LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 3, Issue 2 - November 29, 2024 by LINK nky

KENTON

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 — NOVEMBER 29, 2024

THE VOICE OF NKY

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NKY gives hurricane victims gift of music By Kenton Hornbeck

mid tragedy, music can provide solace. That’s the philosophy behind a local instrument drive that’s collecting used musical instruments to distribute to victims of natural disasters. Folk singer Michael Johnathon, host of the Lexington-based “WoodSongs OldTime Radio Hour,” has teamed with Florence-based Willis Music to gather used musical instruments for communities in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, areas that were ravaged by Hurricane Helene – the third deadliest hurricane of the 21st century. “Once that calms down and the emotion of what hit them happened, that’s when music and art is the most calming language of the human experience,” Johnathon told LINK nky. “If you’re a musician, that is what helps you restore your emotional balance.” Willis has five stores around Greater Cincinnati, one of them in Florence, and one in Lexington. During business hours, each store is accepting donations of used instruments for the drive. Johnathon plans to Continues on page 3

Folk singer Michael Johnathon, host of “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour,” prepares to deliver donated instruments to Eastern Kentucky flood victims in 2022. Provided | WoodSongs

Innovative events boost Bellevue, draw thousands By Haley Parnell ellevue prides itself on original ideas to attract attention to the city. This year, that includes using Taylor Swift to boost the city’s visibility.

“I like to say Charlie and I have our finger on the pulse of what’s going to be the next hot trend,” Morandi said. “So we really take the time, and we think about what are we going to do next? We’re very intentional with the ideas that we choose.”

When Swift’s “Eras Tour” came to Cincinnati in the summer of 2023, Bellevue took advantage of the hype. The city already had a street named Taylor Avenue, and so it worked quickly to print pink signs that changed the street’s name temporarily to Taylor Swift Avenue.

Prior to Swift’s stop in Cincinnati, Bellevue had an average of 30,000 Facebook hits a month. During the week Swift visited the region, that number grew to 380,000 in just five days. Fast-forward to now: In the last 90 days, the city has received 771,800 impressions on its Facebook page.

In the year-plus time since that first event, Bellevue has continued to brainstorm ways to keep eyes on its social media accounts and feet on its sidewalks.

“There’s nothing we could have ever done that would get that kind of notoriety,” Cleves said

What’s working

Some of the buckets from the Bellevue summer bucket list event. Provided | Bellevue

The masterminds behind these ideas are Melissa Morandi, the city’s marketing and communications director, and Charlie Cleves, the mayor.

The Taylor Swift Avenue idea received the attention of eight television stations, inContinues on page 4

Leaders praise smooth election p5 There are great tastes to discover in Union p8 Prep players achieve yardage milestones p10

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Bring instruments to Willis Music’s Florence location, 7567 Mall Road. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call 859-5255060 for more information.

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A truckload of donated instruments that were distributed to Eastern Kentucky flood victims in 2022. Provided | WoodSongs Radio Continued from page 1

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distribute all the instruments in the spring after the victims’ most pressing needs, such as access to food, water and health care, are met. Johnathon got the idea for an instrument drive in 2021 after deadly tornadoes tore through western Kentucky. Musicians and students in the region lost their instruments. The result was WoodSongs’ first instrument drive. That drive led to approximately 1,000 instrument donations. Once the instruments were collected, they were loaded onto trucks and driven to the affected areas, where they were then distributed to locals free of charge. Jonathan said the response from communities was overwhelming. “It was amazing,” he said. “I mean, hundreds of people lined up, you know, looking for banjos and guitars and flutes and trumpets.” A year later, floods devastated several communities in southeastern Kentucky. Once again, Johnathon and WoodSongs were there to help with another instrument drive. That drive, too, garnered around 1,000 donations. “The floods hit Appalachia about a year and a half later, and we did the same thing to restore the music of the front porches of the Appalachian Mountains and the musicians of the region,” Johnathon said. After Hurricane Helene, Johnathon and WoodSongs were asked if they could help. He was happy to oblige.

