LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 2, Issue 10 - February 2, 2024

KENTON

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 10 — FEBRUARY 2, 2024

THE VOICE OF NKY

linknky.com

Creating a buzz: Local bee enthusiasts looking toward spring By Bill Furbee

hard to ignore.

hile it’s been a relatively calm and peaceful winter in Northern Kentucky above ground, big things have been taking shape beneath the soil.

“I’m ‘nature’s helper,’ extending my kindness to Mother Nature, because she’s been so kind to me,” he said.

W

“Many insects, just like some animals, have burrowed (underground) to keep warm,” said Campbell County Horticulture Agent Sarah Imbus. Most bees and wasps, for example, hibernate below the surface — as do June beetles. Other insects, at a younger point in their lifecycle — or, perhaps at the beginning of a single-season lifecycle — might be developing as larvae, like the mason bee. For many in Northern Kentucky, no creature is more anticipated than the bee. Bee’s knees Ryland Heights resident Pete Monture is colloquially known as “Pete the Bee Man,” and his enthusiasm for all things bee is

Monture oversees about 100 hives a year and recalls growing up in Verona, when every neighboring family would have its own beehive. “There were 10-15 beehives, just on the south end of Walton,” he said. On the first Tuesday of every month, Monture joins other bee enthusiasts for Northern Kentucky Beekeepers Association meetings, held at the Boone County Extension Enrichment Center in Burlington. While some attendees at the monthly meeting don’t own any bees themselves, said the group’s president, Betsy Rossi, they attend “to learn how to get started beekeeping, or just because they’re considering starting.” Joe Knott, a relative newbie at beekeepContinues on page 3

Rachel Brandenburg is one of many bee enthusiasts in Northern Kentucky. Photo provided | Rachel Brandenburg

F3: The fellowship-driven fitness program for men in Northern Kentucky By Evan Dennison

I

t can be intimidating trying to start a workout routine at a local gym — let alone finding a workout buddy or two.

People have their earbuds in and are focused on improving their own bodies and health. There are alternatives, like working out at home or finding a sport that may test your level of fitness in a group environment. And, let’s be honest, working out comes from self-motivation, but how much easier is it if you have others to help push you to meet your goals?

The bonds built at F3 are what separate it from other fitness programs. Photo provided | F3

that started on a whim in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2011. It has grown nationally, and now the program has made its way to Northern Kentucky. Called F3, it relies on three principles to make the fitness program work — fitness, fellowship and faith. The first part is pretty self-explanatory, with workouts often lasting 45 minutes to an hour that are certain to test you. Fellowship is vital in the program; the bonds built and connections made are key factors in making the program take off like it has. As far as the faith part, it’s not necessarily religious-based, but more so believing in something outside of yourself. F3 is free of charge, and workouts are all

That’s the goal of one program for men

Continues on page 5

The Fourth Street Bridge: What do the numbers say? p6 Massey kicks off campaign in face of GOP censure p8 Meet Edgewood attorney and state Rep. Stephanie Dietz p18

Paid Advertisement

For Northern Kentucky residents, nationally ranked, advanced cancer treatment is available close to home The number of people receiving a cancer diagnosis continues to rise dramatically in the United States, but in the tristate, that increase is even higher than the national average, according to The Christ Hospital Health Network. Regional health care providers must quickly detect cancer, or the risk of it, to save lives. Fortunately for residents of our region, the oncology team at The Christ Hospital Health Network provides expert and individualized cancer care, including groundbreaking treatments, advanced clinical trials, and partner collaborations with cancer specialists and researchers. “Our oncology clinicians are on a mission to improve the health of all patients with cancer in our community,” said Debbie Hayes, president and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network. “This approach ensures no individual in the region must travel to receive world-class cancer care and the most up-to-date treatments.” Cancer is a complex disease that requires coordination across many disciplines to effect positive outcomes, and access to specialists is crucial to providing effective treatment. That is why in 2022, The Christ Hospital Health Network expanded its capabilities by becoming the newest member of the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Care Collaborative. “It’s an incredible honor that we were selected to collaborate with the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center,” said Dr. Brian Mannion, medical director of oncology services at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “Given their highly selective process, we Dr. Brian Mannion is the medical director of oncology are thrilled they endorsed our services at The Christ Hospital Health Network. oncology program. By becoming a Collaborative Member of the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, we’ve combined the best of what we provide locally with the world-renowned expertise of the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. We can offer treatment close to home based on the latest research developed by leading experts at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.” The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the most prestigious cancer institutions in the United States, provides The Christ Hospital Health Network with access to cutting-edge research and individual case reviews by oncology experts in the field. This affiliation has opened new avenues of potential for clinical trials, expert treatment review and second opinions as well as access to current data on effective cancer treatments. Pioneering precision health Advanced oncology care at The Christ Hospital Health Network includes the health system’s pioneering leadership in the evolution of precision health. “Precision health is the wave of the future for oncology because cancer is a disease of genes. To understand the disease, we need to understand the DNA,”

explained Mannion. “A host of new medications based on genetic information is revolutionizing the field and enabling us to treat our patients with more accuracy. We typically perform DNA testing on 80% of our advanced cancer patients, and the use is rapidly growing. This is just the tip of the iceberg.” This genetic testing has advanced beyond simply determining if someone has inherited a mutation that puts them at a higher risk for a cancer diagnosis. “We can now understand the genetic makeup of a tumor,” said Dr. Jennifer Manders, breast surgeon, The Christ Hospital Surgical Oncology. “A tumor has a specific assortment of genes and proteins, so based on that information we can select new medications that target only the cells carrying that gene mutation, or protein, or some Dr. Jennifer Manders, breast surgeon, change in the protein — and this The Christ Hospital Surgical Oncology. advancement avoids attacking unaffected, healthy tissue. This process is more selective and effective than standard chemotherapy, more like a heat-seeking missile.” What do patients say about cancer care at The Christ Hospital Health Network? Over the past year, in patient satisfaction scores from July 2022 through June 2023, the network’s oncology teams scored in the 99th percentile nationwide, meaning regional patients ranked The Christ Hospital Health Network in the top 1% of cancer caregivers in the nation.* “What makes our program effective, in addition to the expert care we offer, is that our patients know their care team on a first name basis,” said Mannion, who meets patients alongside his nurse navigator, medical assistant and nurse practitioner. “This compassionate approach offers a great deal of comfort to every person we treat and enhances their care.” Manders agreed and added that with cancer, it’s also crucial to provide that care close to a patient’s home. “Travel is an extreme hardship, especially when someone is ill or experiencing side effects from medication,” she explained. “With us, patients have the convenience and ease of receiving exceptional care with the best available treatments — near to home, family and friends. We care for each patient based on their diagnosis and condition, which can include being part of a clinical trial without having to leave the city. Nobody has to settle for less than the excellent treatment they deserve.” To meet with a top-ranked cancer specialist at The Christ Hospital Health Network, or schedule a second opinion, visit thechristhospital.com/dana-farber or call today 513-912-2756.

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,

PLUMBING | DRAINS | HEATING | AIR

A FLUSH BEATS A FULL HOUSE

SHUTTLE | TRANSPORTATION | CHARTER

LAW ZIEGLER & SCHNEIDER, P.S.C. zslaw.com / (859) 426-1300

2 JANUARY 26, 2024

Continued from page 1

ing, attends the meetings, as well. He and his wife were a bit wary at first (his wife is allergic to bee stings), but they soon found camaraderie in the collective.

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

HAVE A TIP? News@LINKnky.com WANT TO ADVERTISE? Marketing@LINKnky.com

WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? Send a check for $31.80 ($30 non-auto-renewing rate plus 6% Kentucky sales tax) to LINK nky 31 Innovation Alley, Ground Floor Covington, KY 41011 or scan this QR code below

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

“The first meeting was fantastic,” he said. “We actually made bowls out of beeswax, which was a fantastic way to get in and to meet everybody.” Knott and his wife “always wanted to keep bees,” he said. They share a love of honey and appreciate what he calls a “collaborative relationship” with bees. Today, Knott and his wife have three beehives on their property in Verona. Mason bees There are over 20,000 bee species in the world, and about 4,000 of them are native to the U.S. Among that number — but often working away, outside of the spotlight — is the humble mason bee.

Mason bees only live about six to eight weeks, McKelvie said, so their nesting material with the developing larvae inside needs to be carefully maintained. “(It) needs to be opened in the fall and cleaned out to remove harmful predators, like pollen mites and chalkbrood,” McKelvie said. “If left out year-round, predators like Houdini fly, birds, ants, earwigs and a variety of other insects could harm the developing larvae.”

A single mason bee can visit over 2,000 blossoms in a single day; mason bees are also gentle and don’t sting. And, unlike their cousin the carpenter bee, mason bees can’t chew through wood.

Cleaning is important, Monture agreed. “Gardeners release bees and rent our nesting blocks,” McKelvie said. “They enjoy the benefits of pollination in their gardens without the hassle of cleaning and maintenance.”

Well-intentioned accommodations For Brandenburg, it’s a winning concept. Bee hotels, found at many hardware stores and gardening shops, are about the size of a birdhouse and include small wooden tubes, designed to provide a safe nesting place for some types of solitary bees. But they can present a problem, McKelvie said, inadvertently becoming hunting grounds for the very predators we seek to protect solitary bees from. That’s where Rent Mason Bees comes in.

Mason bees, Monture said, have been “thrown under the bus,” stressing that education about these beneficial solitary bees “just isn’t there.”

This approach, she said, ensures that when you receive your nesting materials and bees, they “are free from predators, ensuring a clean and secure environment for these essential pollinators.”

“Rent Mason Bees takes a proactive approach to tackle this challenge, with a primary focus on ensuring that bee hotels fulfill their role as safe havens for solitary bees,” she said. “Our measures involve meticulous cleaning to eliminate any potential threats and diligent bee management over the winter.”

