Fort Thomas Matters Fort Thomas Matters

Rep. Adam Koenig speaks to Mark Collier on HB 137 (Sports Wagering bill)

The measure has passed (19-0)  by the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Wednesday morning.

Under the measure, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission would be the state body that oversees sports betting.

It provides for sports wagering only to be permitted at Kentucky racetracks, a professional sports venue, or by an online or smartphone app.

According to the bill, some of the professional events that could be bet on include the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the Professional Golfers Association, NASCAR races and others.

College sporting events would include those sanctioned by the NCAA and NAIA, but not any games where a Kentucky team is playing.

International events such as the Olympics and World Cup soccer could also be available, if approved by the racing commission.

Several other events within a game to be bet on could be included, such as a coin flip before a game, the result of a putt, results of a baseball player’s at-bat, and the result of a field goal attempt.

The bill also places restrictions on who can wager, including participants in a sporting event.

Those who obtain licenses to operate a sports wagering venue would have to pay an initial $500,000 fee, with an annual renewal fee of $50,000.

The legislation defines “sports wagering” as the placing of wagers on the outcomes of professional sports contests and other events in conformance with federal law and as authorized by the racing commission at tracks and through advanced deposit wagering.

That language, according to opponents, leaves some wiggle room on the type of gambling that would be legalized, specifically where it says “and other events…as authorized by the racing commission.”

Similar legislation sponsored by Koenig won passage from the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee during the 2019 legislative session, but never came up for a floor vote.

This year’s version has 22 co-sponsors in the 100-member House.

Fort Thomas resident, Trevor Steinhauser, started a podcast called Stigmatized. 
Mark Collier interviews Trevor about why he started it, what listeners can expect and why it will appeal to everyone. 
It's launch will begin in August 2019 and will feature stories of awareness, education, hope and community. 
RELATED: Trevor Steinhauser's story on Fort Thomas Matters 
From his website: 
"I am a fearless advocate for all things to do with behavioral health. Having been down this road, I am passionate about helping others. I myself am in long term recovery and have talked to hundreds of people over the last few years. I feel it is time for everyone to have the opportunity to hear from a wide range of amazing people. Listening to the stories of others is a therapeutic way to address these issues. In this podcast we will explore the human condition through real and raw conversations. We all have a little crazy is in us so we are going to have fun along the way while raising awareness for this community that seems to be perpetually STIGMATIZED."
 

Interview with resident Disney expert and Fort Thomas Independent School Superintendent, Dr. Karen Cheser. 
 
Fort Thomas Education Foundation Fundraiser - Disney World Package Giveaway ($3000 value)
 
Hotel accommodations donated by Dr. Karen Cheser and Scott Richards, benefits go toward Fort Thomas Education Foundation. 
 
$20/ticket, drawing Friday, May 24. To buy tickets email FTEFDisneyRaffle@gmail.com 
or call 859-815-2004.
 

NKU Basketball Player Writes Scathing Editorial on Coach's Behaviors
Link to the story.
A Northern Kentucky University basketball player published an editorial on the behavior and antics of Head Coach Camryn Whitaker, in which she characterized the coach of bullying and abusive behavior.
Taryn Taugher, a redshirt junior from Freeland High School in Michigan, published an article today in The Odyssey Online in which she describes the tarnished relationship she and other players have had with Whitaker.
The Odyssey is a crowdsourced media model, allowing authors to submit content to be placed on their site.
Taugher took to social media to release her editorial.
"I am finally speaking out about the abuse my teammates and I have endured for 3 years now at Northern Kentucky University. This needs to stop now," she wrote.
The article, entitled, "Behind Closed Doors: Abuse In Northern Kentucky University Women's Basketball Program" details Taugher's conversations and alleged abuse that she and other athletes have been exposed to under Whitaker.
She writes: "The emotional abuse by current head coach has lasting effects on its players. But, it ends here.
There is a deep, dark, hidden secret that lies within the women's basketball program at Northern Kentucky University which has been swept under the rug by the athletic department for three years."
Taugher, has appeared in 84 games for the Norse since 2016, starting in 21 of those games.
A fellow NKU basketball player, Shar'Rae Davis, posted video corroborating Taugher's story. Other teammates have since agreed with Taugher’s story on Facebook and Twitter.
Northern Kentucky University released a statement on the allegations:
"The well-being of our student-athletes is of the utmost importance and when concerns are raised about our programs, they are appropriately reviewed, evaluated, and addressed.
The university is aware of complaints surrounding the women’s basketball program. We recognize the courage it takes to share personal stories. We have taken these complaints seriously and they have been thoroughly reviewed separately by the Title IX and Athletics offices, and addressed in accordance with university policy. There are ongoing efforts to improve communications and relationships between the program’s leadership and student-athletes.
We are committed to fostering a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment for anyone who is a part of our campus community. Our students’ voices will be heard and the Athletics office will continue to monitor and assess our programs, taking appropriate corrective actions as needed.”
Whitaker was named the fifth head coach of the Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball program by Director of Athletics Ken Bothof on May 6, 2016.
Whitaker had coaching stints at Kentucky, Dayton, Missouri State and Austin Peay. A native of Cynthiana, Kentucky and Harrison County High School, she played five seasons at Western Kentucky University, leading the Hilltoppers to 97 wins and postseason berths in each of her seasons.

Ryan Poston was murdered on October 12, 2012.
Mark Collier talks intimately with Jay Poston, Ryan's father, and Campbell County Commonweath's Attorney, Michelle Snodgrass. 
After a sensational trial in the Campbell County, Kentucky circuit court, Shayna Hubers was convicted of murder on April 23, 2015. She was sentenced to 40 years in the Kentucky Department of Corrections on August 14, 2015.
On August 25, 2016, Hubers' conviction was overturned on appeal when one of the jurors in her murder trial was revealed to be a convicted felon. Hubers was convicted of murder during her second trial on murder charges for the killing of Ryan Poston on August 29, 2018.
The jury recommended a life sentence and she will be sentenced on October 18, 2018.

Joined by Tyler Owen. 
Why Didn't Fort Thomas turnout?
What happened in the Southern end of the county? 
What does this mean for general elections. 
 
Mark Collier and Owen take a deep dive into the data.