LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 2, Issue 3 - December 8, 2023

KENTON

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3 — DECEMBER 8, 2023

THE VOICE OF NKY

linknky.com

Historical societies preserve past, court future generations

By Kenton Hornbeck

S

cenic Verona Lake Ranch was once one of the most popular venues for country music and family entertainment in Kentucky throughout the 1950s.

Situated nearly 5 miles outside of Verona — a rural town in southern Boone County — the 80-acre ranch hosted some of country music’s most prominent artists, including Jimmie Skinner, the Stanley Brothers and Johnny Cash. At its peak, the venue hosted over 25,000 people throughout the summer of 1956. Three years later, the ranch’s owner, Thurston Moore, sold the property, promptly ending its reign as the preeminent local country music venue. Its legacy now lives mostly as a fact in bar trivia nights.

But the memory of Verona Lake Rach remains alive in the mind of Boone County historian Hillary Delaney. She’s committed her professional career to archiving, researching and presenting the history of Boone County to its residents.

work, and I think a lot of people just don’t know about it,” Delaney said.

Delaney, a Boone County native, serves as the lead researcher at the Borderlands Archive & History Center, which is part of the county’s library system. She’s also the president of the Boone County Historical Society.

At 54, Delaney is the youngest member of the historical society’s governing board.

Many of the others are in their 70s. This isn’t uncommon. Memberships of other historical societies in Northern Kentucky, and around the state, are aging, Delaney said. Many of them, she said, don’t have adequate leadership succession plans in place.

Historical societies are facing a demographic time bomb, putting many of these organizations at risk of becoming extinct.

“I think most of them are,” Delaney told LINK nky when asked about the looming risk.

Historical societies play an important role

“I just found that information through my

Continues on page 3

Verona Lake Ranch in Boone County was a popular destination in the 1950s, drawing packed crowds to country concerts and other events. Photo provided | nkyviews.com

NDA seniors lead ‘Clash of Cans’ food drive

By Haley Parnell

N

otre Dame Academy in Park Hills has been lending a hand to St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky’s food pantry for roughly

14 years.

St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky team members pick up food items on Nov. 20 that were collected by Notre Dame Academy students during this year’s drive. Photo provided | Scooter Media

The partnership that started in 2010 has continued with the help of Notre Dame Academy’s student council. This year, seniors Hannah Renaker and Claire Coppage helped organize the “Clash of Cans” food drive, with Renaker serving as the school’s co-president and Coppage as school treasurer.

“When I do something, I don’t like to do it a little bit — I want to get involved with every

part of it,” Renaker said. “I want to experience as much as possible. I came in just trying to be as involved as much as possible and trying to do what I can to help and grow as a leader.”

Coppage said that after being online for most of her freshman year due to COVID-19, she wanted to join something to help her make friends and work with the school’s faculty and staff.

“I just really like to help my peers around me get their voices heard,” Coppage said.

In 2022, Notre Dame Academy collected 15,000 food items, with a goal of 10,000 for this year. It surpassed that goal, collecting Continues on page 5

Forget Spotify … it’s time for Streetscapes Wrapped p12 Go back in time with holiday photos from NKY’s past p. 16 Owners plan comeback for Ludlow restaurant after fire closes doors p18

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Did you know? altafiber customers can enjoy 24 months of interest free payments for smart home devices, conveniently added to your bill. *Promotional offers listed on the altafiber website are limited-time offers available only to qualified new residential customers. Availability is determined by the service address and is not available in all areas. Customers must purchase new (400Mbps-2Gbps) internet service online or through a chat agent for at least $44.99 (before eBill or ACP discount). Modem lease is optional for Internet-only service but required with TV and costs $10.99 per month. TV service requires a set-top box, which costs $8.99 per month. Each additional box costs $5 per month. When bundled with a basic Fioptics+ TV plan, altafiber’s lowest priced internet service starts at $54.99 before eBill. To qualify for FREE TV internet, you must bundle basic TV service with internet and subscribe to eBill; eBill is required to receive the full promotional discount. After the 12-month promotional period, the bundle price will increase by $20 per month. If the equipment is not returned to altafiber after subscription cancellation, there will be equipment charges. Additional features, taxes, government fees, and surcharges are not included in the package price. Other restrictions may apply. Prices for standard items are subject to change. This offer is only available to residential customers adding new altafiber Internet service.

The price lock is forfeited if service is suspended. Standard fees will be charged for any additional equipment that may be required. 30-day money-back guarantee on monthly recurring charges and activation fees for new TV or Internet services. Must request refund on new service(s) within 30 days of qualifying installations.

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

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

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Hillary Delaney speaks to the audience at the memorial monument dedication ceremony at Florence Cemetery. | Photo by Liza Pruiksma Continued from page 1

in preserving, promoting and celebrating the history and heritage of communities.

The organizations can serve as the bedrock for preserving an area’s identity for future generations. But in Delaney’s opinion, as organizations’ memberships age, they risk losing a trove of institutional knowledge once their members either stop participating as actively or pass on.

“I think it’s difficult because they’re all concerned about, you know, what’s going to happen when they’re not there, because they’ve been very invested for decades,” Delaney said.

The absence of these local historical societies could lead to reduced community engagement and reduced institutional knowledge of that specific geographic area, she said.

If the problem is not addressed, historical societies run the risk of becoming antiquated to younger audiences. In a time where numerous entities, both physical and digital, are battling for a fraction of people’s attention spans, it can be a challenge for these organizations to meet potential audiences where they’re at, especially if they’re not already utilizing existing technologies.

In rural Northern Kentucky counties like Gallatin and Pendleton, the aging leadership issue is amplified. Due to these counties having smaller overall populations (Pendleton: 14,607, Gallatin: 8,763) and facing similar demographic hurdles, it can be tougher for their historical society governing boards to find interested people to begin constructing proper succession plans.

In many ways, Boone County is a much different place now than when most of the county’s historical society members were growing up. In 1950, Boone County had a population of just over 13,000 people, according to U.S. Census data. Today, it’s the fourth-most-populous county in Kentucky, with an estimated population of 139,000 as of 2022.

To overcome this, the Boone County Historical Society has shifted its focus to recruiting younger members – even teenagers or college-age residents. These younger members have the potential to be their community’s next generation of historic leaders. Addressing these issues requires adaptability and creativity, said Ashley Buzzanca, National History Day Kentucky coordinator at the Kentucky Historical Society.

Rapid population growth through the late 20th century and into the 21st century has only exacerbated the Boone County Historical Society’s problems. As suburban expansion into the rural parts of the county continues, Delaney and the historical society have put an even greater effort into placing historical markers at significant locations throughout the county to teach incoming residents about Boone County’s history, while reminding longtime residents of their community’s past.

“I definitely wholeheartedly believe that the earlier you can plant a seed, the stronger it’s going to grow,” Buzzanca said. “Whether that is, you know, parents bringing their children to museums for a couple of hours to check out what’s going on, or paying attention to your local museum or your local historical society’s events page.”

However, in the Boone County Historical Society’s case, the recruiting initiative has been a struggle, Delaney admits, leaving many board members who have devoted time to the organization concerned for its future.

“I think because of the sprawl and the sort of people who tend to drive more than they walk, you don’t have as much connection with the community history because of those things,” Delaney said.

digitizing historical records such as birth and death certificates, property deeds and marriage records.

Both students have their reasons for involving themselves in historical study. Bray enjoys local architectural history, while Sharits is fascinated by local sports and general county history. Both are Boone County natives; Sharits grew up in Florence, while Bray is from Burlington.

At 17, these seniors have an internship at the Boone County Public Library through their high school – the Ignite Institute in Erlanger – to work with the staff at the library’s Burlington branch throughout the year. They are the only two students who do so in Boone County.

“I’ve always been interested in learning the history of where I’ve grown up,” Sharits told LINK nky. “I think that this county is really rich in its history.”

For Bray, the opportunity to spend time digging through the library’s archives to study the county’s historic buildings — some of which are nearly 200 years old — was too great to pass up.

“It was more of a historical journalism aspect,” Bray said. “I’ve been researching a lot of newspaper articles, looking at the film and photos from them, analyzing them, and connecting them to different parts of the county’s history.”

While Sharits is personally interested in local history, he understands why many other young people do not place the same level of importance on it as he does. It can be easier for someone who is retired to spend time studying local history.

