flckr: Brittney Bush

Great news! The City of Dayton and surrounding communities  were awarded  $29 million in stimulus funds to deal with some 1,200 abandoned, foreclosed and deteriorating homes.   (Here's a video announcement.)   Stimulus funding will also connect Dayton to other cities in Ohio by high-speed rail.

Stimulus controversy! The State of Ohio submitted a Race to the Top grant application to the U.S. Department of Education.   Oakwood, Kettering, and Centerville agreed to participate in this school funding competition, but Dayton  Public Schools  did not.   Dayton stood to receive at least $5 million if the application succeeds, but the teachers union opted out.  It seems the grant guidelines had too many strings attached!  Read more in the  Dayton Daily News.

More local news:

• Dayton Daily News coverage of United Way on Sunday's front  page and in the  editorial section
• WorkflowOne Employee Foundation announced $20,000 in grants
• The Troy Foundation announced $160,000 in grants
• How the Dayton Mall supports local charities
• Dayton History takes on management of Old Courthouse and Memorial Hall
• CityFolk Director steps down
• Are hospital CEOs paid too much?