WRGT Top Stories http://www.abc22now.com RSS feed for stories from the "Top Stories" section of WRGT. en-us Copyright 2012, Sinclair Broadcast Group Wed, May 22 2013, 05:17 AM EDT Wed, May 22 2013, 05:17 AM EDT SBG WCM - Story Module http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 <![CDATA[Update: 3 People Jump From 2nd Floor to Escape Apt. Blaze]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-3-people-jump-2nd-floor-escape-apt-blaze-13490.shtml?wap=0
It happened around 3:00am Wednesday on Foss Way in Troy. Firefighters say both the exit and entrance of the apartment complex were blocked by fire.

The three people who made the 25 foot jump have been taken to the hospital; their injuries are unknown at this time. Four other people were rescued with a ladder. There were a total of 15 people inside the complex at the time.

Firefighters say damage to the complex is extensive. Residents are getting help from the Red Cross. No word on a cause yet.

---EARLIER COVERAGE---

TROY -- Several fire crews are responding to 32 Foss Way in Troy. That's where we're hearing reports of a big apartment fire.

The fire broke out just after 3:00am.

Initial scanner traffic indicated there were possibly four people trapped in the apartment. Our crew on the scene says several people have been taken away by medics.

We will keep you updated on this developing story as more information becomes available.
]]> Wed, May 22 2013, 03:36 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-3-people-jump-2nd-floor-escape-apt-blaze-13490.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[TRAFFIC ALERT: DP&L Set to Move Transformer on Wednesday]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_traffic-alert-dpl-set-move-transformer-wednesday-13489.shtml?wap=0  
The state patrol will be escorting the transformer as it is moved between substations. We estimate the entire move will take a minimum of 4 hours.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 11:13 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_traffic-alert-dpl-set-move-transformer-wednesday-13489.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Death Toll Climbs Following Moore, Okla., Tornado Disaster]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_death-toll-climbs-following-moore-okla-tornado-disaster-13461.shtml?wap=0  
At least 20 children are among the more than 50 reported dead so far in Moore, an Oklahoma City suburb ravaged Monday afternoon by a tornado with winds up to 200 mph. Officials said early Tuesday the death toll could rise by as many as 40.
 
Many parents seeking their children gathered at a suburban church, listening intently as someone with a bullhorn called out the names of children who were being dropped off. For many families, the ordeal ended in tears of joy. Others were left to wait in the darkness, hoping for good news while fearing the worst.

To help victims of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado disaster, you can text "redcross" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 04:24 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_death-toll-climbs-following-moore-okla-tornado-disaster-13461.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Year-Long Search for Missing Trotwood Woman]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_yearlong-search-missing-trotwood-woman-13486.shtml?wap=0
A year ago Tuesday, Julie Rank-Earley vanished from her Trotwood home.

It's still an open active investigation, but her family is starting to lose hope.

"She's my only sister, my baby sister," said Kimberly Willey, Julie Rank-Earley's sister, "It's been a rough year, a very rough year."

No one  has heard from from Julie for the past year, and her family says they know in their hearts what happened.

"I think she was murdered," said Willey, "My gut tells me that she's gone that she's gone to heaven with my mom and dad and way before her time."

So on the anniversary of her disappearance, her family wrote messages of love and prayers for closure on balloons.

"I won't give up, and will not forget it," she said, "It will not go away. It's not going to be different tomorrow. It's going to be in our lives always."

But it was a message from her son, that hits home the most.

"We miss you," said Steven Butt, Julie's adopted son.

A year later, as the balloons are released, and this family tries to heal, they still hold out some hope.

"Someone will come forward, that knows the information that we need to have so that we can find her where ever they put her and bring her back home and with my mom and dad," said Willey.

The family has raised the reward for information to 25-hundred dollars. If you know anything about Julie's disappearance please call Trotwood police. ]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 10:11 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_yearlong-search-missing-trotwood-woman-13486.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[When Giving to OK Victims, BBB Warns of Scams]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_when-giving-ok-victims-bbb-warns-scams-13476.shtml?wap=0
"Oh it's just horrific. Immediately, our hearts say what as a community can we do?" said Pastor Bruce Jackson who says a big space inside the First Grace Brethren Church is ready to be filled with items to help those devastated by the deadly twister.

