 150 years back in time.
In the humid Virginia summers, well-shaped trees and light posts dressed with floral arrangements line uneven, red-brick sidewalks, worn from decades of foot traffic.
Building facades, perfectly manicured in a variety of dulled reds, whites, and greens, cling to 19th-century architecture.
Narrow alleyways duck between a number of Shockoe Slip's three-story structures.
"The Walt Disney Company came in to consult on a museum and they said it would cost them $100 million to build something like this," Mr. Byrne said.
Michael Jones, visiting from Maryland, said he and his daughter spent several days exploring historical sites in the area, including the River District canal near the east side of Shockoe Slip, not far from the building where Thomas Jefferson penned the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
Flat-bottomed boats with light yellow fabric tops and a guide outfitted in colonial apparel take passengers on a 40-minute cruise down the canal, passing by the oldest warehouses and the newest high-rise condominiums bordering the James River's alternative route.
"I think the character of a city has everything to do with whether you want to come down to it," Mr. Jones said. "As a suburbanite, I need to have this kind of space. They do a nice job of that here."
Mr. Watkins commends historical groups for helping to maintain the identity of Shockoe Slip and certain government programs - historic tax credits and tax abatement incentives - for helping to ignite development in the neighborhood.
"You have to retain a lot of character of that old building if you want to be eligible for those tax credits, and the city has been embracing that."

Kirk - Carty and Scout

McCain uses jokes while voters suffer
Gas and food prices are soaring, people are losing their jobs and homes, the sick can't afford to pay their medical bills, and students can't afford their tuition. I could go on and on.
But I read the paper or watch TV to see that many people are going to base their vote on stupid things. Instead of looking at the candidate who can best support their goals and dreams, they get mired up in the smear ads: "Barack Obama is too charismatic." "Obama speaks too eloquently." "He changes his mind sometimes."
I know that people get emotional when they watch TV, but it is time to turn the TV off and start thinking. Ask yourself what issues you think are the most important to you, your family, your community, and your country. And ask yourself which candidate is addressing those issues in the most convincing way.
I believe that, in spite of his imperfections, Senator Obama has the best chance of addressing the issues that matter most to me. And, I believe that this is why Senator McCain prefers to focus on smears and innuendos. If you pressed him on the issues and managed to get an honest answer, Senator McCain supports outsourcing, he thinks our economic troubles are imaginary, he doesn't care about health care, and his priority in the energy crisis is to give the oil firms whatever they ask for.
If you have the luxury to sit back and chuckle as things get worse for the rest of us, if you think our government is a joke, then maybe Senator McCain is the perfect candidate for you. But if you are feeling the squeeze of our shrinking middle class and evaporating opportunities, then it is time to start looking for a serious candidate who treats you like you matter.
Davin Heckman
Adrian
Sen. Grendell real hero of Great Lakes I see there are still some ignorant diehards out there applauding Rep. Matt Dolan for his "heroism" in "saving" our Great Lakes from totally drying up and our wells from going bone dry here in Geauga also. What is still being ignored by these fools and also the Plain Deceiver - oops, I mean Plain Dealer - and other publications, is the fact that the Great Lakes are not and never have been in danger of diversion to other areas.
Again I will repeat, the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress 1986 has been protecting the Great Lakes, still is, and is doing a good job of it. Mr. Dolan's HB 416 creates a whole new level of government bureaucracy that will be very expensive to maintain - and guess who they're going to tap for it.
Mr. Dolan's bill places your private wells and ponds in jeopardy of government control with the eight words, "shared and held in trust by the states." Also, if you "Google" United Nations and look at Agenda 21 (Chapter 18), the wording is strikingly similar to Mr. Dolan's bill and in many areas identical. Agenda 21 is about U.N. control of all water in the world. Frightening, huh?
H.B. 416 is much bigger than Mr. Dolan. I suspect some bigmoney people with an agenda are driving him to do this. He certainly isn't representing the people.
The real hero here is state Sen. Tim Grendell. He has stood up against this horrible bill in the constant face of great opposition and criticism, being made out as the "bad guy." He did this for all of you!
Please support his amendment to the Ohio Constitution protecting our water. For more info and updates go to geaugaconstitutionalcouncil.org.
Edmund Corsi
Chesterland, Ohio
St. Vincent staff sets example with babies Considering the atrocities that I read about daily and the violence that I see on the nightly news, I am deeply affected by the kindness and affection that I witness in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center's Newborn Intensive Care Unit. I am a volunteer "cuddler" in this unit and observe the nursing staff smiling, talking, singing, hugging, and kissing their fragile little patients. These little babies are undergoing challenging beginnings.
Fortunately, they are blessed to have the expertise of medical professionals who nurture them so lovingly.
This group of nurses is a wonderful example of the positive impact that we can all make in what sometimes seems to be a rather harsh world.
We can make a difference, so inspire someone today by finding kind ways to provide a more caring and compassionate environment wherever you may be.
Judy Young
Oak Glen Drive
Tax cuts for wealthy no sacrifice in war Now that the White House has estimated a record $482 billion deficit for the 2009 fiscal year, does anyone - conservative or liberal - think we should continue the extraordinary war-time tax cuts for the richest Americans?
This is the first war in American history where the wealthy have been asked to "sacrifice" by accepting massive tax cuts.
The hypocrisy of the Republicans has reached a new level.
Hal Simon
Maumee
Use WMDs at polls to dislodge liberals In their never-ending search for weapons of mass destruction, liberals need look no further than their own congressional leadership, whose far-left agendas are having a devastating effect on our economy, our culture, and our national security.
We need to put these "weapons of mass destruction" out to pasture by using the ultimate weapon, the ballot box.
Edwin F. Durivage
River Road
Not everyone has access to a computer It really is hard to believe that the TV stations must think everyone has a computer to enter their contests, get further information, etc.
It is not fair to the many who do not have computers. Even if everyone did have a computer it does not mean everyone knows how to operate them to do what is necessary.
So how is it fair?
Shirley Davis
Luckey
Residency rules ridiculous, unfair Regarding The Blade's July 31 coverage of the firing of three police dispatchers over residency issues.
First, Police Chief Mike Navarre eliminates a radio channel, supposedly to save money on dispatcher overtime. Then Mayor Carty Finkbeiner turns around and fires three experienced dispatchers over residency issues, necessitating even more overtime to cover their shifts.
In the words of a certain colorful city official: "It's just not right!"
Residency requirements are constitutionally dubious at best, dating back to the days when the trolley cars only ran to the city limits.
What difference does it make where employees live if they show up on time to work every day?
It's a shame to see three hardworking police dispatchers with families losing their livelihood because dictating where they can live is one of the mayor's pet issues.
Why, Carty? Why?
Brady Kesling
Kenwood Boulevard
Replace maple bats with stronger ash In the last three weeks of watching pro and semipro baseball games, I saw 14 broken bats. These were not fractured; they were flying, potentially lethal shards, not only to the players in the immediate vicinity, but to the paid ticketed fans.
Every time I see this my heart skips. They are making bats out of maple. Ridiculous! I never in all of the years I played baseball went to the batters' box to use a chair or table leg!
Let's get back to ash. The borers can't eat enough wood to make the great American pastime unsafe.
Duane H. Burris
Oregon
Race is an issue after all We should all be concerned about the race issue. I will pick Kyle Busch No. 18 to win this week.
WALLY IGIELSKI Sylvania

