Concealed-carry law's impact focus of forums

Business owners and group leaders in Butler County will have four opportunities to learn about the possible effects of Ohio's new "concealed carry" handgun permit law.

The county sheriff's office has set free informational sessions at which people in oversight positions - such as business owners, hospital administrators, church leaders and bank managers - can learn specifically how the law applies to and affects businesses.

The meetings are not intended for the general public or permit-seekers, the sheriff's office said, and registering in advance is required.

To register, call the sheriff's receptionist at 785-1000, ext. 0, or fax to Cmdr. Dave Pratt, 737-1666, including your business name, contact person, number of attendees expected and a daytime telephone number. Pratt also may be reached at 737-1555.

The meetings are set for:

 Feb. 13, Hamilton: 2-4 p.m., fourth floor, Government Services Center, 130 High St.

 Feb. 27, Fairfield: 1-3 p.m., Receptions Banquet Center, 5975 Boymel Drive.

 March 5, West Chester Township: 1-3 p.m., Town Hall, 9100 Centre Pointe Drive.

 March 19, Middletown: 2-4 p.m., Middletown Chamber of Commerce, 1500 Central Ave.

Madeira faces crunch as fewer people die

MADEIRA - A $290,000 shortfall in anticipated estate taxes means the city will be tightening its belt this year.

A plan to fill a vacancy for a police officer has been put on hold, the city's newsletter was reduced by two editions to five, and a $100,000-$150,000 streetscape project planned for the area around the railroad depot could be put off until next year. The street repair program will be cut back by about 10 percent.

The police officer's job is worth about $70,000, while trimming the number of newsletters will save about $6,000, City Manager Tom Moeller said.

The city has averaged about $475,000 a year in estate taxes, but only received $185,000 for 2003. The tax is typically earmarked for capital projects, but the city also budgeted some of the money toward operational costs, Moeller said.

"It depends upon who passed away and what their estate was worth. That's something you can't predict," Moeller said. "We had fewer people die, with smaller estates."

Shopping center renderings to be shown

ANDERSON TWP. - Victory Investments Inc. of Columbus, Ga., and Kroger officials are expected to unveil renderings and details of the Anderson Towne Center at today's Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

The shopping center, formerly Beechmont Mall, is being reworked. Its anchor, scheduled to open in the fall, will be the largest Kroger store in the nation at 104,000 square feet, about the size of two football fields.

Trustee President Russ Jackson Jr. also is expected to give an update on the status of a proposed movie theater.

Give blood, get trial gym membership

COLERAIN TWP. - The new Gold's Gym here is hosting a blood drive Monday evening with Hoxworth Blood Center and will give every blood donor a 14-day trial membership to the gym.

From 5-7 p.m. on Monday, the Hoxworth mobile unit will be outside the gym on Colerain Avenue. Hoxworth requests people make reservations, although drop-ins are welcome. Call Gold's Gym at 554-4653 to schedule a time.

Warren offers class on machine tool trades

LEBANON - The Warren County Career Center is offering machine tool trades, a 100-hour course, March 2 through May 25.

The class will be at the career center, 3525 N. Ohio 48, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Tuition is $785, with a lab fee of $150 and a $95 book fee. Information/registration: 932-8145, extension 5273.