FLORENCE — Melissa Spanier, 19, of Erlanger was killed Sunday night when she lost control of the car she was driving and was broadsided by a tractor-trailer.

        Ms. Spanier was driving the 2001 Toyota Corolla about 9:35 p.m., entering northbound Interstate 75 from Ky. 18. Police said the driver of the tractor-trailer, Dewayne A. Eades, 47, of Lancaster, Ky., noticed that Ms. Spanier had lost control and tried to take evasive action, but the front end of the rig's cab struck the Toyota in the passenger side.

        The car came to rest in the extreme left lane and the truck struck the center retaining wall.

        Ms. Spanier was taken to St. Luke Hospital West by Florence EMS. She was pronounced dead at 10:21 p.m.

        Mr. Eades was driving a 1996 International registered to Transco Inc. in Norman, Okla.

        The Florence police fatal accident reconstruction team is investigating the accident. Police said the incident is not believed to be alcohol-related.

Resources available to cancer patients

               Free support groups and resources for cancer patients and their families are being offered by the St. Luke Hospitals Northern Kentucky Cancer Treatment Center and other groups, such as the American Cancer Society.

        The resources include the “Look Good ... Feel Better” program to teach female cancer patients beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self-image. The program is free, but pre-registration is necessary to obtain a cosmetic kit.

        The program will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every other month on the second Monday, starting March 11 at St. Luke Hospital East Northern Kentucky Cancer Treatment Center.

        The Man to Man Program from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month except for July will be at the Wellness Center at 1717 Dixie Highway in Fort Wright. It is a prostate cancer support and educational program for men with prostate cancer or men interested in learning more about it. It is sponsored with the Wellness Community. Also offered is I Can Cope, a series of classes to help cancer patients and their loved ones meet the challenges of cancer by clarifying cancer myths and facts. Professionals also offer help in coping with some of the emotional issues resulting from a cancer diagnosis.

        To register for any of the free programs, or for information, call (800) ACS-2345.

Volunteer monitors sought for nest boxes

               INDEPENDENCE — Kenton County Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers to help monitor the Northern Kentucky Bluebird Trail nest boxes at Mills Road Park, Banklick Woods Park and Locust Pike Park.

        Monitoring, or weekly inspection of the nest boxes during the breeding season, is the most important aspect for determining the success of the Northern Kentucky Bluebird Trail. Bluebirds, as well as other cavity-nesting birds, would naturally build their nests in hollow fence posts and old woodpecker holes. As land is cleared for new homes, the birds lose their natural nesting places. Volunteers help by building artificial cavities, or nest boxes.

        The spring monitors meeting will be 7 p.m. March 13 at the Kenton County Public Works Administration building in Banklick Woods Park on Independence Station Road.

        Michele Kline of Wild Bird Rescue will present a slide show collection of photos. Ms. Kline is a wild bird rehabilitator and was instrumental in getting the first series of nest boxes built.

        Call 525-7529.

Books for sale at Kenton library

               INDEPENDENCE — Nearly new and used books will be for sale at the Independence branch of the Kenton County Public Library March 14-16.

        The sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Kenton County Public Library. Prices range from 50 cents to $4.

        Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 15 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16.

MainStrasse lists Spring Stroll dates

               COVINGTON — The MainStrasse Village Association's annual Spring Stroll will be March 16-17 and March 23-24.

        Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

        The event will feature pictures with the Easter Bunny; local artists; gardening, landscape and herb booths; live music; puppets; balloon magic; a treasure hunt to win a basket of gifts and spring specials at participating restaurants and pubs.

        There also will be a raffle to benefit the Point/ARC of Northern Kentucky, an organization that provides education, support, work and living skills for local adult residents who are mentally retarded.

Antiques show at Drawbridge

               FORT MITCHELL — Second Sunday Antiques Marketplace show and sale will be this Sunday at the Drawbridge Inn.

        The show will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, and parking is free. A portion of the admission will be donated to Ferret's Dream House, a nonprofit no-kill shelter.

        Antiques and collectibles for sale will include art, china, paintings, books, crystal, sports memorabilia, jewelry, beer and Coca-Cola memorabilia, pottery and linens.

        The outdoor antiques marketplace shows will resume April 14 in Covington's MainStrasse Village.

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