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Celebrate 51 years of art, beers and cheers at Dayton’s favorite fall festival Dayton’s favorite fall festival, the annual Dayton Art Institute (DAI) Oktoberfest , is set to celebrate 51 years of art, beers and cheers, September 23–25 on the museum grounds. Presented by Miller Lite, the DAI Oktoberfest will feature all the things the community has come to love about the festival, as well as some new additions for 2022. “Last year’s 50th anniversary celebration was a fantastic success, and we look forward to welcoming the community back for a bigger and better Oktoberfest weekend in 2022,” said DAI Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger. “First and foremost, we’re excited to welcome the artisans back this year! The RTA shuttle service from downtown Dayton also returns this year, and there will be exciting new additions to our food court. We hope you’ll join us to welcome the fall season and support the DAI.” The longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in Southwest Ohio, the DAI Oktoberfest is the culmination of many months work by DAI staff and the museum’s Associate Board, a community volunteer board that assists in planning both Oktoberfest and Art Ball. The Associate Board’s efforts are led by 2022 Oktoberfest Chairs Katherine and Jason Cezeaux. “The Dayton Art Institute was the first place we visited with our children when we moved here 11 years ago, and it remains one of our favorite spots in Dayton,” Katherine and Jason said. “The DAI is the jewel of the Gem City, and we are absolutely thrilled to chair its 51st Oktoberfest.” Oktoberfest weekend kicks off on Friday, September 23, with the Lederhosen Lunch , 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and the Preview Party , 7–11 p.m., followed by two days of Oktoberfest fun on Saturday, September 24, noon–11:30 p.m. and Sunday, September 25, noon–7 p.m. Highlights of this year’s festival include: LEDERHOSEN LUNCH: Hosted by the DAI’s Former Associate Board, this community lunch offers the only free admission of the weekend, with bratwurst, mettwurst, schnitzel sandwiches, German salads and homemade noodles available for purchase, as well as live music. The main beer truck will be open and guests may also buy event tickets, as well as Oktoberfest mugs and t-shirts. PREVIEW PARTY: Presented by Premier Health, this exclusive, ticketed event includes complimentary draft beer, wine and soft drinks, as well as live music by Weekend Effect. Free shuttle service will be offered during the Preview Party. Park at the University of Dayton parking lot on River Park Drive, located between the Marriott and Dayton Daily News building, and take free shuttles directly to and from the Preview Party. Advance tickets for the Preview Party are $55 members, $75 non-members and may be purchased online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/oktoberfest . All tickets purchased at the gate are $95. Guests must be 21 with a valid ID to attend the Preview Party. OKTOBERFEST: The main Oktoberfest celebration includes a wide variety of delicious foods, more than 50 different craft and international beers, and a selection of domestic and international wines. Visitors can relax in fully covered main stage and food court areas, as well as a TV tent with four big-screen TVs for all the weekend sports action. Live music will be featured on two stages throughout the weekend. The ACCO Brands FamilyFest takes place Saturday and Sunday afternoon, noon–4:30 p.m. each day, with special activities for all ages. Advance general admission tickets for Oktoberfest (Saturday/Sunday) are $8 adults, $5 seniors and youth (ages 7–18). Tickets purchased at the gate are $10 adults, $7 seniors and youth. Children 6 and under are free. Advance tickets may be purchased at the following presale locations through the close of business on Friday, September 23: Dorothy Lane Market in Oakwood, Washington Square and Springboro; Arrow Wine on Far Hills and Lyons Road; Ghostlight Coffee on Patterson, Wayne and at the Second Street Market; Coffee Hub in Xenia and Beavercreek. General Admission tickets may also be purchased at the Dayton Art Institute during regular museum hours . PARKING & SHUTTLES: Getting to and from Oktoberfest is easy, with free shuttle service, including shuttles for the Preview Party. Follow the Oktoberfest signs and park for free at the University of Dayton parking lot behind the Marriott, just off Patterson Boulevard, and take the free shuttles directly to and from both the Preview Party and Oktoberfest. In addition, Greater Dayton RTA will provide free shuttles from downtown Dayton to the festival during the Lederhosen Lunch on September 23, as well as all day on September 24 & 25. There are no RTA shuttles during Preview Party. For more information about Oktoberfest, including volunteer opportunities at this year’s festival, go to