Fire destroys mobile home on Hwy 22 East

Falmouth firefighters responded to a structure blaze at 4558 Highway 22 East on Thursday, May 10. A mobile home, occupied by Linda Bruin and owned by Charles Biddle, erupted in flames around 11 a.m. According to reports, Bruin was outside when the blaze started. She entered the home from the back door when she heard the smoke alarm. Bruin then attempted to make it to the kitchen where the fire originated but the flames were done out of control and she had to evacuate the residence. The Brooksville Fire Department, Pendleton County Ambulance Service, and Red Cross assisted the Falmouth Fire Department at the scene. The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical. The mobile home was a total loss. Article and photo by Jackie Vaughn.

Bull Riding and Barrel Racing Rodeo coming to town May 25 -26

Memorial Day weekend is a time that we set aside each year to pay tribute and to honor our veterans that have died or that have been killed, family members and friends. So be it, a time to remember a young Pendleton County man on May 25-26, 2007.

This will make the fourth year that friends and family members have put on a rodeo as a tribute to the late Mike Flaherty. Flaherty, 27, was killed in a bull riding accident on May 25, 2003.

The Pendleton County Search and Rescue members along with family and friends look forward to this event each year to remember Flaherty. The proceeds from the rodeo are split between Flaherty's young son, Lane, for his college education; Pendleton County Search and Rescue and 3 Bar F Bull Co., from Corinth, Ky., just to cover expenses. Marcus Fannin, owns and operates the rodeo and he was a close friend of Flaherty's.

This event is a fun filled family event that the whole family can come out and enjoy each evening starting at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The rodeo is sanctioned by the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association and is held at the Pendleton County Fairgrounds, just off Highway 27 in Falmouth. Admission is $8 for adults and children 12 and under get in free.
For more information or for those wanting to ride, call in on May 21 6-10 p.m., (859) 393-3745.

Mrs. Luciana Merique, center, above was chosen as "Mother of the Year" for the contest The Falmouth Outlook had. Beside their mom is son, Joao Merique, left, 6, and on the right is Ana Merique. Photo by D. Dennie.

Luciana Merique chosen "Mother of The Year"

By Debbie Dennie, Editor

This is the first year that the newspaper held a "Mother of The Year" Contest and we got quite a few entries. The writer had to tell us in 200 or less words why they thought their mother should be called the Mother of The Year.

Eleven-year-old Ana Merigue of Falmouth wrote the following letter:

I am writing this letter to tell you why my mother should be "Mother of the Year 2007". My mother is very beautiful. She is young looking and she has curly brown hair and dark eyes. She has a beautiful smile, she smiles often and she is friendly to everyone she meets. But this is not why she should be chosen "Mother of the Year."

My mother has a good heart. She agreed to come with my father and my brother and me to the U.S. from Brazil so that my father could work here. But John (my brother) and I could not speak any English. We were nervous! But my mother is an encourager! She told us - you go! It's good for you to have a second language. You can go to school and learn English. She told me that I would learn to speak English in about two or three months. That's it! I did! My mother helped me with my homework and with using the correct words.

My mother is loving because she understands how hard this change was for me. I try to be obedient to her because she deserves it.

My mother gives her best for me. She always makes sure I have nice clothing for school and church. I know she works very hard to give everything I need.
There is no mom like mine! She certainly is the best one of the year!

Sincerely,

Ana Merigue
Falmouth

Ana and her family came to the United States as missionaries. Ana's mother, Luciana, is a dentist back in Brazil and her father, Cesar, is a doctor. "We worked and saved our money up to come here," Mrs. Merique said. "We felt it was God's will. We will learn all we can learn about the ministry and then take it back to our people."

Ana's brother, Joao, who is six-years-old, is also here with his family. He attends Southern Elementary School, in Falmouth. Ana attends Phillip Sharp Middle School.

The couple are receiving their training from the Pure Life Ministries in Williamstown, Ky.

The contest was not judged by anyone who works for the newspaper. We had a lady in the community decide who the winner would be.

Mrs. Merique received a gift package from Falmouth Mayor April DeFalco, who also operates Massage Therapy. The newspaper gave her a year's subscription to the newspaper and a colorful American flag umbrella.

We thank everyone that entered their mothers in this contest and look forward to doing this again next year.

Bid proposal out for lodge/restaurant at Kincaid

The Kentucky Department of Parks issued a request for a proposal to build and operate a lodge and restaurant resort at Kincaid Lake State Park near Falmouth, Ky. May 4, 2007.

The proposal seeks a private contractor to build a lodge of at least 48 rooms, swimming pool and gift shop. The state would lease the property to the operator and receive a portion of the annual revenue in return.

"Like some of our other proposals, we are seeking a public-private partnership to further develop some of our state parks," said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller. "This is a good way to leverage scarce capital dollars."

Kincaid Lake State Park is located on approximately 900 acres, four miles north of Falmouth, in northern Kentucky. The park has an 84-site campground, mini golf course, volleyball and basketball courts, tennis court, playground, two hiking trails, Junior Olympic swimming pool, paddleboats, store, meeting room, picnic shelter, boat dock with motor boat and pontoon rental, a new 9-hole regulation golf course and a 183-acre lake.

More information about the proposal is available at https: //eprocurement.ky.gov. The deadline for submitting proposals is July 13, 2007.

Fiscal court discusses possible restrictions for pitbull owners

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

The Fiscal court discussed possible restrictions pertaining to pitbull ownership in Pendleton County. Judge/Executive Henry Bertram said that recently a single pitbull had attacked four separate individuals. The judge said that he wanted the public to know that the court was concerned about the issue. Judge Bertram stated that an ordinance could be passed that requires the dogs to be identified by chip and that mandates the spaying or neutering of the animals.

