LINK Kenton Reader Volume 1, Issue 6 December 23, 2022

We are grateful to all LINK’s Partners - those organizations in the community who believe strongly in what we are doing, and have thrown their full support behind us. These NKY institutions are helping bring a voice back to our community.

PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Mark Collier

CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Michael Monks

MANAGING EDITOR Meghan Goth

PRINT EDITOR Kaitlin Gebby

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The Behringer-Crawford: A hidden gem that’s tired of hiding

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALECIA RICKER | LINK nky REPORTER & KAITLIN GEBBY | LINK nky PRINT EDITOR

Perched upon a hillside overlooking the scenic Devou Park in Covington, the Behringer-Crawford Museum was once the 19th century home to the Eubank-Devou family.

Though the museum has been open for more than 70 years, many say the Behringer-Crawford is a hidden gem. The staff at the museum are fighting to bring the museum out of hiding.

In July 1950, the mansion was turned into a museum dedicated to natural history from all over Northern Kentucky. William Behringer, a Covington resident, collector, traveler, writer, seeker of curiosities, and purveyor of oddities, filled the walls and its halls with his collections from his world travels.

Its location off the beaten path is part of the reason the museum is a hidden gem, according to Executive Director Laurie Risch.

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on the cover

Santa and his North Pole friends huddle around a fire in the diorama of Northern Kentucky on display at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington. Photo by Alecia Ricker | LINK nky

“We are often referred to as a ‘hidden gem’ partly because of our location nestled in Devou Park,” Risch said. “We are a destination, where people need to know how to get to the park, then to the museum. It has also taken us a while to get the word out, not having an advertising budget for many years.”

Risch added that increased programming and “bringing fun and new exhibits,” paired with an increased social media presence, are a few ways they have been trying to reach a broader audience.

The fact that the building used to be the William Behringer home also contributes to the museum’s “hidden gem” description, according to Communications Director Mary Jane Calderon. It wasn’t until the museum received a 15,000-square-foot renovation, bringing it to four floors, that the building began receiving more attention as a destination.

Stepping foot into the Behringer-Crawford Museum is like walking through the doors to the past.

Round the corner from the front door, and guests are face-to-headlamp with The Kentucky – a four-wheel parlor car in original operating condition that is believed to be the last of its kind in the U.S. in this preserved state.

Assembled in the late 1800s, The Kentucky was upgraded to a deluxe parlor car in 1911, and pulled into its depot for the last time on July 2, 1950. A look at the wheels and guests can see The Kentucky is still on its tracks. Behind it is a large door that is opened during warmer months and the streetcar is moved outside, next to the entrance. Experts at the museum say the streetcar could still operate today, in theory, if the city still had the infrastructure for it.

A step up to the window offers a conductor’s-eye view into the interior where a friendly-faced streetcar conductor greets visitors while his passenger stands smartly dressed in his finest Christmas hat awaiting his stop.

Three floors of knowledge await museum-goers, offering rotating collections, permanent installations, fossils, paintings,

a well known two-headed calf, among other stuffed wild creatures, and until Jan. 8, 2023 – a tribute to Christmas with their Holly Jolly Days exhibition.

Jason French, curator at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, said the Christmas exhibits have been an exciting addition to the museum’s collection, if only temporary.

“Three of the actors in ‘White Christmas’ were all local to our area. So it’s pretty exciting for us to have the Holly Jolly Days exhibit here this year,” French said.

More than just displays of costumes and holiday trains, the Rosemary Clooney-sponsored exhibit has a component designed to give back to the community.

“We’re also are happy to be part of Operation Waverly this year, and help in the collection of toiletries and other items for homeless veterans. It’s all part of what the Rosemary Clooney House does,” French explained.

Costumes designed by Edith Head and worn

A snowy diner is part of the diorama of Northern Kentucky at the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Photo by Alecia Ricker | LINK nky

in the classic 1954 Christmas film “White Christmas” arrived at the museum in November. They appear frozen in time, almost as if they were just hung by the cast, which includes Bing Crosby, Vera-Ellen, Danny Kaye, and Kentucky’s own Rosemary Clooney. Props, posters, sheet music, and more can be seen throughout the space, offering a trip down memory lane for fans of the film and an up close and personal introduction to those who have not.

Other exhibits occupy the third floor, including “Up, Up and Away,” which covers the bridges, steamboats, and structures that fostered the growth of the region. The “Traveling Back in Time’’ exhibit showcases sea fossils, Native American artifacts, and other geological finds that teach visitors about the past of Kenton, Boone, and Campbell counties.

Curiosities like giant bones and prehistoric teeth are on display, with full explanation as to where they were found in the region adjacent to the items. Curators are on hand to answer any questions, and offer a wealth of knowledge to anyone who wants to know more.

“Rollin’ on the River,” also on the third floor, heralds the pivotal role the Licking and Ohio rivers played into the evolution and growth of

the river cities along the banks. Interactive play areas for kids, displays with sound and sights, and tons of history round out the top of the museum.

The second floor provides a look into the world occupied by beatniks, Sputnik, and the birth of rock-and-roll that guests won’t find anywhere else in the area.

One flight of stairs, or just a short elevator ride down, the second floor pays homage to life lived post-World War II, showcasing the accessibility and affordability of the family car and how it forever shaped the family dynamic and the face of American infrastructure.

