Columbia Twp. to swear in officials

COLUMBIA TWP. - A new township trustee and a new township clerk will be sworn into office Thursday.

Steve Langenkamp, who had been Columbia Township's clerk, will assume the position of township trustee. He will replace Paul Davis, who is retiring after one term in office.

George Leet will replace Langenkamp as township clerk. Leet defeated Roger Balsly in the November general election.

The swearing-in will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the township building, 5686 Kenwood Road.

Warren picks jail health provider

LEBANON - Southern Health Partners will be responsible for inmate health care at the Warren County Jail for the new year.

The Warren County Commissioners awarded the company the $288,600 contract for health services on Tuesday.

The county's contract with provider PhyAmerica ends today, county officials said.

Southern Health Partners will also cover inmates in the Warren County Juvenile Justice Facility.

Butler Commission OKs $75M budget

HAMILTON - The Butler County Commissioners passed an approximately $75 million budget for 2004.

Finance Director and Assistant County Administrator Tim Williams said the budget approved Monday includes a 5.2 percent increase over 2003.

The county faces an additional pay period in 2004.

The increase in the budget is necessary to pay employees 27 times instead of the typical 26, Williams said.

Butler County's total revenue for 2004 is a projected $74 million.

Morrow athletic group merges

MORROW - The Morrow Athletic Association has joined the Little Miami Youth Athletic Association.

The Little Miami Youth Athletic Association now runs football, soccer, baseball and softball for Testerman Park in Maineville, and Thornton and Veteran's Parks in Morrow.

Baseball and softball sign-ups for the coming season will be held at Little Miami High School Jan. 7 and 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information about the baseball program, call Tim Cook at 677-3724. For softball information, call Scott Baker at 899-4508.

Bloodmobiles open today for drives

Tristate residents can ring in the New Year by donating blood during Hoxworth Blood Center's New Year's Eve community blood drives.

Residents can give blood 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today at two locations. Bloodmobiles will be at Rookwood Commons, Norwood, near Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Eastgate Mall between Sears and Kohl's.

To make an appointment at either of the blood drives, call Hoxworth at 451-0910.

All blood donors will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate from www.giftcertificates.com.

Donors must be at least 17 years old and in good health. You must weigh at least 110 pounds, eat a good meal within four hours of donating and bring identification.

For more information regarding medicines, immunizations and other medical questions, call Hoxworth's Donor Services, 558-1304.

Hoxworth Blood Center at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center needs to collect blood from 325 volunteer donors each day to keep up with the needs of Tristate patients.