Looking back: These were the Journal-News’ top stories in November

Credit: Journal News

The following articles were the most read pieces of content on journal-news.com in November 2022.

1. Man charged with killing Okeana neighbor; 911 caller says he thought he was a Democrat

Austin Combs, accused of shooting his neighbor in Okeana, appeared for a hearing in Butler County Common Pleas Court Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 in Hamilton. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

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Credit: Nick Graham

Bond has been set at $1 million for a Morgan Twp. man accused of shooting and killing his neighbor in Okeana. Austin Combs, 26, was booked into the Butler County Jail just hours after the fatal shooting, and he was charged with murder. Earlier this month, a Butler County grand jury returned an indictment the upped the charge against Combs to aggravated murder with a gun specification. Anthony Lee King, 43, died of multiple gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office. Family members called 911 after hearing shots and finding King in the backyard unresponsive and bleeding. A family member told the dispatcher a neighbor had confronted King before about perceived political affiliation.

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This story was written by Staff Writer Lauren Pack. Have a story idea for Lauren to consider? Email her at lauren.pack@coxinc.com.

2. Costco opens in Liberty Twp.

The new Costco store opened with a crowd waiting outside Wednesday morning, Nov. 16, 2022 on Veterans Blvd. in Liberty Township. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

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Credit: Nick Graham

Southwest Ohio’s newest Costco — and the first in Butler County — drew thousands of shoppers to its massive Liberty Twp. store with some waiting Nov. 15 in pre-dawn cold to be first in the door. And giant store’s opening also marks the first step of many more to come as the township’s latest $139 million mixed-use development now begins takes shape around the nationally popular wholesaler.

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This story was written by Staff Writer Michael Clark. Have a story idea for Michael to consider? Email him at michael.clark@coxinc.com.

3. New firearm shooting center to open in Butler County

A former Kroger store in Liberty Twp. is being converted into an indoor shooting range and retail outlet. The Midwest Shooting Center will feature 20 indoor shooting lanes and $1.2 million in firearms and related products, according to company officials. Located at 5420 Liberty Fairfield Road, the former Kroger building, just north of the Route 4 intersection, is now undergoing the interior renovation work for an opening in spring 2023. (Photo by Nick Graham\Journal-News)

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A former Kroger store in Liberty Twp. is being converted into an indoor shooting range and retail outlet. The Midwest Shooting Center will feature 20 indoor shooting lanes and $1.2 million in firearms and related products, according to company officials’ statement. Located at 5420 Liberty Fairfield Road, the former Kroger building, just north of the Ohio 4 intersection, is now undergoing the interior renovation work for an opening in spring 2023.

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This story was written by Staff Writer Michael Clark.

4. Bust nets marijuana, cars and $350K at 2 Butler County houses

The Butler Undercover Regional Narcotics (BURN) task force seized large amounts of marijuana, firearms and cash in a raid on Carlton Drive in Hamilton and Oxford Middletown Road in Wayne Twp. CONTRIBUTED/BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

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The Butler County Sheriff’s Office announced its undercover task force arrested three people after making a large seizure at two Butler County houses. The Butler Undercover Regional Narcotics task force executed search warrants at 96 Carlton Drive in Hamilton and 4597 Oxford Middletown Road in Wayne Twp. where they found 200 pounds of marijuana. They also seized five vehicles, six firearms and more than $350,000 in cash.

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5. Bass Pro Shops headed to the Streets of West Chester

Bass Pro Shops plans to build a new 120,149-square-foot location at 5992 Allen Road as part of the second phase of The Streets of West Chester. That’s a 30,000-square-foot reduction compared to the previously announced size.

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After nearly a decade of having property at the Streets of West Chester, Bass Pro Shops will finally be built there. The retailer filed plans with the township for a 123,348 square foot building on Allen Road. West Chester Twp. Economic Development Manager Katy Kanelopoulos said according to the plans — submitted in September — it appears there will also be a 20,000 square-foot restaurant inside the store.

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This article was written by Denise Callahan. Have a story idea for Denise? Email her at denise.callahan@coxinc.com.

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