Bluegrass Biodiesel signed papers on March 22 with the Pendleton County Industrial Authority to lease the spec building located in the Commonwealth Commerce Center just south of Falmouth. The company will be making biodiesel. Pictured above left to right: Allan Henry, Vice President of Operations, Bluegrass Biodiesel, LLC, Jon Edwards, President, Bluegrass Biodiesel, LLC, Jeff Carson, Chairman, Pendleton Industrial Authority and April DeFalco, Mayor, City of Falmouth. Photo by D. Dennie.

New company will manufacture and distribute biodiesel fuel

Bluegrass Biodiesel, LLC has chosen Pendleton County to manufacture and distribute biodiesel fuel.

A commercial lease agreement was signed on March 23 with the Pendleton County Industrial Authority. The company will occupy the 43,000 square foot manufacturing building that is located in the Commonwealth Commerce Center just south of Falmouth.

Jon Edwards, of West Chester, Ohio is president of Bluegrass Biodiesel, and Allan Henry, of Dry Ridge, is Vice President of Operations.

Biodiesel is a cleaner burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, its biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics, which when used would decrease our dependency on foreign oil and contribute to our own economy. "We are eager to get started," Edwards said. "This project development has taken around three years to get everything ready and in order to sign this agreement with the Industrial Authority."

The total investment at startup will be in excess of 2.3 million dollars. Edwards went on to say they anticipate expanding in late 2008, which will require an additional investment of more than 1.5 million dollars.

"Mr. Henry has devoted in excess of two years working with the Pendleton Industrial Authority to accomplish the facility location in Falmouth," Edwards said.

At the lease signing, Henry stated, "I have to say, this project would never have happened in Falmouth without the tenacity and perseverance displayed by the Pendleton Industrial Authority Board of Directors and their executive director. They were determined to make this happen in Pendleton County, and in the end, that was a major factor in our decision."

Starting out, Bluegrass Biodiesel expects to have a work force of approximately 19 employees, with more employees projected to be added as production increases. "We expect to hire many of the employees from the local area," he added.

Mr. Edwards said if everything goes as expected they should be producing the biodiesel by August.

The Pendleton County Industrial Development Authority is a public, non-profit organization created by the Pendleton County Fiscal Court in 1993 pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 154. It serves as the economic development agency for the communities of Butler, Falmouth and Pendleton County, Kentucky. It operates as an independent agency, but the County Judge Executive appoints its members to four-year staggered terms. Its mission statement is, "to obtain and develop commercial and industrial sites to attract new business to the community, along with retaining and expanding existing businesses, to create jobs."

KSP arrest fugitive wanted in Texas

A fugitive wanted in the state of Texas was apprehended by Kentucky State Police in DeMossville on March 22 and was lodged in the Boone County Detention Center until he can be extradited back to Texas. Raymond R. Hughes, 24, was picked up at the residence of Sabrina Crowe at 1475 Mullins Lane by Troopers Jerry Fieger and Mark Grisik around 9 a.m. last Thursday. Hughes was wanted on a parole violation in Texas where he had been stopped and arrested for transporting over 30 pounds of marijuana. Hughes is shown with Trooper Jerry Fieger as he was being taken to the Falmouth Police Department. Photo by D. Dennie.

Kasey Bishop claims title "Miss Heart of the Mountains"

Miss Kasey Jo Bishop, 20, of Falmouth, has captured the pageant title, "Miss Heart of the Mountains." The pageant was held in Morehead on March 10. She will be competing in the Miss Kentucky Pageant in July 19-21 in Lexington. Kasey attends Morehead University. She will be interning for the Salvation Army in Washington, D.C. this summer. She is the daughter of Eddie and Donna Bishop of Falmouth.

KSP Trooper Steward involved in accident

Kentucky State Police Post 6 is investigating an injury accident involving Trooper Chris Steward. The accident occurred at approximately 1:35 p.m. on I-75 northbound at the 187.2 mile marker.

Trooper Steward was stopped on the inside emergency strip of I-75, off the traveled portion of the roadway, where he was conducting a laser detail. Trooper Steward was inside his cruiser when he was struck in the rear by Nicole R. Patrick, 29, of Hamilton, Ohio. Patrick was operating a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am. Tpr. Steward was transported to St. Elizabeth South for leg pain and later released.

Patrick was taken to St. Elizabeth South for a possible head laceration. Patrick was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The accident remains under investigation by Sgt. Stacey May and Tpr. Chad Mills.

Butler teen injured when she jumps from car

By Debbie Dennie, Editor

Christina Bowman, 19, of Butler, was injured around 12:28 a.m. March 24 when she opened the passenger door of a car she was riding in and jumped out of it.

Miss Bowman was released from the hospital over the weekend.