“I’m disabled and can’t do very much outside,” she said, explaining that she can’t harvest the bees or properly clean the beehouse block herself. “While some enthusiasts enjoy the yearround experience of caring for and cleaning mason bees, we recognize that others prefer a more hands-off approach,” McKelvie said. “For those who want to support bees, aid in pollination of their gardens, and spare themselves the task of cleaning cocoons and nests, sterilizing nesting blocks, and ensuring secure winter storage, our rental program is the ideal solution.” Spreading the word Monture’s advice for the bee-curious? Continues on page 4

“Mason bees will become active in Northern Kentucky — weather depending, of course — usually in early to mid-April, when daytime temperatures are above 50 degrees,” Imbus said from her extension services office. Mason bees, she said, are much smaller than traditional bees and often go unnoticed. Sometimes called orchard bees, these insects can pollinate flowers about two times faster than bumble bees, Imbus said. “My dog has had one in her mouth,” Monture said, speaking of the mason bees’ calm nature. “It would fly right out. It’s a really cool little bee, one you really don’t pay much attention to. When it’s still too cold for honeybees, you’ll see mason bees (arriving). It’s heartwarming.” Borrowing bees Rachel Brandenburg, who lives on a rural property of just over an acre near the Crittenden area, has sung the praises of an organization called Rent Mason Bees for about two years now. With a staff of just four employees, Rent Mason Bees cleans and manages 3 million mason bees and over 40 million leafcutter bees every year. It’s the largest solitary bee provider in the country. “We’re on a mission to champion the cause of solitary bee conservation,” said Rent Mason Bees’ director of operations Thyra McKelvie, from its headquarters in Seattle. “We’re deeply committed to raising awareness of the indispensable role these remarkable pollinators play in our ecosystem.”

A bee on a flower. Photo provided | Tom McDonald

JANUARY 26, 2024 3

Continued from page 3

“Attend a (beekeeper) meeting, do a little homework, find a mentor, work side by side and hand in hand, learning together how to fix Mother Nature, and keep going with the finest thing that there is on the planet,” he said. “There are a lot of types of bees, and every kind is important.” “If you’re interested in getting bees, go for it,” Knott agreed. “Come to one of the bee clubs and meet people. You’ll be glad you did.” Others, like Brandenburg, focus efforts on spreading the good word about mason bees, specifically; she even offered a recent presentation about the valuable pollinators at the Walton Senior Center.

“There was a lot of interest in the participants and lots of questions,” she said.

Beekeeping 101 School

“My goal is to alert the public about mason and leafcutter bees and try to get people to host those, so that we can enrich the environment here in Northern Kentucky, both for flower gardens, vegetable gardens and farms,” Brandenburg said. “I’m limited in what I can do. However, I believe that it only takes one person to start a fire, and I’m hoping to light the fire of interest in mason and leafcutter bees in Northern Kentucky.” To learn more about the NKY Beekeepers Association, visit nkybeekeepers.com. To learn more about Rent Mason Bees, visit rentmasonbees.com. There are many types of bees, and beekeepers stress that they’re all important. Photo provided | Tom McDonald

T

he Northern Kentucky Beekeepers Association’s annual Beekeeping 101 School will take place in Burlington on Saturday, Feb. 24, with guest Jim Coss from The Honey and Bee Connection in Morehead teaching the basics of beekeeping for beginners. Learn everything you need to know to get started from one of Kentucky’s most respected beekeepers. All necessary equipment will be available for purchase on site. There’s no cost for entry, but guests must register with the Boone County Extension Office, https:// boone.ca.uky.edu/.

March 28 Yucca & Cacti of North America Join us as we learn about cacti and yucca native to North America, the climatic needs for successful arid plant growing and viable options for Northern Kentucky.

Campbell County Horticulture Agent Sarah Imbus shared a number of upcoming events at the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office, located at 3500 Alexandria Pike in Highland Heights. “All of these will discuss insects on some level and their importance for that ecosystem,” she said.

April 25 Composting 101 Join us as we cover all the basics to get you successfully composting in the upcoming season.

Here are the events: Feb. 22 Native Grasses & No-Mow Lawns We will discuss underutilized native grasses, grasses in the landscape, lawn alternatives and no-mow lawns.

7047065_100_sehada_print_ad_womens_ob_10.375x3.389V1.pdf 1 10/25/23 PM Joe Knott and his family have three beehives on their Verona property. Photo provided |12:37 Joe Knott

4 JANUARY 26, 2024

March 27 Grow Your Own Salad Learn how to grow and care for a variety of vegetable greens to make a healthy salad.

April 18 Growing Milkweed Planting milkweed is a great way to attract pollinators to your garden. It also serves as the host plant for the monarch caterpillar. Come learn about these amazing plants.

April 29 For the Landscape Learn about annual plants that perform well in this area. Also, learn about plant maintenance for flower beds and containers. May 7 Growing Vegetables in Containers Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still grow vegetables in containers. Come learn best practices to ensure a bountiful harvest. For more information, visit https://campbell.ca.uky.edu/.

Continued from page 1

outdoors at four different locations in Northern Kentucky. Those interested can go to: the Armory in Fort Thomas at the Highlands High School soccer field on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 a.m.; South Fork Park in Union on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 a.m.; Edgewood Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., as well as Saturdays at 7 a.m.; and Drees Pavilion at Devou Park in Covington on Fridays at 5:30 a.m. Carl Gillman lived in Houston and got his start in F3 there. When he moved back to Northern Kentucky, he wanted to take the concept with him and has been going strong with it since 2020 with over 100 members in NKY. “I stumbled upon this, and they built this concept around it. Fitness is great, and we hold each other accountable,” Gillman said. “Fitness draws people in, but the accountability and fellowship is what drives it.” Each participant is given a nickname. Gillman is known as NANTAN in NKY and Bourbon in Houston. The accountability starts with making sure enough people are signed up for the eight workouts throughout the week. If there aren’t enough, the group at the end of the workout in the circle of faith makes sure there will be enough — with volunteers. Workouts are directed by the leader, also known as the AOQ, that week at the particular location, so the workouts are different every week. There’s no pressure to do the workout in its entirety, but the group doesn’t focus on the “can’t,” it focuses on the “can.” Mark Wehry — whom many in the NKY sports community know from 859 Radio, which provides audio and streaming for free at local high school games — joined F3 in June 2023. “I’ve never dreaded a workout, never regretted a workout,” Wehry said.

“I remember when I was like, ‘I can’t do that or never do that’ and now my reaction is, ‘I can’t do without that.’ I dread missing it now if I can’t go,” Wehry said. Wehry found out about F3 at a local Panera restaurant one day when he saw a group of guys with F3 shirts. He said he wanted one, and they told him he’d have to come out to a workout to get one. The rest is history. “I’ve gone every week since June 6, 2023,” Wehry said. “There’s no pressure of being in a gym, or ‘gymtimidation,’ as I like to call it. You can get in incredible shape, and it’s free.” That’s what makes F3 so unique. There are no strangers. The day you show up, you are given a nickname and are instantly part of the group. Connections are built and, during the circle of faith prayer circle at the end of the workout, participants are free to share whatever problems they may face or ask others to keep a family member in their thoughts. The group is tight-knit and can offer a variety of things on top of fellowship, whether it be emotional or financial support or dropping a text message to a member in the program to see how they’re doing.

Workouts usually run 45 minutes to an hour and provide a different variety of exercises each week. Photo provided | F3

“Men get into their mid-30s and -40s and there’s this hole where they haven’t developed true relationships. High school friends, college friends kind of die off,” Gillman said. “You may have friends with your kids’ (friends’) parents and who your wives know, but at F3 you can establish those true relationships again. “I stumbled upon this, and they built this concept around it. Fitness is great, and holding each other accountable helps. Fitness draws people in. Accountability is what drives it ,as well as fellowship does.” Even on vacation, you’re more than likely to find an F3 group close by. There’s 4,300 locations nationwide. For more information, visit F3NKY.com.

Even in the frigid temperatures we’ve experienced over the past few weeks, F3 still keeps going. Rain or shine, the workout will take place that day. F3 always ends workouts in a circle of trust. Photo provided | F3

JANUARY 26, 2024 5

The Fourth Street Bridge: What do the numbers say? By Nathan Granger “The IRS (site), when it was the IRS, had thousands of employees,” said Covington Commission member Steve Hayden at an open house event for the Brent Spence Bridge in August. At the time, Hayden had not yet taken his seat on the commission, but he had been following developments related to the KY-8 Bridge, known more commonly as the Fourth Street Bridge, replacement project for some time. Hayden lives near the bridge and said he’s watched as traffic across the Licking River has changed over the years. “So, those people didn’t live in downtown Covington,” Hayden said. “They were coming in from somewhere; a good many of them came over the Fourth Street bridge.” The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet selected the final designs for the bridge at the end of last year. The current bridge, built in the 1930s, connects Newport and Covington across the Licking River. Although the bridge is still functional, it’s not up to modern standards: The sidewalks are narrow and not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Plus, cyclists are forced to integrate into car traffic without any dedicated cycling lanes. All of this makes the bridge treacherous for bike riders, pedestrians and people with disabilities. The replacement project has been in development for nearly 10 years and includes a public input period. Yet, much debate has ensued about the design of the new bridge, especially as it relates to the number of lanes it ought to have, the amount of traffic it will handle in the face of new developments and how well it will fit into the future of regional transport. Hayden’s comments, at least as they relate to development, represent what many critics are feeling about the state’s plans for the bridge. “I don’t think the numbers, particularly about the IRS (site), hold up at all,” Hayden said in August. Let’s unpack the available data on the cur-

A rendering shows what the bridge that spans between Newport and Covington could look like. Photo provided | KYTC District 6

rent bridge, what it might mean and what people are saying about it. Traffic, trains and lanes The cabinet’s final design is a four-lane arch bridge with 12-foot shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists on either side. Much of the criticism about the process and reasoning behind the cabinet’s designs have been spearheaded by the Devou Good Foundation, which partners with various regional nonprofits that aim to improve transport infrastructure. Foundation officials and supporters have come to multiple public meetings in Covington and Newport to advocate for their own vision of the bridge.

