Maupins observe son's 21st birthday

UNION TOWNSHIP - The family of captured American soldier Spc. Keith Matthew Maupin ate birthday cake and held a private observance Tuesday to mark the 21st birthday of the soldier captured by Iraqi insurgents on April 9. Neighbors, friends and bus-driving colleagues of Maupin's mother, Carolyn Maupin, came to the family's home Tuesday to erect a flagpole graced with an MIA-POW flag. "They're going to save the celebration for when Matt comes home," said Army Maj. Mark Magalski, who has maintained daily contact with the family since the Glen Este High School graduate's capture more than three months ago. "Of course, they're wishing he was here. Today is a hard day for them."

Fountain Square hosts parks event

DOWNTOWN - The City of Cincinnati celebrates "Parks and Recreation Day in Cincinnati" from noon to 1 p.m. today at Fountain Square, with performances by Showboat Majestic singers and the Lincoln Recreation Center's "Futurettes." Seniors will compete in a chair volleyball tournament, and Billy Casper Golf is providing a pro to help with questions and golf swing tips. Jim Garges, director of recreation, will introduce Team Cincinnati, a group of young athletes who will represent the city at the 2004 International Children's Games in Cleveland, July 29-Aug. 3.

Councilman ducks ethical violation

LOVELAND - Loveland Councilman Paul Elliott withdrew an invoice submitted to the city by his company, Apex Inc., to avoid even the appearance of an ethical violation. A city employee bought 50 yard signs for the Concerts in the Park series from Apex for about $300 earlier this year. Several council members said they wouldn't vote to pay the bill because it was in violation of the city charter, which prohibits council members for doing business with the city. Elliot said he would eat the cost. He said he didn't think there was a violation because his company bought the signs and passed them along to the city with no markup.

Police to hand out free gun locks

KENTON COUNTY - Twelve police departments in Kenton County will receive cable-style gunlocks today to distribute free to gun owners as part of the national Project Child Safe initiative. Police departments receiving the locks today will include: Covington, Crescent Springs, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Elsmere, Erlanger, Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, Lakeside Park, Independence, Park Hills and Taylor Mill. More than 370,000 free gunlocks will be distributed in Kentucky through a partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and law enforcement agencies. For information visit www.projectchildsafe.org.

Murder charge filed in wreck

FLORENCE - A 23-year-old Erlanger man was charged with wanton murder Wednesday for his involvement in a June 10 fatal crash on Interstate 75. Thomas Jewell, who was arrested and later released after posting bond, is scheduled for his next court appearance on July 28 at 2 p.m. in Boone District Court, police said. The wanton murder charge stems from a crash that killed 38-year-old Scott Lane, of Cincinnati. Alcohol was determined to be a factor in the crash and was the basis for the charge, police said. According to police, a northbound 2002 Volkswagen driven by Jewell collided with a southbound 1998 Honda driven by Lane. The crash occurred in the southbound lanes near Florence Mall.

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