news from other places

Man accused of stabbing Senate staffer after prison release

lawmakers voted to override the Democratic governor’s veto of the bill, and was part of an effort to sway Republicans the other direction before the vote. A companion radio ad features Trey Grayson, a former Republican secretary of state in Kentucky. The Fairness Campaign paid for the commercials.

2 fishermen caught cheating at Ohio tournament plead guilty

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Senate staffer remained hospitalized March 28 after police say he was attacked leaving a restaurant in Washington this weekend by a man who had been released from federal prison a day earlier.Authorities say 42-year-old Glynn Neal was arrested in the attack a day after he was released from federal prison for good behavior. Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky says victim Phillip Todd is a member of his staff. Todd told investigators he had never seen Neal before, and he did not say or demand anything before coming from around a corner and attacking him while he was walking with a friend. Investigators believe the attack was random.

Foes of Kentucky transgender bill push back with radio ads

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A well-known Kentucky Republican has blasted the GOP’s push for transgender legislation. Former GOP state lawmaker Bob Heleringer calls it “a bad look for the party of Abraham Lincoln” in a radio ad. The ad came days before

CLEVELAND (AP) — Two men accused of stuffing fish with lead weights and fish fillets in an attempt to win an Ohio fishing tournament last fall have pleaded guilty to charges including cheating.

The two men have also agreed to threeyear suspensions of their fishing licenses. Both are scheduled to be sentenced May 11. Prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence of six months’ probation. The cheating allegations surfaced in September. A walleye fishing tournament director became suspicious when their fish were significantly heavier than typical walleye. They would have won a little over $28,000 in prizes for winning the tournament.

Crews work to recover

3 barges that got loose on Ohio River

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Crews were working March 29 to remove three remaining barges that got loose on the Ohio River, including one carrying methanol. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet says a total of 10 barges got loose early on Tuesday, March 28, on the river near Louisville.

Most were recovered, but the U.S Army Corp of Engineers says three were pinned against the McAlpine Locks and Dam and the locks are closed to traffic until the barges are stabilized. Kentucky officials say one barge was carrying 1,400 tons of methanol and was partially submerged. Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a colorless liquid that’s flammable and acutely toxic. Louisville Metro Emergency Services told news outlets they’re monitoring air and water, but “there is zero evidence of a tank breach or any leaks.”

Kingsbarns leads wire to wire to win $1M Louisiana Derby

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kingsbarns led wire to wire to win the $1 million Louisiana Derby by four lengths and earn 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. Ridden by Flavien Prat and trained by Todd Pletcher, Kingsbarns ran 1 3/16 miles 1:57.33 to remain unbeaten in three races.

He was 9-2 second favorite in the field of 12 at post time and paid $11 to win. The result virtually assures the 3-year-old colt a spot in the 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby on May 6. Disarm was second and Jace’s Road was another two lengths back in third. Favorite and Lecomte Stakes winner Instant Coffee finished sixth after falling back

Horse racing’s national anti-doping program in effect

Horse racing’s efforts to clean up the sport and level the playing field are taking another step forward with the launch of a new anti-doping program. It’s an attempt to centralize the drug testing of racehorses and manage the results, while doling out uniform penalties to horses and trainers that will replace the current patchwork rules that vary from state to state. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act known as HISA started its anti-doping program March 27. But there are ongoing legal issues that won’t allow the anti-doping program to immediately start in every state.

Walton student earns full-ride through selective scholarship program

The site also notes that “leadership development is at the core of the Stamps Scholarship program” and a key part of the selection process.

Each year, just 250 students from across the country are selected to receive Stamps Scholarships. Mercer University in Macon, Georgia selected McLagan for the program and arranged to surprise her with the news via Zoom while she was at school. McLagan’s parents and brother, Ryan, a Villa Madonna freshman, were on hand for the surprise.

McLagan will receive full tuition, room and board, plus a stipend for study abroad or research projects.

test in which previous winners include Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, John Lithgow, and Ken Burns.

Students all over the country submit their writing, competing at a regional level and those that win Gold Keys at that level proceed to the national competition. Covington Classical Academy students have won multiple awards at the regional level, but Cornett is one of seven students in the Tristate to win a medal at the national level.

Rick Hulefeld announces retirement from Learning Grove after 43 years

Covington in 1979. From there, one center grew into a network of centers and family supports, eventually becoming Children, Inc. before merging with Cincinnati Early Learning Center in early 2020 to form Learning Grove.

“Here is what the 77-year-old me has learned: That when we dreamed deeply enough about something that would make a difference for others, even when we didn’t know how we would get it done, we began it anyhow,” Hulefeld said. “Life sent us what we needed.”

Villa Madonna Academy senior Kathryn McLagan, of Walton, was recently recognized as a Stamps Scholar, according to an announcement from the school.

“The Stamps Scholars Program, with its partner schools, seeks students who demonstrate academic merit, strong leadership potential, and exceptional character,” according to its website.

CovCath student brings home scholastic writing award

Bella Cornett, sophomore at Covington Classical Academy, won a Silver Key for her poetry entry at the national Scholastic Writing Competition.

Celebrating its 100th year, the Scholastic Writing Competition is a prestigious con-

Longtime Northern Kentucky leader Rick Hulefeld has announced his retirement from Learning Grove, a nonprofit serving the region for more than 40 years through research-based educational services prenatally through college and career.

Most recently, Hulefeld served as the organization’s President of Special Projects.

Hulefeld became the executive director of the Cathedral Child Development Center in

Prior to the merger with Cincinnati Early Learning Center to launch Learning Grove, Hulefeld spearheaded Children Inc.’s extensive programming as its Chief Executive Officer. In 2017, he transitioned his role to allow for new leadership, with Shannon Starkey-Taylor coming to the helm. Starkey-Taylor continued to grow the agency, facilitating the massive merger to nearly double each agency’s scope and footprint of services. Hulefeld’s retirement was official in December 2022, and his tenure with the agency will be celebrated in May.