Raiders drop to 0-8 with loss to Walton-Verona Bearcats 48-16

     The Trimble County High School Football Raiders traveled north last Friday night to take on the Walton Verona Bearcats. The 0-7 Raiders were looking for their first win of the season and the Bearcats were hoping to improve on their season record of 6-2. The Bearcats suffered a 23-19 loss to Gallatin County the previous week, while the Raiders fell to Owen County 19-6.

     The Raiders offense took the field first with T.J. Payton and Tevin Taylor sharing quarterback responsibilities. Just after last week’s loss to Owen County Coach Franklin said there was not much confidence in the passing game because of injuries. In a dramatic turn around, his game plan for the Bearcats would be to put the ball in the air. The offensive line stood their ground to protect their quarterbacks. Unfortunately, they were only able to complete 23% of their pass attempts, collectively.  One notable catch came late in the first quarter when Payton tossed the ball to Taylor who threw the ball deep to Chaylen Sedam. Sedam took the ball to the eight-yard line, making it a 72-yard completion and run.  Regrettably, the Raiders were unable to finish that drive and turned the ball over on downs to the Bearcats.

     The Bearcats scored 48 points before the Raiders could respond. Near the middle of the third quarter, the Raiders put together a seven-minute drive that would culminate in a touchdown. On third and seven, Taylor completed a pass to Payton for the 20-yard touchdown and later the same pair connected to score the extra points after the touchdown. With 38 seconds left in the third quarter, the Raiders were down 48-8, but showed no signs of retreat.

   On the next Bearcats drive, it was clear that the Raiders offense had inspired their defense to start tackling better, which allowed the offense to get back on the field for one last score. Trimble County’s Bo Hawkes scored the final touchdown and extra points for the Raiders. Despite their valiant second half effort, the Raiders closed out the game losing 48-16.

     The Raiders (0-8) will be playing in Carroll County this week against the Panthers (3-5).  Carroll County is coming into the game following a 48-7 victory over Owen County last Friday. The game between the Raiders and Panthers is set to begin at 7:30PM in Carrollton at the Carroll County High School Football stadium. It looks to be a cold night for football so bring your stadium blankets and extra clothes to come out and support the Raiders as they look for their first win of the season.

   

TCMS Football Finishes with a 4-4 Record

     The Trimble County Middle School Football Raiders were 4-2 when the Owen County Rebels came into Bedford Thursday, September 26. The Rebels delivered what would be the knockout punch to the Raiders when they returned the opening kick for a touchdown. Although, the Raiders showed signs of the fortitude that earned them a team record of 4-2, they played like a bunch of whipped pups as they went on to lose 38-0.

     Just five days later, Tuesday, October 1, the Warriors from Eminence came into town on a mission to beat the Raiders. The Raiders kicked off to the Warriors to open the game, but the Raiders were certain not to start the game like the last one and shut down the return after a minimal gain. On the Warriors first offensive play from scrimmage, their Quarterback dropped back, to launch a perfect pass to the Wide Receiver that he was able to run for a 60-yard touchdown. The Raiders were deflated only 17 seconds into the game but their pride would not allow them to give up another shut out at home. Late in the second quarter and being down 14-0, the Raiders marched all the way to the Warriors ten-yard line before the Warriors intercepted a pass and returned it for a 90-yard touchdown. The end of the first half score was 20-0 in favor of the Warriors.

     At halftime, the Trimble County Youth Tackle Football League players and coaches were introduced to the community. President of the league, Daniel Cull said the enthusiasm for football among parents and players in the county continues to grow every year. Cull is in his fourth year presiding over the league and has seen a steady increase in players every year since he became president of the league.

     Back to the game, The Warriors piled on another 16 unanswered points by the beginning of the fourth quarter. Down 36-0, the Raiders offense had one more shot to get on the scoreboard before the end of the season. Raiders head coach Mike Isley put together one last group of plays for the team to have a chance to score. The offensive line dug in their heels to protect Quarterback Cole Wright long enough for him to hurl the pigskin to Nick McCutchen who ran for a 40-yard Raider touchdown. Stevie Swanger scored the 2-point conversion, but the Raiders ran out of time to make a comeback and went on to lose 36-8.

    Now the offseason begins. Raiders Coach Mike Isley along with assistants Joe Perkinson and Harold Crawford can rest on the reality that their team finished at .500 and something to build on next season.

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Trimble County Board of Education Meets September 18, 2013

     The Trimble County Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting last Wednesday in the school’s administration building. Robert Arvin, an accountant with the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative Financial Services, introduced the final budget to board members to approve for the 2013-’14 school year. He explained the changes from the projected budget back in the spring were due to a decrease in the average daily attendance, which total around a 1.4 million dollar shortfall.  Arvin continued that there was an increase in funds in the general account totally almost a million dollars and that would be helpful. The annual budget for Trimble County Schools is around 12.6 million dollars.

     After board members voted unanimously to approve the budget, the conversation about student attendance took place. High School Principal Rachael Adams instructed board members that attendance at her school continues to be a problem. She added that she and many members of her staff and students have been trying to come up with solutions to help her students avoid multiple absences. Adams said there are many different reasons why high school students are missing school.

 “Some students,” Adams said, “are missing school because they are needed at home to care for a sick parent or grandparent. “

      Board members exchanged ideas about ways to reward students for not missing school and agreed that this would be a priority for them to tackle.

TCHS Varsity Raiders Fall to the Owen County Rebels

     While most Trimble County students were enjoying the beautiful weather during Fall Break last week, the High School football team was preparing for Friday night. On Friday, the 0-6 Raiders journeyed to Owenton, KY to take on the 1-6 Owen County Rebels.