When Butler talked with LINK nky, he pointed to two sources to support his claims, both of which came directly from the transportation cabinet. The first source was annual average daily traffic counts across the bridge, taken from a cabinet sensor station. The cabinet takes counts every two to three years, and the data suggested a downward trend from 1999 onward. The most recent count was in 2022. His second source was statements and meeting minutes from a 2016 study, which the cabinet commissioned to assess the situation of the bridge and how it should proceed with replacing it.

through 2040,” Pages 34 through 36 of the scoping study reads. “They basically say the bridge is under-capacity,” Butler said in September. “We should keep it three lanes.” The foundation set up portable sensors that same month to run its own analysis of the traffic on the bridge. Devou’s collection showed that both speed and overall traffic volume were greater for drivers heading westward. Butler and others have argued that the new development at Ovation and the IRS site, coupled with the area’s population growth trends, won’t generate enough new traffic to bring the count back up to its 1999 peak. If anything, Butler argued, adding a fourth lane might induce traffic demand.

Devou Good and architectural firm Hub+Weber showcased their proposal for the bridge last summer. Hub + Weber’s design features only three traffic lanes and space for an electric street car.

Butler points to lines in the study’s traffic memorandum appendix, which states, “Based on outputs from the OKI Regional Traffic Model, the corridor is not expected to see significant traffic growth through 2040.”

“In the ‘90s, the traffic peaked in like the 25,000 range, and now it’s like less than half of that,” Matt Butler, who serves on Devou Good’s board of directors, told LINK nky in September.

Moreover, Butler indicated that statements from early planning meetings suggested that attendees believed only three lanes would be necessary, something seemingly reiterated in the 2016 study.

“We know through data and research that you can induce demand for more vehicles,” Butler said. “Or you can induce demand for other alternative sustainable transportation. By adding the fourth lane, what (the cabinet is) saying is, ‘We’re going all in for more vehicles,’ and that’s going to be more air pollution, more sound pollution, more pollution into the Licking River, as well.”

Much of the criticism has centered around whether four traffic lanes are warranted in the new design. Butler and his supporters

“The results of this analysis suggest the current lane configuration can adequately accommodate the future traffic demand

The transportation cabinet, on the other hand, insisted that this was a misreading of the data.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY –THE #1 REGION BUSINESSES CALL HOME.

6 JANUARY 26, 2024

don’t think so.

pect of light rail or a streetcar on the bridge. Devou Good has argued that rail would be more environmentally friendly and would integrate well into future public transport infrastructure. To that end, Butler argued that the cabinet could install something called a sacrificial slab, a section of pavement that can be temporarily used for car traffic and then removed to make room for rail infrastructure in the future. Beth Fennell, a Newport city commissioner, has also expressed interest in a streetcar on the bridge. The cabinet has maintained, however, that the prospect of rail on the bridge is unlikely. At the Brent Spence event in August, Bob Yeager, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6’s chief engineer, said that if there were going to be any railway in the region, it would not start on the Fourth Street Bridge but would instead go from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to downtown Cincinnati. Devou Good Foundation’s proposed bridge is illustrated in this rendering by Hub+Weber Architects. Photo provided | Hub+Weber Architects

When asked point-blank if the cabinet expected traffic counts to go up, cabinet Project Manager Mike Bezold’s response was unambiguous.

“If you project that traffic number out 100 years if it’s a flat line … it isn’t showing any growth. That would not show the need for any additional capacity,” Bezold said.

“Yes,” Bezold said.

However, when you start adding new weights and variables to the projection, such as newer developments, Bezold said, the projections start to change.

Bezold discussed the methodology for predicting traffic counts with LINK nky later in September. The scoping study pulled from a complex, mathematical data model from the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI). “It is a traffic demand-based model,” Bezold said. “So they have all of the existing traffic numbers for the OKI region: three Northern Kentucky counties, the Indiana county and three counties in Ohio. … It looks at where people are working, where their employment is, where developments are occurring, and that’s how the OKI model functions.” Bezold said that the statement about three lanes came from meeting minutes and did not necessarily represent the attitude of the cabinet generally. Moreover, he points to text in the 2016 study, on Page 36, which states that the Ovation development was not accounted for in initial projections using OKI’s model. Thus, he argued, speculations that traffic was unlikely to increase misunderstood the cabinet’s methods.

“When you put additional growth, a concert venue, it starts shooting up,” Bezold said. “You put an IRS site in there, it shoots up. You put another couple 100 condos on the Ovation site, and that number starts shooting up the traffic projections.” “That’s correct,” said Robert Koehler, OKI’s deputy executive director. Koehler declined to comment on the cabinet’s or the foundation’s positions but did discuss OKI’s methodology, confirming that additional developments on either side of the river would have an effect on any simulation run using the council’s model. Koehler said the model is a regional one, aimed at analyzing broad systemic phenomena rather than the granular details about particular roadways. What’s more, Koehler said, OKI’s model alone couldn’t actually run simulations on specific roads and corridors. Instead, en-

gineers can furnish various algorithmic inputs and use the model to run their own simulations on their own software. “It may well be that you could have a certain number of lanes that either one of these folks said was really what is the right size,” Koehler said, describing how such a simulation might turn out. “It might be three lanes. … But a raw figure that might come from a regional model might say, ‘You need four lanes,’” Koehler said. “But, in fact, if you did certain things, and you tested those in the simulation model, you might be able to get by with a smaller footprint. But that’s not something that OKI did the analysis on.” Stantec, the engineering firm that used OKI’s model to predict traffic in the 2016 study, did not respond to inquiries to comment. Koehler said that he had worked with Stantec in the past, however, and tended to respect its judgment of things. “You’ve got to use your engineering judgment, get all the information you can get,” Koehler said. “You don’t want to over-build, but you don’t want to under-build either, especially on a river crossing. It’s not like downtown, where you could take parking off of one street if you really needed to.”

When asked if OKI had light rail in its regional transport plans, Koehler said, “We have no plans now,” but he said the organization did support regional expansion of rapid bus transit. New information Shortly after the release of the bridge’s final design, the cabinet released updated traffic forecasts for the corridor, which more thoroughly accounted for potential traffic from the IRS site and Ovation. It projected traffic counts out to 2045, predicting a general increase in traffic counts, at least on the Kenton County side. When asked what he thought of the new numbers, Butler said that they only seemed to account for westbound traffic on the Kenton County side. He also maintained that based on the foundation’s surveying efforts, large segments of the community were displeased with the plans for the bridge. “What people in the neighborhood on both sides say is, ‘We don’t want more traffic. We don’t want the pollution that comes with it. We don’t want the noise that comes with it. We don’t want the danger that comes with it, and we don’t want to have to cross an additional lane of traffic because we like to walk around in our neighborhood,’” Butler said in January.

Another issue that’s come up is the pros-

EXCITED CURIOUS. OPEN YOUR CHILD’S WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES AT SEVEN HILLS. T WO CAMPUSES DOHERTY LOWER SCHOOL

located in East Walnut Hills . . . OR . . .

LOTSPEICH LOWER SCHOOL

located in Madisonville

513.728.2400 7hills.org/explore JANUARY 26, 2024 7

Ed Massey kicks off campaign in face of Boone County GOP censure

Kelly Craft speaks at the campaign event on Jan. 23. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Ed Massey attends his campaign’s kickoff event on Jan. 23. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

By Nathan Granger

E

d Massey, former Kentucky state representative and current GOP candidate for Kentucky District 66, held a campaign kickoff event on Jan. 23 at The Oriental Wok restaurant in Lakeside Park, seemingly unfazed by a resolution passed the night before by the Boone County Republicans censuring him as a candidate. “I wear it as a badge of honor; I really do,” Massey told LINK nky. “Because that’s not the kind of people I want to be a part of. That’s not the kind of people I represent or represented.” Massey served as the state representative for District 66, which encompasses a sizable chunk of Boone County, from 2019 to 2023. He lost to Rep. Steve Rawlings, who is now running for a Kentucky Senate position, in the 2022 primary. In May, he will face off against T.J. Roberts in the Republican primary, the winner of which will face Democratic candidate Peggy Houston-Nienaber in the general election in November. The event on Jan. 23 marked the kickoff of his campaign. Massey and former gubernatorial candidate and ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft gave brief statements to the crowd and solicited campaign contributions.

8 JANUARY 26, 2024

“Without Ed, we wouldn’t have hope in this district,” Craft said, addressing the crowd. The event came on the heels of a meeting of the Boone County Republicans, which unexpectedly ended in a resolution to censure Massey’s candidacy. Massey and Roberts both attended the event and corroborated the broad strokes of what happened. Chet Hand, Boone County commissioner and chair of the Boone County Republicans, also spoke with LINK nky about the meeting. Hand declined to share the identity of the person who brought the measure to the floor, but Roberts and Massey both said it was Karen Strayer, the erstwhile leader of the Boone County chapter of Moms for Liberty, who proposed the censuring resolution. Hand and Massey both confirmed the resolution was not on the agenda, although Hand said that precinct captains proposing resolutions was allowable. Everyone confirmed the resolution passed by quite a margin, although no one could give an exact vote tally. Massey said that Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore also attended the meeting and voted against the resolution, but Moore did not respond to an inquiry for comment. Roberts, who also serves as a precinct captain, recused himself from the vote at the

meeting. The resolution, a copy of which Massey shared with LINK nky and which Boone County Republicans later posted on their website, levels multiple criticisms at Massey, arguing that he donated to Democratic candidates, such as Hillary Clinton, gave money to abortion clinics, and voted against impeaching “radical left-wing Govern Andy Beshear,” among other charges. It concludes by asking Massey to either “represent the Republican platform or leave the Republican Party.”

