Compiled from staff and wire reports

Clinic doesn't need license, judge rules

A Dayton abortion clinic will be allowed to remain open without a license from the Ohio Department of Health.

U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley granted an injunction last week that permanently blocks state officials from closing the Women's Medical Center of Dayton. A federal judge in Cincinnati had granted a temporary injunction in January.

The state health department attempted to close the clinic after it failed to obtain agreements from nearby hospitals promising to provide emergency medical care if needed.

The state now requires the agreements, known as "transfer agreements," before issuing a license to clinics of any kind.

But Alphonse Gerhardstein, a lawyer for the Dayton clinic, argued that the requirement could make it impossible for some abortion clinics to provide services, even though they are just as safe as clinics that are able to obtain transfer agreements.

Judge Marbley concluded that the Dayton clinic provided "the same level of safety and care" as clinics that obtained transfer agreements.

The judge's ruling applies only to the Dayton clinic.

Officers to oppose parole for cop killer

A man convicted of killing a Cincinnati police officer 25 years ago will be up for parole next month, but not without opposition from local law enforcement.

Police Chief Tom Streicher, Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen and others today will discuss the possible early release of Wayne Reed, who was convicted of shooting Officer Charles Burdsall in July 1978. Police officers, through department-wide staff notes circulated last week, were encouraged to write letters to the parole board.

Reed, last denied parole in 1996, wasn't supposed to be up for it again until 2011. But his case is among thousands getting earlier looks because of a change in parole-calculation policy mandated by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Burdsall was pursuing Reed and another man, Russell Bell, that night in response to a reported robbery in Camp Washington. Burdsall stopped their car, and Reed and Bell got out on opposite sides. Reed shot the officer in the face and back.

Bell, who was denied parole in 1998, has insisted he had nothing to do with what happened, that Reed merely offered him a ride to his girlfriend's house.

Reed's parole hearing will be in the second week of September.

Society treasurer must repay $60,000 taken

The former treasurer of St. Antoninus Church's altar and school society must repay $60,000 she stole from the group and spend three years on probation, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge John West ruled Tuesday.

Deborah Hughes, 39, of Green Township, pleaded guilty to a theft charge July 21. She had faced up to 18 months in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

She has repaid $30,000 of the money, a court official said.

Interim transport board member picked

LIBERTY TWP. - Trustees this week appointed township Administrator Barry Tiffany as an interim board member of the Butler County Transportation Improvement District.

Tiffany takes the place of Bob Faxon, who has resigned for personal reasons. Since 1997, Faxon was the township's representative on the 18-member board, 12 of whom are voting members, including Faxon.

Tiffany's appointment comes as the township, Butler County and TID leaders push for an eastward interchange in Liberty off the Michael A. Fox Highway at Interstate 75.

Deerfield to meet on storm water district

DEERFIELD TWP. - Township trustees will meet tonight to discuss the possible formation of a storm water district.

The 7 p.m. meeting at Landen Station, 3292 Montgomery Road, is part of an ongoing effort to address widespread storm runoff problems.

The Warren County community was among those that got substantial damage from the July 2001 storm that dumped at least 5 inches of rain in some areas. Floods killed three people and caused over $10 million in damage.

New Ohio fire marshal was Columbus chief

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Commerce on Tuesday announced the appointment of Stephen Woltz as the state fire marshal.

Woltz, 64, was previously the chief of the Columbus Division of Fire. He assumes his new post on Aug. 25. He replaces Robert Rielage, who left for another job.

Woltz has been with the Columbus division since 1969 and was chief from 1997-2002.