LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 2, Issue 17B - March 29, 2024

KENTON

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 17 — MARCH 29, 2024

THE VOICE OF NKY

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Digging into history: Finding graves, honoring dead in Florence and beyond

By Robin Gee

P

riscilla Chambers and Robert Lett spent much of their childhoods in Richwood, near Walton.

Though their family later moved to the West Coast, the siblings have both been researching their family history for many years.

“I started doing my research when I was about 16,” Chambers said. “I just started asking questions of my mom, about her parents and grandparents. That’s how it started.… I’ve always been interested in history.”

city officials joined her for the dedication of a monument to more than 120 African American people buried there. Of those, 55 were formerly enslaved people who became free before they died.

The Boone County Public Library’s Borderlands Archive and History Center hosted the event and dedication ceremony. The memorial is a part of its ongoing project to support and expand the community’s understanding of local history, people and events across the county. Funding for the monument came from a grant by the 400 Years of African American History Commission.

Curiosity leads to discovery

Which is how Chambers learned about Myrtle Sleet, a baby girl born to Chambers’ great aunt and uncle, Alice and Estill Sleet, in 1924. Baby Myrtle died less than a year later and was buried at Florence Cemetery.

Chambers was able to participate in the dedication of the monument to honor those buried there on a windy day in November. Other community members and

The history center’s lead researcher, Hillary Delaney, was on hand at the ceremony.

She has been working to identify as many of the people buried there as possible, combing through records and speaking with family members and the local community.

Continues on page 3

From left, Joyce Morris, Dashai Thompson and Priscilla Chambers unveil a memorial marker at the Florence Cemetery honoring former slaves and Black veterans. File photo | LINK nky

Fire and finances: Unpacking debate over Covington overtime policy

By Nathan Granger

C

ovington Fire Chief Mark Pierce announced his retirement at the end of February.

It came just two days after the Feb. 20 meeting at which city commissioners publicly rebuked him for seemingly changing his mind about the city’s attempt to curtail fire department overtime spending in the face of ongoing budgetary strain.

The fire on Adams Avenue on Feb. 22. Photo provided | Covington Fire & EMS Department

The exchange at the commission meeting was preceded by a backlash from Professional Firefighters Local 38, Covington’s fire union, which argued that the proposed policy changes had the effect of reducing staff to the point they could not adequately operate department equipment and vehicles. The meeting culminated with the

commissioners’ reversing course on overtime policy and bringing the required minimum fire staffing levels back up to 28 from the 26 that had been proposed.

Although the policy question has been resolved, the issue of city’s budget remains.

At the same time, the union contends staffing levels in the fire department already are too low, even with the restored minimum staffing requirements.

What do the numbers actually say, and what are some other realities that characterize the situation?

‘That’s not sustainable’ The city’s most recent (unaudited) financial report listed the fire department as Continues on page 6

Officials plan for medical cannabis regulations p8 Streetscapes: New tastes found in Fort Thomas p14 Newport baseball back after year’s hiatus p16

Care For Your Body Inside and Out: Shedding light on Colorectal Cancer Janice F. Rafferty, MD

If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you’re not alone. It’s the third most common cancer among men and women in America—and it’s also highly treatable and preventable. We asked three colorectal cancer experts from The Christ Hospital Health Network to answer questions about prevention and treatment: Janice Rafferty, MD, colon & rectal surgeon, Irfan Firdaus, DO, medical oncologist, and Natalie Geier, MD, radiation oncologist.

1. Why is it essential to get a colorectal cancer screening?

Rafferty: Colorectal cancer, which develops in the colon or rectum, is often preceded by the growth of precancerous polyps that can become cancerous if left untreated. During screenings, we can identify and remove these polyps to help prevent cancer from developing. Not many cancers can be detected in a precancerous state like this, so that’s why screening is crucial.

Firdaus: The prognosis and treatment of colorectal cancer is driven by the stage of the disease, so when you find the cancer earlier, the treatment can be more curative.

Colorectal cancer historically grows slowly, so it takes several years for a polyp to become cancerous. Without screening, you can be unaware that a polyp is present as they are often asymptomatic. These undetected polyps can ultimately convert into colon cancer and this is why screening is so important.

2. Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

Firdaus: Everyone is at a potential risk. Seventy percent of colorectal cancers are sporadic, meaning the patient doesn’t have any risk factors, including symptoms.

The other 15% are genetic or related to chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Preventative screenings start at age 45, or earlier with a predisposing medical condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colon cancer. African Americans are also about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from their disease relative to other ethnic groups. Screening is critical in this population.

Rafferty: The incidence of colorectal cancer is also increasing in those under age 45, and the reason is not completely clear. Better access to colonoscopies and patients paying attention to their bowel habits could be a few reasons for the increase.

Anyone younger than 45 or older than 75 experiencing symptoms—such as bleeding, pelvic pressure, and chronic bloating or cramping—should contact their physician for a diagnostic colorectal screening.

3. If it’s so preventable, why are the incidents of cancer on the rise?

Firdaus: Sadly, avoidance is certainly a problem. Half of Americans ages 50-54 and one-third of all eligible adults are not up to date with their colonoscopy screenings. People may feel it’s not important or simply want to avoid the prep.

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Irfan Firdaus, DO

Natalie B. Geier, MD

Colorectal cancer is very preventable and curable when found early. When found in later stages it is much more difficult to treat and has a worse prognosis. It is very important to participate in screening programs.

Geier: When compared with a cancer diagnosis, having a colorectal screening is a minimal annoyance that can potentially save your life. Undetected colorectal cancer can advance, spread to other areas of the body, and become difficult to treat. It’s helpful when family members and friends encourage each other and even push each other to get screened. We owe it to ourselves, and to our family and friends, to make the time and get screened.

4. I’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and need a second opinion. What can I expect from the colorectal cancer team at The Christ Hospital Health Network?

Rafferty: With cancer, you want every advantage and treatment available from compassionate, colorectal cancer experts and care teams. As a collaborative member of the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, a preeminent U.S. cancer program, we have access to cutting-edge research, clinical trial opportunities, expert evaluations, and the most effective cancer therapies. Our network is also a pioneer in Precision Medicine’s evolution, which is the pharmacogenetic science that analyzes DNA data to develop tailored, optimal, and individualized cancer treatment plans for each patient. We are the only cancer program in the city with three clinical trials for patients with a certain mutation in their tumor, and this mutation is present in up to 40% of young patients. Therefore, young patients have every reason to seek a second opinion from the physicians and surgeons at The Christ Hospital.

Geier: Treating colorectal cancer is a team effort, and you are at the center of our team. As our patient, you are involved in every aspect of the treatment plan and decisions, and we make sure you understand everything that’s happening to you. We spend quality time with you and our cancer experts and care team do everything it takes to help you thrive and survive.

For the best in cancer care — or obtain a vital second opinion on treatment — visit thechristhospital.com/cancer to learn more or to schedule time with a top-ranked cancer specialist at The Christ Hospital Health Network: 513-585-2888 Resources: 1. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html 2. www.Fascrs.org American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons

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The Borderlands Archives contain hundreds of photos documenting local history. Here is the Colored Public School building near Idlewild, Kentucky. Photo provided | Borderlands Archive and History Center Continued from page 1

“I do a lot of study with the Underground Railroad, and as a result of that research, I started learning more about people who were enslaved here, individuals – who their family members were, where they lived,” she said. “And it dawned on me that was hugely helpful in terms of genealogy for descendants, because it’s so hard to get that information. So, I started saving that....

It grew into a much bigger countywide project to document people who had not been documented previously. So that was the beginning.”

For Halloween in the city, the library hosts cemetery walks and shares spooky stories in the graveyard. It was on one of those walks, in 2018, that Delaney said she first noticed something odd about the old cemetery.

