By Nathan Granger
TThree more Roebling Bridge protestors file lawsuits against Covington
hree more protestors who were arrested on the Roebling Bridge last year have filed lawsuits against the City of Covington and Covington police officers.
Logan Imber, Suzanne Bratt and Taylor Marshall are all alleging excessive force and the violation of their constitutional rights by Covington officers. Their suits now join that of Brandon Hill, who filed a similar lawsuit in federal court on July 15. Imber, Marshall and Bratt all filed their suits on July 17.
Marshall’s lawsuit is the only one filed in local court, specifically the Kenton County Circuit Court. His complaint names Covington Police Officer Ross Woodward, an unknown female officer and the city as defendants.
Marshall claims to have suffered a con-
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Burlington native returns to CrossFit Games
By Kenton Hornbeck
First Lt. Erik Thomas of the Kentucky Army National Guard attributes his resilience to his military service, which he believes has prepared him to compete in the 2026 CrossFit Games.
After finishing 13th in the Masters division of the CrossFit Games in 2025, Thomas, a native of Burlington, is running it back at the 2026 competition as he looks to outdo his finish from the year prior.
“You’ve got to be in a good mental headspace,” Thomas told LINK nky. “You’ve got to be able to fight through some things, so the military obviously builds resilient soldiers and builds people that are strong mentally and physically. Being able to bottle that training that I received then, and then just apply that to my CrossFit training was very beneficial.”
Thomas picked up CrossFit after his first deployment to Iraq in 2012, encouraged by a fellow soldier to try the sport. Although financial constraints temporarily kept him out of CrossFit after his return home, he rejoined the sport in 2014, working out at CrossFit Northern Kentucky in Florence.
Thomas qualified for his first regional competition in 2018. Given CrossFit’s competitive nature, Thomas said he understood how difficult it could be to qualify for the sport’s national competition. Instead, he set a long-term goal to compete in the CrossFit Games’ Masters division, which he qualified for upon turning 35 years old.
In 2020, Thomas relocated to Louisville and started training at CrossFit Covalence, where he has remained ever since.
Going into the competition, Thomas ad-
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Images of police and protestors on the Roebling Bridge in July 2025. Suzanne Bratt (right) is seen on the ground in a purple shirt. Images taken from body camera footage. Photo provided | U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky
Photo provided | Herculus Media, Erik Thomas
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cussion at the hands of Woodward, which led to “serious memory loss and aphasia,” which is a deterioration in speech ability. Notably, Marshall’s complaint alleges that “at no point did Plaintiff Marshall resist arrest,” but Woodward allegedly acted aggressively anyway.
“Video evidence shows that police, not the protesters, were rioting; they assaulted numerous protestors,” Marshall’s complaint reads.
Marshall is represented by Louisville-based lawyer Benjamin Potash.
Bratt is also suing Woodward, but in federal court, specifically the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky.
Bratt argues she suffered heavy bruising to her arms and back, as well as injuries to her knees and elbows after Woodward threw her onto the metal grating of the bridge.
“The day after the Incident, Suzanne’s physician documented swelling and tenderness in her right arm, right elbow, bilateral wrists, thoracic back and left knee ecchymosis and pinpoint tenderness over her ribs, consistent with the force described in this Complaint,” reads Bratt’s complaint. Bratt also argues that her experience led to a diagnosis of PTSD.
She’s represented by Cincinnati-based attorney Justin Whittaker.
Finally, Imber’s complaint names Covington police officers Mandie Appleman, Kenzy Hotaling and Zachary Stayton (who is also named in Hill’s lawsuit) and the city as defendants. She is also represented by Whittaker.
Imber’s complaint describes how she had “emphatically objected” to Stayton’s use of punches against Hill. Body cam footage corroborates this. Imber was tased multiple times before five officers pinned her to the ground. After this, the complaint alleges, Stayton punched her in the head once, grabbed her hair, pressed her face into the sidewalk and told her to “shut the
f*** up.” Stayton admits to delivering the punch in his use-of-force report “in an attempt to gain compliance.”
All of the recent lawsuits level Monell claims against Covington. Monell claims argue that allegedly unconstitutional behavior by a single officer reflects broader practices within an agency or jurisdiction as a whole, in this case the city, thereby making the entire agency responsible.
Fifteen people were arrested on the bridge last year. The arrests were preceded by a vigil in Cincinnati put on by interfaith group Ignite for Peace for former Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Chaplain Ayman Soliman, who at the time was being detained in Butler County Jail following the revocation of his asylum status. A portion of the vigil had split off from the main locale at The Banks in Cincinnati and attempted to walk across the bridge, where they encountered police.
Many of the protesters took plea deals in exchange for having their initial felony rioting charges dismissed, but Marshall and Imber were among the four who had the probable cause for rioting upheld. Marshall’s complaint states that he finally took a plea deal on July 16 to accept a lower charge of failure to disperse.
Court records indicate Imber also recently pleaded down to a misdemeanor charge. She was arraigned for her misdemeanor on July 15.
Bratt, on the other hand, was among those who had her rioting charges dropped, but she decided to take her misdemeanor charge of failure to disperse to trial. A jury found her guilty in February after a roughly six-hour trial.
“The events that occurred on the Roebling Bridge in July 2025 posed serious public safety concerns,” the city said in a written statement. “The City remains committed to ensuring Covington is a safe place for all residents and visitors. Because both the criminal case and the civil litigation remain pending, the City has no further comment at this time.”
SEEKING DRIVER
Driver to assist my parents with transportation twice in a week . Offering
Bruising on Suzanne Bratt’s back. Photo taken July 18, 2025. Photo provided | U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky
Covington Police Officer Zachary Stayton kneels on Logan Imber’s back on the Roebling Bridge, July 2025. Photo provided | U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky
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mitted that his preparation has been more challenging than last year’s, as he spent 28 days at a Joint Readiness Training Program in Fort Polk, Louisiana. While on base, Thomas said he had little opportunity to participate in structured workouts.
Normally, Thomas trains five days a week for two to three hours per session, in addition to mobility work, recovery and nutrition. Despite the disrupted schedule, Thomas remains grateful for the opportunity to compete on the national stage.
For the competition, Thomas will compete as part of the Army Warrior Fitness Team, a specialized group of active-duty, reserve and National Guard soldiers who represent the U.S. at high-level fitness events across the country. The team operates out of the Army’s Recruiting Command center in Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Outside of CrossFit, Thomas serves as a holistic health and fitness coordinator for Kentucky’s National Guard Soldiers, a position where he focuses on optimizing soldiers’ physical and mental readiness for battle.
“We’ve always talked about our biggest asset being the soldier, because we can’t fight and win wars without ready and lethal soldiers. But we’re just now starting to make that culture shift on like, ‘hey, if we want our soldiers to be able to perform better, we need to start treating them like high-level athletes.’”
