MIAMI TWP. - Residents interested in helping to shape the future of Clermont County's Miami Township can apply for two open spots on township land-use boards.

One seat is available on the township's Board of Zoning Appeals, which is responsible for appeals from the zoning code. Another seat is available on the Rural Zoning Commission, which makes recommendations on planning and rezoning issues.

Applications may be picked up at the township building, or a resume or letter of interest can be sent to Community Development Director Larry Fronk, Miami Township Civic Building, 5900 McPicken Drive, Miami Township, OH 451509. Applications must be received by Nov. 12.

For more information call (513) 248-3725.

Symposium Friday on mentally ill felons

BATAVIA - Two state officials will talk about ways to deal with nonviolent mentally ill felony offenders besides jailing them.

They'll meet Friday with representatives from local law enforcement agencies, hospitals, law practices and mental health and substance abuse treatment centers at a symposium on dealing with mental illness in the court system.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Stratton and state Department of Mental Health Director Michael Hogan will discuss the local challenges of treatment versus incarceration.

National statistics show one in six people in U.S. prisons is mentally ill.

The session, open to the public, is at the Batavia Armory, 65 N. Second St., and begins at 9:30 a.m. Stratton and Hogan will speak from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Planned new homes get council approval

MORROW - Plans for more than 900 homes got Village Council's endorsement this week.

Council on Tuesday approved a zoning change and preliminary plans for what will be the village's largest subdivision. The planning commission still has to approve final plans.

The homes are proposed for 435 acres of a former ski resort. It will take about 10 to 15 years to develop the entire Woodlands at Morrow subdivision, which could easily double the village population of 1,370.

Construction could start as early as next year, Mayor Bob Brown said.

Drake Center hosts spinal cord reunion

The Drake Center will host a reunion Saturday for people living with spinal cord injuries. The 11 a.m. event will provide information about the latest medical equipment and discussions about overcoming challenges. Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, a former Drake patient, and wheelchair athlete Brian Woodyard will speak. Information, (513) 948-2500.

Contributors: Reid Forgrave, Tim Bonfield, Elaine Trumpey, Erica Solvig