More donations in for art school

Dreams of a new public-arts school may be one step closer to reality, according to a group raising money for the proposed Over-the-Rhine project. The Greater Cincinnati Arts and Education Center will reveal today how much has been donated to build the new School for Creative and Performing Arts. More than $13 million had been raised through April. The group needs to raise $26 million to qualify for $26 million in matching grants from Cincinnati Public Schools. Construction of the school at Central Parkway and Elm Street could start as soon as 2006. Jan Leslie, spokeswoman for the foundation, wouldn't estimate how much money was raised, but said the group was pleased with the campaign results.

Project to focus on female issues

The Women's Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation has launched a community-based research project on the status of women and girls in the region. University of Cincinnati President Nancy Zimpher and Donna Jones Stanley, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, are co-chairs of the steering committee. The project is called "Pulse: A Study on the Status of Women and Girls in Greater Cincinnati.'' Beginning in September, 10 forums will be scheduled throughout the eight-county study area to solicit input from women and girls. Organizers hope the study, which is expected to be complete by next summer, will increase awareness of the issues women face. They also hope the data collected will help stimulate more regional cooperation as well as more-focused programs and services. To participate, call Kathy DeLaura at (513) 369-1497.

Contract for study of contraceptives

The University of Cincinnati has received a seven-year, $3.25 million contract to study new, less irritating contraceptives for women. The project will compare two gels designed to protect women agaijst sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, herpes and HIV. Both gels are expected to be less irritating to women because they are not based on detergents. One of the gels - dubbed C31G - was originally developed as a mouthwash, but has since been found to kill sperm and disease-causing microbes in the vagina. The other - called BufferGel - kills sperm and disease-causing microbes by increasing the acidity in the vagina.

TRAFFIC WATCH

• A portion of Ohio 232 in Clermont County is closed between U.S. 52 and Ohio 756 until further notice because of a landslide. Detours are posted.

• The left lane of northbound Interstate 71 will be closed at the Kemper Road bridge from 9 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Saturday and 9 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday.

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