CINCINNATI — Skyline Chili is suing two suppliers after a failed business operation that has allegedly cost the restaurant more than $1 million.

In an April 15 lawsuit with the Hamilton County Pleas Court, the Cincinnati-style chili eatery claims that contractor Advanced Ammonia Refrigeration Design Corporation (AARDCO) and subcontractor Cryogenic Equipment & Services Inc. (CES) conducted a deal in 2017 with Skyline where the two companies partook in a construction project for the restaurant — a project that allegedly never became operational.

Skyline claims that it paid the companies $1.1 million for the manufacturing of a spiral freezer system, as well as a building to house the system. However, Skyline says the freezer never worked and it has lost the ability to use the newly constructed building for the freezer.

Skyline is suing for compensatory damages for the freezer, property damage caused by the freezer, loss of the additional building, labor costs and future damages to business operations. Otherwise, Skyline is suing for restitution of what the company has paid, including litigation expenses and attorney fees.

The business deal came about, according to the lawsuit, after Skyline experienced malfunctioning with its existing plate freezer — something Skyline had experienced before — used to store chili products. According to the lawsuit, Skyline and AARDCO discussed a major construction project that would involve a new mechanical spiral freezer system as well as the construction of a new building that would house the new freezer system.

As the two companies began the necessary steps to begin construction, CES was contracted to "design, manufacture and install the spiral freezer system," according the lawsuit.

From there, the lawsuit claims that Skyline began paying invoices for supposed work on the project, and ultimately spent $1.1 million. Other than the $1.1 million, Skyline also says it continues to lose profits due to a lack of functionality from the freezer.

After the completion of the freezer, Skyline claims there has been a "myriad of ongoing problems," including insufficient speed, jams and misalignment, excessive frost, lack of stabilization, lack of durability and more defects.

A court hearing is currently scheduled for July 18.

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CINCINNATI — Ohio's primary election is May 3 and although state house and congressional races will be omitted from the ballots because district maps remain unapproved and uncertain, there are still several elections on the ballot for voters to consider.

The following are races in which candidates are not running unopposed for their party; unopposed candidates move on to the general election, so WCPO is highlighting only the races in which there is more than one candidate running. Likewise, independent candidates do not participate in primary elections and will be on the ballot for the general election in November, so they are not represented in this list.

Voters can find their polling location here.

Gubernatorial Primary

Democrat candidates:

John Cranley

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Cranley’s no stranger to Cincinnati. The Price Hill neighborhood native and St. Xavier High School alum served as Cincinnati’s mayor from 2013 to 2022. Cranley touts positive population growth for the first time in 60 years under his leadership, the Milken Institute’s title of best performing city, poverty reduction, and spearheading an effort to invest in solar energy. Cranley picked Sen. Teresa Fedor as his running mate for Lt. Governor.

Cranley leans on his legal experience which includes co-founding and directing the Ohio Innocence Project, which aims to free wrongfully convicted people.

Cranley’s platform points include:

• Expanding options for early learning

• Creating 120,000 jobs that pay at least $60,000 a year

• Legalizing and taxing marijuana

• Creating access to universal Broadband, Internet, and WiFi

You can read Cranley's full platform, titled "Ohio's Comeback" here. To learn more about Cranley, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Nan Whaley

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Many folks in the Tri-state are also familiar with Whaley. She was elected Dayton’s mayor in 2013. She ran unopposed in 2017. It was the first time in the city’s history where a mayoral race ran uncontested. Whaley became known to a wider audience in 2019, when a shooter killed 9 people and hurt several others at a bar in Dayton. Whaley is the only woman running for Governor in the Democratic and Republican primaries.

Whaley picked Cheryl Stephens as her running mate for Lt. Governor. She is the only candidate in both the Democratic and Republican primaries to have a person of color as a running mate. This is Whaley’s 2nd time running for Governor. She announced her candidacy in 2017, but dropped out in January 2018.

Whaley’s platform points include:

• Defending a woman’s right to choose

• Fighting for paid family leave for all Ohioans

• Investing in Ohio’s Appalachian Communities

You can read Whaley’s full platform here.

To learn more about Whaley you can check out her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Republican candidates include:

Incumbent Mike DeWine

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Gov. DeWine has held office since 2019 and has a long political record. He served as Greene County's prosecutor from 1977 to 1981. From there, he became an Ohio senator, representing the 10th district from 1980 to 1982

He was then elected to congress and represented Ohio's 7th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1991. He served as Lt. Governor of Ohio from 1991 to 1994, U.S. Senator from 1995 to 2007 and, most recently, as Ohio's attorney general from 2011 to 2019.

DeWine was endorsed by former President Trump in the 2018 election, but Trump has not endorsed anyone in the Gubernatorial race this year.

DeWine’s platform points mostly tout his accomplishments in office. That includes:

• Creating jobs by brokering a deal with Intel to invest $20 billion in Ohio

• Cutting $2.2 billion in taxes, calling it “the largest tax cut in history”

• Reducing crime by investing millions into law enforcement agencies

• Signing the heartbeat bill into law, which bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected

You can read his full platform and office accomplishments here. To learn more about DeWine, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Joe Blystone

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Blystone brands himself as a “constitutional conservative,” but has no political experience and has never run for public office. He founded Blystone Farm in 2004 and created a non-profit Blystone Agricultural Inc. in 2019 aiming to teach people about food and farming.

Blystone picked author Jeremiah Workman as his Lt. Governor.

Blystone’s platform points include:

• “Protecting the American Dream”

• Revising state, local, and business taxes

To learn more about Blystone, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Jim Renacci

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Renacci has a longstanding political background but is recovering from a recent stumble. Renacci served the city of Wadsworth as mayor, city council president, and the Board of Zoning Appeals from 1994 to 2008. From 2011 to 2019, he served as a U.S. Representative from Ohio’s 16th Congressional District. He’s been on the Budget, Ways and Means, and Financial Services committees. In 2018, he lost his senate bid to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) by just under 7 points. Former President Trump endorsed him for that race. He was the sole Republican to lose statewide that election cycle.

Renacci picked filmmaker Joe Knopp as his Lt. Governor.

Renacci’s platform points include:

• Using energy resources like coal, natural gas and oil “to their full capabilities”

• Protecting religious liberties

• Supporting law enforcement

• Making Ohio a family destination

You can read more about Renacci's platform here. To learn more about Renacci, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

U.S. Senate Primary

Democrat candidates include:

Morgan Harper

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Harper has never been elected to public office, but she’s no stranger to politics. She served in the Obama Administration as a senior advisor at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Harper’s legal experience is largely focused on consumer protection, but she’s also used her knowledge of the law in the non-profit arena as a director of policy and advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project, which aims to break up corporate monopolies.

Harper’s platform points include:

• modernizing public transportation

• debt-free public education

She also has a jobs plan laid out, which you can read here. To learn more about Harper, you can visit her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Traci "TJ" Johnson

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Johnson has a long history of public service, elected to the position of Franklin County Ward Committee Woman. She held the position for more than 20 years. She’s also worked in several Ohio State offices including the Department of Administrative Services, Office of Budget & Management, Attorney General’s Office, and Environmental Protection Agency.

Johnson currently works as an information technology executive and the president of an IT solutions company. She’s also been hired as a general manager for two major corporations.

Johnson’s platform points include:

• improving the state’s digital infrastructure

• restructuring student loans

• protecting women’s reproductive rights

• supporting small and minority owned businesses.

Johnson laid out her vision for Ohio titled “Our Plan: New Future For Ohio.” You can read that in full here.