daytonartinstitute.org/oktoberfest . The website serves at the go-to location for all things festival related, including ticket information, festival activities and announcements, event schedules and more. Be sure to also connect with the DAI on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and TikTok for more about Oktoberfest. Join the conversation online with the hashtags #OktoberfestDayton and #OKTDAI . The DAI Oktoberfest wouldn’t be possible with the generous support of many sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Miller Lite; Preview Party Sponsor Premier Health; Craft Beer Sponsor Cavalier Distributing; Vehicle Sponsor White-Allen Family of Dealerships; Family Art Sponsor ACCO Brands; Stage Sponsor altafiber; Lederhosen Lunch Sponsor KeyBank; Mugs & Tees Sponsor Logos@Work; Patron Sponsors Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway and NRG; Supporting Sponsors Bladecutters Inc., Enterprise Roofing & Sheetmetal, Ohio Skin Center, RTA, Rumpke Waste & Recycling, Square One Salon & Spa, and Surdyk Dowd & Turner; Media Partners ABC22 & FOX45, iHeartMedia Dayton and Key-Ads, Inc.; with Additional Support from City Barbecue, HarborLink Network and PNC. Oktoberfest was established by the DAI Associate Board in 1971, with the first full public festival taking place in 1972. Each year, the Associate Board helps organize Oktoberfest as a fundraiser to support the museum. Over the years, the Associate Board has raised nearly $8 million for the museum through Oktoberfest . Since its inception, more than one million people have attended the DAI Oktoberfest! ABOUT DAYTON ART INSTITUTE MISSION: The Dayton Art Institute is committed to enriching the community by creating meaningful experiences with art that are available to all. INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY (IDEA) MISSION: The Dayton Art Institute aspires to develop, promote and sustain an organizational culture and reputation in the communities that we serve as an organization that values, nurtures and leverages inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in all that we do. The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) is one of the Miami Valley’s premier fine art museums, offering a full range of programming in addition to exhibiting its collection. The museum is currently open Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Fridays & Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sundays, noon–5 p.m. Go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit for the latest museum information and updates. Museum general admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more), $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17), free for children (ages 6 & younger), and free for museum members. Admission includes access to all Special Exhibition, Focus Exhibitions, The Lange Family Experiencenter and the museum’s collection galleries. Some events and programs may carry an additional charge and include museum admission as part of that price. Free parking is available at the museum and the facility is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The DAI Museum Store and Leo are open during regular museum hours, offering unique shopping, drinks and tasty treats. The Museum Store also offers online shopping at www.daytonartinstitute.org/shop . For more information about the DAI, visit daytonartinstitute.org or call 937-223-4ART (4278). The Ohio Arts Council helps fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The DAI also receives support from Culture Works and the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District. CONTACTS: Eric Brockman, Marketing and Communications Manager 937-207-1658 (cell) | ebrockman@daytonart.org Sabrina Pritchett, External Affairs Director 937-512-0143 (office) | spritchett@daytonart.org

It has been brought to the attention of Montgomery County Record-er Brandon McClain that mailers have been sent from ‘County Deed Re-cords’ to homeowners soliciting the purchase of a home warranty from Home Warranty Solutions. Please note all communications from the Montgomery County Recorder’s Office are sent in an envelope bearing the official county seal. Further, the Montgomery County Recorder’s Office does not endorse or offer any home warranty programs. “It is of the utmost importance that people trust their government, especially when concerning public records,” said McClain. “I feel I have earned your trust, and as such, want to protect it. I will not permit the unauthorized use of my office or official duties by any private business. Any communications you may receive which state otherwise are false, misleading, and exactly why we need consumer protection laws which seriously punish those who target our neighbors,” said Recorder McClain. If you have any question about any communications you have received from the Montgomery County Recorder’s Office, please contact the office at 937-225-4275.

