LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 2, Issue 5- December 22, 2023

KENTON

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5 — DECEMBER 22, 2023

THE VOICE OF NKY

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December 1968: An Elvis comeback, holiday rocket launch and Brent Spence debate By Rick Robinson Rick Robinson is a local author who is writing a book based on life in Northern Kentucky in 1968 and what we can learn now. LINK publishes exceprts from the book regularly in the LINK Reader, as well as on linknky.com. This is Chapter 12, the final chapter. Go to linknky. com to read Chapters 1-11.

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n the evening of Dec. 3, 1968, a 14-year-old ninth-grader from Ockerman Junior High School, Pamela Robinson Porter, sat impatiently in front of a large wood cabinet encasing a small Motorola color television set. The anticipation was agonizing. A Christmas special was about to start. This, however, was no ordinary television show. “Singer Presents . . . Elvis” was about to air. Elvis Presley had not performed in public for seven years. His musical abilities had become secondary to his appearances in over two dozen low-budget movies. Elvis had charted only one Top 10 hit over the previous five years.

audience. He initially considered the concept to be yet another corny profiteering scheme devised by his manager, Col. Tom Parker. Elvis changed his mind when producer Bob Finkle and director Steve Bender decided to focus on the music and make wholesale changes to the show’s format. For instance, Parker wanted to hand-pick the people in the audience. Finkel and Bender went to a nearby diner and put them around Elvis. “In today’s world, no celebrity would fail to make a public appearance or appear in the media for six or seven years,” said Northern Kentucky lawyer, author and filmmaker John Lucas. A 17-year-old at Holmes High School at the time, Lucas was compelled to tune in. “He had only been in movies. So, like many fans, I was curious.” Dressed in all black leather and surrounded by a casual audience, Elvis Presley delivered. “Singer Presents . . . Elvis” drew a whopping 42% in the ratings. The soundtrack of the special went gold. And the first release from the soundtrack, “If I Can Dream,” went to No. 8 on the charts.

Originally, Elvis balked at the idea of singing Christmas carols in front of a national

Continues on page 3

Elvis Presley wowed audiences with his December 1968 TV special. Photo provided | Associated Press

Rep. Steve Rawlings files for state Senate; T.J. Roberts, Ed Massey to face off in primary By Rebecca Hanchett

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tate Rep. Steve Rawlings has officially filed to run in 2024 for the 11th District Senate seat currently held by Sen. John Schickel.

The announcement comes less than a day after LINK nky reported that Northern Kentucky attorney and Hebron Republican Ed Massey has filed to run for the former 66th District House seat, now held by Rawlings. Massey lost the seat to Rawlings in 2022.

Several NKY candidates have filed to run for legislative seats. File photo | LINK nky

Rawlings (R-Burlington) told LINK nky in a text early Dec. 12 of his filing on Dec. 11 with Continues on page 5

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Continued from page 1

Porter was thrilled. “I couldn’t WAIT to return to school to chatter with my girlfriends about our fave songs,” she said.

PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Mark Collier MANAGING EDITOR Meghan Goth SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison The LINK nky Kenton Reader is a weekly newspaper. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending, permit number 32 in Covington, Kentucky. The LINK nky Kenton Reader office of publications and the Periodical Pending Postage Paid at 700 Scott St., Covington, KY 41011. For mailing address or change-of-address orders: POSTMASTER: send address changes to The LINK nky Kenton Reader: 31 Innovation Alley, Covington, KY 41011 859-878-1669 | www.LINKnky.com

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She also noted that it probably took her a decade to realize how legendary the night had been. Later in life, her multiple trips to Graceland in Memphis were “almost a reverent, spiritual experience, a confirmation of the peace Elvis sought and found there.” In a 2001 column, she wrote, “I think it’s fair to say that the course of American and world/musical popular culture would have been radically altered without Elvis. The legend may have permanently ‘left the building,’ but his contributions to music and his legacy have ensured he will remain an international icon for the ages.” Not everyone shared the enthusiasm. Some critics panned the performance. Locally, people like John Domaschko, bass player for The Dingos, had moved on to other types of music. “By 1968, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, the Yardbirds, the Who and many others had hit the scene, making Elvis seem like a musical dinosaur,” said Domaschko. With those emerging sounds as a backdrop, “Elvis became the equivalent of Lawrence Welk for many people our age.” Despite criticism, the impact of the television show that eventually became known as simply “The Comeback Special” cannot be overlooked. The song “If I Can Dream” is a story in and of itself — an exclamation point on the turmoil of 1968. Although it was airing in December, the special was filmed months earlier in June. Vietnam and the murders of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy were at the forefront of Elvis’ mind. He was supposed to close the show by covering “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” Instead, a song was hastily written to reflect Elvis’ view on all the turmoil facing America. In a white three-piece suit, backed by giant red letters spelling his name, and with no audience, Elvis sang into a white hand-held microphone: “If I can dream of a better land, Where all my brothers walk hand in hand, Tell me why, oh why, Oh, why can’t my dream come true.” The words hit home in a region where headlines were still featuring stories about the deaths in Vietnam. His tour of Vietnam having ended in November, Covington’s Carl Fryman was back in the states for Christmas. Of his time in-country, he said, “You see things no person should ever see,” he said recently. Unlike others he knew who had to clean up the bodies on the battlefield where he was wounded, Fryman never experienced any post-traumatic stress. “Being a Christian, I just called on the Lord. He’s never failed me,” he said. The Niewahner family of Villa Hills had three sons stationed in Southeast Asia — Louis, Mike and Ronald. Early in December,

Members of the Erlanger/Elsmere School Board discuss the literary worth of J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” with outraged parents. File photo provided | Kenton County Library

the youngest of the trio, Army Sgt. Ronald Niewahner, was killed about 25 miles outside of Saigon. The family’s last letter from their son had come a week or so earlier: “He told us he was going to church and serving Mass the Sunday before — said it made him feel good.” On Christmas Day, Army Sgt. Ken Bryant of Cold Spring became the final Northern Kentuckian to be killed in combat in 1968. A Bronze Star recipient, Bryant had been injured twice previously. He had 92 days left in Vietnam when he was killed on patrol near Saigon. Shortly thereafter, he was supposed to be getting married. Lloyd High School made headlines in December 1968 by banning “Catcher in the Rye,” by J.D. Salinger, from the school’s required reading list. Forty-nine parents had presented a petition to Lloyd officials demanding they ban the 1951 best-selling novel about a boy running away from home to New York City. One parent called the book “dangerous.” Another objected to the vulgar language, saying, “Novels are supposed to be enjoyable, but this book is not enjoyable.” An open meeting of the Erlanger/Elsmere School Board brought out supporters and detractors. “It’s about academic freedom,” said one parent. The board appointed a secret panel to review the book; it eventually compromised and allowed “The Catcher in the Rye” to remain on the required reading list unless parents objected. In such a case, an alternate novel would be assigned to the student. The secret committee acknowledged parents’ concerns over what their children were reading in school. “On the other hand, the literature teacher should not try to escape the possibility of controversy by presenting only safe but barren works,” the committee members said. Planning for 1969 (and beyond) seemed to grab a lot of December headlines in The Kentucky Post and Times-Star. Among other stories of the time: • Gov. Louie Nunn planned for a 1970 start date for Northern Kentucky State College, and everyone waited to see where the new campus would be located. The newly formed Board of Regents began planning to hire top-level college executives. • Frontier World planned for a 1970

opening that never happened. • A modernization plan for Covington’s Riverside Drive was met with citizen opposition. • A multilevel “living bridge” between Cincinnati and Newport was planned to include apartments and a helicopter pad. Decades later, a similar plan was proposed for the Purple People Bridge. • The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments’ transportation study issued a 21-year bridge plan, including a new span to replace the Brent Spence. The Kentucky Post and Times-Star explained it simply: “We can’t wait until 1990 for a better river crossing.” It’s 2023, and we are still waiting. • The Northern Kentucky Riverport Authority started a long-range feasibility study for public port facilities. A port was never constructed, but the port authority still exists. And a long-term plan of President John F. Kennedy inched one step closer to fruition. In the ’60s, Southeast Asia was not the only place where America was fighting the Cold War. It was also being fought in the most faraway place imaginable – the moon. The “space race” began when Kennedy challenged America to reach the lunar surface by the end of the decade. In a speech at Rice University, he said: “ We chose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we’re willing to accept. One we are unwilling to postpone. And therefore, as we set sail, we ask God’s blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure that man has ever gone.” Underlying the Kennedy challenge was beating the Soviet Union in the quest. Having an American astronaut walk on the moon before a Russian cosmonaut was a Cold War challenge more easily accepted Continues on page 4

