DESERVE the best

His family told authorities Wischer suffered from Sundowner’s syndrome and dementia.

Texas EquuSearch, a non-profit that searches for missing individuals, was called in by Covington Police and they conducted a search near a cell tower in Lebanon. Wischer’s car was found in a field and his body was found nearby.

Police ask that any further inquiries about this incident be directed to Detective Sergeant Nate Trout at 513-228-3328.

Northern Kentucky has especially benefited from growth in that sector as countless logistics companies have announced facility expansions over the past few years. Now, logistics technology service company Whitehorse Freight can be added to the list.

“The sky is the limit when it comes to earning potential at Whitehorse Freight,” said Michael Bilokonsky, president and CEO of Whitehorse Freight. “I am extremely proud of our team and what we are building. Today’s event is an exciting next step for us, and I look forward to continuing to grow here in Northern Kentucky.”

Whitehorse Freight unveiled their new Crestview Hills facility during a ribbon cut- ting ceremony Tuesday. Overall, the company invested $5.4 million on their move from Fort Mitchell, including the purchase of a building located at 2670 Chancellor Drive in the Thomas More Office Park.

In July, Whitehorse Freight was approved for tax incentives by the City of Crestview Hills which aided the company’s move.

For Whitehorse Freight, the expansion comes from increased customer demand and a desire to grow their employee base. The 51,000 square foot building will expand the company’s office space and overall operations. The investment is expected to create over 400 jobs, according to a press release from the Governor’s Office.

Region braces for Mardi Gras season

Laissez les bons temps rouler. That’s Cajun-French for “Let the good times roll!” and MainStrasse Village will really be letting the good times roll during their Mardi Gras celebration.

Amy Kummler, the owner of Up Over Bar in MainStrasse Village, organized the event. Up Over Bar is a Mardi Gras-themed bar where they say “It’s Always Mardi Gras at the Up Over! Come join our Nerd-Herd!”

The celebration will commence with a parade that starts Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. The parade will begin at Larry’s Dive Bar at Ninth Street and Philadelphia, go down Main Street, turn left and then head north to Fifth Street.

The parade will feature an estimated 20 to 30 floats, at least 30 big heads, CinCity Shakers (a Cincinnati dance team), Dance Flash Fusion (a Cincinnati dance group), Cincinnati Skate Collective (a group of Cincinnati area quad and inline skaters), Covington Street Hockey League, American Legion Post 513, cars, trucks and more.

Every year they make big heads for Mardi Gras. The theme for the big heads this year is 1980s cartoon characters, such as My Little Pony.

Following the parade, there will be the Mar- di Gras Pub Crawl. Sixteen bars and restaurants will participate in the crawl. They will offer New Orleans Hurricane drinks and Cajun food. Del Gardo’s Cannoli will sell King Cake Cannoli and King Cake Tiramisu.

The event will end around 1 a.m. when the bars close.

95 years of Drees Homes: Locally-based homebuilder celebrates anniversary

Fort Mitchell-based Drees Homes, one of the oldest home builders in the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area, celebrated their 95th anniversary last Tuesday.

Founded in 1928 by German immigrant Theodore Drees, the company has grown into the 19th largest privately owned home builder in the United States. Drees built his first home in Wilder, a brick cape cod that is still standing today.

In 1959, Drees’ son Ralph joined the company after serving in the Army. Ralph helped expand the company into 10 different metro markets across the country such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Jacksonville, Fl. They also continued growing their imprint in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. Ralph passed away at the age of 86 in March 2021.

As a legacy home builder in Northern Kentucky, Drees Homes played a role in building and shaping the region’s housing market throughout the second half of the 20th century.

“Northern Kentucky used to have a lot of these villages and burgs,” said Drees Homes Northern Kentucky Division President Ben Taylor. “The suburbs began to develop outside of Covington. I think the Drees company was very influential in shaping the landscape here.”

Taylor told LINK nky that Drees Homes went from being a company that was primarily a tract builder — which is a home builder that builds homes in a neighborhood with a set number of floor plans and features buyers can choose — into a company that designs communities.

“A lot of what you see today, it really goes back to stuff we started in the 70s,” Taylor said.

In Northern Kentucky, Drees Homes is involved in building subdivisions across the metro, in places like Alexandria, Walton, Independence, Hebron, Crescent Springs and Villa Hills.

Going forward, Taylor said Drees Homes is “focused on the long game.”