In any case, Massey said that he planned to file a grievance about how the meeting proceeded with the Republican Party of Kentucky in the future. At the event on Jan. 23, Massey addressed his opponents’ actions as well as their behavior online. “Some people use (social media) because they’re afraid to confront people face-toface,” Massey said. “They’re afraid to have an honest discussion. And they’re so divisive, that it’s either their way or the highway. And we can’t run a state like that.”

The Boone County Republican Party released a statement on Jan. 23, saying the censure was because of “his long-standing support for left-wing politics, his financial donations to Democrats running against Republicans, and support for policies inconsistent with the Republican Platform.”

When asked what the key differences were between him and Roberts on a policy level, he admitted that they had many things in common but said that he was “not nearly as extreme on some issues as (Roberts) is.”

On their website, the Boone County Republicans included links to bills that Massey has been involved with as evidence for their claims.

Roberts told LINK nky that even though he didn’t take part in the vote on Jan. 22, “It is clear that my opponent and I have fundamentally different views on the direction the Republican Party and the commonwealth should take.”

Massey said that these claims either misrepresented the facts or were outright false. For instance, Massey said, the charge that he had given money to Democrats occurred when he was the president of the National School Board Association and paid to get access to an event where Democratic politicians were present.

kenton county briefs Covington police charge 17-year old with murder in shooting near Latonia school

Neighbor Holly Releford said she ran outside as soon as she heard a loud boom, thinking it was a car wreck. She found a boy lying on the ground and a girl who said she was also shot. “I tried to save him,” Releford said. “I hope he’s OK, and I don’t know what else to say. … I’m kind of lost.”

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Covington Police at 859292-2234 or Cincinnati/NKY Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.

TANK to offer new flexible, on-demand Microtransit service beginning this fall

Releford said there were a lot of kids in the area because they were getting dropped off by the bus. Latonia Elementary School students were told to “secure in place” on Jan. 23 due to a shooting nearby. Photo provided | Katie Cepero via WCPO

Covington police have charged a 17-yearold with murder following a shooting on the afternoon of Jan. 23 that killed 14-yearold Amani Smith. According to the coroner, Smith died at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center after he was shot near Latonia Elementary. A second teen, identified by Smith’s family as his girlfriend, was taken to the hospital after the shooting. Officials have not provided an update on her condition or said whether she has been released from the hospital. Police officials said officers were called to the intersection of 39th and Decoursey for the shooting at around 3:30 p.m. Jan. 23.

Those who can’t attend a public meeting can take the survey at surveymonkey. com/r/TANKMicrotransit.

“And, then all the kids I guess from the bus started to run over here, and they were screaming,” she said. In a message on its website, Latonia Elementary School said police told school officials to “secure in place” at around 3:30 p.m. due to the shooting. Students who were inside the school for after-school activities were let out around 5 p.m. Police said on Jan. 24 that they took a 17-year-old into custody in connection to the death. He was charged with murder and will be at Campbell County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. The teen’s name will not be released due to his age, police said. The investigation is ongoing. Police have asked anyone living in the area to check their camera systems for footage that could help.

the following locations for public input: • Covington at the Kenton County Public Library at 502 Scott St., 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 • Cold Spring at the Campbell County Public Library at 3920 Alexandria Pike, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 • Florence at the Boone County Public Library at 7425 US 42, noon-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8

TANK will offer a new on-demand service called Microtransit. Rendering provided | TANK

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, also known as TANK, is rolling out a new flexible, on-demand way to get around town. Instead of fixed bus routes, TANK said Microtransit would use smaller vehicles like mini-buses that riders can call when they need a ride, either through a phone app or a call center. TANK also said Microtransit helps it reach places that regular buses might miss, making it easier for users to get around, especially in areas where buses don’t usually go. TANK is holding three public meetings at

Covington Works program to offer new internship for potential startup employees In the battle to hire talent, small startups must be able to compete with larger companies with more resources. Zac Strobl, director of the Northern Kentucky University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said this could strain startups looking to find their footing. “There’s a lot of companies that are looking to recruit our students because they need to fill jobs,” said Strobl. “For a startup company, if they have to compete with the resources of a large company, it puts more of a strain on them.” Continues on page 10

Kentucky now allows for Public Notices to be published digitally on LINK nky’s website. You can find public notices for the following organizations on our site at https://linkreader.column.us/search

LEGAL NOTICE THE KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT AT ITS 5:30 P.M. MEETING ON FEBRUARY 13, 2024, AT THE HISTORIC KENTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 5272 MADISON PIKE, INDEPENDENCE, KY, WILL GIVE AND ADOPT ON SECOND READING ORDINANCE NO. 226.19, AN ORDINANCE OF THE KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT, KENTUCKY, REAUTHORIZING ORDINANCE 971.20, PROVIDING FOR A CREDIT OF ITS OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES AS PART OF AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT BY R.A JONES & CO. UNDER THE KENTUCKY BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM (KRS 154.32-010–KRS 154.32-100). ORDINANCE NO. 226.19 IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE COUNTY JUDGE/EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE, 1840 SIMON KENTON WAY, SUITE 5200, COVINGTON, KENTUCKY 41011 DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS. KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT KRIS A. KNOCHELMANN

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GO TO OUR DIGITAL PUBLIC NOTICE PAGE

• AJ’s Towing & Recovery • Boone County Clerk • Campbell County Clerk’s Office • Campbell County Fire District #1 • Campbell County Fiscal Court • Campbell County Planning & Zoning • City of Alexandria • City of Bellevue • City of Cold Spring • City of Covington • City of Cresent Springs • City of Crestview Hills • City of Dayton • City of Edgewood • City of Elsmere • City of Erlanger • City of Florence • City of Fort Thomas • City of Fort Wright • City of Independence • City of Lakeside Park • City of Ludlow • City of Newport

• City of Silver Grove • City of Southgate • City of Union • City of Villa Hills • City Of Walton • City of Wilder • City of Woodlawn • Covington Public Independent Schools • Cresent Springs Board of Adjustment • Family Dollar Store • Fort Mitchell Board of Adjustment • Fort Thomas Independent Schools • Highland Heights Planning & Zoning • Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL • Kenton County Fiscal Court • Kenton County Joint Board of Adjustment • Northern Kentucky Port Authority • Northern Kentucky Water District • Planning & Development Services of Kenton County • The Baker Firm PLLC • The Hidden Chapter Bookstore LLC

JANUARY 26, 2024 9

Continued from page 9

Now, NKU students interested in working for startups will have a new internship opportunity through the Covington Works program, a collaborative workforce development initiative created by the city of Covington and Northern Kentucky Area Development District, or NKADD. In December 2022, the Covington Board of Commissioners approved a $150,000 grant request from NKADD to create the program. Covington Works offers participants opportunities for on-the-job training, reliable transportation and scholarships. Funds for the new internship program will be reallocated from another Covington Works initiative, said Todd Kyper, business services coordinator at the Northern Kentucky Area Development District. Kyper hopes the program will be able to place at least seven interns at Covington-based startups this summer. “We believe that this initiative inside of the Covington Works program is a perfect way to support those businesses that are in the startup phase, while also providing meaningful experiences for individuals looking for high-quality job opportunities, and who may even dream of being entrepreneurs themselves,” Kyper said. Strobl told LINK nky that his organization would be in charge of helping recruit students, as well as aiding startups with creating job descriptions. Blue North, Northern Kentucky’s primary entrepreneurial

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear visited Northern Kentucky University’s campus on June 26, 2023, to tour the annual Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs. A new Covington Works program will also support startups and potential entrepreneurs. Photo provided | NKU

10 JANUARY 26, 2024

resource organization, is also slated to be involved in this process, he said. “It should be great for them in helping them identify talent in filling some of the roles that they have,” Strobl said. “Then for the students, they’re gaining vital experience.” The internship program does not have a confirmed name or exact compensation as of yet, Strobl said, but he expects those details to be finalized soon. He and Kyper anticipate a concerted advertising push for the program during the springtime, with the internships officially kicking off in the summer. “The city of Covington is very supportive of startup companies and the organizations that help startup companies,” Strobl said.

Northern Kentucky leaders discuss feasibility of amateur sports complex Amateur sports facilities bring families and visitors that spend more time and get exposed to the culture of a region, meetNKY President and CEO Julie Kirkpatrick said. And that’s why the tourism bureau hired a consulting group to explore what that could look like in Northern Kentucky. NKY has the advantage of favorable geographic positioning, Kirkpatrick said, with 1.9 million to 2.5 million people residing within a 60-minute drive. Through an eight-month-long process with CSL Consultants, Kirkpatrick said the findings show a market opportunity for an amateur sports complex to succeed in NKY. Kirkpatrick shared the results during a Campbell County Mayors meeting on Jan. 23. No action was taken at the meeting, since it was simply a feasibility study.

can accommodate. The concept designed after the research is a multisport rectangular field with 12 full-size synthetic turf fields, including one championship field with 1,500 seats. “This absolutely would be a quality-of-life enhancer for people that live in Northern Kentucky, besides being an attractor to bring in more visitors,” Kirkpatrick said. The design, she said, would require heavy land usage, with at least 70 acres to accommodate parking for 1,100 people. Kirkpatrick said the challenge of the project would be NKY’s terrain and balancing economic development with quality-of-life improvement projects. CSL Consultants also found that the existing inventory of outdoor youth sports facilities in NKY, primarily rectangle and diamond fields, was limited. There was a secondary demand for an indoor facility for volleyball, basketball, cheer, taekwondo and more. However, CSL found that the proximity of Spooky Nook, an indoor sports complex in Hamilton, Ohio, would limit the region’s ability to be successful. “What I’m seeing is they (Hamilton) really are developing around that (Spooky Nook) now,” Kirkpatrick said. “That is the future of that city.” A second concept was drawn for an indoor facility with eight full-size basketball courts, 16 full-size volleyball courts, 950 parking spaces and other amenities that come with an indoor sports complex. This concept would require 10 acres, with a minimum ceiling height of 35 feet.

