This story was updated to include comments from North College Hill Bakery co-owner Matthew Patrick
announced that it will close its retail shop at 1807 W
Galbraith Road to walk-in customers on March 15
Baked goods, including NCH Bakery's celebration cakes, wedding cakes and cookies will still be available for online orders and can be picked up at the retail location by appointment. Other products, including NCH Bakery's famous coffee cakes, will be available at the bakery's retail partners, including Eckerlin Meats, Summit Fine Meats and White Oak Delicatessen. A full list of retail partners can be found on NCH Bakery's website
The reason for the closure, according to a Facebook post
is that owners Matthew and Terry Patrick are planning to retire
Whether the retail space will eventually reopen remains unclear
"We've presented our employees with the opportunity to take over day-to-day operations of the bakery," the Facebook post read
"Some have decided to give it a try and others not."
Matthew Patrick said that if the staff manages to keep up with call-in orders and external distribution
they might choose to reopen the retail store at some point
I’d say the odds of that are low," he said
North College Hill Bakery was started in 1933 by Carl and Anna Litschgi and has been owned and operated by the Patricks since 2018
CINCINNATI — A gun was found in a student's locker at North College Hill High School
prompting a lockdown at the school's campus
Police said the school's resource officer was notified that a student had a firearm on the school's ground
causing a lockdown both on the high school and middle school campus
Staff members searched a student's locker and found a loaded Glock 17 inside their book bag
Police did not identify the student but said it was a male juvenile
Both schools continued to be on lockdown while units searched the entire school with K9 officers
The school said on social media that the lockdown was lifted just after 1 p.m
and we will resume our regular schedule," Superintendent Eugene Blalock Jr
The student was arrested and charged with inducing panic
carrying a concealed weapon and illegal possession of a deadly weapon on school premises
"The North College Hill teachers and staff are dedicated to ensuring our students' safety and creating an environment for students to continue to learn at a high level," Blalock said
North College Hill police said units from the Cincinnati Police Department
the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and the Butler County Sheriff's Office assisted with searching the school grounds
A North College Hill police officer resigned last month after he was set to be terminated in light of allegations of theft and fraud
records from the Ohio Attorney General's Office show
Lt. Frank Petrocelli retired on Feb. 28 in lieu of termination after a yearlong investigation that started March 25
North College Hill officials confirmed to The Enquirer
City officials added Petrocelli has not yet signed his paperwork
but they will provide comment once he does
They said they will also disclose the details of his separation
including the number of accrued and unused vacation and sick hours he will receive compensation for
with Police Chief Ryan Schrand being placed on paid leave shortly before Petrocelli was
Officials have had little to say despite repeated requests for comment. The Enquirer sued the Cincinnati suburb in November seeking answers about Petrocelli
Petrocelli was the longest-serving officer on North College Hill's police force when he was placed on leave
The 60-year-old faced allegations of "creating a hostile work environment" and "unsatisfactory work performance," according to records from North College Hill
His leave also followed accusations from city officials that he mishandled the drowning of an infant and that he was illegally working two jobs at once
The document from the attorney general's office explains the separation between Petrocelli and North College Hill as "possible theft in office with details and being on shift simultaneously." The Ohio Auditor of State's office is investigating
The Ohio Attorney General's Office did not return The Enquirer's request for comment
The investigation followed a tip from North College Hill City Councilwoman Mary Jo Zorb
which was preparing for an audit of the city
Zorb says in her email Petrocelli may be claiming to work at the police department while also working a part-time job during the same hours
She also says in her email she believes the police chief
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office investigated Petrocelli after his colleagues accused him of mishandling the death of a baby on March 5
Petrocelli was on duty that day when he responded to a drowning call on Joseph Court
He arrived to find a 10-month-old child not breathing
according to a report from the sheriff's office professional standards division
Petrocelli told investigators he heard the mother say she had left the child in the bathtub unattended
Petrocelli "makes no attempt to gather information about the patient or the parents' information," the record reads
He decided he had sufficient evidence for a child endangerment case on the mother because he had what she said on his body camera footage
Investigators asked Petrocelli if he had checked the condition of the baby and confirmed whether he was wet to corroborate the mother's statement
the hospital informed officers the baby had died
Petrocelli was advised to immediately secure the residence in case it was a crime scene and until a detective could get a search warrant
Petrocelli left the crime scene unattended to go back to the station to get his cellphone
the infant's death was a homicide from being left unattended in the bathtub
North College Hill police said Thursday the investigation into the drowning is finished and the mother of the 10-month-old will not face charges
Craig Chaney wrote a letter to Schrand about Petrocelli's conduct
"I don't believe the actions taken at the original time of the call or after we were notified of the child's death represent us as an agency," he said
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office found Petrocelli guilty of neglect of duty
City officials told The Enquirer there was "malfeasance," but the misconduct was not significant enough from a legal standpoint for Petrocelli to be fired because of it
Police chief remains on paid administrative leaveSchrand remains on paid administrative leave after roughly a year
North College Hill Mayor Tracie Nichols placed Schrand on leave on March 19 after she received a report against Schrand that alleges he created a hostile work environment
Chaney was named interim police chief shortly after
A third-party human resources consulting company is investigating the complaints
The city has not disclosed the name of this company or how much they are paying the company
Ohio — North College Hill High School named Orlando Gentry Friday afternoon as its new boys basketball coach
“I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity,” Gentry said
Gentry was an Aiken assistant coach the past three years including the Falcons’ Division III state runner-up team in March
He was previously a Hughes assistant coach prior to Aiken
“Coach Gentry will be a great fit for North College Hill City Schools,” said NCH athletic director Rayshawn Walton
“Coach Gentry has won everywhere he has been and he has great relationships with his players
Coach Gentry loves developing student-athletes and it showed during the interview process.”
Gentry succeeds former NCH coach Shannon Minor
who stepped down in March after he led the program for 11 years
NCH had 37 applicants for the boys basketball coaching position
Walton said Gentry’s situational awareness with the game was impressive during the interview process
“Coach Gentry’s references included several elite coaches in the Cincinnati area,” Walton said
We are excited to welcome Coach Gentry and his family to the NCH community.”