‘We’re constantly developing new home plans that fit the needs of modern living,” said Taylor. “We’re continuing to focus on suburban areas, but we also pivoted in the last few years to do more infill locations.”

Today, Drees Home is led by Theodore’s grandson David, who took over as CEO in 2000. The primary focus of his tenure has been integrating 21st century technology into the company’s day-to-day operations, as well as continuing to promote family culture within the organization.

“Our company’s purpose of enriching lives by making dream homes easy is dependent on a focused approach that always begins and ends with quality, personalization and customer service,” Drees said in a press release.

NKY Chamber announces annual day in Frankfort for Feb. 23

The NKY Chamber of Commerce will take a group of members to the capital for the annual day in Frankfort on Feb. 23.

Members will have the opportunity to hear from and have discussions with members of the NKY caucus and the Kentucky Legislature.

Planned for discussion are key topics critical to economic development and business growth in Northern Kentucky. Additionally, discussions will cover policy priorities of the Chamber including workforce shortages, infrastructure, and tax reform.

Registration for Day in Frankfort is $60 for NKY Chamber members and $80 for non members.

‘Little Mermaid’ actress visits NKY

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration compared Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast to the national weather the last 10 years and found “on average, Phil has gotten it right 40% of the time.”

Animal Spotlight: Olivia

towncrier@linknky.com.

Feb. 10 to Feb. 18

Boone County

Feb. 16: Chick Picks Book Discussion: Billy Summers, by Stephen King, 10 a.m., Boone County Library Main Branch, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington. (for info, contact Karen Helmle at khelmle@bcpl.org.

Feb. 16: The Cincinnati Museum Presents: The Sad, Seamy, Sinister Side of Cincinnati, 6:30 p.m., Boone County Library Main Branch, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington.

Florence

“Singin’ In The Rain” recently opened at The Carnegie theater, and there was a familiar face in the crowd.

Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel in Disney’s 1989 “The Little Mermaid” watched her daughter perform in the popular musical. Benson’s daughter, Delaney Benson, is part of the traveling cast with Music Theatre International, and is playing the role of Kathy Selden in the musical.

“Singin’ In The Rain” is showing at The Carnegie through Feb. 12.

Phil predicts six more weeks of winter

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — A furry critter in a western Pennsylvania town has predicted six more weeks of winter during an annual Groundhog Day celebration.

People gathered Thursday at Gobbler’s Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner circle” summoned the groundhog from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he has seen his shadow — and they say he did. According to folklore, if he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring comes early.

The “inner circle” is a group of local dignitaries who are responsible for planning the events, as well as feeding and caring for Phil himself.

The annual event in Punxsutawney, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh, originated from a German legend about a furry rodent. The gathering annually attracts thousands.

Meet Olivia, a 3-year-old cat at the Kenton County Animal Shelter. She’s a super sweet girl who is ready to find her forever home! She’s a pretty laid-back kitty who enjoys spending most of her just laying around. She loves a good nap, and Olivia would love to lay in your lap and get lots of pets.

She is positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) which is one of the most common infectious diseases of cats around the world. In infected cats, FIV attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections, so Olivia will need special care.

Although cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years, they eventually suffer from immune deficiency, which means common bacteria found in one’s daily environment can potentially cause severe illnesses. Though there is no cure for FIV, recent studies suggest that cats with FIV commonly live average life spans.

The primary mode of transmission for FIV is through bite wounds from an infected cat. Casual, non-aggressive contact, such as sharing water bowls or mutual grooming, does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading the virus. As a result, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk of acquiring FIV infections, according to the animal shelter.

Come meet Olivia today and see if she would be the purrfect fit for your family.

Community Calendar

We love to share events, birthdays, anniversaries, and special announcements. Send items to the Town Crier via email at

Feb. 14: Florence City Council Meeting, 6 p.m., Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence

Hebron

Feb 11: SWET DanceFit, 9:30 a.m., Boone County Hebron Branch, 1863 North Bend Road, Hebron (For details, go to bcpl.org. Continues Saturdays through Feb. 25)

Feb 14: Comfort Quilts for the Community, 9:30 a.m., Boone County Hebron Branch, 1863 North Bend Road, Hebron

Feb 14: Card Making, 6 p.m., Boone County Hebron Branch, 1863 North Bend Road, Hebron (For details, go to bcpl.org; registration required.)

