A Koch Foods poultry plant in Butler County suffered an explosion and fire, with investigators saying employees were not adequately prepared beforehand; safety procedures are under review.
Butler County has its first laboratory-confirmed measles case, an unvaccinated patient seen at a Buffalo Township urgent care on Aug. 20 and now isolating at home; health officials will begin contact tracing for staff and patients who were present, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health has been notified; the same day, two Lancaster County residents died of measles, likely the first U.S. fatalities from the disease this year.
In a closely watched Butler County special election for Pennsylvania’s 12th state House District, Democrat Brandon Dukes led Republican Scott Timko by 88 votes (about 0.5%) with all precincts reporting, in a district that Trump carried by 18 points. The race will determine whether Republicans hold the House with a slim majority and sets up a rematch in November as both candidates vie for a full two-year term.
Democrat Brandon Dukes holds a razor-thin lead over Republican Scott Timko in the Cranberry Township-based Pennsylvania state House special election, with more than 16,800 votes cast and results too close to call. The race arose from a resignation and won’t change the House majority, but Dukes and Timko will rematch in November for a full two-year term, making the contest a possible bellwether for fall elections.
A potentially dangerous invasive Asian long-horned tick has been found on a dog in Butler County, Ohio, marking its first detection in the area. The tick can carry diseases affecting humans, dogs, cats, and cattle, and reproduces rapidly through asexual females. Experts warn of the increasing prevalence of this species and recommend year-round tick prevention for pets.
Interstate 75 in Butler County has re-opened in both directions after strong winds caused six power poles to fall onto the roadway, prompting a closure for crews to clear the debris.
Miami University in Butler County reported a suspected case of meningococcal disease, a potentially deadly illness, on its campus. The county health district will contact students who may have been in contact with the ill student to provide preventative medication, while others are advised to receive the MenACWY and MenB vaccines to prevent the disease.
Health officials in Butler County are investigating a suspected case of meningococcal disease in a student at Miami University, working to identify close contacts and provide antibiotics. The disease, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, can be life-threatening and debilitating, commonly causing meningitis or septicemia. Symptoms include fever, headache, neck stiffness, rash, and nausea. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets and throat secretions. Students at risk are being contacted for guidance and prophylactic treatment, and anyone with concerns is urged to contact the Butler County General Health District.
One person has died in a head-on crash in Liberty Township, Ohio. The crash occurred when an SUV traveling east on Hamilton Mason Road crossed the center line and collided with a sedan traveling west. The driver of the SUV was transported to the hospital in critical condition but later died, while the other driver sustained minor injuries. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Butler County in Ohio is gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This rare event will darken parts of the state for several minutes in the middle of the day, with Butler County being one of the areas in the path of totality. Tourism workers are preparing for an influx of visitors, and events and activities are being planned, including a special viewing party at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. It is advised to book accommodations and obtain solar eclipse glasses in advance for safe viewing.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has confirmed that a Butler County family's water supply is contaminated with crude oil, with the source of contamination being a nearby working oil well. The family, who had been left without water and answers, received support from the community and temporary housing from Vess Oil Corporation. While the company claims its operations are not responsible, testing by both a private lab and KDHE has verified the contamination. The family now awaits a long-term solution, which would involve accessing rural water, but cost is currently a barrier.
A high school quarterback, Mason Martin, collapsed on the field during a game in Butler County, Pennsylvania. He was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for treatment, and his parents have stated that he has a brain injury and remains in critical condition. Doctors are waiting for the swelling to go down before assessing the extent of the damage. A prayer vigil has been scheduled for Martin, and the remainder of the game was called off following the injury.
One person was killed and three others were hospitalized in a head-on crash in Butler County, Pennsylvania. In other news, a suspect has been arrested in connection with a robbery at Beaver Falls Federal Credit Union, the Shaler Township Police Department is searching for a missing man with dementia who may be suicidal, and one person was hospitalized after an incident in East Pittsburgh. GetGo is offering a 50-cent discount on fuel for customers paying with myPerks or Advantage Pay, and lane restrictions are scheduled for the outbound Liberty Tunnel. Additionally, a police chase in Venango County ended after a vehicle hit a home, resulting in the arrest of the driver who is facing multiple charges.
One person is dead and another is seriously injured after a motorcycle crash in Butler County, Ohio. The crash occurred when a vehicle collided with the motorcycle on Hamilton Middletown Road. The driver of the motorcycle, a 61-year-old man, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while the passenger is being treated for serious injuries. The driver of the car involved in the crash was not injured. The investigation is ongoing.
A motorcyclist has died and a passenger has been seriously injured in a crash involving a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a Toyota in Butler County, Ohio. The driver of the Toyota was unharmed, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation by authorities.