To learn more about Johnson, you can check out her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Tim Ryan

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Ryan is the political juggernaut in this democratic primary, with analysts saying it’s his election to lose. Ryan has served 10 terms as a U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 13th district. Ryan’s touted his passion for the economy, which related to his service on the House Appropriations Committee, which controls federal spending. He’s also the co-chairman of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus. In previous years, Ryan served in the Ohio State Senate.

Ryan’s platform points include:

• curbing dependence on foreign oil

• increasing access to opioid addiction treatment

• family faming (which he’s written a book about)

If you’d like to see Ryan’s voting record in comparison to his platform points you can click here.

To learn more about Ryan, you can check out his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Republican candidates include:

Matt Dolan

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Dolan currently serves as an Ohio State Senator representing the 24th district. His term is set to end in December of 2024. In 20204, Dolan was elected to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 98th district. Dolan was re-elected twice in 2006 and 2010. In January 2010, he resigned to run for Cuyahoga County executive and lost. He took a break from politics to work in the Cleveland Guardians before his successful campaign for state senator. Dolan has also served as assistant state attorney general and later chief assistant prosecutor for Geauga County.

Dolan’s platform points include:

• supporting law enforcement

• strengthening national security

You can read more about his platform here. To learn more about Dolan, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Mike Gibbons

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Gibbons is fairly new to the political realm. He’s more so an entrepreneur, starting his own business at the age of 37. Brown Gibbons Lang & Company provides strategic and financial advice to businesses. He’s also worked as managing partner of the Cleveland Crunch, co-owner of Cheboygan Tap & Tool, and co-owner of Northern Lake Properties.

Gibbons has been a longtime supporter of former President Donald Trump. He served as Trump’s Ohio finance co-chair in 2016. He decided to dive headfirst into politics shortly after that in 2017 with an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senate. He lost to Jim Renacci in the primary, who’s now running against Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in the Republican Gubernatorial Primary.

Gibbons' platform points include:

• Healthcare reform through state-based systems

• Banning critical race theory

• Instating congressional term limits

You can read about Gibbons' full platform here. To learn more about Gibbons, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Josh Mandel

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Mandel is hoping to continue his run of successful campaigns into a winning strategy to nab the win in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. He’s recently finished two terms as Treasurer of the State of Ohio. He was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. Mandel also served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives representing the 17th district from 2007 - 2011. The Marine Corps veteran served on the Veterans Affairs, Public Utilities, Finance and Appropriation, and Alternative Energy Committees. Mandel ran for a U.S. Senate seat in 2018, but withdrew four months before the primary citing his now ex-wife’s health.

Mandel’s platform points include:

• Defunding Planned Parenthood

• Advocating for parental choice in education

• Finishing the U.S/Mexico border wall

• Expanding rights afforded by the Second amendment

You can read about Mandel's full platform here. To learn more about Mandel, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Neil Patel

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Patel has more of an entrepreneurial background, but has had a taste of the political world.

Patel touts his decades of experience in creating successful business relationships. Patel immigrated to American from India and was granted citizenship in 1994. Patel cites his time working on Sen. Joe Manchin’s transition team is what helped him realize he was a conservative Republican. Patel also serves as a Republican Delaware County Central Committee Member.

Patel’s platform points include:

• Tax cuts supported by former President Trump

• Reigning in spending and social programs

• Reducing spending on elections and simplifying the process of elections

• Finishing the U.S./Mexico border wall

You can read about Patel's full platform here. To learn more about Patel, you can visit his website and Facebook.

Mark Pukita

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Pukita touts himself as “an authentic Ohio voice, not one of them,” citing his “lower working-class roots.” Pukita started a company called Fast Switch in Columbus in 1996. He ultimately sold most of the business to his executive team.

On his website, Pukita says he was never a fan of Portman’s voting record and decisions.

Pukita’s platform points include:

• Uniting the U.S. in an “America first vision”

• Protecting Constitutional rights, particularly the 1st, 2nd, 10th, and 14th amendments

• Tightening border security

You can read about Pukita's full platform here. To learn more about Pukita, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Jane Timken

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Timken is the only woman running for U.S. Senate in the Republican Primary. Timken is a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump. Timken was elected vice chairwoman of the Republican Party of Ohio in May 2010, and in 2017 was elected as chairwoman. She’s the first chairwoman of the Ohio GOP. During that time, Trump won the state but lost the election. Timken was endorsed by retiring Sen. Rob Portman.

Timken is a Cincinnati native, but now lives in Stark County.

Timken’s platform points include:

• Protecting Ohio’s economy through low taxes and less regulation

• Supporting Ohio’s farmers

• Returning to “America First” immigration policies

You can read about Timken's full platform here. To learn more about Timken, you can visit her website, Twitter and Facebook.

J.D. Vance

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Vance, who bills himself as a “conservative outsider,” nabbed former President Trump’s endorsement. Despite his negative comments on Trump and his supporters in the past, Trump said in a statement, “[Vance] is our best chance for victory in what could be a tough race.”

Vance is a Middletown native, Marine Corps veteran and was brought to prominence to a wider audience after releasing his book Hillbilly Elegy, which Netflix turned into a movie in 2020.

Vance’s platform points include:

• Restoring America’s manufacturing base

• Raising taxes on companies that send jobs overseas

• Breaking up Big Tech monopolies

You can read about Vance's full platform here. To learn more about Vance, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Secretary of State Republican candidates

The democrat candidate in this race is running unopposed in the primary and will automatically be on the ballot in the general election in November.

Incumbent Frank LaRose

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LaRose is the incumbent in this race and received the endorsement from former President Trump. The U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Veteran was elected to the position in 2018. Before that, he served two terms in the Ohio State Senate.

As the incumbent, LaRose’s platform points mostly tout his accomplishments:

• Securing elections with audits showing a nearly 100% accuracy rate

• Spearheading legislation creating a civilian “Cyber Reserve” to respond to cyber attacks against the government

• Advocating for small businesses

• Advocating for a limited and efficient government

To learn more about LaRose you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

John Adams

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Adams has a long history of public service, representing district 85 in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2007 to 2014. He also served as Majority Whip for six years. Adams ran for the Ohio Senate to represent district 12 in 2016, but was defeated in the Republican primary by Matt Huffman with nearly 64% of the vote.

The Navy SEALs veteran has also served on the Shelby County Republican Central Committee.

Adams platform points include:

• Ensuring the integrity of Ohio’s elections

• Promoting "common sense" Voter ID laws

To learn more about Adams, you can visit his website and Facebook.

Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Republican candidates

The democrat candidate in this race is running unopposed in the primary and will automatically be on the ballot in the general election in November.

Steven Goodin

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Goodin is no stranger to Cincinnati politics. He was appointed to City Council after a corruption scandal brought down some of its most prominent councilmembers. His bid for a seat in the 2021 election was unsuccessful. Goodin’s also served on the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission.

The U.S. Army veteran describes himself as an “experienced litigator” and worked as a prosecutor.

Goodin’s platform points include:

• Providing easier access to bond information

• Creating a help center for small businesses who can’t afford attorneys

To learn more about Goodin, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Pakkiri "Raj" Rajagopal

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Rajagopal has a varied resume. He started his venture into public service as a Hamilton County deputy sheriff. He says that helped him make great relationships with judges and learn the intricacies of the court system. In all, Rajagopal has more than 40 years experience in the court system. In 2017, Rajagopal was elected to a four-year term as a Colerain Township Trustee.

In 2012, Rajagopal made a bid for the Ohio House of Representatives in district 29, he was defeated in the Republican primary by Louis Blessing III by nearly 63%.

