By Haley Parnell
Advocates: Substance use recovery ‘can start today’
hristine Gyftakis changed her career path to be an addiction counselor after losing her son to a fentanyl overdose.
“To me, it’s really about making sure that people realize that they’re a person,” Gyftakis said. “They’re not defined by this; this is a disease of the brain and mental. And to educate people, because a lot of people just don’t know or they’re afraid.”
September is National Recovery Month. It kicks off after Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31. The month gives recovery centers a platform to bring awareness to substance use disorders and the stigma surrounding them to help get resources to folks that need them.
BrightView Health, an outpatient treatment facility, took a trip to Frankfort this month to advocate for recovery centers. They heard from people who were in active recovery, shared resources with other providers and heard from lawmakers.
Continues on page 3
Taylor Mill commissioner honored for water rescue
By Dillon Cain
During the Taylor Mill City Commission meeting in late September, Commissioner Edward Kuehne watched as a line of his fellow Boone County Water Rescue Team members filed quietly in the back with smiles on their faces.
When he questioned them about their unexpected presence, one member answered that they were “simply here to see how the government works.”
Kuehne’s suspicions about the meeting’s nature proved warranted after Mayor Dan Bell took the microphone to call him and the other rescue team members to the front of the room. “There was an event a
weekend before Labor Day in which there was a tragic incident where a gentleman tried to swim across the Ohio River,” Mayor Bell began.
He was speaking about the attempted rescue and recovery of a man who attempted to swim across the river on Aug. 25. Bell then went on to honor the rescue team for its efforts to try save the victim, and in particular, the actions of Kuehne, who at age 77 jumped into the water himself to retrieve the victim.
“All of these people here and the other 40+ members [of the rescue team] would have done the same thing I did.”
ployed into the water, immediately flipping the swimmer upright with his head above the water and transferring him onto the Covington Fire Zodiac Boat 1, where he immediately started CPR.”
The man was then taken by emergency services but died despite life-saving measures.
-Ed Kuehne
Bell began reading an official proclamation describing Kuehne’s actions. “At 6:16 p.m., the rescue swimmer Ed Kuehne was de-
“I, the commission and the staff of the city of Taylor Mill wish to express our gratitude and acknowledge fellow Commissioner Ed Kuehne for his skills in community service as part of the Boone County Water Rescue,” said Bell before giving Kuehne an plaque to a roomful of ap-
on page 9
The BrightView Health team traveled to Frankfort in September for National Recovery Month. Provided | BrightView Health
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ON AMENDMENT 2
Join LINK nky and EducateNKY for an insightful and engaging community conversation on Amendment 2, a crucial constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot this fall. This amendment proposes significant changes to how school funding can be used in Kentucky, and its implications will affect students, educators, and communities across the state.
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PANEL DISCUSSION:
Gain diverse perspectives from our esteemed panel of experts.
MODERATOR: Evan Millward
CONFIRMED PANELISTS: (additional panelists to be announced)
Tom Shelton, Chair, Protect Our Schools KY Executive Committee
Jim Waters, President, Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions
PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meghan Goth
SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison
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Continued from page 1
David McDonald, BrightView’s public relations manager, said lawmakers both Democratic and Republican showed that they were working together on the issue.
“It’s now a topic that we hear out a lot more about and recognizing addiction as a disease, not a person who does drugs or anything like that,” McDonald said. “It just gives a specific platform to recognize the need for all kinds of addiction services and mental health services.”
During BrightView’s trip to Frankfort, on Sept. 16, Gov. Andy Beshear signed three bills into law to help boost the quality of recovery care, including improvements to
housing and transportation.
He also announced that four more counties were added to Kentucky’s list of recovery-ready counties. McDonald said the recovery-ready status means the counties have the resources available to help someone with a substance use disorder immediately. There are now 18 recovery-ready counties out of 120 in the state, including Boone, Kenton and Campbell.
Data that the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force collected showed that fentanyl was the most-seized drug in 2023 in the region’s three counties, followed by methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and crack cocaine.
Gyftakis said her son asked for cocaine and instead got fentanyl and died from it.
“I’ve learned most from my patients and listening to them,” Gyftakis said. “One of the things that they have told me is that you as a person who doesn’t do substance use, can’t possibly understand.”
McDonald said BrightView Health brings awareness to substance use disorders through the year, but September especially gives them a platform to show people that everyone is touched by substance use disorders and that it will take everyone working together to solve the problem.