The driver of the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am that Bowman was riding in was Erica Barker, 31, of Falmouth. She was arrested and charged with DUI. She was transported to the Boone County Detention Center.

The incident happened on U.S. 27 near the Pendleton County Country Club.

Kentucky State Police Trooper David Holland stated that Barker was northbound and continued on after the girl jumped from the vehicle. She apparently went to Miss Bowman's mother's home, located in the Boston Mobile Home Park, and brought her back to where her daughter was lying on the side of the roadway. The Pendleton County Ambulance and TransCare responded to the scene and then transported Miss Bowman to meet UK Aircare. She was then flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. Butler Fire Department set up for aircare.

Tpr. Holland was en route to a domestic on Highway 10 when he heard the call on the radio and arrived at the scene in just a few minutes. "When Miss Bowman jumped from the car she hit a guard rail with the front of her head, flipped around and hit the guard rail with the back of her head." She also sustained other injuries, according to Tpr. Holland.

The incident is still under investigation.

Equestrian Center's professional staff, (l-r): Stable Technician-Stall Specialist, Nikki Heinlien; Riding Instructor-Horse Trainer, Dorothy Dennie; Tack and Gift Shop Manager, Patti Thomas; Buckskin Stallion, Jody; Farrier-Horse Trainer, Jason Thomas; Stable Technician-Stall Specialist, Clint Riley; Equestrian Center CEO, Steve Thomas. Not pictured: Brad Thomas. Photo by Roger McKinney.

Above is an aerial view of the Equestrian Center. Photo by Roger McKinney, thanks to pilot, Donnie Lovelace.

Total Equine Services Center to hold open house

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

The Steve Thomas Family has created a horse lover's dream on their Circle T Farm at 1718 Highway 609, which sits 1.7 miles west of Kincaid Lake State Park. In October of 2006 construction began on a one-stop equestrian center that would meet the needs of the surrounding community. In January of 2007 the building was very near completion and the Thomas Total Equine Services Equestrian Center was open for business.

The Equestrian Center's architecture is cathedral-like in dimension. Its structure consists of a 112 by 200 ft. riding arena, six skylights, a 2,000 bale hay loft, 17 boarding stalls, a tack shop, a gift shop and two observation rooms. Services provided by the center include the boarding of horses, the breeding of horses, the shoeing of horses, the breaking and training of horses and the teaching of riding skills. The center also sells tack, equestrian gifts and is available as a site for birthday parties and special events.

For additional information call (859) 654-6268 or (859) 462-7915 or visit www.totalequineservices.com.

The Total Equine Services Equestrian Center will hold an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2007. Many activities are planned and the event promises to be a memorable occasion for all. Our community can be proud of many things and the Thomas Arena and Equestrian Center is destined to become another jewel in the crown of Pendleton County.

To reach the Equestrian Center from Falmouth, take 159 to just past the Kincaid Lake State Park entrance. Turn left at Junction 159 and 609. Drive west for 1.7 miles. The center is at 1718, on your right.

Pictured above: (l-r) Dan Evans, President of the Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association, presents Pendleton County Animal Control Officer Gary Maxwell with the 2007 Animal Control Officer of the Year Award.

Gary Maxwell named 2007 Animal Control Officer of the Year

Pendleton County Animal Control Officer Gary Maxwell attended the Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association's Spring Training Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, March 15-17.

Officer Maxwell participated in several courses of study. On March 15, he attended courses on proper adoption processes, shelter media relations, proper prosecution of animal hoarders and how to handle a puppy mill situation. The classes were presented by the Humane Society of the United States. On March 16-17, he attended courses that were presented by an instructor with the National Animal Control Association. The following areas of study were presented: the role of an animal control officer in cruelty investigations, rules of evidence, dealing with the media, courtroom testimony, officer safety, and interview and interrogation.

While in attendance, Officer Maxwell was presented the 2007 Animal Control Officer of the Year Award by the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association. This was the first time in the twenty year history of K.A.C.C.A. that this award has been given.

The Board felt there was no other animal control professional that exemplified dedication and a spirit to improve his services to his community as did Officer Maxwell. They felt the community of Pendleton County should be proud to have an animal control officer as dedicated as Officer Maxwell.

"I'm extremely honored to be the first recipient of such an award," said Maxwell, Pendleton County's first full-time animal control officer. "This job is very demanding and stressful, but I feel greatly rewarded to be recognized by such a large group of my peers. I look forward to serving the county in the future as we strive to continue upon the improvements that have already been made. I'd like to thank all those who have supported me in this endeavor."

Thomas L. McMullin sentenced

Thomas L. McMullin of Flour Creek Road, Butler appeared in Pendleton Circuit Court before Judge Robert McGinnis on Wednesday, March 21 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
He was convicted of three counts of Sodomy, third degree, one count Sodomy, second degree, and one count of Sexual Abuse, first degree.

