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Rocky Adkins, a former Kentucky Democratic House floor leader, has left his post with Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration. Adkins was serving as the governor’s senior adviser. His last day was Friday, July 10, a press release from the governor’s office said. “Rocky has been an invaluable part of Team Kentucky and our success, and I am grateful to him for his leadership and his friendship,” Beshear said.

The Kenton County Fiscal Court voted unanimously to terminate Animal Services Director Kelly Sauer and Canine Behavior Coordinator Trevor Diaz Waggoner at Tuesday’s meeting. Among the executive orders passed in the latter half of the meeting were three pertaining to the personnel of the Kenton County Animal Shelter. The first order approved Sauer’s termination, followed immediately by another order approving the appointment of Whitney Quint as interim animal services director.

A few Kentucky politicians — mostly Republicans — have confirmed they will be speaking at this year’s Fancy Farm Picnic next month. The annual barbecue picnic, a fundraiser for the St. Jerome Catholic Church in Graves County held the first Saturday in August, has become a longstanding Kentucky tradition for elected officials and campaigning hopefuls. The 2026 picnic is scheduled for Aug. 1 in the West Kentucky town of Fancy Farm.

The attorney for former London Mayor Randall Weddle says that in the spring of 2023 the chief fundraiser for Gov. Andy Beshear’s reelection campaign “destroyed vital evidence” in a pending criminal case against Weddle for making excess campaign contributions to Beshear. Weddle was indicted by the Laurel County Grand Jury on March 31 in an investigation by Attorney General Russell Coleman.

A long-standing effort to make healthcare more accessible took a major step forward Wednesday with the grand opening of Northern Kentucky’s first free full-time health clinic. The clinic is an extension of Faith Community Health Network’s free pharmacy. It is located in the same building as the pharmacy at 601 Washington Ave. in Newport, making it an easy one-stop shop for people to see a physician and pick up prescriptions in one trip. An exam room at the clinic.

The City of Elsmere will enter into a design contract with SHP Architecture and Design for a new public works building. On Tuesday, Elsmere City Council unanimously approved the design and proposed budget of $6.4 million for the project, intended to house all public works offices and vehicles under one roof at 717 Bedinger St. next to Woodside Park. “So, you have the current site and the combination of a couple of out buildings, if you will,” said SHP Director of Development Steve Kenat.

What you need to know Boone County Engineer Rob Franxman will retire July 31 after serving as the county’s top engineer since 2019. Franxman oversaw projects including Rural Water 3.0, the Camp Ernst and Longbranch Road roundabouts, the Graves Road/I-275 interchange, roadway safety initiatives and the county’s long-range transportation plan.

Covington residents can now use an online portal to request one free voucher a month to drop off materials at the Covington Transfer Station on Boron Drive. Redeeming a voucher allows residents to drop off waste materials not allowed in normal waste pick up.

Covington Catholic graduate Luke Maile made his 2026 MLB season debut unforgettable. Called up from Triple‑A Omaha on July 2, the 35‑year‑old Royals catcher stepped to the plate for the first time this season on July 6 and launched a 396‑foot three-run home run off All‑Star left‑hander Cristopher Sanchez. The blast ignited a six‑run first inning and helped Kansas City roll to a 15–1 win over Philadelphia. Maile finished 1‑for‑4 with two runs scored and three RBI.

After a highly successful eight-season run, Sarah Osborne has stepped down as the head coach of the Dixie Heights High School softball team to spend more time with her family. She informed the school of her decision on July 7. “My kids are getting into sports,” said Osborne, also a teacher at the school. “They are 11 and 7 and I want to be around them more because I realize I’ve missed a lot.