Luckily for Boone County, there are already young people committing time to learning their county’s rich history.

“A lot of it has to do with our age, especially later in high school,” Sharits said. “They’re looking more toward their futures and worrying about where they’re going to go, what they’re going to do.”

Samuel Sharits and Morgan Bray spend an hour every Monday helping Boone County residents trace their genealogy. They also spend time researching, archiving and

For Delaney and internship director Holly Hall, students like Sharits and Bray repContinues on page 4

DECEMBER 1, 2023 3

Continued from page 3

resent hope. While neither is planning to study history in college, the internship has planted the seeds for future involvement in the local history community.

Sharits and Bray have both worked with members of the Boone County Historical Society, which they described as a positive experience. There is a generational gap between the two groups in the way they intake and present information, but local history serves as a bridge between the two groups.

“I feel like we’re able to find a common ground easily, and we can match the terminology that we all use — kind of get a general idea,” Bray said.

Sharits echoed her sentiment, saying that they have been “welcomed with open arms” and can find common ground through their shared appreciation of Boone County history.

“There’s always, always going to be some generational gaps,” Sharits said. “There’s always going to be things that they wouldn’t understand, we wouldn’t say, things like that, but I would say that we still get along

well, they still treat us well, we understand each other pretty well.”

The Boone County Public Library has hosted history tours for high school students throughout the county at different significant historical sites. Many of the students who have engaged in the tour seem interested, according to Delaney.

However, because this isn’t the usual way students learn history, Delaney has wondered if they are more interested in going on a field trip rather than the core intent behind it. Still, any exposure is good exposure for imprinting upon the next generation.

Besides students, Delaney has tried to recruit history teachers in the Boone County Schools system. This, too, can be a challenge due to the nature of their busy schedules.

To adapt to changing demographics, historical societies must leverage different technological media to plan events, share information and recruit new members.

Many of the organization’s older leaders may be unfamiliar with digital platforms, which can hinder outreach efforts. Shar-

its and Bray said that there are younger people who work with them, albeit on the technical production side, rather than the research side.

“There’s still some younger people that work around us, but I’d say they’re more with the editing, marketing and computer side of things,” Sharits said.

As young people involved with the Boone County Library’s Historical Center, Sharits and Bray said they felt an obligation to give back to their community. Their internship allows them to leave their mark at a young age.

“I’ve grown up in this area my entire life,” Bray said. “I’ve seen the county change a lot, and I think what I’m doing, I definitely feel a sense of responsibility, especially with all of the documenting that I’m doing and talking about how buildings have changed over time. I think that will be helpful in the future, because those buildings will eventually change again. It’s nice being able to document those for the future.”

Sharits noted that as people in his generation get older and their lives become more structured, they might be more likely to get

into local historical organizations.

“It’s just really interesting to me, and I feel like more younger people should be more willing to learn about that sort of stuff,” Sharits said. “I mean, there’s going to be somebody that needs to keep track of all these things. I think that eventually there will be people that come and try to learn more about these things.”

Delaney pointed out that just because many members are older, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t heavily involved, investing both time and money in preserving their community’s legacy. Their contributions shouldn’t be discounted. There will always be older people involved in historical societies, because many have accumulated a wealth of knowledge over time through research and lived experience. They’re able to inject wisdom into the organization that younger members can benefit from.

“They are definitely the heart of that organization,” she said.

Going forward, the Boone County Historical Society is planning more community outreach events to get a greater number of people involved. The organization’s membership is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. The more events they host, the more likely they are to persuade someone to join or donate, Delaney said. These activities include hosting speakers and presentations at the library, distributing in-house publications like the group’s bimonthly newsletter, and continuing to dedicate more historical markers throughout the county.

The Boone County Historical Society has also collaborated with other similar organizations throughout Northern Kentucky to share strategies. Boone County is a larger community with more resources, so smaller, more rural communities can also benefit from their ideas and vice versa.

Regardless of current circumstances, the mission remains the same. Delaney and the rest of the Boone County Historical Society are committed to preserving Boone County’s history for the betterment of the community.

Pictured (L-R): Hillary Delaney, Boone County Historical Society; Florence Mayor Dr. Julie Metzger-Aubuchon; NAACP NKY Chapter Vice President Dashai Thompson;7047065_100_sehada_print_ad_womens_ob_10.375x3.389V1.pdf Boone County Judge-Executive Gary W. Moore; and Eric Jackson, Ph.D., professor of history and associate dean of Arts and Sciences at NKU. | 1 10/25/23 12:37 PM Photo by Liza Pruiksma

4 DECEMBER 1, 20233

“It’s better for the community for people to want to know more about where they live and the people who live here,” Delaney said.

Continued from page 1

13,469 items, averaging 27.38 cans per student, contributing to an all-time total of 137,713 food items for St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky.

“I think it’s amazing,” said Karen Zengel, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky. “It’s something we look forward to every year. This food drive that Notre Dame Academy does for us, in the past, that food would last us until almost August. It’s pretty amazing.”

In the last two years, Zengel said, demand for food at its pantries has increased because food prices have increased.

“It hasn’t lasted nearly as long, but it gives us a really good start, especially going into the holidays, to make sure that we have plenty on hand to be able to share with our neighbors in need,” she said.

The drive is held annually during the first three weeks of November. Renaker said they keep it around the same time yearly to help people through the winter. Zengel said this is a hard time for people, since they’re also grappling with things like increasing energy bills.

“That leads to less disposable income for the folks that we’re serving,” Zengel said.

“Being able to come to a pantry to get their

food and groceries relieves some of that financial pressure. For them to be able to take care of the other obligations, you have no choice, right — you have to pay your electric bill. So, it is excellent timing to be doing a drive like this.”

St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky covers Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Grant, Carroll, Bracken and Pendleton counties. Zengel said the food from Notre Dame Academy will most likely serve residents of Boone, Kenton and Campbell, but any neighbor struggling to make ends meet is invited Notre Dame Academy students load St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky trucks with their food drive items on Nov. 20. to visit one of its pantries. The Photo provided | Scooter Media events throughout the year, and there are a organization has food pantries in Erlanger, previous year. lot more people involved than just the two Cold Spring and Falmouth, but it also has 31 Zengel said the Supplemental Nutrition of them. churches associated with it.

Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits ofLast year, Zengel said, St. Vincent de Paul fered during the COVID-19 pandemic were “There’s just so much leadership in our Northern Kentucky served 30,000 meals scaled back in March and April. Therefore, student council that we really do share all across 28 food pantries, equivalent to people had fewer benefits to spend at the of the responsibility, and when one person store, at the same time that food prices needs to step backward for a moment, they $978,000 in food. were increasing. need some time to focus on school, someone else steps forward,” Renaker said. “So, Not only has the nonprofit seen an increase in the past two years for its food pantry, Ze- As the school treasurer, Coppage said this it really is a cycle of so many leaders and so ngel said that at one point this year, it was is one of the more significant events she is many people who just want to help anyone serving three times as many people as it responsible for due to the undertaking of and everyone who needs it.” served during the same time frame in the counting all the donations coming in.

Zengel said Notre Dame Academy has sup“I also help with the can count,” Coppage ported the nonprofit not just during the said. “I made the spreadsheet and signup can drive. She said she speaks to the junior for those (days), and all of us have really class every year during the Catholic Social helped hype up this campaign and get ev- Teaching class, and students volunteer eryone on our council to help and come in with the organization’s food pantry, call in the mornings and count the cans, espe- center and other services. cially on big crazy money days — count the money so I can make a deposit.”

Notre Dame Academy Chief Communications Officer Jane Kleier said the food drive To help incentivize the students to donate, helps the school create leaders. they offer a dress-down or sweatpants day if a student brings in cash. Renaker deliv- “I think it is clear and evident with these ers the morning announcements daily, re- two young women that a big part of Notre minds everyone of their goal and encour- Dame education and our mission is getages people to donate, including staff. The ting young women to make a difference in school also makes the can drive a compe- the world,” Kleier said. “But it’s that service tition and competes against other schools, component, that servant leadership piece including Beechwood, Covington Catholic and our student council, I think, that exhiband St. Henry. its this in so many ways.

