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Friday,
September 5, 2008
Police Catch Man Charged With Reckless Homicide
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The third suspect charged with reckless homicide in the overdose death of a man has been arrested.
Matthew Gabbard, 19, of Aurora was on the run from police after two others were arrested in connection with the death of Vaughan Hempfleng.
Gabbard was one of two men who sold illegal prescription pills to Samual Hempfleng, 19, the victim’s son. The other dealer is allegedly Dustin Henry, 25, also of Aurora.
Samual Hempfleng gave the pills to Vaughn Hempfleng even though he allegedly knew his father had a dangerous addiction to pills. Court documents say Vaughn was also an alcoholic.
Sam told investigators that he father passed out the night before after taking Xanax and Oxycontin.
Vaughan Hempfleng overdosed on those pills in a home on High Street in Lawrenceburg on June 23.
Gabbard is now held in the Dearborn County Jail. His bond has not been set pending an initial court appearance.
Gabbard, Hempfleng, and Henry are all charged with Reckless Homicide and two counts of Dealing in a Controlled Substance.
All Prostitution Suspects Have Plead Guilty
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - All of the 13 prostitutes charged with working at brothels in Dearborn County have finally reached plea deals.
Before trials were set to start on Tuesday, the final five suspects had their pleas accepted in Dearborn Circuit Court.
Sang Kum Patrella, Chi Jong Searles, Hua Yung Lee, and Un Sung Chang Toner all plead to misdemeanor Theft.
Yong Son Gibson pled to misdemeanor Prostitution.
All five women will not spend any actual time behind bars. They were sentenced to time served and released.
The arrests came after police raided massage parlors in Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and West Harrison last May. The parlors were fronts for brothels.
Dearborn-Ohio United Way Sets Goal At $175,000
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The Dearborn and Ohio Counties United Way kicked off their 2008 fundraising campaign by setting the bar high.
“I think we’re looking at $175,000! Oh my goodness,” Eagle 99.3’s Bob Shannon exclaimed during a ceremony held yesterday in downtown Lawrenceburg as board members wore t-shirts that spelled out the dollar amount.
The local chapter merged with the Greater Cincinnati United Way earlier this year.
Campaign chairman, Dearborn County resident, and 700 WLW morning show host Jim Scott thinks that relationship will help in reaching that goal.
“There will be thousands of dollars that will be joining the dollars we raise here in these two counties that will help us out. It will be people like me that live here and work there (Cincinnati). It will be other people that are just aware of what we’re doing and know that we need some help getting started,” Scott told the crowd of about 150 people that had gathered. “So, it’s going to be a great campaign.”
The fundraising received an initial boost yesterday with the announcement that Argosy Casino and South Dearborn Schools contributed.
The organization helps dozens of local non-profits with the donations.
Fundraiser Tonight In Memory of EC Students
(Hebron, KY) - Friends and family of two East Central High School students killed in a car crash last Spring look to raise money tonight.
Rachel Meece and Stephanie Gould died in the crash on a rainy Friday night, May 9, on Lawrenceburg Road in Whitewater Township, Ohio
A memorial scholarship fundraiser has been announced at the Briarwood Banquet and Reception Center in Hebron, Kentucky tonight. It will run from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.
Tickets are $30 per person and include dinner, dance, raffles, silent auction, and drinks.
Money raised will support scholarship funds set up in their memory – the Rachel Meece Memorial Fund and the Stephanie Gould Memorial Fund.
The scholarships will be awarded each year to two East Central students.
Reds Pitcher Donates $1,500 In Pennies To SDDFS
(Aurora, IN) - It made sense in more ways than one for a Cincinnati Reds player to donate $1,500 to South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars.
Pitcher Josh Fogg received $1,500 in pennies as a joke from former Red Ken Griffey, Jr. earlier this season. Fogg had won a bet with Griffey.
Fogg is now giving those pennies to the local group after becoming aware of a penny-oriented fundraising drive
Dollars for Scholars organizer Debbie Busching says the boxes filled with 900-lbs worth of pennies are still in the Reds clubhouse.
The official presentation will be tonight at Great American Ball Park as the Reds host South Dearborn Community Day.
NKY Now Considering Two Smoking Bans
(Boone County, KY) - Two smoking bans are now up for debate in Northern Kentucky.
The original proposed ordinance had no exemptions, but a new version allows exemptions for bars, clubs, and private work areas where the public can only go on appointment.
It’s still unknown when fiscal courts in Boone and other counties would vote on the ordinance.
Comair Last In On-Time, Botched Baggage
(Hebron, KY) - Not good news for Hebron-based Comair airlines.
A new government report says Comair was the least punctual airline nationwide in the month of July.
They also had the highest rate of mishandled bags.
With 63.3 percent of flights on schedule, the regional carrier had the worst on-time performance among the 19 carriers reporting.
SDHS Invites All SEI Seniors To College Night
(Aurora, IN) - All southeast Indiana high school students are invited to attend South Dearborn High School’s annual College Night.
The school is again hosting over 50 colleges from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio to hand out information to students looking to extend their education past high school.
“This is an excellent opportunity to gather first-hand information about a wide variety of two-year and four-year programs,” says Lisa Moorhead with the South Dearborn High School Guidance Department.
The event will be held this year on October 8. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Biker Dies After Fleeing From Cops
(New Trenton, IN) - A fatal motorcycle crash last night claims the life of a West Harrison man.