“I noticed that some of the standing stones were actually facing away from the path instead of toward the path in the African American section,” Delaney said. “And that section, according to the plot map for the cemetery, is Section 1. It’s not exclusively African American burials there, but that is where the majority of the African Americans who are buried in Florence are.”

gether they are. Neighbors on the other side of the fence told her there were definitely graves on their properties as well, although time and weather have knocked down or eroded any markers.

Who is buried there?

At last count, Delaney had identified 127 people by name, including some who served in the Civil War and World War I. In addition to extensive records research, she’s been working with family members to help identify and connect ancestors and to help build the database.

Here are a few of the people whose stories are now documented: Fisher Aylor served his country in the Civil War. Born into enslavement in Boone County around 1820, he enlisted in the Union Army in 1864. He joined the 117th Infantry, Company G, of United States Colored Troops and served as a teamster during the war, driving wagon loads of sup-

plies and armaments.

The 117th was formed in Covington and took part in some major operations during the war, including the siege and fall of Petersburg and Richmond in Virginia. They participated in the pursuit of Robert E. Lee and were on guard duty at Lee’s surrender at the Appomattox Court House.

While in service, Aylor contracted what the army called “rheumatism,” due to the poor conditions and weather he had to endure.

After the truce, he was sent to Texas where he became ill and was hospitalized before being granted a medical discharge.

He returned to Boone County and settled in Florence with his wife, Hannah. In 1874, he purchased space in the cemetery. He later moved to Burlington and to Erlanger. He died at the Dayton soldiers home in 1907.

Hannah Aylor’s gravestone is marked in the cemetery, but Fisher Aylor’s plot is not marked.

Continues on page 4

She said she also noticed that the area, the oldest section in the graveyard, seemed devoid of grave markers. This sent her on a quest to find out how many graves there were in the section and, if possible, who was buried there. She spent the next years researching everything she could about the Florence Cemetery, including cemetery records, death certificates, family genealogies, newspaper obituaries and, finally, ground penetrating radar scans.

The radar revealed graves packed tightly together along the back fence, and Delaney postulates that it may have been a potter’s field at one point because of how close toMARCH 29, 2024 3

Continued from page 3

Edmon Bell also served with the 117th Infantry, United States Colored Troops, in Company F. While in service, he was promoted to corporal. He was born into slavery in Boone County in 1844 and died in 1874.

His wife, Martha (1846-1875), is also buried in Florence Cemetery. (There is likely a connection to the Aylor family; both families were enslaved by the same person.)

The Borderlands Archive and History Center is in the process of digitizing thousands of county records.

Photo by Robin Gee | LINK nky contributor

Orlando Carneal was born in 1844 and died in 1919. He, too, served with the 117th Infantry. Delaney is working with one of his descendants, Joyce Florence, to have a marker placed by the Veterans Administration. Carneal had been enslaved in Boone County, and some records give him the last name of his enslaver, Goodrich, including the army records. This may create a hurdle in getting the marker, but Delaney said she thinks the VA will go by the family’s preferred name so long as they can prove it’s the same man.

Florence said her great-grandfather Orlando and his brother Benjamin both served in the Civil War, and their names are on the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C. In addition to working on the local marker, she is also working with other residents of Elsmere to put together a history of the African American community there.

County maps are among the vast records collection housed at the Boone County Library. Photo by Robin Gee | LINK nky contributor

Interactive SEP_Print_VirtualHealth_Landwehr_LINK10.375x3.389V2.pdf story board in the Borderlands Archive and History Center.1The1/19/24 board changes to focus on 12:22 PM different stories in the collection. Photo by Robin Gee | LINK nky contributor

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Thomas Green, born in 1849, was the subject of a Kentucky Post article written in 1940 about the birth of twin mules on his farm in Erlanger. The article also talks about Green’s life and accomplishments and noted he was a grandfather of a teacher at the Erlanger-Elsmere Negro School. It also mentions he and his wife had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Thomas Green died in 1941. His wife, Fannie Delaney Green, is also buried in the cemetery. She was born in 1857 and died in 1952.

Rachel McNeal was born in about 1798 and was enslaved by the McNeal family. That family had two daughters, Polly and Mariah, who were both deaf. McNeal assisted them and stayed with them even after the war. In the 1870 census, she was living with and caring for the two sisters. Both women died within a few years of each other. They left about an acre of land and a house to Rachel and her family in 1879. At the time, her family included her son, Thomas Taylor, his wife, Ellen, and their children. All are buried in Florence Cemetery. Rachel McNeal died in 1889.

Thomas Thomas was born in Maryland in 1795. He was one of the trustees of the Colored Baptist Association and a founder of the First Baptist Church of Florence. His son served in the 117th but was killed in service in Virginia. He remained a leader in the community. He died in 1875.

Myrtle Sleet is the baby buried in Florence.

Chambers discovered her when researching her family.

‘A treasure for sure’ Chambers’ and Robert Lett’s father, Charles Lett, was an educator who taught at Wilkins Heights Elementary School in Elsmere and then became principal at the Grant-Lincoln High School in Covington. Chambers said she suspects her deep interest in history came in part from her father. He would open the newspaper after dinner and question his children about events of the day and the connections they might have to historical events.

In 1965, Charles Lett took a job as an administrator in Pasadena, California, and moved the family there. Chambers said she would question relatives whenever they came back to the area to visit. Now, she has moved back to Boone County and is doing deep research into her family and exploring the history of the African American community throughout Boone County.

Robert Lett still lives in California, but he has done his own share of family and historical research. On their mother’s side, the family goes back in the area to the time of slavery. Unlike many, they have more than stories passed down. The family has actual records, including the bill of sale of his great-great-grandfather Robert to his wife, Viney, in 1856. Viney had purchased her own freedom in 1847.

Robert Lett remembers seeing the document as a child.

“The slave certificate, bill of sale, has been in our family,” he said. “I remember growing up at family events, they would take it out, and they put it underneath a piece of glass. It was in the family as a type of heirloom. I call it a black folks’ heirloom, you know? We didn’t have many heirlooms, but that was a treasure for sure.”

Despite the distance and the years, both siblings said they feel a strong tie and pull to the area.

“The advantage that my sister and I have

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is we were raised right there,” Robert Lett said. “I was raised in Richwood, Kentucky.

My grandfather’s farm was in Richwood, Kentucky. The children of Robert Lavine Sleet, one of the children of James John Simon and Viney, remained right there in Boone County.

kids out in Boone County. My great-grandfather was one of the ones who helped build the church there in Florence. He also became an elder and deacon in that church.

His sons and nephews were deacons in the church. So it makes sense to me that one of Estill’s children is buried there.”

“My sister’s much more adept at research.

I probably tell the story better than she does, but she’s the one who has really gotten all the research documents at this point in time. She’s the one who uncovered the judge’s minute books that gave us our great-great-grandmother’s document showing how she was able to purchase herself out of slavery with one of her daughters.”

Chambers had this advice for those interested in exploring family history: • Start with immediate family and ask as many questions as you can.

• Keep your ears open. Anytime anyone says anything, jot it down.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and write as much down as you can.

• Go to the library.

• Be willing to help people, especially in your area. They may be able to help you, too.

Chambers’ research also led to the discovery of baby Myrtle in the Florence Cemetery. Most of their family, including the baby’s parents, Alice and Estill Sleet, are buried in Mary E. Smith Cemetery in Elsmere.

“My grandfather’s brother was Estill,” Robert Lett said. “He worked out in Boone County as a farm manager, and his wife was a housekeeper. They raised all their

“I’ve gotten information from people who were sitting right next to me at the library doing research,” Chambers said. “I’d ask them what family they are doing, and I’d find out I know that family. I have some information on that family.… You never know when something’s going to pop up. Ask the question. My dad used to say ‘no never hurt anybody,’” she said.

