On Saturday afternoon, April 28, 2012, the Newville Little League gave my brother Jerry and myself the honor of being Grand Marshall's of the 2012 Newville Little League Parade.
Jerry and I started coaching in what was then New Boston Little League back in 1978. Since then a lot has happened, many great people have come and gone and the memories we have will last forever.
Wins and losses are always fun to talk about but the real stories over the years have involved the great friendships we have made with both the kids and the parents. We have had the pleasure of working with some fantastic young people ranging in ages from T-Ball (5-6 year olds) up to Senior League (13-16). Some of these people have moved away while others still live in the area and many coach either at Newville or elsewhere around the county. And yes, Jerry and I have coached some of their children as well.
There have been some great coaches come out of New Boston over the years. Unfortunately some are not with us today but we will always remember the good times we had coaching with and against them.
The New Boston community and the Sciotoville community combined little leagues about ten years ago, renaming the combined league "Newville." Jerry and I have coached, served on the board, umpired and shoveled dirt for both Newville and New Boston Little Leagues and would never ever trade a one day of it for anything.
Little League Baseball has always been a cornerstone of our community. Every current councilman and village official has either played, coached, or had children play in the New Boston/Newville Little League at one time or another. And very few children who have grown up in New Boston have not played at least one year in one division or another of the league.
For Jerry and me, its been the experience of a lifetime. We don't regret one second of it. We thank league president Brian Holbrook and the Newville Little League Board of Directors for the great honor they gave us. And we thank all the fantastic children that played baseball for us all those years. It has been a ride we will always cherish.
Mike Payton
4-29-2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
EPA ASKS NEW BOSTON TO DEVELOP SEWER PLAN
During our council session April 3, 2012, representatives from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency spoke to us regarding development of a long-term sewer control plan.
Evidently the Ohio EPA began sending letters to the village in 2005 asking for a long-term sewer control plan that would divide the village's current combined sewer system into two separate lines, one sewer line and one storm water line. With no response from the village, the Ohio EPA turned the matter over to the U.S. EPA in 2007.
The chief concern seems to be the village's combined sewer overthrows (CSO), which is what occurs when too much water and sewage flow through the sewer lines. When that happens, the excess flow will bypass the two pump stations and dump into the river.
The EPA is also concerned about instances of overflows happening inside people's basements. According to Village Administrator Steve Hamilton, this occurs when the home's sanitary line is tapped into the storm line.
The Ohio EPA asked village council to begin thinking about its long-term control plan. The biggest challenge to this entire project will undoubtedly be funding. With limited funding available, the EPA discussed several options.
One option is the village try to renegotiate a 30-year signed agreement with Portsmouth whereby currently the village gets no money from revenues paid by village residents for sewage.
Another option discussed would be for the village to add its own additional charges onto the bill for New Boston customers. The EPA suggested that a 50-cent or one dollar fee would not create a large pot of money but would be a start.
Another option is metering the sewage as it enters or leaves the village and charging a fee to the City of Portsmouth for whatever the sewage and stormwater they send through the lines.
Yet another option is for the village to turn all sewer lines totally over to Portsmouth to maintain. This option to me is almost absurd as the City of Portsmouth is having trouble maintaining its own lines and adding our lines would be of no advantage.
A final option discussed was the village deciding to build its own treatment plant to serve the residents of New Boston. It could be the most expensive option overall as it has been virtually impossible to get any state or federal monies for infrastructure work in the village.
Over the next several weeks our council is going to have to move forward in establishing a long-term control plan. Various beginning goals, intermediary goals and finally long-term goals are going to have to be developed and implemented. Some of the goals are certainly going to revolve around funding.
Mike Payton
4-9-2012
Evidently the Ohio EPA began sending letters to the village in 2005 asking for a long-term sewer control plan that would divide the village's current combined sewer system into two separate lines, one sewer line and one storm water line. With no response from the village, the Ohio EPA turned the matter over to the U.S. EPA in 2007.
The chief concern seems to be the village's combined sewer overthrows (CSO), which is what occurs when too much water and sewage flow through the sewer lines. When that happens, the excess flow will bypass the two pump stations and dump into the river.
The EPA is also concerned about instances of overflows happening inside people's basements. According to Village Administrator Steve Hamilton, this occurs when the home's sanitary line is tapped into the storm line.
The Ohio EPA asked village council to begin thinking about its long-term control plan. The biggest challenge to this entire project will undoubtedly be funding. With limited funding available, the EPA discussed several options.
One option is the village try to renegotiate a 30-year signed agreement with Portsmouth whereby currently the village gets no money from revenues paid by village residents for sewage.
Another option discussed would be for the village to add its own additional charges onto the bill for New Boston customers. The EPA suggested that a 50-cent or one dollar fee would not create a large pot of money but would be a start.
Another option is metering the sewage as it enters or leaves the village and charging a fee to the City of Portsmouth for whatever the sewage and stormwater they send through the lines.
Yet another option is for the village to turn all sewer lines totally over to Portsmouth to maintain. This option to me is almost absurd as the City of Portsmouth is having trouble maintaining its own lines and adding our lines would be of no advantage.
A final option discussed was the village deciding to build its own treatment plant to serve the residents of New Boston. It could be the most expensive option overall as it has been virtually impossible to get any state or federal monies for infrastructure work in the village.
Over the next several weeks our council is going to have to move forward in establishing a long-term control plan. Various beginning goals, intermediary goals and finally long-term goals are going to have to be developed and implemented. Some of the goals are certainly going to revolve around funding.
Mike Payton
4-9-2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
NEW BOSTON HAS GREAT CLEAN-UP DAY
This past weekend across New Boston students and residents pitched in to clean up the village with the year's first village-wide clean up day.
Large dumpsters were placed on the old Walmart parking lot in New Boston for village residents to drop off any trash or unwanted items. Hazardous or toxic materials were not accepted: this included refrigerators, batteries, televisions, gasoline containers or paint cans.
For those residents who were unable to bring their trash to the dumpsters, the village arranged to pick up whatever they could.
Volunteers from Walmart, Genesis, village council and village employees were walking through New Boston on Saturday picking up litter and trash in the streets and students from Glenwood High School's Honor Society and Student Council were also out picking up trash. Participating students also earned valuable community service points than can be applied toward their college scholarship applications.
Keeping New Boston clean is just another part of the great Tiger Pride our village exhibits every day. My thanks and congratulations to all who participated this year.
Mike Payton
4-1-2012
Large dumpsters were placed on the old Walmart parking lot in New Boston for village residents to drop off any trash or unwanted items. Hazardous or toxic materials were not accepted: this included refrigerators, batteries, televisions, gasoline containers or paint cans.
For those residents who were unable to bring their trash to the dumpsters, the village arranged to pick up whatever they could.
Volunteers from Walmart, Genesis, village council and village employees were walking through New Boston on Saturday picking up litter and trash in the streets and students from Glenwood High School's Honor Society and Student Council were also out picking up trash. Participating students also earned valuable community service points than can be applied toward their college scholarship applications.
Keeping New Boston clean is just another part of the great Tiger Pride our village exhibits every day. My thanks and congratulations to all who participated this year.
Mike Payton
4-1-2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
LIGHTS OUT IN THE DEN REALLY A MOVING NIGHT FOR NEW BOSTON
This past Saturday evening, February 18,2012, an era ended in New Boston. The lights in the famed "Tiger Den" were turned out for the last time.
The school, which will be 97 years old this year, along with Oak and Stanton, are finally being replaced by a state of the art facility located on the old pool property by Lakeview Avenue and the stadium.
Tuesday evening was the girl's last home game and another moving event for New Boston alumni, but Saturday evening it was knowing this was the absolute "last" game made the buzz a little more intense.
