The Enquirer

Metro introduced its first new crosstown route in its 30-year history on Sunday - Route 41 Northgate-Oakley Crosstown.

The route covers some segments of service being discontinued on other routes while providing the ability to travel cross-county without transferring downtown. The introduction of the route is part of a package of service changes implemented Sunday to eliminate unproductive or duplicated service and to cut costs.

Savings from restructuring are projected at about $1.25 million. As an incentive for riders to try the new route, Metro is offering a free ride ticket on any route at any time through the end of August to every customer who pays the regular fare on Route 41 through Saturday.

Zoo presents resource fair

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Environmental Education Resource Fair for teachers is 4-6 p.m. Wednesday. More than 25 organizations are expected to participate in this fourth annual event. Teachers in grades K-12 can find out about classroom presentations, field trips, resources and workshops, as well as information concerning new state standards. Information: (513) 475-6137 or e-mail sherry.spurlock@cincinnatizoo.org.

Lunken Air Show to be Sept. 11-12

The 2004 Cincinnati Lunken Air Show featuring air show acts, historic planes and family-oriented activities will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 11-12. Highlighting the weekend will be Black Sheep Squadron members, Paul Tibbets, World War II pilot of the "Enola Gay," and aircraft from the Air Museum Planes of Fame. Tickets are $12 for adults. Children 12 and under are free with adult admission. Discount tickets are available online at www.cincyairshow.com. Information: (513) 321-4291.

Pumpkin sets state fair record

A 1,139-pound pumpkin set a new Indiana State Fair record for largest pumpkin. The third annual contest attracted a record 40 entries this year, 20 of which were weighed. Weights ranged from Joe Richards' giant pumpkin to one weighing just 32 pounds. Richards, of Steger, Ill., has been raising giant pumpkins for two years. "It grew really well," he said. "I fed it lots of compost and it grew about 35 pounds a day." The previous record, set last year, was 698 pounds.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Riggs Road in Oxford Township will be closed between just north of Fairfield Road to south of Contreras Road until the week of Sept. 6.

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