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Continued from page 3

by most Americans than war in Vietnam. To close out 1968, Northern Kentuckians sat transfixed to their television sets as Apollo 8 took America one step closer by orbiting the moon 10 times before safely returning to Earth. Astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell and William Anders became the first to witness an “earthrise” from the dark side of the moon. Normally, The Kentucky Post and TimesStar would leave such national news stories to its Cincinnati sister edition. However, above-the-masthead headlines of Apollo 8 and stories of the astronauts on board were present in the newspaper every day of its historic voyage, including the edition on Christmas Day. The comments from Northern Kentuckians reflected the enthusiasm being felt around the country. Bernard Brinkman of Ludlow said, “I don’t know how to say it, but I guess it’s the most marvelous thing that ever happened.” Nancy Abercrombie, a waitress at the Copper Kettle, said it was “grand.” Thomas More student Tom Aylor said from his job at Bodkin Liquor that he was “glad we’re the first up there.” In 1968, officials speculated that the Brent Spence Bridge, pictured here in 1964, would be replaced by 1990. It’s 2023, and the region is still waiting. File photo provided | Kenton County Public Library

On Christmas Eve 1968, before a worldwide television audience, the three astronauts read the first 10 verses of Genesis from the King James version of the Bible. William Anders e are now approaching lunar W sunrise, and for all the people back on Earth, the crew of Apollo 8 has a message that we would like to send to you. I n the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. nd the earth was without form, A and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. nd God said, Let there be light: A and there was light. nd God saw the light, that it was A good: and God divided the light from the darkness. James Lovell

From left: Frank Borman, commander of the three-man Apollo 8 crew, along with William Anders and James Lovell Jr. orbited the moon 10 times in December 1968 before returning safely to12:37 earth.PMFile photo 7047065_100_sehada_print_ad_womens_ob_10.375x3.389V1.pdf 1 10/25/23 | Associated Press

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And God called the light Day, and

the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. nd God said, Let there be a firA mament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. nd God made the firmament, A and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. nd God called the firmament A Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. Frank Borman nd God said, Let the waters A under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. nd God called the dry land A Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called the Seas: and God saw that it was good. nd from the crew of Apollo 8, A we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas – and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth. Less than a year later, although separated by distance, Neil Armstrong would unite us in a bond, fulfilling Kennedy’s challenge by stepping on the lunar surface. As for 1968, it ended the way it began … with the war in Vietnam still raging, civil rights still at a flash point, women’s rights still emerging, the culture still evolving and “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” still No. 1 on the charts. Rick Robinson’s award-winning books can be found at area bookstores and are available on Amazon. In a new book to be released later this year, he will be viewing Northern Kentucky through the lens of 1968. If you wish to contact Robinson with a story or thoughts about 1968, you may do so at neverleavefish@gmail.com. Photo credits compliments of Kenton County Library Faces and Places. Unless otherwise noted, all stories and quotes from 1968 are from articles that appeared in The Kentucky Post and Times-Star.

Continued from page 1

the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office. LINK nky reached out to him for comment on his Senate candidacy but has yet to receive a response. Schickel (R-Union), a longtime state legislator and current Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee chairperson, announced Nov. 14 that he would not run for reelection in 2024. Rawlings is the only lawmaker from NKY to officially file for the 2024 Kentucky Senate primary to date, according to Secretary of State filings. However, more NKY incumbents and challengers are expected to file in the coming weeks. Lawmakers running in the May 21 party primary have until Jan. 5 to officially file for office with the Secretary of State. T.J. Roberts files to run against Massey; other challenges loom Running for Rawling’s House seat against Massey in the May 21, 2024, primary will be T.J. Roberts, a Burlington Republican. Roberts was part of a Liberty Republican group that drew ire in its campaign against Massey and a handful of other incumbent

NKY state House members in 2022. He described himself in a press release Dec. 11 as an “America First conservative attorney and lifelong Boone County resident” who has “worked on the campaigns of many champions of liberty, including Rand Paul, Thomas Massie, and Savannah Maddox — and I’ve worked in Frankfort to fight for pro-liberty, anti-corruption legislation.” Regarding his candidacy, Roberts said, “Our fight is far from over. Kentucky has been under the corrupt leadership of Andy Beshear and tax-and-spend politicians from both parties for far too long, and it is time to elect proven conservatives who will stand up to the corrupt establishment and take Kentucky back. That is why I am running for State Representative of Kentucky House District 66.” Filing for reelection Monday alongside Rawlings and Roberts were Reps. Savannah Maddox (R-Dry Ridge) of the 61st House District and Felicia Rabourn, a Henry County Republican representing the 47th District who filed for reelection in November. So far, no one has filed to oppose Maddox.

Meet LINK nky Frankfort correspondent Rebecca Hanchett

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INK nky Frankfort correspondent Rebecca Hanchett is new to LINK Media, but she’s not new to Northern Kentucky.

Much of her family still lives in Grant County, where her grandfather, Lester Mullins, was active in regional NKY politics. Hanchett spent her early years in Florence, where her family lived while her father served with the Northern Kentucky Area Development District. When her dad took a job with the commonwealth, the family moved to Lexington, where Hanchett attended public school and college. A University of Kentucky alum with a bachelor’s in journalism, Hanchett began her professional career as a news reporter in London and Richmond, Kentucky. She eventually left the newspaper world in the late 1990s for Frankfort, where she was hired as an assistant public information officer at the Legislative Research Commission. Hanchett covered more than 20 legislative sessions and five gubernatorial administrations for the commission over more than two decades. Her work earned dozens of state writing awards through the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators, which she served as president in 2018. Hanchett took early retirement from the LRC in 2020 to start a freelance journalism career. She comes to LINK

nky after two-and-a-half years as a nationally published legislative writer covering the sports betting industry for Catena Media. Covering the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly is a welcome challenge, Hanchett said. The 2024 legislative session begins Tuesday, Jan. 2. Readers can send tips and information to rhanchett@linknky.com.

NKY state legislative candidates for the 2024 primary election filed in Frankfort on Dec. 11. They include, from left: T.J. Roberts of Burlington; Rep. Felicia Rabourn of Pendleton; Rep. Savannah Maddox of Dry Ridge; and Rep. Steve Rawlings of Burlington. All filed to run as Republicans. Rawlings will run for the seat of Sen. John Schickel, who is retiring. Roberts will face off against former Rep. Ed Massey for the 66th District House seat. Photo provided | Steve Rawlings

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DECEMBER 22, 2023 5

Kenton County selects developers for apartment complex on government center site By Kenton Hornbeck

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enton County has selected two Cincinnati-based real estate firms to lead the development of Covington’s newest multifamily apartment complex. On Dec. 11, the Kenton County Fiscal Court approved a joint bid submitted by developer Al. Neyer and property manager Urban Sites for a new multifamily apartment complex project set to be constructed on the Kenton County Government Center site. Kenton County was advertising a request for proposal for the project as recently as November. “I think that will transform that whole area, ultimately, over the next decade,” Kenton County Commissioner Jon Draud said. The apartment complex will be constructed on top of a new parking garage for county employees, replacing dozens of parking spots underneath an elevated portion of Interstates 71 and 75 in Covington. The parking spots underneath the interstate are set to be eliminated once construction on the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project commences. Construction on the garage is scheduled to begin in 2025, according to the county. Kenton County selected Cincinnati-based firm Dugan & Meyers as the project’s developer in late October. “We’re trying to keep on a schedule, as you all know, to tie into the garage with Dugan & Myers, and that would allow for us to get the next phase of this developed with efficiency, I guess is a good way of putting it,” Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said during the meeting. In September, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray announced that the state would contribute $15 million toward constructing the parking garage. “By relocating the Kenton County parking

The Covington Apartments will be a multifamily complex featuring studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Rendering provided | Kenton County

garage, we are freeing up an area needed for this crucial project and saving millions of dollars in the process because of less construction costs,” Beshear said at a September press conference. “This is a winwin for this community and all of Northern Kentucky.” Al. Neyer — the sixth-largest real estate developer in the Greater Cincinnati region, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier — has developed several Northern Kentucky projects in recent years, including the Hebron Logistics Center, Erlanger Commerce Center and Atlas Air Headquarters in Erlanger. Earlier this year, Al. Neyer and Urban Sites finished construction on The Hayden, a $34 million redevelopment of the former Kenton County Administration Building and Jail located at 103 E. Third St. in Covington’s Roebling Point neighborhood. The mixed-use development transformed the dilapidated 12-story building into a 144,000-square-foot, 133-unit luxury apartment tower. Al. Neyer and Urban Sites featured The Hayden in their bid.

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6 DECEMBER 22, 2023

The only Northern Kentucky redevelopment project Urban Sites has worked on thus far is The Hayden. The joint bid outlines plans for the apartment complex, to be composed of 25% studios, 50% one-bedroom units and 25% two-bedroom rental units. In terms of potential rent prices, the bid specifies that Neyer and Urban Sites want the rent to be priced to be 80% to 120% of the area’s average median income, with the development appealing to workers at local employers like Fidelity Investments and St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Tenant amenities will include a clubhouse, fitness center and conference room/business center. “Having recently completed The Hayden at Roebling Point together, we are extremely excited by the prospect of continuing our investment in Kenton County and the City of Covington,” Al. Neyer Senior Vice President of the Cincinnati Market John Bumgarner and Urban Sites Chief Development Officer Danny Lipson wrote to coun-

ty leaders in the bid. “As with the Hayden, we look forward to the opportunity to help the County execute its vision for economic growth within Covington.” Construction on the apartments is anticipated to be completed throughout a single 13-month phase, according to a timeline provided in the bid. Construction is slated to commence upon completion of the parking garage. The apartment building is expected to be in service by April 2026. The project is expected to fuel a renewal of the 12th Street Corridor. Furthermore, the bid recognizes the 12th Street Corridor as a primary gateway into Covington for drivers coming off the interstate, so both firms said they want to “contribute aesthetically to the urban fabric and draw people into the area.” “The dynamism, if you will, of that block is going to be totally changed,” Knochelmann said.

kenton county briefs Kenton County approves zoning for development on former site of Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell

This is a preliminary development plan for the site in Fort Mitchell. Plans are not final. Map produced by Bayer Becker. Map provided | Buttermilk Pike Development Co.