As everyone knows I never attended Glenwood, Oak Street or Stanton. My wife and children did, and most likely my grandchildren will. But I have never been closer to a school and its people. I think the thing that has always impressed me about the feelings towards this school system is the remarkable close relationship of everyone. And that relationship seems to carry on after people graduate there.
Saturday started off with a Men's Fellowship Breakfast at the New Boston First Church of God. Former Glenwood Athletic Director and Head Basketball coach Steve Jenkins spoke not only about the school but the village as well. Then there was a great tailgate party on the Genesis Parking Lot and that was followed by the game.
It was great to be a part of this truly historic day in our Village. At the end of the game, as I walked out of the gym, I knew it was over. The end of an era. But I also know that it is the beginning of a new era. I know that as those fantastic alumni which, over the last 97 years made "Tiger Pride" what it is today, the future alumni will rise the Tiger to a even higher level.
The people of New Boston put their children first agreeing to the new buildings. If you think about it, the people of this town 97 years ago, put their children first in creating Glenwood High School. So really the caring for our youth and our heritage is still strong. I guess we can say the celebration of the past is now giving way to the expectations of the future.
Mike Payton
2-19-2012
The school, which will be 97 years old this year, along with Oak and Stanton, are finally being replaced by a state of the art facility located on the old pool property by Lakeview Avenue and the stadium.
Tuesday evening was the girl's last home game and another moving event for New Boston alumni, but Saturday evening it was knowing this was the absolute "last" game made the buzz a little more intense.
As everyone knows I never attended Glenwood, Oak Street or Stanton. My wife and children did, and most likely my grandchildren will. But I have never been closer to a school and its people. I think the thing that has always impressed me about the feelings towards this school system is the remarkable close relationship of everyone. And that relationship seems to carry on after people graduate there.
Saturday started off with a Men's Fellowship Breakfast at the New Boston First Church of God. Former Glenwood Athletic Director and Head Basketball coach Steve Jenkins spoke not only about the school but the village as well. Then there was a great tailgate party on the Genesis Parking Lot and that was followed by the game.
It was great to be a part of this truly historic day in our Village. At the end of the game, as I walked out of the gym, I knew it was over. The end of an era. But I also know that it is the beginning of a new era. I know that as those fantastic alumni which, over the last 97 years made "Tiger Pride" what it is today, the future alumni will rise the Tiger to a even higher level.
The people of New Boston put their children first agreeing to the new buildings. If you think about it, the people of this town 97 years ago, put their children first in creating Glenwood High School. So really the caring for our youth and our heritage is still strong. I guess we can say the celebration of the past is now giving way to the expectations of the future.
Mike Payton
2-19-2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
NEW BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC
I would like to congratulate four of our local high school students for being chosen to travel to Washington, D.C. with the American Legion this spring.
Every year the American Legion administers 65,000 Americanism and Government Tests to Ohio High School students. Freshmen students can take the test, but they are not eligible to win. Of those, six county winners are chosen (one boy and one girl from each grade 10-12).
Eighteen state winners are also chosen (three boys and three girls from each grade 10-12), and they get to travel with the American Legion to Washington, D.C., on March 5-9.
This year's state winners from Scioto County include three from New Boston Glenwood High School: Jordan Moore, Teagan Queen and Courtney Horsley. Ricky Anderson, also a Glenwood High School student who attends the Scioto County Career Center, was a district winner.
Additionally I would mention that there were only three perfect scores in the state of Ohio and two were from New Boston: Jordan Moore and Teagan Queen.
The students will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will stay overnight in a hotel, take chaperone tours to Gettysburg, the National Cathedral, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian, U.S. State Department, Ft. Meyers, Arlington National Cemetery, and while at Arlington one boy and one girl will be chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I would also like to congratulate Glenwood Government teacher Andy Howard who assisted these students in preparing for the test.
Mike Payton
02-06-2012
Every year the American Legion administers 65,000 Americanism and Government Tests to Ohio High School students. Freshmen students can take the test, but they are not eligible to win. Of those, six county winners are chosen (one boy and one girl from each grade 10-12).
