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matter by Deters. Although Commissioner Todd Portune wanted legal advice from Deters’ office, the board did not act on the request. Since two of the commissioners are Republicans, at least one would have to consent to the request. One of the commissioners is Deters’ brother, Dennis Deters. Thomas said he plans to pursue the matter at the state level. “Clearly there was solicitation to the employees. The solicitation took place during working hours. And the tone of one of the emails was threatening,” he said. “There’s no way this can be an acceptable practice.” Thomas, who is black, was further disturbed by the social media post of a confederate flag during work hours. “Why would he do that?” Thomas asked. “As a representative of the courts, of our system of justice, to post the confederate flag, such a hurtful and offensive image, while you’re on the taxpayers’ time is totally unacceptable. CONTACT JAMES McNAIR: jmcnair@citybeat.com, @JMacNews on Twitter, 513-665-4700 x. 142.
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The Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Walnut Hills, built in the 1830s, will get about $1 million from the state for interior and exterior rehabilitation and preservation work on the house. It served as the home for the Stowes, a prominent family of abolitionists and women’s rights activists. State Rep. Denise Driehaus, D-Clifton, announced the funding Oct. 17. “The Harriet Beecher Stowe House holds tremendous historical significance, not only for Ohio but for our nation as a whole,” Driehaus said in a statement. “I am pleased the state and the Ohio History Connection are partnering to breathe new life into this important cultural heritage site and help continue educating visitors on Cincinnati’s unique contributions to the Underground Railroad and the abolition of slavery.” The house is named for the author and abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of famous anti-slavery text Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Stowe lived in the house for more than 20 years and wrote her famous novel about her time in Cincinnati. The book, one of the best-selling of the era, details the travails of slavery and the efforts of those looking to escape it via the Underground Railroad to Canada. It was published in the early 1850s, as the nation grappled with the tensions around slavery that would eventually lead to the Civil War. Stowe’s historic house needs work — including foundation stabilization, repairs to the building’s masonry, restoration and preservation of the building’s interior, a new elevator and updates to the building’s electrical and security systems. (NS)