For Thomas, CrossFit has provided a competitive outlet beyond military service, helping him stay sharp outside his career.
“I’ve always been super competitive, and I needed to find something after my first two years of college, playing basketball,” Thomas said. “I needed something after that. It was my competition itch.”
Although Thomas is now based in Louisville, he credits his support system in NKY for laying the foundation that has allowed him to flourish in the sport.
“My entire CrossFit journey started in Northern Kentucky,” he said. “I still have a whole lot of people that helped me along my journey for the five years that I was doing CrossFit in Northern Kentucky, and just providing that inspiration.”
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Erik Thomas competes during the 2025 CrossFit Games in Columbus, Ohio. Photo provided | Herculus Media, Erik Thomas
Photo provided | Herculus Media, Erik Thomas
How one Boone County farmer’s gift is helping shape the county’s conservation future
By Kenton Hornbeck
The late Earl and Hazel Jones were dedicated farmers and conservationists who left a visible and enduring impact on Boone County’s scenery.
Upon Earl’s death in 2014, he donated his sprawling Verona farm to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Boone County Conservation District. Jones wanted to ensure the farm would be used to preserve natural habitats and landscapes within the county.
Mark Jacobs, director of the conservation district, told LINK nky that Jones’ lifelong environmental stewardship reflected his organization’s core values.
“He had 155 acres out there, and he was a very good conservationist,” Jacobs said. “His property was beautiful; not overgrazed, not overworked and not eroding away. It was lush pastures and little patches of nice forest land. He did a great job. That was his passion for years and years.”
Today, the Jones legacy continues through the Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation, a different conservation-oriented property about 17 miles north of their farm.
In 2023, the conservation district purchased 92.5 acres of property off Gunpowder Creek in Burlington. The site was previously home to the ruins of the historic
Crisler-Gulley Mill — a gristmill constructed in 1817. Before the purchase, the property was colloquially known as the Sebree property.
Since acquiring the property, the conservation district has focused on transforming it into a living classroom for outdoor education and conservation. The Jones Center site hosts student internships, educational camps, workshops and public programs focused on local ecosystems. Conservation district interns have conducted bat monitoring, small-mammal studies and fish surveys in Gunpowder Creek, while its staff has mapped forest health and biodiversity across the property.
The property is biologically diverse, home to forests, meadows, streams, wetlands and pollinator-friendly flower fields, as well as several species of small mammals, including coyotes, otters, white-tailed deer, beavers and gray squirrels, among others.
Jacobs said the next step for the conservation district regarding the Jones Center is to build a central facility on the property to serve as the organization’s headquarters. The goal is for the new center to house the organization’s administrative staff and conservation equipment together under one roof.
In addition, Jacobs said the prospective building would provide the conservation district with more space to expand its programming for students and families.
“I think it gives us a lot more credibility when we’re actually doing this stuff and passing that on to homeowners and property owners that are trying to manage their property,” Jacobs said. “It also gives them an opportunity to come out and see some of the stuff we’re doing, like our the native meadow we planted and the other conservation practices that we’re implementing out there. It’s a good opportunity for that.”
Jacobs presented the organization’s headquarters proposal to the Boone County Fiscal Court on May 26, advocating that Boone County allocate $400,000 from its annual conservation fund to the project. The proj-
ect could also be potentially financed with the remaining $600,000 from the Earl Jones estate and $200,000 from the Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund.
During the meeting, Boone County Administrator Matthew Webster explained that the fiscal court established the fund years ago to support preservation and conservation initiatives in the county.
“The court directed staff to include in our annual budget a pot of money that would be available for three entities: the Boone Conservancy, the Boone County Conservation District or the county itself to sponsor or co-sponsor preservation and conservation activities,” Webster said.
Since that meeting, Jacobs said the organization has yet to receive a formal response. Despite this, he remains hopeful.
In many ways, the Jones Center property is symbolic of Boone County, as the county juggles balancing natural conservation with economic growth. The property sits on the edge of Boone County’s suburbia, safeguarding natural habitats from encroaching development.
“Boone County is very unique,” Jacobs said. “On the east side, it’s kind of flat. Then, as you go west, it dives down to the river level. It has very, very incised, steep stream valleys that go down to the river, which kind of holds off development because some areas are steep.”
The Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation. Photo provided | The Boone Conservancy via Facebook
By Haley Parnell
ONewport takes first step to preserve iconic Southgate-Thompson House
ne of Newport’s oldest and most recognizable landmarks is one step closer to becoming a historic designation.
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission unanimously took the first step in approving the local historic designation of the “Southgate-Thompson House” at a special meeting on July 15. Final approval will require two readings by the Newport Board of Commissioners at a later date.
The Southgate-Thompson House, sometimes referred to as the “Thompson House,” is located at 24 E. Third St. and is an iconic, over 200-year-old historic mansion that has most recently served as a live music venue.
The over 19,000-square-foot property was listed for sale in January for $1.5 million (now $1.19 million) but has yet to find its new owner. Newport Historic Preservation Officer Jennifer Williams said she contacted the real estate agent in May and informed them of the city’s intent to create the historic landmark designation.
“I think this is one of the most significant properties, if not the most significant, in the city of Newport,” said Newport Historic Preservation Commissioner Mark Ramler. “I mean, this has direct ties to the barracks that were here. The reason the city was founded. There’s no question in my mind that this building deserves to be preserved, and it is our responsibility to landmark this building.”
Williams said the historic landmark designation guidelines would apply to primary and secondary facades, roofs and architectural features visible from the public rightof-way.
During the commission’s vote, it had to determine the building’s name and the architecturally significant periods. It ultimately settled on Southgate-Thompson House as the name and deemed the period 1814 to 1914 significant architecturally and the pe-
riod 1814 to 2025 for cultural significance.
When the Southgate family first settled the area in the early 1800s, the property was occupied by a log cabin. Between 1814 and 1821, that cabin was replaced with a brick home (by Richard Southgate), likely built in the Federal architectural style, according to Williams.
Richard Southgate served as Kentucky’s commonwealth attorney, a state representative and a state senator. His family’s legacy can still be seen today in the city of Southgate and Southgate Street in Newport, both named in the family’s honor.
Williams said that the Southgate family is also relevant to the larger conversation about the history of enslavement and anti-slavery activity in the Ohio River Valley.
“Richard Southgate was himself an enslaver,” Williams said. “His daughter Anne married an anti-slavery activist, a proponent of the end of slavery, and their son Nathaniel Southgate Shaler became a prominent paleontologist and geologist who went on to work at Harvard and wrote about the evils of slavery and it being right that it ended, while also promoting scientific racism.”
The home remained in the Southgate family for generations.
