Kentuckians will be voting this fall on two constitutional amendments. This is the view approaching the Sugar Maple Square polling site in Bowling Green, May 21, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

To help voters better understand Amendment 2, which would allow Kentucky’s legislature to steer public dollars into nonpublic schools, LINK nky and Educate NKY will host a Community Conversation next week.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 14? at the Erlanger branch of the Kenton County Public Library. RSVP for a free ticket to the in-person event here, or watch live on the Link nky Facebook page.

Evan Millward, who was previously an anchor and reporter with WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, will be moderating the event.?

Speakers will be:?

• Brigitte Blom, president and CEO of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, a public school advocacy group that has come out publicly against Amendment 2. Before coming to the Prichard Committee, Blom was director of public policy for United Way of Greater Cincinnati with a focus on early childhood policy. Blom has worked in policy, research, and advocacy on issues related to education, poverty, and state taxes and budgets – including work for universities in Ohio and Kentucky and for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
• Jim Waters, president of the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, which is advocating for the passage of Amendment 2. Waters has been with the free-market public policy think tank since 2003.?
• Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform. In his two terms as mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, Elorza worked to engage the state department of education to turn around the city’s school system. Democrats for Education Reform was created in 2007 to address education inequality in public schools across the country. Neither Elorza or Democrats for Education reform have taken a public stance on Amendment 2.
• Lauren Hodge, the director of foundational education at yes. every kid. foundation., whose mission is to promote education that empowers families, helps implement bottom-up solutions, and advances education freedoms across the country, according to its website. Hodge previously worked at EdChoice as a state director and on the Legal Defense in Education team. She also litigated for several years in the public sector in Indiana in both criminal and civil courts. Hodge and yes. every kid. foundation. have not taken a stance on Amendment 2.?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention photo

The Northern Kentucky Health Department has issued a public health advisory after detecting an outbreak of Cryptosporidium, often shortened to Crypto, a fecal-borne intestinal parasite.

The advisory states that at least some of the cases were detected in connection with a local public pool. A representative from the Health Department confirmed that the pool in question was the Silverlake water park in Erlanger. About dozen cases have been confirmed and numerous probable cases have been identified.

“Crypto is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite and causing symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever, vomiting and nausea,” the advisory reads. “These conditions can lead to dehydration and similar concerns. However, an individual’s symptoms can vary and some may not show any symptoms. Young children and people immunologically suppressed are at increased risk for more severe illness. The incubation period for Crypto is from 2 to 10 days, with most developing symptoms in 7 days from time of exposure. In otherwise healthy individuals, symptoms usually subside within a couple of weeks with supportive care to treat the symptoms and avoid dehydration. Crypto can be shed (transmitted) for two weeks or more after symptoms subside.”

Infected animals and human carriers shed the parasite through their feces. Exposure to contaminated water, soil or food can lead to infection. The parasite is resistant to the chlorine treatments commonly used in public pools as well hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol.

People with confirmed infections should avoid using public pools and similar facilities for two weeks after their symptoms subside as they can still transmit the parasite during that time. Babies who have not been potty trained should also refrain from swimming in public pools.

The health department stated that the outbreak could have started as far back as June. The number of detected cases is expected to grow.

Anyone with symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.

This story is republished from?LINK nky.

Florence Police officers were dispatched to a house on Ridgecrest Drive at around 2:50 a.m. Saturday but the suspect had driven away by the time they arrived. (Florence Police Department)

Five people — four victims and the suspect — have died following a shooting that occurred in Florence early in the morning on Saturday, July 6. Three more people are in the hospital but are in stable condition, according to Florence Police, who are characterizing the incident as a mass shooting.?

Police officers were dispatched to a house on Ridgecrest Drive at around 2:50 a.m. Saturday. By the time the police arrived, the suspect had already driven away from the scene, a written police statement reads. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene and three more were transported to UC Hospital, where they are currently in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

Florence Police Chief Jeff Mallery identified the four victims at a press conference Saturday afternoon: 20-year-old Shane Miller, 20-year-old Hayden Rybicki, 19-year-old Delaney Eary and 44-year-old Melissa Parrett. One of the victims was the home owner.?

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the victims,” Mallery said at the press conference, visibly emotional.

LINK nky’s content sharing partner WCPO had crews on the scene and interviewed a neighbor, who said at around 2:15 a.m. after he left a party, he heard what he first thought were fireworks. At the press conference, Mallery added that police officers had heard gun shots upon their arrival at the house.

A 21st birthday party was being held for Parrett’s son at the time of the shooting, Mallery said.

