Compiled from staff and wire reports

Blood drives at two retail areas today

Blood drives at Eastgate Mall and Rookwood Commons that had been announced for Wednesday actually take place today.

The drives, both of which run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., are part of efforts by Hoxworth Blood Center to build up blood supplies that traditionally dwindle around holiday weekends.

All donors will receive a free "American Blood Donor" T-shirt. For more information, call Hoxworth at 451-0910 or online at www.hoxworth.org.

Speed, alcohol cited in one-car crash

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Police said a combination of alcohol and excessive speed are to blame for a single-car crash early Wednesday that injured a 23-year-old driver.

Derek J. Moerrlein of West Chester was airlifted to University Hospital after the 2:35 a.m. crash on Tylersville Road west of Lesourdsville-West Chester Road. His condition was not available, but police said his injuries appeared to be critical.

Township police officials said Moerrlein lost control of his car and hit a utility pole as he attempted to pass another vehicle at a high rate of speed.

Planners to discuss county master plan

Hamilton County planners will hold an open house this morning to discuss progress on Community Compass, the effort to create a countywide master plan.

The meeting will be from 10 a.m. to noon in Room 805 of the county administration building at 138 E. Court St., downtown.

Community Compass is a partnership of the Regional Planning Commission and other government and civic groups.

For more information, call 946-4461 or visit www.communitycompass.org.

Police find woman who wandered off

ST. CLAIR TWP. - An elderly woman who wandered away from her Jackson Road residence and either fell or collapsed in a nearby field was located by a police dog Wednesday afternoon.

The Butler County Sheriff's Office said Edith Bishop, 79, was reported missing about 2 p.m. A helicopter, police dog "Rocky" and New Miami life squad personnel began a search of the area around the house. Rocky found the woman about 2:45 p.m., and the helicopter hovered overhead and directed rescue units to the scene.

Deputies said Bishop was conscious and responsive when she was found. She was transported to Mercy South Hospital for observation and treatment.

Clermont approves 2004 tax budget

BATAVIA - Clermont commissioners have approved the 2004 county tax budget, which includes $48.3 million in general fund expenditures and an overall budget of $207 million.

In December 2003, commissioners approved an annual budget with revenues anticipated at $47.7 million.

Faced with actual declining revenues, the board was required to reduce the operating budget for county functions dependent on the general fund, officials said.

Commissioners will discuss with county department heads and other elected officials ways of finalizing the county's budget for next year. A final vote on the 2004 budget is expected to take place in December.

Consultants hired to update zoning code

DEERFIELD TWP. - Trustees have hired an outside firm to review and update the township's zoning code.

They approved Tuesday a contract not to exceed $50,000 with Poggemeyer Design Group. The process, which will include public meetings, is expected to take about six months, with the final revisions presented to the trustees by January.

Deerfield Township adopted local zoning in 1997, based on Warren County's zoning resolution, though some amendments have been made since then.

Police raid West End home after complaints

Cincinnati police tackled the No. 1 complaint in all of District 1 Wednesday, ramming the door of a West End house and finding 22 people, drugs and at least one gun inside.

No one at 819 Dayton St. would let officers in, so the SWAT team rammed the door, said Capt. James Whalen, District 1 commander. He said drugs and prostitution at the house were the biggest complaint in his district, which includes the West End, Over-the-Rhine and downtown.

Two or three people tried to bail out the back, but were caught, he said. The number of arrests was not immediately available.

"It was such a high-profile neighborhood complaint that I wanted a high-profile response," Whalen said. "We gave them that."

Dale Mallory, president of the West End Community Council, stood outside, watching. The house is owned by a good family, he said, but recently fell into a relative's hands after the elderly resident died.