The Hamilton Fire Department is investigating
the cause of a late morning house fire in Lindenwald. The blaze broke out just before 9:30am on the 400 bloock of Belle Avenue. Deputy Fire Chief Joe Stamper told WMOH Radio at the scene that first responders encountered heavy smoke and flames on the left side and rear of the two story frame home. A woman was rescued from the house, and was taken to Kettering Health Hamilton, where her condition has not yet been released. Crews from the City of Fairfield, Fairfield Township, and Liberty Township assisted Hamilton firefighters on the scene.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office says a suspect has been arrested in connection with a theft at Liberty Center. Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports Brandon Haroldo Chavez-Bamaca is accused of stealing a bottle of perfume valued at 165 dollars from A-and-R Perfumes on April 23rd. Investigators say Chavez-Bamaca fled the store after taking the item. Detectives later identified him by comparing surveillance video with a recent booking photo from Hamilton County.

Authorities say he was located and taken into custody on a warrant. During the investigation, detectives also determined Chavez-Bamaca is in the United States illegally from Guatemala. He is now being held in the Butler County Jail on a first-degree misdemeanor theft charge, along with an ICE detainer.

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Gas prices are hovering around the $5.00/gallon mark at gas stations across Butler County. Gas Buddy says the average price in Greater Cincinnati is $4.77 a gallon, up 94 cents since Monday. The ongoing war in Iraq is getting much of the blame.
The Liberty Township COSTCO was selling regular unleaded for $3.96 a gallon, while the Speedway at NW Washington Blvd. and Eaton was selling for $4.99 a gallon (pictured)

This is the final weekend of early voting before the May 5th primary. The Butler County Board of Elections on Princeton Road will be open Friday from 7:30am-7:30pm, Saturday from 8:00am-4:00pm, and Sunday from 1:00pm-5:00pm. There is no early voting on Monday. Polls will open at local precincts at 6:30am on Tuesday, and close at 7:30pm. The Board of Elections says 7,669 voters have cast early and absentee ballots so far. 55.2% of the voters pulled Republican ballots, while 39.3% voted for Democrats. Only 5.1% of the voters asked for an issues only ballot. The heaviest turnout appears to come from Fairfield Township, where police and fire levies are on the ballot, along with the Fairfield City School District's earned income tax levy.

The Fairfield City Council has unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new gas stations and vehicle charging facilities, putting a one-year pause on permits while the city takes a closer look at how those developments are regulated. Council passed the emergency resolution Monday night, immediately halting the approval of zoning, building, and occupancy permits for new fueling or charging sites across the city. City leaders say the move comes as Fairfield sees increased interest in new gas stations and evolving vehicle technologies—raising questions about long-term planning and environmental impact. Officials cited concerns about traffic, stormwater runoff, lighting, noise, and how closely stations are located to one another. There are also questions about underground fuel tanks, environmental risks, and how the rise of electric vehicles could reshape future development. The moratorium will give the city’s planning commission and staff up to 365 days to study those issues and recommend updates to Fairfield’s comprehensive plan and zoning code. Existing gas stations will not be affected. Businesses already approved can continue construction and maintenance, as long as they don’t expand operations or increase capacity. The resolution also makes clear that accessory electric vehicle charging stations—like those added to existing businesses—can still be installed. City officials say the goal is to ensure future development is done responsibly, without disrupting long-term economic growth or neighborhood compatibility.

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TEAM OF DESTINY? REDS STUN TIGERS IN WILD WALK-OFF WIN AFTER LONG DELAY

It had everything—rain, rallies, blown leads, and one more dramatic finish for a Cincinnati Reds team that’s starting to build a reputation for the unbelievable. After a two-hour rain delay Friday night at Great American Ball Park, the Reds stormed back from five runs down and capped it with a ninth-inning, two-out walk-off homer from Nathaniel Lowe to beat the Detroit Tigers 9-8.

Cincinnati trailed 5-0 early and still found itself down 8-7 heading into the bottom of the ninth. But with two outs, Spencer Steer kept the game alive with a single—setting the stage for Lowe, who crushed a Kenley Jansen pitch deep to center-right for the game-winner. Lowe finished with two home runs and three RBI, including the decisive swing that sent the crowd, well, what was left of nearly 24,000 home buzzing. The comeback didn’t come easy. Detroit jumped on Reds starter Andrew Abbott early, building a 5-0 lead behind home runs from Riley Greene and Javier Báez and a two-run double from Matt Vierling. The Reds began chipping away in the fifth when Matt McLain launched a two-run homer. Lowe added a solo shot in the sixth to make it 5-3. Then came a wild seventh inning.

