Local entrepreneur Baron Shirley is adding to the recent surge in redevelopment efforts in downtown Covington by opening the "OTR-like" Inspirado restaurant at 715 Madison Ave.

The Northern Kentucky Chamber will recognize individuals who have shown exceptional community service and chamber volunteerism at its 2015 Annual Dinner on Sept. 17 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.

Both Newport and Covington announced this week new jobs expected to arrive in their respective downtowns. Each city used their incentive packages to lure two companies to either side of the Licking River. 

Kathlyn Burkhardt, superintendent of Erlanger-Elsmere Schools, published a guest opinion column in The Cincinnati Enquirer to announce a new initiative to provide access to high-quality early learning for all 3- and 4-year-olds in Northern Kentucky.

The Northern Kentucky District Board of Health has selected Julie Metzger Aubuchon, OD; Jack Lenihan, DMD; and Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman as officers for its fiscal year 2016.

The Salyers Group and partner Aparium Hotel Group of Chicago completed the real estate and financial closing this week for the $21.5 million Hotel Covington project and set a goal to open in summer 2016.