Fleming-Mason annual meeting

Gazette publisher Garry Barker with author David Dick during the Fleming-Mason Energy annual meeting May 28 in Flemingsburg.

Rex and the french fries

Mrs. Strange

Mary Elizabeth Lee Strange, age 88, of Cranston Road, Morehead, Kentucky, passed away Monday, May 25, 2009, at her residence after a long illness.

She was born January 27, 1921, in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, the daughter of the late D. B. and Myrtle Wilson Lee. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Claude Strange in 1992; a granddaughter, Barbara Lin Riddle in 1975; two brothers, Clifford and Marion Lee; and a sister, Lillie Mae Berryman.

Mrs. Strange’s husband, Grant Strange, preceded her in death on July 5, 2000.

She is survived by one son, Wayne Strange of Morehead, Kentucky; three daughters, Barbara (Wilford) Pennington and Kay (Gail) Bradley, all of Morehead, Kentucky; and Linda (Sam) Conley of Hillsboro, Kentucky; and one brother, L. C. (Georgie) Lee of Lexington, Kentucky.

Other survivors include 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth Bales, Karin Riddle, LaCassa Mekelburg, Janet Caudill, Melissa Crose, Melburn Bradley, Linda Jo Bradley, Virginia Gray, Michael Strange, Claudia Strange, Shannon Russell, and Patricia Pennington a very special granddaughter, who has stayed with her Granny on weekends for the last nine years; 7 great grandchildren, Chris Bales, Amanda Bales, Haley Crawford, Tyler Crose, Carly Crose, Casey Caudill, and Dewayne Gray; and one great-great grandson, Caleb Hunter Bales. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, and her little church buddy and friend, Frances Kendall.

Mrs. Strange was a homemaker. She loved her family, but above all, she loved being a Christian and going to church. She was a member of the Rodburn Church of God.

Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Brother Harry Gay, Brother Carl Brewer, and Brother Roger Cummings officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillsboro Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren and nephews, Chris Bales, Melburn Bradley, Michael Strange, Casey Caudill, Jerry Strange, and Arthur Bales.

Honorary pallbearers will be her church family from the Rodburn Church of God and her granddaughters.

Visitation is after 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

Mrs. Riggs

Mary Lois Gray Riggs, 77, of Carlisle passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at the Johnson-Mathers Nursing Home in Carlisle.
Mary Lois was born in Cowan on Jan. 14, 1932, to Edsel and Emma Gray.
She was a member of the Nazarene Church of Paris.
Mary Lois is survived by a son, Dennis Jolly of Cowan; two daughters, Anita Gayle (Oscar) Hunt of Tollesboro and Sue (Keith) Kelley of Paris; six grandchildren, Kristen (Richie) Frye of Tollesboro, Jamie Hunt of Tollesboro, Nettie Rose Jolly of Flemingsburg, Olivia Beaty of Paris, Samantha Beaty of Covington, and Keith Alan Kelley of Paris; five great-grandchildren, Ashley Nicole Frye, Emily Brooke Frye, Erica Layne Frye, Jaiden Beaty and Micah Olsen; a special friend, Tommie Boles; and a special neice, Rhonda Tubbs.
Services will be at 1 p.m., Friday at Price Brothers Funeral Home with Rev. Vernon Adams officiating.
Burial will be in the Elizaville Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 - 9 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Mr. Daulton

Clifton Ray Daulton, Sr. departed this life on May 21, 2009 in the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas after an illness of several weeks.

He was born on November 8, 1940 in Ringos Mill, Kentucky to Mrs. Elsie Ratliff Daulton of Flemingsburg and the late Elbert Clifton Daulton.

He was married on July 27, 1968 to Anna Lee Applegate in Mason County, Kentucky. He retired in 1994 from a life on the road as a truck driver for the Kroger Company. In his younger years, Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing and shooting pool. In his later years, Ray loved taking trips with his grandchildren and watching his favorite sport, NASCAR with his sons and grandson.

Those left to treasure his many memories are his wife of 40 years, Anna Lee, son and daughter-in-law, Ray Jr. and Deana; son and daughter-in-law, Charlie and Gretchen; his only grandson, Justin and his three granddaughters, Laura, Kaitlyn and Erin. He is also survived by his mother Elsie Ratliff Daulton of Flemingsburg, Kentucky and his two sisters, Janie McClain of Hillsboro, Kentucky and Marietta Daulton of Ohio.

