LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 3, Issue 5 - December 20, 2024

KENTON

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 5 — DECEMBER 20, 2024

THE VOICE OF NKY

linknky.com

More explosions at River Metals: ‘It’s unacceptable’

By Haley Parnell

A

fter months of silence, Newport residents say explosions have started again at River Metals Recycling.

Residents reported two explosions early this month, one on Dec. 3 and one on Dec. 4, at the metal recycling facility commonly referred to as RMR. “It would be humorous if it weren’t so sad,” Newport Commissioner Ken Rechtin said.

“It is sad that they are able to control this and over the past couple of days have either decided not to or the controls aren’t in place.”

RMR signed an agreement with Newport on Feb. 20 giving it a year to move its shredding operations out of the city. That means

by Feb. 20, 2025, RMR’s primary shredding operation will be at the former Garden Street Iron & Metal site in Cincinnati, which RMR acquired in 2023.

Rechtin said RMR has not provided the city Continues on page 3

Newport residents reported explosions this month at the River Metals Recycling facility there. Photo provided | WCPO

Covington firefighter resigns over misconduct allegations

By Nathan Granger

A

Covington firefighter resigned Dec. 4 after a nearly five-hour public hearing called to address his numerous violations of city and departmental policy. The city said those included “entertaining” multiple women at Covington firehouses and “aggressive, unprofessional” behavior while on the job.

Jordan Warner joined the fire department in May 2013. Before joining the department, he served in the U.S. Marines, putting out fires on air bases. After being honorably discharged, he volunteered as a firefighter before eventually being hired by Covington.

City investigative documents and testimony during the hearing laid out the charges

against Warner. At the time of the hearing, Warner had racked up a long list of disciplinary charges stemming from alleged instances of insubordination, improper use of fire facilities and equipment, acting aggressively and disrespectfully to other firefighters, first responders and city staff members, and generally being difficult to get along with.

Most prominent, however, are charges related to Warner’s habit of “entertaining” at least two women – one an 18-year-old high school student – at Covington firehouses.

The first instance is attested in a complaint received April 17 by Fire Chief Corey Deye, who assumed the role earlier this year, from the Kentucky Fire Commission. Two people, whose complete names were not given either in city documents or during

testimonials Dec. 4, complained to the commission about an incident that occurred April 16, wherein Warner allegedly invited an 18-year-old female high school student to Fire Company 6 in Peaselburg.

One of the people making the complaints was the young woman’s boyfriend, who found text messages between the woman and Warner in which “Engineer Warner invited the young female to ‘drink’ and ‘have sex’ at the firehouse,” according to city documents. The boyfriend then tracked down both Warner and the young woman at the firehouse, where he confronted other fire employees who happened to be there.

“After some time, the young female exited the firehouse and according to [complainant 1] who arrived with [the boyContinues on page 4

BOOK YOUR

BOURBON GETAWAY

Old Covington warehouse to become apartments p6 Tips for avoiding porch pirates p8 Take a world tour in Union with Streetscapes p14

LINK Partners and have thrown their full support behind us. These NKY institutions are helping bring a voice back to our community.

We are grateful to all LINK’s Partners - those organizations in the community who believe strongly in what we are doing,

PLUMBING | DRAINS | HEATING | AIR

A FLUSH BEATS A FULL HOUSE

SHUTTLE | TRANSPORTATION | CHARTER

LAW ZIEGLER & SCHNEIDER, P.S.C. zslaw.com / (859) 426-1300

2 DECEMBER 20, 2024

PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meghan Goth SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison LINK nky Kenton Reader is published weekly by LINK Media LLC, 31 Innovation Alley, Covington, KY 41011.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Covington, KY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LINK nky Kenton Reader, 31 Innovation Alley, Covington, KY 41011.

ISSN 3064-7460 859-878-1669 | www.LINKnky.com

HAVE A TIP? News@LINKnky.com WANT TO ADVERTISE? Marketing@LINKnky.com

WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? Send a check for $31.80 ($30 non-auto-renewing rate plus 6% Kentucky sales tax) to LINK nky 31 Innovation Alley, Ground Floor Covington, KY 41011 or scan this QR code below

Love what we're doing? Want to support public-interest journalism in Northern Kentucky? Make a tax-deductible donation to support our work. Scan the QR code below, or mail a check payable to the Northern Kentucky Community Journalism Fund to 50 East Rivercenter Blvd. Suite 431, Covington, KY 41011.

No part of this publication may be used without permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions.

If, however, an error comes to your attention, please let us know and accept our sincere apologies in advance.

A fire at River Metals Recycling in 2023. File photo | LINK nky Continued from page 1

with any updates on the progress of installing a pre-shredder at its Cincinnati site.

Though the company still has two months to move its shredding operations, Rechtin said the company is still violating city noise ordinances with the blasts.

“With that explosion, they in my mind have violated not the order, they have violated our law again,” Rechtin said. “Being a nuisance to our people, and they have violated our noise ordinance.”

Rechtin said he has been discussing with city leadership what actions they can take against the recycling facility. He said Newport staff had contacted attorneys from RMR to determine what was happening.

after entry of the Order, pre-shredding inspection remained the same until recently when RMR added resources and reduced throughput in an effort to reduce the incidence of combustion events. We are looking forward to discussing these and other changes at our proposed meeting with city officials.”

“What have they done or not done in these past two days based upon this fact sheet their vice president and general manager sent that showed that they added resources,” Kitchen said. “Well, those resources failed.”

Kitchen said she has notified the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency District 4 in Atlanta, which is working with residents on a federal EPA air quality study.

“River Metals Recycling takes very seriously the brief, sporadic combustion events that are an infrequent but unavoidable part of metals recycling operations,” said Neal Coulardot, River Metals’ regional general manager. “We have done significant work to prevent such events. RMR has added personnel and reduced throughput at our Newport facility this year to improve our ability to detect the typical causes of combustion events and reduce or prevent them from occurring.”

Newport resident Jeff Zemanek captured a “blue cloud” of particulate smoke on video after each explosion.

Newport residents and groups like the Northern Kentucky Sierra Club are continuing efforts to improve air quality, such as installing air quality monitors around Newport. The Sierra Club and ReNewport have placed 24 sensors around the city.

In addition, other efforts include working with Northern Kentucky University on soil testing near the RMR facility.

“There’s no reason this continues other than their lack of oversight,” Rechtin said.

“It’s unacceptable to even allow this to happen once a year. This is not right. The citizens surrounding them deserve better.”

REG $44.99 NOW ONLY

$33.74

A Taste of Christmas Gift Basket #5206

Coulardot said RMR has reduced the times its shredder operates to accommodate neighbors and, per the agreement with the city, the company remains on schedule to relocate shredding operations to Cincinnati. Despite the two recent events, Coulardot said these efforts have been effective.

C L I C K . S H I P. D E L I V E R E D . D O N E

After Feb. 20, RMR will operate the Newport site for sorting materials; however, part of the agreement states that, if the Cincinnati facility temporarily exceeds its capacity, RMR can use the Newport facility no more than 75 days in a 12-month period.

“There’s just so many loopholes in that agreement, it’s detrimental to the residents, given RMR’s continued neglectful operations,” said Newport resident Annette Kitchen, chair of the RMR Citizen’s Group.

Kitchen pointed to item three on a fact sheet distributed in April by RMR Vice President and General Manager Bob Eviston.

