Wayne Baker
Verified
Reporter for Dayton Daily News and Cox Media Group Ohio.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Wayne Baker
KWC to celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 3-5
Kentucky Wesleyan College will celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend presented by Owensboro Health Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5. “Homecoming and Family Weekend is one of the most meaningful times of the year at Kentucky Wesleyan,” said Scott D. Sims, director of alumni engagement. “It’s a time for generations of Panthers to return home, reconnect with classmates, celebrate our shared history and welcome the entire community to experience the spirit of Wesleyan.
Premier arts program in Hamilton selects winning 2023 designs
After much anticipation, winning designs for Hamilton's popular StreetSpark have been announced for the 2023 edition of the city's popular public arts program. Anissa Pulcheon and Madeline Tipton designed murals for walls at the Hamilton Lane Library and Bartels Heating and Cooling, respectively. Pulcheon begins work on her mural May 30; Jennifer Eickelberger leads the painting on Tipton’s design, which begins June 19, according to StreetSpark Manager, Jennifer Acus-Smith.
Kings Island to close Pipeline Paradise
A fan favorite ride will be shuttered for good at Kings Island, as iPipeline Paradise is being closed down after more than two decades in operation. "After 24 seasons, Kings Island is retiring, the soak city attraction, Pipeline Paradise. It was one of the oldest operating in the world," a spokesperson told The Enquirer. Vice President and General Manager Mike Koontz sent a letter to fans of the ride this week, announcing its closure.
Newport recycling center fire under investigation
Newport recycling center fire under investigation as dispatch as the Campbell County Dispatch Center reported a "gargage/refuse" fire at 1220 Licking Pike in Newport Saturday morning. The Enquirer will update this story when more information becomes available.
'Sip, Sip Hooray!': MadTree brewery to celebrate its 10th anniversary Saturday
MadTree brewery is going to celebrate its 10th anniversary Saturday, and it's bringing back the big "Bonanza" party to celebrate. The brewery has a reason to celebrate as the pat 10 years has brought many successes. MadTree has become a community partner including building a new facility in Oakley, as well as Alcove kitchen and bar in historic OTR and launching a vodka soda line, Sway by MadTree.
Platform Beer cuts brews, shutters taproom in Cleveland
The Platform Beer Co. announced Wednesday that it's closing its Cleveland taproom and will discontinue production of some of its beer. The company released this statement: “As we navigate through the changing industry and operational challenges, it has become clear that Platform’s production and commercial efforts need to be focused on three beers: Haze Jude IPA, Odd Future Imperial IPA, and our new Canalway IPA.
Cincinnati Children's makes top 10 on Forbes 'Best Large Employers' list
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has made the top 10 on the Forbes’ annual “America’s Best Large Employers" list for 2023. The hospital garnered the No. 10 spot topping Google, which landed at No. 11. It was the third-highest rated hospital in the nation behind only Houston Methodist and the Mayo Clinic and was the top pediatric hospital on the list. This year's list was completed via a partnership by Forbes and a market research company, Statista.
U.S. Senate confirms Cincinnati judge Jeffery Hopkins to district bench
The U.S. Senate on Thursday afternoon by a 64-32 vote, confirmed Cincinnati judge Jeffery Hopkins, to be the United States District Court judge for the Southern District of Ohio. Hopkins previously was an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio from 1990 to 1993. He was also an associate at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP (now Squire Patton Boggs) from 1987 to 1990, according to a statement from the White House.
Fairfield's 2023 projected budget to grow by nearly 15 percent
FAIRFIELD – A transition to a fulltime fire department in 2023 along with inflationary costs has resulted in a budget that is nearly 15 percent higher than 2022, city officials said. Next year’s budget of $87.4 million compares to this year’s budget of $81.6 million. The budget includes spending of $34.6 million in the general fund compared to $32.2 million in the 2022 budget. The budget received council approval earlier this week.
