LINK nky Community Conversation: Amendment 2 Choice or just taking schools’
By Kenton Hornbeck
As Election Day draws closer, discussion over a polarizing proposed amendment to Kentucky’s constitution has intensified.
On Oct. 14, LINK nky and local education nonprofit Educate NKY hosted a Community Conversation about Amendment 2, also known as the Allow State Funding for Non-Public Education Amendment, at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library.
The forum featured panelists Jim Waters of the Bluegrass Initiative, Jorge Elorza of Democrats for Education Reform, Brigitte Blom of the Prichard Committee and Lauren Hodge of the yes. every kid. foundation.
The Bluegrass Initiative has publicly endorsed Amendment 2’s passage, while the Prichard Committee opposes it. Neither the Democrats for Education Reform nor the yes. every kid. foundation has taken a public stance.
on page 3
By Haley Parnell
If Homeward Bound Shelter weren’t in the community, Jayden Moher said she might not have a home.
Homeward Bound is a 24-hour emergency shelter in Covington that operates under Brighton Center. It is the only direct-access emergency shelter for youth under 18 in Northern Kentucky.
Moher was introduced to Homeward Bound Shelter at age 11 and found herself there again six years later, at age 17.
“I was living with my great grandparents [at age 11], and it wasn’t a very good environment at all for me and my siblings, so I had told a counselor at school that I was not
eating at home,” Moher said. “She told the resource officer that, and they reached out to [the Department for Community Based Services].”
The same day DCBS visited her home, Moher and her brother were sent to Homeward Bound Shelter. She was there for three months and then was put into a residential foster care home for three years.
“I went home because they had nowhere else to put me after that, and I kind of went on a downward spiral,” Moher said, “because I was home and I didn’t have any meds, and home is a very rough situation, and I hadn’t been home in a long time.”
Moher said she ended up overdosing and
Panelists Lauren Hodge, from left, Jorge Elorza, Jim Waters and Brigitte Blom, along with moderator Evan Millward at the LINK nky Community Conversation about Kentucky’s proposed Amendment 2. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky
Jayden Moher. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky
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Continued from page 1
If passed, Amendment 2 would allow state legislators to create laws that would provide public funding for nonpublic education. While it does not automatically create or enable a voucher program or fund charter schools, it would set up the legal environment to do so.
Blom started the conversation by explaining the Prichard Committee’s opposition to Amendment 2, specifically about removing protections to public education funding.
“Amendment 2 is about an amendment to Kentucky’s constitution that would take the barriers away for money to flow to private education, for the legislature to target specific areas of the state, without regard to other areas of the state,” she said.
Waters said that, although Amendment 2’s passage would eliminate funding barriers, Kentucky would be following in the footsteps of all seven of its neighbors – Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, West Virginia and Virginia – which all have passed some version of similar legislation.
“This amendment does remove barriers, but it removes a barrier to allowing Kentucky families the same kind of education, freedom and choices that parents of other states, including all seven that surround Kentucky, already have,” he said.
Waters and other Amendment 2 proponents argue that Kentucky parents and students deserve more choice when deciding where those students attend school. As such, they believe a more market-based
WATCH IT ONLINE
If you weren’t able to attend our Community Conversation about Amendment 2 or would like to see it again, you can watch it in its entirety at bit.ly/4h6mdIw
education system would benefit the state’s public and private education.
Critics have widely panned Amendment 2 for its potential to enable legislation allowing public funding of private schools or publicly funded charter schools.
Kentucky has established a nonresident enrollment program that allows public school districts to adopt nonresident student policies and allows Support Education Excellence in Kentucky, or SEEK, funding to follow enrolled nonresident students without an agreement with the student’s resident district. However, Kentucky law allows districts to charge tuition to nonresident students.
‘Where’s the accountability?’
Accountability was a core theme of the panel discussion. Waters argued that Kentucky’s public school system lacks accountability, saying parental choice in a market-based education system could improve all student outcomes.
“Where’s the accountability for failing a majority of our kids in public education system?” Waters asked. “Why would we want to use accountability to prevent parents from having that option? That’s the greatest accountability is if a parent isn’t satisfied with what a school is doing, they don’t have to enroll their child in a charter school or nonpublic school. They have a say.”
Elorza and the Democrats for Education Reform believe that many state public education systems are failing students throughout the country. The organization believes parental choice, or school choice, could help remedy the status quo.
“The truth is that the status quo is not serving too many of our kids throughout the country,” Elorza said. “Kids are being failed throughout the country, and this is indefensible and unacceptable.”
Another question that sparked a lively debate was whether Amendment 2 would positively impact schools in the state’s ru-
ral communities. Most private schools are concentrated in the more populous areas of Northern Kentucky, Lexington and Louisville. In many rural counties, the public school system is often the county’s largest employer.
From the Prichard Committee’s perspective, Amendment 2 could disproportionately benefit private schools in more populous, affluent areas in the state.
“If we end up with a school voucher scheme in Kentucky, the money will be concentrated in those three (Kenton, Fayette and Jefferson) counties from the vouchers, and it will necessarily have to come from the public education budget, because we have a General Assembly that is committed to moving the income tax out of the state,” Blom said.
In contrast, Waters argued that charter schools could fill the gap for rural students, providing them access to curriculum their local school districts may not provide.
“We see that charter schools are providing and filling gaps for students in rural areas,” Waters said. “If a student in the rural area of Kentucky cannot get an advanced placement class that they might want to take to pursue an engineering degree, maybe their local district doesn’t do that. This could provide them an option of doing that.”
‘Predatory’ education
funding
Blom criticized a market-based education system, saying that the passage of Amendment 2 could lead to unregulated funding programs, especially in rural areas. She described these hypothetical programs as “predatory lending for education.”
Ultimately, Blom said she wants public education money to benefit the greatest number of students.
“It’s not just about my choice as a parent, it’s about all of us benefiting from the successes and the failures in education and ensuring that the system gets better so that when we are all on the other side of it, we have an educated, participatory workforce in a highly educated population in Kentucky that benefits all of us,” Blom said.
Whether or not Amendment 2 passes, Hodge said, there is still much to be done regarding improving public education nationwide.
“There is no single policy or single solution,” she said.
Supporters and opponents of Amendment 2 hold signs Aug. 3 during St. Jerome Picnic in Fancy Farm. Photo by Austin Anthony | Kentucky Lantern
A large audience turned out at the Erlanger branch of the Kenton County Public Library. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky
Continued from page 1 was put in the ICU.
