LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 3, Issue 1 - November 22, 2024

KENTON

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 — NOVEMBER 22, 2024

THE VOICE OF NKY

linknky.com

Fire departments battle to retain staff

By Haley Parnell

N

orthern Kentucky’s balkanized political landscape is forcing fire departments to compete for staffing.

Departments across the region are jockeying with each other, and with Cincinnati, to attract and retain staff – even as they see fewer recruits to choose from. In response, they’re offering better benefits and, in some cases, merging with other departments.

“The problem with the Northern Kentucky region is we’re running paid departments on a volunteer infrastructure that was built in the mid-1900s,” said Eric Seibel. He’s assistant chief of the Point Pleasant Fire Protection District. “Even when I started in the fire service back in 1989, there was only like three paid fire departments in Northern Kentucky, and now almost every single one of them is paid.”

Seibel said it was about 20 years ago when they all started rolling over into paid departments. Finding people wasn’t a problem because the departments just hired their volunteer pool.

Continues on page 3

Northern Kentucky fire departments are working to improve benefits and advancement opportunities to retain members as they compete for fewer recruits.

Photo by Albert Stoynov | Unsplash

Suit challenges bridge plan’s environmental impact

By Nathan Granger

T

he Brent Spence corridor project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country.

It is projected to include building a new bridge next to the existing double-decker bridge as the centerpiece of construction along a 7.8-mile stretch of I-75 and I-71 in Ohio and Kentucky. It is estimated to cost $3.6 billion and has a construction timeline that could extend into the 2030s.

Several weeks ago, environmental advocacy groups sued in federal court over concerns about how the project will affect both residents and the local environment.

The lawsuit is the first formal challenge to the corridor since the project was revived in 2022. The plaintiffs include the Devou

Good Foundation, Civic Cincinnati, Ride the Cov and Queen City Bike.

project was completed in 2012. It found no significant impact.

The suit alleges that the project has inadequately explored the potential environmental impact of the construction. The suit’s primary points of contention: how the project may affect the environment and how it may affect the safety and public health of predominantly minority communities around the bridge.

The project floundered for years due to lack of funding, but, following an injection of federal money in late 2022, project planners went about updating their initial assessment. The federal government approved a second finding of no significant impact in May after months of public input.

Projects whose assessments find no significant impact are not required to produce an environmental impact statement.

The suit demands that work on the project cease until the groups’ concerns are addressed Specifically, it calls for the project to engage in and produce an environmental impact statement. Large federal projects are required to assess their potential impacts on the local environment.

An initial environmental assessment of the

The text of complaint lays out the groups’ position.

“By refusing to acknowledge that the project will have significant impacts on the human environment, defendants have arContinues on page 4

English learner teacher hire OK’d p6 Little taste of everything at Buttermilk Crossing p12 NKY teams fall short in volleyball tournament p14

LINK Partners and have thrown their full support behind us. These NKY institutions are helping bring a voice back to our community.

We are grateful to all LINK’s Partners - those organizations in the community who believe strongly in what we are doing,

PLUMBING | DRAINS | HEATING | AIR

A FLUSH BEATS A FULL HOUSE

SHUTTLE | TRANSPORTATION | CHARTER

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

2 NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Continued from page 1

Now, Seibel said there aren’t so many recruits. In addition to fewer people wanting to go into firefighting, fire departments can’t hire just anyone off the street because there isn’t anywhere to send recruits to train.

PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meghan Goth SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison LINK nky Kenton Reader is published weekly by LINK Media LLC, 31 Innovation Alley, Covington, KY 41011.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Covington, KY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LINK nky Kenton Reader, 31 Innovation Alley, Covington, KY 41011.

ISSN 3064-7460 859-878-1669 | www.LINKnky.com

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

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

Seibel said places like Cincinnati have their own fire academies, and Kentucky’s law enforcement agencies can hire anyone without experience and send them to the police academy in Richmond. A few months later, they have a certified police officer to add to their forces. By contrast, he said, fire service programs at places like Gateway Community and Technical College require two years to complete.

In addition, in the wake of Kentucky pension reforms, Seibel said Ohio firefighters are both paid more and have a better pension, making working across the river more desirable. “It really is becoming, providing the best opportunity you can for your people to retain them, particularly when we’re competing with Ohio,” he said.

To create more opportunity for its staff, the Point Pleasant department (in Erlanger) is merging with the neighboring Hebron Fire Department. Through the merger, the departments will reduce administration, including the number of chiefs. (Point Pleasant’s chief is retiring, and Hebron’s chief, Adam Peddicord, will be chief of the merged department. Seibel will be assistant chief.)

The merger is expected to be complete early in 2025.

Love what we're doing? Want to support public-interest journalism in Northern Kentucky? Make a tax-deductible donation to support our work. Scan the QR code below, or mail a check payable to the Northern Kentucky Community Journalism Fund to 50 East Rivercenter Blvd. Suite 431, Covington, KY 41011.

No part of this publication may be used without permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions.

If, however, an error comes to your attention, please let us know and accept our sincere apologies in advance.

Seibel said the department needed more mid-level managers. That allows for more chances for career advancement, Peddicord said, which in turn creates a better working environment and becomes a built-in retention tool.

Adding Kelly Days Merging also allows the departments to combine resources. Peddicord told LINK nky that one of the benefits of Hebron’s merger with Point Pleasant was gaining Point Pleasant’s Kelly Day. A Kelly Day is a paid scheduled day off intended to reduce a firefighter’s hours worked in a particular work period.

The Kelly Day essentially gives the firefighters an extra 17 days off a year. It’s a designated day in their schedule that they would typically work but instead are off.

“The competitiveness with [the Kelly Day] has gotten to where several departments that never had it historically have started to offer the Kelly Day in an attempt to try to retain talented people,” Peddicord said.

“So those individuals are called Kelly Day relief, and they only work on Mondays and Thursdays, and that gives them their 48 hours,” Peddicord said. “So, everybody across the board only puts in 48 hours a week, with the exception of administration.”

Seibel said the department’s Kelly Day has improved morale, recruiting and retention.

“This job is really good at sucking you in, and, the next thing you know, everything in your life revolves around the job,” Seibel said. “The Kelly Day really helps people, especially with the newer generation. That’s more important to them, that they have that work-life balance because they get that scheduled, routine break every three weeks.”

Newport also implemented a Kelly Day as part of the new contract it negotiated in June with the Newport’s Firefighters Union.

Newport has hired 13 new people in 2024, and its full staff is 42 line firefighters plus the chief and assistant chief. Six positions were added as part of the new contract. The department still has two vacancies.

Newport Fire Chief Frank T. Peluso said the fire service is in a unique situation now.

Like Seibel, he said departments have gone from volunteer or part-volunteer staff to full-time, and departments are increasing the number of people they have on shift.

Lure of the big city “There is a lot of talk about a lack of people wanting to get into this line of work,” Peluso said. “I do not believe that is the whole problem and why it is so hard to get staffing and maintain staffing. I just think there’s

too many places to go.

“We have lost people to Campbell, Boone, Kenton departments,” Peluso said. “It’s benefit packages. The lack of combination volunteer departments, and the increase in staffing and the increase in full time, is in my opinion what is creating the shortage of well-trained firefighter-paramedics.”

Peluso said Newport is the only department in Campbell County with a Kelly Day. A constraint that fire departments can have in trying to be competitive is being obligated to work within their contract. For instance, Newport’s fire department benefits and pay are for the span of its contract (unless both sides want to reopen the contract and renegotiate). Other departments not held to that standard can change their benefits whenever they want.

