Butler County picks new development chief

HAMILTON - A former AK Steel executive will be hired Thursday as Butler County's new point person for luring jobs and promoting new highways.

Brian Coughlin, who had worked as AK Steel's corporate manager for government affairs, will be named county economic development director by commissioners. He will report directly to commissioners.

Coughlin replaces Andrew Kuchta, who resigned Monday. Kuchta worked for Michael Juengling, county development director.

Coughlin will be involved in planning the Ohio 63 extension from Monroe to Trenton and the Interstate 75 Liberty interchange at Hamilton-Mason Road.

High-voltage danger is demonstration topic

BLUE ASH - Cinergy representatives will discuss the dangers of high-voltage power lines during a demonstration at 6 p.m. Thursday at the city service garage, 6131 Interstate Circle off Grooms Road.

The event, which is expected to last about an hour, is free and open to the public. For information, call 745-8540.

Hospital outreach wins $1,000 grant

BATAVIA - Mercy Hospital Clermont's outreach program will reach more area residents in need, thanks to a $1,000 grant awarded by the Mayerson Foundation of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University.

Mercy Clermont was selected by graduate students at NKU as part of the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project.

The grant stipulates that the funding be used to purchase various support items for outreach clients, such as pill reminder holders, small pocket calendars to keep track of medical appointments, and reminder clipboards.

Ross school finalists to face the public

ROSS TWP. - The community is invited to question the three finalists for superintendent of the Ross Local Schools Wednesday.

Each candidate will have 45 minutes for a presentation and to take questions in the media center at Ross High School, 3425 Hamilton-Cleves Road. Following each presentation, citizens will have 15 minutes to fill out a survey and present comments on the candidate.

Presentations will begin at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. The three finalists to replace retiring Superintendent David McWilliams are:

 Greg Young, assistant superintendent of Ross Local Schools.

 Michael Trego, superintendent, National Trail Local School District in New Paris, Ohio.

 M. Todd Yohey, assistant superintendent of St. Mary's City Schools, St. Mary's, Ohio.

Three Rivers schools present tax options

NORTH BEND - Residents in the Three Rivers school district had their first look Monday evening at tax-increase options they may see on the fall ballot.

The Three Rivers Board of Education's special public meeting drew more than 40 residents to Taylor High School, who learned that the $1.3 million in job and program cuts - coming after voters overwhelmingly rejected an operating levy in March - may be reversed if voters approve a levy in November or February.

Preliminary options being considered by the board range from 6 mills to 6.85 mills for a five-year operating levy.

The board has until Aug. 21 to place a tax issue on the fall ballot.