LINK Kenton Reader Volume 1, Issue 7 December 30, 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

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MANAGING EDITOR Meghan Goth

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How NKY’s melting pot recognizes the new year

BY GARIN PIRNIA | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

No part of this publication may be used without permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please let us know and accept our sincere apologies in advance.

on the cover

An ornament with the colors of the Ukrainian flag hangs on the tree at Nataliya Kravchenko’s home in Crescent Hills.

When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, people around the world will celebrate a brand new year — but in somewhat unusual ways.

Americans raise a champagne toast and some may wake up on Jan. 1 with a headache, and traditionally break new year’s resolutions. However, other cultures might eat 12 grapes in the 12 seconds that lead up to midnight, or throw a pot of water out of the window to symbolize getting rid of bad spirits, or acknowledge the holiday later in January (Lunar New Year), or March (Nowruz, Persian New Year), or September (Rosh Hashanah).

LINK nky found folks who have migrated to Northern Kentucky to hear their cultural New Year traditions, how they will be celebrating this year, and how these traditions help them cope with homesickness.

Krizia Cabrera-Toro, who is half Dominican and half Puerto Rican, grew up in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, and came to the states 12 years ago for college. Eight years ago she settled in the area and currently works in Florence as the diversity, equity, and inclusion regional manager for Bluegrass Care Navigators, a hospice and palliative care nonprofit.

“When you grow up somewhere else, you have so many things tied to your identity that there are times you miss those more than anything else,” she said. “Even though I might be in Northern Kentucky working and helping the community, I still miss home because there’s so much tied to who I am— my family, the traditions, the culture. It helped me become who I am today.”

Because of a more than 10-hour travel day,

Cabrera-Toro rarely gets back to Puerto Rico, but her mom is visiting her in Kentucky for the holidays.

“I live in an area where there aren’t a lot of people that look like me or share the same traditions as me,” she said, “so you get homesick. I am lucky that I could do it with my husband because he’s also Puerto Rican, so he understands where we’re coming from. My way of connecting with people back home is doing the things that they’re doing.”

Because Puerto Rico is one hour ahead of Kentucky, she and her family will welcome the new year at 11 p.m. Eastern time. Many Puerto Rican families celebrate Christmas, and on Jan. 6, they acknowledge the religious holiday Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day.

On the eve of Los Reyes Magos, kids fill a shoebox with grass and either put it un-

der their bed or under the Christmas tree. Akin to leaving cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer, the grass is left for the wise men’s camels to graze on.

“Obviously, the camels are your parents,” she said. “But it’s just this cute tradition of keeping the innocence alive.”

As a child, Cabrera-Toro received shoes (naturally) and even one year a bike (it didn’t fit under the bed). Even adults can receive gifts. She also collects nativity scene figures, like baby Jesus wrapped in a plantain leaf.

Puerto Ricans, like the Spaniards, consume 12 grapes by midnight to signify prosperity for the year ahead.

“We just want to honor who our ancestors were,” she said. “Even if they’re small traditions, even if they are superstitious traditions, I feel like I honor my grandma when I’m eating those grapes.” Everyone gets dressed up, even if they’re sitting at home all night. “It’s just our way of putting the best foot forward.”

Another tradition she remembers celebrating is her grandma and mom throwing a pot of water out in the streets.

“That would mean that she was letting go of everything that was bad and all the bad spirits,” she said. “Those were things that were passed down from generation to generation of how to bring wealth, prosperity, and better luck or success into the next year.”

Not only do grapes play a role in the new year, but so do foods like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), potato salad, pasteles (root vegetables mixed with pork

Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor

Nataliya Kravchenko, right, and her mother, Olena Havryliuk, hug in front of their Christmas tree. Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor

or chicken and wrapped in a plantain leaf), a whole roasted pig, pork shoulder (for a smaller gathering), flan, tembleque (coconut dessert pudding), and coquito (a rumbased or virgin coconut drink; see recipe below).

“The coquito, the pork shoulder— doing all those things reminds me of home,” Cabrera-Toro said. “The smells that I get in my kitchen, the time I get to spend with my friends and family here— even though they’re not my family, they became my family and I can share who we are with them. It’s bittersweet.”

Beth Williams is the regional advisor in the Hoosier Hills region with International Student Exchange (ISE). She hosts, places, and supervises high school exchange students from a myriad of countries. Williams said she engages with some of the students’ traditions, like eating grapes at midnight and drinking the German glühwein (mulled wine).

“These small gestures not only allow us to

learn and participate in their culture, but it gives them a taste of home since they are so far away,” Williams said. “It helps them feel less homesick during the holidays. My students also really enjoy sending American gifts to their family, and last year my students mailed a lot of Sour Patch Kids to their siblings back home.”

This year she’s hosting Emma Laurenti, a student from Milan, Italy, who’s a senior at Bellevue High School.

“Usually kids spend New Year’s Eve with their family, having a big dinner together with lentils: auspicious as a wish for luck and prosperity for the New Year,” Laurenti said. “Then, we usually spend time playing a board game similar to Bingo called Tombola, and after that, kids usually celebrate at midnight with some friends watching fireworks.”

This holiday, Laurenti said she’ll celebrate with her host family and friends by banging on pots outside the house, and wishing her neighbors a Happy New Year.