After that, she asked to be placed back at Homeward Bound. Were Homeward Bound not an option, Moher said she doesn’t know where she would have gone and speculated that it could have been the streets.
“I’m pretty sure I’d probably be homeless,” she said. “I can’t lie because my grandma didn’t want me in the house, and that’s the only family I have is my grandma. And she lives in a one-bedroom house with six people in the house.”
Keeping kids in school
Kate Kassis, youth services director at Brighton Center, said the shelter is licensed to hold 16 children at a time, though it typically has around five. The average stay is usually a month, but Kassis said it depends on each child’s situation.
“Obviously, there are housing issues in our area – shelters will get full, and, if families are homeless, there might not be a place for the whole family to stay. So rather than all of them sleeping in a car or somewhere outside, the children can stay with us,” Kassis said. “The family can come and visit if they want, but then we can help make sure
that they’re still connected to schools, getting where they can be and additional services.”
Kassis said the shelter accepts walk-ins. It also has a case manager and counselor on staff.
Last year, Homeward Bound Shelter served 44 homeless and runaway youth, and 91% of those admitted to shelter care remained in their home schools. Kassis said the shelter works with McKinney-Vento liaisons to keep kids staying at the shelter in their school of enrollment.
The federal McKinney-Vento Act, passed in 1987, requires local educational agencies to identify children and youth experiencing homelessness, and to connect them with educational and other needed supports. It also requires every school district to designate an appropriate staff person, known as the local homeless education liaison, who is able to carry out the duties of the position as described in the law.
Moher said that, when she came to the shelter at age 11, she was able to stay enrolled in Campbell County Schools.
Kassis said they are trying to improve the perception of youth shelters. Homeward
Bound is in an old apartment building. It has a living room with a gaming system, a communal dining room, a craft room, a private meditation space and a computer room.
Only for kids
Moher is now 18, so she couldn’t stay at Homeward Bound Shelter anymore. Brighton Center worked to place her in its independent living program, which pays for an apartment for her to live in so long as she is enrolled in school or working. Moher works part-time and is a part-time student at Northern Kentucky University, where she studies business and marketing.
“We’re so proud of Jayden,” said Ashley Coulter, Homeward Bound’s resident and individualized learning plan case manager. “She has come a long way, and, over the seven months that she was here, she had some ups and downs. She has stayed strong; she has stayed true to herself.”
When she first came to Homeward Bound at age 11, Moher said she told her brother she didn’t want to talk to anyone. She said the situation was scary, but the staff made her feel welcome.
Jamie Koch, community relations and
event specialist at Brighton Center, said it is important to have a shelter that’s only for kids.
“It can be a lot safer than when there are a bunch of adults who are also living there that you can’t necessarily account for all the time,” she said. “I think it can also be intimidating being a child and being in a shelter with other adults. I think having kids your age who are going through a similar thing is definitely helpful.”
“All these kids are struggling,” Moher said. “They’re not bad kids at all. When you’re a child, and you get put in a bad situation, and you’re growing up in that bad situation, and you get put here, it’s just kind of hard to accept that there are people who actually care about you and people who want to do right for you.”
About Homeward Shelter
Where: 13 E. 20th St., Covington. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.
Phone: 859-491-8303 during regular hours. The 24-hour emergency number is 859-581-1111.
IS
•
The kitchen at Homeward Bound Shelter.
The living room at Homeward Bound Shelter. Photos by Haley Parnell | LINK nky
Covington, Owen Electric renew franchise agreement
By Nathan Granger
Owen Electric Cooperative Inc. was the only electric provider to bid on a new Covington electric franchise, a requirement instituted in May, even though most of the city’s residents use Duke Energy, which believes a franchise agreement is unnecessary.
The Covington City Commission affirmed the franchise agreement following a vote this month. The franchise, which is a renewal of a previous agreement, allows Owen Electric to construct, repair, install and generally maintain any utility infrastructure it owns along the city’s public right of way. In return, Owen will pay the city $4,000 plus 3% gross receipts on a quarterly basis. The agreement lasts 20 years.
Although the franchise has been approved, Owen and the city still need to agree on a contract, which will come before the city commission in the coming weeks.
The franchise agreement will have little effect on power customers. It is nonexclusive, so multiple companies can still operate in the city, and no Covington residents would have to change providers. Only a small number of residents in South Covington get their power from Owen Electric; almost all others are supplied by Duke Energy.
Earlier this year, Mayor Joe Meyer pitched the idea of a mandated franchise agreement with utility providers after characterizing Duke Energy’s relationship with the city as difficult. Although Duke provides
much of the city with power, there has been no franchise agreement between the company and the city since the 1980s.
Former Covington City Solicitor David Davidson said at the commission’s April 2 caucus meeting that the city had been in negotiations with Duke for at least two years and argued that Duke, in the absence of a franchise agreement, had been arbitrarily setting some fees with the city when compared to other cities. In a subsequent conversation with LINK nky, Davidson characterized Duke as a de facto “monopoly,” although he was quick to say that the legal tension stemmed not from any enmity between the city and Duke but rather a simple disagreement.
Issues Davidson mentioned include
“Is it possible to treat the whole me, and not just my cancer?”
- Sue, Ft. Thomas, KY
“Of course The most important part of your cancer treatment is YOU.”
opaque pricing on specific pieces of land and difficulties in dealing with third parties that Duke has allowed to use its infrastructure. Davidson claimed that any time some other entity, such as Spectrum, used one of Duke’s poles, getting it to cooperate could be more difficult than if the city was just dealing with Duke directly.
The agreement would have no direct effect on electric bills because neither the city nor the power companies can arbitrarily set rates. Instead, rate increases must be approved by the Kentucky Public Service Commission, which regulates service areas and rates throughout the state. If Duke or Owen wanted to increase rates, they would have to petition the commission and make their case. The Kentucky attorney general’s office acts as a consumer advocate in such proceedings, making the case for why rates should not change. The commission then decides whether to allow the requested increase.
To offset fees associated with city franchises, a provider may charge an additional fee on customer’s bills. Owen Electric customers already pay such a fee to Owen, all of which is then remitted to the city. Owen confirmed with LINK nky that the fee would not change with the new agreement.