By Alahna Reynolds, Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness Contributor On August 27, 2022, with the permission of Omega Baptist Church, YLAG had the honor of presenting their “Blessing House” in a ribbon cut-ting ceremony at Omega Baptist Church’s Block Party. The blessing house is located on the Emerson side of the church. Kassidy Potter, YLAG member, states “We put together “YLAG’s Blessing House” to permanently serve the community around Omega Church. The house is important to showing our commitment in hopes of making a difference. Our goal is that it be a blessing to the many people and families in that area.” The little purple blessing house will remain stocked with food for families in the area (also contains baby food for those with infants/toddlers). With no criteria or questions asked, community members will be able to come and get whatever is needed from the blessing house. YLAG thought this to be a good way to give back to the community and prevent hunger in the surrounding area. “The Blessing House is a blessing since Dayton has about a 33% population living in poverty. The food short-age is real. The Blessing House allows people to meet their needs with dignity.” states Former May-or Rhine McLin. Community member, Kim Gresham, states “The YLAG Blessing House is just that, A BLESSING! Blessing the community with love, faithfulness, and service.” YLAG also invites those in the community who can contribute to the house. YLAG would like this to be a community effort. As Former Mayor Rhine McLin states, “It will be community taking care of community”. Keeping YLAG Blessing House full keeps the community full.

Wilberforce, Ohio - The 2022 Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic Weekend returns to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Sunday, September 4, when the Central State University Marauders take on the Winston-Salem State University Rams at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Marauders dominated Black college football from 1986-1992 and have won five consecutive Black College Football national championships and two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national football championships. CSU has three alums in the Black College Football Hall of Fame: Hugh Douglas (2018), Coach Billy Joe (2017), and Erik Williams (2020). The CSU Marauder football team, staff, cheerleaders, University officials, CSU President Dr. Jack Thomas, the Invincible Marching Marauders Marching Band, and the Grammy nominated Central State University Chorus, will be in Canton for the eventful weekend. “I appreciate the support of the CSU community as we enter the 2022 season and a new era of Marauder football,” Thomas said in a recent interview on “The Mission” podcast. Marauder football is led by new head football coach Kevin Porter who earned the status of “legend” while playing for the NFL Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets. According to Thomas, nearly two decades of coaching experience demonstrates Porter’s knowledge of preparing student-athletes to be winners. “Porter is a quality leader with the right mindset, characteristics, and innovative approach that is best suited to lead Marauder Football in a new era,” Thomas said. “I think he's developing students quite well and preparing them to be successful.” The CSU Dean of Enrollment Management, the Admissions Director, and recruiters, will also be available at The Second Annual Classic College Fair at the Pro Football Hall of Fame which is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 1, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Hall of Fame Village, Center for Performance. Thomas said, “It is very important to introduce students to colleges and universities and what they offer in terms of academic programs as well as things that happen outside of the classrooms.” According to www.profootballhof.com , high school students are invited to join at least 50 colleges from across the country, including over 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In addition to interacting with college representatives, the Fair will include live breakout sessions with college personnel presenting on the admissions process and current or former HBCU students presenting on the experience of attending an HBCU. “We are elated to kickoff this season at the Black College Hall of Fame Classic,” Thomas commented on the Mission Podcast. “I want to thank the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football League Network, and the City of Canton for providing this great opportunity to showcase Central State University,” he added. About Central State University: Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with a 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. Central State ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges in five categories, including Best Undergraduate Engineering Program and Top Public Schools. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally. EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land Grant Institution, is committed to the full inclusion of all people and does not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV / AIDS states, marital or family status, military status, national origin political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. If reasonable accommodations are needed, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (937) 376-6540. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution. Contact: Debbie Alberico, Public Relations Director dalberico@centralstate.edu 937-376-6605

