Compiled from staff and wire reports

Condo planner asks for rehearing

EAST PRICE HILL - A developer who wants to build 55 luxury condominiums in East Price Hill asked the city Friday to reconsider last week's decision to block the development.

Joseph L. Trauth Jr., lawyer for developer Craig Hilsinger, said the decision by a city architect misinterpreted the zoning code in finding that the plans were too big for a hillside district. He said the Mount Hope Avenue project "would be a tremendous asset to an area that has been steadily declining over the years."

Mary M. Croft, a part-time Davenport Avenue resident, is leading neighborhood opposition to the plans. She said the neighbors would like to see the site developed, but that the proposal is "completely out of scale" with the neighborhood.

Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken asked the administration to find a compromise Wednesday.

Ailment will keep chief off job for now

MONROE - Police Chief Ernest Howard was released from Middletown Regional Hospital Friday night after doctors told him he did not need a heart procedure.

It is not known when Howard will return to work. He said Friday he expects to be off work at least another week, probably two.

Howard, 68, was taken to the hospital Monday night after suffering chest pains. He has a blocked artery in his heart, he said, but doctors have told him it can be treated with medication.

The 42-year law enforcement veteran announced last month he planned to retire by January, possibly sooner. He has been Monroe's police chief since 1990.

Butler agency head frustrated, quits

HAMILTON - The chairman of the Butler County Children's Services Board has resigned.

Hall Thompson of Fairfield said Friday he quit for personal reasons.

But he said he is frustrated that the union at Butler County Children's Services hasn't endorsed a 2-mill replacement levy on the November ballot.

Thompson said he has heard "rumblings" the union wouldn't endorse the levy because of him, so by leaving, he is eliminating that excuse.

"The bottom line is it's about children who cannot help and protect themselves," Thompson, 51, said. "This levy is desperately needed."

"... It's kids ultimately that are important, not me, not the union, not any issues," he said.

He has been a board member nearly two years and was appointed by Butler County commissioners. The acting chairman is Vice Chairman John Wade Sloan.

Family Festival at Oak Hills High

BRIDGETOWN - The Oak Hills Athletic Boosters annual Family Festival fund raiser continues today from 3-11 p.m. and 1-8 p.m. Sunday at Oak Hills High School, 3200 Ebenezer Road.

It offers games, rides, children's activities, food, entertainment, spirit wear, a major prize award, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Outback dinner, poker and blackjack, bid 'n' buy, split the pot and a used-car and other raffles.

Judge is ready to tie knot for crowd

Hamilton County Municipal Judge Elizabeth Mattingly will be performing a group marriage ceremony at the Hamilton County Courthouse, 1000 Main St., on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. in Room 205.

The event is free, and no appointment is necessary. Couples must have a valid marriage license.

Convergys executive to lead fund raiser

James Orr, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Convergys Corp., will serve as general chairman for the Fine Arts Fund campaign in 2004.

In 2003 the campaign raised $10,003,550 benefiting eight major arts institutions and making smaller grants available to hundreds of other area arts organizations.

Actor Reeve will speak here in Oct.

DOWNTOWN - Christopher Reeve will be the featured speaker Oct. 1 at the Health Improvement Collaborative 2003 Award Dinner at the Westin Cincinnati.

Reeve, star of the Superman movies, was paralyzed during a horse-riding competition in 1995. He has worked to raise funds to cure a variety of diseases, and to develop treatment and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.

The theme of the awards fund-raiser is "Nothing is Impossible," the title of Reeve's latest book. Proceeds will benefit health improvement initiatives sponsored by the collaborative.

Tickets are $175, or can be bought in tables of 10. Information: 531-0200, ext. 108, or visit www.the-collaborative.org.