Both Seibel and Peddicord said young people tend to want to work in departments with a larger call volume, and they are not able to compete with the number of runs in a larger city, like Cincinnati. Seibel said firefighters used to have to move to Hamilton County, but now they can still live in Northern Kentucky and work across the river.

Peddicord said Hebron was on the verge of losing a firefighter to Cincinnati.

“It’s just harder to compete with a bigger city,” Peddicord said. “When you have young guys that want to go and work in a big city and be busy, we’re not going to be able to compete with that. So, we have to try to be competitive in other ways, and benefit packages is one of the ways that we can do that.”

ONE VISIT PERMANENT Targeted fat removal from stubborn areas like: Stomach, chin, arms, thighs and more!

150+ Board-Certified Surgeons 25,000 5-Star Ratings

866-570-8879

Point Pleasant and Hebron are scheduling Kelly Days by giving people either a Monday or a Thursday off every three weeks, and they will have a 48-hour work week. So not only are the firefighters working fewer hours, but they also have routine time off.

As of Oct. 22, the Hebron Fire Department has hired 13 people since August to help accommodate Kelly Days in the schedule.

Peddicord said they will have 18 people working a shift with three shifts. Half of those staff members’ Kelly Days will be on Mondays, and the other half will be off on Thursdays. Peddicord said this requires them to hire nine people who can fill the shifts for those off those days.

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

GET

$500 OFF TODAY

BEFORE

Kristen B., Age 34 Sono Bello Ambassador Individual Results May Vary.

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 3

Continued from page 1

bitrarily and capriciously refused to prepare an EIS, which would require them to meaningfully consider reasonable alternatives, including ones that would include substantial investment in public transportation as part of the project, or to consider charging tolls on the Ohio River bridges, which would reduce the demand for the project’s dramatic increase in the number of travel lanes,” the suit alleges.

“Defendants also have failed to adequately consider or mitigate adverse effects on the predominantly non-white residents located near the highway in the project area, including effects on air quality, noise, health and mobility caused by the anticipated six years-long construction of the project,” the suit continues. “They have also failed to adequately consider or mitigate long term effects of expanding these highways, including greatly increased vehicle traffic; water quality and quantity impacts from increased emissions and from the additional acres of highway right of way and impermeable pavement; increased urban sprawl and associated segregation; and the unequal distribution of the benefits and burdens of these transportation system investments.”

Devou Good and the other transit organizations in the suit have been critical of the project from the start. The suit mirrors other Devou Good advocacy across the region, which usually involves calls for expanded public transit (including electric rail), more investment in bicycle infrastructure and an overall reduced reliance on automobiles.

The coalition had already filed a complaint with the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Civil Rights early in 2023, in which it argued that the project’s initial environmental assessment’s finding of no significant impact could potentially violate federal civil rights and environmental laws. The Federal Highway Administration agreed to begin an investigation in late May, shortly after the bridge project completed the supplemental review of the original environmental assessment. That determination essentially allowed the construction to move forward in earnest. The Federal Highway Administration investigation has yet to begin.

The Brent Spence Bridge, opened in 1963, operates well above its designed capacity. Provided | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

around increased pollution – both from construction and the operation of the new bridge once it’s up.

“By setting up extra capacity, we will be setting up the capacity for increased traffic volumes, and therefore increased sound, particulate matter, other air pollutants,” said Nolan Nicaise, a former Covington city commissioner who advises cities on zoning and environmental policy. “From an urban planning standpoint, we’re setting ourselves up for increased sprawl development.”

Nicaise is active in community advocacy around the environment, although he’s not a signatory to the lawsuit.

“Covington and the West End [in Cincinnati], according to the federal government, are already categorized as negatively impacted by highways,” said Amy TownsendSmall, professor of environmental science at the University of Cincinnati. She lives in Covington.

Townsend-Small cited data from the Biden administration’s Justice 40 initiative, which has “a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, More noise, dust, exhaust affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged SEP_Print_VirtualHealth_Landwehr_LINK10.375x3.389V2.pdf 1 1/19/24 12:22 PM The environmental concerns revolve communities that are marginalized by un-

“Is it possible to get medical advice in the middle of the night?”

- William, Taylor Mill, KY

“Definitely. We make sure your healthcare is always convenient.”

4 NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Karen Landwehr, APRN Virtual Health

derinvestment and overburdened by pollution.”

Townsend-Small is not directly involved with the lawsuit, but she expressed frustration that the same government that has flagged many local Ohio and Kentucky communities as disproportionately affected by pollution was also pushing for a massive highway expansion project. The government’s online climate and economic justice screening tool, for example, shows many areas in and around Covington as being particularly vulnerable to diesel particulate exposure.

The thinking goes that both the construction itself and the potential increased traffic could exacerbate pollution and other environmental concerns in the form of increased noise, dust and vehicle emissions, all of which can have negative health effects.

Neighborhoods lost The second concern is the effect the project may have on minority communities around the bridge.

For one thing, the nation’s highways have a fraught history with Black America as they have disproportionately – and often intentionally – broken up and displaced Black

communities in cities across the country.

For instance, the construction of I-75 and the subsequent urban renewal campaign eventually led to the displacement of about 27,000 people in Cincinnati’s West End and Kenyon-Barr neighborhoods, according to the late Cincinnati historian John W. Harshaw Sr., author of “Cincinnati’s West End: Through Our Eyes.” Almost all of them were Black.

To this day, the neighborhood’s population has not returned to the levels they were before the construction, and the highway has left the area carved up into smaller land parcels. Something similar, albeit on a smaller scale, occurred in Covington’s Lewisburg neighborhood around the same time.

“It was traumatic from the standpoint of the barbershop I used to go to was gone, the school yard where I used to play was gone, the two movie theaters, that was gone, the grocery stores I used to shop at was gone,” said Ron Sanders, who was among the people displaced from the West End during the I-75 construction. “Some of these people, the last time I saw them was 1958. I never saw them again.”

Sanders and others worry the new construction could lead to something similar.

Do you have questions?

Visit stelizabeth.com/AskUs

Additionally, the project released its own numbers predicting the number of homes and businesses that will be affected by the construction: four residential relocations and 24 commercial relocations. This is a reduction from the 40 residential locations the project predicted in 2012, but an increase from the 14 commercial relocations first predicted.

Risks and opportunities Other environmental experts LINK nky interviewed gave mixed appraisals of the project. Some shared Nicaise’s and Townsend-Small’s concern about pollution as well as a concern about potential increased run-off due to the addition of new impermeable surfaces, like new payment.

Others were less critical.

Chris Lorentz, a Thomas More University biology professor and director of Thomas More’s biology field station, studies mussel species that will be affected by the new construction. He sees the project as a trade-off.

Some of the mussel populations will need to be moved, and, although some of the animals will inevitably die in the move, Lorentz said, the project will provide the resources necessary to conduct more surveys of the river, which will provide more insight into the ecosystem. Survey data for the Ohio River, where the field station is located, is slim compared to other rivers of comparable size.

“I do believe that the benefits will certainly outweigh those impacts in terms of having the resources to survey,” Lorentz said in March.

The tension, as suggested by Lorentz’s statement, humming around the project comes from its inherent trade-offs: The environment will likely be affected, but the $3.6 billion project is also an opportunity.

