1/22/98
Editors: Ohio University employees are in the process of organizing and tagging items for the university's first public auction of surplus property. Most of the items already have been assembled, and the sheer volume might make an interesting photograph. News organizations are welcome to contact Director of Surplus Management Gary Dicken at (740) 593-0463 to arrange a time for a photograph.
Contact: Gary Dicken, (740) 593-0463

ATHENS, Ohio -- Four pool tables, IBM and MacIntosh computer equipment, and a 1947 Farmall Cub tractor are among hundreds of items on the block for Ohio University's first public auction of surplus property at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, on The Ridges.

And there's plenty more where that came from, said Director of Surplus Management Gary Dicken, who has taken calls about the auction from prospective bidders throughout the area and in Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky. Pat and Wanda Sheridan of Shamrock Auction Service will conduct the auction at Building 10 on The Ridges overlooking the university's Athens campus.

Until now, the university accepted sealed bids for surplus items or placed them in storage. Under the new procedure, public auctions will be conducted quarterly, or more often if warranted, and only items valued at more than $10,000 will be sold by sealed bid.

Most inquiries about the upcoming auction have concerned office furniture, computers and farm equipment, Dicken said.

"The public is tickled to death," he said. "We've got people coming from several states. They can't wait."

Several vehicles will be auctioned off, including a 1976 GMC motor home, a 1987 Ford Escort and a 1984 Honda Aero scooter. In addition to four pool tables, the university is selling a shuffleboard deck, camera equipment, and various office and home furnishings. Computer equipment will include monitors, keyboards, printers, external modems and CD-ROMs. Farmers may be interested in the New Holland manure spreader or the industrial-type air compressor that will be up for bid.

Several homes along Dairy Lane and one each on Factory Street and West Union Street also will be sold. Homes must be moved in one piece or demolished and removed by the successful bidders. The university has no immediate plans for the property, although it is in an area identified for future growth. Tours of the homes will conducted at 9 a.m. Jan. 23 and 30, and anyone interested should meet at Building 34 on The Ridges.

Signs will be placed along roadways to direct people attending the auction to The Ridges, where parking will be available. Successful bidders may pay with cash or checks made payable to Ohio University. Identification is required of those paying by check and, in the case of checks for more than $1,000, bank authorization of funds available also is necessary. Food and refreshments will be available to purchase.

Items included in the auction may be viewed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Jan. 30, the day before the auction, at Building 10 on The Ridges.

Proceeds from the sale will go to the departments supplying the items and to the surplus property program to help offset overhead costs.