Racial profiling alleged in search

OVER-THE-RHINE - An Over-the-Rhine man whose search by a Cincinnati police officer was shown on a national television news show last week alleged that he was targeted because he is black. Robert Short filed a complaint at the District 1 police station Wednesday, saying Officer Ron Dammert racially profiled him when he stopped and searched him in 2002 on an Over-the-Rhine street. Short tried to file a complaint that day, but was told he could be charged with filing a false police report. What Short wanted to complain about at the time, police say now, was that Dateline NBC photographed a search of his groin. The complaint filed this week will be reviewed by police supervisors for possible further action.

Deaf health fair set for Saturday

University Hospital is sponsoring a free Deaf/Hard of Hearing Health Fair from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, 3520 Central Parkway. This year's event will feature CJ Jones, a deaf entertainer, comedian and motivational speaker who has appeared on television shows such as A Different World and Sesame Street. Topics to be discussed include domestic violence, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol and communications technology. Registrations will be accepted between 8-9 a.m. the day of the event, or by calling 584-3785 TTY or 584-5052.

Earth Day activities at Sawyer Point

The Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition is preparing for Earth Day with free activities at P&G Pavilion at Sawyer Point from 1 p.m. to dark on Saturday. This year's theme is One Earth ... One Chance. The event will offer live music, more than 40 exhibitors, award presentations and giveaways. There will also be food, crafts and art vendors. The coalition is a collaboration concerned about environmental issues in the area.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Watch for crews patching potholes on the ramp from westbound Interstate 275 to northbound Ohio 747 in Springdale today. They will begin after morning rush hour and a message board will alert motorists to the work. On Monday, crews will begin widening the ramp on Ohio 747 north of I-275 and south of Crescentville Road from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. nightly until completion later in the spring.