St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky team members pick up food items collected by Notre Dame Academy students. The school collected 13,469 food items during this year’s food drive. Photo provided | Scooter Media

Coppage and Renaker said the drive is a team effort among student council members. Coppage said they plan multiple

“This drive helps us do that and instill that in them as they go on to make differences in other parts of the world, as well.”

Don’t miss this special holiday offer.

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Visit our Florence retail store: 7688 Mall Rd., Florence, KY 41042 • 513.566.4163 *Promotional offers listed on the altafiber website are limited-time offers available only to qualified new residential customers. Availability is determined by the service address and is not available in all areas. Customers must purchase new (400Mbps-2Gbps) internet service online or through a chat agent for at least $44.99 (before eBill or ACP discount). Modem lease is optional for Internet-only service but required with TV and costs $10.99 per month. TV service requires a set-top box, which costs $8.99 per month. Each additional box costs $5 per month. When bundled with a basic Fioptics+ TV plan, altafiber’s lowest priced internet service starts at $54.99 before eBill. To qualify for FREE TV internet, you must bundle basic TV service with internet and subscribe to eBill; eBill is required to receive the full promotional discount. After the 12-month promotional period, the bundle price will increase by $20 per month. If the equipment is not returned to altafiber after subscription cancellation, there will be equipment charges. Additional features, taxes, government fees, and surcharges are not included in the package price. Other restrictions may apply. Prices for standard items are subject to change. This offer is only available to residential customers adding new altafiber Internet service. The price lock is forfeited if service is suspended. Standard fees will be charged for any additional equipment that may be required. 30-day money-back guarantee on monthly recurring charges and activation fees for new TV or Internet services. Must request refund on new service(s) within 30 days of qualifying installations.

DECEMBER 1, 2023 5

NOTICE Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. (“Duke Energy Kentucky” or “Company”) hereby gives notice that, in an application to be filed no sooner than December 11, 2023, Duke Energy Kentucky will be seeking approval by the Public Service Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky to revise KYPSC No. 2 Sheet 89 and to create KYPSC No. 2 Sheets 83 and 84, proposed to become effective on and after January 11, 2024.

Duke Energy Kentucky seeks approval to revise these rates as follows: Net Metering I Rider (Electric Tariff Sheet No. 89) This rider is renamed from Net Metering Rider to Net Metering I Rider. This rider will be grandfathered for current participants. Current interconnection requirements are not changed but they are deleted from this tariff sheet and placed into the separate new Electric Tariff Sheet No. 89, as described below.

The AVAILABILITY section will be revised, in accordance with KRS 278.465 through 278.468, to close the rider to new participation, specify that the rider will terminate 25 years after the effective date of KYPSC Electric No. 2 Sheet No. 84, or January 11, 2049, and to add that customers electing to terminate their participation in this rider will not be able to rejoin. Additionally, a provision will be added that customers who alter their generating facility beyond like replacement of equipment resulting in a material increase in the generating capacity will be removed from participation in this rider and will be required to reapply for interconnection under current applicable options for customer-generators. Finally, a provision will be added prohibiting customer-generators from simultaneous participation in this rider and any Distributed Energy Resource Aggregation or with any Distributed Energy Resource Aggregator, as those terms are defined by PJM or subsequent Regional Transmission Organization, other than an aggregation formed by Duke Energy Kentucky acting as the aggregator.

Rider Net Metering II (Electric Tariff Sheet No. 84)

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

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

Eligible Customer-generators taking service under Rider NM II and a standard rate schedule with a two-part rate structure may continue to take service under a two-part rate structure for 25 years after the start of service under Rider NM II. Customers served under this Rider NM II will not be eligible for the Company’s Rider AMO, Advanced Meter Opt-out. In addition, customers receiving temporary service are not eligible for this Rider NM II. The term “Customer” hereinafter shall refer to any customer requesting or receiving Net Metering services under this tariff.

Regarding the net metering generating facility, Customer-generators are prohibited from simultaneous participation in both this Rider NM II and any Distributed Energy Resource Aggregation or with any Distributed Energy Resource Aggregator, as those terms are defined by PJM or subsequent Regional Transmission Organization, other than an aggregation formed by Duke Energy Kentucky acting as the aggregator.

Customer-generators who desire to participate in PJM markets through a third party aggregator must contact the Company and terminate participation in this Rider NM II prior to such wholesale market participation.

METERING The Company shall provide net metering services, without any cost to the Customer for metering equipment, through a standard kilowatt-hour metering system capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two (2) directions. This provision does not relieve Customer of his or her responsibility to pay metering costs embedded in the utility’s Commission-approved base rates.

The standard kilowatt-hour metering system shall use one of the following methods, as determined solely by the Company: (1) A single standard kilowatt-hour meter capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two (2) directions and registering the amount of flow in each direction in two separate registers, one measuring the flow of electricity from the Company to the Customer and the other measuring the flow of electricity from the Customer to the Company.

(2) If method (1) is not feasible, two standard kilowatt-hour meters may be used, one measuring the flow of electricity from the Company to the Customer and the other measuring the flow of electricity from the Customer to the Company or a single standard kilowatt hour meter capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two (2) directions and registering the net amount in one register, as determined by the Company.

Any additional meter, meters, or distribution upgrades needed to monitor the flow in each direction shall be installed at the Customer’s expense.

BILLING The Company shall measure the amount of electricity delivered by the Company to the Customer during the billing period, in accordance with one of the methods listed under “METERING”. The Customer bill will be calculated in accordance with the Customer’s standard rate schedule. Bill charges will be in accordance with the same standard tariff that would apply if the Customer were not a customer-generator. Billing for Customer demand is as described in the Customer’s standard tariff for receiving electric service.

The Company shall measure the amount of electricity delivered by the Customer to the Company during the billing period, in accordance with one of the methods listed under “METERING”. The Company will provide a bill credit for each kWh Customer produces to the Company’s grid. The dollar-denominated bill credit will be applied to the customer’s electric bill subject to minimum bill provisions of the standard rate schedule.

For each billing period, the Company will net the dollar value of the total energy consumed and the dollar value of the total energy exported by the Customer. Any bill credits not applied to a Customer’s electric bill in a billing period are “unused excess billing-period credits.” Any unused excess billing-period credits will be carried forward and drawn on by Customer as needed. Unused excess billing-period credits existing at the time Customer’s service is terminated end with Customer’s account and are not transferrable between Customers or locations. For joint accounts, unused excess billing-period credits will be carried forward as long as at least one joint account holder remains in the same location.

Excess generation purchases by the Company will be recovered in Company’s Fuel Adjustment Clause.

EXCESS GENERATION AVOIDED COST CREDIT RATE The Company will provide a bill credit for each kWh Customer produces to the Company’s grid using the rate below.

Excess Generation Avoided Cost Credit per kWh (Residential): $0.057132 Excess Generation Avoided Cost Credit per kWh (Non-Residential): $0.057463 APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

6 DECEMBER 1, 20233

kenton county briefs Covington Mayor Joe Meyer will not seek re-election to a third term: ‘It’s time’

Joe Meyer, center, speaks at the Covington City Commission meeting on Nov. 28. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Covington Mayor Joe Meyer announced at the Nov. 28 City Commission meeting that he will not seek re-election for a third term as the city’s head executive.

“I have decided that I am not running for a third term,” Meyer said in the commission chambers. “It’s time. It was a difficult decision. I love this city. Of all the jobs that I’ve had, my favorite has been mayor.”

The announcement followed a brief discussion among commission members about the designs for Covington’s new City Hall building, slated for construction on Scott Street. Commission members said that public feedback on the design renderings was generally positive.

“I can’t think of anyone who’s a bigger

champion of the city of Covington,” said City Manager Ken Smith.

one of the area’s other largest firms, Dean Dorton.

Meyer took office in his first term as mayor in 2016. His current mayoral term will end on Dec. 31, 2024, and the decision to not seek re-election came “after 45 years of public life,” he said.

Starting Jan. 1, VonLehman will operate under the Dean Dorton name and brand. Currently, VonLehman operates offices in Blue Ash, Fort Wright and Indianapolis. Dean Dorton has offices in Louisville, Lexington and Raleigh. Post-merger, Dean Dorton will have six offices.

Prior to his time as mayor, Meyer served as the state of Kentucky’s secretary of education and workforce development, a position he left in 2013. He also served in the Kentucky General Assembly for 15 years, where he chaired the House Cities Committee, the Senate State and Local Government Committee and the Senate Education Committee.

