DRY RIDGE — The principal of Dry Ridge Elementary is stepping down, after being suspended because she didn't tell the school district about a 20-year-old misdemeanor conviction.

        Grant County Superintendent James Simpson suspended Gwendolyn May, who was hired this year to run the elementary school, for 20 days after a routine criminal background check revealed a misdemeanor conviction from 20 years ago.

        The district did not release the specific charge, which originated outside of Kentucky.

        Following the suspension, which began Monday, Ms. May submitted her resignation effective at the end of the school year.

        During the suspension, former Grant County administrator and Dry Ridge principal Deborah Reed will fill in as interim principal.

        When Ms. May applied for the job, she didn't list the conviction, said Ruth Odor, a spokeswoman for the district. Because it was several years old, Ms. May thought the charge had been removed from her record.

        School districts have been required to do criminal background checks on all employees since 1998.
       

Kenton volunteers sought for cleanup

        FORT MITCHELL — Residents are asked to meet at General Ormsby Mitchel Park at 9 a.m. Oct. 28 to take part in a countywide cleanup.

        At noon, volunteers can meet back at the park for sandwiches and other refreshments.

        Gloves, reflective vests, and other equipment will be provided for cleanup participants.

        The Kenton County Mayors Group is encouraging all Kenton County cities to take part in a “Countywide Cleanup Campaign” from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 28.

        The purpose is to remove trash from the major thoroughfares in each city, especially where there aren't any nearby residents to clean up the area. Special help may be needed in rural areas along roads such as Ky. 16, Ky. 17 and Ky. 177.
       

Local mayor gets League of Cities post

        FORT MITCHELL — Mayor Tom Holocher recently was elected first vice president of the Kentucky League of Cities during its annual convention in Louisville.

        As a newly elected officer, he will have a leadership role in developing policy and programs for the statewide association of 355 cities.
       

Lieberman gets a little off the top

        FRANKFORT — Kim Perry says vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman gets “a regular man's haircut.”

        Ms. Perry should know. She gave him a trim Tuesday night.

        Ms. Perry, owner of Old Capitol Barber Shop in Frankfort, got the call because some Democratic campaign workers, based in Frankfort, have been among her recent customers.

        The appointment was at a motel in Richmond, where Mr. Lieberman was preparing for his debate tonight against Republican Dick Cheney.

        The candidate has “nice hair,” worn in a style slightly longer than most men sport today, she said.

        Ms. Perry said she refused to accept her customary, $10 charge but asked Mr. Lieberman to keep her in mind for the White House barber shop. “He took my business card,” she said.
       

Former state worker charged with theft

        FRANKFORT — A former employee of the Department of Veterans' Affairs allegedly made personal purchases topping $30,000 with a state government procurement card, a grand jury charged Wednesday.

        Sophia Lynn Graves was charged with 18 felony counts and one misdemeanor count of theft by deception. Her husband, Terry L. Graves, was charged with two felony counts of receiving stolen property.

        All the felonies are Class D, punishable by one to five years in prison. The Class A misdemeanor carries a possible sentence of a year in jail.

        The indictment by a Franklin County grand jury listed purchase amounts and merchants but not specific items.

        Mrs. Graves was fired Aug. 8 as executive secretary to the department's commissioner, Les Beavers.
       

Inmate recaptured after walking away

        LAGRANGE — An inmate walked away from a minimum security boot camp facility on Wednesday and was captured about an hour later, prison officials said.

        Travis Spivey, 26, walked away from the boot camp unit of the Roederer Correctional Complex about 6:30 a.m. while working in the kitchen.

        Mr. Spivey was serving 12 1/2 years for burglary, second-degree forgery, receiving stolen property and wanton endangerment. He will be transferred to the medium security Luther Luckett Correctional Complex.
       

Voters OK booze at 1 of 2 golf courses

        NICHOLASVILLE — Voters in two Jessamine County precincts split on the question of alcohol sales at local golf clubs.

        Alcohol sales at Champion Trace Golf Club were approved by a vote of 69-65 on Tuesday.

        But Widow's Watch Golf Club will not be allowed to sell alcohol after voters there rejected the question 41-30.

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