“Drugs are getting worse. There’s no such thing as a pure drug anymore, so, unfortunately, if we don’t get things like Narcan or the fentanyl test strips out there as a regular thing – if someone is carrying around Narcan, you can help save a life, whether you know that or not,” McDonald said.
He said it’s not just about understanding
that something is bad. Once someone is addicted to a drug, he or she can no longer control that desire. It becomes a mental disease.
Gyftakis said people with substance use disorders are never completely cured. It’s something they must deal with daily.
“If you help them to believe in themselves, and you give them the tools to deal with their issues of emotions or whatever it might be and allow them to know that they’re a person, they can do things to cope with whatever they’re dealing with or what triggers them,” she said. “Just acknowledging we’re all human beings.”
Amanda Peters, director of the NKY Office of Drug Control Policy, said stigma is the region’s biggest barrier for individuals seeking treatment and recovery.
“National Recovery Month awareness is important because we, as a community, can direct our focus on the resources available to individuals and families suffering from substance use and co-occurring disorders,” Peters said. “Celebrating recovery saves lives. We need everyone to know that treatment is effective and recovery is possible. This journey can start today. NKY is ready to support those embarking on this journey.”
GET HELP
If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, contact BrightView Health at 888502-4571 or go to BrightViewhealth. com. Contact the NKY Office of Drug Control Policy’s helpline at 859-4159280.
Free Naloxone was distributed in Frankfort during National Recovery Month. Provided | BrightView Health
Gov. Andy Beshear signs three bills into law on Sept. 16 to boost recovery care. Provided | BrightView Health
LINK wins top honors at 2023 Excellence in Journalism awards
By Meghan Goth
The Greater Cincinnati Society of Professional journalists awarded LINK nky with some of its top Excellence in Journalism awards for 2023, including best written reporter, best new reporter, best freelancer and the Camilla Warrick award, which honors journalists who make an impact on their community.
LINK also received honors for individual reporting, from a series on affordable housing to business features and profiles. The awards were presented Sept. 16 in a ceremony at Great American Ball Park.
Best overall written reporter went to Campbell County reporter Haley Parnell. She has been a professional reporter since 2022, when LINK hired her not long after her graduation from the University of Cincinnati.
Judges had this to say about Haley’s work: “Haley Parnell writes about people … who they are, what they do, what they endure, how they cope and how they serve. I have a better picture and understanding of Cincinnati through her writing.”
Haley received this award in competition with news outlets and reporters with far more resources and experience, and we are beyond proud of her.
Haley also won the Camilla Warrick award, named after the late Cincinnati Enquirer and Post reporter. It honors journalists in any medium who use their professional role to make an impact on people in the community.
Housing is one of the most pervasive issues facing Northern Kentucky, and Haley’s nuanced reporting shines a light on the region’s lack of affordable housing, focusing on solutions instead of creating villains.
Haley has been covering the topic through the lens of the former Victoria Square apartments for more than a year. She cultivated relationships with the people who used to call Victoria Square home – and
who have now had to move in with family members or out of the area altogether. Haley’s reporting helped the soon-to-be evicted tenants receive more time and money to move. It also led to community organizations coming together to do what they could.
For the second year in a row, a LINK nky reporter won outstanding new reporter at the SPJ awards. This year, the award went to Kenton County reporter Nathan Granger.
At LINK nky’s second birthday celebration in October 2023, Nathan took the podium. We expected him to thank everyone who was there for their support and that he couldn’t do his job without it. Instead, like any good journalist, he started with a story.
Before he got the call from LINK in 2023, Nathan had cobbled together a handful of contract and part-time jobs because he was determined to make his dream of being a journalist come true. He was close to giving up, but then he received our call.
As part of his speech at our birthday party, he said: “I can’t tell you how profoundly vindicated I felt in getting that phone call, how profoundly vindicated I feel being able to serve a community by doing the thing I love to do,” he said. “At the risk of sounding sentimental, LINK saved me, and I only hope that my work as a reporter here has
helped the community.”
Our own Robin Gee, who previously worked with Fort Thomas Matters before it became part of LINK, won best overall freelance reporter.
Because of the state of the news industry, there are many more freelance reporters here and across the country than there are full-time reporters. As such, Robin had big competition for this award, and her work covering neighborhoods in Campbell County is truly impactful.
LINK also won for best website. As a barely three-year-old organization, this is a huge honor, since we went up against news organizations that have been around for decades. If you are reading this story, you probably already know, but, just in case, our website can be found at linknky.com.
Our business reporter, Kenton Hornbeck, won two awards related to work he did last year.