Wilberforce, Ohio - Central State University faculty and staff set a new school record in sponsored research and external funding for the third consecutive year by earning over 50 million during the 2021-22 fiscal year. CSU shattered the previous benchmark of 26.7 million dollars achieved in fiscal year 2020-21. The historic achievement is consistent the university’s explosive growth in annual sponsored research and external funding. Central State’s external funding has increased by over 137% over the last three years from 21.1 million dollars in 2019 - 2020 to 50.05 million dollars in 2021 - 2022. The total does not include any CARES Act funding awarded to universities in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. “The sustained growth demonstrates that CSU’s core value of academic excellence infused through the efforts of our faculty and staff is being recognized by funding agencies” said CSU President Dr. Jack Thomas. The record-breaking achievement advances the presidential priority to continue to meet and enhance CSU’s 1890 Land-Grant mission of conducting cutting edge research and using gained knowledge to address societal problems through extension services according to Thomas. The growth in research funding is part of CSU’s goal to attain a “Research Two” designation as a high research institution within the next five years. “Research and other externally funded activities provide tremendous opportunities for faculty, students, and staff to engage in scholarly activities outside the traditional classroom settings” said Dr. F. Erik Brooks, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Projects funded will enhance CSU’s physical and human infrastructure including state of the art equipment, upgraded facilities, technology, new faculty and staff, professional development, and training opportunities.” “CSU faculty and staff are being recognized for our rigorous pursuit of knowledge that addresses societal concerns” says Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Associate Provost for Research. “The record setting amount demonstrates that CSU is taking our rightful place as an institution of higher education dedicated to improving the communities and society locally and globally through evidenced based activities,” Kuti commented. “CSU is especially proud of the inclusion of students in our efforts as it provides experiential learning opportunities vital for their academic success and future professional careers,” said Dr. Kuti. Major projects funded this year include the following: Ten million dollars from the US Department of Agriculture for the “Sustainable Aquaculture Production of High Omega 3 Containing Fish Using a Novel Feed Additive” The project is led by Dr. Brandy E. Phipps, PI, Dr. Craig Schluttenhofer, and Dr. Krishna Kumar Nedunuri, Ph.D. (Co-PIs). Project goals include researching the potential use of hemp as an aquaculture feed, training and equipping new aquaculture producers, increasing local production of produce and healthy fish, provide workforce training for Native American and African American graduates. 3,582,160 dollars from the U.S. Department of Commerce for the Central State University Workforce Training and Business Development Center. The project is led by Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, with a team of faculty including Dr. Fred Aikens, Dr. Arunasalam Rahunanthan, Dr. Mahmoud Abdallah, Dr. Ramani Kandiah, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi-Majebi, and Dr. Sal Almestiri. The goal of the project is to establish a Workforce Training and Business Development Center that will serve underserved communities in Clark, Greene, and Montgomery counties. 599,982 dollars from the US Department of Agriculture for "Development of a Holistic Nano Photocatalytic Approach for Controlling Agriculturally-Induced Algal Blooms and Associated Cyanotoxins in Lake". Dr. Ning Zhang serves as the Project Director. The goal of the project is to build CSU with research capacity on developing and expanding economically viable and environmentally compatible water treatment technology, through developing advanced oxidation process for microcystins destruction. 597,461 dollars from the US Department of Agriculture grant for “Introducing Ergonomics Safety in Agriculture Production through Use of a Movement Studies Lab” project. Dr. Kathy Carter serves as the Project Director. The project aims to expand exercise science (EXS) research to include the ergonomics of farm safety, as well as develop an ergonomics curriculum within the EXS program. A grant worth 538,986 dollars from the US Department of Agriculture for the “Fastrack Farming: A Training Program for Socially Disadvantaged and Military Veteran Beginning Farmers during the COVID 19 Pandemic” Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta serves as the Project Director. The project’s goal is to collaborate with community-based organizations in Ohio to train socially disadvantaged and military veteran beginning farmers to start and manage viable farms. About Central State University: Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with a 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. Central State ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges in five categories, including Best Undergraduate Engineering Program and Top Public Schools. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally. EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land Grant Institution, is committed to the full inclusion of all people and does not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV / AIDS states, marital or family status, military status, national origin political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. If reasonable accommodations are needed, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (937) 376-6540. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution Contact: Debbie Alberico, Public Relations Director dalberico@centralstate.edu 937-376-6605

Join Longway Ministries every Thursday at 9:15pm for a journey to experience the Holy Spirit Are you hungry for more of the Holy Spirit in your life? Are you ready for a personal encounter with Him that will change your life? This weekly prayer call will explore RT Kendall's 40 Days with the Holy Spirit. Respected preacher and theologian R. T. Kendall takes you on a journey through daily readings from his book, Holy Fire, that will: Present inspiring insight into the Holy Spirit Provide a scriptural basis for deeper study Direct your prayer time as you seek to know and encounter Him in a fresh new way Provide journaling space to record your experiences with Him If you desire to increase your knowledge of this most misunderstood member of the trinity, or if you long to experience His presence in your life in a deeper way than ever before, this book is for you. If this prayer call is for you, join Longway Ministries every Thursday evening, at 9:15pm (EDT), by calling (339) 207-6695. The book is available on Amazon . Thank you for joining us on this adventure!

