The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, formerly known as The Sheriff’s Residence.

According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s office, Deputy Shannon Plumlee, assigned to the county’s jail, has resigned after an escaped inmate stole a car on Monday and led deputies on a high speed chase before crashing and dying.

David L. Payne, 27, was being transported to the Fayette County Memorial Hospital when he attacked the deputy assigned to keeping him in custody and used a key to free himself.

Payne got the key after Plumlee dropped it earlier in the jail during a scuffle, according to the Sheriff’s office.

He fled the area, broke into a house, stole a car, and led deputies on a pursuit before ultimately crashing and dying.

The Miami Trace Local School District seems perpetually at the crossroads, and this year is no different, which makes selecting the next school board all the more important.

Think about it: in just a few years, we’ve seen the district weather controversies.

Many good things occur in schools every day, but the problems facing Miami Trace weighs heavily on taxpayers — that directly impacts our children. Leadership is required and quickly, too. We need strong voices on the school board, unafraid to listen to the community, hold the staff accountable, and question administrators.

Therefore, we are endorsing Miami Trace School Board Candidate Mike Callahan.

“We did not do a formal process, and Mike Callahan and others did not seek our endorsement,” Fayette Advocate editor-in-chief Derek Myers said. “But after conducting investigations on candidates, we’re recommending Mike Callahan because he will be good for our kids and good for education in Fayette County.”

Mike Callahan wants a more transparent Miami Trace as well as community involvement before policy decisions are made, whether through the district’s online presence or in person.

Mike Callahan is a life-long district resident — with the exception of a few years he spent serving our country in the armned forces. He is a 1989 graduate of Miami Trace and he and his wife Mendy have two children who attend the district.

Mike Callahan knows how to get onto the kids’ level. Mike works in the healthcare field and knows the daily struggles of those suffering from poverty. Too often students fall through the cracks from the lack of financial means. And too often these students and their parents feel alienated from their school district. Mike’s emphasis on connecting with the district’s under-served students is refreshing.

In the future the work of the school board is going to get a lot tougher. The ground under the district has shifted, and anyone from custodian to board member who doesn’t see this probably shouldn’t be there. Any new board member will quickly discover that Miami Trace is caught in a whirlpool of state-driven initiatives, introducing a more rigorous statewide curriculum.

Mike Callahan has an impressive education background. He has two bachelor degrees in nursing and health care administration, as well as a masters in business administration from Franklin University; he has the knowledge and patience it takes to learn the new state-mandated guidelines that will be implemented.

Mike Callahan is in charge of a 20-plus million dollar budget in his professional career. He knows how to be fiscally responsible and do more with less without passing the burden onto taxpayers.

Mike Callahan is better qualified and has the knowledge both in government and in his professional life that will be important and useful to Miami Trace in a time of declining resources and great need.

It is with great thought that Fayette Advocate endorses Mike Callahan for Miami Trace School Board.

Read this response from Mike Callahan:

Thanks for the kind words. Very much unexpected…I have two kids in the District, and couldn’t be more happy with the academic education they have received. Dan Roberts, the administration, teachers, and staff set a great path to achieve regional educational prominence. I have been impressed with the new superintendent and have no doubt that this will continue.

The reason I am running for school board is that I have a deep commitment to serve and want the best for Miami Trace. As weird as it may sound, I feel more school pride for my high school than any college that I ever graduated.

I do believe I have certain skill sets that can enhance the board. First, I am a big believer in fiscal responsibility. I have over ten years of leadership and management experience where (as you pointed out in your endorsement), I have managed multi-million dollar budgets effectively. In fact, I am often sought after to explain and teach others budgetary matters in my organization. I definitely believe this is an area where I can be effective.

Second, I have experience and great working relationships with collective bargaining units in situations where budgets can be tight. Relationships are important to me and there is a lot of things that go into working effectively to make sure that everyone believes they are being treated fairly. People may not agree with my opinions, but you will never find a person that can say I have done them wrong (intentionally).

Third, I have good communication skills. The good and bad of what I do professionally is to share positive and negative results alike. This has been a learned skill and something I have developed over time. Communication is a two way street. Listening and sharing ideas, strategies, etc will go a long way to make sure everyone is working towards the same goals.

Finally, I have a good understanding of the legislative process and am not shy about advocating for something I believe. The state and federal government are both involved more than ever in our schools. I believe I can advocate effectively for Miami Trace on that level.

Thanks again for the kind words. If elected, I’ll make sure that I do my best to serve the people in the district to my best capabilities.

