Release The Hounds (Uh, Horses)

There will be a Derby Day party at the Knights of Columbus hall Saturday. Watch the race, then nosh on dinner at 7pm. Enjoy round roast or pork loin, potatoes, green beans and a beverage. Only $10 a plate. Saddle up!

Spring Fling Is Saturday

The Mason County Homemakers will present their annual SPRING FLING, Saturday, May 3rd from 8 am until 2 pm. At the Mason County Extension Office.There will be a spring flower sale presented by Cropper’s Greenhouse, annual blacktop rummage sale and a bake sale with over 100 items to be sold. Proceeds from the Blacktop sale go to Ovarian Cancer Research, the flower sales go to the Scholarship fund and the bake sale goes to promote Mason County Homemakers projects.

Books Books Books

The Aberdeen Friends of the Library are holding their annual Spring book sale Friday from noon to 5:30pm and Saturday from 10am to 3:30pm. If you'd like to donate books for the event, drop them off at the library during regular business hours.

The Nuns Are Coming

The Maysville Players present the habit-forming musical, "Nunsense" May 15-25 at the Washington Opera House, 116 West Second Street in downtown Maysville. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. A "Pay What You Will" preview performance begins at 7 p.m. May 15. Tickets are $15-$10 and reservations are suggested by calling (606) 564-3666.

PTSO Meeting, SBDM Council Election Today

The Mason County High School PTSO will hold their monthly meeting today at 7pm in the school library. The SBDM Council election for parent members will be held today from noon to 1pm and 6 to 7:30pm for voting. All parents who will have children at MCHS next school year are eligible to vote.

The Dream Is Not Over-Yet

You have one last chance to see the show that has packed the Washington Opera House this weekend. The Saint Patrick production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has its final performance Sunday at 2pm. So after Church, stop by the Antique Machinery show then take in the play!

So, Who IS Buried In Grant's Tomb? *

The 12th annual US Grant Celebration is this weekend in Georgetown, Ohio. Events will include history walks, a traveling magic show, music, an 1860s church service and more. Festivties start at 7:30pm Friday, 9am Saturday and 10:30am Sunday. Admission is $3, with children 12 and under free.

*You're not buried in a tomb--you're entombed, silly.

Audrey's Back-And She's Hungry

"Plant food" takes on a whole new meaning this weekend as the Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington musical "Little Shop of Horrors" takes the stage. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $10 each and are on sale in the high school office. The show is a comedy, but it gets a PG rating for some language and mild violence.

Go Royals!

The Mason County Royals Concert Band earned a Distinguished Rating at the KMEA District 8 Concert Band Festival. This is the fifth year in a row that the concert band has earned a Distinguished Rating at this event, and the second time that they have received a Distinguished rating from all four adjudicators. The band will next perform at the KMEA State Concert Band Festival in early May. The band will present its spring Pops Concert on Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m. in Fields Auditorium on the campus of Maysville Community and Technical College.

Dreamcoat Advance Tickets Available This Week

Advance ticket sales for St. Patrick Gala & Friday opening performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd from 5-7 p.m. St. Patrick gym. Gala & Friday performance tickets are $20.00. Gala begins at 6:30 p.m. performance begins 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 25th at Washington Opera House. Tickets for performance only $12 for adults and $8 for students. Additional performances will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 27th at 2:00 p..m.

No Habit Jokes-Promise!

Rehearsals are underway for the Maysville Players newest production, Nunsense. The cast features Barbara Zweigart as Sister Mary Regina, Christy Berry as Sister Hubert, Catherine Clarke as Sister Mary Amnesia, Erin Linn Jones as Sister Mary Leo and Barbara Goldman as Sister Robert Anne, The Little Sisters of Hoboken. Directed by Washington Opera House Executive Director Mike Thomas, the musical comedy has spawned numerous revivals, as well as several sequels. Show dates are May 15-25. Show times are 8 p.m. May 16-17 and 22-24. Sunday matinees will be given at 2 p.m. May 18 and 25. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors age 65 and above, and $10 for students and children 18 and below. Group rates for 10 or more are also available. Reservations can be made by calling (606) 564-3666. A special “Pay What You Will” preview performance will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15th. Audiences are asked to make a minimum donation of $3. The May 16th opening will include a “wine and wafer” affair in the theatre ballroom following the performance. Tickets to that event are $25 and include seating for the show. Tickets are going fast, so reserve your seats now. For more information, go to maysvilleplayers.com or call (606) 564-3666.

Career Craze Coming To MCTC

Career Craze 2008 will be held June 2-6 from 9 to 2 at Maysville Community & Technical College. This year's program for 6th to 8th graders will feature 14 career tracks. Students will be able to explore careers in medical, environmental, agriculture/horticulture, auto mechanics, culinary arts, manufacturing, early childhood education and more. There is no cost to attend the program, but students need to apply by May 15th to be accepted in the program. Interested students can contact their school or MCTC at 759-7141, ext 66120 for an application or more information.

