Wednesday, May 13, 1998
Cincinnati Public Schools Business Executive W. Steven Ottemann announced his resignation Tuesday, saying he wanted to consider other career opportunities.
Mr. Ottemann, who was hired in 1992 by Superintendent J. Michael Brandt, is a member of the district's senior management team. He oversees operation of the district's business functions, including technology, transportation, facilities, food service and security. A former executive for Phillips 66 Co., he was instrumental in carrying out the Buenger Commission Report, a 1991 plan to reform the school district. He restructured the business operations, helping to save the district $50 million.
He expects to leave by Dec. 31.
Bond Hill man held in fatal I-75 case
A Bond Hill man whose best friend died in a police pursuit Monday was being held Tuesday at the Hamilton County Justice Center in lieu of $5,000 bond.
Corey Brown, 18, faces a charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle. Police say he was one of a group who stole a Jeep and didn't stop when an Arlington Heights officer tried to arrest them on a speeding charge early Monday.
The driver, Robert Williams Jr., 17, of Evanston, lost control of the Jeep, hit a guardrail, flipped and struck a utility pole. He was not wearing a seat belt, and he died after being thrown from the vehicle.
A third boy, who is 16, faces a juvenile charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle.
ChoiceCare named to HMO honor roll
ChoiceCare, Greater Cincinnati's largest health maintenance organization, has been named to the Sachs HMO Honor Roll for the third straight year.
ChoiceCare, acquired last year by Humana Inc., was one of 11 HMOs to make the honor roll and one of only two to be chosen three years in a row.
The honor roll, produced by the Sachs Group consulting firm in Evanston, Ill., is based on a survey of 97,000 HMO members in 30 cities. Rankings are based on customer loyalty and member services. ChoiceCare covers more than 310,000 Tristate residents through its various health plans.
Middletown man dies in collision on I-75
MIDDLETOWN -- A Middletown man was killed Tuesday in a head-on collision on Interstate 75, just north of Ohio 122.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said James Donsi, 55, was driving south when a northbound vehicle driven by Walter Becker, 64, of Delhi Township crossed the median and collided with Mr. Donsi's vehicle.
Mr. Becker was taken to Middletown Regional Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition.
Four "Most Wanted' join arrested list
Four more "Tristate's Most Wanted" suspects have been arrested, bringing the total to 435 arrests out of the 756 suspects featured in the Enquirer.
Norman Harris, 30, who listed addresses in Cincinnati, Louisville and Lexington, was arrested on charges of trafficking in cocaine, robbery and contempt of court.
Marion Hedger, 31, of Northside was arrested Monday on a charge of illegal processing of drug documents.
Derrick Williams, 22, of Bond Hill turned himself in Monday on a felonious assault charge.
Thomas Williams, 32, of the West End is being held at the Boone County Jail under another name -- Willie Jones. He faces robbery, criminal trespass and theft charges in Cincinnati. His identity was confirmed through fingerprints.
The Enquirer publishes "Tristate's Most Wanted" each Monday. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Callers to 352-3040 can remain anonymous.
Drug-protection sting down to last case
CLEVELAND -- The suspected ringleader of a drug-deal protection ring is the lone remaining defendant among 53 people indicted in an FBI sting. Michael Joye, 29, is scheduled to go on trial May 26. The sting involved bogus drug deals staged by FBI agents. They hired jail guards and police to protect purported cocaine shipments. Many ended up pleading guilty to the lesser charge of conspiracy.