"The Hyper Bald Guy" Danny Plyler (top) hammers Jeremy Pender with punches during his first-ever mixed martial arts/ultimate fighting match at the MMA Big Show, held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, on November 18, 2006.

Danny Plyler sets his sights on ultimate fighting title shot

By Jackie Vaughn, Reporter

In sports today, athletes love hitting the big homerun to win the ball game while others thrive on hitting the crucial three-pointer at the buzzer, but when it comes to mixed martial arts, competitors such as Danny Plyler just like to hit each other....and as hard as they can.

Plyler, also known as "The Hyper Bald Guy," is an amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) and ultimate fighting competitor who hails from Bracken County. His fighting background in-cludes kickboxing, Ryukyu Kempo karate, first degree black belt, and high school wrestling. He was trained by Martial Arts Hall of Famer Gary Rooks. At one time, he worked as a bouncer for five years. He has also served in the Marines. It's been a dream for most of his life to step into the cage and go toe-to-toe with the best there is and at age 36, he's finally getting his chance.

"I've always wanted to get into the cage and see where I stand," said Plyler. "Just test my skills against another warrior and give it all I got. If I lose, I'm going down in a blaze of glory. They'll have to carry me out though because I won't give up."

DANNY PLYLER - "THE HYPER BALD GUY"

Mixed martial arts or ultimate fighting is a full contact, no holds barred, combat sport which features many styles and disciplines. The sport dates back to as early as 648 B.C. but started enjoying mainstream popularity in the early 90's. Boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, brawling, jiu-jitsu, and muai-thai are just a few of the approaches used by competitors to overcome their opponents. A win is secured by submission, knockout, technical knockout or decision. Very little is deemed illegal by referees but fighters do follow a respectful code of conduct. The fight consists of three, three minute rounds.

"I owe this opportunity to my wife Beth," said Plyler. "She's my gift from God. She totally supports what I'm doing and is 100% behind me. If it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't even be attempting to fight. It just wouldn't be possible without her."

"One night, we were watching U.F.C. and I was really into it. She told me that she was pursuing her dream and that if I really wanted to try ultimate fighting then I should give it a shot. That's all I needed to hear."

The MMA Big Show made an appearance at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center on the weekend of November 17-18 and Plyler went to the owners, promoters, and matchmakers with hopes of getting on the card. There were no openings available so he left his name and number and told them, "If anyone doesn't show, I'll take their place. I don't care who I have to fight."

Plyler got the call he had been waiting for at approximately 12:22 a.m. the day of the fight. One of the fighters had dropped out and the MMA asked if he was still interested in stepping in. He would be facing a man by the name of Jeremy Pender, who was 15 years younger and well-trained.

"I couldn't have fought a better person for my first fight," said the 155 lb., 5'6" Plyler. "He's a good fighter. I personally thought I might lose. He hit me hard during the first round but he got a little tired during the second round and I knew it."

Plyler continued, "When he kicked me and then fell back against the cage, I knew that was my chance. I moved in on him and took him down to the ground. I applied an armlock and he tapped out at the 1:39 mark. I really think I won that first match on pure heart. Believe me, I was exhausted."

"Jeremy is a tough, young man who will do well in this sport. When he's 10-1, I'll be proud to say that I gave him his first and only loss. We're good friends now and still keep in touch."

Plyler's performance earned him another match in the upcoming American Fight League's "Clash in the Cage," to be held at the Eagle Lake Convention Center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, on Saturday, March 31. His opponent will be former Marine Jimmy Berger. Tickets are still available for the event. Showtime is at 7 p.m.

A group of over 50 people will be making the trip to see "The Hyper Bald Guy" in action as he tries to secure his second victory and climb the ladder to that all important title shot.

Plyler hasn't had the opportunity to train as much as he would have liked lately due to an illness in his family but stated he's "ready to go."

"I'm going to stand across from a guy Saturday who wants to take my head off," said Plyler. "I'm so excited. I feel like a kid at Christmas. Two warriors are going to just go at it for nine minutes. I'm going to give 100% and hopefully I'll come out on top. We're friends now and we'll remain friends regardless of the outcome."

"I need as much fan support as possible so I urge everyone to come out and cheer me on," added Plyler.

Plyler has also been instrumental in attempting to bring Mixed martial arts shows to Falmouth. Plans are already underway for a card in the near future.

Plyler also owns and operates Tarhe Martial Arts on Main Street in Falmouth. He is always accepting students and is anxious to teach others what he has learned. If you're interested in learning martial arts or taking self-defense classes, contact him at (606) 747-5958 or look him up on the internet at www. hyperbaldguy.com.

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