LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 1, Issue 11 - February 3, 2023

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

More than just a haircut: Local barber seeks to become community resource

PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Mark Collier

MANAGING EDITOR Meghan Goth

PRINT EDITOR Kaitlin Gebby

SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison

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BY GARIN PIRNIA | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

During an unseasonably warm winter morning, Covington-based barbershop Hair on the Floor is literally buzzing.

Barber Ryan Richardson uses a razor to cut a client’s hair, while owner Reginald England talks to another barber, D.J. Burt. The brightly lit wide space is filled with painted portraits. A fridge is stocked with complimentary drinks like Capri Suns and bottled water, and a small bookcase houses donated children’s books for young customers to read. On the wall hangs a sign that says, “Look up. Get up. Never give up.”

Located on Madison Avenue, the barbershop Hair On The Floor will celebrate its 10th anniversary on July 13. It’s a major milestone for any business, but for England, it’s deeply personal.

“It is about building relationships that’s going further than just a haircut,” he said. “It’s about teaching my other barbers how to be better men and how to become better business men. It’s bigger than just a haircut, though. If it was just a haircut, we’d just cut hair and go home. But we’ve been here for a reason, and we want to continue to be here. But we would like the support of the community to go further than where it’s at.”

Artists like Ben Thompson designed a few spray-painted paintings that line the wall, including portraits of England’s uncle, England’s first client, and of Richardson, England’s first barber.

Shawn Voelker painted a portrait of England, too. Other artwork includes England with his kids, his mother, and his sisters.

“All the art on the wall is foundational pieces,” he said. “Everyone on the wall means something special to me. I put ‘em on the wall because it humbles me and it reminds myself who supported me through the ups and downs.”

In young adulthood, England ran into some trouble and was incarcerated. He didn’t want to talk about his conviction, but instead wanted to focus on how he improved his life after incarceration.

In 2005, inspired by his own barber, he enlisted in Cincinnati School of Barbering and earned his license. He spent the next several years working in barbershops around Cincinnati, including Phaze1 Barbershop.

“As I grew I just wanted more,” he said.

In 2013, he opened Hair on the Floor.

“It’s a multicultural barbershop,” he said. “I don’t want to name this a Black barbershop. It’s just a community barbershop, so all walks of life could walk in here.

“If you got a dog that we could cut, I’ll cut it,” he joked.

He added that he steers clear of women’s hair, “because they’re picky.”

A barbershop is worlds apart from a salon like Great Clips.

“Most salons have cosmetologists who are in settings to cut hair, but they don’t have the master barbering skill set to be able to use the razor or things of that nature,” he explained. “Now, if they want to further their skills, that doesn’t mean they can’t get to that point.”

Hair on the Floor might be successful to-

day, but it took a while for England and the shop to find its footing.

“The first five years was a struggle due to the fact that I didn’t have any mentorship that was leading me to understand how to run a business properly,” England said. “In the next five to 10 years, I would want to see more programs that are designed to help new businesses stay in business. The City of Covington – I feel if they put more programs and advertise it on bus stop benches, it would give more awareness of how to start small businesses and we’d have more minorities going for it.”

He explained the pandemic hit the business hard, first with the government shutdown and then not receiving a PPP loan.

“A lot of people don’t understand that PPP loans weren’t for every business owner,” he said. “I’m a felon. I didn’t have my LLC in place. My taxes was right, but I didn’t have certain tax papers that I needed. When I went to apply, they denied me.”

Despite the lack of government funding, “We made it through,” he said.

“I’ve been with the same guys, my cousin David and my best friend Ryan, they’ve

Ryan Richardson, the first barber hired by Hair On The Floor owner Reggie England, cuts a client’s hair. Photo by Kaitlin Gebby | LINK nky

From left, England’s cousin D.J. Burt, first barber Ryan Richardson, and barbershop owner Reggie England, stand together in front of the business. Photo by James Robertson | LINK nky contributor

been with me from the beginning,” he said. “So we just stuck it out, paid our bills, and we still here.”

His little cousin David, aka D.J. Burt, became interested in barbering through cutting his friends’ hair.

“I always was a person who worked with my hands, so that led me into doing people here,” he said. “I like creating a new image for somebody and giving them a fresh up.”

Ryan Richardson, the best friend, got into barbering because of his dad, who’s an unlicensed barber.

“If I was going to do it this way, I wanted to do something that he didn’t do,” he said. “So I went ahead and got my license.”

In high school, he constantly used a pair of trimmers on his own hair.

“I would try to keep my hair kind of touched or clean around the edges,” he said. “My mom actually recommended I go to barber school. It’s one of those things where the more you do something, the more you realize it might be something for you. And I look up and I’ve been doing it 10 years.”

Richardson met England through a childhood friend.

“England cut my hair a couple times in high school and he followed up by my mom, told me to go to barber school, and recruited me down here,” Richardson said. “It’s been a good ride.”

As much as England likes his fellow barbers, he said he likes to surround himself with people who aren’t afraid to disagree with him.

“Don’t be like me,” he said. “I don’t want yes men around me. I want people to say no sometimes. Now the advice they give me is ‘stay focused.’ And I’ve been trying my best to. In today’s society it’s a mental game. We have more mental illness than ever, so you got to learn how to meditate and just stay focused on keeping your mental [health] together.”