Gentry was former Aiken and Hughes head coach Derrell Black’s top assistant coach the past four years overall
Black, the former Aiken head coach the past three seasons
said Gentry is a student of the game who connects very well with the players
Gentry’s duties included defensive coaching responsibilities this past season for the Falcons
Gentry is adept at building a rapport with the players throughout a season
“It’s time for him to get his opportunity.”
Gentry said he’s looking forward to putting his imprint on the NCH program by instilling fresh energy and a new vibe
“I’m here to rebuild North College Hill basketball and bring pride back to this program,” Gentry said
including 3-9 in the Miami Valley Conference
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(This story has been updated to add comments from the teen's attorney.)
A teen was ordered to spend several years at a youth detention facility for firing guns at North College Hill City Schools in September
North College Hill police said in a news release Thursday that the male juvenile was ordered last week to remain in a detention facility until his 21st birthday by Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Stacey DeGraffenreid
The juvenile was 17 when the crimes occurred
Special report: Ohio's juvenile detention system struggles with violence, neglect
6 when gunfire caused a school football game to end early
The second shots-fired call was reported during school dismissal on Sept
The teen initially faced seven charges: felonious assault
improperly discharging a firearm in a school zone and two counts of receiving stolen property
which is similar to being found guilty in adult court
carrying a concealed weapon and one count of receiving stolen property
The other charges were dismissed at the request of the prosecutor as part of the plea agreement
Court documents state the teen had at one time possessed two different stolen Glock handguns and had run from police officers in addition to firing the weapons
Prosecutors had filed to have the case moved to adult court
but those motions were withdrawn at the time of the teen's plea
said his client was a North College Hill City Schools student
Arenstein said he wasn't surprised prosecutors sought to transfer the case to adult court
given the teen was just months from turning 18 at the time of the offenses
"The evidence was pretty strong against him," Arenstein said
adding that the teen faced a minimum five-year sentence in an adult prison versus the three years he'll spend in a youth facility
"You don't want a young man like that to be housed with a bunch of adults," he added
The teen's arrest was not connected with a Sept
20 shooting during North College Hill High School's football matchup against Woodward
Ohio — A North College Hill dance studio had no choice but to leave its space after water leaked from the roof and flooded the building
Kimberly Stewart said the leaky roof has been an ongoing problem since August 2023. The Arabesque Dance Academy founder told WCPO 9 News she's been asking the landlord to fix the leak for more than a year
The landlord allegedly told her that he couldn't afford to pay for the repairs
"Water was just pouring from the ceiling," said Stewart
Stewart took us inside the studio Wednesday
showing us what the inside looks like after multiple ceiling tiles fell
with water leaking from the ceiling and flooding the dance studio
There were dozens of missing ceiling tiles on the first floor and basement
plastic containers and garbage bags off to the side
Cell phone video and pictures captured the damage from the water leaking into the studio
"It started to get so loud and it was so active
that's when I said alright you guys got to go," said Stewart
Now Stewart and her students are having dance classes off-site
When we asked her about the interactions between her and her landlord about fixing the problem
I can't afford a $20,000 roof right now," said Stewart
a man answered who identified himself as "Mike," but wouldn't give us his last name
He said he was the property manager of the space on 1500 Goodman Avenue
When we asked "Mike" about when the owner would be fixing the roof
he said they've made several attempts to fix the problem and they aren't neglecting the building
He also said the cold weather has impacted what they could do and said they've been "wasting money" doing patch jobs
a man called us back and identified himself as owner Frank Calloway
who gave us inconsistent answers over the phone about whether or not the roof had been fixed or will be fixed
The man then said to direct all questions to his lawyer
"Things like this kind of overshadow the good stories," said Stewart
she and her students are getting ready for two dance events in the coming weeks
"It's disheartening because you work very hard to build your business and to build your brand for someone else's bad business to affect you," said Stewart
"I have had families who have told me they're not going to return until it's been fixed which is loss of business income which means I can't pay my teachers
We have two big shows coming up where costumes were damaged that just came in that parents just sized their children for."
Records from the Hamilton County Auditor's Office show the property listed to a company called The New Start Enterprise II LLC
and shows the owner is delinquent on property taxes for $11,092.55
The last posted tax payment shows the owner paid $79.76 on October 17
We have also reached out to the City of North College Hill for comment
Earlier this year, 75% of North College Hill's firefighters resigned following tension between the department and the city administration
While the firefighters ended up returning
it led to North College Hill City Council placing city fire chief Brian Fels on paid leave
And that was not the end of the city's turmoil: The police chief was put on paid leave
Three of the city's eight council members resigned
The Enquirer has requested at least 36 documents that could shed light on the answer to that question
North College Hill has refused to respond to public records requests related to the paid leaves and resignations
Local officials have not responded to a host of other requests related to the daily business in this city of roughly 10,000 people located north of Cincinnati
6 in the 1st District Court of Appeals for failing to comply with Ohio's public records law
The Enquirer is asking the court to order the city to release the records
"Governmental bodies have a legal obligation to produce their records to the public promptly," said Jack Greiner
The Enquirer's attorney and a partner at Faruki PLL
The Enquirer also made repeated requests in person for the records but didn't get a response that way
“Transparency in government isn’t just an aspiration
it’s the law,” Enquirer Executive Editor Beryl Love said
“Ohio’s public record laws make it clear that government officials must provide spending reports and other financial documents to the press or any citizen who seeks them
The Enquirer won’t hesitate to challenge that decision in court."
A timeline of turmoil: What's happened in North College Hill since fire department quit?
