Better rating for fire coverage

POINT PLEASANT - Insurance rates for businesses and residents could drop after the fire department here received a higher rating from the insurance industry. The Point Pleasant Fire Protection District went from a split classification of 4/9 to a Class 2. The fire district covers five square miles east of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. It was unclear exactly how much business owners could expect their rates to drop. Notification of the class change, scheduled to take effect July 1, will be sent to insurers within the next 30 days. Fire Chief Michael Giordano said less than 1 percent of the fire departments across the United States have received a Class 2 rating. Only a handful, and none in the Tristate, have received the top rating of Class 1.

Ford falls, breaks hip

FRANKFORT - Former Sen. Wendell Ford broke a hip in a fall and underwent surgery in Florida, his sister said Tuesday. "They put a pin and a plate in him, and he's doing fine," said B.J. Sharpe, an employee of the Legislative Research Commission.

Ford, 79, spent four terms in the Senate, retiring in 1998. He was governor of Kentucky from 1971 to 1974 and was lieutenant governor before that. Sharpe said Ford tripped over a gasoline hose while fueling his car at a service station. He and his wife, Jean, were on vacation in the Fort Lauderdale area. He underwent surgery Thursday, Sharpe said.

Juniors can win scholarships

The Better Business Bureau is offering five $1,000 scholarships to Cincinnati-area juniors. Students must write an essay that describes an ethical situation they faced in their life. The essays and application are due May 21. Winners can use the scholarships at any accredited secondary education institution. Information, 421-3015, or talk to school guidance counselors.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Watch for lane closures on northbound Ohio 4 at CSX Railroad in Hamilton County from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Friday for bridge beam placement.