Kenton County

The Kenton County Fiscal Court is recognizing April 6-12, 2025, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Kenton County. Established by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an annual observance focusing on honoring crime victims as well as emphasizing the importance of victim rights, such as the right to be heard in criminal justice proceedings, the right to restitution and the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Kenton County Attorney Stacy Tapke presented the proclamation on behalf of the Fiscal Court to the Hon. Denise Durbin, Special Counsel for the Kentucky Attorney General and former Executive Director of the Office of Victims Advocacy who accepted on behalf of Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman.

Ever wondered what happens behind the walls of the Kenton County Detention Center (KCDC)? Now’s your chance to find out! We’re launching our first-ever Citizens Academy, a six-week immersive program designed to give residents an inside look at how the Detention Center operates and its critical role in public safety. “KCDC is one of the most vital yet often misunderstood parts of public safety,” said Kenton County Jailer Marc Fields. “This program is about transparency and helping residents see the full picture.” Academy Details: Starts: April 17 (Thursday evenings, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) Duration: 6 weeks Limited to 20 participants – Apply now! Apply online at bit.ly/KCDCcitizens Deadline: April 15

This week our very own Det. Andrew Kenner of the Kenton County Police Department was recognized by the Cincinnati Reds as the team's First Responder of the Game! Major league thanks to the Reds for giving Andrew the public praise he deserves for his dedication to our residents. A Kenton County native, Andrew joined our team in 2020, and earlier this year, he was awarded the Excellence in Criminal Investigations Award from the Northern Kentucky Police Chiefs Association for 2024. The award highlights an investigator that displayed exceptional effort and management of a unique or long-term criminal investigation. Thank you for all all your hard work Andrew!

Team Kenton County is proud to wear blue in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month! 💙 By raising awareness, we stand together to protect children, support families and build a brighter future for our community. Every child deserves a safe, happy and healthy life. Join us in spreading awareness and making a difference!

Here's when the Kenton County Fiscal Court will meet in April: 📅 Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 8 Location: Historic Kenton County Courthouse, Independence 📅 Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 22 Location: Kenton County Government Center, Covington Agendas for each meeting are published online the Friday prior on KentonCounty.Org. Any residents wishing to speak must sign in prior to the meeting's start. Can't join us in person? Follow along online via our partners at the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky.

SparkHaus is more than a workspace—it’s a launchpad for entrepreneurs. And today, we’re excited to announce a partnership that will make an even bigger impact. SparkHaus is joining forces with DAV (Disabled American Veterans) to empower veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, helping them turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Through this collaboration, DAV will use SparkHaus as a hub for its Patriot Boot Camp, which provides free startup education, mentorship, and community support to help veterans succeed as founders and job creators. “There are more than 1.6 million veteran-owned businesses in America, and we want SparkHaus to be part of as many of those entrepreneurs’ journeys as possible,” said Dave Knox, Blue North Executive Director & member of the DAV National Veterans Entrepreneurship Council. But it doesn’t stop there. SparkHaus will also be home to veteran-led firms like Sunflower Fuels and eGateway Capital, led by former military officers who are driving innovation in bioenergy and venture capital. 👉 If you’re a veteran or military spouse looking to start or grow your business, SparkHaus is here for you. Let’s make an impact—together. Learn more at KentonCounty.Org #VeteranEntrepreneurs #DAVPatriotBootCamp #SparkHaus #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

The Kenton County Fiscal Court has approved a $26M apartment project, The Bavarian, to be built atop the County’s new parking garage in Covington. This partnership with Merus (the next era of Al. Neyer) and Urban Sites will bring up to 125 residential units, ensuring the site’s optimal use and adding vitality beyond business hours. Construction is set to begin once the garage is complete later this year. The County’s new 248-space garage, replacing parking lost to the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project, will serve the Kenton County Government Center and the surrounding area. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reimbursing up to $15M for the garage’s construction. "Preserving the historic Bavarian Brewery site was the first step in revitalizing Covington’s 12th Street Gateway,” said Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. “Now, The Bavarian will build on that progress by bringing new energy to the area.”

Congratulations to our very own Joe Shriver, Kenton County Administrator, who received NKU Master of Public Administration (MPA)'s Distinguished Alumnus Award. Joe is a dual NKU graduate, earning his MPA and law degree from the school. As part of last week's celebration, he was inducted along with 11 other students and alumni into the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society (PAA). PAA membership identifies and recognizes individuals with "the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers." We're grateful for the roughly 25 years of leadership and service Joe has given to Kenton County.

Today members of the Kenton County administration and treasury teams decked out in their favorite collegiate apparel to celebrate the start of the NCAA tournament. Our crew was representing schools far and wide, from Ohio University just up the road in Athens to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels and of course, our University of Kentucky Wildcats! #MarchMadness

History lovers and beer enthusiasts alike—did you know the Kenton County Government Center holds an incredible collection of artifacts documenting the legacy of the Bavarian Brewery? Located in Covington, Bavarian Brewery was more than just a place where beer was made—it was a pillar of the community, a story of resilience and a reflection of the region’s rich German heritage. Thank you to our friends at the Behringer-Crawford Museum and Ried Schott for taking some time this week to change out our display cases on the second floor. These items tell the story of a business that weathered Prohibition, wars and economic shifts, leaving behind a lasting impact on Northern Kentucky’s brewing industry. What can you find in this unique historical collection? 🏛️👀 🔹 Vintage Beer Bottles & Cans – See how Bavarian’s packaging evolved over the decades, from early glass bottles to classic tin cans. The intricate designs and branding reflect a golden age of American brewing. 🔹 Historic Photographs & Advertisements – Take a look at snapshots of the brewery’s heyday, from bustling production lines to vintage ads that once enticed customers to grab a cold Bavarian Beer. 🔹 Employee Memorabilia – Bavarian Brewery wasn’t just a business—it was a family for many workers. The collection includes items that give us a glimpse into the lives of those who worked there, from uniforms to company newsletters. Even though Bavarian Brewery closed its doors in 1966, its legacy lives on through these remarkable artifacts. This collection is a must-see for history buffs, beer aficionados and anyone who loves a great local story! 📍 Visit the Kenton County Government Center to explore this one-of-a-kind historical exhibit and raise a glass (figuratively!) to the rich brewing heritage of Northern Kentucky! Learn more at bavarianbrewery.org #BavarianBrewery #KentuckyHistory #BrewingHeritage #NorthernKentucky #KentonCounty #HistoricBreweries #BeerHistory #FlashbackFriday