Compiled from staff and wire reports

Mother misses court in abuse of baby

LEBANON - An arrest warrant was issued this week after a teenage mother skipped arraignment on charges that she participated in the abuse of her 10-month-old daughter in an alleged crack house.

Warren County Juvenile Court officials said Crystal Robinson, 19, of Morrow failed to appear for the hearing Wednesday on a misdemeanor charge of child endangering.

Robinson was charged last month after an undercover drug investigation of an East Warren Street townhouse revealed that the baby was allegedly tied up with a phone cord while beer was poured down her throat and crack smoke was blown into her face.

Police accused Robinson of wrapping the child up in the phone cord while her mother's boyfriend, Eric Harley, allegedly committed the other acts.

Harley and Crystal Robinson's mother, Victoria Robinson, who leased the townhouse, are charged with drug trafficking. Children Services caseworkers removed the baby and a 3-year-old male cousin from the home. Both are Victoria Robinson's grandchildren, authorities said.

Uplifting music from varied cultures

SPRINGFIELD TWP. - The Multicultural Sing Fest, featuring area musicians, will be 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Xavier High School.

The free event is sponsored by Parents Across Cultures and Hands Across Campus, St. Xavier groups that promote diversity.

This is the sixth year for the musical extravaganza, which will be in the school's Chapel of the Holy Companions, 600 W. North Bend Road. Previously the show was called Gospel Fest.

The music will be mostly religious, but varies from classical to rap - and all of it will be uplifting, said Clyde Brown, event chairman.

"This is particularly important in a city where we've seen so much division," he said. "This is a chance to recognize other cultures and bring everyone together."

Transportation unit to sell equipment

The Ohio Department of Transportation will hold a public sale of equipment, including roadway maintenance equipment, vehicles and dump trucks. Other traffic-related items such as controllers and signs are also for sale.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 17 at ODOT's District 8 headquarters, 505 S. Ohio 741 in Lebanon. The gates will open at 8 a.m. for viewing of merchandise.

For further information, contact ODOT public information officer Brenda Bradds at (800) 831-2142, ext. 933-6532.

Foley to lead Warren bar group

LEBANON - Waynesville attorney Michael E. Foley has been named president of the Warren County Bar Association. He replaces outgoing president Rupert E. Ruppert.

Other appointments to the board for 2003 are attorneys Patrick D. Long, vice president; Charles Rittgers, secretary; and John S. Mengle, treasurer.

The association is a professional organization with a membership of 178 local attorneys.

Attorney to fill Greenhills council slot

GREENHILLS - Republican John McDaniel was appointed this week to fill George Fecher's spot on Village Council.

Fecher served on the council more than 20 years but recently decided to retire.

McDaniel, 37, is a Fifth Third Bank attorney who became involved in village politics when he heard that Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County might close the Greenhills branch.

Library officials recently said that they would keep it open through 2003.

McDaniel must run in the November election because Fecher's four-year term expires.

If elected, he plans to concentrate on redevelopment issues.

McDaniel is a 1983 graduate of the former Greenhills High School. He received a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University and law degree from the University of Cincinnati. He has worked almost a decade at Fifth Third.

He lives in Greenhills with his wife, Christine, and sons Damian, 5, and Christopher, 1.

Montgomery honors longtime volunteer

MONTGOMERY - Resident Reita Barnaclo, a seven-year founding member of the city's Beautification & Tree Commission, was recognized this weekfor her contributions.

Council members unanimously approved a resolution of appreciation for Barnaclo. She also has been a member of the Montgomery Women's Club, Historical Preservation Commission and the Downtown Holiday Decorating Committee.

She stepped down from the Beautification & Tree Commission in February. , The resolution says she provided "exemplary volunteer assistance with park maintenance projects during the 1999 tornado recovery period."

Barnaclo also is credited with playing a leadership role in the Children's Marigold Project, the Arbor Day Celebration, the spring and fall Plant Swaps, and the Great American Clean Up.

She also helped bring the Bicentennial Pioneer Park Butterfly Garden Project to fruition in June 2000.