Colerain Twp. reorganization involves Fairfield's Parks and Rec director
Finance director Jeff McElravy was promoted to one of two assistant township administrator positions in a reorganization move initiated by administrator Jeff Weckbach. Former Fairfield Parks and Recreation director Tiphanie Mays was hired as the second assistant township administrator. McElravy will be in charge of finance and development while Mays will head operations and engagement, including human resources. Both begin their new positions Nov. 21.
Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs hosting watch party for Dave Chappelle on SNL
The Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs is hosting a watch party for comedian Dave Chappelle's hosting gig tonight on Saturday Night Live. Chappelle is returning to "Saturday Night Live" as a third-time host, and those wishing to attend the watch party better hurry, because tickets are only available for the next 20 minutes at the Eventbrite website. Those wishing to attend are asked to be there by 10:45 p.m. for the 11:30 p.m. show that runs until 1 a.m.
Butler County Coroner's Office investigating death of Allyson Webb
The Butler County Coroner's Office is investigating the death of a 19-year-old female Miami University student who died on campus. According to a release from the coroner's office, Allyson Webb, died on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 11:59 a.m. in the 400 block of Oak Street on campus in Hamilton Hall. No cause of death was given, but an autopsy has been performed, according to a release from the coroner's office. The investigation into Webb's death is ongoing.
Two Ohio nonprofits to receive prestigious Gannett grant funding
Two Ohio nonprofits will receive national grants from the USA TODAY Network's Gannett Foundation as part of the company’s A Community Thrives program. A total of 16 nonprofits from around the country were selected to receive a portion of the $800,000 in grant funding. OpenDoor Columbus, a program designed to help women going through addiction sustain their recovery.
There's still time to buy a ticket for $700 million Powerball jackpot
There's still time to buy a ticket for tonight's $700 million, or $278.2 million cash value, Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot increased from $680 million after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Monday night, according to a release from lottery officials. Wednesday's jackpot is Powerball's largest prize so far this year, the fifth-largest in the American lottery game's 30-year history and the eighth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever, according to the press release.
Police chase for man accused of breaking into Cincinnati's FBI headquarters shown on video
Video showing the pursuit of the man believed to have attempted to breach the Cincinnati FBI building in Sycamore Township on Aug. 11 has been released. Ricky Shiffer, 42, was armed with a nail gun and AR-15-style-rifle when he went to the FBI office around 9 a.m. on Aug. 11. He was shot and killed by police after a chase and a prolonged standoff, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The video was obtained by Enquirer media partner Fox 19.
Biden nominates local judge for federal appointment to Southern District of Ohio bench
President Joe Biden has tapped a Cincinnati judge, Jeffrey Hopkins, as one of seven judicial nominees for federal district courts, the White House announced Friday. Hopkins is a candidate for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The slate of nominees will ensure "the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country, both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds," the statement from the White House said.
Police investigating a fatal shooting in Madisonville involving an officer
Cincinnati police are investigating a fatal shooting in Madisonville involving an officer according to information released to the media Saturday evening.
Hamilton's Safety Town wraps up its 50th year of mentoring young kids on safety issues
Hamilton's Safety Town is wrapping up its 50th year of mentoring young kids in various areas of safety and "stranger danger." The program was designed to help teach 4 and 5-year-olds deal with gun, vehicle, household, street, school bus and fire safety, as well as lessons on dealing with strangers according police officer Kristy Collins, who has been leading it for the past 10 years.
Gov. Mike DeWine issues a reprieve for 2 inmates on death row
Gov. Mike DeWine is delaying the executions of two inmates, citing ongoing issues getting access to the drugs used in the process, according to a release from his offiice. DeWine is issuing the reprieves due to ongoing problems involving the willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide drugs to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, pursuant to the agency's protocol, the release states.
Mason Challenger League to compete in the Little League World Series
The Mason Challenger League has announced that it will be competing in the Little League World Series Challenger Division in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, at the end of August.
