Police officers and other law-enforcement officials from across the state will start running toward Columbus this week to raise money for Special Olympics.

Locally, the run begins 9 a.m. Wednesday at the police memorial in the West End, where a contingent that usually includes police recruits and a team from the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office will run 16 miles to Springdale. Thursday, a brief 8 a.m. ceremony will precede officers leaving on the next leg of the run, which continues on through Xenia and Springfield. Officers running from each corner of the state will converge Friday at Ohio State University to kick off the state Special Olympics Summer Games.

Orphanage needs items for summer

St. Joseph Orphanage, 5400 Edalbert Drive, Monfort Heights, seeks swimwear, pool toys, sports equipment, summer clothes and school supplies for about 150 children in its summer programs. "We particularly need new T-shirts, shorts, bathing suits, socks and shoes for children at the middle school through high school levels," said Gloria Wahler, community relations and marketing director. She added that St. Joseph is also looking for cash donations and tickets to local amusement parks and entertainment sites. St. Joseph provides mental health services to more than 2,500 emotionally troubled, abused or neglected boys and girls each year. To donate, call 741-3100 or visit www.stjosephorphanage.org.

Mock to become Municipal judge

Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Russell J. Mock II will become a Municipal Court judge next month. Mock, 35, worked for former state Sen. Richard H. Finan before joining the prosecutor's office three years ago. He replaces Judge Timothy Black, who resigned to become a federal magistrate. Mock, who now works in the civil division of the prosecutor's office, received his undergraduate degree in political science and history from the University of Dayton and his law degree from Ohio Northern University. His term on the Municipal Court bench begins July 6.

TRAFFIC WATCH

• Winters Lane will be closed today between Holtz Drive and Ky. 8 in Campbell County from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

• Darrtown Road will be closed between Old Oxford and Stillwell Beckett roads in Hanover Township, Butler County, until 4 p.m. Friday.

• Schradin Road will be closed between George and Alert New London roads in Morgan Township, Butler County, for bridge replacement until Oct. 4.

• Butler-Warren Road will be closed north of Fields Ertel and south of Dimmick roads in West Chester Township from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. today and Wednesday. CONTACT US

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