Help Make it Happen! Jeraldyne Blunden (1940–1999) was the founder and artistic director of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. She left a permanent mark on the field of contemporary dance by founding the oldest modern dance company in Ohio and inspiring generations of choreographers, teachers and dancers. Her company, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, has grown to be one of the largest companies of its kind in the nation, and proudly holds the largest repository of modern dance works, both classic and contemporary, by African-American choreographers in the world. The company Jeraldyne Blunden created continues to reach over 10,000 audiences annually in national, and international touring, and online platforms, and serves over 25,000 students, k-12 and beyond, through its educational programming. Imagine a book of US postage stamps with her image in her honor! DAG is excited to announce an opportunity for you to join a letter-writing campaign to honor DCDC Founder Jeraldyne Blunden on a U.S. postage stamp. Download a sample of the letter in support of the Jeraldyne Blunden US Postage Stamp. You may use as is, or you may personalize by adding your own thoughts, embellishments, and/or life-changing events, to the body of the letter. Click to download and sign your copy of the letter. Mail the completed letter to DCDC, 840 Germantown St., Dayton, OH 45402. You're invited to share this appeal with your friends and family, requesting they download then mail, as well. Let's flood the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee with thousands of letters of recommendation.

Rossie L. Blue, Jr., 78, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022, at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Blue was the owner/operator of Blue’s Barber Service for over 50 years. He was a well-respected businessman who provided high quality service to many in the community and beyond. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan. Rossie was born on November 23, 1943, in Clarkton, NC, to the late Rev. Rossie L. (Sr.) and Annie M. Blue. He is also pre-deceased by his son, Dexter L. Blue; brother, Edward F. Blue; and sister, Mary L. Carter. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Tabitha Lewis Blue; his devoted daughter, Charmayne Blue Marvin (Craig); two sisters, Katrina Blue Robinson (Raymond), and Gloria A. Blue; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren and many loving family members and friends. His Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Christian Life Center , 3489 Little York Road, Dayton, Ohio 45414. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Family will receive visitors at 12:00 p.m. Service at 1:00 p.m. A military honors ceremony burial will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Dayton National Cemetery. Professional services entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home , Inc., Dayton, Ohio.

Daryle Ward: Dayton Dragons Hitting Coach Daryle Ward returned to the Dragons as hitting coach in 2022 after serving in the same position in Dayton in 2017-18 and 2021. He is in his seventh year in coaching in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He served as the hitting coach with the Reds affiliate in the Arizona League in 2016 and with the Chattanooga Lookouts in 2019. He had been slated to coach in Chattanooga in 2020 prior to the cancellation of the season. Ward played professionally for 22 seasons from 1994-2015. He spent seven full seasons and parts of four others in the Major Leagues, primarily as a left fielder and first baseman. Ward played in 948 big league games with the Astros, Dodgers, Pirates, Nationals, Braves, and Cubs. His best season came in 2002 with Houston when he appeared in 136 games and batted .276 with 31 doubles, 12 home runs, and 72 runs batted in. He connected on a career-high 20 home runs in 2000 with the Astros. In the later stages of Ward’s Major League career, he emerged as one of the National League’s top pinch hitters. He led all of baseball in pinch hits and runs batted in as a pinch hitter in 2006 while finishing tied for first in pinch hit home runs. Ward played in 2,318 professional games before retiring at the age of 40 following the 2015 season. Ward, 46, was originally signed by the Tigers as a 15th round draft pick in 1994 out of Rancho Santiago College in California. He is a native of the Los Angeles area and now makes his offseason home in Riverside, California. His father, Gary Ward, was a Major League All-Star selection with both the Twins and Rangers as part of a 12-year Major League playing career. Source: https://www.milb.com/dayton/news/dragons-welcome-two-former-mlb-all-stars-as-part-of-2022-coaching-staff

SIGN UP TODAY AND SAVE THREE LIVES! Dayton, Ohio - The Dayton Dragons and Community Blood Center are teaming up for a blood drive on Friday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark Plaza. Everyone who registers to donate willreceive Dragons gear, an exclusive water bottle from the Community Blood Center, and entries into a Reds ticket giveaway that includes a Cole Swindell concert. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Schedule online today at www.DonorTime.com or call (937) 461-3220. Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past Community Blood Center donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health. More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com , or on the web at daytondragons.com .

