CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - Recent motorcycle gang-related killings in other states have driven up security costs for an annual Labor Day biker rally here, the sheriff said.

        Ross County Sheriff Ron Nichols has increased security to 50 officers per shift, up from 30, for this year's Easyriders Rodeo at the Ross County fairgrounds.

        To pay for the extra officers, he has asked for $182,000 from rally organizers, up from $107,000 last year.

        “In light of the recent violence, we're focusing our security so our event goes off with a minimal amount of problems,” he said. “You can't jeopardize public safety for cost.”

        About 75,000 to 100,000 people attended last year's event at the 178-acre fairgrounds, Sheriff Nichols said, adding that other large motorcycle events have beefed up security.

        John Green, president of Easyriders Inc., based in Agoura Hills, Calif., said he had no information indicating there would be violence in Chillicothe.

        There have been at least four out-of-state, motorcycle gang-related killings this year.

        Three people died in April when 70 members of the Hells Angels and Mongols gangs attacked each other in Laughlin, Nev. In February, one man was killed and 10 were injured at a Hells Angels convention in Plainview, N.Y. Two prospective members of the Hells Angels were shot in New Hampshire this June.

        The violence prompted two New Jersey towns to cancel motorcycle shows this year.

        Security costs in Chillicothe have organizers looking at other locations, which has upset some who rely on the money it brings.

        Ben Vanhorn, treasurer for First Capital Rotary, said his club's biggest fund-raising event is selling bags of ice at the rodeo.

        “It would be devastating to all our area organizations if Easy Riders were to leave,” he said.

Danger in the X
Emergency readiness uncertain
Black Family Reunion a chance for city to heal
Crowds downtown get unruly
No cookie, but plenty of support
Colleges jazzing up dorms
Obituary: Evalyn Jean Tilford Claugus, history teacher
Tristate A.M. Report
UC lists phases of 9-11 activity
Virtual school plans overhaul
BRONSON: Budget blunder
CROWLEY: Political skinny
HOWARD: Some Good News
SMITH AMOS: Risky business
Flames help fire community support
Missing girls found two miles from camp
Social workers are in classrooms
Clinic found liable in death
N.Y. fair warned of carnival ride danger
Recent violence has sheriff wary of biker rally
Callahan backs House speaker
Ft. Mitchell tries to hang onto history
Law lets kids with asthma have inhalers
Schools have high hopes for new year