WRGT Top Stories

UPDATE: Husted Says Voter Fraud Not An Epidemic

Thu, May 23 2013, 12:56 PM EDT

COLUMBUS -- Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted says voter fraud exists in Ohio, but it's not an epidemic.

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that Husted said there were 135 cases of possible voter fraud during the presidential election of 2012. Twenty of those were of people who voted on Ohio and another state.

The others were cases involving people who tried to vote twice within Ohio.

This announcement comes after Husted ordered all Ohio counties to investigate allegations of fraud.

Source: Columbus Dispatch

Senators: Remove 20-Year Limit on Prosecuting Rape

Thu, May 23 2013, 12:05 PM EDT

COLUMBUS (AP) -- A bill being proposed by two Ohio lawmakers would remove the 20-year statute of limitations for prosecuting rape and sexual battery cases.

Attorney General Mike DeWine's office said he supports the measure, which would allow cases to be filed against defendants 20 years or more after the alleged crime.

But John Murphy of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association tells The Columbus Dispatch that he's not in favor of pursuing rape cases that old unless there is DNA evidence involved.

He said prosecutors are concerned that unless there is DNA evidence, rape cases could come down to verbal allegations based on faulty memory instead of evidence.

State Sen. Capri Cafaro said "the impact of sexual trauma lasts a lifetime and certainly does not fade after only 20 years."

Charles Ramsey Gets Promised Burgers For Life

Thu, May 23 2013, 10:34 AM EDT

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The man who famously put down his Big Mac to help rescue three women held captive for a decade in a Cleveland house will never have to pay for another burger in his hometown.

Charles Ramsey has been promised free burgers for life at more than a dozen Cleveland-area restaurants.

The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reports that the restaurant where Ramsey worked as a dishwasher initially created a special burger in his honor, but eateries in the city decided a larger tribute was due.

Ramsey was called a hero after helping Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight break out of the west side house May 6. Arial Castro is now facing charges.

The newspaper said Ramsey was traveling and would get his "Chuck Card" when he returns.

Free Admission for Military Memorial Day Weekend at Kings Island

Thu, May 23 2013, 09:59 AM EDT

MASON -- Kings Island is again honoring the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military this Memorial Day weekend.

All members of the military – active and retired – will receive free admission to the 364-acre amusement and waterpark May 24-27. A valid military ID must be presented at the Kings Island ticket window to take advantage of this offer.

The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family for only $29.99.

Military personnel who qualify for the free admission ticket and discount offer include active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps with government issued ID.

Kings Island is now open daily.

Smash & Grab at Huber Heights Pharmacy

Thu, May 23 2013, 04:38 AM EDT

HUBER HEIGHTS -- Someone used a rock to break into The Medicine Shoppe on Brandt Pike in Huber Heights.

It happened early Thursday morning. A witnesses saw a man rummaging through the store.

He got into a getaway car with Indiana plates. Police say the crook did get away with several products.

They'll being looking at surveillance video to try to track down the suspect.

Bacon Helps Find Lost Dog

Thu, May 23 2013, 03:49 AM EDT

NEW JERSEY -- Is there anything bacon can't do? A pit bull pup named Misty wandered away from her owner's backyard in Riverdale, New Jersey.

Her owner was so desperate to find her, despite being a vegan, she grilled pork in her backyard to lure Misty back.

The trick worked and Misty came right back, looking for the bacon!

Earlier in the month, Misty was rescued after being found covered in wounds and bites. She was apparently being used to train fighting dogs.

Read the entire article here.

Teen With Down Syndrome, Banned From Cheer Squad, Offered a Spot On Dayton Team

Wed, May 22 2013, 06:22 PM EDT

DAYTON -- An Ohio girl with Down syndrome, who was turned away from her high school's cheering squad, now has the chance to cheer on a Dayton team.

The Panthers Cheerleaders of Dayton have a lot of spirit, but they also have a lot of heart.

"Everyone is family here," Coach Phillip Clark said. "Nobody is better than anyone else, we are all equal."

