The above photo shows the old frame house fully engulfed as the firemen from several departments battle the three structures on fire. Photo by Jackie Vaughn.

The above photo is of one of the two large barns that were also on fire the same time the house fire occurred. You can see the outline of the barn on fire through the tree line. Photo by April DeFalco.

Firefighters battle three structure fires on Gumlick Road

By Jackie Vaughn, Reporter

Local firefighters from five different stations had their hands full during the rainy, early morning hours of Saturday, April 14 after three structures went up in flames around 3 a.m. at the property of James "Fuzz" and Ann Antrobus on Gumlick Road.

According to reports, Jason Wooten, who was passing by at the time, noticed a barn was on fire and contacted dispatch. As he was making the call, a woman stopped and told him that there was also another barn and a house on fire.

The Falmouth Fire Department arrived on the scene at 3:38 a.m.

"The first barn that was reported on fire was totally engulfed in flames," stated Falmouth Fire Chief David Marquardt. "There was too much fire to try and save anything inside so we put our emphasis on the second barn and vacant house. High winds kept pushing the flames throughout the structures. Upon the arrival of the first truck on the scene it was decided that we had more of a chance trying to save the other barn rather than the vacant house due to the amount of fire in the two structures."

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

Bank robber caught on bank camera

Grant County Bank robber still at large

By Rebecca Russo, Landmark News Service

An unidentified woman entered Grant County Deposit Bank, in downtown Williamstown, 10 minutes before their 4 p.m. closing time on Wednesday, April 4 and handed the teller a note. She walked out a few minutes later with a bag of money in her hand and seemed to disappear.

"She didn't speak. She let her note do the talking," said Kentucky State Police Captain Mike Crawford, of Post 6, in Dry Ridge. "The note made reference to her having an explosive device and that's all the teller needed to see. She gave the note to the head teller who gave it to the bank president."

The woman, described as 5-feet, 4-inches to 5-feet, 5-inches tall, weighing 130 to 160 pounds, with long, dark hair pulled into a ponytail, walked away with an undisclosed amount of cash. She was wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans, and had sunglasses pushed onto the top of her head with no attempt to conceal her face.

While KSP detectives arrived at the bank eight minutes after the 911 call came to the dispatch center, troopers, deputies and police were already driving Grant County's roads, looking for a blue-green Chevrolet, either a Malibu or Caprice, that was seen leaving the bank shortly after the robber did.

"We put a net everywhere we could get," said KSP Detective Fred Scroggins. "Agencies from Scott, Boone, Owen, Harrison, Kenton and Pendleton counties, as well as from Post 12 in Frankfort, combed the roads looking for a car or driver with that description."

A sheriff's deputy and Williamstown police officer were at the Grant County Courthouse when the robbery occurred, however, the delay caused by calling 911 rather than using the silent alarm system possibly changed the outcome, according to Crawford.

"She was in the bank anywhere from three to five minutes, and that's a long time as far as robberies go," said Crawford. "Using the silent alarm would have made a difference."

"Most bank robberies take place in less than one minute," added Scroggins.

Crawford said there were between 15-20 people in the bank at the time of the robbery, including six in the lobby.

No tracking devices were used to trace the cash taken in the heist.

The last bank robbery in Grant County occurred eight years ago at the Corinth branch of Eagle Bank. It was never solved.

Calls to bank president, Bill Dills, and vice president, Tom McCandless, were not returned.

Once the photo of the robber was published in the Grant County News and shown on local television broadcasts, tips were forthcoming, said Scroggins.

"There's nothing new to report but the tips keep coming in," said Scroggins. "I hope people keep calling because we'll chase dead leads over no leads any day."

Call KSP Detective Kevin Flick at (859) 428-1212 with any information.

Pendleton County Wildcats senior Kane Belcher, center, wears a big smile on his face after signing a Letter of Intent to attend Pikeville Community College to play basketball. His family, coach, team members and friends were also in attendance. Pictured with him in the photo are front row Pendleton County Wildcats Head Coach Chad Simms, father Keith Belcher, Pikeville Basketball Coach Kelly Wells, Kane Belcher, mother Karen Belcher, brother, Kurt Belcher and Pendleton Athletic Director Tom Woofter. Standing behind Kane are members of the basketball team. Photo by D. Dennie.

Belcher receives full scholarship to Pikeville College

Senior Kane Belcher joined an elite list of Pendleton County High School athletes when he signed a Letter of Intent with Pikeville College to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level on Tuesday, April 10. Belcher receives a full scholarship with his choice of the Pikeville, Kentucky school and becomes the ninth Wildcat in three years to take his game to the next level.

"It's a good school and I'll enjoy it there," said Belcher, who was a major factor in the Wildcats success over the past two seasons. "It's a good fit for me. I like the coach a lot and think he does things right. I'm looking forward to getting started."

"Hurri-Kane" Belcher had an outstanding high school career at Pendleton County. He was a member of the 2004-05 squad that went to the Sweet Sixteen High School Basketball Tournament and was a key member of last year's team that reeled off 19 consecutive victories while finishing with an impressive 28-4 record. He was an instrumental part of the rebuilding process on this year's team. He led the team in games played, total points scored, rebounds (top 10 in the state), field goal percentage (59.5%), free throw percentage (72%), and blocks. Belcher averaged 17.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He also received numerous awards and honors including All-District and All-Regional.

