Some of Today's State News Headlines
Today is Tuesday March 11, 2008
Hamilton County judge rules statewide smoking ban constitutional
CINCINNATI (AP) - A local judge has ruled that a state law banning smoking in public places and most workplaces is constitutional.
Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Fred Nelson ruled Friday in the Cincinnati lawsuit filed against the Ohio Department of Health last year by bar and restaurant owners. The Buckeye Liquor Permit Holders argue that the Smoke Free Act of 2006 violates due process and is vague.
Nelson said neither the U.S. Constitution nor the state constitution creates a fundamental right to smoke in public.
The group's attorney, Scott Nazzarine, said Monday he will meeting with his clients to discuss the possibility of an appeal.
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann applauded the decision. He said it is the first constitutional challenge to the ban to result in a court decision.
(Refer to page 8 of today's Daily Chief-Union)
State probes death of Ohio man dragged under police cruiser
IRONTON (AP) - A police chief in southern Ohio said one of his officers dragged a man under a cruiser for more than a half mile and did not notice the body until the officer reached work.
Ironton Police Chief Jim Carey said officer Richard Fouts was driving in snowy conditions Saturday night when he drove over 46-year-old Guy Thomas.
Carey says it is not clear if Thomas had been walking nearby or if he already was dead and lying in the downtown street when the cruiser approached.
An autopsy on Thomas is scheduled for today.
Fouts has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.
(Refer to page 8 of today's Daily Chief-Union)
Ohio baseball player who survived bus crash accepts courage award
TOLEDO (AP) - A survivor of a charter bus crash that killed five members of the Bluffton University baseball team last year spoke publicly for the first time as he accepted an award for courage.
Tim Berta, 23, the team's student-manager, was critically injured in the March 2, 2007, crash in Atlanta as the team headed to spring training in Florida.
"I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy because it has been zero fun," Berta said as he accepted the Don King Courage Award on Monday night from the local chapter of the National Football Foundation.
The only senior from last season's team, Berta graduated but could not attend commencement ceremonies because he was hospitalized with severe head injuries. He has since returned home to Ida, Mich., and undergoes therapy to relearn talking and other skills.
Also a former football player, Berta walked to the podium Monday with the aid of his physical therapist. He received a standing ovation from the more than 400 people present.
(Refer to page 5 of today's Daily Chief-Union)
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