Waste of a good building
THE decision by United Way of Greater Toledo to demolish its 39-year-old headquarters building with little advance public notice is a terrible waste of a valuable urban resource that not only violates the spirit of our preservationist philosophy but also could hurt efforts to revitalize downtown.
Very simply put, downtown Toledo needs more buildings, not more destruction. If the downtown is to enjoy a revival, and we believe the current energy crisis makes that prospect all the more likely, a big stock of substantial structures will be required. The current United Way headquarters in Stranahan Square, which went up in 1969 at Superior and Jackson streets, is such a building.
Unfortunately, its a building that has been mismanaged and ill-maintained over the years, providing United Way officials with an excuse to justify their hasty plan to put up a smaller McBox replacement on the site of an adjacent parking lot, then demolish the existing five-story structure. That this plan was hatched in secret, and that a single public meeting to explain it to the community was scheduled only as an afterthought, lend weight to the feeling that the demolition decision is ill-considered. One possible use for the building might be as a new home for the University of Toledo law school. UT is exploring options for the law school, which needs either extensive renovation or a new facility. Locating the law school downtown would put it within walking distance of city, county, and federal courts, plus most of the major law firms. UT President Lloyd Jacobs and the law dean, Douglas Ray, are willing to look at the building, but this idea couldnt even be considered until now because United Way kept its plan secret. Moreover, Toledoans should not be expected to contribute more of their hard-earned dollars to tear down a perfectly good building, designed by Byron West, one of the citys leading architects. Its been standing less than half of a human lifetime, and has many more useful years in it. While United Way officials say there will be no open call for donations to fund the replacement, there is little doubt that a substantial amount of scarce community resources eventually would be required. In short, Toledo should not have to pay again for a project that isnt necessary. Also, United Way appears to be underestimating the price tag of the new building. At $300 a square foot, 25,000 square feet would cost $7.5 million. Add the cost of demolition and the expense of turning the property into a park, and it could easily total $9 million to $10 million. Likewise, United Ways claim that renovating the current building would be too costly appears to be overblown. The price of steel and other materials for new construction has risen so sharply in just the past few years that renovation has become a more attractive, sensible choice. In addition, the carbon footprint of new construction is environmentally irresponsible by comparison. In the end, United Way could come out ahead financially by donating the building in exchange for a building site for its headquarters elsewhere. It should consider such a deal, knowing that ordinary Toledoans wont respond favorably to future fund drives if they believe money is being wasted. The United Way building stands because an earlier generation cared about Toledo and had a vision for downtown. It should not be summarily discarded. If the organization must get out of quarters that it has outgrown because of the loss of nonprofit tenants, it can do so. But it should think twice before robbing downtown of yet another distinctive building.

Dodging a plant-closure bullet
HOW do you spell relief in Huron County?
J-O-B-S. Five hundred of them at a local furniture factory. After a financial crisis led to the suspension of operations at Norwalk Furniture's plants here and elsewhere, the company grasped for a financial lifeline to stay in business and, through the commendable action of public and private citizens, found one.
For idled employees of the Norwalk-headquartered firm, the news is heaven sent. They've been without paychecks, and on the verge of long-term unemployment, since the company closed its doors on July 21. For Huron County, reeling from one of the highest unemployment rates in the region, the deal cobbled together quickly with investors and company owners by a coalition of federal, state, and local leaders, means it ducked another severe economic blow. Production at the Norwalk plant resumed to finish outstanding orders and company officials hope to have workers back at the plant full time soon.
The turnaround for the 106-year-old company, which appeared finished after Comerica Bank cut off its line of credit and called in an $11 million debt, came thanks to an agreement by investment groups that are willing to buy the furniture maker and assume part of its debt. Details of the deal involving investment firms IRG Capital Group and Blackbird Capital Partners have not been made public.
The state also helped to seal the company's sale by offering the new buyers a $2 million low-interest loan provided they retain at least 485 workers in the Norwalk plant. The move motivated government leaders in Fulton, Miss., site of another Norwalk Furniture installation, to offer a loan package to preserve employment there.
The company, Ohio's largest furniture maker, has another factory in Cookeville, Tenn., a chain of company-owned retail stores, and 52 franchise operations around North America.
The quick action goes to show what can be done to prevent an Ohio-based manufacturing company from going under. Fortunately, for everyone involved, reopening Norwalk Furniture and putting people to work again was the only option.

Finkbeiner always good for a laugh
I'm sorry, but we've been laughing all weekend about the latest blunder in the long list of blunders that the mayor has pulled - again.
Every time we saw that poor pooch on the news, lying in that sport utility vehicle, head on the center console, sad-eyed, tongue hanging out, A/C on, and a look on his face like "What's Gomer gotten me into this time?" Well, it's hard to keep a straight face. Carleton, what are you thinking? Don't you realize you have a bull's-eye on your back? You're cannon fodder for every news agency this side of the Mississippi. If you must make a ditz out of yourself, leave that poor dog out of it! Aren't you one of the people who want to cut back on gas consumption in city-owned vehicles? My son, who lives in Louisiana, called this weekend and said, "Hi Dad; we heard he did it again!" Yep.
Look, there's little doubt that somewhere in your soul, you still may have the best interests of Toledo at heart, but the way you go about trying to get things done leaves very wide valleys to be traversed. You and Toledo Edison are two of the main reasons I left Toledo years ago and moved to Michigan. I'm going outside now and watch my electric meter go round, sloooowly!
John Strick
Temperance
24/7 construction could speed things up A year ago, a bridge collapsed in Minnesota. The new bridge will open shortly, eight months after construction began. They were able to do this because crews worked 24/7 to complete the work. Sounds like a good idea to me.
I think that all road construction should be handled in this way. Authorities claim the cost is too great to justify. I also heard that they think the noise would bother people. I believe most drivers would agree the extra cost would be considered a bargain compared to the lost time, the frustration, the wasted gas and extra pollution that comes as a result of the construction traffic that greets us every summer, and any noise can't be any greater than the noise of the daily traffic itself.
Fifteen months to rebuild the Central Avenue bridge? Ten months for Auburn and Douglas for five? This is crazy. All road construction should be done as quickly and safely as possible. Bids should be configured to require 24-hour work. Enough already.
Dick Fotoples
Sylvania Township
Renter's insurance is worth the money As bad as I may feel for the material losses of residents at Hunters Ridge, I can't help but wonder how many were able to afford computers, cable, big-screen TVs, cell phones, late- model cars, and yet not purchase affordable renter's insurance. I guess they never thought it would happen to them.
Thankfully, no one perished in this unexpected fire.
Sandie Heyneman
Havenwood Drive
Let the bus roll over this one Did I get this latest University of Toledo boondoggle right?
The dean of UTs largest college gets an overwhelming vote of no confi dence in less than a year on the job. Instead of being fired, his salary is reduced 15 grand to $160,000 for a new position in human resources. Everyone should be thrown under the bus like this: on the taxpayer dime. STEVE MCCONNELL Vanderbilt Road

