Consultant to study drainage for road work

SYMMES TWP. - The township turned to a consultant this week in an effort to figure out how to reduce drainage into Polk Run Creek when Montgomery Road is widened beginning next year.

Trustees gave the green light to Administrator Gerald Beckman, allowing him to pay JMA Consultants up to $7,700 to study possible solutions.

The township's action comes in the wake of a federal decision that denied local communities help in easing flooding on Polk Run.

Symmes is part of a consortium of communities organized to address problems caused by the creek, which flooded in July 2001, killing three people and causing $10 million in damages.

Beckman, who heads the consortium, said officials are concerned about increased runoff from Montgomery Road. Possible solutions could include constructing retention ponds. JMA has been told to identify locations on private and township-owned property, he said.

"Our first priority would be on our property. But, I told them to look at anybody else's' property that's out there ... with the idea we can at least take the water that's coming from Montgomery Road and hold it for a while. Any bucket we take out of the Polk is one less bucket to be a problem," Beckman said.

Blue Ash Fire Dept. hosting open house

BLUE ASH - The Blue Ash Fire Department is hosting an open house 10 a.m.-noon Saturday to show off its new 35,000-square-foot, $8 million facility at 10674 Kenwood Road.

Visitors can take part in tours and activities.

The dedication ceremony will take place at 10 a.m.

For information: (513) 745-8533.

Forest Park seeks Civic Hall of Fame nominees

FOREST PARK - The city is seeking nominations for its Civic Hall of Fame.

City Council established the Hall of Fame in 1999 to honor individuals and groups.

Nomination applications are available at the Forest Park Municipal Building, 1201 W. Kemper Road. Applications must be returned to the municipal building by 4 p.m. Sept. 1 to be considered.

Information: (513) 595-5200.