Visitors can sit in a 1959 Electra convertible and take in a drive-in movie, or check out the record selection on the still-operational jukebox, or round the corner and peek into a staged 1950’s kitchen. Many of the items collected in the museum have been preserved from items donated to the museum, while others are shared items with the Fort Wright museum, The Ramage.

Guests can see vintage toys, games from decades ago, and sit in front of a black-andwhite television to watch “The Lone Ranger” or “Buck Rogers.”

The first floor explores the Northern Kentucky rail system and its role in the region’s development, moving its people and products around the world. Alongside a 1924 Stewart Iron Works’ U.S. Motor Truck, visitors are greeted with displays from area manufacturers who influenced and shaped the region, creating a multi-faceted glimpse into rail’s early impacts on Northern Kentucky.

Visitors can take in city streetscapes in a miniature version of portions of Northern Kentucky during a bygone era in the Ray Faragher Garden Railway display, near the

entrance of the museum.

Painstakingly hand-built with the help of other model train enthusiasts, and by navy WWII veteran, aspiring streetcar conductor, and Ludlow native Ray Faragher, he spent six years hand-crafting the community of his dreams in his home. The layout was relocated to the museum in 2008, and at the end of the holiday season, it’s slated for a 21st-century upgrade; replacing the lights that have burnt out in the 10-plus years since its arrival with newer LEDs, general upkeep and housekeeping of the train tracks and buildings. Today, the display is a statement piece on the first floor and a mainstay of the museum.

One can spend hours across multiple visits and still not see every aspect of the display. A woman hangs out the window of her apartment building, seemingly yelling at the people below her. A sign advertises Sunday cartoon matinees in a theater, a grave digger prepares a final resting place six-feet downward as the mourning family looks on.

Saloons, both with and without Ladies of the Night propositioning gentleman visitors with “company” for the evening dot the corner of each block. Visitors can get their shoes shined and repaired right next door to the diner. A gentleman is seen courting a lady at a park bench while a dog scratches himself, looking on at the man’s endeavors.

Part of the idea of the display was to allow guests to imagine the intricate stories of the characters in the miniature city. The platform was an idealized version of Northern Kentucky, with Ludlow, Covington, and Cincinnati landmarks peppered throughout. The facades and buildings are recognizable, while the stories of the inhabitants are up to the beholder.

The Behringer-Crawford Museum offers a

Elvis sings in front of Graceland in a diorama on display at the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Photo by Alecia Ricker | LINK nky

Costumes and set items from the movie “White Christmas” are part of a temporary exhibit at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington. Photo by Alecia Ricker | LINK nky

A Sunoco gas station and an ice cream bar are part of the miniature display of Northern Kentucky at the Behringer-Crawford Museum.

Photo by Alecia Ricker | LINK nky

look at the history that shaped the Northern Kentucky region in an immersive, interactive, and accessible way.

Every person who visits can take something different from their time spent roaming the floors of the former Eubank-Devou home. For some, the reclusive location makes the destination seem daunting, readers are encouraged to travel along the narrow roads once traversed by horse and buggy, up the winding hills and across the narrow overlooks, to the very top where visitors will see the museum and its streetcar conductor greeting them, welcoming guests into a world so familiar yet different than today.

Many of the exhibits have interactive components designed to keep little minds engaged. LEGO building stations save parents’ feet from stepping on them in the dark at home, and kids can create anything their minds can conjure up. Displays have sound, lights, and moving parts that are at kid-friendly heights, encouraging kids to push, pull, and explore.

The staff at the Behringer-Crawford Mu-

seum has taken great pains to provide a wide range of exhibits to attract visitors of all ages and interests. The curators understand variety is the spice of life, and purposefully host a menagerie of displays, articles, videos, and rotating exhibits for any discerning historian.

In addition to playing host to a variety of activities designed to engage visitors, many nonprofits partner with the museum to take donations for their organizations, sponsor events, and bring awareness to their causes. The museum aims to keep visitors curious by telling the story of the region’s history while supporting the region’s future.

Director Risch said the museum was shuttered during the pandemic. Like many organizations, some silver linings were found during the difficult circumstances.

“The pandemic affected us similarly to most other organizations in our area. We were forced to close our doors and think of new ways to reach people in their homes. This led to us making a documentary with photographer Malcolm Wilson with whom

we had planned to feature his work during the 2020 fotofocus event,” Risch said. “Instead, we went to him, photographing and documenting his life and the art behind his craft. We also began our NKY History Hour programs, an on-line weekly program featuring local guest historians presenting fascinating stories of our region’s history. And we created programming for students and take-home craft activities for the youth in our community.”

She said that the museum is recovering, thanks to the support of the community and guests who have visited the museum since it reopened.

“So far, this holiday season is recording attendance numbers that are reaching and most likely will exceed pre-pandemic numbers,” Risch said.

She added that the museum plans to continue partnering with organizations and government bodies to keep the institution on an upward trajectory, including a partnership with the Kenton County Fiscal Court to curate exhibits on the Bavarian Brewery in the new administration building.

Risch also said the museum is working on populating the building with local artists’ works “to not only enrich the space, but engage the public with local art.”

The Behringer-Crawford has also secured funding to offer educational scholarships to area schools, and plans to take its Chippie’s Sensational Science programs outdoors to community parks to involve students during the summer months.

