Thursday, July 2, 1998
A woman accused of fatally shooting a Miami Township jewelry salesman last month will remain at the Hamilton County Justice Center until she is tried on aggravated murder charges.
Melissa Vanover, 26, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that could result in the death penalty. Common Pleas Judge Thomas Nurre revoked her bond and ordered that she remain jailed until her trial. No trial date was set.
Ms. Vanover is accused of killing Michael Nieman, 48, in his Buffalo Ridge Road home. Authorities said they think Ms. Vanover and Mr. Nieman were living together.
Prosecutors say that Ms. Vanover killed Mr. Nieman, then invited friends over to burglarize his house.
Fire destroys home in area without hydrants
WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP -- An unoccupied summer home in the 9000 block of Harrison Avenue was destroyed by fire late Monday.
Neighbors spotted the flames and called for assistance at 11:39 p.m. By the time Miami Township firefighters arrived, the wooden structure was engulfed, according to department Fire Marshal Paul Montavon.
Because the area is not equipped with water mains or fire hydrants, firefighters pumped thousands of gallons of water from a hydrant at a Whitewater Township elementary school, approximately 3 miles from the site. Tanker trucks were used to transport the water to a temporary 2,100-gallon holding pool erected at the scene.
Squads from Colerain and Crosby townships, as well as Harrison and Fernald, assisted.
Homeowners John and Roseanne Bauer declined to comment on their loss. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
Real estate taxes due July 15 in Clermont
BATAVIA -- July 15 is the last day to pay second-half 1997 real estate taxes without penalty, the Clermont County treasurer's office announced.
About 65,000 tax bills are in the mail. Taxes can be paid by mail or in person in the treasurer's office on the second floor of the County Administration Building, 101 E. Main St., Batavia, open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They also can be paid at the following banks in the county: Clermont Savings Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Key Bank, Lebanon Citizens Bank, National Bank & Trust, New Richmond National Bank, PNC Bank, Security Savings Bank and Star Bank.
There is a night deposit box at the entrance of the administration building for after-hours tax payments. For more information, call the treasurer's office at 732-7254.
NKU's new VP visits, meets faculty
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS -- Northern Kentucky University's new vice president for student affairs and enrollment management spent Wednesday meeting with faculty and getting to know his new university.
Dr. Mark G. Shanley, dean of student affairs at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., will start full time at NKU on Aug. 1. Before then, he will make several visits to campus to meet his staff and learn about the university.
Dr. Shanley was selected by President James Votruba from a national search of candidates. He will take over the position from Dr. Norleen Pomerantz, who served as interim vice president from 1995.
Dr. Votruba said in a statement that Dr. Shanley's strong record of leadership will help NKU achieve its goal of becoming a prominent metropolitan university.
Dr. Shanley will oversee the student affairs division, which includes enrollment management, student development, co-curricular activities, the dean of students and intercollegiate athletics.
Council says company reneged on agreement
Cincinnati City Council wants to sue ITT Industries, which is planning to leave the city, for failing to make good on a 1995 agreement that gave the company tax abatements totaling $1.9 million over 10 years. "The city entered into this agreement because of the company's commitment to invest in remediating the 1000 Tennessee Avenue site, to retain jobs within the city, and to expand operations, thereby creating new jobs for citizens," according to a measure introduced by Mayor Roxanne Qualls. The measure was signed by all members of council.