The Coalition on Public Protection is a coalition of concerned community members and organizations promoting transparency, oversight, and community participation in decisions impacting public safety. The coalition includes members from Black Lives Matter Dayton, Latinos Unidos, NAACP Dayton Unit, Leaders for Equality and Action in Dayton, Miami Valley Immigration Coalition, Dayton Hispanic Chamber, ABLE, The Access Center for Independent Living. The post below was taken from an email that is circulating in advance of the July 20, 2022 Dayton City Commission meeting. We want to accomplish two things with this email. First , we want to share with you our email to the Dayton City Commissioners which presented our serious concerns about the City moving ahead with installing ALPRs without approving an accurate and compliant Impact Report . . . which they are required to do. As a first effort to act on a new ordinance, what does it say about genuine transparency and accountability for such a failure? Our message to the Commissioners follows. Second, because this is an issue that needs citizen response, particularly at the scheduled public hearing on July 20 at 6pm, we want to meet beforehand, this Sunday, July 17 at 4 pm, via Zoom, to hear what you have to say, to prepare for the Forum, and to make sure all of our voices are heard in a constructive way. Please join us on Sunday. The registration is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvce6uqj4jEtMIvkHpjYSSXsWfOIsHZXEd . Our Concerns Communicated to the Commission Members On June 30, the Coalition on Public Protection emailed the Dayton City Commission with a list of concerns about the police’s proposal for license plate readers, which does not comply with the City’s Surveillance Technology Oversight Ordinance. We asked for the City to send the report back to the Police Department and direct it to draft a compliant impact report and use policy. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE DAYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT’S AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER PROPOSAL The Coalition on Public Protection, which includes representatives from Access Center for Independent Living, Black Lives Matter Dayton, Dayton Unit NAACP, Latinos Unidos, LEAD, Miami Valley Immigration Coalition, ABLE, and other community activists, has reviewed the Dayton Police Department’s Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) Surveillance Impact Report and Use Policy. We do not believe the report and policy, as written, serve the purposes mandated in the Surveillance Technology Oversight Ordinance. These reports do not contain enough objective information and accurate, relevant data for the Commission to make an informed decision—as our elected officials—on the technology proposal. The Coalition previously requested that the Commission send this report and policy back to the Dayton Police Department to make revisions that make the documents more objective and allow the Commission to make an informed decision. This would necessarily require the hearing date to be pushed back. However, in order to comply with the current public comment deadline, we submit a list of our concerns and requests below: Surveillance Impact Report 1. Crime statistics. The explanation of the use of crime statistics, particularly the reliance of comparing 2018 data at the exclusion of data from 2019 that shows ALPRs do not result in crime reductions, is insufficient. 2. Unknown vendor. There is a huge question regarding data sharing with third party vendors since DPD has not chosen a vendor for the fixed-site ALPRs yet. Further, all of the community outreach and other information-sharing DPD conducted was with and regarding Flock Safety ALPRs: their data protections, data-sharing policies, images they capture, etc. If Flock Safety is not going to be the vendor, then the Commission and the community needs to be informed about what capabilities and datasharing/storage protocols the actual vendor possesses before the Commission can make an informed decision. 3. Adverse Impact of equipment on protected groups. This is one of the most important sections, yet it reads as an opinion section as to why the police should be trusted. It does not contain data or other objective indicia for why these ALPRs will not have an adverse impact on minority communities. 4. No independent, objective reports. We acknowledge there is a blog post by a former police officer and criminal justice professor attached to the current version of the impact report. However, we do not think it qualifies as an “independent evaluation” under Section 34.10(4)(b). There are other independent reports about ALPRs that the police is likely aware of that should have been included. It ultimately benefits the police to understand the potential risks and costs, as well as the benefits, of ALPRs that are identified by national experts. We attach to this comment two reports on ALPRs for your consideration. Use Policy 1. Police access to data. We also noticed that changes to the documents now allow for every police officer to access ALPR data, rather than certain command officers, as in previous versions of the policy. This is concerning. 2. Data retention. We still question why data needs to be kept for 30 days or longer and whether that is necessary and proportionate to the uses of the ALPR. It seems a period of 24 hours for data not related to a specific criminal incident would be sufficient. 3. Data sharing with vendors. There is not enough information about Evidence.com and the data storage and sharing agreement with Axon. A copy of this agreement should be provided. 4. Removal. While the impact report mentions a process for installing ALPRs through the Neighborhood Safety Plan, neither the impact report nor the policy mention a process for removal. 