News briefs for February 13, 2008

Elderly man caught for cocaine trafficking

State police arrested an elderly man on drug charges about 9:30 p.m. Sunday, after witnesses said he was waving a weapon in the parking lot of the Pendleton Pilot Travel Center.

Leroy Gamble, 71, of Smithfield, was charged with trafficking a controlled substance, after investigators said they found several ounces of cocaine, other drug paraphernalia and $4,043 in cash on him.

Troopers were tipped off by a witness at the station, who allegedly saw Gamble waving what was believed to be a gun.

“Units responded and once troopers arrived there, he fit the description,” said Kentucky State Trooper Rick Ellis.

Gamble was released Monday afternoon from the Carroll County Detention Center on a $1,000 surety bond

I-71 accident claims the life of Carrollton man

A Carrollton man was pronounced dead Sunday night after a semi collided with his disabled vehicle, on northbound Interstate 71, near Pendleton.

Emergency crews found Michael Ray Fridley, 50, unresponsive in his 1994 Dodge mini van shortly after 8:25 p.m., according to reports from the Henry County coroner.

“His vehicle became disabled on the roadway,” Kentucky State Trooper Rick Ellis said. “Before he could do anything a semi struck him in the rear.”

Fridley was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the coroner. The driver of the truck was not injured, Ellis said, and does not face charges.

Northbound I-71 traffic was blocked nearly three hours, while clean-up crews worked the area.

State police are still investigating the accident. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor, police said.

KAFC / United Citizens Bank & Trust Company team up to offer low interest rate financing

Through a partnership with United Citizens Bank & Trust Company and the Kentucky Ag Finance Corporation (KAFC), North Central Kentucky farmers who have been involved in tobacco production will have access to reduced interest rates when financing the purchase, renovation or construction of farm structures.

The KAFC will finance up to $100,000 or 50% of the project cost (whichever is less) at a 10 year fixed rate that is currently set at 2.75% a.p.r.. The remainder not financed by KAFC will be financed through United Citizens Bank & Trust at current interest rates. According to Doug Schlosnagle , CEO of United Citizens Bank & Trust, eligible projects include facilities for beef cattle, dairy, equine, poultry, crop and hay storage (including tobacco facilities) as well as fencing and pond construction. The processing of loans will be handled through five United Citizens Bank & Trust branches located at Carrollton, Campbellsburg, New Castle, Pendleton and Port Royal. "This program has been created to help tobacco producers make the necessary improvements to their farming operations to either transition away from tobacco production or to make the capitol investment necessary to continue raising tobacco. Either way, our goal here is to improve the profitability of our local farms," Schlosnagle said.

Any farmer who has been a past recipient of Phase II tobacco payments, is enrolled in the Tobacco Transition Payment Program (TTPP) or has a current marketing contract for tobacco production can participate in the program. Application forms can be found at http://kafc.ky.gov or at any United Citizens Bank & Trust branch office. For more information call (502) 532-7392 or toll free at (800) 223-2850.

Henry County Relay For Life

Mark your calendars for Monday, February 25 at 7 p.m. for the Henry County Relay For Life Kickoff. Come out and listen to an inspirational speech by Jockey Pat Day and get in gear for this year's Relay For Life held at the Henry County High School Track on Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28.

Come on out and enjoy door prizes, refreshments and much more! Team Captains can also pick up their packets and anyone wishing to have a team may find out more information! For more information contact Diana Berry at (502) 845-7760.

Upcoming Fundraisers

" New Castle Methodist Church team has put together a fundraiser basket with different lotions (Bath and Body Works, Nivea, etc..), a nail tool kit, an angel serenity ornament and some chocolate! The basket is on display at Hair Designs in New Castle and will be given away on February 14th. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

• Barb's Bud's will sponsor the first ever Henry County Tractor Run on Saturday, April 12. More Details will be announced at a later date.

• Relay Day at Harry Hill Park will be held on Saturday, May 17th. More details announced at a later date.

• Henry County Local this year will sponsor a "Darling Baby" contest for ages 0 months to 12 months and a "Sweetie Pie" contest for ages 13 months to 48 months. Registration and deadline information will be announced at a later date in the Henry County Local. Watch for details!