Driver clocked 126 mph, report says

DELAWARE COUNTY — The Proctorville man, picked up Wednesday for allegedly driving drunk at more than 100 miles per hour, has pleaded not guilty in Delaware Municipal Court.

Eddy E. Crank Jr., 42, was charged with drunken driving and reckless operation by the Delaware County sheriff’s office. According to Sheriff Walter L. Davis III, Crank was driving 126 mph when he was stopped at 3:25 a.m. on Route 37, near Baker Road in Berlin Township.

David said Crank was driving at twice the legal speed limit; he failed a field sobriety test and his blood-alcohol content was above the limit.

Crank appeared in court Friday morning to make his plea. He was released on an OR bond. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for next week.

Lutheran group to host blood drive

ASHLAND, Ky. — Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day and one out of every 10 people admitted to a hospital needs blood during their stay.

While these statistics are staggering, they also present an opportunity for concerned citizens to step forward and be a hero in their community and in the lives of people who need help.

Eastern Kentucky Chapter of Thrivent Financial For Lutherans, in conjunction with St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ashland, Ky., and Bethel Lutheran Church in Russell, Ky., will host an American Red Cross blood drive noon – 6 p.m. Monday, April 27 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1320 Bath Ave., Ashland, Ky.

The blood drive will allow 48 people who are at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and in generally good health to give the gift of life that will be used to help as many as three individuals who need blood.

Although walk-ins will be welcome, it is recommended donors make an appointment to prevent a waiting line. Those with appointments will be honored first. Appointments may be made by calling Gloria or Bill Pankow at (606) 928-3920.

Greenup libraries celebrate 40 years

GREENUP, Ky. — The Greenup County Public Libraries are celebrating 40 years of service with a series of open houses. There will be an open house noon-2 p.m. at the McKell branch. Board president, Dr. Tim Brom will speak at 12:30 p.m. and the guest speaker will be Tonya Pullin.

There will be an open house 2-4 p.m. at the Flatwoods branch. Author Georgia Stamper will give a special greeting at 2:30. There will also be a dedication of the Nick Pope Memorial Multi-cultural Collection.

A third open house will be 2-4 p.m. at the Greenup branch. Board president, Dr. Tim Brom will speak at 12:30 at the McKell branch. The guest speaker will be retired Greenup County District Judge and author Lewis Nicholls, who will give a presentation at 2:30 p.m.

Ariel Arts Center holding auditions

GALLIPOLIS — The Ariel – Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre is preparing to hold auditions for the upcoming “Beat The Heat Summer Performance Series”.

The series will include three productions; The Wizard of Oz, Southern Fried Murder, and Monster in the Closet.

Auditions for both The Wizard of Oz and Southern Fried Murder will be held: Thursday, April 16; Monday, April 20; and Tuesday, April 21.

Youth performers, age 7-14, should arrive between 5 and 5:15 to complete paperwork and begin the audition process.

Teen and adult actors, age 15 and older, should plan to arrive between 6 and 6:15 to complete paperwork and begin the audition process.

It is only necessary to attend one night of auditions.

Southern Fried Murder is non-musical, and will cast only adults.

All actors planning to audition for “The Wizard of Oz” will be taught a song and movement piece, and will be assigned lines to recite for the audition.

Advance preparations are not necessary for auditions.

Loose, comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement should be worn to the audition.

Flip-flops and sandals should not be worn to auditions. Character-specific costumes may not be worn during the audition.

Additional questions regarding auditions, or participation in the “Beat The Heat Summer Theatre Workshop For Youth,” may be answered by contacting the Ariel – Dater Hall Box Office at 740-446-ARTS (2787).