     The Rebels kicked off to the Raiders to start the game. Junior classman, T.J. Payton started as quarterback for the Raiders. After going three and out for their first offensive possession of the game, the Raiders punted the ball to the Rebels. On second down for the Rebels, the handoff was sloppy and the runner fumbled the ball. Raider defenders quickly piled up to recover the fumble, which allowed their offense to go back on the field just 36 yards away from the end zone. It was a long 36 yards for the Raiders as they methodically ran the ball down the field.  The smash mouth style of offense paid dividends for the Raiders as senior classman, Tevin Taylor crossed the goal line for what would be their only score of the game. The attempt for extra points after the touchdown failed, and the Raiders were leading 6-0 with 2:39 left in the first quarter.

     Following the score, the Raiders kicked what appeared to be an onside kick. The Owen County return team quickly surrounded the ball, which set up their offense near midfield to begin their second drive of the game. On second down, Rebels quarterback Tanner Smith put the ball in the air to connect with Logan Webster who went on to score a 52 yard touchdown. The attempt for extra points failed and the teams were knotted up at six points each with 1:51 left in the first quarter. The score remained tied at the end of the first quarter.

     Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter.  However, the Rebels caught a break on special teams and returned a Raider punt for a touchdown.  The point after was good, giving the Rebels the lead of 13-6 going in to the second half.

     The Rebels set up deep to receive the Raider kick-off to begin the third quarter but were surprised to see another onside kick.  The onside kick failed again giving the Rebels great field position to start the second half but could not capitalize on it. The third quarter went by with both teams being ineffective on offense. The final score of the game came with 5:22 left on the clock when Rebels’ Logan Lowe recovered his teammate’s fumble in the end zone. The attempt for points after the touchdown failed leaving the score at 19-6 in favor of Owen County.

     After the game, Raider Head Coach Franklin was asked about his decision to do onside kicks. He said, “They were not planned.” He went on to add, “We repped squib all week and squibbed to perfection all week long in practice.” He continued, “We come out here and accidently kick onsides, twice.” When Franklin was asked about the play calling with 5:22 left in the game he replied, “We’re trying to simplify the game; we don’t have a lot of confidence in our passing game right now (due to injured players).” He insisted that going forward, “We’re gonna work on finishing, we need to expand and put the ball in the air a little bit in addition to the wishbone.”

     This season the Raiders have a record of 0-7 and travel to Walton-Verona Friday to take on the 6-2 Bearcats at 7:30pm.  The Walton-Verona Football stadium is located about a mile off Interstate 71 North exit 72 on the left. 

TCHS Junior Varsity Football Team pummeled by Owen County 48-6

     Following the loss in Owen County Friday night, the Raiders sent their junior varsity squad to Owenton to take on the Rebels junior varsity Monday evening. The Raiders received the opening kick-off and started sophomore classman Tracer Fox behind center as quarterback. After going three and out for their opening drive, the Raiders dropped back to punt. Although the punter was able to make the kick a Rebel defender ran into the kicker, causing a 15-yard penalty that gave the Raiders a first down and another shot on their opening drive.  Raiders quarterback Tracer Fox connected with freshman tight end Easton Stombaugh for nearly a 50-yard gain. The drive was capped off with a touchdown by freshman running back Tyler Turocy, but the attempt for extra points failed. The Raiders were able to keep the lead of 6-0 to end the first quarter of play.

     The Raiders defense would hold strong through most of the first half of the game. With 1:29 left in the second quarter, the Rebels completed a pass to the wide receiver that would run 42 yards for the tying score. The Owen County attempt for points after the touchdown was unsuccessful and the score was 6-6. The Raiders were set up deep to receive the Rebel kick-off following the score but mishandled the return and gave the ball back to the Rebels at the 33-yard line.  The Rebels wasted no time to put the ball in the air again to score another touchdown just 26 seconds after their first score. The try for points after the touchdown failed leaving the score at 12-6 with 1:03 left in the first half. The Raiders could not get anything going on their next possession and dropped back to punt. The center for the Raiders made a bad snap, putting the ball over the head of the punter. An Owen County defender scooped the ball up and ran into the end zone for a third Rebel touchdown in just a little over a minute of the game clock. With :08 left the in the second quarter the Raiders were down 18-6.

     The Raiders kicked the ball deep to the Rebels to begin the second half of the game. The Rebels found holes in the Raider 44 defensive scheme and marched down the field with ease. The Rebel quarterback scored the fourth touchdown for Owen County on a 33-yard run that was set up as a pass play. The attempt for points after the touchdown was good, and the Rebels had the lead of 26-6 with 8:05 left in the third quarter. The Raiders offense took the field and was not wasting time putting the ball in the air and running all over the Rebels but turned the ball over when a Raider running back fumbled the ball. 

     The junior varsity squad of the Raiders went on to lose 48-6, but showed some great strengths for the future of Trimble County Football. Sophomore quarterback Tracer Fox connected with freshman tight end Easton Stombaugh four times for over a hundred yards. Junior Brandon Yowler made extraordinary returns on kick-offs, freshman running back Trenton Hall showed great bursts of speed to make gains on the ground, as well as many other sophomores and freshman showing promise of better days ahead. 

TCMS Football Raiders Demolish GCMS Wildcats

      It was a great day for football, last Thursday, when the Gallatin County Middle School Wildcats arrived in Bedford to challenge the Trimble County Middle School Raiders. Coming off their worst defeat in years last week against KCD (46-14), the Raiders were eager to get back on the field, protect their home turf, and put on a show for their parents, teachers, and fans.