Buckeyes' Wells evokes memories of best backs
COLUMBUS - Put a dozen or more people around the dinner table every night, and you quickly learn about teamwork. That's the environment Chris Wells grew up in.
The Ohio State junior running back comes from a family of 13, so the team concept is something that is part of his DNA. "Beanie," as the 6-1, 237-pounder has been known to his kin since childhood, knows all about banding together and utilizing an all-for-one approach.
"Football's all about team and people looking out for each other. It's not a little like family - for me it is family - and I think you get a lot of your strength from that," Wells said. "I know my family at home and my football family here at Ohio State mean everything. They've made me what I am."
What Wells is can best be described as the drive train that makes the Ohio State offense go. He is the ultimate merger of size, strength, and speed. Beanie runs over people, he runs through people, and he runs away from people.
"Chris Wells is the closest thing to Jim Brown I've seen," said Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy, college football's highest award.
Brown was a star at Syracuse before his NFL Hall of Fame career with the Cleveland Browns, and he is generally recognized as likely the best running back ever, and at 6-2 and 230 pounds, the specter he presented to opposing defenses was much like that of Wells.
"I say he really reminds me of Jim Brown because of his size and strength," Griffin said.
"And the way he brushes people off of him - people can hit him, and they just fall off of him. Some people don't think he's got that speed, but when he gets out in the open, he seems able to run away from people. Jim Brown was my hero, and you'll probably think I'm crazy, but when I watch Chris Wells run, that's what comes to mind."
Terry Bowden, the former coach at Auburn and a college football analyst, came out of the gate earlier this summer and christened Wells as the favorite in this year's Heisman race. That's a robust endorsement, especially considering that the incumbent Heisman holder, last year's winner Tim Tebow, is still the quarterback at Florida.
"Barring any unforeseen injury ... Ohio State's sensational running back Chris Wells will win the award this year," Bowden wrote for Yahoo! Sports. "He is the best running back in the country, he will put up phenomenal numbers on the season, and the Buckeyes will make it back to the national championship game."
Wells came to Ohio State saddled with those kinds of enormous expectations. He was not only Ohio's top high school player, he was the nation's best in the eyes of many. And when you're a Buckeye tailback, they expect greatness.
"Beanie had to deal with a lot of hype and publicity when he came here because he was such a great high school player and just about everyone knew about him," Ohio State senior quarterback Todd Boeckman said. "That's a lot of pressure on a young player, but I think he handled it really well. He contributed right from the start."
After backing up Antonio Pittman for one season, Wells became the workhorse for the Buckeyes a year ago and produced the best sophomore season in the history of the program with 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns. His career-best 222 yards rushing with a couple of touchdowns against Michigan iced that prodigious cake.
"It was rainy and kind of sloppy that day, but Beanie didn't seem affected by it at all. We just saddled him up and rode him," senior offensive tackle Alex Boone said about Wells, who had 39 carries in the Ohio State win. "He was just outstanding. He was the difference in the game."
Wells is expected to be a major difference-maker in 2008, as one of 20 Ohio State starters who return to make a run at a fourth consecutive Big Ten Conference crown and that third straight trip to the national championship game that Bowden mentioned.
Mark Rea, the managing editor of Buckeye Sports Bulletin who has been covering Ohio State since 1978, winces a little at the Jim Brown comparison, since Rea considers Brown as "the gold standard" among running backs. But Rea does not hesitate to put Wells, nearing the start of just his junior season with the Buckeyes, alongside the Ohio State greats such as Griffin, Eddie George, and Keith Byars.
"I think Beanie has a chance to become one of the all-time great running backs," Rea said about the Wells chapter in OSU history, which is conceivably just half-written.
"He certainly has the size, speed, and agility - not to mention a killer stiff-arm move. I'm not quite ready to put him with the 'all-time all-timers' yet, but that's only because he has had only one year being 'the man,' and that was while he was hurt most of the year."
Wells had a nagging ankle injury in 2007 and played with a broken bone in his wrist. He also later admitted to starting the season with a surprising lack of confidence.
"Coming into last year, I wasn't confident at all," Wells said about adjusting to the lead role in the OSU offense. "There were times when I felt like my wrist was going to fall off. Then throughout the season, the more games I played, the more comfortable I became. It's gonna be great to go out there and know you are totally healthy."
Dick Tressel, Ohio State's running backs coach and the older brother of head coach Jim Tressel, inherited the same dominant composure gene as his brother. Neither is prone to hype or exaggeration, but the elder Tressel on the OSU staff jumps alongside Archie when it comes to defining Wells.
"I've said it before - Beanie definitely reminds me of Jim Brown. And I don't say that to put extra pressure on him or anything, but that's who comes to mind. Beanie is a big, powerful, strong back with speed that surprises people, and his gait is a lot like Jim Brown's."
Wells, who said he is honored and humbled by such words, is also honest about his Heisman thoughts, saying the coveted statue has been on his mind for a while now.
"I do think about winning the Heisman. I started thinking about it way back in high school," Wells said. "But my most important goal is always for this team to do well. If I can help that happen, we'll see how that Heisman thing all works out. Right now, my mind is focused on this team."
Contact Matt Markey
at mmarkey@theblade.com or 419-724-6510.

Each summer hordes of race fans turn MIS into a city
BROOKLYN, Mich. The comforting roll of the terrain surrounding Michigan International Speedway and the abundance of wooded areas and small lakes that dot the countryside suggest a peaceful, laid-back place where you can find refuge from the blur of activity and the sensory saturation of city life.
For 50 weeks out of the year, that is dead-on accurate. Those other two weeks, NASCAR Nation dominates the landscape. MIS plays host to stock car racing each June and August, bringing the sports biggest stars to this park-like setting. Wherever Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson go, the masses of NASCARs passionate and loyal fans will follow. That is one of the things that we feel makes us unique that this part of Michigan has all the beauty and the features of a national park, MIS president Roger Curtis said.
Were not located right next to a major city like most tracks. The fans really have to come to us, and were so grateful that they do. The fans start to arrive a week ahead of the racing, steadily filling the close to 9,000 camp sites. By the time the 850-horsepower engines crank up and the cars zoom by at close to 200 miles per hour when practice and qualifying begin near the weekend, MIS is populated with enough people to make it one of Michigans largest cities. The fans at MIS are an amazing bunch. They take their racing very seriously, and they seem to come early and stay late, said Defiance native Sam Hornish Jr., who is in his first year of racing stock cars full-time after winning three championships in the Indy car ranks. Its close to home for me, so that makes it a special place, but I always felt it was a great track for the fans even before I started racing.
The wide arc of the grandstands catch the eye as you near the track, and a closer look reveals the bright palette that is NASCARs trademark sponsor logos adorn every conceivable exposed space on the cars and drivers, banners hang from the fences and steel supports. The fans are decked out in the colors of their favorite driver: Stewarts brilliant orange of sponsor Home Depot, Gordons rainbow of hues for DuPont, and the vivid green and red of Mountain Dew for Earnhardt. The crowd, thats something to see, said Aidan Jenot of Alvada, who has attended Cup races at MIS a half dozen times and took in this years June race, won by Earnhardt.
Even in these tough times, people are willing to spend the money and go there because its such a good time. Its just a real fan-friendly place. The two-mile oval is about an hour northwest of Toledo, near the small Michigan community of Brooklyn and close to Devils Lake. MIS has more than 1,400 acres for its fans to spread out, and come race time the grandstands seat 132,000, with additional fans camped out in the infield, or enjoying the racing from the comfort of VIP suites. I think MIS offers one of the ultimate fan experiences, said NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, who made his debut in the Sprint Cup Series here more than 32 years ago. The thing that has always stuck with me about the place is that the fans are enjoying themselves. Theyre cooking out, tailgating, camping, and just having a real good time. Its one of the best atmospheres for watching a race that there is. Contact Matt Markey at mmarkey@theblade.com or 419-725-6510.

