This is what you just heard flying overhead...

via Google Images. 

The noise you just heard, which probably scared your dog and made you baby cry was a B1 Bomber, which conducted a flyover for the Reds game for Military Appreciation Night. 

So now that you're here, leave a question. I'm doing an #AskMeAnything podcast this week. Leave a question and I'll answer it. 

NKU Police Investigating "Indecent Exposure" on Campus

Callahan Hall, 3510 Alexandria Pike. Via NKU.edu.

A notice sent out to Northern Kentucky University students today notified them of a male who "(exposed) his genitals in a common area inside of Callahan Hall."

According to the report, the offense occurred last night between 9:30 - 10:15 p.m and it is being described as Indecent Exposure, 2nd Degree.

A preliminary investigation was conducted and an offense report has been completed. This included multiple interviews and evidence gathering. The investigation remains open and significant investigative activity is occurring.

Fort Thomas "Serial Burglar" Couple, Nabbed In Boone County

Meghan Roll and Michael Ritchey. 

On Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at approximately 12:15 p.m. a Fort Thomas, Kentucky married couple were stopped in the 7,000 block of River Road (KY-8) in Hebron, Kentucky and subsequently arrested for committing five home burglaries in the area over a five day period beginning September 22nd.

Fort Thomas Education Foundation Hosts Open House

By Timothy Kirk

Fort Thomas Coffee. 

Last week, the Fort Thomas Education Foundation (FTEF) held a casual meet-and-greet at Fort Thomas Coffee.

The get-together was attended by about 24 people including foundation and schoolboard members, as well as parents from all five of the district’s schools.   The informal gathering, which included refreshments and hors d’oeurves, was intended to inform people about the foundation’s vision of ‘creating a private school experience for all students K-12’ and encourage participation from all families with children in Fort Thomas schools.

The FTEF was founded in 2000 and has raised over $11 million. $9.5 million has funded building renovations across the district.  Nearly $600,000 has been awarded to teacher grants for classroom resources and materials.

Highlands Class of '58 Still Supporting One Another

Highlands classmates come out to support one of their own

Susan (Bertelsman) Gilliam, Joette (Ashbaugh) Garman, Nancy (Vail) McEntire, Gordon “Don” Arey, Catherine (Zastrow) Onyemelukwe and Brenda (Wolf) Strong – All from Highlands Class of 1958

By Kevin Arey

Catherine (Zastrow) Onyemelukwe has led an interesting life.

After graduating from Highlands High School in 1958 and Mount Holyoke College in 1962, she joined the newly formed Peace Corps and was assigned to Nigeria.

Orangetheory Fitness Signs Lease at Newport Pavilion

Newport Pavilion Now at Full Capacity

Via Inland. 

Back in March, Fort Thomas Matters broke the announcement of four new retailers that would open in the Newport Pavilion. 

European Wax Center, Massage Envy, The UPS Store® and Domino’s opened their doors in the 337,300-square-foot center this year. Mike Fitzgerald, vice president and director of leasing for Inland Real Estate Corporation, told FTM he didn't think the final available space at Newport Pavilion would go without a tenant for very long. 

Bluebird Notebook: Rugged part of schedule concludes

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Mitch Schry (62) gets in position in Friday's game at Simon Kenton.

The Highlands Bluebirds football team (1-5) does not like to use injuries as an excuse.

HMS Teacher up for KY Teacher of the Year

Rick Rafferty, Highlands Middle School Modern World Cultures Teacher, has been nominated for Kentucky Teacher of the Year. Rafferty is a long-time resident of Fort Thomas and has taught in the district for 18 years.

"I am certainly honored, but also a bit embarrassed and a lot humbled," Rafferty said about being nominated, adding that he didn't know who nominated him. "When I first received the e-mail notifying me of my nomination I wasn't going to apply. I didn't want attention drawn to myself. I finally told my principal (Mark Goetz) about it and he told me I had to apply. He convinced me I had an obligation to the person who nominated me. The truth is there are multiple teachers in my building and, even on my team, who are just as worthy of the recognition as me."

Photographer & Hair/Makeup Artist Duo To Set Up Shop in The Hiland

Heather Hamlet and Kacy Cierley to offer photography and salon services in The Historic Hiland Building.

Opening in The Historic Hiland Building in mid-October, Kacy Cierley and Heather Hamlet call their joint effort "The Perfect Space."

