DONATE TODAY help make an impact in your community

Your donation will be directed to the NKY Community Journalism Fund

LINK has been in business for just over a year. In that time, we’ve done the following: prenticeships, the importance of getting all available workers working so removing barriers to employment,” Cooper said.

Besides growing members of the workforce inside the market, re-engaging second-chance, disabled and disengaged workers will provide employers and job-seekers with more opportunities, he added. Applicants who were formerly incarcerated are a key audience in this, as well as folks who have unemployed for a long time, like veterans and caregivers rejoining the workforce.

“These individuals may need a little bit more flexibility and accommodation to bring them back into the workforce,” Lester said. “Obviously, there’s certainly plenty to do but employers can be flexible and more engaging as well.”

Lester suggests employers accommodate and use out-of-the-box ideas to re-engage these workers.

Northern Kentucky isn’t the only place battling with the effects of demographic drought. Chicago, Charlotte, Detroit, and other metropolitan areas are facing the same wave of retirees, meaning Northern Kentucky has to set itself apart from the pack.

For Cooper, advocating regional infrastructure improvements, including foot and bike paths, and continuing to invest in healthcare and education will help Northern Kentucky stand out when competing for workers outside the region.

• Sent the Daily LINK email more than 260 times

• Sent a reporter to live in Frankfort and cover our legislative caucus

• Launched linknky.com

• Printed five editions of the LINK Reader, our free, bi-monthly print publication

• Mailed those five editions to every single household in NKY

• Covered every single competitive race in the primary and general election in NKY

• Had live election night coverage for both the primary and general election

• Started the Kentucky Side and the LINK Daily Headlines podcasts

• Moved to a bigger office

• Hired 14 people, and brought on more than 28 contributors to cover NKY

• Published more than 3,700 stories about our community

Quick-thinking Covington resident thwarts cruiser theft

A Covington resident used quick thinking to thwart a police car theft earlier this year, and the city celebrated him at a recent city council meeting.

Rudy Ramirez-Roblero was leaving a church event on June 3 of this year when he observed Covington Police in pursuit of a suspect in the area of 15th and Russell streets. The suspect, jumped into the responding unit Officer Knott’s abandoned car as he was pursuing her, throwing the car into drive and fleeing the scene.

A quick-thinking Ramirez-Roblero hurried to the police cruiser and pulled the suspect from the car. He then put the car in park, and stood by for the police to retrieve the vehicle.

Covington police officers recognized Ramirez-Roblero’s heroism during the Covington Board of Commissioners Legislative Meeting at City Hall. Presented with the Civilian Appreciation Award, the room of people erupted in applause as Ramirez-Roblero accepted the plaque and shook the hands of council members and Mayor Joseph U. Meyer.

Kenton County increases one tax rate to decrease another

Kenton County recently voted to increase its occupational license tax to help decrease property taxes and better align with other counties in the state, such as Boone and Jefferson.

County Treasurer Roy Cox said the county currently puts more of a burden on the property owners in the county by having a higher property tax.

Kenton County currently gets 35% of its revenue from occupational licenses, whereas neighboring counties earn 66% to 90% of Boone, Jefferson, Fayette, and neighboring Hamilton counties’ revenue comes from occupational licenses.

The Kentucky League of Cities describes an occupational license tax “as a percentage of gross earnings (payroll) on all persons working within the city or on gross receipts or net profits on all businesses within a city.”

Kenton County currently has the lowest rate and the lowest cap for its occupational tax. The cap has not changed in the county since 1978, and the rate hasn’t changed since 1995.

Cox said people paying an occupational license tax would get information from the county each year, telling them the new rates.

Recently retired Nader named new Fort Mitchell Police chief

The city of Fort Mitchell named Rob Nader as their new Chief of Police, replacing Andrew Schierberg, who is retiring at the end of 2022.

Nader spent 25 years as a police officer for the city of Covington where he served in various roles, including patrol officer, community relations officer, SWAT commander and administrative captain.

In 2017, he was appointed as chief, a position where he served five years. Nader announced his retirement from the Covington police department in August.

During a recent Fort Mitchell City Council meeting, Nader was unanimously appointed as chief. The Fort Mitchell resident is set to be officially sworn in, in January 2023.

Historic building will offer hands-on experience for Covington students

The former Colonial Inn motel earned an infamous reputation as a magnet for drug and prostitution complaints, as well as a spot on the popular reality television show Cops.

The three-story building on 1515 Madison Ave., which has been a drain on Covington taxpayers, will soon be transformed into a working laboratory for the city’s new Covington Academy of Heritage Trades. The school aims to teach a new generation of construction workers the skills required to restore historic buildings back to their former glory.

Besides the laboratory on Madison, the school’s main campus will be based out of the Latonia Commerce Center, formerly known as the Latonia Shopping Center, where the Enzweiler Building Institute is developing a Covington branch. The inaugural school year for the larger construction trades campus is scheduled to run from Jan. 31 to June 1, 2023, said Vicki Berling, director of Professional Development.

Eventually, the work will culminate in the transformation of the dilapidated building into office space. At that point, the city would transfer ownership of the building to the school to sell, with the proceeds being reinvested back into the school.

Kentucky Supreme Court hears arguments over abortion bans

Kentucky’s highest court will soon decide whether or not to continue to uphold or pause the state’s two abortion bans while the case moves through the justice system.

The Kentucky Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Tuesday about whether to uphold the state’s two abortion bans triggered after the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade earlier this summer.

Roe v. Wade federally protected the right to an abortion, but the decision was returned to individual states after the decision. The state’s two abortion trigger laws – Human Life Protection Act and Heartbeat Law — took effect after the June United States Supreme Court ruling.

The ACLU immediately filed lawsuits on behalf of EMW Women’s Surgical Center and Planned Parenthood, the only two abortion providers in Kentucky.

The arguments come a week after voters in Kentucky voted against a constitutional amendment that would have eliminated the right to an abortion in the Commonwealth’s constitution.

The court will now decide whether to uphold a temporary injunction made by a circuit court judge that would effectively block the ban. The case will most likely go back to circuit court for a trial.

Executive order allows medical cannabis if purchased legally in another state

Gov. Andy Beshear announced he’s taking executive action to allow Kentuckians with certain health conditions to use and possess small amounts of medical cannabis purchased in another state starting on Jan. 1. 2023.

Beshear also said he’s issuing an executive order to regulate the sale of Delta 8, which contains THC but at a lower level than marijuana.

There will be certain conditions to qualify.

First, the cannabis must be lawfully purchased in the United States in a state where the purchase is legal and regulated. There must also be a receipt that proves that the cannabis was bought in one of those places.

Second, the amount a person can purchase and use at any time cannot exceed eight ounces.

Each person must also have a certification from a licensed healthcare provider that shows the individual has been diagnosed with at least one of 21 medical conditions, which include cancer, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic disorder, muscular dystrophy, a terminal illness, and others.

Covington Police Department names new PIO

Lt. Justin Bradbury has been named as Covington Police Department’s new Public Information Officer.

A 17-year veteran of the department who has served several roles during his career, he currently serves as assistant bureau commander of the Criminal Investigations Bureau.

In the event that Bradbury is unavailable, 19-year veteran of the Covington Police Department Captain Matt Winship will be standing in. He is currently serving as the Patrol Bureau Commander and SWAT Commander.

Please send any events, birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding, or other special announcements to LINK nky via email, at news@linknky.com, with the subject line “Town Crier.” Please note, meeting times and dates are subject to change. Contact organizers for the most up-to-date information.

Nov. 25 to Dec. 4, 2022

Boone County

Nov. 29: Boone County Fiscal Court Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Boone County Administration Building, 2950 Washington St., Burlington

Nov. 30: Boone County Planning Commission Zone Change, 5 p.m., Boone County Administration Building, 2950 Washington St., Burlington

Dec. 3: Boone County Holiday Tree Lighting, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Burlington Commons 2951 Washington St., Burlington

Florence

Nov. 28: In the Loop, 10 a.m. to noon. Knit or crochet in relaxed, friendly company. Learn for the first time or pick up some new tricks. Boone County Public LibraryFlorence Branch

Dec. 1: Best of the Best book group, 3 to 4 p.m. Read and discuss “The Boston Girl” by Anita Diamant. Please email Suzanne Yowler at syowler@bcpl.org to register. Boone County Public Library - Florence Branch

Hebron

Nov. 30: Yoga for healthy weight, 6 to 7 p.m.

A holistic approach to maintaining weight, increasing flexibility and building muscle. Bring a yoga mat. $30 fee for the month. Register online at boonecountyky.org/ parks or call the office at (859) 334-2117.

Campbell County

Alexandria

Dec. 1: Alexandria Public Works Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., 8236 West Main St., Alexandria

Business Retention and Development Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., 8236 West Main St., Alexandria

Alexandria City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., 8236 West Main St., Alexandria

Bellevue

Dec. 2: First Friday Holiday Market, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Bellevue Business District, 200-700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue

Cold Spring

Nov. 28: Cold Spring City Council Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Cold Spring Administration Building, 5694 E. Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring

Dec. 3: Cold Spring Craft Show, 9 a.m. to noon, Cold Spring Community Center, 5686 E. Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring

Dayton

Nov. 30: Dayton VFW Post 2899 Bingo Night, 5 p.m., 828 Sixth Ave., Dayton (every Wednesday)

Fort Thomas

Nov. 28: Renaissance Board Meeting, 5:45 p.m, Fort Thomas Community Center (Mess Hall), 801 Cochran Ave.

Nov. 30: Fort Thomas Farmers Holiday Market, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fort Thomas Community Center (Mess Hall), 801 Cochran Ave. Will also run Wednesday, Dec. 7 and 14.

Dec. 4: Fort Thomas Holiday Walk, 4 p.m.to 7 p.m., Fort Thomas Central Business District

Newport

Dec. 3-4: Victorian Home Tour, Tea & Stained Glass Walking Tour 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., throughout East Row Historic Neighborhood (Fundraiser/ticketed event, go to Eastrow.org for information)

Kenton County

Nov. 28: Letters to Santa, all day, Santa Express Mailboxes will be located in Kenton County libraries, Kenton County Government Center in Covington, Historic Kenton County Courthouse in Independence, Kenton County Animal Shelter. (Mail letters to Santa, no postage needed, ongoing through Dec. 12.)

Covington

Nov. 29: Covington Board of Commission- ers Legislative Meeting, 6 p.m, Covington City Hall, 20 W. Pike St., Covington

Dec. 1: Covington Economic Development Authority Meeting, 1:30 p.m, Covington City Hall, 20 W. Pike St., Covington

Dec. 1: Covington Human Rights Commission Meeting, 5:30 p.m, Covington City Hall, 20 W. Pike St., Covington

Edgewood

Dec. 2: Edgewood Home Decorating Contest, all day, throughout Edgewood (exterior decorations only, runs through Dec. 4:; see city website for neighborhoods)

Erlanger

Dec. 2: Erlanger Holiday Train Display, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Erlanger City Building, 505 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger

Dec. 2: Annual Erlanger Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Erlanger City Building, 505 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger

Dec. 3: Erlanger Holiday Train Display, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Erlanger City Building, 505 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger

Fort Mitchell

Nov. 30: Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Fort Mitchell City Building, 2355 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell

Dec. 1: LiveWell Fort Mitchell Produce Popup, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fort Mitchell City Building, 2355 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell

Dec. 4: Holly Jolly Days for Fort Mitchell, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington (Fort Mitchell and Lakeside Park residents free admission day, proof needed)

Fort Wright

Nov. 28: Santa’s Mailbox Fort Wright, all day, Fort Wright Administration Office, 409 Kyles Lane, Fort Wright

Dec. 3: Fort Wright Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fort Wright Administration Office, 409 Kyles Lane, Fort Wright

Independence

Dec. 3: Annual Independence Christmas Walk, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Memorial Park, 2003 Jack Woods Parkway, Independence