State official tells candidate he can't run

HAMILTON - Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell has ruled that Robert Patton, a retired Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper, can't be a Butler County sheriff's candidate in November.

Blackwell ruled that Patton wasn't promoted to the rank of sergeant, a state requirement for a sheriff's candidate. Patton had argued that he, at times, had served as officer in charge, the equivalent of being a sergeant.

As an independent, Patton would have run against Richard Jones, a Republican, and Dale Richter, a Democrat. The Butler County Board of Elections deadlocked on the issue. The two Republicans on the board opposed his candidacy, while the two Democrats supported it.

Interviews begin for township administrator

LIBERTY TWP. - Interviews have begun with candidates for administrator in this Butler County township.

Three interviewed so far are Dina Minneci, finance director for the city of Wyoming; Kevin Celarek, township administrator for Green Township; and Bruce Henry, former administrator and safety director in Blue Ash.

Former Administrator Barry Tiffany was fired in January for the misuse of a township property.

Middletown Y no longer independent

MIDDLETOWN - After operating independently for 87 years, the Middletown Area YMCA has merged with the Hamilton-based Great Miami Valley YMCA.

The move "will significantly strengthen the Middletown Area YMCA and enable us to best secure our future," said James F. Akers, Middletown Y board president.

Amberley says owner of Ridge Club is lax

AMBERLEY VILLAGE - Village officials have accused the owner of the former Crest Hills Country Club of allowing it to deteriorate, creating fire code violations.

A motion filed in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court by attorney Stanley Chesley asks the court to order the Ridge Club, owner of the Crest Hills property, to make the necessary repairs. Chesley, a village resident, volunteered his services for the case.

The motion says a fire inspection revealed a disabled fire alarm system, exposed wires, improperly capped gas lines, substantial trash, and other violations.

C. Francis Barrett, attorney for the Ridge Club, declined comment Thursday.

The Ridge Club has sued over the village's refusal to allow a housing development at the Crest Hills site.