Frances Mary Southgate Taliaferro Parker became the second owner in 1857, followed by Julia Maria Taliaferro Thompson in 1869. The house is also reportedly the birthplace of John Taliaferro Thompson, who was born there in 1860 and later invented the Thompson submachine gun, commonly known as the “Tommy gun.” The weapon would go on to gain worldwide military significance and become closely associated with Newport’s organized-crime era.
During the late 19th century, likely under the ownership of Julia Maria Taliaferro Thompson and later Fanny Maddox, the house underwent a dramatic transformation. Originally built in the Federal style, it was remodeled into the Second Empire style, adding the distinctive mansard roof, central tower, decorative window hoods and other architectural features that Williams said define the home today.
wooden front porch with the brick porch that remains today and used the building as its headquarters for more than six decades. From 1914 until about 1976, the house served as a community gathering place, hosting civic meetings, fundraisers, performances and events for organizations throughout Newport and the Greater Cincinnati region.
The Knights of Columbus sold the building around 1977, and Ross Raleigh purchased the property and opened the Southgate House music venue. Williams said that the venue became one of the region’s most influential live music destinations, welcoming local performers alongside nationally and internationally recognized acts for more than three decades.
Ross Raleigh’s daughter, Morrella Raleigh, owner of the music venue Southgate House Revival on Sixth Street in Newport, spoke at the meeting. She asked the commission to approve the landmark designation.
“All those years that my dad had it, it made its mark,” Raleigh said. “We had famous performers there, everyone from Kitty Wells and Johnny Paycheck to bands like the White Stripes, getting their start there, and it served very much as a nurturer and incubator of local music and of touring bands.”
Raleigh said the landmark is known nationally and internationally, and she believes it helped put Newport on the map as a positive cultural hub.
Around 2010, the property changed ownership again and reopened as the Thompson House, continuing to operate as a live music venue until approximately 2025.
Fanny Maddox eventually sold the property to the Knights of Columbus, which acquired the building in 1914.
The organization replaced the original
“This is really the most significant building in our city, and it is perhaps the oldest building,” said Newport Historic Preservation Commissioner Mary Beth Crocker. “Although this is not historically relevant, it’s the first historic building that you see coming across the bridge, and it’s iconic.”
NKY Chamber Annual Golf Outing NKY Chamber Annual Golf Outing
For those looking for more of a hip hop scene, the historic mansion dubbed the “Thompson House” in Newport is the place to be. Photo by Hailey Roden | LINK nky
Edgewood City Building suffers massive damage after pipe burst
By Nathan Granger
The Edgewood City Building suffered massive damage after a problem with the building’s fire suppression system led to pipes bursting.
Although the flooding was eventually curtailed, the building suffered damage to its computer infrastructure, ceilings, firefighter living quarters, an area near the council chambers and several administrative sections of the building.
Both Mayor John Link and City Administrator Brian Dehner expect the damage incurred to be easily in the six figures. The city plans to begin doing official assessments on the damage later this week.
“It’s like a war zone,” Link said. “It’s devastating.”
Dehner said the problems began around 6 a.m. July 14. He attributed the triggering of the burst to a pinhole leak, which is exactly what it sounds like, in the suppression system. Link attested that pinhole leaks had occurred in the building’s pipe infrastructure in the past.
The suppression system, Dehner said, is usually filled with air. But the leak triggered a drop in air pressure, which the system read as a fire. The system then began filling with water, but “the pressure of the water blew three other spots in the building,” Dehner said. “It blew holes in the pipe, and the water just started rushing out into the building.”
A firefighter just happened to be in the building when the leak began and wit-
nessed water gushing out of the ceiling. It took about half an hour to figure out how to shut off water to the building, by which time about two inches of water had gathered in the building’s administrative area.
“The ceiling tiles just completely collapsed,” Link said.
“It took out the phone system, the door lock system,” Dehner said. “The servers were flooded.”
The building’s server has an automatic system that backs up the city’s data every four hours, and Dehner said that the data stored in the damaged server has since been recovered. Older paper records in the building may have been damaged, but this still needs to be assessed.
The old server itself is likely too waterlogged to be repairable. The building’s fiber optic cables were also damaged. Dehner said crews will begin repairing those.
ServPro, a national specialty cleaning company, was called in to handle the cleanup. They brought in dryers and dehumidifiers to extract the water, but it will likely take two to three months to completely repair the damage, Dehner said.
Link informed other Kenton County mayors of the damage at the July 18 meeting of the Kenton County Mayors Group. He said the city will likely seek stainless steel pipes, instead of galvanized steel pipes, for any future work in the building. He encouraged the other mayors to consider spending a little more money on infrastructure if it
meant avoiding what happened in Edgewood.
“I would say go to the stronger pipes … and the non-corrosive standpoint of the stainless steel,” said Link.
The city has insurance through the Kentucky League of Cities and is actively submitting claims.
“My guess is they’ll stand by it and do everything they can for it,” Dehner said.
The building has reopened to the public, but repair work is ongoing. Residents can also still contact the city at (859)331-5910, but city staff members ask residents for patience as their technical capacities are limited due to the damage.
The damaged interior of the Edgewood City Building. Photo provided | Brian Dehner
A damaged administrative section of the Edgewood City Building. Photo provided | Brian Dehner
The damaged Edgewood server. Photo provided | Brian Dehner
kenton county briefs
BE NKY wants $6 million to help shape Northern Kentucky’s future
A new capital campaign is in the works at regional economic development company BE NKY Growth Partnership
This will be the first major campaign of what President and CEO Lee Crume is calling the “fifth generation” of economic development in the region, the most recent generation being BE NKY’s first Build + Elevate campaign, which was launched in 2022. The new campaign is similar but begins with the region’s contemporary economic conditions in mind.
“There’s not a Northern Kentuckian it would not affect,” said Steve Stevens, a consultant with Convergent and NKY native who BE NKY hired to plan the campaign.
Like the previous campaign, this new campaign will solicit money from investors with the hopes of funding overall economic growth in the region, rather than a monetary return on investment. You can see a list of the previous campaign’s investors at BE NKY’s website.
The campaign itself is still in the planning stages, but Stevens presented the broad strokes of the campaign and its goals to the BE NKY Board of Directors on July 14. BE NKY’s executive committee had also discussed the campaign at their meeting at the end of June.
Dubbed Build+Elevate 2032, the campaign will help raise funds to advance BE NKY’s goals of bringing more businesses to the region, bolstering the region’s workforce and increasing local capital investment.
The previous Build+Elevate campaign aimed to raise about $4.5 million, accord-
ing to BE NKY marketing materials, and incorporated the Northern Kentucky Port Authority as a real estate vehicle for the development company’s initiatives.
The new campaign aims to raise about $6 million, which is 25% higher than the previous campaign’s goal. Crume said this higher figure was intended to account for inflation.
