LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 2, Issue 35 - August 2, 2024

KENTON

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 35 — AUGUST 2, 2024

THE VOICE OF NKY

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Resource officer funding beefed up with school safety law

By Rebecca Hanchett

A

s a new school safety law that will allow armed military veterans and former police to patrol schools took effect last month, state officials touted funding for sworn law enforcement on school campuses.

State education finance official Matt Ross reminded superintendents in a July 9 webcast about new state funding available to offset the salary costs of school resource officers – sworn law enforcement officers specifically trained to work with schoolchildren. Based on new state budget language, districts will be reimbursed up to $20,000 for each campus that employs at least one on-site, full-time certified SRO, said Ross.

Lawmakers included $34.5 million in the 2024-26 state budget to cover the reimbursements. The new state budget cycle began July 1.

The earmark showed continued support for SROs despite a 2024 law allowing nonsworn armed guards, called “Kentucky Continues on page 3

A new Kentucky law will partially reimburse school districts across the state for the salaries of resource officers they hire to protect students at campuses like Highlands High School in Fort Thomas. SROs are required at schools under a 2019 state law.Photo by Alecia Ricker | LINK nky contributor

Too many fireworks on Fourth ignore law, residents say

By Haley Parnell

W

eeks after July 4, concerned residents are wondering what can be done to enforce residential fireworks laws better.

Newport resident Mel Bomprezzi addressed the Newport City Commission on July 22 after a house on the west side of the city caught fire July 4 from fireworks.

Strict enforcement of fireworks laws is nearly impossible on the Fourth of July, police say. LINK file photo

“Do we think that there’s preventative action that can take place with the law here?”

Bomprezzi said. “I know you guys are probably tired of hearing this. I’ve emailed all of you; have gotten different responses from ‘You’re the only guy and your son that are complaining about this.’ There’s now a pe-

tition out there with upwards of 165 signatures on it.”

The petition Bomprezzi referred to was started July 12 by a “concerned Newport citizen.” At last count it had nearly 180 signatures.

Kentucky state law prohibits shooting fireworks within 200 feet of a structure, a person or a vehicle. It also prohibits anyone under age 18 from shooting fireworks.

“The way we approach trying to make every resident as happy as possible throughout my 20 years is obviously to listen and do everything we possibly can,” Newport Police Chief Chris Fangman said. “Most residents have their own special interest on how they Continues on page 5

Covington marks changing of guard in fire, police departments p5 Bonds likely to pay for new city hall in Covington p7 Bryant inspires Bluebirds with snappy knee recovery p13

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PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling MANAGING EDITOR Meghan Goth SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison The LINK nky Kenton Reader is a weekly newspaper.

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A new Kentucky law will reimburse school districts to hire resource officers to protect students. Adobe Stock | Photo provided Continued from page 1

guardians,” to be hired by local boards of education starting in the fall of 2025. Part of a larger school safety law created with the passage of 2024 Senate Bill 2 that took effect July 15, the guardian law has been called a stop-gap measure to help districts struggling to hire SROs as required under a 2019 law.

State lawmakers backing SB 2 in the last legislative session said around 600 public school campuses in Kentucky do not have SROs, LINK’s content partner, the Kentucky Lantern, reported in April.

“I would hope that we all want what’s best for a school that doesn’t have any coverage at all,” SB 2 sponsor Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, told his peers as the armed guard bill cleared a legislative committee last spring.

Guardians hired under the bill will work on campuses without at least one certified on-site full-time SRO as required by law. Only honorably discharged veterans, retired Kentucky state troopers, retired special and sworn law enforcement and former federal law enforcement officers certified by the Kentucky Center for School Safety can serve as guardians under SB 2, and only “until a certified school resource officer is available” starting with the 202526 school year.

Because they are not sworn officers, guardians will not have the power to make arrests. SROs have that power, with a majority, 69.3%, consulting with school administrators before making an arrest, according to a 2024 report from the Kentucky Center for School Safety.

Kentucky has about 789 school resource officers across 613 public school campuses, KCSS reported this year. In 2023, the center reported 686 SROs across those campuses.

In 2022, that number was 523.

In Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties, there were 65 SROs based on last year’s reporting, according to James Poynter, NKY’s regional representative for the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers.

Poynter is a Grant County deputy sheriff and SRO. “Boone County had the most with 30, followed by Kenton with 24 and Campbell with nine,” Poynter told LINK nky in an

email. “Those numbers are by county, not school district or police department,” he said. “These numbers are based on last school year’s reporting. Agencies continue to add SROs every year.”

Districts that intend to participate in the SRO reimbursement program had to let the Kentucky Department of Education know by July 31, Ross told superintendents earlier in July.

Also joining the July 9 webcast was state Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, a former Lawrence County Schools superintendent who took over as commissioner on July 1. Fletcher reminded superintendents that reimbursement will be dispersed per campus, not per school.

Kentucky has more than 1,470 public schools – more than double the number of campuses reportedly served by SROs in fiscal year 2024, which ended in June.

Funds not spent on SRO reimbursement will be turned over to the state’s budget reserve trust fund, also called the rainy day fund. The balance of the fund topped $3 billion before lawmakers approved significant spending on infrastructure projects in the 2024 budget session.

In fiscal 2024, over $11.4 million in school safety funds were allocated to 174 public school districts (the state’s 171 county and independent school districts plus the Kentucky School for the Deaf, Kentucky School for the Blind, and Model Laboratory School in Richmond), according to the KCSS 2023 annual report. Of that amount, SRO programs received 35%; alternative education programs came in second at 23%.

State lawmakers have appropriated over $243 million for safe school efforts since 1999, as reported by the Kentucky Center for School Safety.

NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS OF DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY, INC. RECOVERY BY ENVIRONMENTAL SURCHARGE OF DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY, INC.’S AMENDMENT TO ITS 2021 AMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PLAN PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. (“Duke Energy Kentucky” or “Company”) is filing with the Kentucky Public Service Commission (“Commission”) on or about July 19, 2024 in Case No. 2024-00152, an Application pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 278.183 for approval of the construction of the Limestone Conversion Project (Project) located at its East Bend Generating Station (“East Bend”) and an amendment of the Company’s Environmental Compliance Plan to include the Project for the purpose of recovering the capital and operations and maintenance (O&M) costs associated with the Project through an increase in the environmental surcharge on customers’ bills beginning March 1, 2025 under the Company’s existing Rider ESM, also known as the environmental surcharge mechanism. The total capital cost of the Limestone Conversion Project in the Company’s Amended Environmental Compliance Plan is estimated to be $125.8 million.

Federal and state environmental regulations require Duke Energy Kentucky to build and upgrade equipment and facilities that produce energy from coal to operate in an environmentally sound manner. Specifically, the Company is seeking Commission approval of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the construction and operation of the Project. This construction project requires an amendment of Duke Energy Kentucky’s Amended Environmental Compliance Plan that was approved by the Commission in 2022.

Additionally, Duke Energy Kentucky is seeking an order approving the recovery of the costs of the Project through its Environmental Surcharge tariff.

The Project is required for the Company to continue to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s federal Clean Air Act, and other environmental requirements that apply to Duke Energy Kentucky facilities used in the production of energy from coal. The total capital cost of the Project for which the Company is seeking recovery at this time is estimated to be $125.8 million. O&M costs related to the Project will be similar to O&M costs incurred today and are not distinguishable.