Meyer cited his age and a desire to spend time with his family as reasons for stepping away.

“At the end of the next term, I would be 80,” Meyer said. “That’s eight-zero years old, and it is presumptuous of me to believe that I can continue to serve four more years with the same level of energy and drive that this job requires.”

NKY accounting firm VonLehman announces merger with Dean Dorton VonLehman, one of Northern Kentucky’s largest accounting firms, is merging with

Dean Dorton CEO David Bundy called the merger unique, saying it could redefine the client experience and professional services landscape.

“Dean Dorton and VonLehman are trusted partners in their respective communities,” Bundy said in a press release. “We are excited to continue our legacy of serving our clients and potential partners through a truly unique and relationship-driven client experience.”

Other than offering traditional accounting, auditing and tax services, the firm provides technology consulting, mergers and acquisition services, human resources consulting, comprehensive health care advisory services, family office, and specialized tax services geared toward high-net-worth individuals and family groups, as well as forensic accounting and litigation support.

“We couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity,” VonLehman President Adam Davey said in the press release. “This merg-

er is equally beneficial for our clients and our team. The synergies between our firms are palpable, and we’re excited to introduce our new service lines across our region.

This is a mutually beneficial relationship where both firms provide unique value. It’s a great move from every perspective.”

VonLehman’s primary office is located at 810 Wright’s Summit Parkway in Fort Wright.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare Journey Recovery Center opens in Life Learning Center “There is nothing else like this in the country,” President and CEO of Life Learning Center Alecia Webb Edgington said during the grand opening of Journey Recovery Center on Nov. 28.

The new St. Elizabeth Healthcare Journey Recovery Center in Life Learning Center based in Covington will provide addiction services and support to individuals in their journey toward recovery. The Life Learning Center helps the at-risk population, whether it is someone struggling with addiction, poverty, mental health issues or a combination, with an education and care continuum.

St. Elizabeth Physicians opened the Journey Recovery Center in 2015, and after success Continues on page 8

DECEMBER 1, 2023 7

Continued from page 7

in 2017, expanded it into a larger location.

With the center’s opening in Covington, St. Elizabeth Physicians President and CEO Dr. Heidi Murley said the new site will double the size it previously had available.

“St. Elizabeth Physicians recognizes the value of evidence-based treatment in the care for substance use disorder,” Murley said. “We served as the first treatment provider in Northern Kentucky to provide medication for opioid use disorder.”

Dr. Teresa Koeller, medical director of Journey Recovery Center, said that through the collaboration with Life Learning Center, they are focusing on the essence of “whole person care.” She said patients don’t do well without assistance and managing physical, financial, emotional, relational and spiritual barriers. Koeller said this also includes reaching people where they are, whether through the Life Learning Center, the emergency department, hospitals, jails, or elsewhere.

Beshear said this is the first year the state can say that all of Kentucky’s combined programs meet anyone ready for treatment, whether they can pay for it or not.

“There is a bed and likely an open bed for everyone who needs it,” Beshear said.

“Working together — making sure we make treatment Medicaid-eligible, making sure we have expanded Medicaid to cover everybody who might need it, finding other sources of funding — over the last four years, we’ve increased treatment beds in the commonwealth by 50%.”

Duke Energy Foundation awards grant money to 11 small businesses in NKY The Duke Energy Foundation partnered with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to award $75,000 in grants to 11 small businesses in Northern Kentucky.

The Small Business Assistance grant program was developed in 2020 to help small businesses survive and rebound from the pandemic.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the grand opening of Journey Recovery Center in Life Learning Center in Covington. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

Study: Kentuckians increasingly excluded from lawmaking process by fast-track maneuvers

Gov. Andy Beshear was in attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and said that for every person who can get into recovery, their kids are less likely to abuse substances, their grandchildren are less likely to use, and their grandchildren’s kids are less likely to use.

Under this partnership, the Duke Energy Foundation supplies the funding, while the chamber determines the businesses

The League of Women Voters of Kentucky released a report Nov. 27 that found the General Assembly has increasingly fast-tracked bills in a manner that makes citizen participation nearly impossible — about a month before lawmakers return to Frankfort in January.

Pictured (L-R): Duke Energy VP of Government Affairs Ryan Gentil, Bhim Dahal of Unique International Market, and Nancy Spivey, VP of Talent Strategies at the NKY Chamber of Commerce.

Photo provided | Duke Energy

to which the funds are granted. Preference is given to minority-, women- and veteran-owned companies. Funds may be used for various expenditures, including but not limited to: physical space adaptability and beautification, technology improvements, talent sourcing, job posting fees and professional development training costs.

The following small businesses in Northern Kentucky have been selected to receive the grants: • Airtrek Robotics • Bailey Ross LLC, dba Thrive Empowerment Center • Clear Mountain Food Park • Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices • Debi’s Cut & Curl • Golden Gelato Co. • Inspired Fashion • Kealoha’s Kitchen • Twin Bistro & Catering, dba The Gruff • Union Music Academy • Unique International Market

The League’s analysis found that fewer than 5% of bills that became law 25 years ago used four fast-tracked methods. In 2022, 32% of House bills passed and 24% of Senate bills passed were fast-tracked in ways that exclude the public, the report found.

The trend, which began around 2002, peaked in 2014 when fast-tracked bills increased to 42% in the House and 29% in the Senate.

The report, titled “How Can They Do That?

Transparency and Citizen Participation in Kentucky’s Legislative Process,” reviewed seven 60-day legislative sessions between 1998 and 2022 and examined how often the General Assembly did not follow its established process to give Kentuckians time to review and comment on proposed legislation.

“Even though some legislators may claim that procedures like these have always happened, our analysis showed that 25 years ago, less than 5% of bills that became law used one or more of those maneuvers,” says a League news release. “In 2002, the percentage began to increase rather dramatically.”

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news from other places Chairman of Kentucky GOP steps down, urges his party: ‘Listen to, respect each other”

completing their takeover of the Legislature. The state Senate was already controlled by the GOP. Republicans now have supermajorities in both chambers.

Ohio MLS team Columbus Crew lists tickets at $421 and up to see match against fan favorite Messi

Faulty wheel bearing caused train derailment that forced Ky. town to evacuate for a day

Mac Brown has stepped down as chair of the Kentucky Republican Party. File photo by Timothy D. Easley | Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Mac Brown is stepping down as chairman of the Kentucky Republican Party after an eight-year tenure highlighted by the GOP’s growing dominance but coming just weeks after the party failed to unseat Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in the state’s marquee election contest.

Brown’s departure from his post at state GOP headquarters was revealed in an email sent on Nov. 27 to members of the Republican State Central Committee.

Brown reflected on the GOP’s electoral successes during his chairmanship but offered parting advice seemingly aimed at mending intraparty rifts that emerged as its ranks surged. As in other states, Kentucky Republicans have been grappling with friction between loyalists to former President Donald Trump and more traditional Republicans.

“Over the past eight years we have made tremendous progress in transforming the commonwealth into a state of opportunity, but there is still a great deal of work to be done,” Brown said in the email. “The key to our future success is for the Republican Party to come together and not fight each other.”

He urged party members to “listen to and respect each other.”

While the governorship — the state’s top political prize — remained a frustration for Republicans, the party expanded its control of Kentucky politics during Brown’s tenure as GOP chairman. Republicans won control of the Kentucky House in the 2016 election,

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A failed wheel bearing on a train car caused a derailment that sparked a chemical fire and forced residents of a small town in Kentucky out of their homes for just over a day, including most of Thanksgiving, according to CSX railroad.

The accident happened on Nov. 22 just north of Livingston. A spokesman for the railroad said on Nov. 27 that crews were able to restore the tracks over the weekend and trains resumed running through the area before midday Nov. 26. All 16 railcars involved in the derailment have been removed from the site, and crews removed the spilled chemical and 2,500 tons of impacted soil and replaced it with clean material, CSX said.

The CSX train derailed around 2:30 p.m. near the remote town with about 200 people in Rockcastle County. Residents were encouraged to evacuate just a day before the Thanksgiving holiday before being cleared to return to their homes in the late afternoon on the holiday.

Two of the 16 cars that derailed carried molten sulfur, which caught fire after the cars were breached. No other hazardous materials were released. A spokesman for the Federal Railroad Administration said the investigation is ongoing and the agency doesn’t typically release any preliminary findings.