This tension was on display at an event the transit coalition put on this summer around the coalition’s civil rights complaint. Although the group hoped to spread the word and garner support about their environmental concerns, many of the Black business owners in attendance were less concerned about that and more concerned about how local businesses could benefit – in the form of federal contracts – from the construction.

“Pollution impact is one thing from a civil rights perspective, but then there’s the impact of jobs and communities and all the money that’s going into the project that then leaves the community and goes out to California or all these other places,” said Gregory Parker, director of membership services for the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, at the event earlier this year. “So, that’s something I could really get behind. How do we maintain, and how do we investigate that the money that’s being spent is staying in this community?”

Parker’s perspective had not changed when he spoke with LINK nky for this story.

He was aware of the lawsuit as well as how highway projects in the past had broken up communities. Still, he said his goal was to ensure that local businesses were the ones benefiting from the project. It was important for him that such businesses were “really getting a good and fair shot” at contracts and other awards that would allow local communities to build wealth.

A project as large as this has a lot of moving parts, both literally and figuratively. Thus, even if project planners have taken measures to reduce its footprint, its scope will inevitably bring some disruption to people’s lives.

“You talk about eight lanes, that’s a lot of space to add it to what you already have,” Sanders said. “So people on the east side and the west side of this expressway are going to be impacted, period.”

When asked to comment on the lawsuit, project planners sent an email.

“A priority of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is to provide an inclusive process that enhances surrounding communities while delivering a project that will bring safer, less congested travel and job opportunities to the region,” the email reads. “We are aware of the filing against federal and state agencies. No further details can be shared at this time due to pending litigation.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation also told LINK it could not comment on pending litigation.

Photographs comparing the loss of housing in CIncinnati’s West End and Kenyon-Barr neighborhoods from the 1930s to 1960s as a result of the construction of I-75. Provided | Bridge Forward Coalition

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 5

Covington adds teacher to expand English language learning program

By Nathan Granger

A

s part of its plan to instruct the district’s burgeoning population of English language learners, Covington Independent Public Schools is bringing in a new English language teacher.

The district approved the new position at its Nov. 7 meeting. The new teacher will instruct students whose skill at English varies widely, from nearly fluent to no understanding at all.

The district’s head of the English language program, Dr. Susan Pastor-Richard, asked the board to approve the new position at the board’s meeting. Pastor-Richard pointed to the growing ELL population as requiring another teacher, and the board both unanimously approved the new position and discussed how to deal with the growing numbers long-term.

Covington Independent Public Schools central office. The number of English language learner students has increased significantly in the past five years. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Specifically, the position would augment English language instruction at Ninth District Elementary and Latonia Elementary, which currently share one ELL teacher that travels between the two schools. That one teacher is currently responsible for nearly 90 students.

asked board member Kareem Simpson.

“In this situation, yes,” Pastor-Richard said. “If I look at all the ratios of the other schools, we would probably need more.”

The ratio to which she refers is the number of students for whom a single teacher should be responsible – the higher the ratio, the more difficult it is for a teacher to provide effective instruction. Pastor-Richard looked at neighboring districts, including Cincinnati Public Schools, for a reference on ELL student-teacher ratios. Based on her analysis, the ideal ratio for newcomer students (students who speak no English at all) is 20 students to one teacher.

For higher-level students, the ratio is 30 to one.

“[The teacher] has been struggling to serve every single student,” Pastor-Richard told the board.

In the last five years, the ELL population at Ninth District alone has grown from 42 students to 68 students. District data shows that the number of ELL students across the district has grown to 775 from 736 at the end of January. That’s a 5.3% increase in just nine months.

“It’s amazing how fast it’s growing, that population,” said Superintendent Alvin Garrison.

Most of the board members agreed that the district needed to think critically about how to confront the phenomenon long term.

Simpson asked Garrison if the district had money for additional positions. Garrison did not speak to the specifics of the numbers but said that, if the board granted the

“Do you just need one additional teacher?”

200 OFF 40OFF %

to be coming back.”

The board then voted to grant Pastor-Richards request and allow the superintendent to fill additional positions as needed and as funds were available. It also voted to make staffing the English language program a priority in future budget discussions.

“What I would suggest is that you just take a really good look at just what you’re saying, and then we can budget it for next year,” Simpson said. “This is a problem I feel like we’re kind of behind the curve on.”

By the numbers

Board members Stephen Gastright and Hannah Edelen agreed. Gastright recommended bringing the matter before the district’s budget committee so they could be “proactive” in attracting qualified candidates. Simpson also encouraged Pastor-Richard to be upfront with the board about her department’s needs and not be afraid to ask for more teacher positions or other resources.

The number of English language learner students at Covington Independent Public Schools by building as of Nov. 7.

• Holmes High School: 187 • Holmes Middle School: 118 • Glenn O. Swing Elementary: 88 • John G. Carlisle Elementary: 112 • Latonia Elementary: 19 • Ninth District Elementary: 68 • Sixth District Elementary: 177 • Other programs: 6 • Total: 775

‘Behind the curve’

Once hired, the second teacher will also work with students at both schools. The teacher’s salary will come out of the district’s general fund.

Buy One, Get One

district power to seek out candidates, they would do so through a “conservative lens” relative to the district’s budget.

AND

$

Take an Extra

1

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE

1

Garrison then recommended the board approve Pastor-Richard’s request but also allow the district to be more active in seeking teachers and keep the board informed of the district’s needs.

Source: Covington Independent Public Schools

“We will keep coming back this year,” Garrison said. “I can promise you we’re going

AND

NO Money Down, NO Monthly Payments, NO Interest for 12 months

Minimum purchase of 4 – interest accrues from the date of purchase but is waived if paid in full within 12 months.

1

Call by January 31 to schedule your FREE consultation.

844-238-9927

DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 1/31/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 11/1/2024 and 1/31/2025. Additional $200 off your purchase, minimum purchase of 4, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 1/31/2025. 40% off windows and entry/ patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer’s loan agreement. Financing provided by various equal opportunity lenders. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. RBA13669

1

6 NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Support local agriculture this holiday season As the holidays approach, Kentuckians across the commonwealth prepare to celebrate with family, food and festive gatherings. It’s a time of togetherness and gratitude, and it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we can strengthen our communities.

One powerful way we can do this is by choosing to support local businesses and buying local agricultural products. This holiday season, I encourage all Kentuckians to support our local farmers and producers by incorporating Kentucky Proud products into your celebrations.

Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy, and our farmers work tirelessly year-round to provide us with fresh, nutritious and high-quality products. From poultry and pork to sweet potatoes and crisp greens, Kentucky’s farms offer a bounty of seasonal goods that can make your holiday meals special and more meaningful. When you purchase locally grown and raised products, you’re not only getting the freshest ingredients available, you’re helping to keep your hard-earned dollars in Kentucky, supporting our local economy and fostering a sustainable food system.

Local products aren’t limited to just what’s on your dinner table. It’s the season of giving gifts, after all. Kentucky is home to some of the finest artisans, offering everything from jams and jellies to handmade wreaths, candles, wool goods and more.

As you shop for gifts this holiday season, consider purchasing from Kentucky Proud crafters, retailers and holiday markets.

Many of our state’s small businesses are agriculture-based and depend on strong holiday sales to thrive.

This season brings an abundance of traditions and memories to be made. Enjoy the season with family and friends at a Kentucky Proud Buy Local restaurant that is committed to purchasing fresh ingredients from Kentucky farms. You may even consider giving a gift card to one of these locations to ensure you’re supporting our family farms and the chefs who know how to prepare a tasty meal.