The item states, “Claim: RMR is no longer trying to prevent combustion events at its Newport facility. False: What is true is that

REG $74.99 NOW ONLY

$56.24

Christmas Gift Basket Classic #5210

ORDER TODAY: 87 7.690.11 51 GourmetGiftOffer/MB1 01X Use Code: MB1 01X DECEMBER 20, 2024 3

Continued from page 1

friend], the female was ‘completely drunk not wearing anything but a firefighter’s hoodie,’” city documents state.

Surveillance footage captured the young woman arriving at the firehouse around 8 p.m. April 16, where she embraced Warner before entering the building. Footage later shows her leaving the building around 9:25 p.m. wearing a Covington Fire uniform sweatshirt. The city’s legal department played the surveillance videos during the hearing. Whether or not Warner and the woman actually had sex isn’t known. The department also was unable to determine if they consumed alcohol. The woman did not attend the hearing.

Deye contacted the boyfriend and the other complainant the day they made the complaint and launched an internal affairs investigation.

About a week after the first incident, on April 21, Warner invited two other women, whose ages and identities are not given, to Fire Company 2 in West Covington.

The first, “Warner’s on-again, off-again girlfriend and her foster baby,” according to city documents, visited Warner for about 30 minutes, staying in the firehouse’s communal area. He was not charged in this instance because the woman stayed in the firehouse’s common area.

Another woman, who arrived later that evening, was taken “to the bunk room to watch television.” City documents state that Warner later said the woman had spent the visit sitting on the recliner in the bunk room, that she had been in the firehouse for about 35 minutes and that he could not, when asked, “recall the last name of the young female.”

Previous reports City documents go on to elicit other instances during Warner’s tenure as a firefighter in which co-workers characterized Warner’s behavior as “aggressive, unprofessional and creat[ing] an environment where fellow employees of the city feared for their personal safety.”

Such instances include the following: On Nov. 8, 2023, Warner became upset during an EMS run during a disagreement about whether to take a patient’s wheelchair with them to the hospital, which prompted Warner to call the other firefighter a “piece of s***.”

• On Dec. 27, 2023, Warner became aggressive when an employee became sick, forcing Warner to work overtime. According to city documents, Warner became upset, calling the firefighter a “a little b****” and a “little fat f***.” The employee later requested not to work with Warner in the future. Documents indicate the employee was “hesitant to give a statement about these events due to concerns of retaliation against him or his family from Engineer Warner.”

• On Jan. 13, Warner brought a BB gun to Fire Company 8 and aimed it at other fire employees. One firefighter took a photo of the incident showing “Warner with the BB gun pointed at the employee’s back and didn’t appear to have control over the BB gun. The incident made the members concerned due to Warner’s past conduct.” The photo itself was not given in LINK’s records request and was not shown at the hearing.

• On Jan. 20, Warner became angry during another EMS run when confusion arose among first responders at the scene about a patient’s medication history and how it

might have contributed to the patient’s “altered mental status.” Warner became upset by what he viewed as the other first responders’ slowness to act, calling one of the firefighters a “‘piece of s***.’ This incident happened in front of the patient’s family.”

• On April 16, the same day Warner allegedly brought the 18-year-old to the firehouse, Warner became upset during another EMS run, in which he described one of the other first responders as a “‘f****** idiot.’ While this was going on, the employee was putting the patient onto the cot for transport. The employee involved in this incident described Engineer Warner’s behavior as erratic, aggressive and threatening. The employee also indicated that Engineer Warner’s conduct was distracting to patient care.”

The city’s statement of charges describes the testimony of other fire and city employees gathered during the investigation.

“Over the course of the investigation, numerous employees described Engineer Warner as a bully, someone who easily loses his temper, erratic, threatening, unprofessional, intimidating and distracting to patient care,” city documents state. “Several firefighters have expressed concerns for their safety while working with Engineer Warner, to the extent that some do not want to sleep in the same bunk room with him. Several firefighters fear to go ‘on the record’ to discuss other incidents they have witnessed or experienced firsthand, out of fear of personal retaliation by Engineer Warner and fear that he may retaliate against their family members.”

Warner was placed on paid leave April 24 following a meeting at Fire Company 6. He was directed not to contact any city employee other than executive board members of Covington’s fire union. Warner violated this within 10 minutes of the meeting when he texted a city employee he believed contributed an interview statement to the investigation, according to city documents.

Two days later, on April 26, he texted another city employee asking for that employee’s lawyer’s contact information.

On May 24, Chief Deye demoted Warner from engineer back to regular firefighter and suspended him without pay for seven days. Deye’s reprimand states that any future policy violations would result in immediate termination.

Among those appearing before Covington commissioners Dec. 4 were, from left, Jordan Weaver, seated, Weaver’s attorney, Peter Jannace, and Covington attorney Frank Schultz. Photos by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Termination recommendation Things were quiet until Aug. 16, when the

Jordan Warner takes the witness stand at the Dec. 4 hearing.

city alleges Warner was openly insubordinate during an EMS run that took place in Mainstrasse. Warner was working with an ambulance crew for the run with paramedic Nick Martini, who served as a witness at the Dec. 4 hearing. Confusion arose about the crew’s location in relation to a fire truck crew that had arrived at the scene earlier.

Firefighters Brandon Padilla, Ben Bonifilio (who outranked Warner) and Engineer Brett Hodorowski were manning the fire truck that night. Several police officers, one of whom testified Dec. 4, also were there.

According to city documents, even after joining the fire crew and beginning to tend to a patient, documents state “Firefighter Warner continued to argue about their whereabouts with acting Lieutenant Bonfilio. During this exchange, Firefighter Warner told Lieutenant Bonfilio, his supervisor, that they were ‘f****** behind [the Strasse Haus]’ and witnesses indicate that Firefighter Warner called his acting supervisor a moron. In response to this comment, Lieutenant Bonfilio attempted to end the exchange by telling Firefighter Warner ‘I’m not starting with you.’ In response, Firefighter Warner told his acting supervisor Lieutenant Bonfilio, ‘That’s cause you’re r*******.’”

Other documents allege Warner told Bonifilio to “shut the f*** up!”

Bonifilio later made a complaint about Warner’s behavior, and Warner underwent another disciplinary meeting in September. On Nov. 8, Deye recommended Warner’s termination. Rather than accept further discipline, Warner requested a hearing in front of the elected city commis-

Do you have questions?

Visit stelizabeth.com/AskUs

“Is it possible to treat the whole me, and not just my cancer?”

- Sue, Ft. Thomas, KY

4 DECEMBER 20, 2024

“Of course. The most important part of your cancer treatment is —YOU.” Dr. Lauren Castellini Oncology

sion, which is allowed under Kentucky law.

In public disciplinary hearings, the city’s legal department, in this case city attorneys Frank Schultz and Sheree Weichold, acts in a role similar to a prosecuting attorney. Warner retained his own defense counsel, Louisville-based attorney Peter Jannace, who also works with Covington’s fire union. The commission contracts with an independent attorney to advise on the proceedings. Attorney Brandon Voelker served this role Dec. 4.

Although the conventional trial standards of evidence don’t apply in such hearings, representatives from both sides are allowed to call and cross-examine witnesses. Commissioners can also ask witnesses questions.

The city called multiple witnesses to the stand, and much of the testimony focused on establishing the details of both the woman’s visit to the firehouse in April as well as the EMS run in August, which prompted Warner’s most recent disciplinary charge.

Jannace moved at the beginning of the hearing to close it to the public, but Mayor Joe Meyer and the other commissioners denied this motion, arguing a disciplinary hearing for a public safety employee was a matter of public interest and should remain open.