Starting soon, Risch said they are launching a new program, Crawford’s Curators in Training, “to excite the younger generation and develop future leadership for the continued preservation of our regional history. We will also be working on some digital programming that will be accessible via personal devices in the near future.”

Risch finished by saying that the museum “survived thanks to the community sticking together as a team” and the pandemic has opened new opportunities and vision for “creating access to the culture and history of this region.”

Big Foot stomps through a snowy scene at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington. Photo by Alecia Ricker | LINK nky

The Kentucky, a once-used streetcar in Covington, is on display near the entrance of the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Photo by Kaitlin Gebby | LINK nky

Mannequins show guests how passengers of The Kentucky streetcar would have used the mode of transportation prior to household vehicles. Photo by Kaitlin Gebby | LINK nky

As 2023 draws to a close, Northern Kentucky hotspots are preparing to ring in the New Year with a crowd. From parties, to fairs, and cruises on the Ohio River, and for those who may not be able to stay awake past midnight, here is a guide to how Northern Kentucky celebrates New Year’s Eve.

Receptions Event Center in Erlanger, New Years Celebration of a Lifetime with Naked Karate Girls, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Naked Karate Girls are headlining a show at the Receptions Event Center in Erlanger that aims to have guests on their feet and give the crowd a night to remember, with an open well bar, appetizers, buffet dinner, late-night snack bar, champagne toast and favors. The Naked Karate girls are known for their funny choreography, props and outfits to encourage everyone to stand up and dance.

The Madison Event Center in Covington, New Year’s Eve Party, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

How NKY plans to celebrate NYE

STORY AND PHOTOS BY GRACE TIERNEY | LINK nky REPORTER

pagne. There will also be a DJ and a series of giveaways throughout the evening, including art made during the event. Free parking for all attendees will be available next door in the Hotel Covington garage.

Light Up the Fair, Boone County Fairgrounds, 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Light Up the Fair is a long driving light show for families to view from inside their cars at the Boone County Fairgrounds on Idlewild Road. The Christmas lights show is on display now and will be through New Year’s Eve. Over one million lights shine along a two-mile path. First responders as well as active-duty military are offered free admission each night.

Ludlow Theatre, New Year’s Eve with the Doghouse, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Local band Doghouse will put on a show at Bircus Brewing on New Year’s Eve. Bircus will be serving craft beer, woodfired pizzas, champagne toast and some circus acts sprinkled in to complete the night.

Florence Y’alls, New Year’s Eve Fireworks, 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Deck the Y’alls Lightfest will add an extra kick on New Year’s Eve with fireworks. Along with the more than two million lights, themed areas, food, ice skating and carnival rides, will be a special New Year’s Eve fireworks show that hopes to bring in 2023 with a bang.

In the evening, BB Riverboats is offering an adult party with a dinner cruise, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The ride will include a full dinner, live music, midnight champagne toast, party favors, full bar and a late-night snack buffet to ring in the new year on the river.

Smoke Justis: Covington, New Year’s Eve Party, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Newport Syndicate, Q102’S Best of the Best New Year’s Eve party, 7 p.m.

The Madison Event Center in Covington is planning a BLINK-like immersive experience for New Year’s Eve. A ticket to this event includes a dinner catered by Hotel Covington with hors d’oeuvres, salads, entrees and sides, drinks, including cham-

BB Riverboats Newport, New Year’s Eve Kids Cruise and Dinner Cruise, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

For those with an early bedtime, BB Riverboats Kids Cruise counts down to noon. The cruise will be packed with festive party favors as well as a DJ and other activities for families. Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m.

On New Year’s Eve, Smoke Justis in Covington will begin the night with a Not-So-Old Fashioned welcome cocktail, and follow in true Smoke Justis style with smoked prime rib with au jus horseradish cream sauce or hot smoked salmon with maple whole grain mustard glaze, all served family style for guests. Party favors will also be available as well as a proper New Year’s toast.

Newport on the Levee: Cincinnati Adventurers Guild and Cerberus Den’s NYE GAME Party, 6 p.m.

The Cincinnati Adventurers Guild and Cerberus Den are planning to ring in 2023 with board games. This event taking place at Newport on the Levee will feature role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, Vampire Masquerade, and more. The family-friendly event aims to keep guests entertained while waiting for the ball to drop at midnight.

Rather than having one New Year’s Eve party, Newport Syndicate is planning three of them in one. Guests can hear DJ Chandler McFadden in the Ambassador Room, The Rusty Griswolds in The Grand Ballroom and dueling piano players in Gangsters Piano Bar while enjoying drinks, dinner, party favors and dancing.

Blind Squirrel, Trailer Park Floosies NYE Party, 9 p.m.

With some music, food and sports, the Blind Squirrel is hoping to cater to everyone on New Year’s Eve. Start with some of their famous buffalo chicken dip and then dig into a BBQ burger or boursin chicken sandwich. Guests can move into the dessert or drink territory, or both, just in time for the Trailer Park Floosies to hit the stage at 9 p.m.

Braxton Brewing Company, NYE in NKY, 7 p.m.

Braxton Brewing Company is planning a night with DJ Fur Sur, DJ BSP and DGNR8. Their New Year’s Eve celebration will also feature a photobooth, a full buffet and drinks on the rooftop, along with a champagne toast to end the evening.

The sign above Syndicate in Newport.

The Madison Event Center, located in downtown Covington on Madison Street.

The corner sign on the building for Smoke Justis in Covington.

