Hoxworth steps up donation appeal

Hoxworth Blood Center, the only supplier of blood for the region's 25 hospitals, is making a special plea for blood donations leading up to the Labor Day weekend. Three-day weekends can be very stressful on the blood supply. Major accidents and traumas can increase blood usage at local hospitals, while blood donations drop off considerably, officials say. This week, all donors will be entered into a drawing to win two season tickets for the 2004 Bengals regular season home games. The tickets are in Section 132 and have a retail value of $1,800. Hoxworth's eight centers will be open all week. On Friday, Hoxworth's bloodmobiles will be at Eastgate Mall, Rookwood Commons and Tom Gill Chevrolet in Florence. To schedule an appointment, call Hoxworth at (513) 451-0910 or visit www.hoxworth.org.

Portune ad opens autumn campaign

Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune will kick off his fall campaign with a television ad that will debut tonight during the Republican National Convention. The ad is the first of what the Democrat said will be a $200,000-plus television ad campaign. His opponent, retired Juvenile Judge David Grossmann, said Monday that he'll keep pace with Portune's ad spending as he tries to reclaim the seat for Republicans. Grossmann kicked off his advertising with a full-page ad in the Enquirer on Sunday.

Uniform company sues Taser Inc.

Roy Tailors Uniform Co. Inc. has sued Taser International Inc. seeking in excess of $25,000 it claims Taser owes it in commissions. When Taser terminated its contract with Roy Tailors Uniform in February 2004, it owed the company in excess of $25,000, the complaint states. At that point, it states, the uniform company had procured Taser contracts with police departments exceeding $2.3 million. Taser officials did not return a call seeking comment.

Firefighters collect money for USO

The West Chester Fire Department again is collecting money to make life better for U.S. troops. Containers have been distributed to businesses throughout the township for donations to the USO, the United Service Organization which provides morale and recreation-type services for uniformed military personnel. Contributions also can be made by sending a check or money order made out to the West Chester Fire Department - but designated for the USO - at 9119 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, Ohio 45069.CORRECTION

Deer Park schools rated 'effective'

Deer Park Schools achieved an "Effective" rating on Ohio's 2003-04 Report Cards. A story in Sunday's Enquirer contained incorrect information.