Wolverines turn to Ezeh to carry defensive load
ANN ARBOR - With just under three weeks remaining until Michigan opens its 2008 season against Utah on Aug. 30, there is much new Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez has to learn about his team.
But he knows this much already: He's counting on sophomore linebacker Obi Ezeh.
"There's no question he's one of the guys on defense who has to have a big year for us,"
Rodriguez said yesterday between UM's two practice sessions - its first two-a-day since fall practice started Monday. Ezeh is the Wolverines' top returning tackler and the team's only starting linebacker retained from last season. He had 68 tackles from his spot at inside linebacker in UM's 3-4 defense and contributed four tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception.
But UM is now (primarily) running a 4-3 scheme under
Rodriguez and new defensive coordinator Scott Shafer, and Ezeh is working at both middle and strong-side linebacker. "I started to get comfortable in the middle [last season], but really, I'll play wherever I need to play," he said. "I feel like they just want me to be ready for anything. It makes me more versatile and valuable for the team."
Rodriguez said that Ezeh - who's 6-2 and 247 pounds - is probably better suited for the middle, but there may be certain packages when he lines up outside. Ezeh said it hasn't been tough to adjust to the new defensive alignment or learn two linebacker spots, thanks to the experience he gained last year.
In UM's final three regular season contests against Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State, Ezeh registered 13, 10, and 12 tackles, respectively, and added two sacks against the Spartans.
"Last year [during camp] my eyes were like this big," Ezeh said. "Everything was so new to me. Right now I kind of feel like I've been here for a while and I know what I'm doing. I feel like I'm starting to become the older guy and I have to set an example for the younger guys."
Ezeh knows what's expected of him, but he also is aware that he has help. He will be flanked by talented linebackers on either side - possibly seniors John Thompson and Austin Panter - and UM's defensive line should be strong.
Defensive ends Tim Jamison and Brandon Graham and tackles Will Johnson and Terrance Taylor are all returning starters.
"I feel like I don't even have to do much," Ezeh said. "My nose[tackle] is getting there before I do. They are very formidable up front and will be a force to be reckoned with."
GOIN' CAMPIN': The
Wolverines wore full pads for the first time Friday and again yesterday afternoon. While addressing the media between practices yesterday, Rodriguez said the team had suffered no major injuries and installed more than half its base offense and defense. Running back Carlos Brown is definitely getting work at quarterback in Rodriguez's spread-option offense. Ezeh spoke of the offense's tendencies to call running plays when Brown or true freshman Justin Feagin is at quarterback, and Brown said he's taken some snaps there. Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan are getting "about equal reps" at quarterback with the first-team offense, according to Rodriguez. Feagin is running mostly with the third group. Through Friday's workout, tight end Carson Butler was the only Wolverine to be named player of the day twice, according to the school's official Web site. He earned the honor Monday on offense and Tuesday on special teams. Also according to the Web site, K.C. Lopata kicked a 56-yard field goal during a scrimmage Friday. Rodriguez said the team will not practice in Michigan Stadium, which is being renovated, until a controlled team scrimmage Aug. 22 called the "Beanie Bowl." The event's name refers to bright-colored caps worn on some players' helmets. Rodriguez said running back Kevin Grady's status with the team hasn't changed after his recent guilty plea to a driving-while-intoxicated charge. Grady is practicing but is suspended from participating in games. Contact Joe Vardon at:
jvardon@theblade.com or 419-410-5055.

Sweep sends U.S. to top of medal heap
BEIJING - With Day 1 of the Beijing Olympics almost done, the U.S. medal count was nonexistent. Cuba, Uzbekistan, and 16 other countries all had bragging rights over the Americans. The closest thing to glory was a Colorado resident winning gold for the Czech Republic.
Then came some serious slicing and dicing at the fencing hall.
Thanks to a red, white, and blue sweep by saber-swinging women, the U.S. not only landed on the chart, it came out smack dab on top with more medals than anyone else.
Americans were assured of going 1-2 when Mariel Zagunis and Sada Jacobson advanced to the final. Then it was up to 18-year-old Becca Ward to win the bronze. She did, followed by Zagunis taking gold and Jacobson silver.
China finished the day leading 2-1 in the gold race. It might've been 3-1 if not for Katerina Emmons, the Czech shooter who lives with her husband, American shooter Matt Emmons, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Emmons was the somewhat surprising winner of the first medal event of these games, the 10-meter air rifle. Reigning gold medalist Du Li of China was the favorite, but she wound up fifth.
Volleyball The Olympics' first day in Beijing will be remembered more for tragedy - the stabbings of Todd and Barbara Bachman and their Chinese tour guide, and the suicide of their Chinese attacker. Todd Bachman was killed, while Barbara Bachman suffered life-threatening injuries.
The Bachmans are the parents of former U.S. Olympian Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon and the in-laws of current men's volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon.
Playing hours after learning about the attack on the Bachmans, the U.S. women's team beat Japan 3-1. Emotions came pouring out after, with Logan Tom bursting into tears.
"God, we all love Wiz," Tom said, referring to former teammate Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon by her nickname. "It's hard to put it in words. That's not something that's supposed to happen."
Gymnastics The U.S. men finished atop their qualifying group with a score good enough to clinch a spot in the team finals. Thus, even without injured stars Paul and Morgan Hamm, the Americans still have a shot at a medal - even if it's a slim one.
China, winner of three straight world championships and the overwhelming favorite, lived up to it by soaring to the top of the pack.
Beach volleyball Being defending world champions, having won 21 straight international matches, and getting a visit from President Bush did little for Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser. They lost their opening match to a Latvian team that was seeded 23rd in the 24-team field, which means they must win their next two pool-play matches to get into the medal round.
Weightlifting Chen Xiexia, last year's world champion, dominated from start to finish, lifting 210 pounds in the snatch and 258 in the clean and jerk.
By winning the second event of the games, she earned the first medal of any shade for the host country.
Turkey's Sibel Ozkan won the silver medal, while Chen Wei-Ling of Taiwan finished third.
Cycling Samuel Sanchez of Spain emerged from a sprint to the finish in the shadow of the Great Wall to win the men's road race, a trek that covered 152 miles in hazy air.
Italy's Davide Rebellin won silver on his 37th birthday, while Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara took the bronze. Levi Leipheimer was the top U.S. finisher, placing 11th.
Women's basketball Diana Taurasi scored 17 points, and Sylvia Fowles added 16 points and 14 rebounds to send the U.S. women strolling past the Czech Republic 97-57 in front of President Bush and the U.S. men's team. Next up for the Americans is host China.
WNBA star Lauren Jackson led medal favorite Australia with 18 points and 10 rebounds in an 83-64 victory over Belarus. In other matches, China beat Spain 67-64, South Korea needed overtime to beat Brazil 68-62, and New Zealand edged Mali 76-72.
Women's soccer So much for the U.S. women's scoring drought. Midfielder Carli Lloyd scored on a first-half volley to lead them past Japan 1-0 in their first game since a 2-0 loss to Norway.
The Americans created a host of scoring chances, but were only able to capitalize in the 27th minute, when Lloyd volleyed a cross from defender Stephanie Cox just under the crossbar.
China tied Canada 1-1, putting the host country in position to advance to the quarterfinals. Also, two-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta scored to help Brazil beat North Korea 2-1; Sweden beat Argentina 1-0; Germany beat Nigeria 1-0 and Norway beat New Zealand 1-0.
Judo Romania's Alina Dumitru won the women's 106-pound gold, throwing Cuba's Yanet Bermoy to the mat for the prize after stunning Japan's seven-time world champion Ryoko Tani in the semifinal. Argentina's Paula Pareto and Tani, winner of the last two golds, won bronze.
In the men's 132-pound class final, South Korea's Choi Min-ho, the bronze medalist in Athens, defeated European champion Ludwig Paischer of Austria.
Other sports •South Korea's Park Sung-hyun, the defending Olympic women's archery champion, tied the Olympic record in the first day of competition.
•American sailor Zach Railey was second in an Olympic Finn race, first in a series of 11 that will determine the medals.
•American middleweight boxer Shawn Estrada beat Ezequiel Maderna of Argentina.
•Serbia's Jelena Jankovic, who will become the No. 1 tennis player in the world tomorrow, said a sore right calf may knock her out of the Olympics.
•Becky Holder rode her and her husband Tom's Courageous Comet to fourth place after the first half of equestrian's dressage phase of the eventing competition.
•South Korea, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist, and Russia, the 2007 world champion, tied in the day's highest-profile women's handball matchup.