“Despite being so far from home, continuing New Year traditions may help me feel less homesick, but it would also be good to be welcoming to new traditions, too.” said Laurenti.

One new tradition will be cooking sauerkraut—a good luck German food—with her host family.

“My hopes and goals for 2023 are to have fun, learn more about a new culture, improve my English, and become a better version of myself,” she said.

María Luz Cortés Pajares hails from Madrid and attends Scott High School; this will be her first holiday in the States.

“On New Year’s Eve, in Spain, I meet with my dad’s family and have a very big dinner,”

she said. “We all dress up, and the women usually wear black. After dinner, which usually is at 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m., we put the national TV channel on and wait until we can eat our grapes. After we do that, my older cousins usually go partying and the rest of us stay until 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., and then we finally go home.”

In terms of dinner, they eat appetizers like foie gras, canapés, caviar, mushrooms, cured ham, and olives. For entrees, they’ll have smoked salmon, consomé soup, her aunt’s salad (mango, lettuce, prawn, and lime juice), and for dessert, they have traditional Spanish sweets, such as turrones (a type of nougat), mazapanes (marzipan), polvorones (Spanish shortbread), and lemon mousse that her aunt makes.

“This year, I’m not sure whether I’ll celebrate the New Year with my best friend’s family, or I will go to a party with some friends,” she said. “But I’ve been told it’s not given as much importance as it’s given in my country. I’ll probably call my parents back in Spain to wish them a Happy New Year. I’m honestly having such a good time here that I don’t want to go home, and I don’t really miss my family.”

In April, Thailand celebrates the Songkran festival, their version of the New Year in which participants splash water on one another. They also acknowledge Jan. 1 as New Year’s Day. Noey Emarat, a junior at Newport Central Catholic High School, is from Bangkok.

“We have a celebration, as well, but it’s a little different, such as meeting relatives and exchanging gifts from friends,” she said. “I may be celebrating with my foster family, but I may have Face Time with my family in Thailand.”

As for New Year’s resolutions, she said, “most Thai people will determine that there are only good things coming in for your family to be healthy. Living here is very worthwhile. I want to gain as much experience as possible.”

While the Russian-Ukraine war continues, Crescent Hills resident and Ukrainian native Nataliya Kravchenko recently founded the charity USA with Ukraine as a way to send humanitarian aid to her home country.

She’s collecting power banks and pajamas and sending them to first responders. Kravchenko moved to Kentucky in 2012. She grew up in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, but also lived and studied in Kyiv. Because of the war, Ukraine won’t be able to celebrate the

Kirzia Cabrera-Toro with gifts for the Three Kings Day celebrated on Jan. 6 Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor.

Nativity Scene with Los Tres Reyes Magos. Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor.

holidays like they have in the past. In fact, the annual Kharkiv Christmas/New Year’s tree currently sits in the metro station, not Freedom Square, due to safety concerns.

“It’s going to be very sad,” she said. “Children usually go from house-to-house or to apartments singing Christmas carols, but that’s not going to happen.”

Many Northern Kentucky-based Ukrainian refugees will be spending their first holidays in America.

“It’s going to be an adjustment, but it’s going to be a learning curve for both Americans and Ukrainians,” Kravchenko said. For the uninitiated, Ukraine’s holidays are a little confusing — and long.

The season kicks off on Dec. 19 with Saint Nicholas Day.

“Saint Nicholas brings the candy to the children and puts them under the pillow,”

Kravchenko said.

Depending if Ukrainians are Catholic or Orthodox, they might celebrate on different days.

Catholics acknowledge the 25th as Christmas Day. However, Orthodox Christmas occurs on Jan. 7. On New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians listen to a presidential address, and they shoot off fireworks. Malanka, the old New Year (the Julian calendar), is observed on Jan. 13 to 14, with teenage girls caroling after sunset.

“Ukrainian families gather between the Christmas and New Year, just get together and have the traditional food and drink Champagne,” she said. “They have big feasts, basically making salads. And by the salad, I’m not talking about lettuce leaves.” She’s referring to multi-ingredient salads like potato salad. They also eat kutia, a dish made from wheat grains, poppy seeds, honey, walnuts, and raisins. Speaking of champagne, at midnight Ukrainians have a

unique ritual: They write down a wish on a piece of paper, set the paper ablaze, put the ashes in the champagne, and drink it.

“Just don’t make your wish very long,” she joked. “You don’t want to have all of this in your system.”

Looking ahead to the New Year, Kravchenko has a big aspiration.

“My hopes and wishes are that the whole world needs to unite and stop all of this because it’s everybody’s war,” she said. “If people don’t realize this, it’s going to be too late. They need to defeat Russia because Russia will not stop. I have hopes that the Ukrainian people will go back to their homes, and Ukraine will be back to normal. But we will have to face the consequences of this war. That’s why I have the charity — because no help is too small, and freedom is very fragile.”

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3 cans of cream of coconut

3 cans of evaporated milk

2 cans of condensed milk

Cinnamon to taste

1 tablespoon or less of vanilla

2 cups of white rum (for those who drink and adults) to start, but

I would add more or less based on preference

Mix in a blender. Refrigerate overnight.

Nataliya Kravchenko, right, and her mother, Olena Havryliuk, hold the Ukrainian flag in front of their Christmas tree in the home in Crescent Hills. Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor

Coquito, the traditional drink of Puerto Rico. The name means small coconut.

Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor.

Crescent Hills resident and Ukrainian native Nataliya Kravchenko poses with her Christmas tree.

Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor

Duke Energy customers feel financial crunch of higher bills heading into winter

BY KENTON HORNBECK | LINK nky REPORTER

Covington small business owner Chris Conley wasn’t expecting to see his electricity bill increase from $96 in November to $331.60 in December.

For many residents and business owners, opening the mail toward the end of the year can be an anxiety-inducing activity, especially as the outside temperatures begin to cover vehicles in a pesky layer of frost. Oftentimes, an increased energy bill in the winter months isn’t uncommon, but a spike in prices can be jarring.

Conley and his wife opened a small business in Covington’s MainStrasse Village in July 2022. Alchemy Aesthetics, their family-owned boutique, sells crystals, gemstones, jewelry and handmade soaps.

“It’s kind of a quirky gift shop,” said Conley. Their business is a customer of Duke Energy Kentucky, the only electric utility company servicing Northern Kentucky’s river cities. Frustrated, Conley took to Facebook to share his concerns about rising electricity costs with his community.

“We’re just getting started in our small business. When you start raising bills 60% to 70% higher than what they normally are, stuff like that can put small businesses out of business before they even get a chance to really begin,” Conley told LINK nky. “Luckily, we’re in a financial position where a $500 electric bill isn’t going to make us close our doors. But what about those people and businesses who are still struggling to recover from COVID?”

When he scanned his bill, the primary charge that most perplexed Conley was the Electric Fuel Adjustment Charge. Besides his normal energy consumption charge, it was the second largest amount owed on the bill. Naturally, Conley hopped on Google to research what the charge was. He was also able to connect with a Duke Energy customer service representative through the phone where he said he raised questions, voiced his concerns, and was then sent to an escalation line.

“They’ll send things to escalation and then you never hear from them,” said Conley. “Who are you going to complain to?”

Conley isn’t the only Duke Energy customer to regularly receive this charge on their bill. In fact, Duke Energy isn’t even the only company that has an Electric Fuel Adjustment Charge on their bills. Owen Electric, which provides electricity to many in the region’s rural communities, includes an Electric Fuel Adjustment Charge, as does the Kentucky Power Company in Eastern Kentucky.

No such charge exists across the river in Ohio.

What exactly is an Electric Fuel Adjustment Charge?

For a utility provider, the purpose of the Electric Fuel Adjustment Charge is to reimburse the power company, or in this specific instance, Duke Energy, for the fuel they purchase to run their power plants. The Duke Energy website states the “charge can fluctuate widely over relatively short peri-

ods of time.”

Essentially, the cost Duke Energy Kentucky pays for fuel is passed through to their customers in the form of the Electric Fuel Adjustment Charge. Sally Thelen, director of communications for Duke Energy, emphasized to LINK nky that the charge is not a markup, but a straight pass-through to the customer.

The Duke Energy website acknowledges that as prices increase when the weather turns cold, their customers will see higher energy bills due to the increased cost of fuel needed to run their power plants.

“With prices increasing everywhere along with colder temperatures, we are committed to keeping your energy bill as low as possible. Many customers are seeing higher energy bills due in large part to a dramatic increase in the cost of fuel needed to power our plants. Duke Energy does not profit from higher fuel costs, and we are doing all we can to help protect our customers from these rising costs.” Thelan said.

Thelen told LINK nky that Duke Energy has done significant outreach to their customers to ensure they understand why prices are going up since October 2021. On December 6, Duke Energy Kentucky sent an email to their customers which sought to explain why their bills would be increasing from the fall into the winter months and included payment assistance program information for customers in need of such services.

In hopes of alleviating the financial burden, the Duke Energy email offered their customers energy saving solutions such as tutorials on how to install weatherstripping on their home’s doors and windows, and how to effectively caulk around their doors and windows.

A primary supplier of power in Northern Kentucky is the coal-fired East Bend Power Station located along the Ohio River near Rabbit Hash in Boone County. Duke Energy Kentucky owns East Bend so the fuel cost seen on a customer’s bill is the cost of fuel to run East Bend, which is coal. The price of coal is set by financial markets. Duke Energy purchases the coal at market rates.

“The fuel charge is related to the fuel cost associated with running East Bend Station, our generating plant in Boone County that runs on coal-fired generation,” said Thelen. “I can tell you that the cost of coal is also up considerably which is driving the higher prices as well.”

The price of coal has risen considerably since last winter due to a multitude of economic factors such as inflation, strained supply chains and increased demand. As countries around the world recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, demand for coal sharply increased. People wanted electricity faster than coal miners could produce the resource to sell to power plants. According to data from tradingeconomics.com, coal prices have increased approximately 40% from last December to this December.

Duke Energy Kentucky is required to file

documentation with the Kentucky Public Service Commission, a three-member administrative body that regulates the intrastate rates of investor-owned utilities such as electric, natural gas and water and sewage services. The documentation breaks down how much Duke Energy Kentucky spent on fuel for each month.

In the commonwealth, Duke Energy Kentucky owns the power generation assets that produce the electricity; in this case, “generation assets” means power plants. This is different from Ohio where the non-regulated market allows power produced to be purchased at scheduled auctions.