Paul Finke, president of Willis Music, said he was happy to use the company’s facilities to help. “It was easy for us to help,” Finke said. “It’s just, you know, musicians helping musicians.” Like Johnathon, Finke said music can convey positivity and togetherness in times of sorrow. Reconnecting musicians with lost instruments is a unique way to demonstrate the power of music. “For some, it could bring comfort,” Finke said. “For some, it brings true happiness – and that’s playing alone. Then you’ve got two or three people sitting on the front porch playing together. Then you can generate all kinds of great, great emotions. It helps you forget the disaster for a little bit. It helps you escape from it.”

About WoodSongs • The “WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour” is based at Lexington’s Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center. • The show was founded in 1998 with one radio station, in Georgetown. • It’s now distributed by the Public Radio Exchange and airs on more than 300 U.S. radio stations and more internationally. • Episodes also are available live online.

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NOTICE OF HEARING Pursuant to KRS 424.300 and 807 KAR 5:001, Section 9(2)(b), NOTICE is hereby given that the Kentucky Public Service Commission has scheduled a public hearing in a case styled “In the Matter of the Electronic 2024 Integrated Resource Plan of Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc.,” Case No. 2024-00197, beginning Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, at the offices of the Public Service Commission at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky. The purpose of the hearing will be to take evidence on Duke Energy Kentucky’s Integrated Resource Plan. Public comments may be made at the beginning of the hearing. Those wishing to make oral public comments may do so by following the instructions listed on the PSC website, psc.ky.gov. This hearing will be streamed live and may be viewed on the PSC website, www.psc.ky.gov.

• Televised episodes of the shows air on KET, Kentucky’s public television network, and stations across the country through the National Educational Telecommunications Association. NOVEMBER 29, 2024 3

Continued from page 1

cluding one from Lexington, which broadcast live during the sign dedication event. The city’s actions also received the attention of national media and were featured in Buzzfeed and Billboard articles. Another event that drew attention was the city’s summer bucket list event. Morandi came up with the idea by thinking about what was on her own summer bucket list to do with her kids. The event included the distribution of colorful buckets containing lists and information on family-friendly activities in the city through the summer. The city had 100 buckets and, after the event, calculated that around 350 families had attended. “The line was an hour long, and a lot of people left, but 350 families registered, and our 100 buckets went – bam! – they were gone,” Cleves said. “We had no clue there was going to be more than 400 kids there.” Once again, a TV station set up at the event and did live segments every half hour starting at 5 a.m. The event also got the whole community involved. The city clerks had a designated day, and the police and fire departments had a day. Bellevue also mixed in some of its already regularly scheduled events, like farmers markets. Some were intertwined with local businesses. The city also bought 144 pieces of chalk and sent each child home with one, along with an activity list for it. Cleves said one could drive around Bellevue and see chalk all over the sidewalks in front of people’s homes. Eclipse, movie tie-ins Justin Otto, Campbell County’s assistant

administrator, said the success of Bellevue’s events has a ripple effect across the entire county. “When people come to Bellevue for an event, they get a chance to see just how special the community is, leaving a lasting positive impression of Campbell County as a whole,” he said. “These events bring in visitors who might not have come otherwise, and they get to experience what makes Bellevue – and by extension, Campbell County – so unique and welcoming.” Morandi and Cleves also took advantage of this year’s Olympics attention and combined that event with the summer bucket list. The event was for kids 12 and under to participate in things like javelin, track and field, shot put, a cartwheel competition and more. Medals were awarded to the winners, and Cleves built and painted the Olympic podium himself a month ahead of time. Morandi said she and Cleves usually start brainstorming event ideas months in advance and pay special attention to popular events, such as the solar eclipse earlier this year and the release of movies like “Wonka” and “Barbie.” The city partnered with local celebrity mixologist Molly Wellmann and the Cincinnati Observatory for an eclipse and sips event. Wellmann created mocktails, and the observatory provided 400 pairs of eclipse glasses. About six months prior to the December 2023 release of “Wonka,” Cleves thought to take advantage of the fact that Bellevue has its own chocolate factory, Schneider’s Sweet Shop. The city prepared 1,000 boxes of candy filled with an assortment of treats. Among the boxes were 10 golden tickets which would then be drawn for various prizes. For the release of “Barbie” last summer, the city built a life-sized Barbie box that moved to different businesses on Fairfield Avenue to attract people to take photos with it.

