Plant exchange set for Saturday

IRONTON — Area master gardeners are organizing a Community Plant Exchange to take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the Farmer’s Market lot at the corner of Second and Vernon streets Saturday.

Those interested in a variety of plantings for their yards and gardens are invited to bring any extra seeds, plants, or bulbs they want to trade for other seeds, plants, or bulbs during this time.

Master gardeners will be on hand to offer planting and gardening advice and to answer any questions.

If further information is needed, call Sheila Tackett at (740) 532-3489.

Ex-CEO of W.Va. broadband firm sentenced

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — The former chief executive of a defunct broadband company will spend more than a year in prison for her role in a scheme to misappropriate about $4 million.

Heidi Laughery of Meadville, Pa., received an 18-month sentence Monday in federal court in Huntington.

Laughery had pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

She was accused of conspiring with others to misappropriate loans and grants provided to Parkersburg-based Sequelle Communications Alliance Inc. by the state and federal governments, the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council and United Bank.

Another defendant, R. Scott Truslow, received six months of home confinement Monday. Truslow had pleaded guilty in 2008 to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Robber hits same bank in W.Va. 3 times

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Huntington police are looking for a robber who has held up the same bank branch three times since early March.

The People’s Choice branch was robbed March 2, March 26 and April 17 by a masked man wearing a hooded sweat shirt and sunglasses. Each time, the man walked up to a teller, showed a gun and demanded money. He then fled on foot.

Sgt. John Williams says the robber picks a time when there’s little, if any, customer activity.

People’s Choice is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Stroke support group to meet Monday

Ashland, Ky. – A stroke support group meets Monday, April 26, at 6 p.m. in the King’s Daughters Health Education Center (lower level of Lexington Avenue parking garage).

The guest speaker is physical medicine and rehabilitation physician Dhruv Pandya, M.D., and dinner will be provided. Reservations are encouraged by calling 1-888-377-5362.

Support groups provide encouragement for the stroke survivor and their families, and allows an opportunity to express feelings, ask questions and share information with others who are recovering from stroke. The goal is to help stroke survivors regain abilities and confidence and manage limitations.

The group continues to meet the last Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the KDMC Health Education Center.

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