Pendleton County Holiday Parade rolls through the streets of Falmouth

The Pendleton County Holiday Nighttime Parade made its way through the streets of Falmouth just before dark on Saturday, November 17. A good-sized crowd of adults and excited children turned out to see the festively-decorated procession and await the annual arrival of Santa Claus. Taking first place in the Float Division this year was Southern Elementary with their train, the Southern Express. The Students of the Month rode inside and threw candy to the parade-goers. For more parade pictures, see Page 19 of this week's Falmouth Outlook. Photo by Jackie Vaughn.

Horses cause accident; man airlifted to hospital

By Debbie Dennie, Editor

A one-vehicle accident at 6 a.m. November 16 sent an area man to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He was listed in fair condition this past Monday.

Anthony Prater, 33, was operating a 1988 Dodge pick-up north on KY 10 towards Pendleton County when he came across two horses standing in the roadway. He struck both horses causing him to lose control of his vehicle. The vehicle come to rest in a field at 16899 KY. 10, which was the residence of Northern Pendleton Fire Chief. He called for the police and Northern Pendleton Ambulance.

Northern Pendleton Fire Department set up for U.C. AirCare.

Both horses were deceased at the scene. Griffin's came to pick up the horses.

The roadway was closed for approximately 1 1/2 hours. KSP Trooper Scott Lengle is investigating the accident.

Southgate Mayor Jim Hamberg, left, presened Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram, right, with his award certificate.

Bertram chosen Local Elected Official of the Year

Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram received a framed document from the Municipal Government League of Northern Kentucky, which recognized his dedicated public service to the Northern Kentucky Region of the Commonwealth on the evening of November 10, 2007. The presentation took place at the Summit Hill Country Club, near Thomas More College, during the Annual MGLNK Dinner. Southgate Mayor Jim Hamberg read from the award certificate: "It is fitting that we honor Henry Bertram as Outstanding Local Elected Official for 2007. His contributions are not only worthy of our emulation, but evidence the extraordinary collective contribution one person can make through dedicated public service and personal commitment. Northern Kentucky is a better place to live and work, Henry Bertram, because of your contributions, accomplishments and achievements. This well-earned public honor is given to you as a symbol of our appreciation." Article and photo by Roger McKinney.

Rumpke presents school with twelve laptop computers

Before the Veterans Day ceremonies began on the morning of November 12, 2007, Rumpke Vice President Todd Rumpke presented Phillip A. Sharp Middle School with twelve laptop computers. "These computers are yours to use as you see fit," said Mr. Rumpke, "This community has been good to us and we take this opportunity to give back to the community. We are especially honored to make this presentation on Veterans Day." Pictured above: (l-r) Sharp Middle School Principal Jeff Aulick, Rumpke's Landfill Manager Jim Hext, Rumpke's Operation Manager Bert Guthaus, Pendleton County Superintendent of Schools Bob Yost, Rumpke's Director of Information Technology Joe Rogan, Rumpke's Regional Vice President Todd Rumpke. Article and photo by Roger McKinney, Reporter.

Falmouth Police make arrest in Artic Cat burglary

The Falmouth Police Department after investigating a burglary at Artic Cat of Falmouth shop located on U.S. 27 south of Falmouth have their man.

Matthew Winkle, 22, of Butler was arrested on November 5, 2007 and charged with burglary, second degree; and criminal mischief, third degree. He was lodged in the Boone County Detention Center.

The subject cut himself as he entered the building and left enough blood to lead police to him.

Cast of "Sanders Family Christmas" front row: (l-r) Marvin Sullivan, Matt Menkhaus, Shirley Merrill. Back row: (l-r) Mark Aulick, Cathie Insko, Aaron Angel, Tyler Mullins, Ginny Utz, and Sarah Lewis.

Half-price tickets for KRT's "Sanders Family Christmas"

Pendleton County residents can get half-price tickets for the opening weekend of "Sanders Family Christmas" on November 23, 24 and 25.

You won't want to miss this great Christmas show featuring many local and regional talents demonstrating not only their dramatic skills but also their skills playing banjo, fiddle, bass, guitar, concertina, harmonica, piano and many more exciting instruments. This production is sure to bring back memories of simpler, more meaningful Christmases long past. It's a great way to remember and savor those long ago childhood experiences at Christmas time.

As a thank you to our loyal Pendleton County patrons, Kincaid is offering half-price tickets to the "Sanders Family Christmas" productions this weekend. Just show your driver's license at the box office for your discount. November 23, 24, 30 and December 1, 7 and 8 are 7:30 p.m. Evening performances and November 25, December 2 and 9 matinee performances starting at 2 p.m.

For more information and ticket reservations, call the office at (859) 654-2636 or online at www.KRTSHOWS.com

KSP Safety Check Points for Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday always means increased traffic on roads and highways throughout the Commonwealth. As a result, the Kentucky State Police will be boosting its road patrols and operating safety checkpoints statewide beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25. Troopers will coordinate enforcement activities with local police and sheriff's offices and use radar and laser equipment as well as passive alcohol sensors to assist their efforts.

As part of its increased activities, KSP will also be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). This nationwide program works to reduce crashes on interstate highways and parkways by concentrating on the three key causes of traffic fatalities: speeding, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints. "The Thanksgiving holiday period is one of the busiest highway travel times," says Kentucky State Police Commissioner Jack Adams. "Many Kentuckians will be traveling within the state and many more out-of-state visitors will be travelling to or through the Commonwealth. This increased activity has the potential to produce added risks."

