LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 2, Issue 11 - February 9, 2024

KENTON

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 — FEBRUARY 9, 2024

THE VOICE OF NKY

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How Kentucky’s Republican-led Legislature is changing the face of state law

By Rebecca Hanchett

Democrat.

enate President Robert Stivers sat with reporters over coffee early one recent Tuesday and reminisced about the last time Democrats controlled the Kentucky Senate.

“I walked in, and five Democrats who had been disenfranchised from their caucus partnered with 17 Republicans to declare the seat of the Senate president vacant.

And that was my first vote,” Stivers told reporters at Goodwood restaurant in Frankfort. “It was intense.”

S

It was January 1997 and Stivers, then a 30-something lawyer from Clay County, had just been elected in 1996 for the first time to what was then a Republican Senate minority. Being a GOP state senator wasn’t expected to catapult Stivers anywhere close to political stardom. After all, the GOP didn’t have much, if any, power in state politics at the time. The last Kentucky GOP governor was Louie Nunn in the late 1960s. Both the Senate and House were Democratic strongholds.

That was about to change.

Minutes after Stivers was sworn into office that first day of the 1997 legislative session, a group of Senate Republicans joined with a handful of Democrats to oust then-Senate President John “Eck” Rose, a Winchester

More than that, it was historic. Republicans secured a share of Senate committee chairmanships in exchange for helping Democrats orchestrate the coup. It was the first time Republican lawmakers had any real control over bills that came to a Senate vote. A few years later in 2000, Republicans took control of the chamber as the Senate majority party.

It took another 17 years for the GOP to take the House but, in 2017, it happened. The result changed more than the “D” that used to come after most Kentucky lawmakers’ names.

It started to change the face of Kentucky law.

Continues on page 3

Rep. Josh Calloway (R-Irvington), left, speaks with Rep. Steve Rawlings (R-Burlington) outside the House chamber on Jan. 12. Photo provided | Legislative Research Commission

St. Paul’s Church revamps food pantry for evolving Newport needs

By Haley Parnell

S

t. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newport has had to change how it distributes items from its food pantry, created in 2009, to align with development and demographic changes.

People shop at the food pantry at Saratoga Place Apartments in Newport. Photo provided | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

In recent years, with the Ovation site coming into Newport and the change in ownership and rebranding of once lower-income housing units like nearby Riverchase and Victoria Square, the church’s food pantry started seeing fewer people coming through its doors. Pantry Manager Chuck Grone said St. Paul’s had to develop a new idea to get supplies to where the people were, which is how it started delivering goods to local senior living facilities.

“The average rent from Hofbräuhaus all the way down through here (7 Court Place, Newport) is around $2,200 a month,” St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Rev. Matthew Young said. “So, we have plenty of new residents around here. They just don’t need this. So, the question is, what do you do?”

Before Riverchase and Victoria Square were bought in 2022, the church pantry served up to 100 families a month. Now, Grone said that number is closer to 30 a month.

The pantry also now serves roughly 125 goods each month to three of Newport’s affordable senior living facilities: Saratoga Place Apartments (serves approxiContinues on page 5

Covington looks at ways to make cycling safer p6 Safer Kentucky Act would crack down on many crimes p8 Ludlow sophomore closing in on 1,000 points, 100 games p16

sponsored

Telehealth, school-based services connect youth with critical mental health supports

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By CHNK Behavioral Health

eographic location, transportation, insurance, job schedules and other challenges are often deciding factors in whether Kentuckians receive the tools and resources they need to thrive. As the Commonwealth continues to experience increasing demand for mental and behavioral health care and treatments for substance use disorders, CHNK Behavioral Health (CHNK) has teamed up with school districts and expanded its telehealth services to respond to the growing crisis and break down barriers to receiving care.

Take the first step toward peace and healing.

Get help now for yourself or a loved one by submitting a form at chnk.org/get-help/schedule-aconsultation, emailing gethelp@chnk.org, or calling 1-844-YES-CHNK (1-844-937-2465).

More than 70% of Kentucky’s population lack access to mental health care professionals, especially those trained to work with young people, with an average of one provider for every 370 Kentuckians.* As a result, school-based services and telehealth are critical entry points for a journey toward peace and healing. CHNK’s telehealth program— which has provided more than 11,000 screenings, assessments, and interventions in the last four years alone—has served as a lifeline for Kentuckians living in so-called “care deserts” where access to providers is nearly nonexistent. Telehealth is often the preferred option for young clients who are both comfortable with and attracted to using technology for receiving care. Convenience aside, appointments by phone or video

call can be a less intimidating way to take the first step toward getting help. Many clients opt to continue treatment in person after beginning with telehealth, based on their individual needs and recommended care plan.

With students spending most of their waking hours in school, teachers and administrators may often be the first to spot signs of mental health and behavioral challenges or addiction.

Kentucky school districts are the largest requesters of and referral sources for CHNK’s services, and in response, the organization has partnered with 19 schools across eight districts, including Dayton Independent Schools, Boone Co. Schools, Grant Co. Schools, and the Kenton Co. School District Virtual Learning program, to offer intensive outpatient therapy in group settings. Such treatments directly address the well-documented crisis for young Kentuckians: 59% of youth ages 12-17 who experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year did not receive services.**

Brianna Roland, MSW, LCSW, meets with a CHNK client via telehealth at the nonprofit’s Devou Park campus in Covington.

About CHNK Behavioral Health Established in 1882, and known to many as Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky, CHNK Behavioral Health is a regional leader in serving individuals who have experienced mental health disorders, addiction, abuse, neglect, or other trauma. Through a combination of outpatient and residential services, CHNK’s 140 health care professionals take a trauma-informed and familyfocused approach to treatment, annually impacting more than 3,000 individuals and providing more than 30,000 services. As the only licensed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in northern Kentucky, CHNK also serves youth diagnosed with complex mental health conditions.

With treatment taking place on site at schools or CHNK’s outpatient center in downtown Covington, CHNK helps students develop social skills and strategies for managing aggression, impulse control, and issues related to past trauma, as well as teaches ways to self-regulate emotions.

CHNK’s model allows students to split their days between therapy and academic instruction, helping to increase the likelihood of graduation and position them for success in adulthood. The program involves close coordination among students, school personnel, and parents or caregivers, all of whom have input on a student’s individualized treatment plan and are kept informed about progress. CHNK also offers wraparound supports for students in the program, including family therapy, medication management, and case management to connect with additional community resources. *National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) **Mental Health America 2023

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Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), left, gives an update on the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly’s agenda during a press conference with House Speaker David W. Osborne (R-Prospect). Photo provided | Legislative Research Commission Continued from page 1

Kentucky’s ‘pro-life’ legislative majority Abortion laws on the books today are an obvious example of the state’s change in political tide. Until 2017, bills limiting abortion in Kentucky had a zero percent chance of even getting a committee hearing in a Democratic state House. Today Kentucky has no fewer than eight laws restricting abortion, most notably the so-called 2019 trigger law that banned almost all abortion in the commonwealth after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kentucky’s abortion ban is considered to be one of the most restrictive in the nation, with exceptions only allowed to save the life of the mother or prevent serious permanent injury to her.

When reporters chatted with Stivers at Goodwood, talk veered away from 2024 Senate Bill 99 — Senate Minority Whip David Yates’ (D-Louisville) bill to add abortion exceptions for victims of rape and incest and nonviable pregnancy to Kentucky law.

The issue gained traction during the 2023 gubernatorial election but is barely a whisper now that the Republican-led Senate and House are back in session.

Stivers told KET’s Renee Shaw on the air the day before SB 99 was filed that, if filed, it “will be assigned to a committee,” according to a story in Kentucky Lantern. It was a noticeably softer tone on a hard-line issue that has long divided Republicans and Democrats.

As of Jan. 31, however, the bill is still on hold.

School choice School choice is another Republican rallying cry that has made its way into statute, starting with legalization of charter schools. That legislation passed in 2017 after Democrats lost the House and Republicans, for the first time, seized control of both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly and the governor’s office under then-Gov. Matt Bevin.

Next came laws in 2021 and 2022 to allow

public funding for non-public schools. It is those bills specifically that have boomeranged the issue of school choice back to the General Assembly in 2024.

for non-public schools, he said, some do.

“As a state senator, you have to think about the state,” said Stivers.

Maternal health

Instead of ending with a state rollout of funding options, the school choice laws that passed the Kentucky General Assembly in 2021 and 2022 were ruled unconstitutional in state court — an increasingly reliable stumbling block to state laws that touch on constitutional issues like public education or individual rights.

Political strategists might see that as a problem. In the case of school choice, Republican leaders of the Kentucky Senate and House seem to view it as a challenge.

