The Enquirer

BLUE ASH - A 15-year veteran firefighter is the city's new chief.

Rick Brown, who was recently promoted to assistant chief, received a unanimous recommendation after scoring highest on written, oral and procedural exams, City Manager Marvin Thompson said Tuesday.

A committee of two city officials and fire chiefs from Wyoming, Evendale and Montgomery conducted the assessment.

Brown, who will make $90,376 a year, takes the helm following the recent retirement of 35-year veteran James Fehr, who led the department of about 45 firefighters since 1997..

Police, fire, military personnel get in free

HAMILTON TWP. - All active police, fire and military personnel will get into the Kroger Classic for free with valid identification Saturday.

"Heroes Day" started after the 9-11 terrorist attacks as a way to honor those who protect the country, though it hasn't always fallen on the actual date.

Children ages 15 and younger will also get in free Saturday.

The Kroger Classic, a PGA Champions Tour event, runs through Sunday at the Tournament Players Club at River's Bend.

Event benefits care facility at Wright-Patt

An "All-American Evening" to benefit the Fisher and Nightingale Houses Compassionate Care Facilities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton will be held 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at the United States Air Force Museum.

The event consists of a 1940s-era USO-style show by the Rhythm in Shoes, with a silent auction, a live auction, the Wright Brass Instrumental Patriotic Show, bistro dining, wine tasting and open bar for wine, beer and soda. Tickets are $75 per person and the reservation deadline is Sept. 15.

The entrance to the Museum is on Springfield Pike at historic Wright Field (Gate 28-B), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, six miles northeast of Dayton.

The Fisher/Nightingale Houses have served thousands of military families for over 15 years. Their mission is to provide physical and emotional support to armed service members' families while their loved one is undergoing medical treatment at Wright-Patterson Medical Center.

Donations or financial contributions will be accepted for both auctions and will be acknowledged. To make a contribution or reservation or more information, call Chris Stanley at (937) 864-5998 or visit FNHI's Web site: www.fnhi.org.

Warren County United Way starts campaign

DEERFIELD TWP. - Warren County United Way kicked off its annual campaign Tuesday, setting a fund-raising goal of $2.5 million.

The goal is about a 2 percent increase over last year's campaign goal of $2.45 million.

About 150 people attended the Kentucky Derby-theme kickoff luncheon, which was at the Cincinnati Marriott Northeast hotel in Deerfield Township.

Warren County United Way provides funding to 31 agencies and more than 60 programs countywide.

Solid waste plan gets preliminary approval

LEBANON - Warren County commissioners Tuesday approved an update to the county's solid waste management plan, but the change still needs local and state officials' endorsement before it is finalized.

The plan is typically updated every five years, according to the county's solid waste director, Dana Storts. The major change this time is recycling is being expanded to the entire county. Most townships did not have the program.

The updated plan needs approval from Mason City Council, since the city is the largest municipality in the county, as well as a combination of township and municipality governments, Storts said. Eventually, it needs the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency director's signature before the change is finalized.