Council passes rules aimed at more civility

        Cincinnati City Council unanimously passed a package of new rules Wednesday that attempt to restore more civility to proceedings and steer citizen participation to committee meetings and town hall forums.

        The rules were authored by freshman Democrat David Pepper, who promised in last year's campaign to change the “dysfunctional” nature of council politics.

        An amendment from Republican Pat DeWine would have required that proposals for additional spending be offset by budget cuts. That rule had the support of a majority of council members, but not the seven votes needed to change the rules.
       

Oakley bank latest to be robbed

        Cincinnati's latest bank robbery happened Wednesday afternoon just as city officials were discussing a new task force to combat the extraordinary number of heists over the past year.

        The Firstar branch on Madison Road in Oakley was hit about 2 p.m.

WAY-OFF-ROAD VEHICLE: An SUV smashed into the den of a house on Whitehouse Street in Anderson Township Wednesday afternoon. At left, homeowner Pam Shaw talks on a cell phone as fire and rescue personnel prepare to remove the SUV. Officials said the driver apparently blacked out and the car ran up the steep front yard. Ms. Shaw's daughter Kristen, 18, was home at the time, and the family dog was sleeping in the den. “I thought it was an earthquake,” Kristen said. “I came downstairs and Scout was literally screaming.” No one was injured in the accident. (Dick Swaim photo) | ZOOM |

        A man showed the teller a note, demanding money. He left with an amount of money police won't disclose and was last seen running north on Madison Road.

        The robber was described as a black man in his late 30s to early 40s, 5-foot-10, 220 pounds with a heavy build, full beard and mustache. He wore a baseball cap, rimless sunglasses, black leather gloves, white gym shoes and a brown zippered, hip-length down coat.

        Cincinnati police and FBI officials plan to meet Friday to talk about how they can work more with banks to beef up security. City Councilman Chris Monzel on Tuesday proposed a new city task force that would analyze security procedures.

        Banks in the city were robbed 58 times last year, compared with 24 in 2000.

        Police ask anyone with information about any bank robbery to call Crime Stoppers at 352-3040.
       

Dentist sentenced on drug charge

        BATAVIA — A Batavia dentist was sentenced Wednesday to five years of community control and six months at a community-based corrections facility after being convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance and tampering with evidence.

        Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Robert Ringland suspended a five-year prison sentence before placing Anthony DiNozzi on community control and sentencing him to six months at the Community Correctional Center outside Lebanon.

        Mr. DiNozzi was charged last spring with one count of trafficking and one of tampering with evidence. He was convicted of both this fall by Judge Ringland.

        Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Don White said Mr. DiNozzi had prescribed a painkiller to an exotic dancer.

        After six months, Mr. DiNozzi will report to a probation officer.
       

Forum on women at Islamic Center

        The public is invited to discuss the role of women in Islamic culture Saturday at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, 8092 Plantation Drive, West Chester Township. The forum begins at 1 p.m. with a tour, followed by a panel discussion.

        Sponsored by the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters, the event is open to the public. Modest clothing is required, and women should also bring a head covering. To make a reservation or for more information, call (513) 665-6590.
       

Lani Guinier to speak at Miami

        OXFORD — Legal scholar Lani Guinier, the first African-American woman appointed to a tenured professorship at Harvard Law School, will speak at 8 p.m. Jan. 24, in Miami University's Hall Auditorium. Her lecture, “Lift Every Voice,” is part of the university's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.

        In 1993, she was nominated by President Clinton as assistant attorney general for civil rights, but withdrew when the appointment generated controversy.

        She speaks on race, gender and democratic decision-making.

        The talk is free and open to the public; however, because of space limitations, tickets are required. Information: (513) 529-3200.

Walker president of Clermont board

        BATAVIA — Mary Walker has been elected president of the Clermont County board of commissioners.

        Mrs. Walker will serve as president through the year. Martha Dorsey, who had been president last year, was elected vice president. The three-member board also includes Commissioner Bob Proud.
       

Police getting first thermal imaging unit

        SPRINGFIELD TWP. — The township police department is slated to get its first thermal-imaging camera.

        “It's a portable unit, so we can have it on the street round-the-clock,” said Chief David Heimpold.

        Some of the police uses are to detect marijuana-growing rooms and to arrest people who flee into densely wooded areas, the chief said.

        The camera, which costs about $15,000, is being obtained with federal funds and could be in use as early as April after completion training, he said.
       

Councilmen to speak to Young Democrats

        The two newest members of Cincinnati City Council will speak to the Hamilton County Young Democrats tonight.

        The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at Crowley's Pub, 958 Pavilion St. in Mount Adams.

        Councilmen David Crowley and David Pepper will speak, and the group's annual elections will be held.
       

Candidate names influential consultant

        ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — Democrat Tim Hagan has chosen a veteran Democratic strategist to lead his campaign for governor.

        Mr. Hagan announced Tuesday that Gerald Austin will be his campaign's senior consultant. Mr. Austin has worked for Democratic candidates for 30 years.

        Mr. Hagan, a former Cuyahoga County commissioner, is the only Democrat so far to challenge GOP Gov. Bob Taft.

Man admits stealing traveler's checks

        A Dayton, Ohio, man pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing $170,000 in blank traveler's checks from cargo planes at the Airborne Express terminal in Clinton County.

        Latifu Affini, 39, entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

        U.S. Attorney Gregory Lockhart said Mr. Affini admitted that he stole the checks while working as a supervisor responsible for loading and unloading cargo planes at the terminal. He said Mr. Affini sent the checks to a friend who cashed them in England, Germany and Ghana.

        The friend was arrested when he tried to cash checks at London's Heathrow Airport, Mr. Lockhart said. The friend, who was not named, was convicted of possessing stolen property.

        Mr. Affini has agreed to repay $78,000 to American Express, Mr. Lockhart said.
       

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