Originally, he wanted to open the shop on Madison Avenue in Covington’s Central Business District. But zoning issues and high rent prevented him from doing so.

“It’s hard for small businesses to pay a high level of rent in the inner city because it’s

owned by the city,” he said. “Who could afford $2,200 in rent when you’re starting off as a small-business owner? I had to come somewhere where I could afford it. Once they filled up the downtown area — I’m not saying this is what happened, but in my assumption, they opened up the permits for everywhere else. That made me miss out on a building that would’ve been affordable for me. I had to find something that fit my budget. I talked to the landlord here and we were able to negotiate the proper rent for me to survive here. And it has been working for me.”

As tough as it is to start a business and keep it alive, he said it is even more difficult with a criminal record – difficult, but not impossible.

“My advice is if you can’t get a job, you create a job,” he said. “A lot of people, they’re scared to hire felons. But I believe in second chances. I don’t believe that letter should hold you back from any opportunity, especially in the city that’s grown with a lot of crime. A lot of felons can’t get home placements. They don’t allow them to get certain things. I feel like they should have more programs that cater to that.”

At his location he has a parking lot, and the shop is nestled between Black-owned businesses Carols Pearls Chicken and D&R convenience store.

“All the high school kids come and go back and forth patronizing these businesses,” he said. “Anything we could do to bring more awareness to this parking lot is that there’s some good businesses over here.”

Through Hair on the Floor, England also gives back to the community. His sister Janetta Thomas started the shop’s book club, Read with My Barber. Kids can read, play video games, and play chess while they wait to get their hair cut.

“It’s basically a way for us to interact with the community outside of just seeing them in passing,” he said.

Last year, he hosted a flag football match featuring the community versus local police officers, and he sponsored a back-toschool community cookout.

“We do this out of our own pocket, so we don’t ever have any type of financial assistance with anything,” he said.

England hasn’t decided yet what he’ll do for the big anniversary. But in ruminating about the past decade, he gets philosophical.

“I feel like I surprise myself because I taught myself how to be more professional,” he said. “I taught myself how to manage a team of good role players. I learned how to say sorry to a lot of things. I learned how to be more patient and realized everything’s going to always work itself out if you keep pushing through it.”

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One of Hair On The Floor’s barbers D.J. Burt takes a break in the barber shop. Photo by Kaitlin Gebby | LINK nky

Barber shop owner Reggie England concentrates while cutting a client’s hair. Photo by James Robertson | LINK nky contributor

Scan QR code to listen to Reggie England tell his story in his own words

Bengals player visits NKY school after chance meeting with family at Newport Target

BY DAN REIFFER | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

He’s not Joe Burrow or Ja’Marr Chase, Sam Hubbard or Trey Hendrickson. He’s Allan George, an undrafted, free agent rookie out of Vanderbilt. He’s not in Cincinnati’s starting lineup. He, along with Tre Flowers, backs up Bengals starting cornerbacks Eli Apple and Cam Taylor-Britt.

But ask the kids at St. Therese School in Southgate who their favorite Bengals player is, and they’ll tell you it’s Allan George.

George, better known as A.G., spent more than an hour hanging out with the students there on Jan. 17. It wasn’t part of a community outreach set up by the Bengals. It was A.G. just being himself.

“I like learning about people,” A.G. said. “I try to spread as much positivity as I can.”

His trip to St. Therese started at Starbucks. A.G. had never been to a Starbucks in his life prior to last December. There wasn’t one around growing up in the tiny Alabama town of Andalusia.

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, A.G. had just wrapped up Bengals practice and decided to do some grocery shopping for himself and his wife at the Newport Target and use a Starbucks gift card his friend gave him.

“I was leaving Target and thought to myself, ‘Maybe I’ll just use the rest of this Starbucks card.’ I had $4.19 left on it,” A.G. said. “I knew I had a Starbucks I pass every single day on

my way home. But then on the way out, I saw the Starbucks that was in the Newport Target. I was like, I guess it must be destiny that I’m supposed to go here instead of the one that I pass on the way home.”

The Newport Starbucks happens to be 5-year-old Veo’s favorite location, because they make chocolate milk better than anywhere else.

“What the barista will do sometimes is make one using the same syrup they use to make chocolate mochas with. And so, they’ll put the mocha in kind of a bigger cup and pour it with milk and stir it,” his dad, Ryan Doughty explained.

When the Doughty family arrived at the register to order the extra-special chocolate milk, A.G. was there.

“A.G. said, ‘Hey, little man,’ and Veo said, ‘Hey, how you doing?’ And A.G introduces himself and asks (Veo) what his name is. And as soon as he asks him, Veo gets this humongous chocolate milk. And he’s like, ‘Yeah, I’m Veo.’ And then (Veo) just crushes it, just crushes this big old chocolate milk,” Doughty chuckled.

“Apparently, they make it just right for Veo every time,” A.G. said.

That whole chocolate milk encounter was a conversation piece, as was Veo’s name.

“It’s such a unique name that everyone

asks about it. Veo is named after my great uncle,” Doughty explained.