They've done it before, helping out Superstorm Sandy victims last Fall.

"Mobilize people from the area in tandem with some that we brought and they actually took the relief directly to the people."

Churches like First Grace is exactly what the Better Business Bureau says you should go with. They know exactly what the people in the affected area need because they speak with the churches in their network."

"Every nickel that's given through the Dayton-area community will go through first Grace directly to the needs of the people in Oklahoma. And we stake our integrity as a ministry on that proposition," said Jackson.

When tragedy strikes, the BBB is on alert.

"Scammers take it as an opportunity to go into business, unfortunately they want to take advantage of our generosity," said Sheri Sword, with the Dayton-area BBB.

She says the charity should be registered with the Attorney General's office, and preferably the BBB. And Beware of vague appeals that don't explain where the money's going. Also, never click on unfamiliar links. It could be a virus, or if you enter your info - it could be the first step in stealing your identity. And finally, be cautious when donating to newly established charities.

"They may have the best intentions, and the biggest heart, and want to help but they may not be established yet to be able to use your funds, your donations efficiently and quickly to address the concerns," said Sword.

With so many people in need, Pastor Jackson says as soon as Oklahoma's ready for the help, they'll be there.

"Every time we give, we need to keep in mind... we don't know what tomorrow's bringing."

If you're interested in helping out, click here.          (http://www.firstgrace.net/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-relief/)     ]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 06:51 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_when-giving-ok-victims-bbb-warns-scams-13476.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Harrison Township Shooting Victim in Critical Condition]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_harrison-township-shooting-victim-critical-condition-13487.shtml?wap=0
A man was shot in the stomach and was found on the porch of a home.

Neighbors tell us, a man was outside landscaping, when the victim walked up to him, saying he'd just been shot.  The man then called 911 for help.

The shooting victim has been listed in critical condition at Miami Valley Hospital. Police are still trying figure out who the shooter is and where the shooting happened.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 10:13 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_harrison-township-shooting-victim-critical-condition-13487.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Are Our Schools Prepared for Severe Weather?]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_are-our-schools-prepared-severe-weather-13478.shtml?wap=0
That tragedy prompted ABC 22/FOX 45 to see if our local schools are prepared to keep your kids safe.

We contacted several school districts and received call backs from Dayton and Kettering regarding their severe weather procedures.

"We are required to do tornado drills two times per year, however, we do at least four," said Johnathan Cooper, Principal of Southdale Elementary.

The Ohio State Fire Marshall requires all Ohio schools to do at least one practice drill, per month, during the severe weather months of April through July.

Anne Lundgren, a mother of four, who attend Southdale Elementary is thankful for that practice, so her kids can be prepared.

"I think it was a year ago we had some severe weather and I called up to the school asking if I should come and get the kids and minutes later there was a text went out saying that everyone was in the hall doing what they needed to be doing," said Lundgren.

The Kettering School district started the text alerts to keep parents calm, especially when severe weather is near. 

At Southdale Elementary, if a severe weather emergency was to happen, the children are required to go into safe zones, which are designated by the school's principal. Those zones are normally the lowest level of the building and are away from glass or windows, which could be hazardous.

If there is a case of a parent wanting to remove their child from the situation completely. Kettering and Dayton Public Schools say that is an option.

"We allow them to make that decision as well, if they need to take their child out, that's something that we work with them on," explained Cooper.

To review the complete Tornado Safety Plan for Ohio Schools according to the Ohio Department of Education, click here.

Follow Reporter, Annette Peagler on Twitter or on Facebook. ]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 07:02 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_are-our-schools-prepared-severe-weather-13478.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Arsonist Forces Family to Drop Baby Off Balcony]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_arsonist-forces-family-drop-baby-off-balcony-13477.shtml?wap=0
"My hands are still a little charred but they are getting better you can see," said Chris Haley after he spent the weekend in the hospital.

An arsonist set his home on fire early Friday morning. With flames behind them, He and his wife Cassandra were forced to drop their one year old daughter Savanah off this 13 foot balcony into a neighbors arms.

"It was that or she was going to die. I didn't know how fast the fire behind me was going," said Cassandra.

Savanah suffered from smoke inhalation but crawled away unscarred.

"I had a blanket over the top of her face just to try and block the smoke as much as you can," said Cassandra.

