Compiled from staff and wire reports

Kings schools punt as lead tests go on

KINGS MILLS - Federal environmental experts are continuing to test soil samples from around the Kings senior and junior high schools for lead contamination and plan to have preliminary results by Sept. 3.

Kings school officials said Friday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has extracted more than 150 soil samples from around the schools, football and baseball fields, and practice areas.

The Kings football squad will play its first three games at away sites. Athletic Director Matthew Koenig continues to negotiate for an alternative site for the school's first home football game Sept. 12, and for a site for other school sports.

School opened Wednesday at Kings and portions of the school grounds remain off limits pending the test results.

City residency of Lynch challenged

A Republican candidate for Cincinnati City Council protested the candidacy of Cincinnati Black United Front leader Rev. Damon Lynch III Friday.

"It is my concern and belief that Mr. Lynch does not meet the city of Cincinnati residency requirements to run for Cincinnati City Council," Pete Witte said in a protest letter to the Hamilton County Board of Elections. Under election law, the board must hold a hearing - and may subpoena witnesses - to determine where Lynch lives.

Lynch, an independent, said his residence - a $41,000 Warsaw Avenue condominium in East Price Hill - is a matter of public record. He registered to vote as a resident of that address Monday, the day before announcing his campaign. He also owns a $147,500 house in Woodlawn.

Burned body found in SUV after hit-run

Cincinnati police are trying to unravel a bizarre death in Bond Hill in which a hit-and-run accident investigation led to a body in a burning sport-utility vehicle.

Officers responded to Laidlaw Avenue about 10 p.m. Thursday after a 911 caller said a red SUV hit a parked car and fled. They found the Nissan Pathfinder, on fire, behind a building. Firefighters put the flames out and realized a body was inside.

The body was burned badly enough that investigators have not determined if the person was male or female.

About four minutes after the call about the hit-and-run, another 911 caller said she'd heard two shots fired in the same area. The caller also said she saw two males running toward Paddock Avenue and that someone told her they'd been robbed. Police were investigating how the two incidents might be related.

The body was taken to the Hamilton County coroner's office for an autopsy.

Driver of bus that crashed suspended

The Metro bus system suspended a bus driver Friday while transit officials investigate why her Route 64 bus crashed into a South Fairmount living room, injuring five people.

Driver Deirdra M. Jones, 26, was one of those injured. She told police she doesn't remember what happened before the Thursday afternoon crash.

Jones has been an employee since December 2001. Metro officials said she was given a routine drug and alcohol test after the crash, as required by federal law. Metro is also investigating the mechanical condition of the bus.

Witnesses, including the sole passenger, said the bus was not doing anything unusual as it rounded a curve in the 1700 block of Harrison Avenue.

Taft names Kendle as new UC trustee

Ohio Gov. Bob Taft announced a new appointment Friday to the University of Cincinnati's board of trustees.

Candace Kendle was appointed for a term ending Jan. 1, 2005, replacing Joseph T. Deters, who resigned.

Kendle is chairman and chief executive of Kendle International Inc., a Cincinnati company that does research and development for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. She is also a former adjunct associate professor in UC's school of pharmacy.

Cars and chili to star Sunday on the Levee

NEWPORT - More than 8,000 people are expected at the Buenger Boys and Girls Club of Newport's 14th annual Car Show and Chili Cookoff from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Riverboat Row, near the Newport Levee.

The event also includes children's games, arts and crafts booths, entertainment and food.

The car show will include police and fire vehicles and motorcycles and is expected to draw more than 200 show vehicles.

For registration, call Dayton Mayor Ken Rankle at (513) 681-6200 or e-mail krankle@zoomtown.com.

The Kentucky State Chili Cookoff, sanctioned by the International Chili Society, has three categories: red chili, chili verde (green chili) and salsa. The winning chili cook will advance to the national championship in Reno, Nev. For applications to enter, call Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli at (859) 292-3666, or e-mail aleroux@bgcgc.org.

After the judging, chili will go on sale. Proceeds go to the Buenger Boys and Girls of Newport.