Brian Pokrywka, one of Duke’s in-house
lawyers, spoke to the board of commissioners on April 9, arguing that a franchise agreement wasn’t necessary. “For more than 140 years, since 1881, Duke Energy through its predecessor companies has provided, for a while, affordable electricity to the city of Covington without any form of franchise agreement in place.”
A subsequent email statement from Duke declined to elaborate further but reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its existing NKY customers.
“Duke Energy Kentucky looks forward to continuing to provide safe and reliable service to its customers in Covington, in accordance with Kentucky’s certified territories act and in accordance with its state-granted electric franchise, as it has for more than a century,” reads the entirety of Duke’s email. LINK nky sent follow-up questions to Duke; it sent no response by LINK’s printing deadline.
Given the new legal requirements, however, it’s possible the city could sue Duke in an attempt to make it comply. This has not occurred yet, and officials have not publicly declared intentions to do so.
Still, Meyer said at the end of September when the measure first came before the commission, “Duke is saying that they have a perpetual franchise and don’t need to play by our rules.”
When asked if potential legal action might affect customers, Meyer said, “We’re doing this in order to protect the customers of the city.”
Owen has no intention of expanding its service area or buying up new infrastructure in the city, said Mike Stafford, the cooperative’s vice president of member services.
“Owen Electric respects Duke’s territory and will not be encroaching upon it,” Stafford said. He added that other aspects of service and billing for current Owen customers would not change with the new agreement.
Dr. Lauren Castellini Oncology
This map shows which areas in Northern Kentucky get power from which supplier as of May 21. Orange represents Owen Electric, peach represents Duke Energy and blue represents the Kentucky Utilities Co. Provided | Kentucky Public Service Commission
Owen Electric has renewed a franchise agreement that allows it to construct, repair, install and generally maintain any utility infrastructure it owns along Covington’s public right of way. Photo by Anton Dmitriev | Unsplash.
Pendleton hopes to rise from ashes as glamping, golf destination
By Kenton Hornbeck
When a kitchen fire burned down his restaurant in July 2021, Pendleton Hills owner David Bay was already exhausted.
Since purchasing the fledgling Pendleton County Country Club in 2018, Bay and his staff reinvigorated it into a local hot spot, drawing visitors from Northern Kentucky and beyond to rural Pendleton County. Besides the 18-hole golf course, the crown jewel of his club was The Hills, a restaurant and bar that hosted events, live music and other social activities.
Pendleton Hills persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic as Bay expanded the golf club’s offerings. The Hills offered food delivery to residents from Pendleton County up to Alexandria. Despite the challenging and unforeseen circumstances, Pendleton Hills was trending toward profitability. The fire reduced that momentum to ashes.
For the entrepreneurial Bay, though, the fire proved not to be a fatal blow. After considering selling Pendleton Hills – even gauging interest from some prospective buyers – he vowed to rebuild.
“I was mentally beat up at that point –thought about selling the place,” Bay told LINK nky. “Even took some offers – wasn’t good enough. Then one day I decided, ‘You know what, this is a beautiful location; if you can’t figure this out, you need to not call yourself an entrepreneur.’ You’ve just
got to get in and figure it out.”
Three years after the fire, Bay has finally revealed his vision for Pendleton Hills.
Dubbed the Pendleton Project, Bay and his staff want to turn the location into a premier glamping, recreation and golf destination. Glamping is defined as camping with more luxurious amenities.
The property already features an 18-hole golf course. With the Pendleton Project, Bay wants to add 110 recreational vehicle parking bays, 23 themed cabins and 11 treehouses. In addition, Pendleton Hills will add a fitness center, pickleball courts, cart barn, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and a brand new clubhouse and restaurant with a pro shop, bar and game room.
Bay hopes the ambitious project will revitalize Pendleton Hills, helping the club serve as a beacon for a rural community looking to stand out.
“There’s nothing like what we’re building,” Bay said. “Our location is going to be entertainment-driven. If you want to camp where you go out and you want to just be by yourself in the woods, this is not going to be that.”
Prime location, idyllic scenery
During the planning process, Bay hired an outside consultant specializing in campgrounds to survey Pendleton Hills. Bay said the firm found that the property’s rolling hills and idyllic scenery made it a prime lo-
cation to develop into a glamping destination. He said the camping experience will resemble campgrounds around Hocking Hills State Park in southeast Ohio.
The campground will be constructed on the site of Pendleton Hills’ driving range. Once completed, Bay anticipates they will draw customers from Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati and Lexington. If all goes well, he hopes it could become a destination for campers as far as Indianapolis and Cleveland.
“All three pieces of the puzzle fit together nicely,” Bay said, “Each one helps the other, and it solves that problem of bringing people in to spend money from outside of this area. Then it makes all the nice amenities that we have possible.”
Rachael Wright, Pendleton Hills’ vice president of business development, said it was important for the business to offer a diverse array of services to draw in families, young people and visitors from outside the community. She emphasized the importance of being adaptable.
“It’s thinking outside of the box, as ways of just changing and adapting and making your original plan work, but work better,” Wright said.
Upping the golf game
Bay and his staff are also looking to enhance the club’s golf experience. Although Pendleton Hills will lose its driving range, it will gain four golf simulators inside the
game room. Club professional Bruce Oldendick will continue offering lessons as usual, but he will now have access to new technology that can measure things like swing speed.
Oldendick has been a member for 56 years and has witnessed the ups and downs of the former Pendleton County Country Club. However, he never imagined the club would be slated to undergo such a renovation.
“We call him David Disney because of his ideas,” Oldendick said.
Apart from the business, Bay wants Pendleton Hills to have a positive impact on the local community. He recently hired Susan Rath, a former principal in the Campbell County School District, to build the framework for, and then lead, Pendleton Hills’ prospective jobs training program.
Bay and Rath are angling for Pendleton Hills to work with local public school districts and colleges to offer educational programs in fields such as event planning, horticulture, social media marketing, entrepreneurship and restaurant management.
As of now, Bay said he is looking to start construction next spring. If all goes well, he anticipates the development could be finished in 15 months. He estimated the project will cost approximately $18 to $20 million and said the funding is “good to go.”
more at
Renderings of a new Pendleton Hills restaurant, left, and a future pro shop, part of an $18 million to $20 million redevelopment plan at the site. Images provided | David Bray
Of course Amendment 2 is about vouchers
The superintendents are complaining that Amendment 2 siphons money from their respective districts, but, in my humble opinion, it’s money they’re not entitled to receive. The parents seeking vouchers want options when it comes to their kids’ education.
