Governor signs ban on ‘gray machines’ which are unregulated; announces federal energy assistance
By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Despite being a long-time supporter of legalizing expanded gaming and saying he will sign a sports wagering bill in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday signed House Bill 594, which bans ‘gray machines’ in the state.
During his weekly Capitol press conference, the governor explained the difference in his support.
Gov. Beshear (Photo by Tom Latek/Kentucky Today)
“I...
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews to begin treating state’s roadsides for noxious weeds
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) crews will soon begin treating noxious and nuisance weeds throughout the state to improve driver safety and support efficient maintenance operations by limiting their presence. Property owners who are actively treating noxious weeds on private property may request highway crews to treat select nuisance weeds found on adjacent state-owned right of way.
The...
Covington commission hears Parks and Rec ready to build on momentem, approves fire dept. grant, more
By Ryan Clark
NKyTribune reporter
Last year, the City of Covington’s Parks and Recreation Department produced 16 events, more than 100 programs, more than 600 shelter reservations, more than 6,000 aquatic center check-ins and more than 20,000 community members served.
It’s time, officials say, to build on that momentum.
“We wanted to add some new things, get rid of some things that didn’t...
Erlanger city council votes down proposal to allow running groups on pathways at Flagship Park
By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
Erlanger city council voted down an amendment to an older ordinance that would have allowed running teams to use the pathways at Flagship Park. The vote was fairly close, 6 to 3, in their new council number of 9.
Residents of the Deer Chase subdivision have been upset that a running group is being permitted to practice on the walking trails in Flagship Park,...
Number of children in state foster care decreases significantly as investment in prevention increases
By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander says the number of children currently in foster care has decreased to less than 8,500 in Kentucky after peaking in 2020 at over 10,000 children.
As a result, Kentucky is among the states which are experiencing the most significant drop in children in foster care due to focused efforts.
Eric Friedlander
“We...
Two flooded city halls — in Independence and Taylor Mill — almost ready for return to normal
By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
When the temperatures dropped like a rock just before Christmas last year, and snow visited the area to blanket the cities and give people the much coveted, if not slightly soiled white Christmas, the water lines in many buildings did not survive the draconian freeze.
Independence damage (Photos by Patricia Scheyer)
The independence and Taylor Mill city buildings...
Road report: KYTC District 6 reports on projects on region’s highways; watch for closings, delays
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 reports on projects on region’s roadways and urges motorists to be watchful for closings and delays.
BOONE – KENTON COUNTIES
• KY 536 (Mt. Zion Road) Corridor 13.2 – 14.7/ 0 – 1 mile-marker – The road is being widened from two to four lanes between U.S. 25 (Dixie Highway) and KY 1303 (Turkeyfoot Road). Watch for flaggers...
Plan would make Covington’s Fourth Street more bike and pedestrian-friendly with dedicated lane
Fourth Street in Covington could be reconfigured from three lanes to two lanes to make way for a dedicated bike lane and wider, more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks under a plan being evaluated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the City.
At the City’s request, the state has hired an engineering consultant – Qk4 Inc. – to conduct a study to ensure traffic data and user safety support the...
The Downs of Nicholson community, a ‘Keeneland-like’ development, is ‘self-contained,’ and underway
By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
The plans for the Downs of Nicholson went through what could be a final revision, and those changes were approved by the Independence city council this week.
The Event Center (concept drawings provided)
“They had delayed the project about six months,” said Independence City Administrator Chris Moriconi. “In my opinion, it is now a better...
Know this county attorney, Jordan Dallas Turner, the first woman to hold the job in Boone County
By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
The name Jordan Dallas Turner might not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue today, but soon people will become aware that this energetic lady is on the job.
Turner took her seat as the first female county attorney in Boone County in January.
“I am really enjoying the job,” Turner said after two months on the job. “I think until you’re ...
Covington commission delays final vote on short-term rentals; fire department gets grant
By Ryan Clark
NKyTribune reporter
After the city’s legal department requested a change in language, a much-talked about amendment on short-term rentals will take even more time before receiving a final vote.
Last week, Commissioners listened to more than a dozen residents who came out to voice their opinions on the amendment, which would include a one-year prohibition on any operator of a short-term...
Kentucky Senate passes two bills — unanimously — dealing with juvenile justice system reform
By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
The Kentucky Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed two bills dealing with reforms to the state’s juvenile justice system, which some lawmakers described as being in crisis and in need of solutions.
Senate Bill 158, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, R-Greensburg, would direct the Kentucky State Auditor’s office to enter in a contract with a third party...
Kentucky marks lowest annual jobless rate ever recorded in 2022 with unemployment falling to 3.9%
Kentucky’s annual unemployment rate for 2022 decreased to 3.9% from 4.4% in 2021, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS). This is a drop from 10 years ago when the annual rate in 2012 was 8.2% and is the lowest seen since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics began reporting state unemployment rates in 1976.
The U.S. annual unemployment rate fell to 3.6% in 2022 from 5.3% in 2021....
Registration is now open for Kenton County Parks and Recreation 2023 adult softball league
Registration for Kenton County Parks and Recreation’s (KCP&R) adult softball league for the 2023 season has begun. Registration can be found on the County’s website.
Teams must register by March 31.
KCP&R offers recreational softball in two leagues for adults:
(Photo from Kenton County Parks and Recreation)
• Monday Men’s Church/Recreational League with 2 Divisions: A (up to 7 teams)...
Road report: KYTC District 6 reports on roadwork in NKY region this week — beware delays, closings
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 reports on conditions and/or operations for highways in District Six and advises motorists to be aware of possible delays or lane closures.
BOONE – KENTON COUNTIES
• KY 536 (Mt. Zion Road) Corridor 13.2 – 14.7/ 0 – 1 mile-marker – The road is being widened from two to four lanes between U.S. 25 (Dixie Highway) and KY 1303...