Slumping Mud Hens unable to turn Tides, rain
Some call it "buzzard's luck." Last night it was called "Mud Hens' luck."
Toledo struggled against a Norfolk offense that saw roughly half of its hits stay in the infield. Tides starter Andy Mitchell held the Hens in check, giving up seven hits in seven innings but thwarting several rallies with double plays.
And the one time it looked as if the Mud Hens might get things rolling, the game was delayed 1 hour, 45 minutes by rain.
The result was a 5-2 loss to the Tides, Toledo's seventh loss in the last eight games.
"That's not something we could have controlled," Hens second baseman Michael Hollimon said of his team's bad fortune. "We battled back, we definitely fought, but it just wasn't our night."
The Mud Hens offense certainly struggled against Mitchell. The submarine-style right-hander gave up at least one hit in six of the seven innings he worked, but he wiggled out of trouble nearly every time.
Mitchell coaxed three double plays among his 12 ground-ball outs, and the Hens were 1-for-7 when hitting with runners in scoring position.
Toledo finally scored off Mitchell in the seventh when Erick Almonte walked with one out, and Hollimon - who had just three hits in his previous 41 at-bats - stroked a no-doubt home run to right, his 15th round-tripper of the season.
"I've been scuffling, but I'm not quitting," Hollimon said. "I'm working even harder now, because I know that's what I've got to do to get out of this funk - I've got to swing the bat.
"Working with a guy like [hitting coach Leon] 'Bull' [Durham] I know is going to help me a lot."
Hollimon's hit made the score 5-2, but any momentum was halted in the top of the eighth when soft rain turned into a hard rain that developed into a lengthy rain delay.
"The momentum sort of washed away," Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish said. "We got some hits, but the key to the game was the double play. Every time we got something going, we seemed to hit into a double play."
The Hens were behind because of a Norfolk offense that collected five infield hits against Toledo starter Yorman Bazardo, including three that turned into runs.
"They threw a lot of base hits at us - a lot of infield hits," Parrish said. "It was one of those games where, if the balls were directed better, Bazardo wouldn't have given up as many runs."
The Tides got on the board in the second when Luis Terrero slammed his 12th home run of the season, a long shot over the scoreboard in left.
Norfolk scored in the third when Tike Redman led off by lining a single off Bazardo, and Eider Torres followed with a high hopper over the head of first baseman Jeff Larish into right.
Hens right fielder Brent Clevlen overran the ball, though, and it rolled past him, allowing Redman to race home with an unearned run.
The Tides added a run in the fourth on a two-out RBI single by Chris Roberson that scored Mike Costanzo, who had reached on an infield hit. They plated two more in the seventh on a rally that began with a one-out bunt single by Roberson, who moved to third on a single by Redman. Roberson scored on a wild pitch that pushed Redman to second, and he came home on a single to right by Torres.
Clevlen also overran that ball for his second error of the night, but his first errors since May 30.
"When you boot a couple balls in the outfield, it doesn't look good," Parrish said. "But on both balls [Clevlen] was playing them right - he just missed them.
"Sometimes those things happen. They're just part of the game."
NOTE: When the rains forced the grounds crew to put the tarp on the field, Mud Hens broadcaster Jordan Strack briefly fell under the tarp. He later was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Contact John Wagner at:jwagner@theblade.com
or 419-724-6481. SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds made a surprise visit to AT&T Park last night during a special pre-game ceremony to honor former outfielders.
The ceremony was part of the Giants year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary in the city.
Bonds' name was left off the official list of confirmed outfielders, although it was rumored Friday night that he would appear.
After the first 24 former outfielders were introduced, Willie Mays walked through the center field gates unannounced. The crowd rose as he walked slowly toward the infield.
A few moments later, Bonds jogged through the left field gates and joined his godfather on the slow walk. He was greeted by a thunderous ovation.
"I want to thank the Giants for inviting all these great guys," Bonds said. "It's weird for me not to be in uniform with the Dodgers right there. You heard me Torre, I beat you before and I can beat you again. I haven't retired. Thank you."
Los Angeles manager Joe Torre tipped his hat at the comment.
Bonds pointed toward the Dodgers' dugout, where former teammate Jeff Kent was among those who were at the top of the dugout stairs watching the ceremony.
Bonds joined Giants television commentators Mike Krukow and Duane Kieper in the booth for the first two innings, referring to Giants center fielder Aaron Rowand as "Scott Rowand."
Bonds told the broadcasters he did not confirm his attendance at the reunion because he was on vacation and could not guarantee his flights.
After leaving the booth, Bonds was escorted past a group of TV, radio and newspaper reporters and entered a secured elevator without comment. He was later seen in the first row of the stands.
Bonds hit .276 last year with 28 home runs, 66 RBIs and a major league-high 132 walks. He was the prime focus of the All-Star game last July when it was held at the Giants' waterfront ballpark, and he broke Hank Aaron's home run record of 755 the next month.
He also led the majors last season with a .480 on-base percentage and finished with 762 career home runs.
"I know the players and coaches enjoy seeing those guys again," said Bochy. "These players watched them and respected them. It gives the guys a chance to go through memories about great times in San Francisco."
Brett Butler, Darryl Hamilton, Dave Kingman, 1987 NLCS MVP Jeffrey Leonard, Darren Lewis, Candy Maldonado, Bill North and Terry Whitfield were also among the 26 who were in attendance.

Ryan overlooked among prospects
When Baseball America magazine ranked the Tigers' top prospects before this season, Dusty Ryan wasn't on the list.
But if the Mud Hens' new catcher continues to play as he has, he definitely will earn a spot among the 30 best prospects in the organization.
"He's a big kid, and he's been swinging the bat well for us," manager Larry Parrish said of Ryan. "He's been impressive for us. So far, he's handling himself very well."
Ryan, who was not in the Toledo lineup for last night's game against Norfolk, has hit .391 in his first six games with the Hens with a home run and six RBI. Before his promotion, Ryan hit .253 with 15 homers and 50 RBIs in 82 games for Double-A Erie.
"Actually, when I was in Erie I was in a little bit of a slump [before I left]," Ryan admitted. "But so far up here I'm been seeing the ball well and swinging at good pitches, and that's when good things happen."
Not a lot of good things have happened for Ryan at the plate before this year. The 6-4, 220-pounder had a .225 career batting average entering this season and had not hit above .245 in any full season.
Last year he played in just 52 games and hit just .214 with Single-A Lakeland, although he was tied for the Florida State League lead with four home runs at the end of April.
"Last year I was off to a good start, but I tore my meniscus and missed three months," Ryan said. "This year I wanted to stay healthy and do what I can do, and so far I've done it."
The 23-year-old Ryan said he also made some changes to his swing in spring training.
"My stance is completely new," Ryan said. "I widened my stance, and I started a [front toe] tap, and I have a little bit of a wrap in my hands. It's stuff that's clicking right now."
It also helps that Ryan has long been considered a fine defensive catcher. He ranked third in the Eastern League after throwing out 39 percent of the baserunners who tried to steal and he has thrown out four potential base-stealers with the Hens.
"He's got a lot of arm strength, and he's always had that," Parrish said. "The thing with him has been the bat. His bat is improving every year."
NEW GUY ON THE ROSTER: Before yesterday's game the Mud Hens added pitcher Gary Glover to the roster.
Glover began the season with Tampa Bay, where he was 1-2 with a misleading 5.82 ERA in 29 appearances. Glover had a 3.34 ERA before his final two games, where he allowed nine hits and 10 runs in 12/3 innings before going on the disabled list July 11 with a left calf strain.
Glover, who has pitched in the big leagues with four other teams besides Tampa Bay, was designated for assignment by the Rays and released Aug. 2.
Parrish said Glover has not pitched in a game since going on the disabled list, so he won't have a defined role until he pitches some innings.
To make room for Glover on the roster, the Mud Hens released pitcher Brian Rogers, who was 0-1 with a 7.65 ERA in 16 games.
THREE-DOT DATA: Freddy Guzman stole a base in the first inning to give him 41 steals with the Hens this season. He leads the IL despite having not joined Toledo until May 7. With last night's crowd of 10,879 at Fifth Third Field, the Mud Hens have sold out 28 games this season, including the last 10 in a row and 21 times in the last 24 home games.
- John Wagner