The conversation continued, in part, because Veo, as dad detailed, “is a very talkative 5-year-old, and he speaks very well for a 5-year-old.”

Veo’s kindergarten teacher at St. Therese, Hannah Brockman, can vouch for Doughty’s description of his son.

“Veo, he’s just an outgoing kid,” Brockman said. “He would talk to anyone about anything. So, it’s not surprising to me that (A.G.) felt a connection.”

It seems the 23-year-old Bengals player and the 5-year-old kindergartner are kindred spirits.

“We started making funny faces at each other,” A.G. said. “And then, I started talking to his dad, Ryan. They didn’t even know I played for the Bengals. We talked for a few minutes.”

Once the family left, Doughty said he kept asking himself, “Where have I seen him before? He looked so familiar to me,” referring to A.G.

Veo (left) and George (right) met at the Target in Newport. Photo provided | Principal Boruske

Meanwhile, A.G. wanted to find the family again. They had an impact on him, and he wanted to use his platform as a Bengals player to see what he could do to fulfill his altruistic urge.

He tweeted: “Cincy community: Met a family tonight at the Newport, KY Target! Dad’s name was Ryan & he had the coolest little son named Vio (Hope I’m spelling it right.) If anyone knows them personally or can help me in finding them, please reach out to me!”

It didn’t take long for the connections to be made.

“I’m in bed. I get woke up at 11:30 at night. Andrea, my wife, is like, ‘Hey, somebody is looking for you on Twitter,’” Doughty said.

A friend of Andrea’s sister had seen A.G.’s post on Twitter. Andrea’s sister texted to let her know. She wasn’t alone in recognizing the combination of Veo the kid and Ryan the dad.

St. Therese principal Katie Boruske saw A.G.’s Tweet shared on Facebook. Brockman saw it, too, and messaged A.G. on Twitter.

“I woke up the next day, and my phone was going crazy,” A.G. said. “There were so many people reaching out, trying to get me in contact with Veo. From that point on it just kind of snowballed into me becoming a St. Therese Mustang.”

Doughty got in touch with A.G., and the two began brainstorming. Maybe A.G. could visit Veo’s school?

Brockman took it from there.

“I messaged (A.G.) on Twitter. I was like, ‘I’m Veo’s teacher. We have a class full of Bengals fans, and they really idolize football players. So, it was so great for one of them to have a positive experience. Thank you for being a good role model.’ And he was like, ‘I would love to come in and meet the rest of Veo’s class.’ And so, I just thought it was one of those things where you say it, but you don’t really mean it. But then on Friday afternoon, he asked me if he could come in on Tuesday,” Brockman said.

Despite the plan being in place, like Brockman, Principal Boruske had her doubts.

“In all honesty, you know, you just think, the Bengals had just won, coming off that big win, I thought, ‘Is this guy really going to show up?’ But he was here by 7:30 in the morning, and he spent a good hour-and-ahalf with the kids,” Boruske said.

Not only did A.G. show up, he came bearing treats for the kids. A friend of his on social media learned of his intentions. Jamie Morton, a Mason, Ohio, resident and proprietor of Piece of Cake by Jamie, offered to make cake pops for the students.

“She made 33 cake pops. It was amazing,” A.G. said. “The kids loved them. I took them in, and they just devoured them, which is crazy for kindergartners to eat cake pops for breakfast, but they loved them. I was really thankful to Jamie for that.”

Brockman sent an email to the parents of her kindergarten students on the Friday prior to George’s Tuesday visit to let them know the good news. The kids could swap their usual school uniform that day and instead come to class outfitted in Bengals attire. One of the parents used the three-day notice to make t-shirts for all of the stu-

dents in the class, as well as for Brockman and Principal Boruske.

The shirts had the message: I’m number 42’s biggest fan (A.G.’s jersey number). Orange and black streamers adorned the entrance to the school. They’d rolled out the red – or orange and black – carpet for their special guest.

“They were so ready. They had been prepping for two or three days,” A.G. said. “I got to school around 7:30. There were so many kids already in the classroom. They were all in Bengals gear. It was a sight to see as soon as I walked in. They had the whole room decked out in black and orange. Veo brought pompoms for everybody. They painted a sign that they put on the board in the classroom that said, ‘Welcome Allan George.’ It was really cool.”

Since this visit was due to Veo’s encounter with A.G., Brockman gave Veo the honor of parading his guest around the classroom.

“Veo introduced him to every single one of his classmates. Allan took the time to learn their names. And so, he would address the kids by name and took interest in what they were telling him. It just seemed like he cared to get to know them,” Brockman said. “It just meant so much to our whole school to have a really influential person in our building. And for him to have such a good heart. It was just really, really heartwarming to see.”

Before all of those interactions, all the kids knew was that a Bengals player their classmate Veo had bumped into at Target was coming to visit.

“At first, they were starstruck almost. They didn’t know what to do,” Brockman said.

Cincinnati Bengals player Allan George recently visited St. Therese in Newport. Photo provided | Principal Boruske

“Then, he walked around and was giving them fist bumps. You know, you meet an athlete, and you idolize them, then you meet one and you’re like, ‘Oh, they’re just like a regular person.’ They think he’s like their friend. They still, days later, are talking about him. They truly think, like he’s a new friend to them, which is awesome.”