The Kenton County Planning Commission unanimously voted in early December to approve a zoning change for a 26-acre parcel of land for a development at the former site of the Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell. The land is located along Buttermilk Pike, Royal Drive, Grace Avenue and Interstates 71 and 75 and contains five land parcels of varying sizes. Currently the land is mostly vacant, but it was the former location of the Drawbridge Inn, a well-known hotel and convention center. The Drawbridge closed in 2012 after 42 years of operation. “I think that this is a great opportunity for

the city of Fort Mitchell to go ahead and utilize this property that has been vacant for so many years,” said the Kenton County Planning Commission’s Fort Mitchell representative Jeff Bethel. In order to allow the development to proceed, the city proposed a new type of zoning to the planning commission, which the commission also unanimously approved. The city also had to secure an extension of the land’s tax increment financing, or TIF, status from the state, which Fort Mitchell City Administrator Edwin King said the city had successfully secured just that morning. The new zone, called a mixed use 2, or MU 2, zone allows for a broad range of developmental uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, lodging and recreational uses, among others. TIF districts, on the other hand, are a way for cities to attract developers to their areas by rerouting tax revenue into the district. If a city has established TIF districts, a portion of the property taxes collected in the area is redirected from general community services and instead injected into the development within the TIF district over a period of time. This can be a way of speeding up infrastructure development on the land and can reduce costs for the developers.

Erlanger’s City Council, mayor receive anonymous letter about road conditions

fear of retaliation, and he said one reason he shared the letter in a public meeting was to take the opportunity to dispel that fear. “I’m pretty sure I’m accurate in saying that doesn’t exist,” Hermes said. “I can’t think of anybody in staff or anybody on council or the mayor or administration that would retaliate in any way for someone expressing their opinions, no matter how much we might like it or not like it, or agree or disagree with it. The big reason I think it’s important for someone to share this is that … we would love to be able to address this directly with who wrote it.”

Concord Drive was among roads cited by an anonymous letter-writer in Erlanger. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Erlanger’s City Council and mayor recently received an anonymous letter that called attention to the condition of some of the roads in the city. Council member Tyson Hermes presented the letter, which arrived at the building in November, to the other council members at a meeting on Dec. 5. The author provided neither a name nor a return address, but council used the letter as a jumping-off point to discuss city beautification efforts, the mechanics of municipal public works and issues of government accessibility. Hermes said he believed sometimes people are afraid to provide identifying information on communications to the city for

A transcript of the letter is as follows: Mayor & City Council, I so appreciate the beautification efforts, but would rather see the roads fixed. My back gets jarred when driving on Hallam-Concord, Hulbert, Lambda (you know the ones) & repairs are long overdue. The extensive work on Rainbow Terrace Park is nice but would have fixed many streets with the $ spent. Street sign replacement also nice but my tax $ better spent on needed repairs. Public Works does a great job on small repairs, but more than patching is needed. Please address this now. winter will make it worse. Thank you, especially for the leaf pick up. Hermes read the letter to council and then tried to explain how funding for road repairs and beautification works. Continues on page 8

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Continued from page 7

“We aren’t forgoing road repairs because we’re spending money on beautification efforts or street signs or parks,” Hermes said. “It’s not like we’re making those choices and pulling the money out of the road fund.”

Villa Hills Council discusses tentative budget, which would fund 4 medics, 4 firefighters

Villa Hills City Council discusses having a full-time fire department. Photo by Killian Baarlaer | LINK nky contributor

Villa Hills City Council discussed a tentative version of its fiscal year 2025 budget on Dec. 6 at its quarterly special meeting. It includes provisions to hire full-time firefighters and medics at the Crescent Springs/Villa Hills Fire Department. The two cities operate a joint fire department that serves both jurisdictions, but only part-timers and volunteers currently staff the agency. According to Villa Hills City Administrator Craig Bohman, the new fire department

structure would include four full-time medics – enough to fully staff an ambulance at all times – and four full-time firefighters – enough to fully staff a fire engine at all times. This crew would be supplemented by volunteers and part-timers, he said. The fire department has struggled to retain volunteers and part-time employees in recent years, Bohman said. Both city councils must approve a resolution expressing support for introducing full-time staff members. Allotting a budget for the fire department’s future structure demonstrates Villa Hills’ commitment to the plan, which is expected to be formally voted on in a subsequent meeting. “We’ll definitely vote to approve it as part of the budget, but there would be a resolution stating that we are in support of adding full-time staff to the fire authority,” Bohman said.

According to Elsmere Police Chief Russell Wood, Elsmere has seen 24 driving violations this year, 12 of which have been attended to by officer Ford.

Free Christmas Day dinner and celebration to be held at NKY Convention Center

In recognition of her hard work and dedication, the police chief presented Ford with an award in collaboration with Elsmere Mayor Marty Lenhof. Ford’s mother, father and niece were present at the meeting for the award ceremony.

For the 36th consecutive year, the free Christmas celebration and dinner tradition continues on Christmas morning at the NKY Convention Center.

“I want to thank Elsmere city just for acknowledging my hard work, especially Chief Wood. I continue to work hard, and next year’s going to be 13,” Ford said, referring to the number of arrests she had made. Ford’s recognition came amid several new developments in the Elsmere Police Department, which recently welcomed its first Latino officer, Oscar Sanchez. He came to Elsmere from Georgetown Police Department and specializes in Latino community relations, Chief Wood said.

Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 25. Christmas dinner will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. No reservations are needed. The convention center is located at 1 W. Rivercenter Blvd. in Covington. Free parking will be available in the garage across Madison Avenue and the convention center. The Parish Kitchen, located at 1561 Madison Ave. in Covington, also offers a Christmas Day dinner (meal only) served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sleeping bag handouts will be available while supplies last. The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) will provide free rides to the event.

Funding for the fire authority is split between the two cities, with Villa Hills covering 60% of the costs and Crescent Springs covering the remaining 40%, Bohman said.

Elsmere police chief, mayor recognize officer for efforts in upholding traffic safety

Attendees can anticipate receiving gifts, including toys for children, and can capture special moments with Santa Claus. Additional festive characters, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and a great horned owl will also be there.

The city of Elsmere recognized police Officer Amber Ford for her efforts in combating impaired driving at their Dec. 12 council meeting.

Volunteers interested in contributing to the Christmas Day dinner can contact Lynn Haney at 859-240-5603 or HaneyL@fuse. net.

Elsmere Police Chief Russell Wood presented an award to Officer Amber Ford at the Dec. 12 City Council meeting. Photo by Mildred Nguyen.

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• 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 • 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 Thomas • City of Fort Wright • City of Independence • City of Lakeside Park • City of Ludlow • City of Newport

• 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 • Northern Kentucky Port Authority • Northern Kentucky Water District • Planning & Development Services of Kenton County • The Baker Firm PLLC • The Hidden Chapter Bookstore LLC

news from other places In inaugural speech, Beshear criticizes divisive politics, vows ‘This is Kentucky’s chance’

broader efforts by Democrats to make inroads in Republican territory. It also sets him up to be on the national radar in the coming years when the country looks for a new generation of leaders.

Hamlin, who had cardiac arrest during game against Bengals, ’23 top trending person on Google NEW YORK (AP) — Your Google search history for 2023 has arrived.

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Gov. Andy Beshear greet the crowd at the Kentucky Capitol following their swearing-in on Dec. 12. Photo by Timothy D. Easley | Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, whose reelection in the GOP stronghold of Kentucky boosted his standing among next-generation political leaders, railed against the politics of division as he launched his second term on Dec. 12. In his inaugural speech outside a sunsplashed Kentucky Capitol, Beshear invoked his Christian faith as a guiding principle for governing, declaring that every person deserves “true dignity and opportunity.” “I ran for office because I believe that my kids deserve a better world, and I believe every child of the commonwealth deserves that better world,” the 46-year-old governor said at his public swearing-in ceremony. “This is Kentucky’s chance to be the difference, to be both an economic and a moral leader of this country.”

Well, actually, the world’s search history. On Dec. 11, the California-based tech giant released its “Year in Search,” a roundup of 2023’s top global queries, ranging from unforgettable pop culture moments (hello, Barbenheimer), to the loss of beloved figures and tragic news carrying worldwide repercussions.

corded 41 tornadoes through a handful of states, including 16 in Tennessee and eight in Kentucky. A total of 81 people died in Kentucky alone.