The impact on Duke Energy Kentucky’s customers is estimated to be an increase of 1.0% for residential customers and 1.0% on average for nonresidential customers in 2025, 2.8% for residential customers and 2.7% on average for non-residential customers in 2026, 2.1% for residential customers and 2.1% on average for non-residential customers in 2027, 1.8% for residential customers and 1.7% on average for non-residential customers in 2028, and 1.8% for residential customers and 1.8% on average for non-residential customers in 2029. For a Duke Energy Kentucky residential customer using 1000 kilowatt hours per month (kWh/mo.), the initial monthly increase is expected to be $1.32 during 2025, $3.63 in 2026, $2.72 in 2027, $2.25 in 2028, and $2.33 in 2029.

The rates contained in this notice are the rates proposed by Duke Energy Kentucky; however, the Kentucky Public Service Commission may order rates to be charged that differ from the proposed rates contained in this notice. Such action may result in rates for consumers other than the rates in this notice.

Any corporation, association, body politic or person with a substantial interest in the matter may, by written request within thirty (30) days after publication of this notice of the proposed rate changes, request leave to intervene; intervention may be granted beyond the thirty (30) day period for good cause shown. Such motion shall be submitted to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 615, 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602-0615, and shall set forth the grounds for the request including the status and interest of the party. If the Commission does not receive a written request for intervention within thirty (30) days of the initial publication the Commission may take final action on the application.

Intervenors may obtain copies of the application and other filings made by the Company by requesting same through email at DEKInquiries@dukeenergy.com or by telephone at (513) 287-4366. A copy of the application and other filings made by the Company are available for public inspection through the Commission’s website at http://psc.ky.gov, at the Commission’s office at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and at the following Company office: Erlanger Ops Center, 1262 Cox Road, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. Comments regarding the application may be submitted to the Public Service Commission through its website, or by mail at the following Commission address.

For further information contact: PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY P.O. BOX 615 211 SOWER BOULEVARD FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 40602-0615 (502) 564-3940

DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY 1262 COX ROAD ERLANGER, KENTUCKY 41018 (513) 287-4366

AUGUST 2, 2024 3

Continued from page 1

feel we may need to do something, whether it’s marijuana, whether it’s drinking, open alcohol containers, whatever level of seriousness, and from our perspective of having six to eight officers a night we need to put our resources where they’re best put.”

Fangman said probable cause is necessary to cite someone for setting off fireworks illegally. He also said they have to be caught in the act, which can be difficult.

“I think everybody knows across the country, Fourth of July, there’s a bajillion fireworks being shot off at any given point,” Fangman said. “Much like any other resident that comes to me about stop signs for speeding. These are things that occur so frequently on any given street in America at any given time.”

Bomprezzi isn’t the only concerned Camp-

bell County resident who has raised the topic of fireworks. John Geiger, a resident of Darlington Creek in Alexandria, spoke to Campbell County Fiscal Court at its July meeting. He said no spot in his subdivision is 200 feet from a structure or vehicle as the state law requires.

“I called the police department and was laughed at by a dispatcher,” Geiger said. “I talked to a police officer who said he would come out and tell them to stop, but, if they don’t listen to him, there’s nothing he can do. I don’t agree with that because people were setting off fireworks 40 feet from my house.”

He asked the fiscal court if some kind of enforcement could be done.

“The police do have the authority to confiscate fireworks if they’re breaking the law,” Campbell County Attorney Steve Franzen

said. “You are correct; the law does require they be 200 feet from a structure. Nobody complies with that law, including Riverfest and all of the other celebrations that we have around the Fourth of July.”

Franzen said the fireworks law is extremely hard to enforce. He suspects this is the case not just in Campbell County but across the country. Because of that, Franzen recommended that Geiger reach an agreement with his neighbors.

“It is not uncommon for the legislature to pass a law that is not practical,” Franzen said. “In my opinion, that’s kind of what we have with this.”

Campbell County Police Chief Craig Sorrell said that, because the volume on July 4 is so large, his department tends to focus on people setting off fireworks at midnight or 1 a.m.

“Our society works best when people police themselves,” Sorrell said. “There’s not enough police in the country to police every person. We have to as a community come together on things and try to find some resolutions.”

In Newport, the firework-related fire on July 4 was described by Newport Fire Chief Frank T. Peluso as causing minimal damage and no injuries.

“It seems that the fireworks that were aerial displays contacted an electric line, which caused some shorting which did result in a very small fire that was actually extinguished with a garden hose,” Peluso said.

“They were incredibly lucky, and so were we, and the aerial fireworks are where the problem is both statutorily and being in such a condensed area.”

Newport City Attorney Dan Braun said he has been discussing fireworks with Newport City Manager Tom Fromme and Newport Assistant City Manager John Hayden to see if anything can be changed locally.

The Newport commissioners expressed interest in revisiting their ordinances to examine what could be done and consider precautionary measures.

“I agree that ordinances that have been in place at least for a little while or before some of our time, it’s worth looking at them,” Commissioner Julie Smith-Morrow said. “I’ve spent a little time looking at what some others across the state have been doing, and it feels like it’s kind of a tough spot.

So I think whatever we can do about that, I’m up for looking at it. I’m also very interested in us looking for more educational and safety precautionary notes to be put out there.”

Bomprezzi offered his help to the city in trying to find new solutions.

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Newport resident Mel Bomprezzi addresses the Newport City Commission about fireworks. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

4 AUGUST 2, 2024

“I really do think the community wants to do something about this and that petition will continue to grow,” he said. “I know resources are limited. I love this city, I’ve been here 12 years, but it’s getting pretty concerning. I mentioned in January ‘What if a fire happens?’ and one did. If this isn’t the right venue, please tell me what is. We need to revisit this and say does it need to have a permit? Does it need to be in a designated area?”

Covington celebrates fire, police promotions, retirements

By Nathan Granger

C

ovington celebrated retirements from and promotions in its fire and police departments, with most of those involved honored at the July 16 city commission meeting. In total there are seven retirements and 10 promotions, effective July 31 and Aug. 4, respectively.

“We’re losing a lot of experience, so obviously that creates a void, but we’ll be able to fill that void quickly,” said Covington Fire Chief Corey Deye in a city announcement.

“Our older firefighters have been working for years to teach and train the next generation, to foster and develop talent.”

The retirees shared over 100 years of experience among them. Friends and family members of the honorees packed the commission chambers. Nearly all the seats were filled, and uniformed service members lined the chamber’s back wall.

Some members honored had served multiple roles in their respective departments.

Others numbered among the original recruits for specific programs or had even started new programs.

Retiring from Covington’s fire department are, top row from left, Battalion Chief John Martin, Capt. Todd Wyatt, Engineer Rob Languth and Firefighter-Paramedic Brian Boyers. Retiring from the police department are, bottom row from left, Capt. William Kelley, Specialist Ron Allen and Officer Sarah Cruey-Lusardi.

Photos provided | City of Covington

New police Lt. Douglas Haubner, for instance, was one of the city’s first two community liaison officers. Newly retired fire Capt. Todd Wyatt, on the other hand, was one of the original 16 paramedics the city hired when its departments began training its members in advanced life support, a set of emergency protocols designed to keep patients in critical condition alive until they can receive more advanced treatment.