Phillip and his wife, April, started the cheerleading squad a year ago, for their daughter Kaila, who has epilepsy and special needs.

Phillip said they wanted her to belong to a team and to have confidence.
"Last year she couldn't do a cartwheel. This year, she is doing cartwheels, and everything, and has tons of friends. We are really proud of her."

When the Clarks heard about Alison Williams, a 14-year-old with Down syndrome, who was denied a spot on her high school cheer squad in Marion, because of her disability, they wanted to help.

"We have a spot for her, for sure," Phillip said.

"If the other team doesn't want her, our whole squad would be happy to have her," 9-year-old team captain Sarah Dykes said.

Coach Phillip said he was furious about Alison's treatment, and said they would never turn anyone away.

"We want to be able to give everybody a chance to cheer. We do not discriminate against anybody."

The girls, so excited about the possibility of having a new team member, made up a cheer for her. "Go Ali!" They all chanted.

ABC 22/ FOX 45 NEWS called the Williams family about the offer, but has yet to hear back from them.

Our sister stations ABC 6/ FOX 28 in Columbus initially reported this story last week. They reported Elgin School in Marion told the teen's parents that Alison had no shot at making the squad.

"We were told that Alison could try out, [but] even with accommodations she would not meet the minimum criteria to be a cheerleader," said Alison's dad, Brian Williams.

Robin Williams said she was told Alison would be denied a place on the squad even if there were open spots remain after the completion of tryouts.

ABC 6/FOX 28 attempted to contact district officials, but messages for the superintendent were not returned. In the past, administrators have told the press the district considers this a legal matter and can't comment.

Boy Nearly Drowns; Parents Warn of Drowning Dangers

Wed, May 22 2013, 11:19 PM EDT

VERSAILLES -- Many backyard pools are already open, and nearly all the community pools open up this weekend. While the excitement builds, parents need to keep safety in mind.

Andrew Lyons spends his afternoons near the scanner and reading firefighter magazines. This 6 year old hopes to be a firefighter when he grows up - just like his dad. He's even got a pager.

"You have runs," said Andrew. "It goes off - for the fire department."

He also loves hanging out with his family at their Versailles home. It's these very moments Darlene and Tim Lyons really appreciate, they almost lost the little guy two summers ago.

"He was at the edge of the pool," said Darlene Lyons. "But he was completely blue, and unresponsive."

Retelling the horror catches Darlene's throat every time.

"He was completely blue, completely lifeless when she drug him out of the pool. ... He was screaming, but barely breathing," Darlene said.

Andrew was learning how to swim - near the edge, but when adult swim time became hectic, he went under.

"Darlene called, it was 4:08 and she said, Andrew's drowning," said Tim Lyons.

"Being on the fire department we've landed CareFlight plenty of times, but you never think it's going to be for your own kid."

Andrew was flown by CareFlight here to Dayton Children's. The Lyons followed in a car. They say it was the longest ride they'll ever have to take.

"I saw so much of the Interstate that I never saw was there before, it seemed like we were standing still," continued Darlene, "I had to call my family and that was really hard..."

Dayton Children's Medical Center sees dozens of drownings and near-drownings each summer.

"It's a horrible feeling," Darlene said. "Especially because I was there with him, I felt responsible ... it just happened so fast."

Doctors hear that a lot, because it doesn't take long for kids to get into trouble.

"Be paranoid, supervise your children very carefully around water," said Tom Krzmarzick, Head of Emergency Services. "My second piece of advice: if you have a swimming pool, make it as safe as possible."

Dr. Krzmarzick is talking about gates around the outside that don't connect to the house. Keep toys out of the pool so kids aren't tempted. Install a pool alarm that sounds when the water gets disturbed, and cover it when it's not being used. He also recommends teaching your kids to swim, as early as toddler age. When it comes to the community pools like the one Andrew was in, it's all about never turning your back.

The Lyons say they're forever indebted to the first responders and the staff at Children's who saved Andrew's life.