“The creative energy that Melissa Morandi and Mayor Cleves bring to Bellevue’s events is a huge part of this success,” Otto said. “Their dedication and willingness to think outside the box inspire other cities in the county to take new approaches to community engagement. Events like the golden ticket promotion at Schneider’s Sweet Shop show how imaginative planning can capMelissa Morandi holding the Taylor Swift Avenue SEP_Print_VirtualHealth_Landwehr_LINK10.375x3.389V2.pdf 12:22 PM ture attention 1and1/19/24 bring people together.” sign. Provided | Bellevue

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The Bellevue Olympics event. Provided | Bellevue

The city’s most successful event by attendance was its Oct. 4 fall fest. The event was moved this year to Bellevue Beach Park for more space and was made more family-friendly. It included a haunted playground, hayrides, and s’mores and Halloween candy booths – all free for kids. There also were animals, from a miniature bull to an emu, and free pony rides. The event grew from 500 attendees in 2023 to 2,000 this year. “The whole event was full of families,” Morandi said. “It was like parents were drinking and eating and buying things, and the kids were running around, having a blast, doing all the free activities. So, that’s one of the events that Charlie and I really love because we get to give back to the community.”

One recent event that drew in a whole new audience was Bellevue Boo in the Vue, held Oct. 25. Bellevue historians Jim and Bev McPhail guided folks on a tour through Bellevue filled with ghost stories and urban legends. The event was free and attracted 300 people to the city. These ideas wouldn’t have gained so much attraction had the city not promoted them on its social media accounts. Morandi said she likes to create reels (short videos) or visuals that show what the city is giving away for things to expect at an event.

Doing their homework

“People can really feel like they’re in the moment and, like, ‘Wow, I should check that out – I want one of those buckets,’ or, ‘I want one of those stuffed animals,’ or ‘That’s interesting,’” Morandi said. “So, we just try to pique people’s interest by the different kinds of out-of-the-box things that we do.”

Otto said success takes more than great ideas. “It takes a city council willing to invest in events, dedicated community members who volunteer, and a city team,” he said. “Bellevue’s events thrive because the entire community is committed to making them happen – from the top down and grassroots up.”

The numbers for Bellevue’s Facebook page views speak for themselves on how successful the events have been in getting attraction. To validate that work further, Cleves said he ran into a University of Cincinnati marketing professor that told him that he was using Bellevue as an example of a successful marketing story in his class.

Morandi said she and Cleves try to do their homework to attract different audiences to their events.

“The best thing the city ever did was hire Melissa Morandi to do our marketing,” Cleves said.

Do you have questions? Visit stelizabeth.com/AskUs

County leaders praise smooth election

obituaries

Andrew Hayes, made career of serving others

ndrew Brian Hayes, of Alexandria, died Nov. 18. He was

66.

General election turnout rates in Northern Kentucky counties compared to statewide turnout rates. Datawrapper made by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

By Nathan Granger

eaders from Kenton County reflected on the recent election at the Nov. 16 meeting of the Kenton County Mayors Group.

Attendees were broadly complimentary of the election’s logistics, both on Election Day itself and during early voting. “The rest of the country could take a lesson from Kentucky,” said Kenton County Commissioner Jon Draud. Several mayors complimented Gabe Summe, chair of the county’s board of elections on what they viewed as the efficiency of Election Day. She attended the meeting. “Really wonderful job on the election,” said Ludlow Mayor Chris Wright. “Everything was super smooth on our end, and, hopefully, everyone else has the same experiences.” “The prior election, four years ago, I didn’t get out of here [the City Building] till 8:30,” said Crestview Hills Mayor Paul Meier. This year, “I was out – they called me at 6:20 and said, ‘We’re done.’ So, yes, very good.” These comments are in contrast to less pleasant experiences during the 2022 midterm elections. The consolidation of polling places in the county arguably led to long lines to vote. Several leaders across the county spoke out against the changes at the time.

