By TOM LATEK Kentucky Today  FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - A special House Impeachment Committee is taking up the matter of a Northern Kentucky judge accused of misconduct.  In November, the Judicial Conduct Commission charged Kenton County Family Court Judge Dawn Gentry with nine counts of judicial misconduct. According to documents from the Judicial Conduct Commission as well as the resolution 

If you're a fan of education and tea parties (not the Boston Harbor type but the kind featuring goodies like tea cakes, thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches and an Earl Grey filled-cup and saucer)then an event March 1 will be to your taste.  The Red Apple Equi(Tea) Party will raise money and awareness for Read Ready Covington, the early childhood literacy initiative kicked off in November 2018.  The event - from 4 p.m. to 5:30 

By Terry Boehmker NKyTribune sports reporter  Dixie Heights placed fourth in the girls state swimming and diving meet on Friday with four swimmers doing all of the scoring for the Colonels.  Louisville Sacred Heart dominated the girls state meet at the University of Kentucky, winning eight of 12 events and topping the team standings with 503 points. Dixie Heights was fourth with 139 points.

Staff report  A special election on Tuesday, Feb. 25 will decide who will fill the vacancy in Campbell County's 67th House District, left by longtime representative Dennis Keene who accepted an appointment to Gov. Andy Beshear's administration as Commissioner of the Department of Local Government.  Vote for NKY, which is led by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce of Commerce (NKY Chamber) along regional businesses and organizations, is once again using traditional media, social media, and voter-engagement 

By Mark Maynard  Kentucky Today  Braidy Industries founder Craig T. Bouchard filed a lawsuit against the company he started three years ago and against some of its stockholders.  Bouchard's action comes about a month after he was ousted as the CEO and board chairman of the aluminum rolling mill being proposed in northeastern Kentucky.

While professional attitudes and work habits are essential in the workplace, they are often overlooked in educational programs.  The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) will host a Human Resources (HR) 100 Workshop on "Kentucky Essential Skills" on Thursday, March 17. Ellen Bates, Workforce Development Manager of Brighton Center, will lead the session and explain

The fourth annual Cincinnati Coffee Festival returns to Music Hall in in Over-the-Rhine on Sept. 12-13.

"The Cincinnati Coffee Festival is our signature fundraising event attended by thousands of coffee, tea, chocolate and baked goods enthusiasts," said Rich Cogen, executive director of Ohio River Foundation (ORF), which produces the event.

Addiction is a tragic and heavy-handed disease, affecting individuals of all ages, races, occupations and income levels. And as anyone who has been impacted by addiction can tell you, the decision to seek recovery is never an easy one.  To make matters worse, the treatment system can be difficult to navigate, leaving Kentuckians overwhelmed and discouraged.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare  The American Heart Association focuses on seven risk factors you can improve through lifestyle changes to improve your heart health, it's called  Life's Simple 7 .  Here are the seven actions the American Heart Association recommends: 

▪ Manage high blood pressure- If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can cause heart disease and stroke. A diet low in sodium, regular exercise, and medications can help keep your blood pressure in check.

By Robert Weber Legislative Research Commission

Although the Kentucky General Assembly's 2020 session reached its halfway point this week, much more than half of the workload of this session likely lies ahead.  After seven weeks of legislative activity, hundreds of bills have moved closer to becoming law, although fewer than 10 have reached the governor's desk to be signed. That's typical at this point in a 

By Keith Taylor  Kentucky Today  Ashton Hagans and Nick Richards didn't practice Thursday and it's uncertain if both players will be able to play when Kentucky hosts Florida on Saturday.  Hagans missed the final five minutes of Tuesday's game with LSU because of what appeared to be thigh injury, while Richards came down on his ankle after dunking late in Kentucky's 79-76 win in Baton Rouge.

Southbank Partners presented the Bellevue Riverfront Corridor Study to Bellevue City Council, capping months of work by the organization and Bellevue residents and business owners appointed to the Riverfront Corridor Study Group by Mayor Charlie Cleves.  Mayor Cleves requested that Southbank Partners, the economic development organization for Northern Kentucky's seven river cities, of which 

Kenton County drivers affected by licensing office theft can request new card at no charge

Dr. James R. Rich, Kentucky's longest-serving F&W commission member, passes away at age 92

KET to air 'Undiagnosed: The Diabetes Epidemic' and panel discussion about the disease Feb 24

Northern Kentucky University names Dr. Ginni Fair new dean of College of Education starting July 1

Billy Reed: Don't underestimate the Dayton Flyers -- and keep your eyes on Obi; could be quite a story

By Tom Latek Kentucky Today  Wednesday marked the halfway point of the 2020 regular session of the General Assembly, with still a lot of work to accomplish.

Thus far, only two bills have been signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear. House Bill 186 excludes direct sellers, such as those who sell products in the home or other non-store setting, from company coverage of workers compensation and unemployment compensation

Every February, we celebrate Black History Month because of the efforts of a Berea College graduate, Carter G. Woodson.  Woodson was a prominent African American scholar and historian who started his higher education career as a part-time student at Berea. From there, he went on to receive degrees from the University of Chicago and, in 1912, a doctorate from Harvard University, only the second person of color to do so.

Hub+Weber Architects, an architecture, design, and master planning firm headquartered in Covington, has announced new ownership and management of the firm, retroactive to January 1.  Jim Guthrie has assumed sole ownership of the firm as Gene Weber transitions into retirement. The new - yet familiar - owner will continue to ensure the firm's well-established reputation continues. As well as it's long time shenanigans.

Drees Pavilion, located in Devou Park overlooking the cities of Covington and Cincinnati, has completed an interior redesign to one of Northern Kentucky's most popular wedding and event venues.  An open house, an annual event showcasing Dress Pavillion's catering partners and vendors, will be held on March 12.  Drees Pavilion, built and donated to Devou Park in 2003 by The Drees Company, is a 10,000+ square foot event 

Dunkin' will hold its Grand Opening and  host a ribbon cutting ceremony full of special programs,entertainment, food and beverage samples on Tuesday, February 25, at 10 a.m.  Local dignitaries from the City of Cold Spring, Dunkin' Mascot; "Sprinkles," Dunkin' team members and Gilligan Company executives as well as Charitable Partner for 2020 Anthony Muñoz, President of the  Anthony Muñoz Foundation  will be on hand for the honors.

Hunting squirrels for food and sport is a tradition deeply embedded in Kentucky's hunting culture.  In early Kentucky, squirrels were present in our woodlands in startling numbers.  Dave Baker, editor of Kentucky Afield magazine, recounted an amazing observation of squirrel abundance in an article he wrote, quoting from the memoirs of naturalist John James Audubon.

NKyTribune staff  CLEVELAND - Dantez Walton scored 17 of his game-high 22 points in the second half Thursday night as Northern Kentucky posted a 73-59 win over Cleveland State.  Walton added eight rebounds and buried five 3-pointers to help NKU pull away and improve to 20-8 overall, 12-4 in the Horizon League. The senior from Lima, Ohio, hit a trio of 3-pointers early in the second half as NKU built a double-digit lead and coasted to the win.

NKY Health has presented five Northern Kentucky Public Health Heroes awards to four individuals and one organization for their support of public health initiatives in the region.  These awards are to honor an organization, group and/or individual in recognition of outstanding work for the advancement of public health efforts that have significantly contributed to the 

The League of Women Voters of Kentucky released a state report, Felony Disenfranchisement in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, showing Kentucky has made much progress in 2019 but has much further to go.

This report is an updated version of similar studies conducted in 2006, 2013, 2017 and 2019.

Major Findings of the 2020 Report include:

Just like her college days at Kentucky, Maci Morris is shooting the lights out as a professional basketball player in Italy. A two-time All-SEC performer who was one of the best shooters in Kentucky women's hoops history, Morris is leading her team, USE Scotti Empoli, in scoring at 15.6 points per game while shooting 3-pointers at a 41 percent clip as of mid-February. She 

Newport Central Catholic High School is inviting all 7th and 8th graders to form their teams for a special mathematic competition.  The team competition -- team can be two or three pre-high students -- will competite in the Dave Ueding Mathematics Competition for trophies and ribbons.  Dave Ueding is a retired, long-time (and popular) Newport Catholic/Newport Central 

Gov. Andy Beshear announced his administration is working to speed up unemployment insurance claims and is recovering thousands overpaid to deceased workers compensation fund beneficiaries. Both actions improve operations so that state government better serves Kentucky families.  Dedicated unemployment insurance staff at career centers

As usual, this year's presidential primary in Kentucky could be another case of closing the corral gate after the horse has escaped - the May 19 date comes so late in the candidate selection process that the results carry little or no impact in determining the parties' eventual nominees.

There exists a possibility that scenario might change a bit this year, at least on the Democratic side, with eight candidates still jockeying for position, with three or four

A week ago today many of my fellow classmates, neighbors and Facebook friends were all recently called up to active duty as members of the Kiss Army as many of them were sharing photographs, videos and Facebook live videos of the concert in Rupp Arena.  I decided to pass on the concert that night, but with all the social media postings it did take me to a day when I was in middle school in the mid- 70's with my childhood 

With kids home from school and cries of "I'm bored" on the horizon,  Cincinnati Museum Center will help harness that energy into creative, interactive camp experiences. Museum Camps are the perfect way to keep kids busy, engaged and learning all break long.