One person in custody following active shooter threat at Central State
One person is in custody following an active shooter investigation this morning at Central State University near Dayton, Ohio. The campus was put on lockdown shortly after 9:30 a.m. when a report of an active shooter was made to CSU police, according to a statement from the university. The lockdown was lifted as university police and local law enforcement agencies responded to investigate and after the uiniversity deployed its Emergency Alerts System.
Walmart shooter gets $5 million bond reduced, seeks to use insanity defense
During a Friday afternoon arraignment, bond was reduced to $900,000 for Anthony Freeman Brown, 32, of Hamilton, who is accused of killing one person and injuring another at a Walmart located in Fairfield Township. Brown is also seeking to change his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity. A July 26 date has been set to hear that motion.
Check for live updates: How Biden's visit impact Cincinnati and Hamilton traffic on Friday
President Joe Biden will visit a metal manufacturer in Hamilton, Ohio, and talk 3D printing on Friday afternoon. The visit could cause traffic delays and road closures. Air Force One is also expected to fly into Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on Friday at 1 p.m. for Biden's visit with manufacturing leaders in Greater Cincinnati.
Ax-1 pilot Larry Connor gets surprise welcome home after returning to Ohio from space
Ax-1 Axiom pilot Larry Connor returned home to Ohio Wednesday night after successfully completing the first fully-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The founder and managing partner of The Connor Group was welcomed home by about 100 associates, friends and family outside of the Dayton-based real estate investment firm. Conner was one of the four-person team of Axiom Space's Axiom Mission 1.
No winners in Saturday's $400 million Powerball draw, Monday's jackpot $421 million
The Powerball jackpot has risen to an estimated $421 million for Monday's drawing after there was no jackpot winner on Wednesday night. Saturday’s winning numbers were: 10, 39, 47, 49, 56. The Powerball number is 8 and the Power Play was 3x. Saturday’s Powerball drawing was the 30th anniversary for the game as the first tickets were sold on April 19, 1992, with the drawing held three days later on April 22. When are the Powerball drawings?
5 things to know to start your week: Bengals playoff win, MLK Day, Cincinnati history
Get ready for the week ahead and download the Cincinnati.com app to be the first to know about breaking news in your community. Bengals beat the Raiders for the team's first playoff win since 1991 The Cincinnati Bengals held off the Las Vegas Raiders' fourth-quarter rally to earn their first playoff win since Jan. 6, 1991, advancing in the NFL postseason with a 26-19 victory at Paul Brown Stadium.
Cincinnati filmmaker Chase Crawford named to final installment of Forbes Next 1000 list
Cincinnatian Chase Crawford has been named to the fourth and final 2021 installment of the Forbes Next 1000 list. Crawford is the founder of Four by Three, an indie film studio. At 25-years-old, he is one of the youngest members of the Next 1000 list.
Cincinnati filmmaker Chase Crawford named to final installment of Forbes Next 1000 list
Cincinnatian Chase Crawford has been named to the fourht and final 2021 installment of the Forbes Next 1000 list. Crawford is the founder of Four by Three, an indie film studio. At 25-years-old, he is one of the youngest members of the Next 1000 list.
5 things to know to start your week: Bearcats and Bengals, 2021 recap, 2022 look ahead
Get ready for the week ahead and download the Cincinnati.com app to be the first to know about breaking news in your community. UC's first trip to the College Football Playoff The Cincinnati Bearcats broke the barrier into the College Football Playoff, but were unable to advance to the national championship game. The Bearcats (13-1) lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Cotton Bowl Classic, to end a memorable season.
Bearcats battle 'Bama, Bengals, New Year's Eve: 5 things to know to start your week
Get ready for the week ahead and download the Cincinnati.com app to be the first to know about breaking news in your community. Cincinnati Bearcats play Alabama in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Eve The Cincinnati Bearcats face the Alabama Crimson Tide Friday at 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) in the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal.
