Anti-icing efforts begin

Highway District 9 has begun anti-icing efforts by applying brine to interstates, bridges as well as priority routes in Mason, Fleming, Rowan and Bath and other counties in advance of a winter storm that is threatening western Kentucky. Motorists are advised to watch for changing weather patterns, and Drive Smart. More information on snow and ice activities are available online at http://transportation.ky.gov/d9/Snow.htm

Bus driver suspended

According to the Ledger-Independent, a  Fleming County School bus driver was suspended last month after she purposely swerved the school bus she was driving at another vehicle.
The driver, Ellen Brooks, returned to work after a five-day unpaid suspension and completion of six hours of training under the supervision of the school district's interim Director of Transportation, according to superintendent Kelley Crain . The swerve, which occurred Sept. 12, was apparently a salutation from Brooks to someone she knew.
"She was traveling in a school bus when an oncoming vehicle swerved at her, as to say hello, and she swerved at them, as to say hello," Crain said."She swerved her bus in an unsafe manor to communicate to a friend."
The swerve came to the school district's attention when a concerned citizen called in.

An investigation was subsequently launched that included interviews with the driver and the witness, a review of audio and video recordings from the bus and a study of transportation laws and policies. Crain said the investigation confirmed the incident did occur and she felt disciplinary action was appropriate. She said Brooks was ultimately suspended for neglect of duty, violation of local transportation policies and state regulations, and misconduct.
Crain said bus safety is "absolutely" a priority for Fleming County Schools.

Infant death ruled homicide

The findings of an investigation in the death of a Fleming County infant have been released.

The Lexington-Fayette County Coroner’s Office has ruled the death of three-month old Kaylee Buchanan a homicide. According to the coroner’s report the infant died as a result of blunt force trauma. The child was assaulted by another person, according to the report.

Buchanan was taken to the University of Kentucky Hospital on July 20 and died there three days later.

The incident is under investigation by the Kentucky State Police.

Panthers, Lady Panthers lose in tournaments

Fairview 49
Fleming Co. 39

Fairview
11
15
8
15
39

Fleming Co.
9
13
2
13
49

Community Trust Covered Bridge Classic
At Fleming Co.
Fairview -- Evans 18, Collins 13, Stai 7, Jackson 7, Jones 2, Gehringer 2.

Fleming Co. -- Clark 12, Jolly 11, Gray 4, Dugan 9, Fraser 1.

 

Johnson Central 69

Fleming Co. 43

Fleming Co.
13
5
14
11
43

Johnson Central
15
18
21
15
69

CMT Classic at Johnson Central
Fleming Co. (3-4) -- Harmon 4, Emmons 17, S.Boyd 2, Alex 4, M.Boyd 7, Burns 4, Puente 5.

Johnson Central (6-2) -- Meek 12, Conley 7, Combs 3, Mullet 4, Salyers 17, Wireman 2, Young 14, Salyer 10.

Mrs. Staggs

Lela Thomas Staggs, 94, of Decatur, Ill., passed away at 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at Fair Havens Christian Home, Decatur.
Lela was born on March 6, 1914 in Hillsboro, the daughter of William and Nora McRoberts Cooper.
She was a homemaker and an avid gardener. In her younger years she was a member of the Plummers Landing Kentucky Christian Church. She married Delbert E. Staggs on July 22, 1933 in Plummers Landing. He preceded her death in 1989.
Surviving are her children, Wyndal E. (Nancy) Staggs of Hamersville, Ohio, Norman W. (Barbara) Staggs of Hammond, Ill., Geraldine Lowe of Warrensburg, Ill. and Donald E. (Cyndi) Staggs of Lake Forest, Calif. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. She leaves many nieces and nephews; special friends, Stella Mac Sapp and Mable Gardner of Flemingsburg; and also special little friends: Serena and Hayden Black of Warrensburg, Ill. and Sydney Mallory of Latham, Ill.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two infant daughters, Mildred Louise and Ruth Ann Staggs; five sisters; and one brother.
Services will be 1 p.m, Dec. 22, 2008, at Denton-Workman Funeral Home in Flemingsburg, with visitation one hour prior to services.

Burial will be in Wallingford Cemetery.

Lady Panthers win in tournament

Fleming Co. 67

Magoffin Co. 63

Magoffin Co.
18
13
18
14
63

Fleming Co.
18
20
10
19
67

Country Music Highway Holiday Tournament at Johnson Central
Magoffin Co. (4-4) -- Adams 19, Prater 8, Connelley 2, Fletcher 1, Hall 17, Minnix 11, Marshall 5.

Fleming Co. (3-3) --Harmo

Panthers win 66-54 over St. Patrick

In their opening-round game of the 2nd annual Covered Bridge Classic at Fleming County High School, the Panthers earned a 66-54 win over St. Patrick.
The Panthers will play Williamstown tonight at 7.
SP: Thompson 2 1-2 5, L. Gallenstein 5 1-1 11, Mason 10 4-7 24, Clarke 2 0-2 5, Cropper 1 1-3 3, D. Gallenstein 3 0-0 6, Totals 23 7-15 54.
FC: Gray 4 2-2 10, Jolly 5 4-6 14, Newsom 4 6-7 14, Fraser 3 0-0 7, Dugan 4 2-2 12, Clark 2 0-0 5, Taylor 1 2-3 4, Kinder 0 0-2 0, Totals 23 16-22 66.
Records: St. Patrick 3-3, Fleming County 3-3.