Compiled from staff and wire reports

Senate caucus focuses on missing children

Standing in front of a poster of eight missing Ohio children, Sen. Mike DeWine launched a U.S. Senate caucus Wednesday to help bring home missing and runaway children.

The Ohio Republican said one of the first things he would do is start adding photos of missing Ohio children to the mailings he sends to millions of constituents.

Starting next week his envelopes will feature Erica Baker of Kettering, who was 9 when she disappeared in 1999.

The Senate Caucus on Missing, Exploited and Runaway Children will help senators in writing bills, hold briefings with child advocacy organizations and offer advice to senators on conducting workshops in their states.

Accused Hamilton High coach resigns

HAMILTON - A Hamilton High School assistant football coach resigned this week, accused of falsifying time records.

Timothy Edwards had been on paid administrative leave since March 18, when school officials got a tip that he had falsified the time records he submitted for tutoring a student, said Tom Alf, assistant superintendent for human resources. The value was $904.75, Alf said.

A March 27 discipline hearing was canceled when Edwards submitted his resignation, effective March 31, Alf said. His resignation was accepted at Tuesday's school board meeting.

Edwards has been a special-education teacher and assistant coach since he joined the district in 1997, Alf said.

Deerfield OKs tax deal for project

DEERFIELD TWP. - Trustees have granted two fiscal agreements to fund road construction and public improvements for a commercial development.

Trustees approved Tuesday a $3.6 million tax increment financing proposal for the Arbor Square project.

Last week, they approved special assessment financing - a funding mechanism where bonds are sold to raise money for infrastructure - for the same project.

The development, anchored by a 70,000-square-foot Kroger store, is on 84 acres at Mason-Montgomery and Socialville-Fosters roads.

The road improvements are part of a three-phase extension of Wilkens Boulevard.

Boys harass girl in school restroom

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Police are investigating a possible attempted gross sexual imposition at the Lakota Freshman School, 5050 Tylersville Road.

A 15-year-old female told police two unknown juvenile males surprised her by being inside a bathroom stall she entered about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, said West Chester Township Police Sgt. Mike Quinn.

The girl reported that one of the teen-age boys undid her pants belt buckle and top pants button, he said. Then, both boys left the restroom after apparently hearing a noise in the hallway.

The girl reported the incident to school officials, who contacted West Chester Police Officer Tim Mintkenbaugh, the school resource officer.

The school will send a letter home with students today explaining what happened.

The boys are believed to be students at the school because all doors and windows are locked during classes, Quinn added.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Chester Police at 777-2231.

Radio marathon to help hospital

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center today kicks off its first attempt to raise money through a radiothon.

Today through Sunday, WARM98-FM will be broadcasting live from the hospital lobby for about 10 hours a day in hopes of raising at least $200,000 for equipment, patient care and research. The event is co-sponsored by the Children's Miracle Network, which raises money for 170 pediatric hospitals nationwide.

The event is expected to include dozens of families relating their experiences with the hospital while volunteers staff a bank of 25 phones.

New unit studies complex disorders

The University of Cincinnati and the Department of Veterans Affairs have launched a joint research center to study adults with complex medical or psychiatric disorders.

The new General Clinical Research Center is on the fourth floor of the Cincinnati VA Medical Center in Corryville. The center also brings together experts in seeking grants, managing research budgets and organizing medical studies.