BUTLER COUNTY — Dangerous heat conditions continue in southwest Ohio this week, prompting local and state agencies to  extend  warnings into Friday, as heat index values climb as high as 108 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Butler County and much of southwest Ohio through 8 p.m. Friday. While daytime highs are expected in the low to mid-90s, high humidity will make conditions feel significantly hotter. The Butler County Emergency Management Agency says the combination of extreme heat and muggy overnight temperatures in the 70s could increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for vulnerable residents. Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” BCEMA warned in its advisory.

Cooling Centers Available Across Butler County

To help residents stay safe, multiple cooling centers are available throughout Butler County, primarily at library locations.

Cooling centers include:

• Hamilton Lane Library, 300 North Third Street
• Lane Community Technology Center, 228 Court Street
• MidPointe Library branches in Liberty Township, Middletown, Monroe, Trenton, and West Chester
• Fairfield Lane Library
• Oxford Lane Library

Hamilton city officials are also reminding residents that seven city spraygrounds are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for those looking to cool off outdoors.

Spraygrounds are open at:

• Benninghofen Park
• BTW Center
• Crawford Woods
• Jim Grimm Park
• L.J. Smith Park
• Marcum Park
• Millikin Woods

State Officials Issue Heat Warning

Mike DeWine and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency are also warning Ohioans to take the heat seriously.

Governor DeWine said extreme heat remains one of the deadliest weather hazards.

“No matter where you live in Ohio, you’ll be impacted by this week’s dangerously high temperatures,” DeWine said.

State officials say older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, and anyone without access to air conditioning face the highest risk.

Recommended precautions include:

• Drink water regularly
• Avoid peak heat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing
• Take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives

Rumpke Adjusting Trash Collection Schedule

Rumpke says crews may begin collection routes earlier than usual this week to reduce heat exposure for workers.

Residents are asked to place trash and recycling at the curb the night before scheduled pickup to avoid missing collection.

Pet Safety Also a Major Concern

Animal Friends Humane Society is also warning pet owners to protect animals from dangerous heat.

Officials stress that pets should never be left in parked vehicles, even briefly.

Pet safety recommendations include:

• Keep pets indoors or in shaded areas
• Provide fresh, cool water
• Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening
• Avoid hot pavement that can burn paws

Animal experts say warning signs of heatstroke in pets include:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Bright red gums
• Collapse

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, relatives, pets, and anyone without reliable cooling as the dangerous heat continues through Thursday.

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The Middletown Division of Police is investigating a fatal shooting that happened early Thursday morning. Police say officers were dispatched around 2:10 a.m. to the 1300 block of Yankee Road on a report of a person who had been shot. When officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Atrium Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity. Middletown police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Kristi Hughes at 513-425-7733 or by email at kristi.hughes@cityofmiddletown.org. Tips can also be reported through the police dispatch center at 513-425-7701.
 

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The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Thursday morning in Deerfield Township. Troopers from the Lebanon Post responded to the crash around 2:33 a.m. on northbound Interstate 71 near mile marker 23. Investigators say a 2026 Kia K4 driven by 25-year-old Isaias Zepeda of San Bernardino, California was traveling north when the vehicle went off the left side of the roadway and struck a concrete bridge overpass. After impact, the vehicle traveled over the concrete overpass and went airborne between the northbound and southbound bridge structures of I-71. While airborne, the vehicle struck a utility pole before landing on Western Row Road. Zepeda was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. A passenger, 30-year-old Edward Garcia of Corona, California was transported to UC West Chester Hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. Authorities also reported a secondary two-vehicle crash on I-71 caused by debris from the original crash. The crash remains under investigation. The patrol was assisted by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Mason Police Department, Mason Fire Department and EMS, the Warren County Coroner’s Office, and Jacob’s Towing.

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The Kroger Co. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Giant Eagle in a deal valued at $1.65 billion. The acquisition includes $1.25 billion in cash and the assumption of approximately $400 million in liabilities. Kroger says the deal will expand its footprint in key regional markets while strengthening its grocery and pharmacy operations. Giant Eagle operates 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana, generating approximately $9 billion in annual sales. Kroger CEO Greg Foran called Giant Eagle a strong strategic fit. “Giant Eagle is a well-run, high-quality regional grocer with a strong reputation for fresh products, pharmacy, private label and customer loyalty,” Foran said. He says the acquisition will help Kroger expand into attractive adjacent markets while improving store operations, digital services, and customer experience. Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman called the move an important next step for the company. The companies say they plan to combine Giant Eagle’s regional brand strength with Kroger’s e-commerce platform, data capabilities, and operational scale. The deal is expected to close sometime in 2027, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Kroger says some limited Giant Eagle store divestitures are expected as part of the regulatory review process. The acquisition comes after Kroger’s previously proposed merger with Albertsons failed to move forward, making this the company’s latest major expansion effort.