Claudine Gay will retain her role as president of Harvard after antisemitism backlash

You can find more data, including country-specific lists and trends from years past, on Google’s “Year in Search” archive. The company says it collected its 2023 search results from Jan. 1 through Nov. 27 of this year.

Severe storms tear through central Tennessee, leaving 6 dead, dozens sent to hospital

Harvard President Claudine Gay speaks during a hearing of the House Committee on Education on Dec. 5. File photo by Mark Schiefelbein | Associated Press

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war topped news trends in 2023, per Google’s global data, followed by queries related to the Titanic-bound submersible that imploded in June, as well as February’s devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Severe storms that tore through central Tennessee killed six people on Dec. 9 and sent about two dozen to the hospital as homes and businesses were damaged in multiple cities.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism.

Damar Hamlin was Google’s top trending person on search this year. A safety with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, Hamlin experienced a near-death cardiac arrest on the field during a January game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati but has since completed a celebrated comeback. Meanwhile, the late Matthew Perry and Tina Turner led search trends among notable individuals who passed away.

Three people, including a child, were killed after an apparent tornado struck Montgomery County north of Nashville near the Kentucky state line, county officials said in a news release. And the Nashville Emergency Operation Center said in a post on a social media account that three people were killed by severe storms in a neighborhood just north of downtown. Another 23 people were treated for injuries at hospitals in Montgomery County.

Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing, in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about campus antisemitism in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, which erupted in early October. Their academic responses provoked backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses.

Photos posted by the Clarksville fire department on social media showed damaged houses with debris strewn in the lawns, a tractor trailer flipped on its side on a highway and insulation ripped out of building walls.

Some lawmakers and donors to the university had called for Gay to step down, following the resignation of Liz Magill as president of the University of Pennsylvania on Dec. 9.

Beshear was officially sworn in for another term shortly after midnight — a Bluegrass State ritual every four years to ensure continuity at the head of state government. It preceded a full day of inaugural events, including a worship service, a parade and the public swearing-in ceremony. The governor scored a convincing reelection victory in November over Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, extending Beshear’s winning streak in a state that otherwise has swung decidedly toward the GOP. His victory could offer a roadmap for

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for Google’s 2023 global search trends. Bibimbap was the top trending recipe. Inter Miami CF, the new home of Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi, led Google’s sports teams trends. And in the U.S. specifically, many consumers spent 2023 asking why eggs, Taylor Swift tickets and sriracha bottles were so expensive — while “rizz” was a frontrunner for trending slang definition inquires.

Google released its “Year in Search” results for 2023. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who had a near-death cardiac arrest during a January game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, was the top trending person on search for the year. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes | Associated Press

“This is devastating news and our hearts are broken for the families of those who lost loved ones,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts in a statement. “The city stands ready to help them in their time of grief.”

The Harvard Corporation, the university’s highest governing body, released a statement on Dec. 12 saying it unanimously supports Gay.

The storm came nearly two years to the day after the National Weather Service re-

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Year in review: NKY’s 2023 restaurant and bar openings and closings By Maggy McDonel

N

orthern Kentucky’s food and beverage landscape is constantly evolving, and this year was no different.

We reported on over 40 restaurant and bar openings and closings this year. There were 17 closings in 2023, with seven just in the last three months. However, on a better note, there were 23 new food and drink spots that opened, plus one reopening. We couldn’t fit the entire list here, so go to linknky.com to read the rest.

Closings Ebert’s Meats The year started out on a sad note with Ebert’s Meats, the Monmouth Street staple, announcing on Jan. 1 that after 125 years, it was closing. In a Facebook post, owners cited landlord disputes and the cost to relocate as the reasons for shutting down the Newport butcher shop. Bourbon Haus 1841 Following six years of operation, Bourbon Haus 1841 announced its closure on Jan. 1. The announcement brought to light a longstanding feud between the bar and its nextdoor neighbor, Paddy’s on Main.

McK’s BBQ In late October, the Covington barbeque restaurant announced its permanent closure after six years in business. McK’s BBQ posted a note to its front door announcing the closure and thanking its customers for their support. Baker’s Table Bakery Baker’s Table Bakery, located at 1001 Monmouth St., closed its doors on Oct. 28, after its last day of business. “In the name of our mission, tomorrow will be our last public service here at The BTB,” read the announcement of the closure. The Baker’s Table restaurant across the street remained open. Nomad Nomad in Bellevue announced on Nov. 1 that it was closing its doors at the end of the month. The announcement cited rising food costs and bad weather days, as much of Nomad’s seating was outside, for the restaurant’s closure. Danyelle’s Bellevue Tavern Just a few days after Nomad, another Bellevue establishment announced it was closing its doors at the end of the month. Danyelle’s Bellevue Tavern, located at 615 Fairfield Ave., closed at the end of November.

Openings

Spoon: Kitchen & Market This Covington bistro, café and grocery, which opened its doors in 2021, announced its closure in early March. Spoon’s official announcement read, “It’s become too difficult for us to maintain our values in local and sustainable foods.”

Juniper’s On Jan. 6, Vic and Lesley Hugo opened Juniper’s, Northern Kentucky’s first gin and tapas bar, in Mainstrasse. Juniper’s, which is located in the John R. Green Co. building, features a rotating food menu of small plates, plus a fully stocked, gin-focused bar.

915 Pub and Grill After 17 years, 915 Pub and Grill closed its doors in March. Cincinnati-based burger joint Tickle Pickle moved into the location soon after the restaurant’s closure.

Ford’s Garage - Florence Ford’s Garage, a nostalgic 1920s-themed burger and beer chain based in Florida, opened its first Kentucky location in Florence in January. This was the second in the Greater Cincinnati area, after the Norwood location opened last May.

SubStation II Fort Wright’s SubStation II permanently closed as the restaurant’s owners couldn’t find a relocation spot following the sale of their building to OneHolland Group. Dee Felice Café Dee Felice Café, which had called MainStrasse home for 39 years, closed up shop after the Fourth of July weekend. Dee Felice Market, a community grocery store next door to the café, has remained in business.

Conserva Conserva opened in Ludlow in January, offering folks around Northern Kentucky Spanish-inspired foods, drinks and vibes. The food, wine, beer, ciders, sherry, vermouth, sangria and cocktails are all authentically Spanish. Second Story In March, the newest bar venture from Lost

Co., which owns Over-the-Rhine’s Somerset and Alice, opened in Covington. Second Story opened above Flying Axes and features a craft cocktail menu and otherworldly decor. Maple Street Biscuit Company Maple Street Biscuit Company opened in March and features Southern-style comfort food that is made from scratch. “We’re happy to be part of the community,” said Ayssha Abner, the Florence location’s community manager. Knowledge Bar & Social Room Located inside of a previously abandoned building that had at one point housed the Covington YMCA and Gateway Bookstore, Knowledge Bar & Social Room is the lobby bar of Hotel Covington’s newest venture, North by Hotel Covington. Knowledge Bar, which opened in April, features craft cocktails and an interior that showcases the roots of Kentucky’s horse-racing past. Braxton Brewing - CVG taproom The taproom, which opened to the public in April, is located inside a 15,000-square-foot space in CVG’s Concourse A directly across from the Christian Moerlein Taproom. Travelers can enjoy food and beer at this airport location. Roebling Point - Dayton Roebling Point Books & Coffee opened its third storefront in April. Located in a former corner grocery store at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Vine Street, its newest bookstore has all the hallmarks of its popular Covington and Newport locations. 16 Lots - Newport on the Levee Dubbed the Southern Outpost, the brewery features amenities such as a riverfront patio and cigar speakeasy lounge. The taproom and kitchen hosted its grand opening on May 19. Then, it officially launched its full menu on May 23, including appetizers like Nashville popcorn chicken and fried green tomatoes, plus entrees that range from burgers to mussels. Tickle Pickle - Fort Thomas The popular Cincinnati burger and shake joint Tickle Pickle opened its first Northern Kentucky location in Fort Thomas in June. “Fort Thomas, you have shown so much support and we can’t thank you enough,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post in May.

Highland Square Café Highland Square Café moved into the previous Cobblestone Café spot, which closed in August last year after being a staple in the community for 17 years. The cafe officially opened in July, and its menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and more. Honey Uninhibited Former Cincinnati Bengal Carlos Dunlap opened the second location of his restaurant, Honey Uninhibited, in June. The Southern-style restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner, with a menu that features items like gullah shrimp-n-grits and lobster truffle mac and cheese. Opal Located on the seventh floor of the Republic Bank building, Opal, which opened in September, offers customers an elevated dining experience. The rooftop patio features unimpeded views of downtown Covington and Cincinnati, and the menu is described as a casual-fine dining experience. Thai Pavilion Covington’s Thai Pavilion opened in October and is helmed by three women who say food brought them together. The menu is filled with noodles, fried rice dishes, wontons and spring rolls. It also features recognizable classics like pad thai, red curry and pad kee mao. The Brickery Opened in December, The Brickery Café & Play offers a kids play and discovery area, a café that serves light refreshments and a retail space with new and used Legos for sale. The play and discovery area is designed for children ages 5 to 12. Kealoha's Kitchen A Hawaiian BBQ carry-out spot, Kealoha's Kitchen opened in Covington on Dec. 1 in the former Dee Felice Café location. The menu offers bento boxes with protein, rice, salad and lumpia, plus mains like pineapple-teriyaki short ribs, pork kabobs and more.