Stevens has already begun meeting with people to gauge interest among local businesses and potential investors, although he emphasized he was not at the point where he was asking for money. The $6 million number may change, Stevens said, based on what his meetings turn up. He plans to present the results of his meetings to the executive committee on July 28.
What would count as a successful campaign, beyond raising the money itself? BE NKY plans to measure its return on investment in terms of jobs and payroll created, as well as growth in overall personal income.
“We will be showing a solid return on investment,” said Stevens. “We’re going to make sure that that’s part of our position [to investors].”
The company will present its return on investment goals to investors in August.
Although a campaign like this could raise millions, BE NKY’s most consistent funding comes not from donations or investors but from fees charged on motor vehicle rentals in the region. Kentucky law allows counties to use such fee collections for economic development by disbursing them to a nonprofit. Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties all have laws on the books to collect a 3% tax on gross rental fees for both conventional car rental companies and ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, plus similar commercial programs, and pay it to BE NKY.
The company’s June financials had not been fully reconciled by the July 14 meeting, but financials through May indicated that income from vehicle fees exceeded the company’s budget for last fiscal year by about $922,000.
“As of the end of May, we had no surprise expenses, and we’re still tracking under budget,” said BE BKY Administrative Project Manager Rachelle Creager, who presented the financials to the board.
In May, BE NKY reported to its board that it expected higher expenses this fiscal year, which began on July 1, and that it would likely need to draw on its reserves to close the gap.
Crume beseeched his directors — 15 of the 23-member board were in attendance on July 14 — to stay involved in the campaign as it progressed.
“We need your advice and counsel to make sure that those plans are the right plans,” Crume said to the board.
Area Development District seeks input on economic development plan
The Northern Kentucky Area Development District, sometimes shortened to NKADD, is seeking public input on its new 2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. To accomplish this, the district is inviting anyone who works or lives in its eight-county service area to fill out three different surveys.
The NKADD is one of several Kentucky area development districts established by law to serve as a funding vehicle to allocate state money to local governments, businesses, school districts and nonprofit organizations that provide public services. It funds programs related to senior services, workforce development, disability services, education and economic development. The NKADD serves programs in Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen and Pendleton counties.
The development district has developed three surveys, listed below, to gather public input for its new economic development strategy. Surveys take between 10 and 20 minutes to complete.
Primary Survey: A basic survey on the overall economic conditions and needs of the NKADD’s service area.
Priorities Survey: A survey that identifies what the priorities should be over the next five years.
Projects Survey: A survey that asks residents to identify specific economic development projects around the region that should be considered part of the strategy.
“Community participation is a critical part of the planning process,” reads a press release from the district.
Covington celebrates retirement of longtime economic development director
The Covington Board of Commissioners celebrated the official retirement order of longtime Economic Development Director Tom West on July 21.
West was joined by his colleagues and loved ones as elected officials and city staff members reflected on West’s impact in the city.
“There are so many things Tom has accomplished during his eight-plus years here with us,” said City Manager Sharmili Reddy, “and if we tried to list everything, we’d have to go over several meetings to do that.”
The sign for the Northern Kentucky Area Development District. File photo | LINK nky
Covington Economic Development Director Tom West (center) at a meeting on July 21, 2026. Also pictured (left): Covington Business Retention Manager Patrick Duffy. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky
OneNKY Center, which serves as BE NKY Growth Parntership’s central office. Photo provided | OneNKY Center
West moved to Covington in 1992. He formerly worked as the executive director of the Covington Business Council before joining the city as its economic development director in 2017. He has a master’s degree in community planning from UC.
“In many ways, this was my dream job,” West said. “This is a community that I fell in love with.”
West announced his retirement last fall. He’s been slowly transitioning out of his role at the city over the past few months. John Sadosky is currently the city’s acting economic development director.
West has overseen several key economic initiatives in the city, including the Central Riverfront Development. In his time at the city, his initiatives have brought more than $240 million in private investment to the city as well as 5,000 new jobs, according to a city press release.
Besides the Central Riverfront Development, West also oversaw the revision of the city’s zoning ordinance into its current Neighborhood Development Code, which is unique among Kenton County’s zoning ordinances in that it was developed mostly internally by the city itself, rather than being based off model ordinances from the county. He was also instrumental in bringing the first speculative industrial project to the city in decades.
“You’re truly a city ambassador,” Commissioner Tim Acri told West. “The direction that you set for this city is contagious.”
“You’re one of those people, whenever you talk about something, any type of project, you can feel how excited you are about it and how much you love what you’re doing,” said Commissioner James Toebbe.
“You’re leaving big shoes to fill,” said Commissioner Tim Downing. “And I think that you’ve done a big part in being the heart of many of the things that you’ve done here in the city.”
“People will be able to see the things that you’ve been doing for years and years to come,” said Mayor Ron Washington.
West will officially conclude his tenure with the city on Aug. 1.
World’s longest yard sale returns to Northern Kentucky
The world’s longest yard sale will return to Northern Kentucky in early August, drawing thousands of bargain hunters and vendors to the region.
Running from Thursday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 9, the annual event passes through Gallatin, Boone and Kenton coun-
ties before crossing into Ohio.
Now in its 40th consecutive year, the 127 Yard Sale spans approximately 690 miles across six states: Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The four-day event showcases dozens of vendors selling antiques and collectibles, furniture, clothing, handmade crafts and other vintage finds.
In NKY, the route goes north on U.S. Route 127 through Gallatin County and then merges onto U.S. Route 42 near Warsaw. From there, it continues into Boone County, passes through Florence and Erlanger, then enters Covington before crossing the Ohio River into Cincinnati over the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge.
The event’s website encourages shoppers to plan ahead, carry cash, wear comfortable shoes and expect heavy traffic along parts of the route.
Highway Ave., Altamont Road intersection improvements approved
The Covington Board of Commissioners approved funding July 21 for intersection improvements at Highway Avenue and Altamont Road.
Specifically, the board approved a bid of $267,505 from Eaton Asphalt to improve the pedestrian crosswalks and install curb bump-outs, which extend the footprint of the curbs out into the road, to calm traffic.
The Devou Good Foundation will contribute $67,505 toward the construction and have already covered the design and engineering costs. The remaining funding will come from federal Community Development Block Grant funding.
The city had created a program called Revitalization Includes People, Places, Lifestyles and Economic Investment, or RIPPLE, back in 2018 to create criteria for awarding the funds. The Devou Good Foundation, which manages Devou Park, applied for the funding, but the fact that Highway Avenue is a state road, plus the project’s necessary engineering, caused delays.
“This took a little while to propagate, and there was a lot of design and engineering that had to be done,” said Covington Community Development Manager Jeremy Wallace. “Then we had to do a couple rounds of bidding, and so it took a while from the time that we selected this RIPPLE project to now.”