Ray had a big heart and loved to help people. He lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed. The world is a better place for having him here for 68 years.

The family appreciates your continued prayers and support.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Thursday, May 28, 2009 in the chapel of the Lane-Stucky-Gray Funeral Home with Rev. Harley Sexton, Jr. officiating.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors in the Hillsboro Cemetery by the Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.

Visitation at Lane-Stucky-Gray Funeral Home is after 11:00 A.M. Thursday.

Serving as Pall Bearers will be members of the Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.

Lane-Stucky-Gray Funeral Home is caring for all arrangements for Mr. Clifton Ray Daulton.

Mrs. Gregory

Judy Louise Hoover Gregory, 64, of Skaggs Lane, Hillsboro died Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at her residence.
She was born Jan. 1, 1945, in Albany, the daughter of the late Red Cleek and Bercie Hoover.
Judy is survived by her husband of 32 years, Willie Gregory, whom she married July 18, 1976; two sons, Dewayne and Rodney Gregory both of Morehead; two daughters, Tina Stillwell of New Castle, Ind. and Nugget Gregory of Hillsboro; four grandchildren, Jason Stephens, ShaLynn Trent, Justin Gregory and Erica Gregory; and one great-grandson, Mason Peters.
Also surviving are two sisters, Ruth Ann Burke and Alice Faye Crawford, both of New Castle, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.

Judy was an employee of Park Hills Grocery for 17 years. She became a charter member of the Little Mary Church in 1981.
Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2009, at the Little Mary Church with Elder Lonnie Gregory, Elder Terry Bryant and Bro. Junior Ruggles officiating. Burial will follow in the Little Mary Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Darwin Gregory, Michael Spurlock, Don Cox, Elbert Cox, Rodney Gregory and Dewayne Gregory.
Visitation is after 5 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2009, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, Morehead, and after 9 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2009, at Little Mary Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Little Mary Church, c/o Michael Spurlock, Treasurer, 6600 Flemingsburg Road, Morehead, Ky. 40351.
View video tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com.

Lady Panthers win first district title

The Fleming County Lady Panthers won their first district championship by defeating Rowan County, 4-2, in the 61st District title game.

Lady Panthers on 61st District All-Tournament team:
Victoria Sergent (MVP) Fleming County
Molly Crain Fleming County
K'Osha Puente Fleming County
Amber Ruark Fleming County

Panthers win baseball title

The Fleming County Panthers captured the 61st District baseball championship with a 19-6 win over Bath County Tuesday.
The Panthers scored nine runs in the seventh inning to pull away from the host Wildcats.
The winning pitcher was Tyler Newsom, who also earned the tournament's most valuable player award. Newsom was 6-for-9 from the plate in Fleming County's two wins. The Panthers defeated Rowan County, 5-1, in Monday's semifinal behind the  pitching of junior Chris Smoot.
Senior first baseman Daniel Harmon, sophomore right fielder Tyler Hunt and Smoot were selected for the all-tournament team.

Fleming County will play next week in the 16th Region tournament at Morehead State University.

Mrs. Seaman

Genevieve H. Seaman, 71, of West Union, Ohio died Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley Inpatient Center at the Adams County Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Seaman was born Feb. 22, 1938, the daughter of the late Chester Garr and Eula Bess (Carpenter) Hurst in Fleming County. She is survived by her husband, Richard Seaman Jr. of West Union.
Mrs. Seaman was a member of the West Union United Methodist Church, the West Union United Methodist Women, and a teacher for 32 years in the Ohio Valley Local School District and a member of the State Teachers Retirement Association.
Survivors include her husband, Richard Seaman Jr.; two sons, Rich Seaman and Melissa of Aubrey, Texas, David Seaman and Stephanie of Blue Creek, Ohio; three sisters, Ann Zynn and Al of Bradenton, Fla., Hazel B. Welsh of Maysville, Lora (Jeannie) Bulow and Ronald of Ripley, Ohio; three grandchildren, Austan, Mary Rose and Brandt.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Lewis Hurst; a sister, Donna Woodruff; and a brother-in-law, Charles Welsh.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements by Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home in West Union, Ohio.
Memorials may be made to West Union United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 518, West Union, Ohio 45693.

Mr. Mattox

Douglas Nelson Mattox, son of Charles R. (Chigger) and Louise Hawkins Mattox, passed away on April 11, 2009 at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Doug was born in Flemingsburg on May 5, 1952. He graduated from Fleming County High School with the class of 1970. Doug loved sports and played football and baseball. He retired from the US Army after 20 years of service and after retirement he worked for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service for 15 years.

Doug is survived by his wife Tami, son Cody, daughter Lacey and 2 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Kenny, John and Charles and his sister Judy Roaden, several nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside memorial service at 2 PM on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the Flemingsburg Cemetery.

Vice trial delayed

The trial of three family members accused of intimidating a court witness was postponed Monday in Fleming County Circuit Court, but prosecution and defense attorneys in the case have declined to say exactly why.
Jury selection was scheduled to begin for the trial of Franklin, Carolyn and Brian Vice Monday morning, but the case was reportedly halted before the jury was chosen.
The trial date is expected to be reset Friday.

Pollard pleads guilty

By Danetta Barker

A guilty plea entered in Circuit Court Tuesday ended the 17-month long legal battle of Roy I. Pollard Jr., who was charged with murder.

Pollard pleaded guilty to two counts of murder in the shooting deaths of Willa Thompson and Jason Thompson, unlawful imprisonment, first-degree assault, burglary, first-degree wanton endangerment, stalking, third-degree burglary, tampering with evidence and violation of EPO. He will spend the rest of his life in prison without the chance of parole.

The crimes were committed in January of 2008 Pollard went on a shooting spree that ended with the deaths of Willa Thompson and Jason Thompson. Pollard had been living with Bonnie Sue Butler, who left him for Jason Thompson. The split was volatile according to testimony given in court over the past year and a half.

After Pollard shot Willa and Jason, he burst into the house, took Butler and headed for the woods surrounding the home on Sugar Tree Road. Law enforcement officials from Flemingsburg City Police, Fleming County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office searched through the night for Pollard and Butler.

Early on the morning of Jan. 2, 2008 Butler, who was sent by Pollard to meet a car, walked to a house and called police. Pollard was apprehended shortly after.

Trial dates were changed due the defense asking for a change of venue in the case, which was denied by Judge Stockton Wood. A trial was set for June 8 when Pollard accepted the plea agreement form Commonwealth’s attorney Kathryn Hendrickson.

After he entered guilt pleas to all charges, Wood asked Pollard what led to the shootings that night.

“We (he and Butler) got into an argument in the driveway and that led to what happened,” Pollard said.

Pollard, who was represent by Tom Griffiths of the Department of Public Advocacy, asked for sentence to be passed after the plea was entered instead of waiting for a sentencing hearing. Wood agreed and sentenced the 36 year old man to two life sentences without the chance of parole sentences, 15 years for first-degree assault of Richard Anderson; 15 years for burglary; five years on all other counts, with 12 months for violating an EPO.

The Thompson family was at the trial to see justice carried out and find some solace in the end of the legal battle.

Mary and Gary Thompson, parents of Jason, said it was finally over. Mary spoke before sentence was passed and gave her condolences to Pollard, who lost a 3 year old daughter in a car wreck after the incident.

“I’m sorry he lost his child,” she said. “I will never see daylight again. Jason would never hurt anyone,” she said through tears.

Anthony Thompson, son of Willa, said he and his father George were shocked to receive a phone call late Monday evening telling them of the plea agreement and the hearing. The past 17 months has been hard on the family, especially Travis, the youngest son of Willa and George.

“I have one child with Downs Syndrome and he cries and screams for his mother,” George said. “He saw what happened to his mother and he can’t forget it.”

Anthony said it was good to finally have closure on the case.

“It will let the healing process begin, but nothing will bring Mom back.”

Anthony said Jason had spent many summers with Willa and George and Willa thought of him as a son.

“She ran to help him,” Anthony said. “She thought of him as one of her kids. If she had to go in such a violent way like that at least she had her arms around someone she loved.”

Mr. Adams

Thomas Reed Adams (Spud Cat), 41, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2009, at 7:45 p.m., at St. Joe Hospital in Lexington with his loving family at his bedside.
Thomas was born on Aug. 8. 1967, in Maysville, to John Franklin Adams and Emma Emmons Adams.
Thomas was previously employed by Toyo Seats of Flemingsbyurg.
Thomas was a lifetime member of Lewisburg Baptist Church.
Also surviving besides his parents are two sons, Robert John Thomas Adams, 15, and Shawn Nicholas Reed Adams, 9, of Flemingsburg; two sisters, Gayle (Dale) Miller and Nancy (Jerry) Shannon of Flemingsburg; a brother, John Robert (Megan) Adams of Louisville; three nieces, Lindsay Miller, Abby Miller and Jerrica Shannon; two nephews, Brian Shannon and Taylor Miller; and a great-niece, Aubury Shannon.
Thomas was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fredrick Reed Adams Jr. and Dorothy Weddle Adams and Tommie Arnold Emmons and Mignon Harmon Emmons.
Services are 2 p.m., Wednesday at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home with Brother Carl Hall officiating.
Burial will follow in Wedonia Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Larry Smith, Dale Miller, Brian Shannon, Jerry Shannon, Leonard Rucker, Mike Maher, Roy Doyle, Leroy Taylor and Phillip Wagoner.
Visitation is after 11 a.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home