Our kids attended Villa Madonna. To have had our tax money refunded in the form of a voucher that we could have used to offset the cost of tuition would have made our lives much easier. We chose to pay the tuition because we wanted our kids’ education to be in an environment that we believed provided greater opportunities for them to succeed. Instruction was given in a more personalized environment with greater access to resources.
How and where their children are being educated is the prerogative of the parents. Since the parents are footing the bill, it only stands to reason that their tax dollars that are earmarked for their children’s education should go toward their education in the manner of their choosing. It doesn’t matter if it’s public, private or parochial; the choice belongs to the parents.
David Moffitt
Ky. students deserve same opportunities as those in other states
Children have different needs, and families deserve different options. Unfortunately, Kentucky provides parents with fewer educational choices than just about any other state. No matter where you live, wealthy families can pay for private schools or buy a home in an area with a public school they like. Families with fewer resources generally have fewer choices.
In most states, a growing number of lowand middle-income students are having new doors opened to them because they can now attend public charter schools or private schools.
Amendment 2 paves the way for Kentucky’s children to have those opportunities, too. The question before Kentucky voters comes at a critical time: Kentucky’s reading and math scores have dropped substantially since COVID. In the “State of Educational Opportunity in America: A
Survey of 20,000 parents” from 50CAN and Edge Research, 40% of Kentucky’s parents feel like they do not have a choice when it comes to their child’s education. That is worse than the national average. Clearly, a new approach is needed.
This should not be a partisan issue. In blue and red states across America, school choice and public school systems coexist and are mutually beneficial. In Washington, D.C., about as many children attend charter schools as traditional district schools. Unfortunately, some loud voices are misleading voters, demanding that they choose sides between public schools and school choice. But Kentuckians can have both.
This is because, as in all other walks of life, a bit of competition forces improvement. In areas with more choice, traditional public schools have become more effective and accountable because they realize that, if they fail, their families can go somewhere else.
In just the past few years, new forms of educational choice have empowered parents and strengthened communities by ensuring that every child’s needs can be met. If structured properly, Kentucky can ensure that these programs cost taxpayers less per student. Today, each state bordering Kentucky has both public and private school choice programs. Kentucky has neither.
It is not for lack of trying. Kentucky recently attempted to expand school choice through the creation of a charter school program. Unfortunately, the program was struck down by the state Supreme Court due to an out-of-date provision in the state’s constitution.
Kentuckians have an opportunity to right this wrong. Amendment 2 will give the General Assembly permission to “provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools.” Such a policy will open the door to responsible choice programs that benefit the state’s schools and economy.
No single school can effectively meet every child’s needs, and parents should have options and the opportunity to choose the best fit for their child. Kentucky can benefit the most children by strongly supporting public schools for those who want to attend, while offering options to those who need them.
Michael Brickman
Amendment 2’s proponents can’t win on facts
Proponents of Amendment 2 are having trouble convincing Kentuckians to change the constitution so tax dollars can be taken from public schools, which 90% of kids attend, and given to private education. So they are making claims that are untrue, and hoping voters won’t figure it out.
An obvious falsehood is that the amendment won’t lead to major public dollars being diverted to private school vouchers. The whole purpose of Amendment 2 is to allow what’s now unconstitutional: “provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common (public) schools.” The amendment would overturn seven sections of the constitution to make the widest use of vouchers possible. And it’s deliberately written with no guardrails on who benefits and how much is spent.
A glance around the country suggests why. In just two years, vouchers available to nearly every person no matter how wealthy became the law in 12 states. And look at the states that Amendment 2 proponents tout as models. Florida and Arizona are busting their state budgets with voucher costs, with Florida spending $4 billion annually and Arizona $1.1 billion. Amendment 2 would give Frankfort politicians a blank check to follow suit.
Vouchers are the priority, and don’t be fooled by state workarounds like running them through the tax code, putting voucher money into an account or obscuring them with a new name. All these programs are vouchers, because they use public dollars for private education.
Because the reality of what proponents want is controversial, they are now claiming Amendment 2 will do the opposite. Kentuckians are being inundated with mailers and commercials claiming the amendment will increase public school funding and even raise teacher pay. Both claims are absurd and false.
States with private school vouchers spent $900 less per pupil than states without them in 2007, an amount that swelled to $2,800 less by 2021. Average teacher pay is over $5,000 a year lower in states with voucher programs and $8,000 lower in states with universal vouchers.
New voucher programs will inevitably take money from Kentucky’s public schools.
That will harm the vast majority of students who will remain in public education. Vouchers will particularly hurt rural areas that lack private schools and rely more on state education dollars. The winners will be families already in private school, who typically receive around 70% of vouchers. In Kentucky, most private schools are in just three counties, and incomes in private school households are $52,000 higher on average than public school families.
The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy report shows what the impact will be based precisely on what seven similar states are already doing: Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin and Florida. A program smaller than those states would cost $199 million in Kentucky, the equivalent of funding 1,645 public school teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other personnel. An Arizona-scale program would cost $597 million, equivalent to paying 4,934 educators. A Florida-scale model would cost Kentucky $1.2 billion, or 9,869 public school employees.
As those dollars are diverted from public to private education, school districts stand to lose substantial needed revenue. Letcher County could see 22% of its budget disappear from a Florida-scale voucher program, while Shelby County could lose 12%. Districts are already facing funding challenges from nearly 20 years of eroding state budgets that have led directly to a teacher and bus driver shortage. The funding gap between wealthy and poor school districts is now at the level declared unconstitutional in the 1980s.
There is a better way. For the same cost as vouchers, Kentucky could invest in strategies including reduced class sizes, funding for universal preschool and higher teacher pay.
It’s important that Kentuckians be clear about the choice in front of them this November. Amendment 2 will overturn Kentucky’s constitutional commitment to public education. And it will divert dollars all communities now depend on to unaccountable private education for the few.
Tom Shelton
Riverfront Commons project sets plan for river trail attractions
Attractions at Riverfront Commons, a 20mile scenic multiuse path planned to run along the Ohio River from Devou Park in Covington to Pendery Park in Melbourne, have been unveiled.
Elected officials from several cities involved – Bellevue, Dayton, Covington, Fort Thomas, Ludlow and Newport – and representatives from Southbank Partners, the community development organization spearheading the project, unveiled the plans Oct. 3 at Covington Plaza. Covington already hosts one of the Riverfront Commons attractions, the Love the Cov sign.