State officials monitored the air after the derailment for traces of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, but there had been no detection of those substances at the derailment site or the nearby town of Livingston since the morning of the derailment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems, depending on the concentration and length of exposure.

Want to see Lionel Messi and Inter Miami play against the Columbus Crew next season? It’ll cost you $421 — or much more — for a single ticket.

Photo by Lynne Sladky | Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Crew are asking a minimum $421 list price for individual tickets for next season’s Major League Soccer home game against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi.

The $421 seats are located behind the end line in the bottom deck at Lower.com Field, according to a Ticketmaster webpage linked to the team’s website. The price does not include fees. Individual ticket prices increase to $746 plus fees for seats closer to midfield.

The match vs. Miami is the only 2024 Crew home game with individual seats listed for sale. The date of the match has not been announced; last year, MLS announced its schedule on Dec. 20.

“While our 2024 MLS schedule is to be determined, we recognized there was significant fan interest in securing tickets to our home match against Inter Miami CF, regardless of the date and time,” the Crew said in a statement. “In preparation for the holiday season, we opened a limited number of single-match tickets exclusively for our season ticket members (on Nov. 27), as we always prioritize our supporters through early access for events at our venues. The select inventory was offered to the public on Nov. 28.”

Messi, captain of World Cup champion Argentina, joined Miami in July. The 36-yearold attacker scored at the Red Bulls in his MLS debut on Aug. 26, his only goal in six league matches. He missed six league games after joining the team.

After 17 days trapped inside collapsed tunnel, 41 workers in India rescued, greeted with joy UTTARKASHI, India (AP) — Forty-one construction workers emerged dazed and smiling on Nov. 28 from a collapsed tunnel in northern India, where they had spent the last 17 days — a happy ending to an ordeal that had gripped the country and led to a massive rescue operation that overcame several setbacks.

Locals, relatives and government officials erupted in joy, set off firecrackers and shouted “Bharat Mata ki Jai” — Hindi for “Long live mother India” — as happy workers walked out after receiving a brief checkup by doctors. Nitin Gadkari, the country’s minister of road transport and highways, said in a video posted on the social media platform X that he was “completely relieved and happy” that all of the workers were rescued from the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, a town in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand.

No one was seriously injured or killed when a landslide caused a section of the 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) tunnel about 200 meters (220 yards) from the entrance to collapse early on the morning of Nov. 12. The workers had light in the collapsed tunnel, and since early in their ordeal, they were provided with food, water and oxygen through pipes. More than a dozen doctors, including psychiatrists, were also at the site monitoring their health.

The rescue was expected to last only a few days, but a series of setbacks led to the workers being trapped for more than two weeks.

None of the 41 construction workers trapped for 17 days in a collapsed tunnel in northern India was seriously injured. They were provided with food, water and oxygen through pipes during the ordeal.

Photo provided | Associated Press

CREATE Your future with

Scan the QR code or visit kaocollins.com/careers/ to view openings DECEMBER 1, 2023 9

calendar

December Friday

Saturday 8

Sunday 9

Monday 10

NKY Chapter of Kentucky Retirees meeting, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Golden Corral, 4770 Houston Road, Florence. Retirees from state, local and county governments who receive a pension from KERS or CERS are eligible, along with spouses. Support staff from state universities, independent school systems and state police are eligible. Learn about issues that affect your retirement.

Tuesday 11

Wednesday 12

Fort Mitchell City Council meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., City Building, 2355 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell

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

Lakeside Park City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Building, 9 Buttermilk Pike, Lakeside Park

Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting, 5:306:30 p.m., Independence Courthouse, 5272 Madison Pike, Independence

Cold Spring City Council meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., City Building, 5694 E. Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring

Florence City Council business meeting, 6-7 p.m., City Building, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence

Thursday 13

Bromley City Council meeting, 6-7 p.m., City Building, 226 Boone St., Bromley

Crestview Hills City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Building, 50 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills

Elsmere City Council meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Community Center, 179 Dell St., Elsmere

Ludlow City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., Municipal Center, 808 Elm St., Ludlow

Campbell County Planning & Zoning meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Fiscal Court, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport

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Boone County Board of Education meeting, 7-8 p.m., Ralph Rush Professional Development Center, 99 Center St., Florence

Crittenden City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Building, 117 S. Main St., Crittenden

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NKYP Holiday Party, 5-9 p.m., Turfway Park Racing & Gaming, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence.

Ticket includes a drink, appetizers, access to VIP area in Legacy Lookout, group photo with the winning horse. Preregistration required.

Visit NKYChamber.com/ NKYPHoliday for pricing, more information and to register.

Walton-Verona Board of Education meeting, 6-7 p.m., Central Office, 16 School Road, Walton

Covington Commission legislative meeting, 6-7 p.m., City Hall, 20 W. Pike St., Covington

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

14

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Covington condo boasts picturesque views of Cincinnati skyline Address: 321 Riverside Drive, No. 201, Covington Price: $1.2 million Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: Two (plus one half-bath) Square feet: 3,436 School district: Kenton County County: Covington Independent Special features: This nearly $1.2 million condo has some priceless views of the Cincinnati skyline. With over 3,400 square feet, three bedrooms and three bathrooms, this Covington property has plenty of room for the whole family. The interior offers 14foot ceilings, wood-burning and gas fireplaces and tons of large windows, which show off the beautiful unobstructed river view. Speaking of the view, you can also enjoy it on the 25-foot covered veranda off the back of the property.

An exterior view of the Covington condo building this property is located in. Photo provided | Michael Hinckley with Coldwell Banker Realty

The 25-foot covered veranda of this Covington condo offers unobstructed Cincinnati skyline views. Photo provided | Michael Hinckley with Coldwell Banker Realty

This Riverside Drive property features 14-foot ceilings, wood-burning and gas fireplaces, tons of large windows and more. Photo provided | Michael Hinckley with Coldwell Banker Realty

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City

3893 Eagleledge Court Independence 6211 Maple Ridge Drive Taylor Mill 1310 Eagle View Drive Hebron 1802 Waverly Drive Florence 6245 Obyrne Lane Union 10348 Calvary Road Independence 10545 Elderberry Lane Independence 2184 Bluegrama Drive Burlington 48 Sherman Avenue Fort Thomas 851 Rogers Road Villa Hills 1126 Stonewall Ridge Independence 2031 Woodmere Drive Hebron 2389 N Fort Thomas Avenue Fort Thomas 15 Kelley Drive Florence 11 Bluffside Drive Covington 222 Clover Ridge Avenue Fort Thomas 3374 Fir Tree Lane Erlanger 6234 Johnstone Court Burlington 615 Clay Street Dayton 6319 Birchwood Court Burlington

Recent NKY Home Sale Data

Price

Sale Date

Address

City

Price

Sale Date

$505,000 $415,000 $400,000 $395,000 $394,000 $348,400 $377,114 $325,500 $319,900 $316,500 $299,900 $282,900 $285,000 $268,000 $257,000 $220,000 $220,000 $216,000 $200,000 $175,100

11/22/23 11/22/23 11/22/23 11/22/23 11/20/23 11/28/23 11/21/23 11/21/23 11/27/23 11/27/23 11/27/23 11/21/23 11/22/23 11/28/23 11/21/23 11/20/23 11/22/23 11/22/23 11/27/23 11/22/23

11916 Burns Road 3490 Makena Lane 3455 Sunbrite Drive 4512 Huntington Avenue 4110 Winston Avenue 208 E 46th Street 4321 Michigan Avenue 2743 Chateau Court 2229 Antoinette Way 6836 Green Isle Lane 3028 Toulouse Drive 10177 Cedarwood Drive 7601 O’Toole Street 1156 Mccarron Lane 8531 Concerto Court 2565 Sweet Harmony Lane 10213 Hamlet Court 3988 Aria Court 4668 Donegal Avenue 2245 Waterway Place

California California Covington Covington Covington Covington Covington Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union

$750,000 $590,000 $36,000 $170,000 $205,000 $184,800 $180,000 $368,425 $269,000 $497,187 $664,937 $344,900 $407,183 $645,000 $286,538 $395,000 $382,200 $385,000 $511,477 $338,592

10/31/23 11/13/23 10/30/23 10/31/23 11/1/23 11/3/23 11/6/23 10/31/23 10/31/23 10/31/23 10/31/23 11/2/23 11/3/23 11/6/23 11/7/23 11/9/23 11/10/23 11/14/23 11/14/23 11/16/23

DECEMBER 1, 2023 11

features

Forget Spotify — it’s time for Streetscapes Wrapped

By Maria Hehman

I

n the two years that this Streetscapes series has been around, we’ve covered hundreds of local businesses.