The house downstairs has a lot of water damage but as you start going up the stairs you'll notice nothing left. From a box of Cornflakes, to Cassandra's piggy bank, their home is now gone.

"I hope for her sake something is done about this and they catch who ever did this and justice comes quick," said Haley. "It's a one-year-old who has done nothing to nobody. Why would you want to harm an innocent child who has done nothing to you. I understand if you have a problem with me but why would you want to take it out on my child,"

The arsonists put 7 lives in danger. A family of four was living downstairs.

"I was sleeping me and my boy who's in a wheelchair were sleep," said Pat Byerly. "He woke me up and I said why do I have to get up and then our dog started barking then I got my house shoes on looked out the window and said what's that fire!"

The landlord placed both families in a new home and even helped get them going.

"I gave them about 25 to 30 shirts about six pair pants," said Roy Howard. "We wear the same size, didn't have anything for the baby though."

Even though they are having to start over, Cassandra and her family are just thankful to be alive, knowing it was a very close call.

"I dropped the baby to him after he said I got her," said Haley. "I went over to see him the next day when I got out of the hospital and I told him thank you for being my neighbor he's a good guy."

The state Fire Marshal asks that anyone with information give them a call at 1-800-589-2728.

SEE RELATED STORIES:
UPDATE: Baby Dropped from Window to Avoid Piqua House Fire
Piqua Father Rescues Baby From Early Morning Fire


Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 06:53 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_arsonist-forces-family-drop-baby-off-balcony-13477.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Local Red Cross Volunteers Headed to OK]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_local-red-cross-volunteers-headed-ok-13472.shtml?wap=0
"it's overwhelming, a lot of emotions go with it. I'll be better when I get there," said Dixie Kirkland who's headed to the heart of the catastrophe.

We were there as the Red Cross volunteer nurse packed up. She's got a small bag and a load of emergency supplies.
   
Dixie says they work as a team, helping the people there get whatever medical help they need.

"Sometimes people are so in shock, they don't realize they need medical care. As red Cross volunteers, we're there to assist in any shape or way that we can."

Holding a Mickey Mouse stuffed animal, Dixie said, "Sometimes this is all they're going to have... we give these to the kids. Mickey Mouse is fun."

So far, two Dayton volunteers are bound for Oklahoma, but others are ready as soon as they are called.

If you would like to donate, text "Red Cross" to  9-0-9-9-9. The amount you choose will automatically be added to your cell phone bill.

-----------------------------------------------

CINCINNATI/DAYTON -- The Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Region of the American Red Cross is preparing their Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) for deployment to Oklahoma.  The American Red Cross has already opened six shelters and deployed 27 ERVs and several mobile feeding support trailers in the wake of the devastating tornadoes that shattered the state.

“We are prepared to lend our support when the time comes for Cincinnati to send volunteers and supplies,” said Trish Smitson, Regional CEO of the Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Region. “Our volunteers are routinely deployed for disaster relief support around the country, and it is expected that we will be called upon to aid in this effort as well,” said Smitson.

One ERV can supply mobile distribution of more than 3,000 meals. In addition to mobile feeding they are used for bulk distribution of relief supplies.

Smitson said thoughts and concerns go to everyone in Oklahoma following this horrific tornado. People with family near the tornado are encouraged to connect with loved ones to find out they are safe. This can be done through the “I’m Safe” feature of the free Red Cross tornado app. In addition, if you have access to a computer, go to www.redcross.org/safeandwell to list yourself as safe. If not, you can text loved ones or call a family member and ask them to register you on the site.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters. To make a donation go to redcross.org, 1-800-REDCROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 05:20 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_local-red-cross-volunteers-headed-ok-13472.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Woman Fed Up With Bed Bugs Gets Revenge with Apartment Management ]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_woman-fed-up-bed-bugs-gets-revenge-apartment-management-13475.shtml?wap=0
"It's bad.  It's real bad. We have to sleep on the floor!" The woman said,  explaining conditions inside her apartment. She doesn't want to be identified.
     
"They crawl  everywhere.  Upstairs.  Downstairs."   She said she and her 7 year old son have  been living with the disgusting insects for nine months.
 
"We stay up at night.  I'm so paranoid about it.  They look like big red ticks. They are flat. Sometimes when they are itty bitty,  they are  white.  Almost see through."
 
