Police, fire center moving forward

SYMMES TWP. - A new safety center for firefighters and sheriff's deputies moved ahead this week when officials approved financing for construction.

Trustees agreed to issue bonds totaling $5.53 million, which includes $4 million to be paid back through a tax levy approved by voters in 2002.

The safety center, due to start construction late in the year on 4.5 acres at Mayrow Road and Weekly Lane, will replace an outdated fire station at Chapel Square in the Governors Hill Business Park.

The new 29,500-square-foot building will provide quarters for Hamilton County sheriff's deputies and firefighters with the private Loveland-Symmes Fire Department, which are under contract with the township.

New guidance system for Butler airport

HAMILTON - Pilots should be cleared for landing with the new $500,000 instrument landing system at the Butler County Regional Airport by April 15.

A vertical guidance system and new approach lights will be certified for use on that date by the Federal Aviation Administration, two months later than expected, says Ron Davis, manager of the airport, which straddles the Hamilton-Fairfield corporation limits.

FAA tests in late December detected some erroneous calculations, necessitating more tests on Jan. 22, he said.

The new "precision approach" equipment provides planes with information as they descend to the runway, he said. Butler County has the only airport with this instrument landing system between Lunken Airport and Dayton.

Clermont farmers invited to forum

OWENSVILLE - Farmers and individuals interested in conservation on agricultural lands in Clermont County are invited to attend a 2004 Agricultural Conservation Needs Assessment meeting from 9 a.m. to noon or 6-9 p.m. Feb. 17 in the 4-H Hall at the Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St.

Learn details about Farm Bill programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Wetland Reserve Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Participants in the program will also provide input to the Local Farm Bill Work Group, which determines what conservation practices should receive funding priority for 2004.

RSVP by Tuesday: 732-7075.

Harrison 5K run, walk to benefit city's needy

HARRISON - The Mayor's Fund, which helps disadvantaged families here, is hosting a 5K run and walk on Feb. 21, along with a Greater Harrison Health Fair during and after the run.

Individuals should register by Monday, and four-person corporate teams should register by Feb. 13. To register, call the Harrison Community Center at 367-2111 or download an entry form at www.harrisonfitness.com.

Participants may also register the morning of the race, which will start at the Harrison Health and Fitness Center in West Harrison, Ind., at 9:30 a.m.