Cierley of Kacy Cierley Photography photographs newborns, babies and families. Hamlet of Heather Hamlet Beauty is setting up salon space to serve clients in need of hair and makeup, including cuts, color, styling, wedding updos and waxing. Together the duo plans to provide glamour, boudoir and artistic photos, providing clients with both hair and makeup, as well as the photography.

Cierley, a college-educated professional photographer has rented studio space in Fort Thomas for the past three years. "I am looking forward to expanding my business by moving my studio to The Hiland," she says.

Hamlet grew up in the beauty industry, watching her mother, who owned a salon. A licensed cosmetologist, Hamlet has worked for various makeup lines and photographers, as well as in a Fort Thomas salon. "It's a long-time dream of hers to have her own salon," Cierley says. "And we are looking forward to working together on many more exciting projects." 

Hamlet and Cierley have worked together on several projects, and recently decided to join forces. "We will still keep our separate business identities, but we will work together on joint projects as well," Cierley says.

Highlands High School Holds Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Highlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame 2015 Inaugural Class induction ceremony will be held at 4:30pm on Sunday, October 11, 2015, in the Performing Arts Center of Highlands High School.

The class will also be recognized during the Highlands-Dixie football game on October 9th at David A. Cecil Memorial Stadium.

The First Hall of Fame Class was originally announced in June and will be enshrined in the Highlands "Walk of Fame."

Inductees are:

VIDEO: Bret Michaels in Fort Thomas, Kentucky for Merchants & Music

FTM's "MOAB" doing some marketing for the Fort Thomas Matters brand at the Merchants and Music Festival at Tower Park.

Intro, "Talk Dirty to Me"

"Look What the Cat Dragged In"

FTM file. 

"Sweet Home Alabama"

Global Fitness Phenomenon to Open Second Cincy-NKY Studio in Fort Thomas

Barre3, a ballet barre fitness movement, is poised to open its second Cincinnati - Northern KY metro area studio at 90 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas on September 28.

This new location joins the Cincinnati studio located at 9600 Montgomery Rd., which opened in June 2015.

Highlands Graduate Earns Fulbright Award

Robinette in China last year as part of a McConnell Scholars program.

A Fort Thomas native and May 2015 University of Louisville graduate recently learned that she has won a prestigious Fulbright award to teach in Brazil.

Lora Danielle Robinette, who earned degrees in Spanish and political science from the College of Arts and Sciences, is UofL’s 10th Fulbright scholar this year.

She is currently teaching at Jefferson County Public Schools’ Thomas Jefferson Middle School as part of the Teach Kentucky program and taking graduate-level classes in UofL’s College of Education and Human Development to earn a master’s degree in teaching.

Jared Lorenzen Gets Inducted to the Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame This Weekend

Congrats Jared! 

Dale Mueller and Jared Lorenzen at his Hall of Fame induction dinner on Friday. 

Here are some of his many accomplishments on the field, via UK Athletics:

RECAP: Highlands-Simon Kenton

Simon Kenton sends Highlands to fourth straight loss

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior linebacker Luke Lindeman (98) sacks Simon Kenton quarterback Cameron Racke (10) while Jared Dougherty closes in.

INDEPENDENCE - Just after the game started, a rainbow appeared in the sky and many from Fort Thomas thought it may have been the sign of hope the Highlands Bluebirds football team needed.

But after the rainbow disappeared and the first quarter came to an end, the nightmare came back.

TONIGHT + TOMORROW: Polished Pearl to Host International Fair Trade Sale

Check out the International Fair Trade Sale at Polished Pearl TONIGHT and TOMORROW.

Browse more than 40 fair trade vendors at the International Fair Trade Sale, which will take place at Polished Pearl, 118 N. Fort Thomas Ave. "The sale features hundreds of products made by artisans from around the world who are paid a fair wage for their work," says Nancy Caine, secretary of Flutemaker Ministries. "Products range from Asia, Africa, South America and Central America, and include home décor, wood, soaps, jewelry, Christmas décor, ceramics and more."

The sale runs today, Friday, September 25, 5pm to 9pm, and again Saturday, September 26, 10am to 4pm.

Merchant and Music MOAB Style

Everybody knows Fort Thomas is an incredible place to raise your children.  However, when it comes to this year’s Merchants and Music Festival, you may be thinking that “Every Rose has its Thorn” and that the city really struck out for kids in bringing the former  “Rock of Love” star, Bret Michaels, to our community concert.

If you’re thinking that, though, you’d be wrong!