Jail house video has been released of the moment a former inmate picked up a handcuff key used during his escape.

Video released by the Fayette County Sheriff’s office shows the late-David L. Payne, 27, engaging in a physical fight with an unidentified inmate in the booking cage area of the jail on Monday.

Moments later the film shows two Sheriff’s deputies entering the cage and breaking up the fight.

Seconds after Payne is seen bending down to the ground and presumably picking up a handcuff key unknowingly dropped by then-corrections officer Shannon Plumlee.

Payne was transported to Fayette County Memorial Hospital for an undisclosed medical condition a short time later.

While at the hospital Payne escaped custody by using the key dropped by Plumlee that went unreported to supervisors at the Sheriff’s office, according to Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth.

He led deputies on a high speed pursuit before crashing a stolen vehicle and dying from injuries sustained in the crash.

An investigation later revealed how the unreported missing key aided in the escape.

Plumlee resigned from the Sheriff’s office on Tuesday and Stanforth has ordered a complete review of the jail’s policies.

Payne was awaiting trial for drug charges.

Washington Court House residents have important choices to make on November 5. On election day, they’ll be choosing between incumbents and challengers for city council.

Voters will see eight candidates on the ballot and have the opportunity to vote for four.

The council faces important decisions about budget priorities, zoning, development and other issues. Voters’ choices will determine the city’s direction in these areas for the next two years, and even decades to come.

Voters should choose Leah Foster to serve their city.

We applaud Foster, a born resident of Washington Court House, for her desire to get involved and give back to the city she cares about. Although some of her challengers are incumbents, Foster’s knowledge of issues facing the city and her proven track record is the better choice.

Foster has shown leadership in many areas, for example, running her own business. In her professional capacity, she counsels struggling businesses on how to grow their products and brands and how to strengthen their customer base.

We agree with Foster that the city has been too slow to review its downtown zoning regulations, and we’re glad that she has showed the leadership to introduce news ideas to start the process.

Foster would be a new voice and a fresh perspective on council. She brings experience in issues that are crucial to Washington Court House, particularly the business growth question, from her tenure as head of her own business.

We’re confident Foster will serve her constituents and the city well if she’s elected.

For their second choice, voters should cast their vote for Jay Yahn.

Yahn has shown leadership during his time in the community and he has worked to address important issues through his community involvement and campaign. We also agree with Yahn that the city needs to pay attention to infrastructure needs and maintain, or seek alternatives, to adequate police and fire staffing.

Yahn has made it a priority to communicate with voters via social media and by holding public events, and we like his insistence that the city needs to review their zoning regulations.

It’s clear Yahn cares about the city and has worked hard to address issues he thinks are a priority. We applaud his effort to get involved in city government.

We must do something to change our city. Millions of dollars in lawsuits, high water rates, lack of police and fire personnel, and one look at our downtown are just a few of the reasons why we should elect new council members.

And don’t even get us started on the poor-excuse of a “city manager” who was quoted saying the capitol of our great nation could fall into the ocean and it not impact Washington Court House; this is why we’re not endorsing incumbents: they’ve enabled this person for nearly a decade.

The “city manager” should tell his quote to the local business owner who lays carpet and had government contracts. His paycheck was delayed several weeks because of the government shutdown, his family had to eat at a local food bank. Or what about the FAA air traffic employee who lives and spends their money in our city? Her daughters went without school supplies.

Oh, and we can’t forget the dozens of not-for-profits who receive federal grants to assist in their operations and missions to help people in our community such as abused woman and children, and the homeless.

However, even though we’re not endorsing incumbents, we would like to applaud them and the two new-commers for stepping up and running for local office.

Foster, Yahn, or the others did not seek our endorsement and our view of Denen does not necessarily match their opinion.

Whether you agree with our choices or favor another slate entirely, please do your civic duty and cast an informed vote for local offices on Tuesday.

Kim Bonnell and Leah Foster elected to Washington City Council, Dale Lynch and Ted Hawk win re-election. Chuck Winkle and Gordon Davis were unseated.

Ken Upthegrove reelected to city school board. Craig Copas unseated by Jon Creamer.

Mike Henry and Rob Dawson win reelection for Miami Trace School Board. David Miller takes empty seat, Mike Callahan places fourth in Fayette County. However, Miami Trace School District stretches into five counties. Callahan is down by 21 votes behind Miller, that’s including Pickaway County, and there is approximately 40 absentee ballots to be counted that will take ten days.

In township trustee races, Ken Kelly and Scott Cook win Paint. David Edwards, Maurus Malloy win Union. Marie Fetters secures her seat in Wayne with Ron Weade winning, too. Jeff Hoppes and Ryan Yenger beat Bob Steele in Jefferson.

