Heroin bust raises concern about volume

        Cincinnati police are pleased with the big heroin bust the division's drug unit did this week, but also wonder if it might signal that abuse of the drug is on the rise here.

        Members of Operation Street Corner arrested Leonard Watson, 55, of Zinsle Avenue in Pleasant Ridge, with more than 35 grams of heroin. Until the Monday arrest, the division had confiscated a little over 11 grams the entire year.

        “It would concern us,” said division spokesman Lt. Kurt Byrd. “We would hope that this doesn't mean a trend for the future.”

        Heroin is valued at about $300 a gram, police said, and is often sold in bags that contain about a tenth of a gram.

DRIVER FLEES CRASH: Tow truck operator Brian Tomilin prepares to tow a car Thursday impaled on posts in front of St. John's Catholic Church in Covington. The driver fled after losing control. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        Mr. Leonard, a paraplegic who was shot in the stomach at his home in May, has a history of drug abuse and sales.

        He was sent to prison in 1997 for drug abuse, aggravated trafficking and having a weapon, illegally because of a previous drug conviction.

        He now faces charges of drug possession, preparing drugs for distribution and possession of a dangerous ordnance, a .22-caliber pistol.

        He was released the next day after someone posted $1,000, 10 percent of his bond.

Central Parkway crash kills woman

        A 63-year-old woman was killed Thursday morning in a two-car crash in downtown Cincinnati.

        Shirley M. Beamon, of Central Avenue downtown, died shortly after arrival at University Hospital after the 10:32 a.m. crash, police said.

        According to police, Crystal R. Jefferson, 42, of Dalewood Place, Bond Hill, was driving west on Central Parkway when she went through a red light at Elm Street, striking a vehicle traveling north on Elm.

        That vehicle, driven by Melvin Smith, 46, also of Central Avenue downtown, then struck a parked vehicle on the west side of Elm. Ms. Beamon was a passenger in Mr. Smith's vehicle.

        No one else was injured.

Bank robber gets away with cash

        MONTGOMERY — Police continued to search Thursday for a man who robbed the Bank One in the 8200 block of Weller Road on Wednesday.

        The robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

        Authorities say the robber walked into the bank about 1:15 p.m., produced a note demanding money and showed a handgun. After receiving the cash, he headed north on foot.

        The man was described as black with medium complexion, 5-feet-8 to 5-feet-10, 20-23 years old and about 155 pounds. He has short black hair, a close-cut goatee, and was wearing a hunter green sweat shirt, blue sweat pants with a white vertical stripe and a bright orange Tennessee Volunteers baseball hat.

        Anyone with information is asked to call the Montgomery Police Department at 985-1600 or 825-2280.

Pearl Harbor day noted at Northgate

        COLERAIN TWP. — Northgate Mall, 9501 Colerain Ave., will host a Pearl Harbor observance at 1:30 p.m. today, the 60th anniversary of the attack. The program will take place inside in front of the Dillard's store.

        Eighth graders from Colerain Middle School will recite essays on “Defending Freedom,” and two local Pearl Harbor survivors will recount their experiences. The Colerain eighth grade chorus will sing patriotic songs.

Westwood library closed until spring

        The Westwood branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County at 3345 Epworth Avenue is temporarily closed for construction.

        The 7,755-square-foot building is adding 2,000 square feet, said Amy Banister, library public relations director.

        Renovations are estimated at $1.8 million, with a reopening sometime in spring 2002.

        Pickup from the drop box will continue.

Details of county budget are online

        Want details about Hamilton County's $2.06 billion budget for next year? Documents related to the county's 2002 budget can be found on line at www.hamilton-co.org.

        A transmittal letter describes the overall budget and specific policy issues are highlighted.

        “Hamilton County is faced with difficult budget decisions this year, and citizens may wish to learn more about these challenges,” County Administrator Dave Krings said. “We hope this information is helpful.”

Man arrested in Northside killing
        A man suspected in a murder in Northside last week was arrested in Columbus on Thursday.

        Michael S. Hout, 29, last known to be living in Columbus, was arrested by his parole officer on a parole violation. He also was being held on the Cincinnati murder warrant.

        Detectives said Mr. Hout shot Zontae Irby when Mr. Irby opened the door at his house. Police said Mr. Hout also robbed the house. Mr. Irby, the son of city council aide Larry Frazier, died Nov. 30.

Public input invited on Cincinnati budget

        Cincinnati City Council will hold two public hearings next week, seeking budget input:

        • Monday at 7 p.m. at the Hirsch Recreation Center, 3630 Reading Road.

        • Wednesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 801 Plum St.

Jurors deciding fate of former sheriff

        LANCASTER, Ohio — Attorneys for a former sheriff accused of public corruption did not call any witnesses in his defense, saying the prosecution had not proved its case. Now, jurors will determine whether the attorneys were right.

        Jurors were to resume deliberations today in the case against Gary DeMastry, who is accused with his wife, Penny, of spending more than $340,000 over four years on personal travel, dining and entertainment, then lying to investigators about it.

        Thursday, Mr. DeMastry's attorneys told jurors that state auditors and deputies exaggerated bookkeeping mistakes to make it appear the former Fairfield County sheriff committed a crime. But prosecutors said Mr. DeMastry can't place the blame on anyone but himself and said he abused his position.

        Mr. DeMastry, 46, was sheriff for eight years. He was defeated in the 2000 Republican primary when he ran for re-election.

        He is being tried now on 50 of the 343 counts filed against him. Penny DeMastry, 44, will be tried later.

        Conviction on the most serious charge — engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity — carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence plus forfeiture of their property and government pension.

        The couple also have been charged with theft in office, money laundering, tampering with evidence, obstructing justice and other offenses.

Public input invited on Cincinnati budget

        Cincinnati City Council will hold two public hearings next week, seeking budget input:

        • Monday at 7 p.m. at the Hirsch Recreation Center, 3630 Reading Road.

        • Wednesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 801 Plum St.

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