WestChesterBuzz.com

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday. This week, we have decided to list all the top stories from April.

WestChesterBuzz.com also recently added a new video page last week. To view West Chester and Liberty Township related videos, visit westchesterbuzz.com/videos.

Lakota East makes lip dub – Lakota East High School is one step closer to having the attention of Ellen DeGeneres. On April 18, the school and all of its 2,700 students filmed a “lip dub” video to raise awareness and funds for the Center for Spina Bifida Care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. In the video, students performed as lip singers to five popular songs from artists, including Black Eyed Peas, One Direction and Smash Mouth. Once edited they hope to get the attention of Ellen DeGeneres, who they hope can bring their efforts to raise awareness for Spina Bifida to the national stage.

Nerf Wars have everyone talking – Local television reporters and radio talk show hosts were all talking about Lakota high schools in April. It wasn’t because of anything that was taking place at school, but rather after. A spring tradition of Nerf Wars is now underway and it involves possible reckless driving and nudity.

West Chester Hospital tax status case watched closely – Butler County and the cash-strapped Lakota Local School District stand to lose a combined $43 million over the next 18 years if West Chester Hospital’s charitable tax status is upheld, Sheila McLaughlin of The Cincinnati Enquirer reported. County commissioners are appealing the case to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals, saying the county failed to receive a hearing on the matter. School officials are keeping an eye on it.

Liberty Township retail project has new look – A Columbus developer returned to Butler County in late April with a slightly revised plan for the $300 million shopping destination spot it wants to build in Liberty Township, Sheila McLaughlin reported for The Cincinnati Enquirer. Yaromir Steiner, founder and chief executive officer of Steiner + Associates, is counting on $35 million from the county and township to make improvements around the 100-acre site, at Liberty Way west of Interstate 75.

Katelyn Markham’s body found – During the past 20 months, any time an unidentified body surfaced in Ohio, Indiana or Kentucky, Fairfield investigators probed whether the remains were Katelyn Markham’s, said Fairfield Police Chief Mike Dickey. But the investigation shifts into new territory, Dickey said, now that Indiana State Police have verified that the remains found along a Franklin County creek belong to the Markham, who vanished in August 2011. She would have been 23 years old today.

Summer’s Homearama being delayed until July – The director of the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati confirmed in late April that due to unforeseen construction delays, that this summer’s Homearama at Carriage Hill in Liberty Township is being pushed back to July. It will be the latest summer Homearama, which will now take place July 13-28, in the 50-year history of the home showcase, according HBA executive director Dan Dressman. The event was previously scheduled to take place June 8-23.

Bridgewater Falls is back on the block – Fairfield Township’s upscale shopping center, Bridgewater Falls, is for sale. And this time it’s for a positive reason, Cindi Andrews reported for The Cincinnati Enquirer. Blue Ash-based Phillips Edison bought Bridgewater Falls out of foreclosure in 2010. It boosted occupancy to 97 percent and is now testing the possibility of cashing in on its investment.

Local runner shares what happened at Boston Marathon – Just before the first explosion went off, Maureen Heintz of West Chester was only a few hundreds away from the finish line, having her picture taken and enjoying her first Boston Marathon. “She was probably just 200 yards from the blast when the first one went off. She said could feel the concussion of it and the buses were shaking where she was standing,” her husband, Paul Heintz said. After returning to their West Chester home at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Paul Heintz spoke about what it was like to be in Boston on Monday. See below for first part of audio interview. For the second and third parts of the interview, click on the link above.

Posted in: Events, News, School events, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Amelia Murphy, Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Marathon bombs, Boston Marathon Cincinnati runners, Boston Marathon local runners, Boston Marathon West Chester runners, Caroline McKinney, Ellen, Ellen DeGeneres, Ellen DeGeneres Lakota East, Ellen DeGeneres Lakota East lib dub, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen DeGeneres Show Lakota East, Ellen DeGeneres Show Lakota East lip dub, Ellen Lakota East, Ellen Lakota East lip dub, I-75, Interstate 75, Joe Hinson, John Boehner, John Boehner Boston Marathon, Lakota East, Lakota East lip dub, Liberty Town Square, Liberty Township business news, Liberty Way, Liberty Way Interchange, Liberty Way project, Libertytown LLC, Mojo Running, Mojo Running Olde West Chester, Mojo Running West Chester, National Honor Society, National Honor Society Lakota East, Steiner + Associates

VIDEO: FIRST PART OF INTERVIEW WITH PAUL HEINTZ, LOCAL RUNNER WHOSE WIFE WAS NEAR THE FIRST BOMB THAT WENT OFF AT BOSTON MARATHON

Ben Goldschmidt reports:

A local jeweler and runner is taking fundraising for victims of the Boston Marathon attack into his own hands.

