Middletown man pleads guilty to charges related to 6-year-old’s death
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
A 43-year-old Middletown man charged with abusing a 6-year-old boy and disposing of his body in the Ohio River after his mother killed him was in Butler County Common Pleas Court pleaded guilty this afternoon, 24 hours after a legal glitch delayed the hearing.
Standing before Judge Noah Powers II, James Hamilton said “guilty” to kidnapping, two counts of child endangering and gross abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of James Hutchinson in February. Hamilton faces a maximum of 19 years in prison.
Today’s plea hearing was scheduled for Monday, but it was continued by the judge after questions were raised regarding a requirement after Hamilton’s release from prison. The sticking point seemed to be a new law requiring him to register as a violent offender as part of the plea.
Coroner IDs 9-year-old killed in Butler County crash
The Butler County Coroner’s Office has released the name of the girl killed Monday night in a crash in Wayne Twp.
Kylee Michelle Meiners, 9, died from traumatic injuries and her death was ruled an accident, the coroner’s office said.
Besides Kylee, four others were injured in the two-vehicle crash that happened about 9:45 p.m. at the intersection of Eaton Road and West Taylor School road, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
Middletown Schools is second Butler County district to mandate masks
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
Middletown City Schools Superintendent Marlon Styles Jr. called it “a tough decision,” but the goal is to keep schools fully open and to protect students and staff.
A few minutes earlier, the board agreed, voting unanimously that students, staff and visitors must wear masks while in district buildings.
Styles said the district periodically will review its mask policy but will follow the guidelines from the local and state health departments.
Butler County sheriff buys new helicopter for nearly $600,000
The Butler County sheriff’s office is buying a new helicopter for nearly $600,000 but the total cost could be half that with the sale of the old whirly bird.
The commissioners on Monday agreed to pay McMahon Helicopter Services, Inc. $588,981 for a new helicopter, it will replace the 2006 Robinson R-44 Raven II aircraft the county is selling on the GovDeals auction.
Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer told the Journal-News the sale of the old model isn’t quite final yet, but they have an offer of a little more than $300,000. He said the county general fund shouldn’t have to be tapped to cover the rest of the cost of the new chopper.
Lawmaker introduces bill to create a specialty license plate for Badin High School
Stephen T. Badin High School alumni across the state may soon have an opportunity to show more of their school spirit while traversing Ohio’s roads.
Ohio Rep. Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, submitted a bill last week that would create a specialty license plate for the near-60-year-old high school.
Carruthers said with each license plate issued, the schools would receive around $30 per plate.
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Little League World Series: Second victory a ‘great feeling’ for West Side
Credit: Tom E. Puskar
Credit: Tom E. Puskar
Coach Ken Coomer talked with his West Side Little League team on Monday morning about soaking in the experience of the Little League World Series and having fun but also playing with more focus.
That focus paid off in the evening when the team of 12-year-old all-stars from Hamilton kept its hopes alive in Williamsport, Pa., with an 8-2 victory over Lafayette, La., at Volunteer Stadium.
“They did a great job today,” Coomer said. “They were very selective on their pitches. It’s a great feeling. We’ve been here five times. I’ve been a part of two, where we only won one game. Now we’ve won two.”