Crash temporarily closes bridge

Covington authorities closed southbound lanes on I-75 Brent Spence Bridge early this morning but by 6 a.m. one lane was open to traffic.

Authorities said an accident on the Kentucky side of the bridge backed up southbound traffic into Cincinnati and clogged the early rush hour commute.

That accident occured only hours after a collision on I-471 that killed one woman and injured another driver. No further information was available on either accident.

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North College Hill man dies in fire

A 55-year-old North College Hill man died Sunday in a fire in his house. Firefighters were called to the home in the 1900 block of Cordova Avenue at about 6:30 a.m. and found the man dead inside. His name was not immediately released pending notification of relatives.

Police officers got to the scene first and tried to check for fire victims, but were forced out by smoke.

The cause of the fire, and the death, were still under investigation by the North College Hill Police Department, Hamilton County coroner's office and the Hamilton County arson team.

Firefighters from Springfield and Colerain townships assisted North College Hill.

Missing teen last seen Thursday morning

Cincinnati police are looking for Jessica Stone, a missing Roselawn teen. Jessica, 14, of the 1500 block of Shenandoah Avenue, was last seen at 6:15 a.m. Thursday, said her aunt, Sandra Mayfield. She was wearing a yellow bubble jacket, khaki pants, blue boots and a Purcell Marian shirt.

Those with information are asked to call CrimeStoppers, 352-3040.

Montessori School hosts open house

Children's Meeting House Montessori School will host an open house 1-3 p.m. Feb. 2 at its facility, 931 O'Bannonville Road, half a mile east of downtown Loveland.

The school, which has taught students in preschool through sixth grade for 30 years, is building a $1.5 million facility to house all of its classrooms, offices and library. The public is invited to tour the current facilities and view the work on the new facility, scheduled to be completed this fall.

The two-year project, designed by Robert Powell Associates, will expand the pre-primary classes to three and consolidate all functions for the 150 students under one roof. Previously the school was housed in two buildings.

Deerfield Township buys land for parks

DEERFIELD TWP. - Township trustees have purchased 27 acres of land on Montgomery Road for $3.25 million. The property was bought from National Amusements on Thursday. The township's parks and recreation department will have use of the land, located across from the Villages on Heritage Green.

The township is in the midst of expanding its parks system to add hiking trails, campgrounds and an amphitheater. The public got a chance to view the preliminary designs for those parks last week.

Archdiocese appoints commission members

A sister of Notre Dame de Namur, a farmer, a peace and justice advocate, and registered nurse anesthetist are newest appointees to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Social Action Commission.

The commission represents Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on matters of social justice. It also provides advice to Catholic Social Action office and Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk.

Appointed to the commission last week were: Sister Kristin Matthes, SNDdeN, of Bellarmine Chapel of Cincinnati; John Matthews of St. John Church in Maria Stein, Ohio; Thomas Sheibley of Bellarmine Chapel of Cincinnati; and Keith Denning of St. John Church in West Chester. The appointments were made by Archbishop Pilarczyk.

Deacon Francis Wagner of St. Michael Church in Sharonville was elected to a second term as chairman of the commission.

Firefighter injured at Bond Hill house

An early morning fire Sunday in Bond Hill left a firefighter injured.

Cincinnati firefighter David Quinlan's coat was torn, allowing enough heat inside the sleeve to cause a second-degree burn on his right arm, said District Chief Dave Collini. He was taken to University Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Firefighters were called to the Ryland Avenue house just before 5 a.m., finding flames had already spread into the roof and attic of the two-story, two-family frame house. No occupants were hurt. Firefighters rescued a small dog.

The fire caused an estimated $65,000 in damage. Its cause is under investigation.

Sycamore teachers make counter-offer

MONTGOMERY - The Sycamore Education Association has given the school board a counter-proposal on its contract and is awaiting a response.

On Jan. 10, the board made a new offer, which more than 300 teachers discussed at a Jan. 12 meeting. SEA negotiators made the counter-offer Thursday. . Health insurance costs continue to be the major stumbling block. Neither side has revealed details of the latest offers.

Teachers held an informational picket after school Friday outside the board office and will picket again Tuesday.

- Compiled from staff and wire reports