“Riverfront Commons will help create an
PUBLIC NOTICE
On October 18, 2024, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company filed their 2024 Joint Integrated Resource Plan with the Public Service Commission of Kentucky. This filing includes a load forecast and resource plans of Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company to meet future demand with an adequate and reliable supply of electricity at the lowest possible cost for all customers within their service areas.
Comments regarding the Integrated Resource Plan may be submitted to the Public Service Commission by mail to Public Service Commission, Post Office Box 615, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602, or by email to at psc.info@ky.gov. All comments should reference Case No. 2024-00326. Any person interested in participating in the review of this Integrated Resource Plan should submit a motion to intervene in Case No. 2024-00326.
unbridled destination for every season of life in our community,” said Will Weber, president and CEO of Southbank Partners.
“One of the main attractions is the Riverwalk – an active transportation system for the urban lifestyle. Twenty miles will connect eight cities into one community, spurring economic growth and attracting top talent to the region. By linking these communities, the Riverwalk serves as a vital asset for daily commuting and a welcoming third place for all walks of life. The Riverwalk will also feature interactive art pieces that showcase our vibrant community.”
One notable piece showcased at the event is a life-sized replica of the old John Hastings ferry boat, designed by local artist Cam Miller, which will eventually appear at the intersection of Manhattan Boulevard and Berry Street in Dayton. The real ferry was the first business in the city of Dayton and shuttled laborers from Dayton to Cincinnati to work at the Fulton Steamboat Co. The project is expected to be completed next spring.
Other additions to the Riverfront Commons include expansions to Memorial Park in Ludlow, extensions to a trailhead in Silver Grove and recently completed enhancements to Dave Cowens Drive and Riverboat Row in Newport.
Ludlow considers making portion of Montrose into a one-way street
Ludlow is discussing converting a portion of Montrose Street to one-way traffic.
Montrose Street runs east to west in eastern Ludlow from Highway Avenue to West Street. Montclair Street runs north to south, creating a four-way intersection along the slope. Ludlow manages the street.
Ludlow is exploring converting a stretch of the street for safety concerns. Because of its slope and width, drivers can face spacing problems. On-street parking adds to the tight space. The problem is amplified during the winter, when snowy and icy conditions are more prevalent.
Despite this, some council members and city officials raised concerns about the change’s effect.
Public Works Director Shane Hamant brought up how shifting the street’s direction would impact snow-plowing operations during the winter. “If you’re only going down, then we (public works employees) won’t be able to come back up that road to get to Elm,” he said.
Further, Hamant said it would benefit Ludlow to conduct a traffic study on Montrose Street to find out how many accidents there have been over the past 10 to 15 years. This way, the city could better understand the street’s impact on driver and pedestrian safety.
Councilwoman Julie Terry Navarre said the city should send a letter to residents living around Montrose Street to inform them of
the discussion. “We need to at least let the residents of that area know about it and have an opinion,” she said. “It will affect their daily commute, so a conversation needs to happen.”
While a first reading of an ordinance was listed on council’s agenda, the body chose not to take action at that time. Ultimately, members decided to table the discussion, opting to give residents who live near Montrose Street the opportunity to weigh in on the issue.
It’s ‘antler alert’ season, Transportation Cabinet warns Kentucky drivers
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has issued its annual “antler alert,” warning Kentucky drivers to be on the lookout for deer while driving. The warning is especially important for Boone and Campbell counties.
“Crashes involving large animals tend to increase from October through December,” said KYTC State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. “Increased movement by deer and reduced visibility on roadways, especially between dusk and dawn, can create hazardous driving conditions. That’s why we take time out each year to remind motorists to wear their seat belts, eliminate distractions and take other precautions when animals are on the move.”
Nearly half of all car accidents involving deer occur in the last three months of the year, according to the cabinet. Among the causes for the increased risk: Deer mating season takes place from mid-October to November, and deer tend to be more active during that time. Crop harvesting, shorter days and colder nights also increase the tendency for deer to roam.
More than 3,200 highway crashes involving collisions with deer occurred in Kentucky last year, the most in five years. Boone and Campbell counties ranked in the top 10 counties for collisions, with 121 collisions and 84 collisions, respectively. On average, U.S. drivers have a 1 in 128 chance of a collision with an animal, according to an analysis of collision data from State Farm Insurance. Kentucky’s chances of collision are 1 in 98.
Accelerator program to help woman-owned firms secure capital
Covington-based Aviatra Accelerators, an entrepreneurial nonprofit that supports woman-owned startups and small businesses, recently launched its Capital-Ready Women program.
The program is designed to help women in non-tech industries prepare to secure capital successfully through loans or investments.
“This program will enable women business owners to successfully access the capital they need to grow, leading to more sus-
tainable businesses, higher incomes, more job creation and increased local economic vitality,” Jill Morenz, Aviatra Accelerators president, said in a release.
The program begins with a free assessment that provides participants with a score that indicates their readiness to seek capital, as well as resources to improve their score. The CRW program includes three levels:
• Pre-Flight Capital: For those scoring below 50 on the assessment, this free, self-guided program includes three modules to address areas of weakness and improve future scores.
• Runway Capital: For those scoring over 51 but not yet profitable, this eightweek program offers resources and coaching to achieve profitability. The program costs $500; if participants become profitable within 18 months, the fee can be applied to the Lift Off program.
• Lift Off Capital: For those with a fundability score above 65, this 12-week program includes coaching and resources to prepare participants to successfully secure funding. The $1,500 cost includes additional vendor-provided services and facilitated conversations with vetted funders.
The goal is to serve at least 50 women in the program’s first year, with additional women benefiting from the free level. Initially, the program will focus on the urban and suburban areas of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and the rural areas of Northern Kentucky.
Covington police: No arrest yet after teen shot, dies in hospital
said.
Police said the teen was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Police said they have not made any arrests.
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office said the circumstances of the teen’s death are still under investigation; the 17-year-old was listed as deceased on the Oct. 7 coroner’s report.
According to a release from the Covington Police Department, officers were called to the 300 block of East 18th Street in the city’s Austinburg neighborhood for reports of a shooting. When crews arrived, they discovered the juvenile suffering from gunshot injuries.
