Ross resident wins $2 million in lottery

        ROSS TWP. — When Eugene V. Wurzelbacher turns 49 on Friday, he'll celebrate in style.

        That's because Monday he won $2 million in the 27th Anniversary Millionaire Party, an “instant game” from the Ohio Lottery Commission.

        Mr. Wurzelbacher, who works as a caretaker for the Venice Cemetery, said he will continue to work.

        “I'm a workaholic,” he said. “I hope my life doesn't change. I'll just be a little more comfortable, that's all.”

        Of course, he won't receive the full $2 million.

        “He'll get it all at once — $1,390,000 after state and federal taxes,” said Mike Dycko, a spokesman for the commission.

        Mr. Wurzelbacher said the money will be put to good use, taking care of his two children, ages 22 and 20, and his three grandchildren.

        Mr. Wurzelbacher bought his winning ticket at Ameristop, 4193 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Ross Township. He filed the claim Monday at the commission's regional office in Cincinnati.
       

Freedom Center ceremonies delayed

       The groundbreaking ceremonies for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the banks of the Ohio River has been pushed back from June 10 to June 17 to accommodate travel schedules.

        The ceremonies will include a minifestival, food and craft vendors and family-oriented entertainment. Freedom Center officials are also assembling a choir that will perform at the ceremony.

        Construction on the five-story, 158,000-square-foot museum is expected to take 18-24 months. The $65 million museum is scheduled to open in 2004.
       

Roach's attorney asks judge to seal reports

        EVENDALE — Officer Stephen Roach wants a judge to seal two City of Cincinnati reports that accuse him of breaking police procedures and being dishonest.

        Bill Gustavson, the officer's attorney, filed a motion Tuesday with Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Ralph E. “Ted” Winkler to include the recently released reports in a judge's order last year to seal or expunge information connected to the officer's criminal investigation.

        Judge Winkler will rule on the motion May 23.

        Judge Winkler acquitted the officer of negligent homicide and obstruction of official business in connection with the fatal shooting of a fleeing man later found to be unarmed. The shooting sparked riots in April 2001.

        After resigning from Cincinnati, Officer Roach began work in Evendale.

        On March 19, Cincinnati Police Chief Tom Streicher released an internal-affairs report that found Officer Roach violated police procedure by running with his finger on the trigger of his gun, and that he was dishonest in his initial interviews with investigators. A report by the city's Office of Municipal Investigation, which also investigated the shooting, reiterates the themes Chief Streicher stressed in his report.
       

Police arrest two at Uncle Milt's bar

        An inspection Monday night at Uncle Milt's bar in Avondale ended with Cincinnati Police making two arrests and finding crack cocaine, officials said.

        Police arrested Michael Owens, 22, who was wanted for violating his parole on a burglary charge. They also arrested Larry McNear, 29, after police said they found him rolling a marijuana joint in the bathroom.

        The 0.62 grams of crack was found in the coin-return slot of a pay phone inside the bar, police said.

        Capt. David Ratliff said the inspection was routine. But the police department urged City Council last month to pass a resolution asking that the bar's liquor license be yanked because of a history of violence and drugs. It is located directly across from the Ronald McDonald House on Burnet Avenue and just down the street from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

        City Council agreed with police, forwarding the objection to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, which could take months to decide.
       

Salmonella prompts recall of cantaloupe

       A nationwide recall of Susie brand imported cantaloupe has been announced after dozens of people came down with salmonella poisoning in the United States and Canada, according to the Hamilton County General Health District.

        In healthy people, salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In some people with weak immune systems, the illness can be fatal.

        The recall, issued by the distributor, I. Kunik Co., urges restaurants, retailers and other food services to remove any existing stock of Susie-brand cantaloupe from their inventory. To date, no illnesses have been reported involving people from Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana.

        Consumers with questions can call (956) 686-4324.
       

"Clean air fares' return for summer

        Metro, Hamilton County's public transit service, Tuesday announced it was bringing back its “clean air fares” this summer, which will cut the daily fare to 50 cents each way, with no fees for transfers or zones.

        The bus service is cutting its fares to boost ridership and reduce car emissions during smog season.

        The new fares will be in effect from June 1 through Labor Day. Metro has been offering the reduced fares since 1994.

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