Firefighters' shifts cut after budget trims

ST. BERNARD - A 35 percent slash in an overtime budget has prompted the chief to eliminate extra shifts for firefighters.

Chief Steven Scherpenberg said the department may have to rely on mutual aid from neighboring communities to keep up with emergency runs when city firefighters aren't available.

Friday, six firefighters and paramedics, instead of the usual seven, were on duty.

Scherpenberg's decision Thursdayto eliminate overtime came six months after the city, faced with a budget crunch, cut the department's overtime budget to $40,000.

Last year's overtime budget was $135,000, but costs have averaged about $151,000 annually, Scherpenberg said.

Butler Co. programs win national honors

HAMILTON - FiveButler County programs have won achievement awards from the National Association of Counties.

At the national convention in Phoenix next month, the county will be honored for installing a fiber-optics backbone; launching a prescription drug relief program; creating a digital document management system for child support enforcement; starting a woolly mammoth educational program for schools, and offering an early-retirement incentive program that saved the county $20 million.

Waynesville considers ban on skateboards

WAYNESVILLE - Council is considering banning skateboarders from the village's central business district.

Council will discuss the potential ban 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the government center, 1400 Lytle Road.

The village has received several complaints about skateboarders on sidewalks and roads. Should the ordinance be approved, anyone caught skateboarding downtown will be charged with a minor misdemeanor.

Boil advisory issued after water upgrades

FRANKLIN TWP. - Residents living along or near Ohio 122 will have to boil their water starting Wednesday.

The boil order affects residents on Ohio 122 from Moyer Drive to Shaker Road as well as those on Beatrice Drive, Connie Street, Barbara Drive, Sarah Street, Moder Court and parts of Robinson-Vail Road.

Water will be shut off Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the Warren County Water and Sewer Department makes improvements. Residents should boil water at least two minutes and use bottled water to drink and cook.