Matt Kelley

The nation will be celebrating the birthday of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday. But MLK Dayton will be commemorating Dr. King all month long. Chairman Anthony Whitmore says that the civil rights movement continues…even today. He explained the theme of this year’s events in Dayton to WNKU’s Matt Kelley. ( get more information at www.mlkdayton.org )

The 17th Annual Mainstrasse Village Mardi Gras celebration is only a few weeks away; and spokesperson Donna Kremer says there’s still time to sign up and participate. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Kremer why this New Orleans style event is so popular in a German influenced neighborhood.  (get ticket and schedule information at www.mainstrasse.org )

A clinical trial at the University of Cincinnati is looking at how a patient’s own stem cells may be used to treat angina. Spokesman Doctor Neal Weintraub says the treatment may provide an alternative to traditional methods of addressing the condition. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Weintraub to describe how the procedure works (for more information about this and other cardiovascular disease clinical trials please call 513-558-2273 ).

The Northern Kentucky Health Department wants people who are struggling to quit smoking to know that they’re offering a free online class to help. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked spokesperson Megan Folkerth how the Cooper-Clayton online method differs from other smoking cessation programs. (get more information about the program at www.nkyhealth.org )

January is National Radon Action Month, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is urging people to test their homes for the deadly gas. EPA spokesman Bill Long says about one in fifteen homes in the country show some level above acceptable standards. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Long what radon is, and how it gets into our homes. (get more information at www.epa.gov/radon )

     The Scioto county Board of Developmental Disabilities’ “Vocation Station” is now a certified Community Rehabilitation Program through the State of Ohio. Spokesperson Laurie Green says the designation will enhance funding and several other opportunities. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Green what the certification will mean to the community. (get more information at www.sciotodd.org )

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/ )