Got a way with words? Volunteer

OVER-THE-RHINE - Cincinnatians can donate their prowess with words and public speaking to children and adults through eight new programs being introduced Thursday by InkTank, a new nonprofit group trying to encourage creative expression and literacy.

InkTank is holding a soup social Thursday night in Over-the-Rhine to introduce its initiatives and sign up volunteers for the after-school and adult writing programs, which will be held all over the city.

The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Emmanuel Community Center, 1308 Race St. (across from Music Hall). More information: 542-0195.

No jackpot for hometown

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio - When resident Rebecca Jemison turned in her winning $162 million Mega Millions ticket, the mayor thought this cash-strapped city had hit the jackpot, too.

The middle-class suburb near Cleveland had high hopes for the $1.4 million in expected tax revenue from Jemison's income. But luck eluded South Euclid, where officials on Tuesday dealt with news that the city had never changed its charter to allow taxing of lottery winnings. "I really do believe 'easy come, easy go,' " Mayor Georgine Welo said from her desk at City Hall.

Associated Press

Dixie grads aid ill student

EDGEWOOD - The Dixie Heights High School Class of 1946 is challenging other alumni classes to help a student pay for a lung transplant.

The class has raised $1,100 for Andrea Hall of Crescent Springs, who is a senior. Donations: Andrea Hall Transplant Fund at Provident Bank, 1 E. 4th St., Cincinnati 45202.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Watch for lane restrictions on north and southbound I-275 between Tylersville and Sharon roads.