Reopenings Enson Harbor Formerly a seafood restaurant, Bellevue’s Enson Harbor reopened in July as a Chinese dim sum restaurant and bar, Enson Harbor | Chinese Dim Sum & Bar. The restaurant closed in January to remodel and rebrand after having only been open for a year.

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calendar

December Friday

Saturday 22

Sunday 23

Monday 24

Holiday House Decorating Contest, 6-8 p.m., Fort Thomas. To participate or nominate a neighbor, contact Sam at sshelton@ftthomas. org. You can also visit fortthomasky.gov.

Tuesday 25

Wednesday

Thursday

26

27

Boone County Fiscal Court meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Fiscal Court, 2950 Washington St., Burlington

Holly Jolly Days, 2-4 p.m., Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington. Enjoy family fun activities in the Education Center. Included with museum admission. For more information, call 859-4914003 or visit bcmuseum. org/activities/holidays

Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting, 5:306:30 p.m., Covington Courthouse, 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington

28 Boone County Business Association meeting, 6-7 p.m., Lions Club, 29 Lacresta Drive, Florence Ludlow City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., Municipal Center, 808 Elm St., Ludlow

Florence City Council business meeting, 6-7 p.m., City Building, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence Covington Commission legislative meeting, 6-7 p.m., City Hall, 20 W. Pike St., Covington Crittenden City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Building, 117 S. Main St., Crittenden

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

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real estate

Cozy Fort Wright home tucked away on cul de sac Address: 3508 Reeves Drive, Fort Wright Price: $709,000 Beds: Three Bath: Two (plus two half-baths) Property: Built in 1996 on 0.47 acres School district: Kenton County County: Kenton Special features: This three-bedroom, four-bathroom Fort Wright home is located right on a cul de sac. The custom-built 1990s property is perfect for a family, with three finished floors of space. There are plenty of stand-out features in this space, including Brazilian cherry floors, crown molding, coffered ceilings and granite countertops in the eat-in kitchen. There are also multiple levels of decks where you can enjoy your nearly 0.5-acre lot that backs up to a greenbelt.

The Reeves Drive house backs up to a greenbelt. Photo provided | Paula Ritter with Sibcy Cline

A living space features dark woodwork at this Fort Wright home. Photo provided | Paula Ritter with Sibcy Cline

The kitchen features granite countertops and dark wood cabinetry. Photo provided | Paula Ritter with Sibcy Cline

Top Sales of the Week Address

WHO

YOU’RE WITH

MATTERS

Kim Hermann Executive Sales Vice President HUFF REALTY 859.468.6429 KHermann@huff.com

12 DECEMBER 22, 2023

13018 Borel Court 2713 Claiborne Court 235 Van Voast Avenue 434 Shannon Drive 9979 Cobblestone Blvd. 66 Nicole Drive 1251 W Pike Street W 67 Geiger Avenue 8465 Bridle Court 1214 Oriole Court 3133 Riggs Road 633 Radnor Lane 26-A 3903 Archer Court 2715 James Avenue 27 Burk Avenue 427 Ridgeview Drive 3808 Lambda Drive 1810 Cliffview Lane 4232 Lafayette Court 4040 Calvert Court

City Union Crestview Hills Bellevue Edgewood Independence Independence Covington Bellevue Florence Edgewood Erlanger Walton Florence Covington Florence Erlanger Erlanger Florence Erlanger Florence

Recent NKY Home Sale Data

Price

Sale Date

Address

City

$650,000 $350,000 $289,000 $270,000 $260,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $246,900 $245,000 $244,900 $240,000 $239,900 $233,000 $230,000 $228,000 $225,000 $220,000 $220,000 $203,000

12/8/23 12/12/23 12/8/23 12/8/23 12/7/23 12/8/23 12/11/23 12/11/23 12/12/23 12/12/23 12/8/23 12/8/23 12/13/23 12/13/23 12/11/23 12/7/23 12/8/23 12/7/23 12/12/23 12/12/23

100 W Rivercenter Blvd. PH1B Covington 144 W Pike Street Covington 2240 Dorian Drive Covington 1530 Holman Avenue Covington 1251 W Pike Street W Covington 1112 W Pike Street Covington 1892 Farmhouse Way Florence 648 Buckshire Florence 6102 Spicewood Avenue Florence 6552 Summerfield Drive Florence 145 Saddlebrook Lane 608 Florence 5885 Garden Road Florence 10 Homestead Place Fort Thomas 222 Clover Ridge Avenue Fort Thomas 2389 N Fort Thomas Avenue Fort Thomas 48 Sherman Avenue Fort Thomas 121 Dixie Place Fort Thomas 20 Mayo Avenue Fort Thomas 56 Crowell Avenue Fort Thomas 10 N Fort Thomas Avenue Fort Thomas

Price

Sale Date

$2,762,500 $1,175,000 $289,000 $307,000 $250,000 $285,000 $340,000 $300,000 $247,500 $184,500 $169,000 $229,000 $430,500 $220,000 $285,000 $319,900 $225,000 $535,000 $215,000 $228,000

11/27/23 12/4/23 12/5/23 12/7/23 12/11/23 12/7/23 11/16/23 11/17/23 11/22/23 12/1/23 12/4/23 12/6/23 11/14/23 11/20/23 11/22/23 11/27/23 11/27/23 11/30/23 11/30/23 11/30/23

features

It’s time for Streetscapes Wrapped … Round 2 By Maria Hehman

I

n the two years that this Streetscapes series has been around, we’ve covered hundreds of local businesses. To commemorate the top discoveries we’ve found this year, the next couple of issues of Streetscapes will highlight some of our favorite finds in this series — coffee shops, restaurants, bars and bakeries, just to name a few. Every year, the music streaming service Spotify gives users a personalized breakdown of their top listenings, aptly called Spotify Wrapped. Retailers and businesses all over the world have adopted this idea. Here at LINK we are doing our own version, Streetscapes Wrapped. We will break down the top places discovered from this series this year. They’re not necessarily new businesses, just new to this series and potentially to readers. This week, we revisit the top restaurants we discovered this year. MRBL MRBL was one of the early additions to NKY’s restaurant scene this year. Adver-

A view from Amador Cuban at Newport on the Levee. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

tising as a fine-dining option with views of the Cincy skyline, it became one of the most anticipated openings of the year.

and elderflower tonic. It’s a refreshing, crisp drink — perfect for sipping while admiring the views.

Beyond the stunning views, MRBL’s interior is just as visually appealing. From its entrance with its watercolor wall and leather chairs, to its tiled green bathroom, it exudes modern elegance in each design choice.

Conserva For light delectable bites and Spanish sangria, look no further than small Conserva. Located in Ludlow, Conserva offers much more than meets the eye. Its main mission is to bring tapas culture — which, at its root, is sharing small bites with friends — to NKY.

To match its elevated interior, the menu is also top-of-the-line. Primarily serving steak, seafood and sushi, MRBL focuses on curating a menu that adds to the overall experience. For guests who want to really take advantage of the fine-dining experience, it has nine options for steak. Those wanting lighter bites should opt for the sushi menu, including a surf-and-turf roll with shrimp tempura, avocado, garlic cream cheese, seared sirloin, eel sauce and fried onions. The Asian green beans or crispy Brussels sprouts are great additions to any meal.

Conserva’s space is small but creates a community feel, which enhances the already intimate service one receives when dining there. Much of its menu is in Spanish, but employees are very attentive and walk customers through the menu, offering suggestions to help guide them through a traditional Spanish tapas experience.

milk cheese, dried fig and balsamic reduction. Tortilla Española is a must-order for any visitor — a flakey quiche-like dish with potato, egg, onion and parsley, topped with a drizzle of aioli. (This is my personal favorite dish I tried this entire year.) Conserva’s wine, cocktail and sangria menus are extensive. Guests longing for a Spanish vacation simply need to order a sangria or the Spanish 75 cocktail, with cava, Mahon gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and lemon twist. Amador Cuban Restaurant Amador Cuban Restaurant gives guests a taste of authentic Cuban food without having to travel to Miami. Taking over one of the largest spots at Newport on the Levee, Amador is ideal for a date-night dinner, pre-Bengals brunch or just an excuse to visit the ever-changing Levee.

