LEBANON — In the Cedar City, downtown buildings don't stay empty for long.

        But there's an exception — the post office on Broadway.

        The Warren County Historical Society plans to use it — Harmon Hall — as 6,200 additional square feet of remodeled gallery, office and storage space.

        “We've had a very good response from the community and the county commissioners,” said Mary Klei of the museum staff. “We'd like to open it next year. We have no choice — we have to get the money.”

        The estimated cost of $1.8 million puts the
group on “the most aggressive financial undertaking in its history to achieve our dream of enlarging and improving our museum,” officers said in a letter to members.

        Larger donations to the historical society building fund can be made over three years to the Warren County Foundation.

        Information: 932-1817.

        BATAVIA — The Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties has received a $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart.

        Donations to the council help provide free assessment and tutoring services and materials for adults 19 and older who read and write below the eighth-grade level.

        The group also offers tutoring to people for whom English is a second language.

        HAMILTON — The 38th annual Greater Hamilton Art Exhibit will be held April 7-May 4 at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave.

        The competitive exhibition includes all media and is open to visual artists 18 and older who live within 50 miles of Hamilton.

        Deadline: Noon March 2.

        Information: 863-8873.

        LEBANON — Dan Patterson, an internationally known photographer and aviation historian, will speak at the Warren County Airport at 7 p.m. Feb. 22.

        He will be joined by Ron Dick, a retired Royal Air Force vice marshal and aviation author and historian.

        The two have collaborated on a history of flight collection that will be published next year.

        Admission is free. The airport is at 2460 Greentree Road. Information: Walt Davis, 934-3100.

        Randy McNutt's column appears on Saturday. Contact him at the Enquirer, 7770 Servicce Center Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069. Telephone: 755-4158; fax: 755-4150; e-mail: rmcnutt@enquirer.com.

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