“This is unique to Kentucky’s regulated utility market where we have generation assets,” said Thelen. “In Ohio, it’s a non-regulated market where power is purchased in scheduled auctions. Duke Energy Ohio doesn’t own generation assets anymore after selling off their commercial generation about nine years ago.”

Conley is a resident of Milford, OH, and prefers the way the Buckeye State allows customers to choose their energy providers.

“In the state of Kentucky, there aren’t the options that you have in Ohio,” Conley said. “Ohio gives you the option. You can pick your supplier. I changed suppliers regularly in the state of Ohio to whoever is offering the best rate competitive amongst energy companies. It’s not happening in Kentucky. They’re not allowing you to choose your energy provider.”

How is the charge calculated?

The charge is calculated by multiplying the Fuel Adjustment Clause Rate by the customer’s electricity per kilowatt hour used, or the amount of electricity they consumed during that billing month.

The Fuel Adjustment Clause Rate is calculated by dividing the energy provider’s fuel cost by their total sales for that month, minus their base fuel rate. Set in October 2021, Duke Energy’s base fuel rate is $.025401.

“The Fuel Adjustment Charge gets updated monthly to ensure that the regular energy charge includes only the actual fuel costs incurred each month, on a two month lag,” said Thelen.

Yes, the fuel costs on the bill lag two months behind the current billing period. Customers receiving their December electricity bill are getting fuel costs calculated based on East Bend’s coal usage from October. When customers notice the $.061579 number on their bill this month, it has increased almost 50% from the $.036071 number from the previous month, which was based on the amount of coal East Bend used in September.

Customers will see a higher number on their bills under the Electric Fuel Adjustment Charge when their local power plant burns more fuel.

“The Kentucky Public Service Commission reviews these costs every 6 months for prudency and accuracy and ensures the Company makes adjustments in their filings if necessary,” Thelen noted.

For many customers, the language used to explain the charge on electric company websites can be unnecessarily complex. On top of that, without some time-intensive research, the numbers behind the Electric Fuel Adjustment Charge calculations can be difficult to find online.

“Of course, when you start digging into those pages, there’s a lot of unnecessary verbiage that makes it hard to really pinpoint what the charges are,” Conley said. Conley said he is concerned that many Duke Energy Kentucky customer’s bills will

be even higher in the coming months due to incoming cold weather. It’s expected to be 5 degrees throughout the day on Friday, December 23. With frigid late December temps, will this month’s cold weather be reflected in February’s electric billing cycle?

“I’m just a small drop in the bucket,” Conley said. “There are people on fixed incomes that may not account for a $500 bill. I can’t imagine people’s bills if they’re at home seven days a week. That’s a shell shock.”

Infographic | LINK nky

Partnership between Kenton County Detention Center, Life Learning Center that aims to reduce recidivism featured on PBS

For Northern Kentucky residents who experience incarceration, the Kenton County Detention Center and the Covington-based Life Learning Center have partnered to provide resources to reduce recidivism among the formerly incarcerated. PBS NewsHour recently ran a story on both organizations as part of their Searching for Justice Series which focused on their collaborative efforts to combat Substance Use Disorder.

“It’s estimated that up to 65% of the U.S. prison population has some sort of active substance use disorder. And when these inmates are released, studies have shown that many will return to using and be arrested again within a few years,” said PBS anchor Amna Nawaz.

Formerly incarcerated individuals require a plan that can provide them with housing and employment. Without the proper

re-entry programs, the cycle of recidivism can continue. In Kenton County, the partnership between the detention center and the Life Learning Center begins in jail.

Seventy percent of inmates incarcerated at the Kenton County Detention Center were arrested for drug charges directly related to their Substance Use Disorder. Inmates within the detention center can apply to participate in the jail’s Substance Abuse Program and Comprehensive Opioid Response Program.

In order to qualify for the program, individuals must be diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder, cannot be violent offenders and cannot be on the sex offender registry. Upon admittance to the program, members have access to resources such as counseling services, recovery support and medically assisted treatment. There are separate programs for men and women.

Career assessment series to be held at Covington library

What do you wanna do when you grow up? Some never find the answer, but still find

meaningful career paths. A new series designed to offer clarity and guidance to students and young adults is available in Covington, with the goal of fostering and retaining the city’s future generation.

NaviGo, the college and career readiness division of Learning Grove is offering a series of career assessment sessions to help students better understand what jobs may offer them the most fulfillment and success.

The YouScience Aptitude Discovery sessions will be held at the Covington Branch of the Kenton County Public Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. monthly beginning in December. The assessment will pair students with one of over 500 careers based on students interests and skills. After the initial assessment, students are invited back for follow up sessions to discuss the results and future career paths.

Funded by a grant received from the City of Covington, $85,000 has been allocated to the program with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. This grant will help NaviGo with workforce development and job training programs, including events like

these sessions.

The NaviGo assessments work in tandem with GROW NKY’s workforce pillar, collecting and distributing community resources that will positively impact the economical landscape regionally. Offering an opportunity for students to better understand themselves, the discovery sessions aim to align students with a promising career path to continue the economic growth Covington has experienced in recent years.

Walton woman found safe in Clermont County

A Walton woman recently reported missing by Kenton County Police has been found safe in Clermont County.

Sasha Thompson was reported missing on Dec. 20, and Kenton County Police Department requested the assistance of the public in locating her. The department alerted residents to her last known whereabouts in Walton and Amelia.