Eighteen state winners are also chosen (three boys and three girls from each grade 10-12), and they get to travel with the American Legion to Washington, D.C., on March 5-9.
This year's state winners from Scioto County include three from New Boston Glenwood High School: Jordan Moore, Teagan Queen and Courtney Horsley. Ricky Anderson, also a Glenwood High School student who attends the Scioto County Career Center, was a district winner.
Additionally I would mention that there were only three perfect scores in the state of Ohio and two were from New Boston: Jordan Moore and Teagan Queen.
The students will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will stay overnight in a hotel, take chaperone tours to Gettysburg, the National Cathedral, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian, U.S. State Department, Ft. Meyers, Arlington National Cemetery, and while at Arlington one boy and one girl will be chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I would also like to congratulate Glenwood Government teacher Andy Howard who assisted these students in preparing for the test.
Mike Payton
02-06-2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
MEETING WITH GOVERNOR IMPORTANT FOR SOUTHERN OHIO
The Ohio Municipal League hosted a round table discussion on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at the Columbus Bar Association, in Columbus, Ohio.
The governor discussed with us a variety of issues including preserving local revenue services, i.e. protecting and preserving revenue generated by the municipal income tax; opposition to centralized collection plans and uniformity issues that will threaten current and future revenue; also Property Tax and implications of HB 290 by the 111th Ohio General Assembly, legislation enacted in 1976 which statutorily freezes revenue levels.
Also discussed was areas of local control, economic development (partnerships, relaxed annexation procedures and townships as impediments. Prevailing Wage-raise limits, employer contributions to pension systems, restoring the local Government Fund and foreclosed and/or abandoned housing.
Specifically I discussed two issues with the Governor. First was the success in shutting down the pill mills in Scioto County. He was happy as am I, that the great coordination between local law enforcement, health department and local citizens all played in winning what is a continuing battle against drug trafficing in our area.
I also asked him about the efforts of his administration in getting the loan guarantee from the Obama Administration for construction and development of the Piketon atomic plant facility. He told me that he had spent much time during his meeting with the President this summer discussing the loan guarantee, that Senators Portman and Brown have also talked with the President, but that he simply didnt know why it was being held up.
The governor stressed the importance of the future of the Piketon site in economic development for our area and that other ideas for development were also being considered.
Although as most of you know, the governor and I dont see eye-to-eye on many issues, I do respect the time he gave all of us, on an individual basis, to discuss our local area problems. It was an important meeting and my thanks goes to both Governor Kasich for attending and Susan Cave, the Executive Director of the Ohio Municipal League, for coordinating the meeting.
Mike Payton
1-20-2012
The governor discussed with us a variety of issues including preserving local revenue services, i.e. protecting and preserving revenue generated by the municipal income tax; opposition to centralized collection plans and uniformity issues that will threaten current and future revenue; also Property Tax and implications of HB 290 by the 111th Ohio General Assembly, legislation enacted in 1976 which statutorily freezes revenue levels.
Also discussed was areas of local control, economic development (partnerships, relaxed annexation procedures and townships as impediments. Prevailing Wage-raise limits, employer contributions to pension systems, restoring the local Government Fund and foreclosed and/or abandoned housing.
Specifically I discussed two issues with the Governor. First was the success in shutting down the pill mills in Scioto County. He was happy as am I, that the great coordination between local law enforcement, health department and local citizens all played in winning what is a continuing battle against drug trafficing in our area.
I also asked him about the efforts of his administration in getting the loan guarantee from the Obama Administration for construction and development of the Piketon atomic plant facility. He told me that he had spent much time during his meeting with the President this summer discussing the loan guarantee, that Senators Portman and Brown have also talked with the President, but that he simply didnt know why it was being held up.
The governor stressed the importance of the future of the Piketon site in economic development for our area and that other ideas for development were also being considered.
