For 25 years, June Williams has shown up at Station 52 in Mason on the 11th of every month with a batch of freshly baked cookies and a hug for every firefighter she meets.

Williams, known around the firehouse as "the cookie lady," started a tradition that began from the helplessness felt after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

WATCH: Mason's 'cookie lady' honors 9/11 for 25 years

"The Lord put it on my heart, and you have to do something special for them, and so that's what I decided to do," Williams said.

The cookies are always chocolate chip, and that choice is intentional. Williams said an image she saw in the aftermath of the attacks has stayed with her for 25 years.

"All of the pictures and videos and everything everyone saw for months on end, one struck me so hard, and that's why I do this," Williams said. "A fireman was sitting covered in who knows what, just a horrible scene as we know, on a bench all by himself, and he's holding a chocolate chip cookie in his hand and looking at it as to say, 'Look, this is normal. This is what people do. This is kindness. Somebody wanted us to have this.'"

No visit is complete without what Williams calls a "heart-to-heart hug" that she insists upon with every firefighter.

"You have to give a heart-to-heart hug," Williams said. "If you go this way, your hearts are separated. If you go this way, your hearts connect, so gotta do it."

The firefighters at Station 52 have embraced Williams as one of their own. She has her own hat and has been invited to sit in the truck.

For the crew at Station 52, Williams is more than a monthly visitor.

"She makes it easy for our people to remember what 9/11 is about," a firefighter said.

"We like to say 'Never forget,' but she's really helped us always remember," said Fire Chief Bryan Brumagen.

Williams said her message after 25 years is simple.

"Find a reason to do a nice thing, or don't even have a reason, just to go and do a nice thing," Williams said.

Lebanon City Council voted Tuesday to pause its Flock camera program, temporarily disabling the cameras while city staff investigates the contract and determines whether the city can exit the agreement.

A motion to terminate the contract failed, with council members voting 4-3 against it.

WATCH: Here's what we know about the city council's decision

Council then passed a second motion to pause the program. Under that motion, cameras will be disabled as early as Wednesday, with bags placed over them. City staff will communicate with Flock, investigate the contract, and deliver a written report with a final recommendation to council by Sept. 22.

Council also directed legal counsel to analyze the contract, identify termination requirements, and determine whether the city can exit the agreement without paying a large fee.

The mayor said he asked Flock questions three weeks ago and the company did not answer sufficiently.

The pause motion passed 6-1.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin joined U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials and local law enforcement in Cincinnati on Friday for a roundtable focused on 287(g) partnerships, which are collaborations between ICE and local authorities.

Mullin's roughly 40-minute visit drew the Warren County Sheriff's Office, ICE officials and local leaders. The visit came on the heels of multiple high-profile immigration-related events in the region.

Mullin said federal agents have already made 380 immigration-related arrests in Springfield, Ohio, located about one hour north of Lebanon in Clark County. Mullin made it clear the enforcement push is not slowing down.

"We're going to continue to push," Mullin said. "We encourage everybody to go home."

WATCH: Mullin shares more about ICE operations in southwest Ohio

Mullin also defended the use of GPS ankle monitors for some migrants under Temporary Protected Status. The administration ended TPS protections for many Haitians in July, leaving thousands in legal limbo. Mullin's message to those affected: leave voluntarily or risk deportation.

"We'll give you $3,000 and a plane ticket, go home," Mullin said.

The visit also came against the backdrop of the recent suicide death of 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel, a Haitian immigrant whose friends say was terrified of being swept up in immigration enforcement and was bullied because he had to wear an ankle monitor. Mullin pushed back against claims that federal policies played a role in Bel's death.

"It breaks my heart for the parents, but we were following our procedures," Mullin said.

When asked whether DHS policy gives preference to a particular type of alternative to detention based on a migrant's offense, Mullin said decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

"I think it's case by case," Mullin said.

The roundtable also addressed the 287(g) program, a federal initiative that allows local jails and law enforcement agencies to act as force multipliers for ICE. The program operates under three models: the jail model, the warrant service model and the task force model.

Warren, Butler and Clermont counties all participate in the program. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and Cincinnati Police Department do not. Mullin did not hide his frustration with non-participating jurisdictions.

"It doesn't stay in that county. It bleeds into counties like Warren County," Mullin said.

The 287(g) program has faced scrutiny over how some agencies use the partnership. Earlier this year, the police chief in Gratis in Preble County was fired after she and another village officer visited Cincinnati schools looking for information under her department's 287(g) agreement.

Officials stressed Thursday that agencies participating in the program are supposed to stay within their own jurisdictions. They also noted that cooperating districts sometimes help locate missing or endangered children.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival opens this weekend in Harveysburg for its 37th year, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors to Renaissance Park through November.

Watch: Here's what traffic improvements came to Harveysburg this year

The small village of fewer than 600 residents has long faced a surge of traffic each fall as the festival draws crowds over nine weekends. This year, a new turn lane and temporary traffic light off State Route 73 are in place to help manage the flow.

Mayor Jonathan Funk said the improvements address one of the community's most persistent concerns.

"That was our biggest concern because we have had a couple accidents, and also the traffic that's one of the biggest complaints, and we just want people to be able to come out, have a good time and enjoy the festival not sit in traffic," Funk said.

Once visitors step through the front gate, organizers say the modern world fades away.

"If you walk through the front gate, you will be taken on a time-traveling adventure. You will not have any of the modern-day distractions," said Cheryl Bales with the festival.

The festival has seen growing interest in recent years, bolstered by national recognition.

"And after receiving the number one best Renaissance fair from the USA Today readers' choice poll, you know we've seen an increase in interest," Bales said.