So far this session, members of the GOP majority have filed two bills to put the question of public funding for private education on the ballot this fall. The purpose?

Let Kentucky voters decide if they want school choice, or not.

One of the bills is House Bill 2. It would let the Kentucky General Assembly fund education outside of public or “common” schools in “particular places as it deems proper” should it get approval from a majority of voters this fall. The other is House Bill 208, which would mandate — not just allow — state lawmakers to fund non-public education.

Not surprisingly, the amendment getting the most attention this session is HB 2.

Leader-sponsored bills are typically favored over a rank-and-file member’s proposal. House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles (R-Owensboro) is the sponsor of HB 2. Rep. Josh Calloway (R-Irvington), who is not in a leadership role in the General Assembly, is sponsoring HB 208. Whichever proposal ends up coming to a vote will need approval from at least 23 senators and 60 representatives to make the ballot.

Stivers told reporters that morning at Goodwood that he isn’t sure the votes are there. But he indicated the not-knowing won’t derail an attempt to pass an amendment if it comes to the floor. Although not every community or county wants funding

A week before the chat at Goodwood, House Health Services Committee Chair Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser called a press conference with a bipartisan group of nine other female lawmakers at the state Capitol annex. The lawmakers were there to stand in solidarity with Moser as co-sponsors of her “Save Kentucky Moms Act,” or House Bill 10.

Moser (R-Taylor Mill) is a retired neonatal intensive care nurse and mother of five.

She told reporters HB 10 will save lives.

First of all, the bill would make sure pregnant women have full access to health insurance coverage. Pregnancy would become a “qualifying life event,” allowing women to access coverage at any time after they get pregnant — not just during a set insurance enrollment period. The intent, said Moser, is to lower the state’s pregnancy-related death rate.

Kentucky’s maternal mortality rate is historically above the national rate. According to National Center for Health Statistics maternal mortality data for 2018-2021 (the most recent data available), Kentucky’s maternal death rate at the time was 38.4 deaths per 100,000 live births — 65 percent higher than the national rate of 23.5 percent.

The state rate is expected to fall as pregnant women receive help for serious health problems like addiction, obesity, postpartum depression and poverty under HB 10, Moser said. To ensure mothers have the support they need after their babies are born, wraparound services — like lactation support for breastfeeding, training in pediatric head trauma, plus mental health and substance abuse treatment for mothers — are included in the bill.

Bipartisan bills like HB 10 are nice when they happen, especially on big issues like Continues on page 4

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 3

Continued from page 3

public health. Republican majorities in the General Assembly are large enough to pass most any bill without any Democratic support if most Republicans want it. At the press conference, however, Democrats and Republicans appeared to be on the same page.

One of the Democrats praising the bill was Rep. Sarah Stalker (D-Louisville), a co-sponsor of HB 10.

“This speaks volumes to me as a legislator

and a Kentuckian with a room full of women with varying opinions and experiences and political identities to sit down and acknowledge the abysmal maternal health outcomes that we have in this state,” Stalker told reporters.

Reproductive rights It was a few days after the Save Kentucky Moms Act was introduced that another bill tied to reproductive health sailed out of Moser’s committee. That legislation, called House Bill 174, is intended to give parents of

children under age 18 explicit legal access to their child’s medical records.

sionals represents a gross overreach from state government.”

HB 174 sponsor Rep. Rebecca Raymer (R-Morgantown) told the committee she filed the proposal after Kentucky parents told her they’d lost access to their child’s health records, specifically in cases where the child is physically unable to give consent.

Republican leaders did not comment on HB 376 right away after it dropped in the House. It wasn’t immediately clear if they would or should. After all, SB 150 was considered a majority win in 2023. Former Republican Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron waged, and won, a legal battle against it. Revisiting the issue may (or may not) be too hot a potato for the GOP now.

But some reproductive rights and mental health advocates tell LINK nky they see HB 174 as overreach. Right now, Kentucky law allows individuals under age 18 to get birth control or treatment for sexually transmitted illnesses without parental consent.

Outpatient mental health treatment stops requiring parental consent at age 16 under state law.

Giving parents access to records of care they didn’t consent to, and may not agree with, could keep some kids from seeking treatment, advocates told LINK. “If their parents are then going to access those records, that can set a very chilling precedent that can stop care for minors,” Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Kentucky Director Tamarra Wieder recently told LINK. As of Jan. 31, HB 174 had not been called to a vote in the House.

SB 150 redux

House Appropriations and Revenue committee chair Rep. Jason Petrie (R-Elkton), left, and House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy (R-Paducah) look over budget proposals on Jan. 16. Photo provided | Legislative Research Commission

Democrats have continually fought Republican laws they say limit health care access in Kentucky. SB 99, for example, is only part of the Democratic effort to roll back restrictions. The fight is centered, too, on 2023 Senate Bill 150 — arguably one of the most controversial laws passed in Kentucky in the past 30 years.

To recap, SB 150 bans gender-affirming treatment for Kentucky youth under age 18. Then it goes further, doing away with required use of preferred gender pronouns and shared bathrooms for transgender students in public schools, restricting access to sex education and limiting access to mental health services in schools.

It was late January when Stalker joined with Lexington Democrat Rep. Adrielle Camuel to file a bill to repeal much of SB 150, including the ban on gender-affirming care. That bill is House Bill 376.

Rep. Robert Duvall (R-Bowling Green) confers with Rep. Sarah Stalker (D-Louisville) in the House chamber on Jan. 3. Photo provided | Legislative Research Commission

4 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

“No child should have to advocate for not only their basic rights but their very identity,” Stalker said Jan. 25 about the proposal.

“Furthermore, a law that strips children’s health care decisions from parents, trusted family doctors, and mental health profes-

Budget on the way Like every other bill that comes before the General Assembly these days, passage of a state budget is Republican-controlled.

GOP-led budget hearings are expected any day now on a $124.8 billion two-year state spending plan unveiled weeks ago in the House, much to the chagrin of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear.

It didn’t take long for Beshear to attack the plan, claiming it shortchanges K-12 education by over $1 billion and cuts almost $2 billion from the state’s budget reserves.

Beshear’s proposed budget, released in December, seeks $137 billion in state and federal funds for state government over the next two years. Stivers criticized that, telling reporters at Goodwood that spending in the governor’s proposal would prevent a continued reduction in the state’s individual income tax in 2025.

“He created a budget where there wouldn’t be a chance to do tax cuts,” Stivers said.

There are questions on both sides about proposed uses for the “rainy day fund,” or budget reserve trust fund, now exceeding $3.7 billion. Recurring expenses — or costs that come back year after year — shouldn’t come out of the fund, according to the Senate president.

“You can spend it how you want to, but the reality is those are dollars sitting in the bank account that are not going to come back next year,” he told reporters.

Clarification on what both Republicans and Democrats expect out of the next budget will happen soon, said Stivers. It has to.

Passing a state budget in even-numbered years is a requirement of either party that controls the General Assembly — not an ask.

The 2024 Kentucky General Assembly is limited to 60 legislative (or business) days under the state constitution. The current session ends no later than April 15.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Rev. Matthew Young spends time with visitors to the church pantry. Photo provided | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Volunteers help run the food pantry. Photo provided | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Continued from page 1

box with selected items.

mately 35), Highland Village Apartments (serves approximately 40) and Grand Towers Apartments (serves approximately 50.) Supplies are taken to the apartments monthly and are meant to be roughly a week’s worth of groceries.

Grone said he has seen a demographic change in the people who visit the pantry at the church.

He said before the pandemic and the rebranding of Victoria Square, St. Paul’s used to have many families coming in. Now, they primarily see people from single or two-person households.

A challenge that Grone and Young said contributes to fewer people visiting the pantry is that there used to be a bus stop at the corner of the church before the Third Street roundabout, which was removed.

Young said a lot of the visitors traveled by bus.

“I think that the adaptive challenge is taking into account where people are within the city that are not going to walk from here to wherever,” Young said. “Unless you drive, which many don’t, it is sort of a food desert. Your closest is Kroger Pavilion.”

Besides food items like canned proteins and vegetables, meat and produce, the pantry also hands out personal care items like diapers and toothpaste. Grone said pet food is also a hot commodity. The pantry partners with the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati and works with Master Provisions in Elsmere and Panera Bread in Newport.

The pantry is also run as a choice model, meaning guests can “shop” for things they want and need instead of being handed a

Young said the choice pantry also encourages interaction and community-building between people. Volunteers get to know people and their situations and have conversations with them.

“Pre-COVID-19, we were already heading towards an individualistic society, and COVID-19 made it so much worse,” Grone said. “So this can help us with that, especially for people who live alone, perhaps don’t have as much interaction in senior living, those kinds of things.”