The woman and her son  live at  Mount Crest Apartments.  She said  the complex's maintenance crew  has sprayed several times,  but she says the bugs are still a problem and  management  won't  help her anymore.

She had to throw out all her furniture,  which cost her several hundred dollars.
 
She said  to get her point across, she put the bugs in a plastic container and went to the management office and spread them around,  inside  the building.    
 
"I got fed up. I took the bed bugs to the office and I gave them back what they gave me."
 
ABC 22 / FOX 45 NEWS  tried to contact  Greater Dayton Premier Management,  the  company  who owns the apartments.  The company said they  wouldn't comment on the matter. 

The woman could face charges of  vandalism and criminal mischief,  if approved by the county prosecutor.
 
Those  charges seem a little harsh to Anthony Mooty.   "I understand how she feels." 
Mooty said he gets why  the woman is  frustrated.  He's  dealt  with the nasty blood sucking bugs before

 "They are  hard to get rid of.  And they eat you up at night  while you trying to sleep." He said.  
    
The tenant  said  she is taking her son  out of the infested apartment as soon as possible,  but before she moves,  she wants to get her revenge one more time.

 "Before I leave,  I will probably take some bed bugs to the office and spread them around again,  because I don't think they got my point. "


Earlier coverage:

DAYTON -- A tenant at the Mount Crest Court Apartments is accused of throwing bed bugs around the management office when she was upset about her recurring pest problem.

Dayton Police say the apartment personnel told them that the tenant came into the main office yelling and swearing about her bed bug problem. They said she then threw a bowl of bed bugs all over the office and said, "Now you will see what's it's like to live with bed bugs."

Police spoke to the tenant, who said she never took the lid off the bowl of bed bugs.

An apartment employee said her apartment was treated for bed bugs on January 2 and January 23, February 20, March 13 and April 20. The exterminators gave the apartment the "all clear" after that and the tenant was reportedly told by management that if bugs returned to let management know and the exterminators would be called back in.

Apartment management estimates the cost of exterminating the office at $150.

The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office is expected to contact apartment management about filing a charge of criminal mischief.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 06:06 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_woman-fed-up-bed-bugs-gets-revenge-apartment-management-13475.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Art Unveiled; Artists are Part of a Program for Juvenile Offenders]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_art-unveiled-artists-part-program-juvenile-offenders-13488.shtml?wap=0
The teens are participating in a probationary program through the Montgomery County Juvenile Court and artists from the K/12 Tejas Gallery.  The program is called HAALO or Helping Adolescents Achieve Long-term Objectives.

On Tuesday, three murals were unveiled on East Third near Sears Street in downtown Dayton.   

''It teaches them how to be good citizens,'' Juvenile judge Tony Capizzi told us at the unveiling, ''how to do better in school, but also gives the community wonderful art work to look at.''

The HAALO program is now in its third year.


]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 10:25 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_art-unveiled-artists-part-program-juvenile-offenders-13488.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Quick Look At Fast Food]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_quick-look-at-fast-food-13485.shtml?wap=0
There are several numbers that are very important when noting nutritional information: calories from fat and total fat grams.

Our sister station examined the menus of some popular restaurants to find out if the fat and calories listed on the menu are accurate.

Patricia Wynkoop, Wendy's Director of Technical Services and Quality Assurance says, "we're pretty confident with out numbers."  Wynkoop says all major fast-food chains do nutritional studies with third-party labs on a regular basis. 

To ensure the company's nutritional information are consistent at all locations, Wynkoop says employees are trained about portion control.

Our sister station ABC 6 investigated some of these nutritional claims.

They bought two low-fat items from five major fast-food chains.
All of their samples were placed in plastic collection bags, packed in a styrofoam cooler with dry ice and shipped overnight to Kappa Laboratories in Miami, Florida.

We hired Kappa to test our samples for calories from fat and total fat grams.

It's important to note that Kappa Laboratories margin of error in this study in a plus or minus 20%.

Bottom line: the lab's numbers are nearly dead-on with nutritional claims by these 5 fast-food restaurants.

Information courtesy of our sister station ABC 6.

  ]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 09:50 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_quick-look-at-fast-food-13485.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[UPDATE: Escaped Inmate Captured]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-escaped-inmate-captured-13479.shtml?wap=0
He was caught just a couple miles away from the jail on Shaker Road in Franklin.