The medieval magic will take over the new Whimsy Woods and the rest of the grounds through November.

On Wednesday, WCPO 9 was in Mason for another "Let's Talk" event. One topic that was brought up time and time again was the Mason Mile.

Business owners in downtown Mason say a one-mile stretch of the city's downtown has been left behind despite millions of dollars in investment across the city.

The area, known as the "Mason Mile," runs from Reading to Main Street. For decades, business owners there have pushed the city to rebuild sidewalks and infrastructure along the corridor.

WATCH: Here's what business owners want to happen to the Mason Mile

Todd Hudson, owner of the Wildflower Cafe, opened his doors in downtown Mason nearly 20 years ago.

"It's a good community. At the same time, before I bought it, I came out to the city and asked a few questions about the future of downtown Mason. A lot of what I was told at the time has not come to fruition," Hudson said.

Hudson said very little of the investment made across Mason has reached the downtown mile.

"We have a $25 million swimming pool, and to say we don't have $50,000 for a parking spot or to repair the sidewalks?" Hudson said.

"People like me that have invested their entire life savings into a business in hopes the city would also make investments in downtown, and we haven't really seen that," Hudson said.

The City of Mason says it has committed a $3.5 million investment to MADE CDC over the next five years to support revitalization efforts. The city manager was unavailable Thursday to discuss the concerns raised by business owners.

Hudson said he sees the potential a revitalized downtown could unlock.

"Does the tournament have an economic impact for me? Absolutely it does, but how great would that be if our downtown was revitalized, if we had Airbnbs and hotels and restaurants... the impact would be tenfold," Hudson said.

With a plan in place and steps being made in the right direction, Hudson said the community has been having the same conversation for too long without visible results.

"We have done that... we just haven't actually torn up a sidewalk yet," he said.

"It's not that the folks that are there now are not working on it, not on board, because I believe they are. But it's also unacceptable that it's been 20 years we are fighting the same fight, which is really just (to) fix our curbs and sidewalks," Hudson said.

WCPO 9 will continue to bring updates on developments along the Mason Mile and other stories from the Let's Talk event in Mason.

Two males suffered minor injuries in a Thursday night shooting in Loveland, and a third male was taken in for questioning.

The Warren County Sheriff's Office is investigating whether the shooting was accidental, and it was unclear late Thursday night whether charges will be filed.

The call came in around 8:30 p.m. of a shooting near the intersection of Sycamore Road and Birch Drive. The two victims were in a car on the road, but deputies were unclear whether the vehicle was in motion.

One victim was treated at the scene and left on his own, while the other was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

The suspect gave himself up to authorities.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

The gallery was packed Thursday with people wearing pink in support of the alleged child victim as closing arguments were delivered in the trial of Erica Grove, a Warren County mother accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old.

During four days of testimony, the court has heard from the child's therapist, a toxicologist and the lead detective on the case. Grove showed almost no emotion throughout the proceedings and again had family present in the courtroom Thursday.

WATCH: Closing arguments wrap up in Erica Grove trial

Grove's defense called for Judge Robert Peeler to find her not guilty on all counts, summarizing their argument that disturbing messages between Grove and her then-partner Tony McCollister, who also faces several charges, discussing drugging and raping a 5-year-old were merely roleplay fueled by abuse from McCollister.

"This is all fantasy make-believe morally deprived but not criminal," defense attorneys said in court.

The defense added that toxicology tests, doctors' visits and an interview with the child did not reveal the alleged abuse.

Prior to the bench trial, Grove pleaded guilty to sexual acts with dogs that were also discussed in messages between the pair.

Prosecutors called the perversion anything but fantasy.

"They were willing to cross the line from fantasy to reality and they did..." prosecutors said.

On Wednesday, Peeler said he was skeptical of the prosecution's evidence outside the texts, but prosecutors say the truth lies within the timeline and photos revealed within those messages.

"It is easier to think to yourself... this can't be real. I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt (rather) than believe that there are in fact people in this world that are capable of committing a crime of the degenerate and perverted acts committed in this case," prosecutors said.

Neither McCollister nor Grove were called to testify. McCollister is expected to appear in court next week for a conference hearing ahead of his trial, which begins at the end of September.

Peeler said he wants to take time to review the thousands of messages between McCollister and Grove before delivering his verdict. That process could take up to 30 days.

After just three days, the defense has rested its case in the trial of a Warren County woman accused of drugging and raping a 5-year-old child.

Erica Grove, 43, had family members in the courtroom as her defense rested its case without calling a single witness to the stand including herself.

Watch: Here's what occurred in day three in Erica Grove trial

Grove and her then-boyfriend Tony McCollister were indicted earlier this year on dozens of charges. Grove originally faced several charges, including rape, gross sexual imposition, illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, corrupting another with drugs, endangering children and sexual conduct with an animal.

She has already pleaded guilty to several counts of sexual conduct with an animal, and the illegal use of a minor charges were nullified before trial, but she continues to deny allegations of drugging and sexually assaulting a 5-year-old.

Warren County prosecutors have called the case against Grove and McCollister one of the most disturbing ever in Warren County. The crux of the prosecution's case has lied on text messages between Grove and McCollister.

On Tuesday, prosecutors shared the messages, but the defense said those were all fantasies between the two and none of the crimes actually occurred.

"There's no disclosure of sexual abuse or rape. We have a hair follicle sample test that conclusively proved the rape ... texts are false," defense attorneys said in court Wednesday.

After the defense requested an acquittal, Judge Robert Peeler also questioned the prosecution on what other evidence they had for their case other than the text messages.

