A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Setting record (scientifically) straight: coal is state rock; agate, state gemstone; calcite, state mineral

Coal is currently Kentucky’s state mineral, though it isn’t really a mineral in scientific terms. There’s also debate about whether agate, the state rock, has received the accurate designation. Those questions are being laid to rest, thanks to the work of state lawmakers and scientists who are prioritizing scientific accuracy in state symbols. A bill that received final approval in the Kentucky...

Kathryn Witt’s new book, Perfect Day Kentucky, offers tips for exploring ‘heaven’; launch party Friday

Staff report Local author Kathryn Witt has authored a new book, Perfect Day Kentucky: Day Trips, Weekend Getaways, and Other Escapes,” published by Reedy Press. A special launch party will be held Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Second Sight Spirits in Ludlow. It is free and open to the public. “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.” Explorer Daniel Boone made this observation two centuries...

Mike Tussey: Tomorrow, the 105th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade kicks of a ‘Cincinnati Holiday’

One year ago in 2023 -130,000 made the trek to Cincinnati and attend the historic Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. Findlay Market Opening Day parade, 2023. (File photo) What brought the thousands to the Queen City? Reds legend – Sparky Anderson likely said it best: “It’s a holiday – a baseball holiday! Ain’t no other place in America got that!” Actually, the Parade is a huge catalyst...

Kentucky by Heart: Wisconsin town’s ‘Kentuck Day’ celebration honors its resident’s Kentucky roots

By Steve Flairty NKyTribune columnist “It seems no matter where a Kentuckian moves, the proud heritage of his state goes with him and is passed from generation to generation.” –Louie B. Nunn, Kentucky Governor The term “Kentuck Day” likely conjures up thoughts of a festival-like atmosphere taking place in the fall in some small community in the Bluegrass State. But it sure doesn’t have...

Our Rich History: The 1968 Falmouth tornado — storm moved rapidly, residents got no warning

By Paul A. Tenkotte, PhD Special to NKyTribune Part 1 of a three-part series on the region’s destructive tornadoes I vividly remember Tuesday, April 23, 1968. It was nine days after Easter. The skies were ominously still. Then, the clouds rolled in, and the day turned stormy and foreboding. At 1:40 pm, a tornado slammed into the small town of Falmouth, in Northern Kentucky’s rural Pendleton County....

The River: The captain hates change, but knew everything had to change sometime . . .

The riverboat captain is a storyteller, and Captain Don Sanders will be sharing the stories of his long association with the river — from discovery to a way of love and life. This part of a long and continuing story was first told in March, 2019. See below how to order Captain Don’s historically significant hardback, illustrated book, a collection of his storytelling, The River. By Capt. Don...

‘Game changer’ for many families, as ‘kinship care’ bill, SB 151, moves to Governor’s desk

By Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern Long awaited financial help will be coming to “kinship care” Kentuckians who are raising a minor relative such as a grandchild or niece, thanks to a bill that received unanimous approval in the House Friday. Senate Bill 151 now heads to Gov. Andy Beshear’s desk for a signature or veto. It passed the Senate in early February. Norma Hatfield, president of the Kinship...

Officials tell Dayton’s story, of the river city known for its homes (historic and new), businesses, vitality

By Andy Furman NKyTribune reporter The population was 5,666 at the 2020 census – but Dayton, Kentucky Mayor Ben Baker and City Administration Jay Fossett had just as many stories and highlights of the city located in the northernmost part of Campbell County, at the Covington Rotary luncheon this week at the Radisson Hotel. “Dayton has a total area of 1.9 square miles of which 1.3 square miles is...

City of Fort Mitchell announces retirement of Tony, the Police Department’s first and only K9 officer

Tony has retired. “Tony who,” you might ask? Well, if you’ve ever seen a K9 demonstration at Fort Mitchell’s Touch-A-Truck or Hero Night Festival, you know exactly who Tony is and that his bite is as big as his bark. The first and only K9 the city has ever had; Tony has retired after seven years with the Fort Mitchell Police Department. Officer Tony (Photo from City of Fort Mitchell) Through...

Mike Tussey: Can you swim? Lessons are a great idea — and so is sunscreen

While many of us were sleeping last night, the March Equinox or Spring as we know it, arrived at 11:06 p.m. Spring’s entry into our lives coupled with Daylight Saving Time that began 10 days ago, means our days will be brighter and warmer now. For millions, the warmer weather means millions will be around the pool and cooking out. However, most of us don’t have a pool – if you wish to swim...

Kentucky by Heart: Kentucky’s high school Sweet Sixteen tournaments revive fond childhood memories

By Steve Flairty NKyTribune columnist March Madness basketball, high school style, is upon us in Kentucky. In the girls’ Sweet Sixteen matchups, Saturday night saw Sacred Heart crowned as the state champion with a 60-49 win over McCracken County. It was the Louisville school’s fourth straight title, a record. Newspaper account of 1946 state basketball tourney (Image courtesy of Billie Jo Chaplin) This...

Our Rich History: Dixie Selden was an accomplished Covington artist, taught by Duveneck, Farny

By David E. Schroeder Special to NKyTribune In honor of Women’s History Month, we offer this encore column that originally appeared in Our Rich History on March 28, 2016. While giving a tour of the art collection at the Kenton County Public Library in Covington, I came across Dixie Selden’s Woman Hanging Laundry. The piece is very familiar to me since it was on display in my office for many years....

The River: Summers are scorchers on the Upper Mississippi and mayflies add to the misery

The riverboat captain is a storyteller, and Captain Don Sanders shares the stories of his long association with the river — from discovery to a way of love and life. This is a part of a long and continuing story. It first appeared in April, 2018. Purchase the Captain’s book below. By Captain Don Sanders Special to NKyTribune Summers on the Upper Mississippi River can be scorchers. Adding to...

Nominations are open for the City of Covington’s Preservation Excellence Awards; deadline April 1

Covington’s Historic Preservation Office is accepting nominations until April 1 for this year’s Covington Preservation Excellence Awards. “We have seen so much growth and development happening all over Covington in the last year, and whether it’s a new business or homeowner moving to The Cov, more than likely you’re ending up in a historic building,” said Covington’s Historic Preservation...

Campbell County Conservation District offers backyard conservation cost-share program

If you are starting to plan your garden and summer landscaping in Campbell County, check out this financial program for conservation projects in your own backyard from the Campbell County Conservation District. The Local Cost-Share Program is an incentive program that assists with landowner’s costs while implementing conservation practices that benefit soil and water quality and wildlife habitat. Build...