Grone said the transition to mainly serving senior living facilities has made him see a difference between the people they serve there and those who visit the church pantry.

ble, they have a place to live, they have heat,” Grone said. “They have other people around them if they’re in trouble. People who come in here don’t always have that.”

Young said that for future expansion, he likes the idea of putting a fridge and table of food outside of the church for people passing by to take from, regardless of their living situation.

“If we’re all privileged people, it’s still really nice if I bought you a cup of coffee, right?”

Young said. “So, the spiritual principle is generosity, regardless of someone’s need.”

Donations can be dropped off at the food pantry at 7 Court Place in Newport. The food pantry is open on Wednesdays, and the shopping time is from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“I think it’s because they (seniors) are sta-

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 5

Covington to consider bike safety recommendations

Maps show priority bike infrastructure changes for the city of Covington as a whole, as well as specific parts of the city. Maps provided | Tri-State Trails

By Nathan Granger

W

ade Johnston, the executive director of Tri-State Trails, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit aimed at improving cycling infrastructure in the region, gave a presentation to the Covington Board of Commissioners at its recent meeting. He showcased the results of a yearlong process of study on the city’s current cycling infrastructure and made some recommendations on how it could be improved.

“It’s a series of options and recommendations, as opposed to a prescriptive plan,” said City Manager Ken Smith after the presentation. “So if you all (the commissioners) approved this, I don’t want to give the impression that we’re going to be able to go out and do everything that’s in here.”

No official action was taken at the meeting, and the recommendations were all preliminary.

Still, the presentation offered insight into some changes that could potentially occur within the city down the line. The details discussed pertained mostly to Covington, but Tri-State Trails is in the process of doing something similar for Newport, with the hope of creating an integrated cycling network between the two cities.

“The vision for this plan is to serve as a roadmap for implementing a safe and connected bicycle transportation network that serves all ages and all abilities,” Johnston said at the beginning of his presentation.

Johnston gave an overview of the project, the steering committee of which has been meeting since January of last year. Since last summer, the project has collected public feedback at open houses and focus groups.

The project took stock of Covington’s current conditions and discussed some of the options on the table. Namely, Johnston talked about the different kinds of lanes and infrastructure the city could eventually employ, as well as each kind’s pros and cons.

“So the best facilities that we always try to advocate for are trails fully separated from cars,” Johnston said, “but we know that you all have a very historic and narrow street grid, so it’s not always possible to create those types of facilities.”

The next best options, Johnston said, were protected bike lanes, which provide dedicated spaces for riders, followed by conventional bike lanes, which are more integrated into car traffic than protected lanes and, finally, bicycle boulevards, which rely

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on signage to warn drivers of frequent bike traffic.

city’s options, so that he could make a more informed decision in the future.

Johnston also showed maps of different sections of the city, showing which roads and networks ought to be prioritized. Johnston said that priority was given to traffic networks that could be easily integrated into existing cycling infrastructure.

“This is certainly something that we’re hearing from the residents out in South Covington. I see bikers all the time,” Downing said. “Nine times out of 10, they’re riding along the rumble strips. … We certainly want to make sure that we’re giving individuals who are choosing to bike in our community a safer experience.”

In addition, Tri-State Trails recommended some policy and operational changes to create a more bike-friendly city overall. These included making a dedicated line item for bike infrastructure in the city budget, expanding the public bike share program — which is currently suspended — creating dedicated detours for cyclists to circumvent construction projects and road closures and generally expanding education and advocacy for cycling, among other measures.

Toward the end of the presentation, Johnston broached the topic of funding for the project, saying that state and federal grants were available. He added that private fundraising events could also invest in the construction and maintenance of the infrastructure.

Commissioner Tim Downing requested more information on such funding sources. He also asked for finer details on the

Smith expounded upon the limitations the city would likely encounter when considering the options.

“Those include financial, staff capacity, our existing built environment … and the fact that a lot of these routes are state routes, and ultimately we don’t control what happens on those streets,” Smith said. “So the implementation is going to certainly involve tradeoffs, and we’re going to have to thoroughly consider that.”

Rock’n Revival For the Cure: A tribute to a local man’s legacy, battle with cancer

John Forsthoefel with his wife. Photo provided | Adam Forsthoefel

The Forsthoefels at Rock’n Revival For the Cure. Photo provided | Adam Forsthoefel

By Maggy McDonel

le, signed up for the eighth-grade talent show. After they signed up, Adam said they thought, “Oh, we haven’t learned how to play instruments.”

F

ollowing his untimely death, the legacy of John Forsthoefel continues to live on thanks to one man – and his band.

The day after attending his future sonin-law’s bachelor party, just a few weeks before his daughter’s wedding, John had a seizure and was quickly diagnosed with glioblastoma.

Resistant to most conventional therapy, glioblastoma is a brain cancer that “can result in death in six months or less,” according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

“This disease is not curable. It’s killed John McCain, and it killed the drummer of Rush. …It’s really sad because I didn’t know there was an incurable cancer. I was like, ‘I thought you had a fighting chance,’” said John’s son Adam Forsthoefel, who has been putting on a concert benefiting his father’s disease every year since his diagnosis.

Adam said his father, who was an engineer, a hobby guitarist and a dedicated father, was as healthy as could be when he was diagnosed in 2015. By January of 2017, he was dead.

After learning about this incurable cancer, Adam said that he felt like he needed to do something, and inspired by his father’s love for rock music, he thought, what better way to raise money for research on his disease than a concert fundraiser?

Out of that, Rock’n Revival For the Cure at Southgate House Revival in Newport was started, and it is currently on its eighth annual edition.

Around the time of his father’s diagnosis, Adam’s band, The Grove, had been playing gigs at Southgate House, and he reached out to the owner and asked if the venue would host the festival.

All of the credit for the success of the events goes to Adam, said the owner of Southgate House, Morrella Raleigh.

“He approached me with the idea. And I said, Absolutely, let’s do it. … He is the one who does the hard work of booking the bands and scheduling the time. … I would think any parent would be proud to have a child who would do something like this,” said Raleigh.

Adam, who is from Anderson Township, started his music career when he and his now drummer for The Grove, Jeff Voege-

The two played what Adam described as a “horrible, horrible” rendition of “Back In Black” by AC/DC, and after that, they were hooked. The two broke into the music scene while attending college at Ohio University, and after they returned, they added Adam’s brother Matthew Forsthoefel on keyboards and bassist Matt Holt. The group plays at various Cincinnati venues like The Northside Tavern, Bogarts, Madison Theater, Stanley’s Pub and Southgate House Revival.

Raleigh said that she loves putting on Rock’n Revival For the Cure every year; local bands play on all three of stages with genres ranging from rock to country to pop.

“It covers a lot of different territory with a lot of the talent that we have here locally based and it’s just a fun night.” Raleigh said.

Since its inception, Raleigh said, the event has been a hit.

“It’s one of our highest-attended events every year. It’s always in the top two or three top-attended events in a year for us. And

so the response is amazing,” Raleigh said.

“And you know, it’s really kind of these types of events are kind of magical. You can’t really explain what it is to people until they come and experience it, but you walk around you’ll, you’ll see people, you’ll see friends, but you’ll make new friends, too.”

This year’s Rock’n Revival For the Cure currently has a lineup of over 20 bands and is set for March 9; tickets are $20 now and $25 at the door. The festival benefits the John Forsthoefel for Glioblastoma Research Foundation, which benefits neurosurgery research through the University of Cincinnati.

John attended the first Rock’n Revival For the Cure, and every year since, it has been put on in his honor.

“That is what my dad liked to do anyways, concert drinking. He just was a lot of fun. …

Those are the memories when I think my dad. ... If you ask him for his perfect night, it would be going to a concert, drinking, having fun with his friends. It wasn’t complicated,” said Adam.

For more information on Rock’n Revival For the Cure, visit southgatehouse.com.

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Safer KY Act: NKY law enforcement, prosecutor see promise in crime-crackdown bill

By Rebecca Hanchett

L

ess than 30 minutes after classes ended at Latonia Elementary on Tuesday, Jan. 2, shots rang out near the school. Students and staff still inside the building were told to shelter in place. Outside, near 39th and Decoursey streets, police found two 14-year-olds shot in the street. One of the two, Amani Smith, later died at the hospital.

It was the second deadly shooting in Covington within 24 hours and the city’s third shooting death in January. On Jan. 22, a Warren Street apartment shooting ended in the death of a 2-year-old boy. On Jan. 6, a woman shot in Latonia by the father of her children died.

All three incidents seized the attention of Northern Kentucky citizens — some seemingly unsurprised at what’s happening in the area.

“It happens all the time,” Vincent Loprinzi told reporters after the Jan. 2 shooting.