Prosecutors pointed back to images Grove and McCollister shared with each other, as well as testimony from investigators.

"Seeing pictures of those childlike drawings on this woman's naked body prove that what she talks about is anything but fake; it's abuse," prosecutors said.

Peeler denied the defense's motions, but he said he remained skeptical of the state's evidence.

Closing arguments begin Thursday morning. Since this is a bench trial, Peeler will deliver the verdict. McCollister's trial begins next month.

A man was in court Tuesday after he allegedly shot a woman and conducted an hours-long standoff with police late Monday in Mason.

According to Warren County jail records, Jarret Buttrey, 27, is charged with felonious assault and causing harm to an animal after Monday's shooting.

Buttrey shot his 67-year-old mother multiple times with a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, causing "serious physical harm," according to Warren County Municipal Court documents. He also shot and killed two of his mother's dogs, per the court documents.

In a press conference Monday, Mason Police Department Chief Levi Wells said officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of Windward Drive for a domestic violence incident. While officers were en route to the residence, they learned that a woman had been shot.

After arriving, officers located Buttrey's mother and removed her from the residence. She was transported to UC West Chester Hospital, but her current condition is unknown.

Buttrey then barricaded himself in a room as officers began negotiating with him, police said. The standoff prompted police to contact the Warren County Tactical Response Team, which then negotiated with Buttrey.

Buttrey eventually came out of the residence himself and was taken into custody.

Buttrey is currently being held at the Warren County Jail. He was arraigned Tuesday morning and given a $300,000 cash-only bond.

A corrections officer and a nurse at Lebanon Correctional Institution pleaded not guilty Thursday to misdemeanor charges connected to the death of inmate LaSelle Allen, with Allen's family present in the courtroom.

Jeromy Roberts, a corrections officer, and Tiffany Ramsey, a nurse at the correctional institution, both entered not guilty pleas.

Roberts is charged with first-degree assault for pepper spraying Allen six times in the face while Allen was on the ground in hand restraints. The incident happened after Allen allegedly got into a fight with a cellmate.

Roberts and Ramsey are also both charged with dereliction of duty for allegedly taking more than 10 minutes to check Allen's vitals.

Watch: Family speaks outside Lebanon Municipal Courthouse

Allen's family said the charges do not go far enough.

"Yeah we want these charges to be upgraded to murder. That's our main thing. LaSelle Linden Allen's life mattered and justice is what we're asking for. They're at home with their families while my baby is dead," said Allen's mother Rose Sailes.

"He wasn't sentenced to death and that's why I said he wasn't supposed to be punished two times that was never supposed to happen," added Allen's sister.

Allen's family said they will continue to speak out on behalf of Allen, who was a father of 10.

"So what we're asking is we pay attention to the facts in this case and not why LaSelle was there," said Chazidy Robinson, an advocate who spoke on the family's behalf.

Roberts and Ramsey were placed on paid administrative leave following Allen's death.

Ohio State Highway Patrol, which handled the investigation, did not comment, as the investigation is still open and ongoing.

A pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 29.

Mason residents: We want to hear from you.

The WCPO team is holding the next listening event, "Let's Talk Mason," on Sept. 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Common Beer Company, located at 126 E. Main St. in Mason.

WCPO 9 News anchor Tanya O'Rourke, executive reporter Sean DeLancey, Meteorologist Cameron Hardin and Warren County reporter Jackie Bauer will be there to hear what's on your mind and to talk about the issues affecting your community.

The event is designed to bring together community members to find solutions to concerns and give residents a direct line to share their stories and perspectives.

Whether you have questions about local issues, want to discuss what's happening in your neighborhood, or simply want to meet our team, join us.

Previous "Let's Talk" events have led directly to coverage tackling some of the issues we discussed with residents:

Let's Talk Milford:

Let's Talk Alexandria:

One person has died and four others are injured after a five-vehicle crash in Warren County Tuesday morning, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the crash occurred shortly after 6 a.m. just south of SR-73, near Franklin. The highway was shut down at SR-73 for multiple hours.

According to the investigation, five vehicles were driving south on I-75 in the left center lane. Two of the vehicles, a Chevrolet Trax and GMC Yukon, stopped, and a person exited the Trax. A Honda Civic then stopped behind them and was struck by a Ford Edge. The Edge traveled off the right side of the roadway and the Civic struck the Trax.

The Trax went on to hit the person who had exited it, and struck the Yukon as well. The Civic was hit by a Ford E-150. The Ford then continued moving and struck the Trax and Yukon, according to the investigation.

Karen White, the 59-year-old driver of the Civic, died at the scene, troopers said.

Troopers said the driver of the Yukon and his passenger were taken to Kettering Health Middletown with serious injuries. The driver of the Trax, who exited the vehicle, was taken to Atrium Medical Center with serious life-threatening injuries and later taken to Miami Valley Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Edge was also taken to Atrium Medical Center with serious injuries, troopers said.

The crash remains under investigation. The southbound lanes of I-75 have reopened after being closed for hours following the crash.

Lebanon held its third annual Pride Festival downtown last weekend, but the celebration drew controversy after a city council member attended and not as a supporter.

Lebanon Pride Chairperson Leslie Nahigyan said the push to bring a Pride event to Lebanon made its way to Mulberry Plaza three years ago.

"Pride exists as a protest. It exists as a celebration, and there are people in the LGBTQ+ community in every geographic area of our country," Nahigyan said.

Nahigyan said the idea for Lebanon Pride was born from a vision of "one day seeing 100 drag queens parading down Broadway."

