Friday, May 8, 1998
Attorneys for fired Harrison Police Chief Thomas Keenan have asked that a special prosecutor be appointed to handle the case against him.
The attorneys, Firooz Namei and Nancy Dameron, argue that an independent prosecutor is necessary because the Hamilton County prosecutor's office is withholding and manipulating evidence that could be helpful to Mr. Keenan's defense.
Judge Steven Martin of Hamilton County Common Pleas Court likely will rule on the matter before Mr. Keenan goes to trial May 18 on rape charges. The prosecution is expected to oppose the request.
Underground railroad paperwork about ready
Cincinnati city officials are well on their way to securing a riverfront site for the planned National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and providing an initial $1 million for architectural work.
City Manager John Shirey said in a memo to city council that he will submit the paperwork to council soon.
The site is near the entrance to the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. The center, which will commemorate the network that helped slaves escape to freedom, would sit on parking garages there. In all, the city has pledged $6 million to the center over five years.
Planning board urges Broadway stadium site
The Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission on Thursdayunanimously reaffirmed its support for building a Reds ballpark at the site known as Broadway Commons.
In a letter to Hamilton County commissioners and Cincinnati City Council, the planning commission offered 22 reasons why the ballpark should be at Broadway and Reading Road instead of on the riverfront, saying the Broadway location "capitalizes on existing resources that are "uniquely Cincinnati.' "
The county's planning arm first endorsed Broadway Commons in January 1997.
The Cincinnati Planning Commission endorsed Broadway that same month and reaffirmed its position last month.
Zoo appreciation days offer half-off admission
The Cincinnati Zoo will hold the first of four scheduled Hamilton County Appreciation Days on Sunday, offering a 50 percent discount on admission and parking to county residents from 4 to 8 p.m.
Similar appreciation days are planned monthly through August. The dates are June 4, July 7 and Aug. 19.
Proposed seat belt law topic for city hearing
A public hearing will be held May 18 at Cincinnati City Hall to discuss a proposed state law that would give police officers the latitude to stop a vehicle for the sole purpose of citing a driver for not wearing a seat belt.
State Rep. Mark Mallory, D-Cincinnati, issued a statement asking for constituents to gather and discuss what he calls a controversial piece of legislation.
The legislation is now in the House Transportation and Public Safety Committee.
The hearing will be 7 to 9 p.m. at City Hall, 801 Plum St.
Air Force won't downsize Wright-Patt med center
DAYTON, Ohio -- Wright-Patterson Medical Center will remain one of the Air Force's major medical centers.
The Air Force's surgeon general said Wednesday the hospital was taken off the list of large hospitals that may be converted to smaller community hospitals.
Chamber seminar on undocumented workers
The Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a seminar Wednesday on undocumented workers.
The seminar will feature tips for employers, including how to check the status of potential and current employees, and what rights employers have regarding contractors and subcontractors. The seminar will run from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the chamber's main office, 300 Carew Tower. Cost is $40. For more information, call 579-3162.
Association gives $1,700 for 4 child-care grants
The Cincinnati Association for the Education of Young Children has awarded four minigrants totaling $1,700 to recognize child-care centers and homes.
Crossroads Child Development Center in Clifton, Alan R. Mack Parent's Center in Roselawn, Lord of Life Christian Preschool in West Chester and home-care provider Yvette Mason's Ready Set 2 Learn in North College Hill were rewarded with grants.
The winners will buy various supplies with the money.