We have a crew there and will bring you more on FOX45 News at 10 and ABC22 News at 11.

***********************************************************

WARREN COUNTY -- A Riverside man serving a year in prison for burglary has reportedly walked away from Lebanon Correctional Institution.

Stephen Ramey, 35,  walked away from the facility on Ohio 63 just after noon today. He was supposed to working at his assigned job as a garage mechanic when he disappeared.

There is now a perimeter set up in the area of Ohio 63 and State Route 741.  The Ohio State Patrol Lebanon Post and several other agencies are searching for Ramey.

He is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, 190 pounds with sandy-colored hair and blue eyes.

According to Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction records he was admitted to the facility in March for a one-year term.

We have a crew on the scene and will bring you the latest details on the search.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 07:18 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-escaped-inmate-captured-13479.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Montgomery County's Worst Deadbeat Parents]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_montgomery-countys-worst-deadbeat-parents-13484.shtml?wap=0 DAYTON -- The Miami Valley's best-known deadbeat parent used to be one of its biggest basketball heroes. A dozen years ago Tony Stanley played for the Dayton Flyers. Now he's making six figures playing pro-ball in France. But Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck says the fastest break Stanley ever made -- was skipping out on the $38,000 he owes in back child support. "Because he's in France, we can't bring him to justice," Heck told us. "There's a warrant out for his arrest, but that's the way it is."

Thankfully that's not the way it is for most of the 55,000 children who are owed $100 million dollars a year in Montgomery County alone. Most of their parents dutifully pay child support. And while many don't, our story shows how help is available. We follow one father who accessed the county's Job & Family Services programs to find steady work as a janitor so he could pay child support for the first time in years.

Those like Tony Stanley who refuse are subject to criminal prosecution -- and Heck often holds out for hard time in the penitentiary. His office will however divert offenders who are willing to work -- or willing to cough up assets they already have -- because the prime objective is to make sure children are suppoted by the people who brought them into this world -- not by taxpayers. And often, it works. Heck says his office has collected $10 million over the past decade.

Meantime, here's Montgomery County's list of the 10 biggest deadbeat parents and how much they owe:

- Eric A. Carr, $81,551.48

- Terry O. Stevenson, $66,688.80

- Joseph W. Scales, $63,684.31

- David M. Brock, Jr., $53,240.31

- Daniel L. Colbath, $50.777.16

- Byron M. Brown, $45,056.71

- Anthony W. Still, $42,171.26

- David M. Wood, II, $39,632.23

- Anthony D. Stanley, $38,061.65

- Eugene Gray, $34,137.29

]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 08:50 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_montgomery-countys-worst-deadbeat-parents-13484.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Jodi Arias' Jury: Life or Death? ]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_jodi-arias-jury-life-death-13483.shtml?wap=0
The Arizona woman was convicted of first degree murder in the brutal death of her ex-boyfriend.  Now she says, "to this day, I can hardly believe I was capable of such violence but I know that I was."

Today, she asked the jury to give her life in prison, claiming she could help other inmates.  She believes, "if I'm sentenced to life I will live among the general population of women and I'll be able to share my knowledge of those subjects with them, the ones who have a desire to learn also. I may even be able to start classes."

The jury must come to a unanimous decision on whether Arias should be sentenced to life or death.

Image courtesy of ABC.

AP-WF-05-21-13 2207GMT]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 08:33 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_jodi-arias-jury-life-death-13483.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Man Vandalizes Picasso Painting]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_man-vandalizes-picasso-painting-13481.shtml?wap=0
Uriel Landeros faced felony graffiti and criminal mischief charges until, according to Landeros' attorney, Emily Detoto, her client negotiated with prosecutors.  He agreed to a guilty plea in the graffiti charge in exchange for a two-year prison sentence.  The second charge was dropped.

The painting was damaged June 13.  A bystander caught the vandalism in a 24-second video that was posted on YouTube.  The vandal spray painted a picture of a bullfighter, a bull and the word "conquista," which is Spanish for conquest.

AP-WF-05-21-13 2136GMT

Image courtesy of our sister station, ABC 13 in Houston.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 08:06 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_man-vandalizes-picasso-painting-13481.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[How to Help in Oklahoma]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_how-help-oklahoma-13465.shtml?wap=0
Here's how you can help the people of Oklahoma:

• The American Red Cross is working to link loved ones in Moore who are OK through a website called Safe and Well. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, donate here, or by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS.