During the four-day 2006 Thanksgiving holiday period, 15 people died in motor vehicle crashes on Kentucky roadways. Of the 15 fatalities, 13 of the victims were not using seat belts.

"Through Nov. 14, Kentucky has recorded 751 highway fatalities in 2007," notes Adams. "These needless deaths are tragic and I urge all motorists to protect themselves and their fellow travelers by following these safe driving tips."

Don't drink and drive. Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy regarding driving while impaired by alcohol. Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 will result in an immediate arrest even for first time offenders. Motorists can also be arrested for lower levels if they are under 21 years of age or operating a commercial vehicle.

Buckle up. Kentucky law makes the driver responsible for assuring that all occupants in their vehicle are properly restrained. No warnings will be issued to drivers found not wearing a safety belt. They will receive a citation.
Use approved child restraints. According to Kentucky law, all children 40 inches in height or less, must be buckled into a child safety restraint seat that meets federal standards. Children over 40 inches tall must wear a seat belt. Violation of this law will result in a $50 fine with an additional $10 fine donated to the Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund. Motorists should be aware that the back seat is the safest place for children to sit, especially in vehicles equipped with passenger-side air bags. Infants and toddlers should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Parents should always be sure that their child's safety seat has been properly installed in the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Obey speed limits. Excessive speed reduces your ability to avoid a crash, extends your vehicle's stopping distance and increases the severity of a crash when it occurs.

Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation and fatigue can cause lapses in attention, slowed awareness and impaired judgement.

Don't tailgate. Follow other vehicles at a safe distance. If you find yourself being tailgated, dont hit the brakes. Slow down gradually and let the other vehicle pass you.

Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as passing on the shoulder of the road, changing lanes without signaling, violating traffic signals and weaving in and out of traffic.

Expect the unexpected. Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react. Scan the road ahead for potential hazards.

Watch for road debris such as tire treads, garbage, lumber, gravel, tree limbs, mufflers and exhaust parts.

Take extra care on rural roads with 55 mile per hour speed limits.

Avoid or minimize in-car distractions such as cell phone use, changing tapes or CDs, eating or other activities that can remove your attention from the road.

Take frequent breaks to keep alert during long distance trips.

Be extra cautious around large trucks. They have large "blind spots" and much longer stopping distances than passenger cars.

Remember that three out of four crashes happen within 25 miles of home at speeds of 45 miles per hour or less. About 40 percent of all fatal crashes occur on roads where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less.

"Staying focused and alert while driving is a year-round message, but it needs to be re-emphasized during busy holiday travel times," says Adams. "By following this common sense advice, we can all celebrate the season by making it a death-free holiday on our roadways."

Citizens can contribute to highway safety during the holiday period by reporting erratic, impaired or speeding drivers to the KSP toll-free hotline at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number, if possible.

Help out Salvation Army

Holiday time is a time of giving and sharing. Won't you please help the Salvation Army make this year a time to give thanks and give back. The Pendleton County Salvation Army Chapter would like to extend a welcome to anyone wishing to volunteer for the upcoming Kettle Campaign.

With the generous support from Pendleton County residents, they were able to collect $4,363.27. The Pendleton County Salvation Army chapter has been able to provide assistance to 60 families (141 people) this year. They were also able to help send 17 children to camp this past summer.

Pendleton County Salvation Army is in need of volunteers to help with the 2007 Kettle Campaign. If you, your family or organization is interested, please contact JoEllen Dawson at 654-4054 or email at jdawson@nkcac.org.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Kettle Campaign, you may send your donation to JoEllen Dawson, NKCAC, 307 Barkley Street, Falmouth, KY 41040 or Geneva Habermehl, 547 Rankin Mill Road, Falmouth, KY 41040. Please remember that all donations are tax deductible.

A special thank you to everyone who helped make last year a success and to Wyatt's Super-Valu.

What we raise here, stays here.

Special pages for our Military, In Memory, Baby's First Christmas, Christmas Angels, and Special Pet

Each year The Falmouth Outlook runs special pages inside their holiday issue for Baby's First Christmas, Christmas Angels and Pets.

This year we have two other special pages to add, a page remembering our Military personnel serving this holiday season and an "In Memory" page that family or friends can run a photo of a loved one that has paid away. See advertisements elsewhere in this issue pertaining to those special pages. These pages will run in the December 18 issue of the newspaper. Don't wait, gather your photos up now and bring or mail them in.

Trinity Southern Baptist Church will serve Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Gobble! Gobble! Thanksgiving is family time for most of us. This is the time of year when we, come together with grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, and cousins to prepare a feast and give thanks for our blessings of the past year.

The tradition of Thanksgiving began as a community event. For the past 20 years, it has been the tradition at Trinity Southern Baptist Church, to host a Community Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The doors are open and the tables are set for all who will come to feast and give thanks with us.

Dine-in reservations are being taken at (859) 654-2681 or (859) 250-2818 (cell). Our Thanksgiving meal is also available to those who are physically unable to come to the church. We will deliver hot Thanksgiving meals to the homebound in our community. If you are or know someone that would benefit from this service, please call. It is very important to give the name, address, good directions, and phone number of the homebound person that you are calling for.

There is no charge for dine-in or carry-out meals, nor is it necessary to bring anything with you. Eat and enjoy the fellowship.

Additional articles this week:

Andrew Moorhead wins Verterans Day essay contest

Kincaid Lake State Park Board and elected officials vow to fight for lodge

Family Weight Watchers enriching people's lives one pound at a time

Pendleton County High School Fall Sports Banquet

Veterans Day celebration held at Sharp Middle School

Scenes from the Christmas Parade

and more!!