Weather-spotter training offered

BATAVIA -- The Clermont County Emergency Management Agency will hold its annual weather spotter-training program today.

The training will be in the auditorium at the University of Cincinnati-Clermont College at 7 p.m.

National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Tipton will conduct the training. He will discuss weather conditions conducive to tornado development, how to recognize various types of clouds and other situations that can spawn dangerous weather conditions.

At the conclusion of the training, there will be opportunities to find out how to become a weather spotter for the National Weather Service.

Families, school groups and Boy and Girl Scout troops are encouraged to attend.

For more information or to register, call the Clermont County Department of Public Safety Services, 732-7661.

Local hospitals on 'distinguished' list

Several Greater Cincinnati hospitals have been listed as "Distinguished Hospitals" for 2004 by HealthGrades.com, a health care services ratings agency.

The list includes St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Northern Kentucky; the Christ, Deaconess and Good Samaritan hospitals in Cincinnati; and the Miami Valley, Grandview and Good Samaritan hospitals in Dayton.

The designation means the hospitals rank among the top 5 percent nationwide in overall care. More than 4,700 hospitals are reviewed by HealthGrades on several types of service including cardiac, orthopedic, stroke, pulmonary and vascular care.

Blue Ash rec board seeking applicants

BLUE ASH - Residents interested in applying for a vacancy on the city's recreation board are asked to send a letter of interest and resume to City Council by 5 p.m. Feb. 9.

The five-member board serves as an intermediary between citizens and the city regarding recreational needs of the community. Meetings are held monthly on the fourth Monday. For more information, call the city manager's office at 745-8510.

Committee to work on Warren transit plan

LEBANON - A steering committee has been appointed to help with Warren County's transit development plan.

The 10 members, approved by the county commissioners, were appointed last week and represent various county agencies and organizations as well as Paramount's Kings Island, Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments.

A consultant, hired by ODOT, is spearheading the plan's development.