Watch: Lebanon Pride chairperson speaks out following pushback

City Council Member Mike Cope attended this year's festival after being welcomed in a social media post, but made clear he was not there in support. Cope responded in a post, saying that the event does not celebrate a lifestyle that represents the majority of Lebanon, though he acknowledged it reflects freedom of speech.

"We're very excited to see a councilman attend. I wish he had taken the time to spend in the festival, talk with some folks, because we've had feedback from festival goers from year one that they want to see their council members," Nahigyan said.

Cope went on to call for others to join him in monitoring the entertainment next year. He also urged the state Senate to pass legislation that would not allow drag performances in spaces where minors are present.

Festival organizers said the event was family-friendly and followed all of the city's decency standards.

"We had some folks ... handing out religious literature during our pride festival. They were polite. We were polite. There was no issue, but his call to action almost feels militant, so that is a worry," Nahigyan said.

Cope declined to comment for this story. He said he has been receiving harassment and threats since his posts on social media.

Mayor Mark Messer condemned the harassment directed at Cope, saying it crossed a line.

"What happened to Councilman Cope crossed the line. I support free expression and criticism of public officials. But photographing someone without his knowledge, fabricating his intentions to provoke a reaction, and then using AI to place him in drag so the public would believe he was part of the festival is not free expression or fair criticism, it's bullying, it's harassment, and it was designed to deceive. We can disagree strongly on issues in this city, and we do. But deliberately deceiving residents with fabricated images degrades trust. And now it has gone further with Councilman Cope receiving written death threats. That is a crime, and it is being taken seriously. This behavior should not and will not be tolerated or condoned," Messer said.

Nahigyan said threats and harassment are not what Lebanon Pride stands for.

"That is not the way Lebanon Pride operates. We operate as non-confrontational. Doesn't mean we're not going to push the envelope in a respectful, nonviolent way when we can. We will certainly do that, but yeah there doesn't need to be any threat of violence," Nahigyan said.

Pride organizers said the controversy will not stop them from returning for year four, and they hope to be treated as any other festival downtown.

A 68-year-old woman has died following a two-vehicle crash in Lebanon on July 29, the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced Thursday.

Troopers said the crash happened on East Main Street around 1:40 pm.

A 2020 Nissan Rogue was heading southbound on South High Street and did not stop at a stop sign, colliding with a trailer hauled by a 2024 Peterbilt 579 semi-truck, troopers said. The Nissan then came to rest off the right side of the roadway and the semi-truck came to a controlled rest in the lane.

The driver of the Nissan, Jennifer Watson, was taken to the hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. Watson died from her injuries on July 30, troopers said.

Troopers said the driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

Volunteers are working around the clock to bring new life to the aging Warren County Fairgrounds ahead of next week's fair.

Watch: Volunteers work to restore Warren County Fairgrounds ahead of 2026 fair

America is celebrating its 250th birthday this summer, and the Warren County Fairgrounds has been a part of 176 of those years. Now, after receiving several violations from the city of Lebanon last month, volunteers are racing to get the grounds ready for the 2026 fair, which runs Monday through Saturday.

After the violations, volunteers are replacing structures and gutters and repainting portions of the property.

Amy Brewer said the community support has been overwhelming.

"Oh my gosh, we're counting down the days. If you walk around the fairgrounds right now, you see people continuing to do all these kinds of tasks, and we're weed-eating and cutting grass and making sure everything is ready to go," Brewer said.

The rides are in, and crews are out working across the grounds. One board member said he is willing to pull all-nighters ahead of the fair to get everything ready.

Brewer said the effort reflects how much the community values the long-standing tradition.

"Because they believe in the fairgrounds, they believe in the 4-H program. We believe that this fairgrounds is a very valuable piece of property within our community," Brewer said.

Among the most visible improvements is a restored mural, now being brought back to life stroke by stroke by local art teacher Ty Ball.

"There is a lot of history, especially with the local folks that have been coming here for a long time," Ball said.

The mural honors the community the fairgrounds have long served.

"Something that recognizes the 4-H community, the harness community and just different things that will kind of build it into what this whole property kind of brings to the community. Really digging the sheep," Ball said.

The mural is expected to be complete in time for the fair. For Brewer, the restoration points to a promising future.

"We don't want it to be a dying community. It is vital. It is vibrant, and we want to keep that momentum going," said Brewer.

The Warren County Fair runs from July 20 to July 25. You can click here to learn more about the fair.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

WARREN COUNTY, Ohio After five years, the Warren County Engineer's State Route 63 widening project between Union Road and State Route 741 is awaiting a final inspection.

The project expanded the corridor from two lanes to four lanes. It also added center turn lanes and traffic signals.

"It's a good feeling to see that come to conclusion. There's been a lot of work in the planning, design and now the construction," Warren County Engineer Kurt Weber said.

Watch: More work ahead as Warren County's State Route 63 widening project wraps up

The work to improve the corridor does not stop there. The next step falls to the city of Lebanon, which will take State Route 63 east of State Route 741 into three lanes in 2027 with a full closure of State Route 63 during construction.

That began with the completion of a roundabout at State Route 42 and Glosser Road, which is set to open next week.

"The whole goal being just to make that road a safer road as it enters into Lebanon and exits out of Lebanon. So it's important that we got (the roundabout) done because this is gonna be the main artery and main detour for that entire area," Mayor Mark Messer said.

Messer said the city needs roads that can keep up as Lebanon continues to develop.

"We're spending again this year about $13 million on road construction. We are focused on getting our roads up to par to meet the standards," Messer said.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

The price residents and businesses throughout Butler and Warren counties pay for water varies more than $100, according to a recent survey and an investigation by WCPO media partners at the Journal-News.

