A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

University of Kentucky, partners to host maple syrup production workshop Oct. 16 in Boone County

By Jordan Strickler University of Kentucky In 1930, a sugar shortage hit Kentucky, compelling residents to tap into their resourcefulness and try their hand making maple syrup. Over the years, this craft gradually faded into obscurity. Workshop participants will receive both classroom and hands-on maple syrup production experience. (Photo by Steve Patton) But in recent years, Kentucky’s maple syrup...

Wenzel Whiskey, Molly Wellmann partner on limited edition bottle release marking major milestones

Wenzel Whiskey, a whiskey blending experience and event space in Covington, and well-known Cincinnati mixologists and entrepreneur Molly Wellmann, have teamed up to release a new limited, locally distilled whiskey called The One 50th Blend. The limited bottle release celebrates Wellmann’s 50th birthday and the 150th anniversary of whiskey being produced at Wenzel. A limited number of bottles will...

Kentucky Lauches ‘Jobs on Day One’ initiative aimed at boosting workforce, creating safer communities

Gov. Andy Beshear and members of the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council on Friday launched the Jobs on Day One initiative, which aims to help released inmates have a job when they leave incarceration. The new initiative helps former inmates become strong candidates for Kentucky’s fast-paced labor market through the development of job skills and attainment of certifications while...

State’s August report shows Boone County among those with lowest unemployment rates at 3.6 percent

Unemployment rates rose in 105 counties between August 2022 and August 2023, fell in eight, and stayed the same in seven counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS). Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 3.3%. It was followed by Marion, Shelby and Washington counties, 3.4% each; Anderson, Carroll, Cumberland and Nelson counties,...

Officials unveil plans for $133.6 million Margaritaville Hotel Resort development at Newport on the Levee

Staff Report Newport Hotel Associates, a joint venture partnership between North American Properties (NAP), Stormont Hospitality Group and High Street Real Estate Partners, unveiled plans Wednesday for a new $133.6 million Margaritaville Hotel Resort at Newport on the Levee in Campbell County. The project is expected to create 282 jobs, 187 full-time and 95 part-time, and provide an economic boost...

Jon Langerak of Wonderland Tire named Modern Tire Dealer’s ’23 Tire Dealer of the Year

Jon Langerak, President and CEO of Byron Center, Mich.-based Wonderland Tire Co., is Modern Tire Dealer’s 2023 Tire Dealer of the Year Award recipient. Jon Langerak is featured on the cover of MTD’s September 2023 publication along with an exclusive article on how he’s building Wonderland Tire’s future. Jon Langerak has been a crucial part of Wonderland Tire Co.’s flourishing growth...

Kentucky’s August housing market report shows more than 4300 listings sold, $1.3 billion in sales

Kentucky Realtors recently released housing market data for August 2023 showing the total volume of real estate sold for the month was $1.3 billion, an increase from July. Complete market details for Kentucky in August: (Click for larger graphic) • Total sales volume: 1.3 billion dollars (decrease of 10.3% year over year, increase of 5% month over month) • Total number of listings sold: 4,359...

Covington Business Council’s luncheon to feature bankers addressing Today’s Economic Environment

The Covington Business Council’s monthly luncheon will feature three local bankers speaking on Today’s Economic Environment. On September 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Covington, banking leaders will discuss interest rates for borrowing, credit conditions, basic understanding of underwriting requirements, as well as quality of credit requests. Participating in the discussion...

As Latino workforce grows, an ‘urgent need’ arises to improve access to digital economy

By Ramona Schindelheim Working Nation There are more than 63.7 million Latinos in the United States, making it the nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority at 19.1% of the total population. They also make up about 20% of the nation’s workforce. Latinos are the youngest cohort in the country’s population with a median age of around 30, while the U.S. population, as a whole, is around...

Covington’s Small Business Program awards grants to three businesses; rooftop restaurant gets loan

A seamstress, an AI startup, and a longstanding local supply company located in three different areas of Covington have been awarded financial help by the Covington Board of Commissioners. The Commission approved one façade improvement and two rent subsidy incentives through the City’s internationally recognized Small Business Program. The incentives came during the first round of funding this fiscal...

Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet releases preliminary August 2023 unemployment report

The Kentucky Center for Statistics has reported Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary August 2023 unemployment rate was 4%. The preliminary August 2023 jobless rate was up 0.1 percentage point from July 2023 and was unchanged from one year ago. The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate for August 2023 was 3.8%, which was up 0.3 percentage points from July 2023, according to the U.S. Department...

Kentucky Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer presented with 2023 KY Chamber MVP Award

Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer was presented the Kentucky Chamber MVP Award in September by Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Kate Shanks. Thayer was among a select group of legislators who “went to bat” for Kentucky business during the 2023 Kentucky General Assembly by displaying conspicuous actions to strengthen business, improve competitiveness,...

Kentucky’s General Fund receipts rise 7.7 percent, Road Fund increase 15.2 percent during August

The Office of State Budget Director reported today that General Fund receipts increased 7.7 percent in August compared to last year. Total collections equaled $1,076.3 million, $77.1 million higher than August 2022. Through the first two months of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), General Fund receipts have increased 7.4 percent. The official revenue estimate for FY24 calls for General Fund revenues to fall...

First District Cafe to open in former school in Covington, thanks to vR Hospitality

vR Hospitality is responsible for luxury hotels including Hotel Covington and recently established North by Hotel Covington and now announces the opening of a new, unique space that will bring art, cuisine, and function to both its guest and surrounding community alike. Once a public school, First District Cafe opens Tuesday (File photo) First District, new cafe located in the former First District...

Corporex opens home sales on third Boardwalk residences at Ovation, new plans, river views

Due to demand in sales, Corporex has opened sales on the third residential building at The Boardwalk Residences at Ovation. A sample floor plan — 2 bedroom Ovation Boardwalk (Image provided) Like the other two residential buildings, the first level offers unique retail, restaurant and entertainment spaces for businesses looking to become part of the mixed-used development in Newport. Seven new...