The Public Works Department was unsure at the July 21 meeting how long the project would take to complete.
The intersection of Highway Avenue and Altamont Road. Photo provided | Google Maps
Photo provided | 127 Yard Sale
We gave you the 50 greatest sports icons from Northern Kentucky last summer. Since we had so much fun with that, we’re bringing you another list of the 50 greatest things this summer: The 50 greatest prep sports teams from NKY.
Over the course of 50 days, we’ll release one of the area’s 50 greatest prep sports teams. It began June 22 and runs into the first few days of August. This is not a ranking from No. 1 to 50, it’s just a collection of the 50 best sports teams ever assembled.
We’ll preface this by saying you may or may not agree with all 50 and that’s fine. Sports editor Evan Dennison assembled a panel of dedicated NKY sports fans to weigh in and give their takes on who should be on the list. We trust those people because of their history and knowledge of the game in NKY. We compiled numerous lists and identified the most certain candidates for inclusion.
50 greatest NKY prep sports teams in 50 days: Days 18-24
Some of the traits we sought in these teams were state championships (almost certainly a requirement), dominance and standout players and coaches. We may have cheated a little by lumping some dominant teams together that achieved numerous consecutive state titles, but that gives a few more teams an opportunity to be recognized.
I hope you enjoy this, as summer is the off-season for high school sports. This list serves as a way to remember the past a little and keep you entertained daily as it continues.
Another note, while we respect and give coverage to golf, tennis, track and field, wrestling, cross country, bowling and others, we consider those individual sports, so any of those teams will not make the list. Here we go!
Day 18: 2006 Ryle softball
The 2006 Ryle softball team established
COMMISSIONER’S SALE
CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-01158 DIVISION 2
THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY VS.
NOLAN RECHTIN, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/16/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 904 Columbia Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 30178/A3 & 30178/A4
PIDN: 999-99-00-716.00
a standard that NKY fast-pitch programs are still chasing today. Coached by Bill Matteoli, the Lady Raiders finished 38-6 and captured what remains the only fast-pitch softball state championship won by an NKY school.
After dropping two consecutive games early in the season, Ryle responded by winning their final 29 games. The Lady Raiders dominated local competition, posting a 12-0 record against 9th Region opponents and a 7-0 mark in the 33rd District while outscoring regional foes 80-7. Their pitch-
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00292 DIVISION 1
FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VS. EMILI WITT, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 10/3/2025 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:
229 3rd Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074
Group No: 30577/A1
PIDN: 999-99-09-478.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00580 DIVISION 2
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS.
TEDDY SINCLAIR JR., ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/26/2026
BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 6 Apple Blossom Lane, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001
Group No: 70299/A2
PIDN: 999-99-25-587.00
ing and defense were particularly overwhelming, producing 25 shutouts, including six during postseason play.
The championship run concluded with a 5-2 victory over Owensboro Catholic in the state final. It was the crowning achievement of a program that won four consecutive 9th Region championships from 200508 and reached the state championship game twice during that span.
At the center of everything was Kirsten Allen, widely regarded as the greatest player in NKY softball history and one of the best pitchers Kentucky has ever produced. Allen posted a microscopic 0.25 ERA in 2006 while recording 35 victories, 25 shutouts, 13 no-hitters and 478 strikeouts. According to KHSAA records, she still ranks among the state’s all-time leaders in wins, shutouts, strikeouts, no-hitters, and scoreless innings. Allen later pitched at Oklahoma and finished her collegiate career with a 19-9 record in 67 appearances.
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00852 DIVISION 2
NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC VS.
PHILLIP ROY AKA PHILLIP C. ROY, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 2/16/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:
79 Southview Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075
Group No: 41004/A1
PIDN: 999-99-16-647.00
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00055
DIVISION 1
BLUESTONE HOLDINGS, LLC VS.
JEFF KREBS, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 5/27/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 112 West 4th Street, Silver Grove, Kentucky 41085
Group No: 70368/A2
PIDN: 999-99-28-100.00
The Raiders were far more than a one-player team. Gretchen Lorenz, who later played at Northern Kentucky University, led the team in batting average, RBIs, and extra-base hits, while Elena Lampman went on to play at Liberty University, finishing her career at Western Washington.
Day 19: 1975 Ludlow football
When a restaurant opens nearly 50 years after a football season and is named in honor of that team — 1975 – Burgers Shakes and Fries, now closed — it’s a testament to a legacy that has never faded.
The 1975 Panthers finished 12-1 and captured the Kentucky Class A State Championship with a 7-6 victory over Heath at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. The title remains Ludlow’s only football state championship.
The Panthers dominated throughout the season, recording four shutouts, winning
CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00144 DIVISION 2
nine games by double-digit margins, and outscoring opponents by an average of 18 points per game. Along the way, they defeated larger schools, including Dixie Heights, 14-7, for the program’s first victory over the Colonels since 1965.
The offense revolved around All-State halfback and team captain Jim Lokesak, who rushed for 2,001 yards and led Kentucky with 179 points. In the championship game, Lokesak rushed for 119 yards, scored Ludlow’s only touchdown, and kicked the game-winning extra point. Quarterback Nick Scharf and offensive lineman Matt Jones joined Lokesak as team captains. Scharf and Jones were later inducted into the Ludlow High School Hall of Fame, while Jones also earned induction into the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame.
First-year head coach Randy Reese orchestrated the historic season. He’s the youngest coach to win a Kentucky football state championship and the only coach to capture a state title in his first season at a school. Reese was named Kentucky High School Coach of the Year in 1975 and later won two more state championships at Paris before being inducted into the KHSAA Dawahares Hall of Fame in 2023.
Ludlow’s title remains the school’s only football state championship and was its only team state championship in any sport for nearly a quarter-century.
KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VS. VIANEY EVELIN LECHUGA ORTEGA, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/3/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE
I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:
56 Woodland Hills Drive, Unit 4, Southgate, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 41642/C4
PIDN: 999-99-10-443.00
CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00460 DIVISION 2
ATHENE ANNUITY AND LIFE COMPANY VS.
MI REAL ESTATE LLC, AN INDIANA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/26/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 401 10th Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074
Group No: 41546/A2
PIDN: 999-99-08-909.00
Day 20: 1979 Notre Dame Academy volleyball
In 1979, the first year of the KHSAA state volleyball championship, a powerhouse was born.
Playing in the inaugural state tournament, the Notre Dame Pandas defeated Our Lady of Providence 2-1 (12-15, 15-12, 15-12) in the championship match at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington to claim the title. The victory was the first of what would eventually become 10 state championships for the Pandas, the second most all-time.
Notre Dame dominated the state tournament from start to finish. The Pandas posted a perfect 3-0 record in pool play, defeating Assumption, Ashland and Our Lady of Providence. They then overwhelmed Highlands in the semifinals before rallying from a first-set loss to defeat Our Lady of Providence for the championship.
