Rush-hour wreck closes lanes on I-275

        HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — A wreck during Wednesday morning's rush-hour commute closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 275 near the I-471 split for more than two hours.

        The only reported injury was to the driver of a truck that rolled onto its side. Paul Schmitz, 64, of Highland Heights was treated at St. Luke Hospital East in Fort Thomas for minor injuries.

        Highland Heights Police said the four-car pileup happened at 7:45 a.m. in heavy congestion near Three Mile Road. The resulting backup didn't clear until 10:15 a.m.

        A pickup swerved to avoid hitting a sport utility vehicle stopped in traffic, according to police. The tractor-trailer then hit the pickup, which was pushed into the SUV. And the truck driven by Mr. Schmitz went off the road and rolled onto its side when he tried to avoid the collision in front of him.
       

Police investigate cigarette thefts

        FORT WRIGHT — Police are investigating burglaries in which the thieves targeted cigarettes.

        The United Dairy Farmers at 3410 Madison Pike was burglarized at 2:19 a.m. Sunday. And the Speedway Gas Station at 1845 Dixie Highway ws burglarized at 11:02 p.m. Monday.

        Both burglaries are believed to be the work of the same men. One is described as heavyset and the other as thin. They entered the businesses by throwing a rock through a window. And the only thing taken from both stores were several hundred dollars worth of cigarettes.

        Anyone with information is asked to call Fort Wright Police at (859) 331-2191 or Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040.
       

Class-action lawsuit filed against AK Steel

        Sixteen African-Americans claimed in a federal lawsuit Wednesday that they were passed over for jobs at AK Steel Corp. because of their race.

        The class-action lawsuit states that the job applicants sought work at the steel company's Middletown and Ashland, Ky., plants between September 2001 and May.

        The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, contends all of the applicants were qualified for jobs but none was hired.

        A spokesman for AK Steel declined comment Wednesday.
       

Racing commission upholds suspension

        LEXINGTON — The Kentucky Racing Commission upheld a 150-day suspension of thoroughbred trainer Bill Deaton, who said he unknowingly administered Prozac to a horse on race day.

        After a discussion held behind closed doors Tuesday, the commission announced its decision that Mr. Deaton would have to serve his suspension for the February incident at Turfway Park involving the horse Explodo Red.

        The commission also scheduled a hearing for July 16 to consider whether to take action on the racing license of the horse's owner, Dr. Joseph E. Kutz. The Louisville hand surgeon has admitted supplying the prescription medication in liquid glucosamine, which is used to treat arthritis.

        Mr. Kutz already served a 30-day suspension for the incident.

        The anti-depressant is banned for racing purposes. It is categorized under national guidelines as a Class 2 drug, meaning it has high potential to affect a horse's performance.
       

Racehorse owners propose new track

        LEXINGTON — A pair of racehorse owners from Louisville say they want to build a $20 million track in southeastern Kentucky that would sponsor three days of quarterhorse racing a year.

        Tim McCall, co-owner of Southern Bluegrass Racing with David Holloway, told the Kentucky Racing Commission on Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with the American Quarter Horse Association to hold a meet at the proposed track in Williamsburg.

        There currently is no quarterhorse racing in Kentucky.

        The track plan hinges on whether the racing commission grants a license and whether it gives the track any racing dates for 2003. Kentucky has eight tracks, with a license available for one more.
       

Gun used by youth belonged to trooper

        FRANKFORT — A gun used by a juvenile who allegedly assaulted a Covington police officer was issued to a state trooper who guarded Gov. Paul Patton, police officials said.

        Trooper William Herald did not know until he was told by his superiors that the handgun was missing, said Lt. Lisa Rudzinski, spokeswoman for the Kentucky State Police.

        Trooper Herald was carrying a different weapon, also issued to him, Lt. Rudzinski said. The incident was being investigated internally, she said.

        Trooper Herald, a 17-year veteran, was assigned to the governor's security detail two months ago. He requested and was given a transfer to the state police post in Bowling Green last week, Lt. Rudzinski said.

A heritage on canvas
At 83, Graham paces himself
Life and fellowship top groom's agenda
Managing a crowd: key is organization
Mission medical needs rise with temperature
Stage, sound system, lights convert stadium
Cancer society needs $7M to build lodge for patients
Council considers program to embarrass, punish 'johns'
Grants would support Banks
Hospital braces for nurses strike
Lemmie names new city solicitor
Man may be blind after police chase
Obituary: Donald R. Donovan, veteran of Iwo Jima
Tristate A.M. Report
HOWARD: Some Good News
RADEL: Street festival
Hamilton opens expanded track for model cars
'Smart growth' leaders push for better planning in Warren
Lawyer fights suspension order
Ohio can't afford to ignore high tech, Taft says
Dual school credit now available
Fight ends in budget impasse
Ft. Wright strikes deal with Wal-Mart
Kentucky News Briefs
Patton defends new spending plan
Priest indicted on sex charges