Community weighs in on Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project

BY KENTON HORNBECK AND ALECIA RICKER | LINK nky

Transportation officials recently held a town hall meeting to hear from the public on what the Covington mayor describes as “one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the history of the region.”

Transportation officials from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) held court at the Kenton County Building Wednesday to field questions, ease concerns and share information with the Northern Kentucky community regarding the highly anticipated Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.

Originally completed in 1963, the Brent Spence Bridge was supposed to carry around 80,000 vehicles a day. In 2022, it has carried approximately double that, creating a bottleneck of traffic moving in and out of Kentucky and Ohio. If the bridge is out of service, it forces drivers to find alternate routes, which in turn congests local traffic and puts strain on other bridges.

Construction will affect the Covington neighborhoods of Mainstrasse Village, Westside, Peaselburg and Mutter Gottes/ Central Business District, along with other Kentucky cities such as Fort Wright, Fort Mitchell, Park Hills and Ludlow. With Amazon and DHL hubs located at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the indirect impact of a new connection moves beyond just Kenton County.

In February, Mark Policinski, CEO of Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, noted that “$1 billion of freight moves across that bridge every day. And that’s our link to the world of commerce,” meaning the impact of another

Ohio River connection impacts businesses in all three Northern Kentucky counties.

As of now, much of the fundamental design process is completed. What still needs to be hashed out are aesthetic design elements and how the new bridge will fit within the surrounding communities. Covington Mayor Joe Meyer encouraged residents and business owners to attend the town hall meetings in order to understand the short and long term impacts of the project on the regional transportation network.

“This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the history of the region, and with its proximity to our community, Covington has a vested interest in continuing to shape its size and look,” Meyer said.

Project officials held two different meetings on Dec. 14, one from noon to 2 p.m. and another from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The crowd from the earliest meeting was fairly large, consisting mainly of retirees and community officials, such as outgoing 65th District Rep. Buddy Wheatley (D-Covington).

Renderings and construction plans outlined the perimeter of the Reidlin Schott Community Room, with KYTC and ODOT representatives on standby to provide further context to audience members.

“Stormwater drainage and aesthetics, those are common themes that we have heard from neighborhoods ahead of these meetings,” said Stacee Hans, KYTC Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project manager.

“These are conversations, input and feedback that we’d like to get from the neighborhoods, as well as pedestrians and cyclists.”

The infrastructure project will be one of the largest and most expensive in the region’s history.

From Fort Mitchell to just north of the Western Hills viaduct in Cincinnati, 7.8 miles of interstate is slated to be redesigned and upgraded. A new five-lane companion bridge will be built directly to the west of the Brent Spence Bridge, with the original being revitalized. The companion bridge is going to be oriented toward interstate travel while the original bridge will hold mostly local traffic. Overall, the project will cost in the $3 billion to $3.8 billion range.

“If you’ve driven the corridor, you know that one of our absolute needs is to improve traffic flow, level of service and improve safety,” Hans said. “We can do that by looking at our shoulders. We can do that by looking at weaving movements, correct geometric deficiencies, but another key component of our purpose in need is to maintain connections to key regional and national transportation corridors.”

The evening session offered perspective from homeowners and residents regarding unanswered questions about the impact of the project.

Project officials noted in their presentation how, in addition to a lower speed limit, safety will be implemented into the design through functional design elements. One resident asked the presenter how these new elements and lower speed limit will hold drivers accountable.

“How will anyone guarantee that drivers will actually slow down to the new speed

limit?” she asked.

Her request was addressed with a reminder that the lowered speed limit is part of a proposed “collector distributor system.”

“We have the opportunity that people will innately slow down because you have traffic going on and coming off,” Hans said. “The interstate traffic (I-71/I75) is pulled off in the new bridge, the connector bridge.”

Attendees were encouraged to visit the City of Covington website the following day to see the renderings and concepts.

Later, the same concerned resident voiced her disapproval over the impacts for the city as a whole.

“I came here wanting to know what will be done to offset the impacts,” she said. “People don’t want to be blanketed in blacktop. Covington doesn’t exist to continue to get gobbled up so that people can get from frickin’ Michigan to Florida.”

The public has been encouraged to provide their feedback about the project online, at: publicinput.com/bsbc

A rendering of the Brent Spence Corridor Project. Photo provided | City of Covington

Where to recycle Christmas trees in Covington

Covington is teaming up with Rumpke Waste & Recycling to offer both pick-up and drop-off options as part of their 10th annual Holiday Tree Recycling Program.

“Rather than take up space in a land-fill, the tree is better off shredded and turned into mulch that can be used to beautify garden spots around the city,” said Stephanie Bacher, the city’s solid waste and recycling coordinator.

Residents have two options:

Arrange to have the tree picked up on regular trash collection days by calling Rumpke at least 48 hours in advance at (800) 8288171. This begins Jan. 4 and lasts until Jan. 18.

Drop off trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 18 at three different locations: South Covington at the parking lot on Tripoli and Hands Pike, adjacent to Neighborhood Park; Ur-

ban Forestry Garage at 1700 Montague Road in Devou Park; Parking lot at 14 Pete Rose Pier. Follow Bakewell Street to its foot, go through the cut in the Ohio River floodwall, then look to the west in the gravel area.

In order to prepare their trees for pickup, residents should remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations. Trees should not be placed in plastic bags.