A teenager who was shot Oct. 5 in Covington died at the hospital, Covington police
A map of Riverfront Commons. Provided | Riverfront Commons
A teen was fatally shot Oct. 5 on East 18th Street in Covington. Provided | WCPO
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Andrews at 859-292-2234 or Cincinnati/NKY Crime Stoppers at 513352-3040.
$11.2 million awarded to Northern Kentucky transportation projects
The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, known as OKI, announced awards totaling $11.2 million for eight NKY transportation projects.
The $11,280,625 includes funding for: Crestview Hills: Thomas More Parkway will be resurfaced and improved with drainage. The federal funds awarded are $896,839 with a 40% local match.
• Highland Heights: A multiuse path and sidewalk will be built along U.S. 27. The $3.05 million in federal funds come with a 20% local match.
• TANK+ Program: The $3.46 million award will pay for 18 new vehicles to support the TANK+ microtransit program. The funds have a 20% local match.
• Boone County: A multiuse path will be constructed along Conrad Lane from Bullittsville Road to Ky. 237. The $1,377,859 in federal funds come with a 50% local match.
• Boone County: The Weaver Road sidewalk project will receive $462,000 in federal funds with a 25% local match.
• Bellevue: An additional $648,000 will go to the Van Voast pedestrian bridge with a 20% local match.
• Fort Wright: $679,932 with a 40% local match will go to Dixie Highway sidewalk construction.
• Villa Hills: $715,000 were awarded for the Rogers Road Pedestrian Bridge with a 20% local match.
“This year’s improvements range from the basic to the advanced, but they all are aimed at making every aspect of life in the region better,” said OKI CEO Mark Policinski. “The goal is to ensure that all trips by car, bus, bike or walking are easier to do and add to the quality of life for everyone in the region. These community projects approved by OKI are wise investments in our safety, our environment and our economy.” OKI is a council of local governments, busi-
ness organizations and community groups committed to developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs to improve the quality of life and economic development potential of the region.
OKI awarded the funds through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality improvement funds and Transportation Alternatives federal programs.
St. Vincent de Paul awarded $20K to boost rent, utility assistance
St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky, a Catholic service organization that provides emergency assistance, has received $20,000 to continue providing emergency rent and utility bill assistance in the coming winter months. The grant is from the STG Foundation, a nonprofit that funds various charities. This is the second year St. Vincent de Paul has earned the foundation’s support.
“We are honored to support St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky,” said Scott Farmer, president of STG Foundation. “In a time when many individuals and families are struggling with rent and utility expenses, we are happy to partner and help provide aid for these much needed services.”
Since Oct. 1, 2023, St. Vincent has helped 9,700 people avoid homelessness and utility shut-offs, according to a release from the organization. That’s equivalent to just over $1 million in aid.
St. Vincent de Paul’s assistance office is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. If you or someone you know needs help, call the help line at 859-341-3219.
James Michael O’Connor, 66, loved speed, cheered family
James Michael O’Connor died Oct. 6. He was 66.
Born in Carrollton on Jan. 2, 1958, Mr. O’Connor was a 1976 graduate of Gallatin County High School and Carroll County Vocational School. An entrepreneur and mechanic, he ran Home Medic of Northern Kentucky and worked for Integrated Deicing Systems for 11 years at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Mr. O’Connor was an adventurer that loved to travel, particularly to the Caribbean or anywhere there was a beach. He had recently retired, and he and his wife of nearly 47 years, Kathy, were planning to move to Florida with their boat and sail off into the sunset.
of all. As much as he loved to go fast, Mr. O’Connor also enjoyed playing golf and was a member of several local teams at Lassing Pointe and Wheatley Golf Course. He famously made two holes-inone.
Raised in Sanders, Kentucky, Mr. O’Connor was from a big Irish family and the oldest of six children. Some of his favorite times were spent on the farm with family, playing cards and laughing until the wee hours. He and his family settled in Union in 1991.
Always supportive, Mr. O’Connor coached his daughters’ softball and basketball teams, was a member of the marching band boosters, and never missed a performance, game or any chance to clap for his girls, who were the apple of his eye. Mr. O’Connor was a committed sports fan, cheering for his beloved University of Kentucky Wildcats or Cincinnati Bengals, no matter their records.
A jack of all trades, Mr. O’Connor could fix any machine, solve any problem and build anything he set his mind to. He also was a thrill seeker who loved to go fast – fast cars, fast horses, fast motorcycles and fast boats – and boasted a collection
With a huge heart, Mr. O’Connor would help a friend or stranger at a moment’s notice and do so with his customary lopsided grin. Recently, he took up cooking and loved to use his smoker and grills.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Andrea Micha (Ruben Perez) and Alyssa (John) South; sisters Pam (Rick) Locke, Cindy Norris and Candy (Lewis) Gifford; brothers Patrick (Cecilia), Neal (Darlene); and grandchildren Sophia, Clara, Colton, Reagan and Harper. Being his grandchildren’s Papaw was his favorite title.
He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Judy Goehring, and his parents, August and Pauline.
A celebration of life was held Oct. 14 at Florence Nature Center. Garnett-New Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Basement theater in Ashford Village ranch
Address: 10362 Limerick Circle, Covington
Price: $409,900
Bedrooms: Three
Bathrooms: Three
School district: Kenton County
County: Kenton
Special features: Rare opportunity for a fantastic Ashford Village ranch home in Covington’s Latonia neighborhood. New carpet and paint on first floor. Kitchen features 42-inch cabinets, wood floors and tile backsplash. Large primary bedroom has walk-in closet and en suite bath. Basement features custom theater room. Newer composite deck and walk-out basement patio lead to wooded backyard.
An exterior view of this Latonia ranch home. Photos provided | Daniel Vogel with Sibcy Cline-Florence
This home’s deck and basement walk-out patio lead to a wooded backyard.
This home includes a home theater in the improved basement.
October
Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 30 26 29 25 31 27 28
Cincy Family Picnic, noon-11 p.m., Rahe Mountain Live, 11753 Wilson Road, Independence. Rescheduled family event with live music, kids activities, bonfire, BYOB, food and camping. Information: facebook.com/ events/38034442665 95666.
Halloween Party and Costume Contest, 7-11 p.m., Braxton Brewing Co., 27 W. Seventh St., Covington. Get spooky and show off your moves on the LED dance floor with DJ Cue. Prizes for costumes in several categories. Information: 859-261-5600, social@braxtonbrewing. com or facebook.com/ events/55082936413 9809.
