COVINGTON - Dennis R. Williams, 53, a partner at the Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing law firm, was the unanimous choice Tuesday to fill an unexpired term on Covington City Commission. The Northern Kentucky native and south Covington resident replaces two-term Commissioner Craig Bohman, who's moving to Erlanger.

A lawyer for more than 25 years, Williams is a political newcomer and community activist who received his undergraduate degree in business and economics from Northern Kentucky University and his law degree from the University of Louisville. He is past chair of the Covington Business Council. He was one of six applicants for the unexpired term, which ends Dec. 31.

In keeping with past practice during an election year, city commissioners filled the vacancy with someone who is not running for office.

Settlement week resolves 18 cases

NEWPORT - Mediators helped settle 18 civil lawsuits last week during the first settlement week in Kentucky. Settlement week is designed to close as many civil cases as possible to free up the courts. Twenty-eight volunteer mediators worked with 27 civil lawsuits filed in Campbell County Circuit Court.

Three of the cases reached a partial settlement and six cases could not be settled. Lawyers served as the mediators at no charge to the parties. The settlement week was a pilot project that will be expanded to Boone County next year.

The week is a project of the Northern Kentucky Bar Association, Campbell County Circuit Court and the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts.

Taste of Edgewood to be this weekend

EDGEWOOD - The 12th annual Taste of Edgewood will be noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Freedom Park.

The event features food, arts and crafts, amusement rides, "dunk the police chief,'' a petting zoo, magic demonstrations and a cornhole tournament.

For information, contact Kim Wolking at (859) 331-5910.

Anti-abortion group plans yearly luncheon

FORT WRIGHT - St. Agnes Pro-life Committee will have its third annual Luncheon for Life on Oct. 9 at Murphy Hall, St. Agnes Church. Doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch is at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $15. Proceeds of raffle and lunch go to Mary Rose Mission, Madonna House, New Hope Center, Care Net Pregnancy Center and Catholic Social Services.

Purple bridge to host visiting camel walk

NEWPORT - Newport on the Levee welcomes a special guest from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday - a camel.

The camel will walk across the Purple People Bridge from the Riverwalk Plaza near the Newport Aquarium as part of a kick-off event for the new "Lost City of Stone" exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Free parking is offered in the Levee garage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Information: (859) 291-0550.

Ohio River flooding closes some roads

ANDERSON TWP. - Portions of Kellogg Avenue and Four Mile, and Eight Mile and Sutton roads in Anderson Township were closed Tuesday because of Ohio River flooding.

"They're in low areas," said Ted Hubbard, chief deputy director of the Hamilton County Engineer's Office. "They're usually the first to go."

He said he didn't know when the roads would reopen.

Meanwhile, the high water has forced Riverbend Music Center to reschedule Thursday's Toby Keith concert to Oct. 7.

Tickets for the Thursday concert will be honored for the Oct. 7 performance.

The Ohio River is expected to crest at 51.4 feet between 9 and 10 a.m. today, according to Mike Gallagher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

That's just below flood stage of 52 feet.

CORRECTION: Title was incorrect

James C. Dobson, the chairman of Focus on the Family, has a doctoral degree in child development, not in divinity. A Sept. 18 story incorrectly identified him.