The Enquirer

Ohio's childhood immunization rates are at record-high levels, the state health department said Tuesday.

More than 82 percent of Ohio children ages 19-35 months have been vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, haemophilus influenzae type B and hepatitis B, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2003 National Immunization Survey.

The increase is a 7.3 percent improvement from the 2002 rate and tops the national average of 79 percent. "Ohio's local health departments played a key role in this success story," said J. Nick Baird, director of the Ohio Health Department.

Clermont officials visit for meeting

Clermont County commissioners and other government officials will visit the new Union Township Civic Center this evening to inform residents of new happenings in the township and hear out citizens' concerns with government. The town meeting, which typically is held twice a month in different Clermont communities, will start at 7 p.m. at the civic center, 4350 Aicholtz Road. Agenda items include discussing improvements for Interstate 275 and Ohio 32, road and bridge improvements in Union Township, and information on water and sewer improvements and a new water tower in the township.

Bones ruled likely from old grave

Human bones found by workers digging at the site of a planned residential subdivision in Warren County might be century-old remains from a private graveyard, authorities said Tuesday. A coroner concluded there was no evidence of a crime, said Warren County Sheriff's Department spokesman Capt. John Newsom. Officers said the bones - most of a human skeleton - were found Monday at a location just west of Caesar Creek State Park. The bones were taken to Dayton for examination by the Montgomery County coroner, who concluded that the remains were 80 to 100 years old, officials said. There was no indication as to how the person died, Newsom said.

TRAFFIC WATCH: Two road closings in W. Chester Twp.

• Smith Road in West Chester Township between Ohio 747 and Beckett Road will be closed Wednesday and Thursday nights for installation of a water main. The road will be blocked 6 p.m.-6 a.m. on both days, says the Butler County Engineer's Office.

• Blue Ash has closed Hunt Road, from Cooper Road to the former Thriftway store, until Monday because of Taste of Blue Ash. Additionally, the Monroe Avenue Extension at Cooper Road will be closed 5 p.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday.