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The suspect, Jamie Simpson, age 48, had armed himself with a knife and barricaded himself inside a home on the street, according to the release. Police said Simpson surrendered to the SWAT team before they took him into custody.

His subsequent charges include burglary, assault, strangulation, kidnapping, sexual abuse and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The incident began when Covington’s officers reported an assault at an Idlewood residence. The victim informed officers of Simpson, claiming he was the assailant and that he was likely still in the home on Idlewood.

Police obtained a search warrant and dispatched the SWAT team to the home, where

The city of Independence will issue $150,000 of ARPA and CARES Act funding to the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky, a mental health provider that services the region.

Children’s Home has been soliciting funds from cities across Northern Kentucky to help expand its services. The Independence City Council decided to donate when they learned that Independence was one of the top cities the organization served.

Independence is “definitely in the top 20,” said Children’s Home CEO Rick Wurth at the February city council meeting.

Children’s Home initially asked for $100,000, but the council agreed to increase the amount after seeing the large

At the same meeting, Mayor Chris Reinersman lauded the organization’s work and expressed his hope that it would help curb ongoing issues with mental health in Northern Kentucky. He said that he was “very very proud to be a part of this city council,” when they decided to increase the amount to $150,000.

Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky is one of the largest providers of mental health in the region. It also has a continuum of services with two state-licensed residential mental health programs and nine evidence-based treatment systems.

The organization began expanding its licensed services in 2014 and has since seen a 437% increase in incident and family member impacts, which includes nights of care, treatment and therapy services. Children’s Home served 3038 individuals between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.

The request for proposal, which is a document that solicits bids from qualified contractors to complete a project, was released this week.

Groundbreaking is expected to begin in late 2023, and bids are due by March 31.

A firm is expected to be selected in May, allowing for planning to take place and initial construction to begin before year’s end, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

Coyotes are on the move: Here is what to do if you see one

During coyote mating season, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials say there are more sightings both in cities and across the country.

The winter mating season is in its peak this month and will continue through March.

“Coyote sightings typically increase this time of year when they are mating, and through July when they are raising pups,”

Laura Palmer, wildlife biologist for the department, said in a statement. “Human conflicts can be avoided by having a basic understanding of these wild animals.”

Palmer said most coyotes don’t bother people, livestock or pets usually, and residents may not be aware they are living near their home until they start causing issues.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recommends if anyone encounters a coyote to not panic or turn their back. They recommend making loud noises, keeping one’s eyes on the animal, and doing anything to appear larger. Officials also recommend removing potential food sources like grills, grease traps, garbage, and to be extra vigilant with pets that may be prey or competition for food. They are asking residents to check outdoors before letting pets outside, and to keep leashed animals on a short, non-retractable leash during walks.

Rep. Moser introduces measure to require AEDs in schools

Northern Kentuckian Cameron Batson collapsed while playing a pickup game of soccer in 2010. The 18-year-old died of an undiagnosed heart condition that caused sudden cardiac arrest.

An AED — automated external defibrillator used to treat life-threatening cardiac issues — was not readily available.

St. Henry Soccer player Matthew Mangine Jr. collapsed at soccer practice 10 years later. While there were AEDs on site, nobody utilized one until EMTs arrived at the scene.

These deaths and many others are something that Rep. Kim Moser (R-Taylor Mill) is hoping to change through a measure she plans to file in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Speaking at the Kentucky capitol on Feb. 21, Moser said that sudden cardiac arrest is the third leading cause of death. It is happening more often in high school students with undiagnosed heart conditions.

The condition garnered national spotlight when Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.

“We know that access to and having access to AEDs — automatic external defibrillators — is critical,” Moser said.

Moser’s measure will require all schools to have AEDs at sporting and school-sanctioned events.

“It also requires that all schools have an emergency action plan, which is followed by hands-on rehearsal at the beginning of every team season, or at least annually,” Moser said.

School staff and coaches must also train and be certified in CPR.

Moser is working with Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo (D-Lexington) to add language to existing House Bill 331, which requires schools to have and maintain AEDs.

As chair of the House Health Services Committee, Moser said she plans to prioritize this bill.

Matthew Mangine Sr. spoke at the press conference and said he hopes schools across Kentucky implement education programs and AEDs.

“As we know, sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age or physical fitness,” Mangine said.

After the passing of Matthew Jr., the Mangines launched the Matthew Mangine Jr. “One Shot” Foundation. The foundation seeks to educate folks on sudden cardiac arrest.

After Cameron Batson’s passing, his family launched Cameron’s Cause.

In the days after Cameron’s death, they found out he had Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia — doctors diagnosed his 15-year-old brother, Logan, with the same condition within days of Cameron’s death.

However, with the early diagnoses, doctors implanted a defibrillator that allowed him to treat any dangerous arrhythmias.

Logan spoke at the capitol and said that an essential member of their family was missing. Through Cameron’s Cause, the family partners with Northern Kentucky Emergency Medical Systems to educate, train, and place AEDs at sporting locations.

“We will continue to do everything we can to help prevent tragedies like this from happening,” Logan said.