NCH firefighters sponsor festival

NORTH COLLEGE HILL - The North College Hill Fire Department Festival will be held July 2 from 6 p.m. to midnight at 1646 Galbraith Road. A parade begins at 6 p.m. and a dance show starts at 8 p.m. The festival, sponsored by the North College Hill Firefighters Protective Association, will continue on July 3 and feature fireworks at 10 p.m. For more information call 521-3950.

Cheviot offering tax amnesty program

CHEVIOT - The City of Cheviot is offering a tax amnesty program until Oct. 1, 2004. Under the amnesty program, a taxpayer who has not filed or failed to pay the required tax, may do so without incurring any interest or penalties. All criminal prosecutions would also be avoided. For more information call the Cheviot Tax Office: 661-7854 or www.cheviot.org.

Warren animal shelter applauded for efforts

LEBANON - A regional director for the Humane Association of the United States applauded the efforts of the Warren County animal shelter after a recent visit.

Regional Director Sandy Rowland wrote in a letter to the shelter's board president that it is "an outstanding organization dedicated to seeing companion animals have a safe and healthy haven for those in need."

Her letter is a sharp contract to comments former employees made more than a year ago, accusing the shelter of killing cats needlessly. An internal investigation found that more adoption cages were needed to keep up with the thousands of cats being turned into the shelter off Ohio 48, but made no conclusions about the validity of the claims.

Current shelter officials have always denied the claims.

Mason to hold contest for beautiful yards

MASON - Is your neighbor's perfectly manicured yard the envy of the subdivision?

Nominate it for Mason In Bloom's first annual beautification contest. Front yards will be judged July 17-21 for landscaping, flowers, maintenance and curb appeal.

Residents can nominate up to three residential front yards, including their own. Nominations are due by July 16 and can be found at www.masoninbloom.com.

Mason plans hearing on funeral home plan

MASON - Residents will have a chance to voice their concerns about a proposed funeral home next month.

Council will hold a public hearing during the 7 p.m.council meeting July 12.

Plans call for a 7,700-square-foot funeral home on 2.5 acres at the southwest corner of Tylersville Road and Fireside Drive. The project would require several variances.

Planning commission voted 6 to 1 to recommend conditional approval of the project.

Volunteers sought for Deerfield Day

DEERFIELD TWP. - The township is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Deerfield Day.

The Sept. 18 event at Cottell Park includes rides and food. Ooh La La and the Greasers oldies band will provide entertainment.

Groups or organizations that want to operate a booth or help out should call the township at 683-5805.