     Kicking off for the Raiders was Brayden Luckett, who is gaining popularity for his deep kicks. The Raiders defense went directly to work at dismantling the Wildcats and sent their offense off the field after big tackles for losses by Keegan May, Nick McCutchen, and James Pipes. Stevie Swanger was back deep for the Raiders to receive the punt. Swanger returned the punt almost 20 yards before being brought down by the Wildcats.

     The Raiders offense took the field with Quarterback Cole Wright leading the team. Wright was able to move the ball down the field by handing off to running backs Stevie Swanger and Reese Poe. Swanger used a burst of speed to score the first touchdown of the game for the Raiders. Running back Joe Pollock ran up the middle for a two-point conversion making the score 8-0 with 3:15 left in the first quarter.  The next drive for the Wildcats was just as futile as the first. The Raiders defense smothered the Wildcats forcing them to punt again. Swanger was back deep for the Raiders to receive the punt. Zig-Zagging his way down the field, Swanger returned the punt for the second Raider touchdown of the day. Poe scored the 2-point conversion, making the score 16-0 with just 51 seconds left in the first quarter.

     The Raiders defense did not let up in the second quarter causing the Wildcats to go three and out again before punting the ball back to the Raiders. The Raiders moved the ball down the field with precision that set up a 15 yard run by Joe Pollock for another Raider touchdown. Swanger scored the 2-point conversion, making the score 24-0.

   The game went on with Swanger, Pollock, and Poe each scoring a touchdown apiece lifting the Raiders to 46-0 before the Wildcats were able to break free and run for a 60 yard touchdown toward the end of the game. The final score was 46-8.

   The Raiders next home game will be Thursday, September 26 at the Trimble County High School at 6PM against the Owen County Rebels. 

Click here to see Images from the game.

New Football Field for the High School hits a Snag

New Football Field for the High School hits a Snag

     The Trimble County Board of Education met last Wednesday evening at the Trimble County High School for its regularly scheduled meeting. TCHS Principal Rachel Adams introduced students to the board to be recognized for participating in the Governor’s Scholar Program during the summer. The Governor’s Scholar Participants were Conner Ball, McKenna Ginn, Olivia Cooley, and Christian Apel. The students present told board members a little bit about the program that afforded them the opportunity to live on a college campus for five weeks over the summer break. Each of them was eager to express what a valuable learning experience it was for them.

     Trimble County High School Science Teacher, Angela Pacheco gave the board a presentation about an instruction strategy she has been using to help pupils learn better in her classes. Miss Pacheco introduced her plan as a revolutionary teaching tool and remarked, “This is the best tool I’ve seen in my eighteen years of teaching.”

     Miss Pacheco went on to explain the plan for instruction includes a “daily learning target inventory checklist” for all students. She added that with the checklist each student is able to communicate with her by responding to different questions on the daily checklist.  The students turn in the checklist to Miss Pacheco, then she goes through them thoroughly and provides feedback to the pupils. She said that this gives every student in the class a chance to ask questions he or she might not ask during class and helps him or her better understand the material he or she is learning.

     The big item on the agenda for board members was to discuss the bids they received for Phase 2 of the Athletics Project. Robert Haferman and Steve Eggers from K. Norman Berry Associates Architects, PLLC presented the board with bids for the project to update the football field and track at the high school as Phase 2 of the Athletics project. They reported that they received four bids, but one withdrew early leaving the board with only three bids to review.  The bidders for the project were MAC Construction, EH Construction, Louisville Paving, and Prodigy Construction. Prodigy Construction withdrew their bid. Unfortunately, all of the bids, except for Prodigy Construction, were an astonishing million dollars higher than expected.

     Mr. Haferman explained to the board several possible reasons why the bids came in so high. One reason was he felt that the bidders misunderstood the Base Bid requirements and included the latex track surface into their base bid. The alternative bid would be to have an asphalt track without the latex surface. Haferman added that the cost of sod that has seen an increase in cost of two and one-half times since the plans for the project was completed back in the spring. Another notable increase is the cost of concrete that is up nearly three times what it cost earlier.

     Mr. Eggers and Mr. Haferman offered some ideas to the board about revising the plans. They mentioned removing the public restrooms from the facility, shrinking the size of the plaza and parking lot, adjust the entry gates, as well as revising the drainage system on the field by pulling out the sub-drains on the field. Superintendant Marcia Dunaway and board members were quick to respond that public restrooms were a necessity. Dunaway offered the idea about combining the restrooms and the press box to save on expenses.

     The board voted unanimously to reject all bids. They also agreed to allow Haferman the chance to revise the plans and advertise for more bids once the revisions were made to the project. Haferman said these changes would only put the project about three weeks behind and will have revisions prepared to go out for bidding as soon as possible. Board member Don Scott said, “I look forward to see what alternatives you offer.”

The next board meeting will be Wednesday September 18 at 5:30PM at the Trimble County Board of Education administration office on Wentworth Avenue in Bedford. 

TCMS Football Raiders Suffer Humbling Defeat to KCD

  

     The Trimble County Middle School Football Raiders were on the road last Thursday when they played against the Kentucky Country Day Bearcats in Louisville, KY.  The game began with the Raiders kicking off to the Bearcats. The Raiders defense played tough early on, but a couple of missed tackles led to a Bearcat touchdown late in the first quarter. The Bearcat drive took 5:28 off the clock. Down 8-0, Raiders’ Cole Wright returned the kick-off to their 29-yard line. The offensive line of the Raiders were slow off the ball and allowed the Bearcat defense to hold running backs Stevie Swanger, Joe Pollock, and Reese Poe to minimal gains on their opening drive. The Raiders were forced to punt after three unsuccessful attempts at a first down. The Bearcats returned the Raider punt for a touchdown and score the 2-point conversion, which had the Raiders down 16-0 with just 21 seconds left in the first quarter. Raiders’ Cole Wright returned the Bearcats kick-off nearly 50 yards before being taken down around the 20-yard line of the Bearcats. Unfortunately, the Raiders couldn’t hold on to the ball and turned it over to the Bearcats.