Study shows potential for renovations, expansion of NKY Convention Center

“I bring to you these reports that were generated unbiased, and our board and our executive committee are currently looking for the way forward on these, obviously in partnership with the county and partnership with the state of Kentucky,” Kirkpatrick said.

Northern Kentucky leaders and organizations are considering the future of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, which is nearing its 25th birthday.

Market research showed that an outdoor rectangular field sports complex would be suitable to attract soccer, lacrosse, flag football and football, for which the region has more demand than existing facilities

The convention center closed for almost a year starting March 13, 2020. MeetNKY President and CEO Julie Kirkpatrick said as things reopened, local leaders and organizations wanted to take a hard look at what

the future of the building would be, the demand for bringing in new visitors, and how to take advantage of the opportunity to expand or enhance the center. Kirkpatrick said the staff was asked by the judges/executive and fiscal courts to hire a consultant and look at the future of the convention center. CSL Consultants was hired for the study. As part of the work, its team spoke with stakeholders, government officials, and vendors and found increasing competition in the meeting industry. Kirkpatrick presented the findings at the Campbell County Mayors meeting on Jan. 23. No action was taken during the meeting as this was simply a preliminary study. “To not do anything with our Northern Kentucky Convention Center would ensure that we were in no growth or actually a negative growth,” Kirkpatrick said regarding the consultant’s findings during the study. The 76,000-square-foot convention center is owned by the state but is operated by the Northern Kentucky Convention Center Corporation. Since its opening in 1999, the center hasn’t undergone any significant renovations outside of turning the ballroom into an amphitheater. “It was a very collaborative approach by all three of the counties and the legislators at that time, built on Covington’s riverfront, but meant to bring a demand for the entire region,” Kirkpatrick said. Kirkpatrick said they will have to figure out how a quasi-governmental county organization works with the commonwealth to improve a facility the state owns. They are currently working on that.

news from other places Ky. gun shop sued for selling AR-15 to ‘very sick’ man who used it to kill 5 co-workers, injure others

azine cartridges for $762. He wrote in his journal the process took about 45 minutes. River City Firearms did not immediately respond to an email message sent to the store. A phone call to the store was not answered. The families of two of the deceased victims — Joshua Barrick and James Tutt — are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, along with three shooting survivors.

River City Firearms has been sued by families, survivors of deadly 2023 bank shooting in Louisville. The shop sold an AR-15, 120 rounds and four magazine cartridges to a man who, the suit alleges, should have set off red flags. File photo by Timothy D. Easley | Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky gun shop that sold an AR-15 to a man who used it to kill five co-workers and wrote in his journal that the gun was “so easy” to buy is facing a lawsuit filed Jan. 22 from survivors and families of the victims. The civil suit filed in Louisville alleges River City Firearms should have been more suspicious of the sale and noticed red flags when Connor Sturgeon bought the gun six days before the April 10 shooting. Sturgeon walked into Old National Bank and opened fire on co-workers who were having a morning meeting, killing five and injuring several others. A responding police officer also was shot. Sturgeon, 25, struggled with mental illness and wrote in a journal he was “very sick,” according to an extensive Louisville police report on the shootings released in November. River City Firearms is a federally licensed dealer, which means sellers there are “trained to spot individuals who ... may have nefarious intentions,” according to the lawsuit. Patrons inside the store said Sturgeon had little knowledge of firearms and appeared embarrassed during the purchase, the lawsuit said. The shop has a “legal duty” to withhold a sale from a buyer who it can reasonably tell might be a danger to others, the suit said. Sturgeon bought a Radical Firearms RF-15, a type of AR-15, 120 rounds and four mag-

Federal class-action suit alleges 2 teens held in isolation, unsanitary conditions at Ky. juvenile center LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Two teenage girls held at a troubled Kentucky juvenile detention center were kept in isolation cells for weeks in unsanitary conditions, including a padded cell with no toilet, a federal class-action lawsuit filed this week alleges. The teens were held at the Adair County Youth Detention Center in late 2022, around the same time state police reported a riot at the facility that started when a juvenile assaulted a staff member. That and other violent incidents at juvenile facilities prompted Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration to enact new policies that placed male juveniles charged with serious crimes in separate facilities and create a female-only detention center in Northern Kentucky. The lawsuit filed Jan. 15 also details alleged incidents with other youths at the center, including one who it alleges “spent days soaked in menstrual blood” while staffers insulted her about her hygiene. The suit seeks other plaintiffs who “were held in isolation” and subjected to “abuse and neglect” at the Adair County facility. “We deny the allegations in the lawsuit and will defend accordingly,” Morgan Hall, Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet communications director, said in an email response. “For any staff member who violates policy and procedure, corrective action is taken.” Both girls who brought the lawsuit said they were kept in isolation during their entire stints at the Adair facility, with few oppor-

tunities to take showers. One of the teens, who was 17 and seven months pregnant at the time, said she was let out of her cell just five times in one month to take a walk, the lawsuit said. The other teen said she was kept in isolation for the entire four months she was there, including two of them in a padded cell with no toilet. The lawsuit alleges that juvenile detainees had their civil rights infringed upon at the facility and that the center failed to properly train staff. It seeks unspecified actual and punitive damages.

Coast Guard, first responders rescue 20 people on ice floe on Lake Erie near Port Clinton

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit and Station Marblehead respond to a report of ice fishermen stranded on an ice floe near Catawba Island on Lake Erie, Ohio, on Jan. 22. Image provided | U.S. Coast Guard via AP

PORT CLINTON, Ohio (AP) — Twenty people were rescued from an ice floe in Lake Erie, the Coast Guard said on Jan. 22. The Coast Guard’s Ninth District Great Lakes station said it received a report about 10:20 a.m. that the people were stuck on a milelong floe about a half-mile off Catawba Island State Park near Port Clinton in Ohio. A Coast Guard helicopter was sent from Air Station Detroit, and two airboats headed to the scene from nearby Station Marblehead, said Petty Officer Jessica Fontenette. Rescuers from the Put-In-Bay fire department on South Bass Island and the Ottawa County sheriff’s office also assisted. The Coast Guard was able to rescue nine people; four others were rescued by the other agencies; and seven were able to get to shore themselves on an airboat, she said. No injuries were reported.

Basketball ‘court’ at Indianapolis airport draws lots of attention from travelers, promotes All-Star Game

Travelers at Indianapolis International Airport are enjoying the creativity and visual surprise of the replica basketball court installed to promote the NBA All-Star Game, which will be held on Feb. 18 in Indianapolis. Photo by Michael Conroy | Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Passengers at Indianapolis International Airport are getting to experience a slice of next month’s NBA AllStar Game — with no extra fee. Travelers through the main terminal have been treated to a full-sized replica basketball court that features two baskets, boundary lines and the All-Star logo. Although fans can’t shoot free throws or jump shots on the concourse, the scene has been a show-stopper. Airport officials say they’ll be adding more features as the city’s first All-Star Game since 1985 nears on Feb. 18. “It’s quite innovative,” said Kevin Hammill, a resident of the San Francisco Bay area who said he had never seen anything quite like it in an airport facility. “It caught my eye when I was coming down from Chicago.” Indianapolis airport officials typically dress up the facility when major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, the Final Four or the CFP championship game have come to town. IndyCars are also regularly featured attractions, a tip of the cap to the Indianapolis 500 and the state’s racing roots. But this attraction, which will remain at the airport leading up to the All-Star Game, may be the most creative. Those strolling through Civic Plaza can’t miss the 50-footwide, 94-foot-long, pressure-sensitive vinyl, non-slip floor. It took 10 hours to print the decal court and three nights to install it on top of the airport’s primary floor. Many gawk or snap photos. While basketballs aren’t provided and shooting is prohibited, some can’t help but pretend to line up shots.

Greater Cincinnati/NKY #1 RESIDENTIAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR Call for an

estimate

Hail Damage • Wind Damage • Roof Repair • Roof Replacement CALL OR TEXT 859.287.2499 | WWW.TIPTOPROOF.COM JANUARY 26, 2024 11

calendar

February Friday

Saturday 02

Comedy @ Commonwealth presents: Rich Vos, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton, Kentucky. $20. Two shows.

Sunday 03

Monday 04

Comedy @ Commonwealth presents: Rich Vos, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton, Kentucky. $20. Two shows.

Tuesday 05

Wednesday 06

Thursday 07

Union Commission meeting, 6-7 p.m., City Building, 1843 Bristow Drive, Union

Florence City Council caucus meetings, 6-7 p.m., City Building, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence

Campbell County Fiscal Court, 9-10 a.m., Alexandria Courthouse, 8352 E. Main St., Alexandria

Edgewood City Council meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., City Building, 385 Dudley Road, Edgewood

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

Campbell County Fiscal Court meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Alexandria Courthouse, 8352 E. Main St., Alexandria

Wilder City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Building, 520 Licking Pike, Wilder

Dayton City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., Community and Meeting Center, 625 Second Ave., Dayton

Southgate City Council meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., City Building, 122 Electric Ave., Southgate

Kenton County Board of Education meeting, 7-8 p.m., Kenton County Sanitation Department, 1045 Eaton Drive, Fort Wright

Highland Heights City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Building, 176 Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights

Boone County Planning Commission meeting, 7-8 p.m., Fiscal Court, 2950 Washington St., Burlington

Independence City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Building, 5409 Madison Pike, Independence

Erlanger City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., Municipal Building, 505 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger

08 NKYP Lunchtime Leader Chat: Michele Tibbs, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Kenton County Government Center, Reidlin-Schott Community Room, 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington. Tibbs is co-owner and co-founder of Grainwell, a bespoke signage and gift company in Covington. Register at NKYChamber.com/LeaderChat. Crestview Hills City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Building, 50 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills Ludlow City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., Municipal Center, 808 Elm St., Ludlow Boone County Board of Education meeting, 7-8 p.m., Ralph Rush Professional Development Center, 99 Center St., Florence

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

Best Views OF CINCINNATI ONLY AT Developed by THE URBAN RESORT

A GIFT FOR YOU

BUYER INCENTIVES through the end of the year at

Developed by

LIVE • WORK • STAY • PLAY On the banks of the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky

Ovation features luxury homes with magnificent views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline, secure parking, private and direct elevator access, and best-in-class appliances, amidst a community along the boardwalk enriched with walking trails, restaurants, hotels and more.

