Friday, January 08, 1999
TRISTATE DIGEST
Taft's Web site links not an elections issue
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An indirect link between Gov.-elect Bob Taft's campaign site on the World Wide Web and the state's Internet presence — through a third site providing information about Mr. Taft's inauguration — doesn't appear to violate elections laws, a state official said Thursday.
The state's Internet site includes an icon through which Web surfers can click on information about Mr. Taft's inauguration on Monday.
The inauguration site includes a list of links, including several to Mr. Taft's gubernatorial campaign Web page and one to the donation section of that page.
Phil Richter, executive director of the Ohio Elections Commission, said election statutes don't mention the Internet.
Because of the intermediate step between the state's site and the Taft site — through the inauguration page — it seems unlikely a strong case could be made that the setup is illegal, he said.
Taft spokesman Brett Buerck said the Internet links were not an issue.
“Each of the Web sites are separate entities, functioning separately, paid for separately,” he said.
Driver being charged after fatal crash
HAMILTON — Police in Butler County's Union Township said authorities on Thursday were charging a Fairfield Township man with vehicular homicide.
Earl Wyatt, 58, was the driver of a pickup truck that apparently ran through a red light and struck a Geo Tracker at Muhlhauser and Allen roads early Tuesday. The driver of the Tracker, Michael Churchill, 31, of Union Township, died that night at University Hospital, where he had been flown by helicopter.
An employee of the Hamilton County coroner's office said a ruling on the cause of Mr. Churchill's death is expected in about a month, after laboratory tests are complete.
“We're not sure why he didn't obey” the stop sign, said Union Township Police Officer Barry Walker, a traffic crash investigator. “We just know that he didn't.”
Ex-firefighter able to be tried in abduction
A former Cincinnati firefighter was declared mentally competent Thursday to stand trial on charges of attempting to rape a 7-year-old girl.
Maurice Young, 40, is accused of abducting the child outside her Avondale home. Police say two neighbors apprehended Mr. Young when they saw him throw the girl into his car.
Prosecutors said investigators found a “kidnapping kit” filled with tape, rope and rubber gloves in Mr. Young's back seat.
After reviewing a psychological report Thursday, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Crush ruled that Mr. Young is fit for trial.
Another exam will be conducted to determine whether Mr. Young can pursue a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. He is being held in lieu of a $200,000 bond.
Concert tonight helps hurricane victims
Ziapol Productions is holding a concert at TopCat's Club tonight to benefit victims of Hurricane Mitch in Honduras.
A local acoustic duo called Meridian and four solo performers will sing and play folk covers and original songs, said Chriss Henry, a member of Meridian and concert organizer.
The concert at TopCat's, 2820 Vine St. in Corryville, will run from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Entry at the door is either $3 cash donation or $1 with a piece of clothing or cleaning supplies.
All donations will be given to Loveland-based Matthew 25: Ministries to be shipped to Honduras.
Following the late-October storm that pummeled Central America, officials said about 6,000 people were killed and 1.4 million were left homeless in Honduras. However, officials are still trying to determine a final count.
Teen pleads guilty to rape of 9-year-old
A West End teen-ager pleaded guilty Thursday to luring a 9-year-old girl into his home and raping her.
Maurice Stewart, 14, entered pleas in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court to charges of rape, kidnapping and gross sexual imposition. He agreed to the deal after prosecutors dropped an additional charge that would have made the teen eligible for a sentence of life in prison.
He will return to court Jan. 21 for sentencing before Judge Norbert Nadel. He faces from three to 25 years in prison.
Wallace retiring from Seventh Presbyterian
The Rev. R. Stanley Wallace is retiring as pastor of Seventh Presbyterian Church in East Walnut Hills.
The Rev. Dr. Wallace has served as Seventh's pastor for nearly 19 years. He also has served congregations in California, Maryland, Colorado and Indiana. He is the author of several books.
The Rev. Dr. Wallace's wife, Betty Wallace, is retiring as the church's director of Christian education. The two plan to travel and write.
Reinstating 911 dispatcher is bad call
More snow, ice pelt region
Surviving the cold
City to double road-plowing force
Backup plan for child care vital in storm
Landlords charged after heat goes off
SNOW NOTEBOOK
Plea in Devin's case decried
Some Dems wary of plan to change city election
City investigating bills from contractor
County seeks way to recover money from PRO Seniors
Elder Cafe called drag on Findlay renewal
Three Sycamore seniors ace college-entrance exams
Affair of two lifetimes soured by estate fight
Center director debuts tonight
Charges pile up against Wal-Mart optometrist
Court won't hear NKU sexual-harassment case
Doctor plans community health fair
Firm to clean Fernald silo containing radioactive waste
Gang signs concern Boone County officials
Inmate gives jailer $200 thank-you
Mason schools seek substitute teachers
Middletown officers object to new shifts
Phone service area may expand
Schools assessment has praise for KERA
Suspect denies rape in Kings Island case
TRISTATE DIGEST
