By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - Warren County's 200th birthday celebration culminated Friday with a closing ceremony and burial of a time capsule.

Inside the red-white-and-blue vault are maps, pictures, annual reports from county agencies as well as predictions from many of the 250 attendees for what life will be like in 2053, when the capsule will be opened.

Some predicted a light rail system and hovercraft would be the mode of transportation, while others speculated that class work and criminal justice proceedings would all be done electronically. Others worried about quality of life: a 12-year-old Little Miami student hoped there would be a laxative that tasted better than Ex-lax.

The capsule was buried in front of the county administration building, 406 Justice Dr.

"I've seen a lot of changes already, but none that compare to the ones we'll see in the next 50 years," said Commissioner Mike Kilburn, who worries about the future for Ohio's second-fastest-growing county.

"Hopefully, we'll find a better way to do things."

Before burying the time capsule, video clips of the yearlong bicentennial celebration were shown to the crowd of elected officials and county residents. The county also unveiled a plaque honoring five veterans from Warren County who had received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

"It's a time to reflect back on the year and what all we have done, not only in this bicentennial but historically what this county has done," Commissioner Pat South said. "What is most important about today's closing ceremonies is that it's not the ending, it's the beginning."

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com