The Butler County Water and Sewer District that serves cities and townships provides water for $124.19 for 3,000 cubic feet of water, what an average customer uses in three months, according to an annual survey conducted by the city of Piqua.

Of the 71 jurisdictions listed in the study, Butler County Water and Sewer District had the eighth lowest rate.

The lowest local rate was found in the city of Oxford ($115.80), followed by the city of Hamilton ($137.46).

The city of Monroe receives wholesale water from BCWS, then charges $273.23, the surveys fourth highest for the same amount of water.

The three most expensive water prices were Piqua ($283.80), Vandalia ($288.39) and Yellow Springs ($433.39), according to the study.

The cost to provide water to a customer is dependent on multiple factors all unique to a water system water source, treatment requirements, infrastructure, customer base, operating costs and capital investment needs, said Brandi Day, interim director of BCWS.

She said the objective of every water system is to establish rates that recover its revenue requirements, including the costs necessary to operate, maintain, repair, replace and improve the system while meeting or exceeding all regulatory requirements.

The district uses an increasing-block rate structure, also called a conservation rate, so the price per thousand gallons increases as water use increases, according to its web site.

Customers who use a lot of water and require more system capacity will pay a higher rate than customers who use less water, the BCWS said.

Butler County purchases finished water from the city of Hamilton and Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Day said.

Hamilton has two water treatment plants, with the South Water Treatment Plant being a 40 million gallon per day facility, said Edwin Porter, executive director of infrastructure.

Butler County is the city of Hamiltons largest customer. Hamilton is contractually obligated to provide a minimum of 2.92 billion gallons of water a year to the county.

But the city has provided more than the minimum. In 2024, Hamilton supplied about 3.5 billion gallons of water, which generated about $6.7 million in revenue from the county, according to documents.

BCWS offers water and wastewater service to a growing population of more than 100,000 in West Chester, Lemon, Liberty, Fairfield, Hanover and Ross townships, the city of Monroe and the village of New Miami, Day said.

Some cities, like Middletown and Fairfield, provide their own water services.

Two businessmen have asked Monroe City Council during a recent meeting to lower the citys water rates.

The interim executive director of a Middletown assisted living and skilled nursing facility asked Monroe city council members to consider lowering the water rate the business is paying.

Christian Brummett, interim executive director of Majestic Care Middletown, 6898 Hamilton Middletown Road, said since the business is located in a carved out portion of Middletown, it receives sewer services from Middletown, but not water services.

That means Majestic Care pays out of city prices, $20.26 per 1,000 gallons. The city of Monroe rate is $14.25, or 14% lower, per 1,000 gallons, he said.

He said the water rate in the city of Middletown is $4.20 per 1,000 gallons and is expected to increase to $5.25 this summer.

Majestic Care paid $38,679 for water in May and that was four times higher than the same period in 2025, he said. Some of that increase is due to a faulty water sensor the city of Monroe replaced.

The facility also is repairing leaky pipes and showers in hopes of reducing water usage, according to Brummett.

In response to Brummetts request, Vice Mayor Christina McElfresh asked how the city sets its water rates.

City Manager Larry Lester said Monroe purchases water from Butler County, then increases that price to cover administrative and operational expenses.

Another businessman, Alfred Rizkallah, owner of Cascade Car Wash on New Garver Road, told council that the citys high-volume water rate has become a significant issue for his business that opened in 2020.

He said Monroe charges $12.28 per thousand gallons for commercial usage above 20,000 gallons. He reviewed six area cities and said Monroe has the highest high-volume rates.

Rizkallah said since his car wash uses more than 20,000 gallons, it moves into the highest priced tier in the rate schedule.

That rate disproportionately impacts large commercial users and does not adequately recognize the value of predictable high-volume demand, he said.

He said in the last six years, Monroes high-volume water rate has increased from $7.84 to $12.28, or 57%

He asked the council to review the water rates in the city.

Monroes Public Works Director Gary Morton told the Journal-News said the price of the purchased water is increased to cover the water and sewer departments operations and administrative costs.

Morton pointed out that the citys combined water and sewer rates are much lower than a lot of cities. The citys sewer and water rate was $362.42, ranking it the 43rd lowest of the 71 jurisdictions listed on the city of Piqua survey. The cost in Monroe was similar to Hamiltons and Franklins, according to the survey.

Here are the water rates for 22,500 gallons, or 3,000 cubic feet of water for a three-month period, according to an annual survey from the city of Piqua.

O'Brien Jarrett walks to the corner of the room with his two sons. This is the picture area, where balloons and gold letters are pinned to the wall.

A photographer encourages them to smile.

Do I have to tickle you? O'Brien said.

His 9-year-old is laughing by now. But a few photos later, Jarrett tickles him anyway. His older son, who plays football in college, asks his dad if he noticed how his T-shirt is fitting.

Im going to have to go XL, said KhyLek Jarrett.

They laugh, huddled around the photographer and her camera. In response, O'Brien asks if his son saw how his arms look, and they laugh again.

Days like this almost make Khy'Lek forget his father is in prison.

WATCH:

Go inside a Lebanon prison in the video

If were in a regular visit, he can only do so much, KhyLek said. But with this, its like hes a normal human being.

The 19-year-old is talking about a recent father-son event at Warren Correctional Institution. First, theres lunch. And then the families make terrariums together. Neither Jarrett nor his sons have done that before.

It almost got in my eye, said Giovanni Jarrett, while dumping dirt into a vase. Were making a mess all over the place.