Mud Hens rebound after team meeting
Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish called a team meeting before yesterday's home game with Norfolk.
"We just discussed approach to the game," was all Parrish would say about the meeting.
"We talked about going about your business the right way - hustling balls out and stuff like that," catcher Dusty Ryan said. "It's simple stuff."
Whatever the topic of conversation was, the result of the meeting was positive. The Mud Hens, who had lost six straight before last night, claimed a 9-3 victory over the Tides at Fifth Third Field.
The benefits of that talk weren't immediately apparent as Norfolk scored a pair of runs in the first inning, helped in part by some struggles by the Toledo defense. Eider Torres singled with one out, and Oscar Salazar doubled him to third on a fly into the right-field corner that eluded Brent Clevlen.
A groundout by Mike Costanzo scored Torres, and Salazar came home on a bloop double to left that fell in front of Timo Perez.
But the Hens erased the deficit with three in the bottom of the first off Norfolk's Randy Keisler.
"To me, that was the turning point. After giving up two in the first, and not making some plays, to score three," Parrish said. "That changed the momentum for us."
With one out Perez was hit by a pitch, and he took second on a single by Clevlen. With two outs Ryan slammed a triple to straightaway center that plated both runners, and Ryan came home on a single by Clete Thomas.
"I noticed [Keisler] was throwing a lot of off-speed stuff, a lot of change-ups," said Ryan, who finished with a pair of hits, three runs scored and two RBIs. "I was just trying to stay back and trying to hit something up. He left a change-up up, and I got it."
Norfolk tied the game in the third when Torres singled, stole second and scored on Salazar's second double of the night. But Hens starter Chris Lambert kept the Tides at bay despite allowing seven hits and three walks in six innings.
"I thought Lambert did a good job of pitching despite not having his best stuff," Parrish said. "He was missing [spots], his breaking ball wasn't as good, but he was battling."
Jeremy Johnson relieved Lambert and allowed just two walks in three scoreless innings to claim his first save of the year.
"The bullpen needed that," Parrish said of Johnson's effort.
Meanwhile the Toledo offense was giving Lambert and Johnson some breathing room, scoring twice in the third, fourth and eighth innings.
Clevlen plated both Toledo runs in the fourth when he slammed his 21st home run of the season off the scoreboard in left.
And the Mud Hens capped the scoring in the eighth thanks to a run-scoring double by Thomas and an RBI groundout by Freddy Guzman.
Contact John Wagner at:
jwagner@theblade.com or 419-724-6481.

Hens' playoff chances very slim
The Mud Hens' just-completed 1-6 road trip, which included four straight losses to Louisville, has put a severe crimp in Toledo's playoff hopes.
In fact, right now the Hens' focus is just on winning games, not winning division titles.
"We're just trying to take things a day at a time right now," manager Larry Parrish said. "We'd like to put together a few wins in a row. Right now that's all we're trying to do."
While the Hens won last night, so did the Bats, keeping Toledo nine games behind Louisville in the International League West standings.
Since June 28, Louisville has gone 30-9 and has pulled away from the rest of the West, giving them a magic number to win the division of 15.
What's more, if Louisville merely goes 11-12 the rest of this season, the Hens will need to finish 20-3 just to tie the Bats in the standings and force a playoff.
"They seem to be a club that does whatever it takes to win," Parrish said of the Bats. "They beat us 10-8 and 2-1. That's what happens when you're playing well - you win the high-scoring game, and you win the low-scoring game."
Toledo is one of just three teams in the 125-year history of the International League to win three straight division titles - Columbus (1990-92) and Durham (1998-2000) are the others - and is looking to become the first franchise to win four straight.
Here's a better bet for the Hens. They need to win nine of their remaining 23 games to finish above .500 for the fourth consecutive season. The last time this franchise turned that trick was from 1941-44.
The Hens' chances to win the wild card are equally dismal. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has gone 21-6 since July 10 to pass Pawtucket for the top spot in the IL North, but the Red Sox remain the leader in the wild card hunt.
The nearest challenger to the PawSox for the wild card is Toledo, but the Hens are nine back of Pawtucket.
The magic number for the Red Sox to win the wild card is 14 after Pawtucket rallied to beat Charlotte last night.
"We can't worry about those other teams," Parrish said. "We have to play well. If we play ourselves back into it, fine. But we just have to focus on playing well."
THREE-DOT DATA: With his two hits last night, Dusty Ryan now has at least one hit in his first six Hen games. Jeremy Johnson earned the save by pitching three innings, the first three-inning save by the Hens this year.

