🌱 Cincinnati Future Of Verticle Farming + Norovirus Heading Here?

Hello all. Sean Peek here with your Friday edition of the Cincinnati Patch newsletter, full of everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy; breezy, much colder. High: 38 Low: 22.

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Here are the top three stories in Cincinnati today:

1. A farm in Greater Cincinnati might hold the secret to the future of farming. Using vertical farming, 80 Acres Farms in Hamilton can grow leafy greens in the middle of a Cincinnati winter. A mix of robot and human farmers tend to the crop fields that are on trays stacked one-on-top of the other. According to CEO and co-founder Mike Zelkind, this sustainable option for farming is the "next generation of organic produce" and has higher standards, including never using any pesticides and using 97 percent less water. (WLWT Cincinnati)
2. Some Cincinnati-area doctors say it's only a matter of time before a potential outbreak of norovirus occurs in the area. According to TriHealth Director of Infectious Disease Dr. Stephen Blatt, norovirus is "the classic cause of stomach flu, and it causes really bad nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea" and the main "risk is you can get dehydrated." Blatt said, "we think it's coming [to Cincinnati] because it's been in other parts of Ohio, and these things typically spread very quickly." (WLWT)
3. Dr. Rudel Saunders, a University of Cincinnati (UC) physician, allegedly conducted unlicensed examinations and ultrasounds on multiple patients' testicles in the bedroom of his apartment. The clinical instructor in internal medicine also recorded these examinations without the patient’s knowledge or consent. On Feb. 8, the Ohio Medical Board voted to suspend Saunders' license. According to the board, each of the five alleged incidents is a felony count of practicing medicine without a license and the four alleged exams constitute misdemeanor voyeurism. Saunders is allowed to defend himself against the allegations with evidence and witnesses as long as he requests a hearing with the board by Mar. 10. (FOX19)

Today in Cincinnati:

• Live Music At Montgomery Inn The Boathouse (5:00 PM)
• Live Music: Matt Waters Band At The Pub Rookwood (7:00 PM)
  
• Jimmy Pardo: Stand-Up At Go Bananas Comedy Club (7:30 PM; 9:45 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Feb. 15, a 20-year-old woman was fatally shot in the 6500 block of Vonnie Vale Court in Fairfield Township. Police believe the suspect might be in the city limits of Cincinnati and was driving a maroon Honda Accord with Ohio plate JNH4815. However, since the plates were originally stolen, there might be different plates displayed on the vehicle now. Investigators are asking anyone with any information about the vehicle or its occupants to contact Fairfield Township Police or Crimestoppers at 513-352-3040. (WCPO)
• Two popular Cincinnati restaurants have suddenly closed — Pearlstar, an oyster bar concept, and Royce, a French-leaning brasserie. (WLWT Cincinnati)
• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center made the top ten on the Forbes’ annual “America’s Best Large Employers" list for 2023. It was the third-ranking hospital in the nation and even topped Google, which landed at No. 11. (The Cincinnati Enquirer)

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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (February 23)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.