“That’s the kind of thing where I wish it was shocking and surprising. Tomorrow I’m going to forget about it. It happens every day.

Horribly sad. … It’s just where we’re at in the world.”

The truth is that back-to-back shooting deaths in Northern Kentucky’s largest city are not a daily occurrence, per available data. The Covington Police Department’s LexisNexis® 2023 community crime map and a news report search reveal only a handful of homicides in Covington last year. (Kentucky State Police will release updated statewide crime data — including homicides, assaults, drug crime, vandalism, weapons violations and more in Covington and all of NKY — later this year).

Between 2021 and 2022, state police crime data shows that the number of homicides in Covington actually fell 50%, from eight in 2021 to four in 2022. But crime comes in many forms. Local and state officials express specific concerns now with drug crime and juvenile crime in NKY and throughout the state.

8 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Sen. John Schickel (R-Union) called out juvenile crime specifically as a “huge problem” across NKY in a phone interview with LINK nky. At issue, he said, are weak laws limiting what law enforcement or prosecutors can do in juvenile justice cases.

“We have a big juvenile crime problem because our juvenile crime laws don’t have any teeth in them,” said Schickel, a career law enforcement officer who is both a former U.S. marshal and former Boone County jailer.

This legislative session, Schickel is sponsoring Senate Bill 11 — a bill to notify schools when a juvenile faces potential criminal charges involving drugs, assault, weapons charges and more. And he’s not alone in his mission for criminal justice reform.

Also pending in Frankfort is the 74-page Safer Kentucky Act, also called House Bill 5, that Louisville Republican Rep. Jared Bauman unveiled in 2023. An amended HB 5 cleared its first major hurdle on Jan. 25 in the Kentucky House, passing the chamber 74-22.

“Violent criminals are preying on our innocent and unsuspecting neighbors throughout Louisville and across the Commonwealth,” Bauman said in a press statement.

“Public safety is an issue that unites Kentuckians across the state. Kentuckians deserve better.”

Three NKY lawmakers — Rep. Mike Clines (R-Alexandria), Rep. Stephanie Dietz (R-Edgewood) and Rep. Steve Rawlings (R-Burlington) — are co-sponsors of HB 5.

They voted Jan. 25 to support its provisions, which include crackdowns on fentanyl trafficking, carjackings, vandalism and the use of stolen guns to commit criminal acts often linked to gang crime. Carjacking — not a crime in current law in the Kentucky penal code — would be a felony offense if HB 5 becomes law. Vandalism to property could bring felony charges at $500 in damages, down from $1,000 in damages in current law.

The other NKY lawmakers who voted for HB 5 were Reps. Kim Banta (R-Fort Mitchell), Kimberly Moser (R-Taylor Mill) and Marianne Proctor (R-Burlington).

HB 5 is what is called an “omnibus” measure — a bill stuffed with dozens of statutory changes lawmakers pass under one broad title. HB 5’s title reads like a Dostoevsky novel: “AN ACT relating to crimes and punishments.” It’s intentionally vague to cover a range of crimes plus peripheral justice issues — like homelessness and mental health issues — that Kentucky’s largest cities often face.

The bill’s pièce de résistance may be its inclusion of a “three strikes law” requiring life in prison without parole when someone is convicted of their third violent felony. It’s legislation that could play into Kentucky’s continued war against the deadly drug fentanyl. Under HB 5, a fentanyl-related overdose death could carry a first-degree manslaughter charge for someone who sold fentanyl to the victim.

Take Louisville, where gang crime has reportedly hit businesses and residents hard in recent years. Last year the FBI tracked up to 25 gangs responsible for “at least 30%” of the Louisville metro area’s violent crime, according to WHAS-TV. The city had at least 150 homicides in 2023 alone, according to Bauman.

“Drug trafficking is destroying our communities, with substances like fentanyl being a leading contributor to overdose deaths,” Bauman said in the press release.

“Those who deliberately sell fentanyl know how dangerous it is to be exposed to even a small amount of this dangerous drug, and they are responsible for causing death by delivery.”

As for gang involvement, adults aren’t the only ones involved. Gang members in Louisville are as young as 14 years old, WHASTV reported last year.

In Boone County, the Sheriff’s Office reported a total of six homicides in 2022, according to the Kentucky State Police statewide crime report that year, the most

recent available. The number could have potentially been larger had HB 5 been law, given Kentucky drug statistics: At least 26 people died of a fentanyl-related overdose in Boone County in 2022, according to the state’s overdose fatality report that year (also the most recent available). In Kenton County, fentanyl-related deaths exceeded 50 in 2022, according to the report. Campbell County reported a smaller number of deaths linked to fentanyl that year (between five and 25).

In an email on Jan. 23, Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig told LINK nky he believes HB 5 will reduce the effects of fentanyl in the county “while reducing crime in Northern Kentucky.”

“Fentanyl continues to destroy our Northern Kentucky communities, and its devastating effect is due in large part to how brazen traffickers have become,” Helmig said. “The increased penalties, to include potentially charging fentanyl traffickers with murder, should make every drug dealer rethink where they conduct their illicit business.”

Helmig said he supports the three strikes law language and that he “believes that repeat violent offenders have no place in our society.”

Overall the bill is a step in the right direction, Helmig said. Prosecutors could seek the death penalty or life in prison for the intentional killing of police, firefighters or other first responders if HB 5 becomes law.

Those who commit violent crimes would serve at least 85% of their sentences before they’d be eligible for parole.

LINK nky requested comment on HB 5 from the Covington Police Department, but no response had been received at the time of publication.

Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders told LINK nky in an email that he really likes a section of HB 5 that expands the list of crimes that can be prosecuted under the state’s violent offender statute. Carjacking, first-degree burglary

A shooting near Latonia Elementary on Jan. 2 left one 14-year-old dead, another injured and the school on a “shelter in place” order. Photo provided | Katie Cepero via WCPO

and first-degree arson are just a few of the crimes added to the list.

“The best part of the Safer KY Act is the expansion of the list of violent offenses to include crimes that common sense tells us are violent, but our current law inexplicably calls ‘non-violent,’” Sanders said.

“Crimes like attempted murder, manslaughter, reckless homicide, attempted rape, arson, second-degree assault, second-degree robbery and more have been misclassified for decades, meaning dangerous felons were being let out of prison after serving only a small fraction of their sentences. Hopefully this will soon stop when HB 5 passes.”

When asked about the potential for increased incarceration under HB 5, Bauman told the House he expects the bill to be a crime deterrent. Longer sentences without early release for some violent criminals could mean less recidivism, or return to jail

or prison, some proponents say.

The bill drills even deeper, allowing business owners and their employees to use a “reasonable amount of force” to protect themselves or their property from criminal acts — something Bauman referred to as “shopkeeper’s privilege.” Fleeing or evading police could carry five to 10 years in prison.

Provisions banning homeless or “street” camps in public areas (like city bus stops and parks) and changes to laws governing involuntary commitment of people experiencing mental illness are in HB 5, too.

Not everyone is happy with the proposal. Several lawmakers from Louisville and Lexington decried HB 5, saying it emphasizes incarceration over what Rep. Josie Raymond (D-Louisville) called “evidence-based solutions” to address crime in the state.

“This bill, rather than acknowledge the dif-

ficult work to make Kentuckians safer, has one solution — increase penalties! Lock them up!,” said Raymond in a floor speech before the Jan. 25 vote.

Also voting “no” was Rep. Sarah Stalker (D-Louisville), saying the bill lacks compassion for people experiencing homelessness at a time when Kentuckians face an affordable housing shortage. According to a 2022 report from the Kentucky League of Cities, “more Kentuckians are experiencing unstable housing situations as rent prices continue to increase, many on the verge of eviction.” It cited data showing 8% of middle-income earners are burdened by housing costs, with over 30% of their income spent on housing.

For extremely low-income earners in Kentucky, the housing cost burden is 62%, according to the league.

er said on the floor Jan. 25. “It lacks compassion for those vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness. It lacks real cooperation with service providers and individuals with lived experiences in areas like substance abuse and re-entry. These groups are closest to the issues that are farthest away from the table when bills like this are being drafted.”

Attempts by House Democrats to vote on HB 5 in smaller, more manageable pieces (“divide the question”) and to table (or shelve) the bill were defeated.

Next, HB 5 goes to the Kentucky Senate.

Changes to the bill are possible there — only two out of 28 amendments (a committee substitute and Bauman’s own floor amendment) — made it through the House.

Lawmakers have until April 15 to cast a final vote on the bill and send it to Gov. Andy Beshear for his signature.