“I’ve enjoyed the job,” Languth told commissioners, “but I know I’m getting older, and this job takes a toll on your body. So I know it’s time to hang it up and move on to better things in life and enjoy some retirement.”

• Capt. Todd Wyatt after 20 years of service.

• Engineer Rob Languth after just over 23 years of service.

• Firefighter-Paramedic Brian Boyers after six years of service in Covington.

Newly retired Officer Sarah Cruey-Lusardi was integral in establishing a community youth program.

“We were the original medic class that came in here that changed the department,” Haubner said. “A lot of good changes have happened since then.”

“She started what is now known as the Sleigh Bells and Sirens program, benefiting children in our community during the Christmas season,” said Police Chief Brian Valenti in a city announcement. “During the past several years, the program has swelled to over 30 kids.”

Fire Department promotions • Capt. Patrick Averbeck to battalion chief.

• Lt. Dennis Hoyle to captain.

• Lieutenant Kyle Masson to captain.

• Engineer Matthew LaFontaine to lieutenant-paramedic.

• Firefighter-Paramedic James “J.P.” Navin to lieutenant-paramedic.

• Firefighter-Paramedic Keith Goff to engineer-paramedic.

• Firefighter-Paramedic Rob Huser to engineer-paramedic.

Newly retired fire engineer Rob Languth, meanwhile, was the force’s only internal paramedic class, meaning he got his paramedic training while already on the job. “[Languth] decided to better his education in the middle of his career,” Deye said at the commission meeting, “which I think is outstanding.”

Here’s a complete list of the retirements and promotions.

Fire Department retirements • Battalion Chief John Martin after nearly 25 years of service.

Police Department retirements • Capt. William Kelley after 23 years of service in Covington.

• Spec. Ron Allen, after 28 years of ser-

vice, making him the most senior officer in the department.

• Officer Sarah Cruey-Lusardi after 21 years of service.

Police Department promotions • Lt. Joshua Haggard to captain.

• Sgt. Douglas Haubner to lieutenant.

• Spec. John Coulter to sergeant.

“I say it every time, and it bears repeating,” said city commissioner Shannon Smith, “thank you for your service, and thank you to every family member in here because it’s a group effort.”

“To be a good firefighter [or] to be a good police officer, you have to have really strong family support,” said Mayor Joe Meyer at the meeting. “So on behalf of all of us, I want to thank those of you who are family members for the love, for the support and for sharing your loved ones with the people of Covington as they really pursue these honorable professions that help make our community better.”

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AUGUST 2, 2024 5

Kentucky now allows for Public Notices to be published digitally on LINK nky’s website.

You can find public notices for the following organizations on our site at https://linkreader.column.us/search

PUBLIC NOTICE City of Alexandria Legal Notice Pole Barn Removal Release Date: 7/25/2024 Bids Due: 3:00 pm August 1 The City of Alexandira is accepting bids for the complete removal of an approximate 3,700 sq ft pole barn located at 8822 Constable Drive, Alexandria KY, 41001. The facility must be dismantled from its current condition but may be reused and salvaged in accordance to the desires of the winning bidder. Sealed bids shall be mailed or delivered to the Alexandria City Building at 8236 West Main Street, Alexandria KY 41001 by 3:00 pm on August 1st. More information can be found on the city’s Webpage at: https://alexandriaky.org/legal-ads-bids/ or by contacting the City at 859-635-4125. The City of Alexandria reserves the right to accept any Bid, to reject any and all Bids, to waive any irregularities or informalities in awarding the Bid, and to accept what, in its opinion, is the most responsive, responsible and best bid which is in the best interest of, and most advantageous to, the City.

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NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 23-CI-01556

NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-00412

NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 23-CI-01095

BUY THE BEST FRANCHISE, INC. VERSUS} LINDA S. NOVAKOV, ET AL

PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VERSUS} JAMIE L. INGRAM, ET AL

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VERSUS} THE UNKNOWN HEIRS/BENEFICIARIES/LEGATEES/DEVISEES OF ROBERT GREELEY, ET AL

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 2, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 16, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered APRIL 16, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 2050 EVENING STAR UNIT 236-A UNION, KY 41091 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 051.01-11-236.01 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $103,050.00 GROUP NO.: 5058

ADDRESS: 6516 MAIN STREET PETERSBURG, KY 41080 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 001.20-01-001.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $101,307.25 GROUP NO.: 1066 & 1067

ADDRESS: 763 PLUM TREE LANE ERLANGER, KY 41018 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 071.00-04-252.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $136,297.11 GROUP NO.: 896

The complete legal description is particularly set out in the Judgment and Order of Sale entered in this case.

TERMS OF SALE: The property shall be sold as a whole. The purchaser may pay all or part of the purchase price in cash, and may pay the balance of the purchase price on a credit of 30 days after date of sale; said credit shall be granted only upon the execution by the purchaser of bond, with surety thereon, and said surety shall be a lending institution authorized and doing business in Kentucky, or a reputable fidelity or surety company, authorized and doing business in Kentucky, and only if said surety be acceptable to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court; and an authorized officer of the surety must be present at the sale or must have given the Commissioner adequate assurance of its intent to be surety prior to or at the sale; and said Bond shall be, and shall remain, a lien on the property sold as additional security for the payment of the full purchase price, and shall have the full force and effect of a Judgment; and said Bond shall bear interest at the rate provided by the Judgment up to Twelve (12%) Percent per annum until paid. The purchaser shall be required to pay the sum of 10% of the bid amount in cash or certified check on the purchase at the time of sale.

The successful bidder at the sale shall, at bidder’s own expense, carry fire and extended insurance coverage on any improvements from the date of sale until the purchase price is fully paid, with a loss payable clause to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court.

Failure of the purchaser to effect such insurance shall not affect the validity of the sale or the purchaser’s liability thereunder, but shall entitle, but not require, a lien holder herein, after giving notice to the Commissioner, to effect said insurance and furnish the policy or evidence thereof to the Commissioner, and the premium thereon or the proper portion thereof shall be charged to the purchaser as purchaser’s cost.

The property shall be sold subject to ad valorem taxes for the year 2024 and all subsequent years thereafter; easements, restrictions and stipulations of record; assessments for public improvements levied against the property, if any; existing zoning ordinances, statutes, laws, or regulations; and any facts which an inspection and accurate survey of the property may disclose. BIDDERS SHALL BE PREPARED TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS. All sales are “as is” and the Plaintiff, the Master Commissioner, and the Court shall not be deemed to have warranted title of the real estate to the purchaser.

FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THESE SALES AND OTHER UPCOMING SALES CAN BE FOUND AT www.boonecountyky.org (Link to Department/Agencies to Master Commissioner) PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS ARE ADVISED AND ENCOURAGED TO REFER TO THAT WEBSITE FOR ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS.

6 AUGUST 2, 2024

NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 23-CI-00167

NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-00604

WATERSIDE TAX SERVICE COMPANY, LLC VERSUS} PATRICIA HOLUB, ET AL

LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC VERSUS} TARA MAE WALLACE

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 16, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 2, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 8428 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD FLORENCE, KY 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 062.00-24-152.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $2,553.02 GROUP NO.: 1172

ADDRESS: 14 CATALINA DRIVE WALTON, KY 41094 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 078.09-10-020.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $199,645.54 GROUP NO.: 1653

Bonds likely to pay for new Covington city hall

A preliminary rendering of Covington’s new city hall. The project is expected to cost $26 million. Provided | Elevar Design Group

An aerial view of Covington showing the location, outlined in pink, of the new city hall on Scott Street.

