Staff/Wire reports

A Memorial Day service held Monday at Fort Campbell honored more than 60 soldiers from the Army post who have died in Iraq.

"Soldiers died while trying to assure us that they would not let us down," Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner told the crowd. "It is your duty to be here today."

More than 20,000 soldiers deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in February 2003 and began returning in January.

Building to start for art academy

Five years of planning and fund raising culminates this morning with the official kickoff to construction of a $12.5 million renovation of two buildings in Over-the-Rhine for the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

The academy's move to the new campus at 12th and Jackson streets will bring an annual operating budget of $5 million and 300 students and 50 faculty and staff to the neighborhood.

Town meeting to address safety

Reducing violence and improving safety are topics of a town meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Heberle Elementary School, 2015 Freeman Ave., West End. It is sponsored by Heberle School, Beech Acres, Seven Hills Neighborhood Services, Hamilton County Community Action Agency and Cincinnati police. Refreshments will be served. Information: Heberle Elementary School, 363-2500.

Military service not major factor

INDIANAPOLIS - Only a quarter of Indiana residents believe a candidate's military service makes him or her more qualified for public office, according to a recent poll.

This November, Hoosiers have the choice for president between Democratic Sen. John Kerry, a decorated Navy veteran, and Republican President Bush, who served in the Texas Air National Guard. In the race for governor, Democratic Gov. Joe Kernan, a Navy veteran who spent 11 months as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, faces Republican Mitch Daniels, who has no military experience.

The Associated Press

TRAFFIC

HAMILTON COUNTY - Due to water main construction, Gaines Road, between Sheed and Jessup Roads in Colerain Township, is closed effective today June 1 for approximately three weeks.

Detour will be routed over Gaines Road to Brierly Creek Road to Sheed Road.