On Wednesday, Thompson was found safe in Clermont County, and the Kenton Coun-

ty Police Department expressed their gratitude.

New program provides grants for prospective Covington homebuyers

Those looking for homes are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $15,000 under the new ARPA Mortgage Assistance Program recently approved by the Board of Commissioners.

The city has set aside an additional $500,000 from American Rescue Plan Act federal funds to help people buy homes in targeted neighborhoods. The ARPA Mortgage Assistance Program joined the growing selection of incentives the city offers potential residents and business to put down roots in Covington.

The new ARPA Mortgage Assistance Program is similar to the city’s existing Homebuyer Assistance Program, which gives deferred, forgivable loans of up to $10,000 to help low-income homebuyers with lender-required down payment and closing costs. The Homebuyer Assistance Program has been used to assist almost 400 families purchase homes since 2014.

This new program differs from the existing Homebuyer Assistance Program in a few ways.

Under the new ARPA program, homebuyers can receive a grant of up to $15,000, with no income restrictions. The existing Homebuyer Assistance Program targets low-income homebuyers, and potential residents would be excluded from that program due to higher total household income.

Additionally, the funds from the existing program could only be used for down payments and closing costs. While the new program can also be used for those costs, the city will prioritize working with lenders to buy down borrowers’ interest rates, essentially reducing the cost of a monthly mortgage.

Homes with a purchase price up to $350,000 are eligible and must be inside the eligibility zone.

Savannah Maddox withdraws bid for governor

Northern Kentucky Rep. Savannah Maddox (R-Dry Ridge) recently dropped her bid to run for governor.

Maddox originally announced her campaign in June in Burlington after teasing a “special announcement.”

“Despite traveling extensively across the Commonwealth, holding a multitude of fundraisers, making thousands of phone calls, sending direct mail, and turning over every rock possible to raise the money, it is clear that we will not have the resources we need to be successful in this campaign,” Maddox said in a statement.

With Maddox dropping out, the Republican field is slimmed down to 11. That list includes Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Auditor Mike Harmon, Somerset Mayor Alan Keck, and former U.N. Ambassador Kelly Craft.

In Northern Kentucky, only one candidate stands — former attorney Eric Deters. The Grant County representative has been fervent in her opposition to policies and positions set forth by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and received support from self-described liberty Republicans in Kentucky to run for the state’s top seat.

Horizon Community Fund announces 2023 grant cycle

Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky had its largest Community Impact Fund cycle since its founding in 2017. The organization raised $90,000 this year, exceeding the $85,000 raised last year.

The Community Impact Fund is Horizon’s flexible source of grantmaking dollars which are used for implementing long term solutions, navigating the changing community needs of Northern Kentucky and crafting rapid responses to emergencies.

Horizon is seeking letters of intent beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Letters of intent will be accepted starting Jan. 2.

For the initial stage of the process, nonprofits are asked to describe their funding proposal, including purpose, amount of funding requested, and desired impact. The letter length is limited to two pages, and is due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. To be eligible, nonprofits must be serving one of the three counties of Boone, Campbell, or Kenton in Northern Kentucky.

Please send any events, birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings, or other special announcements to LINK nky via email, at news@linknky.com, with the subject line “Town Crier.” Please note, meeting times and dates are subject to change. Contact organizers for the most up-to-date information. As a reminder, this calendar covers two weeks between the publication of this edition and the first LINK Reader of 2023, which will be published on Friday, Jan. 13.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile makes pit stop in NKY

Newport residents were recently treated to a rare sighting.

One of the six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles rolling around the United States found its way to the Newport Kroger recently. The giant mobile sausage on a bun parked outside the grocery store and served customers between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Those interested in following the Wienermobile can see future locations on Oscar Mayer’s “WhereMyDogs@” page on its website.

Dec. 30, 2022 to Jan. 14, 2023

Reminder: Government offices are closed Jan. 2 in observance of New Year’s Day.

Boone County

Dec. 30: Installation ceremony for newly elected officials, 4 p.m., Boone County Historic Courthouse, 2988 Washington St., Burlington.

Dec. 31: Countdown to fun, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Boone County Public Library - Main Branch, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington. Ring in the New Year at the library with crafts, games, a countdown and dance party. Families are asked to register in advance at bcpl.org.

Jan. 10: Boone County Fiscal Court Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Boone County Administration Building, 2950 Washington St., Burlington

Florence

Dec. 30-Jan. 1: Deck the Y’alls Lightfest, starts at 5:30 p.m., 7950 Freedom Way,

Florence

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve party and live music with Trailer Park Floosies, 9 p.m. to midnight, Blind Squirrel, 8537 U.S. 42, Florence

Jan. 2: It Came From Beyond VHS: Retro Movie Night Kit, all day. Check out movies from a bygone era. Comes with two movies, snacks, a mystery item, while supplies last. Boone County Public Library - Florence Branch, 7425 U.S. 42, Florence

Jan. 2: In The Loop, 10 a.m. to noon. Knit or crochet with company for first time learners or experienced knitters. Boone County Public Library - Florence Branch, 7425 U.S. 42, Florence

Union

Jan. 3: Bridge, open play, noon to 3 p.m., at the Boone County Public Library - Scheben Branch, 8899 U.S. 42, Union