“This bill lacks a lot, in my opinion,” Stalk-

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kenton county briefs Kenton judge/executive highlights economic wins at Business Council event

officials and public servants from around the county and region, filled the ballroom, mingling and eating before listening to speeches. In addition to Knochelmann’s address, statements included brief introductory speeches from representatives of the business council — Blue North, a nonprofit that aids entrepreneurs, DBL Law, the city of Covington and The Milburn Group.

erated from our property taxes,” Knochelmann said. “We were actually able to continue to drop our property tax, and that’s now going to be a total of 51% of our revenue.”

Meet Clive, otherworldly new art installation that watches over Covington

Most of the speaking time, however, was dedicated to Knochelmann.

Attendees at the CBC luncheon on Jan. 25 learn about the State of Kenton County. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann gave a “state of the county” address to the Covington Business Council at a special luncheon at the Grand Ballroom in Covington in January. He discussed the county’s policies and projects over the past year, with a special eye to local economic development.

“Really, what I want to talk about is the state of Kenton County, but also in particular how it affects Covington,” Knochelmann said. “We’re all here because we love Covington; we love the vitality of this core of our county.”

Local business leaders, as well as elected

“I will say I think Kenton County is in the best physical shape and operational shape it has ever been in, financially and operationally,” Knochelmann said. “That’s a big statement. And I try not to overstate things, but it’s true.”

He displayed slides on screens throughout the room, giving an overview of the county’s operations, the services it provides and notable changes to public policy at the county level.

Specifically, Knochelmann discussed recent changes to the county’s tax policy.

For one, the county reduced both its real and tangible property tax rates in August as part of a reorganization of its revenue streams away from property tax, which the county has historically been more reliant upon than neighboring jurisdictions.

“Sixty-five percent of our revenue was gen-

Phelps said.

And suddenly, Clive — whose name was “meant as a placeholder initially” — was born.

Phelps said the city bought into his quirky idea and funded the project.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

The two-story alien invasion started at Phelps’ home and was eventually installed on the corner of Fifth and Scott streets over the past few months.

“The whole gag on this thing is just the scale, right? It’s massive,” Phelps said.

Clive the Alien watches over Covington. Photo provided | Andrew Rowan via WCPO

Clive is made of foam, filled with fiberglass over the top. His eyes are carbon fiber.

Remember when ET phoned home? Well, one alien has decided to call Covington home.

“That’s actually the same carbon fiber that’s used in military drones,” Phelps said.

“Clive” has been watching over residents and visitors in the Central Business District.

And with freaky sounds, places to shop and things to see nearby, it’s easy to understand why an extraterrestrial would want to hang out in Northern Kentucky.

“I had a bunch of coffee — and I’m kind of wound up anyway — and I was just sketching and coming up with ideas, and I just thought an alien would be fun,” Marc

The installation cost about $50,000 and was funded by a Covington Quality of Place grant, Phelps said. It cost about $30,000 in engineering and $20,000 in material costs.

Phelps’ labor, he said, was free. He estimated he put approximately 20,000 hours into the project over the course of the year.

“It just really kind of tied in perfectly to, you know, kind of that quirky spirit of Covington,” said Amanda Johannemann, director

LEGAL NOTICE The Covington Consortium, consisting of the Housing Authority of Covington (HAC), KY and the City of Covington Housing Choice Voucher Program, developed its Agency Plan in compliance with the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.

Kentucky now allows for Public Notices to be published digitally on LINK nky’s website.

You can find public notices on our site at https://linkreader.column.us/search SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GO TO OUR DIGITAL PUBLIC NOTICE PAGE

10 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Effective February 16, 2024, the Plan and pertaining documents will be made available for public review at: The Housing Authority of Covington Administration Building, 2300 Madison Avenue, Covington, 41014; The Housing Authority of Covington website, hacov.org; The agency’s Property Management Offices at Latonia Terrace, 2940 Madison Ave, Covington, 41015 and Golden Tower, 50 E. 11th Street Covington, 41011; Covington City Hall, Housing Development Office, 20 West Pike Street, Covington, 41011; Public Library, 502 Scott Street, Covington, 41011; and Legal Aid of the Bluegrass/Covington, 104 East 7th Street, Covington, 41011. The Housing Authority’s hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding national, state, and local holidays.

The Housing Authority of Covington’s Board of Commissioners’ will convene a public hearing to discuss the Annual and Five-Year Plans and elicit comments from the public regarding proposed activities. The Hearing will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in the lower-level conference room at the Housing Authority of Covington Administration Building located at 2300 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41014. The public is invited to attend. The Administration Building is an accessible building. However, space is limited to the first 10 in-person attendees. As an alternative to in-person attendance, you may submit questions / comments in writing to info@hacov.org by Tuesday, April 16, 2024. All questions/comments submitted via the website will be read aloud during the Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Public Hearing. Responses to all comments/questions will be posted in writing to www.hacov.org within 5 working days.

of meetNKY’s destination marketing and communications. “Not only are pieces of public art like this, you know, what we’re doing to attract folks, but for those that are really here, this definitely has a connection to the local community as well.”

Blessed Sacrament, CovCath team up on STEM program aimed at 7th- and 8th-graders

ily involved in STEM-based work and wanted to encourage young students to pursue STEM education. They are an anonymous donor.

The project will include the hiring of a teacher to be trained in Project Lead The Way curriculum at the middle school level. The teacher will coordinate with each school to help get their programs up and running.

The donor will provide the money for the needed materials, and programs will be responsible for providing a teacher at their school and space to hold the classes.

The STEM program will be offered at Blessed Sacrament. Photo provided | Blessed Sacrament

A partnership between Covington Catholic High School and Blessed Sacrament School is creating a STEM outreach program to expose the younger generation to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The program, “Project Lead The Way,” will be piloted at Blessed Sacrament, with the intention to spread to all the Notre Dame and Covington Catholic feeder schools — St. Agnes School, St. Joseph School in Crescent Springs, St. Pius and Prince of Peace.

The program will be offered to seventhand eighth-graders at Blessed Sacrament, with the classes “Design and Modeling” and “Automation and Robotics” to introduce younger students to the world of STEM before high school.

“These kids will be able to see all the different components that are involved in STEM,” Blessed Sacrament STEM teacher Emily Bradley said. “A lot of kids these days are kinesthetic learners; they’re stimulated all the time. So, I think the more hands-on learning that they can get through a program like this, the more they’ll realize that that’s something that they’re able to do.”

The idea for the program was introduced when a Covington Catholic graduate wanted to do something for the school for their 50th reunion. Covington Catholic STEM teacher Bob Lind said the alumnus is heav-

The program is piloting at Blessed Sacrament because the school already has a STEM space created in 2020. Bradley said she contacted Lind last year to see how she could prep her students for high school STEM classes. They are all electives, and Bradley said she didn’t want her students to be intimidated to go into the classes just because they were unfamiliar with the curriculum.

Covington School Board picks SHP architecture firm to create master facilities plan

cording to district documents. “This may include renovations and modifications to existing space and facilities or the erection of new facilities as determined by the final approved master facility plan option.”

Considerations of such a plan have occupied board discussions over the past year and began after a proposed consolidation of the district’s elementary schools early in 2023. The board chose to postpone its decision on consolidation so that it could better assess the condition of district facilities.

The planning process will include a period of stakeholder and community input.

Safe Haven Baby Box at Ludlow Fire Department offers secure drop-off option The Ludlow Fire Department recently installed a Safe Haven Baby Box at 234 Oak St. The box is a designated location where parents can anonymously and safely leave an infant they are unable or unwilling to care for. The process involves opening the box’s secure door and placing the baby inside.

Once the door is shut, a sensor alerts the department to retrieve the baby.

The department held a blessing of the box on Jan. 31.

Devou Park expanding trail system by 3 miles, to total 15 full trail miles

The contract will enable SHP and the district to jointly develop “a master plan for determining how to use and/or modify its current facilities and space to accommodate potential changes in enrollment, expansion of student services, general growth, and maintenance of the same,” ac-

The trail expansion will be funded by outside funds, including $52,000 from the Devou Park Advisory Committee and $98,000 from NKY-based R.C. Durr Foundation.

This expansion was part of the 2008 Devou Park Master Plan, according to the city of Covington. The 3 new miles will include “an array of new trails or extensions,” according to a press release.

The expansion will include an eastern entrance connector from Western Avenue, providing hikers and residents with safer access to the park. It will also expand the John Volz trails near the Drees Pavilion, tying the trail into the paved path through the park.

It will also improve access to Battery Bates, a Civil War-era military earthworks fortification. A collaboration with the Behringer-Crawford Museum seeks to add new signage and benches to the trail nearby.

A new, more than 1-mile-long trail on Devou Park’s west side will parallel Sleepy Hollow Road and connect the existing Back Bowl Mountain Bike Trail to the Incinerator trailhead.