"It's hard to feel it in the moment, but how God had everyone where they needed to be that day."

Andrew remembers that day pretty well, but hasn't stopped swimming, and mom and dad are so grateful their little boy is growing up with big dreams of perhaps saving others lives someday.

Students Say Prank Went Too Far

Wed, May 22 2013, 10:34 PM EDT

PIQUA -- Students at Piqua High School are upset after a prank at their school, and they say it was a rivalry taken too far.

Students at Piqua High School say they painted a rock for a student in a serious crash last November. It sits just outside the entrance of the school.

On Monday, that rock was found painted over with Troy High School colors.

"They're our main rivalry. Every year it's our biggest rival. We have pep rallies to defeat Troy," said Sophomore student Rayven Leonard.

Cody Young was in a coma for several months after he crashed into a tree last November. The school wanted to pay their respect to him.

"We painted it to let him know were here for him," said Leonard.

Although the boulder was painted with Troy colors, there's no way to prove it was that school.

"It hurt a lot of people who were close to Cody," said Leonard.

We're told Young is out of that coma and is making progress.

From Friend to Assailant

Wed, May 22 2013, 08:15 PM EDT

CENTERVILLE -- An upscale neighborhood is caught up in a whirlwind of controversy as police investigate a case they're calling the most unusual they've ever seen. It involves a strange business relationship between two men that ended in violence.

Centerville police say the two 28-year-old men have been friends for about a decade, but their relationship turned into one involving a lot of discipline a few years ago. The suspect reportedly crossed the line at one point because he was behind bars Wednesday night for felonious assault and kidnapping.

In the quiet Centerville neighborhood where the alleged attacks happened, it's not unusual for residents to hire guys to help out with landscaping. Police say that's exactly how the so-called business relationship began between Bryon Mansley II and the other man.

"It evolved into doing chores around the house, working in mulch beds, and then it evolved into the whole discipline and the assaults," said Centerville Police Officer John Davis.

Neighbors say Mansley lives in the Leeds Circle home with his parents. Neighbors have seen the alleged victim working in the yard, but say nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. However, according to police, behind closed doors it was a different story. Investigators say Mansley repeatedly beat the victim, at least once with a metal tube. Sometimes he even broke the victim's bones and held him against his will, all because the victim didn't meet the expectations of the agreement.

"I've been doing this 23 years and I've never seen a case like this. It's unusual to the point that it's kind of hard to believe at first," Davis said.

But police say the unbelievable tale is true. The victim finally reported everything after the last alleged beating a few weeks ago.

"He was basically in fear for what was going to happen next and he still remains now fearful of what happens next," said Davis.

Mansley will remain in the Montgomery County Jail on $75,000 bond while he waits for the case to go before a grand jury. He could face additional charges.

UPDATE: Moore, OK Search for Survivors Over

Tue, May 21 2013, 04:24 AM EDT

MOORE, Okla. -- The search for missing people has come to an end, as everyone who was missing has now been accounted for.

The total death toll is 24. Among them, 10 were children and two were infants.

The mother of a 10-year-old boy who was killed when the tornado directly hit his elementary school says there needs to be emergency shelters in every school.

Earlier coverage:

MOORE, OK -- Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano visited the tornado-ravaged town of Moore, Oklahoma. Napolitano is the highest ranking federal officer to tour the devastation left behind by Monday's EF-5 twister. Napolitano comments, "we know that people are really hurting, there is still a recovery yet to do."

Through the images of destruction that continue to emerge, today we have a clearer picture of the 24 people who lost their lives. Among them were 2 infants, only 4 and 7 months old. The casualties include 10 children, 7 of them were from Plaza Towers Elementary School.

Plaza Towers and Briarwood Elementary School were leveled by the storm and there were no safe rooms. These two schools were not given FEMA funding which would have allowed them to build a safe place for students and faculty to ride out storms.

Today, many families are wishing they were among those sharing stories of survival. Instead, the community is coming together to clean debris from the town's cemetery in preparation for two dozen funerals.