Summe attributed this year’s success to the number of people who volunteered to work the polls. “Thank you to the close to 400 people that are in our community that are willing to step up, listen to me talk two hours to train them, and willing to spend a really, really long day making sure that our right to vote is well protected,” she said. Turnout for the election in Kenton County was slightly lower than in previous presidential elections, according to the vote tallies. Of registered voters, 55.1% turned out in 2024, slightly below 2020’s turnout of 58.2%. About 2,000 fewer votes were cast in Kenton County in 2024 than in 2020. Phones for city business The conversation then snowballed into a discussion about elected officials’ cellphones. Lakeside Park Mayor Paul Markgraf discussed elected officials’ conversions as it related to public records requests. (Comments related to city business conducted on a personal cellphone are subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act.) Markgraf, who works as an attorney, feared that this might expose his personal or client-related business to prying eyes and asked the attendees for alternatives. “I don’t know how many cities issue cellphones to their mayor and clerk,” Markgraf said. “This was brought up last year because we had open records requests for

cellphone texts, etc. And I personally use my cellphone for my business, my personal and occasional texts to the city clerk or public works director, and I do not want to open up my cell phone and my business.” Several attendees said their cities issued phones to officials to ensure that personal and public business didn’t mix. “Park Hills, we’ve been doing that for quite a while because of that same thing,” said Park Hills Mayor Kathy Zembrodt. She pointed to a program called FirstNet through AT&T, which provides cellphones to police officers and first responders. “The police can have all the programs on there,” Zembrodt said. “I have one. I gave the city clerk one, and that’s all we use.” Erlanger City Councilmember Diana Niceley said Erlanger City Council members also had city-issued phones. “If I send a text on a particular issue, and they are asking for the mayor’s texts, any text messages that the mayor had sent or received on this particular issue, yes, I can go through and disclose that, but, if there was oversight and review by an outside authority, I cannot turn over my phone with personal, confidential legal matters,” said Markgraf. “The court can make you do it,” said Zembrodt. “Just buy everybody a phone,” said Draud.

Mr. Hayes touched many lives during his career of serving others. In more than 20 years with the Campbell County Police Department, he worked in photography, crime scene investigations and served on the SWAT team. He also served as a sergeant with the Northern Kentucky Drug Task Force. After retiring from that department, Mr. Hayes worked for the IRS as a security guard and the Campbell County Detention Center as a detective. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10. Mr. Hayes was the founding member of the Warthogs Motorcycle Club and spent many years riding the roads with his wife and friends. He was also an avid shooter and loved camping. Recently, he spent a lot of time on the water with the the selfdubbed Traveling Sh*tshow, a group of friends that travel the country in search of fun, relaxation and good times. Mr. Hayes was the son of Earl and Margorie (Grosse) Hayes. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Hayes; son, Matthew Hayes; brothers Steven (Susan) and Chris Hayes; sister, Francis (Donald) McGrath. He’s also remembered by many friends and colleagues. A celebration of life will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 at Cooper Funeral Home, 10759 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria. In accordance with Mr. Hayes’ wishes, his ashes will be shared with his friends and family to spread where they had their best memory with him. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations go to either St. Elizabeth Hospice, 483 South Loop Road, Edgewood, KY 41017, or Campbell County FOP Lodge 10 Cops and Kids, P.O. Box 133, Alexandria, KY 41001.

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 5

calendar

November Friday

December

Saturday 29

Holly Jolly Days, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington. Annual holiday display with toy trains, Window Through Time display, vintage Christmas display and maker space. Daily except Mondays through Jan. 12. Information: 859-491-4003, info@ bcmuseum.org or bcmuseum.org/activities/ holidays. Jeremy Pinnell, 7:30 p.m., Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. First of two shows. Solo performance Friday; band show Saturday. Information: 859-431-2201 or southgatehouse.com.

Sunday

30 Holiday craft show, 2 p.m., Creek Center, 13455 Alexandria Pike, Butler. Unique holiday crafts and gifts from local artisans and vendors. Information: 859 694 4002 or facebook.com/ events/186 3768857467093.

Monday 01

Tuesday 02

Wednesday 03

Erlanger City Council meeting, 7-9 p.m., Erlanger City Building, 505 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger. Information: mark.collier@cityoferlanger.com.