5. Compliance. Section 34.11(k) of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Ordinance requires a use policy to disclose the mechanisms to ensure that the Use Policy is followed, including “internal personnel assigned to ensure compliance with the Policy, internal recordkeeping of the use of the policy,” safeguards to monitor misuse, and legally enforceable sanctions for violation of the policy. The ALPR Use Policy does not contain this information. 6. No independent auditor. During the ordinance process, the City committed to the hiring of an independent auditor to monitor DPD’s compliance with the ordinance. To date, that auditor has not been hired. Given the repeated compliance concerns with the various drafts of these reports and policies, the Commission should table the proposal until it can be reviewed by an independent auditor. This is the first proposal that is going through the ordinance process, and it is important that we get this right. 7. No safeguards against data sharing with ICE in policy. The ALPR use policy does not include the procedure outlined in the impact report that requires recipients of ALPR data to attest they will not share the information with immigration enforcement agencies. This is concerning, since it is the policy that will govern the police department’s conduct going forward. 8. Hearing. We note the procedure to hold a hearing every time a new neighborhood adopts the ALPR as part of its safety plan was omitted from the most recent policy draft. Why was that? What notice will be provided to the community if a new neighborhood adopts ALPRs? 9. Transparent use of ALPRs. Patrol vehicles should have a light or other signal that should be visible to the public when the mobile license plate readers in each patrol vehicle are turned on. If the goal of the ALPRs is to reduce crime through deterrence, it would make sense to let the public know when the ALPRs are actively being used. 10. Hit list. The Commission should limit approval of ALPR “hit list” for both mobile and fixed-site ALPRs to a list of certain infractions, such as terrorism hits, stolen vehicles, and amber alerts. 11. Cost/benefit analysis. DPD should be required to conduct a cost analysis every year to determine the monetary value of vehicles and other property retrieved through ALPRs compared to the entire cost of ALPRs (including personnel costs and any costs relating to data storage). We thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the ALPR proposal. As our elected representatives, we hope you will take our concerns and demands very seriously. Sincerely, Coalition on Public Protection Attachments: Vasudha Talla, “Documents Reveal ICE Using Driver Location Data From Local Police for Deportations,” ACLU.org (Mar. 13, 2019), available at: https://www.aclu.org/blog/immigrantsrights/ice-and-border-patrol-abuses/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data Jonathan Hofer, Automated License Plate Readers: A Study in Failure, Independent Institute (Nov. 30, 2021), available at: https://www.independent.org/publications/article.asp?id=13893

Meet Wendy Shaia, an activist, social worker, author, and educator from Baltimore, Maryland, who predicts in her new Black dystopian fantasy novel that in the year 2024 there will be a racial civil war in America between Blacks and whites. Although her book is fictional, the concept stems from her knowledge of historical trends where white nationalism rises after pandemics, as well as the murders of Freddie Gray, George Floyd, and others. In the book, which is entitled The Black Cell , Wendy crafts an intense and provoking picture for use as a new tool in the fight for social justice. Imagine it’s 2024, and police brutality against Black people is at an all-time high in Baltimore and across the country. Corey Masters, a young Black man, is deeply troubled by experiences of racism during his childhood. After a false arrest and beating by police, Corey’s anger is at a boiling point. His roommate then introduces him to the Baltimore Cell, one of many secret groups around the country recruiting and training Black people for armed resistance. The Black Cell is grounded in the author’s experience as a Baltimore anti-racist advocate, professor, and social service leader. Unapologetically targeted to Black readers and others interested in Black liberation, this will appeal to readers of utopian fantasies like Octavia Butler (Parable of the Talents) and Ta-Nehisi Coates (Black Panther). Here is a short review by Baltimore journalist and author Lawrence Lanahan: “In ‘The Black Cell’, author Wendy Shaia draws on America’s recent history to paint a provocative portrait of its near future. What will it take for true Black liberation? How far will white people go to enforce white supremacy? This provocative page-turner imagines a 2024 reprise of our Trump-inspired white nationalist nightmare. Bursting with suspense, it will shake readers as it ponders what might go down when Americans feel forced to pick a side.” About: Wendy Shaia is a British-Jamaican social worker, activist, author, and educator that is currently teaching at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. She is also the Executive Director of the Social Work Community Outreach Service. Her book, The Black Cell, is published by Publerati Publishing and will be released in September 2022. However, it is available now for pre-order on Amazon . For more details about Wendy and/or her book, visit her official website at WendyShaia.com For press inquiries and/or to schedule an interview with Wendy, contact Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris at sharris@wendyshaia.com or 404-514-6372.