Can you believe the variation of weather this past weekend? Saturday saw temperatures in the middle 60s but just before nightfall the temperature had plummeted to 42 degrees. By early morning on Sunday, snow had moved into the area and Pendleton County saw anywhere from 4-6 inches as it snowed all day. Then during the early morning hours on Monday a thunder storm moved through the area.

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The Pendleton County Adult Learning Center will be offering GED classes in Butler on Fridays beginning in April. If you or someone you know is interested in getting their GED, this is a great opportunity to join a class that is conveniently located and free to all who register.  Call now to set up an appointment to get registered: (859) 654-3325 ext. 2603.

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Pendleton County Sheriff’s Deputy T.J. Hawks brings in two prisoners above, from left: Steven Tyron Straus and William Ensor on drug related charges. Both arrested in the early roundup. Photo by D. Dennie.

By Debbie Dennie, Editor

A knock on the doors of many residents in the early morning hours of Friday, March 8 was one that not many would have wanted to answer.

Kentucky State Police, Pendleton County Sheriff's Office, and Falmouth Police Department executed numerous arrests and search warrants in Pendleton County. The warrants were the  result of indictments secured after a three-month investigation conducted by detectives from the Kentucky State Police Dry Ridge Post 6. Thirty two people were arrested on multiple counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, with more arrests to follow.

Eight more individuals were arrested on unrelated warrants. Charges include 68 counts of trafficking in controlled substance first degree, 20 counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree, six counts of persist ant felony offender, three counts of trafficking in marijuana, four counts of wanton endangerment, second degree of a child, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Pendleton County Grand Jury met on March 1, 2013 and brought forth five indictments. They are as follows:

Cassandra Elfers, dob 11/01/1991, was charged with sexual abuse in the first degree (two counts) and distribution of obscene matter to a minor. Bail was set at $5,000.

Brett Thompson, dob 01/07/1991, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (heroin) in the first degree-first offense; possession of drug paraphernalia; and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence-second offense. Bail was set at $2,500.

Three Rivers District Health Department announced that it is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) on March 4. Three Rivers is one of the first cohort of eleven health departments across the country (three of which are from Kentucky - Three Rivers, Franklin County and Northern Kentucky) to achieve accreditation through PHAB, the independent organization that administers the national public health program. PHAB is the national accreditation program working to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing the quality and performance of the nation’s Tribal, state, local, and territorial public health departments.

“We are thrilled to be one of the first health departments in the nation to achieve national accreditation standards that promote continuous quality improvement,” said Georgia Heise DrPH, District Director of the Three Rivers District Health Department. “The accreditation process has helped us ensure that the programs and services we provide are as responsive as possible to the needs of our communities. With accreditation, Three Rivers is demonstrating increased accountability and credibility to our public, funders, elected officials and partner organizations.”

Tornado recovery efforts continue at the farm of Jim and Milissa Schack of California. Friends, family, colleagues and volunteers have spent countless hours helping the family rebuild since March 2, 2012. Pictured above: A group of volunteers from US Bank move a section of barn on the Schack's farm.

By Jackie Vaughn, Reporter

After the demolishing tornadoes of March 2, 2012 ripped through northern Pendleton County, Jim and Milissa Schack of California, Ky. were left with an 80-acre farm that resembled a war zone. Although their home and livestock were spared from the destruction, the land that encompasses them was littered with debris and the destroyed remains of dwellings and other structures.

"We were fortunate not to lose everything we own but the farm was just devastated," said Milissa. "We lost five barns, more than half the fencing for cattle and horses and half the mature trees on the land."

Kentucky Thorough-Breasts' team members pictured above, from left: Phyllis Kelsch, Brenda Mahoney, and Tony Carle R.N. St. Elizabeth Healthcare. The KTB presented a check to St. Elizabeth Healthcare on February 28.

The Kentucky Thorough-Breasts (KTB) "Surviving in Sync" breast cancer survivor dragon boat racing team presented a check for $10,000 to St. Elizabeth Women's Wellness Center on February 28, 2013.

For the third year in a row the KTB dragon boat team has raised funds to help support the work of St. Elizabeth Healthcare's Women's Wellness Center through their annual Paddling for the Pink Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival.

The League of Women Voters of Pendleton County is launching a new youth leadership program this spring designed to engage youth in leadership development, civic engagement in Pendleton County. The program is free and will last through the fall. Both teenage girls and boys are welcome and encouraged to engage in this program. The time commitment is not significant but will require several meetings and activities over the course of the summer and fall. The youth leadership team will be mentored by members of the league, but parents are also encouraged to attend the meetings and activities and be involved in the group.

Please help the Pendleton County High School Senior Class of 2013 raise money for Project Grad by coming to (or ordering from) a Celebrating Home Party! Welcome in spring with these great products and help the class earn 40% of all sales back in cash to support a fun, safe evening for the graduates!

The event will be held at the Pendleton County High School Cafeteria, U.S. Hwy 27, Falmouth, KY 41040 at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15.

Bring along some friends - they will thank you! You've got to see the products to know just how great they are! Celebrating Home representative Laura Shaw will have lots of great specials and bargains that night so don't miss out!

Take a peek now and look at the newest catalog online at www.CelebratingHome.com then bring your ideas and questions to the party! At any time, feel free to call Laura with any questions at 513-519-9191.

Thank you for your support. All orders are appreciated.

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The 2012 Tornado that tore through the northern part of Pendleton County on March 2, 2012 ripped roofs, barns, and homes off their foundations and left a trail of damage strewn in fields, trees and roadways. The above photo was taken on Highway 10. Photo by D. Dennie.

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

Exactly one year from the day of destruction, Plum Creek Christian Church hosted a celebration of recovery from the devastating tornado of March 2, 2012.

A banquet was served by Plum Creek Christian and seven additional local churches to those who fought their way back from calamity and loss to rebuild in the community.

After the meal, at 1 p.m., everyone gathered in the church’s auditorium to celebrate the community’s victory over disaster. Early in the third month of last year, eighty homes in Pendleton County were wiped from the face of the earth by an EF4 tornado with wind speeds of 175 mph.