In addition to the former “Celebrity Apprentice”, 80’s rock star, and current alternative country musician’s concert, there are a number of other family-friendly acts as well as alternate entertainment.  See below for the best way to plan your family day at this year’s Merchants and Music Festival.

Food Options:

Highlands', Bailey Spencer, to Sign Letter of Intent

Bailey Spencer. FTM file. DWCPhoto.com

Highlands High School softball player Bailey Spencer will sign a letter of intent to play softball at Cincinnati Christian University.

The signing will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2015, in the media center at Highlands High School.

Spencer is a four-year starting pitcher with an ERA of 2.3 runs per game over that time period.

“Bailey has worked very hard over the years to improve her skill as a pitcher,” said Rob Coffey, Highlands High School softball coach.

Everything You Need to Know About 2015 Merchants and Music Festival Fort Thomas

WEATHER FORECAST:

Updated forecast.

Make sure to visit our #FTMFamily! 

The 12th annual Merchants and Music Festival is a FREE concert. You do not need a ticket. The festival is at Tower Park in Fort Thomas, Kentucky on Saturday, September 26 from 2 p.m. until midnight.

The address is 900 Cochran Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075.

Schedule
There are two stages of music playing throughout the day.

The second stage starts with:
2:00 - Brad Sparks
3:10 - Josh McIntosh & Company
4:20 - Honey & Houston (link)
5:30 - Them Carls
6:40 - What She Said
8:30 - Britney's Lipstick (link)
10:45 - Britney's Lipstick

Main amphitheater stage:
7:25 - Midnight Special
9:00 - Bret Michaels  (YouTube mix)

Merchants
Yes, the music is great, but the reason for the festival is to introduce people to Fort Thomas' incredible business community.

FTM file.

Here are the merchants who will have a booth at the festival (link). Many will be selling food, drinks and merchandise. Make sure to stop by and say hello.

Merchants are divided into different sections:
Kids Zone (sponsored by the Campbell County Y) - Lots of fun things for the kids to do.
Merchants Cafe - Eat/Drink (link)
Merchants MarketPlace - Shop
Merchants Showcase - Learn
USO Tent - As a thank you and recognition to the brave service men and women from our community and the surrounding region, visit the USO Tent to honor our military, past and present.

FTM file. 

Fort Thomas’s rich military history includes the home of Fort Thomas Military and Community Museum and our annual Salute to Veterans event.

Beer

Highlands-Simon Kenton preview

Highlands gearing up for moment of opportunity

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior quarterback Austin Hergott steps into a throw in Friday's game against Louisville St. Xavier.

Many may doubt their chances to win this last game before district play begins.

FTPD Prepares for Merchants & Music Festival

The Merchants & Music Festival brings thousands of people to Tower Park each year. This year's festival is expected to be the biggest to date with a record number of attendees likely to descend upon Fort Thomas. 

The Fort Thomas Police Department is prepared to deal with the crowds, and ready to make sure all the festival-goers safely enjoy the event. 

According to Lt. Richard Whitford, the FTPD won't be the only police presence you will see patrolling the festival. “We have outside agencies that are assisting us on patrol inside the park this year,” said Whitford. “We have the military to assist with National Guard. So we're going to have a heavier presence.”

NKY Music Scene: Britney's Lipstick Bringing Party Rock To Merchants & Music Festival!

The current members of Britney’s Lipstick have been friends and family for quite some time now. They have all been members in other successful projects in the area, and came together to play the genre of music we all have grown to enjoy and love.

"Most people can sing along with our set lists, and remember that 80’s and 90’s party rock era as being super memorable in the history of music.  Young kids today still wear those Poison t-shirts and listen to that music!  We have had a blast playing the 80’s party rock, and have really started to create a name for ourselves by doing it well." explains bass player/vocalist, Rob McCoy.

McCoy coached football and baseball at Highlands from 1995 to 2004.

Amy's Market Hosts Grand Opening - Fort Thomas, Kentucky

Ann Rittinger, Brian Sand, Eric Haas, Amy Lloyd, Debbie Buckley and Tracy Davis welcome Amy's Market to Fort Thomas. 

Amy Lloyd was joined by a contingent of the City of Fort Thomas business community today to officially reopen Amy's Market, which has been revamped and rebranded since she bought Convenient Deli Mart last month. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this morning and she is offering special hot breakfast and lunch deals to showcase the store.

Merchants and Music to Add Beer Garden, New Varieties

FTM file. 

The 12th annual Merchants and Music event has evolved from it's early stages in the Central Business District.