Doughty said his son was already a “bigtime Bengals fan.” Veo left that Starbucks in Target not knowing A.G. played for the Bengals. But Veo knew by the time Cincinnati hosted Baltimore in the playoffs last Sunday.

“Veo liked A.G. for just being a cool guy,” Doughty said. “After I told him, he kind of got that it’s a Bengals player, but not really until we watched the last game. I kept pointing out, ‘There he is. There’s A.G.’ Then he started to go, ‘Oh my gosh! He’s real!’”

St. Therese is a small school, K through 8, with only one class per grade, which made it possible for the entire school to stop by the kindergarten classroom to meet the Bengals cornerback.

Brockman said the kids have since made A.G. some pictures and a book.

“I felt great. I just love to spread as much positivity as I can. I really felt welcomed as soon as I stepped on the grounds,” A.G. said. “Most of them didn’t even know who I was a week ago. They just completely surrounded me with lots of love. And I felt it as soon as I got there. I was extremely appreciative of that. A couple of the parents reached out to me, talking about how shy their kids are, but their kids were willing to take pictures with me and how much it meant to them to bring their kids out of that box of being shy. So, I was glad I got to help some kids do

that. Overall, it was just amazing, honestly.”

Principal Boruske said A.G.’s visit has been a highlight surpassing even the distinction of being named a National Blue Ribbon School recently, at least in terms of the school community’s reactions.

“We won Blue Ribbon back in October and did not get as much excitement out of that as we did having a Bengals player come to our school,” she said.

It’s not just that it was a Bengals player. This Bengals player is a different type of dude. Who knows how this visit would’ve gone had it been one of the Bengals’ stars? That’s not to say Burrow, Chase or the others are any less friendly than A.G., but those guys get bombarded by fans at a much different level than what A.G. experiences in public. When you see his visit to St. Therese through the eyes of those who experienced it, you begin to understand the kind soul A.G. possesses.

“I cannot say enough nice things about him,” Principal Boruske said. “Talking to the kids, he was so engaged with them. We had one little boy that kept going on and on about a video game, and he just stayed engaged with him. He was so nice. Really, he is our new favorite player.”

This NFL player’s demeanor toward everyone in the school was not lost on Brockman.

“He has a very warm presence. He has just a really good heart, which I feel like in today’s society is not something you find frequently. He is just very down to earth,” she said.

It should come as no surprise that this isn’t the first time A.G. has made a fan out of a

little kid with his kindness. During his college days in Nashville, A.G. volunteered to be a coach at Camp Vandy, which is a summer camp hosted by Vanderbilt University for area youth to participate in a multitude of activities.

“One of the first kids I met at Camp Vandy was a little girl named Ella Murdock. She was like a ball of joy. I guess that the impact I had on her was something that she remembered. She ran home and told her dad about me. And from then on, we’ve had a relationship. She’s one of my biggest fans,” A.G. said. “I feel like somehow I do just gravitate towards kids and try to help them break out of any shell they might be stuck inside, or just try to build them up and let them know that somebody else does care about them.”

That’s just who A.G. is. He has a code that he lives by that is not as prevalent in the world today as maybe it once was.

“I’m not one to turn away getting to know anybody. I just love hearing people’s stories and their experiences in life,” A.G. said. “I feel like I’ll never know what the person beside me is going through unless I ask. I love befriending people and talking to them, and just showing respect. That’s one of my biggest things, just showing respect and being kind to others.”

As for Veo and the kids at St. Therese, A.G. plans to keep in touch. He’s hopeful that at some point he’ll be able to attend one of Veo’s basketball games for the Mustangs.

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Cincinnati Bengals player Allan George talks to students at St. Therese school in Newport. George interacted with students for an hour and a half during his visit and brought cake pops for them to enjoy. Photo provided | Principal Boruske

Covington Commission agrees to work with Tri-State Trails on bike plan

Impassioned activists and supporters reiterated the importance of protected bike lanes one week after last Tuesday’s false start at the Covington caucus meeting.

“So if you all want to come back and talk to us at a legislative meeting,” Mayor Joe Meyer said last week, “we’re glad to have you do that. But just be mindful that on this trails agreement. We’re 100% in support of it.”

A willing commission approved the agreement Jan. 24 during their Legislative meeting at City Hall. The agreement with Tri-State Trails aims to develop a bike transportation plan for the city. This agreement mimics the one the City of Newport has adopted, creating protected bike lanes in the city for riders and walkers alike.

Three members of the public spoke during the Legislative meeting.

“I’m here to basically strike a conciliatory and celebratory tone for what Mayor Meyer reminded all of us is effectively unanimous approval of the the adoption of a bike plan between Covington and Newport,” said Joe Humpert of Tri State Trails. “I miss riding bikes with my friend, and I hope that we can work to make the connections between our cities and all the river cities and across the region, safer and more viable for active transit.”

The friend was Gloria San Miguel, a Roebling Point Books and Coffee employee, killed in August 2022 in a hit-and-run accident while on her bike. She was riding on the Girl Scout Bridge between Newport and Covington.

The meeting ended with an approval of the agreement to make a plan, to which the crowd clapped in support.