• The Salvation Army is activating disaster response teams and mobile feeding units to help residents and rescuers in Moore, Okla., as well as in other locations impacted by tornadoes. Donate here or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army's relief efforts or make a donation by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. If you're sending a check make sure you put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.

• Operation USA announced it's providing emergency aid where needed to community-based health organizations across Oklahoma. Donate here, by phone at 1-800-678-7255, or by check made out to Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036. You can also donate $10 by texting AID to 50555. Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested.

• Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief says it has deployed at least 80 volunteers to respond to severe weather in Oklahoma. Those interested in helping can make a tax-deductible donation to the BGCO's Disaster Relief ministry here or call 405-942-3800. You may also send checks to: BGCO Attn: Disaster Relief 3800 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

Source: USA Today]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 10:55 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_how-help-oklahoma-13465.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Storage Unit Robbery]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_storage-unit-robbery-13474.shtml?wap=0
That employee was then forced into a bathroom and left there while the robber fled the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Trotwood Police Department.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 05:54 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_storage-unit-robbery-13474.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Suspicious White Powder Near VA Hospital]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_suspicious-white-powder-near-va-hospital-13473.shtml?wap=0
This morning, a hospital employee found a white substance on a tissue box and began to cough.

That employee and four other people were quarantined while that part of the hospital was shut down.

After investigating, emergency crews said the substance was neither toxic nor poisonous.

This scare came just one day after a suspicious powder found at a government building in Lebanon injured 3 people.

There is no indication the two events are related.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 05:23 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_suspicious-white-powder-near-va-hospital-13473.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Oklahoma Tornado Upgraded to an EF-5, with 200 mph Winds]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_oklahoma-tornado-upgraded-ef5-200-mph-winds-13471.shtml?wap=0    Spokeswoman Keli Pirtle said Tuesday the agency upgraded the tornado from an EF-4 on the enhanced Fujita scale to an EF-5 based on what a damage assessment team saw on the ground. The weather service uses the word "incredible" to describe the power of EF-5 storms.
   The weather service says the tornado's path was 17 miles long and 1.3 miles wide.
   Pirtle says Monday's twister is the first EF-5 tornado of 2013.
   AP-WF-05-21-13 2015GMT]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 04:19 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_oklahoma-tornado-upgraded-ef5-200-mph-winds-13471.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Protest Today Against IRS in Cincinnati]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_protest-today-against-irs-cincinnati-13459.shtml?wap=0
The Cincinnati demonstration started at Fountain Square and then moved to the Federal Building which houses IRS offices.

The group's president, Ann Becker, called the extra scrutiny of tea party groups an abuse of government power.

A recently retired senior manager from the Cincinnati office says it's unfortunate employees there are being blamed.

Today, the former head of the IRS, Steven Miller, reversed his previous testimony before Congress.  He admitted that the agency's targeting of conservative groups "absolutely was" a partisan act, which may have implications under the Hatch Act which forbids government employees from engaging in partisan political activity.


Earlier coverage:

CINCINNATI -- On Tuesday, in Cincinnati and around the country, protests will take place in lieu of the latest IRS scandal. 

The IRS admits targeting hundreds of tea parties and other conservative groups for more than two years.

At first, the IRS blamed low-level workers at its Cincinnati office.  However, members of Congress are investigating and don't believe those claims.

The Cincinnati protest will begin at noon Tuesday on Fountain Square.  It will proceed to the Federal Building.
]]> Mon, May 20 2013, 11:07 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_protest-today-against-irs-cincinnati-13459.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[U.K. Driver Who Hits Bicyclist: He Doesn't Even Pay Road Tax!]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_uk-driver-hits-bicyclist-he-doesnt-even-pay-road-tax-13470.shtml?wap=0
Way reportedly sent a tweet saying, "Definitely knocked a cyclist off his bike earlier - I have right of way he doesn't even pay road tax!"

She then reportedly included the hashtag #bloodycyclists.

According the website, the tweet went viral and people alerted the local police department in Norwich, U.K., who also happens to be on Twitter.

They sent a tweet to Way: @emmaway we have had tweets ref an RTC with a bike. We suggest you report it at a police station ASAP if not done already & then dm us."