The first was for best business/consumer news reporting for a story he wrote that found fewer Northern Kentucky teens are working and how that affects the labor force. The judges said Kenton made good use of data sets and narrative stories in his reporting.
Kenton also won for best business feature/ analysis column for his reporting on Newport’s risqué past. The story delves into the extent to which the adult entertainment industry was woven into the fabric of Newport’s past and how it has changed into a city populated by coffee shops, small retailers, community grocers and family restaurants.
Nathan and Haley collectively won the best series award for their work looking at affordable housing in Northern Kentucky. The series included the previously mentioned story Haley wrote about the former Victoria Square apartments in Newport; a story Nathan wrote (with help from former contributor Alecia Ricker) about how many people and businesses in Northern Kentucky are being priced out; a look at whether high rent prices are making Covington less inclusive; and a group of Covington residents who petitioned for affordable housing at the former IRS site.
The judges said the stories made up an “interesting series on a topic that is on the minds of many.”
LINK team members were also finalists for several other awards, including:
• Contributor Shannon Paul’s story on how to help loved ones navigate the maze of elder care, which the judges said included “good solutions for the communities.”
• Nathan Granger’s story on not everyone being happy about Brent Spence Bridge construction.
• Executive Editor Meghan Goth’s investigation into a local pain doctor.
• Haley Parnell’s story in the education category about Northern Kentucky school districts tackling student homelessness.
• A story LINK nky worked with University of Cincinnati students on about smoking bans in Northern Kentucky.
• Goth’s feature story about how a noise complaint introduced Northern Kentucky to a Mainstrasse feud.
We are so proud of our small but mighty team here at LINK nky, and want to thank the community for letting us tell your stories.
• Senior Physical Security Technician • AVIT Technician III • Cabling Technician Level II • Account Executive
Kenton Hornbeck, from left, Robin Gee, Lacy Starling, Haley Parnell, Nathan Granger and Meghan Goth at the Society of Professional Journalists awards Sept. 16. Photo by LINK nky
By Nathan Granger
TFlooding fears rise with development
wo hundred and sixty-one new Drees Homes properties could be coming to land near Harris Pike, Ky. 536, in unincorporated Kenton County. Most of the land, like much of the county’s undeveloped land, is unused agricultural space. Single-family homes straddle the northwest border of the tract’s 120.5 acres, and one resident is concerned about what the development might bring – water.
“When we had the ’97 flood, I was spastic thinking it was going to flood our home in the main house,” said Erma Jean Gilbert. “It did not, just barely.”
Gilbert’s case is a peculiar situation at the intersection of development, the environment, infrastructure and housing in Northern Kentucky. It’s emblematic of the variables that define the region’s ongoing worries around housing , whether that’s for residents, businesses or governmental organizations.
The Kenton County Planning Commission approved a zoning change for the development at its meeting in September, and the Kenton County Fiscal Court will finalize the zoning in the coming weeks.
The tract can support 2.41 housing units per buildable acre; 45.2 acres of the 120.5 total acres are open space. Sixty-nine of the lots in the development would be 65 feet wide, and the remaining 192 would be 52 feet wide.
Most of the houses would be conventional single-family homes, but a handful would also be patio homes: smaller, often single-story homes with maintenance provided by a homeowners association. Patio homes are often marketed to empty nesters and retirees who would rather not deal with maintenance issues.
Matt Mains, a land development manager with Drees, said the homes would run anywhere between $350,000 and $550,000.
Gilbert shared her concerns about flooding with the planning commission and reiterated them in a follow-up interview with LINK nky.
The ’97 flood refers to high water along the Ohio River, across Kentucky generally and in parts of Indiana early that year. A nearly immobile storm front generated and
regenerated thunderstorms through late February and into March.
Ninty-two counties in Kentucky and 14 counties in Indiana declared emergencies. 19 people in Kentucky died, and the flood caused about $400 million in property damage, according to the National Weather Service.
Flooding events since have been less dramatic, but concerns about flooding and sewage backups are common in public meetings related to development.
There were 477 flooding events in the Northern Kentucky Area Development District – which includes Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Owen, Pendleton, Gallatin, Carroll and Grant counties – from 1996 to 2022, according to the development district’s 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Ten deaths and about $55 million in economic losses were recorded during that time frame.
Gilbert, who is retired and a widow, feared she would not be able to financially deal with any damage that might occur if the development makes flooding worse. She was hesitant to leave her family home of 32 years, but, given her concerns, she hoped Drees would consider buying her property.