A slice of Hollywood comes to the Point/Arc

While the movie “Wise Guys,” was being

filmed across the street, The Point/Arc, which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, invited a guest to see the organization and its students at work.

Josh Kellinghaus, an assistant location manager for the entire production, visited and chatted with the students.

“The students were quite curious over the past several days, with all the sets being built on Pike Street, as well as all the classic cars that were used in the movie,” Point/ Arc’s Laura Gentry said.

Factory Finish Shoe Repair closes doors less than a year after opening

Less than a year after opening last April, Factory Finish Shoe Repair has closed, according to the Covington Office of Economic Development.

Factory Finish came from the mind of James Napier, a professional cobbler, mu-

sician and the son of the late Frenchman Napier, a long-time business owner and leather repairman in Covington. Factory Finish was a continuation of Frenchman’s business, with James wanting to carry on his father’s legacy in the city.

Napier’s shop was located at E. 7th Street inside The Doctors Building, less than a block away from his father’s shop, Frenchman’s Shoe Repair, which was located on Madison Avenue next to the former Covington Chili parlor.

The shop provided services like repairing shoes & boots, cleaning and recoloring Timberlands, refinishing and dyeing purses, waterproofing leather goods, spit shines, saddle work, restringing baseball gloves, leather coat repair as well as cleaning and stretching hats.

Last March, Napier told LINK nky he had a vision of returning to Covington while he was touring as a musician.

“I want to make sure I go back to Coving-

ton,” Napier said. “I’m looking forward to it. I want to be a part of Covington again.”

Napier could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

Mayors group, Kenton County officials debate recent payroll tax increases

Kenton County mayors, city council members, government workers and officials of all kinds packed the Fort Mitchell Community Center on Saturday, Jan. 21, for a debate on government transparency, economic development and political process.

The main source of contention for the mayors was an increase in Kenton County’s payroll tax rates and wage caps, which were raised by the Kenton County Fiscal Court on Nov. 8.

Covington Mayor Joseph Meyer began by trying to tease out numbers related to the policy change, including what he claimed would be a 275% increase in payroll tax for the median wage earner in Kenton County and a 211% increase for taxes on profits. He postulated that the increase in revenue to the county would be about $10 million.

“There has been no discussion about how this extra money is going to be used,” mayor Meyer said.

Meyer went on to say that “the stacking of the county tax on the city tax represents a major change in public policy.” He then summarized changes that had occurred in Kentucky statute relating to city tax credits and the process behind raising business taxes. Most notably he referenced a change that occurred in 2021 with the passage of Kentucky House Bill 249, a revenue bill that amended Kentucky statute to allow fiscal courts in counties with more than 30,000 people to increase payroll tax rates without a public referendum.

“That’s a huge public policy change,” Meyer said, “and it occurred without any discussion or notice to the public.”

What’s more, the timing of the rate change — on Election Day when everyone was busy at the polls — was uneasy. Many at the meeting felt they had not been consulted about the change before it was made.

“Finding out about it after the fact was very concerning,” said Chris Reinersman, mayor of Independence.

Other members of the group expressed similar sentiments, directing their questions to Kenton County’s Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. Some feared the rate increase would drive away potential economic development in their cities.

Knochelmann began by casting doubt on mayor Meyer’s numeric speculations, saying that some of them were “simply not correct,” although he did not offer specifics.

Knochelmann said that the issue the court was attempting to solve was the “balance of revenue generation” between payroll and property taxes.

He added that if the wage and profit caps had not been raised, “the county would long-term [and] short-term be in a very, very horrific financial condition.”

He admitted that he could have been more transparent with the court’s decision; however, he defended the court’s actions, characterizing the previous $25,000 cap as outdated and incapable of meeting the county’s service needs.

He also claimed that the raised rates would not disincentivize new businesses from moving to cities in Kenton County: “It doesn’t affect economic development.”

Instead, he said improved financial stability across the county would do more to draw in new businesses, who would be attracted to the region’s communal stability.

Republican State Senator and Kenton County resident Chris McDaniel said the film tax credit change was necessary to bring the recent filming of the upcoming movie “Wise Guys,” starring Robert DeNiro, to Covington.

“Nobody particularly likes the short-term,” McDaniels said, “but the long-term view that we all have to take in this is there are certain things that must be done. Do the finances work, or do the finances not work?”

The Mayors Group will hold its next meeting at the Independence Senior Center on Feb. 18 at 9 a.m.

town crier

StoryPoint shows off residents’ creations

Kenton County Animal Services now open daily

The Kenton County Animal Services organization recently announced it will be open seven days a week. Shared via social media, their new hours are noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, as of Jan. 29.

Boone County animals seeking furever homes

Boone County Animal Shelter is celebrating the adoption of Honey, a wide-eyed, 3-year-old dog who was recently taken home to her forever family.

Boone County Animal Shelter, located at 5643 Idlewild Road in Burlington, is open from noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays.