It happened near the Franklin County town of New Trenton when a deputy responded to a call about two motorcycles speeding through the area at 11:40 p.m. He saw the two biker pass by at high speed at 3112 New Trenton Road.
As the deputy turned around to pull over Randall Walter, 21, he sped off and wrecked a short distance down the road.
Walter was killed as his 2005 Suzuki 750 motorcycle went off the road and slammed into a tree.
He was wearing a helmet.
According to an Indiana State Police release, Walter may have been going too fast to negotiate a right hand turn.
Police have not said what happened to the second biker that was travelling with Walter who also fled.
The crash investigation is ongoing.
Mother Charged With Abuse After Taking Infant To Hospital
(Milan, IN) - A Milan mother is in trouble with the law after allegations of child abuse.
Kellie Lewis, 26, faces a misdemeanor count of child endangering.
She took her nine-month-old daughter to a Cincinnati hospital on Tuesday.
Cincinnati Police arrested her after being alerted to the allegations by doctors and an eight-hour investigation.
Further details of the abuse have not been disclosed, but reports say the baby needed several blood transfusions.
Lewis appeared in Hamilton County court on Wednesday morning. The judge ordered her to stay away from the child which has been placed in protective custody. She is currently jailed on $5,000 bond.
Drag Strip Developer Seriously Injured
(Indianapolis, IN) - The man who wants to build a drag strip and move the Hamilton County Fair to Crosby Township is in the hospital.
Steve Engel is in critical condition at an Indianapolis hospital after he wrecked his hot rod during the MAC Tools U.S. Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday.
His 1963 Chevrolet Corvette slammed into a wall after crossing the finish line. Reports say the wall was so badly damaged that racing was ended for the evening as it was repaired.
Engle suffered injuries to his spinal cord and fractured six vertebrae, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Engle’s controversial plans for his own racing facility near the site of the old Fernald plant are still working through a lawsuit. Last month, he offered 30 acres for the Hamilton County Fair to be relocated if he were allowed to build the drag strip.
High Heat Has Consequences
(Vevay, IN) - The heat wave rages on in Eagle Country.
Highs are expected to reach the 90’s again today. Combine that with humidity around 85%.
Cincinnati and northern Kentucky are still under a smog alert.
Switzerland County Schools will dismiss at noon today because many of the district’s buildings and classrooms have no air conditioning.
Administrators say that busses will return students home after the early dismissal, as they did when releasing ahead of schedule on Wednesday.
Dearborn, Boone Delegates At RNC
(Minneapolis, MN) - There is some local representation at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis this week.
Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore is a delegate at the convention.
In a conversation on Wednesday, Moore said he likes the pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate.
“For everything I’ve learned about her in this short amount of time I think she is a warrior,” he says.
Moore thinks the Republican ticket can make changes in Washington if elected.
“This is the man for the job because he has the experience and the integrity. I think that message will resonate with people all across the country.”
Dearborn County Auditor Cary Pickens is also a delegate at the convention.
A former Marine, Pickens was seen in a live close-up on Fox News Channel during speeches by Joe Lieberman and Fred Thompson on Tuesday night. He was wearing his Lawrenceburg American Legion hat.
Presidential candidate John McCain is slated to deliver his acceptance speech on Thursday night.
Dearborn-Ohio United Way Begins ’08 Fundraising
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The Dearborn and Ohio Counties United Way Fund kicks off their 2008 fundraising campaign on Thursday.
They will be set up in downtown Lawrenceburg at the corner of High and Walnut Streets at 12:00 noon.
The group partners with about two dozen other local organizations in the area.
The Dearborn and Ohio County branch merged with the United Way of Greater Cincinnati in April.
For more information visit http://www.uwgc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=589EB2E5-CF1C-2465-1A02317770F901FD
Boone Residents Unite To Oppose Tax Hike
(Burlington, KY) - An anti-tax group has formed in Boone County.
Citizens for Lower Taxes is against a proposed parks tax appearing on the ballot in the county this November. They call the tax unnecessary and rushed, according to NKY.com.
The Boone County Fiscal Court decided in August to place the referendum on the ballot.
The proposed tax is 2.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. The owner of a $180,000 home would pay $39.60 annually.
Those supporting the tax have formed their own group, Support Boone Parks. According to the report, they say the tax would bring much needed funding to the county parks system for years to come.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Fatal Crash In Union
(Union, KY) - A single-car crash has claimed the life of a Florence man.
Police say Shawn Claybern, 43, lost control of his car on Hathaway Road in Union on Tuesday afternoon around 4:30. The car then flipped over an embankment.
Claybern was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police are not sure what caused him to lost control of the car.
The crash remains under investigation.
No Bond For Murder Suspect; Death Penalty Possible
(Madison, IN) - The death penalty could be a possibility for the man accused of beating two Cincinnatians to death in Madison, Indiana last week.
Indiana State Police arrested Jack Edwards, Jr. on Friday in connection with the killings of Cindy Mauntel and Renear Kirksey. A third victim, David Summerlin, continues to recover.
Edwards faces up to 180 years behind bars for the two Murder charges and one charge of Attempted Murder. However, the Jefferson County prosecutor is reviewing laws that would allow the death penalty or life without parole, according to the Madison Courier.
Edwards made his first court appearance on Tuesday. The judge decided to set no bond for Edwards citing the severity of the charges.
Prostitution Trials Nixed After All Plea
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - No trials will be needed to put the suspects in connection with a prostitution ring behind bars.