     Just a play later, the Bearcats scored another touchdown on a pass play that brought the score to 24-0 just 7 seconds inside the second quarter. The Raiders offense fumbled again on their next possession setting up another Bearcat touchdown and extra point which put the Raiders down 31-0 with 5:40 left in the first half. Raider Joe Pollock picked up the Bearcat kick-off at the 22-yard line and ran the ball almost 40 yards before being wrestled down near the Bearcat 40-yard line. The Raiders offense were able to make some good runs to close out the half, but unable to get on the scoreboard.

    In the third quarter, the Raiders defense stiffened up and held the Bearcats to only one touchdown and an extra point. It was the fourth quarter that the Raiders appeared to wake up in a nightmare of a game being down 37-0. The offensive team of the Raiders started hitting on all eleven cylinders as they marched down the field with sense of urgency. Reese Poe broke through the line to run for a 60 yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but the Raiders were unable to score any points after the touchdown. Trailing 37-6, and being exhausted from the heat, the Raiders had 6:32 left in the game to make sure KCD knew they were there. However, the Bearcats scampered their way to the end zone using almost three minutes of the precious time left. It wasn’t looking good for the Raiders when Cole Wright was stopped for a short gain on the kickoff return. Thank God, there is no quit in the Raiders. Coach Mike Isley put together one last offensive drive for the game that would allow the Reese Poe score one more touchdown for the Raiders with Nick McCutchen scoring the extra points that ended the game at 43-14 in favor of the Kentucky Country Day Bearcats.  The next game for the TCMS Raiders will be Thursday September 12 in Bedford at the Trimble County High School at 6:00. Come out and show your support of these young athletes in our community as they take on the Gallatin County Wildcats.

Click here for images of the game

TCMS Starts Slow Finishes Strong with Win over CCMS

     The Trimble County Middle School Football Raiders took a short trip to Carrollton Thursday August 29 to take on the Carroll County Middle School Football Panthers. The best of each team’s defense was on display for the first quarter of the game by holding each other to minimal gains on offense. It was beginning to look like a punting contest between the teams.

     Just inside the Second Quarter, Raiders’ Quarterback #3 Cole Wright hit #22 Stevie Swanger with a short pass that Swanger turned into a big gain until he was wrestled down at the 6 yard line of the Panthers. But the Raiders drive stalled out and after 4 attempts to get into the end zone, they gave the ball back to the Panthers.  The Raiders defense held strong once again and forced the Panthers to punt after 3 attempts to get a first down. A bad snap from the Panthers gave the Raiders the shot they needed when #45 Nick McCutchen pounced on the Panther punter and the ball at the 5 yard line of the Panthers. The following play, Swanger carried the ball on a sweep to the left to cross the goal line for the first Touchdown of the game. Swanger scored the 2-point conversion making the score the 8-0 with 3:22 left in the second quarter. The Panthers looked like they were going to get something going but the drive stalled out near mid field when they turned the ball over on downs back to the Raiders. A miscue on the offense was all the Panthers needed to cause a Raider fumble and get the ball back with less than 2 minutes left on the clock before halftime. The Panthers took full advantage of the turnover and systematically rushed the ball down the field to score a Touchdown with 5 seconds left on the clock. On their longest run of the drive Panthers Quarterback #38 Jake Robertson twisted his left knee causing him to miss the rest of the game. The Panthers attempt at a 2-point conversion failed leaving the score at 8-6 in favor of the Raiders.

     The Raiders came out after halftime kicking off to the Panthers. Raiders’ kicker #42 Brayden Luckett kicked the ball deep into Panther territory and still made it down the field to stop the Panthers from making any big gains on the return. The Raiders defense drowned out any hope of a Panther come back in the second half by forcing them to go 3 and out before the punt. The Raiders offense could do no better and gave the ball back to the Panthers after 4 tries for a first down. The big momentum change came when 7^th grade Raider Nose Guard #35 Shayman Quire squeezed through the big Panther offensive line to sack the Panthers second string Quarterback for a loss of yards that they could not overcome causing them to punt the ball back to the Raiders.

     After a scoreless third quarter, the Raiders started the 4^th Quarter with a run outside the right tackle for an 80 yard Touchdown run by #22 Stevie Swanger. Swanger was able to score the 2-point conversion with a little push from the Raiders’ offensive line making the score 16-6 with 7:45 left in the game. The Raiders were like sharks with blood in the water against the Panthers offense. Raiders’ Nose Guard #35 Shayman Quire made his second sack of the Panthers Quarterback creating a confusion that would lead to a fumble on the next play to give the Raiders the ball back with 6:16 left in the game. The Raiders took 4 seconds off the clock when they handed the ball off to Swanger who ran for his third Touchdown of the game. The Raiders were not able to convert for extra points after the score leaving the score at 22-6 with 6:12 left in the game. The Panthers started the following drive at the 25 yard line. The Raiders defense was in attack mode when #33 Quinton Gilley tackled a Panther runner behind the line of scrimmage. The following play #24 Joe Pollock sacked the Panther Quarterback for another big loss of yards. The Panthers tried a quick toss outside but the running back was met by Raider defender #49 Chris Perkinson who brought the runner down in his tracks. With nothing else to do, the Panthers dropped back to punt on 4^th down. Raiders Linebacker Joe Pollock made an unbelievable leap in the air to block the punt allowing #93 Tyler Westrick to recover the punt for the Raiders just outside the Panthers 10 yard line. The next play, Raiders Running Back #31 Reese Poe got behind his blockers and found his way into the end zone for a Touchdown. Quarterback Cole Wright connected with Raiders’ Tight End #45 McCutchen for the 2-point conversion that would be the final score of the game with 3:51 left on the game clock.