Schooled in budgeting: area parents, students pare spending
KATHY BECHSTEIN emerged from Kohl's department store with her two children, frowning as she scanned the receipt for two bags of back-to-school clothing.
The bill "came to more than I really wanted to spend," she explained.
"I had a number in mind. It was lower than this."
But the Pettisville resident isn't the only parent frustrated by back-to-school spending this summer.
Battered by higher gas and food prices, a sluggish economy, and fears about the future, many parents buying clothes, backpacks, and supplies voiced concerns about the effect on their pocketbooks.
Most said they've turned to sales or off-price merchandise, are shopping more heavily at discount stores such as Target or Wal-Mart, are opting to just buy less, or are making do with items purchased last year.
"That kind of is the backdrop of consumer spending," said Michael Niemira, chief economist for the International Council of Shopping Centers.
"There is a pinch from the food and energy price rise. It's still relatively high from a year ago, so if you're thinking of back-to-school shopping - and those purchases are viewed more as a necessity - those concerns will drive a lot of spending."
About two-thirds of shoppers responding to a shopping center council survey said they will spend the same or less than last year. Ninety percent said they planned to shop at discounters, up from 49 percent three years ago.
Other prognosticators were mixed.
A survey by consulting firm Deloitte LLP showed 71 percent of respondents planned to spend less, with almost half indicating they would cut spending by more than $100. Nearly 88 percent of respondents said they would do their shopping at discount or value stores.
Only the National Retail Federation offered a positive forecast, projecting 2008 back-to-school spending at $20.1 billion, up 9 percent from last year.
Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group, a shopper survey firm, foresees back-to-school spending down 1.5 percent this year, but he put the blame only partially on high gas and food prices.
"Since we have had the lowest employment rate for summer jobs ever - and estimates say summer-job income accounts for up to 19 percent of back-to-school spending by college and high school students - that's another reason why I think that retail will be challenged," said Mr. Beemer, a retail consultant.
The employment situation hit home with Jocelyn Bechstein, 19, who was shopping with her mother, Kathy.
She said she had difficulty getting a job this summer and as a result, had reduced her clothing purchases. She is a junior at Eastern Michigan University. "I've had to think about it a lot," she said. "If I don't really like something, I not going to buy it just to get 'something'•"
National retail sales figures released last week seemed to validate the fears of Mr. Beemer and others.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corp. posted solid gains for July.
But Wal-Mart's 3 percent increase fell short of Wall Street forecasts, and many mall-based apparel stores such as Limited Brands Inc. and Gap Inc. suffered deep declines.
"This is going to be a very promotional, challenging back-to-school season," said Ken Perkins, president of research company RetailMetrics LLC.
Sarah McIntyre, of Sylvania, a mother of four school-age children, summed the situation up neatly.
But Wal-Mart's 3 percent increase fell short of Wall Street forecasts, and many mall-based apparel stores such as Limited Brands Inc. and Gap Inc. suffered deep declines.
"This is going to be a very promotional, challenging back-to-school season," said Ken Perkins, president of research company RetailMetrics LLC.
Sarah McIntyre of Sylvania a mother of four school-age children, summed the situation up neatly.
Bad economic news - gas prices, food prices, energy costs, and joblessness - over the last year has just left her and others in a sour mood for back-to-school shopping.
"It's like a wave effect. People get washed over and you start looking at everything," she said.
This year, she is recycling usable school items from last year, buying a few months' worth of supplies rather than a year's worth, shopping at Target and Wal-Mart, and spending what she has to on quality items - like a calculator for her daughter Laura, 15.
But otherwise, she said, she is buying cheaper crayons, pencils, and notebooks.
"It gets tricky," Mrs. McIntyre said.
At Schoolbelles uniform store in Sylvania, manager Tina Williams said parents started shopping earlier this year, June and July, and are looking for bargains.
"They are buying the better stuff, but buying less of it," she added.
Tana Lake of Toledo brought her grandchildren, Morgan, 5, and Carson, 6, to Schoolbelles last week to get them uniforms but with some very specific instructions from the children's parents, Sean and Jennifer Lake.
"We're just getting them two outfits each and they told me they wanted to shop online for sale pricing on other items like socks," she said.
She had gone to JC Penney for sales on other school items. "We are trying to cut costs," she added.
Beth Thomas of Delta thought the best way to cut costs this year was to put her three children on clothing budgets of $100 each to spend as the child saw fit.
"That way, we spend a lot less money and they get to make their own decisions on what they buy," she said.
The plan worked.
"There's a lot of stuff I really would have gotten, but I decided against it because I was buying it," said Mrs. Thomas' daughter, Madeline, 16.
Michelle Cantu of Wauseon, also empowered her children, Christian, 7, and Cameron, 5, by letting them each have the backpacks they really wanted.
But for school supplies, she said, "I'm looking for the cheapest price and I'm buying their clothes on clearance, something I didn't really do last year."
"This year, we're not doing this by choice. It's by necessity," she added.
Allison Goedde of Findlay normally drives to Columbus each summer to outfit her children, Matt, 10, and Erin, 9, with new school uniforms. But this year the trip felt wasteful, she said. "I had the kids try on their clothes from last year and everything looked suitable for this year," Mrs. Goedde said.
She bought her son two pair of pants instead of the usual four and said she plans to launder them more often.
Another change: She bought items in stages - shoes that she won't replace unless her children outgrow them, school supplies for the first few months that she will replenish if needed.
Karen Connelly-Yerman of Toledo is trying a similar strategy for her three school-age children. "I'm just trying to figure out what they'll need for the first four months," she said. "We're trying to be as cheap as possible."
Mr. Beemer, the retail consultant, said it is clear to him that many parents will opt to buy essentials only, wait until Christmas to see if they need to replace anything, and buy during sales on clothing and electronics.
"To be honest, I think we're looking at a retail meltdown in America right now," he said.
Contact Jon Chavez at:
jchavez@theblade.com or 419-724-6128.

83-UNIT HOTEL UNDER WAY IN PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP
Gary Moore installs the faucet on a tub enclosure in one of the rooms of a three-story Candlewood Suites Hotel nearing completion in Perrysburg Township.

The 83-unit property is on Lakevue Drive off Fremont Pike.

Toledo law firm targeted in collection action
Five years after federal regulators shut down the investment arm of Continental Capital Corp. in Sylvania, the court-appointed trustee in the case continues to pursue a collection action against the brokerage's law firm.
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, Toledo's largest legal group, has hired a Washington law firm to help defend itself against accusations that its attorneys "provided legal advice relating to the scheme to make illegal investments appear legitimate."
Action in the case temporarily shifted to U.S. District Court in Toledo Aug. 1 when Shumaker, Loop appealed a ruling by Bankruptcy Judge Mary Ann Whipple which eventually could force the firm to turn over hundreds of pages of client records pertaining to the Continental Capital case.
The law firm says it already has provided "nine boxes of documents."
"As my client has consistently maintained in the court filings, there is no basis for any allegations of misconduct," Gerald Kowalski, of Toledo's Cooper & Walinski, said. Aiding in the defense is Washington-based Williams & Connolly, the law firm of famed lawyer Edward Bennett Williams.
Lawyers for Thomas Zaremba, trustee for the Securities Investor Protection Corp., are seeking to recoup fees that allegedly were paid improperly to the Toledo law firm for services provided to subsidiaries of Continental Capital Investment Services and ex-broker William C. Davis.
The complaint, filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, did not state how much the trustee is seeking.
Davis, 63, is serving 15 1/2 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2006 to defrauding 250 Continental investors of $14 million over a 10-year period.
Mr. Zaremba said he has recouped about $4 million in investor losses from various parties, and is pursuing several other collection actions.
Defendants include Merle Pheasant, Jr., one-time general counsel and adviser to top company officials.
He appealed to U.S. District Court this month an order by Bankruptcy Judge Whipple barring him from selling a $625,000 home off River Road in which he has an interest. Lawyers for the trustee had sought the order, claiming that proceeds from a sale could be used to pay any eventual judgment against Mr. Pheasant.
Mr. Pheasant has denied wrongdoing.
Contact Gary Pakulski at:
gpakulski@theblade.com or 419-724-6082.

Blissfield businessman attends Olympics and tours factories
Blissfield businessman Mike Uckele was in Beijing last night to see the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games, and Tuesday he will head to Shanghai - but not to watch the Olympic soccer competition.
Instead, the president of Uckele Health & Nutrition, a vitamin and nutrition supplement firm in the suburban Toledo community in Michigan, plans to tour factories that make ingredients for his nutrition products to be certain they are maintaining safety and quality standards following last year's problems in the United States with tainted dog food and toothpaste that came from China.
"Certainly, we always want to keep with quality standards. The places that make our ingredients all say they are maintaining standards," said Caroline Jansen, Uckele's general manager.
"But hearing about it and seeing it for yourself are two totally different things."
Some of the Shanghai factories are certified to be using Good Manufacturing Practice regulations promoted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Mr. Uckele will be viewing those facilities to see how ingredients are produced, Ms. Jansen said.
Last year pet food tainted with the dangerous ingredient melamine sickened and killed dozens of pets in the United States.
The problem later was traced to more than 800 tons of wheat gluten from Chinese factories that was sold to pet-food manufacturers and found its way into 150 separate brands of dog and cat food.
There have been other problems with products from China: tainted heparin, a blood thinner used in open-heart surgery; ginger laced with pesticides; cancer-causing antibiotics found in frozen shrimp; cough syrup and tooth paste made with deadly diethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze, and lead paint used to produces thousands of toys.
Ms. Jansen said Uckele Health & Nutrition had its own melamine scare last year with nutritional supplements its makes for animals, mainly horses.
"When [the melamine issue] happened, we weren't sure about our products. But we were able to compare all our data and track back to see where the sources were of every ingredient. It turned out we were not at risk," she said.
But the issue got the company, which has a 33,000-square- foot plant in Blissfield, to think more about product safety. When the chance arose to join a key company customer in Beijing for the Olympics, Mr. Uckele decided it would be a good opportunity to inspect manufacturers in Shanghai.
Contact Jon Chavez at:
jchavez@theblade.com or 419-724-6128.