NKU will not oversee Northern Kentucky charter schools

A charter school pilot is coming to Northern Kentucky, but the region’s largest university will not be its authorizer.

Northern Kentucky University Board of Regents declined to take action Tuesday to be the authorizer — the institution that can approve, deny, and oversee a charter school — ending months of speculation about a project for which they initially didn’t know they were even involved.

In declining to take action, the university effectively declined to be the authorizer.

Instead, local school boards will be required to put forward two members from each local board of a district located in a county that contains four or more local school districts. These members will become the substitute pilot project authorizer.

Dilapidated building transformed to accommodate longtime Covington dental practice

Dr. Barry Applegate’s dentist office has been a fixture in Covington since his practice opened in 1993. As his business evolved, so too did the needs of the space it was operating in.

After nearly 30 years, Applegate is renovating the space next door — decking it out with state-of-the-art dental technology he hopes can take his practice to the next level. The address, 322 Greenup St., is the former

home of CoCo’s, a shuttered Covington bar. Applegate’s practice currently operates out of 324 Greenup.

Applegate Dentistry’s new space will be filled with technologies that can meet the sensibilities of a modern dentist. The construction company in charge of the project is North Shore Construction & Development Services out of Cincinnati.

Each bay includes an x-ray machine so patients won’t have to be transported away from their initial treatment room. Applegate’s practice has upgraded from a 2-D x-ray machine to a 3-D x-ray machine, something Applegate refers to as “a big deal in dentistry.”

Next door, Applegate plans on transforming his former office space into a med-spa which feature amenities such as chemical peels, facials and platelet-rich plasma treatments. Upstairs, the practice will have a “family room” that will feature a fully stocked drink fridge and large televisions.

Patients will be treated to a second-story view of downtown Covington.

Once Applegate moves into the renovated space, he plans to add to his staff.

Record expungement clinics offer clean slate

A recent clinic sought to help applicants remove previous charged from their criminal record to help them earn a fresh start.

Record expungement is the legal process of removing an arrest, charge, or conviction made against an individual so that it may not be disclosed on background checks. Those with an expunged record can honestly answer “no” on any application inquiring about prior convictions.

Legislation passed in 2016 allowed for certain felony convictions, misdemeanors, and traffic violations to be expunged from one’s record if certain requirements are met. If an individual had been only charged and not convicted or acquitted, the charges could potentially still appear on background checks, thereby creating additional hurdles to job seekers and renters.

Programs like Clean Slate Kentucky offer aid by way of legal advice and financial assistance, giving applicants an ally in the pursuit to move forward in their lives. Partnering with a variety of nonprofits, the attorneys at Legal Aid of the Bluegrass walk applicants through the process and offer advice along the way.

Partnering with Goodwill, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass offers these monthly expungement clinics throughout Northern Kentucky. Events are posted on Goodwill and Legal Aid of the Bluegrass websites.

Victorian at Riverside makes historic move to allow male residents

Once the home for only “aged and indigent ladies,” the Victorian at Riverside is getting with the times by opening residency to men as well as women.

“I would see the calls we kept turning people down, and most of these ladies have been married,” CEO Carrie VanDerzee said. “They have sons. They have grandsons. They know men exist in the world. This isn’t

As the facility has grown and changed over the years, additional levels of care have been added as demand increases. Soon, memory care services will be offered alongside assisted living and respite care services.

The new level of care will be provided by staff specifically trained for these patients through programs and certifications through the Alzheimer’s Association. And it’s not just the nursing and care staff who will be trained to work with these residents; the Activities Director is in the midst of an art-specific course for memory care residents through Miami University. VanDerzee is excited about the program the director will be planning from this education.

Getting with the times was important to the Victorian at Riverside, and the change was made.

“Can’t go with the 1886 model of doing business,” VanDerzee said. “It’s almost 2023.”

Police ID Covington homicide victim, suspect

The victim and suspect in a Saturday morning shooting in Covington have been identified by police.

Cincinnati resident Antwon Mulder, 33, was identified by police as the man who was shot in a home at 203 W. 21st St. around 7:41 a.m. on Saturday. First responders rushed him to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Police have identified 28-year-old Danny Tarrell White as the suspect in the shooting. He is considered armed and dangerous, so police are asking residents to not approach or try to apprehend him, but instead to call 911 if he is spotted.

Police are also asking for information regarding his whereabouts. Anyone with information may contact detectives at (859) 292-2272, or call Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040.

Danny Terrell White, 28. Photo provided | Covington Police Department

What is a Town Crier, and what should it be?

BY MEGHAN GOTH | LINK nky MANAGING EDITOR

Do you remember the Town Crier?

It was a beloved feature in the Kentucky Post that included an array of items like birth announcements, engagement announcements, things that were going on around town and all sorts of other information.

It also included a crime blotter. This included DUIs, divorces, and arrests for everything from robbery to murder.

According to an August 2022 Cincinnati Magazine article, town criers were originally people who charged others to shout information on street corners so that normal people could find out what was going on in their communities.

The notion of a Town Crier evolved and eventually found its way into print in the Kentucky Post. It was seen as a way to find out what’s going on around town. Some of it was positive. Some of it was messy. Most of it hit that gossipy part of our brains that just wants to know what’s happening outside of our own small circles.

When LINK announced we would be resurrecting the Town Crier, many of you showed your excitement.