Hannah Aylor’s grave marker is broken. The grave of her husband, Fisher, is no longer marked, but he is nearby. Photo provided | Borderlands Archive and History Center

Although his headstone is no longer there, this photograph shows where Thomas Thomas’ marker once stood in the Florence Cemetery. Photo provided | Borderlands Archive and History Center

Lead Researcher Hillary Delaney at the Boone County Library Borderlands Archive and History Center in Burlington. Photo by Robin Gee | LINK nky contributor

The archive maintains records of African Americans living in Boone County. Stant Kirtley was a wellknown and respected community member known throughout the county for his farming skills. Photo provided | Borderlands Archive and History Center

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the largest expenditure in the city’s tax revenue-fueled general fund, at 35% of the fund’s overall budget.

The city argues that fire department overtime costs are especially draining. City Manager Kent Smith expressed this argument at the Feb. 13 commission meeting.

“Last year, fiscal ’23, the fire department paid $1.3 million in unscheduled overtime,” Smith said. “That’s on top of $2.3 million in scheduled overtime, and it exceeded the budget by more than $900,000. This year, we already spent $1.74 million in overtime, including $620,000 in unscheduled overtime. So halfway through this fiscal year, we’ve already exceeded the unscheduled budget for overtime by $220,000. That’s not sustainable.”

Covington’s 2024 fiscal year began July 1.

The city reiterated its position in an email to LINK nky this week.

“The Fire Department exceeded its budget for unscheduled overtime in Fiscal Year ’23 by $943,000 in salary alone (which amounts to nearly $1.5 million when you factor in other associated costs like pension and workers compensation). Its unscheduled overtime budget for fiscal year ’24 is $413,000, but only eight months into the fiscal year it has already almost doubled that figure, spending $734,000 in unscheduled overtime (salary alone). That is an unsustainable burden for taxpayers.”

Public records from Covington and similarly sized cities in Kentucky show that Covington’s firefighters receive higher gross compensation – base salaries, paid

time off and overtime before taxes – than other cities with similar populations.

The median gross pay for the whole firefighting staff, from the chief down to cadets, was $94,201.61 in 2023. The closest city in the Northern Kentucky region with a median approaching that is Florence at $85,764.25, and Florence’s Fire Department is considerably smaller than Covington’s.

Base salaries in 2023 for Covington firefighters ranged from about $56,000 to just over $100,000, depending on experience and rank, according to the department’s union contract. The median base salary for firefighters in the Tri-State area is $47,520, according to O*NET, a data initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and one of the main data sources for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the federal agency responsible for analyzing employment trends in the United States.

Ben Wasson, the president of Local 38, told LINK nky that the cities that serve as the main competitors to Covington in terms of recruiting and retention are Hamilton in Ohio, and Florence and Newport in Kentucky. He said run types and numbers, as well as the demographics of those cities, served as the best comparisons. This appears to be the case with Florence, as its run number and population approaches that of Covington’s.

Moreover, per the city’s statement, compensation figures don’t fully capture the city’s full cost per firefighter. Covington incurs expenses for pension contributions, health insurance, workers’ compensation and other legally mandated set-asides, which can drastically increase the amount

A Covington fire truck. Photo provided | Covington Fire/EMS Department

of money the city is responsible for. The firefighter who earned the highest gross pay in 2023 at $163,276.51, for instance, in fact cost the city $284,967.80, according to public records – about 43% higher than the gross pay alone.

There have been at least four retirements and one resignation since July, Schultz said.

More hiring

But, Schultz said, Local 38’s opinion was that “the only way you can combat that is with staffing and hiring.”

Wasson and Andrew Schultz, Local 38’s treasurer and secretary, agreed that the city was in a tight spot financially, but they argued that the reliance on overtime – and the cost it incurs – was due primarily to the force’s being short-staffed. As of the beginning of March, the force has 116 of 122 firefighting positions filled. Although public records showed the force was fully staffed in 2023, it did not show if and when firefighters retired or left the force, so it’s unclear if this was the case through the year.

“Overtime is a big number, so it kind of got a spotlight put on it by the city, understandably so,” Schultz said.

Schultz argued that the force had been understaffed for years. Thus, established firefighters have had to pick up the slack by clocking more unscheduled overtime hours.

“It has been multiple years, we have not been at 122,” Schultz said. “We have been at like 119 and below, with us currently at 116.

So, obviously with being six below our budgeted number, we have to supplement that with overtime.”

When asked why it was difficult to keep the department fully staffed, Wasson said several factors were at play. “Recruitment and retention has been getting harder and harder every year,” he said.

One reason for this is reforms to the state pension system, which has seen changes from a traditional, defined-benefit plan that guaranteed a certain payout upon retirement to a hybrid cash plan similar to a 401(k). This decline in retirement payouts has discouraged people from entering firefighting; a similar dynamic has played out in police recruiting.

In addition, benefits competition with

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neighboring areas is steep, Wasson said.

“Right now we have Indiana and Ohio that are staring us right in the face that have just better benefits,” he said.

Further, Wasson said, “There’s a high likelihood of cancer in our profession. We deal with the gamut of mental health stuff, PTSD being one of them. Wages and benefits of the private sector are better, and people want that better work-life balance, and they’re choosing that over the fire service.”

Wasson said that Local 38 has lost two retired firefighters over the last six years to occupational cancers.

“And I think generational priorities have changed,” Wasson continued. “People are just looking for a different type of environment and a different type of flexibility, and being stuck in one place for 25 years doesn’t really sound like what this new generation is interested in.”

Schultz also took issue with some of the city’s statements on the numbers. He granted that the overtime numbers were high, but, when taken as a whole, the fire department’s budget is close to what one would expect for this time of year.

“If you look at where the fire department budget as a whole was at the end of January, obviously that is seven months, so you’re hoping to have spent 58% of your budget at that point,” Schultz said. “Holistically, the budget for the fire department was at 63%. So, we’re within 5% of where our holistic budget is supposed to be.”

The city’s most recently released financial numbers, which provided unaudited fig-

ures for the first half of the fiscal year, from July 1 to Dec. 31, put the fire department’s budget at 56%.

Pierce declined to say whether the tension between the union and the city prompted his resignation, but he did say at the Feb. 20 commission meeting that he was confident the department could fill the empty fire positions.

The city agreed.

“Administrators continue to work with Fire Department leaders to try to fix the spending problem,” their email reads. “...

(W)ith 179 people taking the most recent fire exam, we’re confident they will have no problem filling those positions.”

Covington firefighters respond to a blaze in 2022. Photo provided | Covington Fire/EMS Department

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Kenton officials prepare for medical cannabis regulations

By Nathan Granger

K

enton County officials, including mayors, county leaders and administrators from Kenton County Planning and Development Services, discussed soon-to-be-implemented administrative regulations around medical cannabis on March 16 at the meeting of the Kenton County Mayors Group in Fort Wright.

“The time to make decisions in your city is quickly approaching,” said Jessica Fette, Erlanger mayor and chair of the group.

Sharmili Reddy, executive director of Kenton County Planning and Development Services, outlined the laws and regulations that will govern medical cannabis facilities in the commonwealth to the attendees.

“This is a very heavily regulated business at all levels,” Reddy said.

The legalization of medical cannabis in Kentucky started on March 31, 2023, when Gov. Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 into law. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, enabled the regulation of medical marijuana statewide and established the

administration of such regulation under the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the newly-established Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. The state will be responsible for issuing certifications to businesses and professionals to grow, sell and prescribe cannabis, but cities are free to allow or prohibit the establishment of such businesses as they see fit.

Whatever they decide, cities must take action to regulate medical cannabis in their jurisdictions; they can’t simply leave it alone. One way they can establish this regulation is through zoning, which would dictate where, if anywhere, in a city someone could establish a facility. Cities can also pass resolutions that would put the issue up to a popular vote. Finally, residents can trigger a recall election of a city’s established regulations with enough signatures.

The law established five kinds of allowable facilities: • Cultivating centers where the cannabis would be grown.

• Processing facilities where the plants are refined for medical use.

• Hybrid facilities where both cultivation and processing would take place.

• Dispensaries and safety facilities, where products are tested to ensure they’re safe to use.

