School bus service linked to tax hike

FAIRFIELD - High school bus service will come back in Fairfield. Participation fees will be lowered, but only if voters in the Fairfield City School District approve a 4.9-mill levy the school board decided on Wednesday to put on the Nov. 2 ballot. The $6.5 million the levy would bring to district coffers annually won't be enough to bring back the 26 teaching, administrative and support positions cut after larger levies were defeated in March and earlier this month, educators say. Taxes would increase about $150 annually on a $100,000 house with levy approval.

Cancer Society fund-raiser slated

GLENDALE - Princeton High School, 11080 Chester Road, Glendale, is the host site for the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life" this week. The event takes place on the track at Viking Stadium from 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's largest fund-raiser. It is an 18-hour overnight, carnival-style campout. For information about participating or volunteering, call 891-1600.

Judges pick best dishes at fest

BLUE ASH - More than 20 judges - including city officials and a handful of local business people - chowed down Tuesday night and picked out the best dishes to be served at the upcoming Taste of Blue Ash. The winners:

Best dessert: Key Lime Pie from Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli.

Best appetizers (a tie): Dynamite Sticks from Parker's Blue Ash Grill, and Reuben Wonton from Watson Bros. Bistro & Brewery.

Best entree: Chicken Mariachi Pizza from Donato's.

Mayor's choice: Chicken Fontina Baguette from Bistro at Doubletree Guest Suites.

The annual three-day food fest starts Aug. 27. Information: www.blueash.com.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Northbound Plainville Road will be closed between Madison and Indian Hill roads in Madisonville, Mariemont and Indian Hill from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday until mid-September. Detours will be posted.