The trials for many of the 13 prostitutes and others who helped run the operation were supposed to be held today, but the Dearborn County Prosecutor’s office says they have all agreed to plea deals.
A handful of other suspects are still on the lam.
Four brothels were raided in Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and West Harrison this past spring.
Man Accused of Domestic Violence, Strangulation
(West Harrison, IN) - A West Harrison man is in trouble for domestic violence.
Daniel Meyers, 47, was arrested on Saturday afternoon when a family member flagged down police on Pinhook Road following an altercation.
The Dearborn County Sheriff’s deputy observed three family members distraught over the incident.
Meyers allegedly hit and strangled one of the family members.
He was jailed in Dearborn County on charges of Battery, Strangulation, and Domestic Violence with a Child Present.
Congressman To Visit Spirit City
(Lawrenceburg, IN) – In yet another bid to get reelected as southeast Indiana’s congressman, Baron Hill (D) plans on making a few campaign stops in Lawrenceburg this week.
The Ninth District Congressman is running on the November ballot against familiar foe Republican Mike Sodrel. It will be the fourth time the tow have faced off for the same office.
Hill will try to garner support in Dearborn County by spending Thursday afternoon at three Lawrenceburg locations.
Hill will meet with community leaders at the Lawrenceburg Community Center on Walnut Street to discuss development in the city from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m.
The congressman will also tour Ivy Tech Community College’s riverfront campus from 3:30 to 4:15. Hill will discuss with students new laws that reduce college costs.
Finally, Hill will get to tour the Lawrenceburg Women’s Health Clinic from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Indoor Driving Range Proposed In Florence
(Florence, KY) - Year-round golf could be coming to Boone County.
Plans for a World of Sports complex in Florence now include an indoor driving range and putting green.
The facility would be part of a $2.75 million, 31,000 square foot clubhouse along Interstate 75 on Woodspoint Drive. An outdoor dining area and banquet rooms are also included.
The clubhouse will have a unique design with sloping roofs and colored blue and yellow.
The existing outdoor driving range would be lengthened to 225 yards and include a two-tiered tee deck.
The developer says it will attract new, young golfers.
Secretary Of State: Voter Registration Up As General Election Nears
(Indianapolis, IN) - The Indiana Secretary of State says today that voter registration is up over past years as the General election gets closer in November.
Todd Rokita says there could be a voter turnout record.
Rokita says that interest in the Democratic Presidential primary touched off the increase. He adds that the present state of the nation plus the race for governor is peaking the attention of citizens.
The deadline to register to vote for the November election is Monday, October 6.
Rokita says there are $500,000 people who have updated their registration or have signed up to cast their ballots.
There are 200,000 people who have signed up after the primary in May.
Indiana Hosts Carbon Capture Summit
(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will speak at a first-of-its kind summit on carbon capture and sequestration on Wednesday.
The gathering includes 150 participants and will be held on the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis campus.
Daniels will discuss Indiana's progress on a green infrastructure while still making use of an abundant coal supply.
Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers and former Louisiana Senator J. Bennett Johnston area also scheduled to address the conference.
The state has also invited environmental and academic experts to take part in developing policy and regulatory guidelines.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Franklin Co. Sheriff Charged With DUI
(Brookville, IN) - A local sheriff is in hot water after he was picked up for drunk driving.
On Friday night, a deputy pulled over Franklin County Sheriff Dale Maxey on Laurel Road just outside of Brookville.
Maxey was going left of center and failing to use his turn signal when the deputy stopped him.
Indiana State Police from the Connersville post were called in to handle the arrest when the deputy realized it was his boss.
Maxey, who has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated, has posted a $2,500 bond to get out of jail.
He was held at the Fayette County Jail.
Arrest Made In Madison Beating Deaths
(Madison, IN) - A suspect has been arrested in connect with deadly beatings in Madison last week.
Indiana State Police have charged Madison resident Jack Edwards, Junior, 35, with two counts of Murder and one count of Attempted Murder.
After a thorough crime scene investigation, numerous interviews with witnesses, and review of all evidence Edwards was arrested today in Madison without incident.
Two people from Cincinnati died from the beatings - of 26 year old Cindy Mauntel and 20 year old Ranear Kirksey. A third victim, David Summerlin, is recovering.
Investigators have not said what prompted the killings.
Formal charges will be filed this week and at that time all affidavits and other court documents currently sealed by a court order should be available for public review.
Police ID Man Killed In Fiery Crash
(Ohio County, IN) - The identity of the man who may have committed suicide by setting his car on fire in Ohio County has been identified.
Ohio County Sheriff’s Investigators say Greg McDermott, 32, of Hebron set his Pontiac G6 ablaze before he crashed it into a tree on Hartford Pike Road in northern Ohio County and died.
Police had to use DNA tests to verify his identity.
McDermott died at the scene of the crash on Thursday, August 14.
Serious Prison Time For Convicted Drug Dealer
(Versailles, IN) – It is 40 years behind bars for the Osgood man who dealt cocaine throughout Ripley County.
James Dobbs, 33, was sentenced in Ripley County court last week after he was convicted in July of various dealing charges.
He was found guilty in two separate jury trials in July. Convictions were given for charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Dealing in Cocaine and Conspiracy to Deal Cocaine – all Class A felonies which each carry a sentence of 20 to 50 years in prison.
The judge did suspend five years of the sentence and credited 370 days for time already served.
Dobbs’ lawyers asked for leniency in sentencing arguing that he suffered from anti-social personality disorder, had recently lost a child, and had no home.