Many of the craft cocktails are playfully named to pay homage to the area, including the Gincinnati, with Cincinnati gin, St. Germain, plum syrup, sage simple syrup

Adorned in mosaic tiles and eclectic artwork, the interior alone is inviting, but add in the top-of-the-line tapas and wine, and it’s a place guests won’t ever want to leave. The cream de queso de Oveja con Higos Secos is one of the most popular dishes, featuring warmed baguette slices with sheep’s

Amador has a vibrant and inviting interior, a perfect spot to warm up with a café con leche on a cold day. Its large interior has abundant seating; from the hunter-green bar draped with greenery in the center of

The Spanish 75 at Conserva. Photo provided | Maria Hehman | LINK nky

Amador features outdoor seating for warmer months. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky

A latte at Amador Cuban in Newport. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

Continues on page 14

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Continued from page 13

the restaurant to tables that overlook the river, there’s ample options for guests. Amador specializes in Cuban coffee and food and refreshments. Its small plates include pineapple guacamole served with plantain chips; mussels and ceviche for seafood fans; and yuca frita, a thick-cut cassava fry tossed in seasoning and served with smoked aioli. The empanadas, savory filled pastries, are among the most popular dishes and come in three flavors: beef, chicken and spinach. The café menu includes Cuban staple cortadito — Cuban espresso with a splash of milk — or Cafecito for guests just wanting espresso. For other refreshments, there is Mexican Coke and Sprite, along with an extensive bar menu, predominantly featuring rum beverages. Rum options nearly double the alcoholic drink options, but nothing says tropical getaway better than a pina colada. Tickle Pickle For a classic burger and beer in a place with a hometown feel and laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, Tickle Pickle in Fort Thomas is the place to be. With such a fun name, it’s only appropriate that the

menu items have names that are just as creative and funny, as well. The names are all puns based on different musicians, bands and songs. Classic pickle spears are Britney’s Spicy Pickle Spears, while another appetizer option is the Goetta Van Fleet — mac and cheese with goetta and crushed Grippos. Tickle Pickle is best known for its specialty burgers and shakes. For a classic cheeseburger, order the Bread Zeppelin; for a more creative burger, the Pearl Jam is a flavorful option, with jalapeno jam, goat cheese, tomato and caramelized onion on a pretzel bun. There are two vegan burgers, as well as sandwiches, salads and a kids menu. No one in the family will leave hungry. But before leaving, the shakes are a must-order. There are seven dairy shakes and five vegan shakes, including the Goobie Brothers, made with peanut butter and Oreo. It’s a perfect sweet treat to end a large, savory meal. Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey reclaimed what the idea of “frontier food” was to most customers. Many would think of stale bread, canned vegetables and questionably

clean water. But Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey is the exact opposite of those preconceived notions. The restaurant took these classic frontier foods and created contemporary foods that are mouthwatering masterpieces. Coming here and not ordering a biscuit would just be criminal. There’s the Gold Shoes, a traditional biscuits-and-gravy dish with five different gravy options, or the Trail Pickins appetizer with biscuits, butter, jams, jellies and pickles for a sweet sampling. The majority of sandwiches are served on the famous biscuits. Outside of biscuits, entrees include Gold Fever, a buffalo mac and cheese with fried chicken, bleu cheese, bacon, biscuit crumbs and scallions. For a vegan option, the Oregon Trail features sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, kale, carrots, scallions, poblano and a bulgogi glaze. It’s a delicious dish for non-vegans, as well. No guests leave thirsty. With over 50 options of whiskey, the hardest decision guests may make is narrowing it down to just one. Along with impressive whiskey options, there’s a craft cocktail menu for those wanting to ease into the libations.

What to Know If You Go: MRBL Location: 119 Fairfield Ave., Suite 427, Bellevue Hours: Monday and Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Saturday, 4:30-10 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30-9 p.m. Website: mrblsteak.com Phone: 859-431-6725

Conserva Location: 225 Elm St., Ludlow Hours: Sunday-Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Website: conservatapasbar.com Phone: 859-261-0680

Amador Location: 1 Levee Way, Suite 2122A, Newport Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Website: amadorcuban.com Phone: 859-392-2060

Tickle Pickle Location: 915 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight Website: ordertickle.com Phone: 859-815-8085

Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey Location: 9039 U.S. 42, Suite H, Union Hours: Monday and Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Website: boomtownbiscuitsandwhiskey. com Phone: 859-384-5910

Tickle Pickle has opened a new location in Fort Thomas. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

Amador Cuban at Newport on the Levee. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

Some of the empanadas options at Amador. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

EACH WEEK, NORTHERN KENTUCKY SELECTS

One of the dessert options at MRBL. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

LINK nky Team of the Week for Nov. 27-Dec. 3

Dixie Heights girls bowling team Photo provided | Dixie Heights Athletics

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All he wants for Christmas is his first college offer By Marc Hardin

Y

ou would think a left-handed, 6-foot-7, 215-pound high school senior basketball player capable of scoring 50 points and grabbing 24 rebounds in a game would boast a sleigh full of college offers by Christmas. You would think by now college basketball coaches clamoring for capability and character might have contacted a player like Villa Madonna Academy’s Henry Thole and gift-wrapped a welcoming overture to their program. Think again. Thole, who last season scored a school single-game record 50 points against Robertson County and grabbed 24 rebounds against North College Hill, was still awaiting his first official college offer with several shopping days left before Christmas. Like a brand-new toy in the back of the window that the market doesn’t yet fully understand, Thole is looming large as someone’s next recruiting find. “He’s got to be the biggest unknown gem in Northern Kentucky,” said Villa Madonna coach Trevor Gould, who sends video highlights of Thole to college programs.

“He can play at all three levels on offense. He can shoot. He can pass. He can defend any player, rebound and block shots. We use his length to stop a hot hand. He has a lot of what you’re looking for.” What Thole doesn’t have is a college destination. The future is unknown, despite season averages of nearly 19 points and 14 rebounds per game after the first two weeks of play, pushing his career totals beyond 1,150 points and 650 rebounds. The forward averaged 22.2 points and 11.6 rebounds last season while earning local all-conference honors. “It’s a little frustrating, but I’m not going to sit around,” Thole said. “I’m going to keep working on things, and hopefully something will happen.” Thole has a history of taking matters into his own hands when matters are moving too slow. He’s done that for 14 years, the span of his entire basketball-playing days, a career he wants to extend as long as possible. When Thole wasn’t shooting well from the free throw line, he shot more free throws. When he wasn’t hitting jumpers with regularity, he worked on shot delivery. When he struggled inside, he came up with new post moves. When he felt like he was get-

ting pushed around, he got stronger. When he believed his defense needed improvement, he tightened up his footwork. When he got boxed out on rebounds, he worked on technique. In Thole’s mind, if you can’t change the things around you, then change the things about you. He started playing more offseason basketball with better players. He wound up with Moss Elite, a Northern Kentucky club team. He sought individualized instruction from new sources. He welcomed input from Villa Madonna senior forward Henry Thole (right) has more than new coaches. He started 1,150 career points and 650 rebounds, and counting. Photo provided | keeping a basketball in his Henry Thole car, just in case he saw an empty court on a nearby playground. Soon, low him on social media and invites them he had three basketballs in his car. to contact him. He’s hoping some of those folks are college coaches hoping to attend a When Thole realized he needed to chal- Villa Madonna contest. lenge himself academically, he talked to his parents about attending a private school. “Come see me at our next game!” Thole He wound up at Villa Madonna Academy, writes on his site. “Drop me a line.” recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Fellow team co-captain Tommy Wenning is used to having his mind blown by his talGould believes if there is one Villa Madon- ented buddy, but the website floored him. na Viking capable of taking the bull by the horns and bending things to his will, it’s “It’s insane he doesn’t have any offers. He Thole, a well-rounded student-athlete with should’ve had them a long time ago,” Wena 3.87 weighted grade-point average and ning said. “It’s amazing the way he’s taken ample imagination to create something the initiative on it, though. I mean, his own out of nothing. website? Hopefully, he gets what he wants.” But even the coach was surprised when he found out Thole had a radical idea for a new creation to jumpstart the recruiting process: Henrythole.com. “It’s his own website,” Gould said. “He puts up game links and videos and updates his bio. It’s pretty neat, but he’s much better in person. That’s why recruiters need to come see him.”

Villa Madonna standout Henry Thole (32) celebrates during last season’s 34th District basketball tournament against Ludlow. Thole averaged 22.2 points and 11.6 rebounds per game last season. Photo provided | Bob Jackson

Thole lists honors, awards, statistics and the Villa Madonna basketball schedule on his website. He encourages viewers to fol-

Thole’s effort, including his play, appears to be gaining traction on the recruiting trail. This month, Prephoops.com designated him one of 13 additions to its list of top players in Kentucky. Thomas More University began showing him interest, adding to a short list of interested programs including Centre College, Kentucky Christian, Kalamazoo College and Trevecca Nazarene. “We’re doing all we can to help him out,” Gould said. “But he’s doing a lot, too.”

DECEMBER 22, 2023 15

16 DECEMBER 22, 2023

sports Dixie Heights eighth-grader Bechtol bowls perfect game; feat is first in Colonels history

NKY football coaches group releases its annual list of Top 26 high school players

Cooper cheer squad brings home first state title in school history; other local squads place

The Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association has released its annual Top 26 awards. The 20 coaches in the NKFCA select one of their players, while the final six are voted on by the coaches.