     The Raiders finished the game beating the Panthers 30-6 for their second win of the season. Their first win came against Switzerland County 46-0 in Vevay, Indiana.  The Raiders only loss of the season came against Walton Verona 18-12 last Tuesday August 15. The next game for the Raiders will be played in Louisville, KY against Kentucky Country Day on Thursday September 5 at 6:00.

Images from the Raiders at Panthers Game.

TCMS fumbles their way to a loss at Walton-Verona

     Last Tuesday, the Trimble County Middle School Football Raiders traveled north to Walton-Verona to take on the Bearcats. The Raiders were holding the Bearcats on first and second down, but gave up big third down yardage to allow the Bearcats to score a touchdown on their opening possession. The extra point try was no good for the Bearcats and the score was 6-0. The Bearcats kick-off after the score was fumbled by the Raiders which gave the ball right back to the Bearcats and a short field to work with. The Raiders defense played tough again on first and second down plays but allowed the Bearcats to move the ball down the field to take the lead of 12-0 before the Raiders offense was able to get one play in the game.

    After half-time, the Raiders offense was able to get into a rhythm and start moving the ball down the field. Quarterback Cole Wright connected with Nick McCutchen for a 32-yard pass, catch, and run. The next play, Reese Poe ran for a touchdown.  Unfortunately, the Raiders were not able to convert for extra points leaving the score at 12-6 with a quarter and a half remaining in the game. The Raiders defense was ready for action and forced the Bearcats offense off the field after four plays when they could not make a first down. Raiders Quarterback Wright was able to get back into action by completing another pass to McCutchen who ran for the 75-yard touchdown that tied the game early in the fourth quarter.  The Raiders were unable to convert for extra points, leaving the score all knotted up at 12 each. It took the Bearcats 4 minutes and 31 seconds to march their way down the field to score for their third time of the game. They could not score the extra point, leaving the score at 18-12. With 3 minutes and 13 seconds left in the game, the Bearcats kicked off to the Raiders who, once again, fumbled the kick-off return. Despite the Raiders great defensive efforts, the Bearcats went on to run out the clock and finish the game beating the Raiders 18-12. 

Photographs from the game.

TCMS Football Raiders Slam SCMS Pacers in Season Opener

    The Trimble County Middle School Football Raiders traveled out of state for their first game of the season against the Switzerland County Middle School Pacers. The Raiders shutout the Pacers 46-0 in Switzerland County’s first ever Middle School football game.

     In first quarter action, Raiders player, #45 Nick McCutchen, caught a pass from #3 Cole Wright to score the first touchdown of the game. #3 Wright connected with #22 Stevie Swanger on a short pass for the conversion to give the Raiders an early lead of 8-0. Near the end of the first quarter, #31 Reese Poe ran for his first touchdown of the day while McCutchen scored the two extra points on the conversion making the score 16-0. It was Poe again in the second quarter for a touchdown and Swanger for the 2-point conversion to take the Raiders into half time with a score of 24-0.

     In the Raiders first possession of the second half, Swanger scored a touchdown, but the two-point conversion was no good. Nevertheless, just a few plays later, McCutchen sacked the Pacer’s Quarterback in the end zone for a safety giving the Raiders the two points they missed on the conversion earlier. With 3:12 left on the clock in the third quarter, #24 Joe Pollock scampered his way into the end zone to score a touchdown and the 2-point conversion. Toward the middle of the fourth quarter, #9 David Duncan scored the final touchdown of the day for the Raiders, but was not able to convert for extra points. After the game, a couple of eighth graders emptied the water cooler on Head Coach Mike Isley to congratulate him for the win in his coaching debut.

     For the TCMS Raiders, this is was their 2013 season opener on a nine game season that stretches through the beginning of October. Their next game is Tuesday, August 20 against Walton-Verona. Their first home game is scheduled against Carroll County on August 29 behind the Trimble County High School at 6:00 PM. 

Pictured above is Joe Pollock running for a touchdown in the 3rd Quarter.

Trimble County Relay for Life 2013

     The Trimble County Relay for Life happened on Friday June 14, 2013. The weather was perfect for cancer survivors, caretakers, and family members to celebrate life and honor the memory of loved ones in the Relay for Life. There were close to 150 people at the event that went on from Friday night at 7pm to 7am Saturday morning.

     The event took place at the Bedford Elementary School on Mount Pleasant Road in Bedford, KY. While many survivors were making relays for life, local citizens, churches, and businesses set up booths to sell food, jewelry, hand-made crochet, cosmetics, handbags, etc. in efforts to raise money for the fight against cancer.

     Caregiver Charlotte Vincent explained her favorite part of the relay as a, “Wonderful way to make a donation for people who are going through this and who have gone through this.”

     Organizer Jackie Armstrong said “Being able to honor the survivors and caregivers and remembering the lost ones,” is what she liked most about the event.

     Tasha Burkhardt said, “The people talking to all the survivors and all the participants,” is what she likes about the relay for life. 