The expansion work will also include “light improvements and modifications” to existing trails, the press release said.

But don’t expect to take to those trails right away — the city said it’s important that park visitors stay off trails while they’re still under construction.

The CIPS Board of Education meets on Jan. 25.

Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

The Covington Independent Public Schools Board of Education voted Jan. 25 to enter into a contract with SHP, an architectural and design firm with offices in Bellevue and Cincinnati, for a master facilities plan.

Devou Park, which is home to over 700 acres, will have 15 full miles of trails when the 3-mile expansion is completed, according to the press release.

Devou Park features an extensive trail system.

Photo provided | Felicia Jordan via WCPO

Devou Park is adding 3 more miles to its already extensive trail system in Northern Kentucky, according to a press release from the city of Covington.

Covington commissioners voted to approve a contract with the Dirt Artisans Trail Building company to construct the trails, which the city says will be used by runners, hikers and mountain bikers.

“It will be a long build because it’s a long trail system that they’re building for us,” said Ben Oldiges, Covington Parks and Recreations manager. “There’s a lot that goes into trail-building — more than some might anticipate — and, when done correctly, it’s non-intrusive. With that in mind, it will be important to be respectful of the construction of the trails for everyone’s safety.”

Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 11

news from other places Consortium of universities, including Ohio State, lands $15M to study wastewater toxins MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The National Science Foundation has given a consortium of Great Lakes-area universities and tech companies $15 million to develop ways to extract harmful substances from wastewater.

The foundation announced on Jan. 29 that it has named the Great Lakes ReNEW group as one of 10 regional innovation engines across the country. Each will receive $15 million, with a chance to earn $160 million over the next decade if they can show progress.

The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 authorized the foundation to create the engines.

Other engines include groups working on innovations in agriculture, textiles, aerospace, medicine and energy storage.

incentives.

from Florida to Fort Wayne for four weekend circus performances.

The project is expected to be operational in 2026, the company said. During peak construction, it’s expected to support 1,250 construction jobs.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, who attended the announcement event, said it was “a great day for Indiana and for our southeast region.”

The Jeffersonville center will become Meta’s 18th data center in the U.S. and its 22nd worldwide, helping power Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp, Meta said in a news release.

Circus animals rescued after truck catches fire, creating quite a scene along Indiana highway

Great Lakes ReNEW includes the University of Michigan, the Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as a number of environmental, tech and energy companies from throughout the Great Lakes states.

The group is working to find ways to remove toxic minerals and chemicals such as lithium and PFAS compounds, which are man-made chemicals that don’t easily break down in nature, from wastewater.

Facebook, Instagram parent Meta to build $800M data center in Indiana, creating many jobs JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc. announced plans on Jan. 25 to build an $800 million data center in southern Indiana that’s expected to create 100 long-term, high-paying jobs when it’s operational and several hundred other jobs during construction.

Work will begin this month on the nearly 700,000-square-foot data center at the River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville, Meta said. Jeffersonville is located just north of Louisville, Kentucky.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has committed to granting Meta a 35-year sales tax exemption for the data center, among other performance-based project

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office posted photos and videos on Facebook of camels walking on the highway and later standing along its shoulder and its median with zebras and law enforcement officers. The posting included the message, “No harm to our furry friends.”

“It’s not something we see every day,” said Deputy Brent Ressett with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Judge: Tesla CEO Musk can’t keep compensation package worth a landmark $55 billion DOVER, Del. (AP) — Elon Musk is not entitled to a landmark compensation package awarded by Tesla’s board of directors that is potentially worth more than $55 billion, a Delaware judge ruled on Jan. 30.

The ruling by Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick comes more than five years after a shareholder lawsuit targeted Tesla CEO Musk and directors of the company.

They were accused of breaching their duties to the maker of electric vehicles and solar panels, resulting in a waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment for Musk.

A truck hauling circus animals caught fire along a highway in Indiana, prompting a police rescue.

Photo by Grant County Sheriff’s Office via Associated Press

MARION, Ind. (AP) — A truck hauling zebras and camels for a series of circus performances caught fire on Jan. 28 on a northeastern Indiana highway, prompting a police rescue of the animals, which roamed along the freeway, some munching on grass.

The tractor-trailer caught fire along Interstate 69 in Grant County. A state trooper, a Grant County Sheriff’s deputy and a third person rescued the five zebras, four camels and a miniature horse by leading them off the smoked-filled trailer, said Sgt. Steven Glass with Indiana State Police.

Both officers were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation and later released, but none of the animals were injured, he said.

The truck driver, a 57-year-old Sarasota, Florida, man, was not injured. All northbound lanes of I-69 were temporarily closed while the area was cleaned up and the animals were taken away by another truck. The truck was bringing the animals

U.S. figure skating team finally to receive 2022 Olympic gold after Russian doping scandal

The shareholders’ lawyers argued that the compensation package should be voided because it was dictated by Musk and was the product of sham negotiations with directors who were not independent of him.

They also said it was approved by shareholders who were given misleading and incomplete disclosures in a proxy statement.

Defense attorneys countered that the pay plan was fairly negotiated by a compensation committee whose members were independent, contained performance milestones so lofty that they were ridiculed by some Wall Street investors, and blessed by a shareholder vote that was not even required under Delaware law. They also argued that Musk was not a controlling shareholder because he owned less than one-third of the company at the time.

Evan Bates and Madison Chock are among members of the U.S. Olympic figure skating team who will receive gold medals now that Russian skater Kamila Valieva has been disqualified for doping at the 2022 Winter Games.

Members of the U.S. Olympic figure skating team learned on Jan. 30 that they will receive gold medals now that Russian skater Kamila Valieva has been disqualified for doping at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) received word that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would award the gold to the U.S. for the team competition, which was thrown into turmoil after Valieva’s positive test from six weeks before the competition was revealed.

The IOC said in an email that it had “great sympathy with the athletes who have had to wait for two years to get the final results of their competition.”

Still uncertain is how Valieva’s disqualification will affect the silver and bronze medals. Japan finished third and is likely to move to second. Depending on how a scoring rule is interpreted, Russia could still finish third — ahead of Canada — even after deducting Valieva’s points from the two events she skated in during the team event.

The Americans to receive the gold medals are Evan Bates, Karen Chen, Nathan Chen, Madison Chock, Zachary Donohue, Brandon Frazier, Madison Hubbell, Alexa Knierim and Vincent Zhou.

Musk reacted to the ruling on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that he owns, by offering business advice.

“Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware,” he said.

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NKY Chapter of Kentucky Public Retirees meeting, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Golden Corral, 4770 Houston Road, Florence. All retirees from state, local, and county governments who receive a pension from KERS or CERS are eligible to join and attend meetings, along with spouses. Support staff from Kentucky state universities and Kentucky independent school systems, as well as state police are also eligible.

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Lakeside Park home with original 1930s features Address: 52 Locust Ave., Lakeside Park Price: $639,900 Bedrooms: Four Bathrooms: Two (plus two half-baths) Square Feet: 3,800 School district: Kenton County County: Kenton Special features: Built in 1939, this charming Lakeside Park home offers modern upgrades with plenty of original features. This four-bedroom home sits on a little under a half-acre tree-lined lot on Locust Avenue.

The property has kept plenty of its 1930s qualities, including a grand staircase, hardwood floors, two wood-burning fireplaces and an all-season sunroom. Modern upgrades include a brand new HVAC system, a newer roof, gutters, driveway, Anderson windows plus freshly painted walls and trim.