Many were disappointed in what you found. The current iteration of the Town Crier is a far cry – pun intended – from the Crier of years past.

While we changed the Crier for a specific reason, we may not have been clear enough about why. We also hear you, and we want to keep tweaking this feature of our weekly paper until we get it right.

But first, here’s why we didn’t just replicate the Post model at LINK.

“It was a different era,” said Michele Day, a journalism professor and student media advisor at Northern Kentucky University.

When Day worked as a night city editor at

the Post, she copy edited the Crier before it went to print. Day is also on LINK nky’s editorial board, and helps us talk through decisions like this as we think about how to cover news.

“The big issue,” Day said, “is that if you’re not going to follow up on every item, what’s going to happen with that? If somebody is charged, they are innocent until proven guilty. But a town crier is just putting it out there and the assumption is often that they did it.”

For example, Day said, what about what happens later? What if the charges were dropped or it turned out police arrested the wrong person?

Day said that the process of putting out the Town Crier was the responsibility of multiple reporters who spent huge chunks of their days going to courthouses to compile information.

If the Post, which at the time had close to 50 reporters, didn’t have the bandwidth to follow up on each of the items mentioned in the Town Crier, then we at LINK certainly don’t. While we are growing rapidly, we still only have 10 full-time editorial staff.

And we cannot, in good conscience, report a tiny blip in someone’s life – or the circumstances surrounding it – that may or may not have actually happened without knowing we can responsibly follow up on it later.

Here’s what we can do.

We can include any public meetings that allow people to weigh in on the decisions that affect their communities.

We can include the fun stuff: Birth announcements, wedding announcements, engagements., community events and celebrations.

And we can include some of the mess: Did a truck carrying 10,000 jars of peanut butter spill and close the road near your house for 12 hours? Maybe there is a stop sign in the neighborhood that everyone seems to disregard, or lawn furniture that mysteriously appeared in the yard after a storm and the owner is yet to be found?

We can also include the weird stuff: How about the coyote that everyone in the neighborhood has seen drinking out of their bird bath? Maybe you snapped a pic of a raccoon on top of a light pole (I see you, Alexandria). Perhaps your neighbor has the absolute best holiday display that the public just must see. Maybe there was a celebrity sighting at the restaurant where you worked.

So, please, stick with us and help us make the Town Crier into something resembling its old self, albeit without the irresponsible crime coverage.

Here’s how you can submit items to the Town Crier: Email towncrier@linknky.com. Include as much information as you can, along with any pictures that accompany your item.

And here are some examples of the things we are looking for:

The Town Crier in a 1979 edition of the Cincinnati Post. Photo provided | Kenton County Public Library

The Carnegie: A work of art that houses art

BY CHARLES INFOSINO | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

Today, The Carnegie Visual Performing Arts Center in Covington is the only multidisciplinary performing arts centers in Northern Kentucky, but the historic building once faced demolition just 50 years ago.

Simply known as The Carnegie today, the performing arts center’s website documents its history. It bears the name of many historic libraries and performing arts centers across the country thanks to its key founder, Andrew Carnegie.

Donations from Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of the Covington Public Library in 1904. A Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist, Carnegie was one of the richest people in American history. Widely known for establishing thousands of libraries and arts centers as famous

as Carnegie Hall in New York City, he died in August 1919 at the age of 83. In the last 18 years of his life, he gave away 90% of his fortune – roughly $350 million, or the equivalent of $5.5 billion today.

Carnegie financed the construction of over 2,500 libraries, including those belonging to public and university library systems, leaving his mark across the United States as well as Covington.

Two years after the Covington Public Library premiered, it added a full-scale theater, which became an important gathering place for the city, serving as a town hall, hosting political events and theatrical performances in its young age, according to The Carnegie’s historical account.

During World War II, the original copper roof on the library was removed and sold for scrap, leaving the theater exposed to the elements. Water damage resulted in the theater being condemned in 1958.

The library was a groundbreaking facility on its own. At the time, it was one of the first facilities south of the Ohio River that was completely open to the public, which also made it one of the first racially integrated libraries.

The National Register of Historic Places granted the library and the theater designation in 1971.

Despite its historical designation, both the library and theater building were threatened with demolition in 1974, after the Covington library relocated to a larger space. In response, a group of Covington residents founded the Northern Kentucky Arts Council to save the building and turn The Carnegie into a nonprofit community arts center, ultimately saving the building and putting it on the path to become The Carnegie Northern Kentucky knows today.

From 1999 to 2003, the State of Kentucky, the City of Covington and The Carnegie’s executive board partnered to create a connector between the galleries and the theater. This change led to The Eva G. Farris Education Center, a classroom space, was added a year later. The Otto M. Budig Theatre premiered in March 2006.

Now, the multidisciplinary arts center stands at more than 17,000-square feet and is home to five art galleries, classes for young students, and theatrical performances for the public.

Covington’s Carnegie exterior bears architectural similarities to other Carnegie institutions, with grand entrances under archways and ornate embellishments crowning the top.

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The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center in Covington was originally built as a public library. Photo provided | The Carnegie

The Otto M. Budig Theatre features famous musicals, such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Photo provided | The Carnegie

A glass dome is an architectural centerpiece of The Carnegie in Covington. Photo provided | The Carnegie

Do you put up a real or artificial Christmas tree? Why?