Both parties agreed to sequester the witnesses, meaning the witnesses weren’t allowed to be in the room when other witnesses gave testimony.

run. Police Officer Sean Sinacori, who contributed body camera footage to the investigation, could not speak to many of the details of the night because he wasn’t there for the full incident.

Martini, who was working the ambulance with Warner, could not speak to whether Warner uttered the insults he was accused of saying, although he and the other witnesses did attest to Warner’s mentioning he was worried he might get in trouble.

None of the witnesses claimed to have witnessed physical violence during the EMS run.

Bonifilio, Padilla and Hodorowski, the fire crew, generally agreed regarding the events of the incident. Padilla said he didn’t hear exactly what was said, but Hodoroski attested to Warner’s use of the words “f****” and “r*****.” He admitted, however, there was some disagreement among the crew members to details of the facts in the ride back immediately after the incident.

“The disagreement we had was [Bonifilio] thought that Jordan said he was ‘r*******’ and then called him a ‘moron,’” said Hodorowski. “And I said, ‘No, it was the other way around.’”

Warner eventually took the stand, where he denied many of the charges against him both for the EMS run and the visitations to the firehouses.

“What was the relationship between you and the 18-year-old?” Washington asked.

Warner said he’d only just met the woman.

Washington then asked about where the woman went when he was in the firehouse, and Warner said she spent most of her time at a desk where she could charge her phone. Warner stated the other firefighters at the firehouse didn’t know she was there, although he said he’d received permission to entertain a visitor.

Washington asked about how the woman got there and how she got home. He also asked how they met.

“Where did you meet her?” Washington asked.

“At the Kroger in Latonia,” Warner said.

“Did you know how old she was?” Washington asked.

Warner later stated he was 39 when he met the woman.

Skeptical of defense

When Schultz asked Warner if he told Bonifilio to “shut the f**** up,” Warner replied, “I did not say that.”

“You heard the testimony from earlier from acting Lieutenant Bonifilio?” Schultz asked.

“Yes,” Warner said.

“So, you’re claiming that he was lying?”

Schultz said.

“Yes,” Warner said.

“You heard the testimony from Engineer Brett Hodorowski, right?” Schultz said.

“Yes,” Warner said.

“And you’re claiming that he was lying?” said Schultz.

“Yes,” Warner said.

Covington Fire Chief Corey Deye takes the witness stand Dec. 4.

City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Ron Washington had questions about the young woman who visited Warner at Fire Company 6.

“She told me she was 19,” Warner said.

Disagreement over details There was disagreement among the witnesses about details of the August EMS

among the fire crew to discredit him.

Warner went on to deny he used the word ‘r*******,’ even though he said he didn’t believe there was any kind of conspiracy

Much of the defense’s case rested on the argument that Warner had been unfairly targeted for disciplinary action, so much so that it triggered his mental health problems. Warner said he’d developed PTSD, anxiety and that he suffered from panic attacks following his experiences in the military. He’d also spent 32 days at an inpatient mental health facility in Maryland in 2021.

The commissioners didn’t seem to find this line of argumentation convincing, especially given the fact that many of the mental health problems he’d exhibited dated to before his disciplinary charges began to accrue. Warner admitted that he never requested accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. As Jannace, Voelker and the commissioners discussed the legal ramifications of Warner’s mental illness, Warner grew increasingly more nervous about the exchange. Finally, he said, “I’m done,” on the witness stand and refused to answer more questions about his mental health.

Chief Deye was the final witness to take the stand. He laid out the department’s case against Warner, stating that his behavior was a bad reflection on the department and the city itself.

“Do you believe that Jordan Warner’s conduct is representative of the men and women of the Covington Fire Department?”

Weichold asked Deye.

“I do not,” Deye said. “There has been lots of talk of [how] firemen do speak differently, but we don’t speak differently in public. We should not be speaking differently in public. As a Covington firefighter, you’re held to a very high standard. The citizens we protect demand a very high standard, and they should. This is not a good representation of what this department and city stands for.

And if he comes back, a lot of people are afraid to work with him.”

The defense had planned to call its own round of witnesses, but, when the parties returned to the hearing after a long recess, Warner asked to tender his resignation, effective immediately, and accept all charges rather than continue. The commissioners unanimously voted to accept this.

Washington expressed concern that Warner’s behavior could continue for as long as it did before it came before the elected city government.

“The first allegation, the first charges that we heard, they never reached this body,” said Washington. “I’ve worked on this board for a while with the people up here.

I’m not sure that, if this was brought before this body, this first group of charges, that we’d be sitting here now. I don’t think there would be a second set.”

Meyer said that being part of the Covington Fire Department was a “remarkable privilege.” He added that the commission wanted to continue cultivating discipline and good behavior among the firefighters.

“It’s in the best interest of our people,” Meyer said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787. Veterans who need help can call 988 and press 1 for specific crisis help from the Veterans Crisis Line.

DECEMBER 20, 2024 5

Old Covington warehouse on track to become apartments

By Nathan Granger

T

“Orleans Development has many great projects across Northern Kentucky, and we know that they will provide a quality product to our residents,” said Covington Regulatory Services Manager Kaitlin Bryan.

he Kenton County Planning Commission approved a zoning change that would allow Covington-based Orleans Development to convert a warehouse building in Covington into apartment buildings.

Bessey cited a housing study released last year from the Northern Kentucky Development District, which suggested a deficit in the number of smaller rental properties available for all income levels.

The planning commission recommended the change at its Dec. 5 meeting. The commission’s recommendation will stand as final unless a resident appeals the decision within 21 days of the meeting.

The property is at 1564 Banklick St., near the intersection of West 16th and Russell streets in the city’s Westside neighborhood. The 130-year-old building was originally part of a foundry before becoming a warehouse; prior to the Dec. 5 approval, the address was zoned for industrial use. The owner is currently listed as Three Bees LLC. Orleans wants to convert the building into a four-floor apartment complex with 39 units – a single studio apartment and 38 one-bedroom apartments – and 52 offstreet parking spaces. The developer put the range of rent for the apartments at between $1,150 and $1,495 a month.

Staff members from Kenton County Planning Development Services, the professional wing of the planning commission, indicated that the region was in need of

The preliminary floor plan for the lobby in the apartment conversion on Banklick Street. Rendering provided | Kenton County Planning and Development Services

new apartment developments.

velopment.”

“The proposed development will strengthen the vitality of the urban core through historic preservation and infill development on an underutilized property,” said Megan Bessey, one of planning and development services’ planners. “Building upon a sense of community, it offers a housing option that meets the housing demands of Kenton County and a creative reuse of a nonresidential property for a housing de-

The staff members and commissioners were complimentary of both the city’s and the developer’s willingness to find new purposes for old buildings.

“I think it’s a great idea to reutilize the old buildings in Kenton County and Covington instead of tearing them down and building something new,” said Jeff Bethell, the commission’s Fort Mitchell representative.

About 62% of the residents in the census tract in which the building is located are listed as rent-burdened as of 2022, according to the American Community Survey, an initiative from the U.S. Census Bureau that makes statistical estimations from census data. Rental households must spend 30% or more of their income on rent (not including utilities, insurance and other housing expenses) in order to be considered rent-burdened. Tenants living in the complex making $52,900 or less would be rent-burdened if they’re paying the complex’s proposed median rent of $1,322.50 a month.

About 45% of all Covington renters are rent-burdened, according to the American Community Survey. The median household income in Covington was $53,770 as of 2022.

GIVE

the gift of information!

Give a gift subscription to the LINK Weekly Reader.

Only $31.80 for the whole year!

