(Fairfield Township)-- A Fairfield Township woman is facing charges she mistreated multiple graves at a local cemetery. 42yo Christina Sumner is accused of removing flowers, memorabilia, and flags from gravesites and throwing rocks at gravestones in Rose Hill Cemetery, off Princeton Road. To make matters worse, it happened on Memorial  Day. She was ordered held under $6,000 bond in Butler County Area II Court.

(Madison Township)--A Trenton man died in a fiery single vehicle crash late Tuesday night in Madison  Township. 33 year old James Thigpen rammed his car into a tree on the 3300 block of Radabaugh Road. The vehicle burst into flames, but was extinguished by a nearby witness. Thigpen was pronounced dead of multiple traumatic injuries, according to the Butler County Coroner's Office. The Butler County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the crash.

(Middletown)--The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been called after a deadly police involved shooting in Middletown. The incident happened during the execution of a search warrant at 909 Garden Avenue shortly before 7:30am Tuesday, May 27th. 47 year old Michael Anthony Baker was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound, and a woman was taken to Atrium Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries caused by a bullet fragment or shrapnel. A representative for the Middletown FOP says Baker pointed a weapon at officers as he opened the front door. A Butler County Grand Jury reviews all police involved shootings per policy of Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser.

(Fairfield Township)--An elderly Fairfield man was critically injured after a crash on By-Pass Four in Fairfield Township Saturday, May 24th. Police say 88 year old John Blaechle was driving his 1995 Chevy Camaro (pictured) on the eastbound exit ramp from the Butler Regional Highway when he ran a red light, and was broadsided by a southbound 2022 Ford F-250 driven by 63 year old John Kramb of Fairfield Township. Blaechle was ejected from his vehicle, which ran into a northbound Infinity, and Kramb's pickup truck overturned after the impact. Blaechle and Kramb were rushed to UC-West Chester, and Blaechle was later transfered to University Hospital in Clifton by Air Care, where he was listed in "very critical" condition. Illness was listed as a possible cause for the crash.

(Photo Courtesy: Fairfield Township Police)

(Hamilton)--The four-day Memorial Day holiday weekend is now underway. The Ohio State Patrol says they will be out in full force looking for speeders, drunk and distracted derivers and those not wearing their seat belts. Last year, 26 people died on Ohio roadways during the Memorial Day weekend.

 

(Image Courtesy: Ohio State Highway Patrol)

(Monroe)--Two popular rest areas in Butler County will be closing for a year as they are torn down and rebuilt. ODOT says the Rest stops on I-75 north and southbound south of Monroe will close July 7th as they undergo a full replacement. It's part of Governor DeWine's initiative to replace 36 rest areas across the state with new state of the art buildings. Anticipated re-opening is projected to be in the summer of 2026.

 

(Image Courtesy: ODOT)

(Kettering)--Information Technology experts at the Kettering Health Network are working to get the health care provider back on line after a malicious cyber attack Tuesday. Patients were still not able to access their My Chart accounts heading into the Memorial Day weekend, and many routine appointments were being canceled. Emergencies and urgent health care issues were still being handled by Kettering. For the latest updates on the outage, click this page from Kettering.

Kettering Health System-Wide Outage Updates

 

(Image Courtesy: Google Maps)

A TV legend with local ties has passed away. George Wendt played Norm on the TV series Cheers. Wendt died in his sleep early Tuesday at the age of 76. He was the brother-in-law of former Hamilton Mayor, State Representative, and County Commissioner Greg Jolivette, and the brother of Greg's wife Loretta. Wendt would come to town and entertain during fundraisers for Jolivette. He was also the uncle of Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis.

 

(Photo: George Wendt with News Director Steve Vaughn during an event in Ross during the 1990's)

(Oxford)--Miami University said goodbye to the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 17 during the 186th Spring Commencement held at Yager Stadium. Close to 4,800 degrees were awarded during the sun-drenched ceremony. FC Cincinnati President and CEO Jeff Berding (Miami '91) was the featured speaker. Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine were each given honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees. Both the governor and his wife graduated from Miami.

 

(Photo Courtesy: Miami University)

(Hamilton)--Hamilton City Councilman Michael Ryan has announced his candidacy for Butler County Commissioner. During an announcement at the Courtyard By Marriott in Hamilton, Ryan told a crowd of supporters that he has pulled petitions to run for the seat currently occupied by Commissioner Cindy Carpenter. "The people of Butler County are ready for a new vision" said Ryan. "They deserve bold leadership---someone who will stand firm, speak the truth, and fight tirelessly for the conservative principles we hold dear." Ryan says Carpenter is no longer a true conservative, citing her endorsement of Democratic Middletown Mayor Elizabeth Slamka over a Republican candidate. Ryan continued, "We deserve someone who not only works for the people, family, and businesses of Butler County, but one who is proud to say they are pro-life and pro-family; and one who will consistently be a team player for the conservative cause." Ryan was introduced by fellow council members Timothy Naab and Joe Lauer, who credited Ryan for his work with the historical train depot, possible Amtrak stops, and helping save the city from devastating assessment increases proposed by the Miami Conservancy District.