Mains, who also spoke with LINK nky a little less than a week after the meeting, said
“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.”
that it was too early to say for sure if Drees would buy Gilbert’s property. The project is in a very early phase; the final zoning hasn’t even been approved yet.
Moreover, he said, a lot was still undecided about the ongoing expansion of Ky. 536, which runs along the northern border of the tract. The progress of that project will inevitably frame what Drees can do with the land.
Still, there was one thing he said to both LINK nky directly and the planning commissioners. “We’re not going to create a bigger problem,” Mains said.
Only one member of the Kenton County Planning Commission voted against Drees’ zoning request: Covington Representative Kareem Simpson. Simpson was a member of the commission’s subcommittee on housing while it was crafting its newest version of the Kenton County Comprehensive Plan, which the commission passed the same night.
The flooding wasn’t the reason he voted against the request. Instead, he was more concerned that the Drees development would fail to meet the housing needs of the region. Like many in the region, he pointed to a housing study published by the area development district last year that showed, among other things, a shortage of smaller,
relatively inexpensive entry-level housing.
Mains told LINK nky that Drees tried to ensure its home designs were as efficient as possible in order to make the best use of the land and control costs. Although Drees has recently begun building more attached housing (i.e., condominiums and townhomes), they do not build apartments.
Simpson admitted there were pressures related to infrastructure.
When asked what an alternative might be, Simpson said, “Is that working with the government more? Probably. Is that builders working with the government more to get subsidies? Maybe. Is that working with organizations that are already working in this affordable housing space that too could help ease the problem? The people that are building houses just for profitability, if they continue on the same model, it’s going to fail.”
As to whether it was a possibility Drees and Gilbert could make a deal in the future, Mains was optimistic and said that he’d be keeping in touch with Gilbert long-term.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to work with her and come out with a better scenario,” Main said.
Dr. Lauren Castellini Oncology
Flood hazard zones in Kenton County. Hazard zones are arranged by probability: Estimated 100-year flood zones are set off in striped blue, 100-year flood hazard zones are set off in solid blue, 500-year flood hazard zones are set off in yellow. Flash flooding zones are not included. Provided | Northern Kentucky Area Development District
Flood waters approaching Erma Jean Gilbert’s home. Provided | Erma Jean Gilbert
The Kenton County Fiscal Court is requesting sealed Proposals for Owner Representative/Project Manager Services for the development of the new Kenton County Park located at 604 Independence Station Road, Independence, Kentucky 41051. Copies of the RFP may be obtained from our Kentoncounty.org website or the Purchasing Manager’s Office, Kenton County Administration Building, 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Ste. 5100 Covington, KY 41011. Bids must be received in the Purchasing Manager’s Office no later than 2:30 P.M., Friday, October 18, 2024.
KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT
KRIS A. KNOCHELMANN, JUDGE/EXECUTIVE
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OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION I BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-01174 KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VERSUS} BRAD J. KELLEY By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered SEPTEMBER 17, 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, OCTOBER 24, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
19 LUCAS STREET FLORENCE, KY 41042
NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION III
BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-01204
CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2019-RPL2 VERSUS}
KAREN L. BINNS, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered SEPTEMBER 10, 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, OCTOBER 24, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 4725 RIVER ROAD HEBRON, KY 41048
PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 058.00-00-019.00 & 058.00-00-021.00
AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $151,595.33 GROUP NO.: 2009
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NOTICE OF THE BOONE COUNTY MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE DIVISION III
BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-00953
SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC VERSUS} CAMERON FRODGE, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered SEPTEMBER 10, 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, OCTOBER 24, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 2960 TIMBER RIDGE WAY BURLINGTON, KY 41005
PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 050.00-10-097.00
AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $148,524.42 GROUP NO.: 3267
In the upcoming election, Kentucky voters will face more than just a choice between political candidates. We’ll also be asked to vote on a seemingly innocent proposal that claims to offer parents “more choices” in how their children are educated. Spoiler alert: This isn’t the feel-good, kid-friendly amendment they’re selling you. Voting no on Amendment 2 isn’t just about saving our public schools – it’s about saving our wallets and keeping our values of fairness and transparency intact.
Devil’s in the details
On the surface, it sounds simple and noble: give parents more educational opportunities by allowing state funds to follow students to schools “outside” the public school system. What could be wrong with that?
This amendment essentially cracks open the floodgates, allowing private and for-profit schools to siphon public funds away from public schools. And guess who gets to foot the bill for these new “choices”? That’s right, Kentucky taxpayers.