Jan. 4: Union City Commission Meeting, 6 p.m., 1843 Bristow Drive, Union

Jan. 4: Yoga for Healthy Weight, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The class has a $30 fee and participants can register online at boonecountyky.org/parks. Guests should bring their own yoga mat. Boone County Public Library - Scheben Branch, 8899 U.S. 42, Union

Jan. 4: Dance Fitness, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is for the entire month. Register online at bcpl.org. Boone County Public Library - Scheben Branch, 8899 U.S. 42, Union

Walton

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party, starts at 4 p.m., El Toro Bravo of Walton, 625 Chestnut Drive, Suite 101, Walton. Reservations are recommended

Jan. 3: Walton City Council Caucus Meeting, 6:30 p.m., 40 N. Main St., Walton

Campbell County

Jan. 4: Campbell County Fiscal Court Meeting, 9 a.m., Alexandria Courthouse, 8352 Main St., Alexandria

Jan. 10: Campbell County Planning & Zoning Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Campbell County Administration Building, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport

Alexandria

Jan. 5: Alexandria City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Alexandria City Building, 8236 West

Main St., Alexandria (Note: This meeting was not posted at presstime; be sure to check city website)

Bellevue

Jan. 11: Bellevue City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Bellevue City Building, 616 Poplar St., Bellevue

Dayton

Jan 3: Dayton City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Dayton Community and Meeting Center, 625 2nd Ave., Dayton

Jan. 4: Dayton VFW Post 2899 Bingo Night, 5 p.m., 828 Sixth Ave., Dayton (every Wednesday)

Jan. 10: Dayton Board of Architectural Review Meeting, 7 p.m., Dayton Community and Meeting Center, 625 Second Ave., Dayton

Jan. 11: Dayton VFW Post 2899 Bingo Night, 5 p.m., 828 Sixth Ave., Dayton (every Wednesday)

Jan 11: Dayton Activities Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Dayton Community and Meeting Center, 625 2nd Ave., Dayton

Fort Thomas

Jan. 10: Fort Thomas Tree Commission Meeting, Mess Hall/Community Center in Tower Park, 801 Cochran Ave., Fort Thomas

Highland Heights

Jan. 3: Highland Heights City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Highland Heights City Building, 176 Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights

Jan. 10: Highland Heights Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m., Highland Heights City Building, 176 Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights

Newport

Jan. 9: Newport City Commissioners Special Meeting, 7 p.m., Newport City Building, 998 Monmouth St., Newport

Kenton County

Jan. 10: Kenton County Fiscal Court Meeting, 5:30 p.m., 5272 Madison Pike, Independence

Covington

Jan. 3: Covington Board of Commissioners

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

Photo: provided | Oscar Mayer Facebook

A Cape Cod-style home in rural Burlington

BY CHARLES INFOSINO | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

While many homes in Northern Kentucky are located in population-dense areas with shops and amenities within walking distance, Boone County offers properties with wide open spaces.

For those looking for a little more space and privacy, a home for sale at 3874 Idlebrook Lane may be the right fit.

The country home comes with 2.2 acres of land surrounded by wooded area for increased privacy. The property includes a 30-foot above-ground swimming pool, and is currently staged with a basketball hoop, a trampoline, and a small playground. Though the house offers privacy, it’s not isolated from local conveniences. The nearest grocery store is four miles from the home.

The property has luxury vinyl tile floors throughout and a spacious 12 rooms. The kitchen features white cabinets with contemporary accents, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a pantry. Just off the kitchen is a path to the property’s insulated three-car garage.

The house features four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half-bathroom, and an Alexa-controlled HVAC system.

Its basement is finished and has a

half-bathroom, a study, an extra room that can serve as a guest bedroom, and a media room with a series of built-in shelves.

The first floor features a master suite with a large walk-in shower and double sinks, the kitchen, and a spacious living room with a red brick fireplace.

The second floor features two bedrooms, a laundry room, an access panel for storage, and an ultra-modern bathroom with gray cabinets, chrome hardware on the sink and cabinets, as well as glass sliding shower doors.

Built in 1990 and standing at 3,200 square feet, this home is listed on the market for just under $500,000. The steep pitch to the roof, shutter-clad windows paired with rich red brick and covered front porch make this house a marriage of Cape Cod architecture and the classic American farmhouse.

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

The house at 3874 Idlebrook Lane, Burlington is on the market. Photo provided | Coldwell Banker Realty The house has an attached three-car garage. Photo provided | Coldwell Banker Realty

A covered porch is decorated with string lights. Photo provided | Coldwell Banker Realty

The kitchen features contemporary style cabinets with granite countertops in an open-concept room that leads to the living room. Photo provided | Coldwell Banker Realty

An aerial view of the property shows the above ground swimming pool and two acres of wooded area. Photo provided | Coldwell Banker Realty

question of the week

Why won’t I get my LINK Reader for the week of Jan. 6?

Powered by Merk & Gile Injury Attorneys

Each week, LINK nky goes to social media to hear what the community has to say on topics directly impacting the region, or simple, seasonal matters. This week, we have paused the Question of the Week to let folks know the two weeks in 2023 we will not have a weekly LINK Reader.

The weekly LINK Reader is delivered by USPS mail, who is contracted to deliver 50 editions out of the 52-week calendar year — meaning we had to choose two weeks to take a hiatus.