12 JANUARY 26, 2024

Claim your gift.

Schedule a private appointment with Amy Kennedy & Valerie Bender to discover what The Boardwalk Residences has to offer. OvationOnTheRiver.com

real estate

Charming Edgewood home located in a sought-after neighborhood Address: 3084 Barons Cove Drive, Edgewood Price: $645,000 Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: Two (plus one half-bath) Square Feet: 3,284 School district: Kenton County County: Kenton Special features: This three-bed, two-anda-half-bath home is located on a cul-de-sac lot in the desirable Prestwicke neighborhood of Edgewood. It features a brick gas fireplace, hardwood floors, crown molding and a first-floor laundry. The home also has a two-car, oversized garage; a large, partially covered deck; and a well-manicured lawn.

This Prestwicke neighborhood property is located on a cul-de-sac lot. Photo provided | Kelly Hunt with Horan Rosenhagen Real Estate

Uniquely shaped windows are featured in the living room of this Edgewood home. Photo provided | Kelly Hunt with Horan Rosenhagen Real Estate

The outdoor space features a partially covered deck and a well-manicured lawn. Photo provided | Kelly Hunt with Horan Rosenhagen Real Estate

Top Sales of the Week Address

WHO

YOU’RE WITH

MATTERS

Deron G. Schell Senior Sales Executive

HUFF REALTY 859.640.5149 dschell@huff.com

1021 Walburg Avenue 10819 Saint Leger Circle 1116 Kurtzinger Court 4 Rockledge Court 10328 Sunset Drive 1123 Donner Drive 10381 Chambersburg Drive 2449 Ambrato Way 1393 Poplar Ridge Road 6335 Briargate Drive 10194 Hiddenknoll Drive 4741 Buttonwood Drive 49 Sylvan Drive 6404 River Road 310 E 1st Street 16051 N Highway 10 1565 Shady Cove Lane 2175 Rolling Hills Drive 3374 Cedar Tree Lane 307 Elm Street

City Villa Hills Union Union Alexandria Florence Florence Independence Covington Alexandria Burlington Independence Independence Independence Hebron Silver Grove Butler Florence Covington Erlanger Ludlow

Recent NKY Home Sale Data

Price

Sale Date

Address

$943,703 $685,000 $440,000 $365,000 $330,000 $325,000 $275,000 $270,000 $269,900 $263,000 $260,000 $235,000 $233,500 $230,000 $192,500 $192,000 $190,000 $175,000 $120,000 $116,000

1/17/24 1/16/24 1/19/24 1/23/24 1/23/24 1/19/24 1/19/24 1/18/24 1/19/24 1/23/24 1/17/24 1/22/24 1/22/24 1/16/24 1/18/24 1/18/24 1/16/24 1/16/24 1/18/24 1/17/24

236 Shelby Street 300 Pike Street 6642 Highridge Avenue 1565 Shady Cove Lane 3914 Archer Court 8430 Village Drive 8 Vivian Drive 975 Golden Grove Lane 1123 Donner Drive 2900 Northcross Drive 1658 Grandview Drive 6404 River Road 2357 John James Court 2012 Falling Water Lane 315 Lake Street 307 Elm Street 707 Adela Avenue 815 Elm Street 205 Montclair Avenue acreage Mary Ingles Hwy

City

Price

Sale Date

Bromley Bromley Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Hebron Hebron Hebron Hebron Hebron Ludlow Ludlow Ludlow Ludlow Ludlow Melbourne

$157,000 $90,000 $190,000 $190,000 $165,000 $260,000 $272,000 $307,500 $325,000 $637,315 $3,500 $230,000 $383,931 $311,000 $199,000 $116,000 $173,000 $265,000 $225,000 $28,000

12/26/23 1/12/24 1/16/24 1/16/24 1/17/24 1/17/24 1/19/24 1/19/24 1/19/24 12/27/23 1/14/24 1/16/24 1/22/24 1/9/24 1/12/24 1/17/24 1/18/24 1/19/24 12/28/23 1/11/24

JANUARY 26, 2024 13

features

Streetscapes samples some delicious bar burgers, Tex-Mex tacos, even healthy eats on Taylor Mill Road By Maria Hehman

F

or this Streetscapes, we revisit a rather long and winding road — Taylor Mill Road. Taylor Mill Road leads to just about every nook and cranny in the area, so this time we’re visiting places that Streetscapes had yet to explore. Join us for a dive bar burger, Tex-Mex tacos and a healthy “hub.” Villa Fiesta Villa Fiesta is the epitome of a hometown dive bar, in the best way. While there may not be much else to visit around it, those who visit won’t be disappointed. This cash-only establishment is one of very few places where a $20 bill will cover both a drink and meal (and at happy hour, two of each!). The bar menu is simple: burgers, BLTs and fries, along with other homecooked favorites. However, the burgers are highly regarded as the best in the area, so it would be wrong to order anything else for a first-time visit. Villa Fiesta has the bar basics of beer and

liquor — plenty of options for guests to enjoy while watching a game with friends. It hosts a variety of events, including karaoke, live music and pool nights. This hometown hangout welcomes weary and hungry travelers into a humble home.

Sweet tooth cravings will be cured with flavor options like cake batter, cookie dough and turtle cheesecake. Those looking for a refreshing option have ample fruit flavors to choose from, as well as an entire menu of smoothies and fruit teas.

El Cerro Grande

In addition to an already lengthy drink menu, The Hub Nutrition also has protein coffee. The protein-packed options don’t stop there. For food, there are protein crepes, waffles and smoothie bowls. The menu often features specials that vary with the season and current events.

For picturesque cocktails and mouth-watering Mexican food, El Cerro Grande is the place to visit. The drinks are just as pretty as they are refreshing. The restaurant specializes in margaritas and sangria, the perfect complements to even its spiciest dishes. Margaritas come in five flavors and four sizes, with an option for every thirst level. For those who aren’t tequila fans, the sangria is the perfect choice for a refreshing drink. While a margarita is commonplace in most Mexican restaurants, sangria isn’t often found in a casual eatery. El Cerro Grande also has cocktails, beer and wine. The menu covers the gamut of Mexican dishes, including authentic tacos, nachos, fajitas and quesadillas that can’t be missed. But the specialties menu is where this place differs from most Mexican restaurants. The molcajete — a dish consisting of grilled chicken, steak, chorizo, shrimp, cooked onions, sliced cactus and shredded cheese, all served in an authentic stone grinding bowl (molcajete) — will satisfy the hungriest carnivores. Huevos tejanos, eggs with steak and fries, and huevos con chorizo, eggs with chorizo, prove that eggs aren’t just for breakfast.

Whether you’re looking for a midday pickme-up or a shake to start the day, The Hub has tasty options for anytime of day. It has a small space adorned in green for guests to hang out, including a small section for kids, complete with games, books and TVs. Have a street, city or business you want to see covered next? Email Maria Hehman at mchehman@gmail.com and it could be featured on the next installment of LINK Streetscapes.

Location: 5966 Taylor Mill Road, Covington Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 11-1 a.m. Phone: 859-356-9126

El Cerro Grande Location: 6477 Taylor Mill Road, Independence Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m. Website: elcerrograndeky.com Phone: 859-356-1381

The Hub Nutrition

The Hub Nutrition

The Hub Nutrition, located on the tail end of Taylor Mill Road, serves protein-packed drinks. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

14 JANUARY 26, 2024

Its largest offerings are the protein shakes.

What to Know If You Go: Villa Fiesta

The interior is simple and modern, with ample seating for groups of all sizes.

At the tail end of Taylor Mill road sits The Hub Nutrition. Healthier options aren’t always the most convenient, but The Hub serves quick, convenient, healthy options high in protein.

The cookie dough protein shake is a popular choice at The Hub Nutrition. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

The Hub has seating with everyone in mind, including a kids corner with TVs, games and toys. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

Location: 11982 Joseph E Schmiade Road, Independence Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Website: the-hub-nutrition-spot. business.site Phone: 859-359-0117

Toughened-up Bearcats teams are A-OK under direction of former hoopsters from NKU

Walton-Verona girls basketball coach Rianna Gayheart encourages her team from the sidelines. Photo provided | Carla Martin

By Marc Hardin

points in her prep career.

he Northern Kentucky University basketball careers of Rianna Gayheart and Mike Hester did not overlap. Gayheart played for the Norse from 2012-16. Hester’s NKU career was completed in 2011.

“We started peaking at the right time. It was supposed to be somewhat of a rebuild,” Gayheart said. “What’s helping is having two 6-footers. Everybody else is a guard. With two bigs protecting the rim, that allows the guards to put on more pressure, and it makes us tougher to score on. Offensively, they give us more flexibility.”