"Kane made a great choice in schools. Kelly Wells is a great coach and a great person and I have all the respect in the world for him," said Wildcats Head Coach Chad Simms, who worked with Wells at Mason County as an assistant coach in 2000 and 2001. "Kelly is a classy guy who wants to win. These qualities will make Kane a better person and a better basketball player. His best days are still ahead of him. Kane will blossom at the college level."

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

Court hires road supervisor

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

The fiscal court unanimously approved the appointment of Tim Antrobus to fill the position of Pendleton County Road Department Supervisor left vacant by the death of David Browning.

Other business conducted by the Pendleton County Fiscal Court in the April 10, 2007 meeting:

* Approved the appointment of Rick Adams to the Pendleton County Water District Board.

* Approved a resolution allowing all eligible county employees equal health insurance and retirement benefits.

* Approved the annual John Gosney Radio Tower Inspection Contract.

* Approved the pending county liability insurance contract with KACO, locking in the company's reduced policy premiums for the next three years.

* Approved an agreement with CDS Associates Engineering, contracting that company to complete architectural drawings and a due diligence report on the current Pendleton County Courthouse.

* Discussed a possible contract with the Pendleton County Search and Rescue Squad, which would allow that organization the partial utilization of the old county barn.

* Approved a $1,300 John Denny Bridge drilling inspection contract with H.C. Nutting Engineering Inc.

Police raid house on Woodson Road confiscating drugs

The Falmouth Police Department along with the Pendleton County Sheriff's Department and Kentucky State Police seized a substantial amount of drugs from a home on Woodson Avenue in Falmouth.

Officers served a search warrant and executed the raid around 4:15 a.m. Thursday, April 12 at the home of Troy Harper. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were seized.

Harper was arrested and charged with trafficking and lodged in Boone County Detention Center.

Falmouth Police thank the sheriff's department and KSP for their help in the raid and arrest.

KAYLIN WELLS

Kaylin Wells to appear in National Documentary to air on NBC

Kaylin Wells, age 9, was chosen to appear in the documentary "A Nation's Horse" to air at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29 on NBC.

Kaylin is delighted to have had the opportunity to participate in this documentary of the life of Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner. This story is about the wonderful life and challenges this magnificent horse experienced. The film focuses on the horse's accomplishments and the peoples' lives he touched in many ways.

Kaylin will appear in the opening segment of this documentary and again as she reads a letter she wrote to Barbaro "who is now in heaven."

Kaylin has been represented by Images Model and Talent Management out of Lexington, Ky., since the age of 4. She plans to pursue an acting career and also own a pet shop and be a veterinarian.

Kaylin is the daugther of Mark and Kamon Wells of Falmouth.

Pendleton County 911 Dispatchers pose in a group portrait at the Emergency Operation Center on April 14, 2007. Back row (l-r): Tony Justice, Nevelyn Black, Carla Mains, Matt Sorrell, Tina Schwing, and Bob Pettit. Front row (l-r) Vicky Justice, Teresa Rick, Stacey French, Kendra Jones, and 911 Supervisor Jackie Stephens. Photo by Roger McKinney.

Pendleton County EOC holds awards banquet Emergency 911 dispatchers honored

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

Pendleton County 911 Dispatch Director Jackie Stephens was Master of Ceremonies at the Pendleton County Emergency Operation Center's April 14, 2007 Awards Banquet. Director Stephens recounted the progress of the dispatch center since 1993. She thanked Judge/Executive Henry Bertram for the new center and for his support through the years. Stephens paid tribute to her parents for their support and advice. Director Stephens presented each dispatcher with a framed certificate of appreciation for their outstanding work. The dispatchers also received a personalized, light-blue polo shirt commemorating the occasion.

Pendleton County Emergency Operations Manager Mike Moore complimented Ms. Stephens and her dispatchers on their excellent performance. Pendleton County Sheriff Craig Peoples manned the dispatch center's operation while the group and their families enjoyed the celebration.

There are many times when we thank law enforcement officers, fire personnel, etc. for the job they do, but there is another job that many people do that their hard work, patience and ability to handle a difficult situation goes unnoticed by the general public. That job would be that of a 911 dispatcher.

Unless you have been there when several emergency situations happen at the same time, you can't imagine how hard it is to keep everything straight and still remain calm and get the right emergency squads to the correct location. Emergencies are like anything else sometimes when they occur, they do so in three's or more.

The following article was written by the police chief of Loveland, Colorado and best describes the dispatcher's job.

I have found in my law enforcement career that dispatchers are the unsung heroes of public safety. They miss the excitement of riding in a speeding car with lights flashing and sirens wailing. They can only hear of the bright orange flames leaping from a burning building. They do not get to see the joy on the face of worried parents as they see their child begin breathing on its own, after being given CPR.

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

Lenoxburg bridge closed

The Lenoxburg Bridge will be taken out of service for replacement on or about April 17th. Please be aware of this construction should you use this bridge for emergency services, deliveries or to commute.

Additional stories this week:

P.C. Conservation District discusses water quality in Pendleton County

House with dogs on Maple Avenue to be exterminated

Russ Conrad graduates from Kentucky Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute

Wildcats rebound from losing streak with pair of wins

Ladycats fast-pitch softball team off to rough start

Pendleton County students perform well at Governor's Cup

and more!!