Mallery said other partygoers told officers the shooter fled in a vehicle. Officers were able to track down the suspect and attempted to stop him near Farmview Drive and US-42, but the suspect fled again. A chase ensued. Finally, the suspect drove off the road into a ditch on Dale Heimbrock Way near Hicks Pike. The officers located the suspect with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gun shot wound. He was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital, where he died. Authorities don’t believe Garvey was invited to the party, but he was known by other partygoers, Mallery said.

The suspect has since been identified as 21-year-old Chase Garvey, who was a convicted felon from a previous sex offense, but Mallery said they don’t believe that is connected to the shooting. Records from the courts and the Department of Corrections indicate that Garvey was on probation for a felony charge of unlawfully transacting with a minor in 2021. He was sentenced to five years in prison, but the sentence was suspended in favor of probation on the condition he didn’t interact with the victim, didn’t commit any more crimes, engage in psychological counseling and maintain employment. He was scheduled to come off of probation in 2027.?

Mallery said Garvey’s motive is still under investigation.

“We have never dealt with this before,” Mallery said. “I know it’s gone on throughout the nation, but this is the first time that we’ve had a mass shooting in Florence.”

The Florence Police Department is asking anyone who has any information related to this event to call them at (859)371-1234.

This is a developing story and LINK nky will report more on it as information becomes available.?

WCPO’s Sean DeLancey, Molly Schramm, Krizia Williams & Michael Coker contributed reporting to this story.

This story is republished from LINK nky.

Kentucky House District 67 candidate Brian Ormes admitted to an altercation with a group of juveniles before his arrest inside a Fort Wright Walmart on Monday, according to a police report on the incident.

Ormes, 53, of Southgate has been charged with strangulation first degree, menacing and assault fourth degree stemming from the incident involving a 17-year-old male alleged victim inside the Valley Plaza store around 9 p.m., Fort Wright Police Chief Edward Butler reported Tuesday. The name of the alleged victim has not been released to the media.

A police press release said Ormes “admitted to being in an altercation with the juveniles because of their unruly behavior in the store which he indicated impacted the safety of his child.”

Ormes posted bond Tuesday. He is scheduled to appear in Kenton County District Court on April 16.

According to the official police report on the incident, a group of juveniles inside the store were playing with a ball that almost hit Ormes’ child. Witnesses to the incident allege Ormes became angry and followed the juveniles, putting his hand on the 17-year-old male.

Store video of the incident given to police shows Ormes placing his hands in the area of the alleged victim’s neck, the police report says.

The alleged victim told police he was “unable to breath for a second but never passed out or felt lightheaded” during the incident, according to the police report.

An employee who said she saw the incident told police she saw Ormes put his hand around the teen’s neck.

Ormes is running against Bellevue businessman Terry Hatton in the May 21 Republican primary to replace retiring Rep. Rachel Roberts (D-Newport). The winner of the May 21 election will face Democrat Matt Lehman of Newport in the Nov. 5 general election.

According to reports from LINK’s media partner WCPO, Hatton called for Ormes to drop out of the race on Tuesday.

“He should consider dropping out of the race,” he said. “His actions last night, obviously, he has some personal issues that he needs to address before he can serve the public.”

The Campbell County Republican Party said it is aware of reports of an alleged incident involving Ormes “but do not know any of the details surrounding it, so we have no comment at this time.”

“However, we do firmly support Mr. Ormes’, and every American citizen’s, Constitutional right to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law,” the statement says.

The group noted that it does not support or endorse any candidate in a contested primary race, and would back whichever candidate wins the primary.

“We trust the judgment of the Republican voters here in Campbell County and will support the candidates that they select on May 21st,” the statement reads.

Campbell County Democratic Party Chair Melissa Whalen called the situation “sad.”

“I don’t know how we devolved to this point,” she said.

Whalen said the arrest and Republican response was indicative of larger issues within American politics.

“Obviously, none of us are perfect,” she said, “but there’s a bottom line you should be able to cross.”

Democrat Lehman declined an interview and further comment writing, “Generally, I believe our elected representatives should respect their constituents and serve as responsible community leaders. This is what I intend to do if elected to represent Northern Campbell County in Frankfort.”

Court documents show Ormes posted bond on Tuesday. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 16.

LINK nky reached out to Ormes for comment but has not received a response.

This story is republished from LINK nky. LINK’s media partner WCPO contributed to this report.

Covington City Commissioner Ron Washington speaks at an event. (Photo provided by The City of Covington)

Covington Commissioner Ron Washington threw his hat into the ring for mayor on Dec. 1, three days after Mayor Joe Meyer announced his retirement.