Images from the Trimble County Relay for Life 2013

Out with the Old Shell Station, In with the NEW Valero

     The residents of Bedford get another gas station. After months of having only one place to get fuel and other quick grab food and beverages, the Multani family opens the old Shell station as a Valero gas station in Bedford. The store opened on May 21, 2013 and had an official Grand Opening on Tuesday May 28, 2013.

     The Multani family includes Virsa (Father), Manjeet (Mother), Sandy, Harry, and Franky. Although Virsa is the head of the family, Franky is the man in charge at Valero. He received his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Devry University and is currently 26 years old. Although the family has descendants from India, they are American citizens.

     Franky Multani was looking around for a place to open a business when his friend Sukh Bains showed him the Bedford Shell Station. He said having a business at the intersection of two US highways (US HWYs 42 and 421) is what most attracted him to Bedford. He added that he felt he could help the community by providing more than fuel. Providing fuel at the lowest cost around is one of Franky’s top priorities, but he is working on adding a delicatessen with a variety of fresh-cut lunchmeats and cheese soon. He is also working with vendors to sell piping hot pizza and fried chicken in the near future. Currently, he offers hundreds of different bottled soft drinks and assorted snacks as well as milk and bread. Franky added, “I want to deliver a high quality product at an affordable price for the people of Bedford.”

     If you haven’t been in the new Valero station, I highly recommend it. The Multani’s gave the old Shell station a complete remodel and it looks beautiful. Within a month or so, Franky says the Deli will be open and ready to serve fried chicken and fresh hot pizza.

Images of the New Valero Gas Station in Bedford, KY

Trimble County Schools Closer to Having New Athletic Facility

    The Trimble County Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday June 5. The board heard from David Eddy, a representative from the Family Resource Center. The Family Resource Center operates under the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Eddy says he helps families with children in grades Kindergarten through Grade 5, while Denise Hall assists students in the middle and high schools. Eddy explained his position within the district as,”30% social worker, 50% educator, and 20% everything else.” He said the main part of his job was to remove barriers for academic success for all students. Eddy said it is alarming how many families in Trimble County truly need assistance. He went on to explain many of the programs that the Family Resource Center offers local families with children enrolled in Trimble County schools. One of the programs includes the weekend backpack program that Eddy explained is to, “help eliminate weekend hunger.”  The backpack program feeds nearly 162 children per week.  In addition to helping the children, the Family Resource Center helps parents earn their GEDs and offers them referrals to help find employment.

     In other news, the board heard from Bob Haferman from K. Norman Berry Associates Architects from Louisville, KY about Phase II of the athletic grounds project. He informed that board that there were some minor changes but everything was going according to plans. He said that after reviewing the cost they are between $85-90 thousand higher than initially expected. Haferman added that contractors will have to pay approximately $75 for plans to bid on the project. Plans will be made available August 6, 2013. Contractors will have 21 days to review the plans and submit sealed bids by August 27. If everything continues to go as planned construction on the new athletic compound is set to begin on Monday, September 30.

     The next school board meeting will be held Wednesday June 19 at 5:30 in the Trimble County Board of Education building. 

God's Practical Joke

     Today I am 44 years old. It's hard to believe, 44 doesn't seem as old to me as it did 30 years ago. It is what it is and the best thing for me to do is go along with it. I am sure you have heard stories from people over 40 saying that once they hit their forties their bodies, respectively speaking, started falling apart. I thought that was a little bit funny since I was in an accident at 38 and my body went through some incredible changes before 40. Thankfully, turning 40 was not a big life changer on my body or my health.

     Other than the fact that I have ocular histoplasmosis and from time to time I deal with double vision from the Traumatic Brain Injury. I am always thankful for my great vision.Other than those minor problems my vision is 20/15 or so it was at my last eye doctor visit. But today when I woke up my vision was drastically altered. Everything was blurry. I couldn't even read the messages inundating my iPhone. As minutes breezed by I started seeing everything else pretty clear, but I still couldn't read the text messages on my phone.

      Anyone who knows me knows I am a textaholic, if there is such a thing. So it was a huge disappointment for me to wake up on my 44th birthday and not be able to read the text and Facebook messages coming in from all my great friends and family wishing me a happy birthday. I kept thinking, maybe I am still sleeping. Maybe I have something in my eyes. Then, I started to recall a flood of stories I had heard from people over the years who told me about their bodies falling apart after their 40th birthday.

     Although I was terribly upset, I started going through my morning ritual but couldn't stop thinking of how depressing it is that my vision would leave me on my birthday of all days. A great friend called while I was in the shower. We spoke for a few minutes before I explained what I was doing and I would call her back.

    After I got out of the shower and dried off, I looked at my phone and could see my messages. I started laughing out loud because I think God was playing a practical joke on me. I guess that is what I get for all the practical jokes I play on my close friends and family all the time. Either way, I am so thankful to God that I can read the text messages on my phone.
Below is a picture of what my retinas look like. The dark area is where there is blood and the only way to stop the bleeding is with Lasers. I have to sit very still during the procedure or I will go blind.

Milton City Commission Meeting on 5/9/13

     The Milton City Commission met for its regularly scheduled meeting last Thursday, May 9, 2013 in the Milton Municipal Building. The commission discussed the upcoming Swap Meet to be held at the Milton City Park the weekend of May 11-12, 2013. Mayor Denny Jackson informed the Commissioners about a phone call conversation he had with a resident expressing concern about the care of the animals at the Swap Meet. Jackson instructed board members to walk around and make sure the animals are being cared for over the weekend. Commissioners also expressed ideas about what to do about vendors who set up a day early. The concern is that these vendors get a free day to distribute their ware because they show up and begin selling the day before the Swap Meet begins. Commissioner Lynn Comeaux asked the board, “If they (vendors) come early should they pay more?”  The Commissioners agreed to take time to look around Friday and discuss it more at another meeting.

