Tana Weingartner

Hamilton County Commissioners say a Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) "responsible bidder" construction policy approved by Cincinnati City Council is bad business and they want it gone.

Business owners say the new policy includes criteria that make it impossible for certain companies to win construction bids.

This week's spring-like temperatures might provide some reprieve from the winter doldrums, but they're likely to cause headaches for drivers.

Ohio Department of Transportation spokeswoman Sharon Smigielski says conditions are ripe for creating potholes.

"The warmer temperatures accelerate the freeze/thaw cycle causing pavement to deteriorate more quickly," she says.

Since it's still too cold for permanent fixes, road crews will use a cold patch mixture to plug potholes.

To report potholes:

Ohio highways & state routes: 513-933-6568

Jefferson Social will take up residence this Spring at The Banks. The neighborhood bar and restaurant style facility will serve Mexican street food. It will be operated by Tony Cafeo, who also owns Jefferson Hall at Newport on the Levee.

“Our focus will be on serving artisanal drinks with freshly squeezed juices and quality liquors, and serving tacos and nachos made with fresh ingredients,” says Cafeo. “Customers will be able to enjoy themselves in a design and layout conducive to socializing, eating, dancing and partying.”

Hamilton County Commissioners are ordering a performance and efficiency review of the Metropolitan Sewer District.

The utility is undertaking a multi-billion dollar, federally mandated system upgrade.

Commissioner Chris Monzel proposed the review.

Drought conditions in the upper Midwest are causing major concerns for companies that ship goods and materials on the Mississippi River.

Local carriers are keeping an eye on how low water levels between Saint Louis and Cairo, Illinois (where the Ohio and Mississippi meet) could affect their supply routes.

Mike Toohey is president of the Waterways Council, a carrier trade and policy organization.