Library light your life? Essays invited

A writing contest with cash awards is being held by the Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

In 450 words or less, the group wants to know what the library means to patrons and how the library has made a difference in their lives. There is no entry fee or age restriction; all ages will be judged together. The deadline for submission is 9 a.m. Oct. 4. Entries will not be returned.

Prizes: $150 first, , $100 second, $75 third and $25 honorable mentions (up to 10 awarded). The library will publish the winning entries online at www.cincinnatilibrary.org. An awards ceremony and reception will recognize winners.

Submit your entry along with your name, address, phone number and age (if under 18) to: Writing Contest, Main Library, 800 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-2071. Entries may be dropped off, mailed in, or e-mailed to writing.contest@cincinnatilibrary.org.

Key Event benefits community foundation

WEST CHESTER TWP. - The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty expects more than 450 guests for one its major fund raisers, the 11th annual Key Event.

The Sept. 18 event begins with a cocktail reception and auction/raffle at Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre, followed by dinner divided among 29 homes, capped off by a party at the West Chester home of Dick and Patti Alderson, founders of the Community Foundation.

Tickets for Key Event are $150 per couple.

Among foundation grant recipients in 2003 are contributions to Reach Out Lakota, Lakota Local Schools Robotics Program, Senior Citizens, Inc., RainMakers program for Hispanic residents, and Kids 2 Kamp.

Information: 874-5450 or online at www.wclfoundation.com.

Township resists effort to redraw boundary

HAMILTON TWP. - This Warren County township might be fighting South Lebanon's attempts to redraw boundary lines.

Hamilton Township trustees have asked the law director to check out their options.

County commissioners on Sept. 23 will discuss South Lebanon's petition to redraw the lines and put about 250 acres of the village that are in Hamilton Township into Union Township.

South Lebanon officials have said they want the village to be under only one fire district. But Hamilton Township trustees have fought the village's previous efforts to annex land from them.

Lebanon to review budget plan for 2005

LEBANON - City council will begin work on next year's operating budget this month.

Council will get an overview of the proposed 2005 budget during the Sept. 22 work session. Council members will continue discussing the proposed expenditures Oct. 5 and Oct. 20.

City Manager Pat Clements said in a recent report to council that work on the budget is on schedule.