Dwight and Sharon Allen didn't know what to think when they glanced out their window and saw the round ball shape orange things on their red cedar tree. It looked like it was decorated for Christmas with all the orange balls.

Allens thought they were invaded by aliens

By D. Dennie, Editor

Dwight and Sharon Allen like to sit, sip their coffee, and watch the birds help themselves to the feed left by them. But on Sunday, May 4 they were quite shocked to look out their window and see their red cedar tree all decorated with orange ball like objects. Both Dwight and Sharon were at a loss for words. "We didn't know what to think," said Mr. Allen.

"We didn't know if we were being invaded by aliens or what had happened to our tree," said Sharon. "It looked like someone had decorated our tree for Christmas only it was with those orange looking balls."

"Our daughter, Darcy Albers, who lives in Grant's Lick got on her computer to do some research. She finally found the cause for the orange looking stuff. It was a fungus call Gymnosporangium junieri-virginianae," Dwight said.

The fungus attacks crabapples and apples and eastern red cedar (Juniper) as well as a few other junipers not commonly grown here. In order to survive, the fungus must "move" from one type of host to another (e.g., from juniper to crapapple).

On juniper or eastern red cedar, small (3/8 to 1 and 3/16 inches in diameter) galls develop throughout the tree on needles and small twigs. When mature, these galls swell considerable and repeatedly produce orange, gelatinous telial horns during rainy spring weather. As spring rains subside, the galls die, which may cause death of the twig from the gall to the tip.

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

Falmouth City Council meeting opens with prayer
Mayor breaks voting tie

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

Councilwoman Kim Myers opened the monthly Falmouth City Council session with a prayer, asking God to be with those who had suffered loss in the recent school bus tragedy. She prayed for our national, state and local governments. Councilwoman Myers prayed that God would be with the Falmouth lawmakers and help them make good decisions for the city and for the county.

Councilman Mark Hart made a motion that Community Development Director, Bill Mitchell, be given permission to file the necessary papers, allowing the city to be placed on a list, that would qualify the municipality to borrow the money needed to extend the Regional Sewer Plant Project in 2009. The addition would lay lines north to Pendleton County High School and south to Oakhaven Subdivision. The amount of money required would be one million dollars. Councilman Rick Mineer gave Hart's motion a second. Councilwoman Myers said the motion was alright with her as long as a vote (Yes) was not an obligation to actually borrow the money. Mark Hart said that it was not, the motion was only to be put on the list in case the council decided to borrow the money later.

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

Couple arrested for trafficking a controlled substance

The Pendleton County Sheriff's office, Narcotics Task Force, Falmouth Police Department and the Kentucky State Police arrested William Addis, 38, and his wife, Aundrea, 35, on April 29.

Their arrests come after a month long investigation. Both were charged with Trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (methadone). William had three counts on him and she has two counts.

Both were taken to the Boone County Detention Center. Her bond was set at $15,000 cash and his at $22,500.

Three Rivers District Health Department has received a grant from the Komen Lexington Affiliate for a cure Above is a boat, 42" long, is an example of the one that Three Rivers will be buying. This boat will need a team. If you are a breast cancer survivor and want to paddle one call the phone number listed in the article.

Health Dept. receives grant check for Pink Dragon Boat

Three Rivers District Health Department (TRDHD) received a letter from David L. Moore, President of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Lexington Affiliate and a check for $17,977.50. In a recent letter, Mr. Moore wrote to Jim Thaxton, Health Educator at Pendleton County Health Center, "The Lexington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is thrilled that you were approved for a grant for the 2008-2009 year."

Last September the leaders within the TRDHD Women's Cancer Coalitions approached Thaxton about submitting a grant to purchase a 42' long "Pink Dragon Boat" designed to raise cancer awareness that would be paddled and raced by breast cancer survivors. No one knew at that time that a group of breast cancer survivors in Indiana were already ordering the first Pink Dragon Boat. The IndysurviveOars were elated to learn of TRDHD Cancer Coalition's interest in Dragon Boat Racing and have offered their assistance in developing a team.

According to Jim Thaxton, "Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) Teams are forming across the nation. Many breast cancer survivors desperately seek opportunities to share their journey, find support, and to offer support. Dragon Boat Racing Teams must work together in the same manner as collegiate rowing teams. But unlike rowing, Dragon Boat Racing relies far more on teamwork, rhythm, and finesse than strength and endurance. Dragon Boat racing is physical exercise, it requires training, and since it requires a team, it demands commitment on the part of those who agree to participate." Several years ago, the Thaxton family painted their 28' replica voyageur canoe pink. It became the flagship of Paddlefest and the Women's Cancer Coalition has used it in parades and at Relay for Life events to promote breast cancer awareness. The Cancer Coalition were determined to have its own boat.

