COLUMBUS — The mandatory release of a child rapist four months from now is being used by some as an example of the need for a new law that takes effect in a year.

        Shawn Campbell, 20, of Columbus, was convicted in Franklin County Juvenile Court of raping girls younger than 10 in separate incidents when he was 14 and 16 years old.

        Mr. Campbell is not amenable to sexual-offender treatment and should remain locked up, clinical psychologist Jack Wagner said. But because Mr. Campbell was not convicted in an adult court, he must be released in May when he turns 21.

        “This is a miscarriage of justice, to say the least,” said Staci Kitchen, executive director of the Ohio Coalition on Sexual Assault. “How can we sleep at night, saying we have to let this person out in the community, knowing he is likely to offend again?”

        A juvenile justice bill signed Friday by Gov. Bob Taft would have allowed a judge to keep Mr. Campbell in jail if its “blended-sentencing” provisions were in effect.

        Beginning next Jan. 1, the law will allow judges to give young offenders both juvenile and adult sentences.

Candidates for UK
president interviewed

               A committee searching for a new University of Kentucky president interviewed several candidates over the weekend in secret sessions at the Westin Hotel downtown, officials said.

        The candidates' names will be revealed publicly when they visit the campus at a later date, Chairwoman JoEtta Wickliffe said.

        Among candidates thought to have been interviewed to succeed Charles Wethington, who retires in June:

        • John Whitmore, provost of the University of Iowa, who declined reporters' questions Saturday.

        • Lee T. Todd, a former UK professor best known for the high-tech companies he has created.

        • Gregory L. Geoffroy, provost of the University of Maryland at College Park.

        The search committee is composed of trustees, faculty members, students and representatives of the university staff.
       

Candidates sought for zoning board

               SYMMES TOWNSHIP — The Symmes Township Board of Trustees is seeking candidates to fill a position on the Board of Zoning Appeals.

        The appointment is for a 5-year term beginning immediately and expiring Dec. 31, 2005.

        Interested township residents should call 683-6644 to request an application. The application should be returned as soon as possible to: Symmes Township, 9323 Union Cemetery Road, Symmes Township, 45140.

Waynesville seeks candidates for council

               WAYNESVILLE — Village officials are seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the Village Council.

        Candidates must have lived in the village for at least one year.

        Interested residents should mail the Village of Waynesville, Attn: Clerk of Council, P.O. Box 657, Waynesville, OH 45068-0657. Letters must received on or before Jan. 12.

Man killed, 2 hurt in barn collapse

               CELINA, Ohio — A man was killed and two other men were injured when the barn they were helping to dismantle collapsed Saturday morning.

        Michael Heckman, 42, of New Knoxville, died at the scene, the Mercer County Sheriff's office said. Joshua Clayton, 18, and Brian Billger, 27, both of Celina, were treated for injuries at St. Marys Joint Township District Memorial Hospital and released Saturday afternoon.

        The men were cutting beams in the barn when it collapsed, fire Lt. Jon Schumm told The Lima News.

        It was unclear whom the men were working for or who owned the barn, the newspaper said.

        Celina is about 55 miles northwest of Dayton.
       

Fitness class for seniors offered

               MASON — The Mason Parks & Recreation Department is offering two sessions of a fitness program for seniors 55 and older.

        Classes will be held at BodyMasters Ultimate Fitness Club in Thriftway Marketplace Center on Reading Road.

        Session I will be 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 15- March 5; Session II will be 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 17-March 7.

        Classes will measure upper and lower body strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, motor agility and dynamic balance. Participants do not have to be members of BodyMasters. The fee is $45.

        Registration is required by today. Information: 398-3056.

Stamp honoring Amish to debut Aug. 9

               NAPPANEE, Ind. — A postage stamp honoring Amish heritage will debut this summer in this northern Indiana town.

        The stamp, which features four patterns of traditional Amish quilts, is set to go on sale Aug. 9.

        It will be sold only in Nappanee that day, but will be available elsewhere after that.

        “This first-day cancellation will be unique to Nappanee,” said Postmaster Alice Wallace. “No one else will have this issue (on that day).”

        Amish Acres Round Barn Theatre will hold kickoff ceremonies for the opening day of the “Amish Quilt Stamp.”

        Area quilters already have been chosen to craft a quilt matching the stamp to display during opening-day celebration at the theater.

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