Provided | Elevar Design Group

By Nathan Granger

a deficit in the city’s general fund. Much of the shortfall can be traced to declining tax revenue following the institution of workfrom-home arrangements among the city’s larger employers, particularly Fidelity, which employs about 5,500 people out of its Covington campus.

W

hen Covington in October released initial renderings of its new city hall, officials said the city would likely take out municipal bonds to finance the project, although there was little discussion of the details.

There is now a better idea of the budget for the project: $26 million, according to city documents. How will the city pay for the building in the face of its struggles to bring in more revenue?

Money for the new city hall will likely be secured through general obligation bonds.

These debt instruments will be secured in conjunction with an even broader restructuring of the city’s overall debt load. Neither the debt restructuring nor the bonds for the city hall have been approved yet by the city commission.

General obligation bonds are one of several common debt measures cities use to back capital projects. Newport, for instance, sought general bond funding early this year for a new parking garage. What distinguishes general obligation bonds from other debt instruments, such as industrial revenue bonds, is that they are backed by the city itself.

Here’s how they work: The city solicits investors to buy bonds, in this case $26 million worth, which will provide the city with cash to finance the building’s construction.

The city is then fully on the hook to pay

back the principal of that debt plus any interest. In a scenario where the project fails to generate revenue for the repayments, the city would have to make up the money some other way. In a time of fiscal stress, that could entail raising taxes.

The bonds for the city hall would be on a 30-year term, meaning the city would be scheduled to pay off the bonds’ principal and interest by 2054 if approved. City documents show the total payoff amount for the bonds, including interest, to be about $56.5 million.

The restructuring of the city’s remaining debt, on the other hand, is a way of controlling the amount of cash the city has to pay toward its debt every year. It’s a trade off – refinancing can increase cash flow, but it often extends the life of the debt.

“Cities restructure debt for lots of reasons,” said Janet Harrah, professor and senior director for the Center of Economic Analysis and Development at Northern Kentucky University. “It might be to get lower interest rates. It might be to improve their cash flow.”

Harrah did not comment on the city hall project itself, but she said that restructuring debt doesn’t necessarily indicate something bad has happened. “That might not be the case at all.”

Covington’s finance director, Steve Webb, had proposed restructuring debt during the city’s most recent budget talks as a way of increasing cash flow in the face of

As a result of work-from-home arrangements, Fidelity began remitting payroll taxes to the jurisdiction where the employees were completing their work rather than the office’s location. This meant that, employees that work from home outside Covington were taxed in their home cities, even though they were officially employed at the Covington complex.

Fidelity began calling its workers back into the office in February, but the finance department’s projections showed that major operating expenses would likely exceed revenues in fiscal year 2026. In spite of this, Webb has expressed optimism about the city’s financial picture over the past few months, frequently saying the city’s performance exceeded expectations.

The city’s current debt load puts total debt payments at about $73 million through 2037. The proposed restructuring, along with the $26 million in new bonds for city hall, would add about $107 million to that payment total and extend the payments through 2056. It would also reduce the amount in yearly required payments for some of the city’s past debt.

but, in the long run, Webb and the city’s elected officials have placed their hopes in the city’s economic development, especially at the former IRS site, as a means of solving the city’s financial woes.

Webb said he was confident that tax revenue generated by the former IRS site would be more than enough to handle the city’s debt. “In a matter of years, that’ll be millions and millions of dollars added to the tax base, from payroll tax, net profit tax, property tax, insurance license fees.

“That’s why we do this,” he said. “This is an investment in that.”

The design committee for the new city hall met with the project’s general contractor in July to discuss refinements to the building’s design. City Manager Ken Smith updated commissioners about it at a subsequent commission meeting.

“I’m very pleased with the finished product, the final product,” Smith said. “I believe the design is actually better than it was before we went through the cost-saving options.

The next steps are completing the remaining design and engineering[, which] will allow the general contractor to give us a guaranteed maximum price. And we were still hoping and expecting to break ground this fall.”

The design documents to which Smith referred are not yet available for public review.

The debt restructuring is a way of dealing with the city’s shortfall in the short-term,

AUGUST 2, 2024 7

kenton county briefs Road construction drives frustration among Kenton mayors

running through the counties’ many cities.

Common concerns include spotty communication as well as a lack of clarity about the cabinet’s plans and how they might affect local life. Cities have little direct power over what happens to state roads.

port will move to the new location. The company’s head brewer, Andy Smith, formerly worked at Hofbräuhaus in Newport.

“One of the main reasons of doing [the Covington] location was so we could start looking for something a little bit more permanent that felt like us up in the Northern Kentucky area,” said Kelly Hieronymus, West Sixth’s marketing and creative director.

“They’re giving up their money,” Fette said of the property, “so that’s how bad of an experience it was.”

Curb cut construction on Kenton Lands Road in Erlanger. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Frustrations with road construction on state roads occupied much of the discussion at the July 20 meeting of the Kenton County mayors group. Members expressed concern about how construction at access points off state roads affected the property values of adjoining commercial buildings.

Some argued that it discouraged commercial development.

The topic was broached by Erlanger Mayor Jessica Fette, who pointed to a specific property near the intersection of Dixie Highway, Ky. 25 and Kenton Lands Road.

A Taco Bell formerly operated there. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s curb cut construction had closed off the access point Kenton Lands Road such that the property could be reached only by right turns on and off Dixie Highway.

By Fette’s reckoning, the construction had shrunk the property’s market value, discouraging redevelopment and leaving the building abandoned. “What we’re hearing is that it’s going to drop that value of that property down from $1.2 million to about $600,000 to $800,000,” she said.

Neither the developers nor property owners were at the meeting to confirm Fette’s figures, and she did not have contact information for them on hand. LINK nky is trying to contact the owners and developers for additional comment and corroboration.

Whether the perception is accurate in Fette’s example, frustration with the transportation cabinet is a frequent topic among municipal governments in the region, owing to the many state-administered roads

Paul Meier, mayor of Crestview Hills, described a similar situation with a TGI Friday’s on Turkeyfoot Road, which has undergone a similar right-in, right-out access change. According to Meier, the state has been slow in getting the project done, although he did not speak to the construction’s effect on the nearby properties’ values.

Mayor Chris Reinersman of Independence mentioned a similar situation in Ohio along Beechmont Avenue in the early 2000s, where the state authority closed many of the road’s access points.

“They redid the Beechmont corridor, and they took out a lot of access points,” Reinersman said, “and I know people were up in arms about it.”

Property owners can appeal a road closure, but cities themselves had less power of appeal, Fette said. Laura Tenfelde, director of infrastructure engineering for Kenton County Planning and Development Services, said a mixed use development at the former Drawbridge Inn site in Fort Mitchell had made such an appeal.

“You can send letters and supporting documents,” recommended Pat Crowley of the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Apartments Association.

“They were ignored,” Fette said.

Representatives from the transportation cabinet did not attend the meeting, nor did the cabinet respond to LINK’s request for comment by print deadline.