The reference to "dm" is a direct message on Twitter.

According to the website, once the tweet went viral Way reportedly deleted her Twitter account.

Twenty-nine-year-old Toby Hockley is the cyclist who was reportedly hit by Way's car. He was knocked off his bike and sent into nearby trees but escaped serious injury. Jalopnik said he originally wasn't going to report the incident but when he saw Way's attitude in her tweet, he decided to contact police.

Norwich police said they have identified who was involved and were "Progressing with them," the website reported.

SOURCE: Jalopnik.com

CLICK: Norwich, UK, Twitter page]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 02:39 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_uk-driver-hits-bicyclist-he-doesnt-even-pay-road-tax-13470.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Protesters Denounce IRS at Agency Headquarters]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_protesters-denounce-irs-at-agency-headquarters-13469.shtml?wap=0
The protesters listened to speeches Tuesday afternoon and carried signs reading "Audit the IRS" and "Don't audit me, bro."

Twenty-year-old Shoshana Weissmann, a George Washington University student who works at a political consulting firm, says she was troubled by the IRS' actions. She says if the IRS had targeted liberal groups for extra scrutiny, she would be protesting that too.

The protest was organized by Tea Party Patriots, which held similar rallies around the country. Jenny Beth Martin, a co-founder of the group, says the IRS targeting of conservative organizations has shown the American public that the tea party's concerns about government overreach are valid.


Related coverage:

Protest Planned Today Against IRS in Cincinnati]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 01:47 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_protesters-denounce-irs-at-agency-headquarters-13469.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[State Identifies New 70 MPH Speed Zones]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_state-identifies-new-70-mph-speed-zones-13467.shtml?wap=0
The new designations follow recently passed legislation permitting speeds to increase from 65 to 70 mph on certain sections of interstate highways. H.B. 51 – the state’s transportation budget bill, which goes into effect July 1 – increased speeds to 70 miles per hour on interstates that are “outside urbanized areas.”

The 70 mph speed limit is not new to Ohio. Motorists are already legally permitted to drive 70 miles per hour on all 241 miles of the Ohio Turnpike. And according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 34 other states in the nation have some posted speed limits of 70 mph or higher including Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and West Virginia.

ODOT is making 317 new signs to comply with the legislation and to alert motorists to the increased speed at a total cost of $8,287.19. The signs are expected to be in place and revealed on July 1.
• 8 are “Reduced Speed Ahead” signs
• 48 are new speed limit signs
• 261 are sign pieces that will simply overlay the current 65 number with the new speed limit.

The new law increases the speed on 570 miles out of 1,332 miles of interstate highways in Ohio. The locations of the speed increases are:

Interstate 70
• From the Indiana border in the west to just outside of Wheeling, WV in the east, excluding Dayton, Columbus and Zanesville
Interstate 71
• From the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge in southwest Ohio to just south of the border of the Cuyahoga/Medina County line in the north, excluding Columbus
Interstate 75
• From just outside of Toledo going south until just north of Dayton, excluding Findlay and Lima
Interstate 76
• From just outside Akron going east to just west of Youngstown
Interstate 77
• From just outside of Canton south to the West Virginia border
Interstate 90
• From just outside of Cleveland to the Pennsylvania border

READ: Map of all new 70 mph speed zones.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 12:19 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_state-identifies-new-70-mph-speed-zones-13467.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Soccer Tournament Kicks Off This Weekend in Dayton]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_soccer-tournament-kicks-off-weekend-dayton-13464.shtml?wap=0
Approximately 25,000 soccer players, coaches, referees, family members and spectators will fill the Greater Dayton community for this weekend’s 27th annual Adidas Warrior Soccer Tournament.

Tournament play runs from Saturday morning to Monday afternoon. Participants will play at five sites including: the Warrior Soccer Complex, Vandalia Recreation Center Fields, City of Oakwood Old River Sports Complex, Hobson Freedom Park and Thomas Cloud Park.

“We are so proud and pleased to welcome the Adidas Warrior Soccer Tournament back to our community this Memorial Day Weekend," said Jacquelyn Y. Powell, president and CEO of the Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Having a ‘home-grown’ tournament that has been in existence for 27 years continually grows in size, and has a positive recognized national reputation is a real tribute to the tournament director Carol Maas and the Warrior Soccer Club."