The Pandas were led by head coach Joan Shadley Mazzaro-Epping, whose influence
CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00019 DIVISION 1
EVERETT LAKE HOLDINGS, LLC VS. BROCOL PROPERTIES, LLC, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/18/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE
I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:
327 West 11th Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 41454/A1
PIDN: 999-99-04-414.00
CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00292 DIVISION 2
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VS.
KATHRYN ANNE PIRMAN, AS EXECUTRIX TO THE ESTATE OF LESLIE CAROL BAXTER, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/26/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 10384 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001
Group No: 70240/D1
PIDN: 999-99-23-389.00
on Notre Dame athletics was extraordinary. She led the Pandas to five state championships, finishing as state runner-up twice, and capturing 12 regional titles. She also guided Notre Dame to two state golf championships while coaching five different sports during her 13 years at the school and serving as athletic director. A standout athlete at Mount St. Joseph, Mazzaro-Epping was later inducted into the Mount St. Joseph Hall of Fame, the Northern Kentucky Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, and the LaRosa’s High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Notre Dame’s championship run was fueled by standout players Jill Kohrs Leick, Paula Darpel Alberto, and Mary Jill Hugan, all of whom earned State All-Tournament honors. Kohrs later became one of the finest collegiate volleyball players in Miami (Ohio) history, helping the team win three Mid-American Conference championships, earning First Team All-MAC honors in 1982, and helping lead the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
Those three and the rest of the 1979 Pandas set a program standard for years to come. Day 21: 1977 Bellevue football
The 1977 Bellevue Tigers turned a season of redemption into the first football state championship in school history.
After falling 22-0 to Fort Campbell in the
Continues on page 12
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00979 DIVISION 2
KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VS. DARWIN SIMPSON, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/24/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 30 Woodland Hills Drive, Unit 1, Southgate, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 41642/E4
PIDN: 999-99-11-397.00
THE COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION IS MORE PARTICULARLY SET OUT IN THE JUDGMENT AND ORDER OF SALE ENTERED IN THIS CASE.
Subject to conditions, covenants, restrictions, right of ways and easements in existence, including but not limited to those in prior instruments of record; legal highways, and zoning ordinances.
SAID PROPERTY SHALL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO REAL ESTATE TAXES DUE AND OWING FOR THE YEAR OF SALE AND THEREAFTER PRIOR YEARS UNPAID TAXES SHALL BE PAID FROM THE PROCEEDS IF THE PURCHASER IS NOT THE PLAINTIFF. IF THE PURCHASER IS THE PLAINTIFF, PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID TAXES SHALL BE PAID BY THE PLAINTIFF, IN FULL OR PRO RATA, PROVIDED THE SALE PURCHASE PRICE EXCEEDS THE COURT COSTS.
THIS PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD TO PRODUCE THE SUMS OF MONEY SO ORDERED TO BE MADE IN THE JUDGMENT AND ORDER OF SALE ENTERED IN THE WITHIN CASE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COURT COSTS, AD VALOREM TAXES, IN THE SUM OF $4,271.16; AND OTHER LIENS, INTEREST, ATTORNEY FEES AND/OR OTHER SUMS AND JUDGMENTS THAT MAY BE AWARDED BY THE COURT. THE SALE SHALL BE MADE TO THE HIGHEST AND BEST BIDDER(S). ANY PURCHASER OTHER THAN PLAINTIFF WHO DOES NOT PAY CASH IN FULL SHALL PAY 10% CASH AND SHALL BE REQUIRED TO EXECUTE A BOND AT THE TIME OF SALE, WITH SURETY ACCEPTABLE TO THE MASTER COMMISSIONER AND PRE-APPROVED BY THE MASTER COMMISSIONER AT LEAST BY NOON, TWO (2) BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE SALE DATE, TO SECURE THE UNPAID BALANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, AND SAID BOND SHALL BEAR INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 12% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE OF SALE UNTIL PAID, AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME FORCE AND EFFECT AS A JUDGMENT AND SHALL REMAIN AND BE A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY UNTIL PAID THE BOND SURETY MUST BE PRESENT AT THE SALE AND EXECUTE SALE BOND AND THE AFFIDAVIT OF SURETY THE PURCHASER(S) SHALL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PAYING ALL THE BALANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE THIRTY (30) DAY PERIOD. THE DEPOSIT SHALL BE WAIVED IF PLAINTIFF IS THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER. THE MASTER COMMISSIONER SHALL SELL THE REAL ESTATE BY PUBLIC SALE ON A DAY AND TIME TO BE FIXED BY HIM, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR OF THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. BIDDERS MUST BE PREPARED TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS. THE COSTS OF THE SALE SHALL BE PAID WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS OF THE SALE.
JOSEPH F. GRIMME, MASTER COMMISSIONER 859-291-9075
1976 state finals, Bellevue returned the following season with a mission, finishing 13-1 and defeating Frankfort 21-0 for the Class A state championship at Eastern Kentucky University’s Hanger Field.
Bellevue was one of the state’s most dominant teams. Running the old-fashioned single-wing offense, the Tigers relied on a bruising rushing attack behind a physical offensive line. They averaged 27 points per game while allowing just six points per game, recorded six shutouts, won by an average of 23.1 points, and outscored playoff opponents 77-18. They also defeated larger-school opponents Covington Catholic and Campbell County, proving they could compete with anyone.
The championship game produced one of the most memorable plays in Kentucky high school football history. Senior Jack Hurtt, playing with a broken thumb protected by a specially designed fiberglass cast, returned a blocked Frankfort field goal 96 yards for the game’s first touchdown. Mike McGurn then rushed for 112 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns, while Jon Sutkamp added 53 rushing yards. Sutkamp later rushed for more than 4,000 career yards at Bellevue, including a thenNKY-record 2,033-yard senior season, before signing with Eastern Kentucky University.
Head coach Bill Baldridge built the Tigers into champions in just his second season. His Bellevue teams went 24-5 over two years, and he later enjoyed a distinguished college coaching career, serving as head coach at Morehead State while hiring future Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh and future Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith.
Bellevue’s breakthrough championship sparked a remarkable era, leading to another state title in 1979 and state runner-up finishes in 1980, 1981, and 1990.
Day 22: 2015 Holy Cross girls basketball
How often has a team won both the girls’ basketball All “A” State Championship and the KHSAA state championship?
No team has accomplished the feat since the 2015 Holy Cross Indians.
Holy Cross finished 33-3 and became the first 9th Region girls’ basketball program to win a KHSAA state championship. Since then, only Ryle in 2019 has also brought a girls’ state title back to the 9th Region.