The estimated damage exceeds $2 billion dollars.

Earlier coverage:

MOORE, Okla. (AP) -- Parents and guardians of children whose elementary schools were damaged in the deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City area are hoping for happy reunions.

At least 20 children are among the more than 50 reported dead so far in Moore, an Oklahoma City suburb ravaged Monday afternoon by a tornado with winds up to 200 mph. Officials said early Tuesday the death toll could rise by as many as 40.

Many parents seeking their children gathered at a suburban church, listening intently as someone with a bullhorn called out the names of children who were being dropped off. For many families, the ordeal ended in tears of joy. Others were left to wait in the darkness, hoping for good news while fearing the worst.

To help victims of the Moore, Okla., tornado disaster, text "redcross" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

WARNING: Dangers Caused by Grill Wire Brush

Wed, May 22 2013, 10:34 PM EDT

COLUMBUS -- As Americans dust off their grills, a little-known danger has crept into the headlines because of a Seattle teenager who underwent surgery after he unknowingly ate a grill brush bristle.

"It was pretty violent, it hurt really bad," 16-year-old Tristin Beck said, who swallowed the bristle after it became attached to his food.

The Centers for Disease Control issued a 2012 warning about the swallowing of grill brush bristles following six reported cases in Rhode Island.

Dr. David Evans, a trauma surgeon at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center, has operated on patients who have accidentally, or purposefully, swallowed a variety of foreign objects. Although he hasn't seen any cases of grill bristles being swallowed, he told our sister station, ABC 6/FOX 28, he can see how doing so could cause problems in a person's digestive system.

"If it gets caught, because it's sharp, it can penetrate through the bowel and create a perforation," Dr. Evans said.

Experts say the human digestive system can handle many things, but once the object's size approaches 4 centimeters, a person will start experiencing signs that something is wrong.

"They should be looking out for pain in their neck or their abdomen, and/or problems swallowing saliva," Dr. Evans said.

Grill cooks are reminded to constantly check wire or metal brushes for loose bristles, and to check grill grates after cleaning. Also, grill users are advised to replace brushes if damage is discovered.

Tristin Beck is expected to make a full recovery. He's stayed level-headed about his experience.

"I have really bad luck, because of this one-in-a-million thing (that happened) to me, but I also had really good luck because they found it so early, and I have really good doctors who got me into the operating room and got it out," Beck said.

Kettering Woman Tries to Be Next Master Chef

Wed, May 22 2013, 11:16 PM EDT

UNDATED -- A Kettering woman made her television debut Wednesday night on Fox's hit show Master Chef. Sheena Hetzel is an armored truck messenger by day, but her dream is to be a Master Chef.

The reality show searches the country for the best home cooks in the country. Sheena tried to wow the judges and move on to the next round by cooking her signature dish, alligator andouille sausage jambalaya.

Unfortunately, Sheena's dish was dissed and she did not make it to the round of 40.

She did, however, make an appearance on the FOX 45 In The Morning show and shared some secrets from behind the scenes.

"You have to be quick minded, stay on your toes -- be precise, exact, if someone's going to tell you something wrong - you have to channel that in the process," Sheena told us.

Master Chef airs on Wednesday nights on FOX 45.

Update: 3 People Jump From 2nd Floor to Escape Apt. Blaze

Wed, May 22 2013, 03:36 AM EDT

TROY -- We now know the 3 a.m. fire on Foss Way in Troy was the work of an arsonist. Firefighters say both the exit and entrance of the apartment complex were blocked by fire.

Three people were forced to jump from a second-floor apartment after a fire broke out. The three people who made the 25-foot jump have been hospitalized; their injuries are unknown at this time. Four other people were rescued with a ladder. There were a total of 15 people inside the complex at the time.

The complex is a total loss. Families lived in five of the seven units. Fifteen people in all escaped this morning's fire,

"She's my best friend, my world. I'm just glad that my kids are OK," said Johanna Sloan about her daughter Anna.

