Ludlow names Rolfsen acting mayor

        LUDLOW — Gary Rolfsen II, a Ludlow city councilman who has recently chaired several council meetings in the mayor's absence, was appointed acting mayor Tuesday.

        Anyone interested in applying for the mayor's unexpired tern running through the end of next year can pick up an application at the city building, 227 Elm St. Applications are due by 5 p.m. today. Ludlow City Council will interview candidates for mayor Tuesday and will choose the next mayor at the regular council meeting May 24.

        Mayor Tom Stacy, citing health and time constraints, resigned May 4.
       

Man indicted in teen's shooting death

        WILLIAMSTOWN — A Grant County grand jury indicted a 24-year-old Dry Ridge man on manslaughter charges Wednesday night in the shooting death of a high-school student.

        Joseph C. Meither is accused of firing a gun during a field party attended by at least 15 people May 4.

        One bullet struck and killed Tammy Rhea Vickers, 15, of Grant County. A state police investigator said it appears Mr. Meither did not know anyone was in his line of fire.

        If convicted, Mr. Meither could face five to 10 years in prison.

        “We are disappointed with the indictment,” said Mr. Meither's attorney, Dan Dickerson of Covington. “Our investigation, the evidence, facts and testimony of all the witnesses indicates clearly this was nothing but a tragic accident.”
       

Hospitals' festival has health screenings

        FLORENCE — The St. Luke Hospitals will sponsor a “Family Healthfest” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Florence Mall.

PROMOTION GOES SOUR: Motorists wait at the Fort Wright Speedway to redeem $4 vouchers given away in a Robke Chevrolet promotion. But many people had the mistaken notion that gas would be sold for $1.01. While a newspaper ad explained the limit in small print, televised promotions did not. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Many health screenings and tests will be available at the health fair, including a cholesterol and blood sugar combination for $7 and colorectal kits for $1. Free tests and screenings also will be offered for osteoporosis, height and weight, hearing and blood pressure.

        There also will be information on health topics for seniors, women's specialties, cancer, heart health, diabetes and nutrition, behavioral health and chemical dependency, stress management, emergency and first aid, sleep disorders, physician referral and pediatrics.

        The Pete Wagoner Band will entertain from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

        Information: (513) 585-8116.
       

Police say man admitted slaying

        BOWLING GREEN — A Texas college faculty member told police responding to an emergency call at a Warren County home that he had killed his stepfather, police said.

        Patrick Doyle, 58, answered the door of the McGown home at 9:45 a.m. CDT Wednesday. When police asked about the emergency, Mr. Doyle said, “I beat him to death with a hammer. I killed him,” according to a police report. Mr. Doyle then led police into the garage, where Robert McGown, 79, was found dead.

        Mr. Doyle was charged with murder after interviews with him and his mother, Edith McGown, police said.

        Mr. Doyle pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Warren District Court on Thursday. He was lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail in lieu of $500,000 bond.

        Mr. Doyle, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, arrived in Bowling Green this week to visit his family, police said.

        Police continued to investigate the motive behind the slaying.
       

Officer cleared in shooting death

        LOUISVILLE — A white Louisville police officer was cleared by a grand jury Thursday in the shooting death of an 18-year-old black man.

        Clifford Lewis was shot and killed by police Jan. 9 while allegedly trying to flee plainclothes officers who tried to stop him.

        The case was presented Thursday to a Jefferson County grand jury, which did not return charges.

        Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel said the jurors could have charged Detective Johann Steimle with murder, manslaughter, reckless homicide or wanton endangerment.

        Mr. Lewis was shot five times by Detective Steimle after Mr. Lewis put his van in reverse, pinning Detective Kevin Bowling against another car. Detective Bowling suffered a broken foot and crushed leg. Mr. Lewis' girlfriend, Lakeisha Bragg, 18, was also injured.
       

Murder-for-hire trial proceeds

        OWENSBORO — Federal prosecutors Wednesday tried to link a Texas man with a murder-for-hire scheme by calling witnesses who said he tried to cash a check from the account of a man who was murdered earlier that day.

        Richard Dorman, 64, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire in the death of Aaron “Jack” Norris, of Robards. He has also been charged in the death of James Nichols, 56, of Eva, Ala.

        During the third day of the trial in U.S. District Court in Owensboro, two bank employees testified that Mr. Dorman came into the First Kentucky Bank in Sturgis twice Feb. 1, 1999, and tried to cash a check on Mr. Norris' account.

        Authorities say the 77—year-old man was beaten to death that morning.

        Defense attorney Allen Holbrook said Mr. Dorman knew nothing of the murders until after they had occurred.

        Mr. Dorman has pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud.

        Billy J. Lyon, 21, of Henderson, and former Henderson resident Charles L. Stewart, 56, of Eva, Ala., also have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire.
       

Man faces federal weapons charges

        BOWLING GREEN — A Casey County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Bowling Green after state and federal authorities found scores of weapons at his home, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Steven Reed.

        Christopher Salyers, 24, of Liberty, is charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun, sawed-off shotgun and short- barreled rifle.

        Authorities served a search warrant at Mr. Salyers' home April 24 and found guns scattered through the house, including in a baby's crib.

        If convicted, Mr. Salyers could face up to 40 years in prison, a $1 million fine and supervised release for three years.

        Mr. Salyers' arraignment is scheduled for May 23.
       

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