The Indians were coached by Kes Murphy, the Courier Journal and USA TODAY Kentucky Coach of the Year. Murphy later coached Notre Dame to three 9th Region championship game appearances and is now the head coach at St. Henry. Built on a suffocating defense, Holy Cross allowed just 37.8 points per game during the season and only 35.5 in the state tournament while going 18-0 against 9th Region opponents and finishing on a 22-game winning streak.
Holy Cross’ postseason run featured several unforgettable moments. The Indians upset top-ranked Elizabethtown 41-40 in the state quarterfinals after tournament MVP Deja Turner scored the game-winning basket and Holy Cross held the high-powered Panthers to just 40 points. In the state championship game, the Indians defeated Allen County-Scottsville 35-32, a victory that remains one of the lowest-scoring girls’ state title games in KHSAA history.
Turner went on to play collegiately at Thomas More after originally signing with Wright State. Ally Mayhaus starred at Bellarmine, earning multiple Academic AllGLVC honors while becoming one of the program’s top rebounders and shot blockers. Dajah McClendon continued her career at Thomas More before returning to Holy Cross as an assistant coach. Alehia Tucker became an NFCA All-American at Mount St. Joseph and later returned to Holy Cross as an assistant coach. The championship roster also included key contributors Abby Hassert, Cessie Mayhaus, Courtney Turner, Morgan Gabbard, and Zyah Beal.
Perfection isn’t easy, but the 1970 Highlands Bluebirds made it look routine.
With future stars on the field and a legend on the sidelines, Highlands completed a 14-0 season and captured the Class 2A state championship, defeating Madisonville 30-13 at Stoll Field on the University of Kentucky campus. The victory was impressive against a Madisonville team led by future University of Kentucky All-American and Atlanta Falcons standout Sonny Collins.
Head coach Mike Murphy guided the Bluebirds to their second state championship in three seasons after winning the Class 2A title in 1968. During his seven-year tenure, Murphy compiled a 66-12-1 record, earned Coach of the Year honors in 1968 and 1970, and established Highlands as NKY’s premier football programs.
Highlands overwhelmed opponents throughout the season, winning by an average of 32.2 points per game. The Bluebirds recorded nine shutouts, won five games by at least 40 points, scored 40 or more points five times, and had only two games decided by single digits. Their postseason dominance included a 19-0 victory over Bryan Station in the quarterfinals and a 35-0 semifinal win over Hazard before finishing the season with a 30-13 victory over Madisonville in the state championship.
Co-captain Dave Freer led Kentucky in scoring with 206 points, including 26 touchdowns, 47 extra points, and a field goal. He capped his season by rushing for 195 yards and three touchdowns in the state championship game. Team captain Bill Roller anchored the defense, leading the Bluebirds in tackles while earning All-State honors. Richard Grover was a three-time All-State selection and senior All-Ameri-
THE WEEKLY COMIC by Andrew Buchanan
can, while future Highlands coaching legend Dale Mueller started at offensive guard and middle linebacker before leading the Bluebirds to 11 state championships as head coach. The championship team also featured future Highlands softball coach Milt Horner.
Day 24: 2013 Notre Dame Academy girls soccer
Defense wins championships, and the 2013 Notre Dame Pandas proved it to be true. Fueled by one of the stingiest defenses in the state and a high-powered offense, the Pandas captured the program’s third KHSAA girls soccer state championship, finishing 24-2-3 and defeating top-ranked Sacred Heart 2-0 in the title match at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
Coached by Sara Raaker-McSorley, Notre Dame capped one of the most dominant defensive seasons in state history. The Pandas led Kentucky by allowing just nine goals all season, an average of 0.3 goals per game, while recording 22 shutouts. They ended the year with 11 consecutive shutouts, including nine in the postseason, where they outscored opponents 38-0. Notre Dame overwhelmed 9th Region competition, outscoring opponents 67-6, and avenged their lone regional loss by defeating Highlands 3-0 in the 9th Region championship. Overall, the Pandas outscored opponents 99-9.
Mandy Arnzen led the attack with 22 goals and nine assists, finishing her career with 50 goals before continuing at Ohio University. Team captain Maddie Tierney paced the team with 16 assists, earned State Tournament All-Tournament Team honors, set school records for career and single-season assists and continued her career at Xavier University. Ellen Combs scored eight goals, including one in the state championship, while earning 9th Region Tournament MVP and State Tournament All-Tournament Team honors. Christin Sherrard added 14 goals, Taylor Watts contributed 13 before continuing her career at Belmont University, and Carissa Dyer scored nine goals before playing at the University of Southern Indiana. Goalkeepers Courtney Hansel and Maddy Kim combined to allow just nine goals all season, while Libby Greenwell, who later played at the University of Cincinnati, was named State Tournament MVP. As of 2023, Notre Dame’s 24 victories were tied for the fifth-most wins in a season in KHSAA history.
Miss Days 1-17? Check out the July 3 and 24 edition of the LINK Reader! We’ll bring all 50 to you over the next couple of weeks.
Day 23: 1970 Highlands football
NKY’s first free clinic celebrates grand opening in Newport
By Haley Parnell
Along-standing effort to make healthcare more accessible took a major step forward in early July with the grand opening of Northern Kentucky’s first free full-time health clinic.
The clinic is an extension of Faith Community Health Network’s free pharmacy. It is located in the same building as the pharmacy at 601 Washington Ave. in Newport, making it an easy one-stop shop for people to see a physician and pick up prescriptions in one trip.
Faith Community Health Network Executive Director Aaron Broomall said at the end of the day the work that the network does comes down to people.
“It’s speaking dignity back into the single mom who’s working two part-time jobs and doesn’t get health care,” Broomall said. “It’s dignity to the child whose dad just lost his job and they lost their health insurance. It’s dignity to our friends and neighbors that are working hard in small businesses who can’t afford to provide healthcare insurance. Its dignity to those businesses whose employees can be counted on to show up at work again because they’re getting their basic healthcare needs.”
The Faith Community Pharmacy was founded in 2002 by a few local pharmacists
in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky. Those founders saw people regularly coming into their pharmacy and either only buying the amount of medicine they could afford or not getting the medication they’d been prescribed due to cost. The pharmacy serves uninsured and underinsured patients, so you can have insurance and still receive service.
The clinic, however, will only serve uninsured people.
“The work that Faith Community Pharmacy and now the clinic is bringing to the city, it’s a real difference maker,” said Newport City Manager John Hayden. “If you look at the
DIVISION III
CASE NO.: 26-CI-00031
EVERETT LAKE HOLDINGS, LLC VERSUS}
KENNETH R. DELK, ET AL.
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered MAY 14, 2026 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 6 WILLOWOOD LANE, WALTON, KENTUCKY 41094
PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 078.00-03-024.00
AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $8,434.53
GROUP NO.: 1425
DIVISION ONE CASE NO.: 25-CI-01002
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VERSUS}
THOMAS CURTIS, ET AL.
