What you need to know Sam Collins and Cole O’Brien, two Independence police officers, were honored by the Independence City Council Monday night for their work in investigating black markets for a substance called bromazolam, sometimes called designer Xanax. Their initial investigation eventually led to the substance being marked as a Schedule 1 controlled substance […]
Tag: Independence
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Fort Wright fire/police training facility proposal, more in NKY government
This week in NKY government meetings, the Kenton County Planning Commission will consider a new fire and police training facility in Fort Wright, while Newport will discuss a short-term rental agreement for Purple People Bridge repairs. Keep reading to find out what happened in local government over the past week and what you need to […]
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Independence officers, first responders honored for saving life
A group of Independence Police and first responders were honored this week for saving the life of a resident. One of the officers, Nathan Beikman, was even granted a lifesaving medal from the American Police Hall of Fame. The City Council honored the first responders with a proclamation Monday night. The first responders were honored […]
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UPDATE: Independence considers final approval of Freedom Park expansion
What you need to know Update: The Independence City Council approved the zoning for the development at their meeting on Nov. 3, 2025 in a 5-1 vote. Council Member Greg Steffen was the only council member to vote against the change. –LINK nky editorial, Nov. 5, 2025. The Independence City Council is considering final approval […]
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Kenton County considers Piner school renovation, police reorganization in busy week of government meetings
This week in NKY government meetings, the Kenton County School Board is considering construction bids for the Piner Elementary renovation, and Kenton County will discuss reorganizing the structure of its police department. Keep reading to find out what happened in local government over the past week and what you need to know for this week. […]
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Independence splash pad clears facility review
A city-owned splash pad slated for construction in Memorial Park in Independence cleared a public facility review with the Kenton County Planning Commission this week. Public building projects, such as those connected to cities, public safety agencies and schools, are not subject to zoning regulations like private enterprises. However, public entities will often ask for […]
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Third person shot apparent murder-suicide in Independence dies
The man shot before two other people were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in Independence has died from his injuries, according to the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office. The Independence Police Department said officers responded Sunday night shortly before 11:30 p.m. to Taylor Ridge Apartments for a reported shooting. In total, three people were shot, […]
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3 people shot, 2 dead in Independence; police seek info
Three people were shot, two of whom are dead, in Independence overnight on Sunday and into Monday morning, according to Independence Police. The police believe the incident to be a murder-suicide. Police were called to the Taylor Ridge apartment complex around 11:21 p.m. Sunday night after reports of a shooting, according to a press release […]
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Independence considers lower tax rate amid rising property values
What you need to know With home values up nearly 24% this year, Independence leaders are moving to cut the property tax rate in hopes of softening the blow for homeowners. With 2025 being a reassessment year in Independence for property valuations, Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman said the city tried to lower the tax rate […]
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Independence awards contract to begin splash pad site preparation
The city of Independence has awarded the bid for its splash pad project to Ford Development Corporation to kick off site preparation for its new splash pad. The Independence City Council unanimously approved the bid for site preparation for $349,120 at its regular meeting on Sept. 8. “After years of talking about our splash pad, […]
