STATE digest

Funeral for WWII National Guardsman

PORT CLINTON

An Ohio National Guard soldier whose remains went missing for 75 years after he died in World War II’s Bataan Death March will be buried today in his hometown of Port Clinton.

The Ohio Adjutant General’s Department says Technician 4th Grade John Kovach Jr. will be buried with full military honors.

Kovach died during the brutal march in the Philippines in 1942. He was buried in a camp cemetery and was later moved to a mass grave. The U.S. Army exhumed remains from the grave in 2014 and identified Kovach through DNA testing. Kovach enlisted with the National Guard’s 37th Tank Company in Port Clinton in 1940. He fought at Luzon and Bataan before being captured.

1 killed, 8 wounded at gender-reveal party

CINCINNATI

A 22-year-old woman was found dead at the scene of a home invasion where two gunmen opened fire, wounding eight people, including three children and a pregnant woman who had revealed the gender of her unborn child at a party Saturday night.

Colerain Township Police Chief Mark Denney said at a news conference Sunday that none of the eight people wounded appeared to have life-threatening injuries, including the children, who are ages 8, 6 and 2. The 22-year-old has been identified as Autum Garrett of Huntington, Ind.

Denney said the gunmen who fled on foot haven’t been identified or arrested. He wouldn’t discuss details of the investigation. The gunmen opened fire with handguns in the living room of the house. There were no indications of a forced entry, and the gunmen entered through the front door, he said, adding it’s unclear why the victims were shot.

Official wants circus ban

NEWARK

A central Ohio city official’s plan to seek a ban on circuses because of animal welfare concerns has led to the cancellation of scheduled circus performances in the community.

The Newark Advocate reports the Heath Moundbuilders Kiwanis Club had arranged to bring the Carson & Barnes Circus to Newark for six shows in August with some of the ticket proceeds earmarked for charitable causes. But, the Kiwanis Club’s secretary says the organization has canceled the performances after Newark City Councilman Mark Fraizer said last month he intends to introduce legislation outlawing circuses in the city.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has accused the circus of abusing animals. Managers of the Hugo, Oklahoma-based circus have denied any abuse.

Algae closes beaches so community builds pool

LAKESIDE

The threat of algae blooms has prompted the Lake Erie vacation community of Lakeside to add an amenity it has lacked for the last 144 years — a swimming pool. The push came after record-breaking algae blooms closed the area’s swimming beaches 16 times during the summer of 2015.

Lakeside’s leaders say the decision to build the pool wasn’t taken lightly as some residents worried it represented a shift away from the lake. Lakeside draws an average of 150,000 visitors every summer.

Flight anxiety workshop

COLUMBUS

An airport named for one of Ohio’s most famous fliers wants to help people face their fears of flying. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is accepting registrations until Aug. 21 for the Aug. 26 workshop. Space is limited.

The Facing Takeoff workshop includes an introduction to the Columbus airport and air travel. Topics include flight mechanics, travel skills and managing anxiety. Participants also can practice entering a security checkpoint and boarding an airplane if one’s available that day. The event is open to those 10 or older. A parent or guardian must accompany minors.

Partners are Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University and Southwest Airlines.

Associated Press