Bloomingburg won their 2.8 mills renewal operating levy by 80%.

The street levy and renewal operating fund for New Holland failed in Fayette County. Keep in mind most of the village’s voters live in Pickaway.

Their cemetery levy passed in Fayette.

Sunday liquor sales were approve for The Club at Quail Run.

Concord Township won their fire renewal levy with over 90%.

Madison Township secured their cemeteries levies, too.

For a numerical breakdown of each race, click here.

A bird rarely seen in this part of the country was found dead in Fayette County on Sunday.

A Snowy Owl that migrated to Fayette County sometime in early January was found dead on Sunday and officials do not believe foul play is involved.

Zayne Watson is a photographer and was standing by in The Home Depot parking lot with several other photographers waiting to see the bird in-flight when the man who found the bird brought it to them explaining what he had found just a half a mile away.

“I held it in my hands and it wasn’t cold or anything,” Watson said. “The owl was not frozen or cold and was just reported being seen just moments ago by some people who was just here bird watching.”

The bird was found dead between Route 22 and Route 62 near the Access Road to Route 35.

“This is truly devastating and sad to me and I’m sure to many others.”

The owl likely died from starvation, according to the Ohio Department of Wildlife, who is investigating the death.

“It is pretty common for these owls to do that when they get this far south in search for food. In the arctic they eat lemmings and when they get here there aren’t as many or none and they don’t just feed on anything,” Watson told Fayette Advocate. “It’s not the first one that has been found dead from starvation. The one that was featured on the cover in 2012 of the Columbus Dispatch in met the same demise.”

Snowy Owls are familiar to children as Harry Potter’s pet. They are the largest North American owl, and they’re typically found in Canada and the Arctic.

Due to the recent deep freeze across much of the country, an invasion of snowy owls has been reported this winter across the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic states. It’s rare that they leave their native home in the Arctic Circle nearly 4,000 miles away.

“The majority of snowy owls that come down this far south are inexperienced hunters who are already stressed by the long trip and lack of food. Sadly, the majority do not make it through the winter. It’s a kind of ‘good news, bad news’ thing. I will for always be grateful to have seen one of these beautiful birds, but I always know in the back of my mind that the one I’m seeing might be one of the ones that doesn’t make it.”

Staff members said changes were happening at a local nursing home and that the State of Ohio didn’t give a new management company enough time to finish making necessary changes before demanding they close their doors.

“Save The Manor” is a grassroots effort started by staff workers at Carlton Manor, also known as The Manor, 726 Rawlings Street, Washington Court House, in attempts to keep the state from shutting down the 115-bed facility for alleged repeated violations.

Last week, the state revoked the nursing home’s medicaid and medicare funding and on Friday, the Ohio Secretary of Health made an official move to revoke the home’s operating license after claiming The Manor failed numerous inspections and refused to correct violations that included sanitation and dietary regulations.

“They were making the changes,” said Jo Wehrs, a nurse at Carlton Manor. “They were willing to spend the money to put our building up to code.”

Wehrs is referring to a new management company that took over operations on December 1, 2013. Most of the state’s complaints are pre-new management.

“On January 3, 2014, we conducted a new complaint investigation, and completed follow-up inspections to the September 26, 2013, October 17, 2013, and November 7, 2013, inspections,” the state said. “This action is based on violations that were cited on November 7, 2013, but not corrected…as well as new violations identified at the time of the January 3, 2014 inspection.”

Wehrs and others are rallying around residents who are begging that the state give the new managers an extension to finish correcting the violations.

Residents made paper signs that read “don’t take our home” and hung them in their bedroom windows. The state allegedly demanded the signs be removed and cited a fire hazard.

Fayette Advocate spoke with a seasoned fire official who said that the 8.5″ by 11″ paper signs didn’t pose a risk.

“Those signs weren’t in violations of any local or state laws,” the official said. “I’ve worked in fire and public safety for over a decade and this is unheard of. If that was the case, then the blinds and curtains would also pose a risk. This looks like it’s the state attempting to silent the voices of the voiceless.”

A “Save The Manor” Facebook page was created over the weekend and has already gained the support of over 800 people. The Fayette County Commissioners are meeting today to discuss how they can intervene to save the residents and nearly 200 employees from losing their jobs.

Wehrs said that the group’s goal is that the state will grant an extension so the new managers can finish making the changes.

“We need more time. The changes were happening.”

A candle light vigil will be held on Friday on the lawn of the nursing home. It is open to the public.