Ahoy! Augusta Regatta Dates Announced

The weekend of July 25-27 is the date for the Augusta Riverfest Regatta. The annual event includes craft booths, food, music and more. There is still time to reserve a food or craft booth. Call Steve Miller at 606-756-2183 for info.

Great Baseball Fun For Relay

The Stober Drives Relay For Life Team is offering 4 Cincinnati Reds Tickets plus parking pass for the April 20th 1pm game when the Reds take on the Brewers. Only a dollar a ticket, or 6 tickets for $5. The drawing will be held April 17 at 3:30pm. Just contact Beverly or Melissa at Stober for tickets and good luck!

Illinois Earthquake Felt In Mason County

An earthquake in Illinois was felt by early risers in the WFTM listening area. The US geological survey says the magnitude 5.4 quake was centered near West Salem, Illinois, or about 40 miles northwest of Evansville, Indiana. the earthquake occurred at 5:30 this morning. There were no immediate reports of injuries. According to the survey's web site, the area where the earthquake occured borders the more seismically active New Madrid seismic zone on the north and west. the seismic region covers parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas and stretches from Indianapolis and St. Louis to Memphis. The largest historical earthquake in the region was also a magnitude 5.4, and damaged southern Illinois in 1968. the geological survey says Moderately damaging earthquakes strike somewhere in the region each decade or two, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once or twice a year.

Derby Time! Doggie Derby, That Is

Release the hounds! The Women's Crisis Center and The Humane Society of Buffalo Trace are co-hosting the 2nd Annual "Doggie Derby" Dog Walk on Saturday, April 26th, 2008, at the Mason County Rec Park. Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. and the walk begins at 3:00 p.m. The Doggie Derby (done in the style of the Kentucky Derby) benefits The Women's Crisis Center's pet protection program, and The Humane Society of Buffalo Trace's outreach programs. These programs provides much needed shelter for pets , health and wellness information, spay/neuter assistance. Early registration is $15 and registration the day of the event is $25.00. All proceeds are split 50/50 between the both of these non-profit groups. If you want to know more, tune in to the Breakfast Club Tuesday (8am on Soft 96, as if you didn't already know).

MultiSport Race One Month Away

It's a run. It's a swim. It's a bike race. Wait--it's all 3! The Bullafo Trails Multisport Race is May 24th at 8am in downtown Maysville and beyond. The triathlon is a swim, bike and run, the duathlon is a run, bike and run, and then there's the 5K, which will benefit the Relay For Life. A block party is going on Friday the 23rd feautring music by the Legends. If you're fit, sign up! If you're not, come cheer on the athletes who come here from across the nation and the world. You can get information at http://buffalotrailsraces.com or sign up at http://www.getmeregistered.com.

Senior Citizen Prom Fun Time For All

Russ Curtis is known as one of the most innovative teachers in this region. His "Pay it forward" approach to teaching allows students to learn, while at the same time giving back to the community. One of his best programs is the annual Senior Citizen Prom. The prom brings area senior citizens and youth together for a great evening of dinner, dancing and conversation. This year's prom will be held Thursday, May 1st from 5 to 8pm. The event is free. If you want to know more, call 937-392-4384.

All's Fair At This Year's Relay For Life

Teams for this year's Relay For Life of Mason County met last night, and it looks like June 13th is shaping up to be a memorable evening! The theme this year is County Fair, and instead of camps, each Relay team will offer fair games and/or food. From dunking booths to cornhole to football tosses to cake walks. From hot dogs to ribeyes to ice balls to cotton candy. All to help fight cancer. This year's Relay will be held at the Mason County Rec Park. Mark your calendar now, and get ready to have a great time!

Watt A Great Letter To The Editor

If you get a chance, grab the Ledger and check out Simon Watt's letter to the editor on the Browning Miniatures collection at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center. As always, Simon elegantly puts into words why you should rush to the Museum to see the exhibit, and why you should appreciate the fact that this world-class exhibit is in Maysville instead of a larger city.

Sink Your Teeth Into Ledger Relay Fundraiser

The Ledger-Independent Relay For Life team is offering lunch again April 22nd. On the menu: Chef's Salad, with your choice of Italian or Ranch dressing. The cost is only $5. And take it from experience--their salads are great! The deadline to order is Wednesday the 16th, so get your office together for an order and contact Jane Kabler at the Ledger. Deliveries will be made from 11am to 1pm the 22nd. A tasty, healthy way to help fight cancer!

Relay For Life Only 2 Months Away

Don't forget--the Relay For Life of Mason County will have a team captain's meeting Monday night at 6pm in the Calvert Center of Maysville Community and Technical College. This year's theme is County Fair--it's going to be a lot of fun and there is still time to be a part of it. If you have a team, come to the meeting. If you don't have a team but want to form one, come to the meeting. If you are an individual and want to be part of a team, come to the meeting!

