Matt Kelley

The Northern Kentucky Health Department is reporting more than 550 cases of the flu have been diagnosed in the region so far this year, and that number may be on the rise. Department spokesperson Kelly Giesbrecht says there’s no shortage of vaccines this year and that people should get inoculated.

WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Giesbrecht if the numbers are high. (get more information at www.nkyhealth.org )

People who received E-Readers as holiday gifts, or took advantage of sales to buy one, will have a place to get free help setting up and using the devices. Boone County Public Library spokesperson   Shaun Davidson told WNKU’s Matt Kelley they’ll have a help desk ready to answer your questions and download books. (Get more information at www.bcpl.org )

The college of nursing at U.C. is making use of new robotic technology in their education, research and practice offerings. Spokesperson Deb Sampsel says she’s excited about the potential of the Intouch RP-7 as both a teaching and a care giving tool. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Sampsel what people can expect to see. (get more information at http://nursing.uc.edu/ )

Several hospitals around the Tri-State are imposing visitation restrictions this holiday season. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Greater Cincinnati Health Council spokesperson Tonda Francis why the restrictions are coming at this time of year.

The Cincinnati ballet will be hosting the annual Nutcracker Luncheon at the Duke energy Center in downtown Cincinnati this weekend. Spokesperson Brittany Von Hoene says it’s becoming a holiday tradition for hundreds of families from around the Tri-State. Von Hoene talked to WNKU’s Matt Kelley about why this is such a great introduction to ballet for kids. (get details at www.cballet.org )

Armchair “Ghostbusters” will have a chance to investigate “Things that go bump in the night” at Music Hall this January. Spokesman Scott Santangelo says new Guided Ghost Tours will allow people to explore places not often seen by patrons attending performances. Santangelo talked to WNKU’s Matt Kelley about why the building has a reputation as one of the areas most haunted places (get more information at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/cincinnatimusichall )

The Kentucky State Police is launching an initiative with several community agencies in the Greenup County area to help curb crime. Sam Castle, spokesman for Pathways Regional Prevention Center says the “Text –A-Tip” program will allow people to contact the KSP about criminal activity… anonymously. Castle explained how the initiative works to WNKU’s Matt Kelley. (to contact the Pathways Regional Prevention Center go to http://www.pathways-ky.org/services/RegionalPreventionCenter.html )

Most people get too busy during the holidays to give much thought to environmental impact of seasonal celebrations. That’s why Liz McGavran and Dr. Jasleen Goel are presenting a workshop this weekend to inspire people to consider “green” holiday practices. McGavaran talked to WNKU’s Matt Kelley about what a problem the leftover wrapping paper alone can be.  ( get workshop information by contacting Liz McGavran at lizmcgavran@gmail.com or call 513.509.1930 )

The deadline for seniors and persons with disabilities to enroll in, or change their Medicare coverage is this Friday. Angela Zeek, spokesperson for Legal Aid in the Bluegrass says her office has been fielding questions about options and changes to the program for weeks. Zeek talked to WNKU’s Matt Kelley about what people should look for in a Medicare plan. (get in touch with Legal Aid of the Bluegrass at www.lablaw.org/ship )