Registration is now open for spring and summer camps.

By Terry Boehmker NKyTribune sports reporter

The top-ranked teams remained the same, but strong runs by two other teams influenced the top 10 voting in the final regular season Northern Kentucky boys and girls high school basketball coaches polls conducted by The NKyTribune.  Covington Catholic and Simon Kenton were unanimous No. 1 choices in the boys and 

NKyTribune staff  A brazen thief broke into the Kenton County Clerk's office on January 26 and stole equipment used to make drivers' licenses and ID cards. 

The suspect was caught on camera and the Kenton County Police Department has released the images, along with a description.  The office is located in the new Kenton County Administration Building on Simon  

Northern Kentucky University's Dr. Jonathan T. Reynolds has been elected as vice president of the World History Association (WHA), the largest world history organization.  He will serve a two-year term in this role and the following two years as president.

The WHA works to advance scholarship through historical analysis from a nonhumanity viewpoint.

Have you ever been ready to head out the door but can't seem to remember where you put your keys? Or have you been standing in the grocery store trying to remember what else you need?  Most people have had their own bouts of forgetfulness. When is this forgetfulness a concern or an indicator of something else going on?  According to the Alzheimer's Association, memory loss is one of the first signs of Alzheimer's 

To assist more than half a million Kentuckians with diabetes including some who ration insulin because of the excessive cost, Gov. Andy Beshear and a bipartisan group of legislators gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday to urge lawmakers to pass a bill that would drive down the price.  The price of insulin has tripled over the last decade without any significant change to the product. While companies pay $2 to $7 to manufacture a single 

As ArtsWave, the engine for the region's arts, is raising money now through April 30 for the region's arts, it's also announcing its next ArtsWave Days, brought to you by Macy's.  ArtsWave Days is the nonprofit arts council's campaign event series that showcases the arts and is open to the public, free of charge.

For a full schedule of all ArtsWave Days, including detailed performance information and activities, click  here.

By Ryan Clark NKyTribune reporter  More changes and updates are on the way in Covington, this time courtesy of the Economic Development and Public Works departments.  First, City Commissioners heard a proposed order at their regularly-scheduled caucus meeting Tuesday night to enter into an economic development agreement and payment in lieu of taxes agreement with Monarch, LLC.

The Dorothy Wood Foundation is now the Redwood Foundation.  The name change was announced by The Dorothy Wood Foundation Board President Phillip J. Schworer. The Board voted to adopt the Doing Business As (DBA) name of the Redwood Foundation. "The name change was done to help the community to clearly understand that the endowment held by The Dorothy Wood Foundation supports 

Florence releases economic development update of projects completed, under construction, in pipeline

By Mark Hansel NKyTribune managing editor

The City of Florence has released its annual economic development report, which includes projects completed in 2019, as well as those under construction and in the pipeline.  This statement from Florence Mayor Diane Whalen accompanied the report: We are pleased to present the City of Florence's annual economic 

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), announced Tuesday that Kentucky will receive $1.116 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the transitional housing pilot program established under Senator McConnell's Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act.

"I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro'
Gleams that untravell'd world whose margin fades
For ever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!"

--From "Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1833, an excerpt from one of Dr. Blaine Hudson's favorite 

By Terry Boehmker NKyTribune sports reporter

Covington Catholic and Highlands squared off in the championship games of the Northern Kentucky junior varsity and freshmen boys basketball tournaments on Monday at CovCath.  In the junior varsity game, Highlands jumped out to a 20-10 lead in the first quarter and went on to defeat CovCath, 72-50, to run its season record to 21-1.

By Keith Taylor  Kentucky Today  Kentucky snapped out of a shooting slump and remained alone in first place in the Southeastern Conference standings with a 79-76 victory over LSU Tuesday night in Baton Rouge.  The 10th-ranked Wildcats 21-5, 11-2 SEC) made their first seven 3-pointers of the second half and built a 15-point lead to hold off the Tigers' late surge down the stretch for their fifth consecutive victory. Kentucky increased

A total of 219 Kentucky educators were recognized last week for recently obtaining the highest possible certification in the teaching profession, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Kentucky had the fifth-largest class of newly certified National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) nationally in 2019 and ranks sixth in the nation for the percentage of teachers who are board-certified (9.53%) and eighth 