‘I Put a Spell on You’ Creepy Cabaret, 7:30 p.m., The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. Special Halloween-themed performance by Queen City Cabaret, featuring the classic sounds of the Great American Songbook. Information: 859-491-2030 or thecarnegie.com/whats-on.
Cincy Family Picnic, noon-11 p.m., Rahe Mountain Live, 11753 Wilson Road, Independence. Event continues for second day.
Women’s Initiative Connect Hour, 4:306:30 p.m., Hofbräuhaus Newport, 200 E. Third St., Newport. Monthly free networking event with focus on professional women. Nonprofit spotlight is Samaritan Car Care Clinic. Information: 859-426-3656, kfrizzell@nkychamber.com or business.nkychamber.com/events.
For more events, scan the QR code or visit: https://linknky.com/events/
Organic Cotton Reusable & Machine-Washable Towel (2 pcs.).
Only used a couple times. Sells new on Amazon for $788.
$200
Text Brian 513.833.5246
Conditioned Used - like new Quictent 8’x8’ Pop-up Canopy Tent with Netting, Outdoor Instant Portable Gazebo Ez-up Screen House Room Tent- Fully Sealed, Waterproof & Roller Bag Included (Tan)
$100
Text Brian 513.833.5246
Inclusive Business Strategies, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Erlanger Branch, Kenton County Public Library, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger. Discussion by panel of corporate and organization experts will explore tangible benefits and operational best practices of inclusive hiring and strategies to build a more inclusive workforce. Information: 859962-4070, dthompson@ nkychamber.com or business.nkychamber. com/events.
Faces and Places Photograph Donation, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Covington Branch, Kenton County Public Library, 502 Scott St., Covington. Last day of monthlong drive to add to the library’s historical photograph database. Information: 859-962-4070, history@kentonkibrary. org or kentonlibrary. bibliocommons.com/v2/ events?locations=4.
Opportunity: Public Works Laborer
The City of Crescent Springs, Kentucky, is seeking a full-time Public Works Laborer. This role offers a starting pay of $20.00 per hour and a chance to contribute to the maintenance and beautification of our city.
Submit a completed application by October 31, 2024. Resumes are optional. The position will remain open until filled. Visit our website at crescent-springs.ky.us for more information.
Submit applications to: City of Crescent Springs Attn: Tonya Miller, Director 739 Buttermilk Pike Crescent Springs, KY 41017
The City of Crescent Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.
By Maria Hehman
TLook again, look again to Dixie land
his week we revisit some well known spots – arguably the most notable brewery chain in NKY, a decades old restaurant loved for generations and a pizza spot that brings in foodies from across the country. Fort Mitchell is this week’s destination for iconic spots along Dixie Highway.
Greyhound Tavern
With seemingly endless choices for casual dining and sports bars, it’s nice to have something that’s a change of pace. Greyhound Tavern has stuck to tradition since opening over 100 years ago. It’s been serving classic comfort food in a comfortable atmosphere that brings familiarity to older generations and ease to newcomers.
Greyhound takes pride in its history, and it shows in all they do, from the dress to decor to ambiance. The menu consists largely of classic comfort dishes. Start with fried green tomatoes or World Famous Onion Rings before delving into the delicious entrees. Choices include pork chops, meatloaf, hot browns, steaks and fish. All are tempting, but nothing beats the famous, golden, crispy fried chicken.
Vegetarians can choose from salads and pasta. The pasta Holland is a lighter dish with mushrooms, tomatoes and scallions in garlic and olive oil.
The lengthy drink menu covers all the libations one could need. Both bourbon snobs and newbies can enjoy the bourbon slush, a blend of bourbon, orange, lime, tea, sprite and cherry.
Greyhound’s indoor seating takes guests back in time, but the outdoor seating shouldn’t be overlooked. Decorated with flowers, the Greyhound Garden feels like having a cocktail on a friend’s back patio. Tucked at the tail end of the restaurant, it’s easy to forget that bustling Dixie Highway is just a couple hundred feet away.
Camporosso
This small Italian eatery has garnered celebrity for its wood-fired pizzas – it was named Pizzeria of the Year by Pizza Today and the best pizza in Kentucky. The pizza has drawn customers from near and far,
but it’s still a reliable delicious dinner for locals.
Camporosso’s pizzas come either woodfired or classic American. Margherita pizza for a true taste of Italy pairs impeccably with an aperol spritz. For something spicy and savory, the soppressata hot honey pizza is the perfect choice for a little heat. It features crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, soppressata salami and is drizzled with local hot honey. The prosciutto and fig pizza with gorgonzola and arugula is a great option for a light and fresh meal.
Although pizza draws the majority of Camporosso’s guests, its other menu items are as authentic and delicious as the pizzas. With salads, charcuterie and pastas to choose from, it’s hard to come here and order just one dish.
Whether you enjoy it on the patio or the comfort of your home, Camporosso never disappoints.
Braxton Barrel House
There’s no need to trek to downtown Covington on a weeknight for a good Braxton beer. The smaller Braxton Barrel House is the ideal midweek escape for a well earned post-work pint.
The Barrel House serves the same drinks guests know and love from the Braxton mother ship in the heart of Covington. It offers 22 rotating beers, including barrel-made beers like Dark Charge Bourbon Cream. Classic Braxton favorites like Storm, Scooter and Garage Beer are also on tap. In addition to beers, this location also houses an impressive bourbon and wine selection and a cocktail menu.
This location’s smaller size creates a more intimate and calm atmosphere than in Covington while still having ample indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor patio has covered and open air seating, and in colder months it’s cozy thanks to outdoor space heaters.
To go with drinks, there’s a resident food truck, Taco Fuerte, for snacking needs. Order some chips and dips, elote or, of course, tacos (including their seasonal goetta taco,
What to Know If You Go
Greyhound Tavern Location: 2500 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Website: greyhoundtavern.com Phone: 859-331-3767
Camporosso
Location: 2475 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Website: camporosso.com Phone: 859-331-0155
Braxton Barrel House Location: 5 Orphanage Road, Fort Mitchell
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website: braxtonbrewing.com Phone: 859-331-0296
with goetta, tomatoes, cheese and spicy mustard.)
To add to the ambiance, Braxton Barrel House hosts events, live music and release parties for their newest barrel creation or collaboration.