Buying local also means supporting the next generation of farmers. Kentucky has a proud tradition of family farming, passed down through generations. By purchasing from local farmers, you’re helping to preserve this legacy and ensure that our agricultural industry continues to flourish.

Whether it’s through a community-supported agriculture program, at a local farm store, or through your neighborhood farmers market, your dollars make a difference in sustaining the rural economies that make our commonwealth unique.

I invite everyone to visit kyproud.com/holidays or stop by your local farmers market to discover the wide variety of Kentucky-grown and Kentucky-made products available. When you choose to buy local, you’re not just feeding your family, you’re feeding Kentucky’s economy, supporting your neighbors, and contributing to the health and well-being of our communities.

This holiday season, let’s come together

in support of Kentucky’s farmers and producers. By choosing local, we can ensure that our agricultural traditions thrive and that our Commonwealth continues to be a beacon of farm-fresh goodness for generations to come.

I wish you and your family a healthy, happy, and Kentucky Proud holiday season.

– Jonathan Shell Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner

Address homelessness with collaboration, not criminalization House Bill 5, recently passed by the Kentucky legislature, has sparked significant debate about how communities should address homelessness. For those of us working directly with vulnerable populations, it’s vital to emphasize that homelessness is a social and economic issue – not a criminal one.

While the bill may reinforce certain punitive measures, there’s a better way forward.

In Northern Kentucky, we’ve built a model that highlights collaboration over criminalization, and we believe this approach can be adopted by other communities nationwide.

At Welcome House, we’ve been fortunate to work closely with local police departments across Northern Kentucky. Instead of relying on arrests or citations to address homelessness, our Street Outreach teams collaborate with law enforcement to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness are connected to the services they need. When the police encounter someone without shelter, they don’t force them to move or issue tickets. Instead, they call us.

This partnership ensures that, when an encampment is scheduled to be cleared, our Street Outreach teams are present to provide support. We conduct what we call encampment resolution, a humane and systematic approach to ensure those living in encampments are connected to housing and other vital services. This prioritizes housing stability, mental health support and substance abuse treatment over punitive action, allowing individuals a chance to break the cycle of homelessness.

Nationally, evidence supports our local experience. Research from the National Homelessness Law Center shows that criminalization of homelessness is ineffective, costly and counterproductive. Cities that rely on punitive measures, such as banning sleeping in public spaces or issuing fines, only exacerbate the issue.

People experiencing homelessness often have nowhere to go, and criminal records only make it harder for them to find stable housing and employment. A 2019 study by the Western Regional Advocacy Project found that over 70% of homeless people surveyed had experienced harassment or displacement due to punitive laws, yet less than 5% were offered any meaningful services.

In contrast, cities that invest in collaborative solutions see better outcomes. Salt Lake City, for example, saw a significant reduction in chronic homelessness through its Housing First approach, which provides

permanent housing before addressing other needs. Similarly, Albuquerque’s There’s a Better Way program partners with nonprofits and the local government to offer employment and housing assistance, rather than punishment, to those experiencing homelessness. This model has proven to reduce interactions with law enforcement while improving housing stability and employment rates.

In Northern Kentucky, we’ve taken a similar path. Our partnership with law enforcement acknowledges the reality that homelessness is a complex social issue requiring comprehensive support rather than quick fixes.

As the housing crisis deepens across the country, more communities need to embrace this collaborative model. House Bill 5 may have introduced new challenges, but that doesn’t mean we have to criminalize homelessness. Instead, it’s an opportunity to double down on partnerships that prioritize dignity, care, and sustainable solutions.

We need more than just local efforts. To truly tackle homelessness, we need statewide and national change. Communities, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits and governments must come together to demand policy shifts that prioritize housing, support services and dignity over punishment. We can’t wait until homelessness becomes an even bigger crisis – we need to act now.

Here’s how you can help: • Advocate for policies that prioritize

WHEN YOU WANT

housing-first strategies and oppose the criminalization of homelessness.

Contact your local representatives and make your voice heard.

• Support nonprofits like Welcome House that are doing the frontline work of connecting individuals with housing, health care and employment opportunities.

• Encourage your local police departments and city leaders to collaborate with service providers instead of relying on punitive measures.

Our work is proof that, when communities come together, we can create solutions that benefit everyone. Homelessness is not a crime, and treating it as such will not solve the problem. Collaboration – among nonprofits, police and local governments – can be the key to breaking the cycle of homelessness and creating a stronger, more compassionate community.

Danielle (Daney) Amrine, CEO, Welcome House Inc. Covington

– MAKES A –

GREAT GIFT

THE BEST YOU WANT OMAHA STEAKS When you want to experience a steak that delivers rich, juicy, exquisite flavor and unparalleled quality in every bite, you don’t want just any steak.

You want Omaha Steaks.

Butcher’s Deluxe Package

THE BEST STEAKS OF YOUR LIFE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

4 Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.)

4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)

4 Boneless Pork Chops (5 oz.)

4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.)

4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)

1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)

8 FREE PureGround™ Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.)

77318EGN separately $221.94 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

$

9999

8 free BURGERS (a $37 value) Order Now!

OmahaSteaks.com/Deluxe9744 | 1.888.501.2461

Ask for your 8 FREE burgers with offer 77318EGN

Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. 8 free 6 oz. burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes SKU 77318.

Limit 2 on select items at these exclusive prices. While supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Standard shipping rates will be applied and are subject to change. Minimum purchase and other restrictions may apply. Some products may not be available for sale in your area. Sales are subject to OmahaSteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI. Expires 12/31/24. | 24M6729 | Omaha Steaks, LLC

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 7

kenton county briefs Re-elected council member in Elsmere has missed 70% of meetings in 2024

langer-Elsmere School Board. Her prior experience also includes work for the Kentucky Voting Rights Coalition and the Erlanger-Elsmere Historical Society.

While Owen has not cast a vote since at least June, she told LINK nky her goals this term include improving parks, roads and sidewalks, encouraging the city’s businesses and economic growth, and promoting education and public services.

Serena Owen’s empty seat in the Elsmere council chambers. Photo by Rae Hines | WCPO

An Elsmere city council member who was just re-elected has missed more than 70% of public meetings in 2024, according to publicly available attendance records analyzed by LINK’s media partner WCPO. Council member Serena Owen has missed 13 of 18 public meetings held this year through Nov. 12, including city council meetings and city caucus meetings. Per documents on the city of Elsmere website, the last public meeting Owen attended was a June 4 caucus meeting.

Over the past few months, WCPO has reached out to Owen multiple times for comment. She eventually responded to WCPO’s inquiries over the phone on Nov. 12 following a city council meeting she did not attend.

“There are several men who have been attacking me,” Owen said. “Attacking me on social media, defaming my character, spreading rumors and lies.”

Owen said at least one man made threats against her, but she couldn’t elaborate on the nature of the threats beyond claiming the man said, “Show up [to the meetings].”

She said the man legally carries a firearm with him at public meetings, which makes her feel uncomfortable.

When asked if she filed a report or complaint with Elsmere police, including the police chief, who attends city public meetings, regarding the matter, she said no. “I want everyone who serves and everyone who attends our meetings to be safe,” she said.

Owen previously served on the Er-

To provide context to the extent of Councilwoman Owen’s absences, WCPO analyzed the attendance rates of officials in surrounding Northern Kentucky cities through Oct. 9 of this year: • Newport Board of Commissioners: 98.6% average attendance rate.