“We have accomplished quite a bit in the past several years,” Washington said in a press release. “But we need to make decisions and take actions that keep the momentum going. I’m ready to do that.”

Prior to sitting on the commission, Washington worked in Florence, where he was the city police department’s first African-American officer. He also worked for the Kenton County Sheriff’s office.

Washington said he hopes, if elected, to focus on economic and workforce development and other measures to build out Covington’s business and cultural landscape.

Current Mayor Joe Meyer announced his retirement at Tuesday night’s city commission meeting.

“It’s time,” Meyer said. “It was a difficult decision. I love this city. Of all the jobs that I’ve had my favorite has been mayor.”

Meyer’s last day as mayor will be Dec. 31, 2024, at the end of his second four-year term as mayor.

Meyer’s decision to not seek reelection came “after 45 years of public life,” he said.

Prior to his time as mayor, Meyer served as the state of Kentucky’s secretary of Education and Workforce Development, a position he left in 2013. He also served in the Kentucky General Assembly for 15 years, where he chaired the House Cities Committee, the Senate State and Local Government Committee and the Senate Education Committee.

Meyer cited his age and a desire to spend time with his family as reasons for stepping away.

“At the end of the next term, I would be 80,” Meyer said. “That’s eight-zero years old, and it is presumptuous of me to believe that I can continue to serve four more years with the same level of energy and drive that this job requires.”

This story is republished from LINK nky.

Tim Hanner

EDUCATE NKY, an organization created to focus on student outcomes in underperforming districts, announced Wednesday that former Kenton County Schools superintendent Tim Hanner will be the nonprofit’s president and CEO.?

“EDUCATE NKY calls for deliberate strategy development, policy alignment and innovative education strategies that drive the future success of our students and their outcomes,” said EDUCATE NKY chair Greg Fischer. “We are excited to have Tim at the helm to steer this effort.”

The board also includes St. Elizabeth CEO Garren Colvin, Tim Fogarty of WCM Holdings, KLH Engineers’ Bob Heil, retired Victory Community Bank President Jack Kenkel, community volunteer Lynn Schaber, Ziegler & Schneider’s Matt Smith and former NKU President James Votruba.?

“We have much to celebrate in Northern Kentucky on the education front, however too many of our students are still left behind, which impacts the progress of our community, our workforce and quality of life,” Hanner said. “I am honored to chart this road map focused on transformational change on behalf of our students.”?

Hanner has more than 30 years of experience in education, in addition to a background in nonprofits and business.?

EDUCATE NKY was incubated and launched in 2023 by the OneNKY Alliance to address positive systemic change in education throughout Northern Kentucky, with specific focus on underserved and underperforming school districts.?

?“The Northern Kentucky Community has successfully addressed complex issues together for many years,” said OneNKY President and CEO Karen Finan. “We must plan for the future NKY – 20 years out – one where education drives the outcomes, and we continue as a thriving community for all. We know that Tim Hanner will create the path forward for this vision.”

This article is republished from LINKnky.

Pictured from left: Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves and City Administrator Frank Warnock. (Photo by Nathan Granger | Link nky contributor)

This article is republished from LINK nky. It was written by contributor Nathan Granger.

The Bellevue City Council gave the first reading of a proposed smoke-free ordinance during January’s monthly council meeting.

The council listened to presentations from Breathe Easy NKY, an alliance of local business and healthcare leaders who were in favor of the ban, as well as comments from businesses owners in Bellevue who allow smoking in their establishments. Council members were broadly in favor of the ordinance.

The proposed law is based off a recently passed smoking ban in nearby Dayton and off of a model ordinance submitted by Breathe Easy NKY. The draft of the ordinance states that smoking would be banned on city property, most places of employment and enclosed public spaces. Fraternal organizations and other private clubs not open to the public would be exempt from the ban. People would also be allowed to smoke outside of restaurants and bars on yards and patios as long as smoke doesn’t enter the building.

The Northern Kentucky Health Department would be primarily responsible for the ordinance’s enforcement, and violation of the law would result in a $50 fine for first offenses with fines increasing for subsequent offenses.

“Most of us in the room know that tobacco use has harmful effects,” said Stephanie Vogel, director of Population Health for the Northern Kentucky Health Department and one of the representatives from Breathe Easy NKY.

The coalition was also represented by Dr. Michael Gieske, a doctor of family medicine at St. Elizabeth Physicians. The two of them presented a PowerPoint slide show displaying some of the data related to tobacco use in Campbell County and Kentucky generally. Sources of the data included The American Cancer Society and The American Lung Association among others.

The data painted a grim picture.