Fire district wins security grant

ELSMERE - The Department of Homeland Security has awarded $135,999 to the Elsmere Fire Protection District as part of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The money will be used for firefighter safety programs; protective gear and other equipment; training, and wellness and fitness programs, and for upgrades to fire stations. The grant was announced by U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Southgate. The money comes from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security.

Police center to name head

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati's new Community Police Partnering Center will announce its new executive director this morning, and it's expected to be Assistant Police Chief Rick Biehl. Biehl, a 24-year police veteran, is known for his philosophical approach to policing. The privately funded center, part of the 2002 collaborative agreement to improve police/community relations, oversees citywide community problem-oriented policing. The crime-fighting approach pairs police and residents who work to solve community problems.

Public recycling bins set up

INDEPENDENCE - Recycling bins open to the public have been placed near the public works administration building at 420 Independence Station Road in Banklick Woods Park. Aluminum and tin cans, paper, plastic and glass beverage containers may be placed together in the bins. Kenton County has contracted with Rumpke, which will pick up and sort the materials.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Washington Street in Hamilton will be closed and parking will be restricted from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily through Feb. 23.