The Florence City Council has set a date for a public hearing on proposed zoning text amendments covering the city’s solar panels and battery storage facilities. The Boone County Planning Commission recommended a resolution to adopt the text amendments. The Florence planning committee reviewed the county’s recommendations and added regulations and language. “The county regulations […]
Author Archives: Robin Gee
Southgate prepares for Arbor Day, celebrates 20 years as Tree City USA
At a short meeting Wednesday, Southgate city council heard plans for the city’s upcoming Arbor Day celebration on April 25. The celebration, hosted by the city’s Park and Tree Board, also commemorates the city’s longtime designation as a “Tree City USA.” Councilmember Aileen Okura pointed out a display in the city council chamber of the […]
Highlands grad scores ‘find of a lifetime’ Honus Wagner autographed book
Highlands High grad Chris Kidney runs a business reselling clothes and vintage items online. His business was doing okay, but he experienced quite a significant slump this past winter. It was one that made him consider getting out of the business, he said, but he decided to give it one last shot. He had recently […]
Fort Thomas introduces intern from Highlands High School
Highlands High School business and leadership teacher Elise Carter introduced the city’s high school intern to Fort Thomas leaders during Monday’s council meeting. J.P. Schafer is a junior who works at the city through a college dual credit program. He has been working with City Administrator Matt Kremer and other city staff this semester. By […]
Fort Thomas selects firm to improve Tower Park tennis courts
Fort Thomas City Council approved a bid for improvements to the city’s tennis courts in Tower Park during Tuesday’s meeting. Queen City Blacktop won the bid, but work is not planned to begin until July 7 to accommodate the school district’s use of the courts, including hosting a tennis tournament on July 5. There were […]
Bellevue swears in new officer, celebrates annual police department awards
The Bellevue City Council meeting on Wednesday opened with a swearing-in and some special announcements from the police department. New police officer Police Chief Jon McClain began the council meeting by introducing new officer Austin Begley, whom Mayor Charlie Cleves then swore in. Begley comes to Bellevue from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. His family […]
What’s the future look like for Bellevue’s Marianne Theater?
For many years, the city of Bellevue has struggled with what to do with the landmark Marianne Theater on the edge of its business district. The theater has stood empty and in disrepair despite several attempts to find a plan for its use. On Wednesday night, the city was no closer to a solution on […]
Dayton mayor highlights city growth in State of the City address
Dayton Mayor Ben Baker gave a State of the City address at the council meeting on Tuesday. He addressed council and community members through a tapped video as he was not in town for the meeting. “I apologize that I can’t be there tonight to present my State of City in person, but I still […]
Florence approves zone change for 7 Brew Coffee, life skills facility, EV chargers
Zone changes for a 7 Brew Coffee, an autism support facility and a Tesla charging station expansion have been approved by Florence City Council. The approval occurred during a council meeting on Tuesday, following a previous discussion in which the Boone County Planning Commission recommended approval. 7 Brew Coffee Council approved a zoning change for 7 Brew […]
Personal support key to moms’, babies’ mental health
This story is part of our latest super issue, which examines solutions to Northern Kentucky’s mental health challenges. Click here to learn more. In early 2020, Courtney McWhorter was “basically homeless.” She was in what she described as a toxic relationship. She was using methamphetamine. And she was pregnant. “I also had some felony warrants hanging […]