Judge Carl Taul said he considered Dobbs’ lack of remorse and prior arrests when handing down the sentence.
Dobbs is appealing the case.
Milan Water Boiling Advisory Lifted
(Milan, IN) - Hoosier Hills Regional Water District customers near Milan can go back to drinking water straight from the tap.
A voluntary boiling advisory was repealed on Saturday after a water main break last week.
The main break caused possible contamination to the water supply.
Bullock Pen Dam Targeted For Upgrade
(Verona, KY) - It is safe, but a local dam does not meet federal requirements.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is planning a renovation of the Bullock Pen Dam at the lake that borders Boone County with Grant County.
The department wants to increase the 55-year-old, 55-foot dam’s height by four feet and build a new spillway. The project would begin in the summer of 2009.
Organizers say the project about five years in the making has no price tag yet because it is in the preliminary stages. Easements are still needed from most of the 60 people who own land on the lake.
Land owners or anybody else interested in the project is encouraged to attend a meeting on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Walton-Verona Elementary School.
Draining the lake had been considered, but about 6,500 customers of the Bullock Pen Water District rely on it for drinking water. It is also a popular fishing spot.
Rabbit Hash Election Going To The Dogs And More
(Rabbit Hash, KY) - The ballot in Rabbit Hash looks more like a petting zoo than a mayoral race.
The Rabbit Hash Historical Society is putting on the election for a new mayor after the town’s old mayor died in May. He was a Labrador retriever named Junior Cochran.
On the ballot so far are seven dogs, a cat, and a donkey.
Anybody, man or man’s best friend, can register to run for mayor by going to www.rabbithashusa.com.
Votes can also be cast on the website for $1.00. Proceeds benefit the historical society.
NKU Offers Tests To HS Students
(Boone County, KY) - A test being given by Northern Kentucky University will help area high school students find out if they are ready for college.
All 17 public school districts in northern Kentucky have signed on.
The online test consisting of 30 questions will be given students who scored less than an 18 in the math portion of the ACT last spring.
The test scores will help identify which students need remedial courses before heading off to college.
NKU is offering the program to the schools free-of-charge.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Aurora Man Charged With Rape, Incest
(Aurora, IN) - Disturbing rape allegations are brought against a man from Aurora.
Dearborn County Special Crimes Unit detectives say Douglas E. Snelling, 48, raped his 28-year-old daughter at his home on Exporting Street on August 17.
Investigators found out about the allegations when the victim went to a hospital in Greensburg.
The victim had spent the night at Snelling’s home after a family reunion the day before.
Snelling, while in the nude, allegedly woke the woman the next morning and dragged her into a bedroom where the attack occurred.
Snelling is charged with Rape, a Class B felony, and Incest, a Class C felony.
Bond has been set for Snelling at $150,000 surety and $2,500 cash bond. He is being held in the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center.
Woman Stole Checks From Mother
(Aurora, IN) - An Aurora woman is in trouble for stealing checks.
Amber Widener, 29, was caught writing the checks and trying to cash them at Merchants Bank’s branch in Dent, Ohio.
She allegedly took the book of 30 checks from her mother, Darla Fleek, when Fleek was at work one day while Widener was living with her.
Widener is charged with Theft.
Plea Deal Reached In Rape Case
(Harrison, OH) - A Harrison man pleads to rape charges after investigators say they had a solid case against him.
John Collins, 19, will spend four years in prison with eight months time served as part of his plea deal, according to the Harrison Press. He is not eligible for early release.
The teen picked up a 13-year-old girl at a Harrison football game and took her to smoke marijuana. The girl reported to police that she passed out and was raped. A second victim, pregnant with Collins’ child, soon afterwards came forward.
Collins was charged last November with six counts of rape, two counts of sexual battery and one count of assault.
The deal included reductions in two of the rape charges to gross sexual imposition. The sexual battery charges were completely dropped.
$50K Ticket Sold In Dillsboro
(Dillsboro, IN) - The holder of a winning Hoosier Lottery ticket has still not come forward.
The ticket won $50,000 in the Lucky Fives drawing on Tuesday.
It was sold at J and J Liquors in Dillsboro.
A winner has not been announced on the Hoosier Lottery website.
Details Auto Sales Owners Indicted
(Hebron, KY) - A Boone County Grand Jury has indicted a husband and wife who sold cars without the titles to dozens of people.
Francis and Dawn Divita each face 14 counts of theft by deception. The indictment came on August 19.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
They ran Details Auto Sales in Hebron.
Prosecutors say the Divitas are cooperating with the investigation.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is helping people who bought the cars get the titles they need. A meeting was held last week with the victims with the purpose of organizing county offices and financing companies to get the tittles where they belong.
JLT Coming To L’burg
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The race for Indiana governor will make another stop in Eagle Country next month.
Candidate Jill Long Thompson will be in Lawrenceburg on Friday, September 19 to attend a fundraiser held by the Dearborn County Democratic Party at the Dearborn Adult Center. It will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A barbecue dinner will be served along with drinks.
The public is invited. Tickets to the fundraiser are selling for $20 and go to Hoosiers for Jill.
Visit www.dearborncountydemocrats.org for more information.
Ripley Tax Bills Due Today
(Versailles, IN) - Tax bills are due today in Ripley County.
Spring installments must either be taken to the Treasurer’s Office in Versailles or be postmarked by the end of the day.
The Fall installment will be due in November if the billing process goes as scheduled.