To learn more about Rajagopal, you can visit his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Clermont County Auditor

Linda Fraley

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Fraley is the incumbent in this race, boasting more than 30 years of experience in accounting and business management. She touts her office receiving the Ohio Auditor of State’s Award of Distinction, with her website citing it’s given to fewer than 5% of all Ohio government agencies. Fraley has also served three four-year terms on the Clermont County Board of Education and served four years as president.

During her last re-election campaign, Fraley faced controversy with allegations of nepotism connected to hiring her stepson in 2002, but they were dismissed in April 2018 by the Clermont County municipal court. It was levied by her competitor in that primary.

To learn more about Fraley, you can visit her website and Facebook.

Tim Rudd

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Rudd has political experience in the county, getting elected as the clerk of municipal court for 18 years. According to Rudd’s website, he was also the bookkeeper for the office that saw anywhere from an upwards of $8 million.

Rudd was also the chair of the Clermont Republican party for 16 years.

To learn more about Rudd you can check out his website.

Warren County Commissioner Republican Primary

The democrat candidate in this race is running unopposed in the primary and will automatically be on the ballot in the general election in November.

Amy Brewer

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Brewer is a fixture in Lebanon where she’s served as mayor for 20 years. Before that, she was elected to city council and served as vice mayor for 12 years. Brewer has also held leadership positions with Main Street Lebanon and Citizens for Quality Lebanon Schools.

Brewer’s platform points include:

• Supporting law enforcement and first responders

• Expanding economic development in Warren County

• Addressing the workforce crisis

• Make access to mental health resources easier for residents

To learn more about Brewer, you can visit her website and Facebook.

Tom Grossman

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Grossman is the incumbent in this race, serving Warren County commissioner. He was elected in 2014. He won his first ever election in 2001, when he was elected to Mason City Council and served until 2009 and served again from 2011 – 2014. Grossman was also elected Mayor of Mason. He’s served as the chairman of the Warren County Republican Party from 2002-2010.

Grossman also has experience in the private sector working as a lawyer, primarily in corporate law and litigation.

To learn more about Grossman, you can visit his website and Facebook.

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Forest Hill School District's board of education decided Turpin High School's diversity day will no longer happen during school hours, use school resources or be paid for by taxpayers.

During a special meeting Sunday, the board voted 4-0 to put the event on hold. The decision comes one month after the long-running event was postponed by the school board so parents could review the agenda and speakers.

Board member Leslie Rasmussen said she refused to vote.

"You all lied about the reason for interfering with diversity day,” Rasmussen said during the meeting. “You said it was because of the process. That people didn’t have enough information on these permission slips.”

She accused the board members of canceling the event because of the content.

Students who were part of the planning process of the event said the vote was a huge disappointment.

“It's just been a whole disregard of the effort put in by students and that passion that we have,” Turpin senior Casey Lupariello said. “We want to make this event happen and succeed."

Senior Claire Mengel also helped plan the event. They said the vote was a letdown and fears things will only get worse from here.

“There have been multiple suicides in the district in the past few years. We are in the middle of a mental health crisis that this board is actively worsening by promoting hate in the community,” Mengel said. “I’m just worried about what will happen next and worry about students coming to school and not feeling accepted or safe."

The event has been held for several years and is described as a day to highlight cultural and racial issues. Students must have their parents' permission to attend. The event is for junior and senior students and is optional. It includes activities and guest speakers.

Board member Sara Jonas read questions from one of the activities planned that included questions on if students faced economic or racial disparities.

Here are some of the questions Jonas read:

“Have you ever been embarrassed or ashamed of your clothes, house or family car growing up?”

“Do you have immediate family members who are doctors, lawyers, professors, engineers or other white-collar professionals?”

“Has pimping or prostitution, drugs or other illegal activities been a major occupational alternative in the community in which you were raised?”

“Has any woman or man in your family, including yourself been physically or sexually assaulted in any way?”

“Does your family have health insurance?”

After reading Jonas said, "To me, I don't understand how this is the business of students, staff or leaders in this exercise. It’s also important to note one of the guest speakers. On their mission statement, it states ‘unite and ignite people for racial justice'.”

Jonas said she believes this is political indoctrination to the students. She also claimed that students could not afford to minimize the additional instructional time during the school day.

Students who are part of the event do not agree. They said it's not about politics, it's about broadening their peers' perspective of life outside their community.

“We don’t discuss issues pertaining to political parties or political issues," Casey Lupariello said. "The day itself is only focused on reflecting on how diversity looks in our lives and how it looks outside of the Turpin High School/Cincinnati bubble, giving students a much more informed way of issues regarding diversity in the real world.”

According to Lupariello, the area and the district are not diverse and are predominantly white.

No plan for rescheduling the event outside of school has been released.

CINCINNATI — There's a lot of speculation about what will happen to abortion rights in the United States after the leak of a SCOTUS draft opinion that suggests judges on the high court will overturn the 1973 ruling.

Right now abortion is legal in the United States due to the 1973 Roe v. Wade case, however, what states define as legal abortion varies slightly. There's also a lot of legislation in the works in an attempt by lawmakers to limit when, where and how women can get access to abortion services.

Here's a breakdown of where the Tri-State stands:

OHIO

Abortion is legal in the state of Ohio until the gestational age of 20 weeks, according to the Ohio laws and Administrative Rules Legislative Service Commission. The city of Lebanon became the exception in May 2021 when city council voted on an abortion ban. There are no abortion providers in Warren County. However, this bill would outlaw clinics from coming to Lebanon. Doctors who perform the procedure could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail.

Locally, women can get an abortion at the Planned Parenthood in Mount Auburn and in the Dayton area at the Women's Med Center.

Anti-abortion legislation in the works

The Human Life Protection Act, House Bill 598, also known as the "Heartbeat Bill," would completely criminalize abortion without exemptions for rape and incest. The bill states it would make an exemption for saving the life of the pregnant person. It would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is around six weeks. According to medical experts, six weeks is before most women know they are pregnant.

A federal district judge temporarily blocked this bill from taking effect after it was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in July 2019.

DeWine also signed Senate Bill 27 in December 2020. It was intended to replace an earlier Ohio law requiring aborted fetuses to be disposed of “in a humane manner,” but without defining “humane.”

In February 2022 Hamilton County County Common Please Judge Alison Hatheway blocked the law from taking effect for a second time.

Under current law fetal remains from what are known as surgical, or procedural, abortions fall under existing rules for handling infectious waste, meaning they could be disposed of with material from other medical procedures. Abortion opponents lobbied for the new language, which they say assures human dignity. Abortion rights groups have called it another effort by the state’s Republican-led Legislature to obstruct a legally available procedure.

In seeking to keep the law blocked, abortion providers and their lawyers argued the law imposes a funeral ritual on every patient, regardless of religious or spiritual belief, removing their autonomy.

Hatheway delivered them a victory, determining the law violates the clinics’ and patients’ rights to due process and equal protection. The injunction she granted will stand until a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Health and others determines the permanent fate of the law.

DeWine signed the "Born Alive" bill in December 2021. It imposes criminal penalties on doctors who fail to give medical care in the extremely rare circumstance when a baby is born alive following an abortion attempt.

According to the Ohio Legislature, Senate Bill 260 was signed into law in April 2021. It essentially bans the use of telemedicine for the purpose of providing abortion-inducing drugs.

KENTUCKY

Like Ohio, abortion is legal in Kentucky until 20 weeks. The only two abortion clinics in the state are located in Louisville.

Anti-abortion legislation in the works

In April 2022, The GOP-led legislature overrode Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of House Bill 3, making it law. It includes 72 pages of revisions to Kentucky's abortion laws, with many new requirements that clinics must meet.