PURCHASE TODAY

6 DECEMBER 20, 2024

SCAN HERE TO PURCHASE A SUBSCRIPTION

How to avoid holiday porch pirates

A FedEx driver drops a package off on a porch. Photo by Mark Lennihan | Associated Press

By Haley Parnell

W

ith porch pirates swiping billions of dollars worth of packages each year, here’s how you can protect yourself.

People who steal packages off front porches are often referred to as porch pirates.

According to Security.org’s 2024 Package Theft Annual Report, porch pirates stole $12 billion in packages in the past year, and as many as 58 million Americans have become victims in the last 12 months.

The report shows that Kentucky (along with North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Alaska) had the highest rates of recent package thefts.

Maj. Philip Ridgell with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office said porch piracy is often a crime of opportunity: Someone sees a package and decides to take it. He said the department has also seen it become more coordinated. Someone will follow an Amazon or UPS truck and wait for a package to be delivered, for example.

“We’ve had a variety of different types of these cases, where it’s been someone who may live a street or two over to people who don’t even live in our county, to something even a little bit more organized, where it’s a group running together [though few and far between],” Ridgell said.

In 2022, Senate Bill 23 was passed to crack down on people who steal packages from porches. The bill makes it a Class D felony

to steal or destroy packages from common carriers and delivery services such as Amazon, FedEx or UPS. Ridgell said the bill gives police more leverage to see charges through the process compared to before, when stealing a package was a misdemeanor.

The National Retail Federation statistics show online shopping remains the top method for holiday purchases, with 57% of consumers planning to buy online. Though people are especially busy this time of year making online purchases and having those delivered to their homes, Ridgell said they see porch piracy throughout the year.

Here are some tips to avoid porch pirating: • Be a good neighbor. Ridgell said using your neighbors, especially for bigger, harder-to-hide packages, can be helpful.

Asking your neighbor to grab a package off the porch and hold it for you until you get home is a simple way to ensure your item is safe.

• Install a security camera. Visible cameras deter potential thieves. Some cameras can be connected to your phone, allowing you to monitor deliveries and respond quickly if necessary. “ In this era of doorbell cameras and home security, I think that has really helped out a lot over the years with thefts in general, burglaries in general, because more homes are outfitted to see your face or see your car, see the direction that you went if you

Packages in front of someone’s front door. Photo provided | Dan Dennis

do commit these crimes,” Ridgell said.

I n addition to security cameras, motion-activated lights near a porch will increase visibility and help deter thieves.

• Deliver to protected location. Use Amazon Locker or UPS Access Point locations for more secure pickup points.

Amazon Locker provides consumers with a self-service delivery location to collect packages. When a package arrives at the locker, the recipient receives a delivery confirmation email with instructions on picking it up. The email includes the locker’s address and opening times.

Find an Amazon Locker location near you at amazon.com/ulp/view.

Local businesses act as UPS Access Points.

They’re secure pickup and drop-off locations for UPS packages. The businesses include grocery stores, gas stations and other retailers. A touchscreen kiosk inside the company is accompanied by a stand of secure lockers.

If possible, consider in-store pickup options, eliminating the risk of porch theft.

• Amazon Key in-garage service. A service Ridgell said might offer some peace of mind but might not be everyone’s cup of tea is Amazon’s in-garage delivery service. The service is for Prime members only and allows Amazon drivers to put deliveries inside your garage. FInd out more at amazon.com.

• Use package tracking and alerts. Enable delivery notifications or text alerts to track packages. This will allow you to know exactly when they’re delivered and make it easier to retrieve them quickly.

• Create a stealth delivery spot. If you cannot be home, request that deliveries be placed behind a bush, fence or other concealed area to make them less visible.

What to do if your package is stolen Ridgell said to call dispatchers if someone witnesses a package theft or has one of their own packages stolen.

“We always tell people that, if they’re fearful of dialing 911 because they’re not as sure if it’s an emergency or not, dial 911. It all goes to the same place,” he said. “Nobody’s going to be disparaged for dialing 911 if it’s perceived not to be an actual emergency.”

Ridgell said deputies will respond to a call reporting porch piracy. Some helpful information to give to the responding officer is a vehicle description, including unique identifiers on a vehicle, like a bumper sticker or damage to a particular part of the car. The license plate number is the most helpful identifier.

“We always recommend that people not get themselves involved, but we do know that the good Samaritans in our community may do so; we just ask that whatever decisions that they make in that regard are done safely and in accordance with the law,” Ridgell said.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY –THE #1 REGION BUSINESSES CALL HOME.

DECEMBER 20, 2024 7

kenton county briefs Chick-fil-A subsidiary to invest $100M in Elsmere facility

In September, Carl announced the original location would permanently close so they could open a new location in Covington RiverCenter. That restaurant, Demetrios, is finally open. Vasiliou and his family celebrated the Dec. 4 grand opening alongside officials from Covington, Corporex, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Covington Business Council.

A rendering of the new Chick-fil-A Supply distribution center. Provided | BE NKY

Elsmere will soon be home to a $100 million Chick-fil-A Supply distribution center.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A is set to develop the 270,000-square-foot facility to help support around 150 Greater Cincinnati restaurants, according to a release from the Gov. Andy Beshear’s office. Chick-fil-A is expected to move into the facility by 2026.

The distribution center will be in the C5 Airport East Logistics Center on Buffington Road. The complex consists of five buildings, two of which are occupied by e-commerce company fun.com and hand sanitizer manufacturer Diversey. Niagara Bottling is also set to move into the complex by 2026.

Chick-fil-A Supply, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chick-fil-A, is a distribution food and supplies service provider that supports Chick-fil-A restaurants. It operates nine distribution centers in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Ohio, Kansas and Texas.

Demetrios offers a variety of Greek-inspired comfort food, such as gyros and Cincinnati chili, in addition to American-style comfort food like double-decker sandwiches, burgers, fries and hot wings. For breakfast, Demetrios serves traditional “greasy-spoon” breakfast options and a variety of omelets.

Carl Vasiliou’s family opened its most recent namesake restaurant, Demetrios V, in 2014 in 2014 in Cincinnati’s Golf Manor neighborhood. It’s named for his parents, Demetrios and Gloria Vasiliou.

Many Fort Mitchell government members told LINK nky that they feel lucky to have had the chance to work with Stoeckle, and Mayor Jude Hehman presented Stoeckle with an award to commemorate his time with the city.

Jared Arlinghaus ran unopposed for Stoeckle’s council seat in November. He will take office in 2025.

Planning panel OKs first phase of new Eons park in Erlanger

Covington-based real estate developer Corporex owns and manages RiverCenter.

Its lobby is a popular breakfast and lunch location for white-collar professionals working in or near the dual office towers.

Demetrios looks to capitalize on that.

Work commitments force resignation from Fort Mitchell council

Fort Mitchell council member Michael Stoeckle and Mayor Jude Hehman. Photo by Kathleen Bryant | LINK nky contributor

Dec. 9 was Fort Mitchell City Council member Michael Stoeckle’s last meeting. He’s retiring because his work will now make it difficult for him to attend meetings.

Stoeckle took office in 2015. He’s served on the city’s park board and safety committee, and he worked on the $2 million Gen.

mountain biking trails, a network of tree canopy trails and other amenities once finished.

Learn more about the project at the project’s website, eonsadventurepark.com.

R.C. Durr Foundation backs SparkHaus with $250K investment The R.C. Durr Foundation is joining Northern Kentucky-based institutional investors backing SparkHaus.

