Pay bills, check water usage online

The Greater Cincinnati Water Works now allows residential users to pay their water bills via credit card on the Internet, director David Rager reported to Cincinnati City Council this week. The Web site will soon also allow customers to view their itemized bill, enter their own meter readings, request service, create payment plans and view their consumption history, Rager said. The city's water department bills customers in Cincinnati and some suburbs for water, sewer and storm water management.

Police collect bicycle helmets

Got an extra bicycle helmet? Cincinnati Police Officer Kathy Horn is looking for new helmets or ones in good condition. They will go to east-side children and as awards to grade-schoolers. A helmet law for youth takes effect next month. Want to help? Call Horn (513) 979-4418. Effective May 1 in Cincinnati, all children ages 15 and under must wear helmets with a strap under their chins if they are on bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller skates or inline skates on any public or non-residential property.

West Nile case in Scioto County

A 79-year-old Scioto County man has contracted the first probable case of West Nile virus of 2004, the Ohio Department of Health said Friday. The man was not identified and his condition was not available. In 2003, Ohio reported 108 probable and confirmed human cases of West Nile virus and eight virus-related deaths. Human West Nile cases typically do not appear until late summer in Ohio. Health authorities are working to determine where the man may have been exposed to the virus.

TRAFFIC WATCH

The ramp from westbound Ohio 125 to westbound Ohio 32 in Hamilton County is closed until 5 a.m. Monday.

Also, the intersection of Elizabeth Drive and South Gersam Avenue in Hamilton will be closed for two weeks beginning at 8 a.m. Monday.