The two Louisville clinics said they cannot comply because the law mandates a new regulatory process that hasn't been set up yet, resulting in an "unconstitutional ban on abortion in Kentucky." As a result, a federal judge issued a temporary order blocking Kentucky's new abortion law from taking effect.

INDIANA

Abortion in Indiana is legal up to 22 weeks of pregnancy, according to a New York Times roundup of abortion restrictions in all 50 states. According to a 2020 report from the state, women got abortions at 12 Indiana providers. The closest abortion clinics to the Tri-State are in the Indianapolis area.

Anti-abortion legislation in the works

In June 2021, a federal judge blocked a new Indiana law that would require doctors to tell women undergoing drug-induced abortions about a disputed treatment for potentially stopping the abortion process.

The ruling came just before the so-called abortion reversal law adopted by Indiana’s Republican-dominated legislature was to take effect. The lawsuit filed by abortion-rights groups argues doctors would be forced to give dubious medical information to patients.

Supporters of the law say women should know how to possibly halt a medication-induced abortion.

(WLEX in Lexington contributed to this report)

CINCINNATI — The Lindner Center of Hope announced Wednesday its new $30 million campaign to expand the word-class center to combat the increasing rate of mental health issues.

The center acts as a comprehensive mental health center that provides patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for those suffering with mental illness. The press conference, held at the Lytle Park Hotel Rooftop, allowed the center to unveil its new vision and plans as it continues to deal with the mental health effects of the pandemic.

"One in four people struggles with their mental health, and the mental health effects of the pandemic are estimated (to) last more than a decade," the center wrote in a press release about the announcement.

Dr. Paul Crosby, the president and CEO of Lindner Center of Hope, said there's been a 30% increase in calls at the center, and most days it is operating near capacity.

"The fact of the matter is we're out of space and our available providers' schedules are full," Crosby said. "So we need two things. We need to be able to hire more providers, and we need more space to treat people in."

Other attendees at the event included the chief medical officer of Lindner Center of Hope, Dr. Danielle Johnson; the chairman of Coroprex and Linder Center of Hope board member, William P. Butler; and co-CEO of American Financial Group Inc. and founder of Lindner Center of Hope, S. Craig Lindner.

The center announced its $30 million capital campaign and it's comprehensive plan on what they will do with the money.

5. Looking at the addition of residential space at more affordable cost @WCPO

— Mariel Carbone (@MarielCarbone) May 4, 2022

Other than attracting new talent and upgrading its already in-use facilities, the center plans to build an assessment center, create a holistic wellness center and look at more affordable residential space.

Currently, $6 million has already been committed to the campaign, but the center is asking for help to raise the rest.

COVINGTON, Ky. — Thirteen years after the disappearance of Paige Johnson, Jacob Bumpass will stand trial for abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.

Johnson's remains were found in 2020 by a hiker along State Route 276 in Clermont County 10 years after she went missing following a party in Covington.

Brittany Haywood, Johnson's sister, keeps a picture of herself and her sister in her living room.

"She was fun. Very humble, down to earth, spunky," Haywood said.

She said the loss of her sister tore through her entire family.

Now in recovery, Haywood said she said she turned to substance abuse in the wake of Johnson's disappearance and death.

"I just tried to stay as gone as possible because I didn't want to deal with it," she said.

Haywood said the loss has a much greater impact on her mom Donna Johnson.

RELATED: 'They came in and sat me down and they told me, ‘We found Paige' '

"Every light in the house could be on, and you walk in and it was just dark," she said. "Because, pictures everywhere, home videos constantly playing, and just sadness."

Soon after Johnson's body was found, a Clermont County Grand Jury indicted Bumpass, the last person seen with Paige, with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.

Following three years of litigation outside of court, Bumpass's trial begins Monday.

"I'm just really nervous," Haywood said. "This is a circumstantial case, but I think it's a very strong circumstantial."

Kenton County Prosecutor Rob Sanders said in 2020 after Bumpass's indictment that they couldn't bring murder charges against him because they didn't have Johnson's cause of death.

PREVIOUS: Jacob Bumpass, last person seen with Paige Johnson, indicted in her 2010 disappearance

"Until somebody convinces me that this was not a homicide, I will always be a little disappointed that there will not be more justice available for the Johnson family," Sanders said in 2020.

Bumpass has pleaded not guilty to his two charges.

Haywood said she and her mother will testify against him, but, no matter what the jury decides, she really wants one thing.

"If I was in control. I would say I don't even care about jail time," she said. "I just want to know what happened because there's still a lack of closure."

One final piece of closure Haywood said she's been looking forward to regardless of the trial's outcome is to set her sister to rest.

Johnson's remains have been kept in evidence since they were recovered, and Haywood said she plans to finally bury her once they're released.

Bumpass's trial will begin with jury selection at 9:00 a.m. Monday, July 17.

JACKSON TWP, Ohio — Two men were killed in Clermont County following a head-on dirt bike crash Friday night.

Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol were called out to the scene of a head-on crash involving dirt bikes around 11 p.m. on Moore Marathon Road in Jackson Township.

According to a preliminary investigation, Austin Askren, 21, of Williamsburg, Ohio was driving a dirt bike south on Moore Marathon Road when he hit a second dirt bike being driven by Justin Bocskor, 25, of Loveland, head-on.

Askren was pronounced dead at the scene by the Clermont County Coroner.

Bocskor was flown by Air Care to UC Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

A passenger on Bocskor's motorcycle was also taken to UC Medical Center for injuries they suffered in the crash. There is no current word on their condition.

Troopers said all three were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Investigators are determining if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash.

WEST CHESTER, Ohio — Police issued a Lakota Local Schools board member a notice of trespassing after the district said she made unauthorized visits to school buildings.

Lakota Schools officials released a statement accusing Darbi Boddy of violating building visitor policy Wednesday by not waiting for a school principal to escort her through the schools. The district said such actions are unauthorized for any school building visitor, including a publicly elected member of the school system’s governing board.

In a letter to parents, Superintendent Matt Miller said Boddy showed up at Lakota East High School and Liberty Early Childhood School unannounced, "ignoring the staff's request to remain in the office until the principals met her," violating safety protocols and causing disruption in learning. Miller said the visit alarmed both schools.

Boddy, however, said that characterization was “absurd.”

The trespassing notice comes a week after Boddy was censured by fellow members, who also voted 4-0 calling for her to resign. The first-year board member has had numerous clashes with district officials — and fellow board members — since taking office in January.

“This is also not the first time that Mrs. Boddy has ignored board policy, nor is it the first time she has disrupted learning in our schools. Our decision was not made lightly and was done in consultation with law enforcement,” Miller said.

Parents are divided on whether the notice was needed.

"If she walks up in there and wants to look at everything, let her because we're paying her to do that and they're not letting her do that and that's crazy to me," Becky Barker said.

Others, like Nikki Palun, said she believes the district is in the right.

"There's procedures in place for her to follow and you know, she's been asked to follow them multiple times at the meeting and she keeps wanting to skirt that," Palun said.

Miller explained the decision in his message to families.

"While some may question why such a seemingly steep action was taken against Mrs. Boddy, let me explain. We welcome our parents into our schools; we welcome our community into our schools, and we certainly welcome our school board members into our schools — as long as they follow safety procedures and policy," Miller said. "These are not difficult. They involve alerting building administrators of the interest in visiting and setting up a time that is convenient for all involved."

Boddy responded to the district’s initial statement about her school visits saying official were making “the absurd claim that I was a visitor.”

“When I enter the schools, as I have been doing since my swearing-in, I am doing so as part of my responsibilities as a board member, not as a visitor. The need and the rationale for this kind of activity has not only been discussed in past board meetings but depicted in (my) writings as well,” Boddy said.

