Senator lunches with hero-soldier

WASHINGTON - Winding up a five-day trip to Iraq, Sen. Jim Bunning met Thursday with James Lawrence Ross, the 1999 Conner High School graduate who was declared a hero for thwarting a suicide bombing last month. "He can't be more upbeat than he is right now," said Bunning, a Kentucky Republican, who had lunch in Mosul with Ross and five other soldiers from Kentucky. Ross was credited with saving hundreds of his fellow soldiers from a suicide car bomber who tried to blow up a military base in northern Iraq. The 22-year-old Army specialist fired at the car until it blew up just yards from the base's entrance.

Ross' unit is expected to return home later this month.

42-year police career winds up

MONROE - Police Chief Ernest Howard is being honored at an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. today in the community room of the city building, 233 S. Main St. Today marks Howard's last day on the job, capping a 421/2-year career. Capt. Tom Bishop will serve as acting chief while city leaders search for a new chief.

DON'T MISS THIS

The Travel, Sports & Boat Show opens today at the Cincinnati Convention Center. Admission is $9 adults, $3 for age 13 and under; discount tickets available at local Kroger stores.

CORRECTION

To purchase a personalized brick to be laid at Great American Ball Park, call (866) 850-2100 by today, the deadline. The phone number was incorrect in this column Thurday. The brick pavers are $75 and $150. The cost range was incorrect in Thursday's story.