The charitable organization, named for the late philanthropist R.C. Durr, announced it was investing $250,000 in SparkHaus, a project that will transform the vacant Simms Furniture building at 727 Madison Ave. in Covington into an entrepreneurial hub for NKY. SparkHaus will offer office space to startups, venture capital firms and regional entrepreneurial support organizations.

The building encompasses 47,000 square feet, 39,000 of which can accommodate rent-paying tenants.

Corporex has been looking to fill the space since Y’all Cafe, the previous tenant, closed a little over a year ago, according to Peter Craig, the company’s senior property manager. “It was really important for the building to identify the right concept and the right operator to take this over,” he said, “not only for the tenants of the building but for the surrounding community.”

During the first year, Chick-fil-A Supply plans to employ more than 130 people in Elsmere, including a general manager and various leadership positions, drivers, navigators, warehouse team members and maintenance technicians, per the release.

New Greek restaurant adds to food options at Covington RiverCenter

Ormsby Mitchell Park renovation. Stoeckle also represented Fort Mitchell on the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky. Council member Jeff Dietrich will replace him on that panel.

Blue North, NKY’s primary entrepreneurial advocacy and resource organization, will move its headquarters into the building upon completion. Other firms, such as Covington-based eGateway Capital, also will also relocate to SparkHaus.

A map of the planned Eons park in Erlanger. Provided | City of Erlanger

Phase 1 of Erlanger’s proposed 1,000-acre adventure park, dubbed Eons, cleared a public facilities review with the Kenton County Planning Commission this week.

The planning commission unanimously approved the facility review for phase 1 of the project Dec. 5. Parks and other public projects are not subject to zoning regulations like private developments. Public facility reviews in front of the planning commission serve to ensure public projects align with county comprehensive planning, even if the commission is ultimately toothless in blocking such developments.

The city held a groundbreaking event for Eons in October. Mayor Jessica Fette and other city leaders publicly announced the long-term plans for the project – over 1,000 acres of urban woodland, 20 miles of

Eggs ‘N Issues State of Northern Kentucky

The Durr Foundation joins the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation, Drees Homes Foundation, Ried Schott, Corporex Cos., the St. Elizabeth Foundation, the Milburn Family Foundation, the Duke Energy Urban Revitalization Initiative, Fischer Homes and John Cain as SparkHaus investors. Other financing for the project includes: • $2.5 million from the Catalytic Fund for construction.

• $6 million from the Kentucky General Assembly.

• $3 million through the NKY Port from Kenton County’s state-backed site development fund.

• $2 million in Kentucky Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits from the Kentucky Heritage Council.

According to a Kenton County press release, the project is anticipated to cost $17 million. The project is currently under construction. The building should be open by July.

Title Sponsor

Media Partners

Tuesday, January 28 | 7:30 - 9:15 AM | Receptions, Erlanger | NKYChamber.com/Events Monthly Sponsors

JUDGE/EXECUTIVE KRIS KNOCHELMANN Kenton County 8 DECEMBER 20, 2024

JUDGE/EXECUTIVE GARY MOORE Boone County

JUDGE/EXECUTIVE STEVE PENDERY Campbell County

MODERATOR TAMI WILSON VP, Government Relations & Business Advocacy, NKY Chamber

Register Today →

Conflict over Newport Kroger isn’t the project, it’s the process The recent revelation of plans for a new Kroger in West Newport, complete with a gas station and liquor store, has sparked significant debate. While these plans were only recently disclosed to the public, rumors have been circulating for a while, as Kroger has held a lease on the property for several years.

The proposed development site is currently zoned as a Business District Fringe, with clear language in Newport’s zoning code prohibiting gas stations in this zone. Yet the Newport city administration approved the inclusion of a gas station, citing ambiguities in the zoning code and claiming it as an “accessory use” rather than a primary one – despite the prohibition. This decision, whether made under pressure from Kroger or in collaboration with the company, bypassed public input entirely.

In response, the Newport Westside Citizens’ Coalition, a local advocacy group, filed an appeal, arguing that the city misinterpreted its zoning laws and should honor the prohibition of gas stations. This move has ignited debates within the community. Some residents express concerns about increased traffic and pollution, while others welcome the grocery store – even if it includes a gas station. It’s clear there is no consensus among neighbors. The question remains: Who should decide whether the appeal is pursued or dropped, and on what terms?

Therein lies the problem.

The issue at hand isn’t the Kroger project itself but the process – or lack thereof. By allowing Kroger to include a gas station without public consultation, the city effectively silenced the voices of its residents.

This decision denied the neighborhood an opportunity to express opinions, ask ques-

tions or feel assured that local government would uphold its own laws.

This is why the appeal must continue – and, ideally, prevail.

Newport has established processes and procedures for rezoning parcels. Kroger could have pursued this proper route, which would have included public hearings, community input and due process, fostering transparency and trust. Instead, these steps were circumvented, undermining public confidence and creating unnecessary division.

Would this take time? Certainly. But as mentioned previously, Kroger has likely been considering this for several years – they’ve had the time.

These processes exist to protect Newport’s citizens. Circumventing them allows outside interests to override community needs and policies, setting a dangerous precedent. Transparency, public input and adherence to due process should not be optional – they are the minimum we should expect from both our city government and corporate partners like Kroger.

The appeal is not just about a gas station; it’s about ensuring that Newport remains a place where policies are respected, citizens are heard and decisions are made transparently. The WCC’s appeal is essential to holding the city accountable and preserving trust in local governance.

Do not withdraw the appeal.

Brant Owens, Westside resident Newport

Florence has a flag.

It’s time to change it What makes Florence uniquely Florence?

One of the many various features that Flor-

ence, Kentucky, has to offer should be a vibrant flag which can truly represent the second largest city in Northern Kentucky.

That’s not currently the case, and that deserves change.

Currently, the flag of Florence is a low-effort white banner with a smaller blue ribbon on the top and an equal-sized yellow ribbon on the bottom. It features the seal of the city slapped in the middle for good measure. During my research into the little information available surrounding Florence’s flag, a small article popped up, claiming that the former city clerk, Joe Christofield, had “no information about the city flag,” other than the fact that the logo within the flag was adopted in 2002.

This does not represent what Florence has come to be for the hard working 30,000 residents who have called the city home for the many years in which Florence has grown to become a hub for shopping, entertainment and living in the Tristate area.

A subpar flag with a logo in the middle does not accurately portray the true grit of those who work, play and reside in Boone County’s largest city.

Florence has many features to be proud of that aren’t currently represented in its city colors, from achieving Tree City USA recognition, to Turfway Park and the historic Main Street, located just next to the site of a skirmish between Union and Confederate soldiers on Sept. 17, 1862, not to mention the forever iconic Florence Y’all water tower nestled between the Florence Mall and Interstate 71/75, and much more.

Florentines deserve a flag that can make them truly feel as proud of their hometown as are many people in nearby cities and communities such as Cincinnati, where its flag has been embraced as an icon of the city for decades and beloved by many who call the Queen City their home. It’s been featured on the porches of people’s houses, in the stands at FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadi-

um and flying high over buildings across downtown. While Florence is nowhere near the size of Cincinnati, this love for our town can still be achieved through waving our flag with pride.

Chances are, a new one would better represent us.

The concept of flags changing would not be unique to Florence. Places across the nation, ranging from Reno, Nevada, to the great state of Minnesota have recently made the decisions to change their flags from something of disappointing effort to those that are more delightful to the eye.

Many of them were showered with positive feedback by the residents represented by those ensigns. Florence deserves to join that club of places that desired and received change in their regional banners flown from government buildings to suburban homes.