Boddy said she only took photos of signs and literature on doors and walls, noting she will not resign.

Other members of the Lakota Board of Education did not immediately respond Thursday to requests to comment.

Former Lakota school board member Sandy Wheatley described Boddy’s actions as “inexcusable.”

“Board members have always visited buildings. They read to kids, they eat lunch with kids, they visit an interesting class … but they never do any of those things without following board protocol and having the permission of the principal on timing etc.,” Wheatley said. “Think about walking into an elementary building unattended and it happens to be a testing day. Or what about sticking your head into a classroom where a teacher has been working all year to create an environment that works for the child in her class with autism. All that is turned upside down in an instant for a child. Mrs. Boddy has no regard for anyone but herself.”

The Ohio Redistricting Commission Thursday voted to resubmit maps to the Ohio Supreme Court that the court has already rejected as illegal.

Is the fifth time the charm? The answer is no because the map that was submitted was actually a repeat map from the commission's third submission.

University of Cincinnati political scientist David Niven said the redistricting commission isn't even trying because either way, they win with a map that favors the GOP and the punishment for the illegal submission could be non-existent.

"There's an endpoint even as this story seems never-ending, even as it seems like this is Groundhog Day without Bill Murray," Nevin said. "The comedy there has to be an endpoint and they've played this out as if the delay is to their advantage and it has been so far."

Every map the redistricting commission has drawn so far has been thrown out because the court determined them to be unfair. Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who's on the commission, said they resubmitted their third try at the map because it's already programmed in the county boards of elections system. He claimed it's the only option in order to hold a primary for state senate and house seats in August.

What can the supreme court do?

The court could hold the commission in contempt which would likely incorporate hefty fines.

Here's the catch, individual commission members would not be responsible for paying the fines. The commission overall would be responsible, which means the fines would be paid with tax dollars. Essentially there are no real consequences for commission members and that's why experts have said there's little incentive to move forward with creating maps that the supreme court would deem legal.

CINCINNATI — President Biden came to Cincinnati to talk about the future of 3D printing, but a decade ago, many people hadn’t heard of additive technology.

Additive technology is an industrial term for 3D printing.

The Tri-State is proving to be ideal for young people to manufacture their own dreams with the technology.

Local kids are getting the chance to experiment with this technology from a young age, in a way no other generation has before.

Anderson High School student Drew Mileham had an interest in additive technology from a young age.

"I think I grew up in the right time,” Drew said. “A lot of new tech coming out, making everything easier"

Drew started 3D printing when he was 12.

"I like to see technology evolve,” he said.

“Whenever I see something new and exciting, I always try to jump on it and get my hands on the newest tech."

Many schools in the Greater Cincinnati area have 3D printers available, but kids can also experiment with additive technology at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library's MakerSpace.

"The early exposure to stem which is what 3D printing really is at its base,” Nate Pelley, Manager of MakerSpace said.

“It's a great way to expose kids to the idea that maybe they could be an engineer, maybe they could be an architect somewhere down the line,” Pelley said.

Drew Mileham is now 16 years old. He believes his experience with additive technology will be beneficial for his future.

"It's going to be a valuable skill to have to get into the workforce, especially as an engineer," Mileham said.

Drew has since gotten into software development. He designs video games with friends around the world.

Drew’s mother, Anastasia Mileham, said he started doing it for fun, but now it has become a part time job. He picks up projects and makes money programming video games.

Drew taught himself how to do it by watching videos on YouTube.

"The game development work that he got into really stemmed from that little 3D printer," she said.

Anastasia said she’s been impressed with the new technologies her kids know about.

“I learned from both Drew and his brother daily about what's going on,” she said. “It’s a whole new generation.”

3D printing is expected to continue to evolve in the future.

"We're going to be seeing things like houses be printed in 3D. We're going to see bridges being built in 3D,” Pelley said. “Really, the possibilities are endless."

If you want to try out the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library's 3D printers, the library recommends making a reservation online. You can do that up to six weeks in advance.

CINCINNATI — A man was indicted Monday on one count of cruel treatment of animals after he allegedly gave his pet monkey amphetamines.

Adam Kordes, 34, was arrested March 4 after an investigation by Hamilton County’s dog warden led to the seizure of a 6-month-old monkey named Neo on Feb. 7.

Kordes, through his attorney, denies the allegations and is trying to get the monkey back. Attorney Lisa Rabanus said the case is the result of a flawed investigation by Cincinnati Animal Care, which handles animal cruelty complaints under its contract with Hamilton County.

Rabanus claims the nonprofit’s dog-warden staff improperly confiscated Neo and used the wrong Ohio statute to charge Kordes with a felony and two misdemeanors. Instead of using a statute that applies to wild animals, deputy dog wardens charged Kordes under a companion animal law that applies to dogs and cats.

“They charged him three different ways for the same incident and all of them were wrong,” Rabanus said. “The capuchin monkey is a wild animal. Under that, the worst charge he could face is a misdemeanor-2 for cruelty … that’s basic law enforcement and they can’t even get that right.”

Cincinnati Animal Care declined to comment. The Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office announced the cruelty indictment on Monday, May 9.

Rabanus said she is considering a lawsuit on behalf of Kordes, who spent four days in jail following his arrest and is anxious to see Neo again.

“He’s been without this monkey for over a month and there’s no basis for it,” Rabanus said.

But that’s not how they see it at Misfitland in Clermont County.

“That monkey clearly, clearly beyond any doubt, needed help,” said Teresa Bullock, who owns the roughly 300-acre farm that bills itself as a “forever home” to domesticated primates.

Bullock said Kordes contacted her in early February because Neo was sick. Bullock said she was concerned about that because Kordes previously owned another monkey, named Moe, who died in his care. So, when Bullock responded to Kordes’ Boudinot Ave. apartment on Feb. 6, she had a Florida veterinarian on WhatsApp witnessing the visit.

“The monkey went into this fit, where its arms straightened out, its legs straightened out,” Bullock said. “To me, it was (in) pain.”

Three days later, Deputy Dog Warden Christian Davis filed an affidavit in support of a search warrant to seize the animal for cruelty/neglect.

“Deputies received a call from Doctor Jodie Thannum, stating that Adam Kordes was harboring a capuchin monkey that was being given narcotics, such as adult amounts of Xanax and or cocaine,” Davis wrote.

On Feb. 25, Deputy Dog Warden Travis Milem filed an affidavit in support of a first-degree misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty. The affidavit said a “urine drug screening kit” showed Kordes provided “his capuchin monkey with amphetamines.” A fifth-degree felony charge was filed against Kordes on March 4. Deputy Davis alleged Kordes caused “serious physical harm” by supplying Neo with amphetamines, citing as evidence a blood toxicology report from Michigan State University.

Court records show the felony charge was ignored by a Hamilton County grand jury, but Kordes was indicted on a misdemeanor count of having weapons under a disability in connection to the investigation of his monkey.

Although he was cleared of the felony cruelty charge, Kordes was indicted on a third-degree felony charge of having a weapon under disability.

When Cincinnati police arrested Kordes on the animal cruelty charge, they found a 12-gauge shotgun in his apartment, according to court records. He’s not allowed to have such a weapon because he was found mentally incompetent to stand trial in a 2017 court case in which he was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide after an auto accident that left his passenger dead and Kordes with head injuries.

Rabanus said Kordes shot video on Feb. 7 – the day the animal was confiscated – showing Neo was active and healthy and Rabanus said in March that if the case proceeds with new cruelty charges, she plans to challenge the blood and urine tests based on when the samples were taken and whether deputies can prove the amphetamines came from Kordes.

