A Cincinnati police officer suffered a scratch to his cornea early Sunday while serving arrest warrants on a Kennedy Heights man.

        Officer Brian Beechler was treated at University Hospital and released. Police said Charles Cogar, 21, scratched one of the officer's eyes after running from police about 1:35 a.m. in the 2200 block of Langdon Farm Road in Roselawn.

        Mr. Cogar, of 5652 Viewpoint Dr., has been charged with obstructing official business and resisting arrest. The officer subdued Mr. Cogar by spraying him with a chemical irritant, an arrest report shows.

        Mr. Cogar was wanted on warrants for domestic violence, resisting arrest and probation violation, court records show. He is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

Workshop to focus on searching for jobs

               SPRINGDALE — A free motivational workshop for the unemployed or those seeking a job change will be Saturday at Tri-County Mall Conference Center.

        The workshop will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. on the second level next to Structure.

        “The purpose is to discuss how to maintain motivation while finding a new job,” said Harry Moore, director and locally recognized motivational speaker.

        Though the class is free, seating is limited. For more information and registration details call 588-9600.
       

Group urges Kroger to adopt conduct code

               A group of religious and community leaders today will urge Kroger Co. officials to adopt a code of conduct for its suppliers.

        Representatives of Ohio Rights Foundation and the Cincinnati Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice will be among those speaking at a 10 a.m. press conference outside the Kroger building at 1014 Vine St., downtown.

        The group's action is directed toward Cincinnati Processing, which it says has refused to come to the bargaining table and offer basic rights, including a living wage, safe working conditions and and affordable heath care, for its mostly Hispanic work force.

        The group wants Kroger to institute a supplier code of conduct that would require its suppliers to offer employees similar benefits to those Kroger employees enjoy.

        Officials of Cincinnati Pro cessing, which supplies Kroger's case-ready pork in Ohio, have previously said that claims of bad-faith bargaining are baseless.
       

Evendale accepting artwork for exhibit

               EVENDALE — The Village of Evendale is inviting all Tristate artists to submit work to be included in the Evendale Fine Arts Exhibit Spring 2002.

        The exhibit will be held April 19-21 at the Evendale Recreation Center, and deadline to return applications is March 1. All artists must live within a 25-mile radius of Evendale.

        Original paintings in oil, acrylic or watercolor, as well as pastels, sketchings, etchings and sculpture will be accepted. Each artist may submit up to three pieces. All works must either be framed or wired for presentation. Submitted works may be placed in the show for sale or exhibition purposes.

        For information, contact the Evendale Fine Arts Committee through Martha Carmody at 563-6351 or Pat Haslit at 733-8064.
       

Mason resident donates park bench

               MASON — Longtime Mason resident Bill Liedhegner recently donated a park bench in Mason Meadows Park.

        A plaque on the bench says: “Dedicated to the children of Mason Meadows by Mary and Bill Liedhegner 2001.”

        The bench overlooks a stream and faces the children's playground at the park, located at the end of Lindemann Lane in Mason.

        “All can sit here and reminisce about the days gone by,” said Mr. Liedhegner, who moved to Mason in 1951 with his late wife, Mary, and raised six children here.

        Mrs. Liedhegner was active in Cub Scout programs, was a school volunteer, and worked at the polls for elections. Mr. Liedhegner is a co-founder of the first beginner baseball league in Mason. He also was a church volunteer, chairman of Mason Planning Commission in the 1970s, and a member of the Warren County Planning Commission.

Shortage of vaccine not problem in Ohio

               COLUMBUS — A nationwide shortage of the childhood vaccine that guards against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough hasn't been a problem in the state so far, says the manager of Ohio's immunization program.

        The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is limiting each state health department to a one-month supply of DTP shots.

        Tony Payton of the Ohio Department of Health said the vaccine is being distributed statewide as it comes in and being held back when it's feasible.

        Anyone who has been turned down from receiving the vaccine should be contacted as it becomes available, Mr. Payton said.
       

Family might sue detective who shot son

               LOUISVILLE — After learning that a Louisville detective who fatally shot a man last January won't be disciplined, a civil-rights activist called for a federal investigation and the man's family said it intends to sue.

        Patricia Lewis, mother of Clifford Lewis, 18, said she was hurt and disappointed after learning Detective Johann Steimle would not be disciplined for her son's death on Jan. 9, 2001.

        On Friday, the police department's internal investigation concluded that Detective Steimle was justified in using lethal force against Clifford Lewis.

        Detective Steimle fired 13 shots, beginning when Mr. Lewis backed a van into another officer and continuing when Mr. Lewis reached into his waistband after he was ordered to show his hands.

Roach hiring has Evendale citizens upset
President to see district on rise
First snow creates fun, accidents
Portune shakes up county
WEBN 'survivor' contestants will live on boat
City short of housing goal, but closing in
Parish schools to merge next fall
Tow truck driver friendly face
You Asked For It
Congrats
Deputy hit by car as robber flees
Good News: Shelter welcomes volunteers
Local Digest
Ousted mayor's Web site causes stir
Principal proposes stricter rules
School opens on time with parents' help
OxyContin abuse spreading
Anti-smoking campaign to use Calif. ads
Brine spray tried before storms arrive
Shooting stirs fears of vigilante justice
Derby parade loses Bank One as sponsor
Few 'graduate' from program for contractors
Fort Thomas readies for zoning changes
Kentucky Digest