Perhaps it’s time that the residents of Florence consider proposing new designs of their own as alternatives to our current flag. A revamp to our city’s banner will provide an excellent opportunity not only for residents to build newfound pride for the city’s history and future, but also for local artists to get their name out there and, perhaps, find themselves forever engrained in our city’s excellent and ever-growing history.

Eric Inda Florence

WE OFFER

CLASSIFIEDS AND HELP WANTED ADS

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION DECEMBER 20, 2024 9

streetscapes

U.S. 42 in Union bustles with restaurants

By Maria Hehman

W

ith the addition of a trifecta of local chains opening in Union, the area has been bustling with newcomers and locals alike. With Braxton, Dewey’s and Greater’s joining the roster, these nearby local establishments are great stops, pre or post a Braxton Scooter. Join us as we dine on Mexican, Chinese and American cuisines along U.S. 42.

Valle Escondido

Pollo Cancun, featuring grilled chicken breast, imitation crab meat and shrimp covered in cheese sauce, is another mouthwatering choice. It’s served with rice and beans.

hai Garden also features a Hibachi menu.

For those who want Hibachi without the overstimulation of a traditional Hibachi restaurant, Shanghai Garden offers all the flavor with none of the fanfare.

If the food options weren’t enough to draw you in, the massive margaritas will be. The Cadillac Margarita with premium tequila, amaretto and Gran Gala is dangerously delicious and best paired with a burrito Mexicano.

Blind Squirrel

Shanghai Garden Practically hidden in the big buildings along U.S. 42, Shanghai Garden’s seriously small space is a tiny tucked-away place to hide from hustle and bustle. Where better to escape than a place with some crab rangoons? Nearly its entire menu comes in around or under $15, making it a great spot for a cheap and delicious dinner.

Although it may seem unassuming from the outside, what it has to offer inside is abundant. Classic Chinese menu items like fried rice, lo mein and Hong Kong chicken all make an appearance on the menu. For a Kentucky twist on a Chinese dish, try the grilled Bourbon Chicken.

In addition to myriad menu items, Shang-

Valle Escondido decorated for the holiday season.

Photos by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

Of Valle Escondido’s four Tristate locations, Union’s is the only one in Northern Kentucky. It makes for an excellent place to fill up before heading down the road for a beer.

Just make sure not to fill up on chips and salsa, as enticing as those may be, because main dishes are the real showstoppers.

Valle Escondido has seemingly infinite possibilities: quesadillas of all kinds, burritos bigger than your hands, crunchy chimichangas and, of course, sizzling fajitas.

Besides the Mexican menu classics, it also features specialties like Mexican stew, with chopped steak, peppers, onions and tomatoes simmered with rice and beans. It’s a dish certain to warm guests up on cold days.

WHEN YOU WANT

THE BEST YOU WANT OMAHA STEAKS When you want to experience a steak that delivers rich, juicy, exquisite flavor and unparalleled quality in every bite, you don’t want just any steak.

You want Omaha Steaks.

The Blind Squirrel is a Boone county favorite for beer and burgers.

If you’re looking for a hometown bar and restaurant with classic American favorites, live music and a casual ambiance, Blind Squirrel is the place to visit. Its massive tap beer selection ensures IPA fanatics and amber ale aficionados each have ample choices to sip.

Although beer on tap is its largest offering, the Squirrel doesn’t skimp on the other selections: The bourbon and cocktail menus are just as lengthy. It also has one of the largest mocktail menus in the area for guests who want a fun drink without the hangover.

For food, start with Rumpke Mountain nachos – tortilla chips with either ground beef or pulled pork topped with queso, jalapenos, green onions, guacamole, pico de gallo and spiced sour cream. With mountain in the name, this gigantic sharable dish is great for a game-day snack. Or opt for pickle fries with wasabi ranch.

Shanghai Garden is a small Chinese restaurant with an ample menu.

Sandwiches and burgers constitute the bulk of the menu, with choices from pesto grilled chicken sandwich to a beer cheeseburger (with homemade beer cheese, crispy onion straws, lettuce and tomato on a pretzel bun). Add in fish and pizza for other options, and everyone leaves with a full stomach.

– MAKES A –

GREAT GIFT

A blueberry margarita from Valle Escondido.

What to Know If You Go Valle Escondido Location: 8863 U.S. 42, Union Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Website: valleescondidomexicangrill. com Phone: 859-869-0060

Shanghai Garden Location: 8761 U.S. 42, Union Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Website: shanghaigardenunion.com Phone: 859-384-8300

Blind Squirrel Location: 8537 U.S. 42, Florence Hours: Monday, 4-10 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Website: blindsquirrelflorence.com Phone: 859-869-9886

Butcher’s Deluxe Package

4 Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.)

4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)

4 Boneless Pork Chops (5 oz.)

4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.)

4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)

1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)

8 FREE PureGround™ Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.)

77318EGN separately $221.94 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

Order Now!

GET 8 FREE BURGERS

9999

$

$

37 Value

OmahaSteaks.com/Deluxe9744 | 1.888.501.2461

Ask for your 8 FREE burgers with offer 77318EGN

THE BEST STEAKS OF YOUR LIFE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

10 DECEMBER 20, 2024

Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. 8 free 6 oz. burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes SKU 77318. Limit 2 on select items at these exclusive prices. While supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Standard shipping rates will be applied and are subject to change. Minimum purchase and other restrictions may apply. Some products may not be available for sale in your area. Sales are subject to OmahaSteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI. Expires 12/31/24. | 24M6729 | Omaha Steaks, LLC

calendar

December Friday

Saturday 20

Sunday 21

A Vintage Car Christmas: View over 250 antique vehicles, a Lionel train display, live music, Christmas decor, and more. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: 21 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger Cost: Suggested $15 donation per entry (donations go to Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky) More info: honkhomes.org/a-vintage-car-christmas.

Deck the Y’alls Lightfest: Stroll through illuminated paths and themed installations with more than 2.5 million lights at Thomas More Stadium. Time: 5:30-10 p.m.

Location: 7950 Freedom Way, Florence Cost: $11$15; additional $5-$7 for ice skating. More info: decktheyalls.com.

Monday 22

Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland: Encounter an underwater wonderland full of playful penguins, colorful holiday lights and a flurry of magical bubbles.

Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: 1 Aquarium Way, Newport Cost: $22.99-$39.99 More info: newportaquarium. com

Tuesday 23

Classifieds

25

26 Wine, cheese and chocolates tasting class: Samples of chocolates and creamy, aromatic cheeses are paired with boutique wines and Vom Fass delicacies.

Time: 7-9 p.m. Location: 2770 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills Cost: $25 More info: bit. ly/4iyHwDs.

Mansion Hill Tavern Sunday Blues Jam: One of the longest continuously running blues jams in the US, the Mansion Hill Tavern Blues Jam brings together some of the best players in the area to play with our own house band.

Time: 7-10 p.m. Location: 502 Washington Ave., Newport Cost: Free More info: mansionhilltavern.com.

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

Side table

21inx26inx25in Price: $30 Text Brad 859.361.3557

24

Thursday

The Workshop: The area’s best comedians work out their best new material. Time: 7 p.m.

Location: 522 Fifth Ave. Cost: Free, but reservations appreciated More info: commonwealthsanctuary.com.

Roaring ’20s Murder Mystery Dinner: Step back into the 1920s with jazz and thrilling twists.

Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: 18 E. Fifth St., Newport Cost: $49.95 More info: bit.ly/3BpdP6P.