Rabanus hopes to get the weapon charge dismissed by challenging the original search warrant that led to Neo’s confiscation and Kordes’ arrest. She said the gun belonged to Kordes’ father and Kordes didn’t know it was there until police found it.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — A Cincinnati man was arrested after firing an arrow through the window of a White Castle in Northside, police said.

According to court documents, the arrow that 22-year-old Tysawn Carter fired shattered a front window and almost struck employees who were working at the fast food restaurant on Ludlow Avenue on the evening of May 6.

Investigators said Carter was angry at employees and demanded a store credit. When they refused to give him one, he allegedly used a crossbow to shoot out a window and then fled from the scene.

Carter was arrested Monday. He was charged with four counts of felonious assault.

In court Tuesday he pleaded with the judge while being held back by a police officer.

"I would rather die than go back in jail," Carter said.

Photo by: Eric Clajus

Photo by: Cincinnati Police

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CINCINNATI — WCPO 9 Anchor Kristyn Hartman has announced she will be retiring from broadcasting and leaving the station at the end of the month. A Chicago native, she will be returning to her hometown to be near family and explore work opportunities outside television news.

Kristyn joined WCPO 9 in April 2017 and has covered a wide range of stories for the station with a focus on health. She also anchors WCPO 9 at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Her professionalism was recognized by the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences with an EmmyÒ Award in 2018 in the category of Best News Anchor.

As a reporter and anchor, her talents have greatly benefited WCPO 9 viewers. Throughout the pandemic, Kristyn has provided valuable health updates and in-depth specials aimed at helping viewers navigate the complexities of COVID-19. She was instrumental in shaping and producing an Emmy-nominated station special addressing gun violence in Cincinnati. Her “Positively Cincinnati” segments share good news about people doing uplifting and positive things in the area. She’s most proud of the Emmy Award-winning special she produced about her father’s service in Vietnam. He was the subject of an iconic photograph used by filmmaker Ken Burns as the final image in his PBS documentary about the war.

“It was an honor to work with Kristyn who is one of the most committed, hard-working anchor-reporters I’ve ever worked with,” said Jeff Brogan, vice president and general manager for WCPO 9. “She has a strong drive to connect with the viewers, telling their stories in a compassionate way. Whether it was anchoring, reporting, or producing half-hour specials, Kristyn made it a priority to provide our audiences with well-researched news and information. While she’s leaving broadcasting, I have no doubt she will be successful and continue to shine in her new career.”

During her time in Cincinnati, Kristyn has been active in supporting numerous community organizations including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women and the World Affairs Council.

“I’m grateful to WCPO 9 and Scripps for giving me the opportunity to cover the stories of the people of the Tri-State. I loved Cincinnati from the moment I drove into town. This kind community welcomed me with open arms and really made me feel like a part of the fabric of this wonderful place,” said Hartman. “I’ll certainly miss it, but I know how fortunate I’ve been to call the Queen City home for the past five years.”

About WCPO 9

WCPO 9 advocates for the people of Cincinnati. The news team works every day to help people find deals and avoid scams through its “Don’t Waste Your Money” franchise, which is distributed to stations across the country. The 9 First Warning Weather Team alerts viewers in advance of severe weather, tracking storms around-the-clock to keep families safe. The station produces impactful investigations, special reports and award-winning journalism. The station is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company.

About Scripps The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery, Laff and TrueReal. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

Media contact

Melisse Marks, WCPO 9, 513-852-4954, melisse.marks@wcpo.com

HAMILTON, Ohio — A woman has been booked in the Butler County Jail on charges connected to the deadly May 7 stabbing at a girl’s quinceañera at an FOP Lodge in Hamilton.

Sara Elena Rodriguez-Remigio, 46, is charged with tampering with evidence and obstructing justice for the incident that killed 20-year-old Ivan Isreal Diaz of Hamilton, according to Hamilton Sgt. Rich Burkhardt. She also has a holder for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to jail records.

Three others suffered stab wounds and were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

Rodriguez-Remigio of Pershing Avenue in Hamilton was arraigned Thursday morning in Hamilton Municipal Court where bond was set at $75,000, according to court records.

A reward is being offered for information that helps find two persons of interest, Juan Flores and Oscar Flores, according to police.

Provided by Hamilton police

The incident happened about 10:25 p.m. at FOP Lodge 38 on Joe Nuxhall Way initially was reported to police as a shooting. Hamilton and Fairfield police officers and the Hamilton Fire Department was dispatched to the FOP Lodge where a quinceañera was taking place. That is a traditional birthday party on a girl’s 15th birthday celebrated among Mexican and Latin-X communities and families.

Uninvited guests arrived at the party, and at one point, someone fired a gun into the air, according to witnesses who called 911.

“This was found to be an isolated incident targeting the victims,” according to police.

Diaz died of a stab wound, police said. A male who called 911 said Diaz was bleeding badly from a neck wound.

“A fight broke out … someone shot in the air. They chased him,” the caller said.

Three other victims were treated for non-life threatening severe lacerations, police said.

Anyone with knowledge about the whereabouts of Juan and Oscar Flores is asked to contact Hamilton police at 513-868-5811, ext. 2002, or call 911.

CINCINNATI — One of Hamilton County’s top doctors is sending out an alert to parents this weekend in the wake of two college students dying after a drug-related incident.

Hamilton County Coroner, Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco, called a press conference Friday to inform parents about fentanyl-laced pills that look like Adderall medication.

Last week, two OSU students died due to overdose, and investigators are waiting for a lab to confirm it was Adderall laced with fentanyl that killed them.

“I think we need to really start paying attention to these counterfeit pills,” Dr. Sammarco said. “This is not a minor thing. This could explode into this huge epidemic problem if we don’t try and get to these young people and get the right message to them.”

Joe Reder, resident agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Cincinnati District Office, said, “The pill presses are being bought on the dark web, shipped into the United States. People are setting up labs in Cincinnati, and they're churning out thousands of pills at a time."

He said four out of 10 counterfeit pills seized across the nation are laced with lethal levels of fentanyl.

“We really want to stress parents talking to their kids because an innocent pill when you're studying for an exam could end up being the last thing that you do,” Reder said. “In the wake of the OSU tragedy, obviously, we want to stress this because we’ve got amazing universities here in Cincinnati, and we don't want to see it happen here.”

"If you can get other people to engage your kids in that way, to talk to them, their teachers, their coaches, whatever, do it," Dr. Sammarco said.

The pair said if you’re set on taking pills, get Narcan from a pharmacy first.

“I hate to say that we're talking about having Narcan available at high schools and colleges, but the reality is, if we can get there and save lives, we're doing something good,” Dr. Sammarco said. “But, prevention, prevention, prevention, prevention.”

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CINCINNATI — Medical marijuana will be more accessible in southwest Ohio after multiple new dispensaries received licenses to operate in the state this week.

The additional licenses add more than triple the amount of dispensaries than there previously were in Ohio — there now are 26 total.

The new locations come after the 18 dispensaries were granted provisional licenses on May 17 via the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, which regulates dispensaries. Overall, the board approved 70 provisional licenses for new dispensaries across the entirety of the Buckeye State.

Provisional licenses grant the businesses nine months to prepare and pass a state inspection, but it doesn't necessarily take the businesses the entire nine months to pass, according to reporting from our partner The Journal-News. If they do so, they will receive a regular certificate of operation — which lasts two years — and are then able to sell.

Within our region, Brown County received one new dispensary, Butler County received four, Clermont County received three, Hamilton County received nine and Warren County received one.

Out of the dispensaries, two of Butler County's and two of Hamilton County's have yet to establish physical store locations.