Community Events: Feb. 3 to Feb. 11

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

Boone County

Feb 7: Boone County Fiscal Court Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Boone County Administration Building, 2950 Washington St., Burlington

Feb. 8: Latin Dance Fitness, 6:30 p.m., Boone County Library Main Branch, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington. (Continues Wednesdays through Feb. 22)

Feb. 9: Boone County Board of Education Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Ralph Rush Staff Development Center, 99 Center St., Florence

Feb. 10: Concert: Lagniappe (Cajun music), 7 p.m., Boone County Library Main Branch, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington. (For details, go to bcpl.org; registration necessary)

Florence

Feb. 3: United Way Free Tax Prep Drop Off, 5 to 6 p.m., Boone County Library Florence Branch, 7425 U.S. 42, Florence (runs through April 3; uwgc.org/taxes for more info)

Feb. 4: Concert: Jose Luis Palacio Larrodera, 2 p.m., Boone County Library Florence Branch, 7425 U.S. 42, Florence (Flamenco/ Classical guitar)

Feb. 7: Making Healthy Choices, 4:30 p.m., Boone County Library Florence Branch, 7425 U.S. 42, Florence. Also on Zoom. (For details, go to bcpl.org; registration necessary)

Hebron

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

Union

Feb. 6: Union City Council Meeting, 6 p.m., Union City Building, 1843 Bristow Drive, Union

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

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

Walton

Feb. 6: Making Healthier Choices, 6 p.m., Boone County Library Walton Branch, 21 S. Main St., Walton (For details, go to bcpl.org; registration required. Also runs Feb. 27.)

Feb. 7: Walton City Council Caucus Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Walton City Hall, 40 N. Main St., Walton

Feb. 9: Exploring Culture Series: Discover the Foods of France, 1 p.m., Boone County Library Walton Branch, 21 S. Main St., Walton (For details, go to bcpl.org; continues Feb. 16 and 23)

Feb. 9: Throwback Series: Hooked on Crochet, 4 p.m., Boone County Library Walton Branch, 21 S. Main St., Walton (For details, go to bcpl.org; registration required.)

Campbell County

Bellevue

Feb. 3: First Friday Shop Bellevue: Love is in the Air, 6 p.m., throughout Bellevue Business District along Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue.

Feb. 8: Bellevue Independent Schools Board Working Session, 6 p.m., Bellevue Board of Education Office, 219 Center St., Bellevue

Feb. 8: Bellevue City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Bellevue City Building, 616 Poplar St., Bellevue

Cold Spring

Feb. 8: Cup of Crime Book Discussion: Wayfaring Stranger by James Lee Burke, 7 p.m., Campbell County Library Cold Spring Branch, 3920 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring (For info, contact Danielle at dheiert@cc-pl. org or email csprograms@cc-pl.org; registration required)

StoryPoint Union resident smiles while holding a Valentine’s Day craft made during a group activity. Photo provided | StoryPoint Union

StoryPoint Union resident grins while holding a craft made during a group activity. Photo provided | StoryPoint Union

Honey, a 3-year-old mixed breed, was recently adopted from Boone County Animal Shelter. Photo provided | Boone County Animal Shelter

Dayton

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

Feb. 8: Dayton Activities Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Dayton Community and Meeting Center, 625 2nd Ave., Dayton

Fort Thomas

Feb. 8: Coffee & Conversation Book Discussion: When No One Is Watching, by Alyssa Cole, 2 p.m., Campbell County Library Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch, 1000 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas (For info, contact Natalie at nshadrick@cc-pl.org; registration required)

Feb. 9: Fort Thomas School Board Working Meeting, 8:15 a.m., Fort Thomas Schools Central Office, 28 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas

Highland Heights

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

Newport

Feb. 7: Free Tax Preparation from AARP Tax-Aide, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Campbell County Public Library Newport Branch, 901 E.

Sixth St., Newport (see cc-pl.org/events for info and list of what to bring)

Feb. 7: Newport Book Club: Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson, 7 p.m., Campbell County Public Library Newport Branch, 901 E. Sixth St., Newport (For info contact Valerie at vdavis@cc-pl.org; registration required)

Wilder

Feb. 6: Wilder City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Wilder City Building, 520 Licking Pike, Wilder

Kenton County

Feb. 3: Black History Month: Adventures in the Archives, 2 p.m., online event for Kenton County Public Library on YouTube or see “Kenton Library Archives” on Facebook. (more info, contact Cierra Earl at 859-9624070 or history@kentonlibrary.org.)

Feb. 6: Kenton County Schools District Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Kenton County Sanitation Department, 1045 Eaton Drive, Ft. Wright

Feb. 11: Finding a Job 101, 10:30 a.m., online event through Kenton County Library. (For more information, see events at kentonlibrary.org; registration required.)

Covington

Feb. 4: Covington Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Braxton Brewery, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington

Feb. 7: Covington Board of Commissioners Caucus Meeting, 6 p.m., Covington City Hall, 20 Pike St., Covington

Feb. 8: Covington Motor Vehicles Parking Authority Meeting, 9 a.m., Covington City Hall, 20 Pike St., Covington

Feb. 9: GED Testing, 2 to 6 p.m., Kenton County Library Covington Branch, 502 Scott Blvd., Covington (Register at GED.com for a testing appointment.)

