Here’s a look at five big Butler County stories today to catch up on the news:
Hamilton girl with rare brain cancer road trips to Hollywood sign, L.A., Vegas, Disney
Naomi Short continues to complete her “bucket list” thanks to the generosity of others, including strangers.
Naomi, 9, of Hamilton, diagnosed with a rare form of Stage 4 brain cancer, has traveled around the United States with her parents for nearly six weeks. They’re traveling in a pull behind camper, a gift from Make A Wish Foundation.
Their adventures began on Thanksgiving and they expect to return to Hamilton some time next week. That is, unless her parents Gary and Melissa Short can find a way to make a living on the road, her mom said with a laugh.
Middletown Schools sticking with 14-day coronavirus quarantine as others ease rules
Unlike some area school systems, Middletown will continue its 14-day coronavirus quarantining of students and staffers who meet standards despite state officials’ recent relaxation of the rules for schools.
Officials said they would be sticking with the previous, two-week quarantine requirement through at least most of this month.
Middletown officials and those at other area school systems have in recent weeks expressed concerns about the winter holiday break may bring a coronavirus “super spreader” spike from family gatherings and travel.
Police: 2 arrested for Butler County ‘porch pirate’ thefts after glove left behind in popcorn tin
A report of the theft of packages from an Oxford porch in the area of East Vine Street and University Avenue brought police at Dec. 27 looking for two people dressed in black and carrying string backpacks. Two people matching that description were found in the 300 block of Bishop Avenue.
The officer recognized the pair as a 32-year-old man and 46-year-old woman.
A male walking toward the officer identified himself as a resident in the 300 block of East Sycamore Street and said he had found a package delivered to his residence ripped open. The package contained three protein shakes which had been delivered a short time earlier and were missing from the package. He said a roommate had also had a package delivered containing a calculator, which was missing from its package.
Bond set at $1 million for man charged in Hamilton fatal shooting
Bond was set Thursday for a man charged with a June fatal shooting in Hamilton.
Cameron Treitay Kidd Wilson, 21, of Harrison, was taken into custody last week at his Hamilton County residence and charged with murder and felonious assault for the slaying of Darrian K. Shamel on June 2.
Judge Jennifer McElfresh set Wilson’s bond at $1 million. He is scheduled to be back in court for a pre-trial hearing on on Jan. 14.
Transfer leading Fairfield basketball as league showdown awaits tonight
Logan Woods knew there would be some outside pressure to show he could compete at the higher level.
After transferring from Cincinnati Christian School (Division IV) to Fairfield High School (Division I) this year, the junior guard has proven up to that challenge.
Woods leads the Indians (5-4, 4-0 Greater Miami Conference) in scoring at 16.8 points per game – just like he did for CCS the last two seasons – and has been a key addition to a young squad that sits atop the GMC. Fairfield faces an important test tonight at two-time defending champion Lakota East (3-1 overall, 3-0 GMC).
AND, for an extra sixth story of the day ...
Winter things to do: Butler County MetroParks has options for cold-weather activities
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
MetroParks of Butler County is working to continue offering opportunities for residents to do activities outside this winter.
“To get the most out of MetroParks visits in 2021 my recommendation would be to ‘Shake it Up.’ Shake it up by exploring a new park other than the ones you normally visit. Each park has a separate personality and definitely each has a different feel. Get to know them all…You may find a new favorite,” said Kelly Barkley, supervisor, Division of Community and Enterprise Initiatives at MetroParks of Butler County.
All 11 parks are open daily, from 8 a.m. until dark. Parks are available within a very short drive for most residents. While Motor Vehicle Permits (MVPs) are required to enter a MetroPark, they are free to all Butler County residents. Non-residents may purchase an MVP during 2021 at a fee of $8/daily and $15/annually. For more details on each of the parks and what they offer, visit www.yourmetroparks.net.