By Bruce Reller Jr., Reporter

The Cincinnati Bengals returned to the National Football League (NFL) playoffs after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-10 in Pittsburgh on Sunday, December 23.

The Bengals made the playoffs in the American Football Conference (AFC) for the second consecutive year. It was their first back-to-back playoff appearance in 30 years.

After starting the year 3-5 and losing four games in a row, the Bengals won seven of their last eight games, including victories over the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens to end the regular season.

The annual Pendleton County Schools' Alumni Night and Reception will be held on Friday, January 4. This event will be held at Pendleton County High School in conjunction with the Wildcat basketball game. That evening PCHS will take on Montgomery County.

Alumni of all Pendleton County High Schools are invited to attend the games as well as visit the Alumni Reception. The Alumni Reception is hosted by the Pendleton County Education Foundation and Alumni Organization. The reception will be open from 6:30 p.m. through the third quarter of the varsity game and will be held in the office lobby near the gym.

There will be a special recognition between the JV and varsity games the 50th Anniversary Class of 1963 of both Falmouth High School and Pendleton County High School as well as the Pendleton County High School 25th Anniversary Class of 1988. This event also features the Alumni Band.

Alumni of Butler, Falmouth, Morgan and Pendleton County are invited to attend. An opportunity will be available that evening to join or renew your affiliation with the association through a five dollar a person donation.

If you cannot be in attendance that evening and have an interest in supporting the Pendleton County Alumni Committee, send your check payable to the Pendleton County Education Foundation (PCEF) to: Rhonda Moore, C/O PCHS, 2359 Hwy 27 North, Falmouth, Kentucky 41040. Include the following information: Pendleton County High School that you attended, your graduation year and your personal contact information (mailing address, phone and email address). Canceleed checks will serve as receipts and donation made through the PCEF are tax deductible.

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Mitchell Blewett of Covington Latin brings the ball down the court. Photo submitted courtesy of Tracy Clancy.

Mitchell Blewett of Covington Latin was recently named the LaRosa's Most Valuable Player of the Week.

The 6'3" 185 lb. senior guard led Kentucky in scoring last season averaging 27.7 points a game while pulling down 13.7 rebounds per game.

Mitchell is closing in on the school record for all-time total points (1,375).

Stacey Tackett's Future Ladycat Youth Basketball League Team became the Tournament Championship winners in handing Lee and Jamie Turner's team their only defeat in the championship game. Pictured from left, Ashley Lewis, Baleigh Tackett, Mallory Kordes, Emily "Johnny" Cobb, Megan Wright, Addison Crouch.

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Troy Steele’s PCHS Intramural Team through the Pendleton Recreation Program won the tournament championship on Sunday, December 16 beating Ed Ryan’s team in a close championship game. Front row from left, Jonah Smith, Lance Fischer, Dylan Wright, Anthony Clower, Kenton Hornbeck. Back row: Aven Harper, Keith Steele, Tyler Daugherty, Lane Weaver, Jackson Strong, coach Troy Steele.

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Procrastination is one of the most common habits at Christmas time, especially for men. Some of us get on the ball and get our Christmas shopping completed early, but most of us wait until we absolutely have to open our wallets, fight the crowds and get it done.

Sending a child for a week of conservation camp is a great way to help ensure the future of the hunting and fishing arts and makes an excellent and appreciated gift.

"Conservation camp instills knowledge of not only hunting and fishing, but nature, boating, swimming and other outdoor pursuits in a safe environment," said Laura Burford, assistant director of the information and education division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "This year, the weekly camp fee includes a junior sportsman's license."

Ladycat Varsity Coach Scott Collins hosted a Christmas with the Ladycats for the kindergarten - second grade Future Ladycats and had a surprise visitor, the Wildcat mascot, that brought each girl a Ladycat stocking. Former Ladycats Gab Kirsch and Kristen Smith also helped with the event. Pictured with the Wildcat mascot are Julia Redden, Sadie Dalton and Madison Verst.

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The Future Ladycats Recreational League was introduced at the Ladycats game versus Villa Madonna.  Coach Rachael Appleman’s team showed their Ladycats' spirit. Pictured from left, Sydney Dalton, Sophea Dalton, Hailey Hughes, Korynn Marshall, Caitlyn Meeks, Madeline Miles, Josie Miller, Candace Wagner.

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The new year will bring the Sharp Middle School Basketball League but before Santa brings presents, sign-ups are underway and due December 20 to avoid a late fee.

Registration forms were passed out to every middle school student before Thanksgiving but if your child’s did not make it home, you can obtain one at the following locations:

• The Griffin Fitness Center where the Pendleton Recreation Office is located. Open 5 - 9 p.m. each Monday - Friday.

• The Pendleton County government website, www.pendletoncounty.ky.gov, click on Youth Sports on the right hand side of the header.

• The Pendleton County Recreation Facebook page for information directing you to the location of the registration forms.

If you have any questions, contact the Pendleton County Recreation Department at 859-654-5800.

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The new year will bring the Future Wildcats Basketball League but before Santa brings presents, the sign-ups are underway and due December 20 to avoid a late fee.

Registration forms were passed out to every elementary-age boy before Thanksgiving but if your son’s did not make it home, you can obtain one at the following locations:

• The Griffin Fitness Center where the Pendleton Recreation Office is located.  Open 5:00-9:00 each Monday-Friday.

• The Pendleton County government website, www.pendletoncounty.ky.gov, click on Youth Sports on the right hand side of the header.

• The Pendleton County Recreation Facebook page for information directing you to the location of the registration forms.

If you have any questions, contact the Pendleton County Recreation Department at 859-654-5800.

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