• Covington Board of Commissioners: 97% average attendance rate.

• Florence City Council: 82.3% average attendance rate.

• Edgewood City Council: 89.5% average attendance rate.

When asked about Owen’s attendance record, Elsmere Mayor Marty Lenhof told WCPO, “No comment.”

Aviatra Accelerators opens Covington incubator for women-owned businesses

Aviatra staff and officials cut the ribbon to the organization’s new entrepreneurial incubator at 112 Pike St. in Covington. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky

Aviatra Accelerators, a nonprofit that supports women-owned startups and small businesses based in Covington, celebrated the opening of its new entrepreneurial incubator with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 8.

The incubator is next door to Aviatra’s headquarters at 112 W. Pike St. in Covington. The organization is expanding its footprint to provide Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky women entrepreneurs with more significant resources, mentorship and community they need to advance their businesses.

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

8 NOVEMBER 22, 2024

The building previously housed Northern Kentucky University’s Collaborative for Economic Engagement. That organization will relocate to SparkHaus, at 727 Madison Ave., once the building is completed.

Aviatra CEO Jill Morenz said she was thrilled the incubator would allow women entrepreneurs to “start, grow and get funded.”

“A big part of what we’re able to do at the incubator is offer below market-rate rent for offices for women entrepreneurs for just the early stage, for six months, to help them grow and get to the other side and co-working for women entrepreneurs as well,” said Morenz.

The incubator will provide below market-rate office spaces for six women-owned businesses, several co-working spaces, rentable pop-up retail spaces and a versatile event space. In addition, it will offer membership into Aviatra’s paid community.

Covington Mayor Joe Meyer spoke during the ceremony, heralding the new incubator as physical evidence of the city’s economic recovery over the past few decades. He also touted the city’s past and present support of its small business community.

“They’ve got a great track record – education, tools, resources – to help women entrepreneurs, and now the incubator is going to be an inspiring place where women can work their business and be surrounded by other like-minded women,” Meyer said.

“It will be part of the pathway to success, and there’s no better place than Covington to do this.”

Jasmine Hughes, Aviatra’s marketing strategist and Cincinnati program manager, said the organization’s expanded footprint and amenity offerings will help them continue to aid women entrepreneurs across the region.

New Covington Skyline plans to open in July in former Frisch's The Covington Skyline Chili’s new location is set to open next summer in the former Frisch’s Big Boy on West Fifth Street July is the anticipated opening for the restaurant, according to a release from

One Holland Group, a Taylor Mill-based restaurant franchisee that owns the current Covington Skyline at 617 West Third St. “We feel that Covington deserves a special Skyline Chili location,” One Holland Marketing Director Amy Leigh said in a press release. “One Holland was fortunate to take on the Covington Skyline, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to create a new home for it that will welcome guests for years to come.”

The move requires a complete renovation of the existing building, which LINK nky previously reported would cost around $1 million. Upon completion, the store will feature a drive-through, expanded seating and a larger parking lot.

Fort Mitchell council OKs zoning change for dementia-care facility

The Fort Mitchell City Council chambers. Provided | City of Fort Mitchell on Facebook

Fort Mitchell approved the zoning change to allow a new dementia-care facility to break ground off General Drive.

The Kenton County Planning Commission recommended the change in September.

According to Jeff Bethell, Kenton County Planning Commission representative from Fort Mitchell, a facility like this is “sorely needed” as the portion of the population that is 65 and older has increased in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.

Fort Mitchell City Council has held two readings of the proposed change since the planning commission’s unanimous endorsement; council moved to approve the change at its Nov. 11 meeting.

The facility, called Sages of All Ages, will be owned by business partners Crystal Wilmhoff and Marky Kennedy. Last month, Wilmhoff told LINK that, in the proposed 16-bedroom facility, dementia patients can live largely independently and participate in planned activities to boost cognitive health.

kenton county briefs Now that the planned construction area has been changed from a business park zone to a community commercial zone, Sages of All Ages can get to work. “We hope to start construction in April 2025,” Wilmhoff said.

Letters to Santa program returns for the holidays Santa’s workshop is bustling, and he’s already reading letters and making his lists.

Kenton County is bringing back its Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa program for the holiday season. Through this program, children can send a letter to Santa and receive a personalized reply by Christmas.

Santa Express Mailboxes are available during regular business hours at all three Kenton County Public Library locations, the Kenton County Government Center in Covington, the Historic Kenton County Courthouse in Independence and Kenton County Animal Services. The mailboxes will remain until Dec. 16. No postage is needed for letters dropped at these locations.

To mail a letter to Santa at the Kenton County Government Center in Covington, Historic Kenton County Courthouse in Independence and Kenton County Animal Services, place your letter in the Santa Express Mailbox. At Kenton County Public Library locations, letters can be dropped in the Santa Express Mailbox or at the drivethrough window. Letters also can also be submitted online at kentoncounty.org.

Santa, of course, knows where each child lives, but the post office needs a full and legible address for delivery. Each child at the same address will receive a unique note from Santa, so double-check that names and addresses are clearly written.

The program is free; however, Kenton County Parks and Recreation invites you to spread holiday cheer by donating a nonperishable food or personal care item for Be Concerned along with letters. Last year, Kenton County collected nearly 1,900 letters and 435 items for Be Concerned.

For more information, email recreation programs coordinator Rhonda Ritzi at Rhonda.Ritzi@KentonCounty.org.

Region’s police chiefs launch peer support team to address mental health The Northern Kentucky Police Chiefs Association has launched a peer support team to provide services to law enforcement officers struggling with the stress and trauma associated with the job. The team comprises law enforcement officers trained in peer support, critical incident response and crisis intervention.

“We recognize that police officers are tasked with dealing with difficult and challenging incidents that may have a negative impact on their personal wellness,” Alexandria Police Chief Lucas Cooper, who chairs the association’s health and wellness committee, said in a release. “The support of a peer who has experienced similar difficulties can assist in providing guidance, recommendations and connection to resources.”

The officers trained in peer support will work in conjunction with the team medical adviser to provide support and, if necessary, can refer an officer to medical care.

The support team will provide services for: • Post traumatic stress.

• Trouble sleeping.

• Alcohol or drug dependency.

• Anxiety and depression.

• Life hardships.

• Feelings of loneliness.

• Other situations and conditions that require support.

“The peer support team seeks to create a safe and welcoming environment for police officers to voice their struggles and gain a better understanding of how to work through them,” Cooper said.

Walden University determined mental health support for law enforcement officers is important because: • Police officers report higher rates of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

• More police officers die by suicide than in the line of duty.

• Productivity is negatively affected by poor mental health.

• Most law enforcement officers do not seek care for mental health issues.

The association is raising funds for training

and other aspects of the effort. Donations can be made to the Northern Kentucky Police Chiefs Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information or to donate, call 859-578-2021 or email nkypcf@gmail. com.

about the business was not immediately available.

Independence enacts new fence regulations for residential properties

Erlanger to allow tattoo, body art shops in mixed-use zone

Fences will be permitted again in some Independence yards under a new ordinance. Photo by Theodor Sykes | Unsplash

Independence has enacted new regulations related to fences on residential properties.

Tattoo businesses can now apply to open in Erlanger’s mixed-use zone. Photo by Benjamin Lehman | Unsplash

The Kenton County Planning Commission has approved a zoning change that allows for the establishment of tattoo and body art businesses in Erlanger’s single mixed-use zone.

