School to display live Nativity scene

        SYMMES TOWNSHIP — Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy's Middle School will exhibit a live Nativity scene from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the school, 11300 Snider Road.

        The scene will include live animals, carolers, costumes, Christmas lights and 300 luminarias.

        More than 200 students, representing about half the student body, will be part of the drive-through display.

        The response from the students was so high that they are rotating in 15-minute shifts so all can participate.
       

Skeletal remains found in Alms Park

        Cincinnati Police homicide detectives and the Hamilton County Coroner's office are investigating the discovery of skeletal remains found Tuesday morning in Columbia-Tusculum.

        The discovery was made at about 9:30 a.m. by two men who were walking their dogs at Alms Park, 701 Tusculum Ave.

        Officials said that because of the condition of the remains there was no information immediately available.

        The remains are being examined by the coroner's office, officials said.
       

Sheriff's Web site shows sex offenders

        Photos of registered sex offenders can now be viewed online at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Web site.

        To access information and view photographs of all registered sex offenders in Hamilton County, go to www.hcso.org and click on “Registered Sex Offender Search” at the bottom of the page.

        Information and photographs of the more than 400 registered sex offenders in Hamilton County can be searched by ZIP Code or last name.
       

Robber accosts man, 74, escapes with money

        WHITEWATER TWP. — A man escaped with an undetermined amount of money Monday night after confronting a township resident in his vehicle, reaching in his car and grabbing money from his pocket.

        The Hamilton County sheriff's department said the man initially approached Ada Davis, 67, who lives on Stephens Road, at 9:45 p.m. as she was sweeping snow off a walkway in the rear of her home.

        The man, who was wearing a ski mask, chased Ms. Davis into her home, telling her he had a weapon.

        As Ms. Davis's husband, Arbie Davis, 74, arrived home in his vehicle, the man left the home and confronted Mr. Davis, demanding money.

        The man reached into the vehicle and took money from Mr. Davis' pocket. Mr. Davis punched the suspect and tore off his ski mask.

        The robber ran toward Interstate 275, where he was tracked by a police dog. But police think he may have gotten into a vehicle and left the area.

        The couple was not injured in the robbery.
       

Church to give coats, food to homeless

        The Ark by the River Fellowship church is giving away coats and canned goods to the homeless and needy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

        The Ark by the River is at 4928 Eastern Ave., Linwood.

        For a ride to the church or for information, call 321-5117.
       

Man is charged in midnight shooting

        WHITEWATER TWP. — A 25-year-old township man was arrested and charged with felonious assault in connection with a shooting early Tuesday morning on Lawrenceburg Road.

        Charles Smith was charged in the 12:35 a.m. incident. Ricky Wyckoff, 32, who lives on Lawrenceburg Road, was treated and released from University Hospital for a shotgun wound to the right shoulder.

        Hamilton County sheriff's officials said Mr. Smith and Mr. Wyckoff were arguing in front of Mr. Wyckoff's home when Mr. Smith got a shotgun from his pickup truck and fired at Mr. Wyckoff.

        The sheriff's department said Mr. Smith fled but was arrested a short time later by Harrison police.

        The shooting remains under investigation.
       

Health Foundation gives to 16 groups

        The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati has awarded $3.5 million to 16 organizations to support mental health and substance-abuse programs, school-based health services, and care for the poor and uninsured.

        The grants include:

        • Nearly $1.2 million to support school health services in the New Miami School District, Northwest Local School District and three Cincinnati public schools in the West End neighborhood.

        • More than $1.1 million to six organizations to expand health services for low-income people in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Adams, Brown, Warren and Dearborn counties. Programs include a new computer system, a new clinic to serve parts of Indiana, expanded vision care and an expanded pharmacy service.

        • Nearly $1.3 million for six organizations to expand mental health and substance-abuse services. Programs include increased housing for the mentally ill in Northern Kentucky, vocational programs in Adams, Lawrence and Scioto counties, and increased teen substance abuse services in Warren and Clinton counties.

        The Health Foundation, created in 1997 by the sale of the ChoiceCare HMO to Humana Inc., awards more than $10 million a year to agencies in a 20-county area that focus on mental health, substance abuse, the uninsured and school-based health.
       

Woman shot in head; husband, 78, arrested

        A 78-year-old North Fairmount man was arrested Tuesday night and charged with felonious assault for allegedly shooting his wife in the forehead.

        William Frank Johnson, of the 3000 block of Beekman Street, was arrested after an argument with the victim at about 6 p.m. He fired six shots at her, according to a police report.

        His wife, Johnie Shelley Johnson, was taken to University Hospital and was treated and released Tuesday night.
       

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