NEW RICHMOND - The Clermont County Democratic Party is expecting local politicians to turn out in force Saturday for a rally on the banks of the Ohio River to support Democrats running for local, regional, state and national offices.

Candidates from Clermont, Brown, Adams, Highland and Hamilton counties are expected to speak at the rally, to begin at 11:30 a.m. at the gazebo bandstand in the historic New Richmond business district.

"We chose New Richmond because of its history as a center of anti-slavery activities," said Dave Lane, chairman of the Clermont County Democratic Party. "It's kind of a link between the metropolitan southwestern part of the region and the more rural areas to the east."

Among the candidates expected to speak include Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, state Senate candidate Paul Schwietering, state representative candidate Cy Richardson and Clermont County commissioner candidate Pete Strasser.

Elmwood Place tries again for tax levy

ELMWOOD PLACE - This cash-strapped Hamilton County village is taking another shot at placing a tax levy before voters.

On Tuesday, Village Council OK'd resubmitting a levy request to the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

Last month, Elmwood Place was forced to withdraw a levy proposal from the November ballot after a resident raised questions about the Village Council's vote.

According to elections officials, a councilman listed as absent was also marked as voting "yes" for the Aug. 11 resolution.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said last week it is investigating records of that vote.

The latest tax request, if certified by the elections board, would go before voters at a special election in February.

The 10-mill, five-year property tax renewal would pay for operating expenses and raise about $200,000 annually for the village, according to county officials. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $350 a year.

Warren Co. considers hiring growth attorney

Warren County commissioners are considering hiring an attorney who specializes on zoning law to work on growth management issues.

Commissioner Pat South wrote in a recent memo that the chief assistant prosecutor, who represents the commissioners and the Regional Planning Commission, told her he is "stretched in too many directions."

South also wrote that the board needs to look at hiring consultants to work with the engineer's office, regional planning commission and the water and sewer department. Their work will be used when commissioners discuss impact fees.

The county in June hired a Hudson, Ohio-based firm to evaluate the county's policies and customize a strategic plan.

The consultants' work would also play a role in developing that plan.

Hamilton offers flu shots for seniors

HAMILTON - The Health Department will administer flu shots at the Hamilton Senior Center, 140 Ross Ave., 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 25 and again on Election Day, Nov. 2.

The clinic is open to those who are at least 65 years old or who have a chronic health condition.

Persons covered by Medicare Part B do not have to pay for the shots.

Persons covered by Medicare with private insurance or under the age of 65 will pay $10. Information: (513) 867-1998, ext. 243.

Contributors: Reid Forgrave, Liz Oakes, Erica Solvig, Elaine Trumpey