From staff reports

Convicted Florence ex-official hospitalized

LEXINGTON - Former Florence Finance Director Ron Epling was in serious condition Tuesday at a Lexington hospital.

Epling, 52, who was convicted of stealing millions from Florence, is serving a 16-year sentence in the Blackburn Correction Complex outside Lexington.

Epling is suffering from a blood infection and was on a respirator Tuesday, said his attorney Burr Travis.

Epling was taken to the University of Kentucky Medical Center Sunday or Monday.

N.Ky. senators ask to rid region of E-check

LAKESIDE PARK - Three state senators who represent Northern Kentucky have filed legislation to eliminate the region's tailpipe testing.

The bill directs the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet to close the three Northern Kentucky Emissions Check programs by Nov. 1 of 2004. It was filed by Senate President Pro Tem Richard Roeding, R-Lakeside Park, and co-sponsored by Sen. Jack Westwood, R-Crescent Springs, and Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, who represents southern Kenton County in Frankfort.

Residents have long complained about the $20 test administered to vehicles every other year. But Northern Kentucky legislators have failed in past attempts to eliminate the air-quality testing program.

Legislators said they are more encouraged about the bill's chances because lawmakers voted earlier this year to do away with Jefferson County's testing program in November.

"Ninety-eight percent of cars tested continually pass the first time," Roeding said. "I have received numerous phone calls, letters and e-mails from people who resent going through an onerous and time-consuming test."

Legislators will begin considering the bill when the General Assembly 2004 session convenes in January.

Man killed in fall from Dayton rooftop

DAYTON - A 31-year-old man died Tuesday morning after he fell off a roof.

David Sturgeon, of Covington, was working on a roof at 635 Sixth Ave. when he fell about 8 a.m., Dayton police said.

Someone flagged down a police officer who then called an ambulance. Sturgeon died at the scene.