Dixie Heights’ Alyssa Bechtol bowled a perfect 300 on Nov. 30 at Strike and Spare Family Fun Center in Erlanger. Photo provided | Chris Bechtol

Alyssa Bechtol, a 13-year-old eighth-grader at Turkey Foot Middle School who’s on the Dixie Heights bowling team, rolled a 12-strike perfect 300 – the first in Colonels history – in a Nov. 30 match against Boone County at Strike and Spare Family Fun Center in Erlanger. Bechtol took up the sport just three years ago, largely because she watched older brother Cameron at Campbell County. The 300 was just one part of Bechtol’s excellent year. She placed second in the Region 6 tournament in January and 20th at the state tournament last season. In July, she finished 30th of 326 in the U-15 Division at the Junior Gold Championship tournament in Indianapolis, and Dixie Heights coach David Phelps said Bechtol carries a 199 average so far this season. Bechtol had been close to 300 before – she’d rolled seven or eight straight strikes several times. The opening game on Nov. 30 was not her best – she managed just a 170. Bechtol has two goals — earn a scholarship to defending national champion Vanderbilt, where Campbell County alumna Kaylee Hitt is a junior, and eventually join the PWBA tour and bowl against her role model Daria Pajak, a Professional Women’s Bowling Association competitor from Poland.

Those making the Top 26 were Beechwood’s Xavier Campbell, Bellevue’s Jordan Pendleton, Boone County’s Mason Hessling, Bishop Brossart’s Nathan Heck, Campbell County’s Nathan Smith and Dylan Schulkers, Conner’s Ben Fay, Cooper’s Jack Lonaker, Covington Catholic’s Evan Pitzer and Willie Rodriguez, Dayton’s DAngelo Jimenez, Dixie Heights’ Brach Rice and Armani Gregg, Highlands’ Brody Benke and Luke Schneider, Holmes’ Aaron Johnson, Holy Cross’ Zach Chalfin, Lloyd Memorial’s Avander Abrams and Thomas Plymesser, Ludlow’s Ethan Powell, Newport Central Catholic’s Demetrick Welch, Newport’s Kyle Lee, Ryle’s Landon Lorms and Jacob Savage, Scott’s Dylan Giffen and Simon Kenton’s Aba Selm.

Villa Madonna to introduce esports program; members will compete at statewide level Villa Madonna Academy recently announced that it will be adding an esports program at the school. Esports is recognized as a KHSAA sport, meaning students at the academy will get to compete on a statewide level in tournaments and championships. Esports became available to KHSAA member schools in 2019 and has been growing ever since. It’s not just about gaming, it’s about strategy, teamwork and skill development in today’s digital age. Esports provides students with a unique opportunity to compete, collaborate and showcase their talents in the world of competitive gaming. Those interested in the school can contact Athletic Director Steve Hesse at shesse@ villamadonna.net.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that the Kentucky Public Service Commission has scheduled a public hearing in a case styled “An Examination of the Application for the Fuel Adjustment Clause of Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. from November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022,” Case No. 2023-00012, beginning Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, in the Richard Raff Hearing Room at the offices of the Public Service Commission, located at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky for the purpose of examination relating to Duke Energy Kentucky’s fuel adjustment clause from November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022. Public comments may be made at the beginning of the hearing. Those wishing to make oral public comments may do so by following the instructions listed on the PSC website, psc.ky.gov. This hearing will be streamed live and may be viewed on the PSC website, psc.ky.gov.

The Cooper High School cheerleading squad won the first state championship in program history on Dec. 9 at the KHSAA state championships at George Rogers Clark High School. Photo provided | KHSAA

The Cooper High School cheerleading squad placed first in the all-girls medium division at the KHSAA high school cheerleading championships at George Rogers Clark on Dec. 9.

ducting its 42nd Hall of Fame Class at The Gardens of Park Hills on Jan. 17. This year’s class consists of five inductees: Max Williamson, Class of 2013, who was on the swim team; Trevor Fugazzi, Class of 1991, who competed in soccer, swimming and track; Justin Hanks, Class of 1997, who played soccer; Tim Schrand, Class of 1986, who was a coach and contributor; and Chris Pieper, Class of 1986, who was also a coach and contributor. Joe Danneman will serve as the master of ceremonies. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with dinner following at 7 p.m. and induction ceremonies at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at covcath.org or by calling the school at 859491-2247.

The title was the first in program history as the squad scored 95.5 points, edging out second-place Somerset with 94.9 points. Members of the cheerleading squad are: Izzy Baker, Carter Bedik, Addison Black, Sarah Clay, Claire Eschen, Paige Feldhaus, Emelia Fox, Gabby Gampfer, Maddie Gray, Kayman Hagan, Aryanna Loschiavo, Makenna Mangus, Ciarra McCarty, Emma Rice, Kennedy Taylor, Krisalyn Thompson, Addy Timon, Alyssa Toepfert, Alexis Vagedes and Adison Wardrup. The team is coached by Katie James. James Naugle is the assistant coach.

Covington Catholic High School will induct its newest class to its Athletic Hall of Fame on Jan. 17. Photo provided | Covington Catholic High School

Other solid finishes at the championships included Ryle, fourth in the all-girls large division; and Dixie Heights and Campbell County, tied for ninth in the same division. Conner placed second in the all-girls super division. In the hip hop division of the dance routine, Highlands finished fourth, as well as second in the pom division.

Covington Catholic to induct five to Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremony on Jan. 17 Covington Catholic High School will be in-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Public Service Commission of Kentucky issued an order on November 20, 2023, scheduling a hearing to be held on January 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time and continuing until called from the bench by the presiding officer, in the Richard Raff Hearing Room of the Commission’s offices located at 211 Sower Boulevard in Frankfort, Kentucky, for Case No. 2023-00010, An Electronic Examination of the Application of the Fuel Adjustment Clause of Kentucky Utilities Company from November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022. This hearing will be streamed live and may be viewed on the PSC website, psc.ky.gov. Public comments may be made at the beginning of the hearing. Those wishing to make oral public comments may do so by following the instructions listed on the PSC website, psc.ky.gov. Kentucky Utilities Company 220 West Main Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202 DECEMBER 22, 2023 17

NOTICE Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. (“Duke Energy Kentucky” or “Company”) hereby gives notice that, in an application to be filed no sooner than December 11, 2023, Duke Energy Kentucky will be seeking approval by the Public Service Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky to revise KYPSC No. 2 Sheet 89 and to create KYPSC No. 2 Sheets 83 and 84, proposed to become effective on and after January 11, 2024. Duke Energy Kentucky seeks approval to revise these rates as follows: Net Metering I Rider (Electric Tariff Sheet No. 89) This rider is renamed from Net Metering Rider to Net Metering I Rider. This rider will be grandfathered for current participants. Current interconnection requirements are not changed but they are deleted from this tariff sheet and placed into the separate new Electric Tariff Sheet No. 89, as described below. The AVAILABILITY section will be revised, in accordance with KRS 278.465 through 278.468, to close the rider to new participation, specify that the rider will terminate 25 years after the effective date of KYPSC Electric No. 2 Sheet No. 84, or January 11, 2049, and to add that customers electing to terminate their participation in this rider will not be able to rejoin. Additionally, a provision will be added that customers who alter their generating facility beyond like replacement of equipment resulting in a material increase in the generating capacity will be removed from participation in this rider and will be required to reapply for interconnection under current applicable options for customer-generators. Finally, a provision will be added prohibiting customer-generators from simultaneous participation in this rider and any Distributed Energy Resource Aggregation or with any Distributed Energy Resource Aggregator, as those terms are defined by PJM or subsequent Regional Transmission Organization, other than an aggregation formed by Duke Energy Kentucky acting as the aggregator. Rider Net Metering II (Electric Tariff Sheet No. 84)

Proposed New Service: AVAILABILITY Net Metering is available to eligible customer-generators in the Company’s service territory, upon request, and on a first-come, first-served basis up to a cumulative capacity, including capacity participating under KYPSC Electric No. 2 Sheet No. 89 Rider NM I, of 1% of the Company’s single hour peak load in Kentucky during the previous year. If the cumulative generating capacity of net metering systems reaches one percent (1%) of the Company’s single hour peak load during the previous year the Company’s obligation to offer net metering to a new customer-generator may be limited. This Rider NM II will be effective and available to eligible Customer-generators on January 11, 2024. An eligible customer-generator shall mean a retail electric customer of the Company with a generating facility that: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Generates electricity using solar energy, wind energy, biomass or biogas energy, or hydro energy; Has a rated capacity of not greater than forty-five (45) kilowatts; Is located on the customer’s premises; Is owned and operated by the customer; Is connected in parallel with the Company’s electric distribution system; and Has the primary purpose of supplying all or part of the customer’s own electricity requirements.