Police Catch Man Charged With Reckless Homicide
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The third suspect charged with reckless homicide in the overdose death of a man has been arrested.
Matthew Gabbard, 19, of Aurora was on the run from police after two others were arrested in connection with the death of Vaughan Hempfleng.
Gabbard was one of two men who sold illegal prescription pills to Samual Hempfleng, 19, the victim’s son. The other dealer is allegedly Dustin Henry, 25, also of Aurora.
Samual Hempfleng gave the pills to Vaughn Hempfleng even though he allegedly knew his father had a dangerous addiction to pills. Court documents say Vaughn was also an alcoholic.
Sam told investigators that he father passed out the night before after taking Xanax and Oxycontin.
Vaughan Hempfleng overdosed on those pills in a home on High Street in Lawrenceburg on June 23.
Gabbard is now held in the Dearborn County Jail. His bond has not been set pending an initial court appearance.
Gabbard, Hempfleng, and Henry are all charged with Reckless Homicide and two counts of Dealing in a Controlled Substance.
All Prostitution Suspects Have Plead Guilty
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - All of the 13 prostitutes charged with working at brothels in Dearborn County have finally reached plea deals.
Before trials were set to start on Tuesday, the final five suspects had their pleas accepted in Dearborn Circuit Court.
Sang Kum Patrella, Chi Jong Searles, Hua Yung Lee, and Un Sung Chang Toner all plead to misdemeanor Theft.
Yong Son Gibson pled to misdemeanor Prostitution.
All five women will not spend any actual time behind bars. They were sentenced to time served and released.
The arrests came after police raided massage parlors in Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and West Harrison last May. The parlors were fronts for brothels.
Dearborn-Ohio United Way Sets Goal At $175,000
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The Dearborn and Ohio Counties United Way kicked off their 2008 fundraising campaign by setting the bar high.
“I think we’re looking at $175,000! Oh my goodness,” Eagle 99.3’s Bob Shannon exclaimed during a ceremony held yesterday in downtown Lawrenceburg as board members wore t-shirts that spelled out the dollar amount.
The local chapter merged with the Greater Cincinnati United Way earlier this year.
Campaign chairman, Dearborn County resident, and 700 WLW morning show host Jim Scott thinks that relationship will help in reaching that goal.
“There will be thousands of dollars that will be joining the dollars we raise here in these two counties that will help us out. It will be people like me that live here and work there (Cincinnati). It will be other people that are just aware of what we’re doing and know that we need some help getting started,” Scott told the crowd of about 150 people that had gathered. “So, it’s going to be a great campaign.”
The fundraising received an initial boost yesterday with the announcement that Argosy Casino and South Dearborn Schools contributed.
The organization helps dozens of local non-profits with the donations.
Fundraiser Tonight In Memory of EC Students
(Hebron, KY) - Friends and family of two East Central High School students killed in a car crash last Spring look to raise money tonight.
Rachel Meece and Stephanie Gould died in the crash on a rainy Friday night, May 9, on Lawrenceburg Road in Whitewater Township, Ohio
A memorial scholarship fundraiser has been announced at the Briarwood Banquet and Reception Center in Hebron, Kentucky tonight. It will run from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.
Tickets are $30 per person and include dinner, dance, raffles, silent auction, and drinks.
Money raised will support scholarship funds set up in their memory – the Rachel Meece Memorial Fund and the Stephanie Gould Memorial Fund.
The scholarships will be awarded each year to two East Central students.
Reds Pitcher Donates $1,500 In Pennies To SDDFS
(Aurora, IN) - It made sense in more ways than one for a Cincinnati Reds player to donate $1,500 to South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars.
Pitcher Josh Fogg received $1,500 in pennies as a joke from former Red Ken Griffey, Jr. earlier this season. Fogg had won a bet with Griffey.
Fogg is now giving those pennies to the local group after becoming aware of a penny-oriented fundraising drive
Dollars for Scholars organizer Debbie Busching says the boxes filled with 900-lbs worth of pennies are still in the Reds clubhouse.
The official presentation will be tonight at Great American Ball Park as the Reds host South Dearborn Community Day.
NKY Now Considering Two Smoking Bans
(Boone County, KY) - Two smoking bans are now up for debate in Northern Kentucky.
The original proposed ordinance had no exemptions, but a new version allows exemptions for bars, clubs, and private work areas where the public can only go on appointment.
It’s still unknown when fiscal courts in Boone and other counties would vote on the ordinance.
Comair Last In On-Time, Botched Baggage
(Hebron, KY) - Not good news for Hebron-based Comair airlines.
A new government report says Comair was the least punctual airline nationwide in the month of July.
They also had the highest rate of mishandled bags.
With 63.3 percent of flights on schedule, the regional carrier had the worst on-time performance among the 19 carriers reporting.
SDHS Invites All SEI Seniors To College Night
(Aurora, IN) - All southeast Indiana high school students are invited to attend South Dearborn High School’s annual College Night.
The school is again hosting over 50 colleges from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio to hand out information to students looking to extend their education past high school.
“This is an excellent opportunity to gather first-hand information about a wide variety of two-year and four-year programs,” says Lisa Moorhead with the South Dearborn High School Guidance Department.
The event will be held this year on October 8. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Biker Dies After Fleeing From Cops
(New Trenton, IN) - A fatal motorcycle crash last night claims the life of a West Harrison man.