To commemorate the top discoveries we’ve found this year, the next few issues of Streetscapes will highlight some of our favorite finds in this series — coffee shops, restaurants, bars and bakeries, just to name a few.

Every year, the music streaming service Spotify gives users a personalized breakdown of their top listenings, aptly called Spotify Wrapped. Retailers and businesses all over the world have adopted this idea, so here at LINK we are doing our own version, Streetscapes Wrapped. We will break down the top places discovered from this series — not necessarily new businesses, just new to this series and, potentially, to our readers. As with anything, it’s only fitting to start with a coffee, so this week we delve into the best coffee shops Streetscapes visited this year.

Unataza Coffee Located in Dayton, Unataza Coffee is a coffee shop that serves traditional Honduran coffee and food with unique flavors.

Unataza Coffee has a warm, inviting golden interior. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK contributor

From coffee shop classics to fun festive flavors, its drinks are all rooted in Latin American influence. The dos leches latte with espresso, condensed milk, steamed milk and a hint of vanilla is a great option for those who like an even balance of coffee and sweetness. The horchata latte is one of the most popular drinks; created with a rice-based milk, with cinnamon and sugar, this drink is a great way to experience true Honduran coffee. To truly embrace the season, Unataza creates fun and festive drinks, from caramel pumpkin pie to s’mores. Its beverages will be sure to warm up patrons even on the coldest days.

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The Coffee Bean In a small strip mall where a DMV used to live — and where many NKY natives (myself included) passed or failed their drivers tests — there is now a much more pleasant place where guests can escape the reality of the day, even if only for an hour.

From the outside, the Coffee Bean is deceiving, just a small sign above the entrance, nothing too notable. However, anyone who steps foot inside is treated to arguably the cutest coffee shop in Kenton County.

Unataza Coffee offers Honduran coffee, including hot and cold drinks, along with food. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK contributor

The décor exudes Latin American pride, with bright bold colors and plants decorating the golden interior. Those looking for an intimate spot to chat away with friends can cozy up on the couch in the sunlight by the front window, while those looking for a workspace will find plenty of seating along the far wall. The atmosphere is unmatched, and the coffee is always flowing, making this a favorite find from this series.

Unataza is very community-oriented and hosts a variety of events. From Spanish-speaking classes to salsa dancing, there’s always another reason to visit, even if it’s just for one more golden latte.

The Coffee Bean has only been in business for a year and already has made a name for itself in the coffee business, for both the quality drinks it serves and the quaint and quiet atmosphere. Colorful chandeliers accent a predominantly blue-and-white interior. The interior is open and spacious, with plenty of seating for large or small gatherings.

It serves classic drinks, from cold brew to lattes, and has countless flavored syrups to customize any beverage. No need to wait for certain seasons: If guests want a pumpkin spice latte in March, the Coffee Bean has got you covered.

It also has a small store with homemade candies and chocolates, perfect for gift shopping this holiday season. And it sells cups and every flavor imaginable of cof-

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Coffee Bean — easy to overlook from the outside, as it has no visible signage from its home on Dixie Highway.

However, guests who visit will be treated to an interior adorned in pinks and gold, along with the best iced shaken espresso.

The bakery is truly the most aesthetically pleasing place Streetscapes discovered this year. Although we could talk about the décor for days on end, what really makes this shop stand out is its rich coffee and pastries.

The Coffee Bean is a great spot for socializing — and enjoying great coffee. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK contributor

fee syrups, so guests can make their own barista creations at home. (Although no homemade coffee ever seems to match up to a local coffee shop creation.)

The Mexican bakery serves traditional Mexican treats, along with lattes and frappes. Lattes can be served hot or iced, and hot lattes are topped with a heart that’s almost too pretty to drink. Iced lattes are made with a cocktail shaker, creating an extra-creamy beverage that’s evenly bal-

found on their menu, hot or cold.

The cinnamon roll latte is the perfect sweet treat to take with you to go to look at Christmas lights or to tuck away in the shop’s dining area to get some work done. And the food selection focuses on breakfast, including breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

Trailhead Coffee A coffee shop and bike shop all in one, Trailhead Coffee in Newport is more than a hangout spot for serious cyclists. Quite literally a hidden gem, tucked on the corner of Monmouth and East Seventh Street, it is often overlooked due to other favorite coffee and breakfast spots in the area.

The outdoor walkup window makes for easy on-the-go ordering for cyclists, those in a rush to work and people like me who stumble upon the place.

With the colder months here, Trailhead also has indoor ordering, as well as places to sit inside. It also functions as Reser Bicycle Outfitters, a fully functional bike and repair shop. There’s a fun mix of cyclists shopping and coffee connoisseurs relaxing. It’s a rather unique environment, with amazing coffee making it a top discovery this year.

This is a great spot for socializing, giving off more of a candy shop atmosphere — bright and cheery — rather than a traditional coffee shop vibe, which can often feel dark.

The mood here will give guests an extra pep in their step, outside of the caffeine kick they’re sure to get.

The next Streetscapes Wrapped will cover restaurants and bars. Have a favorite one you found through Streetscapes? Email Maria Hehman at mchehman@gmail.com and it could be featured on the next Streetscapes Wrapped.

Amiel Arte Amiel Arte and its dreamy décor are straight out of an interior designer’s dream.

The lasting impression only begins at its aesthetic; the coffee is the star of the show.

Amiel Arte in Florence is much like the

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

Website: unatazacoffee.com Phone: 859-261-8292

The Coffee Bean Location: 657 Stevenson Road, Erlanger Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sunday, closed Website: thecoffeebean2022.com Phone: 859-640-1936

Amiel Arte Bakery Location: 7103 Dixie Highway, Florence Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, closed Phone: 859-534-0540

Coffee is the star of the show at Amiel Arte, but the charming decor is a strong second place. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK contributor

Amiel Arte serves delicious Mexican bakery items, along with perfect coffee. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK contributor

Enlightenment Coffee is small but cozy. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK contributor

anced, rich and sweet in every sip.

Enlightenment Coffee

Enlightenment Coffee Out in the Boon(e)docks awaits a warm cappuccino and Kentucky hospitality. Enlightenment Coffee in Walton serves Newport-famous Carabello Coffee beans in classic coffee and hand-crafted lattes.

Location: 11069 Clay Drive, Walton Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 a.m.8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Website: enlightenment.coffee Phone: 859-493-4009

Enlightenment is on the smaller side but still has plenty of options for coffee and non-coffee drinkers alike. Its specialty drinks rotate with the season, but many of its core drinks are just as unique, including a bourbon caramel frappe and A Derby Fog, its version of a London Fog tea. Brewed coffee and espresso-based drinks can both be

Trailhead Coffee

Trailhead Coffee, which shares space with Reser Bicycle Outfitters, has a walk-up window for cyclists or work commuters on the go. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK contributor

Location: 648 Monmouth St., Newport Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.3 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.-noon Website: reserbicycle.com Phone: 859-261-6187

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Walton-Verona wrestling: Big-time small-school power Bearcats ready to take down opponents

By Marc Hardin

I

n 10 short years since its inception, the wrestling program at Walton-Verona High School has become a Kentucky power on a par with teams from much bigger schools that have been around a lot longer than the Bearcats.

Coach John Roth has been Walton-Verona’s head wrestling coach for all but one of those years. With nine seasons under his belt, he enters Year 10 as head of the top small-school wrestling program in Northern Kentucky and one of the best in the commonwealth, regardless of size.

Last season, the Bearcats placed sixth at the state meet. They were third in the state small-school standings after placing second overall at the Region 5 meet just 18 points behind Ryle, which has an enrollment three times the size of Walton-Verona. The Bearcats have placed fifth at state twice, including in 2018, when Roth was state meet coach of the year and a national coach of the year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association after the Bearcats won the regional crown in just their fifth season with a team.