The Enquirer's lawsuit specifically accuses North College Hill of wrongfully concealing documents related to 13 public records requests
The Enquirer received documents related to one request
the city denied The Enquirer's requests but did not provide a written reason why those records should be exempt from the law
leaders said they would get back to The Enquirer
Council itself has undergone a shakeup since the chief was placed on leave in March
Few details were shared publicly about these resignations that happened one at a time
Council has also repeatedly gone into executive session to discuss city business but has not explicitly stated the Ohio law exemption allowing the secret meeting
They then failed to take action on city business after the executive sessions
making it impossible to know what was discussed
Councilwoman Arious Dukes Dean was also excluded from one of these sessions
she became one of the three members who resigned
The Enquirer is seeking information related to:
Fels, who is also a city of Cincinnati firefighter, was placed on leave March 9
the records informing Fels of being placed on leave or disciplinary records related to that leave
City officials said in a news release they could not provide any details about placing Fels on leave due to an "ongoing investigation." But no details of that investigation have been provided
Fels told The Enquirer he is not under investigation and never was
Fels said since the announcement that he was put on paid leave
he signed two 90-day contracts with the city as a contract employee
That short-term employment was meant to allow for a smooth transition between Fels and the interim chief
the fire department fulfilled The Enquirer's request for communications between Fels and the former city administrator
communications between the former fire chief and former administrator
The city has not yet filled a request for communications between Fels and Ryan Schrand
North College Hill's police chief who was placed on leave this year
Mayor Tracie Nichols placed Police Chief Ryan Schrand on leave on March 19 after the mayor received a report alleging Schrand created a hostile work environment
The city hired an outside firm to conduct an investigation
The city refused to share how much that cost or who is doing the investigation
The Enquirer has requested Schrand's disciplinary file
including all the complaints made against him
Nor has the city responded to a request for communications between Schrand and the former city administrator
that the investigation would be wrapped up within the week
Then on March 25, police lieutenant Frank Petrocelli was placed on leave
The letter notifying him about the leave accused him or being involved in creating a hostile work environment as well as having "unsatisfactory work performance." The Enquirer sought additional records related to the leave
but the city has not complied with the request
Petrocelli could not be reached for comment
City Administrator Jennifer Ekey, who the firefighters partially blamed for their resignation in March, resigned from her role March 27
She signed a release and separation agreement with the city on March 16
one day before the firefighters' resignations were to go into effect
which paid her through the end of this year and allowed her to be paid for unused sick and vacation time
They provided her final payroll record but blacked out details of the settlement
the document remained legible and says she would be paid at a rate of $52.885/hour for 780 sick hours
She also received a $4,230.77 severance for the current pay period
Ekey worked for the city for one year and one month
The large number of sick leave and vacation hours stem from her contract that allowed her to carry over unused time from her prior job
The agreement did not give specifics on why the settlement was reached
The city has not complied with a request for communications between the mayor and Ekey
Ekey did not return a call requesting comment
The city is in the midst of hiring a new administrator
but the job remains posted on the city website
applications and resumes of people who applied for the job
North College Hill has not given The Enquirer the records
It all leads to one question: What's going on in North College Hill
North College Hill's problems didn't begin this year. In 2022, during the city's most recent audit, the city was declared "unauditable" by the state auditor's office. Even before that, a podcaster released "Tear It Down," a short series about the city's woes
The problems back then were just as serious but different than what they are now
The Enquirer has made requests for records related to daily city business
This includes any settlements dating back to 2022 and a complete list of employees and their salaries
North College Hill officials said they could not meet this request
Two long-time Cincinnati high school basketball coaches are moving on from their positions
Shannon Minor announced he will no longer be the head boys basketball coach at North College Hill
He said in a public Facebook post that he is looking forward to his next coaching opportunity and shared a message from a former player whose life he impacted in his 11 years there
Throwback: NCH beats Summit Country Day Feb. 2, 2018
led the Trojans to a big three-season stretch from 2015-18
going 60-16 with two Miami Valley Conference championships
but they have only enjoyed two winnings seasons in the seven years since
Minor was a standout for the Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team
playing a key role on their NCAA Division II national runner-up teams in 1996 and 1997
He is a member of the Northern Kentucky University athletic hall of fame
He previously coached high school ball at Bellevue and Finneytown
McNicholas head coach Tim Monahan announced March 14 that he will not return next season
He said in a post on X that the administration would not renew his contract and he said the news came as a shock to him
Monahan has been with McNicholas for more than two decades
McNick was 12-12 this past season and 14-12 with a district runner-up finish in 2024
Monahan posted a message on X thanking the community for their support
Several have replied to him supporting him
the two leading scorers on this year’s team
"I love those guys and will cherish the bonds and relationships that I have had with all my players," he wrote
"...Your encouragement has meant the world and it's been a privilege to be a part of this community as a student-athlete
Monahan is set to receive the Bob Arnzen Award from the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association this weekend at the state tournament
The award is given to a coach who has served 20 or more consecutive years at the same school
Monahan will receive the award at halftime of the Division VI state final Saturday afternoon at the University of Dayton Arena
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
A male juvenile has been arrested after a loaded firearm was found in a student's locker at North College Hill High School on Wednesday
the North College Hill high school and middle school
entered a level 3 lockdown for reports of a firearm on school grounds
and means that no one is allowed to enter or leave the schools
Staff members from the high school searched a student's locker and found a loaded Glock 17 pistol inside the student's book bag
Blalock alerted district members about the lockdown at 9:40 a.m
in a letter that was later posted to a private Facebook group
and we are working with the NCH police to complete a security sweep of both buildings."
"All students and staff are safe," he added
K9 officers from the Cincinnati Police Department
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and Butler County Sheriff's Office responded to the school to search both buildings
No additional weapons were located during the search
The lockdown was lifted at approximately 11 a.m.
