Tana Weingartner

Duke Energy is farming out its gas meter and line inspections. Spokeswoman Sally Thelen says that means someone new could be knocking on your door. She says customers shouldn't be alarmed to see a contractor show up to read and inspect meters.

The 2013 Taste of Cincinnati winners are out. The annual food festival is Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27. Organizers expect the event will draw 500,000 people.

*2013 Best of Taste Awards*

*Appetizer*

1st Place: Crab Rangoon, Thai Taste
2nd Place: Cuban Black Bean Soup, Silver Ladle
3rd Place: Risotto Balls, Pompilios

*Entrée*

Hamilton County Commissioners still aren't happy with the City of Cincinnati's responsible bidder program for Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) construction projects.

The board is drafting replacement language and, to show he means business, commissioner Chris Monzel is considering a restraining order forcing the city not to award any MSD contracts until the issue is resolved.

The key issue is a clause requiring companies bidding for sewer work to have certified apprenticeship programs with graduates.

Following Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's announcement that civilian furloughs have been reduced from 14 days to 11, officials at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton are outlining their plans for dealing with sequester cuts.

In an email to WVXU, Public Affairs Specialist Ted Theopolos writes:

Cincinnati park officials are laying out some drastic changes you could expect this summer if proposed budget cuts are approved by City Council. Fountains could be turned off, lakes could be drained and flower beds could go unplanted.

Ault Park's Facebook page lists more closings that could be considered including the Mt. Airy Dog Park and Disc Golf course, a handful of entire parks, and all park restrooms.