Here are the locations of the dispensaries in the region:

Medical marijuana in Ohio was signed into law in 2016. The first medical marijuana dispensary license granted in Ohio was in late 2018, with multiple other locations receiving licenses in 2019.

Last year, the Board of Pharmacy changed how licenses were granted, according to Journal-News. Dispensaries must apply and are picked via a lottery. With this new drawing, the board received almost 1,500 applications.

The drawing for this round of licenses took place Jan. 27 and was conducted by the Ohio Lottery Commission.

In terms of recreational use regulation efforts, two Ohio lawmakers filed a bill — on April 20 of all days — to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21 years of age or older. The bill would allow adults to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates. Individuals would also be able to grow six plants at home or up to 12 plants per household.

The bill would enact a 10% cannabis tax rate on adult-use sales and would dedicate revenue to funds such as the substance abuse and addiction fun, the community cannabis fund and the Division of Cannabis Control, which would be established if the bill is passed.

After a lawsuit in April 2022 involving state legislative leaders, the coalition behind the bill reached a settlement allowing it to be submitted in the 2023 legislative session.

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FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Anthony Brown was out on bond when he allegedly shot and killed a man and injured another person at a Fairfield Township Walmart Thursday night.

The 32-year-old was booked into the Butler County Jail Friday on felony charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated murder and having weapons under disability, which broadly means the accused wasn't legally allowed to have a firearm.

He was charged with "aggravated robbery (deadly weapon)" — a first degree felony — in October 2021, according to court documents. Brown posted $200,000 bail and was released in December.

Brown was charged for allegedly brandishing a handgun while robbing Minnick's Drive Thru and Convenience Store, located at 1990 Dixie Highway in Hamilton, on Oct. 23, 2021, according to court documents.

He was taken into custody around 4:15 a.m. Friday after a situation involving SWAT at the Fairfield Inn in Middletown following a deadly shooting at the Walmart on Princeton Road, Middletown police said.

Investigators said a Walmart employee and other customers confronted the Brown, who was shoplifting in the electronics section.

One person, 35-year-old Adam Black, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Butler County Coroner. A second person was taken to UC West Chester. While their condition is unknown, police said they believe the person had life-threatening injuries.

A Walmart employee told WCPO the employee who was shot and taken to the hospital worked as a greeter at the front of the store.

This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.

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CINCINNATI — Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin is bringing his Chasing M's Foundation CPR Tour to Cincinnati later this month.

The Foundation will host a community hands-on CPR educational event with the American Heart Association on July 22.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Great Hall inside the University of Cincinnati's Tangeman University Center.

“The incredible care I received in Cincinnati was an important part of my journey since experiencing cardiac arrest in January,” said Hamlin. "I’m honored to announce that I’m bringing my CPR tour to Cincinnati and humbled by the chance to give back to the people of this community."

The event along with the CPR training is free, the organization said in a press release. Reservations for timed sessions can be made in advance by clicking here. Walk-ins are also welcome. Chasing M's will also be providing free CPR education for youth sports groups and distributing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to a selected group of youth sports organizations in the community, the foundation said.

The Chasing M's Foundation said it is working to create programs and opportunities that will bring Hamlin's mission and vision for the charity to life. According to it's website, the foundation is "dedicated to the development, health and safety of youth through sports, engagement activities, training and programming."

Hamlin collapsed on the field at Paycor Stadium during a nationally televised Monday Night Football game against the Bengals in January 2023 after suffering a cardiac arrest. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was hospitalized for just over a week.

Hamlin was cleared to return to the NFL in April.

Earlier this week at the 2023 ESPYS, Hamlin presented the Pat Tillman Award for Service to the Buffalo Bills training staff who helped save his life.

Each year, AAA warns of the '100 deadliest days' for teen drivers, but this year the company warns data has shown the first days of the summer months could be just as dangerous for all drivers.

Federal statistics have shown that, nationwide, traffic fatalities reached a 16-year high in 2021 across all age brackets, according to AAA. That's a 10% increase in fatalities from 2020, so the non-profit estimates that 2022 may also see an increase.

"Speeding is up, seat belt use is down and driver impairment and multiple other factors contributed to more than 42,000 fatalities last year," said Mike Belcuore, manager of AAA Driver Education, in a press release. "We know that fatal crashes involving teen drivers nearly double in summer months as compared to the rest of the year, but this summer, AAA is concerned that the 'deadliest days' may refer to increased risk for everyone."

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows pedestrian fatalities in crashes increased 13% nationwide in 2021. Passenger deaths increased 9% between 2020 and 2021.

In June, July and August of 2021, data shows there were nearly 12,000 deaths on U.S. roadways. More than half of those killed in crashes were someone other than the driver.

"Teen drivers spend more time behind the wheel in summer months, and they certainly have less experience than those who have been driving for years," said Belcuore in the press release. "But these troubling statistics indicate that whatever experience more seasoned drivers gained over time has been lost over the pandemic, with tragic outcomes."

AAA said a survey they conducted found that most Ohio residents plan to travel in the summer months, with 42% of Ohioans planning multiple trips.

To reduce dangerous crashes and fatalities on U.S. roadways, AAA suggests the following tips:

• Slow down — Speeding is considered to be the top factor contributing to increased roadway fatalities and was identified as a contributing factor in more than 25% of deadly crashes in the summer of 2021.

• Buckle up — Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in unrestrained occupant deaths and ejections.

• Don't drive impaired — According to the NHTSA, 20% of all fatal crashes in the summer month typically involve alcohol.

• Drive defensively — This will increase the time drivers have to react to another driver.

• Limit distractions — The NHTSA reports distracted driving accounts for around 8% of all fatal crashes, but that number could be artificially low because distracted driving is assumed to be underreported.

• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists — Pedestrian deaths jumped almost 15% from 2020 to 2021, killing more than 7,000 people. The number of cyclists killed increased 5%, with almost 1,000 people dead.

• Talk to teens and model best behavior — In Ohio, between 2011 and 2020, more than 30% of fatal crashes involving teens happened in the summer months, which is why AAA calls those months the "100 deadliest days."

CINCINNATI — People on the east side enjoy living in Cincinnati more than people on the west side, according to residents surveyed in a recent study.

Nearly 1,500 people were surveyed by the ETC Institute on a range of topics covering everything from public safety, quality of life and cost of living.

More than 50% of survey participants said they've lived in the city for more than 30 years.

The survey consisted of 11 sections with dozens of questions within each. Some sections were rated on a five-point scale from very dissatisfied to very satisfied, poor to excellent and some questions required yes or no answers.

Other themes from the survey include a high rating for fire and EMS services, low ratings for police and most people think city leaders need to do more.

Let's dive into the study:

Quality of life

Most people rated Cincinnati as a good or excellent place to live but there's a noticeable difference between the east and the west sides of town.

Photo by: ETC Institute

The majority of people gave the city positive ratings when it comes to work-life balance, but when it comes to raising children, those that live in the east paint a much different picture than the west.

Photo by: ETC institute

When asked "How does Cincinnati rank as a place where I feel welcome," the majority of people gave a positive rating but it once again came down to where respondents live.

ETC

Based on the survey responses, people living on the west side said they have less access to affordable housing, access to affordable food and overall economic opportunity.

Safety
The west side of town said it felt less safe in its neighborhoods than the east side of town, with overall mixed ratings on the topic.

Photo by: ETC Institute

Across the board, Cincinnati fire rescue and EMS crews and their response time received a vast majority of positive ratings, but CPD didn't get the same treatment.

Most people did not think the police work hard enough to collaborate with the public to address their concerns. In fact, only 52% of people said they are satisfied with the effectiveness of police protection where they live. Again, the experience of those on the east side is different than those on the west, especially when it comes to rating the attitude and behavior of officers towards citizens within Cincinnati's neighborhoods.

