COLUMBUS - Before shootings along a stretch of interstate were linked, police twice left behind bullets shot into vehicles that they thought were not of much importance in minor property damage cases.

Deciding not to collect evidence in such cases is not uncommon, law enforcement officials said.

After investigators figured out a string of shootings along a stretch of Interstate 270 were connected, Columbus police retrieved the two bullets from the vehicle owners. Both shootings were added to a list of 15 that investigators say are related, including one the killed a woman. Ballistics tests showed one of the retrieved slugs came from the same gun as five others in the case.

Two get rewards in tire fire investigation

UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio - Two people who helped authorities in the investigation of a fire at the state's largest tire dump have received rewards from the state.

Amanda Durham and Doug Kalb, both of Nevada, were friends with four men who were eventually sentenced to prison for starting the fire. The fire burned for five days in 1999 and resulted in nearly $12 million in damage and cleanup costs.

Durham, who received $2,500 from Ohio's Blue Ribbon Arson Committee, said she came forward with information because she was worried that the four men were going to set another fire. Kalb received $1,500.

Piqua teacher is ranked tops in Ohio

PIQUA, Ohio - A fourth-grade teacher at Bennett Intermediate School is Ohio's 2004 teacher of the year.

Susan Tave Zelman, state superintendent of public instruction, announced the award to Kathy Rank at a school assembly on Wednesday.

Rank has taught English and mathematics in Piqua for 10 years after teaching in Kansas City, Mo. She was Piqua City Schools' 2002-03 teacher of the year.

Flu vaccine scarce in Ky., but no outbreak

LOUISVILLE - Flu vaccine has become scarce in Kentucky after people sought inoculation in droves when flu season hit early. Unlike nearly half the country, Kentucky has avoided a widespread flu outbreak so far, said Gwenda Bond, a spokeswoman for the state Cabinet for Health Services.

Thirty-one flu cases have been confirmed at the state public health lab in Frankfort, and 18 more samples are to be tested.