Although as most of you know, the governor and I dont see eye-to-eye on many issues, I do respect the time he gave all of us, on an individual basis, to discuss our local area problems. It was an important meeting and my thanks goes to both Governor Kasich for attending and Susan Cave, the Executive Director of the Ohio Municipal League, for coordinating the meeting.
Mike Payton
1-20-2012
Thursday, December 22, 2011
NEW BOSTON CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS & TIME TO REFLECT
Today I had the privilege of being with the New Boston Police, Fire and Service Departments along with Councilmen Ralph Imes and Junior Williams in traveling through New Boston helping Santa Claus pass out Christmas gifts to children.
The New Boston Police Department's Toys for Kids program marks the conclusion of the Village's annual efforts to make Christmas a great time for all of our citizens, with the annual Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Parade being held earlier this month.
I really think you would have to look hard to find many small towns that do as much for their kids and adults during the holidays as does our village. This year the Police department event was coordinated by Lt. Diane Davis. Many volunteers as well as police dispatchers and other village personnel helped in the wrapping of gifts.
As we move toward a new year I think reflection on the past year might be in order. Although some difficult times financially toward the beginning of the year caused pay cuts and layoffs, we have been able to move forward and have reinstated part of the pay cut, gave a Christmas bonus and hope to be able to give back the remaining part of the pay cut early next year. Employees who were laid off were called back if they chose to return.
We are moving forward with the Flood defense program. We have bonded over $400,000 for repair of the current flood defense system to insure the safety of our citizens as much as possible from a repeat of the tragedy of 1997.
New utility poles have replaced most of the old metal poles in the village, new park equipment has been installed and repair and replacement of basketball courts has happened.
We have had several new businesses come into our community and next year we will welcome the opening of the new high school and the Infra-Metals plant.
We had an election this year and all of the incumbents were returned to office. I think I can speak for all of us in saying thanks for the vote of confidence and we certainly hope you have been happy with what we've tried to do.
But we all know there are issues and problems facing us in the new year. Some of the problems we know about, some are yet to come forward. It is my hope that you will continue to voice your opinion both at our council meetings as well as by calling or emailing me.
Finally I want to say thank you all for supporting me the last four years and I will do my very best for all of you in the new year and beyond. I enjoy working with our great village staff and with all of you. Merry Christmas to all and I wish you a great New Year.
Mike Payton
12-22-2011
The New Boston Police Department's Toys for Kids program marks the conclusion of the Village's annual efforts to make Christmas a great time for all of our citizens, with the annual Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Parade being held earlier this month.
I really think you would have to look hard to find many small towns that do as much for their kids and adults during the holidays as does our village. This year the Police department event was coordinated by Lt. Diane Davis. Many volunteers as well as police dispatchers and other village personnel helped in the wrapping of gifts.
As we move toward a new year I think reflection on the past year might be in order. Although some difficult times financially toward the beginning of the year caused pay cuts and layoffs, we have been able to move forward and have reinstated part of the pay cut, gave a Christmas bonus and hope to be able to give back the remaining part of the pay cut early next year. Employees who were laid off were called back if they chose to return.
We are moving forward with the Flood defense program. We have bonded over $400,000 for repair of the current flood defense system to insure the safety of our citizens as much as possible from a repeat of the tragedy of 1997.
New utility poles have replaced most of the old metal poles in the village, new park equipment has been installed and repair and replacement of basketball courts has happened.
We have had several new businesses come into our community and next year we will welcome the opening of the new high school and the Infra-Metals plant.
We had an election this year and all of the incumbents were returned to office. I think I can speak for all of us in saying thanks for the vote of confidence and we certainly hope you have been happy with what we've tried to do.
But we all know there are issues and problems facing us in the new year. Some of the problems we know about, some are yet to come forward. It is my hope that you will continue to voice your opinion both at our council meetings as well as by calling or emailing me.
Finally I want to say thank you all for supporting me the last four years and I will do my very best for all of you in the new year and beyond. I enjoy working with our great village staff and with all of you. Merry Christmas to all and I wish you a great New Year.
Mike Payton
12-22-2011
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