T

But their coaching careers have intersected at Walton-Verona High School, with success. “We weren’t at NKU at the same time, but it was close. Now that we’re at Walton-Verona, we’re still trying to win,” said Gayheart, who began head-coaching the Bearcats in 2021 after being promoted from assistant. Hester became the Bearcats’ boys head basketball coach in 2019 after several years as a Simon Kenton assistant. Both Walton-Verona teams have been winning this season. The Walton-Verona girls won 11 of their first 18 games and went 8-2 in their first 10 games against 8th Region opponents. They went 3-0 and won the 8th Region All “A” Classic Tournament and qualified for the All “A” state tournament. Coach Gayheart knows the lay of the land. She was 8th Region player of the year in 2012 at Owen County and scored 1,902

The tall ones are 6-foot-2 junior Braylin Terrell and 6-foot freshman Ava Kendall. Terrell, a double-double waiting to happen, averages about 12 points and 10 rebounds per game. She’s a defensive force with nearly 100 blocked shots. Kendall averages about 6.5 points and 6.0 rebounds. They rank 1-2 on the team in field goal shooting, both converting around 57% and ranking among Kentucky leaders. Campbell Christy and Elin Logue lead the Bearcats in scoring with averages around 13.5. The rest of the regular rotation includes senior captain Avery Geiman and backup point guard Nova Dryden. “We’re all friends, so team chemistry is really good,” said Terrell. Her grandfather is former major league pitcher and one-time local baseball coach Walt Terrell. “I think we have good energy on this team. We talk to each other. We help each other.” The Walton-Verona boys won 14 of their

Walton-Verona boys basketball coach Mike Hester consoles a player near the end of last season’s district tournament. Photo provided | Marc Figgins

first 18 and went 9-3 over the first 12 games against regional foes. They won the 8th Region All “A” Classic and, like the girls, qualified for the state tournament. “The boys and girls definitely root for each other,” said 6-foot-6 junior Aaron Gutman. He recently joined senior teammate Julian Dixon in the 1,000-point club. “Both teams didn’t make state together the last few years, so it’s special this year. We all have T-shirts saying ‘Double Day At State,’ because we both made it.” Gutman averages about 21 points per game, ranking among state leaders. He’s followed by Dixon (15.5 ppg) and seniors Zach Smith (12.5 ppg), Max Montgomery (7.5 ppg), Landon Bach (6.5 ppg) and Sawyer Webster (3.5 ppg). Dixon and Gutman are 1-2 in rebounding.

ing like they were putting on hard hats and work boots because of the blue-collar work ethic. I thought it’d be a fun idea for us.” Smith, among state leaders with 85% free throw shooting, was one of many Bearcats suddenly doing more dirty work. “Zach was way into it. He took about 20 charges last year,” Gutman said. “So yeah, I’d say the club thing works.” Now that they have embraced their tougher identity, the Bearcats play more in their coach’s image. “We like to get up and down and create as many possessions as possible, but I also like my teams to be tough,” Hester said.

Captainship is hard-earned at Walton-Verona. Likewise, not every player is in the Bearcats’ exclusive Blue Collar Boys Club. Players have three ways to get in.

The coach was as tough as they come while playing at Simon Kenton. He suffered a broken fifth metatarsal as a senior in 2007 and returned before the postseason. Hester was a scrappy undersized all-region guard. He scored over 1,000 points in high school and led the area in steals as a junior. He sees a lot of himself in the 5-foot-7 Montgomery, who returned from shoulder surgery in less than four months.

“You have to have either 100 rebounds in a season, take five charges in a season, or you have 10 first-to-the-floor on loose balls,” Hester said. “I got it from watching the Brooklyn Nets one year. They were act-

“He’s a lockdown defender because he’s so tough,” Hester said. “A lot of our guys are like that. If they want to be in the club, if they want to win, they have to learn it’s OK to be tough.”

“They’ve been our guys for so long,” Gutman said of the five seniors. “They’re all captains.”

Title Sponsor:

Day in Frankfort Wednesday, February 21 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Kentucky State Capitol and the OneNKY House NKYChamber.com/Frankfort

Premier Sponsors

Networking Sponsor

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Host Sponsor

Media Partner

JANUARY 26, 2024 15

sports With Warner resignation, Boone County joins list of schools needing football coach

better economically, equal and competitive playing opportunities for our program and players.” It was ultimately denied, and the Rebels were put in a district with Highlands, Cooper, Conner, Scott and Dixie Heights. Realignment will come up again in January 2025 for the 2025-28 seasons. Warner finished 13-36 in the five seasons. Athletic Director Lance Melching said the job posting will be up soon and he hopes to conduct interviews and find the right person for the job before spring practice, which usually starts in March or April.

Boone County head football coach Bryson Warner resigned from the position on Jan. 22. Photo provided | Ray Schaefer

Boone County High School football coach Bryson Warner resigned from the position on Jan. 22, ending a five-year tenure with the Rebels. Warner informed the administration of his decision, saying he wants to spend more time with his family. It was a tough position to enter from the start, the Rebels having gone 6-71 in the prior seven seasons before Warner’s arrival in 2019. He led the Rebels to 13 victories in his five years with the program and overcame challenges with the COVID-19 season in 2020 and installation of turf on the football field for the 2021 season. Warner’s most successful season with the program came in 2021, when the team won four games but ultimately missed out on a playoff berth due to the ever-so-competitive Class 5A, Fifth District that featured Covington Catholic, Highlands, Cooper and Conner at the time. The Rebels were the odd team out, and in recent realignment decisions prior to the 2023 season, Warner was vocal in his expression for his program to be considered for a different district. Back in January 2023, Warner stated in a request to KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett that the team be moved to the Class 5A, Seventh District with East Jessamine, West Jessamine, Madison Southern and Montgomery County that “would be a lot

16 JANUARY 26, 2024

The Rebels had 16 seniors on their 66-man roster for the 2023 season that finished 2-8, and they return their leading rusher in Braxton Graves, as well as leading tackler Jonathan Jacob. On top of Boone County, Scott, Bishop Brossart and Holy Cross are currently looking for a head football coach, as well.

Holy Cross, Dixie Heights, NewCath capture bowling crowns; state tourney Feb. 5-7

Individually, Cooper’s No. 2 seed, senior Tyler Ketron, rolled past Boone County’s top-seeded Antonio Williams, 238-227, in the boys final. In the girls final, Dixie Heights’ top-seeded Alyssa Bechtol, an eighth-grader, beat No. 2 seed Alexis Tignor of Cooper, 247-195. All advance to state. In the Region 5 tournament, Newport Central Catholic outlasted Simon Kenton in the final round, while Pendleton County defeated Scott in the championship match. The Thoroughbreds won 134-129, 157-128 and 134-84. The Wildcats won 195-168, 145147, 185-136, 211-155. Pendleton County also won the unified region title over Dayton. Campbell County’s Bryce Sargent was the individual boys region champion, while Pendleton County’s Kree Brewer won the girls title.

Pioneers pin down county wrestling championships; for girls, win is first county title The host Simon Kenton boys wrestling team received a pair of victories from state No. 1 Brayden Blevins at 120 pounds and won its 17th straight Kenton County championship, defeating Scott, 80-0, and Dixie Heights, 70-9. Scott finished the meet 1-1-1. Covington Catholic went 1-0-1. Dixie Heights finished 1-2. Holmes went 0-2. The Simon Kenton girls wrestling team, led by state No. 1 Gabby Ocasio (145 pounds), won its first Kenton County title in the first year of the girls event.

Derrick Barnes helped clinch the Detroit Lions victory on Jan. 21 with a crucial interception late in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round. Duane Burleson | Associated Press

Playing linebacker for the Detroit Lions, former Holy Cross High School standout Derrick Barnes came up with a game-sealing interception of Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield with 1:33 to play in the Jan. 21 NFC divisional round contest. The pick, Barnes’ first career interception, lifted the Lions to a 31-23 win over the Buccaneers and put Detroit one victory away from the Super Bowl. The Lions lost to the 49ers 34-31 in the Jan. 28 NFC Championship game. Detroit led 24-7 at the half, but were held to one touchdown in the second half, as the 49ers mounted a comeback, at one point scoring 27 unanswered points. Barnes injured his right knee on Detroit’s first defensive series of the game and did not return to the game. A Lions fourth-round pick in 2021 out of Purdue, Barnes started a career-high 13 games this season. He finished third on the team with 82 total tackles.

Dixie Heights swept the Region 6 girls bowling championships with team and individual titles. Photo provided | Dixie Heights Athletics

The Holy Cross boys bowling team outlasted Ryle by a single pin to win the Region 6 team final, 206-225, 199-168, 223-210, 158-166, 200-199. In the girls final, Dixie Heights swept Boone County with scores of 176-163, 188-132, 171-117. All four finalists advance to the KHSAA state tournament Feb. 5-7 at Kingpin Lanes in Jeffersontown. Beechwood won the unified team title, 136131, over Ryle.

Holy Cross alumni Barnes seals deal for Detroit Lions in NFC divisional round

The Simon Kenton boys wrestling team won yet another Kenton County championship. Photo provided | Simon Kenton Athletics

JANUARY 26, 2024 17

frankfort

Meet state Rep. Stephanie Dietz By Rebecca Hanchett Each week, LINK nky is publishing a profile of one of our local legislators so that Northern Kentuckians can get to know the people representing them at the state level.

F

amily law has been the professional career of Rep. Stephanie Dietz for three decades. That alone gives the Edgewood attorney some unique insight into the challenges facing Kentucky parents and children. Plus, Dietz is a mom herself. What she has noticed, both as a mother and now a freshman state lawmaker, is how accessible social media and broader internet technology are to children. Dietz told LINK nky she has been researching Google, Instagram and other tech giants to see what kinds of information they collect and what role state law should potentially play in the regulatory process. “I really want to work on something that’s going to protect our kids from the information that’s collected about them, whether that’s parental consent” or another avenue, Dietz said. Central to her concerns is artificial intelligence (AI), which Dietz said is now being used in some spheres to generate child

pornography. Legislation targeting that activity is likely to surface during the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly. Dietz said she plans to support it. “I think the real concern is AI pornography and artificial intelligence,” she said. Access to anatomically correct child sex dolls is another concern, said Dietz, who addressed the issue through legislation (House Bill 182) in 2023. The bill stalled, but Dietz said she will file the legislation again in 2024. Should it become law, her bill would make possession of the dolls a felony, while giving law enforcement probable cause to execute a search for possession. Dietz said her proposal could potentially become part of a larger child protection bill next session. “I have every intention of carrying my bill on the House side. If it morphs into something else, I am totally fine to collaborate. I think we all want what’s best for kids,” said the Edgewood Republican. Education is also on her list of priorities. Dietz told LINK she supports a proposed constitutional amendment for school choice. Letting voters decide if they want more school funding options is a crucial first step, said Dietz. State lawmakers are expected to vote next session on whether

