Recount nearly done, Niehaus still leads

With the recount process almost finished, Jean Schmidt has picked up only four votes so far against her opponent, Tom Niehaus, in the race for the Republican nomination for Ohio's 14th Senate District seat.

In order to win the race, Schmidt needs to pick up 23 votes in Scioto County's recount today.

The certified results of the March 2 primary election indicated that Niehaus defeated Schmidt by 26 votes.

After recounts in four counties in the five-county Senate district, Niehaus lead over Schmidt was reduced from 26 to 22.

In Brown County's recount on Thursday, Schmidt gained two votes.

The Adams County's recount on Wednesday showed no change in the vote totals.

In the Lawrence County recount on Tuesday, Schmidt gained six votes.

In Clermont County's recount on Monday, Niehaus gained four votes.

Trustees will review proposed annexation

DEERFIELD TWP. - Township trustees are taking a hard look at the proposed annexation of Paramount's Kings Island's campground and northern tollbooths.

Trustees voted this week to retain legal counsel to review the annexation of the nearly 75-acre property into the city of Mason.

Kings Island had originally approached Mason for the annexation in an attempt to get its entire property within city limits.

The property is being considered by the Wisconsin-based Great Lakes Companies, which is negotiating with Kings Island to build a $60 million hotel and indoor water park there.

Mason City Council already voted in support of the annexation. The issue will ultimately go to Warren County commissioners for final approval.

Humane Association audit due Tuesday

LEBANON - The results of an internal investigation of the Warren County Humane Association will be released Tuesday during the group's annual meeting.

The animal shelter's attorney, James V. Heath of Maineville, declined to discuss the findings until the meeting.

An internal investigation started nearly a year ago after allegations that cats were needlessly being euthanized and some were put into garbage bags while they were still alive.

The association also will be discussing goals and upcoming events at the meeting.

Milford approves U.S. 50 repaving

MILFORD - City Council passed an ordinance this week allowing the Ohio Department of Transportation to begin repaving a section of U.S. 50.

The Clermont County city's vice mayor, James Gradolf, said the repaving will begin at the intersection of Ohio 28, also called Five Points intersection, and end at Mohawk Trail. The section to be repaved is less than one mile long.

Construction is to begin in 2005.

Glendale gets grant to buy green space

GLENDALE - The village has received an $80,243 state grant to help buy an acre of green space on Chester Road near the St. Edmund's Place subdivision.

Four years ago, the subdivision developer, Camden Homes, donated 6.5 acres of green space to Glendale with the understanding that the village would buy one acre of green space when it received a state grant.