Fire, crime roundup from the township
By Brett Milam
Editor
The Union Township Board of Trustees met on Jan. 23 to discuss a variety of matters.
First proposed in July 2019, Sharefax Credit Union at 604 Ivy Gateway broke ground on its 30,000 square foot facility on Jan. 23.
The four-story building, which will be the company’s headquarters, is part of a 10-year growth strategy, and serve the needs of its 33,000 members, according to a press release.
“We are excited to build this new facility that will serve our members, employees and the community for many years to come, as we continue to grow,” Arthur Kremer, president of Sharefax, said. “This will create a signature space for us and a visible reminder of our continued commitment to Clermont County and the Greater Cincinnati area.”
The location also features a new branch with three drive-thru lanes, an ATM, and two interactive teller machines.
Michael Logue, trustee, said what stood out to him when reviewing the information on Sharefax in the last couple weeks is its mission of “people helping people.”
“That’s a great concept, and great to see in action in the community,” he said.
– Stan Deimling, fire chief, highlighted a few incidents from the month of December 2019 in his report:
– On Dec. 4, 2019 the department, along with the Milford Community Fire Department, responded to Interstate 275 at the 60 mile marker for a crash involving a semi-truck. The flatbed tractor trailer veered off the highway and ended up in the woodline, Deimling said. According to the Batavia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash report, Craig Sherwood, 61, of Aurora, Illinois was killed in the crash. The cause of the crash still remains unknown, but police do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor. Sherwood was wearing his seat belt.
– On Dec. 9, 2019 the department responded to a house fire at 845 Deerfield Blvd. The fire started in the laundry room and extended through to the second floor. Everyone in the house escaped, but the fire caused extensive damage, Deimling said.
– On Dec. 30, 2019 the department responded to Interstate 275 at the 65 mile marker for a vehicle fire.
– Scott Gaviglia, police chief, also highlighted a few cases in his report:
– Steve Forney, 40, of Cincinnati, was indicted in November 2019 with one felony count of passing bad checks, and one felony count of forgery. The incident allegedly occurred on April 20, 2019, in which Forney claimed to have acquired a check in advance of performing work that hadn’t actually been performed, Gaviglia said. Forney has not been arrested in the case.
– Erica Johnson, 41, was indicted in December 2019 on three felony counts of identity fraud, and four felony counts of misuse of credit cards. According to Zachary Zipperer, assistant prosecuting attorney, on Sept. 13 and 14 of 2017, Johnson used the identifying information of the victim to open a Victoria’s Secret credit card, a Capital One credit card, and a Total Card Visa. The alleged victim was 82-years-old at the time of the offense, and according to Gaviglia, was Johnson’s deceased grandmother. It’s unclear the exact amount allegedly stolen, but for each misuse of credit card charge, Johnson stole between $1,000 and $7,500 each. Johnson pleaded not guilty in the case, and is set to appear before Judge Anthony Brock on Feb. 2 for a plea or trial setting.
– A 16-year-old from Batavia was charged with a felony count of inducing panic for allegedly posting on social media that he was going to bring explosives to West Clermont High School.
– Jason Bowman, 39, of Loveland, was charged with misdemeanor theft for stealing a veterans donation jar out of gas station on Mount Carmel on Dec. 7, 2019. On Jan. 2, he was sentenced to 45 days in jail.
– Ken Geis, township administrator, said he and Cory Wright, planning and zoning director, met with a developer looking to develop a piece of property on Round Bottom Road for a manufacturing and warehouse facility in conjunction with the rail system.
“Which is really something that is a good enhancement to that area,” Geis said.
Geis said he expects a proposal from the developer within the next 30 days.
– Spring Junk Days will be April 20 through April 25, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.