More than 2 million children in America have a parent behind bars and most of them never visit, according to a nonprofit that studies our criminal justice system. Inside this Lebanon prison, one local organization is working to change that.

Parenting is hard really hard. Its hard on the outside, said Jill Hartford, chief operating officer for the Four-Seven, a group that works inside prisons all over Ohio. I just want to give people the opportunity to be a parent to their child.

Because those kids didn't do anything wrong, she said.

At the event, which lasts two-and-a-half hours, one of the volunteers starts crying when I ask about his son.

"My son is everything," said Glen Doepel, who started volunteering at prisons in the '90s.

Doepels son started the Four-Seven. The nonprofit tries to help people who are incarcerated when they get out. But that work starts inside where events like this help them maintain family relationships.

It gives them hope, Doepel said.

And it's better than a phone call, something O'Brien tells me he does every day.

"I spend a lot of money on the phone," O'Brien said.

Inside his terrarium, Giovanni blows sand off a small plant. And when they're done, even his brother agrees Giovanni's is better.

"This is fun," Giovanni said.

He gives his dad a hug. And before he leaves, he tells him something else.

I love you."

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

MASON, Ohio The city of Mason is preparing for a packed Fourth of July weekend as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, with events including the annual Red, Rhythm and Boom concert, a library block party and a community video unveiling.

Thousands are expected to fill the field outside of the Municipal Center Friday evening for performances by Fitz and the Tantrums and Vertical Horizon, followed by a drone fireworks display.

Steve Caddell, assistant director of public works for the City of Mason, helps coordinate the event and said final preparations are underway after months of planning.

"Stage will be finalized, prepped for the bands to come on as the people begin to gather in the evening to see a lot of lawn chairs, blankets and people ready for the event," Caddell said.

Watch: City of Mason gets ready for America 250 celebrations

With this year's American 250 theme, Caddell said he expects attendees will be decked out in patriotic gear.

Caddell said the event holds a special place in the community.

"It's a long-standing event here in the city, and the community really comes together. They look forward to this every year. ... This is their plans on July 3," Caddell said.

The Mason Public Library kicked off the weekend Thursday evening with a block party and movie showing.

"We kind of leaned into novelty stuff, classic Americana, like whoopee cushion, these goofy noses, chattering teeth," Adult Program Director Brent Stroud said. "It's classic Americana, American culture, what America gave to the world and influenced the world."

The city asked residents to describe what America means to them in one word. A video featuring those responses will be unveiled Friday night at the Red, Rhythm and Boom event.

With high temperatures expected, organizers for both events said they are taking extra precautions, including setting up cooling stations.

More information can be found here.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

A person is dead after a vehicle crashed off an I-71 overpass onto Western Row Road in Mason early Thursday morning, according to a WCPO crew at the scene.

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers told us the driver of the vehicle drove off the overpass early Thursday morning at around 2:33 a.m.

Troopers said their preliminary investigation shows that 25-year-old Isaias Zepeda, from San Bernardino, California, was driving north on I-71 when he traveled off the left side of the highway and crashed into the concrete bridge overpass.

Zepeda's vehicle then went over the bridge overpass, went airborne between the north and south overpasses of the highway and crashed onto Western Row Road, troopers said. As the vehicle was falling from the overpass, it also hit a utility pole, according to OSHP.

Zepeda was ejected during the crash and died at the scene, troopers said. A passenger in his vehicle was taken to UC West Chester Hospital with serious injuries that troopers said were "life-threatening."

OSHP said a secondary, two-vehicle crash also happened on the highway as a result of crash debris left behind on I-71 following Zepeda's crash.

The crash is still under investigation by OSHP.

Western Row Road was closed in both directions for hours while troopers investigated the crash; the road re-opened just before 7 a.m. I-71 was not closed during the crash investigation.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

WARREN COUNTY, Ohio For the next year, Warren County homeowners will see a break on property taxes, but it comes at the cost of a temporary higher sales tax.

The Warren County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to raise the county sales tax by 0.5% for the next year. The increase takes effect Oct. 1.

The decision came after three public hearings. Commissioners say a study by the University of Cincinnati found that between 50% and 60% of the dollars spent in the county come from people who do not live there, meaning the tax increase will fall primarily on visitors spending at destinations like Kings Island and the Cincinnati Outlet Mall.

Watch: Here's what the change means for residents and visitors

"We're trying to leverage what other folks come into the county and spend, to the benefit of our residents. That's literally everything in a nutshell of what we're trying to do," Commissioner David Young said.

The increased sales tax will generate an extra $50 for every $10,000 spent. Homeowners with a property appraised at $300,000 will save about $470 in taxes. The property tax change will be reflected in the next round of tax bills.

Starting Oct. 1, the half-percent increase means shoppers will pay one cent more on a $2 cup of coffee. On a $30,000 car purchase, buyers will pay an additional $150.

Not everyone at the public hearings supported the change, particularly non-homeowners.

"I understand the argument that non-residents will pay part of it, that's true, but Warren County residents are going to pay it at the end of the day, and every family buying ... basic necessities are going to feel this," one resident said.

The county projects the sales tax will bring in about $5 million less than the property taxes it replaces. That is about $32 million dollars in property tax savings, while the increased sales tax is expected to bring in a projected $27 million. Officials say that the shortfall will be absorbed through the regular budget.

The increase puts Warren County's sales tax above Butler County's rate of 6.5% but below Hamilton County's rate of 7.8%.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

One person is dead and two others are injured after a crash in Salem Township Thursday, according to the Lebanon Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

In a release, OSHP said troopers were dispatched to the scene of the crash on US 22/3 at Middleboro Road in Salem Township just before 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

An investigation found that a Toyota Camry was driving northbound on Middleboro Road, and a Dodge Ram 1500 was driving westbound on US 22/3. The driver of the Camry did not yield and was hit by the Dodge.