’80s murder mystery, 6-8 p.m., Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar, 18 E. Fifth St., Newport. Dive into neon lights, classic tunes and big hair while unraveling a thrilling mystery. Information: 859-491-8000.

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

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

6 NOVEMBER 29, 2024

04 Afternoon at the Races, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Turfway Park Racing and Gaming, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence. Florence Business Social networking event. Information: bfarrer@nkychamber. com or business.nkychamber.com/events. Martinis and Mistletoe, 5-8 p.m., Drees Pavilion, Devou Park, 790 Park Lane, Covington. 16th Annual fundraiser presented by Northern Kentucky Regional Fund Board. Benefits KET. Information: bfarrer@ nkychamber.com or business.nkychamber. com/events.

Charlie Brown Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Independence branch, Kenton County Public Library, 1992 Walton-Nicholson Road, Independence. Final day of monthlong Charlie Brown themed scavenger hunt. Information: 859962-4029 or kentonlibrary.bibliocommons. com/events.

Encounter

Thursday 05 Holiday Business Social, 4:30-6:30 p.m., The Post, 1136 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas. Holiday-themed networking event hosted by Fort Thomas Business Council. Information: 859-578-6399 or business.nkychamber.com/ events. Martinis and Mistletoe, 5-8 p.m., Drees Pavilion, Devou Park, 790 Park Lane, Covington. 16th Annual fundraiser presented by Northern Kentucky Regional Fund Board. Benefits KET. Information: bfarrer@ nkychamber.com or business.nkychamber. com/events.

real estate

Classic Tudor in Olde Fort Mitchell Address: 205 Fort Mitchell Ave., Fort Mitchell Price: $1,295,000 Bedrooms: Four Bathrooms: Two (plus three half bathrooms) Square footage: 4,386 School district: Beechwood Independent County: Kenton Special features: This Tudor home in Olde Fort Mitchell was built in 1910. It features hardwood floors, built-ins, moldings, a fenced rear yard and a three-car tandem garage. The home also has an in-ground, heated pool with a solar-heated safety cover.

An exterior view of this Fort Mitchell home. Photos provided | CoCo James with RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates

A look at this home’s sitting room.

A view of this property’s pool and backyard.

WE START

WITH YOU.

Florence • Fort Mitchell • Crestview Hills • Union

Member FDIC

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 7

streetscapes

There are great tastes waiting in Union By Maria Hehman

his Streetscapes we head to Boone county for pizza, coffee and beer – a somewhat unexpected yet satisfying trifecta. We’ll start with the newest location of Strong’s Brick Oven Pizza, do some shopping and coffee-sipping at the Black Goose and end with a steak night at Boonedocks Pub and Grub.

additions when dining with a large group. Strong’s has a full service bar, too, so guests can order a wine for a truly Tuscan experience. The Black Goose

Strong’s, the locally owned and operated chain, has become a pizza powerhouse in the Tristate. It follows old-school Italian tradition to ensure each pizza is crafted impeccably and tastes as authentic as a slice from Rome. Each pizza’s base is made with homemade sauce and sliced mozzarella, then finished in an Italian brick oven with a slight charring to create the perfect crunch.

Along with pizza, Strong’s serves other Italian classics like bruschetta, antipasto salad and walking cannolis. Not-so-Italian sides like wings, fries and salad are great

Guests can register for cornhole to show off their skills, or sit and watch the competition unfold.

Inside, there’s a small selection of seating; outside, there are some tables adorned with flowers in watering cans for the few warm days left this year. The Black Goose doubles as a gift shop and antique vintage store. It’s impossible to leave empty-handed. Most will leave with a coffee in one hand and a unique gift, or two, in the other.

Strong’s Brick Oven Pizza

Classic Margherita and pizza alla vodka – vodka cream sauce, mozzarella, seasoned mushrooms, spinach and prosciutto – will give guests a true taste of Italy. For guests wanting something spicy, Strong’s famous hot and spicy – with Buffalo sauce, mozzarella, jalapenos, bacon and Grippo’s BBQ chips – is anything but ordinary.

fee than traditional cold coffee. No need to head to the green mermaid giant: The Black Goose has your coffee needs covered.