Mrs. Stacy

Bertha E. Stacy, 90, of Maysville passed away at Maysville Nursing and Rehab Facility on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

The daughter of the late Anna Brammer Muse and Robert Muse, of Muses Mills, she was preceded in death by her husband Ira E. Stacy and 3 brothers, Oney Muse and Everett Muse, both of Muses Mills, and Audrey Muse, Porterville, Cal., and 3 sisters, Ina Porter, Muses Mills, Cora Bishop, Cincinnati, Ohio and Virgie Ferguson, Lexington, Ky.

She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie (Stacy) McMillian, Auburndale,Fla., and grandchildren, Bonita Botkin, Maysville;  Sheri Helterbrand (Mark) Maysville; James Roger Botkin, Jr.(Kim),Titusville, Fla.; Robert McMillian (Alicia), Plant City, Fla.; Samuel McMillian (Brandi) Lakeland, Fla., and 2 great-grand children, Stacy McMillian and Gabriel Botkin, both of Plant City, Fla.

She also left behind her special friend, and loving pet, Cassie.

A Memorial service will be held at Muses Mills Christian Church (Muses Mills, Ky.) on Thursday, May 14^th, from 5 – 7pm.

Donations to Hospice of Hope suggested in lieu of flowers.

Mr. Saunders

John W. Saunders, age 73, of the Mount Carmel community passed away Tuesday at Pioneer Trace Nursing Home where he was a patient.
Mr. Saunders was born in Fleming County, July 31, 1935. His parents were the late Clay and Letha Walton Saunders,
He was a farmer and landowner in the Mount Carmel community.
Survivors include a sister, Eleanor McDonald of Shelby County; his ex-wife, Trella Saunders of Maysville; and a step-daughter, Pam Ellsworth of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Services are 1 p.m., Monday, at the Boone-Nickell Funeral Home with Rev. Clay Earl Sanders officiating.
Burial will follow in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Visitation is after 11 a.m., Monday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Burden

Louvenia S. Burden, 103, of Williams Street, Maysville passed away Thursday, May 7, 2009, at Meadowview Regional Medical Center. She was the widow of James Burden.
Mrs. Burden was born in Fleming County on April 9, 1906, to the late Carl and Minnie Hitch Griffith.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Maysville Church of Christ.
Survivors include four nieces, Juanita Gray of Maysville, Lois (Robert) Holland of Georgetown, Ohio, Bernice (Donald) Keiffer of Georgetown, Ohio and Linda (Ronald) Dexter of Sardina, Ohio; several great nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Griffith; a sister, Grace Pence; and a nephew, Ray Emmons.
Services are 1 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Brell and Son Funeral Home.
Burial will follow in the Linwood Cemetery, Russellville, Ohio.

Mrs. Gallagher

Mary Frances Gallagher, age 72, of the Bald Hill community, passed away Tuesday at Fleming County Hospital
Mrs. Gallagher was retired from Licking Valley Community Action Program where she was personnel director.
She was born in Fleming County, April 19, 1937. Her parents were the late George N. and Jewell McKee Turner Jr.
Survivors include her husband, Anthony "Pete" Gallagher; two daughters, ReGene (Todd) Gorman of Bald Hill, and Patricia Lee (John) Phipps of Orlando, Fla.; a son, James William (Terri) Bradley of Wallingford; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three sisters, Judy Pipal and Carol Sapp, both of Maysville, and Sandy McEzeen of Jupiter, Fla.; and a brother, Wayne Turner of Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Jonathan and Jessica Reed; and a brother, Ronnie Turner.
Services are 1 p.m., Saturday at the Boone-Nickell Funeral Home with pastor Jimmy Crouch officiating.
Burial will follow in Green Acres Cemetery,
Visitation is after 6 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

No name game

From the Ledger Independent: It's not flashy, but it gets the job done.
On Tuesday, Fleming County Project Development Board members selected "Fleming County Judicial Center" as the official name for the new $12 million, 32,000 square foot facility that will house multiple court-related services including three separate courtrooms and the Circuit Clerk's office.
"We have been calling it the Fleming County Judicial Center from the very beginning. I don't see any reason to fancy it up any," said PDB member Marvin Suit.
Other PDB members agreed and the name received unanimous approval

Mrs. Oswald

Mrs. Anthony W. “Doris” Oswald, 89, of Louisville, went to her heavenly Home Sunday, May 3, 2009, at Christopher East Nursing Home.