     

     In other business, the Mayor reminded the board that they needed to finalize the annual operating budget for fiscal year 2013-2014. The Commissioners will have a budget workshop Monday, May 13 at 6PM. Among the concerns Commissioners face when preparing the budget will be to discuss increasing revenue by raising taxes. Once the board finishes the budget, they will have two public readings of the budget before it can be enacted by the end of June.

     The Milton City Commission meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7PM in the Milton Municipal Building located at 10179 HWY 421 North in Milton. The meetings are open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be June 13. 

City of Milton Contact Information

Keeping Kentucky Roads Up to Snuff

      On Thursday May 9, 2013, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear announced the Transportation Cabinet would be awarding contracts worth 64 million dollars. As part of the Spring Asphalt Rehabilitation project, the money will be spread out across 45 counties. Governor Beshear said, “Our highway system supports virtually everything we do in Kentucky in terms of economic development, commerce, jobs, education and recreation.”   He added, “It represents an incalculable investment, and good stewardship requires that we keep it well-maintained.” The $64 million adds to the $27 million that was spent in April when the spring construction season began.

     Kentucky Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said, “Providing safe and efficient travel routes through the Commonwealth is our main priority.” “Improving and maintaining our roadways through asphalt rehabilitation is just one of the ways we work toward this goal.”

     There are 66 individual contracts for the $64 million to be spent throughout the state as east as Pike County and as far west as Ballard County.

     Unfortunately, Trimble, Carroll, Oldham, and Henry Counties are not on the list to receive funding for road and highway construction at this time. 

Kentucky Press Release

List of Counties Affected

Trimble County High School will Host Track and Field Meets in 2015

     On Wednesday, May 1, the Trimble County school board met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the Bedford Elementary School. Eighth grade Science teacher Mrs. Teena Drake introduced part of her Student Energy Team to the board for a presentation on energy conservation. Students Kolton Starks, Daniella Tebib, Breanna Perry, Shelby Murray, Candice Neal, and Breanna Neal each informed board members about something specific they had learned throughout the year about saving energy. Board member Scott Burrows asked the students “Are you making changes at home?” The energy team members unanimously replied “Yes.”  Mrs. Drake likened the team to an energy police with manners. She pointed out how the team went around the school turning out lights in rooms that are not in use and how they politely remind other students to do the same. One student said the biggest lesson learned is to unplug electric cords to appliances that are not in use. The team will travel to Frankfort in June to receive an award on the state level.  

         In other business, the board approved the transfer of $746,508.59 from the General Fund to the Construction Fund for Phase II of the Athletics Project. Phase II of the Athletics project is to reconstruct the football field with a running Track around it as well as sand pits for Field events,  a new concession stand, bleachers for spectators, and many more much needed improvements.  If the construction goes as planned, the modernized facility will be ready for use before 2014-2015 school year begins that will allow the Track and Field team to host meets for the first time in school history as early as 2015.

     The board also agreed to approve the items on the consent agenda. The Boys’ Basketball team will be travelling to Transylvania University for a basketball camp from June 3 to June 5, 2013. Members of the Trimble County Middle School Beta club will be flying to Mobile, Alabama for the National Beta Convention June 15 through June 18. The board approved Bertke, Sparks, and Kremer as Auditors for the FY13 school year and named Roberts Insurance as the provider for Student Accident Insurance.  Balfour was awarded the bid to do the yearbooks for 2013-2014 school year and LifeTouch Portraits will be doing the student photographs.

    The next board meeting is scheduled for May 15, 2013 at 5:30 at the Trimble County School Administration Building. 

Pictured above (from Left to right) Mrs. Teena Drake, Kolton Starks, Daniella Tebib, Breanna Perry, Jaiden Beatty, Candace Neal, Shelby Murray, and Breanna Neal

Pictured above is the official drawing of Phase II of the Athletics Project at the Trimble County High School

Are you kidding me?

     Unless you have been hibernating in a cave somewhere deep in the forest, you have heard a plethora of news stories about the horrific blasts in Boston, MA on Patriot’s Day which happens to be the same day of the world famous Boston Marathon. Just a little recap, for those who have been in a cave, there were two explosions around 3:00pm in Boston Monday. The explosions took place close to a block apart near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Eight year old, Martin Richard, 29-year-old Krystle Campbell, and 23-year-old Lingzi Lu died in the bombing that also maimed and injured at least 170 more people. This is no doubt an act of terrorism.

      As information becomes available, news stations, bloggers, and reporters do their best to keep everyone up to date. Not long after the heinous act, the FBI identified a person from Saudi Arabia as a person of interest. They described him as a 20 year-old Saudi-national. Reporters and camera operators followed the FBI to the apartment of the ‘person of interest’ and watched as they carried out numerous brown paper sacks of what is believed to be evidence in the terrible crime. Any normal person would automatically think they must have some pretty good intelligence to be taking things from that person’s dwelling place, right?

     Not so fast, the FBI later came out and said the Saudi national was no longer a person of interest. They were back to ground zero of finding the person or group of persons responsible for this atrocity. So, why then did President Obama call an unscheduled meeting with the Prince of Saudi Arabia? The story from Reuters says he met with the Prince to discuss Syria. Are we, the American people, naïve enough to buy that story? The Syrian civil conflict has been going for almost two years and now our leader wants to talk to the Prince of Saudi Arabia. If that has you scratching your head, then something even more troubling is that the 20 year-old Saudi national who was the FBI’s first person of interest is now scheduled for deportation back to Saudi Arabia.