The Dodge then traveled off the right side of the roadway, re-entered the roadway and came to a stop in the roadway. The Camry traveled off the left side of the roadway.

The 86-year-old driver of the Camry was taken to TriHealth Bethesda North Hospital with serious injuries.

The 87-year-old passenger in the Camry, identified as Jerrold Rajewski, was taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries.

The driver of the Dodge was taken to TriHealth Bethesda North Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

OSHP said no charges have been filed at this time and the crash remains under investigation.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

WARREN COUNTY, Ohio A faith-based residential center for troubled young men in Union Township has withdrawn its controversial rezoning application, and Warren County commissioners approved the withdrawal Tuesday morning.

Restoration Ranch, a nonprofit that uses equine therapy to help boys ages 11 to 18 with trauma from the foster care system, had sought to rezone a 9-acre property off Shawhan Road. The decision to withdraw came after months of concerns from surrounding residents, ending with hours of public comment at a commissioners meeting.

Neighbors raised concerns about safety and the suitability of the location during public comment.

"I'm not opposed to what they're doing. It's such a horrible location and maybe there's no great location in Warren County and so be it," one resident said.

"I don't want my wife or any of these residents to have to worry about walking down the side of the barn and get him whacked by a kid who's desperate to steal their car," another resident said.

WATCH: Restoration Ranch withdraws rezoning request in Union Township

"Nobody's in favor of it. I've yet to find a person who said yeah that's a good idea," a third resident said.

But, Terry Gray, who has lived next door to the property since he was 6 years old, said he was disappointed by the outcome.

"I'm 60 now, so I've spent my whole life here on Shawhan Road," Gray said. "It doesn't matter what county they live in, they're human beings they're kids."

Gray said he understood his neighbors' concerns but had questions.

"It's a largely Christian neighborhood around here, and I know a lot of good Christian people that were against this," Gray said. "Where is the compassion? Where is the love?"

He calls it a missed opportunity.

"I know so many different neighbors that could teach young boys skills, to further them in life, and these are kids that desperately need that kind of attention," Gray said.

What comes next for Restoration Ranch and the boys it currently serves remains unclear. Case manager Marriea Mumma said she is still unsure what will happen next.

"That's the million-dollar question," Mumma said.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

A 74-year-old woman was killed early Sunday morning when she was struck by multiple vehicles on I-75 in Warren County, Ohio State Highway Patrol said.

Troopers said the crash occurred around 5:15 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-75 near mile marker 31 in Monroe.

They found that a 44-year-old man driving a 2023 Kenworth semi-tractor trailer struck Norma Jean Howard, 74, who was standing in the interstate roadway. Howard was then struck by a 2013 Ford Fusion that a 57-year-old man was driving.

Howard was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.

Troopers did not say why Howard was alone on the interstate or why she was walking in the roadway.

Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Warren County Sheriff's Office, Turtlecreek Township Fire and EMS, the Warren County Coroner's Office and Barrett's Towing.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

WARREN COUNTY, Ohio Work on State Route 63 between Monroe and Lebanon is nearly complete after a year of delays, but drivers may still see crews on the road into the start of July, with the potential for more construction around the corner.

The project, designed by the Warren County Engineers Office, widens the road from two to four lanes between the Union Road and 741 intersections to ease congestion along one of the area's busiest corridors.

WATCH: Drivers discuss the construction on State Route 63

Signals are complete, and the road has reopened, but top paving, originally expected to finish last weekend, has been pushed back.

Kathleen Fuller with the Ohio Department of Transportation said this week's rain and chance of severe weather have contributed to the delays.

Fuller said the work is necessary as traffic in the area continues to grow.

"We wanted to get this through because we're seeing a huge uptick of traffic. It's really been a growing trend between Monroe and Lebanon. You know, State Route 63, 741, a lot of traffic through this area," Fuller said.

But not all drivers are convinced the project will wrap up soon.

"It'll be just like that one lane where they said it was gonna be cleared and then now they're doing something else," one driver said.

Some residents say the construction has pushed them to find alternate routes entirely, while others expressed frustration not just with the road work, but with the pace of development in the surrounding area.

"They're putting too much in at once and whoever did the traffic designs really did not consider the impact," another resident said.

As the county continues to grow, it needs roads that can keep up. The city of Lebanon has a project in the works to widen State Route 63 to three lanes and add a roundabout further down the corridor, with a target completion date in 2028.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

A 73-year-old man's body was recovered Sunday morning from the Little Miami River, the Hamilton Township Police Department said.

Police said that officers responded to the area of the Little Miami River near Grandin Road around 9:15 a.m. Sunday for a report of a body located in the water.

First responders from the Hamilton Township Fire and Rescue Department safely recovered the body of a 73-year-old man from the river.

Police said that at this time no foul play is suspected in the man's death, but they did not say how or why he got into the river in the first place. Police have also not identified the 73-year-old, pending notification of next of kin.

The investigation into the man's death is ongoing, police said.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

Summer is just getting started in Ohio's Playground. Warren County welcomes 14 million visitors every year, and this year, they'll be greeted with a brand new look.

"We've been a popular destination for a long, long time," said Scott Hutchinson, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "A lot of people know us of course as Ohio's largest playground are our water tower out there just got a nice facelift."

Tourism is the county's leading industry, with an economic impact of $1.7 billion every year.

