COVINGTON - A body pulled from the Ohio River on Wednesday has been identified as that of Stephen Allison, 33, of Yellow Springs, Ohio.

        The Kenton County coroner has ruled that Mr. Allison drowned. Covington Police said there is no evidence of foul play.

        Mr. Allison's body was spotted by patrons at Applebee's restaurant at Covington Landing.

        Hotel guest reports robbery, attack

        COVINGTON - A guest at a hotel reported being hit in the face with a pipe and robbed late Thursday.

        Mike Mobbs, 40, was staying at Extended StayAmerica hotel at 650 W. Third St. when he

        heard a knock on his door at 11:45 p.m. Thinking it was his roommate, Mr. Mobbs told police that he opened the door and was hit in the face with a pipe. He said two men forced their way into the room, tried to handcuff him and robbed him of $90.

        Mr. Mobbs' home address was not available. Police said his injuries were not life threatening.

        Man with knife robs Speedway station

        FLORENCE - Police are looking for a man who robbed the Speedway gas station on U.S. 42 early Friday.

        A man came into the store at 7819 U.S. 42 at 1:47 a.m. and acted as if he were making a purchase. When the clerk opened the cash register to make change, the man pulled a knife, threatened the clerk and took money out of the register.

        The clerk was the only other person in the store. Police didn't release the amount of money taken.

        The suspect is described as a black man in his late 30s to early 40s. He is 5-foot-10, 150 pounds to 160 pounds, with black hair and a thin mustache. He was wearing a black cap, black leather jacket and black baggy jeans. No vehicle was seen at the gas station, but a police canine tracked his scent to a nearby parking space.

        Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to call Det. Chuck Lee at (859) 647-5427, or call Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040.

        Candidate forum in Independence

        INDEPENDENCE - Candidates for Independence mayor and City Council will take part in a forum from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday.

        The forum will be at the Independence Senior/Community Center, 2001 Jack Woods Parkway.

        There are 12 City Council candidates, including two incumbents. Council members Eric Dupps and Jim Kudera are not seeking re-election. Incumbent Tom Kriege is not running for re-election as mayor. Council members Chris Moriconi and Isaac “Ike” Gabbard are running for mayor.

        Monday's forum will be aired later on Insight Cable.

        Work of 13 kids to be on calendar

        COVINGTON - Thirteen winners have been chosen from 3,500 entries for the 2003 Why I Love America calendar contest.

        Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson, who is seeking re-election against Democrat Kate Molloy, headed a team of judges that included Kenton County Sheriff Chuck Korzenborn, Kenton Circuit Judge Gregory Bartlett and Chuck Vaughn, director of Kenton County's DUI Task Force.

        The winning students in grades K-12 will receive a $200 savings bond and their artwork and photograph will be featured in next year's calendar. Teachers of the winning students also will receive $50.

        Winners are Elijah Owens, Summit View Elementary; Sara Borchers, Blessed Sacrament School; Mikaylah Taylor, Summit View Elementary, Grant Guess, Villa Madonna Academy; Zachary Bowles, R.C. Hinsdale Elementary; Megan Kaiser, St. Joseph School; McCall Schenthal, Prince of Peace School; Jessica Keener, Summit View Middle School; Gus Fritz, St. Agnes School; Adam Knochelman, Ludlow High School; Amber Bridges, Calvary Christian School; Jodi Gentry, Simon Kenton High School; and Patty Eilerman, Beechwood School.

        Honorable mentions, carrying a prize of a $50 U.S. Savings Bond and $25 for the teacher, are Nicholas Callahan, Summit View Elementary; Audrey Hemmer, Blessed Sacrament School; Heather Floyd, Fort Wright Elementary; Nathan Hatton, Calvary Christian School; Melanie Williams, Beechwood School; Candice P. Bowen, Two Rivers Middle School; Jessica Hahnel, Summit View Middle School; Erin M. Burns, Tichenor Middle School; Stephanie Cagle, Saint Cecilia School; Johnna Otis, Woodland Middle School; Carrie Bilbo, Villa Madonna Academy; and Heather Niemeyer, Simon Kenton Hi

        School; Heather Floyd, Fort Wright Elementary; Nathan Hatton, Calvary Christian School; Melanie Williams, Beechwood School; Candice P. Bowen, Two Rivers Middle School; Jessica Hahnel, Summit View Middle School; Erin M. Burns, Tichenor Middle School; Stephanie Cagle, Saint Cecilia School; Johnna Otis, Woodland Middle School; Carrie Bilbo, Villa Madonna Academy; and Heather Niemeyer, Simon Kenton High School.

        All prizes will be awarded at a ceremony in late November. The calendars, selling for $5, can be purchased through the Kenton County Attorney's Office and the Kenton County police and fire departments. All proceeds will benefit a fund for the widows and orphans of the Kenton County police and fire departments.

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