Staff/Wire reports

FAIRFIELD - A renewal of the 19-year-old Butler County mental health levy should be placed on the November ballot, instead of seeking new additional funding, said John Staup, Butler County Mental Health Board executive director.

A levy renewal could be promoted as not raising taxes, said Staup, who made the recommendation to the board Wednesday. The tax, originally passed in 1985, provides about $2 million a year.

Voters on March 2 rejected a half-mill, five-year levy that would have generated $3.5 million annually. It was the seventh mental health tax defeat since 1988 for the Fairfield-based agency.

The board's executive committee will review all financial options so the board can decide April 21 what kind of tax to seek in November, Staup said.

Siren to recognize severe weather week

BATAVIA - In recognition of Ohio Severe Weather Awareness Week, which begins Sunday, Clermont County will sound warning sirens as part of a statewide tornado drill at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday. The drill is designed to encourage schools, businesses and families to practice tornado safety plans.

On the first Wednesday of each month the outdoor sirens are tested at noon. A constant, wailing tone heard for three minutes at any other time signifies that the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Clermont County. People are asked not to call 911 to ask why the sirens are sounding because excessive calls can delay responses to true emergencies.

Each year an average of about 16 tornadoes occur in Ohio. Peak tornado season for Ohio is from April through mid-July, with most occurring between 2 and 10 p.m. For more information about Ohio Severe Weather Awareness Week call the Ohio Emergency Management Agency at 732.7661.

Service academies offer admission rules

HAMILTON - U.S. Rep. John Boehner, Republican representing the 8th Congressional District, invites high school sophomores or juniors and their families to attend a U.S. Service Academy Information Night from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Hamiltonian Hotel, One Riverfront Plaza.

Representatives from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Merchant Marine academies will provide information about their admissions and application processes. Details will also be provided on how to obtain a service academy nomination from Boehner, who represents all of Darke, Miami and Preble counties, most of Butler and Mercer counties, and the northeastern corner of Montgomery County.

For information, call (800) 582-1001.