Feb. 9: Covington Schools Board of Education Meeting, 5:30 p.m., 25 E. Seventh St., Covington

Feb. 11: Covington Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Braxton Brewery, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington

Edgewood

Feb. 6: Edgewood City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Edgewood City Building, 385 Dudley Road, Edgewood

Feb. 7: Edgewood Senior Cards, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Edgewood Senior Center, 550 Freedom Park Drive, Crestview Hills (open to all, card games).

Elsmere

Feb. 7: Elsmere City Council Caucus Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Elsmere City Building, 318 Garvey Ave., Elsmere

Erlanger

Feb. 6: GED Preparation, 4 to 7 p.m., Kenton County Public Library Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands, Erlanger (For more info contact Alex at 859-442-1166; repeats Feb. 8.)

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

Feb. 9: Erlanger-Elsmere Independent Schools District, 7 p.m., Dietz Auditorium in Lloyd Memorial High School, 450 Bartlett Ave., Erlanger

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

Fort Mitchell

Feb. 6: Fort Mitchell City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Fort Mitchell City Building, 2355 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell

Feb. 7: Fort Mitchell Park Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Fort Mitchell City Building, 2355 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell

A $2.9M condo in the Ascent

Address: 1 Roebling Way Unit 1404, Covington

Price: $2.95 million

Beds: 3

Bath: 3.5

Sqft: 3,333 on the 14th floor

School district: Covington Independent Schools

County: Kenton

Special features: This condo offers a view of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati from the 14th floor of The Ascent building in downtown Covington. It features bold interior design with a wine room, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a kitchen with quartz countertops, marble backsplash, a butler’s pantry, and an island with seating. Residents at The Ascent have an on-site pool, gym, sauna, massage room, library, theater, wine lockers and meeting spaces.

Recent NKY Home Sale Data

The main living space has a ceiling that makes a statement, and windows that open up to the city skyline. Photo provided | Exp Realty LLC

This condo in The Ascent features a wine cellar. Photo provided | Exp Realty LLC

Bold wallpaper decorates the bathroom in this condo in The Ascent. Photo provided | Exp Realty LLC

LINK Streetscapes: Fort Thomas Avenue

BY MARIA HEHMAN | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

This Streetscapes series first began in Fort Thomas about six months ago, and since then there is already a new crop of businesses waiting to be explored. In this segment, return to the first site of Streetscapes in Fort Thomas for brews, booze and ice cream.

Fort Thomas Coffee

In its new location on 1 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas Coffee still offers its famous lattes and is now serving alcohol after 9 a.m. If a Monday morning mimosa is beckoning, they have the prosecco ready to pour. Cocktails, wine and beer are all readily available alongside their café offerings.

With this new trend, it was necessary to try one of FTC’s coffee cocktails. Although Espresso Martinis are all the rage right now, I opted for something new, a café gates with Tia Maria, Grand Marnier, coffee brown crème de cacao topped with whipped cream.

It’s subtly sweet and frothy, and possibly most appropriate for a Saturday brunch order than a pick-me-up before work.

Their new space in the Fort Thomas Citadel has eclectic decor. On one end is a child’s playhouse built into the wall and on the other: floral wallpaper and modern décor make for the perfect workspace. With such varying atmospheres all in one space, it’s only fitting that they carry such a vast offering of food and drinks. It’s the perfect space for mixed groups to ensure everyone has something to their liking.

The Post Taphouse and Bottle Shop

The Post should be the first destination for an indecisive group. While they source beers from all over the country they also carry many local favorites, like Rhinegeist.

With such a wide selection, the bartenders are happy to offer samples so guests can make the right choice. I opted for Purple Haze, a fruity pilsner and wheat beer that had a refreshing raspberry aftertaste.

The Post’s reputation for variety pairs well with its family-friendly atmosphere. The Post allows parents the opportunity to relax near the designated kids play area, and they pay homage to the historic space, while adding a modern touch.

Hello Honey

The old Fort Thomas coffee space didn’t remain empty for long as Hello Honey has taken its place.

While frozen treats tend to be less popular during this season, Hello Honey has ice cream that dessert lovers won’t soon forget.

This ice cream shop crafts treats without artificial flavors or colors, focusing on seasonal flavors, and over-the-top toppings.

From banana honeycomb to Thai iced tea, each flavor makes it difficult to purchase just one scoop.

Top it off with a toasted marshmallow and you too will be dreaming about Hello Honey’s thick and decadent ice cream.

Hello Honey’s original location is just across the river in Cincinnati, but the ice cream shop has already made a home in Fort Thomas. They are currently on a winter break, but guests can enjoy a frozen treat and welcome them back on Valentine’s Day.

Have an idea for Streetscapes? Email Maria Hehman at mchehman@gmail.com.

What to know if you go:

Fort Thomas Coffee:

Location: 1 Highland Ave., Suite A in the Citadel

Hours: M-Th 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., FriSat 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: fortthomascoffee.com

The Post Taphouse and Bottle Shop

Location: 1136 S. Fort Thomas Ave.

Hours: Tu-Th 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fri-Sat noon to 10 p.m., Sun noon to 7:30 p.m., closed Monday Website: thepostft.com

Hello Honey: Location: 118 N. Fort Thomas Ave.