- See more at: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:1RqTarOS9ZQJ:fayetteadvocate.com/archives/17534/2014/01/21/save-the-manor-campaign-holding-grassroots-effort/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us#sthash.3gk3lsCl.dpuf

A local newspaper company that has newspapers in Fayette, Highland, and Madison Counties, to name a few, said in an email they were planning to launch an online database compiled of those who have a concealed carry weapon permit.

According to an internal email provided by a confidential source, Civitas Media, which owns 88 newspapers across the country, including the Fayette County Record Herald, Madison County’s Madison Press, and Highland County’s Times Gazette, has discussed the use of “public records act requests” to “build state-by-state databases that list those who have the right to carry” firearm licenses.

The email, dated January 19, 2014, was written by Civitas Media’s director of content, Jim Lawitz, and distributed to content directors, managers, and producers at company-owned newspapers in 12 states, including 38 newspapers here in Ohio.

The email read in part, “The second project examines the explosion of ‘conceal and carry’ gun permits across the U.S. Through public records act requests, we will attempt to build state-by-state databases that list those who have the right to carry a concealed weapon.”

When asked to discuss the email further, Lawitz said in a statement to the Buckeye Firearms Association, “We do not typically publicly comment on internal proprietary communication. However, we have no plans to publish any names on any lists. Further, we are open to discuss any published reports.”

Fayette Advocate reached out to locally-owned Civitas newspaper Record Herald, based in Washington Court House, for comment. Content Manager Ryan Carter responded with a statement from Civitas’ C.E.O. Michael Bush.

Bush said in his statement that the company doesn’t have plans to move forward with the database and blamed the uproar on “a poorly crafted” memo.

“Civitas Media never had any plans or intentions of publishing in print or online lists of holders of ‘conceal and carry’ permits. Nor will Civitas Media develop databases of permit holders. A poorly crafted internal memo meant to highlight editorial discussions and planning incorrectly indicated that such a database was being planned; it has been considered and rejected,” the statement read.

Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth said that if Civitas’ local publications were to follow through with the order, it would pose a serious threat to permit holders.

“I’m concerned the information, once in the hands of criminals, could pose a threat to both the permit holder and the next door neighbor who has chosen not to carry concealed weapons.” Stanforth told Fayette Advocate.

According to research conducted by Fayette Advocate and the Buckeye Firearms Association, Civitas would have extreme difficulty creating the database because state law prohibits the copying of concealed carry weapon permits.

When Ohio’s concealed carry law was first passed almost ten years ago, a provision inserted by anti-gun then-Govenor Bob Taft (R) allowed journalists access to the lists, even though the law declared such records to be “confidential and…not public records.”

This media access loophole was abused by journalists to such a degree that, in late 2006, Taft was forced to sign a modification to the law which specified that journalists are allowed to view, but not copy, the records. The Ohio Newspaper Association then set about to debate the word “copy” as if they were Bill Clinton defining the word “is,” and in the end it took an opinion issued by the Ohio Attorney General to stop the anti-Second Amendment journalists in their tracks.

According to the opinion by the Ohio Attorney General, the database would be virtually impossible to construct.

“If a journalist submits a signed, written request to the sheriff to view the information described in this division, the sheriff shall grant the journalist’s request,” the opinion reads. “The journalist shall not copy the name, county of residence, or date of birth of each person to or for whom the sheriff has issued, suspended, or revoked a license described in this division.”

Without being able to copy the information, the database couldn’t be constructed unless the journalist has an impeccable memory and can remember thousands of names and addresses by memory.

The Buckeye Firearms Association said that the discussion to make the database is a ploy to target and attack gun owners.

That point was made again in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, when Gannett Company’s The Journal News of White Plains, N.Y. decided to punish people who had nothing to do with the crime by publishing an interactive map with the names and addresses of handgun permit owners in New York’s Westchester and Rockland counties.

Readers responded by publishing personal information about the The Journal News’ staffers, much as Buckeye Firearms Association did in 2007, and other news outlets began documenting thefts of guns from homes on The Journal News map.

State Senator Joe Uecker cited the problems the New York newspaper caused when he introduced Senate Bill 60 last March. The bill would, once and for all, close the media access loophole that currently allows journalists to view but not copy the private, personal information of persons who have obtained a license to carry a concealed handgun from the State of Ohio.

“Law-abiding gun owners who choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights do not deserve to be treated as though they are registered sex offenders, outed on a public list as ‘undesirables,’ which is why we react so strongly to even the ‘idea’ or ‘discussion’ of the building of a database,” said Buckeye Firearms Association Secretary Chad Baus, who originally broke the story on BFA’s website.

