Matt Kelley

Local bikers will be revving their engines for a good cause this Sunday. The third annual Poker Run is scheduled for August 19th, and the proceeds will go to help children have a better Christmas. WNKU’s Matt Kelley talked to event coordinator Kenny Jones about the” Christmas in August” fundraiser for kids. (to get more information or register for the Poker Run contact Kenny Jones at 502-514-2450 )

On September ninth the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Cincinnati Parks and Recreation are hosting the One-hundred Fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the Black Brigade. Freedom Center Spokesman Richard Cooper says there will be events at Smale Park all day, followed by a concert from the Cincinnati Pops. WNKU’s Matt Kelley caught up with Cooper to find out more about the celebration. ( get details at www.nurfc.org)

Black bear sightings in Kentucky are increasing this summer as drought conditions worsen across the state. People in populated areas, such as Lewis County have reported spotting the animals as recently as last week. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Mark Marriccini talked to WNKU’s Matt Kelley about the increasing numbers of bears in the Bluegrass.

Young professionals of Cincinnati works are using their influence to impact impoverished people around the Tri-State with an online event titled “Labor of Love”. Director Peggy Zink says it’s a fundraising opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of its members and staff. WNKU’s Matt Kelley caught up with Zink to find out more about Cincinnati Works. ( get more information about Cincinnati Works at www.cincinnatiworks.org or to help with their campaign visit www.razoo.com)

The Boone County Public Library and the Brighton Center are launching a year-long series of financial workshops called “Earn, Spend, Save” to help people of all ages manage their money more effectively. Library Spokesperson Carrie Herrmann says the initiative is being made possible through a grant from the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. WNKU’s Matt Kelley talked to Herrmann to find out more about the program.

The Cincinnati Community Toolbank will officially open tomorrow. Spokesperson Kat Pepmeyer says it’s a lending resource dedicated to helping charitable and non-profit organizations by making tools available at a fraction of the rental cost. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Pepmeyer where the idea for a discount tool lending program came from. ( get more information at www.cincinnati.toolbank.org)

Today is the first day of International Service Dog Week, and people around the world will be celebrating the canine workforce and the people who train them. “Working Like Dogs” founder and organizer of the event Marcie Davis says that assistance dogs truly change people lives and they deserve to be recognized for what they do. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Davis what people should know about service dogs.  Get more information at www.workinglikedogs.com or www.internationalassistancedogweek.org.

The term “fracking” is becoming part of our everyday lexicon. But, a recent Ohio Health Issues Poll shows that most people from the state know little or nothing about the practice. Survey spokesperson Kate Keller explained the process and its’ consequences to WNKU’s Matt Kelley. ( to view the poll results go to https://www.healthfoundation.org/ohio-health-issues-poll)

The Kentucky Historical Society is digitizing a newly acquired collection of letters dating back to the the mid-nineteenth century.

Four of Cincinnati’s leading performing arts organizations will present an inaugural concert in the newly renovated Washington Park in Over the Rhine this Friday. The Cincinnati Opera, Ballet, May Festival Chorus and Pops will perform in a celebration hosted by Opera Director Evans Mirageas, and Pops Conductor John Morris Russell.  WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Mirageas if this is the first collaborative effort with all four groups. (get more information at www.cincinnatiopera.org)