Xerox donates $1M for museum library

DOWNTOWN - Xerox Corp. has donated $1 million to help establish the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's John Parker Library. The gift was presented Thursday by Joseph Cahalan, vice president of the Xerox Foundation, and brings the Freedom Center's capital campaign total to more than $101 million. The library will house a variety of research tools, including a digital archive of Underground Railroad materials as well as a genealogy research area. The library is named in honor of John P. Parker, an African-American ironsmith and foundry master who lived in Ripley from 1850 until his death in 1900. Parker purchased his own freedom and then helped an estimated 1,000 others attain freedom as well.

Yes to YMCA, no to higher taxes

SYMMES TWP. - Most Symmes Township residents who spoke at a public hearing Thursday night told trustees they favored a YMCA with Deerfield Township if they wouldn't have to pay higher taxes. About 40 residents turned out at the first of two hearings that will guide trustees in deciding whether to help build an $11 million satellite of the Ralph J. Stolle Countryside Y pegged for Montgomery Road. Trustees have until July 6 to file for a levy on the November ballot, which they say would be needed for construction. Deerfield trustees this week approved a letter of intent with the Lebanon recreational center, which would also operate the satellite Y.

Fire safety devices distributed free

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati firefighters this week began their annual Safe Summer Nights program, distributing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and new batteries to low- and fixed-income city residents. Sponsored by Gold Star Chili, the program sends firefighters into neighborhoods each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from now until Labor Day. They'll give out about 5,000 smoke alarms, including special ones for people with hearing problems, and 1,000 carbon monoxide detectors. The American Red Cross donated some of the detectors; Gold Star donated more than 1,500 batteries.

TRAFFIC WATCH

The ramp from westbound Ohio 125 to eastbound Ohio 32 in Hamilton County will be closed from 7 tonight until 5 a.m. Monday. Follow posted detours.