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Stephanie Sandefer Rottman: We’ve waffled back and forth for many years. While each have their benefits and drawbacks, we have opted to go with artificial trees— only because they hold the ornaments better, which allows us to hang all of our hundreds of special ornaments that we’ve collected throughout the years.

Terry Reynolds: Real tree. There is enough “fake” in this world. Then we can mulch it for yard use.

Joseph Haas: If the tree represents Christmas and the birth of Jesus a tree isn’t “fake.” Do we call a Nativity scene fake? However, some people choose to have a live Christmas tree, and others choose an artificial tree.

Boone County Sheriff’s Office warning of counterfeit money: The Boone County Sheriff’s Office reported this week that as the holidays get closer, the United States Secret Service often sees an uptick in counterfeit money. Learn more about how to identify counterfeit money on the Boone County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Allie the Elf is bored of her shelf: Ally the Elf is occupying the light pole where a raccoon previously took up residence and became the talk of Alexandria and Northern

Kentucky. (OK so it’s photoshopped, but still. We love it.)

Fort Thomas florist worker finds missing ring. The culprit? A poinsettia: It was a day to remember at the Fort Thomas Florist and Greenhouses for worker Joyce Workman. She lost her mother’s ring a few weeks ago, and it turned up recently in a poinsettia and was given back to her in a surprise that was caught on video by her coworkers. In the video, the person who found the ring announced that Workman was having a

bad month, “miracles work in funny, funny ways,” he said while pulling the ring out of his pocket to reveal the found treasure to her as the room erupted with applause.

Boone County Animal Shelter grateful for donations during Santa breakfast: Following a breakfast with Santa in Union, members of the Boone County Animal Shelter are thanked the community for their time, attention and donations.

“Big thanks to the City of Union for inviting us to participate in the Breakfast with Santa event this past weekend! Our volunteers had a great time, and we collected lots of great donations for the shelter,” a post on the shelter’s Facebook page said.

The Boone County Animal Shelter is on its way to building a new facility in England-Idlewild Park. A celebration was held earlier this year to break ground on the longtime project.

A screenshot from the Facebook video at Fort Thomas Florist. Photo provided | Fort Thomas Florist Image provided | City of Alexandria Facebook page

Streetscapes: Alexandria Pike

Powered by Duke Energy STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA HEHMAN | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

I’ve mentioned in previous Streetscapes that sometimes I visit an area, thinking I know it, but when I get there, I’m shown a new world. There are so many businesses in this area that I simply couldn’t visit them all in one trip. For now, this segment focuses on the most popular and suggested spots on Alexandria Pike.

Four Mile Pig: 7962 Alexandria Pike

Their menu of sides were mouth-watering. They offer Southern favorites to fit their BBQ options, like white cheddar macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, baked beans, and those seasoned fries. With four kinds of barbeque sauce for your choice of smoked pork, brisket, turkey and chicken, this is true comfort food.

Four Mile Pig offers drive-thru and carryout, but we enjoyed grabbing a seat in the dining room for the full experience.

Brass Key Coffee: 8109 Alexandria Pike Unit 9

ers studied with headphones on or, like me, caught up with a friend over a cup of joe. We sat for hours by the fireplace and Christmas tree, drinking copious amounts of caffeine, each drink just as delicious as the ones prior.

For anyone who likes their coffee with plenty of atmosphere, Brass Key is worth the visit.

Alexandria Brewing Company: 7926 Alexandria Pike

Nothing warms me up on a cold night more than a nice, local beer.

Alexandria Brewing Company is a local favorite, and those who have been here before know why.

I could smell the smoky BBQ before I stepped through the door. The decision to eat here was easy, but I found narrowing my options challenging. I dined with a friend, and we opted for the special of the day – a classic Cuban sandwich with a side of fries.

Within minutes, our food arrived, and we ate it just as quickly.

For those who have never enjoyed a Cuban sandwich, this lunchtime classic features two kinds of pork, loads of melted swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. It’s a tangy favorite, and it’s just not the same without pickles. In my opinion, the world is divided into those who enjoy pickles and those who do not. We both enjoy them, and finished our sandwiches – pickles and all – before we could take a picture.

The fries were seasoned and had, to my surprise, sugar on them. The little pinch of sugar made these a top-tier side that this Kenton County girl would drive 30 minutes for just one more sweet, salty, fried potato.

Brass Key Coffee has been on my radar for months. Their cute interior, spacious seating and gorgeous lattes have been calling to me.

Brass Key is tucked into a strip mall on Alexandria Pike, but once you’re inside you’re transported to a quiet, calm atmosphere that you’ll get lost in for hours.

Christmas décor and music welcomed us just as brightly as the barista did. I opted for my personal staple drink, a vanilla latte, and to match the cozy environment I switched from my normal iced to a hot latte.

The drink was the perfect balance of subtly sweet with a rich espresso topped with frothy foam. There were several guests chatting at the bar, while come custom-

I love a good beer as much as the next person but I find brewery beers often have a strong bitter aftertaste as well as a very staunch smell. This can take away from the refreshing beer you just sampled, so I’m a bit hesitant when trying new breweries. To my delight, the aftertaste and intense smell aren’t present at ABC and they still deliver some of the best beer.

If you aren’t a beer drinker, breweries can seem redundant. At ABC, they know beer is an acquired taste, and offer alternative, including an entire mule menu that features their house-made ginger beer.