This amendment will allow lawmakers to divert public funds – your tax dollars –to private and parochial schools, with no guarantee that those dollars will be used to serve students equitably. This isn’t a scholarship fund. It’s not a grant program for those living in tight spots. It’s a cash-grab disguised as choice. And the only ones benefiting are the private institutions whose pockets will be lined with your hard-earned tax dollars. So much for the public accountability that Kentuckians demand.
The “choice” illusion
Let’s be clear: Real choice means options that benefit everyone, not just a privileged few. This isn’t about empowering families; it’s about disempowering public schools by draining resources and leaving them to do more with less. You can slap a nice label on it, but we know what’s really happening here.
Private schools don’t have to take every student. They can (and do) pick and choose who they accept, often leaving behind students with disabilities, behavioral issues or those from low-income families. The “choice” here really belongs to the schools, not the families. And if your child does not fit their mold, you will be out of luck, but
don’t worry – your tax dollars will still go toward funding that private school’s new facilities or elite programming.
The accountability problem
Supporters of this amendment want you to believe that the legislature will maintain “accountability” if this passes. What they don’t tell you is that private and religious schools are not held to the same standards as public schools. There is no requirement that they follow the same curriculum or hire certified teachers. While our public schools have to meet rigorous standards (often on shoestring budgets), these private institutions can take your money and run without the same oversight.
All kids deserve better
At the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves: What kind of education system do we want for Kentucky? Do we want one that strengthens all children and serves all children, no matter where they come from or what they need? Or do we want a system that funnels taxpayer dollars into private pockets, leaving the vast majority of our kids to flounder in underfunded classrooms?
This is not just about protecting schools; it’s about protecting Kentucky families from the long-term consequences that will negatively impact our local communities and our state. It’s about ensuring that every child has access to a quality education, and that taxpayers are not left to clean up the mess. Let’s be smart about our kids, our schools, and our wallets. On Election Day, vote no on Amendment 2 and help protect Kentucky’s future.
Carolyn Hankins Wolfe Member, Board of Education Division 1 Boone County Schools
The value of student employment
I was 13 when I started earning money selling fresh produce on a neighbor’s front porch. I also had “teen jobs” as a babysitter and a high school sports beat reporter. Money earned paid for movie tickets, Mountain Dew and gas. More important, those early work experiences were instrumental in my becoming the professional I am today.
There’s increasing debate over whether students should work while in school. Rising costs, a declining population and shifting workforce demands make student em-
ployment not just a personal choice but an economic necessity.
In today’s competitive job market, early work experience can give students a significant advantage. A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers indicates that nearly 91% of employers prefer candidates with some work experience, and 65% value those with relevant internships.
The number of entry-level jobs in the U.S. is steadily increasing, yet there’s a paradox at play. A 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows approximately 5.4 million job openings, with many in fields that require minimal experience or training. Despite this, employers are finding it difficult to fill these positions. This gap between job availability and workforce readiness is where student workers can play a pivotal role.
Locally, an estimated 6,000 Northern Kentucky residents ages 16-24 are not working. Statewide, that number jumps to approximately 75,000. Speaking on behalf of the business community, I want to encourage all who have an influence on our student population to support some work experience.
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that, by 2034, there will be more adults over 65 than children under 18 for the first time in history. This shift means that the labor force will increasingly rely on younger workers to sustain economic growth. Encouraging students to enter the workforce while still in school is not just beneficial for their personal development, it’s also essential for maintaining a robust labor market.
Beyond the financial aspect, the skills gained from working – time management, teamwork, problem-solving – are invaluable. These skills enhance a student’s employability post-graduation while contributing to overall development as responsible, self-reliant adults.
There are, of course, valid concerns about the potential downsides of working while studying. The balance between work and academics is delicate, and there is a risk that too many hours on the job could detract from academic performance. However, research from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce suggests that students who work a moderate number of hours per week (around 15-20) tend to perform better academically than those who do not work at all. The key lies in finding a balance that allows students to gain work experience without
compromising their education.
Moreover, as we look toward the future, the nature of work is changing. Automation and artificial intelligence are transforming industries, and the jobs of tomorrow will require a blend of technical skills and human creativity. Students who engage in the workforce early are better positioned to adapt to these changes, acquiring soft skills that machines cannot replicate and learning to navigate the complexities of a dynamic economy.
