Sharpton to sign copies of book

NORWOOD - Al Sharpton, Democratic presidential candidate and New York activist, will be at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Norwood on Friday to sign copies of his book. Sharpton has written Al on America (Kensington, distributed by Penguin Putnam, $16). He will be at the bookstore from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Line numbers will be available Friday with the purchase of the book. Joseph-Beth is at 2692 Madison Road, Rookwood Pavilion. Information: 396-8960.

DON'T MISS THIS

Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops kick off "Happy Holidays from the Pops" - the Pops' annual holiday extravaganza - starting at 7 p.m. today in Music Hall. Broadway star Lee Roy Reams is the headliner. Other performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $17.50-$48.50. Information: 381-3300.

Cars, jewelry in sheriff's auction

NEW BURLINGTON - Lkoking for a steal? Then the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office might be the place to go on Saturday. Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. is conducting a public auction of surplus and forfeited property that includes 15 vehicles and 120 other pieces of personal property. Two items require a minimum bid - a man's Rolex watch ($500) and a pair of diamond earrings that are 2 carats each ($2,500). The auction starts at 9 a.m. at the Sheriff's Office patrol headquarters, 11021 Hamilton Ave. Information: 825-1500.

New schools nearly completed

INDIAN HILL - New elementary and high schools in Indian Hill, which cost a combined $45.4 million, are expected to be ready for students in April - four months ahead of schedule. Superintendent David Quattrone said the district will attempt to make the move for the elementary's 526 students and the high school's 704 students during spring break beginning March 29.

TRAFFIC WATCH

• Major widening of Interstate 275 from two to three lanes between Ohio 32 and Beechmont Avenue in Clermont County continues. Two lanes are open in each direction during the day with lane closures at night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Look for lane restrictions overnight on northbound Interstate 71 approaching the Lytle Tunnel. Also, the ramp from Second Street to northbound 71 will be closed overnight.