In 2023, the LINK Reader will print 50 weekly editions but will not have an edition for the week of Jan. 6, or July 14.

Readers may contact (859) 878-1669 or email accounting@linknky.com with questions.

Continued from page 10

Meeting, 6 p.m., Covington City Hall, 20 West Pike St., Covington

Jan. 5: Covington Economic Development Authority Meeting, 1:30 p.m., Covington City Hall, 20 West Pike St., Covington

Jan. 5: Covington Human Rights Commission Meeting, 5:30 p.m., video teleconference meeting. Contact Sheree Weichold for info at 859-292-2318 or sheree.weichold@ covingtonky.gov.

Jan. 7: Covington Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Braxton Brewing, 27 W. 7th St., Covington

Jan. 10: Covington Board of Commissioners Legislative Meeting, 6 p.m., Covington City Hall, 20 West Pike St., Covington

Jan. 11: Covington Motor Vehicle Parking Authority Meeting, 9 a.m., Covington City Hall, 20 West Pike St., Covington

Jan. 11: Covington Code Enforcement Hearing Board Meeting, 5 p.m., Covington City Hall, 20 West Pike St., Covington

Edgewood

Jan. 2, Edgewood City Council Meeting, 6:30

p.m., Edgewood City Building, 385 Dudley Road, Edgewood

Jan. 3: Edgewood Senior Cards, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Edgewood Senior Center, 550 Freedom Park Drive, Edgewood (open to all, card games).

Elsmere

Jan. 3: Elsmere City Council Caucus Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Elsmere Community Center, 179 Dell St., Elsmere

Jan. 10: Elsmere City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Elsmere Community Center, 179 Dell St., Elsmere

Erlanger

Jan 3: Erlanger City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Erlanger Municipal Building, 505 Commonwealth Ave, Erlanger

Fort Wright

Jan. 4: Fort Wright City Council Meeting, 6 p.m., Fort Wright City Building, 409 Kyles Lane, Fort Wright

Independence

Jan. 9: Independence City Council Meeting,

7 p.m., 5409 Madison Pike, Independence

Ludlow

Jan. 12: Ludlow City Council Business Meeting, 7 p.m., Ludlow Municipal Center, 51 Elm St., Ludlow

Taylor Mill

Jan. 11: Taylor Mill City Commission Meeting, 7 p.m., 5225 Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill

Villa Hills

Jan. 4: Villa Hills Administration Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., 719 Rogers Road, Villa Hills

Jan. 10: Villa Hills Board of Adjustment Meeting, 5:30 p.m., 719 Rogers Road, Villa Hills Jan. 10: Villa Hills Safety Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., 719 Rogers Road, Villa Hills

Jan. 11: Villa Hills Public Works Committee Meeting, 1 p.m., 719 Rogers Road, Villa Hills

Jan. 12: Villa Hills Recreation Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., 719 Rogers Road, Villa Hills

LINK Streetscapes: CVG Airport

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

As exciting as the holidays are, few things compare to the stress of an airport during this time of year.

I recently stopped at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) for a flight to Las Vegas. Located in Hebron, CVG flies and welcomes millions of travelers every year. An October report from CVG shows nearly 5.6 million passengers have moved through the international airport this year alone – and that number spikes during November and December.

During my trip, I found spots that helped me ease the tension of travel. For this edition of Streetscapes, come fly with me at CVG.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Located at the Food Court

Located in the main hub of restaurants at CVG, Bruegger’s mostly offers breakfast staples. With more than a dozen bagel and cream cheese flavors, hungry travelers can truly customize an order.

At 5 a.m., I stuck with a classic everything bagel with plain cream cheese, and my traveling partner had a bold start to her day with an onion bagel paired with a bacon scallion cream cheese.

Bagel-seekers shouldn’t let a line stop them from having a taste of Bruegger’s. Those behind the counter move like lightning and have orders ready before guests finish paying.

Hop and Cask: Located in Concourse B

Travelers with an evening departure or those in need of liquid courage to soothe preflight nerves should stop at Hop and Cask. They boast a large drink menu of beer, bourbon, and cocktails, and offer the

Open from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Hop and Cask serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is only served till 10:30 a.m., but alcohol service is offered earlier in the day and few travelers would scoff at a beer with

weary from overpriced convenience store snacks may find comfort in the boards the Taproom offers. Like Hop and Cash, the Taproom also features giant pretzels from local bakery Servatii’s, served with housemade beer cheese and spicy mustard.

For those mourning the loss of Lil’s Bagels closing in Covington and craving a bagel, Bruegger’s Bagels is the perfect stop. Par for the course in a fast-moving airport, these folks were quick, friendly and efficient. By opening at 5 a.m., a line of 30 people quickly formed. Within 10 minutes, everyone had ordered, paid and was sent on their merry way.

ports are populated all hours of the day and Beyond meal-worthy entrees, Hop and Cask offers flatbreads and Bavarian pretzels to tide hungry guests over until they reach their destination.

Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom: Located at Concourse A

Famous for their beer, Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom also offers bar essentials like burgers, sandwiches and salads. Travelers facing flight delays and

Those familiar with Moerlein restaurants may be acquainted with their short rib grilled cheese. Labeled a staple item on the menu, this classic sandwich with a twist features slow braised short rib, Moerlein sweet onion relish, Butterkase cheese, and toasted parmesan sourdough.