Hamilton native and serial killer Glen Rogers was put to death in Florida Thursday, May 15th for the 1995 murder of Tina Marie Cribbs. The 62 year old Rogers was pronounced dead at 6:16pm, after he was given a lethal injection. In his final statement, Rogers spoke of love for his family and promised answers and closure for his victim's families. His final words were "President Trump, keep making America great. I’m ready to go.” Earlier in the day, Rogers ate his final meal which included pizza, chocolate cake, and a soda. WMOH News Director Steve Vaughn interviewed Rogers twice over the phone while he was in custody. The first interview happened while he was awaiting trial in Florida, and the second came during the penalty phase of his murder trial. Rogers denied killing anybody, admitted to being scared, and angrily lashed out at family members who claimed he was abused by his parents as a child. He also denied involvement in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

1995 Interview: Glen Rogers explained
the rumors that he was involved in the
O.J. Simpson case

 

1995 Interview: Glen Rogers Denied being
involved in the Simpson murders

 

1995 Interview: Glen Rogers on being
charged with the murder of Tina Marie Cribbs

 

1997 Interview: Glen Rogers was not happy

about some of the defense claims made by
family members during the penalty phase
of his murder trial

 

1997 Interview: Glen Rogers did not like
claims that he had been abused as a child

A couple of major roundabout projects will be getting underway soon in Butler County. The Butler County Engineers Office says construction will begin May 27th on the single lane roundabout at the northern leg of LeSourdsville-West Chester Road and Millikin Road in Liberty Township. The intersection will be closed until August 8th, just before school is set to re-open classes. The project has a price tag of $1.36 million.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is ready to begin construction on the new roundabout planned for State Route 122 and Elk Creek Road in Madison Township. (Pictured) The intersection will close for 90 days, starting June 2rd. ODOT says the intersection is the tenth worst in their statewide rankings. The $1.78 million dollar project is due to be completed by Monday September 1st.

The City of Middletown will be getting a new fire chief. City Manager Ashley Combs has appointed Deputy Chief Brian Wright to take over the Chief's job now held by Tom Snively, who is retiring soon. Wright joined the department in 2002, and quickly rose in the ranks over his 23 year career. He is a graduate of Talawanda High School and Eastern Gateway Community College.

(Hamilton)---The Hamilton City School District has made the call to postpone Tuesday night's graduation ceremony at Virgil Schwarm Stadium. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Tuesday and Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington. Hamilton High Principal John Szary released a letter to parents and students saying the ceremony is now set for Wednesday night at 7:30pm. This is the second year in a row that graduation has had to be moved because of inclement weather. Hamilton High started having outdoor graduations during the Covid pandemic.

 

(Image Courtesy: TV Hamilton)

(Hamilton)---The National Letter Carriers Association Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will take place Saturday, May 10th. All you have to do is set out non-perishable food items by your mailbox, and your letter carrier will pick them up, along with your mail. You may also use the donation barrels set up at your local post office and the Fairfield YMCA. All local donations will go to the Shared Harvest Food Bank in Fairfield. Last year, NALC Branch 426 collected more than 17,000 lbs. of food during the drive, according to Barbara Sheyer with the union. She says Butler Countians have donated well over a million pounds worth of food over the past 30 years. 

The Butler County OVI Task Force has scheduled a checkpoint in West Chester tonight, Friday May 9th. The operation will begin at 7:15pm and last until 10:00p on westbound Tylersville Road at Crosley Boulevard, which is right in front of the VOA Museum. The checkpoints, along with saturation patrols, are funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. They are meant to reduce the number of OVI related crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities.

The WMOH family is mourning the loss of Macella Baldwin. She was the widow of Vernon R. Baldwin, the founder of Baldwin Broadcasting, Inc., the parent company of WMOH Radio. Here is her obituary, courtesy of Brown-Dawson-Flick Funeral Home:

 

Marcella Vaughn Baldwin, 84, of West Chester, Ohio, went home to be with her Lord on May 4, 2025. Born on July 1, 1940, to Lenox and Bessie Vaughn, Marcella lived a life rooted in faith, friendship, and family.

On June 1, 1962, Marcella married Vernon Ross Baldwin in Hamilton, Ohio. She stood faithfully beside Vernon, working alongside him to build and grow their businesses, demonstrating tireless dedication and determination.

A graduate of Fairfield High School, Marcella later worked for the Ohio Casualty Insurance Company before devoting herself full time to her family and their business.

A lifelong student of the Bible, Marcella dedicated herself to studying Scripture and teaching others through ladies’ ministries and Sunday school. Her faith was steady and deep, matched by a strong spirit and an unwavering commitment to living out what she believed.

