Harold W. Hartman, 76, of Monfort Heights, a Navy veteran of World War II, will be awarded the Bronze Star at the Navy League Dinner on Tuesday at the Paul Brown Stadium Banquet Center.

        Mr. Hartman served in the Pacific aboard the Navy destroyer USS Bennion as director of a 40-mm anti-aircraft gun battery that defended the ship from kamikaze attacks and shot down at least eight attacking aircraft. Mr. Hartman received a letter of commendation for his efforts.

        Upon further review of Mr. Hartman's combat service and upon recommendation of the former Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. James L. Holloway III, Mr. Hartman's award has been upgraded by the president to the Bronze Star with a combat “V” for valor.

        The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Dinner follows at 7:30 p.m.

Police look for man who may have info

        Cincinnati police released new information Thursday in the case of a woman missing from Price Hill since Valentine's Day.

        The Personal Crimes Unit is looking for a man last seen leaving the Twisted Spoke bar at Glenmore and Werk roads in Westwood. He might have information about the disappearance of Paula Phillips, the mother of two last seen at 11 p.m. on Feb. 14 at Lockman Avenue and Rapid Run Road.

        Detectives released a sketch of the man, asking that anyone who can identify him call Crime Stoppers at 352-3040. He is not considered a suspect.

Key Bank in Springdale robbed

        SPRINGDALE — Two men armed with handguns and wearing ski masks robbed the Key Bank on Princeton Pike Thursday morning.

        The men entered the bank at 11355 Princeton Pike about 9:50 a.m. and one handed the tellers black cloth bags and demanded money, police said. The suspects fled in a white 1996 Ford F-250 pickup truck that had been reported stolen in Fairfield on July 30. The pickup was found abandoned behind an office building in the 100 block of Merchant Street.

        Police believe the suspects had other get-away vehicles pre-positioned in the area.

        Anyone with information regarding the robbery is asked to call Springdale police at 346-5760 or Crime Stoppers at 352-3040.

Archdiocese plans events for Sept. 11

        The Archdiocese of Cincinnati will remember the victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks with Masses, prayer services and special programs throughout Cincinnati.

        This year, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk will preside over a memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains at Eighth and Plum streets, downtown.

        The archbishop will also take part in a panel discussion about how the events have changed America, beginning 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth St.

Lebanon teens' funerals today

        LEBANON — Separate funerals for two Lebanon High School teenagers killed in an automobile accident Tuesday will be held today at Cornerstone Church of God, 1004 Columbus Ave.

        Services for Brandi Cook will begin at 10 a.m. Services for Katie Aylor are set for 2 p.m.

Man sentenced to 30 years in rape case

        A 37-year-old Michigan native was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday for raping one girl and improperly touching several others.

        Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Mark Schweikert sentenced Erik Earhart to the maximum penalty.

        He'd been charged with one count of rape, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence, and four counts of gross sexual imposition, each carrying a 5-year sentence. All the penalties are to be served consecutively.

        Mr. Earhart was convicted last month of raping a 10-year-old girl and fondling several others while in a pool and a hot tub at the Preston Hotel in Sharonville last year.

        The girls were staying at the hotel, officials said. Mr. Earhart also was staying there as the driver for a tour group unconnected to the children.

        During his jury trial, Mr. Earhart defended himself. He sought to convince jurors that his touches were not sexual.

Ark. man arrested in Internet case

        Police have arrested Donald Lee Williams, 44, of Little Rock, Ark., and charged him with soliciting sex from officers posing as a 14-year-old girl through an Internet chat room.

        Hamilton County detectives assigned to the Regional Electronic and Computer Investigations Task Force arrested Mr. Williams Wednesday evening in Sycamore Township.

        Mr. Williams is charged with three felony counts: one count of attempting unlawful sexual contact with a minor, and two counts of importuning.

        After his arrest, Mr. Williams was transferred to the Hamilton County Justice Center, where he is awaiting arraignment.

Man out of prison in OxyContin attack

        LEBANON — A Clearcreek Township man who claimed OxyContin caused him to brutally attack a Springboro high school football player with a flashlight was released from prison Thursday after serving six months of a four-year sentence.

        Judge P. Daniel Fedders placed Dillon Beckwith, 48, on probation for five years and ordered him to spend six months in drug counseling.

        Mr. Beckwith's early release was part of the plea bargain struck last February.

        “It was all about OxyContin,” said defense attorney John H. Rion, said about the beating that sent then-senior Dustin Griffen to the hospital with broken facial bones and a laceration that required 50 stitches.

Issue 6 opponents file petition, seek repeal

        Opponents of taxpayer-subsidized political campaigns in Cincinnati filed 9,245 signatures with City Council Thursday, all but assuring them a place on the Nov. 5 ballot.

        Their charter amendment would force a referendum on whether to repeal the public financing provisions that were the keystone of last year's campaign finance reform measure. That amendment, known as Issue 6, passed by 547 votes.

        Issue 6 allows candidates who voluntarily agree to spending limits to get a $2 city match for every $1 they raise from private sources.

        Opponents say the system will cost taxpayers an estimated $1.5 million.

Sex dysfunction researched at UC

        University of Cincinnati scientists have isolated cells in rats that might lead to ways to control sexual dysfunction in men.

        The study, published in today's edition of Science, identifies nerve cells that control ejaculation. With the cells removed, male rats would not ejaculate, said Drs. Lique Coolen and William Truitt.

        The next step is to determine whether the neurons exist in humans.

— Compiled from staff and wire reports

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