By Keith Taylor  Kentucky Today  Kentucky is back in the Top 10.  The Wildcats moved up from No. 12 to No. 10 following wins over Vanderbilt and Ole Miss last week. Kentucky (20-5, 10-2 Southeastern Conference) holds a one-game lead over Auburn and LSU in the Southeastern Conference standings,  Kentucky plays at LSU in a 9 p.m. tipoff Tuesday in Baton Rouge. The Wildcats had to rally from a 14-point deficit to hold off 

By Steve Flairty KyForward Columnist  When George Wright was growing up in poverty in Lexington over 50 years ago, he felt like he was living in shame and didn't want others to know about it. It got worse when his parents divorced. His grades were bad, even though he had a good mind.  "I always acted real out-going and was a show-off," said George. "I didn't let people know of the hurt in my life."  He received no sympathy from his 

AAA is encouraging motorists to use George Washington's head (on a quarter) to check their tires, reducing risks on the road, including the potential damage to their tires and vehicles caused by potholes.

Regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth are the two checks says can help motorists keep tires in optimal condition.  "The two most important tire safety checks - a pressure reading and tread depth measurement - are very simple to do," according to AAA|Bob Sumerel Tire

The City of Crestview Hills' popular Summer Concert Series in the Community will get a new performance venue and a new signature sponsor.  Republic Bank and Trust Company will become the underwriting sponsor for the concert series in 2020 and the performances will be moved to the Thomas More University campus. According to Jason Payne, Senior Vice President, and Managing Director of the NKY Market,

Northern Kentucky University's Institute for Health Innovation (IHI) has launched SoCap Accelerate, a Health Innovation Accelerator for Northern Kentucky.

The six-week program targets companies looking to solve a health problem in an innovative way who have a beta version of their product ready for testing. SoCap Accelerate will help these companies grow and scale their businesses

On October 21, 2000, my worst nightmare became a reality when my brother, Charlie, was beaten and left to die in my hometown's cemetery. What followed this tragedy was an intimidating and confusing process of keeping up with four defendants and their trail dates, having no one to help my family navigate the justice system besides a local newspaper reporter.

Visitors to Behringer-Crawford Museum will have a chance to release their inner playwrights on Saturday, March 7, when they help write the script for an original play inspired by the works of female artists.

They can also listen to two concerts by predominantly female musical groups, create crafts and receive free admission to the museum on "The Power of Her" ArtsWave day.

Braxton Brewing Co., a local brewery with national recognition, will release its newest IPA, Hop Fit.

This March, craft beer consumers looking for a low-calorie, low-carb alternative to the traditional IPA will be able to enjoy the newest innovation from Braxton Brewing.  The product is expected to be available in Kroger stores throughout Columbus, Dayton, 

As Kentucky's signature bourbon industry continues to boom, Gov. Andy Beshear announced today the Commonwealth is the nation's leading exporter of whiskey, which includes bourbon and rye, according to 2019 export reports.  Gov. Beshear made the announcement while filling the 16th millionth barrel of Jim Beam at Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont Monday.

Part 16 of our series, "Resilience and Renaissance: Newport, Kentucky, 1795-2020"  By Paul Tenkotte  Special to NKyTribune  Nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, today's Harper's Ferry is a sleepy little tourist town of less than 300 people in the state of West Virginia. In the 1850s, however, it was a vibrant and strategic crossroads of over 1,500 people in Virginia,

The Northern Kentucky Children's Advocacy Center was recently awarded two grants that supported installing an up-to-date security system.  NKYCAC was awarded $11,300 from the Kentucky Colonels, and $7,000 from the Horizon Community Foundation, Give Where You Live. NKYCAC is a nonprofit organization serving Northern Kentucky that provides services to over 800 

Carl has implemented a nationally recognized program to deal with drug rehab at the Kenton County Detention Center.  Addiction Policy Forum, a leading national nonprofit,

As the Senate eagerly awaits a budget proposal from the House of Representatives, we remained busy in Frankfort passing bills both out of committee and out of the Senate to send to our colleagues in the lower chamber during a rainy sixth week of the 2020 Regular Session.  The Governor has already signed a couple of House Bills into law. House Bill 236 incorporates federal United States Department of Agriculture guidelines related to 

Northern Kentucky University's Cyber Defense team is once again victorious at the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.  For the third straight year, NKU students won the Kentucky title and while also competing against teams from Ohio and Iowa. The Collegiate Cyber Defense Competitions (CCDC) presents multiple challenges that students must navigate.