All facilities, including cultivation centers, must be housed indoors. As a result of that requirement, Reddy said the county would likely recommend the facilities be housed in industrial zones, rather than agricultural zones.

She added that, even though the Cabinet of Health and Family Services had established 10 administrative regulations in January to help guide jurisdictions in their planning, many things were still in flux. New regulations relating to the regulation of medical cannabis, such as House Bill 829, which proposes background check requirements and additional regulations around medical cannabis in schools, among other proposals, are still percolating in this year’s legislative session.

Sharmili Reddy speaks to the Kenton County Mayors Group on March 16. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

8 MARCH 29, 2024

Moreover, the public comment period for the administrative regulations is open un-

A dispensary worker weighs marijuana on a scale. Photo provided | Budding via Unsplash

til March 31, so Reddy said Kenton County Planning and Development had not yet released its memo laying out model zoning regulations.

Still, many at the meeting believed that everyone should be on the same page when it came to regulating medical cannabis facilities, whatever the decisions of individual jurisdictions.

To start, Reddy said that having established zoning amendment at the county level would make the process more efficient, as it would establish clear, predictable procedures for the Kenton County Planning Commission, which would be issuing zoning recommendations to the county’s 19 cities.

“Ideally, procedurally, for us what will be the most efficient … would be to take one text amendment, one massive text amendment to the planning commission, get a public hearing done, and then get it back to you all to make the decisions that you have to make,” Reddy said. “Otherwise, we’d be

looking at 20 different public hearings before the Planning Commission, and it just isn’t that efficient.”

Reddy said that she and Planning and Development Services would make themselves available to help cities navigate the process. Moreover, Fette invited the meeting attendees to contact her so the different municipalities could better coordinate.

Finally, Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman pitched the idea of having a workshop after the close of the legislative session including the cities and Planning and Development so that everyone could better hash out their needs and expectations as the county furnishes model zoning.

Fette said Dr. Michael Reeser, a clinical psychologist who operates a private practice in Erlanger, would attend the mayors meeting on April 20 – ironically 4/20 – in Edgewood to discuss the science behind the medical uses of cannabis for members of the group.

kenton county briefs Drees tapped as build first residential block on IRS site redevelopment

president of Drees, said the company anticipated starting prices for the homes to be about $500,000.

8 NKY restaurants to take part in annual restaurant week

The proposed development would sit on Block B of the development site, one of the smaller land parcels, which runs east and west along Fourth Street between Russel and Washington streets. West said Drees anticipated the cost of the development to be about $7 million and that, if approved, it would likely begin construction later this year. The townhouses would be split into divisions of four, and construction is likely to take about 30 months.

Economic Development Director Tom West, along with other city staff members, recommended the proposed development agreement. The commission placed the proposal on the consent agenda for next week’s legislative meeting, meaning it will likely pass.

The townhouses would be a mixture of two and three-story buildings with masonry facades and interiors. Each unit would include its own private garage, which West argued would curtail on-street parking.

They would feature outdoor courtyards with iron fences, “a nod to the historic iron fences that we have here in Covington,” West said. In addition, they’ll have space for sidewalks and bike lanes in front.

A 36-year-old woman died after she was ejected from her vehicle during a crash on I-75 on March 15, the Erlanger Police Department said. Ashley Wyatt was pronounced dead at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, according to the Hamilton County coroner.

Police responded to northbound I-71/75 near the 184.8 mile marker just before 7:30 p.m. for a single-vehicle crash. Police said Wyatt was driving a 2002 Toyota 4Runner northbound when she lost control of her vehicle, which caused it to roll over.

A rendering of one of the Drees Homes townhouses proposed at the Covington Central Riverfront, the development slated for the former IRS building site. Rendering provided | Drees Homes

Covington City Commission announced at its March 19 meeting that Fort Mitchell-based Drees Homes will likely be the first residential developer for the Covington Central Riverfront, the former IRS building site.

Coroner IDs woman killed when ejected from vehicle in I-75 crash in Erlanger

The Green Line Kitchen and Cocktails. Photo provided | Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week

Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week is seven days of dining that let you be a culinary tourist in your own backyard. The annual event returns April 15-21, with participating restaurants offering $26, $36 and $46 three-course prix fixe menus. Restaurants will also offer an array of seasonal-inspired cocktails for the occasion.

The participating NKY restaurants are: • Taste of Belgium, Crestview Hills • The Green Line Kitchen and Cocktails, Fort Thomas • Opal Rooftop, Covington • Eighteen at The Radisson, Covington • Ripple Wine Bar, Covington • Rich’s Proper Food & Drink, Covington • Libby’s Southern Comfort, Covington • Agave & Rye, Covington Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week benefits Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, with $1 from every meal going directly to Children’s. Additionally, restaurant week organizers donate a matching $1 for the first 1,000 meals served.

In the last five years, this event has raised more than $100,000 to support Cincinnati Children’s. That money helps provide care for families whose insurance does not cover the cost of treatment, lays the groundwork for life-changing research and allows Children’s to expand its most in-demand programs.

Ben Taylor, Northern Kentucky division

Wyatt, the vehicle’s sole occupant, was ejected, police said. First responders attempted life-saving measures on the scene before transporting her to UC Medical Center.

The Kenton County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction team assisted with the crash investigation. Any witnesses to the crash are asked to call Kenton County Dispatch at 859-356-3191.

Crestview Hills launches new incentive program to draw small businesses

Crestview Hills Town Center. Photo provided | Crestview Hills Town Center

Crestview Hills has started a small business incentive program. The program will target “small medical and office uses to entice them to locate within Crestview Hills,” per the ordinance governing the program.

ing to Mayor Paul Meier.

The program consists of two parts: a loan fund and a rent subsidy program. Businesses can apply for both the low-interest loan and the rent subsidy, but cannot receive each more than once. There is a twoyear obligation to operate within Crestview Hills that is required of applicants, as well as a collateral requirement.

An Incentive Review Committee, composed of the mayor and two other council members, will review all applications.

BrightView marks milestone: more than 5K patients in recovery in Kentucky BrightView Health has reached a record number of patients recovering from substance use disorders – more than 5,000 in Kentucky alone.

Since opening its first Kentucky location in 2020, BrightView has expanded to offer its addiction treatment program to Kentuckians through 17 centers across the state.

BrightView Health’s NKY locations are in Covington and Erlanger.

BrightView said its patients have seen a material decrease in arrests and involvement with the justice system and reduced use of emergency medical services in the state.

BrightView’s medical, behavioral health, social services and laboratory staff have provided more than 156,000 hours of behavioral health and more than 73,000 hours of medical care to the states’ most vulnerable populations. The scope of services helps patients rebuild their lives as part of their recovery and achieve key goals like completing high school equivalency, finding employment, navigating the child and family services system, purchasing reliable transportation, and more.

BrightView plans to open additional centers in the Lexington and Louisville areas by the end of the year.

The ordinance was approved during March’s city council meeting and will take effect within the coming months, accord-

Encounter Applications are now open for this new, immersive leadership program that helps new and emerging professionals form deeper connections to our region.

Learn more at NKYChamber.com/EncounterNKY

MARCH 29, 2024 9

news from other places U.S. EPA moves to ban last form of asbestos in use WASHINGTON (AP) – The Environmental Protection Agency on March 18 announced a ban on chrysotile asbestos, the only form of asbestos still used in the United States.

health. “This historic ban is more than 30 years in the making,” he said. “EPA is finally slamming the door on a chemical so dangerous that it has been banned in over 50 countries.”

gram. The two sentences inserted by senators came up for discussion March 18 as House and Senate leaders met to hammer out a final version of the state’s next twoyear budget.

Senate inserts limits on funding for Ky.’s medical cannabis program

The Senate’s version states that no funds for the Office of Medical Cannabis would become available without peer reviewed, published research showing “conclusive evidence as to the efficacy of medical cannabis for the persistent reduction of symptoms of diseases and conditions.” Republican Sen. Chris McDaniel said the provision reflected the view of senators who want to ensure “we have research coming out that’s appropriate to fund” the medical cannabis office.