'Shots at the Shop' COVID vaccine clinic being held today in Cincinnati
COVID-19: Black residents get new access to vaccine at churches, clinics In an effort to get more Black Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, there is a “Shots at the Shop” clinic being held from noon to 4 p.m. today at The Hairport Barber & Beauty Studio located at 8358 Vine St. More:COVID-19: Nurses, firefighters join in vaccine-hesitant neighborhoods to get shots in arms Black physicians and medical students from the Cincinnati Medical Association will be on hand at the event according to...
Immigrant advocates discuss Sheriff Jones dropping ICE contract, allege abuse occurred in jail
Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones announced this week that he notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that effective immediately his jail will not be accepting any ICE detainees and will be terminating the contract, which he has held since 2003, to house them in the future.
Ohio businessman and entrepreneur discovers 'scientific gold' during historic ocean dives
Real estate investor and philanthropist Larry Connor successfully completed three dives in just five days to the deepest ocean depths in the Mariana Trench this month, discovering what scientists told him was "scientific gold," during his exploration effort. Connor made the trip less than 10 months before he’s scheduled to pilot the first private mission to the International Space Station, he told the Enquirer this weekend, while sharing the details of his trip.
Photos: Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Hamilton conducts update tour
Skip to main content Photos: Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Hamilton conducts update tour
Spooky Nook conducts update tour and announces its first tenant, Municipal Brew Works
Construction progress was unveiled Friday morning at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex, as the developer of the project gave a behind the scenes tour to show off the 1.3 million-square-foot facility. The city of Hamilton is partnering with Spooky Nook Sports, the largest indoor sports complex in the country near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to redevelop the former Champion Paper Mill property, a 40-plus-acre brownfield site on the Great Miami riverfront.
Riverway Summit returns to in-person event featuring discussion of Spooky Nook sports facility
More than $250 million in investments in the city of Hamilton’s downtown will be the focus of the 2021 Riverway Summit, which returns this year as an in-person event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 30 at Market Street under the McDulin Parking Garage (between North Second and North Third Streets). The summit which is sold out, will be held outdoors and under cover, with social distancing and masks, according to information provided by the Great Miami Riverway's Director, Dan Foley.
The Warren County Sheriff's Office is looking for a teenage female runaway
The Warren County Sheriff's Office say a teenage girl hasn't been heard from since April 5 and is seeking the public's help to find her. Kailyn Paige Cordy, 17, was last seen leaving her South Lebanon residence two days ago according to a release. She was wearing glasses, green Under Armor hoodie and black or gray sweatpants. Cordy may be in the Wilmington area according to authorities. Anyone with information regarding Cordy's whereabouts is asked to contact local authorities, 513-925-2525.
Weather causes damage to structure at Hamilton's $144 million Spooky Nook complex
The Spooky Nook Sports Complex, Hamilton's $144 million sports entertainment complex that is in its final stages of construction, suffered weather-related damage early this morning as the heavy wind gusts caused structural steel on one of the buildings to fall to the ground. Some parts of Greater Cincinnati saw wind gusts above 50 mph, based on storm report information sent to the National Weather Service. Some areas of Dayton recorded gusts above 60 mph.
Dispute over invoice leads to picketing of former Hamilton mayor's business
A project started last year designed to upgrade and rehab a business has resulted in a dispute between the contractor and Dr. Tom Nye, who operates Vision Source, regarding payment for the project. Nye, who formerly served as mayor of Hamilton, entered into a contract with TAMZ Construction, Inc. to rehab the 90-year-old 4,200 square-foot building at 644 High St., so he could enhance his optometry practice and relocate from a smaller location in the Dayton-Lane neighborhood.
Lebanon police identify suspect in bomb threat
The Lebanon police have issued a warrant for the arrest of man they say is responsible for making the bomb threat which resulted in the evacuation of the Lebanon City Building. The March 2 bomb threat, made to city employees, resulted in all occupants of the city building and surrounding businesses being evacuated and streets in the immediate area were closed to all traffic. No device was located.
