COLUMBUS - A new system allows campers to reserve a spot in an Ohio state park as far as six months in advance.

Under the system that went into operation Monday, reservations for the 57 state parks can be made daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. by telephone, (866) OHIOPARKS, or online at www.dnr.state.-oh.us/parks/default.htm.

Ky. schools want to keep CATS testing

FRANKFORT - A group of school superintendents is worried that replacing the statewide standardized test with a national exam will reduce school accountability.

The Kentucky Superintendent CEO Network credits the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System with boosting achievement in the past decade.

CATS covers seven subject areas with multiple-choice and written-response questions, as well as a portfolio of a student's writing over time.

Kernan to decide on clemency in January

INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Joe Kernan will wait until at least next month to decide on a clemency request from a death-row inmate who has challenged his conviction for two murders, a spokesman for the governor said Monday.

Attorneys for Darnell Williams have said genetic tests released last week cast doubt on Williams' guilt in the 1986 murder of a Gary couple.