The Cincinnati Enquirer is seeking lay Catholics for a reader panel discussion on the Catholic Church's parishes and schools. We're looking for a group that is diverse in age, race, geography, ethnicity and gender.

If you would like to participate, please send an e-mail to rgoodman@enquirer.com or write to Rebecca Goodman, The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati OH 45202. Include name, neighborhood, day and night phone numbers, occupation and e-mail address. Also, parish or school, as well as your age, race, ethnicity and gender.

REGION

Eighth-graders are on the job

About 1,600 eighth-graders from more than 15 schools in the area will participate today in Job Shadow Day. Representatives from 80 regional companies will meet students at Cinergy and the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

HAMILTON CO.: Real estate taxes due at midnight

Midnight today in the deadline for Hamilton County property owners to pay their first-half 2003 real estate taxes. After that, there's a penalty. To pay:

•  Treasurer's office hours have been extended to 5:30 p.m. today.

•  Use a credit card at www.hamilton-co.org/treasurer/.

•  A deposit box is in the lobby of the County Administration Building, 138 Court St., until midnight.

Congis Corp. extends contract

WINTON PLACE - Negotiators for Congis Corp. and its hourly employees have reached a tentative agreement for a one-year contract extension. Mike Eggie, president of United Steel Workers of America Local 14340, said on Sunday that negotiators agreed to the extension.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Lane closures possible during off-peak hours on southbound Interstate 75 between Sharon Road and Tylersville.