Euchre tournament benefits girl, 5

        FORT THOMAS — A “Coins for Catherine” euchre tournament and social will be held 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday at St. Catherine of Siena Church undercroft, 23 Rossford Ave.

        Proceeds will help raise money to buy an augmentative communication device for Catherine Kappesser, a 5-year-old Fort Thomas girl who suffers from microcephaly, a developmental disease.

        The event also includes split-the-pot, themed-basket raffles and a gift-certificate tree.

        Admission is $5; reservations are suggested. Information: (859) 441-7715.
       

Drama examines women's struggles

        COVINGTON — For Women's History Month, the play Just Desserts will be presented 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Mary Ann Mongan Library.

        Set in rural Kentucky in the 19th century, the play portrays women seeking equal rights.

        To culminate the activities of Women's History Month, representatives from Women in Military Service to America will feature a display of uniforms, books, badges and articles showcasing women's accomplishments in the military.

        The event will be noon to 4 p.m. March 16. Representatives of the organization will be available to answer questions.
       

Ft. Wright officials hold budget retreat

        FORT WRIGHT — City officials will have a budget retreat this Saturdayin council chambers, 409 Kyles Lane. The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m.
       

Library trustees re-elect president

        COVINGTON — John R. Toelke has been re-elected president of the Kenton County Public Library board of trustees.

        Mr. Toelke, of Crestview Hills, has served on the library board for five years.

        Other board officers are Anthony Durso of Covington, vice president; Milton Mains of Morningview, treasurer; and Lois Schultz of Villa Hills, secretary.

        Erlanger resident Allen Thomas Jr. was appointed to a four-year term as a trustee by Kenton County Judge-executive Dick Murgatroyd.

        The library's advisory board, which assists the board of trustees with long-range planning, also recently named a new member. James E. Horner of Lakeside Park has been appointed to the board.
       

Bingo operators say they're guilty

        MOUNT STERLING — Four people involved in running a bingo hall where officials say about $50,000 was embezzled have pleaded guilty to diverting charitable gambling funds.

        Among them was Lenora Gill, 36, who state Department of Charitable Gaming officials said mastermind a scheme that bled four local charities over about a year. Ms. Gill pleaded guilty to felony diversion and was ordered to pay restitution totaling $20,000 to the four charities, said Scott Jones, general counsel with the Charitable Gaming Department.

        Cathy Ratliff also pleaded guilty to felony diversion and must pay $4,000 in restitution.

        Bob Bennett and April Anderson, Ms. Gill's daughter, pleaded guilty to misdemeanors related to diverting charitable funds.

        Sentencing will be March 22.

        Mr. Jones said Ms. Gill held the license and ran the gambling at Wildcard Bingo in Mount Sterling, while the other three assisted her. She began dealing with the charities in late 1999, he said.

        “She was basically the mastermind,” Mr. Jones said.

        Mr. Jones said an investigation began after some of the charities complained that they weren't making any money.

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