South Toledos Clarion Hotel quits taking reservations
A high-rise hotel in south Toledo that is involved in a legal dispute with Lucas County over nonpayment of hotel/motel tax has apparently quit accepting reservations.
Employees of the Clarion Hotel Toledo, 2340 South Reynolds Rd., told The Blade yesterday that their paychecks had been delayed by several hours and that they hadnt been paid on time for months. Neither the owner of the hotel, Toledo Hotel Investment Group LLC, of Miami Beach, Fla., nor the propertys general manager could be reached for comment.
Lucas County Commissioners filed suit against the hotel owner in 2007, alleging it had failed to pay its hotel-motel tax. That case is set for trial next month before Common Pleas Court Judge Frederick McDonald.

2 actors with Toledo ties are hoping for their shot at fame
Tales abound about young actors and actresses being discovered by big-time directors who drop in on regional productions or stop to buy a cup of coffee and spot a star just waiting to happen.
The reality is more prosaic: hard work, talent, and maybe a little bit of luck. Northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan have produced a number of professional performers, people who have made it their lifes work to entertain others. We hear about Katie Holmes and Jamie Farr, but there are many more who work hard, but often without the attendant fame. In this, the first of an occasional series, two such performers are profiled. One, Jody Madaras, has a long resume. The other, Lucas Wells, is just getting started. Living a dream Lucas Wells was breathless with excitement during a phone interview from New York a little more than a week ago. He was done with rehearsals for the day and was heading off to dinner with friends from cast of the first national tour of Spring Awakening, a rock musical that won eight 2007 Tony Awards, including best musical. Wells, 20, is from Lambertville, and hes living his dream.
Id seen the show [Spring Awakening] twice, and I kept wondering what I could do to be in it, the Bedford High School graduate said. A friend at Siena Heights University in Adrian spotted a notice on the shows Web site that the producer was accepting video auditions before casting the first national tour. Wells and two friends sent in audition packets. For the first couple days I checked my e-mail to see if there was a response, then after that, I kind of just forgot about it, you know. A couple of weeks later I got a call from them saying that they liked my video a lot and they were very interested in me for Melchior, who is the lead part, and a character name Georg, Wells said. The casting staff sent Wells some music to record and send back. He did, and the waiting began again. It was a month later, and I was in Oliver! at Siena (where he just completed his sophomore year). I was on my way to rehearsal and I got a call from them saying that everybody had loved my videos at the casting agency, and they wanted me to come to New York the next weekend for an in-person audition. So I said yes. I had to drop out of Oliver!, but everybody understood. Fighting a bad cold and stuffed with antibiotics, Wells headed to New York a few days early to get comfortable with the city and to see the show again. Arriving for his audition appointment at 2 p.m. on a Friday, Wells said there were about 100 other hopeful actors and actresses in the room.
You tend to start thinking, well, what are the odds, really? Fridays audition turned into a Saturday callback with the director and music director of the original show. Saturdays callback turned into work session with the director and music directors later that day, then a dance rehearsal on Sunday. Invited to the final audition on Monday, Wells was excited and intimidated, because it was with the shows composer, Duncan Sheik, and lyricist, Steven Sater. I had idolized Duncan Sheik for so long, because hes so good, and I tried not psyching myself out before I went in there, Wells said. It didnt work. The staff could tell Wells was nervous, and after he performed, they sent him off for a few hours to relax, then invited him back to try again. The breather worked, and Wells earned praise from all involved. But he began to wonder what was really going to happen. Then his phone rang, and Wells was offered a part in the tour as a swing, which is a member of the ensemble, and an understudy to the two male lead roles, Melchior and Moritz. Wells said he was stunned. He had no idea they were considering him to play Moritz.
To my understanding, no ones ever covered both lead parts as an understudy because theyre so different, he said. (He has since added the role of Georg to his understudy duties.) Wells returned to Siena Heights to finish out his sophomore year and to continue to work with his professors with a renewed zeal. His parents, Richard and Tina Wells of Lambertville, are excited for him, Wells said, even though the subject matter of the show is not their cup of tea. The seventh of nine children, Wells said hes the only one of his siblings to take an interest in theater, although his two younger siblings are exploring the possibilities. Also among his most ardent supporters are Mark DiPietro, chairman of the division of theater and speech communications; Doug Miller and Kerry Graves, also on the Siena theater faculty, and his voice teacher, Michael Yuen, a professional actor who has been in many Croswell Opera House productions, including its most recent, The King and I. As it turned out, I didnt have to be in New York until July, so Mark [DiPietro] let me join the ensemble of Titanic, and it was a blast: just fun and relaxed. Wells is still having fun. Relaxed is another story. Hes now in San Diego, where the show opens Friday. Running through November, 2009, its scheduled to play in such places as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Washington. Its due to be in Columbus Feb. 2-8; East Lansing, Mich., Feb. 23-March 1, and Cleveland March 2-15. Wells gets a holiday over Christmas, but hes already thinking like a professional. Ill probably start auditioning for other shows, he said. In theater, you start looking for your next job as soon as you get cast [in your current one]. Interesting position Jody Madaras understands that sentiment; hes been working steadily since graduating from the University of Michigan in 1993. Currently, the Pemberville native is in the cast of the first national tour of The Drowsy Chaperone. I have an interesting position. I play six different roles. Im what they call a swing and Im the assistant dance captain, he said in a telephone interview. Whenever one of the key male characters is sick or takes vacation, Madaras fills in for him. And when hes not performing, Madaras sits in the audience and monitors the show, making sure the performers hit their marks, the dancers are in step, and trying to spot any room for improvements. Madaras likened The Drowsy Chaperone, which won five Tony Awards in 2006, to a Johnny Carson skit on The Tonight Show. You have a narrator, called Man in Chair. Hes a young man who lives in New York City, and the entire show is set in his rather shabby, rundown apartment. He loves musical theater, and he basically asks the audience, Would you like to hear my favorite show? He pulls out a record album of a 1928 musical called The Drowsy Chaperone, puts it on the turntable, and the show comes to life. Characters pop out of the refrigerator and the oven and present skits, comedy sketches, and production numbers right in the living room. Its just great fun, he said. The show runs through Sunday in San Francisco, then go on a two-week hiatus, during which Madaras will head for North Carolina to play the duel roles of Jimmy Stewart and Hermes Pan in Backwards in High Heels, a musical about Ginger Rogers. After that, hell rejoin Drowsy when it reopens in San Diego. Madaras, 37, said he came to theater through an unconventional route: magic. Back in the 1980s, Eastwood High School didnt have a strong program in the arts, he said. I was kind of a nobody, but I participated anyway, at least all that I could, from the band and the choir. There was some downtime at the end of one of his classes, and the substitute teacher, Jim Slagle, performed some magic tricks to keep the class entertained. Madaras was experimenting with a magic routine, so he approached the teacher after class, and Slagle invited him to a magicians convention in Toledo. From there, he learned to love performing. I took my magic act all around here in Pemberville, I played every church and fire station from here to Pemberville. After high school, Madaras entered the theater program at the University of Cincinnati, transferring to the University of Michigan two years later. Moving to New York after graduation, Madaras joined the TheatreworksUSA troupe, which presents high-quality theater productions for youngsters. That led to a lead role on the first European tour of Crazy for You, then an appearance on Broadway with Lauren Bacall in Finians Rainbow. After that, it was back to Crazy for You on ships of the Norwegian Cruise Lines. Madaras said among his treasured memories are the places hes had a chance to see and the people hes had a chance to meet. On a cruise sponsored by Sports Illustrated, and Madaras said he had some down time, so he got on a tender heading to shore in St. Thomas, the Virigin Islands. This couple was looking at me, a good-looking couple, and this man, he kind of scooted over and he asked, Are you that guy from Crazy for You? I said yes, and he said, Boy, I gotta tell you we just loved watching you. I thanked him and said that was nice and we chatted a little more and then final