WATCH: Warren County Tourism leaves $1.7 billion impact annually

"We got a ton going on especially this time of year as we're getting into kind of our our peak summer tourism season so very excited to have all kinds of people from all over the country and and beyond the hearing in our neck of the woods," Hutchinson said.

It's not just Kings Island and the Cincinnati Open bringing people out.

Warren County has a full schedule of events this summer, including a country music festival in Lebanon this Friday and Saturday, where local and upcoming artists are preparing to take the stage.

The Lebanon Country Music Festival is a free annual family-friendly put on every year in historic downtown Lebanon, bringing live music, 30+ vendors, a Kids Zone and food trucks to Bicentennial Park.

The festivities will go from Friday, June 12 at 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

"I know it's a lot of people here locally who may not think of their own backyard as somebody else's vacation destination but we very much are that," Hutchinson said.

Visitors will be out stomping in the streets in Lebanon all weekend long.

A full guide of events going on in Warren County can be found here.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

One man is dead after a house fire in Warren County, officials said Friday afternoon.

Dispatchers said multiple units responded to a home on Cedar Hill Lane at around 12:31 p.m. for a reported fire. The Clearcreek Fire District said one man was inside the home, but firefighters encountered hoarding conditions inside.

Crews were able to pull the man out of the home. However, despite life-saving efforts by fire and EMS, the man was declared dead at the hospital.

No firefighters were injured as a result of the fire.

Crews say the fire is believed to have started in the kitchen and was accidental.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

Harlan Township is sounding the alarm for more volunteer firefighters and EMTs, and state officials say the need extends across Ohio.

WCPO met with Harlan Township Fire Chief Steve Pegram to discuss the topic Thursday.

Twelve men brought volunteer EMT and fire services to the township of 5,000 back in 1977.

"So they started their own volunteer fire department, literally borrowed money, mortgaged their homes and started the fire department and it's evolved over the last 50 years. Next year will be 50 years to be now what we referred to as a combination department," Pegram said.

Before the department was established, residents had to wait for help from neighboring communities. Now, with an increase in call volume and a decrease in volunteers, Pegram said that can still happen.

WATCH: State fire marshal says Ohio needs more volunteer firefighters

He said the lack of volunteers is a trend that doesn't just apply to Harlan Township. Pegram told us he sees fewer people volunteering in communities across the state in various fields.

Pegram said just last year, before a major levy was passed in November, 70% of calls were going unanswered or delayed.

"Unfortunately, you can't predict 911 calls, day of the week, time of day ... it varies so much. Lots of people have tried to create predictions of time of day or day of the week, and it just doesn't work," Pegram said.

Since the levy passed, the department has been able to bring on part-time EMTs and paramedics around the clock, improving response times and rates drastically. But officials say they still need more volunteers.

"For our community without volunteers, most of the trucks sitting behind me would be idle when there's an emergency call," Pegram said.

The state fire marshal has issued an invitation for a 36-hour training course this August, which is required to become certified in Ohio. Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said 70% of the state's fire departments rely on volunteers.

"It's hard to balance this kind of volunteer firefighter personal life work life triad, it really is, but people do it every day throughout Ohio. We just don't have enough of them," Reardon said.

Reardon said volunteering is the most fulfilling sacrifice a person can make.

"If you really want to add something to your community and add some self-gratification to your purpose of life, helping people in need is the best way to do that, it really is," Reardon said.

More information can be found here.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

WCPO 9's Jackie Bauer covers Warren County. If you have a story that you'd like Jackie to look into or a news tip, email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.

WARREN COUNTY, Ohio The Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District has issued a third formal notice of deficiency to the Warren County Agricultural Society, citing ongoing violations related to manure runoff and improper waste storage at the Warren County Fairgrounds.

A 14-page report details nearly a year and a half of failed inspections and missed deadlines after several concrete manure storage bunkers were left uncovered near stormwater catch basins.

The notice cites violations of two Ohio Administrative Code rules related to manure runoff and improper waste storage that have not been met after multiple plans were not put into action.

As recently as May 20, investigators said they found manure still stockpiled in uncovered bunkers, dumpsters still uncovered and pooling discolored water near manure piles, allowing manure-contaminated runoff to continue to enter a nearby stream when it rains.

WATCH: Warren County fairgrounds cited again for manure runoff violations

WCPO spoke with Warren County Commissioner Tom Grossmann last week about other code violations at the fairgrounds.

"Anything that is not with the code if there's problems with manure, and that was another big complaint," Grossmann said.

Grossmann said he hopes to work with the Warren County Agricultural Society to bring the fairgrounds back into compliance.

"Fairgrounds in this historic location should be maintained in perpetuity. We should help maintain it. We should spend public money to maintain it, and we should require the agricultural society to be as responsible as possible and to do a good job in stewardship of this property," Grossmann said.

The Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District declined to comment.

The agricultural society has until July 1 to prevent the problem from recurring and until August to put a plan for a new manure storage facility in place.

One fair board member out at the grounds ahead of a special board meeting Wednesday said the findings were minimal and that the board called the meeting to address the ongoing issues.

He said all board members are volunteers.

Garrett Guard, volunteer executive board director for the Warren County Agricultural Society, said board members are working hard to improve the grounds.

"There's been some neglect around here, and there's a lot of things need repaired and there's a lot of a lot of things that need to be fixed," Guard said. "Nobody denies that, but at the same time we're working on it and we're working on it harder than any prior board in the last 15 years has done."

The Warren County Fair is still scheduled from July 20 through July 25.

Have a story idea or tip for WCPO 9 Warren County reporter Jackie Bauer? Email her at Jackie@WCPO.com.