Marcella loved traveling and spending time with friends, both at home in Ohio and in Florida. Fellowship, laughter, and genuine connection were important to her. She found great joy and energy in the company of others and cherished the laughter and friendships that filled her life. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor—always ready to share a laugh—and that spark stayed with her until the very end.

Her deep appreciation for strength and grace was reflected in her lifelong love of horses, which brought her peace and joy.

She will be remembered for her strength, her devotion to her faith, her love of friendship and family, and the way she poured encouragement and joy into the lives of those around her.

Marcella is survived by her daughters, Melissa Baldwin Jackson and Susan Baldwin (Chris) Theiss. She was a proud “Ma Marce” to Courtney (Craig) Baker, Chase Jackson, Chad Theiss, Makenzie (Carl) Arvidson, and Gabrielle Theiss. She was also “made great” by three great-granddaughters: Genevieve, Josephine, and Caroline.

She is also survived by her brother, Jim (Diana) Vaughn; her close sisters-in-law, Carol (King) Streater and Betty Baldwin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who meant the world to her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Baldwin; her parents, Lenox Hacker and Bessie Vaughn; her sister, Geraldine (Harry) Jarvis; her brother, Harold (Lillian) Vaughn; her brother-in-law, Lonnie Baldwin; her parents-in-law, Walter and Edith Baldwin; and her niece, Connie Sadik, who was like a daughter to her.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Marcella’s devoted caretakers, affectionately known as “Marcy’s Angels”—Amanda, Erika, Kira, Kitty, and Portia—whose love, compassion, and gentle care blessed her life and brought comfort to her and her family throughout her illness.

Marcella’s legacy of faith, hard work, laughter, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." — Proverbs 31:25–26

A celebration of Marcella’s life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Princeton Pike Church, 6101 Princeton-Glendale Road, Liberty Township, Ohio. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Connie Sadik Memorial through Fifth Third Bank, ATTN: Connie Sadik Memorial, 8975 Lakota Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069 or any Fifth Third location. 

(Hamilton)--Bond has been set at $750,000 for a Liberty Township man facing a nine count indictment on rape charges. 41 year old Karim Farqiri is accused of sexually abusing a child under the age of 13 from September of 2019 through April 15 of this year. If Farqiri makes bond, he has been ordered to have no contact with the victim in the case, and to surrender his U.S. passport. Common Pleas Judge Daniel Haughey set a June 3rd hearing for a plea or trial setting.

(Columbus)---Butler County State Representative Thomas Hall has introduced House Bill 203, Aspen Runnels' Law, in the Ohio House Judiciary Committee. The bill is named after the Lakota East Freshman student who was killed when they were hit by the distracted driver of a pickup truck while using a crosswalk in front of the school one year ago. The bill would increase penalties and fines for vehicular manslaughter and vehicular assault cases that occur in a school zone, and require signs that warn motorists of the upgraded penalties in active school zones. “I applaud the family, friends, and community who took their pain and sorrow and turned it into action,” said Hall during sponsor testimony. “I’d like to specifically thank Aspen’s mother, Christina Alcorn, Trisha Parnell, and the many, many people who have advocated for these changes and helped in getting us to where we are today. This bill will directly improve road safety for Ohio students and ultimately, save lives.” 

(Oxford)--The Miami University football program is mourning the loss of a former player. Defensive Back William Hardrick was killed in a crash on I-65 near Huntsville, Alabama Tuesday night. The operator of a semi was apparently driving under the influence when he crashed into eight vehicles, causing Hardrick's car to flip several times. The driver is facing a murder charge in connection with Hardrick's death. Hardrick played for the Redhawks in 2023, and again last season. He had transfered to Austin Peay University in the offseason. Hardrick transfered to Miami from Mississippi State University.

Update: The restaurant re-opened on Saturday

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(Hamilton)--Hamilton firefighters are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged the Texas Roadhouse restaurant on Main Street Thursday night. First responders reported an active fire with heavy smoke when they arrived on the scene, shortly after 8:00pm. The restaurant was cleared of customers and employees before the first units arrived on the scene. No injuries were reported. Several neighboring fire departments provided mutual aid at the scene. There is no word how long the restaurant will be closed. The fire comes as Texas Roadhouse owners are building a new location in front of the Meijer store just a few blocks north of the current location on Main Street. The new location will have more capacity and parking when it opens in September. The current site will be closed when the new one opens.

 

(Photo Courtesy: User Name Princess ShyShy
via Hamilton (Ohio) West Group (no rules))

A woman was flown to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton after an accident in Hamilton Wednesday evening. The crash occured around 7:04pm at the Jim Blount Overpass on Grand Boulevard. A Jeep vehicle ended up on its side, and the driver was trapped. Firefighters and paramedics freed the woman, and took her to the Butler County Regional Airport, where Care Flight was waiting to take the victim to Miami Valley. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or the moments leading up to it is being urged to contact Officer Jacob Hiyatt via e-mail at at jacob.hiatt@hamilton-oh.gov.