The Sloan family was able to make it out unharmed, but it was a close call.

"My husband and I were heading to bed. It was about two or three and we heard a loud crash, almost like somebody was trying to break in," she said. "So my husband went upstairs to see what was going on. "He came back down. He didn't even get halfway before he saw the flames. He came back down and instantly started trying to put water on it."

You can hear in the 9-1-1 call, the two kids crying as they try to figure out how to get out of the burning home. "My husband's found a window, he's trying to get the kids out of the house now, Mickey get up. We're waiting ...We're waiting for the fireman," are some of the audible quotes above the crying.

The four of them made it out, after Johanna's husband broke through the glass.

"He is my hero. He saved my life. He has always been my rock," she said.

But their dog did not.

"Her dog in the back of the truck over there she's got to go bury it," said her husband Nathan.

"I didn't think we were going to get out I thought we were trapped," said Johanna. "Now I'm homeless we have nowhere to go."

"But we have Motel 6," her daughter Anna responded.

Johanna's 7-year-old daughter tries to console her, knowing the Red Cross will give them food clothes and shelter for a few days until they can get back on their feet, and knowing they still have each other.

"If that's all I have that's good," said Johanna. "That's all I need, but I'm not dumb. I'm a mom. My kids need clothes, food, a home and right now we don't really have a whole lot. We have to rebuild, to start over."

RAW NEWS: Watch Johanna's full interview

"I spoke with the landlord here, he says he's not worried about the property, his insurance will take care of that. What he is concerned about is what his insurance doesn't cover: a place for the 15 residents to live, The animals who died in the fire, and the memorabilia the families have lost.

This is the second arson in the last 5 days. An arsonist set a Piqua home on fire around the same time Friday morning. If you have information on either case, please call the state fire marshal at 1-800-589-2728.

Earlier coverage:

TROY -- Several fire crews are responding to 32 Foss Way in Troy. That's where we're hearing reports of a big apartment fire.

The fire broke out just after 3 a.m.

Initial scanner traffic indicated there were possibly four people trapped in the apartment. Our crew on the scene says several people have been taken away by medics.

We will keep you updated on this developing story as more information becomes available.

Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.

Greene County Court Cases Heard at Local High School

Wed, May 22 2013, 05:31 PM EDT

BEAVERCREEK -- More than 300 Beavercreek High School seniors saw how the judicial system works first-hand.

The Greene County Court of Common Pleas was held today in the school's auditorium.

The judge tried two court cases, including theft and drug trafficking.

Students say the session really helped them get a better understanding of the law.

"I didn't know that our legal system was so intricate and that you really do know your rights and they tell them to you so you're not going into a trial not knowing what's happening to you and not knowing what you're being tried for," said senior Julia Gomez.

This is the third year Greene County Court of Common Pleas held court at the high school.

Government teachers say they plan to have more events like these in the future.

"Savory" Swine with an Extra Ingredient

Wed, May 22 2013, 11:16 PM EDT

SEATTLE -- A Seattle man says a medical marijuana grower had some extra crop and he decided to feed it to the pigs.

So far, the smoked swine has only been made into bacon, but the butcher says he plans to experiment in the coming months.

"Here in the butcher shop we're able to make everything you can imagine. Somebody requests something and we make it and make some extra of it. ... We haven't fed them any sour pickles yet but we'll see what happens," says butcher Von Schneidau.

Pork tasters say the pigs are more "savory" than usual.

Community Leaders Rallying for Stronger Gun Legislation

Wed, May 22 2013, 06:15 PM EDT

DAYTON -- Survivors of gun violence, family members of victims and community leaders rallied Wednesday for change in their communities.

They, along with Progress Ohio, held a rally urging Sen. Rob Portman to take a second look and re-think his vote on lifesaving background checks.

Senators voted down the bill last month, which would have required background checks on commercial gun sales.

Portman voted against the bill because he says it doesn't exempt gifts, private sales or transfers between family members.

