(West Chester)---The race to replace outgoing House Speaker John Boehner became more crowded Tuesday when State Representative Tim Derickson announced his bid for the 8th District Congressional seat. Derickson told a crowd of supporters at the Ronald Reagan Conference Center at Voice of America Park that he is going to hit the ground running. He listed four governing principals: "Don't spend more money than you have, let hard working people keep more of what they earn, get government out of the way, and make sure every person, regardless of their circumstances, has an opportunity to succeed and prosper." Derickson is joined by Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds, Tipp City State Senator Bill Beagle, and J.D. Winteregg as announced candidates for the seat. A primary date has not been set.

(Hamilton)---Classes were expected to resume Monday following repairs to a water main break that closed Hamilton High School Friday. The incident capped off a difficult week in which 900 students were absent amid threats and rumors that infiltrated social media. A 17 year old was arrested for making the Facebook threat, and was due to appear in Butler County Juvenile Court this week. Meanwhile, a 13 year old boy was due to appear in juvenile court on charges of inducing panic and assault after he allegedly brought an air soft gun to Garfield Middle School, and shot classmates with BB's in the hallways. Police say they are going to hold a program with secondary students, stressing the consequenses of their actions.

(Photos by: @Mr_Wilhem_HHS on Twitter)

(West Chester)---Funeral services will take place Monday for former Butler County Republican Chairman Carlos Todd, who passed away after a battle with cancer this week. He was 77. Under Todd's leadership, the local GOP rose to national prominence, culminating with the county being credited with putting President Bush over the top in his 2004 re-election bid over John Kerry. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 11 at the Liberty Heights Church, 7904 Princeton Road, from 3:00p-6:00p. The funeral will be held at 11:00am Monday at the church.

(Liberty Center)---The $350 million Liberty Center development moved another step closer to grand opening this week when its two anchor stores--Dillard's and Dick's Sporting Goods--opened to the public. Long lines of shoppers waited outside Dillard's Thursday morning as the store celebrated its grand opening, while the opening of Dick's was more subdued, while management for Dick's was planning to celebrate the week of October 22nd, the official grand opening date for Liberty Center.

(Liberty Township)--Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds, surrounded by dozens of supporters outside of his new campaign office, announced his bid to succeed House Speaker John Boehner as U.S. Representative of Ohio's 8th Congressional District. Reynolds touted his record of saving the county money while improving services in the Auditor's office. Reynolds has returned over $8 million to local governments since he was appointed to the seat seven years ago. Reynolds says strong fiscal discipline, accountability, common sense, and leadership are desperately needed in the nation's capital. Others seeking the seat include Tipp City State Senator Bill Beagle, J.D. Winteregg, and Eric Gurr.

(Liberty Township)---Officials from Christ Hospital and Liberty Township turned the first spades of dirt on the network's newest medical facility off Cox Road near the Liberty Interchange. The 125,000 square foot building on 75,000 acres will house an emergency room, surgical services, orthopedics, cardiology, and outpatient care. The facility should be completed by Summer of 2015.