Queen City Barrel to pay pollution fine

LOWER PRICE HILL -- The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said Friday that Queen City Barrel Co. has agreed to pay a $26,625 fine to settle claims it violated state pollution laws.

Last October, the Hamilton County Division of Environmental Services determined that Queen City Barrel was operating a steel drum coating line without a permit at its plant at 1937 South St., in Lower Price Hill. The company agreed to shut down the line. Ohio EPA said the shutdown will eliminate 1.6 tons of volatile organic compounds from the air per year.

West End plan to spur housing approved

WEST END - The Cincinnati Planning Commission approved a comprehensive plan for the West End Friday, hoping to boost homeownership and encourage neighborhood businesses.

With the construction of new housing in the Lincoln and Laurel Homes areas, city planners are turning their attention to the northeastern part of the neighborhood - an industrial area that includes a brewery, junkyards and light industry. The plan will try to balance those businesses with a more vibrant residential scene, planners said.

Low bidder sues city over pluming contract

DOWNTOWN - Cincinnati City Manager Valerie Lemmie awarded a bid for plumbing work on the Convention Center expansion to the high bidder Friday, prompting a lawsuit from the low bidder.

Nelson Stark received the city contract, despite bidding $332,398 more than the Thomas J. Dyer Co., the city manager said. Only two companies bid on the job, and the city determined that only Nelson Stark met the requirements of the city's Small Business Enterprise program.

Best joins Butler Co. race for commissioner

HAMILTON - Republican J. Michael Best of Fairfield entered the Butler County commissioner race as an independent Friday.

Best, 56, a former Fairfield councilman, is a Procter & Gamble researcher. He will challenge incumbent Michael A. Fox, also a Republican, and Democrat Catherine Stoker.