West Sixth Street. The site was previously Flying Axes.

West Sixth officials spoke with LINK nky about its vision for the new facility and what residents can look forward to once it opens later this year. “Our goal was always to be the brewery of Kentucky,” said co-founder Ben Self.

The venture coincides with West Sixth’s new partnership with Walton-based distributor Chas Seligman Distributing Co., which Self hopes will extend the brewery’s reach in NKY. The building at 100 W. Sixth also has served as a fire house and then as the site of the well-known Mick Noll’s Covington Haus.

Noll died in 2016, and West Sixth is reviving the name as a nod to the building’s history.

Self said the location will also include a restaurant. Its menu, he said, is still being developed, but he stated that the restaurant would serve lunch and dinner. Overall, the building would be “family-friendly.”

“We are very happy to see another new life for the Covington Fire House No. 1,” said Mick Noll’s son, Ludwig Noll, in a news release.

“We see these moves as an intentional reinvestment in this area we’ve always been a part of, and it allows us to lean on the Northern Kentucky roots of some of our staff,” Self said.

West Sixth’s decision “to incorporate the name of the first restaurant after its conversion from a firehouse to a gathering place, Covington Haus, is a fun reference to the past and a fitting nod to Mick Noll and the entire Noll family,” Covington Mayor Joe Meyer said in the same release.

Lexington’s West Sixth to honor NKY connections in new Covington Haus Lexington-based West Sixth Brewing recently announced that it would open a new location in Covington, dubbed the West Sixth Covington Haus, on, appropriately,

A smaller bar at Newport on the Levee called the West Sixth Box Park will be phased out in favor of the new Covington Haus. Staff and management from New-

Applications are now open for this new, immersive leadership program that helps new and emerging professionals form deeper connections to our region.

Learn more at NKYChamber.com/EncounterNKY

The goal, both Self and Hieronymus said, is to have about 20 beers on tap at an L-shaped bar in a back corner of the building. Seating and tables will be of various sizes, including some lounge seating, and the brewery hopes to have a small alcove near the rear of the building for semiprivate gatherings. Hieronymus said the location should be able to accommodate about 100 people.

Further, Hieronymus said, West Sixth hopes to preserve much of the building’s interior features, playing into its efforts “to honor the history of the building.” She gave the example of the pine beams – originally from Oregon – in the building’s hung ceiling, a holdover from its days as a fire house.

West Sixth’s main taproom and production facility is in Lexington. The company also operates a location in Louisville and a 120acre complex in Frankfort that not only serves its signature brews but also sports a disc golf course, hiking trails and biking trails.

Encounter

8 AUGUST 2, 2024

This building on West Sixth Street in Covington will be the site of the Covington Haus. Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Self said the bar should be open by fall. The restaurant is to open later in the year.

Scribble Park gives street art a home in Covington Street art now has a place to stay and feel welcome in Covington.

Creative collaborators from across the Tristate, along with Covington Economic Development officials, met July 18 at 14 Pete Rose Pier, otherwise known as Scribble Park, to celebrate and discuss the impact that street art and the creation of this space have had on the community.

kenton county briefs

Popular muralists such as Joshua Stout have their work featured on the floodwalls of Scribble Park.

Hailey Roden | LINK nky

Panelists were chosen by Covington Creates, an organization that hosts quarterly meetups to foster collaboration between attendees at each event. They also encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries to come together and share their knowledge and ideas.

Among the artists at the event were: • Marc Phelps: co-founder of AlloyFX, creator of Clive the Alien on Scott Street.

• Janet Creekmore: user-experience designer, artist and community builder.

• Carus Waggoner: art designer and fabricator, owner of Second Sight Spirits.

• Dave Rickerd: mural and portrait painter.

• Jay Becker: BLDG founder and president.

unless the fine or amount due is paid immediately, they will come to the person’s location in order to arrest them,” the announcement reads.

last week – we did come together on those,” Kenton County Administrator Joe Shriver said. “I’m happy where we’re at with Dugan & Meyers.”

“New approaches include the scammer saying a ‘gag order’ has been issued by the judge and that the victim cannot tell anyone about the call because then the situation will be worse. They insist that you not hang up to prevent checking with the real agency!”

The garage will be toward the rear of the government center, bordering Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, also known as 12th Street. It will have 248 parking spaces, most underground.

The announcement concludes by saying that law enforcement agencies and other official organizations will never call about missed jury duty, outstanding arrest warrants or unpaid fines. Likewise, agencies will never ask anyone to pay for something over the phone, whether using cash, checks, gift cards, credit cards or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.

Contact the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection at 888-4329257 to report scams.

County OKs contract for government center parking garage construction

“Cov Creates is really about creating places for creatives to come together,” said Beau Broering, AGNT graphic design studio’s head of marketing and content. “It’s a lot of creation to come together and collaborate, cohabitate, commiserate and just be a part of the community.”

Following the session, guests explored areas of the park while mingling with Covington officials, panelists and members of Cov Creates.

Kenton police warn residents against aggressive scammers The Kenton County Police Department issued an announcement this week warning residents against what they described as “aggressive” scam calls.

“The scammers will push their potential victim not to hang up the phone, saying,

A rendering of the new parking structure at the Kenton County Government Center without the apartment complex on top. Rendering by Gresham Smith provided by Kenton County Planning and Development Services

Kenton County Fiscal Court has approved a contract for Cincinnati-based general contractor Dugan & Meyers to build a large parking garage behind the county government center in Covington. The vote took place at the July 9 fiscal court meeting.

The county selected Dugan & Meyers as the project’s contractor in October. “The major terms we have been working on together

Kenton County also approved an order for the firm to spend no more than $300,000 on preconstruction services, up from an initial allotment of $133,000. Shriver said the firm ran over that allotment in May due to a change in the project’s scope.

“They’ve been working in good faith to come to an end,” Shriver said. “I think this is a fair resolution.”

The Kenton County Government Center, at 1840 Simon Kenton Way, now has a surface lot with over 100 spots in front of the building. An additional 160 parking spaces are located under an elevated portion of Interstate 71/75.

Judge-Executive Kris Knochelmann attributed the preconstruction cost difference to the change in the garage’s design, coupled with other site issues. “It was not within their [Dugan & Meyers] control,” Knochelmann said.

Once construction on the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project starts, several parking spots underneath the interstate will be eliminated. The new parking garage will replace the parking lost to construction.

Knochelmann said he hoped the county would still be able to complete the apartment project. However, they’re still working with the city of Covington and the developers on various aspects of the project, including its financing.

In September 2023, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray announced that the state would contribute $15 million toward constructing the garage. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, according to the county.

Ultimately, Knochelmann said the county didn’t want to risk the parking garage getting behind schedule while they sort through details regarding the apartments.

“We don’t want to pause and keep anything behind scheduling any further than it is to make sure that we get the garage part done,” he said.

A multifamily apartment complex is planned on top of the garage. In December, Kenton County announced it had selected Al. Neyer and Urban Sites as developers of the apartment complex. The two firms submitted a joint bid that envisions the complex comprising half one-bedroom units, with studios and two-bedroom units each making up a quarter.

Since its initial approval, Kenton County has greenlit modifications to the parking garage’s design. In late February, the county approved schematic design revisions undertaken by Gresham Smith, the project’s designer.