Book 'Em!

Make your way down to the Rotary clubhouse for the Friends of the Library book sale, going on 'til 5 today and until 2 tomorrow. Lots of great books at insane prices. I've got my stack--have you got yours?

Dreamcoat Drive in Full Swing

The Saint Patrick School 2008 Spring Gala and performance of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is a couple of weeks away. Tickets for the April 25th gala and performance are $20, with the gala beginning at 6:30pm before the 7:30pm performance. Additional performances will be held April 26th at 7:30pm and April 27th at 2pm. The show will be held at the Washington Opera House downtown. For more info, call 606-798-2829.

They Vant Your Blood!

A blood drive is scheduled Monday at Maysville Community and Technical College. The drive will be held from 11:30am to 4pm behind the Technical Center. Each donor will receive a free gift. Blah!

Antique Expo On The Way!

The Washington Lions Club will sponsor their 14th annual Maysville Antique and Craft Expo April 26th from 9 to 5 and April 27th from 10 to 4. The expo will be held at the King Burley Center off the AA Highway. There will be over 125 booths of antiques and more. The Lions Club will offer free eye exams. Food and beverages will be available. Admission is only $2.

Relay For Life Quilt Raffle

Stober Drives is raffling off a Queen-sized quilt to benefit the Mason County Relay for Life with the Cancer Logo on it within the community. Chances are $1.00 each or 6 chances for $5.00.
The quilt was made by Kathy Montieth. Need information? Contact Karen at kfo@stober.com.

The Hills Are Alive--Sorry, Wrong Play

The Mason County Concert Choir and Orchestra are going medieval on audiences this month with the production of Lerner and Loewe's "Camelot." Showtimes are April 18th and 19th at 7:30pm and April 20th at 2:15pm at the downtown high school auditorium on East 2nd Street. All auditorium seating is reserved and all tickets are $12. The box office will be open April 14th, 15th and 17th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. The box office will also be open one hour prior to each performance April 18th, 19th and 20th. The presentation is sponsored in part by the Bank of Maysville.

Ummmm...Chocolate!

The 21st annual Chocolate Festival is April 19-20 in Historic Washington. The streets will be flowing with chocolate (figuratively). Compete in contests and enjoy the museums, shops, horse-drawn carriage rides, a pirate ship ride, and lots of games. Of course, after eating all that chocolate, a brisk walk might be in order, chubs. For information, call 606-759-0505.

5K Run/Walk is April 26th

The Buffalo Trace Children's Advocacy Center will hold their 3rd annual 5K Run/Walk Saturday, April 26th in downtown Maysville. Registration begins at 7:30am with the race starting at 8:30. You can download your registration form at http://www.btcac.org.

Radio Auction Runs Through Saturday

The Maysville Lions Club Radio Auction is this week. Here's your chance to bid on items and place Bucks for Luck, while at the same time supporting the Lions Club's many local projects, including the Lions Eyesight Project. Showtime is 6:30 each evening through Saturday on WFTM Soft 96. Blow the cobwebs off your wallet and get in on the fun now!

Freedom Fund Gala Coming Up

The Maysville-Mason County NAACP's annual Freedom Fund Gala "The Fierce Urgency of Now" is Saturday, April 26th from 7 to 9:30pm at the Mason County Middle School. Deputy Commissioner of Education Dr. Elaine Farris will be the keynote speaker. The Master of Ceremony will be Wayne "Box" Miller, Sports Director and host of the Prime Time Sports Show on 1230 WDBZ in Cincinnati. For tickets or information call 606-584-8929.

MCTC Registration Is Going On Now

Don’t forget: open registration for Summer and Fall 2008 semesters at Maysville Community and Technical College runs through April 18th from 8am to 4:30pm. And as I’ve said on the air (ad nauseum), if you know a graduating senior, a great gift idea would be the gift of college credit hours or a gift certificate from the Barnes and Noble bookstore on campus. A literal investment in a young person’s future. Wanna know more? Go online: http://www.maysville.kctcs.edu/

Miniatures Draw Crowds From Across The Globe

Artisans, collectors and fans from across the world are in Maysville this week to celebrate the unveiling of the Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures collection at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center on Sutton Street. If everyone across the planet has beaten you to see it, here's why you need to stop in for a visit: The 3,200-square-foot exhibit hall has miniatures ranging from our own Cox Building to Princess Diana's Spencer House, accurate to the last tiny detail. For more information, go to the Museum's web site: http://www.kygmc.org/miniatureExhibits/

Relive The Fun!

Get a copy of WFTM’s broadcast of the Mason County Royals’ 57-48 win over Holmes in the state championship game. Each CD costs $5 and all of the money will go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. You can purchase the CD at the WFTM studios at 626 Forest Avenue in Maysville.