It happened near the Franklin County town of New Trenton when a deputy responded to a call about two motorcycles speeding through the area at 11:40 p.m. He saw the two biker pass by at high speed at 3112 New Trenton Road.
As the deputy turned around to pull over Randall Walter, 21, he sped off and wrecked a short distance down the road.
Walter was killed as his 2005 Suzuki 750 motorcycle went off the road and slammed into a tree.
He was wearing a helmet.
According to an Indiana State Police release, Walter may have been going too fast to negotiate a right hand turn.
Police have not said what happened to the second biker that was travelling with Walter who also fled.
The crash investigation is ongoing.
Mother Charged With Abuse After Taking Infant To Hospital
(Milan, IN) - A Milan mother is in trouble with the law after allegations of child abuse.
Kellie Lewis, 26, faces a misdemeanor count of child endangering.
She took her nine-month-old daughter to a Cincinnati hospital on Tuesday.
Cincinnati Police arrested her after being alerted to the allegations by doctors and an eight-hour investigation.
Further details of the abuse have not been disclosed, but reports say the baby needed several blood transfusions.
Lewis appeared in Hamilton County court on Wednesday morning. The judge ordered her to stay away from the child which has been placed in protective custody. She is currently jailed on $5,000 bond.
Drag Strip Developer Seriously Injured
(Indianapolis, IN) - The man who wants to build a drag strip and move the Hamilton County Fair to Crosby Township is in the hospital.
Steve Engel is in critical condition at an Indianapolis hospital after he wrecked his hot rod during the MAC Tools U.S. Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday.
His 1963 Chevrolet Corvette slammed into a wall after crossing the finish line. Reports say the wall was so badly damaged that racing was ended for the evening as it was repaired.
Engle suffered injuries to his spinal cord and fractured six vertebrae, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Engle’s controversial plans for his own racing facility near the site of the old Fernald plant are still working through a lawsuit. Last month, he offered 30 acres for the Hamilton County Fair to be relocated if he were allowed to build the drag strip.
High Heat Has Consequences
(Vevay, IN) - The heat wave rages on in Eagle Country.
Highs are expected to reach the 90’s again today. Combine that with humidity around 85%.
Cincinnati and northern Kentucky are still under a smog alert.
Switzerland County Schools will dismiss at noon today because many of the district’s buildings and classrooms have no air conditioning.
Administrators say that busses will return students home after the early dismissal, as they did when releasing ahead of schedule on Wednesday.
Dearborn, Boone Delegates At RNC
(Minneapolis, MN) - There is some local representation at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis this week.
Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore is a delegate at the convention.
In a conversation on Wednesday, Moore said he likes the pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate.
“For everything I’ve learned about her in this short amount of time I think she is a warrior,” he says.
Moore thinks the Republican ticket can make changes in Washington if elected.
“This is the man for the job because he has the experience and the integrity. I think that message will resonate with people all across the country.”
Dearborn County Auditor Cary Pickens is also a delegate at the convention.
A former Marine, Pickens was seen in a live close-up on Fox News Channel during speeches by Joe Lieberman and Fred Thompson on Tuesday night. He was wearing his Lawrenceburg American Legion hat.
Presidential candidate John McCain is slated to deliver his acceptance speech on Thursday night.
Dearborn-Ohio United Way Begins ’08 Fundraising
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The Dearborn and Ohio Counties United Way Fund kicks off their 2008 fundraising campaign on Thursday.
They will be set up in downtown Lawrenceburg at the corner of High and Walnut Streets at 12:00 noon.
The group partners with about two dozen other local organizations in the area.
The Dearborn and Ohio County branch merged with the United Way of Greater Cincinnati in April.
For more information visit http://www.uwgc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=589EB2E5-CF1C-2465-1A02317770F901FD
Boone Residents Unite To Oppose Tax Hike
(Burlington, KY) - An anti-tax group has formed in Boone County.
Citizens for Lower Taxes is against a proposed parks tax appearing on the ballot in the county this November. They call the tax unnecessary and rushed, according to NKY.com.
The Boone County Fiscal Court decided in August to place the referendum on the ballot.
The proposed tax is 2.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. The owner of a $180,000 home would pay $39.60 annually.
Those supporting the tax have formed their own group, Support Boone Parks. According to the report, they say the tax would bring much needed funding to the county parks system for years to come.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Fatal Crash In Union
(Union, KY) - A single-car crash has claimed the life of a Florence man.
Police say Shawn Claybern, 43, lost control of his car on Hathaway Road in Union on Tuesday afternoon around 4:30. The car then flipped over an embankment.
Claybern was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police are not sure what caused him to lost control of the car.
The crash remains under investigation.
No Bond For Murder Suspect; Death Penalty Possible
(Madison, IN) - The death penalty could be a possibility for the man accused of beating two Cincinnatians to death in Madison, Indiana last week.
Indiana State Police arrested Jack Edwards, Jr. on Friday in connection with the killings of Cindy Mauntel and Renear Kirksey. A third victim, David Summerlin, continues to recover.
Edwards faces up to 180 years behind bars for the two Murder charges and one charge of Attempted Murder. However, the Jefferson County prosecutor is reviewing laws that would allow the death penalty or life without parole, according to the Madison Courier.
Edwards made his first court appearance on Tuesday. The judge decided to set no bond for Edwards citing the severity of the charges.
Prostitution Trials Nixed After All Plea
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - No trials will be needed to put the suspects in connection with a prostitution ring behind bars.