Just because the Bearcats wrestle for a small school doesn’t mean they can’t think about winning big. That means winning the region and, dare they say it, winning state. After all, one of the most successful Kentucky wrestling programs is at Union County, which recently won six consecu-

tive state crowns despite an enrollment of fewer than 700 students.

“I think it would be a big moment,” junior T.J. Meyer said of the Bearcats potentially winning a state title one day. “It gives us extra motivation.”

He got no argument from junior teammate Luke Hyden.

“Definitely Top 3 at state as a team this year and individually first at state,” Hyden said. “You always imagine going for first.”

Walton-Verona finished sixth at the 2023 KHSAA state wrestling tournament. Photo provided | Walton-Verona Athletics

Obviously, size doesn’t matter when it comes to dreaming big at Walton-Verona, which has fewer than 600 students, but has done no worse than the Top 3 in the state small-school standings since 2015, with three runner-up finishes. Given their success, the big-time Bearcats see no reason to exclude themselves from envisioning even bigger prizes after carving their reputation against the biggest schools on Kentucky’s biggest stage.

“We’d love to win the region again,” Roth said. “I don’t harp on state as much. You have to establish short-term goals to meet long-term goals. Dreaming about state is great. But I have to keep them grounded.”

Meanwhile, the Bearcats will be keeping opponents wary.

Walton-Verona junior T.J. Meyer won the region and was state runner-up last season for the Bearcats. Photo provided

Junior Luke Hyden from Walton-Verona is one of two returning regional champions for the Bearcats. Photo provided

Year after year, bigger schools have to deal with Walton-Verona’s whirling dervishes and grapple with the real possibility of getting beat by a smaller school if they aren’t ready for Roth’s wrestlers. The Bearcats have won 141 of 169 dual matches under his guidance.

For any foe, big or small, the

Bearcats are a handful. No matter the size, each wrestler is a weighty concern. Their season started Dec. 2 at home with the annual Bearcat Brawl.

“We probably had more kids come out this year than ever,” Roth said. “We average about 13 to 15 a year, but this year we have 19.”

History’s ledger shows a remarkable past for the Bearcats: 91 individual state qualifiers, 28 regional champions, nine state champs, 46 state placers and nine wrestlers sent to college programs the last nine years. The future is considerably bright.

And so is the here and now.

Walton-Verona welcomes back reigning regional champions Hyden (215 pounds) and Meyer (120). Meyer finished with the most wins by a Bearcat last season, going 38-2 and finishing state runner-up. Also back are returning regional runners-up Brennan East (106) and Timothy Sulfsted (132), and third-place finishers Ben Teipe (285) and Benjamin Walton (175).

Teipe, one of just four seniors, returns as the heavyweight. Hyden is back at 215, and Walton returns at 175. Sulfsted, another senior, is moving up to 144 pounds. Meyer is

EACH WEEK, NORTHERN KENTUCKY SELECTS

moving up to 138. East can wrestle at 106 pounds and 113.

Coach Roth knows what it’s like to contend for titles. He wrestled for the 1987 Simon Kenton state champion. He was a regional champion at 119 pounds and a three-time state qualifier. He was a championship-winning Walton-Verona middle school coach.

Roth also knows how to get the most out of his wrestlers by laying down the law fairly.

He’s a 25-year veteran of the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, working regularly at the Boone County courthouse. His coaching assistants include former head coaches Dave Barnes, Dave Johnson, longtime top assistant Jason Moore and first-year assistant Keegan Duncan, a former Louisville Trinity standout who can get on the mat with the Bearcats. The team has ardent schoolwide support.

“I can’t speak highly enough of our athletic director Kyle Bennett, who has always been pro-wrestling,” Roth said. “I’ve had some dates moved around for me. I’ve gotten more approvals than denials. We get outstanding support at Walton-Verona.”

LINK nky Team of the Week for Nov. 13-19

Covington Catholic football team Photo by Brandon Wheeler | LINK nky contributor

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.

14 DECEMBER 1, 20233

Presented by:

sports Fort Thomas Red Dogs get to play at Paycor at halftime of Bengals game

The Fort Thomas Red Dogs went undefeated in the junior football league and won the 5th/6th grade division. Photo provided

The Fort Thomas Junior Football League Red Dogs completed a regular season undefeated to go on to win the league championship for the 5th/6th grade division. On Nov. 26, they were selected to play in the mascot game at Paycor Stadium at halftime of the Cincinnati Bengals versus Pittsburgh Steelers game.

state title game in the program’s 15 years of existence, also having done so in 2012, when they lost to Bowling Green.

Eviston took over the Covington Catholic job in 2015 and won his 100th game with the program in the Colonels’ 22-14 Class 4A semifinal victory over Paducah Tilghman on Nov. 24. Eviston previously coached at Newport Central Catholic from 2010-12 and led the Thoroughbreds to a state title in 2010 and 2012. He’s hoping to lead the Colonels to a third state title in his tenure, having done so in 2017 and 2019. Covington Catholic faced Boyle County on Dec. 1 for the Class 4A state title.

Throughout the season, the team members displayed a ton of cohesion and were great teammates, coach Dan Schill said. The Red Dogs went 10-0 and were led by standouts in quarterback Jax Moeves, tight end Gus Bouldin, slot receiver Hunter Ryan, Grady Schill, who played multiple positions, kicker/punter TJ McSorley, running back Calvin Niemann and a strong offensive line.

Colonels coach Eddie Eviston receives an ice bath from his players following a CovCath victory.

Photo provided by Covington Catholic

The Red Dogs had 19 players on the roster, with their season finale being at Paycor for the halftime game against mascots from universities and pro sports teams from around the Greater Cincinnati area.

Some Northern Kentucky standouts in high school volleyball are making names for themselves at the college level.

Pair of former NewCath teammates turned coaches both pick up 100th wins Randy Borchers and Eddie Eviston both played high school football at Newport Central Catholic High School, and the two are now longtime coaches in Northern Kentucky.

Borchers has spearheaded the Cooper football program since it came into existence in 2008 and recently won his 100th career game. He had seven wins with Ludlow from 2006-07 and won his 93rd game with the Jaguars in their playoff opening win over Collins on Nov. 3. The Jaguars have added three wins since on their way to the Class 5A state title game with Bowling Green on Dec. 2. It’s their second trip to the

Former NDA volleyball standouts now earning recognition at college level

Notre Dame Academy alum Sydney Nolan, who plays at the University of North Carolina, was named to the ACC All-Freshman team. Grace Ward at Transylvania University was named to the Third Team Division III All-American team. Ward was also named the HCAC Conference Player of the Year.

Her high school and now college teammate Cate Scheper was named All-Conference First Team.

Emily Wichmann was named the Conference Defensive Player of the Year in the Horizon League for Oakland University.

Wichmann recently set the school record for digs in a single season. Peyton Mast was named to the Northeast-10 All-Rookie team for New Haven University. Belle Morgan was named the Conference Setter of the Year for the Big East at University of Villanova.

T

Virginia Kerst (Gigi)

he English language can be cruel sometimes. Friend, Aunt, and Great Aunt are simply not adequate terms to describe the complexity of the role Virginia Kerst (Gigi) has played in our lives. There is not one among us who has not been touched by her quick wit, brutal honesty, and benevolent generosity. She was a mover of mountains, avid fan of jazz music, saver of buildings, planter of gardens. A lover of cheap beer and fine bourbon, she craved adventure, invested in communities, and never wavered in her convictions. She traveled the world, enjoying the art, music, people, food, and customs of other cultures, and made us all better people by bringing us into her fold.

Born on May 19, 1943 to David and Doris Giddings in Winter Haven, Florida, she made her way around the world before landing in Covington, Kentucky, where she lived, loved, and worked tirelessly for her community since 1989. After her husband Harry Kerst left her a widow in 1984, it was Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center, across the street from her Covington home, that stole her heart. She was a volunteer there for 22 years, organizing her fellow volunteer gardeners and creating “Twilight in the Gardens” as a Friend of Baker Hunt. She became active in the Licking Riverside Neighborhood Association, fundraising as well as organizing volunteers for the beautification of the George Rogers Clark Park.

She served as an usher at Playhouse in the Park and volunteered for many other organizations throughout the city.

She told us several times that she didn’t want her obituary to boast her accomplishments, but we would be remiss not to mention the many awards she received, including the Community Leader Award from the Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington in 2005, 2014, and 2021, and in 2020 the Friends of Covington Beautification Award for her dedication to the gardens at the George Rogers Clark Park. She had a passion for preserving old buildings before it was popular and was instrumental in saving several classic old structures in Covington.