Oxford hotline and 'Get on the Bus' program helping residents get vaccine
The City of Oxford has taken a unique approach to help make sure its eligible residents can get the COVID-19 vaccine. For the past week, the pilot program that Assistant City Manager Jessica Greene refers to as the "Get on the Bus Initiative" has been an overwhelming success, as hundreds of calls are coming in daily to a hotline set-up by the city to help residents get vaccinated.
How to Build a Culture of Generosity at Work
Not long after Jim Mallozzi took charge of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation, the company hosted a convention for their many thousands of sales professionals around the world. The theme of my first keynote address,” says Jim, “was ‘change and innovation’ while tapping into the ‘positive power of the possible.’” At one point during his address, Jim asked the audience of 3,000 sales professionals to pull out their smartphones.
Butler County chiropractor due in court on 26 sex-related charges
Hamilton chiropractor Dr. Stephen Boyd, will appear in Butler County Common Pleas Court on March 9 as the case against him relating to an indictment alleging he committed 26 sex-related charges. Boyd, 57, is alleged to have inappropriately touched patients and engaged in misconduct for decades. Hamilton police say their investigation concluded that Boyd allegedly victimized vulnerable people as far back as 1989. Those victimized include young adults and minors.
How to Overcome Your Reluctance to Ask for Help at Work
Jessica was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do. She is a generous person by nature who had volunteered, as she often does, to help a stressed-out colleague. . . . But what started out as a simple favor for a colleague in distress soon grew into a colossal headache for Jessica. “The additional workload didn’t seem overwhelming when I agreed to help,” Jessica told me.
Illinois Commerce Commission extends moratorium on disconnections
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Commerce Commission has announced that it will continue to help residents who are struggling to pay their utility bills due to the coronavirus pandemic. Spokeswoman Victoria Crawford said the moratorium on disconnections has voluntarily been extended by several state regulated utilities through the winter of 2021 for eligible low-income residential customers, and those who self-report to utilities that they are experiencing financial or COVID-19 hardship.
Secretary of State says Illinois residents can use email to get help with license reinstatement Original
(The Center Square) – Secretary of State Jesse White is hoping that Illinois residents will take advantage of a new service that will help assist those seeking to have driving privileges reinstated. White’s office has launched a new email service that is available to Illinoisans who need information on reinstating driving privileges, obtaining driving relief or scheduling an administrative hearing, spokeswoman Beth Kaufman said.
Popular conservative talk show hosts backs Gurtler in GOP runoff against Clyde
Erick Erickson, a popular conservative radio show host and Georgia General Assembly watchdog, believes Matt Gurtler will succeed in the United States Congress. Andrew Clyde, 56, and Gurtler, 31, will face each other in the Aug. 11 runoff for the U.S. House 9th District Republican nomination. Clyde, a gun store owner, and Gurtler, a home builder, recently held an online debate to discuss the issues.
Police: False shooting report placed Hamilton schools on lockdown
UPDATE @ 4:30 p.m.: An unfounded report of a shooting forced a lockdown of two Hamilton schools this morning, according to police. Hamilton police Sgt. Brian Robinson said police and school officials did their due diligence this morning in order to make sure that everybody was safe, adding the lockdown was initiated for precautionary reasons. “It was for a safety precaution. We received a call from someone in a residential area near the two schools that claimed her father had been shot.
Butler County residents, students join March for Life rally in D.C.
Dozens of Butler County residents joined thousands of anti-abortion activists who descended on Washington, D.C., to march for the lives of the unborn in the 44th March for Life. March organizers filed a permit with the National Park Service for approximately 50,000 people to take part in the march that is held each year to protest the ruling of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme court decision that legalized abortion across the U.S., The Associated Press reported.
This local pastor wants kids to see a black superhero in action. So a huge group is going to the movies.
Pastor Shaquila Mathews and several volunteers are taking kids and their parents from the community today to see the Marvel Comics release of the movie Black Panther as part of Black History Month. The group worked together to organize the outing to take 300 kids, parents and volunteers to see the movie.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Wayne
Contact Wayne, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack