Local headlines

Judge won't inspect Widmer juror's Web use

LEBANON -- The judge in the Ryan Widmer bathtub murder case won'tinspect Internet records to see if a juror was surfing the Webduring the three-week trial.

Widmer's appellate attorney Michele Berry asked Judge NealBronson last month to inspect records from Facebook and YouTube tosee if juror D.E. violated instructions to stay away from all media,social or otherwise.

In an order filed Friday, Bronson refused the request. A juryfound Widmer guilty Feb. 14 of drowning his wife, Sarah, and he wassentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

-- Denise G. Callahan

staff writer

Mad River superintendent to leave district

RIVERSIDE -- After five years with the Mad River Local Schools,Superintendent Mike Eaglowski has announced he is leaving thedistrict to accept the top administrative job with Upper San-duskyVillage Exempted Schools.

Eaglowski, who submitted his resignation to the school board atits regular meeting this month, said he lived for 11 years innorthwest Ohio and always intended to return to the area.

The school board has not discussed plans to replace Eaglowski.His last day is July 31.

Eaglowski came to Mad River from Wood-more Local Schools andreplaced retiring Alex DiNino. He said he is proud he led thedistrict at a time when test scores improved and the district metthe state's graduation requirement for the first time.

-- Cornelius Frolik,

staff writer

Clearcreek Twp. expected to rehire retiring employee

CLEARCREEK TWP., Warren County -- Township trustees are expectedWednesday to vote to rehire Administrator Dennis Pickett, who isretiring July 31.

Pickett, 57, has spent 35 years in municipal government, 26 yearsas public administrator in Clearcreek Twp.

His rehiring is expected to be approved despite opposition fromTrustee Cathy Anspach.

The trustees hired a search firm to find a replacement afterPickett announced his retirement in February.

The meeting begins at 6: 30 p.m. at township offices, 7593Bunnell Hill Road.

-- Lawrence Budd,

staff writer

Miami County Commissioner Widener to retire

TROY -- Miami County Commissioner Ron Widener said he will retireApril 1 to devote more time to his family farm.

Widener, 68, has been on the commission for 10 years. ARepublican, his term expires Dec. 31, 2012.

Changes in the farm, including the retirement of a cousin withwhom he farmed for 30 years, forced him to choose between farmingand the commission, both of which are full-time jobs, Widener said.

He previously served on the Miami East school board for 12 yearsand was the Lostcreek Twp. clerk for 15 years. -- Nancy Bowman,contributing writer