Staff Reports/The Ironton Tribune

IRONTON — John Elam, who left the Ironton mayor’s office on Nov. 30, still has office space in the city building. He has been hired by the city to be the assistant finance director.

Elam took the position on Wednesday after he was appointed by City Finance Director Kathy Elam. Under the city charter, the hiring isn’t subject to approval by the mayor or the council.

Coin toss decides Symmes Valley race

IRONTON — Despite a long campaign, the Symmes Valley fiscal officer race came down to a 50 cents.

The race between Patty Bellville and Linda Carpenter had come down to a single vote difference on election night with Carpenter getting 66 to Bellville’s 67. After a recount, they were tied with 67 each.

Under state law, ties are decided by flipping a coin.

On Thursday night, the Lawrence County Board of Elections had the official coin flip to decide the winner.

Both names were put into a bucket and Bellville’s name was drawn so she got to decided if she wanted to call it or let Carpenter call it.

Bellville called heads, board chairman Karen Matney Simmons flipped the half dollar piece and it fell to the ground, heads up, making Bellville the winner.

This is the first time in a quarter century that a race in Lawrence County was decided by a coin flip.

Greenbo Lake hosts Santa for lunch

GREENUP, Ky. - Greenbo Lake State Resort Park will be hosting Santa Claus for lunch the next two weekends - Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 15-16.

Families can visit Anglers’ Cove Restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and get a picture with Santa.