Train strikes truck in Boone Co.

        BURLINGTON — A train struck a truck in Boone County Friday afternoon. The truck driver was injured.

        A box truck driven by 29-year-old Scott Lewis of Burlington was eastbound on Mount Zion Road when it was struck by a northbound Norfolk Southern Railroad train.

        Mr. Lewis sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Luke West Hospital.

        Mr. Lewis was wearing a seatbelt. The truck is owned by Seng Tire of Florence. There are conflicting accounts of the accident, which is

        under investigation, according to Major Jack Banks of the Boone County Sheriff's office.

Fight at school may result in charges

        NEWPORT — Police say assault charges are pending against a Newport Middle School student involved in a schoolyard altercation on Thursday that sent a classmate to Children's Hospital Medical Center with head injuries.

        Sgt. Coy Cox said a student was injured on the playground while a pickup football game was played at recess. Newport Middle School Principal Chuck Faust said it first appeared the students got “overly aggressive” during a tag football game. However, Sgt. Cox said his investigation revealed the altercation was related to a misunderstanding involving a girlfriend.

        Police would not release the name of the student being investigated because he is a juvenile. Sgt. Cox, a school resource officer at Newport Middle, said the altercation was an isolated incident, not gang related and didn't involve a weapon.

        Children's Hospital wouldn't release the condition of the injured student.

Fire officials suspect grass fire was set

        INDEPENDENCE — A grass fire that burned about 100 acres and forced officials to close a section of Ky. 17 Thursday afternoon is being called suspicious.

        The fire, which started at several spots along the highway, threatened a barn and home, but was contained by firefighters by 8:30 p.m. Departments from Piner, Kenton, Walton, Ryland, Fort Mitchell and Edgewood responded.

        The Kenton County Public Works Department also responded by using heavy equipment to remove brush to contain the blaze.

Game-day riverboat shuttle begins Sunday

        COVINGTON — BB Riverboats will operate the inaugural Covington Landing Bengals Shuttle before and after this Sunday's season opener with the San Diego Chargers.

        The shuttle will run from the Covington Landing to Paul Brown Stadium from 11:30 a.m. until game time Sunday, said Tom Steidel, assistant Covington city manager. It also will operate for a couple of hours after the game.

        The cost is $2 per person for a round trip. Parking is available in the RiverCenter garage for $2 all day Sunday, and valet parking is available for $3.

        WLW radio also will broadcast from Applebees, and WEBN's Wild Man Walker will do a show from Sleep Out Louie's, the landing's new pub.

        The shuttle will operate during the Bengals' eight regular season home games.

"Open for Business' signs abound

        COVINGTON — Covington's America: Open for Business campaign enters its eighth month of operation as the nation nears the anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Local businesses have placed posters in their storefronts that say America: Open for Business.

        The signs encourage residents to spend money in the city to help keep Covington's economy strong and to show support for the 9-11 victims and their families.

        “By having the business community take part in this campaign, we are sending a message that terrorism will not stop America,” said Mayor Butch Callery.

        Covington joins cities such as San Francisco and Rochester, N.Y. in the America: Open for Business campaign. To receive a sign, call the mayor's office at (859) 292-2127.

Senior Harvest at Kenton fairground

        INDEPENDENCE — Kenton County Parks & Recreation will present its first Senior Harvest Celebration Sept. 21 at the Kenton County fairgrounds.

        The event will be 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature music by the Pete Wagner Band, bingo, square dancing and/or clogging demonstrations, and an old fashioned vaudeville juggling show. Door prizes will be given away, and snacks and refreshments will be furnished before dinner.

        The celebration will be in the barn with a harvest decoration theme at a cost of $5 per person. Reservations must be made before Sept. 13.

        Call (859) 371-9289 for reservations. To see how you can help, call Kenton County Recreation at (859) 525-7529. Volunteers and funding sponsors are always needed.

Seniors Day Out planned for Levee

        NEWPORT — Northern Kentucky's senior citizens can learn about resources to keep themselves independent and safe at the first Seniors Day Out at Newport on the Levee on Sept. 25.

        The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include booths with health information, health screenings, a free movie, crime prevention workshops and the Northern Kentucky health department's new File for Life, a magnetic list with personal health information that can be posted on the refrigerator for first responders in an emergency.

        Sponsored by the Campbell County TRIAD, Senior Day Out at Newport on the Levee also will provide information on telemarketing scams and holiday shopping. The attorney general's office will have a representative to register people for Kentucky's “no call” list for telemarketers.

        Free bus service will be available from several Campbell County locations.

        All seniors are welcome, but transportation will be provided only to those who live in Campbell County.

        Pre-registration is encouraged. Call the Campbell County Senior Center at (859) 572-4300 and leave your name and number. For information, call Sue Williams at the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department at (859) 363-2060 or Pat Dressman at the Campbell County Senior Center at (859) 572-4300.

Christian music festival in Taylor Mill

        TAYLOR MILL — The second annual Seasons of the Spirit Music Festival will be Sept. 21 at the Pride Park amphitheatre. Admission is free.

        The festival features six regional contemporary Christian artists, with musical styles ranging from folk rock to heavy metal. Lawn chairs or blankets are recommended. Picnic tables and a play area for children are available at the park.

        For information, call (859) 261-2387.

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