McLain struck again with his second homer of the night to tie the game, and Cincinnati took a 7-5 lead moments later with the help of a Tigers error and an RBI double from Tyler Stephenson.

But the drama was far from over.

Detroit answered in the eighth, getting a solo homer from Spencer Torkelson and a go-ahead two-run blast from Kerry Carpenter to reclaim an 8-7 lead. That set the stage for the Reds’ latest late-game heroics. Graham Ashcraft earned the win with a scoreless ninth, and Lowe delivered the knockout blow—his second homer of the night and one of the Reds’ four long balls in the game. Cincinnati improves to 17-9 on the season, continuing a stretch of comeback wins that’s starting to raise a question around the clubhouse and the fanbase alike:

Is this a team of destiny?

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The Middletown City School District has announced three finalists in its search for a new superintendent. The district’s Board of Education selected the candidates after completing two rounds of interviews with seven applicants earlier this week. The finalists are Elgin Card, who currently serves as superintendent of Princeton City Schools… Jaren Finney, the assistant superintendent of student support services in Covington, Kentucky… and Jeffrey Fleig, a transformational leader with InitiativeOne and former superintendent of the Fond du Lac School District in Wisconsin. Board President Chris Urso says the district had a strong pool of candidates and thanked community members for their input throughout the process. The finalists will take part in a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Tuesday, April 28th at Middletown High School. The event runs from 5:30 to 9:00, with each candidate participating in a one-hour session with staff, families, and community members. Final interviews with the board are also scheduled as part of the selection process.

A busy day in downtown Hamilton as leaders from across the region gather for the 19th annual Great Miami Riverway Summit.

The event is taking place today (April 24) at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, bringing together community leaders, business owners, and environmental experts from along the 99-mile river corridor. This year’s theme is “Reimagining,” with discussions focused on everything from riverfront development and tourism to trail safety and economic growth. Organizers say the goal is to strengthen partnerships and explore new ways to connect communities along the river. While the summit itself is sold out, the public still has a chance to take part in a unique way. A large mobile aquarium (pictured) is set up outside the Fitton Center, giving visitors an up-close look at fish from the Great Miami River. Experts say the river is home to more than 150 species, with about 20 currently on display in the tank. Officials with the Miami Conservancy District say the exhibit is a rare opportunity for people to see the river’s biodiversity firsthand and learn more about conservation efforts. The aquarium will be open to the public through today, with the fish scheduled to be safely returned to the river later this afternoon.

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(Image Courtesy: TV Hamilton)

The City of Cincinnati has dismissed its police chief, a move that’s already drawing sharp reaction and could lead to legal action. City Manager Sheryl Long announced Thursday that Police Chief Teresa Theetge has been terminated effective immediately. Long says the decision follows an independent investigation into Theetge’s leadership, along with a formal hearing and review of the findings. In a statement, Long acknowledged Theetge’s more than 35 years of service, but said a change in leadership is needed moving forward. Interim Chief Adam Hennie will remain in command of the department while the city searches for a permanent replacement. The move is facing strong criticism from the police union. Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober called the firing a poor decision that could cost taxpayers millions, adding he expects Theetge to challenge the termination. Theetge’s attorney, Stephen Imm, also blasted the decision, calling it unjust and vowing to pursue legal action. A lawsuit is widely expected.

A longtime leader in Hamilton City Schools and a well-known community figure has passed away. Dr. Glenn W. Stitsinger Jr. died Wednesday at the age of 85. Stitsinger served more than three decades on the Hamilton City School Board, including nine terms as president. During his tenure, he played a key role in the district’s major school construction program in the early 2000s, helping secure funding to build ten new schools—projects that were completed on time and under budget. Beyond education, Stitsinger was a longtime dentist in Hamilton, serving the community for 35 years. He was also a U.S. Army veteran, earning the Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War. He remained active in numerous local organizations throughout his life, including the Hamilton Rotary Club, where he was a member for 50 years. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Weigel Funeral Home, with funeral services set for Monday morning. Burial will follow with full military honors.