Having a place to relax and recharge until the next flight can help passengers forget about all the stress of navigating an airport. With threatening winter storms and high volumes of passengers during the end of the year, a little research can pay off when travel plans are changed – making a mundane stop on the way to the destination an enjoyable part of the journey.

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

Whimsical lights decorate the food court at CVG, where travelers can find quick grab-and-go food options.

An onion bagel with bacon scallion cream cheese from Bruegger’s Bagels at CVG airport.

Travelers check out Hop and Cask at 6 a.m., located in Concourse B in the CVG airport.

Jim DeLong returning to coach his alma mater Highlands

Wolfpack’s head coach for the 2023 season, has over 10 years in the playing and coaching world. He has worked with teams such as the Dayton Hornets, King Comets, Cincinnati Royals and some youth football teams.

Megan R. Scott was named the owner of the Wolfpack after running the NKY Titans, a youth football team. Tryouts for the team will take place on Jan. 8, 2023, from 12-4 p.m., at 1952 North Bend Road in Hebron. There will be a $65 tryout fee and players must bring their own equipment. Any player wanting to try out for the team must be 18 years of age by March 4, 2023.

coach Noel Rash was also honored after piloting the Tigers to their 3rd straight state championship and 6th in the last 7 years. Rash won his eighth state title in doing so.

Velasquez resigns at Bishop Brossart

Bree Velasquez has resigned as Bishop Brossart’s volleyball coach, a position she’s held since 2018. Velasquez, who tallied a 83-69 record in five seasons, just guided the team to the program’s most wins in a season, and the first district and region tournament championships in school history.

Bishop Brossart Athletic Director Ron Verst said Brossart will begin looking for a coach as soon as possible. Sydney Bragg served as an assistant with Carson Mayes leading the junior varsity and Shelbie Hanson leading the freshman teams.

Listerman gets 200th career win

Jim DeLong, who started his volleyball coaching career at Beechwood in 1996, originally coached two seasons at Highlands from 2000-2002. His 2002 team claimed the 20th district championship and finished with a record of 26-8.

DeLong’s past eight seasons at Wyoming have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has led Wyoming to a 175-32 record and eight Cincinnati Hills League Championships.

He is returning to a Bluebirds team that won their district championship last season and also has eight key players coming back. DeLong met with his new squad to introduce himself and is in the process of establishing a complete staff of assistants.

Semi-Pro team coming to NKY

The Northern Kentucky Wolfpack will be NKY’s new semi-professional football team, with tryouts beginning in January. Ryan Glover, who was recently named the

Four NKY coaches named KHSAA Coach of the Year honorees

Four Northern Kentucky head coaches were named to the KHSAA Coach of the year honoree list for the 2021-2022 seasons. Ian Johnstone, Conner’s cross-country coach, led the Cougars to both a regional championship and a 3A state championship. Jeff Floyd orchestrated the Ryle boys’ swim and dive team into placing second in the 7th region and fifth at the 3A state meet.

Highlands track and field coach Ryan Leopold guided the Bluebirds to a second place finish at the 2A state meet and a 2A, Region 4 championship. Beechwood Head Football

EACH WEEK, NORTHERN KENTUCKY SELECTS

Velasquez won two 10th Region Coach of the year honors and earned the Northern Kentucky Girls Volleyball Coaches Association Division II Coach of the Year award. The Mustangs also claimed four 10th Region All “A” championships during Velasquez’s tenure. The Mustangs finished ranked 24th in the final Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association poll. She leaves the Mustangs in good shape, only losing two seniors in setter Savannah Seiter and right side/defensive specialist Ava Thomas.

Nine players who played in at least 20 games last year return. That starts with junior libero Maddie Kremer, who led the Mustangs with 614 digs and 66 aces. Eighth grade setter Aubrey Rebholz stepped in for the injured Seiter including the postseason and finished with 332 assists. sophomore 6-foot-3-inch Corrine Blackburn with 404 kills and 87 blocks. But a number of other hitters return to take the pressure off Blackburn. Sophomore outside hitter Kate Neltner, junior outside hitter Kayla Hesse and junior middle blocker Payton Parker return after recording 212, 166 and 148 kills respectively, last season.

Highlands boys’ basketball coach Kevin Listerman won the 200th game of his career when the Bluebirds defeated Boyle County on December 17. The NKU and Covington Catholic grad is in his 12th season as head coach, 10th at Highlands. He’s 157110 at Highlands after the Dec. 17 victory and guided the Bluebirds to the 2021 state championship. Listerman has also had stops at Bellevue for one season in 200203 and Boone County from 2003-04.

The Bluebirds were off to an 8-0 start before suffering their first loss of the season in the Mason County Invitational Tournament against Henry Clay on Dec. 20. They’ve been posting impressive offensive numbers, first in the state in scoring with 87.9 points per game. They also lead the state with 88 three-pointers made. They’re led by four players in double figures, with Will Herald pacing the team with 22 points per game.

Jim DeLong is headed back to the Highlands sidelines to coach the Bluebirds volleyball team. Photo provided

The Northern Kentucky Wolfpack will be NKY’s new semi-professional football team, with tryouts beginning in January. Photo provided

Highlands boys’ basketball coach Kevin Listerman won the 200th game of his career in his 12th season as head coach at Bellevue, Boone County and Highlands. Photo provided | Will Todd

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