She was the former Doris True, a homemaker and member of the St. Mathews Baptist Church for 62 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Oswald; daughter, Sandra J. Buckner; and a son, Don Allen Oswald.

She is survived by a daughter, Toni Lee Oswald; son-in-law, Robin Buckner (Dr. Robin O’Brian); five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10 A.M. Thursday at Ratterman’s, 3711 Lexington Road, with burial to follow in Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts in her name may go to St. Mathews Baptist Church, 3515 Grandview Avenue, Louisville, Ky. 40207

Mr. Brewer

William Charles Brewer, 78, of Ewing passed away Friday at Fleming County Hospital. Mr. Brewer was born in Wolfe County on March 12, 1931. His parents were the late Osa and Bertha Tolson Brewer.
Mr. Brewer was retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving for 20 years.
He is survived by one daughter Tammy Jo (Christopher) Gillum of Ewing; and three grandchildren Christa Lane (Edward) Lang of Mason County, Lucas Wade Isaac of Montgomery County, Ohio, and Benjamin Curtis Isaac of Fleming County. He is also survived by a sister, Betty O'Niell of Florida; and a brother, Gene Brewer of Ohio.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wives Mary Joyce Brewer and Marjorie Ann Brewer.
Services will be 1 p.m., Tuesday at the Boone Nickel Funeral Home.
Burial will follow in the May's Lick Cemetery.
Visitation at the funeral home is after 6 p.m., today.

Mr. Sloas

Berlin Sloas, 81, of Bluebank community passed away Friday at Fleming County Hospital.
Mr. Sloas was a retired heavy equipment operator. He loved and played bluegrass music and had played with Tom T. Hall and many others.
He was born in Elliot County, on July 27, 1927. His parents were the late Frank and Sylvia Smith Sloas.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bessie Stamper Sloas of Flemingsburg; two daughters, Louella (Roger) Utterback of Mount Carmel and Justine (Steve) Allen of Fox Valley; two granddaughters, Connie (Reeves) Anderson of Fox Valley and Shawnda (Thomas) Lasword of Morehead; and three grandsons, Earl Reeves of Flemingsburg, Shane Thomas of Morehead, and David Utterback of Flemingsburg.
He is also survived by four great-grandchildren; one great great grandson; two brothers, Irlin (Sue) Sloas of Flemingsburg and Merlin Sloas of Sandy Hook; and three sisters, Merlie Moore of Cherry Fork, Ohio, Arie Barker of Seaman, Ohio, and Evelyn (Deb) Hyer of Flemingsburg.
Mr. Sloas was preceded in death by siblings, Bernis Sloas, Frank Sloas Jr., Hollie Sloas, Erma Sloas, Audrey Ferguson and Bessie Conley.
Services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday at the Boone-Nickell Funeral Home with Pastor Peggy Wagoner officiating.
Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Flemingsburg.
Visitation will be at the funeral home after 6 p.m., Tuesday

Mrs. Cooper

Olive Walton Cooper, 97, of the Morehead Road died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in Flemingsburg.
She was born, July 6, 1911, in Fleming County to the late Rawleigh Walton and Lucy Rucker Walton.
Mrs. Cooper was a housewife and farmed. She was a member of the Bluebank Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Cooper.
She is survived by two sons, William R. (Sandra) Cooper and Charles S. (Bertie) Cooper, all of Fleming County; one daughter, Alice K. (Larry) Hinton of Fleming County; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A brother, William Garr Walton; and sister, Georgia Young, preceded her in death.
Services are 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Denton-Workman Funeral Home in Flemingsburg. Dr. David Barnett will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Fleming County Cemetery.
Visitation will be today, May 1, 2009, at 5-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Hope, 909 Kenton Station Drive, Maysville, Ky. 41056 or Bluebank Christian Church.