Portune endorses reduced levy

Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune favors letting Drake Center Inc. ask voters for a five-year levy in November that would raise $68 million - almost one-third less than the hospital wants - he said Wednesday. Portune was a patient at the long-term acute-care hospital in 2003 and still receives outpatient physical therapy there.

Drake delivers excellent results, he said, but it needs to reduce expenses: "I am very concerned that absent these kind of reforms and modifications, the Drake levy will go down to defeat."

Commissioner Phil Heimlich doesn't support giving Drake a levy at all because of spending concerns, while Commissioner John Dowlin said he will support a levy but hasn't decided what the amount should be. The commissioners meet at 10 a.m. Monday on the sixth floor of 138 E. Court St., downtown, to make their final decision.

New big baby needs a moniker

The newborn Sumatran rhino at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden shall remain nameless ... until Sept. 3. Through 6 p.m. Aug. 29, the zoo is inviting the public to select a name for the 90-pound female calf. Participants must be 18 years or older to enter. Enter online at www.aroundcinci.com or at the zoo, 3400 Vine St., Avondale.

The winner will receive a one-year family membership to the zoo, along with a Sumatran rhino adoption package, a tour of the zoo and a Starbucks gift basket. Five finalists will receive a one-year family membership to the zoo and a 1-pound package of Starbucks coffee, while 25 randomly drawn entrants will receive four tickets to the zoo. The baby rhino and her mother should be available for viewing Aug. 16.

Chabot to hold town hall forum

ADDYSTON - First District Congressman Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati, will hold a town hall meeting from 7-8 p.m. today at VFW Post 6428, 140 Main St., Addyston. Information: 513-684-2723.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Stahlheber Road in Hanover Township is closed between South Pierson and Salman roads for bridge replacement until the week of Oct. 4.

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