This is the fourth year the event will take place near the amphitheater in Tower Park and adding new features to the event this year is no exception, including a beer garden that will feature special tappings every hour on the hour from West Sixth Brewery.

Fort Thomas City Round-Up (Property Tax Vote - 9-21-15)

The City Council Chambers were full Monday night to see two police officers and one firefighter pinned. FTM file. 

By Amanda Joering Dibiaso

Pinning of Badges
It was a packed house as the Fort Thomas City Council meeting was called to order Monday, September 21. Friends and family of two new additions to the police department and one new addition to the fire department filled council’s chambers to witness them receiving their badges.

Fire Chief Mark Bailey pins a badge on new firefighter Sam Behrle.  

Fire Chief Mark Bailey pinned a badge on new hire Sam Behrle: (picture) and Police Chief Mike Daly pinned a badge on new hires Sean Donelan and Matthew Marksbury.

Chief Mike Daly administers the oath of the police offer to Marksbury and Donelan. FTM file. 

The council, city staff and Mayor Eric Haas welcomed the new hires to the city. Haas said Fort Thomas is a very safe city “because of the police and fire department and everything they do to keep us safe.”

Senator Wil Schroder was in attendance and said he had the pleasure to work with both Donelan and Marksbury in his former position of assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Campbell County.

“You really picked up two great officers,” Schroder said to the council.

Bob Heil Day
Interim City Administrator Ron Dill read a proclamation honoring Bob Heil for his dedication to the city.
Heil, who has served on the city’s planning commission since January of 1995, is retiring from the volunteer position.

The proclamation included making Thursday, Oct. 1 “Bob Heil Day” in Fort Thomas.

Merchants & Music Prep

Carmel Manor to Expand and Renovate Facilities

FTM file. 

To keep serving the needs of the community, Carmel Manor is working on an exciting new expansion project which includes an addition to our existing building and some key renovations.  Construction is currently underway for a new addition that will feature a Rehabilitation Center, a Memory Care Center and an enclosed Memory Garden.

Included in the project is the renovation of the existing nursing facility to allow for additional private rooms and upgraded amenities.

Merchants and Music Festival Vendors

The Merchants & Music map will be handed out upon arrival at the festival. Click image to see bigger.

The 12th Annual Merchants and Music Festival will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and run until midnight.

Bret Michaels, will come on the main amphitheater stage around 9:00. Katie Walters, festival consultant and emcee for the event said that there will truly be something for everyone.

"Whatever the reason that you attend on Saturday, you'll find something fun to do. From family activities to food, to shopping or music. This is going to be one of the biggest events in Fort Thomas history. People will look back on this and talk about it for years afterward," she said.

A beer garden has been added and the second music stage has been relocated near the mess hall to alleviate crowd congestion.

The festival was originally established to spotlight Fort Thomas businesses and that theme is carried on to today. Here is a list of merchants who will have a booth set up at the all-day long music festival, starting with the FTM Family member businesses.

A vendor list for the festival. Click to see bigger. 

FTM Family

In Other Words: A Vet Can Mend a Person Too (But Not How You Think)

By Chuck Keller 

Lydia Staggs left Fort Thomas to study marine biology.  And now she is a vet at Gulf World Marine Shores but also works at a local veterinary clinic in town. She has rescued dolphins from hurricanes and mends puppies and kittens and birds. But this story is different from the “Guess what the dog swallowed” variety. I will let Lydia tell her tale:

As some of you may know, I'm a full time aquatic animal vet, but what many of you don't is that I still work one day a week at a small animal practice. I've been working at Bayside [Fort Walton, Florida] since I graduated from veterinary school and still love my dog and cat time. Since I'm only there one day a week my schedule is normally filled with "Dr. S" clients who are awesome. However, this has lead to an unexpected dilemma.

Amy Leigh Brings Fort Thomas History to Life

Amy Leigh shares Fort Thomas history with local fourth graders.

As a group of fourth-grade students walk through Tower Park toward the historic water tower, they shout "Mrs. Leigh! There's Mrs. Leigh!" 

This past Friday students from all three Fort Thomas Independent Schools elementaries gathered at Tower Park for the culmination of their two-week stint studying Fort Thomas history. Earlier Amy Leigh took groups of fourth graders on historical walking tours of Fort Thomas. Friday she was stationed at the water tower to, once again, time travel with children.