Side table

Wednesday

Tall Glass door/shelves with light 24inx12inx76in Price $100 Text Brad - 859.361.3557

21inx26inx25in Price: $30 Text Brad 859.361.3557

Tall Glass door/shelves with light

Tall Bedroom dresser

Tall Bedroom dresser

37inx19inx56in Price: $200 Text Brad - 859.361.3557

24inx12inx76in $100

37inx19inx56in $200 Text Brad - 859.361.3557

Text Brad 859.361.3557

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 20, 2024 11

sports Ryle, Cooper come up short in state championship games

Covington Catholic. All those teams but St. X were in the state semifinals this season.

The running clock victory over St. Xavier will go down in Raider history.

Cooper’s hopes were high as they entered the Class 5A state championship game 14-0 and unblemished in the 2024 season.

They met their match, though, as the Purples controlled the line of scrimmage, outrushed the Jaguars 238-38 and sacked Cooper QB Cam O’Hara seven times.

Ryle fans cheer on the Raiders during the Dec. 7 Class 6A final against Louisville Trinity. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

The city of Union invaded Lexington on Dec. 7 as their two high schools five miles apart played for state football championships at University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field.

Unfortunately for the faithful and both programs, both came back with runner-up trophies. Ryle fell to Trinity, 42-23, while Cooper dropped its second straight title game to Bowling Green, 37-20.

Ryle’s start was quite the way to open up their first state championship appearance since 2006, jumping out to a 14-0 lead thanks to two Nathan Verax touchdown passes to Landon Lorms, the last one a 55yard, highlight-reel snag from Lorms over a Trinity defender.

The Raiders faked a punt and were threatening to make it 21-0 inside the Shamrocks’ 30, but they were unable to tack on any more points in the drive.

Bowling Green led 13-12 at halftime, the Jaguars scoring on touchdown passes from O’Hara to Isaiah Johnson and Jaidan Combs.

But the second half was a different story.

The Purples scored the first three touchdowns for a 34-12 advantage. O’Hara hit Austin Alexander for a touchdown nearly midway through the fourth to make it 34-20, but the Purples added their third field goal of the game later in the fourth to make it a three-possession game and out of reach.

It was the best record in program history for the Jaguars, who finished 14-1. They defeated Ryle, Highlands twice, Great Crossing and Scott County along the way.

Ludlow pair hits 1,000 career points

Dowells hit 1,000-point milestone

Bishop Brossart alum Marie Kiefer is now the all-time blocks leader at Ball State University. The senior recently recorded her 153rd career block in her Cardinals career, passing former Cardinal Tamara Bowie, who owned the record of 152 since 2003.

Kiefer has started all nine games for Ball State this season, averaging 9.3 points and 6.6 rebounds a game. She’s shooting 59% from the field and has 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.

Baker again named freshman of week in Horizon League

Cooper grad Sean McNeil will get a shot in the G-League with the Cleveland Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers affiliate. Photo provided

Cooper grad Sean McNeil was recently named an assistant on Cooper’s boys basketball coaching staff, but his coaching days will have to wait as he’s still wanted as a player.

He was recently signed by the Cleveland Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers G-League affiliate. McNeil most recently played for Nevezis in Lithuania. His college career saw him play at West Virginia and Ohio State for his senior season. With the Buckeyes, he played in 35 games and averaged 9.7 points per game.

How about Ryle grad Sarah Baker and the start to her college career at Youngstown State? Baker was named the Horizon League’s freshman of the week for the third time this season.

In nine games this season for the Penguins, Baker is averaging 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. In her first career start against Milwaukee on Dec. 4, Baker put up career highs of 16 points and six assists, adding seven rebounds, a block and a steal.

Baker has taken home the honor three times in five weeks to start the season.

NKU’s Kamora Morgan claimed the other two honors.

Cooper grad Freihofer earns conference honor Cooper grad and Eastern Kentucky University freshman Liz Freihofer was named Atlantic Sun Conference freshman of the week on Dec. 2. Freihofer scored 39 points in three games to earn the honors.

In Freihofer’s first nine collegiate games, she’s averaging 9.4 points per game and 12 DECEMBER 20, 2024

McNeil signed to play with Cleveland Cavaliers’ G-League affiliate

Kiefer sets blocks record at Ball State

Ryle grad Sarah Baker has earned Horizon League Freshman of the Week three times already this season. Photo provided

Ludlow’s Addy Garrett hit the 1,000-point mark for her career on Dec. 6 against Dayton. Photo provided

hitting 38% of her 3-point attempts.

Bellevue seniors Jayda and Jaylah Dowell recently reached the career 1,000-point milestone. Jayda did it against Villa Madonna on Dec. 6, finishing with 10 points in the contest. Jaylah hit the mark in Bellevue’s win over Dayton on Dec. 9.

Ludlow’s Spencer Brandenburg and Addy Garrett both hit the 1,000-point mark recently. Brandenburg surpassed 1,000 career points in the Panthers’ Dec. 7 win over Eminence, where he poured in 29 points

Meanwhile, Trinity responded in a big way.

They went on a 42-3 run, Caleb Ricks 35yard interception return for a touchdown when it was 21-17 in the fourth quarter sealing the Raiders fate.

It was quite the season for the Raiders, finishing 12-3 and showcasing some memorable wins that included eight straight running clocks leading into the title game and through the postseason. Their strength of schedule was one of the hardest in the state, defeating state champion Christian Academy of Louisville and taking on Trinity, St. Xavier (twice), Cooper, Highlands and

and drained five 3-pointers. Garrett did it against Dayton on Dec. 6, scoring 14 points.

McNeil helped lead the Jaguars to the 2017 state championship game as a senior, where they finished runner-up. McNeil and Adam Kunkel were the driving forces in their run, Kunkel currently playing overseas in Spain for Zunder Palecia.

Thelen’s first win impressive with Colonels Jake Thelen’s coaching debut with Covington Catholic passed with flying colors. The Colonels took down Lexington Catholic, 8952, on Dec. 7.

Thelen said the Colonels were going to play fast, and they showed it, putting up 57 shots in 32 minutes. CovCath was paced by the trio of Athens McGillis, Cash Harney and Donovan Bradshaw, finishing with 27, 21 and 20 points, respectively. McGillis knocked down seven 3-pointers, Harney hit 9-of-10 shots from the field and Bradshaw pulled down eight rebounds.

Holy Cross radio hits 400th broadcast Congrats to Terry Niehaus and the radio team at Holy Cross for hitting their 400th broadcast on Dec. 3, when the Holy Cross girls took on Ryle.

Sacrifice, buy-in bring Beechwood title No. 18

The 2024 Class 2A state champion Beechwood Tigers. Photos provided | Charles Bolton

By Evan Dennison

I

t was quite the year for football in Northern Kentucky. Seven teams made it to regional championship games, five teams made the state semifinals and three teams battled for a state championship in their respective classes.

In the end, Beechwood was the lone team from NKY coming home with a state title from Lexington. It was the Tigers’ 18th state championship in program history. Here’s how they did it.

Beechwood knew things needed to change after Nov. 24, 2023. A 31-28 loss to Mayfield in the Class 2A state semifinals revealed a glaring problem: They needed to get stronger up front in order to be able to run the football more effectively.

A little more than a year later – mission accomplished. The Tigers showed a balanced attack, winning the Class 2A state title Dec. 6 at Kroger Field in Lexington, 50-34, over Owensboro Catholic.

“These guys knew going into the offseason that we were going to make some adjustments,” Tigers coach Jay Volker said. “We were going to make some changes to get back to this game, to go win another one.

They made those changes and allowed us to go win another state championship.”

It’s title No. 18 for the Tigers in program history and their fourth in the last five years.