Active in Covington politics, she learned that it was a place where you could make a difference, and she felt truly blessed to have landed in her beloved city.

obit

In addition to her community involvement, Virginia was passionate about travel and shared this love of travel with her family and friends; she visited 32 countries and most of the U.S. states. She loved walking around Covington, attending festivals, concerts and talks, buying goods at the farmers market, dining in the many fine restaurants, going to yoga class, and chatting with her people while always promoting the city she loved and all the culture it offered. She was an avid Reds and Bengals fan – once they had winning teams! She was interested in people, able to strike up a conversation with anyone she met. People also enjoyed her quick wit and contagious smile. Virginia didn’t realize until late in life that some people were afraid of her, which she attributed to her demeanor and inability to not say what she thought.

But she always spoke from her heart.

She was dedicated to her family, including six nephews, one niece, and several great-nieces and great-nephews who adored her, and to her many kitties – most recently her beloved Lulu and Jasper, who were by her side when she passed.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 1-5pm at the Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center at 620 Greenup St. with music, food, and memories shared.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to her beloved gardens: George Rogers Clark Park (the Beautification fund of the Historic Licking Riverside Civic Association) or the Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center Beautification fund.

Donation cards will be available at Baker Hunt.

Parking is available there and at the lawyer’s office next door, and the Covington post office and library.

DECEMBER 1, 2023 15

Christmas Past: Historic photos show what the holidays used to be like in NKY

C

the photos lived in “file cabinets at the Covington Library and were accessible to the public who could visit,” Kenton County Public Library Executive Director Dave Schroeder told LINK nky.

One way loved ones reminisce is by looking through old photos, whether those are old photo albums, newspaper clippings, home videos or, these days, Facebook memories.

Schroeder said the collection was really filled out when the Kentucky Post closed in 2007; he and the library director at that time, Wayne Onkst, asked if the paper would donate its photography collection.

hristmas is one of the most nostalgic times of the year. We get together with loved ones, reflect on the year and the celebrations of the past, and look forward to what’s going to happen next.

Through its Faces and Places program, the Kenton County Public Library has collected nearly 130,000 photos of NKY, some newer, some older, and all showing off the unique history of the region.

The library has been collecting historic photographs since the 1970s, and until the online Faces and Places catalog launched,

“Our concern was that the photographs would end up being put in storage and never seen again — or destroyed,” he said.

After that, Schroeder said, library staff set about digitizing the 100,000-plus photographs, in addition to what they had in its previous collection. A contest was held to name the photo database. Jessica Johnson,

Dec. 15, 1991: Mary Courtney, 7, gets a Christmas tree painted on at a Christmas party in Devou Park.

Dec. 6, 1982: Sarah Boatright, 1, daughter of Eddie and Pam Boatright of Walton, doesn’t want anything to do with Santa at Florence Mall.

16 DECEMBER 1, 20233

who still works for the library in the history and genealogy department, won, and Faces and Places was launched in 2008.

The photos are donated by individuals, churches, schools and other institutions.

One of the library’s largest collections, Schroeder said, comes from the Lawrence Brand Collection, whose father and grandfather were professional photographers in Cincinnati. This collection of over 500 photographs features “photographs of the construction of the Union Terminal in Cincinnati, public buildings on both sides of the Ohio River and the Beverly Hills Supper Club,” said Schroeder.

“I have been told by area residents that Faces and Places is the photographic memory of our region. It is, without a doubt, the largest collection of photographs docu-

menting Northern Kentucky. Some of our oldest images are from the Civil War era, and (the collection) continues to current day,” said Schroeder.

The database is used by everyone from historians to journalists to authors, but Schroeder said it is mostly used by residents.

“People love looking through old photographs,” he said. “It brings back memories and sparks interest in our past. People also love finding pictures of themselves, their relatives and friends.”

In the spirit of the season, we have gathered some of our favorite photos of Northern Kentucky Christmas celebrations over the years from the Kenton County Public Library Faces and Places database.

1992: Pre-schoolers from Augusta Elementary sing "Jingle Bells" during the Augusta School Christmas program.

Dec. 11, 1967: Debbie Williams, 6, visits with Santa at a Christmas party.

1948: An unidentified Santa Claus poses for the camera.

Jan. 23, 1981: James Biedenharn with his plaque and what is left of his Christmas display after vandals hit it.

Dec. 25, 1901: The Ritchie family gathers at the table in Ludlow on Christmas Day.

1991: Kids from John G. Carlisle School say goodbye to Santa Claus at Devou Park Golf Clubhouse

April 14, 1967: Wally Baynum and family celebrate Christmas in April.

Dec. 9, 1991: Cassie Jo Hill, 1, and her mother, Connie, laugh at Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, played by Dan Maher.

Dec. 8, 1972: Bill Culbertson puts up Christmas decorations on Fort Thomas Avenue.

Dec. 15, 1991: Kathleen Hennessey, 5, and Christopher Hampton, 6, perform in a skit at Devou Park.

1982: Kevin Brock and Peter Mugita stocking toys for Christmas at Gold Circle in Florence.

Dec. 13, 1990: Quality Inn Riverview chef Rick Zumwalde and Jim MacFarlane show off the Christmas Eve menu that the revolving restaurant offered.

Dec. 9, 1966: Irwin Hurley, Jack Keene, James Theissen and Les Norman pose in front of a nativity that they sponsored in Covington.

Dec. 11, 1991: Kids sing carols at a Christmas party sponsored by the Newport Elks and Campbell County Jaycees.

DECEMBER 1, 2023 17

Ludlow’s 1975 restaurant owners plan comeback after fire damage closes doors

By Kenton Hornbeck

L

udlow and Park Hills firefighters were on the scene of a fire late on Nov. 26 at 1975 — a popular Ludlow sports-themed restaurant on Elm

Street.

As of now, the extent of the damage is unknown, the owners announced in a Facebook post.

“We are unsure of the extent of the damage at this time and will keep you all updated as we go along,” read the post. “We will be closed until further notice.”

While on the scene, fire crews spotted a fire inside the restaurant behind the front counter, according to a WCPO report. Officials told the outlet that the fire was contained to that area, but the building did suffer smoke damage.

Founded back in February, 1975 is a tribute to Ludlow’s past. Entrepreneur Matt Brock and restaurateur Austin Bauer, both Ludlow natives, co-founded the restaurant as a way, they said, to give back to their community.

For Brock, the loss of the business is a blow to the community. As the holidays approach, his employees are at the top of his mind.

“It’s just more about the community for me and our employees,” Brock told LINK nky.

“You know, obviously they get taken care of.

It’s the holidays, and a lot of our employees work here to pay their bills.”

In his opinion, the biggest obstacle facing 1975 is clearing up the smoke damage.

The restaurant 1975 in Ludlow — pictured before the fire — pays homage to the 1975 state champion Ludlow Panthers football team. Photo provided | 1975 Facebook page

The namesake pays homage to the 1975 Ludlow Panthers football team that won the Class A Kentucky state championship, one of two team athletic titles in the school’s history.

“The fire stuff can be fixed pretty quickly because it was contained to one area, but the smoke is all over,” he said.

On the day after the fire, Brock’s phone was buzzing throughout the day from members of the Ludlow community offering words of support and encouragement.

Despite the setback, Brock is hopeful the restaurant will be back up and running by the beginning of the year.

“Each time I sat down today, there were people there waiting for me just to tell me that they had my back and they would be

NORTHERN KENTUCKY –THE #1 REGION BUSINESSES CALL HOME.

18 DECEMBER 1, 20233

there for us,” Brock said.

1975 primarily serves burgers, shakes and fries, in addition to its marquee menu items like the Big Burr burger and ham deluxe sandwich.

Completed in 1955, the building that housed 1975 was previously home to several restaurants fondly remembered by Brock and other Ludlow natives. Buck’s BBQ was the prior tenant until it closed in summer 2021 due to flood damage.

The building was originally constructed by brothers Burr and Jim Reeves as a home for their Dairy Cheer ice cream parlor, which was eventually renamed Reeves Drive-In. Other restaurants that operated out of the location over the years included Deelites Dairy Bar and Subway.

DECEMBER 1, 2023 19

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