Friday, December 31, 1999
TRISTATE DIGEST
House fire kills woman, 2-year-old girl
ENON, Ohio — A house fire Thursday near this western Ohio town killed a woman and a 2-year-old girl, authorities said.
Fire Chief Bob McKee said that when firefighters arrived at the one-story frame house west of town, flames were shooting out the front door and front windows.
Chief McKee said a man and two girls escaped with the help of bystanders. He said firefighters found the victims inside the house.
The woman was dead at the scene and the girl was pronounced dead at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, McKee said.
Hospital spokeswoman Susan Lockwood said the man was being treated for minor injuries. She said the girls were treated and expected to be released.
Officials declined to release the identities until relatives could be told.
Enon is about 10 miles northeast of Dayton.
Madisonville man dies in 1-car wreck
COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP — K.C. Reed, 49, of Whetsel Avenue, Madisonville, was killed in a single-car accident in the 5500 block of Stewart Road here late Wednesday.
Hamilton County sheriff's deputies said Mr. Reed was driving south on Stewart Road in his 1980 Ford Pinto when he apparently lost control. The Pinto veered off the right side of the road, striking a utility pole. Mr. Reed, who was alone in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 11:06 p.m. accident.
Investigators said Mr. Reed was wearing his seat belt and that alcohol or other drugs are not suspected as causes. The accident remains under investigation.
Judge sues county, saying $700,000 needed
Probate Judge Wayne F. Wilke claimed in a lawsuit Thursday that Hamilton County commissioners have failed to give his office enough money to do its job.
The lawsuit, filed in the Ohio Supreme Court, is the latest development in a battle over finances between the commissioners and Judge Wilke.
The judge had vowed this week to sue the commissioners unless they approved a budget that included an additional $700,000 for his office.
Judge Wilke claims he needs the money because the responsibilities of his office have expanded in recent years. He said a lack of funds from the county has forced him to eliminate some part-time magistrate positions and has prevented him from hiring needed employees.
County Administrator David Krings said county officials would be willing to discuss changes in the probate court budget, but not in the amount of $700,000. He said the dispute does not belong in court.
High court: Private claim management OK
COLUMBUS — The state's use of private companies to manage workers' compensation medical claims is constitutional, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled.
By a 6-1 vote, the court on Wednesday upheld the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's Health Partnership Program.
Implemented in 1997, the program provides medical, surgical, nursing, drug and other services to employees for injuries or occupational diseases. It contracts with private managed-care organizations to provide management and cost-containment services.
Statement allowed in killing hearing
Prosecutors say Donovan Clark told police in August that he strangled a retired librarian with a belt, tied him to a door and then stole his car.
Mr. Clark, 20, of Kennedy Heights, is accused of murdering Joseph Richard Abel, 61, at his West Court Street home in July.
If he is convicted, Mr. Clark could be sentenced to death.
At a hearing Thursday in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, Mr. Clark's attorneys asked a judge to bar a jury from hearing a taped statement their client gave police after his arrest in August. Judge Norbert Nadel refused the request, saying he would allow prosecutors to use the statement as evidence.
According to a transcript of the statement, Mr. Clark told police he was at Mr. Abel's home July 17 and became angry when Mr. Abel made a sexual advance. After a struggle, Mr. Clark said, he grabbed a belt and used it to strangle Mr. Abel.
Peace Bell rings in New Year for Tristaters
Celebrate for under $100
Some simple, last-minute ideas
Home is fine for many
Millennium TV coverage
Readers suggest more milestones
100* who made the Queen City what it is
'An opportunity for new beginnings'
Tristaters share resolutions for 2000
Perfect time to help those close to home
Gun sales surge for Y2K
Pencils, paper safe from Y2K
Water works imposter offers bogus Y2K device
County goes after 248 no-pay parents
Hundreds grieve for teacher
Robbery suspect repentant
Woman with hard-luck story gets items meant for fire aid
Classic Mellencamp fitting finale to '99
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Council delays recreation post vote
First black to lead Columbus sworn in
Majority GOP: No revenge
Police arrest suspect in ATM theft
TRISTATE DIGEST