The families who've lost a loved one say something has to be done.

"I was forced to do this with my only daughter, Lauren. Brutally, brutally murdered, with a gun, in front of 14 little kids," said mother Terri Rousseau.

Rousseau's daughter, Lauren, died in the Newtown, Conn., school shooting last December.

Lauren was a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary and was killed trying to protect her first-grade students from alleged gunman Adam Lanza.

We reached out to Buckeye Firearms to get their opinion of the bill.

Southeast Regional Director Joe Eaton released this statement:

"We agree with Senator Portman's decision on the bill. Congress has passed these laws before and essentially it doesn't work. Criminals will find loopholes around it. Having one more law that impacts the honest gun owner will not make a difference."

Money Spent on Four-Legged Friends

Wed, May 22 2013, 11:18 PM EDT

UNDATED -- Americans spend more money on their pets than alcohol, movies and men's clothing.

Last year, Americans shelled out more than $61 billion on their four-legged friends with the average household spending just over $500 a year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most pampered pets live with baby boomers and childless couples who spend hundreds more than those in their 20s or 30s.

Strike Notice Approved By Springboro Teachers' Union

Wed, May 22 2013, 10:53 PM EDT

SPRINGBORO -- The union representing Springboro teachers has authorized a strike.

The Springboro Education Association voted to file a 10-day notice if they cannot negotiate new contracts.

The board and union plan to negotiate from June through August, if necessary.

The union represents more than 300 Springboro teachers.

“Our hope is that we reach an agreement with the Board and there is not a need to issue a strike notice, but the SEA membership feels that it is necessary to take precautionary measures in the event an agreement cannot be reached,” said Josh Cawein, Springboro Education Association spokesperson.

Homeowners: Sales on the Rise

Wed, May 22 2013, 09:18 PM EDT

DAYTON -- There's good news for area residents looking to sell their houses.

Ohio home sales increased more than 20 perecnt last month. In Dayton, home sales increased more than 14 percent.

The Dayton Area Board of Realtors says the average sale price inched up by .09 percent to $124,000.

Ohio has shown 22 consecutive months of steady gains in home sales.

Obama Administration Confirms Drone Strike Deaths

Wed, May 22 2013, 08:31 PM EDT

WASHINGTON, D.C -- The Obama administration has confirmed, for the first time, that four Americans have been killed in drone strikes since 2009.

Attorney General Eric Holder says one U.S. citizen was specifically targeted during a counter-terror launch on Yemen. That target was Al Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to deliver on Thursday a major speech on the controversial drone strike policy.

Dayton Among America's Most Well-Read Cities

Wed, May 22 2013, 09:28 PM EDT

DAYTON -- According to Amazon.com, Dayton is one of the most well-read cities in America.

After releasing the third annual list, Dayton made its debut at No. 17.

Another Ohio city made the top 10 when Cincinnati came in at No. 8.

The No. 1 spot belongs to Alexandria, Virginia.

Rankings are based on book, magazine and newspaper sales, in both print and kindle format, during the past year.

Xenia High School on a Two Hour Delay Due to a Bomb Threat

Wed, May 22 2013, 09:01 PM EDT

XENIA -- Xenia High School is on a two hour delay Thursday because of a bomb threat found in a bathroom.

Here is the information the district sent to parents:

In the Xenia Community Schools, we remain constant and vigilant in our efforts to protect our students and staff. Safety and security is our highest priority. Policies and procedures were strictly followed and implemented today at Xenia High School and responsible planning led to the decision to call for a two-hour delay on May 23, 2013 (tomorrow).
Today, information was reported to the Xenia High School administration regarding a bomb threat. The contents of the threat were specific to Thursday, May 23, 2013. The XHS Administration and the School Resource Officer immediately began to address the issue. The investigation was led by Principal, Mr. Ted Holop.
The threat was reported to a teacher by a student around 10:30 a.m. The threat (specific to XHS on 5-23-13) was written on the back of a girls’ bathroom stall door. The teacher informed the high school administration immediately. Administration confirmed the threat, took pictures, and started the investigation. The Xenia police department was notified through the school resource officer. Mr. Holop informed the Superintendent of Schools
The investigation continued through the end of the day and is on-going. At this time, no person can be definitely connected to the threat. The Xenia Police will have extra patrols at Xenia High School throughout the night. The XHS faculty played a role in the investigation and was given an update at the end of the day.
The building will have a complete sweep prior to any students entering the building tomorrow morning. A plan has been established to have extra security in the morning and throughout the day.
Teachers and administration will have a strong presence in the hallways during the day to assure the safety of the students and staff. The building has already undergone additional safety measures that will support tomorrow’s effort. All doors remain locked throughout each school day. The building may be accessed by visitors through the main door. Security cameras in all areas of the building are monitored continuously. Hall passes will only be used by students on an emergency basis.
Again, on Thursday morning, police and the administration will sweep the building to ensure the safety of all of the students and staff.
Transportation schedules and routes do not allow for a two-hour delay for secondary schools with elementary schools remaining on a regular school day.
If we have further details that will be a benefit to parents and to the community, we will release those details immediately.

Cop Impersonator in Mercer County

Wed, May 22 2013, 08:49 PM EDT

MERCER COUNTY -- The next police officer you see in Mercer County may be a fake.

According to the Sheriff, someone broke into an unmarked detective's cruiser at Zuma Automotive in Celina on Monday.

The thief walked away with the officer's shotgun, winter coat, rain jacket, 2 badges and a bullet-proof vest.

If you have any tips on this impersonator, call the police.

3-D Printer Saves Toddler's Life

Wed, May 22 2013, 07:25 PM EDT

BOSTON (AP) -- An Ohio toddler is able to breathe after scientists successfully printed an artificial airway splint to save his life.

Every day, the toddler from Youngstown would stop breathing because of a birth defect that would allow his airway to collapse. The boy was treated at the University of Michigan last year when he was 3-months-old.

By using plastic particles and a 3-D printer, sheets of biodegradable plastic were stacked and fused, ultimately creating an airway tube for the child.

Image courtesy of AP /Mark Stahl.

Local Veternarians Headed to OK, Volunteers Gathering Supplies

Wed, May 22 2013, 06:13 PM EDT

URBANA -- With entire neighborhoods wiped out by Monday's deadly twister in Oklahoma, many pets and farm animals have been injured and separated from their owners, and some local people are joining together to help.

The donated food is piling up at Paw's animal shelter in Urbana.

"We also have a few blankets and sheets that we're unable to use here for one reason or another and it's already going to be a whole lot more than they have down there already," said Nila Randall who runs the place.

Jamie Shaffner is organizing the effort. He used to work for the Red Cross - so he knows what the folks in Moore are going through.

"What we usually called it was shell shocked."

Shaffner has clearance to enter the Oklahoma area with the donated medical supplies. They'll go directly to the "Operation Bring Animals Home" Agency - already on the ground there -- helping sick and lost pets and farm animals.

"We have a (LifeLine) cargo plane coming in tomorrow. It's picking up about 500 pounds of medical supplies plus it's carrying two Vets and two Vets assistants with it," said Shaffner.

"Horse farms were completely wiped out as well as veterinary clinics. They have no mobile trucks to go out because they're in a tree somewhere, all the supplies were rained soaked so they have no supplies," said Dr. Amanda Wolf who is stopping everything at The Pet Clinic of Urbana to help out.. She's already heard some of the rescue stories.

"That's why we're going, we want more of that," said Wolf.

"We're willing to help them out if we can," said Randall who is happy to pay it forward. The community helped keep the PAWS Animal Shelter opened two years ago when it struggled financially.

"I mean it's just what neighbors do, for each other," said Shaffner as he continues gathering the supplies to be sent on the plane Thursday morning.