The trials for many of the 13 prostitutes and others who helped run the operation were supposed to be held today, but the Dearborn County Prosecutor’s office says they have all agreed to plea deals.
A handful of other suspects are still on the lam.
Four brothels were raided in Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and West Harrison this past spring.
Man Accused of Domestic Violence, Strangulation
(West Harrison, IN) - A West Harrison man is in trouble for domestic violence.
Daniel Meyers, 47, was arrested on Saturday afternoon when a family member flagged down police on Pinhook Road following an altercation.
The Dearborn County Sheriff’s deputy observed three family members distraught over the incident.
Meyers allegedly hit and strangled one of the family members.
He was jailed in Dearborn County on charges of Battery, Strangulation, and Domestic Violence with a Child Present.
Congressman To Visit Spirit City
(Lawrenceburg, IN) – In yet another bid to get reelected as southeast Indiana’s congressman, Baron Hill (D) plans on making a few campaign stops in Lawrenceburg this week.
The Ninth District Congressman is running on the November ballot against familiar foe Republican Mike Sodrel. It will be the fourth time the tow have faced off for the same office.
Hill will try to garner support in Dearborn County by spending Thursday afternoon at three Lawrenceburg locations.
Hill will meet with community leaders at the Lawrenceburg Community Center on Walnut Street to discuss development in the city from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m.
The congressman will also tour Ivy Tech Community College’s riverfront campus from 3:30 to 4:15. Hill will discuss with students new laws that reduce college costs.
Finally, Hill will get to tour the Lawrenceburg Women’s Health Clinic from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Indoor Driving Range Proposed In Florence
(Florence, KY) - Year-round golf could be coming to Boone County.
Plans for a World of Sports complex in Florence now include an indoor driving range and putting green.
The facility would be part of a $2.75 million, 31,000 square foot clubhouse along Interstate 75 on Woodspoint Drive. An outdoor dining area and banquet rooms are also included.
The clubhouse will have a unique design with sloping roofs and colored blue and yellow.
The existing outdoor driving range would be lengthened to 225 yards and include a two-tiered tee deck.
The developer says it will attract new, young golfers.
Secretary Of State: Voter Registration Up As General Election Nears
(Indianapolis, IN) - The Indiana Secretary of State says today that voter registration is up over past years as the General election gets closer in November.
Todd Rokita says there could be a voter turnout record.
Rokita says that interest in the Democratic Presidential primary touched off the increase. He adds that the present state of the nation plus the race for governor is peaking the attention of citizens.
The deadline to register to vote for the November election is Monday, October 6.
Rokita says there are $500,000 people who have updated their registration or have signed up to cast their ballots.
There are 200,000 people who have signed up after the primary in May.
Indiana Hosts Carbon Capture Summit
(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will speak at a first-of-its kind summit on carbon capture and sequestration on Wednesday.
The gathering includes 150 participants and will be held on the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis campus.
Daniels will discuss Indiana's progress on a green infrastructure while still making use of an abundant coal supply.
Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers and former Louisiana Senator J. Bennett Johnston area also scheduled to address the conference.
The state has also invited environmental and academic experts to take part in developing policy and regulatory guidelines.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Franklin Co. Sheriff Charged With DUI
(Brookville, IN) - A local sheriff is in hot water after he was picked up for drunk driving.
On Friday night, a deputy pulled over Franklin County Sheriff Dale Maxey on Laurel Road just outside of Brookville.
Maxey was going left of center and failing to use his turn signal when the deputy stopped him.
Indiana State Police from the Connersville post were called in to handle the arrest when the deputy realized it was his boss.
Maxey, who has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated, has posted a $2,500 bond to get out of jail.
He was held at the Fayette County Jail.
Arrest Made In Madison Beating Deaths
(Madison, IN) - A suspect has been arrested in connect with deadly beatings in Madison last week.
Indiana State Police have charged Madison resident Jack Edwards, Junior, 35, with two counts of Murder and one count of Attempted Murder.
After a thorough crime scene investigation, numerous interviews with witnesses, and review of all evidence Edwards was arrested today in Madison without incident.
Two people from Cincinnati died from the beatings - of 26 year old Cindy Mauntel and 20 year old Ranear Kirksey. A third victim, David Summerlin, is recovering.
Investigators have not said what prompted the killings.
Formal charges will be filed this week and at that time all affidavits and other court documents currently sealed by a court order should be available for public review.
Police ID Man Killed In Fiery Crash
(Ohio County, IN) - The identity of the man who may have committed suicide by setting his car on fire in Ohio County has been identified.
Ohio County Sheriff’s Investigators say Greg McDermott, 32, of Hebron set his Pontiac G6 ablaze before he crashed it into a tree on Hartford Pike Road in northern Ohio County and died.
Police had to use DNA tests to verify his identity.
McDermott died at the scene of the crash on Thursday, August 14.
Serious Prison Time For Convicted Drug Dealer
(Versailles, IN) – It is 40 years behind bars for the Osgood man who dealt cocaine throughout Ripley County.
James Dobbs, 33, was sentenced in Ripley County court last week after he was convicted in July of various dealing charges.
He was found guilty in two separate jury trials in July. Convictions were given for charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Dealing in Cocaine and Conspiracy to Deal Cocaine – all Class A felonies which each carry a sentence of 20 to 50 years in prison.
The judge did suspend five years of the sentence and credited 370 days for time already served.
Dobbs’ lawyers asked for leniency in sentencing arguing that he suffered from anti-social personality disorder, had recently lost a child, and had no home.