Daniel Welling, custom designer for Welling and Company in West Chester, got the idea on Tuesday to use his talents to help those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing by designing a sterling silver shoestring tag that runners — or anyone — can put on a shoestring.

“When things like this happen, I think everyone always wonders what they can do to help,” Welling said.

The 24-by-12-millimeter tags read, “Run for Boston 4-15-13,” and include two slots on each side to thread a shoelace through. The text is cut out of the tag, allowing runners with colorful shoelaces to decide the color of the typeface.

• Second part of interview with Paul Heintz
• Third part of interview with Paul Heintz

The tags cost $12 each and all profits will go to One Fund Boston, Inc., a fund started by Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino to help victims of the attack.

Welling already sold half of the initial 1,000 tags he ordered. Even though the idea is only days old, five Cincinnati running groups already reached out and placed large orders.

“I thought about the Livestrong bracelets and the significance of what those meant for different causes like cancer,” Welling said. “I thought, why not put something like that on a shoestring?”

Welling hopes to sell more pendants before the Flying Pig Marathon on May 5 for Cincinnati runners to show support, and hopes to have a website up soon to extend his reach outside of Cincinnati.

“It hit home with so many runners, so I thought this would be a perfect way to show support for victims in the tragedy,” Welling said.

Posted in: Business, News |

Tags: Tags: Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Marathon bombs, Boston Marathon Cincinnati runners, Boston Marathon local runners, Boston Marathon West Chester runners, Daniel Welling, Mojo Running, Mojo Running Olde West Chester, Mojo Running West Chester, Welling and Company, Welling and Company West Chester

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

WestChesterBuzz.com also recently added a new video page last week. To view West Chester and Liberty Township related videos, visit westchesterbuzz.com/videos.

Lakota East makes lip dub – Lakota East High School is one step closer to having the attention of Ellen DeGeneres. On Thursday, the school and all of its 2,700 students made a “lip dub” video to raise awareness and funds for the Center for Spina Bifida Care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. In the video, students performed as lip singers to five popular songs from artists, including Black Eyed Peas, One Direction and Smash Mouth. Once edited they hope to get the attention of Ellen DeGeneres, who they hope can bring their efforts to raise awareness for Spina Bifida to the national stage.

West Chester woman steals $23K from employer – Marcie “Allison” Denney, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of theft, a fourth-degree felony, and four fifth-degree felony counts of forgery, Rachel Richardson of MasonBuzz.com reported last week. She originally faced one count of theft and nine counts of forgery. Between August and November last year, Denney forged 25 company checks from her employer, JKrete, a Mason company specializing in traditional and decorative concrete installation, totaling more than $23,000.

Lakota West RB Mikel Horton commits to Kentucky – Lakota West junior running back Mikel Horton verbally committed to the University of Kentucky Saturday during the Rivals.com Under Armour Elite Camp at Lakota West High School. He picked UK over his other top choices Florida State, Vanderbilt, Cincinnati and Louisville. According to Rivals.com, Horton is a four-star recruit and is ranked No. 22 among running back prospects in the class of 2014. He is also ranked No. 209 nationally among all recruits in that class.

West Chester runners safe from Boston Marathon blasts – On Monday afternoon, Tony Delnoce of West Chester said that his wife, Robin and three West Chester residents – Paul and Maureen Heintz and J. Jill Cummins – were all safe. Paul Heintz is the owner of Mojo Running in Olde West Chester. The first bomb went off within 20 minutes of Robin Delnoce crossing the finish line. She was walking back to her hotel room at the Marriott Copley when she heard the explosion.

