The above photo was taken at the accident scene, while the two officers were in the cruiser on Milford Road by Falmouth Police Sergeant Aaron Arnsperger.

The photo of the cruiser on the right was taken after the cruiser had been towed away. Both troopers received minor injuries. Bottom photo by D. Dennie.

Two troopers injured after icy road causes cruiser to slide, hit a tree and roll

By Debbie Dennie, Editor

Two Kentucky State Police Troopers sustained minor injuries when the police cruiser they were patrolling in last Saturday evening slid off the road and rolled over.

Troopers David Holland and Jerry Fieger were transported to St. Elizabeth South by the Pendleton County ambulance. Both were treated and released.

"We're both really stiff and sore. They think David has a couple of cracked ribs and we have cuts and bruises," Fieger said.

Snow, blowing wind and below freezing temperature caused many back roads to become icy and dangerous.

"We were patrolling on Milford Road, about one and a-half miles west of Browning's Corner, when we went around a really sharp curve. We hit a solid sheet of ice," said Trp. Fieger. The sheet of ice caused Trp. Holland to lose control of the cruiser, which hit a tree, went through a fence and then rolled over a couple of times."

The farmer whose fence they went through heard the noise and came to see about them. Fieger added, " You couldn't see the cruiser from the road. I radioed the dispatch center and they sent an ambulance."

The farmer pulled his truck to the side of the road and put the truck's flashers on, until the ambulance and other officers could arrive, to keep someone else from hitting the icy curve. Pendleton County Deputy Sheriff Eddie Quinn and Falmouth Police Sergeant Aaron Arnsperger responded to the accident scene to help their fellow officers.

The cruiser, which is more than likely totaled, was towed from the accident scene by Midwest Towing.

The Pendleton County Road Department crews were out early Sunday morning treating the slick roads throughout the county.

Council proposes fire protection contract

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

The Falmouth City Council met with County Judge Henry Bertram and Magistrate Stacey Wells to discuss the city's proposal to provide fire protection to the county. Also in attendance of the January 31 Kennett Tavern meeting were Falmouth Fire Chief David Marquardt and Falmouth Fire Fighter Bob Pettit.

City Councilman Mark Hart read the proposal aloud. The document said that for $500 per run the city agreed to provide fire protection for that part of the county not covered by other fire departments. That coverage involved 75% of Pendleton County's geographic area. The proposal said that Falmouth would provide Mutual Aid or assistance with fire suppression to the Butler and Northern Pendleton Fire Departments, but if the Falmouth Fire Department arrives at the scene first and puts out the flames, then Falmouth would bill for that service. The proposal stated that if the fiscal court decided to create a county fire department in addition to Falmouth, Butler and Northern Pendleton, then the city of Falmouth wanted the option of establishing a substation in its area. The document also declared that if "Butler and Northern Pendleton are subsidized by the county, then Falmouth wanted that funding as well."

Judge Bertram asked the council to consider a different termed contract. He wanted to pay Falmouth $100 for each truck sent to a fire scene and $12 for each fireman and in addition $75 for fuel. Falmouth Mayor Gene Flaugher said he preferred the $500 per fire run as compared to the second option. Judge Bertram told the council that he had mailed letters to the city of Falmouth, the Falmouth Fire Chief, the city of Butler, the Butler Fire Chief, the Northern Pendleton Fire District Board and the Northern Pendleton Fire Chief. In these six letters Judge Bertram asked if the receivers of his correspondence would work toward establishing a countywide fire district? The cities and their fire departments have three weeks to reply. Judge Bertram said that it was his belief that all six answers would be " No," The judge said, "If my expectation comes true, then we will have to proceed from that point."

Magistrate Stacey Wells said that irrespective of the outcome representatives from all six groups and the fiscal court should meet and try to come to some agreement in regard to a countywide fire protection policy.

The lawmakers decided that Mark Hart should fine- tune the contract proposal and present it to the full council in the February 7 meeting. The Falmouth City Council will request a written reply to its fire protection proposal within 30 days after it is submitted to the Pendleton County Fiscal Court.

Car breaks utility pole off knocking electric out

Residents in the area of Jagg Road were without electric for a couple of hours on Tuesday, January 31 due to an automobile hitting the utility pole and breaking it off. Dennis Vanlandingham of Dry Ridge, Kentucky was operating the 1992 Ford Tempo. According to the report, for some unknown reason the car went off the side of the road, hit a mail box and then slammed into the utility pole, causing it and the wires to fall across the roadway. The vehicle flipped on its side. All five of the people in the vehicle were transported to Grant CountyÕs St. Elizabeth Hospital for minor injuries. Owner of the vehicle was Tiffany Stroude, who was also a passenger in the car. She was charged with no insurance. Owen Electric was called to repair the utility pole and get electric back on. Kentucky State Trooper Jim Jackson worked the accident. Trooper Mark Grisik assisted with traffic control. Photo by Jackie Vaughn.

Sylvia Cox celebrates 100th birthday

By Bruce Reller, Jr., Reporter

Sylvia Cox celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at her home church, Grassy Creek Christian Church Sunday, February 5, 2006.

When asked how it feels to be turning 100, Sylvia said it feels kind of old. "I'm thankful to be able to get around," she said.

Sylvia is officially going to turn 100 this Thursday, February 9, 2006.

Pendleton County Judge Henry Bertram issued a proclamation to her at the gathering.

"February 9 is going to be 'Sylvia Cox Day'," Bertram said as he handed the certificate to Sylvia.

Sylvia has a lot of memories over the years, but her best memories are of spending time with family and being involved in family gatherings.