Baus added that the company should have thought through their plans since some of their newspapers are in rural parts of the state.

“The fact that this is being considered by a company that owns rural newspapers is amazing,” he said. “The county where I work every day is served by a Civitas newspaper. We are a rural area where, for the majority of people, guns are a part of life. We use them to harvest food, for recreation, as investments, and yes, to protect the ones we love. It is pretty obvious to me that the corporate bigwigs at Civitas don’t have a clue about the markets their newspapers serve, or they’d never have even discussed this idea.”

As previously mentioned, Civitas owns a newspaper in Highland County where local school districts dismiss school for an entire week so students can participate in deer hunting season.

One local resident said that he would be outraged if such a database was created.

“If they create a database like that, for their sake, I hope they have a concealed weapon,” he said. “Because I do have mine; I have several and I also have a good defense attorney.”

The Race of Fayette County this year is going to be bone-chilling!

The annual fundraising event will benefit The United Way of Fayette County. In previous years, the competition benefited the Fayette County Diabetes Association.

The Race is based off of the CBS television show “The Amazing Race.” Teams of two race from county-to-county throughout Ohio searching for clues that lead them to their next destination while completing mental and physical challenges.

The teams raise money to be sponsored by area businesses and individuals.

It all begun in 2003, when the idea was formed. A proposal was put together and approved. The decision was made that ‘The Race’ would be created to benefit the Fayette County Diabetes Association. Proceeds from entry fees and donations would benefit diabetic patients in Fayette County through awareness, educational programs, and with supplies.

A committee was formed, planning and design started, and on June 11, 2004 ‘The Race’ debuted.

The Race was an overwhelming success in its first year spawning an annual event. Since 2004, over $76,000 has been donated to the Fayette County Diabetes Association.

Eleven years later the group has changed its focus and is reaching out to help a different organization, The United Way of Fayette County.

The Race committee is now accepting applications for teams to participate in the Friday, June 13, 2014 race.

Although many people are dying to get in, spots are limited. But don’t worry, you won’t be put in grave danger if accepted.

This year’s race is themed “The Haunting” and will be frightening. Applications may be printed by clicking here. The deadline for applications is Feb 21.

Pictured above is the Fayette County Board of Elections voting booths sat up at their offices to assist in absentee voting.

Election Ballot Issues
Voters can review the ballot language and summary for State Issue 1: Capital Improvements – General Obligation Bonds here. Information on the 614 local issues on the ballot, including school and local tax levies, bond issues and charter amendments, is available online here.

Absentee Voting by Mail
Voters wanting to cast an absentee ballot by mail have until Saturday, May 3rd at noon to request an absentee ballot by contacting their county board of elections for more information, or by downloading an absentee ballot request form at MyOhioVote.com.

Beginning April 1, 2014, boards will mail out absentee ballots to those who have requested them. Voters must complete, sign and seal their voted ballots, taking care to provide the required information, including proper identification. Voted ballots must be postmarked the day before Election Day and received no later than the 10th day after the election (May 16, 2014). Absentee ballots may also be delivered in person to boards of elections no later than the close of the polls on Election Day. They may not be returned at polling locations.

In-Person Absentee Voting
In-person absentee voting begins April 1, 2014, or 35 days before the election. To ensure all Ohio voters have the same amount of time to vote in person early, Secretary Husted issued Directive 2014-06, establishing uniform hours statewide to ensure all voters have fair and equal access to the ballot during 2014 elections.

Register to Vote/Update Your Address
The deadline to register to vote for the May 6th Primary Election is April 7, 2014 (30 days prior to the election). Voter registration forms are available at MyOhioVote.com or from local boards of elections and other designated agencies, such as libraries and BMVs. Should voters have moved since the last election, they should also act now to update their voting address; this can be completed online at MyOhioVote.com.

Check Your Registration
Not sure where to vote or if your voting address is up to date? Voters can easily check their voter registration information, including voting address and polling location, online at MyOhioVote.com. The system is populated with information from county boards of elections. It is important to note that boards may make a last minute change to a person’s polling place that would not be reflected online, but voters would be notified by mail. Questions about information contained in the online system should be directed to the county boards of elections.

Election Day Voting
Polls are open 6:30 am to 7:30 pm on Election Day. Voters choosing to head to the polls on Election Day need to remember to bring the proper form of ID and know their polling place and precinct. Voters can check their polling place and precinct and get other important voting information by visiting www.MyOhioVote.com.