The carcinogenic substance is still used in products such as brake linings and gaskets and is used to manufacture chlorine bleach and sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, including some that is used for water purification.

The final rule marks a major expansion of EPA regulation under a landmark 2016 law that overhauled regulations governing tens of thousands of toxic chemicals in everyday products, from household cleaners to clothing and furniture. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers, and it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan called the final rule a major step to protect public

10 MARCH 29, 2024

State Sen. Chris McDaniel supported adding language to the main budget that would set conditions on unlocking funding to oversee the state’s medical cannabis program. Photo by Timothy D. Easley | AP

FRANKFORT (AP) – Language put in the main budget bill by the Kentucky Senate would set conditions to unlock funding to oversee the state’s medical cannabis pro-

McDaniel, who is chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, said the Senate language shouldn’t be seen as an obstacle for implementing the state’s medical marijuana program. “If the advocates for the program have the evidence that they claim to have, this won’t slow anything down.”

The Senate budget included – with the

strings attached – about $10.3 million in state general funds over two years, plus about $4.9 million in other funds, to support the office’s staffing and operations.

The House-passed version included the same funding but without the conditions proposed by the Senate.

Republican Rep. Jason Nemes, a leading supporter of legalizing medical cannabis in Kentucky, said afterward that he intended to make the case to keep the Senate language out of the final version of the spending plan.

1 dead, 1 injured when vehicle crashes off adventure park cliff STANTON (AP) – A man died and a woman was injured when they lost control of their utility task vehicle at an off-road adventure park in eastern Kentucky and it fell off an 80-foot cliff, officials said.

Powell County Search and Rescue said in a social media post that crews responded to a report March 16 of a vehicle crash at Hollerwood Off-Road Adventure Park. The wom-

an in the vehicle called 911 to report she was trapped and that the man had been ejected, the post said. Crews from several agencies as well as civilians began searching for the crash. When it was found, they were able to rescue the woman; the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The park in Stanton says it offers trails on over 2,500 acres of ridges and valleys.

Trump-backed hopefuls win Ohio GOP primaries, to face key Democrats

Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno speaks March 19 to supporters during his primary election watch party in Westlake, Ohio. Photo by David Dermer | AP

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Ohio voters in two high-profile Republican primary elections on March 19 chose candidates backed by former President Donald Trump. The results set up November contests that could determine Republicans’ chances of picking up critical seats in Washington.

Midwest and stay elevated for weeks.

UK-based consumer giant to cut 7,500 jobs, sell ice cream lines

tion that it anticipates will help it save $867 million over the next three years. Unilever’s sales rose 1.8% in 2023 after raising its prices 2.8% on average.

Man faces new charges in 2017 slayings of Ind. teen girls

LONDON (AP) — Unilever said March 19 that it will cut 7,500 jobs – just under 6% of its workforce – and spin off its ice cream business to reduce costs and boost profits. The British consumer goods company makes diverse products that include Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Dove soaps, Hellman’s mayonnaise, Axe fragrances, Cif household cleaners and Vaseline.

Unilever said its ice cream business, which includes Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum bars, has “distinct characteristics” from its other brands and would benefit from separate ownership to increase growth. It said the split is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Richard Allen, shown being escorted out of the Carroll County courthouse in 2022, will face additional charges as a result of a judge’s ruling. Photo

by Darron Cummings | AP

The company said it will invest in technology to find efficiencies and avoid duplica-

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A judge on March 18 approved two counts of murder while

committing or attempting to commit kidnapping to charges against Richard Allen.

Allen was arrested in October 2022 and charged with murder in the 2017 slayings of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-yearold Liberty German near their hometown of Delphi.

Special Judge Fran Gull rejected an additional bid by Nicholas McLeland, the Carroll County prosecutor, to add kidnapping charges. Gull, an Allen Superior Court judge, was brought in to oversee the case after a Carroll County judge recused himself.

A relative of one of the teenagers dropped the two off on Feb. 13, 2017, at a hiking trail near Delphi, about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis. They were reported missing that evening after they didn’t show up at a meeting place where they had arranged to be picked up. Their bodies were found the next day in a rugged, heavily wooded area near the trail.

PURSUANT TO KRS 424.290, “MATTERS REQUIRED TO BE PUBLISHED,” THE FOLLOWING RACES WILL APPEAR ON THE VOTING MACHINES AND PAPER BALLOTS IN THE PRECINCTS LISTED IN CAMPBELL COUNTY FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION, MAY 21, 2024.

In a bruising and expensive primary to face Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown this fall, voters chose Trump-backed Bernie Moreno over state Sen. Matt Dolan and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. Moreno, a former car dealer and blockchain entrepreneur, used his acceptance speech in Cleveland to shower praise on Trump, as well as to commend Dolan and LaRose on campaigns well run.

He called on the party to unify to defeat Brown. “We have an opportunity now to retire the old commie,” he told a cheering crowd. Brown is the lone Democrat holding a nonjudicial statewide office in Ohio.

ALL PRECINCTS

In northwest Ohio, state Rep. Derek Merrin prevailed over former state Rep. Craig Riedel a day after Trump endorsed him. Merrin will face longtime U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur in November’s general election.

Both Brown and Kaptur are considered among the year’s most vulnerable Democrats as a result of Ohio’s tack to the political right in recent years.

ALL PRECINCTS

Refinery whose shutdown spiked Midwest gas prices returns to full operation WHITING, Ind. (AP) – BP announced March 19 that its sprawling oil refinery along Lake Michigan some 15 miles southeast of Chicago has resumed normal operations after a Feb. 1 power outage prompted the energy giant to temporarily shut the complex down and evacuate workers.

The refinery is the largest in the U.S. Midwest and sixth-largest nationally, processing about 440,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making a variety of liquid fuels and asphalt. The outage and temporary shutdown caused gas prices to rise around the

BELLEVUE A, B, & C, COLD SPRING D, DAYTON A & B, FT THOMAS J, N, & S, HIGHLAND HTS B, C, & D, NEWPORT A, B, C, G, & H, SOUTHGATE A, C, & D, AND WILDER MARCH 29, 2024 11

calendar

March

Friday

Saturday 29

April

Sunday 30

Comedy @ Commonwealth: Cipha Sounds, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. With a knack for observational comedy, a background in improv and an arsenal of music industry anecdotes, Cipha Sounds’ sets are always unique. Admission, $20. Repeats Saturday.

Information: commonwealthsanctuary.com or email programming@ commonwealthsanctuary.com.

Monday

31

Tuesday 01

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

Wednesday 02

Boone County Fiscal Court meeting, 9-10 a.m., Fiscal Courtroom, Boone County Administration Building, 2950 Washington St., Burlington. Information: 859-334-3571.

Solar Eclipses, 6:307:30 p.m., Boone County Public Library, 1863 North Bend Road, Hebron. Plan for the solar eclipse with the Cincinnati Observatory and learn why these phenomena happen. Free.

Register at boone.libnet. info/event/8676452.

Information: 859-3422665.

Thursday 03

Campbell County Fiscal Court meeting, 9-10 a.m., Alexandria Courthouse, 8352 E Main St., Alexandria. Information: campbellcountyky. gov.

Southgate City Council meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Southgate City Building, 122 Electric Ave., Southgate. Information: southgateky.org/mayor-city-council.

04 Barks and Brews on the Levee, 4-6 p.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Take your furry best friends to the Levee the first Thursday of every month for the doggone happiest hour of all.