As far as Fort Thomas history teachers go, Leigh is near perfect. She grew up in Fort Thomas. As did her parents. As did theirs. And her love and knowledge of the city once called the District of the Highlands is evident.

The Renaissance Board Needs Your Help For Merchants & Music

FTM file. 

The 12th Annual 2015 Merchants & Music will take place on Saturday, September 26 from 2:00 p.m. to midnight. The Renaissance Board has been preparing for the event since last year's event, which featured Dustin Lynch, Frankie Ballard and Trick Pony.

But they can't do it alone.

"We are gathering all of our resources which have been in the planning for a year now.  Each year we grow bigger and bigger and hopefully better and better," said Merchants and Music Chair, Linda Slone. "As we grow, we find ourselves in need of more volunteers and this year is no exception."

If you can volunteer your time, here is what the Renaissance Board of Fort Thomas needs you:

Two New Hires To Be Sworn into Fort Thomas Police Department

Sean Donelan, via Wilder Police Department Facebook page. 

Chief Mike Daly announced the hiring of two new officers at the city council meeting last month.

The retirement of Officer Brad Adams created an opening for the hiring of another officer in the Fort Thomas Police Department. Adams had been with the force for 13 years. During his time with the FTPD, he served as Detective in the Investigations Unit for ten years.

Sgt. Sean Donelan, from the Wilder Police Department, and Ofc. Matthew Marksbury, from the Newport Police Department, were hired and will report for their first day today and will both be sworn in in front of city council tonight.

History of Kentucky's Governors (1859-1871)

By Paul Whalen 

2015 is a Gubernatorial election year, with Republican candidate Matt Bevin set to take on Democratic candidate and current Kentucky Attorney General, Jack Conway. 

Fort Thomas resident, Paul Whalen, continues his look into the history of Kentucky's Governor's that will take us up to present day.  

 

BERIAH MAGOFFIN

1859-1862 Term

Beriah Magoffin the son of an immigrant from Ireland was born in Harrodsburg in 1815.   He was a graduate of Centre College and the law school at Transylvania.

Prior to his election as governor in 1859, he practiced law and was active in Democratic politics at a time when Democrats were in the minority and Whigs were the majority party until the mid-1850s.  Magoffin was appointed Harrodsburg Police Judge in 1840 by Whig Governor Letcher.  Magoffin was elected to the Kentucky Senate in 1850.  He was the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor in 1855 but lost to the “Know-Nothing” or American Party candidate.

Magoffin was elected Governor in 1859.  His views were similar to those of many southerners.  He accepted slavery and believed in the enforcement of the “Fugitive Slave Act”. In 1861, Kentucky’s legislature was comprised of Unionist majority.

Fort Thomas Partipates in "Tell A Police Officer 'Thank You' Day"

If you'd like to participate, I will personally come to your house to paint a stripe. - Mark Collier, Editor/Publisher FortThomasMatters.com 

National ”Tell A Police Officer 'Thank You' Day" is today.

The initiative, started in 2012 by the Whole Truth Project, seems to be running in conjunction with another movement started by small business owner Anthony Welichko, called the "Safe Harbor Initiative." 

The idea revolves around painting a "thin blue line" on your curb to show your support and appreciation for local police. He floated the idea on Facebook and more than 65,000 people have shared it.

His post reads:

The Safe Harbor Initiative:

Bluebird skid hits three straight for first time since 1976

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior wide receiver Ryan Conley (99) goes out for a pass in Friday's game against Louisville St. Xavier. 

For most of the season, it has been a nightmare.

That bad dream continued Friday for the Highlands Bluebirds football team in a 37-6 loss to the Louisville St. Xavier Tigers in a battle of tradition-rich teams. The 23-time state champion Bluebirds and 12-time state champion Tigers have used their depth to wear down opponents historically.

Highlands notebook: Last win over Tigers came in 1996

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior defensive back Taylor Perez (35) attempts to make a tackle in Friday's loss to Louisville St. Xavier.

The last time the Highlands Bluebirds football team beat the Louisville St. Xavier Tigers came in 1996.

Ruth Moyer Santa House Has a New Location

By Jessica Duke

Ruth Moyer Elementary, one of the three Blue-Ribbon Elementary schools in Fort Thomas, has a history of tradition. Santa House, first organized over 40 years ago, is Moyer PTO's single fundraiser that helps cover expenses beyond the school's operating budget, such as software, iPads and playground equipment.

With Ruth Moyer Elementary currently under construction, Christie Hosea and Michelle Tinkler, Santa House Co-Chairs, partnered with the Fort Thomas Recreation Department to move Santa House to the Armory.