Get Elections Updates and Ohio’s Virtual Voting Sticker
Ohio voters are encouraged to link with “OhioSOSHusted” on Facebook and Twitter to get elections information and updates throughout the year. Here they can also get a virtual voting sticker badge to let their friends and followers know they’ve participated in the election, whether they chose to cast their ballots by mail or in person. Facebook users simply need to “like” Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted’s official Facebook page to “wear” a virtual sticker on their wall. Twitter users may share their voting badge by visiting the Secretary of State’s website.

Vote in Honor of a Veteran
With Vote in Honor of a Veteran, voters may also demonstrate the pride they feel for a veteran by dedicating their vote to them. By participating in this program, Ohioans help raise awareness about the importance of voting and highlight the powerful bond between our veterans and democracy. For more information on how to participate, visit www.OhioMilitaryVotes.com

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today adopted changes and recommendations affecting the competitive retail electric market. The ruling concludes the PUCO’s 15-month review of the competitive market structure.

“The Commission’s action today will benefit consumers in offering clearer transparency in billing and the overall energy choice process,” stated PUCO Chairman Todd A. Snitchler. “Our ruling also establishes a framework for further consideration and implementation of other market enhancements that will have a positive impact on the competitive retail electric market.”

Through today’s order, the Commission directed Ohio’s regulated distribution utilities to file an application to include retail supplier logos on customer bills in the event that a customer receives services from a competitive electric provider. Additionally, standardization of “price-to-compare” language will allow consumers to more easily compare rates offered by competitive suppliers.

The “price-to-compare” represents the charges a consumer would no longer pay to their utility should they enroll with a competitive supplier. The Commission set in motion further evaluation in a number of other areas of interest including corporate separation policies, utility-supplier information sharing, contract portability and advanced meter tariff language. In December 2012 the PUCO commenced an investigation into Ohio’s retail electric market in an effort to determine where the market is working, in need of improvement and how the retail market could be improved for the benefit of consumers. Six workshops were held over the previous year, involving 27 stakeholders representing utilities, consumer groups, environmental advocates and others, to identify areas of the competitive retail electric market in need of development.

Customers interested in learning more about energy choice can visit www.energychoice.ohio.gov. A copy of today’s order in case number 12-3151-EL-COI will be available online at www.PUCO.ohio.gov. Click on the link to Docketing Information System and enter the case number. -

Miami Trace

The statement reads in part, “While we cannot discuss specifics at this time, due to student privacy laws, on March 14, 2014, the District became aware of an incident on a school bus involving a student and school employee. This was
an isolated incident that was immediately addressed and all required reports were made.”

According to wire reports, Carla Knisely’s 8-year-old son was riding home from school when she says the bus driver “snapped” while her son was trading a toy for money.

The incident was reported to the sheriff’s office. The report was originally filed as menacing, but the case was closed. The Fayette County Sheriff’s office wouldn’t comment as to why this was done.

The bus driver turned in his resignation three days later saying he “couldn’t perform well in a restricted environment.”

A complaint in the driver’s personnel file found he “cursed” at a student while on the bus in 2012. In 2010, he was warned to, “be careful what you say and how you word it when talking to elementary students.”

A temporary bus driver has been assigned to cover the bus route.

Deputies have shot and killed two dogs on the city’s west side.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s office was conducting a raid at 812 Delaware Street shortly before 9 p.m. on Thursday on suspected drug activity when sources say the dogs became vicious.

They were allegedly attempting to attack the Sheriff’s K-9, Ben.

Deputies shot and killed the dogs before taking three people into custody.

Ben was taken to Fayette Veterinary Hospital for his injuries. A deputy was also injured in the raid and was taken to an area hospital.

During the search, substances believed to be heroin and crack cocaine, firearms, drug abuse instruments, an undisclosed amount of cash and stolen property were recovered.

Robert McClendon was taken into custody and charged with possession of drugs, Sara Johnson was charged with possession of drug abuse instruments, and Randy Ruth was charged with possession of drugs.

Charges are pending against McClendon and others and Fayette Advocate is working our sources to gather more details.

A community is coming together to combat a deadly epidemic that is sweeping the county.

A group led by Mandy Pfeifer-Walters and Joni Campbell-Behrends, collaboratively known as Heroin Education Leads to Prevention, or H.E.L.P for short, is hosting an event this Sunday, April 6 at 4 p.m. at the Washington Senior High School.

