Kentucky State Police Trooper Jerry Fieger helps take down information on an accident involving a car and a Pendleton County School bus on old McKinneysburg Road south of Falmouth on January 11. Photo by Jackie Vaughn.

Car and school bus collide head-on

An accident between a car and a school bus on old McKinneysburg Road around 4:07 p.m. on January 11 caused only minor injuries.

Robert S. Arnold, 31, of Brooksville, was operating a 1991 Mercury Cougar westbound.

Florence Gamble, 63, of Falmouth, was operating a 1992 school bus and was eastbound.

Pendleton County Deputy Sheriff Todd Dennie worked the accident. "Mr. Arnold was apparently driving too fast for the very narrow road. When he applied his breaks he slid into the school bus head-on," Deputy Dennie said.

The bus driver applied her brakes and tried to miss the car, but was unable.

There were 16 children and a school monitor still on the bus, besides the bus driver. There were no serious injuries.

Arnold had minor injuries and was taken to Harrison Memorial Hospital by the Pendleton County Ambulance.

Several other law enforcement officers responded to the accident scene to help: Pendleton County Sheriff Craig Peoples, Chief Deputy Paul Vater and Kentucky State Police Trooper Jerry Fieger.

Court/Council undergoes (CDBG) training

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

The Falmouth City Council met in special session on January 11 at 7 p.m. The lawmakers approved a resolution that authorized a reappraisal of the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant property. At 7:30 p.m. Falmouth Mayor April DeFalco and the city council entered a Community Development Block Grant training session with Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram and the magistrates of the fiscal court. The training was conducted by representatives from the Governor's Office for Local Development (GOLD): Jeff Hanna, Cathy Figlestabler, Rich Ornstein and Jay Hall. The use of CDGB funding in regard to the construction of the $7,000,000 Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility was discussed in depth. Also taking part in the discussion was Community Development Director Bill Mitchell and Falmouth Water and Wastewater Systems Supervisor Todd Ramsey.

The council and the court entered a closed session, where possible land acquisition was discussed. When the two groups returned to open forum no action was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

American Legion Post 109
honors veterans with military funerals

By Jackie Vaughn, Reporter

When it comes to honoring our country's departed military veterans, most Americans show their utmost respect. Whether it be on the day of their passing or one of the several holidays that celebrates our patriotism, we remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and those who have fought to defend it.

American Legion Post 109 in Falmouth goes above and beyond the call of duty to pay tribute to these brave men and women. They show praise, respect and admiration for their comrades' dedication and service to our country whenever the opportunity arises.

One of those ways is with full military funeral services upon their passing. They go all out to pay their last respects in a truly fitting fashion.

"We always try to do full military funerals for our fallen comrades," said Bill Ashcraft, longtime member of American Legion Post 109. "I've never seen anyone hold a military funeral or have the amount of veterans come out quite like we do."

"We do it as good as anybody," added Post Commander Ray Hammond.

Last year alone, American Legion Post 109 held 48 military services in seven counties. Not only do they cover Pendleton County but also travel to Bracken, Boone, Harrison, Robertson, Grant and Kenton counties to ensure that departed servicemen and women receive the recognition they have earned as well as a proper military burial.

"There are times we handle the services from start to finish," stated Bill Ashcraft. "It all depends on what the family requests. Our members serve as pallbearers and sometimes even perform the eulogy."

The veterans of Pendleton County begin their full military services by going to the funeral home and paying their respects to the family of the deceased. During the service, they lineup and one by one approach the fallen veteran and salute them. When the family arrives at the graveyard for interment, the veterans are already there waiting. Once again, they salute as the flag-covered casket is carried to its final resting place. Sometimes a song is performed by a veteran during this time.

Next, the veterans of the American Legion lead a prayer which is followed by a plaque presentation to the family. Enscripted on the plaque is the soldier's biography. It includes their name, branch of military, service time, medals received, and other accomplishments.

The Folding of the Flag Ceremony is performed soon after and the flag is also presented to the family.

A 21-gun salute is given by a row of seven veterans who fire three shots each. The spent casing shells are given to the family in honor and remembrance.

Finally, the Lord's Prayer is performed by Greg Tutt on trombone and Taps is played by Sam Hodge on the bugle.

Another veteran is laid to rest.