Hours: Tu-Fri 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat-Sun 1 to 9 p.m., closed Monday Website: hellohoneyicecream.com

Long returns to Coach Beechwood Volleyball

Matt Long will return to Beechwood for his second stint as head volleyball coach.

Long led the Tigers to one of their two KHSAA state semi-finals appearances in program history in 2002.

He will be Beechwood’s fourth head coach in four years this fall. But the Tigers are coming off a 19-16 season that ended with a loss to Holy Cross in the district semifinals. That marked the first winning season for Beechwood since Katie Johnson led the Tigers to a 25-8 mark in 2017.

Beechwood Principal Justin Kaiser expressed excitement at the idea the Tigers have a lot of talent coming up. Beechwood returns its blocks leader in junior Jessica Pabst along with freshman Piper Steinmetz, and sophomore Maddie Bray.

Long hopes to run some summer camps and get the Tigers into some more tournaments this fall.

Lorenzen, Smith, Cowens highlight 2023 hall of fame class for KHSAA

The KHSAA announced their 2023 Hall of Fame class with a lot of NKY influence.

Among them are five who either played or coached at a Northern Kentucky school: Jared Lorenzen and Derek Smith (Highlands), Dave Cowens (Newport Central Catholic), Dan Goble (Lloyd Memorial), and Randy Reese (Ludlow).

Lorenzen and Smith led Highlands to the 1998 Class 3A football state title, finishing

with a 15-0 record. Lorenzen was Kentucky’s Mr. Football that year. Lorenzen is still the University of Kentucky’s all-time passing leader with 10,354 yards. He won a Super Bowl as a member of the New York Giants in 2008. Lorenzen is also a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.

Smith added his second football state championship with Highlands in 1999. That year, Smith was runner-up for both the Kentucky Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball awards. He was an All-SEC tight end at UK and ended up playing one year with the Cincinnati Bengals.

During Cowen’s two seasons at Newport Central Catholic, he helped lead the Thoroughbreds to a 50-11 record, two district titles, and a region crown. He would then head down to Tallahassee where he would become Florida State’s all-time leading rebounder. After being drafted by the Boston Celtics, he would go on to win two NBA championships, a MVP award and be named an eight-time all-star. His jersey is retired at Florida State and with the Boston Celtics. He is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Goble led Lloyd Memorial to a 12-1 football season, a school record. He also won two state championships as head coach at Christian County.

Reese won the 1975 Class A state championship with Ludlow before going on to win two more with Paris in 1981 and ‘82. His Paris teams put together a 38-game win streak.

EACH WEEK, NORTHERN KENTUCKY SELECTS

These five, along with nine other inductees, will be inducted April 30 at the Central Bank Center Ballroom in Lexington. Tickets to the ceremony will be available starting Feb. 6 at KHSAAtickets.org.

Football alignment affects every team in NKY

After much anticipation, the KHSAA has set the new football realignment. Instead of four years for the realignment that has happened in the past, the new alignment will be for the 2023 and ‘24 seasons.

The Board agreed on the new proposed realignment based off the enrollment data provided by the Kentucky Department of Education of the 2019-20 and 2022-23 school years.

The new alignment affects 25% of KHSAA member football schools in the state that are changing in class, either up or down. That includes five NKY schools, which has also created a lot of new district opponents for nearly every football team in Kenton, Boone, and Campbell County. Dixie Heights moved down to 5A and Scott moved up to 5A to join Boone County, Cooper, Conner and Highlands in the sixth district.

Covington Catholic dropped from 4A to 5A and joins Holmes, Grant County, Harrison County, and Mason County in their district.

Beechwood will remain in 2A but will be facing new district opponents in Bracken County, Caroll County, Gallatin County, Owen County, and Walton-Verona.

Former Beechwood district rival Lloyd Memorial will be jumping up to 3A. Unfortunately for the Juggernauts none of their district opponents are from NKY, pairing with Pendleton County, Bourbon County

and Lexington Catholic.

Newport and Holy Cross both drop down to 1A with the Wildcats matched up with Newport Central Catholic, Bellevue, and Dayton, and the Indians facing Bishop Brossart, Ludlow, and Trimble County in their respective districts

Ast named Scott girls soccer coach

Allie Ast comes over from Ryle to Scott High School to be the new head girls soccer coach.

Ast served as an assistant on the staff at Ryle for the previous six seasons including the junior varsity head coach this past season. She has already named one assistant in Leslie Covington. Covington is an art teacher at Scott.

Ast learned some things about adversity this past season at Ryle. The Raiders won just four games during the regular season including an 0-3 record in 33rd District seed play. But Ryle knocked off top-seeded Cooper, 3-2 in overtime in the 33rd District semifinals before taking down Conner, 1-0 on kicks from the mark to win the 33rd District Tournament championship.

Scott graduates five seniors from last season including goalkeeper Gabriella Cox and their leading point-scorer in Allison Clemons. But the two second-leading scorers in junior Kayla Hermann and sophomore Josie Puthoff return.

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

The Bishop Brossart boys basketball team

Jared Lorenzen is one of five selected to be inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Fame. File photo

New Scott girls soccer head coach Allie Ast addresses the team in an introductory meeting . Ast comes to Scott after serving as an assistant on the Ryle staff. G. Michael Graham | LINK nky

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Romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day