This charming Lakeside Park home was built in 1939. Photo provided | Jenna Lockard with Sibcy Cline

Some of the original features of this home include a grand staircase, hardwood This property sits on a little under a half-acre tree-lined lot. Photo provided | floors, two wood-burning fireplaces and an all-season sunroom. Photo provided Jenna Lockard with Sibcy Cline | Jenna Lockard with Sibcy Cline

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Recent NKY Home Sale Data

Address

City

Price

Sale Date

Address

City

Price

Sale Date

41 Sunnymede Drive 2472 Lilywood Way 16 Greenbriar Avenue 3312 Cornerstone Drive 7395 Ky Highway 16 6 Joseph Place 1467 Boone Aire Road 3005 Lodge View Court 301 9667 Sweetwater Lane 16 Alta Vista Drive 36 N Main Street 2721 Wesley Drive 691 Persimmon Drive 3 Ryle Road 14 Thatcher Court 2232 Genevieve Lane 28 Carriage House Drive 28 2407 Beaver Road 8 W Ridge Place 219 Main Street

Fort Mitchell $615,000 Crescent Springs $506,341 Fort Mitchell $470,000 Hebron $435,328 Verona $365,000 Cold Spring $330,000 Florence $320,000 Burlington $317,000 Alexandria $308,000 Walton $295,000 Dry Ridge $265,000 Villa Hills $245,000 Independence $235,000 Elsmere $235,000 Alexandria $230,000 Covington $214,900 Fort Thomas $206,900 Union $185,000 Newport $180,000 Newport $165,000

1/29/24 1/24/24 1/25/24 1/26/24 1/26/24 1/24/24 1/25/24 1/29/24 1/26/24 1/26/24 1/24/24 1/29/24 1/24/24 1/29/24 1/29/24 1/29/24 1/26/24 1/30/24 1/26/24 1/26/24

527 Game Court 11 Cobbler Court 1092 Henry Street 1510 Waterfall Way 7000 Houston Road 39 2744 Pebble Creek Way 8475 Watersedge Drive 1396 Taramore Drive 104 264 Squire Drive 1467 Boone Aire Road 10260 Crossbow Court 6 146 Saddlebrook Lane 568 6021 Belair Drive 70 Edwards Avenue 1511 Flintridge Road 6472 Deermeade Drive 476 Davis Lane 0 Chambers Road 566 Savannah Drive 621 Blanda Court

Elsmere Elsmere Elsmere Elsmere Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Florence Walton Walton Walton Walton

$230,000 $242,900 $229,900 $250,000 $140,000 $295,000 $223,000 $194,000 $7,500 $320,000 $155,000 $153,000 $230,000 $210,000 $580,000 $329,900 $625,000 $515,000 $519,500 $384,900

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features

Streetscapes checks out what’s new in Fort Thomas

By Maria Hehman

T

his Streetscapes explores some new real estate in Fort Thomas.

We’ll start with a laid-back lunch, grab a beer, or two, and end with an upscale dinner.

Highland Square Cafe Highland Square Cafe opened in 2023, taking over the space where Cobblestone Cafe used to reside. Highland Square Cafe’s sister cafe in Burlington, Washington Square Cafe, was visited by Streetscapes a year ago, so we were eager to visit here.

Highland Square Cafe offers many of the lunchtime favorites guests find at Washington Square Cafe. Highland Square narrows down Washington Square’s menu to the basic offerings: sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads.

Many customer favorites from the Burlington location can be found in the new Fort Thomas cafe, including the buffalo chicken wrap, BLT and hot ham-and-cheese sandwich.

The space has plenty of seating and a large patio to enjoy on warmer days. It’s a quick, convenient stop for those on a lunch break

or a place to casually connect with friends and family.

The Post Taps and Bottle Shop The Post joined Fort Thomas early last year, creating a family-friendly space where guests could still indulge in a variety of beers.

The Post sources beers from all over the country, ensuring guests have options that match their taste. Sours, IPAs and lagers are just some of the tasty options it offers.

It also has several local beers from Cincinnati/NKY breweries, including newly reintroduced Bubbles from Rhinegeist, a Rosé fruit ale.

The Post recently partnered with Covington’s The Gruff to start offering food. Many of the beloved dishes — from its famous pickle fries (tiny pickle spears the size of a french fry, absolutely genius and delicious) to its salads and sandwiches — are great for pairing with a flight of beers. Outside of beer, The Post also has a variety of wines, seltzers and a few non-alcoholic beers.

The space showcases the historic building, an old dairy barn, but updated with modern rustic touches. It offers a variety of seating — one side offers velvet chairs and a chan-

delier for a lounge atmosphere, while the other side is decorated in mechanical parts with chairs and tables for larger groups.

There’s even a designated kids area, ensuring no one in the family is forgotten with this design.

The Greenline Kitchen and Cocktails The newest addition to Fort Thomas gives guests an elevated atmosphere while still being family-friendly. The front entrance of the restaurant looks out at North Fort Thomas Avenue and is genuinely stunning.

The building and layout have an old-school industrial feel, with modern touches. The massive front is stair-stepped, creating pockets of private seating for parties.

Lounge chairs sit around firepits, making this an ideal spot for groups looking to catch up over cocktails. (A must-visit come this summer!)

There’s also dining seating on the patio that resembles just any other front porch in Fort Thomas. The interior has two main dining areas: One is brighter and quieter, best for families. The main dining area features the bar and is darker and more intimate.

The Greenline serves classic comfort food.

From savory options of lamb meatballs and croque madame to light bites, like a cheese board or chop salad, the curated menu has options for all diets. The prime rib with mashed potatoes and asparagus and the cod forte with mushrooms, leeks, crab meat and mashed potatoes are among their most popular options.

To pair with the food, there’s an extensive wine menu with glass and bottle options, along with beer and a smaller cocktail menu. Greenline is the perfect upscale dining option that doesn’t break the bank.

The Greenline Kitchen and Cocktails features a large outdoor seating area, complete with a fireplace and firepits. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

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.

The Greenline Kitchen and Cocktails offers an elevated experience that’s still family-friendly. Photo

by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

What to Know If You Go: Highland Square Cafe Location: 654 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.7 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, closed Website: highlandsquarecafe.com Phone: 859-441-2233

The Post Taps and Bottle Shop Location: 1146 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7:30 p.m.

Website: thepostft.com Phone: 513-546-0197

The Greenline Kitchen and Cocktails Location: 25 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas Hours: Sunday and Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m.

Website: greenlinerestaurant.com Phone: 859-757-4580

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 15

Things are falling into place for Addy Garrett and her Ludlow teammates

By Marc Hardin ddy Garrett has some big days ahead of her. The Ludlow High School girls basketball player is closing in on 100 career games and 1,000 points.

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Garrett is not only running the show for the Panthers, she’s upped her scoring average from last season’s 11.6 points per game to this season’s team-leading 15.2. She’s getting more of her teammates involved by distributing the basketball far more than she used to, and her defense has improved.

“I know I’m getting close,” she said.

“She has grown so much,” Clary said.

It takes time, effort and sacrifice to reach such lofty milestones. Yet Garrett is only a sophomore for the Ludlow girls basketball team. Furthermore, the point guard is just now coming into her own for the Panthers after stepping out from the shadow cast by her sister, Ludlow’s fourth all-time leading scorer, Mylee Garrett, now playing at Berea College.

Yet Garrett’s prep journey is far from complete. She has two more years of play after this season.

“Her sister was our point guard for five years,” Ludlow coach Blake Clary said.

“We’ve asked Addy to take over primary ball-handling duties. We’ve asked her to take another step.”

Mission accomplished.

“We have goals,” she said. “We want to win games. We know we can win games.”

This assertion by Garrett has merit.

Ludlow had a 14-9 record through January.

The Panthers were 12-4 against 9th Region opponents. They were 4-1 against 34th District foes.

Ludlow is a small school playing much bigger schools. In the Panthers’ own district, they have to contend with Dixie Heights, which has an enrollment nearly twice that of Ludlow.

Against teams their own size, the Panthers were 4-1 as the February slate got underway. That was their record against fellow Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division III squads. The Panthers were looking for at least a share of the NKAC Division III regular season championship for the sixth straight season. Coming into this season, they were the two-time defending NKAC D-3 tournament champions hoping for further advancement in the postseason.

Helping them get there are Garrett and her teammates. After starting the season 2-4, the Panthers reeled off 11 wins in their next 14 games.

Panthers sophomore point guard Addy Garrett is stepping out from the shadow of her standout sister as she nears 100 career games in a Ludlow uniform. Photo provided | Addy Garrett

Ludlow’s regular rotation also includes Olivia King (9.5 points per game), Prestyn King, (5.7 ppg), Ava Hoffmeister (7.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Cheree Pence (6.3 ppg) and Lilly Dehnert (4.7 rpg).

The Panthers have seven seniors, some spirited role players and the next great Garrett.

As the calendar flipped to February, Garrett was up to 92 career games and 828 points, according to statistics kept by the KHSAA. She was on pace to reach 1,000 points sometime over her next 12 games.

At that point in the schedule, Ludlow had a chance to play 12 more games, requiring advancement out of the 34th District tournament and a win in the 9th Region tournament to get there.

Ludlow girls basketball coach Blake Clary is the son of longtime local coach Mark Clary and the grandson of Ludlow legend Benny Clary. Photo provided | Blake Clary

16 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

That sounds pretty good to coach Clary, a 2004 Ludlow graduate. The 37-year-old has yet to guide the Panthers to an appearance in the 9th Region tournament as a head coach. The last time they made it was

Ludlow basketball standout Addy Garrett drives to the basket for another score. She is averaging about 15 points per game for the Panthers and bearing down on 1,000 points in her career. Photo provided | Sarah Kay Sports

in 2022, when Clary was an assistant under current Ludlow boys basketball coach Aaron Stamm.