“They have had to deal with some changes.

You know, some changes in design, some curveballs thrown along the way,” Shriver said. “I’m pretty happy with where we’re at in the process.”

Commissioner Beth Sewell asked if the delays with the development of the apartment complex will negatively impact the development of the parking garage.

Shriver said they would not. He added that the county was moving to a “phased” development schedule for the apartment complex.

“The worst case scenario is that we find out we cannot get the final financing with the developer at this time, and we don’t ever plan to do residential and we have spent more money with the engineering firm to try and make that available – there’s no question that is a reality,” Knochelmann said.

Knochelmann concluded by saying he hopes the developers and Kenton County can agree on financing for the apartments.

In addition to the Dugan & Meyers contract,

AUGUST 2, 2024 9

real estate

Villa Hills home boasts Ohio River views Address: 2096 Angela Court, Villa Hills Price: $1,640,000 Bedrooms: Five Bathrooms: Five (plus three half-baths) Square footage: 4,418 School district: Kenton County County: Kenton Special features: This Villa Hills home features an open floor plan with a first-floor owner’s suite and an Ohio River view. It has a two-story great room with built-in bookshelves and a fireplace, a finished lower level with a media room and five car garage.

NOTICE Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. (Duke Energy Kentucky or Company) hereby gives notice that, in an application to be filed no later than July 1, 2024, Duke Energy Kentucky will be seeking approval by the Public Service Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky, of an adjustment of its Pipeline Modernization Mechanism (Rider PMM) rates and charges proposed to become effective on and after January 1, 2025. The Commission has docketed this proceeding as Case No. 2024-00191.

An exterior view of this Villa Hills home. Photos provided | Susan Huff with Huff Realty

DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY PRESENT AND PROPOSED RATES The present and proposed rates charged in all territories served by Duke Energy Kentucky are as follows: Residential Service – Rate RS Present Rates Rate RS, Residential Service Proposed Rates Rate RS, Residential Service

$0.14/ccf $0.12/ccf General Service – Rate GS

Present Rates Rate GS, General Service Proposed Rates Rate GS, General Service

$0.04/ccf $0.03/ccf Firm Transportation Service – Large Rate FT-L

Present Rates Rate FT-L, Firm Transportation Service – Large Proposed Rates Rate FT-L, Firm Transportation Service – Large

$0.00084/ccf $0.00102/ccf

Interruptible Transportation – Rate IT Present Rates Rate IT, Interruptible Transportation Proposed Rates Rate IT, Interruptible Transportation

$0.00082/ccf $0.00115/ccf

This home offers sweeping views of the Ohio river.

IMPACT OF PROPOSED RATES These rates reflect an increase in gas revenues of approximately $8,772,358 for 2025 to Duke Energy Kentucky. The allocation of this estimated increase among rate classes is as follows: Rate RS – Residential Service Rate GS – General Service Rate FT-L – Firm Transportation Service (Includes DGS) Rate IT – Interruptible Transportation Service

$7,625,987 $1,097,071 $ 29,914 $ 19,387

86.9% 12.5% 0.4% 0.2%

The average monthly bill for each customer class to which the proposed rates will apply will increase(decrease) approximately as follows: Rate RS – Residential Service Rate GS – General Service Rate FT-L – Firm Transportation Service (Includes DGS) Rate IT – Interruptible Transportation Service

$ (1.00) $ (3.90) $ 0.34 $ 29.90

(1.33)% (0.95)% 0.04 % 0.05 %

The rates contained in this notice are the rates proposed by Duke Energy Kentucky; however, the Commission may order rates to be charged that differ from the proposed rates contained in this notice. Such action may result in a rate for consumers other than the rates in this notice.

Any corporation, association, body politic or person with a substantial interest in the matter may, by written request within thirty (30) days after publication of this notice of the proposed rate changes, request leave to intervene; intervention may be granted beyond the 30-day period for good cause shown. Such motion shall be submitted to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 615, 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 406020615, and shall set forth the grounds for the request including the status and interest of the party. If the Commission does not receive a written request for intervention within thirty (30) days of the initial publication, the Commission may take final action on the application.

Intervenors may obtain copies of the application and other filings made by the Company by requesting same through email at DEKInquiries@duke-energy.com or by telephone at (513) 287-4366. A copy of the application and other filings made by the Company are available for public inspection through the Commission’s website at http://psc.ky.gov, at the Commission’s office at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am. to 4:30 p.m., and at the following Company office: Erlanger Ops Center, 1262 Cox Road, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018.

Comments regarding the application may be submitted to the Public Service Commission through its website, or by mail at the following Commission address.

For further information contact: PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY P.O. BOX 615 211 SOWER BOULEVARD FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 40602-0615 (502) 564-3940

10 AUGUST 2, 2024

DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY 1262 COX ROAD ERLANGER, KENTUCKY 41018 (513) 287-4366

A look into this home’s eat-in kitchen.

calendar

August

Friday

Saturday 02

Sunday 03

Ohio River Paddlefest, 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Humbert Ave., Cincinnati. Some 2,000 participants travel through downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft while the Ohio River is closed to motorized traffic. Registration is required; paddlers can choose between the 9-mile paddle or the 4.5-mile Paddlefest Mini. Some rental boats can be reserved in advance. Benefits nonprofit Adventure Crew, which connects city teens with nature and each other. Information: 513-235-9700 or ohioriverpaddlefest.org.

Comedy @ Commonwealth: Dave Waite, 7 p.m., Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. Dave Waite, Kentucky native and Los Angeles-based comedian, shares his offbeat outlook on life.

Admission $15. Information: programming@ commonwealthsanctuary.com or commonwealthsanctuary.com.

Monday

Tuesday

04 Flea in the Fort, 10 a.m.3 p.m., Fort Thomas Mess Hall, 801 Cochran Ave., Fort Thomas.

Handmade artisan craft show with over 70 artists selling their crafts, live music, food trucks, and craft beer.

Information: 859-5721209 or fortthomasky. org/event/flea-in-thefort-10am-3.

05 Union Commission meeting, 6-7 p.m., Union City Building, 1843 Bristow Drive, Union.

Wednesday 06

Boone County Fiscal Court meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Boone County Administration Building, 2950 Washington St., Burlington, fiscal courtroom, first floor. Information: 859334-3571 or boonecountyky.org.

Erlanger City Council meeting, 7-8:30 p.m., Erlanger City Building, 505 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger. Information: erlangerky.gov/ calendar.

Verona Farmers’ and Artisan Market, 11 a.m.3 p.m., Verona Vineyards, 13815 Walton-Verona Road, Verona.

Shop from 30 local farmers and artisans for fresh food, baked goods, fudge, jams, honey, coffee, candles, soap woodworking and Verona Vineyards wine.

Information: veronafarmersandartisanmarket@gmail.com.

Thursday 07

Campbell County Fiscal Court meeting, 5:306:30 p.m., Alexandria Courthouse, 8352 E. Main St., Alexandria.

Information: campbellcountyky.gov.

Southgate City Council meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Southgate City Building, 122 Electric Ave., Southgate. Information: southgateky.org/mayor-city-council.

08 NKY Chamber Annual Golf Outing & Clinic, 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Alexandria City Building, 8236 W. Main St., Alexandria.