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

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

Be a part of the

CHANGES TAKING PLACE RIGHT NOW AT

•5.6-acre site under contract for multi-use retail center •8.3-acre site sold to Arlington Properties for a rental apartment development, with the first buildings ready in 2025 •9.72-acre site and 6.42-acre site off Olympic Boulevard have been cleared •109-acre site off Pacific Avenue has been cleared and will be graded this spring to create pad-ready sites •27-acre site off Dolwick Drive approved uses updated to include senior living or multi-family residential •Pacific Corporate Center, an 80,000 SF building, has been reaquired by Corporex and returned to a white box condition •2.3-acre site sold to Answers in Genesis in 2023, adding to the building and 36 acres sold to them in 2022

Changing Skylines. Changing Lives.

12 MARCH 29, 2024

Learn more at Corporex.com

real estate

1917 Latonia home with modern updates and classic charm Address: 2731 Rosina Ave., Covington Price: $307,300 Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: Two (plus one half-bath) Square feet: 1,450 School district: Covington Independent County: Kenton Special features: This restored 1917 home in Latonia is currently on the market for $307,300. The open-concept home features solid wood cabinets with granite countertops, stainless appliances, waterproof vinyl flooring with original trim and woodwork, plus a stamped patio and parking area in the rear.

This home has been updated with an open-concept floor plan. Photo provided | Matthew Lee with Your Town Realtors

An exterior view of this 1917 Latonia home. Photo provided | Matthew Lee with Your Town Realtors

This property offers a fenced in yard featuring a stamped patio.

Photo provided | Matthew Lee with Your Town Realtors

Top Sales of the Week Address

WHO

YOU’RE WITH

MATTERS

Kim Hermann Executive Sales Vice President HUFF REALTY 859.468.6429 KHermann@huff.com

8151 Kara Lane 1003 Bayswater Drive 5816 Granite Spring Drive 872 Sandstone Ridge 26 Thompson Avenue 9085 Braxton Drive 951 Wedgewood Drive 816 Kenridge Street 104 Hope Lane 518 Bristow Road 2562 Timberside Drive 89 Mayo Circle 15 Langview Drive 77 Moock Road 844 Yorkshire Drive 1609 Poplar Ridge Court 1627 Jefferson Avenue 546 Linden Street 111 E 30th Street 9975 Locust Pike

City

Recent NKY Home Sale Data

Price

Sale Date

Address

Hebron $575,000 Union $498,000 Cold Spring $489,000 Cold Spring $428,417 Fort Mitchell $416,000 Union $365,000 Independence $340,000 Villa Hills $316,200 Highland Heights $310,000 Independence $307,500 Hebron $289,900 Newport $289,000 Wilder $245,000 Wilder $243,000 Alexandria $242,500 Florence $240,000 Covington $219,000 Ludlow $209,900 Covington $164,000 Ryland Heights $105,000

3/15/24 3/18/24 3/13/24 3/15/24 3/15/24 3/18/24 3/20/24 3/14/24 3/14/24 3/20/24 3/15/24 3/13/24 3/14/24 3/14/24 3/19/24 3/18/24 3/15/24 3/18/24 3/15/24 3/15/24

2382 Bella Ridge 170 A 2211 Fedders Court 3872 Circollo Drive 3508 Reeves Drive 2500 Elyria Court 15-203 668 Meadow Wood Drive 2506 Crosshill Drive 924 Thornton Street 128 Grant Park Drive 3112 Lawrence Drive 447 Glenview Court 911 Fawnhill Drive 9 Sunnymede Drive 28 Thompson Avenue 26 Thompson Avenue 2561 Ivan Court 2562 Timberside Drive 739 Stevie’s Trail 12013 Blue Ash Lane 140 12950 Martin Road

City

Price

Sale Date

Covington $319,332 Covington $341,500 Covington $458,558 Covington $665,000 Crescent Springs $282,715 Crescent Springs $507,500 Crescent Springs $219,000 Dayton $190,000 Dayton $440,000 Edgewood $360,000 Edgewood $300,000 Edgewood $361,700 Fort Mitchell $555,000 Fort Mitchell $291,500 Fort Mitchell $416,000 Hebron $269,200 Hebron $289,900 Independence $360,000 Independence $359,900 Independence $341,837

3/8/24 3/11/24 3/14/24 3/15/24 2/29/24 3/1/24 3/14/24 3/1/24 3/14/24 3/1/24 2/23/24 3/8/24 2/19/24 3/7/24 3/15/24 3/18/24 3/15/24 2/27/24 2/29/24 2/28/24

MARCH 29, 2024 13

features

Streetscapes finds new favorites in Fort Thomas

By Maria Hehman

T

his week, Streetscapes explores some new establishments 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 of the former Cobblestone Cafe. Streetscapes visited Highland Square Cafe’s sister cafe, Washington Square Cafe in Burlington, a year ago, so we were eager to visit here.

Highland Square Cafe offers many of the lunchtime favorites guests find at Washington Square, but it narrows Washington Square’s menu down 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.

Highland Square’s space has plenty of seat-

Exterior of the Greenline Kitchen and Cocktails, with large outdoor seating complete with a fireplace and fire pits. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

ing and a large patio on warmer days. It’s a quick convenient stop for those on a lunch break or a place to connect with friends and family.

and tables for larger groups. They even have a designated kids area, ensuring no one in the family was forgotten in this design.

The Post Taps and Bottle Shop

The Greenline Kitchen and Cocktails

The Post joined Fort Thomas early last year, creating a family-friendly space where guests could still indulge in a variety of beers. Its space showcases the historic building, an old dairy barn, but updated with modern rustic touches.

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.

Its building and layout have an old-school industrial feel with modern touches.

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. They also have several brews from Greater Cincinnati breweries, including newly reintroduced Bubbles from Rhineghist, a rosé fruit ale.

The Post also has a variety of wines, seltzers and nonalcoholic beers.

The Post recently partnered with Covington’s The Gruff to start offering food. Many beloved dishes, from the famous pickle fries (tiny pickle spears the size of a french fry, absolutely genius and delicious) to their salads and sandwiches are great for pairing with a flight of beers.

Inside of The Post, a mix of modern and rustic pays homage to its historic home. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

14 MARCH 29, 2024

The Post has a variety of seating. One side offers velvet chairs and a chandelier for a lounge atmosphere, while the other side is decorated in mechanical parts with chairs

The massive front is stair-stepped, creating pockets of private seating for parties.

Lounge chairs sit around fire pits making this an ideal spot for groups looking to catch up over cocktails (a must visit come this summer!). It also has dining seating on the patio that resembles any other front porch in Fort Thomas. The interior has two main dining areas, one brighter and quieter, best for families, and the main dining with its bar is darker and more intimate.

The Greenline serves classic comfort food.

From savory options of lamb meatballs and croque madame to light bites like their cheese board or chop salad, its 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 food Greenline has 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.

What to Know If You Go Highland Square Cafe Location: 654 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas Hours: Monday through 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 through Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon-10 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 through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m.

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

MARCH 29, 2024 15

Wildcat revival: Newport baseball returns after one-season layoff

Former Newport coaches Ray Brown, left, and Grady Brown. Photo provided | Grady Brown

Newport eighth-grade catcher Ethan Koster. Photo provided | Newport Wildcats Baseball

By Ray Schaefer

“I was not getting my glove down low enough, and then I’d take a bad hop,” Paul said.

N

ewport’s baseball team opened its 2024 season March 18 with a 16-1, four-inning loss at Ludlow.

That’s OK, because it was the Wildcats’ first game since May 18, 2022 – a 678-day hiatus since the team’s 15-4 setback to Dayton in the 36th District tournament at Bellevue.

“I would think that the kids that wanted to play baseball, that never got to play baseball last year, that are on the team this year, are very appreciative,” former Newport coach Grady Brown said. “It makes me happy that they’re trying to revive the baseball program.”

First-year Wildcats coach Ian Plank – an outfielder, first baseman and pitcher for Newport from 2006-2010 – took the job last May. “Overall, just having baseball back at Newport, I think, is incredibly important for our student body and our community,” Plank said. “From the moment I got the job, I had

tons of alumni reaching out, wishing us the best of luck and offering their support.”