Mixed-used zones generally refer to zones where both residential and business properties are permitted. Erlanger currently only has one mixed-use zone, a 43-acre parcel just off I-71/75. The city building, along with several residences and businesses, are in the zone.

Tattoo and body art shops are already allowed on a conditional basis within the city’s neighborhood commercial, community commercial and highway commercial zones. Conditional use means that businesses can establish themselves in the zone only after a public hearing in front of the city’s board of adjustments. The board can apply conditions on the business, such as timing limitations and other requirements, before allowing them to open. This conditional basis would apply within the mixed use zone, as well.

Erlanger’s economic development director, Mark Collier, told LINK nky that a potential business tenant, Cincinnati-based tattoo artist Bret Smith, had expressed interest in a vacant property in the area. Smith did not attend the meeting, and other information

Following a vote on Nov. 11, the regulations allow fences in front yards over 3 acres in size along collector and arterial roads in certain city zones: residential subdivision zones, residential large lot subdivision zones and residential rural estate zones.

Fences in such areas could have a maximum height of 4 feet and must be made of allowable ornamental materials: wrought iron, split rail, Kentucky three- and fourboard, and faux metal resembling wrought iron.

Independence passed an ordinance in 2021 that prohibited fencing in front yards in the city, and issues surrounding fencing regulations have come up several times this year before city council.

The proposed amendment comes as a result of a local couple’s attempt to put a fence in their yard. At a council meeting in April, Bob and Fran Hasekoester said that their house had a fence for nearly 70 years.

They took the fence down with the plan to set it back up, but, before they could do so, the 2021 ordinance was passed. The Hasekoesters and city staff have been working to find a solution to the quandary ever since.

Mayor Chris Reinersman commended the Hasekoesters, who attended the Nov. 11 meeting, for their patience in getting the matter resolved. “It’s been kind of a long road, but I think you all understood what we were facing, and it’s very much appreciated,” Reinersman said.

WE START

WITH YOU.

Florence • Fort Mitchell • Crestview Hills • Union

Member FDIC

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 9

real estate

Updated 1940s home in Beechwood School District Address: 5 Requardt Lane, Fort Mitchell Price: $415,000 Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: Two Square footage: 1,416 School district: Beechwood Independent County: Kenton Special features: Built in 1940, this charming home has updated electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. The kitchen has been renovated with stainless steel appliances, and the upper level has a sitting room and direct access to the upper deck. The home also features a three-season room, a lower deck, a patio area and a fenced-in backyard.

An exterior view of this Fort Mitchell home. Photos provided | Libby Cento with eXp Realty

A view of this home’s dining and living rooms.

This home offers a fenced-in backyard.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Crestview Hills, Kentucky has filed an application with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet to lengthen and widen an existing bridge on Lookout Farm Drive to reduce flooding in the surrounding neighborhood and roadways.

The property is located at the intersection of Lookout Farm Dr and Shinkle Road over Dry Creek. Heading Southeast on I-275 E, Take exit 83 for US-25 N/US-42 N/US-127 N, Turn left onto US-127 N/US-25 N/US-42 N, Turn left onto Lookout Farm Dr, Turn left onto Shinkle Rd, and Turn left onto Lookout Farm Dr. Any comments or objections can be submitted via email to: DOWFloodplain@ky.gov or to Kentucky Division of Water, Floodplain Management Section, 300 Sower Blvd. Frankfort, KY 40601. Call 502-5643410 with any questions.

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

10 NOVEMBER 22, 2024

• AJ’s Towing & Recovery • Boone County Clerk • Campbell County Clerk’s Office • Campbell County Fire District #1 • Campbell County Fiscal Court • Campbell County Planning & Zoning • 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 • 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

calendar

November Friday

Saturday 22

Sneezy, 8 p.m., Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. Concert at Madison Live. Information: 859-491-2444 or madisontheater.com/ events/2024/11/sneezy.

Sunday 23

Monday 24

Yuletide Celebration 2024, 2 p.m., The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. Fourth annual holiday concert features performances by iTones, That’s It!, Cincy Noteables and Cincinnati Sound Chorus.

Information: 859-4912030 or thecarnegie. com /whats-on /y ule tide-celebration-2024.

Tuesday 25

Ben Levin Organ Trio, 7-10 p.m., Mansion Hill Tavern, 502 Washington Ave., Newport. Combo featuring award-winning Cincinnati-based blues singer-pianist Ben Levin. Information: 859-360-0667, info@ mansionhilltavern.com or mansionhilltavern. com/shows/ben-levinorgan-trio-cmdz4.

Wednesday 26

Wine 101, 7-9 p.m., Vom Fass, 2770 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills.

Beginning wine appreciation class. Information: 859-331-1896 or eventbrite.com/e/wine101-class-tickets1030564996647.

Crafting the Hits, 6-11 p.m., Newport Car Barn, 1102 Brighton St., Newport. Country songwriters Wendell Mobley, Brett James and Lee Miller share the stories behind their lyrics. Information: eventbrite. co m /e /cra f t i n g - t h e hits-songwriters-stories-behind-the-lyricstickets-1054418346659.

Classifieds

“Why We Sing.” 7-8:30 p.m., Church of St. Agnes, 1680 Dixie Highway, Fort Wright. Concert by 85 singers in the Viva Voices Children’s Choir and Youth Chorus. Information: 513-6164133, vivavoicesinfo@ gmail.com or vivavoices. net/performances.

Side table

Side table

21inx26inx25in Price: $30 Text Brad 859.361.3557

Thursday 27

28

Open Mic Show 7 Tell, 7 p.m., Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. Adam Flaig hosts recurring event.

Information: 859-431-2201 or southg a t e h o u s e . c o m /c a l endar/#tw-event-dialog-293.

Night Before Thanksgiving Party, 8 p.m.-midnight, Mansion Hill Tavern, 502 Washington Ave., Newport. Rock in the holiday weekend with Johnny and Gina. Information: 859-360-0667 or info@ mansionhilltavern.com.

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

Coffee with table with dropDining down sides Hutch room/Kitchen

Dining room/Kitchen Hutch

42inx19x74in $200 Text Brad - 859.361.3557

żǽĨĨҀǝōƸňҀ ƸüĘŦĨҀ ǝōƸňҀ ĠƣżƠҀ ĠżǝűҀ ƫōĠĨƫ 43inx29inx17.5in (sides down) $50 Text Brad 859.361.3557

43inx29inx17.5in (sides down) $50 Text Brad 859.361.3557

21inx26inx25in Price: $30

42inx19x74in $200

Text Brad 859.361.3557

Text Brad - 859.361.3557

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSIFIEDS

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 11

streetscapes

Sample a little of everything at Buttermilk Crossing

By Maria Hehman

T

his week, we’re looking at local eateries in Crescent Springs. With an array of available cuisines, we sampled a bit of everything. Indian, ramen and American – there’s something for everyone at Buttermilk Crossing.

Guru India

Guru India is an NKY staple. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

Guru India has been a staple restaurant in the Buttermilk Crossings center. It introduced many Northern Kentuckians to the deliciousness of Indian cuisine.

Guru specializes in authentic northern Indian food (a region best known for tandoori oven dishes and flavorful curries). Guru offers a wide variety of dishes, and the menu is broken into categories such as vegetarian, chicken, lamb and fish, making it simple for diners to order something they’re sure to love. The portions are always generous, both when dining in or ordering to go.

stark contrast to the stovetop options many experience in tight-budget college days.