Union

Feb. 10: Experience T’ai Chi, 10:30 a.m., Boone County Library Scheben Branch, 8899 U.S. 42, Union (For details, go to bcpl. org. Also on Feb. 24.)

Feb 11: Exploring Cultures Series: Bollywood Beats, 2 p.m., Boone County Library Scheben Branch, 8899 U.S. 42, Union (For details, go to bcpl.org.)

Feb. 14: Book Discussion: How to Walk Away, by Katherine Center, 6:30 p.m., Boone County Library Scheben Branch, 8899 U.S. 42, Union (For info, contact Shaun Powell at spowell@bcpl.org.)

Walton

Feb. 14: Walton Planning Meeting, 6:15 p.m., Walton City Hall, 40 N. Main St., Walton

Feb. 14: Walton City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Walton Senior Center, 44 N. Main St., Walton

Feb. 16: Walton-Verona Schools Board of Education Meeting, 6 p.m., Early Childhood Center, 18 School Road, Walton

Campbell County

Feb. 14: Campbell County Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Campbell County Administration Building, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport

Feb. 15: Campbell County Fiscal Court Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Campbell County Administration Building, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport

Alexandria

Feb. 16: Alexandria Business Retention and Development Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Alexandria City Building, 8236 W. Main St., Alexandria

Feb. 16: Alexandria City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Alexandria City Building, 8236 W. Main St., Alexandria

Bellevue

Feb. 17: Bellevue Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m., Bellevue City Building, 616

Poplar St., Bellevue

Cold Spring

Feb. 13: Cold Spring City Council Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Cold Spring City Building, 5694 E. Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring

Dayton

Feb 15: Dayton VFW Post 2899 Bingo Night, 5 p.m., 828 6th Ave., Dayton (every Wednesday)

Fort Thomas

Feb. 13: Fort Thomas Schools Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Fort Thomas City Building, 130 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas

Feb. 15: Fort Thomas Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Fort Thomas City Building, 130 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas

Highland Heights

Feb. 14: Highland Heights Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m., Highland Heights City Building, 176 Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights

Southgate

Feb. 15: Southgate City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Southgate City Building, 122 Electric Ave., Southgate

Feb. 16: Southgate Super Seniors Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Southgate Community Center, 301 W. Walnut, Southgate

Kenton County

Feb. 14: Kenton County Fiscal Court Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Kenton County Courthouse, 5272 Madison Pike, Independence

Covington

Feb. 10: Devou Night Rides, 7 p.m., Devou Park in Covington. The Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance and Devou Park Trail Collective will hold an evening ride. Check “Devou Park Collective” on Facebook for details. Repeats on Feb. 13 and 17)

Feb. 11: Student Financial Aid Workshop, 11 a.m., Kenton County Public Library Covington Branch, 502 Scott Blvd, Covington.

Feb. 14: Covington Board of Commissioners Legislative Meeting, 6 p.m., Covington City Hall, 20 W. Pike St., Covington (registration required)

Feb. 15: Board of Devou Properties Meeting, 4 p.m., Devou Golf & Event Center, 1201 Park Drive, Covington

Feb. 15: Housing Authority of Covington Meeting, 4:30 p.m., Housing Authority, 2300 Madison Ave., Covington

Edgewood

Feb. 14: Edgewood Senior Cards, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Edgewood Senior Center, 550 Freedom Park Drive, Crestview Hills (open to all, card games).

Erlanger

Feb. 10: Erlanger Walking Club, 9 to 10 a.m., Kenton County Public Library Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands, Erlanger (registration required, go to kentonlibrary.org for more info.)

Feb. 15: GED Preparation, 4 to 7 p.m., Kenton County Public Library Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands, Erlanger (For more info contact Alex at 859-442-1166; repeats Feb. 8.)

Location: Covington

Price: $229/night

Beds: 2 bedrooms

Bath: 1 bathroom

Sqft: 1,029

Special features: This first floor apartment in Covington has all the elements a serious “Friends” fan will love, with the Central Perk coffee shop logo against a brick accent wall, and merchandise from the show scattered throughout the apartment. The kitchen isn’t as eclectic as Monica’s, though. Instead, it’s a modern setup with marble countertops, but there are still plenty of decorations to remind fans that they are in good company. The host told LINK nky they are planning to update the apartment with more features from the show in the near future.

Recent NKY Home Sale Data