‘It really sucked’

A rich tradition

Senior pitcher Aiden Foley missed not having baseball. He hit .556 as a sophomore in 2022 (20 hits in 36 at-bats).

“Honestly, it really sucked,” Foley said. “I was really looking forward to junior season. The kids that did show up were really motivated, wanting to play. We just didn’t have enough students that wanted to play.”

Foley played knothole baseball two summers ago, but he mostly worked on a makeshift mound. He wasn’t completely confident there would be a 2024 season.

“I was hoping that we were going to have a team,” Foley said. “I was honestly thinking about transferring schools to play.”

Isaiah Paul is one of four seventh-graders on the roster. He attended the summer camp, where he relearned fielding skills.

Newport has won six regional titles (1940, 1941, 1955, 1957, 1960 and 1982), taken the state championship in ’40 and ’41 and captured 15 36th District trophies from 19742010.

Recent history, though, has been painful – an 86-314 record from 2005-2022 with no winning seasons; the closest Newport came was a 9-11 finish in 2009.

Grady Brown is the closest thing to a Newport baseball historian. He and his brother, the late Ray Brown, co-coached the Wildcats from 1974-2004 (Ray died in 2008); Grady continued on his own until 2010.

“When Ray and I took over that program, we took a good program and turned it into a great program,” he said. “We had some kids who could play, and we put a lot of time and effort into it.

“We did things in the summer before anybody else ever did it.”

The Browns worked at a local sporting goods store during the summers. They traded their wages for equipment – a pitching machine and a net were among the items.

Newport’s field is named after the Browns, and their numbers have been retired (Ray wore No. 28 and Grady wore 29.)

You can find Grady by the school building.

“The kids know I’m up there,” Grady said.

“I don’t bother them; I just sit there and watch.”

Another reason Plank took the job: He wanted to combat what he called Newport’s negative “incredibly unfair stigma about our kids and the character of our students there.”

“It’s just not true,” Plank said. “We have a lot of kids in there that are great kids; they work hard both on and off the field.”

WE START

WITH YOU.

Florence • Fort Mitchell • Crestview Hills • Union

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16 MARCH 29, 2024

Summer sessions The first thing Plank did was visit school every chance he could. He signed up as many students as he could regardless of experience. The next step was to conduct a two-day summer camp last August.

“That was my first goal – how to get the student body interested and excited about baseball,” Plank said.

About 23 kids of all ability levels attended.

“We had a handful of kids that had never played before but were interested,” Plank said. “With those kids we just took things a little bit slower, really broke down the fundamentals.”

Voluntary Sunday workouts began in October. Plank said five or six who attended the summer camp are on the varsity roster.

Plank doesn’t talk about wins and losses – he wants to win every game he’s scheduled.

His greater goal is getting the kids through the season – academically as well as improving on the field.

Pitcher Foley doesn’t care a lot about the record. “I’m just glad we have a team this year,” he said.

“Every team’s going to have a rebuild phase at some point – whether it’s high school or pro.”

Newport prepares for its first game since 2022. Pictured are Aiden Foley (11), Ethan Koster (33), Jaden Conley (8), Donovan Craig (32) and Omar Beasley (44).

Photo provided | Newport Wildcats Baseball

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

You can find public notices for the following organizations on our site at https://linkreader.column.us/search

LEGAL NOTICE The Highland Heights Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing to review and discuss the 2024 Statement of Goals and Objectives for the Highland Heights Comprehensive Plan, and consider their amendment and adoption. In accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 100.197 the elements of the comprehensive plan shall be reviewed by the planning commission at least once every five (5) years and amended if necessary. The first step in this process under KRS 100.193 is to publicly review, amend if needed, and adopt the Goals and Objectives. The adopted Goals and Objectives will serve as a guide for the preparation or amendment of the remaining elements of the 2024 Highland Heights Comprehensive Plan. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in the city council chambers of the Highland Heights City Building located at 176 Johns Hill Rd., Highland Heights, KY. 41076.

The City of Highland Heights does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability, and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation, including auxiliary aids and services, to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs, and activities. Any persons requiring special needs assistance to attend and participate in this meeting should contact Jeanne Pettit at least five days prior to the meeting. The office number to reach Ms. Pettit is 859-441-8575. The TDD number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-648-6057.

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MARCH 29, 2024 17

sports Holmes grad Dicky Beal among 12 inductees into high school basketball HOF

Hawks in the 1984 NBA draft. Beal is now a manufacturing business representative who lives in Greater Cincinnati.

The hall of fame induction will be June 22 at the Historic State Theater in Elizabethtown. The other 11 inductees are: Coach Terry Buckles, Central Hardin (19852009), Coach Ernon Simpson, Bowling Green (1970-2001), Coach Newton Thomas, Horse Cave Colored School (1938-56), Scott Hundley, Scott County (2000), Carolyn Alexander, Hazard (1998), Tim Stephens, McCreary Central (1976), Cecil Tuttle, Hazel Green (1960), Dwane Casey, Union County (1975), Stan Key, Calloway County (1968), Kim Pehtke, Doss (1988) and Regina Ann Carroll, Russell (1979).

Ryle boys, Scott girls win 6th Region titles in archery, head to state Dicky Beal’s playing card at the University of Kentucky. Beal, a 1980 Holmes grad, will be inducted into the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame in June. File photo

The Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame announced its 2024 inductees on March 19, and former Holmes standout Dicky Beal is among them.

The 1980 Holmes graduate helped lead the Bulldogs to a state runner-up finish in 1978 and the state semifinals in 1980, compiling a 92-12 record in his four years in a Holmes uniform. Beal played point guard for the Bulldogs and was the 1980 9th Region player of the year, selected to the all-state tournament team and named first team allstate. He also was awarded the prestigious Sweet 16 Ted Sanford Award.

He went on to play at the University of Kentucky, where he played in 111 career games and tallied 301 assists, 133 of them in his senior year, when he was named the NCAA Mideast Regional Most Outstanding Player.

Beal thrilled Wildcat fans with his electric playing style. Beal and his 1984 teammates were honored in January at Kentucky’s game against Georgia.

After UK, Beal was drafted by the Atlanta

18 MARCH 29, 2024

Ryle’s boys archery team won the 6th Region archery tournament over the weekend at Boone County High School. Photo provided | Boone County athletics

Ryle High School’s boys archery team won a fifth straight regional championship at Boone County High School on March 16, while the Scott girls archery team took home the girls regional title.

The Ryle boys finished with a score of 1,995, second place Cooper coming in with a score of 1,927. Conner was the other lone school out of 12 to clear 1,900, finishing third with a 1,907.

The Scott girls finished with a score of 1,923, edging out Simon Kenton with a score of 1,919. The difference between first and fourth was 12 points: Ryle finished third

with a 1,912, Cooper fourth at 1,911.

Leading the way for the Ryle boys was Timmy DePue, winning the individual region title with a score of 292, collecting 22 tens.

DePue was one of nine Raiders to finish in the top 15. Jacob Klette finished fourth with a 288, Jack Albertson eighth with a 284, Jordan Evans ninth with a 283, Christian Wallace 10th with a 283, Kanishk Devarakonda 11th with a 283, Ethan Pauciulo 12th with a 282, Kennan Caudill 14th with a 282 and Thomas Evans 15th with a 281.

Rounding out the top 10 individually were Dixie Heights’ Lucas Powers in second with a 289, Highlands’ John Dougherty third (288), Cooper’s Kayson Stone fifth (286), Highlands’ Griffin Sanders sixth (286) and Conner’s William Ligon seventh (284).

After Ryle, Cooper and Conner in the boys’ team standings, Boone County (1,889) finished fourth, Beechwood (1,883) fifth, Scott (1,877) sixth, Dixie Heights (1,873) seventh, Highlands (1,869) eighth, Simon Kenton (1,862) ninth, Covington Latin (1,826) 10th, Covington Catholic (1,783) 11th and Holy Cross (1,680) 12th.