Greyhound Garden at Greyhound Tavern. Photos by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor
Margherita Pizza from Camporosso in Fort Mitchell.
Barrel House by Braxton Brewing in Fort Mitchell.
LEGAL NOTICE
THE KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT AT ITS 5:30 P.M. MEETING ON OCTOBER 29, 2024, AT THE KENTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 1840 SIMON KENTON WAY, SECOND FLOOR CHAMBERS, COVINGTON, KY WILL GIVE AND ADOPT ON SECOND READING ORDINANCE NO. 532.24, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ORDINANCE OF UNINCORPORATED KENTON COUNTY ADDING FAMILY CHILD-CARE HOMES AS A CONDITIONAL USE IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES AND REVISING DEFINITIONS AND HEIGHT AND AREA STANDARDS TO COMPLY WITH 2021 SENATE BILL 148. ORDINANCE NO. 532.24 IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE COUNTY JUDGE/EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE, 1840 SIMON KENTON WAY, SUITE 5200, COVINGTON, KENTUCKY 41011 DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT
KRIS A. KNOCHELMANN
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By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered OCTOBER 8, 2024 the above case, shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property towit:
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Six new members inducted into NKY Sports Hall of Fame
four NCAA regionals, and his men’s team qualified for 14 years in a row for the NCAA Championships. His women’s teams qualified 10 out of 11 years for the NCAA Championships. Landrum was named League Coach of the Year nine times and NCAA Regional Coach of the Year four times.
They are John Fortner (Holy Cross), Darrell Newton (Dixie Heights), Daryl Landrum (NKU), David Meier II (Covington Catholic), Robert Herbst (Dayton) and Barry Long (Lloyd Memorial).
Fortner, a 1975 Holy Cross grad, was a threeyear starter in basketball for the Indians. He scored over 1,000 points in his high school career and averaged a double-double in his senior season, a region runner-up team. He then went on to Georgetown College before transferring to Thomas More. With the Saints, he averaged 17 points and nine rebounds a game in his senior season, where he was voted team MVP and received the Robert Breinech Award, which recognizes talent and character.
Newton, a 1964 Dixie Heights grad, was a three-year letterman in football, basketball, and track and field. He then got into coaching, guiding the Colonels freshman football team from 1980-2009. He also coached the Turkeyfoot Middle School sixth- and seventh-grade football teams along with coaching baseball at Emmanuel Methodist Church and started the baseball league. Newton also is a member of the Northern Kentucky Youth Football Hall of Fame.
Landrum coached the Northern Kentucky University golf teams for 27 years, starting up the women’s program in 1998. He guided the Norse to eight league championships,
Meier, a 1990 Covington Catholic grad, went on to play baseball at Thomas More College (now University). He was a four-year starter for the Saints, for whom he holds the program record for single-season ERA of 0.32. Meier was named the Conference POY, the ABCA second team, the D3 All-Mideast Region team, District 4 first team Academic All-American. After college he coached for 25 years in varsity baseball and softball at Villa Madonna and Notre Dame Academy. He had 255 career wins, was named the NKAC Coach of the Year twice, won two All “A” regionals, three district championships and four conference championships. He also started the Villa boys baseball program
Herbst is a 1985 grad of Dayton, where he led the Dayton cross country teams to two state titles and two runner-up finishes. He was the individual conference champion in cross country in 1985, and the Campbell County Championships individual champion in ’85. He was named All-State, All-Region and All-Conference in 1983, ’84, and ’85. He then went to Georgetown College and qualified for the National Championships. Herbst coached Heritage Academy from 2006-16.
Long, a 1967 Lloyd Memorial grad, was a three-sport star before going on to play volleyball at Ball State. He was named first team All-Conference three years in a row. He earned several MVP awards during his Cardinals career and several All-Tourney teams. He was named to the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Preseason poll ranks
NKU men’s basketball 3rd in Horizon League
The Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team was voted third in the Horizon League Preseason Poll, voted on by the league’s head coaches, SIDs and media members.
The Norse trail Milwaukee and Purdue Fort Wayne, who share the top spot.
NKU returns the majority of its nucleus from an 18-15 season in 2023-24. Seven played in at least 24 games while Sam Vinson returns from a season-ending knee injury that sidelined him for the year 13 games into the season. Vinson and Trey Robinson were voted to the All-League preseason first team. Robinson took home Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year honors last season.
Volleyball coaches give Notre Dame top spot in poll
Fresh off their ASICS Challenge Championship in Chicago from Oct. 3-6, Notre Dame earned the ranking as the top team in the state of Kentucky in the latest Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association Poll.
For the first time in program history, the Pandas returned from their five-game trip to Illinois with the championship trophy.
BISHOP BROSSART FOOTBALL
One of the victories was over Assumption, the previous No. 1 in the KVCA poll and the defending state champion. Notre Dame picked up 13 of the 21 first-place votes. The Pandas have since knocked off Assumption again, 3-2 (15-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 16-14) on Oct. 15.
As of Oct. 16, they are led in kills by Ava Tilden with 356, Ella Goetz with 71 blocks, Lizzy Larkins with 543 assists, Julia Grace with 485 digs and 38 aces.
Other northern Kentucky teams ranked in the latest poll were St. Henry at No. 4, Ryle at No. 6, Simon Kenton at No. 18 and Beechwood at No. 20.
Y’alls owners buy 2nd Frontier League team, Windy City Thunderbolts
Crestwood, Illinois. Provided | Windy City Thunderbolts
The owners of the Florence Y’alls have purchased the franchise for the Windy City Thunderbolts, another team in the Frontier League’s Western Conference. The team is based in Crestwood, Illinois, about 27 miles outside of Chicago.
David DelBello and his partners, who have owned the Y’alls since 2019, finalized the deal Oct. 4, purchasing the Thunderbolts from the team’s former owner, Brian Kahn.
The teams will play each other nine times in the 2025 season.
The Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame logo. Provided | NKY Sports Hall of Fame
Notre Dame is currently the No. 1 ranked team in the state according to the latest KVCA poll. Provided | Charles Bolton
Sam Vinson was voted as a Horizon League AllLeague preseason first team member. Provided | NKU Athletics
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Bishop Brossart won LINK nky Team of the Week honors for Sept. 29-Oct. 5. Provided | Bishop Brossart Mustang Football Facebook page
The Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame inducted six new members in the Gardens of Park Hills on Oct. 16.
The logo of the Windy City Thunderbolts, which plays in
