Motorcycle ride, party benefits hurt deputy

        Cincinnati police officers and firefighters are helping an injured sheriff's deputy with a motorcycle ride and party today.

        The Cincinnati chapter of the Warthogs Police/Fire Motorcycle Club invites riders to join them at 1 p.m. at The Cabaret, 9660 Dry Fork Road in Harrison. Registration for the ride starts at 11:30 a.m.

        Anyone who doesn't ride can come to the party, starting at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, $15 a couple.

        All proceeds go to Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy P.J. Reinert, his wife and three children. Deputy Reinert was hurt Sept. 3 when, while chasing a speeder in a red Firebird on Interstate 275, he lost control of his cruiser.

        Police ask anyone with information about the wreck or the Firebird to call Crime Stoppers at 352-3040.

        Donations also can be sent to the Reinert Family Fund at the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union, 959 W. Eighth St., Cincinnati, 45203.

Lawrenceburg voting on scholarship plan

        Lawrenceburg City Council members are expected to vote Monday on a solution that will allow high school graduates to receive thousands of dollars in scholarship money.

        Council member Bill Cunningham, who is also the finance committee chairman, said city council is expected to approve a resolution that will give $100,000 to the Dearborn County Foundation for an educational grant program.

        The foundation will then allocate the money to students.

Appeals court denies Traficant bail request

        A federal appeals court on Friday rejected a request by former Ohio congressman James A. Traficant Jr. to be released from prison on bail while he appeals his felony criminal convictions.

        Mr. Traficant, 61, was convicted this year of accepting bribes and evading taxes. He was sentenced to eight years in federal prison. The Youngstown Democrat was kicked out of Congress in July.

        The Cincinnati-based U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit said that Mr. Traficant, who had been elected to nine terms in the House, failed to show why he should be released while he appeals.

United Way launching recognition program

        United Way of Greater Cincinnati is launching a new program, the Leaders' Circle, to recognize and thank donors who contribute at least $2,500 during this year's $62 million campaign.

        The program provides a new recognition opportunity for long-time donors at Giving Guide levels and includes eligibility to enter a drawing for several major premiums donated by corporate supporters, including a GE Dream Kitchen.

        Information: www.uwgc.org or 762-7265.

Miami room, board rates increase for '03

        OXFORD, Ohio — Miami University's board of trustees has approved a 7 percent increase in room and board rates for the 2003-2004 school year.

        This year's rate of $6,240 for most first-year students will go to $6,680 next year.

        “The increase is partly inflationary and partly for improvements to residence halls,” spokeswoman Holly Wissing said Friday. “There is a real need for upgrades in the residence halls.”

        About 7,200 undergraduates live on campus in 36 residence halls. Ms. Wissing said the university traditionally sets room and board rates a year in advance so students can compare costs of on- and off-campus options.

        The $6,680 room and board total represents a student living in a double room and choosing a 21-meal plan. That total could drop to $5,900 if a less comprehensive meal plan is selected.

Toppling tower sends 10 to hospital

        CRESTLINE, Ohio — A light tower toppled in the wind Friday night and landed in a crowd at this northern Ohio town's annual harvest festival, sending 10 people to hospitals, some with cuts and broken bones, police said.

        An 11-year-old girl was in critical condition at Akron Children's Hospital and a 64-year-old woman was in serious condition at Mansfield Med Central, police Chief Eric Condiff said. Eight others were treated and released from Crestline Med Central, he said.

        Chief Condiff said a bluegrass band was on stage about 6 p.m. when a storm hit this town of 5,000 people about 70 miles southwest of Cleveland.

Two Cincinnati men held on rape charges

        Two Cincinnati men, including one who allegedly threatened his victim with a knife, were arrested Friday on rape charges.

        According to police reports, Ronald Brown, 37, of the 4800 block of Yarmouth Place in Bond Hill, held a knife when he raped a woman in his apartment about 6 a.m. on Friday. No information was released about the woman.

        On Thursday, Vicente Campos, 23, of the 100 block of Revere Street in Sayler Park, allegedly was playing with a 4-year-old relative in her bedroom before he raped the young girl.

        Each suspect remained Saturday at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

- Compiled from staff and wire reports

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