“We’ve called on many of our community leadership to address their people during this evening of revelation and education,” read a statement released by H.E.L.P. “In attendance will be representatives from our city council, county commissioners, the police chief, our sheriff, the city and county [school] superintendents, an E.R. doctor, E.M.S. worker, attorneys representing both juvenile and adult law, as well as our current common pleas court judge.”

A mother who has lost her son to a drug overdose will also take the stage to spotlight how this deadly drug has impacted her family. Video testimony of current and recovering addicts, mothers who have lost kids to heroin, and a child of addicted parents will be shown.

“The goal of the evening is to educate the community on what is currently being done to eradicate this epidemic as well as to thwart any untruths circulating around our county. This is a chance to come together as one and make some changes together.”

On Wednesday, April 9 at 6 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office will present their “Operation Street Smart” program to Fayette County, being hosted by Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

H.E.L.P. asked that everyone consider attending one or both of the events, as they are both intended to arm the community with education.

Sherry Grim, right, and Lori Ferdinandsen’s, center, coupon clipping group, the Stockpile Sisters, who meet every other Thursday at Rose Avenue Community Center, donated over 500 pieces of candy this week for the event. Also pictured is Kelley Ford.

Area downtown organizations are seeking additional donations to finish filling plastic eggs for a downtown community egg hunt.

The Hub of Washington Court House and Main Street Fayette, formerly known as Alliance For A Prosperous Downtown, are organizing the free event that will be held on the Fayette County Courthouse lawn on Saturday, April 12.

“This event has been sponsored 100% by the community for the community,” said event organizer Joni Campbell-Behrends of The Hub.

Ritten Industries has donated 10,000 plastic eggs, while various community members have donated an accumulative of 500 eggs.

Summer’s Funeral Home, Mobile Truck Techs L.L.C., and Streetside 62 Bistro have  donated candy and toys to fill the eggs.

Firefighters are calling a Tuesday afternoon garage fire in Washington Court House suspicious.

Crews responded to a fully engulfed wooden garage fire on the corner of Washington Avenue and Grove Street shortly after 6 p.m.

Flames could be seen across town, according to eyewitnesses.

Sources close to the investigation told Fayette Advocate the fire has an immediate ruling of “suspicious” and is being investigated further. No injuries were reported and traffic on Washington Avenue was shut down for over an hour while crews accessed neighborhood fire hydrants.

The Fayette County Courthouse

A Fayette County Judge who is up for re-election this May is still in jeopardy of losing  his law license over several alleged counts of misconduct after the Supreme Court has yet to render an official sentencing.

Fayette County Probate Juvenile Judge David B. Bender is accused of failing to notify a client of his April 2011 appointment to the juvenile court, failure to appoint new counsel to a client’s case, and choosing to turn down a settlement in a then-pending case when instructed to do otherwise, among several other alleged acts of misconduct.

According to documents obtained by Fayette Advocate, Bender is accused of paying himself and several clients from an “IOLTA” account, also known as a lawyer’s trust fund, which allegedly violates professional rules of conduct for a lawyer.

He is also accused of violating “a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.” Bender responded to the complaint in official court fillings denying the allegations. A disciplinary counsel heard the case on June 21 and rendered their recommendation to the Supreme Court in August.

The panel found as an aggravating factor that Bender acted with a selfish motive in attempting to exonerate himself from his malpractice but that he was remorseful about his misconduct. The panel said Bender demonstrated a cooperative attitude throughout the proceedings and investigation.

The recommended sentence was that Bender be suspended from the practice of law for one year, with the entire suspension stayed on the condition that he does not engage in further misconduct.

The case was filed with the clerk of the Supreme Court, and Bender had the opportunity to file an objection to the board’s report and have an oral argument. No objections were filed, according to the court’s online docket.

The Court has final say on whether to discipline an attorney or judge and what sanction should be administered. Bender’s case remains open, pending an official sentence being handed down by the Supreme Court. It’s important to note that a grievance or complaint can be dismissed at any point in the process.

It’s unknown why the Supreme Court has taken nearly six months to render their decision. According to one lawyer admitted to the Supreme Court bar, it’s uncommon for the court to take longer than three months to render a sentencing; however, there is no prescribe time limit. It’s unknown why Bender’s case has taken such an extended period of time.

Fayette Advocate previously contacted Bender’s office seeking comment, who declined to speak about the matter.

Bender, a registered Republican, is up for re-election on the May 6 primary ballot. He is being challenged by fellow Republican and former Fayette County Prosecutor of 12 years, Steve H. Eckstein.

Community members released balloons in honor of victims of crime Tuesday night at the Fayette County Victim Witness annual Remembrance Celebration.