Colonel De Signs Lease with Hiland Building in Fort Thomas

Colonel De's is planning to spice up Fort Thomas after signing a lease on September 17 for the Historic Hiland Building in Fort Thomas.

The gourmet herbs and spices shop has been open for nearly 10 years at Findlay Market. It also has locations at the Friendly Market in Florence and Jungle Jim's in Eastgate. The owner, De Stewart, said his Fort Thomas location will be the headquarters of his operations.

It will be his fourth shop.

Top This Donut Bar Signs Lease for Hiland Building in Fort Thomas

FTM file. 

Top This Donut Bar; a new Cincinnati based specialty donut shop is planning to open a third location in Fort Thomas in December at The Highland Building, 18 N Ft. Thomas Ave.

A lease for the space formerly occupied by Smitty's Barbershop was signed this morning and the Top This Management Team will have a presence at that location tomorrow during Art Around Towne.

Fort Thomas School Board September Meeting Round-up (September)

FTM file. 

By Amanda Joering Dibiaso

The Fort Thomas School Board held their monthly meeting Monday, September 14, with all board members present. Here’s your round-up:

Student Showcase: 
Moyer Elementary School students presented their “7 Habits of Happy Kids” project to the board. The project involved the students creating a calendar featuring the 7 habits:
1. Be proactive, 2. Begin with the end in mind, 3. Put first things first, 4. Think win-win, 5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood, 6. Synergize and 7. Sharpen the saw.

The calendars are now displayed in all classrooms at Moyer to serve as a reminder to students to practice these habits.

Highlands High School Renovation updates:

Highlands-Louisville St. Xavier preview

Bluebirds aim to avoid first 1-4 start since 1939

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior defensive back Sam Taylor (44) tackles Ryle's Mitchell Bateman (35) in Friday's non-district game. Highlands hopes to avoid its first three-game losing streak since 1976 against Louisville St. Xavier on Friday.

The next opponent may be the tradition-rich St. Xavier Tigers from Louisville.

Gov. Beshear Announces Grant Awards for Heroin, Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment

Funding will go to mental health, residential treatment facilities

FTM file. 

Governor Steve Beshear today announced that community mental health centers and residential treatment facilities across the state will receive more than $3.5 million in grants to help treat prescription drug and heroin abuse, and address neonatal abstinence syndrome in Kentucky.

The grant program is part of Senate Bill 192, Kentucky’s landmark heroin legislation passed by the 2015 General Assembly with the support of Gov. Beshear to address Kentucky’s widespread substance abuse problem.

Funding for the grant awards is part of a larger allocation of funds attached to the heroin bill.

“Substance abuse continues to be one of the most stubborn, damaging public health and safety issues facing our Commonwealth,” Gov. Beshear said. “Not only has this scourge exacted a tremendous toll on our social services, workforce, economic stability and growth, but it’s also caused immeasurable suffering for thousands of families, and its impact is now reaching the most innocent and vulnerable – newborns. This grant funding will help us reach more people and get them the treatment they need to overcome their addiction.”

When Gov. Beshear took office in 2007, Kentucky had little money to attack the challenge of substance abuse.

“But through innovative strategies and bold initiatives, we were able to make tangible progress,” he said. “We’ve worked across party lines to target methamphetamine, prescription drug abuse, synthetic drugs and, most recently, heroin.”

Gov. Beshear Orders Flags to Half-staff KSP trooper killed in the line of duty

Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff Friday in honor of a Kentucky State Police trooper killed in the line of duty.

Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder, 31, was shot after a traffic stop around 10:20 p.m. Sunday on Interstate 24. Ponder had been on the force less than a year.

“Jane and I are deeply saddened by Trooper Ponder’s death, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family,” Gov. Beshear said.

Ponder, of Rineyville, graduated from the state police training academy in January and was assigned to Trigg County, in the Post 1 District.

The Village Players Of Fort Thomas Season Opener Begins Friday.

The Village Players of Fort Thomas invite you to the 2015-2016 season opener:

Wait Until Dark.
Written by Frederick Knott
Directed by Patrick Downey
Stage Managed by Rachael Hawkins

September 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 & 26

A sinister con man, Roat, and two ex-convicts, Mike and Carlino, are about to meet their match. They have traced the location of a mysterious doll, which they are much interested in, to the Greenwich Village apartment of Sam Hendrix and his blind wife, Susy.