Miami U. hires outside agency for 'climate assessment'
This weekly column is a lookaround Butler and Warren counties from Enquirer Reporter Keith BieryGolick. Scroll to the bottom to get all the news.
If you believe the university, this has been planned since day one of President Greg Crawford's tenure at Miami University.
The university recently hired a consulting agency to conduct a climate assessment and survey. The president called this process "vital" in a Tuesday letter to faculty and students.
There is no indication this has anything to do with the alcohol-fueled death of freshman Erica Buschick. Or the ongoing federal investigation into whether the university has a "sexually hostile environment."
Common sense says the move has everything to do with those things.
Regardless, it seems like another positive step for the university, and another example of Crawford saying the right things publicly.
The reality: No results will be released until next year.
Meanwhile, Green Beer Day is less than three weeks away. If you have to ask what that is, you'll probably be shocked.
"Green Beer Day. A tradition unlike any other."
That Masters slogan adorns a T-shirt sold in Oxford.
The tradition, as far as I can tell, is about getting up at 1 a.m. to start drinking. Then, going to bars open at 5 a.m., and continuing to drink the day away.
Am I missing something?
If you have a positive story about Green Beer Day, let me know: kbierygolick@enquirer.com
School gets restraining order against sheriff
That's what Madison Schools Superintendent Curtis Philpot did for his students. One year earlier, a 14-year-old boy had shot other students in the Madison Jr/Sr High School cafeteria.
The untold story behind Madison's school shooting
On Monday, Philpot sat in a Hamilton courthouse. He asked for a temporary restraining order against the Butler County Sheriff's Office.
Why? To stop release of video footage, which captured the shooting.
"It's a bit ridiculous," Philpot told me at the hearing. "But we're here."
Butler County Judge Noah Powers granted the school district's request.
The Sheriff's Office had planned to release the footage to The Enquirer, until the school intervened.
Another hearing was set for March.
I doubt anything changes. Judge Powers likely doesn't want to be the one who lets this video out to the public.
I know my Enquirer colleagues would be responsible with the video. But if we got it, the door would open for some who might not be.
Sea of red forces change in Hamilton
The landlords came to the meeting in red shirts. They filled council chambers, and some spilled into the lobby. It was a sign of protest.
The city listened.
Hamilton officials have delayed plans for legislation requiring landlords to register properties and potentially pay tenants' unpaid utility bills.
Instead, a committee made up landlords, city officials and renters will meet to rework the legislation.
I wonder if the city would have been so accommodating -- and patient -- if only regular residents complained.
Follow Enquirer Reporter Keith BieryGolick @kbierygolick. Send tips, questions and comments to kbierygolick@enquirer.com
Finding America's voice in West Chester
In a few weeks, I'm meeting with Don Oeters. He is the owner of Entertrainment Junction, which boasts the world's largest indoor train display, in West Chester Township.
Two questions:
1.) Would you be interested in a Facebook Live tour of the facility? I've been there before and it's impressive. I would still write a story, but I'm trying to gauge interest in other possibilities -- besides a standard video.
2.) What is the best business story out there? I'm looking for real-life characters; business leaders who have made a difference in their community or overcome obstacles. They don't have to be CEOs, although that's fine too. It could just be someone who has a job you are jealous of.
Let me know if you think of anything: kbierygolick@enquirer.com