Yellow and white balloons filled the south sky Tuesday night as community members attended the 7th annual Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney’s Victim Witness Division’s Remembrance Celebration.

Established in 1996 by then-Fayette County Prosecutor Steven H. Eckstein, the division is designed to help those individuals who have been a victim or witness of a violent crime.

The advocates provides 24-hour crisis-intervention, support and informational services to those affected by a crime. They specialize in cases of sexual assault, abuse, and homicide; however, they offer a variety of services to other victims and witnesses as well. The goal of the division is to help victims and witnesses understand their rights and responsibilities so that they can make intelligent choices about what is best for them.

The advocates are also dedicated to providing emotional support, advocacy, and assistance following the tragic death of a loved one.

The Remembrance Celebration is held as an annual celebration of life and time to reflect on the lives of those tragically taken too soon.

“This is not just a remembrance ceremony,” said Fayette County Prosecutor Jess Weade. “This is a celebration of life.”

During the celebration, fifteen students from Miami Trace and Washington City School districts were recognized for participating in a poster drawing competition regarding drug prevention.

Miami Trace

• Third Grade: Delaney Thomas, Hayden Pendegraft, and Jessie Woolover
• Fourth Grade: Hayley Honakey, Reagan Ivers, and Megan Manns
• Fifth Grade: Dylan Horton, Hayley Pendegraft, and Katie Bartlet

Washington City Schools:

• Third Grade: Neven Skinner and Raleigh Haithcock
• Fourth Grade: Joshlyn Worth
• Fifth Grade:  Bailey Henkley, Jenna Henkley, and Camile Deeks

Lori King was one of the keynote speakers for this year’s ceremony. She is a Victim Advocate for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. She became a Victim Advocate after her sister, Geneva O’Dell, was brutally murdered in 1994 in Fayette County.

King is also a co-founder of My Sister’s House, a domestic violence awareness organization.

The second keynote speaker for Tuesday’s event was Diana Forsha. She is the widow of Larry Forsha, who was killed in a drunken driving crash in 2006 near Home Depot in Washington Court House.

Five different colored candles were lit by victims’ family members during the service. A white candle was lit by a cousin and the grandmother of Shane Gault II. Gault II was nine-years-old at the time of his murder when he was fatally stabbed with a screwdriver by his father in 2006 on Willibar Street in Washington Court House.

Longtime domestic violence victim — and now survivor — Linda McGraw lit a purple candle on behalf of domestic violence victims. A red candle was lit by Kristi Lynch on behalf drunken driving victims. Lynch’s family suffered a tragic loss when her sister Candace was killed in an alcohol related crash.

Krystal Dodd lit a blue candle for child abuse and sexual assault awareness.

Army specialist Nicholas Dresch and his fiance, Caitlin Chrisman lit a yellow candle on behalf of military personnel killed or injured in the line of duty. Dresch just returned back to his home county last month after serving nearly a year-long tour in Afghanistan.

“We will continue to have this,” said Advocate Sonia Haithcock. “I promise your stories and your loved ones’ stories will never be forgotten. We will be your advocate and your shoulder to cry on; we are here. Your stories will never be forgotten no matter what size the crowd (at the remembrance celebrations).”

After the ceremony, attendees went outside and used permanent markers to write names or personal messages on helium filled balloons that were released into the sky.

In 1996, Fayette County became the 74th county in Ohio to start a Victim Witness Division under then-prosecutor Steven H. Eckstein.

Despite an attempt in 2003 to defund the program by State Senator Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) — a former Fayette County Commissioner– and former Fayette County Commissioner John Schlichter — now the state’s Deputy Agriculture Secretary, the program stands strong servicing hundreds of victims each year.

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A few hundred people packed the Fayette County Fairgrounds on Wednesday for a drug educational seminar.

Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s office partnered with Fayette Sheriff Vernon Stanforth for the three hour long program.

The interactive program allowed attendees to get a first hand look at drug paraphernalia products.

“Heroin is on the tip of everyone’s tongue but it isn’t the only drug in the community,” Stanforth told the crowd. “Hopefully you will walk from this with a different understanding of what our children might be doing today.”

Actual samples of heroin and pharmaceuticals were on hand for everyone to actually see what the illicit drugs look like.

“It is primarily a Franklin County project and my hat goes of to Sheriff Zachary Scott for allowing this program to be shared with our community,” he said.

One of the hundreds of drug experiences shared was hand sanitizer that is pumped into ice cube trays and frozen. The alcohol separates from the soap and offenders will drink the alcohol.

The event was sponsored by Doug Marine Motors.