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

Grand Jury Indicts one

The Grand Jury charges that on or about February 1, 2007, Luis Flecha, DOB: 9/21/87, committed the offense of Making a False Statement as to Identify or Financial Condition in Order to Obtain a Credit Card when he made a false statement in writing, knowing it to be false and with the intent that it be relied on respecting his identity or that of another person for the purpose of procuring the issuance of a credit or debit card. Bail is set at $2,500. Arraignment: 9 a.m. 5/21.

Appreciation Dinner for Bob Pettit

An Appreciation Dinner will be held for Bob Pettit from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at the St. Francis Xavier Church Hall. Fellowship will be from 4-5 p.m.; dinner will be from 5-6 p.m.; and presentation of awards will be from 6-7 p.m.

Bob has been a member of the following organizations over many years. The Falmouth Fire Department, The Falmouth Police Department, Pendleton County Ambulance Service, and Pendleton County E-911 Dispatch.

The Emergency Services Organizations would like for the public to come and join in with everyone and show recognition and appreciation to Bob for all of his years of dedicated service. All stories will be greatly appreciated.

Ladycat senior Ashley Pugh made Pendleton County High School history when she signed a Letter of Intent with St. Catharine College to continue her golfing career at the collegiate level, Wednesday, May 7. Pictured above: (l-r) Coach Scott Collins, Coach Keith Smith, St. Catharine Golf Coach Joan Rizer, Ashley Pugh, Marilyn Pugh, Michael Pugh. Photo by Jackie Vaughn.

Ladycat Ashley Pugh makes history as first female golfer from PCHS to advance to collegiate level

By Jackie Vaughn, Reporter

History was made at Pendleton County High School on Wednesday, May 7, when senior Ladycat Ashley Pugh signed a Letter of Intent to continue her golfing career at the collegiate level. Pugh has received a scholarship to attend St. Catharine College in Washington County, Kentucky, where she will join Women's Golf Coach Joan Rizer and her seven-member team of golfers. They will be competing at the NAIA level in the Mid-South Conference.

"I'm very excited and nervous too," said Pugh, who is a three-sport standout at Pendleton High School, excelling at golf (4 years), basketball (5 years) and fast-pitch softball (7 years) for the Ladycats. "I'm really looking forward to playing college golf and I hope I can make a difference for the team."

Pugh continued, "I'd just like to thank my parents, teachers, teammates, Coach (Keith) Smith, Coach (Scott) Collins, the faculty, and everyone else who has supported me during my time here at Pendleton County High School."

Smith, who has coached Pugh in basketball and golf, had nothing but high-praise for the multi-talented athlete as he recalled how she began her golfing career. "This is so cool and exciting. Ashley is going to be the first female golfer at PCHS to sign and play at the collegiate level."

"The neat thing about that is that four years ago when Ashley was a freshmen she knew extremely little about golf. She had to borrow clubs from Coach (Janet) Elliott's PE Department to be able to play."

"But she has worked real hard and improved each and every year and has earned this honor. This is something that Ashley has earned and not been given and that is what makes this so cool."

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

Pendleton County High School Senior, Corey Hatfield's Georgetown College Athletic and Academic Scholarship Signing ceremony - April 21, 2008. Front Row: (l-r) Father - Rick Hatfield, Mother and Pendleton County Head Cross Country and Track Coach - Marcia Hatfield, Georgetown College Athletic and Academic Scholarship recipient - Corey Hatfield, Georgetown College Head Cross Country Coach - Kevin Calhoun, Pendleton County Assistant Cross Country and Track Coach - Barb Ritter and Pendleton County Cross Country Coach - Tim King. Back Row: (l-r) Pendleton County Athletic Director - Tom Woofter, Grandmother - Gloria Morris, Grandfather - Gaylord Morris, Sister-in-Law-Megan Hatfield, Nephew - Ethan Hatfield, Brother - Brandon Hatfield, Superintendent of Pendleton County Schools - Bob Yost and Pendleton County High School Principal - Ron Livingood. Photo by Roger McKinney.

Corey Hatfield receives Georgetown Scholarship

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

PCHS Senior Corey Hatfield runs really fast, makes good grades and jumps very high. As a result of these attributes he is the recipient of a Georgetown College Athletic and Academic Scholarship. An official signing ceremony took place at Pendleton High in the latter part of April.

Hatfield began running track when he was a third grader. Corey's mother, Marcia Hatfield, has been her son's cross country and track coach since he was in the fifth grade. Corey is six foot two and has sailed over a six foot six bar in high jump competition. Coach Hatfield says she expects him to jump even higher in the near future, "Corey has four track meets left and he could easily become this year's high jump state champion."

Sixty percent of Hatfield's athletic scholarship is based on his cross country accomplishments. He can run 3.1 miles in 16 minutes and 24 seconds. The remaining forty percent is fastened to the fact that gravity seems to have less effect on Corey than it does on other athletes.

Sheriff's office launches "Buckle Up Kentucky"

Morgan History, Part 3, Morgan Schools

Himmelsbach earns spot on Junior Olympic National Gymnastics Team

Dr. Hall finished Flying Pig Marathon

Whatever happened to Matthew Flairty?

and more!!