INDEPENDENCE

Bid on a cow at church auction

Don't have a cow - bid on one. Or on a car at an auction at 9 a.m. Saturday at Community Pentecostal Church, 11875 Taylor Mill Road. Sponsored by the ladies ministry, the auction will feature two used cars, Longaberger baskets, antique glassware, furniture and crafts - and yes, a 1,000-pound grain-fed steer.

NEWPORT

Another casting call for 'Survivor'

For the second time in less than a year, there will be auditions for the Survivor reality show at Newport on the Levee. In February, 850 people participated in taped auditions. Auditions for Survivor 9 will be 1 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 on the mezzanine level in the Gallery Building, Levee officials said Thursday.

ERLANGER

Santa Claus is coming to town

Bring the kids and a camera for photos with Santa and treats at a Christmas party from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library, 401 Kenton Lands Road. Cookies, drinks, story telling and a craft project also are on tap. Bringing a present for all, Santa will be there from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The City of Erlanger and the library are hosting the party.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Washington Boulevard in Hamilton will be closed from New London Road to Millville Avenue so a water main can be replaced starting Monday. The road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays until the work is completed in late April 2004.

Also, Socialville-Fosters Road in Deerfield Township is scheduled to be closed just west of the Mason-Montgomery Road intersection from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. for placement of culvert pipes. Traffic will be detoured.