According to Tournament Director Carol Maas, more than 500 teams from nine states and Canada will be competing in the tournament.

"Referees travel from all over the U.S. to call the games and nearly 100 college coaches attend to scout players for their college programs," Maas said. "Individual player profiles are provided by the teams and distributed to each of the college coaches. Competitors range from ages U8-10 to U14-19 and adults.”
          
For more information regarding the tournament log onto www.warriorclassic.com.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 10:36 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_soccer-tournament-kicks-off-weekend-dayton-13464.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Ohio Project Examines Premature Births]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_ohio-project-examines-premature-births-13463.shtml?wap=0
The project will draw on the expertise of world-class hospitals in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati to try to explain why babies come too soon and to find ways to use that information to predict and prevent prematurity.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that participating universities and hospitals will turn to a diverse group of researchers, including evolutionary biologists, mathematicians, sociologists, psychologists and biomedical engineers.

One in nine children born in the U.S. arrives before 37 weeks of gestation. In Ohio, it's one in eight, or more than 15,000 babies every year. Care for these children can cost millions of dollars, and surviving babies can have serious health problems.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 08:19 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_ohio-project-examines-premature-births-13463.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Robbery Suspect Flees When Gas Station Clerk Fires Shot]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_robbery-suspect-flees-gas-station-clerk-fires-shot-13462.shtml?wap=0
The robbery suspect entered the Sunoco at Wayne and Wyoming. Police say when the armed suspect demanded cash the clerk pulled out his own gun and fired a shot in the air.

The would-be crook took off empty-handed, police said.]]> Tue, May 21 2013, 08:02 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_robbery-suspect-flees-gas-station-clerk-fires-shot-13462.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Oklahoma Hospitals Treating the Wounded, Including Many Kids]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_oklahoma-hospitals-treating-wounded-including-many-kids-13460.shtml?wap=0
Spokeswoman Brooke Cayot says nine of 57 patients who are being treated at the Integris Southwest Medical Center were listed in critical condition after Monday afternoon's tornado. Nineteen were in serious condition and 29 were listed in fair or good condition.

She said five of the patients were children who have since been treated and released.

OU Medical Center spokesman Scott Coppenbarger says his hospital and a nearby children's hospital are treating approximately 85 patients, including 65 children.

He said those patients ranged from minor injuries to critical condition.]]> Mon, May 20 2013, 11:40 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_oklahoma-hospitals-treating-wounded-including-many-kids-13460.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[UPDATE: Mile-Wide Tornado Hits Oklahoma]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-milewide-tornado-hits-oklahoma-13449.shtml?wap=0
According to Oklahoma's Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the death count is now up to 51, 20 are children.


Earlier:

MOORE, Okla. (AP) -- A mile-wide tornado has swept through Southern Oklahoma, demolishing homes and neighborhoods.

Currently volunteers and first responders are moving through debris looking for survivors.  Two people are confirmed dead.

According to Gary Knight of the Oklahoma City Police Department, an elementary school was directly hit by the tornado.  The name of the school is still unknown.

The twister is estimated to grow up to 2 miles wide.

People are being advised to go underground. ]]> Mon, May 20 2013, 06:07 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-milewide-tornado-hits-oklahoma-13449.shtml?wap=0 <![CDATA[Man Tries to Lure Young Girl]]> http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_man-tries-lure-young-girl-13457.shtml?wap=0
It happened in the parking lot of Target on West First Street in Springfield.

According to the police report, the man asked the girl to get into his car, and she refused.

At that point, the girl's father walked out of Target and saw his daughter was upset.

She told him what happened, and he confronted the man in the parking lot.

The suspect reportedly told the father that he didn't try anything, and took off in his car.

The father then jumped in his vehicle and started chasing the man, who eventually got away.

Parents we spoke to say they can relate.

"If someone was trying to get my daughter, I'd do the same thing, chase him down," said Stephen Scott of Springfield.

Police are looking for a red Mercury Mountaineer with license plate number "DEA49."

The girl says the man was 55 to 60 years old, had white or gray hair and a large nose.

If you recognize the man or his vehicle, call police immediately.]]> Mon, May 20 2013, 10:50 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_man-tries-lure-young-girl-13457.shtml?wap=0