The juvenile was arrested on the following charges: inducing panic
carrying a concealed weapon and the illegal possession of a firearm in a school safety zone
North College Hill police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to call 513-521-7171
the North College Hill City Council is working on a plan to repair or find a replacement for their home office
"We’ve been out of this building for about nine months
Not longer than a year but around nine or ten months," Council member Latonya Chichester said
City Administrator Arious Dukes Dean and Chichester said there's mold in the building
and the council doesn't know when it will be reopened
Chichester said the previous administration "only repaired half the roof," which caused mold to accumulate after rain and cold weather
Chichester said they want only part of the city center to be a workspace
The rest of the space would be used for a recreation center
event center and a hub for the DAV and city's historical society
But now the council is discussing what the best course to take to fix everything will be
"We’re looking at all options from every angle," Chichester said
The options include repairing the building or finding new property
Chichester said either of those options would be between $3 and $10 million
She said it will all come down to the unapproved comprehensive plan
"It's a vision of what we want our city to look like in a long-term plan," she said
Chichester said the comprehensive plan takes time to approve
with it taking possibly up to six months before they can figure things out
"We are working very hard to get our city on the right track," she said
Ohio — Concerns are mounting for parents of North College Hill High School football players who say one incident does not define the team nor the community
It was announced Wednesday that NCH's upcoming opponent, Miami Valley Christian Academy, would not travel to North College Hill for Friday's game. This decision comes less than a week afterNCH's game against Cincinnati Country Day ended abruptly when shots were fired near their stadium
NCH athletic director Rayshawn Walton and football coach Greg Conwell said the Trojans will likely not play a game this Friday night
“We’re ready to play on our end,” Walton said
Messages left with the Miami Valley Christian Academy's athletic department Wednesday and Thursday have not been returned
6 game came to a halt midway through the third quarter after shots were fired near an apartment complex across the street from the stadium on Bising Avenue
North College Hill City Schools and the North College Hill Police Department said the athletic department has taken proper precaution and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone attending their athletic events
they all have on their shirts and ties like they're supposed to," said Artamus Palmer
here's the plan we already have in place,' which was shared with parents."
policies include but aren’t limited to an administrator at every entry way into the stadium
students in grades K-8 must enter the game with their parent
no bags are allowed in (if a bag is needed
no re-entry into the games and police/administrator escorts for the visiting team
The joint statement said the gunshots Sept
6 were not aimed at the stadium or anyone inside the stadium
The statement also said the gunshots were not on the school property
Palmer walked us through what he remembered experiencing at last Friday's game: "So I remember it was like
Palmer said he anticipated cancellations following the shooting
noting it doesn't anger him but does leave him frustrated
"This isn't an area that this happens in on a regular basis," he said
He said the hope is upcoming opponents will look at the situation with a sense of vigilance rather than fear
"But my hope is that people are sitting in their homes in North College Hill and the surrounding areas
how can we help rebuild 'the Hill'?'" Palmer said
When asked how his son and teammates are feeling heading into Friday with no game to compete in
The status of the NCH versus Cincinnati Country Day game has not changed
Cincinnati Country Day led NCH 28-20 before the game was stopped
Conwell said NCH had possession of the football and the Trojans would like to resume the football game at some point
Walton confirmed NCH’s intention to resume
“We want to play the quarter and a half,” Walton said
who is also the school's athletic director
told WCPO their school is focusing on the student-athletes
"No decision on making up the NCH game at this time — will look at in the coming weeks," Coyle wrote in a text message
"But right now we are focusing on CCPA (Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy) and the kids' mental health."
Cincinnati Country Day (2-0) plays host to CCPA (3-0) Friday night
7 that the Week 3 game experienced an unfortunate incident and he is glad everyone involved with the game is safe
He said he’s emphasized to the NCH student-athletes that the football program is attempting to always be a positive reflection of the community
He said the NCH student-athletes are being “punished” as a result of this week’s game being canceled
Regular-season football games are important due to the computer points that are accumulated to determine the Ohio High School Athletic Association postseason seeding process
“We have an ambition of trying to make the playoffs,” Conwell said
North College Hill (0-2) is next scheduled to play host to Woodward (0-3) Sept
MVCA (1-2) is scheduled to host Manchester (2-1) Sept
North College Hill and MVCA are members of the Miami Valley Conference but this Friday’s scheduled game was not considered a conference game
MVCA is in the MVC Gray division while NCH is in the Scarlet division
The game wouldn’t have counted toward the teams’ league standings
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Ohio (WKRC) - The owners of the North College Hill Bakery announced that the business would be undergoing "significant changes" as they retire and train their employees to take over the store
Terry and Matt Patrick from the North College Hill Bakery announced on Tuesday that the shop would be closing to walk-in customers on March 15
but would remain open for pick-up orders made over the phone
The change was made in response to the decision for Terry to retire in March and Matt to retire at some point within the next two years
The pair announced that they were in the process of training their employees to "take over day-to-day operations of the bakery."
"Our products will continue to be available through our outside retail partners," the couple noted in the release
Ohio — North College Hill's homecoming game against Summit Country Day School has been rescheduled for a different date and time
both schools said they mutually agreed to play their varsity football game on Saturday
at North College Hill Stadium instead of Friday
North College Hill's athletic department said the school is having a college-style homecoming weekend
this will allow the North College Hill students and student-athletes to enjoy the Homecoming game
and the actual Homecoming dance later on in the evening
This decision comes nearly two weeks after shots fired near the stadium halted play between North College Hill and Cincinnati Country Day on Sept. 6. North College Hill then could not play the following week after their next opponent
I was just kind of disappointed," said Artamus Palmer
our boys deserve better than we're being treated."
WCPO 9 News first spoke with Palmer last week after MVCA canceled its game against NCH
"There's more at stake here than a football game ..
but if you're not a part of North College Hill
you don't know the fabric of our community."
It's still unclear why the two schools agreed to switch dates and times for the homecoming game
an NCH spokesperson said neither school would comment further on the matter
Palmer said "the students took a vote" on moving the homecoming game last week
"[The] initial response from parents that I talked to
"There's nothing like Friday night lights and homecoming," Lauren Palmer said
"There's just the whole tradition and buzz."
Lauren Palmer said their son is "pretty irritated" with the situation — as is the rest of the team
"I don't feel like he feels he's had much of a voice in this," she said
RELATED | North College Hill parent: Isolated shooting incident near football field shouldn't define our team or season
In a joint statement following the initial incident
North College Hill City Schools and the North College Hill Police Department said the athletic department has taken proper precautions and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone attending their athletic events
Policies include but aren’t limited to an administrator at every entryway into the stadium
6 were not on school property or aimed at the stadium
Police believe someone fired shots near an apartment complex across the street on Bising Avenue
Ohio — North College Hill High School football coach Greg Conwell said Saturday afternoon that the Trojans have no choice but to move forward after a third consecutive week in which the team was not able to complete a game
Conwell spoke less than 24 hours after NCH’s game against visiting Woodward was stopped with approximately two minutes left before halftime Friday night due to an incident involving gunshots near the football stadium. NCH led Woodward 19-6 in the non-conference matchup
“Eighty percent of the players were crying,” Conwell said
Why during the game?’ It’s like the community has let us down
Conwell said those responsible for the incident involving gunshots have essentially taken the Trojans’ first win of the season away from them
North College Hill City Schools and the North College Hill Police Department issued a joint statement late Saturday afternoon saying no one inside or outside of the North College Hill stadium was shot or grazed by gunfire Friday night during the game
“The police department has confirmed and concluded that the gunshots were not in the direction of the stadium and the location of the gunshots were several hundred yards away,” the joint statement said
“This unfortunate event was an isolated event that had nothing to do with North College Hill City Schools and/or Woodward.”
Cincinnati Public Schools issued a statement late Saturday afternoon about Friday's incident:
"Cincinnati Public Schools learned today that a police investigation concluded a Woodward Career Technical High School student was not grazed by a bullet during the football game at North College Hill despite initial reports
but rather injured in the aftermath of the shots fired incident during the game
The District's support remains with the student injured and all the student-athletes and spectators
CPS’ Crisis Response Team will be on-site to provide support to students as they return to school Tuesday."
NCH (0-2) has road games at Roger Bacon (2-3) Sept
4 and three other opponents after that to conclude the regular season
Conwell said the Trojans will return to practice Monday in preparation of playing Roger Bacon Sept
“We can only control what we can control,” Conwell said
“What we can control is to get ready for Roger Bacon
It’s like half our season has been taken away from us.”
NCH hasn’t completed a varsity football game since Aug
30 when visiting Bishop Brossart won 48-26
The Sept. 6 home gameagainst Cincinnati Country Day was halted in the third quarter due to gunshots fired near an apartment complex across the street from the North College Hill stadium
Miami Valley Christian Academy decided to not travel to North College Hill for the Trojans’ scheduled home game Sept. 13.
This past week, NCH’s homecoming game against Summit Country Day was rescheduled from Friday
That game hasn't officially been rescheduled again as of late Saturday afternoon
NCH has five remaining games on its schedule this season with the expectation those contests will be road games
Conwell said last week the Trojans are trying to earn a postseason berth in Division V
The Ohio High School Athletic Association football regulations state that a team must play eight games in order to be eligible for the postseason although there are exceptions that have been allowed and the regulations reflect that
according to OHSAA football administrator Beau Rugg
The top 16 teams in each region qualify for the postseason starting Nov
NCH athletic director Rayshawn Walton said Saturday afternoon the Trojans plan to continue the postponed games with Cincinnati Country Day and Woodward at some point this season
North College Hill City Schools Superintendent Dr
said Friday night that NCH doesn’t plan to play another home football game this season
"Our students were playing their hearts out
but now who's going to think about football?" Blalock said Friday night
I don't know if I would allow my child to come to another game
I will not put somebody else's life in jeopardy and I would hate to have another school feel like they're doing something wrong by trying to keep their kids safe."
North College Hill officials clarified Saturday that no one was shot during the high school's football game the night before
In a joint news release, North College Hill City School District and police said that no student-athlete
Police confirmed the gunshots were fired from several hundred yards away and not in the direction of the stadium
The gunshots were an isolated event that had nothing to do with North College Hill City Schools or Woodward Career Technical High School
Woodward High School Principal Sam Yates said in an email to families Friday night that "one of our student-athletes was injured in a shooting at our football game at North College Hill," adding that the student received medical assistance before being taken to the hospital
North College Hill athletic director Rayshawn Walton told The Enquirer the student-athlete was not shot but instead injured himself while trying to jump a fence during the commotion of the incident
More: Winton Hills shooting kills 37-year-old, leaves another injured
Walton said the student was then taken to the hospital by his parents
The gunshots occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m.
just a couple minutes before halftime during the game between North College Hill and Woodward
The game was immediately stopped as North College Hill administration and police officers began "emergency action plan" duties
The release said that everyone that attended the game made it home
North College Hill City Schools Athletic Department said it has implemented policies to ensure the safety of everyone attending the district's athletic events
Those policies include but are not limited to:
The athletic department had said that for the remainder of the fall sports season it will work with all future opponents to determine the best day
time and location to hold athletic events in a safe environment
North College Hill will travel to any and all future opponents in order to give our student-athletes an opportunity to play," the release said
Ohio — A teenager has been sentenced to spend the next 4 years in juvenile detention for two incidents where shots were fired near a school or school function earlier this year
The teen has been sentenced to spend 4 years in a juvenile detention facility
Police said the teen was arrested on September 13
the same day officers received a call reporting shots fired during school dismissal at North College Hill High School
Before that, however, the same teen fired the shots near a North College Hill vs. Cincinnati Country Day football game that brought the game to a halt in the third quarter
North College Hill police said someone fired 10 shots near an apartment complex across the street from the stadium on Bising Avenue
People at the game told WCPO players were the first to hear the shots and take cover
No one was injured in either in either incident
but the gunfire near the football game had lasting consequences for North College Hill students
moving from a Friday night to Saturday morning
NCH football coach Greg Conwell said the shots fired near the game was an unfortunate incident
but he felt that NCH student-athletes were being "punished" afterward
as opponents canceled or rescheduled games
Ohio — No one inside or outside of the North College Hill stadium was shot or grazed by gunfire Friday night during North College Hill’s home football game against visiting Woodward
according to a joint statement from the North College Hill Police Department and North College Hill City School District
This comes after a Cincinnati Public Schools spokesperson originally said Friday that a Woodward student-athlete was injured in the shooting
That student was actually injured in the aftermath of the shots fired incident
but rather injured in the aftermath of the shots fired incident during the game," the district said in a statement
"The District's support remains with the student injured and all the student-athletes and spectators."
As North College Hill was leading Woodward 19-6 with a few minutes left in the first half
shots fired near the stadium around 8:15 p.m
“The game was immediately stopped as North College Hill Administration and North College Hill Police Department officers began our Emergency Action Plan duties,” the joint statement said
“There were seven North College Hill Administrators on site and four North College Hill Police Officers on site at the time of the incident
There were also police cruisers stationed around the football stadium for the entirety of the game.”
The joint statement said the North College Hill City Schools athletic department took proper precaution and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone attending athletic games
but aren’t limited to metal detectors and wanding upon entry
an administrator at every entry way into the stadium
the requirement that students in grades K-8 must enter the game with their parent
there is no re-entry into games (once you leave
you can not re-enter the game) and police/administration escorts for the visiting team
North College Hill's athletic department said it will work with all future opponents of the fall sports season to determine the best day
North College Hill will travel to any and all future opponents in order to give our student-athletes an opportunity to play,” the joint statement said
CPS also said that its Crisis Response Team will be on-site to provide support to students as they return to school Tuesday
This is the second time this month a North College Hill football game has ended abruptly due to a shooting incident in the area
we have outside forces that have nothing to do with North College Hill City School District ..
so I am saddened," North College Hill Superintendent Eugene Blalock said following Friday's shooting
This was North College Hill's first game since shots fired in the area ended their game against Cincinnati Country Day on Sept. 6. At the time
police said someone fired 10 shots near an apartment complex across the street from the stadium on Bising Avenue
Play was stopped and the stadium was evacuated as police arrived on scene
Blalock said Friday's crowd was "huge," with the community coming together to support their student-athletes and "show them that they're worthy
He said he believes this is "bigger than athletics."
but now who's gonna think about football?" Blalock said
I don't know if I would allow my child to come to another game."
Blalock said that game would be the last on the field: "I will not put somebody else's life in jeopardy and I would hate to have another school feel like they're doing something wrong by trying to keep their kids safe."
Cincinnati Country Day football game came to a halt in the third quarter Friday night after shots were fired in the area
The game was stopped and the stadium was evacuated as police arrived on scene
police confirmed the game would not continue Friday night
WCPO spoke with CCD coach and athletic director Dennis Coyle
who said he is unsure whether the game will resume at this time — "the focus was on getting people to safety."
there status of Friday's game remains uncertain
NCH coach Greg Conwell said it was an unfortunate incident
and he is glad everyone involved with the game is safe
He said he's emphasized to the NCH student-athletes that the football program is attempting to always be a positive reflection of the community
He also said NCH had possession of the football at the time of the incident
and the Trojans would like to resume the football game at some point
Coyle said Saturday that he's reached out to the Ohio High School Athletic Association about the game's status
but currently there are no plans to resume play
"I have emailed (OHSAA executive director) Doug Ute for guidance," Coyle said
"The mental health of my players is my top concern at the moment."
Police said in a release officers were able to locate a vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting
They said it appeared to have been an isolated incident that was not connected to the game
Anyone with information is asked to call North College police at 513-521-7171
the combination of busy intersections and students walking to class can be a recipe for disaster
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, thousands of pedestrians are hit and killed — 141 of those deaths are kids younger than 13 years old
said the district has placed not just 'School Zone' and 'Pedestrian Walking' signs in the area
but has added crossing guards at the busiest intersections surrounding their schools
“I don’t want to get that phone call,” he said
“I don’t want to have to make that phone call to a parent that your child was hit.”
District teachers Ryan Anders and Nicolas Leakey were both wearing their crossing guard gear Tuesday morning as students arrived at school
“It’s dangerous and scary to watch some of these kids cross,” Anders said
They both said they want to stretch the safety net they create in the school building to the roads
“I think a lot of people aren’t paying attention on the road as they should be
so seeing someone out with a bright vest and a stop sign kind of helps settle things down a bit,” Leakey said
Blalock said having crossing guards is just one part of the bigger picture when it comes to safety and students coming and leaving school
“We need the crossing guards and school to work with the city
we have to try like this and make sure that we’re doing everything we can.”
need to remember to stay in the crosswalk and parents should be having conversations with their kids about safety
drivers' full attention should be on the road
North College Hill High School football will not play this Friday after their scheduled opponent canceled the matchup
according to Trojans head coach Gregory Conwell
The Trojans were supposed to play at home against Miami Valley Christian Academy
The cancelation, coach Conwell says, is due to what transpired during North College Hill’s home game on Sept. 6.
North College Hill was hosting Cincinnati Country Day when gunshots were fired near Bruce “Coach B” Baarendse Memorial Stadium
What to know: Police investigating gunfire that forced abandonment of North College Hill football game
Players and coaches ran off the field and fans ran from the stands when the gunshots were heard during the third quarter of the game
North College Hill police said the shooting appeared to be an “isolated event,” and had nothing to do with the football game
Coach Conwell says he was informed around 4 p.m
Wednesday that Miami Valley Christian Academy canceled Friday’s game
"We are very disappointed that we’re not playing,” said coach Conwell
As for whether or not they'd resume the NCH-CCD game
Cincinnati Country Day athletic director and football coach Dennis Coyle said
"We are focusing on the mental health of our players and are playing our scheduled home game this week
We have discussed with NCH that we are waiting and evaluating the situation and will make a decision on if we will continue the game or if it will be a no-contest in the coming weeks."
This report was provided by Enquirer media partner FOX19.
Ohio (WKRC) - There's a scheduling update for a local high school's homecoming football game the week after its last Friday night football game was cut short due to gunshots fired in the area
North College Hill's varsity game against Summit Country Day will now be played on Saturday
The district said in a joint statement with Summit Country Day that the idea is to give North College Hill students time to enjoy a "college style" homecoming weekend with activities throughout the day
On Sept. 6, its game against Cincinnati County Day was stopped in the third quarter after shots were fired at a nearby apartment complex.