Judge Carl Taul said he considered Dobbs’ lack of remorse and prior arrests when handing down the sentence.
Dobbs is appealing the case.
Milan Water Boiling Advisory Lifted
(Milan, IN) - Hoosier Hills Regional Water District customers near Milan can go back to drinking water straight from the tap.
A voluntary boiling advisory was repealed on Saturday after a water main break last week.
The main break caused possible contamination to the water supply.
Bullock Pen Dam Targeted For Upgrade
(Verona, KY) - It is safe, but a local dam does not meet federal requirements.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is planning a renovation of the Bullock Pen Dam at the lake that borders Boone County with Grant County.
The department wants to increase the 55-year-old, 55-foot dam’s height by four feet and build a new spillway. The project would begin in the summer of 2009.
Organizers say the project about five years in the making has no price tag yet because it is in the preliminary stages. Easements are still needed from most of the 60 people who own land on the lake.
Land owners or anybody else interested in the project is encouraged to attend a meeting on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Walton-Verona Elementary School.
Draining the lake had been considered, but about 6,500 customers of the Bullock Pen Water District rely on it for drinking water. It is also a popular fishing spot.
Rabbit Hash Election Going To The Dogs And More
(Rabbit Hash, KY) - The ballot in Rabbit Hash looks more like a petting zoo than a mayoral race.
The Rabbit Hash Historical Society is putting on the election for a new mayor after the town’s old mayor died in May. He was a Labrador retriever named Junior Cochran.
On the ballot so far are seven dogs, a cat, and a donkey.
Anybody, man or man’s best friend, can register to run for mayor by going to www.rabbithashusa.com.
Votes can also be cast on the website for $1.00. Proceeds benefit the historical society.
NKU Offers Tests To HS Students
(Boone County, KY) - A test being given by Northern Kentucky University will help area high school students find out if they are ready for college.
All 17 public school districts in northern Kentucky have signed on.
The online test consisting of 30 questions will be given students who scored less than an 18 in the math portion of the ACT last spring.
The test scores will help identify which students need remedial courses before heading off to college.
NKU is offering the program to the schools free-of-charge.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Aurora Man Charged With Rape, Incest
(Aurora, IN) - Disturbing rape allegations are brought against a man from Aurora.
Dearborn County Special Crimes Unit detectives say Douglas E. Snelling, 48, raped his 28-year-old daughter at his home on Exporting Street on August 17.
Investigators found out about the allegations when the victim went to a hospital in Greensburg.
The victim had spent the night at Snelling’s home after a family reunion the day before.
Snelling, while in the nude, allegedly woke the woman the next morning and dragged her into a bedroom where the attack occurred.
Snelling is charged with Rape, a Class B felony, and Incest, a Class C felony.
Bond has been set for Snelling at $150,000 surety and $2,500 cash bond. He is being held in the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center.
Woman Stole Checks From Mother
(Aurora, IN) - An Aurora woman is in trouble for stealing checks.
Amber Widener, 29, was caught writing the checks and trying to cash them at Merchants Bank’s branch in Dent, Ohio.
She allegedly took the book of 30 checks from her mother, Darla Fleek, when Fleek was at work one day while Widener was living with her.
Widener is charged with Theft.
Plea Deal Reached In Rape Case
(Harrison, OH) - A Harrison man pleads to rape charges after investigators say they had a solid case against him.
John Collins, 19, will spend four years in prison with eight months time served as part of his plea deal, according to the Harrison Press. He is not eligible for early release.
The teen picked up a 13-year-old girl at a Harrison football game and took her to smoke marijuana. The girl reported to police that she passed out and was raped. A second victim, pregnant with Collins’ child, soon afterwards came forward.
Collins was charged last November with six counts of rape, two counts of sexual battery and one count of assault.
The deal included reductions in two of the rape charges to gross sexual imposition. The sexual battery charges were completely dropped.
$50K Ticket Sold In Dillsboro
(Dillsboro, IN) - The holder of a winning Hoosier Lottery ticket has still not come forward.
The ticket won $50,000 in the Lucky Fives drawing on Tuesday.
It was sold at J and J Liquors in Dillsboro.
A winner has not been announced on the Hoosier Lottery website.
Details Auto Sales Owners Indicted
(Hebron, KY) - A Boone County Grand Jury has indicted a husband and wife who sold cars without the titles to dozens of people.
Francis and Dawn Divita each face 14 counts of theft by deception. The indictment came on August 19.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
They ran Details Auto Sales in Hebron.
Prosecutors say the Divitas are cooperating with the investigation.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is helping people who bought the cars get the titles they need. A meeting was held last week with the victims with the purpose of organizing county offices and financing companies to get the tittles where they belong.
JLT Coming To L’burg
(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The race for Indiana governor will make another stop in Eagle Country next month.
Candidate Jill Long Thompson will be in Lawrenceburg on Friday, September 19 to attend a fundraiser held by the Dearborn County Democratic Party at the Dearborn Adult Center. It will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A barbecue dinner will be served along with drinks.
The public is invited. Tickets to the fundraiser are selling for $20 and go to Hoosiers for Jill.
Visit www.dearborncountydemocrats.org for more information.
Ripley Tax Bills Due Today
(Versailles, IN) - Tax bills are due today in Ripley County.
Spring installments must either be taken to the Treasurer’s Office in Versailles or be postmarked by the end of the day.
The Fall installment will be due in November if the billing process goes as scheduled.
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