NKY Chamber welcomes golfers of all levels with morning and afternoon 18-hole flights plus a nine-hole flight in the afternoon.

Followed by 19th Hole Networking. Registration required. Information: 859-578-8800 or business.nkychamber. com/events.

Erlanger Police Night Out, 6-9 p.m., Silver Lake Park, 110 Division St., Erlanger. City of Erlanger celebrates police department’s 75th anniversary. Information: erlangerky.gov/ calendar.

For more events, scan the QR code or visit: https://linknky.com/events/

Crestview Hills City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., Crestview Hills City Building, 50 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills. Information: crestviewhills.com/192/ City-Council.

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AUGUST 2, 2024 11

streetscapes

Go on a coffee shop crawl in Dayton

By Maria Hehman

Roebling Books and Coffee

When another new coffee shop was announced recently on Sixth Avenue in Dayton, we decided to take a deep dive into the coffee shops on the street. Each has its own take on the drink and an ambiance for everyone. Grab a friend and have a cup.

The crawl wouldn’t be complete with a visit to this NKY staple. Like its other two locations in Covington and Newport, Roebling Books and Coffee is a hybrid coffee shop and bookstore. This location feels more open than the original, at the foot of the Roebling Bridge in Covington.

Elliott Coffee The entrance, where guests order, has more seating space, and the pops of bright pink add vibrancy. This location is ideal for those wanting to socialize and spread out.

Booklovers just need to step into the room behind the barista bar, where hundreds of books line the wall. Like all Roebling Books and Coffee locations, it’s reminiscent of a home library. Classic literature to new releases, Roebling has a genre for all interests.

With Elliott being the newest kid on the block, it’s only natural we visit it first. Elliott Coffee redesigned an old gas station to an unpretentious space for gathering around a good cup of coffee. The unique space occupies two buildings, a walkup window for ordering that also has outdoor picnic style seating and a second indoor space with seating for larger groups to converse or for you to curl up in the corner with a book and drink.

Elliott’s drink choices include hot and coldbrewed coffee, espresso drinks, matcha and chai. House-made flavors – local honey and salted cinnamon mocha are just two – can be added to any drink. Elliott also has been creating a variety of creative drinks to celebrate its opening. To pair with its beverages Elliott offers light bites of seasonal toasts and pastries.

As with the majority of the spaces in Dayton, Elliott Coffee is very community focused, and in return the community has already shown its support: Community support helped to fund the project.

Unataza Coffee If it weren’t already apparent, good coffee is easy to come by on this street. This Latin

Unataza’s sunlit interior is Latin American-inspired.

Photos by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

American-influenced coffee shop, though, offers flavors you can’t find just anywhere.

The décor exudes Latin American pride: bright, bold colors with plants, pottery and woven basket art decorate the walls. The storefront is nearly all windows, adding extra sunshine to the already bright atmosphere.

This location serves toasts, sandwiches and smoothies to snack on. Roebling’s coffee covers the classics – drip coffee, iced coffee and espresso-based beverages. The specialty drink menu is small in comparison to larger chains, but what Roebling offers is more than a traditional latte. The Redlegs Latte with raspberry and white chocolate is a great sweet treat to kickstart the day.

Their Newspring latte with white and dark chocolate pairs best with the latest edition of LINK.

Featured beverages rotate monthly, but Unataza also offers coffee shop staples with a Latin flair, like a dirty horchata, with espresso, white rice milk, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon and sugar. The featured summer drinks are an iced orange coffee and cafe con miel. These are enhanced with refreshing citrus to beat the heat.

12 AUGUST 2, 2024

Roebling Books and Coffee’s Dayton location offers a colorful and lively seating area.

What to Know If You Go Elliott Coffee Location: 825 Sixth Ave., Dayton Hours: Sunday, closed; Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Website: elliottcafe.com

Unataza Coffee Location: 603 Sixth Ave., Dayton Hours: Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday, closed.

Website: unatazacoffee.square.site Phone: 859-261-8292

Outside of drinks, Unataza offers a flavorful menu, also Latin-American inspired. The cauliflower bowl is most popular: Cumin-dusted cauliflower rice is topped with queso, grilled sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes and house-made black bean salsa, then finished with cilantro and lime. If your mouth isn’t watering already, there also is a variety of tacos, wraps and plantain chips.

It’s a filling, flavor-packed lunch.

Latte from Unataza Coffee in Dayton.

Roebling Books and Coffee in Dayton is a great escape to curl up with a book and coffee.

Roebling Books and Coffee Location: 301 Sixth Ave., Dayton Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Website: roeblingbooks.com Phone: 859-308- 7086 Interior of Roebling Books and Coffee in Dayton.

Bryant’s snappy recovery at Highlands inspires Bluebirds

By Marc Hardin

T

orin Bryant is a multifaceted senior at Highlands High School, excelling in both academics and athletics.

Standing nearly 6-foot-1 and weighing 250 pounds, Bryant is a formidable presence on the football field. He plays multiple positions, including center, long snapper, guard, tackle and defensive tackle, showcasing his versatility and skill. In addition to his football prowess, Bryant is a talented swimmer for the Bluebirds, competing in backstroke and freestyle events.

Highlands two-way lineman Torin Bryant corrals an opposing runner and makes a tackle. Photos provided

His dedication extends to the classroom, where he maintains an impressive 4.17 GPA on a weighted scale. Known for his leadership, Bryant was elected class vice president his junior year and later stepped up as class president. He is also the reigning Highlands prom king and an active student fundraiser.

“Great student, class president, prom king and a heck of a football player,” said Highlands coach Bob Sphire. “He embodies everything we want in a student-athlete.”

Bryant juggles multiple roles outside of school. He continues to shine at the Fort Thomas Swim Club, where he has competed for 13 years and also works as a lifeguard.

At home, he is a beloved son, avid sports fan, occasional fisherman and friend to man’s best friend. He and his dog, Darby, enjoy each other’s boundless energy.

This football season, Bryant has taken on a new role as an inspiration to his teammates and coaches. After tearing the ACL in his left knee during the second game last season against Covington Catholic, he faced a challenging recovery. The injury, a non-contact incident during punt return coverage, sidelined him the rest of his junior year.

Highlands lineman Torin Bryant gives a thumbs up after knee surgery.

“Injuries are part of the game, I realize that, but I felt real bad about this,” Sphire said.

“The only good thing about it is that it didn’t happen when he was a senior. Thank goodness he didn’t lose his senior season. We still have it.”

Bryant plans to capitalize on the opportunity after staging a miraculous comeback.

He had no limitations the first week of football practices.

“I feel like I lost a big part of my life,” Bryant said following a late-July workout. “That’s why I wanted a quick recovery, so I could get back on the field.”

Five months after surgery, Bryant successfully rehabbed his knee to the point that he participated in the annual Highlands Lift-A-Thon and lifted the same combined weight as the previous year. He cleared 1,000 pounds in the bench press, deadlift and squat, raising more than $1,000 the last two years.

Torin Bryant, Highlands’ 2023 prom king, stands with his father, Highlands assistant football coach Doug Bryant.

man Brody Cook. “I’ve known him since we were little boys, and he’s always been a resilient kid. It’s super nice to have him back, for sure. He’s a great player and a great leader" At Highlands’ graded NFL-style combine in July, Bryant scored the second-most points. He participated in the EKU Lineman Challenge in Richmond. He’s looked solid at the Bluebirds’ three-station circuit in the weight room, in speed training and agility drills.