This authentic ramen is served in either pork, chicken or vegetable broth and can be ordered with a variety of ingredients.

Typically it comes with a meat, veggies like corn, bok choy and bamboo, and is finished with a soft boiled egg. Ramen noodles are then added to the broth base. Osaka’s bowls are served with chop sticks and wooden spoons, so patrons can savor every last sip.

Besides ramen, Osaka has an ample array of appetizers, including fan favorites like edamame (the spicy garlic version is a must order) and gyoza. They’re great for light bites to share. Those with an appetite should opt for chasu or chicken katsu buns.

Chasu buns consist of pork, tofu skin and lettuce is a soft, steamed bun. The chicken katsu is served in the same savory bouncy bun with chicken katsu, tofu skin and lettuce.

Although most come for the ramen, Osaka’s other entrees can’t be overlooked. Its curried rice comes in a Japanese curry sauce with either fried chicken or pork cutlet and pickled radish. Osaka fried rice comes with chicken, shrimp and crabmeat.

For drinks, Osaka has bubble tea and jasmine teas for refreshing pairings with salty, savory dishes.

Chicken tikka masala remains one of Guru’s most popular dishes, especially paired with its naan bread. Going with friends offers the perfect excuse to sample other menu items, too. Vegetable samosas (deep fried pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes and green peas) are a savory start to any meal. Yogurt-based lassi drinks will break up the spices with some sweetness.

Osaka Ramen House Osaka Ramen House offers traditional Japanese and ramen dishes. Its ramen is a

12 NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Osaka Ramen House offers traditional Japanese and ramen dishes. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

Ramen is a great option for those feeling under the weather and much more flavorful than canned soup. Osaka offers dine-in for those wanting a cozy and warm meal and carryout for quick grab and go.

seating, and there’s a secluded side patio ideal to spend the final warm days of the year. Those in a time crunch can call ahead to order, so there’s no excuse for having to stop for mediocre drive-through food.

The Block Deli

The Block Deli has a cheerful side patio for warm days. Provided | The Block Deli

For casual breakfast and brunch that’s healthful, hearty and delicious, few places are better than the Block Deli. Nestled in the corner of Buttermilk Crossing, the Block is an excellent spot for grab-and-go meals or a quick lunch meeting.

The Block’s menu standout is housemade chicken salad, which can be ordered classic or flavored – Jamaican, jalapeno, Buffalo or Cajun – for those wanting added spice.

Guests can’t go wrong ordering a reuben, turkey club, BLT or classic Italian. Soup is another hot commodity that rotates daily, with fan-favorites bean and chili being offered daily.

Wraps and salads round out the Block’s offerings, with the bulk being $10 or less.

Its deli delight sandwiches are the best option for convenience and cost: Customers choose their bread, meat and cheese to build their own sandwich. Served with chips and pickles, this meal comes in under $10.

The Block offers both indoor and outdoor

Ramen to go from Osaka Ramen House in Crescent Springs. Photo by Maria Hehman

What to Know If You Go Guru India Location: 2303 Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs Hours: Monday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3:30- 9 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Website: guruindiarestaurant.com Phone: 859-341-5858

Osaka Ramen House Location: 2331 Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9:30 p.m.

Website: osakaramenhouse.com Phone: 859-331-6888

The Block Deli Location: 2343 Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs Hours: Monday-Friday. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, closed.

Website: theblockdeli.net Phone: 859-344-9777

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 13

sports Notre Dame, Scott fall in KHSAA state volleyball semifinals

Year Julia Grace racked up a team-high 19 digs.

The tight battle had 16 lead changes and five ties.

The Pandas season closed with a 33-4 record. Scott posted a 31-12 record.

KVCA names All-State teams, final team rankings released

Hans leads Norse to dramatic 1st win over Marshall Herd

The teams are voted on by coaches from around the state that are members of the association.

Scott made the state volleyball tournament semifinals for the first time since 2014. Provided | Charles Bolton

The last two Northern Kentucky volleyball teams standing, Scott and Notre Dame, represented the area well at the KHSAA state volleyball tournament at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester.

In the quarterfinal round, the Eagles eliminated Paintsville in the state quarterfinals, 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-18) on Nov. 8.

Scott showed significant versatility. Justice led the Eagles with 10 kills, Mylin Minor had eight, and Brooklyn Helm added seven. Ryann Grigsby led the Eagles with 21 assists, and Elise Manhardt had 11 digs.

In a semifinal rematch for the Eagles, their run came to an end at the hands of Mercy, 3-0 (25-10, 25-23, 25-16) on Nov. 9. The Jaguars power and precision from the front line was too much in this one as they racked up 49 kills to Scott’s 22 in the straight-set victory.

Notre Dame eliminated first-time participant Knott County Central, 3-0 (25-13, 2510, 25-10) in the quarterfinals, which set up a meeting in the semifinals with defending state champion Assumption.

The First Team All-State members from NKY were Notre Dame Academy’s Julia Grace and Ava Tilden, Scott’s Milyn Minor and Ryle’s Lucy Trapp.

Jeff Hans got his first win with the Norse on Nov. 10 against Marshall. Provided | NKU Athletics

Jeff Hans couldn’t have drawn it up any better.

Trailing Marshall 78-77 with less than five seconds to play, Northern Kentucky University’s Macey Blevins inbounded a pass and then went straight to the corner, drilling a game-winning 3-pointer in the closing seconds for an 80-78 victory over the host Thundering Herd.

It was Hans’ first victory with the program after opening with two losses against Middle Tennessee State and Kentucky.

Halle Idowu put up another solid stat line as she scored a game-high 29 points to go with eight rebounds. Conner grad Anna Hamilton played a team-high 34 minutes, collecting eight points with five assists and no turnovers.

The Pandas dropped a five-set thriller in the semifinals to the Rockets 3-2 (25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 15-25, 15-9).

Scott grad Mya Meredith made her Norse debut after transferring from Western Kentucky and missing the 2023-24 season due to injury. She scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in 14 minutes of action. Kalissa Lacy added 12 points off the bench, Blevins also hitting double figures with 10 points. Notre Dame Academy grad Noelle Hubert scored three points in six minutes of action.

Notre Dame produced a balanced attack as five different girls had at least six kills paced by Ava Tilden’s 15 and Audrey Dyas’ 14. Lizzy Larkins set up the attack with 44 assists while KVCA Defensive Player of the

A pivotal second quarter saw the Norse outscore Marshall 36-19 as they took a 5139 lead into halftime. Marshall outscored NKU 25-14 in the third to trim the deficit to one.

Audrey Dyas led the Pandas with 16 kills, Ava Tilden had 15, and Teagan Kondik had 10. Lizzy Larkins dished out 50 assists.

The Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association released its All-State teams with plenty of Northern Kentucky players making the rosters.

Grace also was named defensive player of the year in the state and 9th Region Player of the Year. Her 647 digs were seventh in the state for an average of 5.68 per set for the Pandas. She also led the team in service aces with 53 on the year. Grace, a senior, will continue her education and playing career at Xavier next year.

Tilden led the Pandas with 477 kills on the year, which was 18th in the state for an average of 4.34 per set. Tilden’s stellar season also tallied 231 digs, 39 aces and 27 blocks.

She’ll be joining Grace at Xavier next season.

Minor is the back-to-back 10th Region Player of the Year. The junior led the Eagles with 402 kills with six games still needing to be collected for stats. She was second on the team in blocks, fourth in digs and tied for third in aces.