Boonedocks Pub and Grub Head another three miles south to find Boonedocks Pub and Grub out in … well, the boondocks. For those who make the journey, the place knows how to satisfy hungry travelers with country cooking. It’s a good pit stop for a hearty meal and a beer after a visit to Big Bone National Park.

The Black Goose is a hybrid gift and antique store with a coffee shop. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

The Black Goose is an antique and gift shop that doubles as a coffee shop. Past the main hub in Union, it’s nestled along winding U.S. 42. It serves Deeper Roots coffee from Cincinnati, Golden Gelato from Covington and a selection of baked goods.

Cod, country fried steak, pot roast and chicken will fill up even the hungriest patrons after a long day of hiking. Burgers and wings are never a bad option at a pub-andgrub joint; with an ice cold beer, there’s truly nothing better. The Tex-Mex egg rolls make a great savory starter, while the cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are a sweet end to any meal. Thursdays feature a steak night special, when guests can enjoy fine dining without the price tag, and in a more hospitable, casual ambiance. Besides the weekly steak special, Boondocks offers cornhole, Singo and live music events for attractions.

Classic Margherita pizza from Strong’s Brick Oven Pizza. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor

What to Know If You Go Strong’s Brick Oven Pizza Location: 10336 U.S. 42, Union Hours: Monday closed; Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Website: strongsbrickovenpizza.com Phone: 859-384-6836

The Black Goose Location: 10829 U.S. 42, Union Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m- 6 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Website: blackgoosegifts.com Phone: 859-534-1643

Boonedocks Pub and Grub Location: 11984 U.S. 42, Union Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight Phone: 859-493-0100

The quaint interior is decorated head to toe with vintage signs and antique goods. For a tiny coffee shop, the coffee offerings are immense. For traditional coffee lovers, there is brewed, as well as espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

Strong’s Brick Oven Union location. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINk nky contributor

8 NOVEMBER 29, 2024

No matter the season, cold coffee is a must for me and many others. Black Goose has its on tap, which creates a smoother finish than traditional iced coffee. There’s even nitro cold brew – coffee infused with nitrogen to create a sweeter and creamier cof-

Boondocks Pub and Grub awaits a few miles south of Union on U.S. 42. Provided | Google Maps

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 9

sports Simon Kenton’s Lucas steps down after three seasons Roy Lucas Jr. said it’s simply time for a change. Lucas has decided to step down from the head football coaching position at Simon Kenton. He recently submitted his resignation to the school administration, completing his second stint as a coach at the school. Lucas was head coach for the past three seasons with the Pioneers. Lucas brought over 30 years of coaching experience to the job in November 2021. He was previously an assistant coach and offensive coordinator at the school since 2012. Simon Kenton had a 4-7 record this season. He was a counselor at the school until his retirement from education in 2020. He also had a previous stint at Simon Kenton from 1997-99 along with coaching Lloyd Memorial High School from 2000-2010. He led the 2003 Lloyd team to a 9-5 record and a Class 2A state semifinal appearance. The Pioneers will begin the search for its new head coach, and Simon Kenton athletic director Troy Roberts said the school already has received inquiries about the position. Roberts said the school will not name an interim coach.

NKY football coaches announce divisional players of the year

Cooper’s Austin Alexander was selected as the NKFCA Division I Player of the Year. Provided | Charles Bolton

The Northern Kentucky high school football coaches have spoken. With the season down to the wire, they have decided on their All-Division teams, divisional players

of the year and All-NKY teams. Taking the Division I Player of the Year was Cooper’s Austin Alexander. Alexander, a North Carolina commit, has been a gamechanger for the undefeated Jaguars. He’s caught 34 passes for 571 yards and eight touchdowns. On defense, he leads the team in sacks and tackles for loss with 12 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, also forcing one fumble. Wyatt Hatfield, quarterback of the Conner Cougars, was named Division II Player of the Year. Hatfield was a Swiss Army knife for the Cougars. He threw for 517 yards and six touchdowns, rushing for 1,463 yards and 25 touchdowns. Division III player of the year went to Isaiah Sebastian from Lloyd Memorial. Sebastian finished with 302 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, also leading the team in receiving yards with 704 and touchdown receptions with nine. He also had two tackles for loss and two interceptions. Ludlow’s Dameyn Anness was the pick for Division IV Player of the Year. He threw for one touchdown, ran for 16 touchdowns and 1,472 yards, caught 16 passes for 344 yards and a touchdown on offense. On the other side of the ball, he had a team-high three fumble recoveries, one fumble forced, a fumble recovery touchdown, 5.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and one pick-six.

