Friday, May 07, 1999
Middletown auctions surplus and seized
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — If you've been wanting a Chinese knife or a glitzy Las Vegas tray, get to Middletown at 9 a.m. Saturday for the annual city auction, featuring an array of goods that would rival a variety store.
“We've pretty much got something for everyone,” said Gene Prewitt, police property officer, as he walked around the property room, pointing out a leaf blower here and a pet carrier there.
There are also crutches, a wide selection of ball bats, a new range and microwave and some used appliances, a weed cutter, knives, electronic gear, office furniture tools, books, swords, even sports cards.
None of that strikes your fancy? There is also jewelry — including men's and women's rings, earrings, necklaces and watches — purses and wallets, said Cindy Strayer, city purchasing agent who is responsible for disposal of all city items.
The estimated 150 bicycles to be sold come in most colors in the crayon box, with a wide range of speeds — 1 to 21 — and uses from moun tain climbing and racing to tooling around.
The auction includes items recovered and confiscated over the past year, and surplus items from city departments. Some of the items need work, Mrs. Strayer said.
“A lot of work goes into this,” she said. “They're working months in advance to get it all together.”
And you just never know what might be confiscated and wind up in the sale, Mr. Prewitt said.
There have even been scales that dealers use to weigh their dope which keep reappearing, he said.
“We confiscate them, they're sold at auction, then we get them back in other confiscations and sell them again,” Mr. Prewitt said.
headIF YOU GOŁ
• What: Middleton police auction.
• When: Starting 9 a.m. Saturday.
• Where: City transit building, 402 N. Main St.
• Terms: Cash only.
• Etc.: Sale conducted by Hartman Auctioneers. Proceeds, which usually average $8,000 to $10,000, go to the police department and the city general fund.
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