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The City of Hamilton is rolling out a new program aimed at boosting this year’s Fourth of July Parade. For the first time, parade participants can apply for stipends of up to 500 dollars to help create more elaborate and visually engaging floats. The program is part of the America 250 celebration and is a partnership between the parade committee, the Hamilton Community Foundation's Michael J. Colligan Fund, the city, and the Downtown Special Improvement District. Organizers say the goal is to help groups bring creative ideas to life while enhancing the experience for the thousands of spectators who attend each year. The stipends are intended to help cover materials and construction costs, with funding limited so it can be shared among as many participants as possible. Applications are open now and will be accepted through May 17th, with funding distributed ahead of the parade.
 

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(Photo Credit: City of Hamilton)

The Cincinnati Reds will welcome back a fan favorite this weekend as Brandon Phillips officially retires with the team. Phillips will sign a ceremonial one-day contract Saturday at Great American Ball Park, allowing him to retire as a Red. The second baseman spent 11 seasons in Cincinnati from 2006 to 2016, earning three All-Star selections, four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger Award. Team President Phil Castellini says Phillips was a cornerstone player who built a strong connection with the city during his time with the club. The ceremony is part of Reds Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, where Phillips will be honored alongside former players Aaron Harang, Reggie Sanders, and former manager Lou Piniella. Fans will also have a chance to hear from Phillips during a postgame Q-and-A Friday night at the ballpark.

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(Photo Credit: Keith Allison / CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Madison Township man has pleaded guilty to charges of attempted aggravated murder and arson. 41 year old Phillip Lovely admitted to stabbing Butler County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Farthing after he had set his girlfriend's vehicle on fire back on February 5th. The deputy was seriously wounded in the attack. Lovely faces from 3 to 18 years in prison and a $25,000 fine when he is sentenced by Butler County Common Pleas Judge Gregory Howard on June 3rd.

West Chester Township is transferring more than 70 acres of land to MetroParks of Butler County for long-term conservation and public use. Under an agreement approved by the township trustees on April 14th, about 71 acres along Mill Creek and the Miami-Erie Canal Path will be preserved as permanent greenspace.

Township officials say the land will remain open to the public for passive recreation, including walking and birdwatching, while being protected as a natural habitat. Township Administrator Lisa Brown says MetroParks has a strong track record of balancing conservation with public access, and the partnership will help ensure the property is both preserved and accessible.
MetroParks of Butler County will take over maintenance of the site and oversee any future improvements. The agency has already secured grant funding and is working with the City of Fairfield and private partners to build a parking area to improve access. MetroParks officials say the project reflects a shared effort to protect natural spaces while expanding outdoor opportunities for the community.

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Authorities say potentially dangerous explosive materials were safely removed from a Ross Township home Monday evening. Police were called to the residence just after 5:00pm for a public assist, after a family member reported finding several ammunition cans while going through a deceased relative’s belongings. Officers say the cans contained detonating cord and blasting caps. The Butler County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Unit was called in as a precaution. Specialists responded to the scene, safely secured the materials, and removed them for proper disposal. Officials say the items will be destroyed using controlled procedures. Authorities emphasize there was no threat to the surrounding community at any time. They also remind the public not to handle unknown or potentially dangerous materials, and to contact law enforcement instead.

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Ohio Senator Jon Husted is joining a bipartisan effort in Washington aimed at combating antisemitism. Husted has signed on to the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, which includes more than 50 senators from both parties. The group is focused on working with federal agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations to address rising incidents through education, prevention, and public awareness. In a statement, Husted said antisemitism has no place in the country and called for unity in protecting Jewish communities. According to his office, Ohio is home to roughly 177-thousand Jewish residents. The announcement comes as reports show an increase in antisemitic incidents both nationwide and in Ohio, including more than 200 reported cases in the state last year. Task force leaders say their priorities include strengthening Holocaust education and ensuring Jewish communities have the resources and protection they need.

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Middletown Police say a suspect was injured after an officer-involved shooting late Friday night. Officers attempted to arrest 22-year-old Donald Madden around 10:30pm near the intersection of Charles Street and Columbia Avenue on several outstanding felony warrants, including weapons under disability, aggravated menacing, and resisting arrest. Police say those warrants stem from an incident earlier in the week, when Madden allegedly pointed a gun at an officer and fled. When officers tried to take him into custody, investigators say Madden ran again and fired shots at police. Officers returned fire, striking him. Madden was taken into custody at the scene, given first aid, and transported to a Atrium Medical Center with serious injuries. He was later Care Flighted to Miami Valley Hospital. No officers were hurt. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now handling the case.

(The copy for this story was assisted with AI)