The campaigns will have two surrogates visit next week: former Georgia Sen. Max Cleland will be in Middletown and Cincinnati Tuesday, and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack will address the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers convention Thursday. Presidential nominee John Kerry will speak in Columbus Wednesday and Thursday.

Tickets for the Edwards event in Bond Hill are being distributed through the Ohio Democratic Party, state Rep. Tyrone Yates and the Bond Hill Recreation Center.

Schools honored for achievement

Two local schools have been named U.S. Department of Education No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools of 2004.

Terrace Park Elementary in the Mariemont district and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in Anderson Township are among 250 schools nationwide to receive the designation. The program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at very high levels.

Hospitals using carotid stent

Two area hospitals have begun using a new type of stent designed to prevent strokes. The device won federal approval Aug. 31. Stents are mesh tubes used to prop open clogged arteries. While stents have become common for treating cardiac blockages, this stent, made by Guidant Corp., is placed in the neck to protect blood flow to the brain.

The less-invasive treatment is an alternative to traditional carotid artery surgery.

Wednesday, doctors at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center South in Edgewood installed the stent in their first case. On Friday, doctors at Christ Hospital used the device to treat an 83-year-old Anderson Township man.

South Pacific fears water

Showboat Majestic patrons should note that performances of South Pacific today and Sunday have been moved to the Covedale Center for Performing Arts because of the threat of high water on the Ohio River.