Staff reports

Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a nonprofit group of police, prosecutors and crime victims, called Monday on Ohio Sens. Mike DeWine and George Voinovich to support a $6 billion increase in child-care subsidies.

Cincinnati Chief Tom Streicher and Glendale Chief Matthew Fruchey spoke in favor of the money on Monday, saying that kids will be less likely to victimize others or become victims themselves if they get better starts. The Washington-based group cited a Chicago day-care study that showed children who were not in government-funded centers were 70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime by age 18.

Construction to start mid-March

State transportation officials on Monday announced that the $8.5 million project to replace the Columbia Parkway bridge into downtown will begin March 15. Signs warning motorists of the upcoming construction and detours will be posted March 1.

A slightly different detour into Mount Adams once the Martin Drive exit off eastbound Columbia Parkway shuts down next month also was announced on Monday. Motorists should now turn left onto Kemper Lane and left onto Luray Street, which turns into Eden Park Drive, and take Eden Park Drive to Martin Drive, said Ron Mosby, a spokesman with the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Earth Coalition gathering today

More than 100 people from 55 environmental organizations in the Tristate are expected to discuss wildlife, sustainability, recycling, solid waste and other issues at a meeting today. The public is invited to the free event, which runs 4-7:30 p.m. at Maple Ridge Lodge, 3040 Westwood-Northern Blvd.

The meeting is sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition.

Information: (513) 946-7789.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Millville Avenue is restricted to one lane between Lawson Avenue and Washington Boulevard in Hamilton until 4 p.m. Wednesday.

CORRECTION: Reservations number wrong

A story in Saturday's Local News section listed an incorrect phone number to make reservations for the St. John Passion Play. The number is (859) 392-0129.