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Blue Jacket files for bankruptcy after 26 yearsBy MKkl FERRELLStall' Writer andC HELSEV LEVINGSTONContributing WriterEditor's note: This is port of a Jive story series remembering and updating the top Jive stories of2009. Stories were chosen by staff based on their news values.The series begins with this fifth top story.XENIA — After 26 years running and a million viewers, Xenia hallmark summer outdoor production “Blue Jacket officially disbanded June 2(XW per a bankruptcy filing by its nonprofit parent company,First Frontier, Inc.Since then a new non-profit organization has been started,Ceasar’s Ford Theater, to restore outdoor theater to Greene County, said Secretary of the Board Tim Haney in a phone interview Dec.23. As far as “Blue Jacket. Haney said,“It’s pretty much defunct now.Board of directors president Jim Harworth discussed the bankruptcy in June. First Frontier, Inc. filed tor bankruptcy May 12 after years of financial struggle brought on by dwindlingticket sales.Harworth estimated that, after seeing seasons w ith as many as 50.01X) tickets sold, only 12,(XX) attended the show in 2(X)7.He added, Blue Jacket as the drama is gone. We are not try ing to get Blue Jacket back. There are very few shows that can say they lasted for 26 years.According to court documents, over $220,(XX) has been claimed to date, including a claim of $221,661.87 by the Greene County Board of County Commissioners.Harworth estimated the First Frontier,Inc. owes at least tw ice that, including $25,000 to him.As previously-reported, in August of 2(X)8. First Frontier, Inc. w as sued by playwright W. L. Mundell for non-payment of royalties for an estimated $25,000.At that time. First Frontier, Inc. estimated that the company was $225.(XX) in debt.“As I do feel bad and as legally he was entitled to that it's just a question of, w here are we going to get the money to pay that? Because it's just not there. said Harworth Tuesday.Harw orth joined the board of directors in 2(XXt after his company, Detroit Tire in Xenia, became a donor for Blue Jacket.See Blue Jacket, Page 3A ■,1kii#9THE TOPFIVESTORIES012009
Newspaper Details
Xenia Gazette News Current
Xenia, Ohio, US
Thu, Dec 24, 2009
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Greene C.
OH, USA 21 May 2025
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