Thursday, March 11, 1999
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Chemicals explode at Clermont plant
MIAMI TOWNSHIP — The accidental mixing of two chemicals inside a container caused a minor eruption and hazardous spill Wednesdayat an International Paper Co. plant.
Clermont County's Miami Township Fire Department and the Greater Cincinnati Hazardous Materials Unit cleaned up the spill at the research and development plant on TriRidge Boulevard.
No one was injured in the noon incident. The eruption blew open the doors of a safety cabinet that held a half-gallon glass container, said Bob Baillie, site manager.
A small quantity of nitric acid had been poured into the glass container before it was placed inside the cabinet. About 20 minutes later, it erupted, Mr. Baillie said. There may have been another chemical, possible acetic acid, in the container when the nitric acid was added, Fire Chief Jim Whitworth said.
About 10 employees were evacuated for about four hours.
2 bank robbery suspects arrested
A postal worker tried to give chase, but police say Ernest Reese got away Tues
day afternoon after robbing a Colerain Township bank at gunpoint.
Police arrested the 26-year-old Springfield Township man Tuesday night after a short chase. He is charged with aggravated robbery in the holdup of First Savings Bank on Hamilton Avenue.
Randy Cox, 18, of Colerain Township, accused of being the getaway driver, is charged with complicity to aggravated robbery.
They are each being held in lieu of $250,000 cash bonds at the Hamilton County Justice Center. Police said they also are suspects in a February robbery at the same bank.
But authorities said the robbery Tuesday appears to be unrelated to another robbery that morning at KeyBank in the 7800 block of Reading Road in Roselawn. Two gunmen are still at large.
Search is on for rape suspect
Cincinnati police are looking for a 31-year-old Avondale man who has been indicted on charges of rape and kidnapping involving a 14-year-old girl.
Eugene Patton, also known as Vernon Haywood, allegedly threatened to kill the girl and himself. Cincinnati police say he then sexually assaulted her at knifepoint Feb. 23.
His convictions include burglary, domestic violence, aggravated menacing, theft, receiving stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia, joyriding and obstructing official business.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 352-3040. Callers may remain anonymous.
Fort Washington Way narrowed
Westbound Fort Washington Way will be down to one lane today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to adjust traffic signs.
The work was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but snow canceled it.
TANK joins SORTA in agency approval
The board for the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) Wednesday approved an umbrella agency that could operate the proposed two-state light-rail system proposed along the Interstate 71 corridor.
The board of directors for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), which runs Metro, approved the contract Tuesday.
There's no agency in place now that could operate a system running through two states.
Paper defends story on test
XENIA, Ohio — The Xenia Daily Gazette on Wednesday defended its story that led to the statewide invalidation of the writing portion of fourth- and sixth-grade proficiency tests, calling the article responsible and accurate.
The March 2 story included comments from students who referred to the essay test questions. The newspaper said it did not know that the tests had been given early to those students and that exposure of the questions in the article was “inadvertent and minimal.”
“The Gazette said its article “was simply a local-interest story on the test.”
Lawyers enter case after conviction
XENIA, Ohio — A man who defended himself in court on charges he tried to kill his estranged wife and killed a couple who befriended her will be represented by attorneys during the penalty phase of his trial.
James Taylor was convicted Feb. 24. The sentencing phase is to begin March 22. Mr. Taylor could face the death penalty.
Recycle plan: Old clothes make new life
VD rate for teens soars in Tristate
Q & A about sex and risks
Most local school districts too 'rich' for funds
School officials find funding formula complicated
Charges toughened against driver
Driver pleads not guilty in 3 deaths
Jail officer facing sex charges was a felon
Mother sues city after cruiser hit, killed son during chase
National chain plans antiques mall in Tricounty
The meaning of Mecca
Caregivers send cry for help
Sabin Center expansion foes get hearing
Where to build jail? How about 100 miles away?
Actress proves show must go on
Chaim Soutine painting given to Cincinnati Art Museum
Technology makes cleanup of Fernald 'can't-miss' project
Tylenol overdose ends trial
Young star adapts to 'Tavern'
GOP in search mode for Lucas challenger
Church fights zoning ruling
City pushed to add snow equipment
City wants help fixing rail tracks
Cold Spring planners reject development
Court hears accounts of sex abuse of children
Court urged to alter judicial voting
Firemen's discipline undecided
Kenton Co. officials still face liability in inmate's death
Kidnap suspect charged
Lincoln Heights loses manager
Ludlow police, city battle over check
Neighbors don't want Butler jail
New charges in Covington bank robbery
'Read With Me' drive helps kids
Shirey, FOP want to keep target range
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