Couple killed by tree mourned

In Butler County, 27,000 customers served by Duke Energy lacked power while fewer than 300 others served by the city of Hamilton and Butler Rural Electric Cooperative remained in the dark. Both of those utilities expect all customers to be back up today, Sept. 19. Late Thursday, more than 10,000 Duke customers in Warren County lacked power.

Duke Spokeswoman Kathy Meinke said progress has slowed as the company tackles more remote homes.

Butler County leaders Thursday called the storm eye-opening, and said emergency responders throughout the region should come together and discuss ways to prepare for such events.

Two of those killed in the storm were mourned Thursday. Several firefighters attended the visitation for Stephanie and Tom Bobinger, who died when a tree fell on them during Sunday's windstorm.

Stephanie Bobinger was the daughter of Fairfield Fire Chief Don Bennett and Marilyn Bennett.

"Us as parents, we expect to have to bury our own parents," said Jim Bell, Fairfield's parks and recreation. "But to have to deal with the loss of a child ... I don't know how to do that."

The Bobingers were on the last motorcycle exiting Hueston Woods during the annual Hero's Ride, which honored three fallen Iraq War veterans.