REAL TRAINING. LIFE CHANGING TRAINING IN HIGH DEMAND CAREERS

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION

HUMAN RESOURCES & PAYROLL SPECIALIST

ABOUT CET

Center for Employment Training (CET) offers lifechanging short-term skill training to help individuals enter high-demand jobs with a livable wage and build a successful future. Instruction is hands-on, practical, and personal, designed to get people working as quickly as possible to begin their path to a promising future. Holistic support is provided through technical skill instruction, success skills, career coaching, financial education, and connections to Brighton Center's holistic continuum of services. 601 Washington Ave, Suite 140 Newport, Kentucky 41071 (859) 491-8303 Ext. 2201 Admissions@brightoncenter.com www.brightoncenter.com

18 JANUARY 26, 2024

to put some semblance of that question on the November ballot. “I think we have to get through step one first, which is to see (if) voters want that as an option,” said Dietz. Northern Kentucky has a lot of options, from public schools to private schools, she said. “We need to see what the rest of the state thinks.” Voters in the 65th House District, represented by Dietz, will have a choice of whether to keep her as their state representative when they return to the polls next year. Dietz filed for re-election to the Kenton County district in December. She was

running unopposed as of Dec. 19. Rep. Stephanie Dietz (R-Edgewood) represents part of northern and central Kenton County in the 65th House District. She is a member of the House Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee; Families and Children Committee; and Judiciary Committee. Dietz is also a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary; Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection; and Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children. Additionally, she is a member of both the NKY Caucus and Kentucky History Caucus.

SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS

YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE

MEDICAL ASSISTING

Rep. Stephanie Dietz is a freshman Kentucky legislator from Edgewood. Photo provided | Legislative Research Commission

DEBT-FREE EDUCATION Training is funded through grants and scholarships for all individuals.

YEAR-ROUND ENROLLMENT Start when you are ready. Call to schedule an information session anytime! Training is offered year-round with weekly start dates.

ACCREDITED & SELF-PACED Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Training has been designed in close cooperation with local employers to ensure graduates enter the workforce prepared. Individuals move at their own pace based on mastery of skills.

In order to keep bringing Northern Kentucky the news it deserves, we need your help. Donate to the NKY Community Journalism Fund today to support our public-interest reporting.

DONATE TODAY SCAN HERE TO DONATE NOW

more nky news

SparkHaus: NKY’s new hub for entrepreneurs, startups

N

orthern Kentucky’s entrepreneurial community is getting a new headquarters, where founders, investors and support organizations can collaborate under one roof. Going forward, the new name of the shuttered Sims Furniture building, located in Covington’s Central Business District at 727 Madison Ave., will be SparkHaus. The building’s windows are currently wrapped with colorful displays touting a number of Northern Kentucky-based startups like Down the Road Spice Co. and The Empanadas Box. SparkHaus aims to bring together Northern Kentucky-based startups, investment firms and entrepreneurial support organizations in one centrally located office hub. Covington, the largest city in Northern Kentucky in terms of population, is already home to multiple startups. “A thriving business environment, alongside education and public safety, is the bedrock of any successful community,” Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said in a press release. “And with SparkHaus, we have the opportunity to create a welcoming, community-oriented space for entrepreneurs at each stage of their journey.” SparkHaus hopes to offer flexible office space for startups looking to scale their business. The space is looking to serve startups with anywhere from one employee to 10 or more. Additionally, SparkHaus will establish a space for investors, from seed-stage venture capitalists to Northern Kentucky’s largest firms, to interact with growing startups. SparkHaus’ amenities include meeting spaces, classrooms and presentation rooms. The building is 47,000 square feet – 39,000 of which can accommodate rent-paying office space. Blue North, Northern Kentucky’s primary entrepreneurship advocacy and resource organization, will move from its current headquarters at 112. W. Pike St. into

SparkHaus. “In 2023, nearly 30 startups raised more than $10 million in grants and venture capital in Northern Kentucky, attracting investment from firms in California, New York City and Chicago,” said Dave Knox, Blue North’s executive director. “With SparkHaus bringing together capital, startups and growth companies, the potential in the years to come is limitless.” Knox spoke at a Northern Kentucky Port Authority meeting on Nov. 21, updating its board on the project’s details. The Port Authority is the owner of the former Sims building.

obit

R

Roger James Auge, II

oger James Auge, II, a star reporter with The Kentucky Post in the 1970s when the paper was at its peak of circulation and influence, died Dec. 17, 2023, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Through a long and productive working career, Mr. Auge was press secretary to former Gov. John Y. Brown Jr., an educator, literary artist, theatrical producer, urban pioneer, adventurer and lifelong fan of University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University athletics.

During his presentation, Knox informed the board that the name SparkHaus was fashioned by Covington Creates, a collective of Northern Kentucky design and branding agencies.

Mr. Auge, 80, died from the complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jane Stephens Auge, son Stephen Auge, daughter-in-law Keri Root and two grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Nelson (Jill) and a sister, Mary Jean Auge Vogt (Martin). A sister, Gigi Auge Caskey, preceded him in death.

“I want to have the entire community come together because that’s what this building is supposed to be about, so we wrangled a few of the creative directors of those top agencies to come together and work on the branding together,” Knox said at the meeting.

Born Feb. 10, 1943, to Roger James and Grace Nelson Auge, he was raised in Park Hills and Fort Mitchell and attended Beechwood School. He attended the University of Kentucky and later in life earned two master’s degrees from NKU.

Knox also mentioned that Covington-based venture capital firms eGateway Capital and Connetic Ventures had agreed to move into SparkHaus upon its opening.

In two different stints at The Kentucky Post, Mr. Auge earned a reputation for forcefully bringing to light official malfeasance. His reporting led to the indictment and trial of a cadre at Covington City Hall. He was entrusted with the most important reportorial beats on the paper. His prowess on deadline was something to behold.

In May 2023, the Kenton County Fiscal Court activated $3 million worth of site development funds to help the Port Authority purchase the building from local real estate developer Tony Milburn. The site development fund is a $13 million pool of money overseen by the Port Authority. According to Kenton County property records, Milburn purchased the Sims building in 2017 for $815,000. As of now, total project costs and a renovation timeline have not been finalized. A presentation from a Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting last May estimated that the project would cost between $9 million to $10 million.

Mr. Auge also reported for The Anchorage (AK) Daily Times, where he cultivated a love for the Alaskan wilderness. He also worked as a reporter for The Voice, a weekly in St. Matthews, Kentucky. Hanging in his office at home is a framed mock-up of the front page of an edition of The Voice, for which Mr. Auge had written all the stories, taken all the pictures and written all the headlines.

Roger James Auge, II. Photo provided | Auge family

Mr. Auge was the organizational force behind the Shakespeare productions at the Devou Park bandshell in the 1980s. He was responsible for the restoration of the bandshell, which lives on as a performance venue almost 40 years after he rescued it from decrepitude. He was director of the Northern Kentucky component of the Cincinnati Bicentennial celebration in the 1980s. That effort produced the statuary along Covington’s Riverside Drive in honor of historical figures and other special events. Mr. Auge loved Kentucky’s distinctive political history and its vibrant literary tradition. He was a member of the Friends of Steely Library. He revered literary masters, such as his friend Wendell Berry, Robert Penn Warren, William Faulkner, Bobbie Ann Mason and Alice Munro. An ardent Kentucky Democrat, Mr. Auge thundered denunciations on social media of what he felt were the excesses of those of the other political faith. There will be no services. Mr. Auge’s remains were cremated. In accord with his will, his ashes will be scattered in Lake Erie, which he had come to love. A memorial reception is planned for the coming weeks. The family requests that memorials be sent to the Theatre Department at NKU.

JANUARY 26, 2024 19

FREE HEATING & AIR SYSTEM GIVEAWAY BY SCHNELLER KNOCHELMANN Are you heating and cooling your home with a system over 10 years old? If you are, you most likely are missing out on some major efficiency upgrades. Since SKPHA has been in the business, for more than 95 years, we’ve seen significant technological breakthroughs, and have honed our skills to provide truly personalized service to our wonderful customers. As winter approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your heating system is ready for the cold weather! To make this winter worry-free, schedule a tuneup with Schneller Knochelmann! Our comprehensive tune-up special ensures your heating system is primed for peak performance. Our experienced technicians will inspect, clean, and fine-tune your system, addressing potential issues before the chill sets in. Make sure to watch for warning signs indicating a potential need for replacement. If you’ve noticed

inconsistent heating, strange noises, or rising energy bills, it’s time for a closer look. Give your friends at Schneller Knochelmann a call. Our technicians can provide free estimates on replacements. Schneller Knochelmann would like to show our appreciation to our wonderful community! We are, once again, giving away a FREE heating and air system to say THANK YOU! Visit www.skpha.com/2024giveaway today to enter for a chance to win a professionally installed Premium Performance Heating & Air System*, from Schneller Knochelmann!

SIGNS YOU NEED A REPLACEMENT: •

Age: If your system is over 10 years old, it may be losing efficiency.

•

Frequent repairs: Constant breakdowns signal a struggling system.

•

Uneven heating: Cold spots in your home could indicate unbalanced air flow

•

Strange noises: Unusual sounds like banging or whistling are red flags.

•

Increased bills: A spike in utility costs could signal decreased efficiency.

Can’t wait? Then take advantage of another special offer! Right now, if you buy an Air Conditioner**, you get a FREE furnace! Plus…Schneller Knochelmann is giving up to 10 years parts and labor on high efficiency heating and cooling systems.

*The system also comes with a 10-year Parts and Labor warranty and is SmartHome Accessible through the SKPHA app. Duct modifications not included. Closes March 1, 2024 *Select models only. Installation Labor Costs still apply. Financing for those who qualify. Expires March 1, 2024. If customer purchases Air Conditioner, but is also selected in the giveaway drawing, a credit will be issued back.

Like what you see and want to subscribe? Scan the QR code above 20 JANUARY 26, 2024