Local runner shares what happened at Boston Marathon – Just before the first explosion went off, Maureen Heintz of West Chester was only a few hundreds away from the finish line, having her picture taken and enjoying her first Boston Marathon. “She was probably just 200 yards from the blast when the first one went off. She said could feel the concussion of it and the buses were shaking where she was standing,” her husband, Paul Heintz said. After returning to their West Chester home at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Paul Heintz spoke about what it was like to be in Boston on Monday. See below for first part of audio interview. For the second and third parts of the interview, click on the link above.

Posted in: News, Schools, Sports |

Tags: Tags: boston bombings, Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Marathon bombs, Boston Marathon Cincinnati runners, Boston Marathon local runners, Ellen, Ellen DeGeneres, Ellen DeGeneres Lakota East, Ellen DeGeneres Lakota East lib dub, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen DeGeneres Show Lakota East, Ellen DeGeneres Show Lakota East lip dub, Ellen Lakota East, Ellen Lakota East lip dub, Kentucky football recruiting, Lakota East, Lakota East lip dub, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton football recruiting, Mikel Horton Kentucky, Mikel Horton Kentucky football, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Mojo Running, Mojo Running Olde West Chester, Mojo Running West Chester, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, University of Kentucky

VIDEO: FIRST PART OF INTERVIEW WITH PAUL HEINTZ

Just before the first explosion went off, Maureen Heintz of West Chester was only a few hundreds away from the finish line, having her picture taken and enjoying her first Boston Marathon.

“She was probably just 200 yards from the blast when the first one went off. She said could feel the concussion of it and the buses were shaking where she was standing,” her husband, Paul Heintz said.

• Second part of interview with Paul Heintz
• Third part of interview with Paul Heintz

When Paul heard about the explosions, he was already back at the hotel, roughly two miles from the finish line. He immediately did the math in his head and knew that his wife had to be just finishing the race.

He went for his cell phone and tried to call her cell, but it wouldn’t go through. He then planned to go back, but received a text just before he left the hotel.

“I’m fine. Very scared, but don’t come down here. They are sending us all away. Sit tight,” the message from his wife read.

“They” were the police. Just moments after the first explosion, an officer looked at Maureen and told her and everyone around her, “get your stuff and move. That way (away from the explosion).”

Then the second explosion went off. That was when things got very chaotic and hectic, Paul said.

Runners then raced to the buses, which held their gear and clothes.

Marathon volunteers remained on duty instead of fleeing, throwing bags out the windows of the buses. Runners helped each other find their bags and escape the area.

“They were pushing the people out because they needed to immediately have the ambulances (there). The response was pretty tremendous, she said, in terms of how quickly help was on the scene,” her husband said.

With it still fresh in her mind, Maureen wasn’t able to talk about the experience to The Enquirer or WestChestBuzz. After getting back to West Chester at 2 a.m., she was back at work this morning. Maureen is principal of Colerain High School.

“I think work is what she needs right now, just to keep her mind occupied because she was very shaken up. Several times throughout the evening, she just broke down crying,” her husband said. “She was very visibly shaken, but she is tough.”

Maureen and Paul, who owns Mojo Running in Olde West Chester, went to the marathon with other local runners Jill Cummins, Robin Delnoce, both of West Chester; Susan Vogt of Loveland; Dan Rebella of Cincinnati; Lecia Holley, Lisa Wilber, both of Loveland; and Heather Fenton of Fairfield. All of the runners in the group were uninjured. Cummins, Vogt and Maureen Heintz all crossed the finish line just minutes before the first explosion.

Posted in: Crime, Events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Marathon bombs, Boston Marathon Cincinnati runners, Boston Marathon local runners, Boston Marathon West Chester runners, John Boehner, John Boehner Boston Marathon, Mojo Running, Mojo Running Olde West Chester, Mojo Running West Chester

At least 134 runners from Greater Cincinnati and four from West Chester were listed as entrants in Monday’s Boston Marathon. Many have been reported safe, as friends and family continue trying to reach others.

According to the Associated Press on Tuesday morning, the bombs took the lives of three, including an 8-year-old boy, and wounded more than 140 others.

House Speaker John Boehner of West Chester issued the following statement Monday evening after ordering flags over the U.S. Capitol to be lowered to half-staff out of respect for the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

“Words cannot begin to express our sorrow for the families who are grieving so suddenly right now,” Boehner said in a statement. “The House of Representatives offers its prayers to the victims and the city of Boston. We also give thanks for the professionals and good Samaritans who prevented further loss of life. This is a terrible day for all Americans, but we will carry on in the American spirit, and come together with grace and strength.”

