Inside a modest building on Kings Run Drive on the west side, groups of young men and women prepare for a lifetime career as electricians. Some of these electrical apprentices are even younger-high school juniors and seniors from Great Oaks. The Great Oaks students are part of the Youth Apprenticeship Program through the Independent Electrical Contractors of Greater Cincinnati (IEC).

New Richmond High School custodian Gracie Lemar-Miller has always been one of the school’s most popular staff members for her work in helping keep the building spotless. But her popularity soars every time a staff member goes into the staff lounge.

Grant Career Center recently held the First Quarter Attendance and Awards Assembly where students were recognized for achievements during the first quarter. Students received Perfect Attendance Awards and Honor Roll Certificates for their efforts. The Top Performers in each program were also announced for the first quarter.

Bethel United Methodist Church Nov. 14 opened its doors to the community with the Kitchen of Hope. Volunteers invite people in need of a hot meal to come join them each Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a “come as you are” free sit-down hot lunch. Brenda Braden, the originator and leader of this outreach said, “I saw a need for this outreach and felt God asked me to do it.”

Bob Proud, President of the Clermont County Board of Commissioners, was present at the Jan. 21 meeting of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities to administer the Oath of Office to members for the 2010 calendar year. The Clermont DD Board uses its January meeting to reorganize by accepting nominations for officers and to determine the date, time, and location of future meetings.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds, and the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds.

The Monroe Grange will meet at 7 p.m. Friday Feb. 5. Following the meeting there will be a program then snacks, which each member will bring something to share, and share in the fellowship.

The Bethel Lions Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the U.S. Grant Memorial Building on Monday Feb. 1. This will begin with a catered meal, then the meeting, finalizing plans for the upcoming Pancake Breakfast at the Bethel Tate High School from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.

Approximately 45,000 first half 2009 real estate tax bills are in the mail to taxpayers without bank/mortgage company escrow accounts said Clermont County Treasurer, J. Robert True. The deadline for payment is Feb. 10.

Happy 90th birthday to Mrs. Elsie Minnick on Feb. 9, 2010. Elsie graduated from Mt. Orab High School and was a teacher and principal in the Williamsburg and Forrest Hills Schools You can send her a birthday card c/o P.O. Box 69, Marathon, Ohio 45145.