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...
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,...
New voter registrations show continued growth — over 7300 added to rolls in August

Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that, as November 7 nears, voter registration continues to grow in Kentucky, with 7,391 new voters added in August.
“While it’s too soon to predict turnout in November’s election, I’m pleased that in each of the past six months, more Kentuckians have registered to vote than have been removed from the rolls,” Adams said.
In August, Kentucky saw 3,512...
City of Florence plans Arbor Day Celebration September 16 at Florence Nature Park

The City of Florence has announced an Arbor Day Celebration to honor the beauty and significance of trees in the community on Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Florence Nature Park, 7200 Nature Park Drive.
Arbor Day is a tradition that recognizes the vital role trees play in our environment and quality of life. The City of Florence was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation...
Covington Urban Forestry, UK Extension to lead Urban Tree Walk: Latonia/Milldale Saturday

Expect to see some unique trees on Saturday when Covington’s Urban Forestry Program partners with the Kenton County Extension Office for it’s Urban Tree Walk: Latonia/Milldale.
The tour runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the Latonia/Milldale neighborhood, and, like all Urban Forestry’s tree walks, will present interesting and informative insights about the benefits trees provide to improve...
Covington Commission considering remote police, fire testing; proposals heard for four economic projects

By Ryan Clark
NKyTribune reporter
In July, city commissioners listened to a plan to allow police officers to complete their written tests remotely, or in other words, online. But during discussions of that plan, it became clear that firefighters could accomplish the same thing if given the opportunity.
“Another issue has been raised, and that is if we’re allowing remote testing for the Police Department,...
Kenton County awarded more than $465k in grants benefiting youth, cybersecurity, waste disposal

Kenton County has collectively been awarded over $456,000 in grant awards benefiting youth, strengthening the City of Covington’s cybersecurity and allowing county residents to dispose of hazardous waste material.
“Local officials at the county and city levels deserve recognition for not only securing these grant awards but also being good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Senate...