Staff/Wire reports

LOVELAND - City officials and members of a group that hopes to overturn a zoning amendment allowing commercial development at White Pillars are set to debate Feb. 18.

The pre-election event, from 7-9 p.m. at the Loveland Intermediate School cafeteria, 757 S. Lebanon Road, is being hosted by the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce. Index cards will be provided at the door for the audience to submit questions.

The issue was placed on the March 2 ballot after a citizen group, Voice of the Electorate, challenged changes in city zoning laws that allowed properties of 5 acres or more to be rezoned to commercial even if they were next to residential neighborhoods.

The amendment, defended by the city as part of its master plan, paved the way for Hines-Griffin to buy the $3.2 million White Pillars site off Ohio 48 from Loveland with plans to develop it for residential and commercial use.

Information: 683-1544.

Water-damaged offices reopen in Hamilton

HAMILTON - Offices and three courtrooms damaged by water from a faulty sprinkler over the weekend reopened Monday at the Butler County Government Services Center downtown.

A pressurized sprinkler head in the second-floor pedestrian bridge to the parking garage "popped off" at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, soaking parts of the second and first floor for two hours, said Dave Saunders, facilities manager.

Although it was a record minus 12 degrees at the time, Saunders said he doesn't believe the leak was weather-related "because it was inside the building."

Drywall and ceiling tiles may have to be replaced. Repair estimates have not been completed, though "it's going to cost a bunch" for the emergency water cleanup contractor on Saturday, he said.

Heaters and blowers were drying carpets Monday in the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services offices, and first- and second-floor walkways. "I think we got lucky and saved the carpet," he said.

Reading police offer firearm safety kits

READING - To promote safe gun storage, city police are providing 300 free firearm safety kits to residents.

The kits, which include a gun lock, are available 24 hours a day in the police department's lobby.

The kits were provided through the city's partnership with Project ChildSafe, a nationwide firearms safety program. Information: Lt. Scott Snow, 733-4122.

Rocker Ted Nugent to speak Feb. 19

OXFORD - The "Motor City Madman" has confirmed the date for his Miami University speaking appearance.

Rocker and Second Amendment activist Ted Nugent will lecture on his libertarian beliefs at 7 p.m., Feb. 19, in Presser Hall.

Nugent, known for such hits as "Cat Scratch Fever" and "Wango Tango," will talk as part Conservatives Week, sponsored by Miami's College Republicans. The speech is free and open to the public.