Back then, the Panthers had both Garrett sisters dismantling opponents. Addy Garrett has been playing with the Ludlow varsity since she was a seventh-grader. As her sister plies her craft at Berea, the remaining Garrett wants to take care of some unfinished business at Ludlow.

“The main goal is to be the No. 1 seed in the district,” she said.

District dominator Dixie Heights is in the way. But the Panthers continue to be the little team that can because coach Clary, Garrett and the girls continue to uphold the program’s ability to be successful despite every obstacle in their way.

“I like our ability to get past defenders with the dribble-drive,” said Clary, a third-generation coach. His father, Mark Clary, currently coaches the Summit View sev-

enth-grade boys basketball team in Independence. His grandfather, Benny Clary, is a legendary figure at Ludlow after running game clocks for 50 years at Panthers basketball games.

“I also think we can shoot from outside,” the coach said of his squad. “We’re doing a better job driving and kicking. Defensively, we’re getting better.”

Garrett is central to all aspects. But she is far from alone in carving the Panthers’ identity. They have a passel of players with a propensity to come up big when the team needs them.

Pence has scored a season-high 21 points in a game. Olivia King has scored 19 points twice. Garrett scored a season-high 32 against Lloyd.

“On any given night, we have two or three girls who can step into that scoring role,” Clary said. “There is a lot of comfort with the confidence I have in all our players.”

sports Newport boys, Holy Cross girls win All ‘A’ basketball state titles in 9th Region sweep

Ludlow Panthers clinch NKAC Division III basketball title for second year in row

sion I 200-yard freestyle in 2:01.74 and the 500-yard freestyle (5:17.59). The Bluebirds’ Sarah Jones won the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke.

The Ludlow boys basketball team has clinched the NKAC Division III title for the second year in a row.

For the Highlands boys, Charlie Herfel won the Division I 200-yard freestyle in 1:52.26 and the 500 freestyle (4:59.53). Luke Deegan won the Division I 200-yard individual medley and 100 backstroke. Chanith Abeysinghe won the 50 freestyle and the 100 free. Griffin Barlow won the 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke.

The Panthers have a 9-1 conference record.

They are 19-1 over the last two seasons.

They are getting balanced scoring this season. Elijah Perrin leads the team with 17.9 points per game, followed by Spencer Brandenburg (17.8) and Ethan Powell (14.1).

Newport won the program’s first All “A” Classic state championship on Jan. 28 with a 69-62 overtime victory over Evangel Christian. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Highlands sweeps NKAC swimming, diving meets, taking girls, boys, combined

It was a 9th Region sweep for boys and girls in Corbin on Jan. 28 at the All “A” Classic state basketball tournament.

Holy Cross’ Miyah Wimzie, Aaliyah Hayes, Aniyah Carter and Julia Hunt were named to the All-Tournament team. Hunt took home MVP honors for the second straight year. The Indians cruised through their first three games, winning by an average margin of 32.3 points per game before rallying from seven down in the third quarter against Pikeville.

The Holy Cross girls basketball team won its second straight All “A” state championship on Jan. 28. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Those are the only three players with 2,000 points in an NKU men’s uniform. NKU’s next three games are at home: Feb. 4 vs.

Wright State, Feb. 8 vs. Oakland and Feb. 10 vs. Detroit.

Warrick leads the Norse and ranks third in the Horizon League with 19 points per game.

Scott names longtime coach, educator Franklin to head football program

Notre Dame Academy’s basketball standout Gibson signs NIL deal with Pliable

The Newport boys and Holy Cross girls claimed the small school state titles, doing so for the first time since 2015 for the 9th Region. Newport defeated Evangel Christian in overtime, 69-62, while the Holy Cross girls won their second straight title with a 56-55 triumph over Pikeville.

Newport’s Deshaun Jackson, Taylen Kinney, James Turner and Jabari Covington were named to the All-Tournament team, Jackson given MVP honors as his shot in the semifinals sent the Wildcats to the championship game when they knocked off No. 2 in the state Lyon County. The Wildcats defeated Sayre in the first round and Danville Christian in the second round.

Cooper’s Peytton Moore won the Division I girls 1-meter diving competition with a final score of 504.15. Scott’s Rylee Pernell won in Division II with 358.05. Ryle’s Landon Isler took the boys D-1 diving event with a score of 510.70. St. Henry’s Sam Baker (330.55) won the D-2 event.

to break the Norse record of 2,066 held by Drew McDonald.

Notre Dame Academy 6-foot-4 junior center Sophia Gibson has signed a name, image and likeness deal with Pliable, which will help her develop her personal brand as she bridges her prep and college careers.

Cooper diver Peytton Moore won the 2024 Division I NKAC 1-meter diving championship. Photo provided | Cooper Athletics

Highlands won the girls, boys and combined team titles of the two-day Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference swimming and diving meets at Scott High School on Jan. 27-28.

Highlands’ girls took first place with 452.5 points, just ahead of runner-up St Henry (451) and well ahead of third-place Villa Madonna (396) and Notre Dame Academy (375) in fourth.

Highlands’ boys won with 606 points, well ahead of runner-up Scott (451) and thirdplace Holy Cross (355) which, notably, finished ahead of city rival Covington Catholic (349). That gave the combined team crown to the Bluebirds, who amassed a whopping 1,058.5 points. Scott (783) finished second, followed by St. Henry (744) and Villa Madonna (731).

Individually, Highlands’ girls were led by 13-year-old Clare Herfel, who won the Divi-

Notre Dame’s leading scorer and rebounder Sophia Gibson (33) has an NIL deal. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Among those offering college basketball scholarships to Gibson include DePaul, Yale, Evansville and Lafayette.

Gibson leads Notre Dame with 13.8 points per game and 9.2 rebounds.

Scott High School has named Justin Franklin as its next football coach. Photo provided | Scott High School

Scott High School has tabbed Justin Franklin to be its next head coach of the football program.

Franklin has prior stops at Carroll County and Trimble County as a head coach and has been a coach and educator for over 20 years. Franklin recently served as the defensive coordinator at North Oldham High School, with other coaching stints at DuPont Manual and Danville High School.

Franklin replaces Steve Hensley, who filled in this season after Jake Owens resigned weeks before the season started. Scott finished 2-8 in 2023 and missed out on the playoffs in its new Class 5A, 6th District.

Warrick joins exclusive 2,000-point club for NKU basketball, 1 of only 3 ever Marques Warrick has joined the Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team’s exclusive 2,000-point club. With 2,007 career points, the senior guard has tied Craig Sanders for second on the NKU all-time scoring list and needs 60 points

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 17

18 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

frankfort

Meet state Rep. Mark Hart

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.

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ep. Mark Hart was first elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2016. Since then, he has been re-elected three times and has racked up several legislative wins related to emergency medical services. It’s a field that Hart — an experienced paramedic and firefighter — knows well.

The Falmouth Republican is both a captain with Pendleton County Emergency Medical Services and a founding member of Pendleton County Search and Rescue. Hart also worked as a paramedic and firefighter with the Lexington (Ky.) Fire Department, retiring as a lieutenant. That experience has worked its way into statute through legislation sponsored by Hart, including the following: • 2023 House Bill 157, creating the Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue Program under the state Division of Emergency Management.

• 2022 House Bill 372, involving administrative and budget reporting by fire districts and requiring yearly financial review of both fire districts and nonprofit fire departments.

Additionally, Hart is the House chair of the statutory Government Contract Review Committee responsible for legislative review of state agency memoranda of agreements and personal service contracts.

In addition to his current public service, Hart has past military service. According to his biography published by the Legislative Research Commission, Hart served in the Kentucky Army National Guard as an artilleryman, combat MP and medic from 1994 to 2003.

On Dec. 5, Hart filed for re-election to his 78th House District seat. He is running unopposed for the seat in the 2024 primary, per Kentucky Secretary of State candidate filings.

Rep. Mark Hart (R-Falmouth) represents the 78th House District, which includes all of Pendleton County and parts of Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. Hart co-chairs the Government Contract Review Committee. Additionally, he is a member of the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism and Energy; House Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee; House Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee; and House Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Hart also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection; Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Protection; and Economic Development and Workforce Investment, as well as numerous legislative caucuses.

Rep. Mark Hart (R-Falmouth) looks over a bill on the floor of the House. Photo provided | LRC Public Information

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024 19

HEATING UP THE ROMANCE: HOW HVAC SYSTEMS KEEP VALENTINE’S DAY COZY AND COMFORTABLE Valentine’s Day is the season of love, roses, and heart-shaped everything.

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While flowers may wilt, the gift of a well-maintained HVAC system keeps on giving. Treat your home to efficient heating and cooling, ensuring a comfortable environment long after the roses have faded. Schedule your routine

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