     What does the 20 year-old Saudi national know? What did the FBI carry out of his apartment? Who is he? Evidently, he is connected to some high ranking Saudi dignitaries. Will our leader allow a person who might know all there is to know about one of the worst acts of terrorism on US soil since 9/11? My answer is yes, yes he will. Regardless of all the ostentatious rhetoric coming from our President, he will serve himself before he serves us.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/specials/boston-marathon-explosions

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/obama-meets-saudi-foreign-minister-discusses-syria-223009934.html

http://www.infowars.com/obama-covering-up-saudi-link-to-boston-bombing/

IRS Monitors Facebook and Twitter

     If you thought the government was overstepping its bounds to fly drones over the country, you are not going to like the latest news from the IRS. According to an article from a fox affiliate in Washington, DC, every time the IRS has a red flag on someone they will begin browsing through your twitter feed and Facebook account.

     So, what exactly will they be looking at? Will they be looking to see how many restaurants you checked into over the last year? Will they be looking at the pictures you posted from your family’s vacation?  Whatever they are looking for I believe this is an overreach by a government that is moving closer to a police state than ever before.  One could argue that posting on Facebook and Twitter is public information. I disagree. Facebook provides its users multiple ways to protect the privacy of the information they post on there. If you do not want the IRS seeing how much money you are spending do not post it on Facebook or Twitter.

Click here to read the Story from myFOXdc 

Pillow Fight Day 2013

     In case you didn’t know, yesterday was International Pillow Fight Day. Local groups along with Urban Playground organized its 6^th annual pillow fight day. Pillow fights broke out in cities all around the world. Feathers were flying in Portland, ME, Washington, DC, Barcelona, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and many other spots around the world. People were laughing, smiling, and having a great time. Regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender, or age, everyone was welcome to participate in the Free event. Bring a pillow and pick a fight. Some of the images around the web show pillow fighters wearing costumes or pajamas. 

Click to see images of Pillow Fighters and Flying Feathers

Quick Thinking Truck Driver Averts Distaster

     A local Tri-Axle Dump Truck driver was caught off guard this morning when the driver of the vehicle in front of him decided to make a left turn without using a turn signal.  The truck driver was travelling south on HWY 421 near the 100 block in Bedford, KY around 9:50 AM.  The driver of the vehicle in front of the dump truck made a last second decision to turn left on to Abbott Lane, but there was traffic in the northbound lane so he or she had to come to a complete stop. The quick thinking dump truck driver averted disaster by swerving right into the yard of yours truly, Todd Pollock. Tri-Axle Dump Trucks cannot come to a complete stop as fast as a much smaller four-wheel automobile.

     The driver of the smaller four-wheel vehicle is probably unaware of how fortunate he or she is that the dump truck driver was paying attention. Weighing over 20,000 pounds, the dump truck would easily demolish a car or even larger SUVs. Luckily, no one was injured when the truck driver made the split second decision to veer into Pollock’s yard only to cause minor yard damage. When Pollock saw the dump truck in his yard, he quickly grabbed his camera to capture pictures of the event, although the dramatic event was over.

     Within a few minutes, Troy Chilton, a representative of the Trucking Company who owns the Tri-Axle came to visit Pollock to claim responsibility of the incident. Chilton explained what the truck driver conveyed to him about how his truck landed in Pollock’s yard, which is detailed in the beginning of this story.

     The main part of this story is how fast accidents can happen. Although, most people are swift to blame young drivers for not paying attention that is not always the case. Drivers should be on alert every time they get behind the wheel of any vehicle. It may sound simple to forget a turn signal, but such a miss-cue could easily cause grave conditions.  

Click Here to see images of the yard.

Trimble County School Board Meeting

Trimble County Schools has approval to move forward

     The Trimble County School Board met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 3, 2013 at 5:30pm in the School Board office. Shortly after the meeting was called to order, the board approved the following individuals to serve the school as substitute teachers;  Johnathan Papal, Kathleen Adams, Lynette Barr, Catelyn Teague, and Autumn Chamness.

     In other business, the school board heard a report from Architect Bob Haferman of K. Norman Berry Associates & Architects, PLLC about the outdoor sporting facilities update at the Trimble County High School. Haferman informed the board that the Kentucky Department of Education has approved the plans for a running track around a new football field for the school’s Football and Track and Field teams. Board members have the daunting task of thinking about dates to begin the much-needed project and the different kinds of grass for the field. The board will be weighing the pros and cons of two unique start dates. Construction could begin as early as August, but the football team would not be able to host any games until next year, but the proposed project might be ready by March 2014, which would be in time to host some Track Meets. Starting the development toward the end of September would allow the football team to host a few games and continue the statewide tradition of Homecoming and Senior Night games. Different board members expressed deep concerns to accommodate everyone, but the consensus remained that it would be hard to please everyone.

     The board must reach a decision by May in order for them to move forward on the plans so they can release the architectural drawings of the facilities update to the public by June 15 to attract contractors to bid on the seven-month job by July 10.  Members of the board discussed travelling around to neighboring facilities to get some ideas about the different kinds of grass for the field. Board member Scott Burrows added that input from coaches and other athletic personnel would be important since they were the people who would be using the field.

 

     The next scheduled school board meeting is Tuesday, April 17, 2013 at 5:30 in the Trimble County school board office on Wentworth Ave in Bedford, KY.