Permit process begins today

Ohio's new law permitting people to carry concealed weapons goes into effect today. Applications for permits can be obtained at sheriff's offices and the state Attorney General's office, and applicants must complete 12-hour mandatory training with a certified firearms instructor. The first permits should be issued within 45 days, the time limit sheriff's offices are given for completing the process. Worth noting: If police pull you over and you have a loaded weapon inside the vehicle, you are required to promptly tell the officer you have a license and a weapon.

Reward divided in suspect's arrest

A tipster will receive $45,000 for information that led police to Charles McCoy Jr., the man charged in a series of highway shootings that kept central Ohio drivers on edge for months. The tipster, reportedly a relative of the suspect, should receive the money within 60 days, the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers said Wednesday. Kevin Miles, the group's president, refused to identify the tipster. Conrad Malsom of Las Vegas, who called police after he spotted McCoy's car at a motel just off the Las Vegas strip, will receive $15,000, Miles said.

Woman accused as violent robber

NORTHSIDE - A 23-year-old Aurora woman was arrested early Wednesday after she was accused of repeatedly striking a man over the head with a wrench in a robbery attempt, police said. About 12:35 a.m., Lacey Loudon was at 4020 Hamilton Ave. near Jacob Hoffner Park when two people started beating a man over the head with a pipe wrench, police said. Loudon was charged with aggravated robbery. The other suspect was not caught, and nothing was taken. The victim was treated at the scene. Loudon was being held in the Hamilton County Jail.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Camp Road in Symmes Township will be closed from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday between Lincoln and Galbraith roads. Kugler Mill Road in Symmes Township will be closed from Ohio 126 to the Indian Hill corporation line at the same time. Follow posted detours.