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered OCTOBER 23, 2025 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 1104 AVON COURT, UNION, KENTUCKY 41091
PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 063.00-25-042.00
AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $387,900.14
GROUP NO.: 4565
numbers, it’s significant, like 60% reduction in ambulance calls, significant reduction in hospitalization because of the resources and the service that’s provided by this organization, and what a win for the community that they come in here and place a free clinic in one of our historic structures, and we’re just so excited to have them.”
Dr. Rob Tracy sits on Faith Community Health Network’s board and has been working with the network to open the clinic.
Tracy told LINK nky in March that many patients are going in and out of the health care system because of insurance loss.
COMMISIONER’S SALE
DIVISION ONE CASE NO.: 25-CI-01540
MORTGAGE RESEARCH CENTER, LLC D/B/A VETERANS UNITED HOME LOANS, A MISSOURI LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY VERSUS}
KARMA MALONE, ET AL.
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JANUARY 8, 2026 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 2524 WINNERS POST WAY, BURLINGTON, KENTUCKY 41005
PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 050-00-19-021.00
AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $429,937.18
GROUP NO.: 5501
“All too often, our clients would come and go from the pharmacy, not because they no longer needed our support of this vital lifeline, but because they couldn’t afford access to healthcare in a system they could not find a provider they could afford,” Tracy said.
The pharmacy serves 14 counties in NKY, and the clinic will do the same.
The Faith Community Health Network is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its income is based on donations, sponsorships and money raised through fundraising events.
The clinic is open Monday through Thursday and primarily operates through appointments.
DIVISION ONE
CASE NO.: 26-CI-00479
KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VERSUS}
JASON WAYNE MOERMOND
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered MAY 19, 2026 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 12344 PADGETT COURT, WALTON, KENTUCKY 41094
PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 077.00-11-202.00
AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $367,153.44
GROUP NO.: 4695
DIVISION ONE
CASE NO.: 25-CI-01745
KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VERSUS}
SHELIA STARKS
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered MAY 29, 2026 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 72 PARKSIDE DRIVE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042
PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 061.00-29-008.07
AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $4,745.00
GROUP NO.: 4052
The free clinic’s ribbon-cutting was held on July 15, 2026. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky
The free clinic in Newport. Photo by Ethan Bloomfield | LINK nky
Address: 503 Rosary Dr., Erlanger
Price: $245,000
Bedrooms: Three
Bathrooms: One
Square footage: 1,118
School district: Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District.
County: Kenton
Special features: This Erlanger home offers comfortable, single-level living in an established neighborhood with convenient access to shopping, dining and major highways. Features include a fenced backyard, detached garage, unfinished basement and functional layout, making it a great option for buyers seeking move-in-ready living with room to personalize.
Starter home in Erlanger
Kentucky now allows for Public Notices to be published digitally on LINK nky’s website. You can find public notices for the following organizations on our site at https://linkreader.column.us/search
NOTICE OF VACANT SOUTHGATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SEAT
The Southgate Board of Education is seeking applications for appointment to fill a vacancy on the Board representing the District at large. This appointment will be effective until the end of the term on December 31, 2026.
Responsibilities include: setting policy to govern the District; hiring/evaluating the Superintendent; and levying taxes and adopting the District budget. Board members must:
• Be at least 24 years old and a Kentucky citizen for the last three years;
• Be a registered voter in the particular District of the vacancy;
• Have completed the 12th grade or have a GED certificate;
• Meet all other legal qualifications (KRS 160.180); and
• Complete required annual in-service training.
Applications are available at Southgate Public School’s main office located at 6 William F. Blatt Ave., Southgate, KY 41071 or online at www.southgate.k12.ky.us. Applications are due for consideration by August 14. Mail applications to: Superintendent Greg Duty, ATTN: Board Vacancy, 6 William F. Blatt Ave., Southgate, KY 41071 or email directly to greg.duty@southgate.kyschools.us.
• AJ’s Towing & Recovery
• Boone County Clerk
• Campbell County Clerk’s Office
• Campbell County District Court
• Campbell County Fire District #1
• Campbell County Fiscal Court
• Campbell County Planning & Zoning
• Campbell County Public Library
• Campbell County Sheriffs Office
• City of Alexandria
• City of Bellevue
• City of Cold Spring
• City of Covington
• City of Cresent Springs
• City of Crestview Hills
• City of Dayton
• City of Edgewood
• City of Elsmere
• City of Erlanger
• City of Florence
• City of Fort Mitchell
• City of Fort Thomas
• City of Fort Wright
• City of Highland Heights
• City of Independence
• City of Lakeside Park
• City of Ludlow
• City of Newport
• City of Ryland Heights
• City of Silver Grove
• City of Southgate
• City of Union
• City of Villa Hills
• City Of Walton
• City of Wilder
• City of Woodlawn
• Covington Public Independent Schools
• Cresent Springs Board of Adjustment
• Family Dollar Store
• Fort Mitchell Board of Adjustment
• Fort Thomas Independent Schools
• Highland Heights Planning & Zoning
• Joseph F Grimme, Campbell County Master Commissioner
• Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL
• Kenton County Fiscal Court
• Kenton County Joint Board of Adjustment
• Larry Dillon, Boone County Master Commissioner
• Northern Kentucky Port Authority
• Northern Kentucky Water District
• Planning & Development Services of Kenton County
• The Baker Firm PLLC
• The Hidden Chapter Bookstore LLC
The exterior of this Erlanger home. Photos by Lena Keith | Pivot Realty Group
The kitchen inside this Kenton County home.
This home has a large back patio and a yard.
Edited by Margie E. Burke
The Weekly Crossword
Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 2 7 5
Answer to Previous Sudoku:
Trawler gear
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Investor's concern
1 of 13 in a deck
Daughter of
Asher app, slangily
Pre-med course:
Abbr.
Not as timeworn
"Dust of Snow" with "thou"
poet
Coop group commoner 43 Rigby and 5 Cambridge coll.
Start of a
City north of Roosevelt 6 So to speak Christmas poem Carson City 45 I hate: Latin 7 Big hit by The
native 46 Really enjoyed, Kinks
Short sock
once
49 Like James Bond 9 Get cozy
"CHiPs" star Erik 10 Funnyman one
Med, for
55 Continues O'Brien forward 11 Diluted espresso 58 Certain locks 12 Quite a few 59 Remini of "The 13 Rock concert pit King of Queens" 18 Stun gun 60 Bigger 22 Predicament
62 Suffix with exist 24 Steps up to the 63 Equine gaits mark
64 Lead-in for boy 27 "____ Grows in or girl Brooklyn"
65 Atomic physicist 29 Sixth Jewish
66 Kind of guitar month
67 One of the 30 "All ___ are off!" Lennons 31 Details, briefly
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