Tony Delnoce of West Chester said that his wife, Robin and three West Chester residents – Paul and Maureen Heintz and J. Jill Cummins – were all safe. Paul Heintz is the owner of Mojo Running in Olde West Chester.

• Cincinnati residents share firsthand experiences of the tragedy
• Feds seek suspects, motive in Boston bombings

The first bomb went off within 20 minutes of Robin Delnoce crossing the finish line. She was walking back to her hotel room at the Marriott Copley when she heard the explosion.

“She was unintelligible. She was very rattled, shaken by the whole experience,” Tony Delnoce said of reaching his wife by cell phone.

Delnoce said he has attended the marathon twice to route his wife on but didn’t go this year. She has participated in five Boston Marathons, he said.

Understanding how the families are lined up along the route there and understanding the explosion came from a building alongside I’d be willing to bet the bulk of the runners are OK and the runners families took the brunt of the injuries,” he said.

Boston police and marathon organizers have a strong presence at the event, he said.

“I can’t begrudge the City of Boston or the marathon organizers. They do a good job,” Delnoce said.

“If a bomb goes off in a hotel next to the finish line where nobody can get in to a hotel room to check it out, I can see where that can be a problem.

The couple’s 13-year-old daughter, Abby, said she talked to her mom by phone after she heard the news of the explosions from her father.

“Whenever she answered, she was crying,” Abby said. “I said, ‘I wish I was with you,’ and she said, ‘No, I wish I was with you.’”

Sheila McLaughlin and Associated Press contributed to this report

Posted in: Crime, Events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Marathon bombs, Boston Marathon Cincinnati runners, Boston Marathon local runners, Boston Marathon West Chester runners, John Boehner, John Boehner Boston Marathon, Mojo Running, Mojo Running Olde West Chester, Mojo Running West Chester

There is still time left to register for the first annual Mojo Running Santa Suit Fun Run that will be taking place this Sunday at 11 a.m. in The Streets of West Chester. Registration will be accepted through midnight on Thursday.

All of the proceeds from the event will benefit Reach Out Lakota, which is a charitable organization aimed at assisting individuals and families in the Lakota school district through its food and clothing pantries.

The first 500 runners who register will receive a free Santa suit. According to Reach Out Lakota’s facebook page, there are still a few suits available. Participants, however, who miss out on the suit can still get a knit beanie hat with the running Santa logo.

In addition to the race, there will be pictures with Santa, Christmas music, cookies and cocoa, door prizes and free goodies from local merchants.

The cost to register for the 5K run/walk is $35 and the cost to register if you are 12 and under is $15. To register for the event or for more information, visit www.runmojo.com or www.registrationspot.com.

The Streets of West Chester, 9465 Civic Center Boulevard, is located off Union Centre Boulevard just off the I-75 exit.

Posted in: Events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Mojo Running, Mojo Running West Chester, Santa 5K, Santa 5K West Chester, Santa Fun Run, Santa Fun Run West Chester, Streets of West Chester, Streets of West Chester Mojo Running, The Streets of West Chester

Shauna Steigerwald reports

Mojo Running, the West Chester running specialty store, is itself on the move. The shop is relocating from its current space at 9318 Union Center Blvd in the U.S. Bank Plaza to a more visible space two miles away, at 8777 Cincinnati Dayton Road in Olde West Chester, near the Post Office, owner Paul Heintz said.

Heintz, who opened his West Chester store five years ago, said he’ll will reopen by Tuesday (May 1) so that runners can come in for their last-minute Flying Pig needs. Throughout this week, he’ll offer raffles and giveaways to celebrate the opening.

At the new store, Heintz will continue to carry predominantly running shoes, which salespeople fit to the individual runner’s feet and running needs. He also stocks running apparel and accessories, and he offers free running groups from the store.

“I’ve always been passionate about running,” he said of his decision to open the store five years ago, after working 24 years in the corporate world. “A lot of camaraderie and friendships have been made” through owning the store, he added.

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 513-942-5005 or visit www.runmojo.com.

Posted in: Business, News |

Tags: Tags: business, business news, Mojo Running, Mojo Running West Chester, Olde West Chester business news, running stores Cincinnati, running stores West Chester, West Chester business news