News

After serving four months as the Ohio Development Leader, Jim Leftwich is leaving the position.

Gov. John Kasich's office stated that as Leftwich plans to return to the private sector, Christiane "Chris" Schmenk, general counsel for the Ohio Department of Development, will take over. Schmenk will lead the department's reorganization as the state's economic development efforts are moved to the new nonprofit private corporation JobsOhio. Schmenk will assume the director's role on Aug. 1.

The Ohio Board of Education has named its interim superintendent as state superintendent, after two of the three finalists for the job stepped aside.

Stan Heffner, who was not one of the finalists, was appointed Tuesday. His selection means the board rejected remaining finalist Robert Schiller, a former state superintendent in Michigan and Illinois who works as a Florida education consultant.

Finalist Robert Sommers, Gov. John Kasich's education adviser, withdrew as a candidate in June. Reynoldsburg schools Superintendent Stephen Dackin withdrew on Sunday.

A meeting between RG Properties and Miami Township trustees has resulted in a deal to construct a $9 million retail building at Lyons Road and Ohio 741.

Last night, founder of RG Properties, Randy Gunlock, entered into an executive session with the township officials after they discussed passing a resolution for the construction.

Poor Will's Almanack for the fourth week of middle summer.

ITT Corporation has announced it will acquire YSI Incorporated.

Both companies manufacture technology used for environmental water monitoring. The merger was announced in a joint statement today.

Gretchen McClain, president of ITT's Fluid and Motion Control business, says the addition of YSI will complement ITT's existing business.