INDIAN HILL — The village has dropped charges against two United Steelworkers of America members who were cited for distributing leaflets against AK Steel's lockout.

        After reaching an agreement with the village, the union plans to conduct a free speech rally and press conference at 6 p.m. Monday in Indian Hill at the ranger station without fear of arrests.

        “I think the village recognized that free speech is important,” said Tony Montana, public relations specialist for the union.

        Union members John M. Pulskar and Michael J. Zielinski were arrested Jan. 11 after distributing informational leaflets near the home of Larry Hoyt, an AK Steel official who lives here.

        Mr. Montana said the men had distributed the leaflets in Indian Hill and were passing them out in Montgomery when an Indian Hill ranger arrested them.

        “They were told that it was against the village policy for a union to distribute handbills in the village,” Mr. Montana said.

        This week the union filed a suit in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati to have the law declared a violation of the First Amendment.

        In a statement Thursday, Indian Hill City Manager Michael Burns said the village dismissed the charges to avoid prolonged litigation.

        “The arresting officers were acting within the scope of applicable city codes and ordinances related to the protection of persons and private property within the city limits,” Mr. Burns said.

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