With 105 in season finale, Ludlow’s Anness reaches milestone 3,000-yard mark

They are also driven on the football field. Dameyn Anness proves it with every carry. The tough-running tailback reached the 3,000-yard milestone in the regular season finale with 105 yards against Paris. Anness added 121 yards on the ground in the firstround playoff win over Dayton. That gave Anness 1,420 yards rushing for the season on 11.0 yards per carry and 3,163 in his Ludlow career. He tallied 52 more on to his total against Newport in the Panthers’ final game of the season. The Ludlow career rushing record is held by Justin Blackburn, who ran for 4,590 yards from 2014 through 2017, punctuated by a 2,116-yard season as a senior. Anness has a chance to catch Blackburn. Regardless, his legacy will live forever in Ludlow lore as a symbol of what can happen when a kid simply refuses to give in to the forces around him and excels despite them.

CovCath duo runs into history books with 1,000 yards each

Colonels running back Dylan Gaiser (9) joined teammate Cash Harney as 1,000-yard rushers in 2024. Provided | Marc Figgins

The Covington Catholic football team’s dynamic duo of Cash Harney and Dylan Gaiser has reached some rarified air on the ground. They are the first Colonels rushing combo in program history to amass 1,000 yards each in the same season.

Ludlow’s Dameyn Anness (21) cleared the 3,000yard rushing mark for his career. Provided | Charles Bolton

Ludlow junior running back Dameyn Anness is already an inspirational story along with his older brother after the two moved from house to house following family hardship. Their perseverance in the face of tough times is undeniable.

Harney reached 1,000 yards in the regular season finale against Campbell County. Gaiser, also a junior, joined Harney in the 1,000-yard club with a 245-yard effort in the team’s first-round playoff win over Boyd County. That gave Gaiser team leadership with 1,196 yards rushing. Gaiser brought in 26 more yards in the team’s second round playoff game against Johnson Central to make it 1,222 yards.

formance at the Class A, AA and AAA state cross country meets. Villa Madonna was well-represented, headlined by Class A, Region 4 champion Mark Antrobus, who was joined by teammates Brendan Ramdass and Ethan Martin. Bishop Brossart’s Griffin Hall earned recognition with a 16th place finish in the state meet, and St. Henry’s Colin Glasgow secured his spot with a 17th place finish. Beechwood’s girls shone, led by Class A state champion Lily Parke, who was joined on the list by her talented teammates Annie Harris, Isabel Ginter, Nora Wilke and Charli Gerrein. Villa Madonna also made a strong showing with Ryan Bennett, Abigail Ford and Alyssa Martin earning recognition, while St. Henry’s Mackenzie Main and Jordyn Brockman rounded out the honorees. In the Class 2A boys awards, Covington Catholic was led by state runner-up Will Sheets. With him on the list were fellow Colonels Joe Mayer, Luke McLane, Jackson Germann and Braden Franxman. Earning spots on the Class 3A list were Cooper’s Paul Van Laningham, the class state champion, along with Conner’s Nathan Hopper and Campbell County’s Jonathan Christopher. On the girls’ side, Ryle’s Allison Kopser, Campbell County’s Olivia Holbrook, and Cooper’s Alexandra Rooney earned honors for their performances.

Harney was limited to 33 yards on the ground against Boyd County, but his 111 yards through the air put him at 1,034 yards passing on the season. Another 57 against Johnson Central made it 1,091 yards. That also set a new standard at CovCath: Harney is the first player in program history with a 1,000-yard rushing and 1,000-yard passing season in the same year. Both offensive standouts are virtual first downs waiting to happen as each average better than 10 yards per carry. Gaiser is averaging 11.1 yards per rush. Harney is averaging 11.9 yards per carry and 14.9 yards per completion.