Letters for families based on the book "It Can Be Done" @studentsleadusa  We write to make a case for promoting free enterprise because it has helped hundreds of millions of Americans develop a favorable approach of courageously competing. We want a system that rewards these positive attributes because they can help build a strong economy with resources to help more and more Americans.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, KENTUCKY - CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO  ·  I-275 (Combs-Hehl Bridge) 73 - 71 mile-marker - ODOT has a pavement resurfacing and bridgework project planned for I-275 that includes bridge deck overlays and

By Carrie Nichols Special to NKyTribune  Having a house of your own all to yourself can be great; after all, most of us are fans of having more space for our stuff, and a big expansive yard. However, all of that does come at a price; maintaining a house is not only more costly than when you're living in an apartment, but it also takes more time. For instance, keeping up with pests around your home is 

By Terry Boehmker NKyTribune sports reporter

Simon Kenton baseball coach Troy Roberts, who has taken the Pioneers to the state finals twice in the last six years, will be inducted into the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Villa Hills Civic Club. Roberts has compiled a 186-112 record in the last eight seasons at Simon Kenton. He was named 2014 

By Don Owen NKyTribune reporter  Illinois-Chicago's shockingly easy 73-43 win at Northern Kentucky on Sunday afternoon is another example of why power rankings and Las Vegas odds mean absolutely nothing on the basketball court.  As NKU head coach Darrin Horn is fond of saying, it's a player's game. UIC - which entered Sunday's contest with a 12-15 record - made tons of big plays, dominated the backboards and handed the Norse a 

By Danielle Donham University of Kentucky   The University Press of Kentucky (UPK) has named Ashley Runyon as its newest director, effective March 11. A Kentucky native, Runyon has a history with UPK, including getting her start in publishing as a work-study student there.  Located on the campus of the University of Kentucky, the University Press of Kentucky is a consortium press

Behringer-Crawford Museum has named Jack Moreland as the fourth recipient of the 2020 Two-Headed Calf Awards for outstanding service to the community.

Moreland will receive the Kenneth and Eileen Harper Special Recognition Award. Moreland is a distinguished educator and community leader. 

Kentucky Health News  Amid all the headlines about the novel coronavirus, health experts warn that there is a much more prevalent and potentially deadly virus killing people in Kentucky: influenza. Through the week ended Feb. 8, Kentucky had reported 17,203 cases of flu this season, with 50 deaths from it, four of them people under 18, according to the state Department for Public Health.

St. Henry District High School will hold a blessing and dedication today of the completion of a $7.8 million building expansion project, "Building on Excellence, Guided by Faith." The event will be at 2 p.m. at the high school, 377 Scheben Drive, Erlanger.  The Most Reverend Roger J. Foys, D.D., Bishop of Covington will provide the blessing and dedication.

By Keith Taylor  Kentucky Today  Ole Miss gave Kentucky its best shot. In the end, Kentucky had a will to win.  The 12th-ranked Wildcats weren't at their best in their first Saturday home game in more than a month but made six free throws down the stretch and escaped with a 67-62 win over the Rebels for their fourth consecutive victory.  "This was like a rock fight," Kentucky coach John Calipari said. "(It) ended up being a great win."

By Eric Frankl, Candace McGraw, and Dan Mann
Kentucky's three major airports  In 2019, Kentuckians took to the skies like never before. At the Commonwealth's three largest commercial airports - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), and Blue Grass Airport (LEX) - we collectively served nearly 15 million passengers. But the millions of you that use our 

Newport Business Association to hold annual meeting, presentation of awards on Thursday

The Newport Business Association Annual Meeting & Presentation of Awards will be Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Newport Syndicate, 18 East Fifth St. in Newport.

The event will start at 6 p.m. and will include the installation of new officers and board of director members.

Businesses and individuals will be recognized for their outstanding contribution to the NBA and the City.

The program schedule is:

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 a part of a long and continuing story.  By Capt. Don Sanders  Special to NKyTribune  Every inch of ground between the hills lining the valley of the Ohio belongs to the river.  Periodically, Old Man River leaves the comfort 

By Terry Boehmker NKyTribune sports reporter

Walton-Verona's wrestling team finished the season with two individual state champions for the third time in the last four years.  In the final round of the state tournament on Saturday, Walton-Verona senior Daulton Mayer and his sophomore teammate Spencer Moore pinned their opponents to earn state titles. The Bearcats also had dual state champions in 2017 and 2018.

NKyTribune staff  Five Thomas More players scored in double figures Saturday afternoon as the Saints posted an 85-71 win over the Cumberlands (Ky.) at the Connor Convocation Center.  Ryan Batte scored 18 points to lead Thomas More, which won its fifth consecutive game and improved to 20-6 overall, 7-5 in the Mid-South Conference. Reid Jolly added 16 points and 13 rebounds as the Saints shot 60.4 percent from the field to knock off