Jordan Rolfes is a lifelong North College Hill resident
He said that while crime has been a challenge in the area
schools shouldn't worry for their safety
I would still definitely keep your eyes peeled
Just use your common sense because the world in a larger context is going crazy; there have definitely been challenges in North College Hill in particular
you’re probably decently safe," Rolfes said
The school's game the following week against Miami Valley Christian Academy was canceled.
North College Hill police released additional details about the shooting on Saturday. Read the latest updates here
Editor's Note: This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline
A Woodward student-athlete was injured in a shooting during a Friday night football game in North College Hill
according to Woodward Career Technical High School Principal Sam Yates in an email to families
North College Hill police said in a news release that shots were fired at approximately 8:15 p.m
adjacent to the football stadium where the Trojans were taking on the Woodward Bulldogs
Police quickly worked to "secure the crime scene," the release said
said the student-athlete that was injured was taken to an area hospital for treatment
He added the identity of the student is not being released to protect the family's privacy
"We understand and acknowledge this is a traumatic event for students and staff
Our crisis response team will be available to help students process this incident when students return to school Tuesday," Yates said
North College Hill Superintendent Eugene Blaylock Jr
said the shooting did not involve his students or athletes
He said he believes the individual who was injured was grazed by bullets and was walking after the incident
Police have not released any information about a possible suspect
No information is available about whether any arrests have been made in the shooting
Two weeks ago, another game in North College Hill was canceled when shots were fired near the stadium
Cincinnati Country Day was playing at that time
This was the school's first home game since that incident
which police said was unrelated to the game or school activities
Blaylock told The Enquirer Friday that he is disappointed and frustrated
"We will not have another football game this season here," Blaylock said
but there are far too many guns out here on the street."
Blaylock also said Friday was supposed to be a time for North College Hill to come together
He said there was a huge community presence to support the team and the school
"We still had individuals outside our stadium walls who decided it was a good idea to fight and shoot," he said
"Our students are being punished for outside bad actors."
Interim Police Chief Craig Chaney said in the release that the recent shootings "are detrimental to the well-being of our entire community." He added the department is continuing to investigate and will be working with school administration to develop the most effective safety protocols by enhancing those in place
and visitor to our city that were subjected to this unnecessary and senseless act," Chaney said
"These events do not indicate our community or represent our residents and businesses here in North College Hill ..
and we stand together in times of adversity."
Anyone with additional information is asked to call the North College Hill Police Department at 513-521-7171 or Crime Stoppers
The North College Hill football team has not had the season it envisioned, but Friday night's game at Norwood provided a glimmer of hope for the Trojans
the administrations from both schools participated in a jersey swap in a display of community solidarity
"We are both members of the Miami Valley Conference and felt it was important that we show them and the city that the unfortunate isolated incidents in their community is not a reflection of their school and football program," Norwood athletic director Chuck Richardson said in a statement
After the jersey swap, a message from Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Sam Hubbard was played on the video board
"I want the communities of Norwood and North College Hill to know that myself and the Sam Hubbard Foundation is in your corner supporting you all the way," Hubbard said in the video
The Sam Hubbard Foundation was formed in 2020 to "bring equitable access to food
and a healthy lifestyle for all Cincinnatians"
The Trojans are now 2-3 this season while Norwood is 0-7
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Ohio — Students and attendees at a North College Hill High School football game were evacuated "without incident" during the match Friday night when shots were fired on nearby Bising Avenue
In a press release from the City of North College Hill Police Department
they say the incident was isolated and not connected to the game at the school
They said they were able to find the vehicle involved and speak with the occupants
the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the game,” the release reads
“This is an open investigation and when more details can be released to the public
Police ask anyone with information contact North College Hill Police at 513-521-7171 or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040
Last weekend, a shooting occurred in Euclid near the high school campus about an hour after the football game
A 15 year old has since been arrested in connection with the shooting
Spectrum News 1 Digital Producer Nathan Sharman contributed to this report
Ohio — Ma’lik Hicks knows exactly what he’s looking for in a mentor
help me achieve my goals and go farther in life than where I am right now,” said Hicks
a student in North College Hill High School’s class of 2027
“Because of social media,” Hicks said being a high school student can be “overwhelming” at times
It’s partly why he found himself at a mentor-mentee introduction program at his high school on Monday
About a dozen students met adults from around the community who have volunteered their time to mentor them in the coming weeks
The Rally Champs youth mentoring program is organized by the Preston Brown Foundation
It matches “students with caring adults who invest their time to develop a positive relationship with a deserving student,” the organization said
“Studies show relationships with caring adults is the primary protective factor of youth mental health,” the program’s flyer states
It’s a concept that was a topic of discussion at last week’s WCPO 9 Search for Solutions Community Conversation on mental health
Sometimes it just takes the effort and community force behind it,” said Patrice McDowell-Brown
executive director of the Preston Brown Foundation
As she cut pizza for mentors and mentees at the high school
McDowell-Brown said she was “ecstatic” at the introductions
but it was an important first step,” she said
adding parental orientation and consent comes next
Retired nurse Jill Byrd signed up to be one of the mentors
“I feel like I’m signing up to be not just a friend
someone who can safely assist a student where they’re needed,” she said
Byrd sees her role as a trusted adult to a teen who might feel uncomfortable going to a parent or guardian with an issue
“We're not going to know everything,” she said
but we can find someone who has the answer and go there.”
The program is in collaboration with the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative
where Marie Nicks serves as the director of volunteer engagement
This is an amazing opportunity for young people to have another layer of support to help them to achieve their goals
and to continue to be successful academically,” Nicks said
now has two bachelor's degrees and a master’s degree
She attributes her success to the high school principal who became her mentor
She said she feels she has come full circle: “I’m paying it forward.”