The procedure is sometimes performed differently and by other members of Post 109 but their mission is always the same: To be sure an appropriate ceremony is conducted to honor the deceased veteran.

A lot goes into preparing and carrying out full military services. Veterans are called and plans are made before the day of the funeral. Chaplain Shelby McDowell usually handles these tedious duties for Post 109 and has for 18 years.

"People don't realize how much Shelby does in organizing these services," said Bill Ashcraft. "The old man upstairs sure gave us a good one."

"It's quite a job to do what Shelby does. I've done it a few times and you wouldn't believe how long it takes to call all the members of Post 109," remarked Wallace Browning.

There are currently 230 members in the American Legion Post 109.

"I've never belonged to an organization quite like this," said Bill Ashcraft. "Ray (Hammond) has really turned this post around. If everyone was involved with something like this, it would be a better America."

Full military services are just one of the ways that Post 109 honors veterans.

For more of this story, see this week's Falmouth Outlook

Senate President Pro-Tem Katie Kratz Stine is pictured above being sworn in by her husband, Campbell County Judge Fred "Fritz" Stine, on the floor of the Kentucky Senate in Frankfort.

Stine unanimously re-elected Senate President Pro-Tem

Senate President Pro-Tem Katie Kratz Stine (R-Southgate) was unanimously re-elected as Senate President Pro-Tem last week. It marks the second time that her fellow senators have chosen her to lead the State Senate.

In 2005, Senator Stine became the first female President Pro Tem in the history of the Commonwealth. She is responsible for presiding over the Senate when the President is absent or unable to preside. As a member of the majority leadership, she helps direct the legislative agenda for the State Senate.

Stine has served in the General Assembly for 12 years. She was first elected to the Kentucky State House of Representatives in 1995 and then the Senate in 1999.

She currently serves as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee as well as being a member of the Rules Committee; Committee on Committees; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee; Veterans and Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee; and Health and Welfare Committee; Enrollment Committee, Energy Task Force, and Program Review Committee. Senator Stine also serves as the co-chairman of the Government Contract Review Committee and chairs the Families and Children Sub-committee.

Stine is also a member of the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Pendleton County Homemakers, the DAR, and Junior League.

Senator Katie Kratz Stine has received many awards for her legislative service including Taxpayers Best Friend, Guardian of Small Business, Friend of Tobacco Farmers, and the A.D. Albright Outstanding Educational Governance Individual Award from the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Senator Stine represents the 24th District of Campbell and Pendleton counties.

Judge Bertram recognizes 911 Dispatchers
Boy Scouts attend court meeting to better understand government

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram presented framed documents to Director Jackie Stephens and her 911 dispatchers that attested to their certification as Telecommunication Coordinators. The judge said the court was proud of the county dispatchers' educational achievements.

Falmouth Boy Scout Troop 109 attended the January 9 fiscal court session in order to better understand the workings of county government. Present at the meeting were Boy Scout Troop Leader Roger Marshall, Committee Chairwoman Holly Huck and the following boy scouts: Noah Marshall, Daniel Beckelhimer, Bradley Turner, David Huck and Robbie Huck.

Other business conducted by The Pendleton County Fiscal Court in the January 9 meeting:

The court awarded the lighting contract for Pendleton Athletic Field 4 to Northern Kentucky Electric, pending final approval by Athletic Park Project Manager Larry Sutton.

The court approved the 2007 budgets of the four water districts.

An amendment to the Sheriff's Budget was approved by the court.

The court approved payment of the Constables' Bonds.

The magistrates approved a first reading of a fire protection agreement between the Pendleton County Fiscal Court and the city of Butler. In the written document the court agrees to financially assist Butler with the purchase of two fire trucks in exchange for the Butler Volunteer Fire Department's provision of fire protection to citizens located in a specified area of the county.

Additional items this week:

Christmas at the Falmouth Police Department

Arrest in Cynthiana murder

Mt. Auburn Homemakers Club makes donation to Pendleton Athletic Park

Wiggins, Missippi hit by tornado January 5

Christmas of Sand, Surf and Basketball

Deputy Sheriff Jones sworn in

Pendleton High Homecoming candidates say thanks

"Paper Cut" - A new series for kids from the Kentucky Press Association

And more!!