“I feel really good about what I’ve done,” Bryant said. “I had no setbacks, just a little soreness.”

Sphire is inspired by his lineman’s quick rebound from football inactivity.

“He seems to be fully recovered and ready to roll,” Sphire said. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but my projection is that he will probably make all the O-line calls when he plays center and have a lot of responsibility when he’s at tackle and at long snapper.

He’s our most versatile lineman. He’s one of our strongest players, smartest players, most competitive players and best leaders.”

Despite the injury, Bryant is attracting college interest. He received his first offer in June from Mount St. Joseph University.

“What he’s done is incredible. We obviously want to be cautious, but the doctors say he can handle it,” coach Sphire said. “His dad, Doug Bryant, is on staff as a line coach. We are constantly going to him to make sure about everything, and that has helped.”

The injury and time away from football provided a new perspective for the senior.

“I kept trying to look at positives,” he said.

“If I had any advice for somebody, I’d tell them to keep working hard and don’t always look at it as a bad thing. Look at it as an opportunity to see things differently.”

Bryant said his road to recovery was enabled by friends, family, teammates, coaches and doctors, and he couldn’t be more thankful.

“Having my coaches and teammates around me and supporting me really helped,” Bryant said. “My doctors, physical therapist, personal trainer, they all helped with my rehab.”

With that, Highlands’ man with many hats is ready to cap his high school football career with a final inspiring performance.

“I’m excited to get back to it,” Bryant said.

“I’m ready to play.”

“I’m pretty surprised how he has bounced back so fast,” said Highlands junior lineAUGUST 2, 2024 13

14 AUGUST 2, 2024

sports Walton-Verona grad’s choice: Milwaukee or Mississippi State?

2021 and earned first team All-State honors by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association. He was the second ranked recruit from Kentucky in 2021 by Baseball America and No. 84 in the country.

Passed in MLB draft, Ryle, UofL left-hander signs with Y’alls

Statements from Superintendent Mike Stacy from the July 22 school board meeting indicate he came up with the idea after talking with coaches, who told him that college recruitment has moved onto social media. The program will serve as a trial run to see if it is effective. If it doesn’t work out, it won’t be continued.

The ongoing construction of the district’s new career facilities will feature a full media lab, so the capability will be there.

Stacy said the effort will be completed by staff within the district and will cost about $4,000. The measure was approved July 22 as part of the consent agenda at the meeting of the Beechwood Board of Education.

Walton-Verona grad Travis Smith was selected in the 15th round of the MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Provided | UK Athletics

Travis Smith has a decision to make.

The Walton-Verona grad and former University of Kentucky baseball player can either join the Milwaukee Brewers organization after being drafted in the 15th round (455th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft or finish out his college career at Mississippi State after hitting the transfer portal and electing to join the Bulldogs.

Smith stated back on July 6 to 247 Sports that he chose Mississippi State to continue to fine-tune himself on the mound.

“I had lots of good opportunities to go places and get more developed,” Smith told 247. “I ultimately felt most comfortable with Mississippi State and their coaches.

I like their plan to develop guys. I plan to take myself to Mississippi State to develop more.”

The third day of the MLB Draft on July 16 could bring a change of heart. For MLB picks after the 10th round, a team this year can pay draftees bonuses up to $150,000 each without having it count against their total pool. If Smith decides on the pro route, he’d then report as assigned to the minor leagues and get his professional career started.

After overcoming Tommy John and heart surgery, Smith played two seasons in Lexington. In the 2023 season, he was a midweek starter for the Wildcats and went 4-3 with a 4.84 ERA in 13 starts. He struck out 43 batters in 48.1 innings pitched.

Smith entered 2024 with a lot of promise for the Wildcats, ranked as a top 50 starting pitcher, the No. 71 MLB Draft prospect

by MLB.com and a top 200 MLB Draft board

by Perfect Game. He started six games as a weekend pitcher in 2024 before a minor ailment caused him to miss some starts and move to the bullpen. Seven of his next eight appearances came out of the bullpen, and he finished the Wildcats’ memorable 2024 season with a 3-4 record and 6.21 ERA. He struck out 33 in 37.2 innings pitched.

Smith graduated from Walton-Verona in

The Florence Y’alls have signed Ryle grad Evan Webster.

Webster, a left-handed pitcher, spent the last five years at the University of Louisville. After going undrafted in the 2024 MLB Draft, he put pen to paper July 22 for the Y’alls to start his professional career.

Webster graduated from Ryle in 2019 and was a three-year letterman for the Raiders.

He was ranked as the No. 17 overall player in Kentucky for the 2019 class as well as the top left-handed pitcher in the state, according to Prep Baseball Report. As a senior, Webster went 5-3 with a 2.45 ERA, collecting 102 strikeouts while hitting .342 with 32 RBIs. The 102 strikeouts in a season is a program record.

Owensboro, according to the All “A” website allaclassic.org.

The tournament’s home is usually at Eastern Kentucky University’s McBrayer Arena, but construction at the Arena caused a move this year to the Corbin Arena. For 2025, the Owensboro Sportscenter will host the event. The 5,000-seat multipurpose arena is the home of Kentucky Wesleyan College and Owensboro Catholic High School. The All “A” Classic will be played January 22-26.

Newport is the defending champ in boys, Holy Cross the back-to-back champ in girls.

Since 2012, the 9th Region has won the All “A” in boys seven times. Holy Cross won it in 2012, Newport Central Catholic won three in a row from 2013-15, St. Henry won backto-back titles in 2020-21 and Newport in 2024.

Evan Webster, a Ryle grad, was signed by the Florence Y’alls on July 22. Provided | Florence Y’alls

He had a successful career as a Cardinal, posting a 14-8 record with a 4.11 ERA in 179.2 innings pitched. He went 5-3 this season with a 4.18 ERA in 15 starts, striking out 62 to 20 walks in 71 innings pitched. He was mainly a reliever for Louisville during his collegiate career but made 15 of his career 18 starts in 2024.

The Holy Cross girls basketball team won its second straight All “A” state championship in the 2023-24 season. Evan Dennison | LINK nky

The Holy Cross girls have three titles since 2015.

Beechwood High School will pilot a program to get student-athletes more social media exposure to be recruited. Provided | Charles Bolton

All ‘A’ Classic tourney to change venues for third straight year From central to eastern to now western Kentucky.

Owensboro also will host the All “A” Classic state baseball tournament in April 2025.

It will be played at Daviess County High School.

Volleyball is on the move as well due to the construction at EKU. It will be played in Elizabethtown at the Bluegrass Sportsplex Sept. 20-21. St. Henry is the reigning All “A” champ in volleyball.

State tournament brackets for each sport can also be found on allaclassic.org.

The All “A” Classic state basketball tournament is on the move again, this time to

In his first start with the Y’alls on July 23, Webster pitched five innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs as he struck out one and didn’t walk a batter. He was handed the loss as Florence dropped the contest to Evansville, 5-1.

Beechwood to pilot social media program for athlete recruitment Beechwood Independent Schools will run a program that will help create and manage social media profiles for district athletes looking to be recruited by college sports programs.

AUGUST 2, 2024 15

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