TODAY
Business
Burlington's $8M sports complex The Bend opens Saturday
The Bend, an $8 million brewpub and sports complex on former airport land in Burlington, holds its grand opening Saturday, Oct. 17, during the Taste of Hebron event.
Public Safety
Florence police offer free prescription drug disposal Oct. 24
The Florence Police Department is partnering with the DEA for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, offering free, anonymous medication disposal at two Florence locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Local Government
Local Government
Florence director Eric Hall retires after 27 years of service
Eric Hall, who oversees 74 employees and an approximately $30 million budget as Florence's public services director, will retire at the end of October after 27 years with the city.
Local Government
President Donald Trump rallies at NKU Saturday ahead of Kentucky midterm races
President Trump will hold a midterm rally at NKU's Truist Arena in Highland Heights on Saturday, Oct. 17, with the Barr-Booker Senate race and the Gallrein-Strange 4th District contest on the line for Boone County voters.
Local Government
NKU honors Boone County's Gary Moore with Lincoln Award Nov. 17
Local Government
Boone County weighs allowing side-by-sides on public roads
Local Government
Boone County weighs e-bike rules after six kids hit by vehicles
Education
Education
Boone County High teacher on leave over racial slur in puzzle
A Boone County High School teacher in Florence was placed on leave Sept. 24 after distributing a word search containing a racial slur; the district says it will seek maximum disciplinary action while counselors meet with affected students.
Education
Boone County Schools adopts $319.6M budget, adds redistricting to agenda
The Boone County Board of Education adopted a $319.6 million working budget for 2026-27 and agreed to place elementary redistricting on its October agenda after parents and staff described overcrowding at Longbranch Elementary in Union, which is at 110% capacity.
Education
Boone County Schools faces $1.5M cut in state funding
Rising property values are driving a roughly $1.5 million drop in state SEEK funding for Boone County Schools in 2026-27, pushing per-pupil aid from $2,950 to $2,837 even as local tax bills climb. Two area legislators are pushing formula reforms in Frankfort.
Education
Boone County schools receive farm safety book kits Sept. 21
All 14 Boone County elementary schools will receive copies of "Farm Adventures with Willie B.," a stuffed dog and literacy lessons during Kentucky's All in for Ag Education Week, Sept. 21-25.
Education
Florence police open Teen Academy applications for fall
The Florence Police Department is accepting applications for its 2026 Teen Academy, a five-week program for high schoolers covering topics like SWAT operations, drone use and crash reconstruction, running Wednesdays from Oct. 21 through Nov. 18.
Education
Ryle grad from Union wins inaugural breast cancer scholarship
Morgan Poe, a 2026 Ryle High School graduate from Union, won the inaugural FITBODY Pink Breast Cancer Family Scholarship and its $1,000 award after being selected from nearly 400 applicants nationwide for her caregiving role during her mother's cancer treatment.
Public Safety
Community
Community
Big Bone Lick's 42nd Salt Festival opens Oct. 16 in Union
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Boone County hosts its 42nd annual Salt Festival from Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18, featuring frontier demonstrations, live music, a petting zoo and the park's resident bison herd.
Community
Chick-fil-A food drive collects meals for 1,300 NKY students
Area Chick-fil-A restaurants are collecting nonperishable food through Friday, Oct. 16, for GO Pantry's weekend meal program that serves about 1,300 Northern Kentucky students weekly. Donors who return filled bags receive a Chick-fil-A meal card while supplies last.
Business
Business
Burlington's $8M sports complex The Bend opens Saturday
The Bend, an $8 million brewpub and sports complex on former airport land in Burlington, holds its grand opening Saturday, Oct. 17, during the Taste of Hebron event.
Business
Florence Rotary names Sherry Walters 2026 Citizen of the Year
The Rotary Club of Florence will honor Sherry Walters as its 2026 Citizen of the Year at a Monday, Oct. 5 luncheon at the Florence Nature Park Event Center, recognizing decades of service including co-founding the Union Rescue Squad and the Boone County Sheriff's Auxiliary.
Business
NKY Chamber hosts free networking night in Union Sept. 28
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's Women's Initiative holds its free monthly Connect Hour at Braxton Brewing Company in Union on Monday, Sept. 28, featuring networking and a nonprofit spotlight on the ION Center for Violence Prevention.
Business
Amazon Prime refunds up to $200 start Oct. 1
Amazon Prime members enrolled without consent could receive up to $200 in automatic refunds starting Oct. 1 under a revised FTC settlement order, with no paperwork required.
Brady Johnson
Editor
Brady Johnson is an Illinois native and an Augustana College journalism alumni. His prior experience includes a stint as a Newscast Producer for KWQC-TV6 News in Davenport, Iowa.
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