Tax collections rise 5 percent in Blue Ash

BLUE ASH - Collected earnings taxes came in $175,000 higher than expected at year's end.

City Manager Marvin Thompson said officials anticipated only a half percent growth in earnings tax collections, but instead saw 5 percent.

"Much of that growth was (based on) net profits from businesses," Thompson said. "Blue Ash reflects the national economy."

Blue Ash businesses are required to pay 1 percent on net profits, and their employees pay the same rate on wages and other compensation.

The money goes to the contingency fund.

Newtown Rail crossing to get flashing lights

NEWTOWN - The DeBolt Avenue railroad crossing will gain flashing lights and roadway gates along with railroad crossings in nine other Ohio counties, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has announced.

Mason court details reasons for firing

MASON - The city's Municipal Court released additional details Friday about why Middletown City Councilman David Schiavone was fired from the probation department.

Schiavone, a Mason court employee for seven months, did not show up to a Jan. 3 project he was scheduled to supervise, the court said. Schiavone had been out for several days because of a back injury, but the court said a doctor's order not to work ended Jan. 2.

During an earlier review, Schiavone had been told that his work "was unacceptable" because he had not developed programs he was supposed to.

Schiavone had been hired in June after leaving his Butler County Probation Department job amid controversy over alleged abuse of sick leave.

Women's help group changes name, site

DOWNTOWN - Women Helping Women - the 30-year-old crisis intervention and support organization - changed its name and moved in December.

Now called Rape Crisis & Abuse Center of Hamilton County, the center moved to a bigger building directly across the street from its old home in the Barrister Building, downtown. It is now on the seventh floor of the Community Law Center Building, 215 E. Ninth Street.

Through a joint project with the YWCA, volunteers operate a 24-hour-a-day hotline.

For assistance, call (513) 872-9259, (888) 872-9259 or TTY: (513) 977-5545.

Fantasticks auditions at Lebanon Theatre

LEBANON - The Lebanon Theatre Companywill hold auditions for The Fantasticks at 3 p.m. Jan. 11 and 7 p.m. Jan. 12 .

The director is searching for one to four women and four to six men of varying ages.

Everyone auditioning must have a prepared song. The show is to be presented March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at the Top of the Shoe Theatre, 120 E. South St .