Trapp had her season cut short due to an injury but still finished second on the team with 205 kills and fifth in digs and aces.

She’ll continue her playing career and education at Thomas More.

Making the second team from Northern Kentucky were St. Henry’s Corinne Blackburn, Simon Kenton’s Keira Hans and Ryle’s Morgan Heater.

Blackburn was key as the Crusaders middle hitter as she tallied a team-high 78 blocks on the season. She was also third on the team in kills with 225. Blackburn’s 78 blocks were top 50 in the state.

Sponsored by

Notre Dame Academy’s Ava Tilden is a KVCA All-State first team selection. Provided | Charles Bolton

Hans helped lead the Pioneers to a record-setting season with a team-high 405 kills. She also led Simon Kenton in blocks and aces and was fourth in digs.

Heater was all over the board for the Raiders. She was third on the team in kills, second in blocks, first in assists, fourth in digs and first in aces. Her 731 assists were top 50 in the state.

Those from NKY making the honorable mention list were St. Henry’s Madelyn Demler, Simon Kenton’s Jenna Kitchens and Bishop Brossart’s Katie Neltner.

Demler led the team with 295 kills and was second with 465 assists. Her versatility continued to show as she was third in digs and tied for fourth in aces.

Kitchens formed a solid front line with Hans, tallying 385 kills and 37 blocks. She also had 192 digs and 45 aces.

Neltner finished her senior season with 449 kills and was second on the team with 38 blocks. Her 1,032 kills in her career are a program record. She was also third on the Mustangs in digs and aces.

In the final KVCA state team rankings, six NKY teams finished ranked in the top 25.

Notre Dame finished No. 2, St. Henry No. 9, Ryle 12th, Scott 18th, Beechwood 20th and Simon Kenton 21st.

Assumption, the state champion, finished atop the poll.

The Bellevue football team won Team of the Week honors for Oct. 27-Nov. 2. Provided | Bellevue Independent Schools

BELLEVUE FOOTBALL 14 NOVEMBER 22, 2024

obituaries

Jessica Black, 39, made every occasion special

J

essica Black, of Verona, died unexpectedly Nov. 11 at her home. She was 39.

acqueline Marshall Hixson, of Burlington, died peacefully Nov. 9 in Portland, Oregon.

She was 79.

Born Jessica Berry, Ms. Black graduated from Newport High School in 2003 and went on to pursue her passion for health care, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Northern Kentucky University. She proudly served as a nurse practitioner with Triad, where her patients adored her for her kind, compassionate care and unwavering dedication.

Jessica was a nurturer in every sense – always there for friends and loved ones, offering support and love whenever it was needed. She was a problem solver, whether in the kitchen, where she was known for her delicious baking, or in life, where her calm presence brought peace and resolution.

She was a devoted parishioner of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Union.

A proud and devoted mother, Ms. Black was fully involved in her children’s lives, attending every sporting event and dedicating countless hours as team manager for the NKY Norsemen youth hockey team and a softball coach.

Above all, Ms. Black was the life of every celebration. Dubbed Queen of the Holidays, she had a unique way of turning every occasion into something special, bringing joy and warmth to all who were around her. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who cherished her infectious spirit, her boundless energy and her loving heart.

Ms. Black is survived by her mother, Cheri Berry; husband, Adam Black; children Saoirse, Madelyn and Forrest; sis-

“Jacque” Hixson was born in Covington as the first of eight children to Donald and Erlene Marshall of Erlanger. She was a 1963 graduate of Villa Madonna Academy.

Ms. Hixson worked in home health care and was also a nanny. She loved to read, shop and visit her daughters and grandchildren. ter, Angel Wagner (Kevin); brother, Reid Berry; niece and nephew Corran and Avery Wagner; mother-in-law and fatherin-law, Cliff and Rose Black; brother-inlaw and sister-in-law, Erich and Megan Black, and their daughter, Emyerson; as well as many dear family members and friends whom she loved. They will forever hold her memory close.

For a basement, crawl space, or slab foundation, we guide you on the right path to a healthy home.

Family owned and operated since 1996, we treat your home like our own.

BEFORE

Jacqueline Marshall Hixson

Marshall Hixson, 79, offor Burlington, KY He died preceded peacefully Nov. 2024, in Portla Hixson 46 years. her9,in Ms. Hixson is survivedJacqueline by daughters “Jacque” was born in Covington, KY. She was the irst of eight children to Donald and death 2018.

Marshall of Erlanger. was ain 1963 graduate of Villa Madonna Academy. She worked in Tracey, Lindsay and Kelly; sisters Deb- She health care and was also a nanny. Jacque loved to read, shop, and visit her daughte bie and Vickie; brothersgrandchildren.

Chuck, Danny She was married to Robert “Bob” Hixson for 46 years until his passing in 20 is survived by her three daughters, Tracey, Lindsay, and Kelly. She is also survived by two Ms. brothers: Hixson’sChuck, generosity wasJamie. felt by all is survived and Jamie; grandchildren Austin, Debbie and Miles, Vickie, three Danny, and Jacque grandchildren: Austin, Miles, Peyton, Talon, Towers and Seaver and two great-grandchildren who knew her, and her faith was an Peyton, Talon, Towers and Seaver; and and Mia. Jacque’s generosity was felt by all who knew her, and her faith was an essential her life. essential part of her life. Memorials great-grandchildren Alura and Mia. Sympathy may be expressed by a memorial contribution to Hopewell (https://hopewellhousepdx.org/give/) may be made to Hopewell House at Ms. Hixson was married to Robert “Bob” hopewellhousepdx.org/give.

She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Berry.

Visitation was Nov. 18 at Linnemann Funeral Home in Erlanger. Mass of Christian Burial was said Nov. 19 at St. Timothy Catholic Church. Burial at Mother of God Cemetery in Fort Wright and a celebration of life at St. Timothy followed.

Contributions are suggested to GoFundMe.com/f/support-jessica-blacksfamily-in-their-loss to help with funeral costs and to support the children’s education or to St. Timothy School, 10268 U.S. 42, Union, KY 41091. Online condolences can be offered at linnemannfuneralhomes.com.

OUR SERVICES YOUR LOCAL FOUNDATION REPAIR AND WATERPROOFING EXPERT.

J

Jacqueline Marshall Hixson, 79

• Cracked or Bowing Walls • Sump Pumps • Waterproofing • Settling Foundations & Encapsulation • Concrete Leveling • Sagging Floors • Crawl Space Repairs

Remember your loved one IS NOW OFFERING OBITUARIES

Remember your loved one with an obituary on our website or in our print edition of The LINK Reader

Affordable All-Inclusive Price

AFTER

ACT NOW!

BEFORE

AFTER

UP TO $600 off* Offers can’t be combined. Minimum purchase required.

Please call for details.

CALL FOR YOUR FREE HOME INSPECTION *10% off any job over $3,000. Up to a maximum of $600. Coupons must be presented at the time of inspection. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Limit one per customer. Valid through 12/31/2024.

866-214-2760

Convenient SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE NOVEMBER 22, 2024 15

Estimates on Sewer or HVAC replacements are

YOU

C240525 LINK NKY 1:4-PAGE AD, FALL 2024.indd 1

40525 LINK NKY 1:4-PAGE FALL 2024.indd 1 16 NOVEMBER 22,AD, 2024

RANKED RANKED FOR F BESTBEST VALUEVAL

BY THE WALL STREET BYJOURNAL THE WALL STREET JOUR

10/3/24 2:37 PM