KTCCCA releases cross country All-State awards The Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association have released their All-State awards following the season that ended Nov. 2. The awards are based on per10 NOVEMBER 29, 2024

Cooper’s Paul Van Laningham is a KTCCCA AllState award winner. Evan Dennison | LINK nky

Don’t forget to vote for the Team of the Season! Voting is open until Dec. 2. Give your team, friends, family, alumni a shot at a $500 scholarship. The winner will be revealed the week of Dec. 2-6.

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NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-00362

NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 23-CI-00638

NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-00412

GBIC, LLC VERSUS} THEODORE TREADWAY, ET AL

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC VERSUS} BETTY L. DUNCAN, ET AL

PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VERSUS} JAMIE L. INGRAM, ET AL

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered NOVEMBER 19, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 16, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 1303 BOONE AIRE ROAD FLORENCE, KY 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 049.00-09-019.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $40,800.34 GROUP NO.: 5003 & 5000

ADDRESS: 6516 MAIN STREET PETERSBURG, KY 41080 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 001.20-01-001.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $101,307.25 GROUP NO.: 1066 & 1067

ADDRESS: OLD NICHOLSON ROAD, LOT 27 PARKER’S SUBDIVISION (W1-2-2A) WALTON, KY 41094 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 078.02-10-002.01 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $3,684.07 GROUP NO.: 215

The complete legal description is particularly set out in the Judgment and Order of Sale entered in this case. TERMS OF SALE: The property shall be sold as a whole. The purchaser may pay all or part of the purchase price in cash, and may pay the balance of the purchase price on a credit of 30 days after date of sale; said credit shall be granted only upon the execution by the purchaser of bond, with surety thereon, and said surety shall be a lending institution authorized and doing business in Kentucky, or a reputable fidelity or surety company, authorized and doing business in Kentucky, and only if said surety be acceptable to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court; and an authorized officer of the surety must be present at the sale or must have given the Commissioner adequate assurance of its intent to be surety prior to or at the sale; and said Bond shall be, and shall remain, a lien on the property sold as additional security for the payment of the full purchase price, and shall have the full force and effect of a Judgment; and said Bond shall bear interest at the rate provided by the Judgment up to Twelve (12%) Percent per annum until paid. The purchaser shall be required to pay the sum of 10% of the bid amount in cash or certified check on the purchase at the time of sale. The successful bidder at the sale shall, at bidder’s own expense, carry fire and extended insurance coverage on any improvements from the date of sale until the purchase price is fully paid, with a loss payable clause to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court. Failure of the purchaser to effect such insurance shall not affect the validity of the sale or the purchaser’s liability thereunder, but shall entitle, but not require, a lien holder herein, after giving notice to the Commissioner, to effect said insurance and furnish the policy or evidence thereof to the Commissioner, and the premium thereon or the proper portion thereof shall be charged to the purchaser as purchaser’s cost. The property shall be sold subject to ad valorem taxes for the year 2024 and all subsequent years thereafter; easements, restrictions and stipulations of record; assessments for public improvements levied against the property, if any; existing zoning ordinances, statutes, laws, or regulations; and any facts which an inspection and accurate survey of the property may disclose. BIDDERS SHALL BE PREPARED TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS. All sales are “as is” and the Plaintiff, the Master Commissioner, and the Court shall not be deemed to have warranted title of the real estate to the purchaser. FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THESE SALES AND OTHER UPCOMING SALES CAN BE FOUND AT www.boonecountyky.org (Link to Department/Agencies to Master Commissioner) PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS ARE ADVISED AND ENCOURAGED TO REFER TO THAT WEBSITE FOR ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS.

NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION III BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-01236 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VERSUS} MARTIN WILSON, ET AL By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered NOVEMBER 14, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 1307 BOONE AIRE ROAD FLORENCE KY, 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 049.00-09-016.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $47,905.67 GROUP NO.: 5000 & 5002

NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION III BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-00607 U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST VERSUS} LARRY A. SMITH, ET AL By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered OCTOBER 29, 2024 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 2460 APOLLO COURT BURLINGTON, KY 41005 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 048.00-05-156.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $191,802.89 GROUP NO.: 3869

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Estimates on Sewer or HVAC replacements are

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