Photo: ETC Institute

Although the east side ranked its experience with police higher than the west side, those on the west side said they had a better experience with the city's 911 service than those living in the east.

Photo by: ETC Insitute

According to the study, more than 30% of people did not think the city was safe, even though only 16% of people surveyed identified as victims of a crime.

Leadership
Across the board, questions involving city administration received low ratings. In fact, all 12 questions in the Communication and Community Engagement section of the survey, and all 7 questions in the Leadership section received positive ratings of less than 40%.

Only 39% of people said the city's efforts are good or excellent when it comes to supporting diversity by serving people equally regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, age, abilities, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Areas close to downtown and areas in the far east portion of the city gave slightly more positive responses than those in other parts of the city.

Photo by: ETC institute

Infrastructure
Overall the city could do better with infrastructure, according to survey takers.

Less than 50% of residents from across the city gave a positive rating for accessibility for those with disabilities, adequacy of street lighting, sidewalk conditions and maintenance of city streets.

The east side respondents were more positive about traffic flow than the west side.

Most people did not have anything positive to say about the city's cleanliness and appearance but the majority of Cincinnatians were happy with their garbage and recycling pickup services. Those that live closer to downtown gave the lowest ratings.

What is the city doing with all of this information?

The ETC institute took all of this information and created "investment priority" page that rank the importance each subject to give the city an idea of what should be "fixed" first.

Below is an example of what the institute thinks is a top investment priority when it comes to public safety perception:

You can read the full study here.

Demographics of the survey

Race:

• 0.3% identified as American Indian/Eskimo alone, non-Hispanic
• 1.8% identified as Asian/Pacific Islander alone, non-Hispanic
• 42.0% identified as Black/African American alone, non-Hispanic
• 4.3% identified as Hispanic, any race.
• 0.7% identified as mixed race, non-Hispanic
• 0.4% identified as other, non-Hispanic
• 50.5% identified as White alone, non-Hispanic

Annual income:

• 24% reported earning under $30,000 per year.
• 26.6% reported earning $30,000-$59,000 per year.
• 25% reported earning $60,000-$99,999 per year.
• 24.5% reported earning $100,000 or more per year.

Additional information

• 76% of respondents said they are homeowners.

• 97.6% of people are older than 25.
• 49.3% of people that responded identified as females.
• 50.0% of the people that responded identified as males.
• 0.7% preferred not to self-describe.

What is the ETC Institute?
The ETC Institute was founded in 1982 by Dr. Elaine Tatham to help local governmental organizations gather data from residents to enhance community planning, according to the institute's website. The once a one-person company is now a massive national corporation. According to its website, the institute has completed thousands of research projects and surveys for clients in 49 states. Since 2010 more than 2 million have been surveyed in 1,000 cities.

HAMILTON — A Hamilton mother continues to search for her daughter and needs more volunteer searchers.

Kara Hyde went missing in December. She was last seen at her mother’s house in Hamilton. Since her disappearance, Kara’s mother, Lisa Hyde, has been organizing searches to look for her daughter.

“We got to keep continuing these searches because she has to be found,” Lisa said.

A group of searchers met outside Jay’s Furniture Sunday Morning and then drove to the search location.

“Gets harder everyday, everyday she’s gone, I miss her more and I need to find her. There’s urgency that I have to find her,” she said.

During a search in January, organized by Kara’s family, searchers found a bag of Kara’s clothes but no sign of Kara.

“She was a force, she was very animated, very outgoing, enthusiastic, sweet, artistic, creative, kind, she had a heart of gold,” Lisa said.

She added to keep the search parties going, she needs more volunteers.

“Been looking everywhere for volunteer searches because with the weather breaking and the case being so old I’m losing quite a bit of searchers,” she said.

Lisa is doing everything she can to find her daughter her such as, creating and hanging flyers, visiting places Kara has been to, talking with people Kara knew, and turning Kara’s car into a mobile billboard. She believes Kara will be found by either investigators or volunteer searchers.

Kara Hyde is 5-foot-6 inches tall, weighing 100 pounds with dirty blond hair.

If you have information about Kara Hyde’s whereabouts, call Hamilton police at 513-868-5811.

CINCINNATI — A woman is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after getting hit by a car while riding an electric scooter in Over-The-Rhine.

It happened early Sunday evening at the intersection of Findlay Street and Elm Street, police said.

According to a witness, the driver ran a red light.

"Went up in the air, and bounced back on the car and the scooter was under the car," Shirlneissa Smith said. "The scooter stopped the car."

Smith said the area has a lot of issues with people speeding and running red lights.

"I've been there 12 years and I probably seen 8-9 accidents," Smith said.

Cincinnati police have not said if the driver will face any charges.

This is an ongoing investigation and will be updated once more information becomes available.

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CINCINNATI — More than 200 friends, cheer team members, neighbors, family and more came to Ryan Park in Westwood Thursday evening to celebrate the life of 9-year-old Da'Myiah Burton-Pickens.

Burton-Pickens was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting late Monday night.

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Before the balloons took flight, there was a lot of prayer, cheers from the West Side Panthers Cheer squad and tears from a grieving mother who says her daughter wasn't on Earth long.

"Y'all showing love for my baby," Danieka Pickens told the crowd surrounding her. "Y'all showing over for her man. I will be laying my baby to rest Monday."

Members of Da'Myiah's cheer team said she was the best friend a friend could be.

Zyarra Walker believes she was looking down on them during the balloon release.

"It is super sad, but, at the same time, there's a lot of people who came here with all their kindness, and released balloons and stuff all just for her," Walker said, "And I feel like Da'Myiah is super grateful to have this big of a family and to have this many friends."

Walker said the cheer squad would train and dance harder than ever before in her honor.

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For Patrisha Kist, Da'Myiah's first and third grade teacher at Alliance Academy of Cincinnati, the feeling of disbelief persists.

"It was just a month ago were were in school together, and she was sitting right in front of my desk," Kist said.

Kist said there were a lot of lessons to be learned from Da'Myiah's death.

First and foremost was that the type of violence that lead to her death has been, and continues to be, much too costly for everyone in the surrounding community.

"The violence, it just has to stop," she said. "There's no excuse for a 9-year-old to pass away like this in the safety of her own home."

Pickens told the crowd that Da'Myiah's funeral service would be held on Monday, but said details had yet to be finalized.

CINCINNATI — Beyoncé is not coming to Cincinnati. Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece broke the news during an interview on Cincinnati's 700WLW Friday.

Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour is finally in the U. S. and Hamilton County was pushing to get the Queen B in the Queen City.

Reece said after Taylor Swift's two massive shows at Paycor Stadium earlier this summer, the city proved it can handle the shows put on by mega stars, including Beyoncé.

The singer's Pittsburgh tour stop in August was canceled recently because of logistical issues. Reece said she wanted Beyoncé to come to Cincinnati instead.

"This could be a place where they honor the tickets of Pittsburgh and get new tickets," Reece said. "I mean this could really be a win if we could possibly put it together and we have nothing to lose if it couldn't happen."

Unfortunately since the tour is already underway, Beyoncé's team can't make a show at Paycor Stadium work, according to Reece.

This isn't surprising. Tours of this size are often planned months and even years in advance so it is highly unlikely that the star will randomly add a new date in the middle of her tour, especially since she's going to be in Nasvhille on Saturday and Louisville on Monday. Both of these cities are a relatively short drive from Cincinnati.

The star's latest album has ties to the Tri-State. One of her producers is from Cincinnati and is part of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.

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