The United Way of Greater Cincinnati raised $61,150,000 during its 2004 campaign, $25,000 more than its goal. The total includes contributions already turned in, as well as projected final figures on campaigns still under way. Earlier this week, United Way representatives were worried the organization might fall nearly $1 million short of its goal. Campaign co-chairs James and Vivian Schwab attributed the last-minute windfall to GE Transportation,which had the largest company increase, exceeding its goal by $500,000. The combination of GE area employees, retirees and the GE Foundation raised a total of $4,218,042.

Board approves teachers' contract

A contract that includes teachers forgoing cost-of-living raises was unanimously approved Thursday by Fairfield school officials during a special meeting. The Fairfield Board of Education voted 4-0, with board member Michael Oler absent, to approve the contract that will run through Aug. 31, 2005. The contract includes a provision that allows no cost-of-living raises for Fairfield's 579 teachers as part of an effort to persuade voters to approve the district's proposed 4.9-mill operating levy on the Tuesday ballot. Teachers approved the contract Wednesday..

Foes of Issue 1 file complaint

Opponents of state Issue 1 filed a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission on Thursday accusing Secretary of State Ken Blackwell of making false statements in recorded phone calls. The calls urge voters to support the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and public domestic-partner benefits. Blackwell, who recorded the message on behalf of Cincinnati-based Citizens for Community Values, says "Government has always recognized marriage between one man and one woman. Why change that?" Alan Melamed, chairman of the campaign opposing Issue 1, said "the statement is just flat wrong," noting that regardless of whether the amendment passes, Ohio law already forbids gay marriage. A spokesman for Blackwell declined to comment on the complaint.

CORRECTION: Talawanda tax levy figure wrong

If the Talawanda School District's income tax issue fails Tuesday, the district will place a 9.3-mill property tax levy on the ballot next year. A chart in Wednesday's Enquirer contained an incorrect millage figure.