The title tilt with the Aces came down to one key stat – being able to extend drives on third down. All day long the Tigers converted in crucial situations, succeeding in 10-of-14 third down attempts. They also were 1 for 1 on fourth downs, that conversion coming from Chase Flaherty on a oneyard touchdown run to make it 42-21 Tigers with 5:20 remaining.

“Momentum killers,” Aces coach Jason Morris said. “They did a good job of converting there, offensive line did a good job of giving the quarterback time and he kept the plays alive. They just did a really good job of executing there.”

It was a Herculean effort from Flaherty, who was questionable to play after suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter of the Nov. 29 semifinal victory over Lexington Christian Academy.

“To be honest, the first time I was running this week was out here in warmups,” Flaherty said. “I hadn’t run all week, was in a boot. Just wanted to go out there and give it my all and go win another championship.”

Flaherty powered through and scored four touchdowns in the game to go with his 74 rushing yards. He was named the game’s MVP.

Offensive workhorse Flaherty was a critical part of the offseason changes Beechwood needed to make. Instead of being a two-way player like he had, Volker wanted Flaherty exclusively on offense to focus on being more of a balanced team with the rushing attack. Flaherty’s postseason will go down in the Tigers record books: He finished with 443 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in five postseason games.

Back to the balance, Beechwood finished with 385 yards, 219 rushing and 166 passing.

“Chase was our workhorse because we had a great offensive line and we knew Chase was going to be able to carry us far,” Volker said.

Nathan Pabst and Tyler Fryman added 30plus yard rushing touchdowns in the third, Fryman’s making it 35-14 with 2:16 left in the quarter.

The buy-in had to come from not only Flaherty and the guys up front, but from gunslinger Clay Hayden, one of the best quarterbacks Northern Kentucky has ever seen.

Hayden threw for nearly 4,000 yards last season with 48 touchdowns, but, in order for that balance to take shape, Hayden’s numbers would have to take a hit. Hayden didn’t care. He wanted title No. 18.

The Aces added two touchdowns late.

“His numbers dropped a little bit, but he doesn’t care. He’s excited holding that trophy right now inside the locker room getting some pictures and everything. Mission accomplished,” Volker said.

In an odd occurrence, Tigers’ offensive guard Jack Meier did what only a lineman can dream of, corralling an onside kick and returning it 50 yards for a score.

“I didn’t expect to go untouched after grabbing it. I thought I was going to get clobbered,” Meier said. “There’s 11 guys running at me, so I didn’t know what to expect. I honestly saw them in the shadows and thought I should just go for it.”

Seniors led way

Hayden’s ability to extend plays was critical in the Dec. 6 victory. He ran for 37 yards and extended plays by getting out of the pocket and finding receivers – most notably James Cusick, who finished with six catches for 113 yards, all in the first half. Three of those catches came on critical third down situations.

Meier’s return symbolized Beechwood’s season, guys stepping up maybe not necessarily in places they’re used to, but had to in order to get No. 18 back to Fort Mitchell.

On the Tigers’ first scoring drive, they converted three third downs, the last a Flaherty two-yard touchdown run.

“Our seniors wanted to get back to this game so much,” Volker said. “Just the disappointment of losing to Mayfield in the state semifinals last year, they knew they wanted to get back to this game. They wanted to go out as a senior class with a state championship. Put a banner up on the wall, get their names etched into our plaques and everything like that. Just super proud of those guys. Our 16 seniors led the way.”

In what was expected to be a high-scoring affair, it took a while to get both teams going. Flaherty’s first touchdown came with 14 seconds left in the first quarter. Flaherty added another after a Luke Erdman interception return went for 63 yards all the way to the Aces seven-yard line, giving Beechwood a two-score cushion, 14-0.

Beechwood celebrates after Friday’s Class 2A state championship game against Owensboro Catholic.

“They had made some remarks about us being a track team, not a very good football program,” Volker said. “We took that to heart. This is No. 18 for a reason. We pride ourselves a little bit in playing football and being good at playing football. We got a lot of guys that are dedicated, and they went out and showed it tonight.”

The Aces kept things within striking distance, cutting the deficit to seven on two different occasions, but they never really threatened Beechwood’s lead and weren’t able to get stops after scoring. Beechwood kept piling points on.

Beechwood’s 16-man senior class ends with a four-year record of 55-4 with three state championships.

It’s No. 1 for Volker, in his second year with the program.

“It’s a relief. Just knowing how successful this program has been and knowing what the goals are,” Volker said.

DECEMBER 20, 2024 13

real estate

Historic property in Covington’s Seminary Square Address: 109 W 11th St., Covington Price: $750,000 Bedrooms: Four Bathrooms: Three (plus one half-bath) Square footage: 3,750 School district: Covington Independent County: Kenton Special features: Built in 1870, this historic property in Covington’s Seminary Square neighborhood features coffered ceilings, hardwood floors and an updated kitchen with a new Wolf range. The fully finished basement provides additional living and entertaining space. The property sits on a quarter-acre lot, with space for three cars off-street.

An exterior view of this Covington home. Photos provided | Joseph Stevie with Sparen Realty

A look at this home’s living room into the entryway.

This home’s updated kitchen.

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 NOTICE OF INTERNET WEBSITE PUBLICATION ORDINANACES ADOPTION LEGAL AD On October 8, 2024, the City of Walton adopted Ordinance 2024-16 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WALTON, KENTUCKY, AMENDING ORDINANCE 2021-10 AND SECTIONS 120.03, 120.05 AND 120.99 OF CHAPTER 120 OF THE CITY OF WALTON CODE OF ORDINANCES IN ORDER TO REVISE THE CITY’S REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF SHORT TERM RENTALS WITHIN THE CITY. You may read the full Ordinances on the Citys website at: https:// cityofwalton.org . The public has the right to inspect and obtain a copy of any document associated with the posting by contacting the Walton City Clerk at 40 N. Main St., Walton, KY 41094, telephone # 859-485-4383. /ss/ Rebecca McClure Rebecca McClure, City Clerk

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GO TO OUR DIGITAL PUBLIC NOTICE PAGE

14 DECEMBER 20, 2024

• AJ’s Towing & Recovery • Boone County Clerk • Campbell County Clerk’s Office • Campbell County Fire District #1 • Campbell County Fiscal Court • Campbell County Planning & Zoning • Campbell County Public Library • Campbell County Sheriffs Office • City of Alexandria • City of Bellevue • City of Cold Spring • City of Covington • City of Cresent Springs • City of Crestview Hills • City of Dayton • City of Edgewood • City of Elsmere • City of Erlanger • City of Florence • City of Fort Mitchell • City of Fort Thomas • City of Fort Wright • City of Highland Heights • City of Independence • City of Lakeside Park • City of Ludlow

• City of Newport • City of Ryland Heights • City of Silver Grove • City of Southgate • City of Union • City of Villa Hills • City Of Walton • City of Wilder • City of Woodlawn • Covington Public Independent Schools • Cresent Springs Board of Adjustment • Family Dollar Store • Fort Mitchell Board of Adjustment • Fort Thomas Independent Schools • Highland Heights Planning & Zoning • Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL • Kenton County Fiscal Court • Kenton County Joint Board of Adjustment • Larry Dillon Boone County Master Commissioner • Northern Kentucky Port Authority • Northern Kentucky Water District • Planning & Development Services of Kenton County • The Baker Firm PLLC • The Hidden Chapter Bookstore LLC

DECEMBER 20, 2024 15

Estimates on Sewer or HVAC replacements are

YOU

16 DECEMBER 20, 2024