A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Walton Mayor Gabriel Brown makes dramatic exit, citing Roosevelt and November, as he resigns

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Walton mayor Gabriel Brown made the decision to step down as mayor last night after a dramatic entrance and an equally dramatic speech quoting Theodore Roosevelt. Gabe Brown resigned as Walton Mayor. (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune) “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds...

Installation of new ‘Love the Cov’ sculpture enhances Covington riverfront and Riverfront Commons

Covington’s riverfront has become even more vibrant with the installation of the eagerly awaited ‘Love the Cov’ sculpture. The 12-foot- sculpture was installed Wednesday by Banz Studios and Indianapolis-based artists Owens + Crawley. Banz Studios, an art studio and gallery located in Cincinnati, curated the sculpture and the artist team, and oversaw the process until installation was complete....

Covington approves IRS site contracts; Mayor says ‘Dirt will be moved’; modifies public comments

By Ryan Clark NKyTribune reporter In what Covington Mayor Joseph U. Meyer called an “extraordinary meeting,” city commissioners unanimously approved three contracts that will effectively begin construction at the Covington Central Riverfront site. At its regularly scheduled legislative meeting, commissioners first approved a contract with Bray Construction Services, Inc., for $14,894,577. Bray...

Walton Mayor Gabriel Brown tendered verbal resignation after allegations; special meeting tonight

By Patricia Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Walton’s colorful mayor Gabriel Brown, tendered a verbal resignation last week at an executive session held after the regular council meeting meeting. The executive meeting was called to discuss the possible discipline or termination of an unnamed city employee. Walton Mayor Gabriel Brown (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune) Turns out that employee was Mayor...

Annual spring street cleaning set to begin April 1 in Covington, residents asked to be aware of schedule

Covington’s Public Works Department will begin its annual spring cleaning of residential streets on Monday, April 1. As usual, how well the streets get cleaned will depend on the cooperation of residents moving their cars — to the other side of the street, into their driveways, around the block — so the street sweeper can operate. (Photo from City of Covington) Every car left on the street...

Road report: KYTC District 6 announces roadwork this week in the region; watch for detours, closings

KYTC District 6 reports on roadwork happening this week in the region and encourages all motorists to be aware of delays and detours — and the safety of road crews. This schedule is subject to change without notice and is weather dependent. I-275 DIAMOND GRINDING WEEKLY UPDATE (CAMPBELL/KENTON COUNTY LINE TO U.S. 25 OVERPASS) I-275 Eastbound Through Thursday, March 28: right lane(s) closure...

Local government briefs: Edgewood talks golf carts, Florence names first responders, Boone denies zoning change

EDGEWOOD Edgewood city council again discussed the possibility of the city adopting an ordinance governing golf carts in the city. Currently the state law provides guidance concerning golf carts, but some cities have ordinances boosting the guidelines for the golf carts. Attorney Frank Wichmann drew up an ordinance that council could study for a couple weeks to see if they would like to adopt the ordinance...

Bill making childhood vaccines more accessible heads to Kentucky governor’s desk

By Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern A bill that would make routine vaccinations more accessible to Kentucky minors hit some snags in the Senate Friday but passed 26-11 after 15 minutes of debate. House Bill 274, which passed the House chamber unanimously, would allow Kentucky pharmacies to continue administering vaccines to children ages 5-17 with parental or guardian consent. It is not a vaccine mandate....

Boone County commissioners question NKY Works initiative, votes down joining despite Moore’s urging

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Boone County Judge Executive Gary Moore started the discussion on a proposed MOA with Campbell County and Kenton County, along with the Chamber of Commerce, and the NKADD and quite a few other agencies for the Northern Kentucky Work Initiative, called NKY Works. “I support it completely,” said Moore. “I’m for it.” But the other commissioners...

Covington to hold annual Easter egg hunt Saturday, offer parents opportunity to gauge child development

It’s called the Easter Egg Hunt, but children won’t have to hunt very hard. Come Saturday morning, the grass around the bandshell in Devou Park will be strewn with thousands of plastic Easter eggs filled with goodies, and they won’t be difficult to find. “We typically get some 500 to 600 kids, so it’s probably our biggest event of the year,” said Alicia Chappell, recreational program coordinator...

State board zeroing in on new education commissioner but not yet ready to release name

By Tom Latek Kentucky Today The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) announced Tuesday they have authorized Board Chair Sharon Porter Robinson to enter into contract negotiations with the preferred candidate for the next commissioner of education. Board members met with the three finalists in Louisville on Monday and Tuesday, before making the announcement. The Board did not reveal the preferred candidate. The...

Governor Beshear addresses legislative actions, laments ‘partisan politics,’ reviewing bills on his desk

By McKenna Horsley Kentucky Lantern Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday called a Republican-backed bill that would move the state’s wildlife management agency from his administration to the agriculture department an unconstitutional “power grab.” Beshear also called out Senate Republicans for refusing to confirm his appointees to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. “It’s time for them to...

Boone County’s Lassing Point set to open March 29; renovations are complete

Renovations are complete at Lassing Pointe, and the golf course is set to open on Saturday, March 29. The recent renovations were part of the complete redesign of the course bunkers and par three tee boxes. Boone County’s Lassing Pointe Golf Course (Photo provided) The architect for the project was Bill Boswell, who was also the lead architect for the initial Lassing Pointe course design under...

Kenton Mayor’s group discusses still-changing rules on medical marijuana — in anticipation the new law

By Patricia Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Kenton County mayors gathered Saturday morning to discuss the latest news in state requirements for medical marijuana. The state has mandated application of the new medical marijuana law in January of 2025 and Planning and Development Services of Kenton County are doing their best to help cities acquire legislation prior to the law. Sharmili Reddy, executive...

City briefs: Park Hills honors Meyers, Lakeside Park ok’s new zoning map, Taylor Mill’s firehouse

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Highlights of meetings held this week: Mayor Zembrodt and retiring Charles Meyers. (Photo to Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune) PARK HILLS Park Hills Mayor Kathy Zembrodt read a proclamation at their regular meeting honoring Charles Lee Meyers for his service throughout his life. Meyers grew up on the campus of Holmes High School and graduated from Holmes. He worked...