The photo above shows what was left of a mobile home that belongs to Jerry Teegarden on Sullivan Road, just off Highway 17. The storm smashed everything and left the steps. Photo by Jackie Vaughn.

This is the Ford Explorer that the tree limb fell on while the driver was southbound on U.S. 27. The vehicle was registered to Kenneth Work.

Storm leaves path of destruction

Barn tin ripped off, garbage and paper flung all about

By Debbie Dennie, Editor

An intense line of storms moved into Pendleton County on February 5 early in the morning while residents slept, leaving destruction behind it. Wind gusts were reported at 80-90 mph.

Our county was spared for the most part compared to what our neighbors to the south experienced. The National Weather Service confirmed 14 tornadoes had touched down in 11 Kentucky counties. Four people were killed in Kentucky and several others injured.

Tornadoes also tore through Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi leaving 55 killed in these four states.

Locally, barn tin was ripped off several barns in the county starting on Highway 17, and Blackburn Road. A mobile home on Sullivan Road was flattened by the winds. The home belonged to Jerry Teegarden and they had planned to move in this past weekend. All that was left standing were the steps to the mobile home.

Restoration work had been progressing along at the old Bethel Church on Highway 17. The storm took its toll on the building. The strong winds ripped off half the roof including the understructure and some other damage. Charlie Pyles and other committee members want residents to know that if they can donate to the restoration fund it will be greatly appreciated. The restoration was being done by donations they had received earlier. Anyone interested in making donations can find at more information at www.bethelky.org.

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

State Police make meth lab bust

Kentucky State Police Troopers and Detective along with the help of the Pendleton County Sheriff's Department arrested two Falmouth residents and one from Florence on February 7, 2008. All three were charged with manufacturing methamphetamine.

The search warrant was executed at 783 Fishing Creek Rd. in Falmouth. Officers discovered a methamphetamine lab. Arrested were Anthony Houze Jr., of Florence, Kentucky, Gerald Hornsby Jr. of Falmouth, and Trista Mudd of Falmouth. Officers seized illegal narcotics, methamphetamine precursors and firearms.

All suspects were charged and lodged in the Boone County Detention Center.

Investigation is ongoing. Officers at the bust were Kentucky State Police Detective Jermey Murrell, KSP Troopers Jerry Fieger, Matt Feltner and Mark Grisik; Pendleton County Sheriff Craig Peoples, Chief Deputy Paul Vater and Deputy Todd Dennie.

Judge Bertram gets commitment from state for IFLOWS gauges

Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram was attending the annual County Judges Conference in Frankfort on Thursday, February 7, 2008. While in attendance there he got an oral commitment from Secretary Bailey on the IFLOWS gauges. "Sec. Bailey told me that they would continue to fund the maintenance of those IFLOWS gauges and if any money could be found at some point those gauges would be upgraded," said Bertram.

The Integrated Flood Observing and Warning System (IFLOWS) gauges produce vital information to Emergency Management Agency regarding river levels, measuring rainfall, etc.

An article stated in the February 5 issue about budget cuts at the state level, which could have effected Pendleton County, if there wasn't enough money for maintenance on these gauges.

Senior Kyle Pettit signed a Letter of Intent to play football with the Georgetown College Tigers on Thursday, February 7. Family, friends, coaches and teammates joined him for the occasion in the lobby of Pendleton County High School. Pictured above: Seated - (l-r) Kelly Pettit - sister, Keri Pettit - mother, Kyle Pettit, Craig Mullins - Tigers Offensive Coordinator, Bobby Pettit - father, Lee Teegarden - Wildcats Head Football Coach. Back row: (l-r) Assistant Football Coaches Brendhan Haynes and Josh Tackett. Photo by Jackie Vaughn.

Kyle Pettit signs Letter of Intent with Georgetown

By Jackie Vaughn, Reporter

Four years of hard work, determination, and desire paid off for Pendleton County's Kyle Pettit on Thursday, February 7. The Wildcats' senior football captain signed a Letter of Intent with Georgetown College to continue his athletic career on the gridiron as a member of the Tigers. Pettit receives a complete academic/athletic scholarship with his choice of the Georgetown, Kentucky college.

"I'm very excited to be going to Georgetown. It's the best choice for me," said Pettit, the son of Bobby and Keri Pettit of Falmouth. "It's a great academic school so I'm guaranteed a good education. I'm also looking forward to coming out and playing football as a freshman. Hopefully, I can make a difference."

The 6'3", 290 pound center played four years of varsity football for the Wildcats and was instrumental in helping lay the groundwork for the successful, building program. The team enjoyed their first winning season (6-4) in 2005 when Pettit was a sophomore. During his career at Pendleton County, Pettit has played under the guidance of coaches Tim Carver and and Lee Teegarden. He has earned several awards and honors such as the Academic Award (3.95 GPA), Offensive Lineman of the Year and All-District. Pettit also played one season in the Pendleton County Youth Football League.

The Wildcats recorded a 4-7 record this past year and competed in district play for the first time. Pettit averaged 8 tackles and 2.5 sacks per game.

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

Home destroyed by fire near McKinneysburg

A two-story frame house was destroyed by fire at 2:52 a.m. February 8 at the McKinneysburg Spur Road south of Falmouth. A smoke detector in the home awoke Mrs. Michelle Montoure and she got the others up and out of the house. Glen Montoure was at work at the Grant County Detention Center. The Montoure's have three children, 2 girls and one boy, ages 8, 9, and 16 and their fourth child due any day. Sharon Meadows and her three children ages 2, 6 and 10 were also staying with them. The home was a total loss. The Falmouth Fire Department was dispatched to the fire and remained on the scene until around 9:45 a.m. Other fire departments dispatched were Northern Harrison, Northern Pendleton and Butler. Pendleton Sheriff's Deputy Eddie Quinn responded along with Red Cross. Glen said that the Grant County Detention Center had helped and also Mrs. Rhonda Bennett of Bennett's Nursing Home. If any one wants to help they can drop off items at 308 Maple Avenue in Falmouth. Photo by April DeFalco.

McKinney pleads not guilty in District Court

Falmouth resident Greg McKinney plead not guilty in Pendleton District Court on February 5.

McKinney is the person an eyewitness saw shoot Kathy Colvin's dog Briar.

They go back to court at 1 p.m. on February 19. He is charged with cruelty to animals, second degree.

Additional articles this week include:

Sullivan airbrushes tobacco plant

KRT receives grant from Kentucky Arts Council

Butler City Council meeting for January

Alvin Bonar's Korean War Experience 1952-1954

Wildcats snap twelve game losing streak

Trooper recognized for excellence in Highway Safety

and more!!