A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Erlanger sends summer packing with 3rd annual Summer Sendoff at Silverlake Park

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter The city of Erlanger sent summer packing Saturday with their third annual Summer Sendoff event at Silverlake park. Arlinghaus is the title sponsor for the event. The coney-eating contestants. (Photo by Patricia Scheyer/NKyTribune) Noticeably missing this year was the pie eating contest, in the past sponsored by Colonial Cottage, a memorable contest which leaves...

Covington to begin citywide repaving project next week; includes 29 streets in 13 neighborhoods

All or part of 29 streets in Covington are about to get a smoother surface. Almost 62,000 square yards of asphalt will be laid one and a half inches thick on the streets as part of a $927,540 contract with Riegler Blacktop Inc. that will get underway this week in the Westside neighborhood. Riegler Blacktop Inc. will then work its way south on the list of streets provided by the City, said Bill Matteoli,...

Boone County Fiscal Court approves widening of Porter Road, thanks to creation of Rural Roads Fund

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Boone County Fiscal Court approved the first steps toward widening Porter Road in Boone County as the commissioners voted this week to award the bid for the widening project to Riegler Blacktop for the price of $1,307,120.49. The planned estimated cost of the project came to $1.75 million, so the initial observation is that the cost will definitely be under...

Covington commission discusses renewing current city hall lease, economic development issues, more

By Ryan Clark NKyTribune reporter Once again, it looks as if Covington City Hall’s time in its current home will be extended. The commissioners met for their regularly scheduled caucus meeting this week at the current site for City Hall at 20 West Pike St. A proposal will ensure they’ll be doing it a little longer while they wait for the new Scott Street campus to be built. With the current lease...

Kenton Mayors discuss ‘Shift’ meeting, how road projects are prioritized in NKY, and want changes

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Several Kenton County Mayors and other officials gathered at Taylor Mill Saturday for their monthly meeting, and first on the list was a report on a Shift meeting held earlier that prioritized different road projects in Northern Kentucky. Shift meetings are usually held after an OKI (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Council of Governments) board meeting, every two...

Kentucky Supreme Court hears oral arguments regarding Congressional redistricting plan

By Tom Lantern Kentucky Today The Kentucky Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday, on whether the Kentucky State House and Congressional redistricting plans enacted by the Republican super majority in the General Assembly pass constitutional muster. The case, styled Derrick Graham, et al., vs. Secretary of State Michael Adams, et al., is a Democrat vs. Republican case. Graham is the House Democratic...

Fort Mitchell announces appointment of interim Fire Chief Dave Slusser as city’s new fire chief

The City of Fort Mitchell has announced the appointment of Dave Slusser as its new Fire Chief. With a career in the fire service spanning over two decades, Slusser brings a wealth of experience to the Fort Mitchell Fire Department. Having served as Assistant Fire Chief since 2019, and currently as Interim Fire Chief, Slusser has played a pivotal role in shaping the department’s operations, budget,...

Road report: KYTC reports work this week in District 6’s 11-county region, be aware of closings, delays

KYTC District 6 reports the roadwork underway this week in the region and notes that this work is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. Drive safely — and be watchful of road crews. DISTRICTWIDE • STREET SWEEPING: contractors will be sweeping various highways and state routes in the district. Crews will work between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sweepers will be out...

Secretary of State welcomes new Americans in naturalization ceremony, honors 29 veterans

Secretary of State Michael Adams welcomed new Americans and honored Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame inductees. The naturalization ceremony in Frankfort included 35 new American citizens from 18 different countries. Welcoming new citizens in naturalization ceremony. (Photo provided) Adams spoke to the new citizens before providing them with an opportunity to register to vote. “There’s nothing more...

Fort Mitchell named 2023 City Government of the Year by the Kentucky League of Cities

Progress, innovation, and community engagement: All three descriptions summarize why the City of Fort Mitchell is the 2023 KLC City Government of the Year. An independent panel of judges selected the city out of several nominations. City officials in Fort Mitchell have prioritized growth and community service over the past year, investing in neighborhood improvements, attracting new business, and securing...

Florence City Council votes, on first reading, to keep the property tax rate flat; personal property rate down

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter The Florence City Council set the tax rate for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2023, and ending on June 30, 2024. It keeps the city’s property rate the same as last year and was the first reading of the ordinance. Chief Finance Officer Linda Chapman presented the tax rates at the last council meeting for consideration, and a public hearing was...

Beshear far outraises Cameron in governor’s race, but that’s only part of the money story

By Tom Loftus Kentucky Lantern Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s campaign outraised Republican challenger Daniel Cameron by more than double the amount of money in the first phase of Kentucky’s general election.  Beshear raised nearly $5.8 million since the primary election in May compared to about $2.35 million raised by Cameron, according to reports filed Tuesday with the Kentucky Registry of Election...

Fort Wright City Council approves first reading on annual tax rate; property values have increased

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Fort Wright City Council voted on their annual tax rate last week, accepting the recommendation of the financial committee. The tax rate for the 2022-2023 fiscal year was .248 cents per $100 of assessed value for real property, and the rate for personal property that year was .380 cents per $100 of assessed value. “I want to spend a few seconds with...

City of Newport allows outdoor dining for bars, restaurants in residential neighborhoods

The City of Newport is taking a significant step forward to support its local bars and restaurants in residential areas by amending the city’s outdoor dining ordinance. Newport City Manager, Tom Fromme, announced the culmination of a two-year effort to revise the ordinance, aimed at addressing concerns raised by businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous ordinance had placed restrictions...

Boone County commission approves zoning request for 32 acres on Belleview road — to industrial

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Boone County Fiscal Court Commissioners listened to the second reading of an ordinance last week which requested a zoning map amendment for 32 acres to be changed from rural suburban to Industrial three surface mining at 3989 Belleview Road in Boone County. The project received unanimous approval by the Boone County Planning Commission, with 4 conditions,...