"I always like to have company," Sylvia said. She was married to the late Talton Matthew Cox on September 7, 1929. The couple has one child, Jim.

She worked alongside her late husband helping to run a local grocery store. She has spent her entire life in the Portland area of the county.

Candidates that filed to run for offices

The 2006 elections will be a huge one for the county, all of the offices for the two cities and the county will be voted on. Those candidates that have filed their papers to be on the May 16 Primary Ballots are as follows:

Jeff Dean, D, filed for the office of county attorney.

John Steele, D, filed for re-election of the Property Valuation Administration office.

Mike Redden, D, filed for re-election as circuit clerk.

Jack Sumpter, D, filed for re-election as Magistrate of District 1.

Paul Dickison, R, filed for re-election as Magistrate for District 3.

Gary Veirs, D, filed to seek re-election as Magistrate in District 2 and Stacey Wells, D, filed to seek re-election as Magistrate in District 4.

Alan R. Whaley, D, filed for Magistrate, District 1.

Rita Spencer, D, filed for re-election as county clerk.

Doug Wright filed to run for Commonwealth Attorney.

Jay Delaney filed for the office of District Court Judge of the 18th Judicial and Bradley Vaughn has filed his papers to run for District Judge.

David Melcher filed to be re-elected as Family Court Judge.

For the office of Judge of the Courty of Appeals Sixth Appellate District the following have filed: Joy Moore, Danielle T. Guidughi, Michelle M. Keller, Owen Kennedy and James A. Kidney.

Those filing their papers to run for the office of jailer are as follows: Darrin Gregg, D; Ken Kells ,D; Kimberly Green, R; Joy Walsh, D; Timothy Saylor, R; and Kelly Jo Dennie.

D. Craig Peoples, D, has filed for the office of sheriff. Chad Applegate, R, has filed for the office of sheriff.

John Peoples, D, filed to be re-elected as coroner.

Judge Henry Bertram, D, has filed to seek re-election as county judge.

Jack Scroggins, R, filed for county judge and Phillip Turner, R, filed to run for judge.

Otto Stapleman, Sr., D, filed to be re-elected as Constable in District 2. Scott Shepperd, D, filed for Constable in District 1. Tony McCarter, D, filed for constable in District 2, Robert Best Jr., D, filed for Constable in District 4, William Jolley, Jr., R, filed for constable in District 4 and Aaron T. Bonar, D, filed for constable in District 1.

Howard Johnston, R, filed for the office of county surveyor.
The mayors and city council's races will be on the November Ballot. They have until August 8 to file for office.

District 6 asks public to be watchful on Kentucky roads

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 Office is asking motorists and residents to keep a watchful eye on state property. Just recently there have been two incidents in which people were caught cutting up downed luminary (light) poles. These poles are made of aluminum and are being sold as scrap.

"The poles cost the taxpayers approximately $700 to replace," said Chief District Engineer, Tom Schomaker. He added, "These poles were knocked down by recent car accidents, but there have been reports in other states where scrappers are taking upright light poles!"

KYTC District 6 has an electrical maintenance contractor, Davis H. Eliot. They as well as Kentucky Transportation State Maintenance trucks are the only people that can be working on the luminary poles along state roads and intersections. Their trucks are clearly marked. Scrappers can be very fast and can disassemble a pole up and have it loaded in less than five minutes.

It's not procedure for state crews and contractors to disassemble the luminary poles. If you witness a person vandalizing any state property, please call local police and then call the KYTC District 6 Office. The KYTC District 6 Office number is 859-341-2700.

The KYTC would appreciate your help in keeping a "neighborhood watch" along our state roads.

Purchase your favorite item at fundraiser

The Pendleton County Wildcat basketball cheerleaders will be having a fundraiser this coming Wednesday.

Need a gift, make-up, a new purse, jewelry, scrap-booking ideas, or a new kitchen utensil? If you can answer yes, then the cheerleaders at Pendleton High School need you.

They have partnered with some local vendors for a deal that everyone can gain from. They have created a one-time, one night chance for you to do all this shopping in one place.

The cheerleaders will receive part of the sales from the vendors that night to help with expenses.

Refreshments will be provided. If there is any specific cheerleader you would like to come and support, then they can make sure that the money you spend goes towards a specific girl's expense. If youÕd rather contribute to the entire squad, they will split all profits gained between the 15 girls.

Vendors that have committed so far are: Pampered Chef, Home Interior, Avon, Creative Memories, Stampin' Up, Premier Jewelry, Mary Kay and Longaberger and maybe more!

Attention Alumni Band
and Cheerleaders

If you were formerly in the band or a cheerleader at the Pendleton County High School we need you! The Alumni Band performed on February 6 during the Ladycat Basketball game. We need former band members and cheerleaders to perform on February 11.

Cheerleaders: We want you! It doesn't matter how many years you cheered. Wear black jeans or pants, a red top or some combination of school colors.

For more information please contact Lynn Orr at 859-472-2341 or lynnorr@fuse.net.

National Spay Day event March 1

Pendleton County Animal Control Officer, Gary Maxwell has announced that the Pendleton County Animal Shelter and the Pendleton County Veterinary Hospital, will be participating in a National Spay Day event. They will observe this National Spay Day from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1.

The first two dogs adopted from the shelter that evening will be eligible for vouchers from the Pendleton County Veterinary Hospital for a free spay/neuter. Gary Maxwell will personally provide $25 vouchers to any additional adoptions that evening. These vouchers will be good for $25 off the full price of any spay/neuter surgery. Come out and help us make this event a success!!