“Now I’m able to help adults be mentors,” said Nicks
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInNORTH COLLEGE HILL
Ohio (WXIX) - A Woodward high school athlete was hurt in a shooting during the school’s football game at North College Hill
according to NCH Superintendent Eugene Blalock
He said someone fired shots at the elementary school
Officers responded to reports of shots fired and a report that a person grazed with a bullet being taken into the middle school gymnasium
a Woodward Career Technical High School student-athlete was injured in a shooting during the school’s football game at North College Hill
Cincinnati Public school district said in a statement
“Cincinnati Public Schools recognizes this tragic event and our support remains with the student
CPS’ Crisis Response Team will be on-site to provide support to students as they return to school Tuesday.”
The game ended early and now this will be the last home game North College Hill will play this season
He said they had metal detectors at the game and banned masks and outside bags
“There’s no reason we should have that many weapons
I would never blame a school for not wanting to come to North College Hill to play
BREAKING: North College Hill High School’s football game ends early after reports of shots fired. Large police presence near the stadium and school grounds have been cleared of people. NCH Police is investigating right now @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/r9MeaK2QFs
Police did not provide an update at the scene
This comes two weeks after about 10 gunshots were fired near the football stadium
halting North College Hill’s game against Cincinnati Country Day
Officers said they evacuated the stadium of players and fans without incident and determined it was an isolated event not connected to the Sept
the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the game,” police wrote on social media at the time
North College Hill did not play the following week because their opponent
North College Hill City Schools and the North College Hill Police Department said in an earlier joint statement the athletic department took proper precautions and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone attending their athletic events
6 shots-fired incident at North College Hill’s Sept
their upcoming homecoming match against Summit Country Day School was moved from a Friday night on Oct
in light of a student athlete on the visiting team being hurt in a shooting at North College Hill despite safety precautions and police and school assurances it would be safe
it’s not clear if that game will still happen
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BREAKING: North College Hill High School’s football game ends early after reports of shots fired. Large police presence near the stadium and school grounds have been cleared of people. NCH Police is investigating right now @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/r9MeaK2QFs
FORECASTSuperintendent says 4-day week is game changer for Greater Cincinnati school districtby Marella Porter
Ohio (WKRC) – North College Hill City Schools began preparing for year two as the only district in Ohio with a four-day school week
Blalock said following the pandemic teachers were calling off or calling it quits because they were burned out and district leaders struggled to fill the gap
I'd have one-third of my staff out,” said Blalock
They found what teachers needed was more time
“They consistently had to cover classes of those individuals who did not come to work,” said Blalock
Blalock said it was a success last year in their small district of 1,400 students and 200 employees
fewer teachers quit and recruitment improved
“In some of the areas where we needed to have some hiring or do some hiring
we had three times the number of applications that we had in prior years,” said Blalock
Absenteeism among teachers dropped from 33% during the 2022-2023 school year to 11% during the 2023-2024 school year
he said academically it appears to be a plus
“Based off our diagnostic information and the things that we do
our short-term assessments show our students are faring better than they were or at the same level
We definitely are not seeing a decrease as far as academics or we didn’t see it last year," said Blalock
Students used the day off for self-guided work and anyone who needed extra help could still come in
“It’s not direct instruction but we do have staff there to work with the students," said Blalock
"The idea of providing intervention and enrichment can happen on those days.”
it’s also an opportunity to explore career interests
“We’ve been partnering with different organizations
different companies and been able to provide students with different opportunities in construction
Nearly 900 school districts across the country use a four-day week
Blalock told Local 12 that while some of those schools and districts have moved to a four-day school week to save money
for North College Hills Schools it’s not about that
a principal within North College Hill City Schools
said the planning day gives them time to prepare the material
“Really dig down deep to see what it is that children need and provide those things,” said Williams
Williams believes the education system could benefit from it
“We are going to have to disrupt some systems if we want to reach students that are low income
so the district provides it for K-8 students
Blalock said they still provide meals to students who need them
the students will get more out of that classroom,” said Blalock
Blalock said while a four-day week won’t work for all districts
He said school leaders and teacher unions across the country have reached out to him to learn more about how the four-day school week works
The North College Hill Fire Department Fire Department lost one of its longtime and well-respected firefighters earlier this week
Lt. Doug “Socks” Eikens, who served on the department for over 30 years, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Aug. 15, according to his obituary
Eikens started as a volunteer firefighter and recently served as a fire inspector/code enforcement officer
He also became a CPR instructor and trained hundreds of residents
“His life was committed to service, not just in the fire sense and the inspections and stuff, but he did stuff for charities. He worked tirelessly for the National Fallen Firefighters Association and was a member of the Knights of Columbus,” Deputy Chief of the Fairfield Fire Department Steve Conn said
Conn said working with Eikens for so many years was a privilege
“His nickname is Socks and when he first got on the fire department
he forgot to put on his shoes on when he went to make a run
Conn describes Eikens as an old soul fueled by energy and kindness that spreads from person to person
“He never met anybody he didn’t like,” Conn said
With everything he did with everyone he met
which included a procession led by the fire department
the family asks for memorials to be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Enquirer media partner Fox19 provided this report.
but she's been creating art for well over a decade
she made a bear out of torn brown construction paper and pasted it onto a turquoise background – a project she later entered in a citywide contest
who graduated from North College Hill High School earlier this year
“I’ve been doing art for as long as I can remember.”
Samantha’s artistic and writing skills landed her the first-place prize in her school-wide anti-vaping contest
“There are risks with every puff,” she wrote in her award-winning essay
“My peers may be stuck in this cycle of flavored vapor for years.”
is less than a five-minute walk from a vape shop
She channeled the discouragement she felt from seeing classmates vaping in between classes into her submission
where she expressed concern about how vapes affect teens' mental and physical health
“I could totally write an essay about that,” she remembered thinking
Murry-Shakir used an app called MediBang as a tool to draw her cartoon
though she likes to dabble in watercolor and acrylic as well
Murry-Shakir works at her local public library
but she says the library’s a great hangout spot for kids who want to use computers
Murry-Shakir is only at the beginning of her writing and drawing career
she’ll attend the University of Cincinnati to major in fine arts
she’s got her sights set on a career in publishing and illustration