The individual region winner for the girls was Boone County’s Kaila Allphin with a 288. Finishing second was Conner’s Alexis Hunt with a 285 and third was Simon Kenton’s Emily Paul with a 283. Rounding out the top 10 were Scott’s Lexus Goff (283) and Highlands’ Reagan McPhedren (283) tied for fourth, Dixie Heights’ Adyson Rigney (282) sixth, Cooper’s Alyssa Holtman (282) seventh, Scott’s Nicole Alspach (282) eighth, Simon Kenton’s Emma Vicars (279) ninth and Dixie Heights’ Mallory Smith (278) 10th in a tie with Simon Kenton’s Nyla McIntosh (278).

After Scott, Simon Kenton, Ryle and Cooper in the girls’ team standings, Highlands (1,892) finished fifth, Conner (1,891) sixth, Dixie Heights (1,890) seventh, Beechwood (1,792) eighth, Boone County (1,754) ninth, Holy Cross (1,731) 10th and Holmes (1,516) 11th.

The top two teams advance to the KHSAA state tournament in April.

Veteran coach named to lead St. Henry girls basketball

Dan Trame, right, watches during the 9th Region quarterfinal game against Holy Cross on March 3.

St. Henry just promoted Trame to the head girls basketball coaching position. Photo provided | Mark Setters

St. Henry has named longtime coach Dan Trame as its new girls basketball coach.

Trame has been an assistant the last two seasons with the Crusaders under Todd Smart, who stepped down after the season to spend more time with his family. Trame accepted the offer shortly after, on March 13.

Trame has an extensive basketball coaching background. He served as a boys head coach for 18 years at St. Henry, Simon Kenton, Holy Cross and Walton-Verona, posting a record of 308-204 and leading Simon Kenton to a 9th Region championship in 1995.

After stepping down from the Walton-Verona boys job in 2013, Trame assisted Mark Clinkenbeard on the girls side at Walton-Verona before coming to St. Henry.

The Crusaders will be turning over a new leaf not just on the sidelines, but on the floor as well. St. Henry graduates six seniors from this season, including leading scorer Kayla Unkraut and returns just two rotational players in Josephine Powers and Jayne Knollman. There’s room for optimism, though, with a junior varsity team that finished 22-3.

Trame teaches mathematics and physical education at St. Henry.

St. Henry last won a 34th District championship in 2014 and the last All “A” 9th region crown came in 1996. The Crusaders’ last 9th Region Tournament win came in 2012, when they won four straight region quarterfinal games from 2009-12.

frankfort

Judge rules Massie’s candidacy valid, dismisses Deters’ lawsuit

By Rebecca Hanchett

22, claimed that Roberts did not live at the East Bend residence given as a witness to Massie’s candidacy filing, adding “Thereafter TJ moved elsewhere. It is unknown where he resided. It is unknown where (Roberts) resided on Dec. 18, 2023, but it is beyond doubt TJ Roberts did not live or reside at (the East Bend Road property in Burlington) on that date.”

A

Kentucky circuit court judge has ruled that U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie’s candidacy is valid, striking down a case brought against him by 4th Congressional District rival and former attorney Eric Deters.

Lewis Circuit Judge Brian McCloud dismissed Deters’ lawsuit against Massie on March 15, stating Massie’s candidacy filing with the state dated Dec. 18, 2023, “is valid and (Massie) shall remain a bona fide candidate.” The petition was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning it has been permanently dismissed by the court.

Deters said March 15 that he will appeal McCloud’s ruling, arguing that the judge did not rule on Deters’ right to take depositions in the case. He said he would file his appeal March 25.

“It’s my belief that they’re not allowed to issue affidavits and then I do not get to cross-examine them either at hearing or deposition,” Deters said in a Facebook post after the dismissal. “So I believe this decision is erroneous. And I have a right to appeal it, and I will.”

“If they had lost, they would have appealed, too,” Deters said.

In the lawsuit, Deters argued Massie’s candidacy for reelection is invalid because of residency questions surrounding one of two witnesses to the filing, TJ Roberts of Burlington, a political candidate for Kentucky’s 66th House District.

There are two legal requirements to serve as a witness to a political candidacy in Kentucky: being a member of the same

Deters claimed Roberts “falsified under oath his residential address as a residence that burned down and had open building permits prohibiting occupancy.”

In a text to LINK nky, Deters followed up his Facebook remarks on the case by reiterating his intention to appeal the case against Massie.

Former Kentucky gubernatorial candidate Eric Deters smiles at a comment before the start of the Kentucky gubernatorial GOP primary debate in Lexington on May 1, 2023. Photo by Timothy D. Easley | Associated Press

political party and residency in the same political district. Both Massie and Roberts are Republican. Roberts is also a resident of the district, Massie argued, although he temporarily relocated after a 2023 fire at his home.

In his ruling, McCloud quoted state law (KRS 116.025 2) that reads, “A voter shall not lose his or her residence by absence for temporary purposes merely, nor shall he or she obtain a residence by being in a county or precinct for temporary purposes without the intention of making that county or precinct his or her home.”

“It is clear from the evidence Mr. Roberts’ intention was to continue to reside at his permanent address (on) East Bend Road, Burlington (Boone County) Kentucky,” McCloud wrote.

Roberts responded to the ruling in a statement to LINK nky that read: “The baseless lawsuit filed by Eric Deters to disqualify Thomas Massie from the ballot has been dismissed. The lawsuit, initiated

by Mr. Deters and his associates, was a desperate attempt to manipulate the legal system and undermine the electoral process.

The tragic fire that destroyed my home in 2023 was a personal tragedy that my opponent and his allies have shamelessly attempted to exploit for political gain. It is disgraceful that they would stoop so low as to use my family’s suffering to interfere with Kentucky’s elections.… I am grateful for Judge Brian McCloud’s common-sense ruling and the outpouring of support we have received from our community.”

“I like my chances,” he told LINK. “As Americans have come to learn, every level of a case and appeal has to be played out.”

Massie’s campaign Thursday released polling results for his 2024 reelection race that show him leading Deters 70% to 12% among 300 polled voters in the 4th District.

The polling was conducted March 2-4 by D.C.-area UpONE Insights, a data polling and research firm that cites several federal Republican political candidates among its clients. According to a press release from UpONE, “even if Donald Trump were to endorse Deters, Massie’s lead would still be over 40 points.”

Deters said in his Facebook post on Friday that he is hopeful for a Trump endorsement this year.

“I know for a fact that, if Trump endorsed me, I would win,” he said.

Deters’ complaint against Massie, filed Feb.

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MARCH 29, 2024 19

WHILE SPRING BRINGS US WARMER WEATHER, BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS, AND SUNSHINE, IT ALSO COMES WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIES. If spring cleaning is on your to-do list, don’t forget about your HVAC system and indoor air quality (IAQ).

Here are some tips on how to prepare for spring and improve your IAQ:

• Help remove viruses, allergens, dust, and pollen from the air in your home with our indoor air quality solutions. A whole house air filtration system could be right for you! Visit our website to learn more.

• Check the temperature setting on your thermostat, then turn on your AC. Make sure cool air is coming from the vents once your unit is running.

• It’s recommended to schedule AC maintenance in the spring so any issues can be fixed before you’re desperate for relief from the summer heat.

• Be sure your system isn’t working harder than it needs to with a dirty air filter.

This will also help ensure the air circulating throughout your home is clean.

• Sign up for our Preventative Maintenance Plan and enjoy regularly scheduled maintenance on your home’s heating and cooling system. Proper maintenance is proven to increase equipment life span while improving system efficiency. Give us a call today to learn more.

• As the weather warms up, use the switch on your ceiling fan to change the direction of the blade rotation. You’ll want to create a downdraft for the spring and summer. And while you’re at it, wipe the dust off the blades.

• Replace batteries in your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.

We recommend replacing your batteries every six months. The seasons and time changes in spring and fall are great times to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

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