As a Covington woman appeared in court Thursday in connection with the shooting of another mom picking up her child at school Wednesday, psychologists reassured Latonia Elementary School pupils that it was not connected to the terrorist attacks earlier in the week.

        “What the children have seen on TV over the last couple of days has been extremely frightening,” said Dr. Janice Wilkerson, Covington Independent Public Schools coordinator of psychological services.

McElfresh

        “Then to see a shooting, hear the sound of AirCare (helicopters) outside their classroom windows, it is logical to think some younger students might think what happened in New York was happening here.”

        Marjorie M. McElfresh, 30, of the 400 block of Decoursey Pike, was arraigned Thursday in Kenton County District Court on the charge of criminal attempt to commit murder. She is being held at the Kenton County jail on $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 19.

        Ms. McElfresh is accused of shooting Linda Gegner, 29, in the neck, according to police. Ms. Gegner, of 40th Street in Covington, was in critical condition at University Hospital Thursday afternoon, according to a nursing supervisor.

        Lt. Col. Jim Liles, spokesman for Covington police, said the shooting took place at 3 p.m. Wednesday on the sidewalk outside of the parking area of Latonia Elementary School on 40th Street, as pupils were leaving the school for the day.

        Classes for the 522 students at the elementary school continued Thursday, with counselors on hand. District spokesman Bill Weathers said about 10 students wanted to speak about the shooting privately with counselors. About 24 parents attended an early morning meeting with school officials to express their concerns.

        Some children and staff members witnessed the shooting, said Dr. Wilkerson. Teachers and staff members rushed the children back into the school, locking them into the cafeteria.

        Several staff members put themselves in danger as they rushed toward the shooting to grab children and take them back inside, said Mr. Weathers. He said Assistant Principal Jeff Lonneman walked close enough to the shooter to ask her to put the weapon down. Principal Pat Berry said the woman didn't say anything, just waited for police to arrest her.

        Police said Ms. McElfresh and Ms. Gegner had children enrolled at the school, though not in the same grade. The two women have had an ongoing dispute, said Lt. Col. Jim Liles. It was not clear what the dispute was about, but district officials said the argument between the two women was not related to school.

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