Local First Responders Disaster Exercise

Wed, May 22 2013, 05:40 PM EDT

DAYTON -- Preparing for disasters closer to home, first responders from Montgomery and Greene County used special chemicals to mimic a gas leak around the University of Dayton campus. The exercise prepares them to handle man-made disasters.

The exercise coordinator Denny Bristow says, "this is what keeps everybody on their toes; whether it's law enforcement, fire, health departments, Red Cross...everybody stays proficient through these exercises."

The state will release the results from this exercise by the end of the summer.

Organizers tell us they usually pass with flying colors.

FBI Raids in the Miami Valley

Wed, May 22 2013, 05:08 PM EDT

MONTGOMERY COUNTY -- Five locations in the Miami Valley were raided by the FBI today. Although the Bureau has not confirmed this, sources say they are targeting drugs.

One of the raids was at West Fifth and College Street. The FBI says all of the raids are connected. They made 2 arrests today, with help from Kettering and Dayton Police along with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

More details will be released tomorrow.

When Giving to OK Victims, BBB Warns of Scams

Tue, May 21 2013, 06:51 PM EDT

DAYTON -- After hearing all the stories of loss and devastation out of Oklahoma, it is natural to want to help out the victims.

"Oh, it's just horrific. Immediately, our hearts say what as a community can we do?" said Pastor Bruce Jackson, who says a big space inside the First Grace Brethren Church is ready to be filled with items to help those devastated by the deadly twister.

They've done it before, helping out Superstorm Sandy victims last fall.

"Mobilize people from the area in tandem with some that we brought and they actually took the relief directly to the people."

Churches such as First Grace is exactly what the Better Business Bureau says you should go with. They know exactly what the people in the affected area need because they speak with the churches in their network."

"Every nickel that's given through the Dayton-area community will go through First Grace directly to the needs of the people in Oklahoma. And we stake our integrity as a ministry on that proposition," said Jackson.

When tragedy strikes, the BBB is on alert.

"Scammers take it as an opportunity to go into business, unfortunately they want to take advantage of our generosity," said Sheri Sword, with the Dayton-area BBB.

She says the charity should be registered with the Attorney General's office, and preferably the BBB. And beware of vague appeals that don't explain where the money's going. Also, never click on unfamiliar links. It could be a virus, or if you enter your info it could be the first step in stealing your identity. And finally, be cautious when donating to newly established charities.

"They may have the best intentions, and the biggest heart, and want to help but they may not be established yet to be able to use your funds, your donations, efficiently and quickly to address the concerns," said Sword.

With so many people in need, Pastor Jackson says as soon as Oklahoma's ready for the help, they'll be there.

"Every time we give, we need to keep in mind, we don't know what tomorrow's bringing."

If you're interested in helping out, click here.

Year-Long Search for Missing Trotwood Woman

Tue, May 21 2013, 10:11 PM EDT

TROTWOOD -- It's been a whole year of searching for a local family, and right now, they're no closer to finding their loved one.

A year ago Tuesday, Julie Rank-Earley vanished from her Trotwood home.

It's still an open active investigation, but her family is starting to lose hope.

"She's my only sister, my baby sister," said Kimberly Willey, Julie Rank-Earley's sister, "It's been a rough year, a very rough year."

No one has heard from from Julie for the past year, and her family says they know in their hearts what happened.

"I think she was murdered," said Willey. "My gut tells me that she's gone that she's gone to heaven with my mom and dad and way before her time."

So on the anniversary of her disappearance, her family wrote messages of love and prayers for closure on balloons.

"I won't give up, and will not forget it," she said. "It will not go away. It's not going to be different tomorrow. It's going to be in our lives always."

But it was a message from her son that hits home the most.

"We miss you," said Steven Butt, Julie's adopted son.

A year later, as the balloons are released, and this family tries to heal, they still hold out some hope.

"Someone will come forward, that knows the information that we need to have so that we can find her wherever they put her and bring her back home and with my mom and dad," said Willey.

The family has raised the reward for information to $2,500. If you know anything about Julie's disappearance please call Trotwood police.