They also have one of the best cocktail menus I’ve ever seen at a brewery, so everyone in your group can have their drink of choice. Their space is large and offers a variety of entertainment options for guests, from arcade style games to live music. Combine this with their ample drink menu, and it’s clear why ABC is more than just a local favorite.

Have a street, city or business you want me to check out next? Email me at mchehman@gmail.com and it could be featured on the next installment of LINK streetscapes.

The Cuban special at Four Mile Pig.

A cozy and festive interior decorate the dining room at Brass Key Coffee.

Ludlow seeing red in 2023 and beyond

Dixie Heights promotes Ponchak to head girls soccer coach, Strum retires

The returning Dixie Heights Colonels girls soccer players will have a new leader on the sidelines next season. It will be a familiar face, promoting assistant Kellie Ponchak to head coach.

Ponchak takes over for Chris Strum, who announced his retirement after the season. Strum coached the team the last seven seasons, tallying a 94-48-15 record with four district titles.

Covington Catholic grad Mayer declares for NFL Draft

Notre Dame junior tight end and Covington Catholic grad Michael Mayer has declared for the 2023 NFL draft.

Mayer will skip his senior season, now draft eligible being three years out of high school.

Football Player of the Year after recording 50 receptions for 970 yards and 15 touchdowns. In his Colonels career, Mayer recorded 110 receptions, 2,231 yards and 30 touchdowns, winning Class 5A titles in 2017 and ’19.

The NFL Draft starts on April 27 in Kansas City.

No, not red financially, but red on the football field. Ludlow High School has announced they’ll be upgrading their football field to turf, along with renovations to the track that surrounds the football field. It will be a unique distinction for the Panthers, the only other known red turf football field being on the college level at Eastern Washington University. Plans to get started on the field are slated for January and expected to be finished by July 1, 2023, just in time for the 2023 season.

“It’s been the talk of the town,” Ludlow football coach and co-Athletic Director Greg Taphouse said. “It’s great for all athletes and long awaited. There had been rumors about it for 20-plus years. Being in the flood plane made things difficult. All the kids are excited, the hype back down here is through the roof.”

The upgrade is part of a $23 million special offer of assistance from the State Facilities Construction Commission to help them bring the school up to date. Ludlow was on a KFIX list, where schools were ranked according to their age and need for upgrades, Ludlow was in the top 10 on that list.

“I jokingly said this in the letter. He left me a legacy to carry on,” Ponchak said. “Chris has done a great job of promoting this program, promoting Dixie Heights. He’s done a great job of surrounding himself with talent in the coaching staff. He creates such a great environment for the girls to make memories. It’s easy to be part of Dixie’s program because of what Chris has done. I just hope that I can make him proud and going forward, just continue what he’s worked on.”

The 35-year-old Ponchak is a 2006 Woodford County graduate before playing collegiately at NCAA Division III Asbury University.

Dixie Heights graduates its top scorer from last year in Ashtyn Ivey, who scored 14 goals to go with eight assists. The Colonels return some quality scorers in junior Karolyn Lighthall, Maria Dilts along with freshmen Aubrey Elkins and Hailey Hall.

Prior to coming to Dixie Heights, Ponchak served as the University of Cincinnati Club head coach and has been an assistant at high schools where the family has lived.

“It has been an honor to wear the gold helmet and share a locker room with my brothers the last three years,” Meyer posted on Twitter. “I want to say thank you to all my coaches, staff and of course my teammates for making my Notre Dame experience unforgettable. I also want to express my gratitude to my family and friends. They have supported me all throughout my life, but especially in empowering me to pursue my dreams. The time has come for me to start the next chapter of my career. I’m excited to announce my intentions to the 2023 NFL Draft.”

Mayer has been the most productive tight end in Notre Dame history in his three seasons with the Irish, collecting the most receiving yards all-time (2,009) receptions (180) and touchdowns (18). His 180 receptions are third all-time in the program.

He’s projected as the top tight end to be selected in the draft and has the potential to be the highest draft pick out of Northern Kentucky. Boone County’s Irv Goode was selected 12th in the 1962 NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Another Boone County grad, Shaun Alexander was picked 19th by the Seattle Seahawks in 2000. Mayer is No. 8 on ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s Big Board.

Mayer was the 2019 Kentucky Mr. Football and also won the 2019 Gatorade Kentucky

St. Henry’s Schlueter named All-American

Amanda Schlueter, a senior on St. Henry’s soccer team was one of 62 players selected across the nation to the United Soccer Coaches 2022 fall high school All-American team. Schlueter is the first student-athlete at St. Henry to be named an All-American. In her senior season, Schlueter scored 35 goals and recorded seven assists, the Crusaders going 13-6-2 and making the 9th Region semifinals. The 35 goals were second most in St. Henry girls soccer program history for a single season.

The first team All-State selection is signed with Ohio State to continue her academic and soccer career in the fall.

St. Henry’s Amanda Schlueter was one of 62 players selected across the nation to the United Soccer Coaches 2022 fall high school All-American team. Photo provided | St. Henry athletics

Ludlow High School announced they’ll be rolling out red turf in their football field renovation project. Photo provided | Ludlow High School

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As a reminder, our honor is available to any athletics team from any sport at any level – from high school and collegiate to youth to recreational and beyond. Readers can scan the QR code to head to linknky.com to vote for the next Team of the Week.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY SELECTS

Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers basketball team