Eligible Customer-generators taking service under Rider NM II and a standard rate schedule with a two-part rate structure may continue to take service under a two-part rate structure for 25 years after the start of service under Rider NM II. Customers served under this Rider NM II will not be eligible for the Company’s Rider AMO, Advanced Meter Opt-out. In addition, customers receiving temporary service are not eligible for this Rider NM II. The term “Customer” hereinafter shall refer to any customer requesting or receiving Net Metering services under this tariff. Regarding the net metering generating facility, Customer-generators are prohibited from simultaneous participation in both this Rider NM II and any Distributed Energy Resource Aggregation or with any Distributed Energy Resource Aggregator, as those terms are defined by PJM or subsequent Regional Transmission Organization, other than an aggregation formed by Duke Energy Kentucky acting as the aggregator. Customer-generators who desire to participate in PJM markets through a third party aggregator must contact the Company and terminate participation in this Rider NM II prior to such wholesale market participation. METERING The Company shall provide net metering services, without any cost to the Customer for metering equipment, through a standard kilowatt-hour metering system capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two (2) directions. This provision does not relieve Customer of his or her responsibility to pay metering costs embedded in the utility’s Commission-approved base rates. The standard kilowatt-hour metering system shall use one of the following methods, as determined solely by the Company: (1) A single standard kilowatt-hour meter capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two (2) directions and registering the amount of flow in each direction in two separate registers, one measuring the flow of electricity from the Company to the Customer and the other measuring the flow of electricity from the Customer to the Company. (2) If method (1) is not feasible, two standard kilowatt-hour meters may be used, one measuring the flow of electricity from the Company to the Customer and the other measuring the flow of electricity from the Customer to the Company or a single standard kilowatt hour meter capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two (2) directions and registering the net amount in one register, as determined by the Company. Any additional meter, meters, or distribution upgrades needed to monitor the flow in each direction shall be installed at the Customer’s expense. BILLING The Company shall measure the amount of electricity delivered by the Company to the Customer during the billing period, in accordance with one of the methods listed under “METERING”. The Customer bill will be calculated in accordance with the Customer’s standard rate schedule. Bill charges will be in accordance with the same standard tariff that would apply if the Customer were not a customer-generator. Billing for Customer demand is as described in the Customer’s standard tariff for receiving electric service. The Company shall measure the amount of electricity delivered by the Customer to the Company during the billing period, in accordance with one of the methods listed under “METERING”. The Company will provide a bill credit for each kWh Customer produces to the Company’s grid. The dollar-denominated bill credit will be applied to the customer’s electric bill subject to minimum bill provisions of the standard rate schedule. For each billing period, the Company will net the dollar value of the total energy consumed and the dollar value of the total energy exported by the Customer. Any bill credits not applied to a Customer’s electric bill in a billing period are “unused excess billing-period credits.” Any unused excess billing-period credits will be carried forward and drawn on by Customer as needed. Unused excess billing-period credits existing at the time Customer’s service is terminated end with Customer’s account and are not transferrable between Customers or locations. For joint accounts, unused excess billing-period credits will be carried forward as long as at least one joint account holder remains in the same location. Excess generation purchases by the Company will be recovered in Company’s Fuel Adjustment Clause. EXCESS GENERATION AVOIDED COST CREDIT RATE The Company will provide a bill credit for each kWh Customer produces to the Company’s grid using the rate below. Excess Generation Avoided Cost Credit per kWh (Residential): $0.057132 Excess Generation Avoided Cost Credit per kWh (Non-Residential): $0.057463 APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

18 DECEMBER 22, 2023

obit

Former Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll dies at age 92 By Bruce Schreiner | Associated Press

F

ormer Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll, who led efforts to improve public schools and modernize the state’s judicial system in the 1970s — and who later rekindled his political career as a state legislator — died Dec. 10, his family said. He was 92. Carroll ascended to the governorship during an era when Bluegrass State governors still dominated the legislative agenda, enabling him to shape a wide spectrum of Kentucky policies. But his administration later became tainted by a kickback scandal that engulfed a former state Democratic Party chairman. Carroll, a Democrat, served as governor from 1974 to 1979 and made a successful comeback in 2004 when he was elected as a state senator. “As a family, it is with the heaviest of hearts that we grieve the loss of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather,” his family said in a statement. “His steadfast faith and positive outlook on life ... and constant love for his family and his giving heart and warm embrace will forever be missed.” Kentucky’s current Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, said in a social media post that Carroll “dedicated his career to public service. For decades he worked to support

public education and those he represented in Frankfort.” In his tribute to Carroll, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, a Republican, said that “few will have a career as distinguished as his.” Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne, also a Republican, offered “deepest sympathies” to Carroll’s family and noted the former governor’s decadeslong political life. “May his family find comfort in that service,” Osborne said in a statement. Carroll served five terms in the Kentucky House, including a stint as House speaker from 1968 to 1970. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1971 and ascended to the governorship in December 1974 when Gov. Wendell Ford resigned to take a seat in the U.S. Senate. Running a year later as an incumbent, a rarity in a time when Kentucky governors were barred from succeeding themselves, Carroll easily won election to a full term of his own. He governed during a time of prosperity. An oil embargo by Arab countries triggered a boom in the coal industry, and Carroll’s administration was awash in money from the coal severance tax. Carroll led the push to eliminate the private bail bond system, and the state invest-

ed heavily in teacher salaries and provided free textbooks. He established a School Building Authority to help poor school districts build new schools. Vocational and special education systems were also bolstered. The state parks systems expanded under his leadership, too, and Kentucky strengthened fire-safety laws following the deadly blaze that tore through the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Northern Kentucky in 1977. Carroll took on a national leadership role as chairman of the National Governors Association. But his administration was scarred by a federal grand jury investigation after he left office. The investigation led to the indictment of the former chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, Howard “Sonny” Hunt, on 22 counts for his alleged participation in a fraud scheme involving workers compensation insurance. Hunt pleaded guilty and served time in prison. Carroll was never charged. After leaving office in 1979, Carroll opened a law practice. He attempted a comeback in 1987 but finished far behind in the crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary. A few decades later in 2004, he won a seat in the Kentucky Senate, where he served until 2020. His booming voice became a staple during debates. Julian Morton Carroll, a native of McCrack-

Kentucky Sen. Julian Carroll listens as fellow members of the Senate speak about a bill at the state Capitol, March, 24, 2015, in Frankfort. Carroll died Dec. 10, his family said. He was 92. Photo by Timothy D. Easley | Associated Press

en County in western Kentucky, was born on April 16, 1931, the third of 11 children born to Elvie Buster and Eva Heady Carroll. He served as an Air Force attorney for three years after graduating from the University of Kentucky law school in 1956. In 1960, Carroll led a public referendum campaign to allow the Tennessee Valley Authority to provide electricity to McCracken County. The referendum, which led to lower electric costs, passed overwhelmingly, a success that set the stage for Carroll’s long political career. His wife, Charlann Harting Carroll, died in 2014 at the age of 81 after more than 60 years of marriage with him.

DECEMBER 22, 2023 19

A COZY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY HOMEOWNER Give the gift of comfort this holiday season with Schneller Knochelmann! This year, pair practical gifts with traditional gifts! Schneller Knochelmann is your destination for all your HVAC, indoor air quality, and plumbing needs. Help ensure a cozy home for you and your loved ones with all that we have to offer. Add some additional fun and thoughtful items for the total package! Give your HVAC system the gift of longevity. With Schneller Knochelmann’s multipoint precision tune-up, you can find peace of mind in knowing that your equipment is in proper operation, safe, and working. Our experienced technicians will inspect, clean, and fine-tune your system, addressing potential issues before the chill sets in. Gift yourself or someone a tune-up to ensure your system is in top-notch condition for the holidays. Include items like scented candles, bath salts, and a cozy blanket for a “selfcare” tune-up. Discover the gift of easy breathing! Dry winter air can result in irritated skin, dry eyes, and aggravated respiratory conditions. The ideal indoor humidity level typically falls between 30% and 50%. During the winter, however, heating systems can significantly decrease humidity levels, often dropping below the recommended range. Humidifiers help counteract this by releasing moisture into the air, ensuring your home maintains a comfortable and ideal humidity level. Our team is equipped with the products and service knowledge you need to ensure you get exactly what you need to restore comfort in your home! Check out our indoor air quality products that allows a healthier home. Pair this gift with a beautiful indoor plant that fits the recipient’s décor. Certain plants, like snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies, can naturally purify the air by removing toxins.

May your showers be warm and your energy bills low! Does it seem like you are always running out of hot water in the winter? Upgrade to a tankless water heater and enjoy endless hot water – a gift that keeps on giving! Gift the tankless water heater with a bathrobe, fluffy towels, and bath salts to create the complete relaxation package and add a touch of luxury to the practicality of a water heater. Ensure that plumbing issues don’t damper your holiday plans! The holiday season can be especially tough on your plumbing appliances. With the influx of cooking, cleaning, and extra people your home is working overtime. Our experienced technicians can help with a whole-home plumbing inspection. Find a mug with a fun design or get one personalized with a humorous quote. It adds a touch of lightheartedness to the gift. If you are looking to start 2024 off with a new comfort system, or if you notice any signs of replacement, we provide free estimates on new HVAC systems, ensuring your home is ready to embrace the warmth of the season! Also, by supporting local this holiday season you know that your hard-earned dollars are put back into the local economy. When you chose Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating and Air, you are choosing to support your neighbors, your friends and ultimately the growth of your community! So pick practicality this year and make it special buy adding some fun and personal gifts! Here’s to a happy, healthy and cozy season!

Self Care Tune-up

Endless Hot Water

Easier Breathing Whole-home Plumbing Inspection

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