Other business conducted by the Court in the May 8, 2007 meeting:

* Awarded the county blacktop and emulsion contract to Mago Construction.

* Approved the appointment of Danny Cripes to the Northern Kentucky Area Development District's Ethics Enforcement Committee.

* Approved hiring of Road Department Employees.

* Approved Pendleton Athletic Park Advisory Board's Rules and Guidelines.

* Accepted the McKinneysburg Bridge into the County Road System.

* First reading was given to the 2007-2008 County Budget.

* Held a County Road Aid Public Hearing.

* Held a Local Government Economic Assistance Public Hearing.

* Approved Standing Orders of payment for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.

* Approved county employees' salaries and appointments for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.

* Approved the reappointment of Ron Moreland to the Pendleton County Industrial Authority Board.

* Approved an InterLocal Agreement with Buffalo Trace/Gateway Area Development District Cities and Counties.

* Approved the Outgoing Sheriff's Settlement.

* Approved Occupational License Fees.

Northern Kindergartner, Jake Baker, shows Kylie Richardson her self portrait at the Masterpiece Mania held May 3, 2007. Photo by Roger McKinney.

Masterpiece Mania showcases young talent

By Roger McKinney, Reporter

Northern Elementary was the place to be in the late afternoon and early evening of May 3, 2007. There was an art exhibit in the school's gymnasium that displayed the talent of Northern's Kindergarten through 5th grade students. Over 600 pieces of creativity dazzled those in attendance and made Northern Art Teacher Buffy Houchens and visiting parents and relatives very proud of the young Picassos.

There were self portraits, paintings based on the works of Kandinsky, paintings of landscapes, paintings based on linear design and paintings of hearts based on the works of Cincinnati Artist, Jim Dine. There were works of functional ceramics. There were paper and ceramic sculptures. There were non-objective relief sculptures created from found objects, aluminum foil, permanent markers and glitter. There were sculptures based on the totem poles of Native Americans. There were ceremonial masks and cloth prints based on West African culture and there were intricate cloth and paper weavings.

This art exhibit was really something to see. Masterpiece Mania continues to present wonders, year after year. Congratulations to Northern Elementary, Mrs. Houchens and her students.

Family Dollar store burglarized over the past weekend

The Family Dollar store in Falmouth was burglarized sometime after the store closed on Saturday, May 12.

When Assistant Manager Margaret English arrived to open the store on Sunday morning, May 13, she found the glass broken out in the bottom part of the door.

Falmouth Police Officer Ricky Grigson responded to the scene. He and English found that a safe had been taken from the store with an undisclosed amount of money and checks.

Kentucky State Police Trooper David Holland was also dispatched to the scene.

The store closed at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. Police said there were pry marks on the back door and on the front door.

Officer Grigson is investigating the burglary. If anyone saw anything or has any information they can call the Falmouth Police Department at (859) 654- 5555 and you can remain anonymous.

Police raid home, confiscate drugs and drug paraphernalia

Falmouth Police Department executed a search warrant around 2 a.m. May 14 on a residence at 802 Main St., in Falmouth and confiscated an undisclosed amount of marijuana.

Daniel Crager, Sr., 41, and Daniel Crager, Jr., 19, both of Falmouth, were arrested at their residence and charged with trafficking marijuana, trafficking marijuana within 1,000 yards of a school, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both were transported to the Boone County Detention Center.

The Falmouth Police Department thanks the Kentucky State Police and the Pendleton County Sheriff's office for helping with the raid.

Graduation dates

Dates have been set and preparations are being made for senior ceremonies at Pendleton County High School. Fellowship of Christian Athletes has set Baccalaureate services for Sunday evening, May 20, 2007 at 7 PM at the Griffin Centre, next to Southern Elementary. Everyone is invited to attend.

Pendleton County High School's Class Night will be Friday, May 18, 2007 at 7 PM in the high school gymnasium. Class Night is a night for seniors to showcase their talents and scholarship presentations made. Everyone is invited to attend.

Commencement services will be held Wednesday, May 23, at 7 PM in the high school gymnasium. ADMISSION BY TICKET ONLY. Later that evening Project Graduation '07, an alcohol-free, drug-free, all night celebration for seniors and their guests, will begin at approximately 10:30 PM.

Due to construction projects, limited parking at the high school for Commencement and Class Night services. For your convenience, additional parking will be available at Southern Elementary. Shuttle buses will run continuously between Southern Elementary and the high school beginning at 5:30 PM and continue running until all guests have been transported back to Southern. Shuttle buses will drop off/pick up riders at the gymnasium door of the high school.

To check on any last-minute changes, you may access Pendleton County High School's activity and cancellation line by calling 859-654-3355, extension 399, any time of day.

Sheriff's office new website

The Pendleton County Sheriff's office has a new website and it will be ready for the public to use Thursday, May 17, 2007.

This website has been established to provide the citizens of Pendleton County with information about property taxes, sex offenders, addresses and phone numbers to sheriff's offices across the state, delinquent tax list, and a host of other information.

The website address is: http://sheriff.pendletoncounty.ky.gov.

Additional articles this week:

City Council awards sewer plant construction contract

Car accident on Highway 330 injures one female

PHS Band stages "Guys and Dolls"

Kincaid Regional Theatre receives fantastic gift from Robin Right

Track teams make a HIT at Harrison County

NJROTC named Distinguished Unit

Leslie Herbst receives award for 50 years of service

Hart chosen Teacher of Year

and more!!