Yet, amid the economic and personal advantages of working during school, there is growing pressure on students to focus on other pursuits, particularly sports and academic excellence, as pathways to scholarships. The allure of a full-ride scholarship, either academic or athletic, is undeniable. For many, it represents a chance to achieve higher education without the crippling debt that so often accompanies it.
The pressure to focus exclusively on sports or academics, while understandable, can be shortsighted. Scholarships, while incredibly valuable, are not guaranteed, and the odds of securing one are often slim. Moreover, the skills gained from working – real-world experience, financial literacy and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities – are essential, regardless of whether a scholarship is secured.
Balancing work, academics, and extracurricular activities is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also a realistic reflection of the demands students will face in their future careers. Employers today are looking for well-rounded individuals who can juggle multiple tasks and adapt to changing circumstances. Students who learn to manage these demands early are better prepared for the realities of the workforce.
Nancy Spivey, Vice President of Talent Strategies, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Independence K-9, in training in Pa., to join force in Nov.
Independence has a new K-9 team, Belgian Malinois Cairo and Officer Ben Bridges, who are currently undergoing training at Shallow Creek Kennels, a well-known police dog training facility in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania.
The duo began training this month and is expected to be out on the streets in November. Cairo is named after the Navy Seal dog who assisted in the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in 2011.
“We’re happy to have [Bridges] there and looking forward to having that new team back in Independence in six weeks in November,” Mayor Chris Reinersman said during a recent council meeting.
Independence council affirms current tax rate at heated council meeting
Independence City Council has voted not to increase its tax rate for the 2025 fiscal year despite concerns about inflation and increased property values in the region,
worries voiced in public comments of the meeting during which council members cast their vote.
The council voted unanimously at a special meeting Sept. 18 to keep the real property tax rate at $0.22 for every $100 of valuation and the personal property tax at $0.534 for every $100 of valuation. Both rates are below the compensating rate.
Mayor Chris Reinersman discussed the tax situation in Independence before the vote. Kentucky state law is peculiar in that it requires cities to set their budgets before they set their tax rates, forcing cities to project out how much tax revenue they will bring in. The most recent tax revenue projections, Reinersman said, suggest the city would bring in about $50,000 more than expected expenses.
“That’s a pretty tight window on this $10 million plus budget,” Reinersman said.
Although the tax rate remained the same, property values in the region have increased over the last few years. As a result, even if a rate doesn’t change, residents might still have a higher tax bill because their property’s overall value has increased.
County property valuation administrators are in charge of determining the fair market value of people’s properties. They release property values for local areas every year, but physical examinations of property in cities in a county are usually done on a rotating basis.
Reinersman defended the proposed rate freeze, arguing that the city faces the same inflationary pressures as individuals and that the increased revenue was necessary to provide expanded public services.
“We’ve increased law enforcement, the single largest service we provide the city,” Reinersman said. “Our road maintenance projects – as we look at our road plans year to year, we’re staying further ahead than we have over these last several years.”
Council members were broadly in agreement.
One resident, Don Lambert, spoke at the meeting and asked the council to consider lowering taxes in the face of increased property values. Things escalated from there.
“I propose that you don’t need that increase,” Lambert said. “You had that amount of excess in the budget last year. It may be tight. You can do it. If you did it last year, you can do it again. Don’t put the burden on the shoulders of the homeowners.”
Reinersman asked if Lambert had an alternative for making up the increased city expenses.
“I just told you,” Lambert said, clearly upset. “Were you not listening?”
“You said keep the revenue the same by setting the tax rate to offset the increased valuation so we would bring in the same revenue,” Reinersman replied. “I’m not sure how we cover the additional. Our expenses are not nearly the same as they were last year.”
“That’s why you’re here, to figure it out,” Lambert said. “I don’t have the inside picture of what you have, but I know that there’s ways to manage revenue, and there are ways to cut expenses, and you guys can manage them.”
Reinersman said the city’s finances were public record.
“I didn’t ask you to defend yourself, sir,” Lambert said.
“No, you accused me and walked away,” Reinersman said.
“I didn’t accuse you of anything,” Lambert said. “I said, ‘You know how to manage it.’”
Councilmember Tom Brinker then asked the police officer in the chamber to move Lambert away from the dais. Lambert took his seat.
Brinker pitched a hypothetical scenario of a large manhunt, like the recent one in Laurel County, which could incur a large amount of police overtime. In such a situation, the extra $50,000 projected to come
in “would be wiped out in a heartbeat.”
“It would be wiped out in a bad winter,” councilmember Carol Franzen said.
“There are scenarios that you can’t prepare for,” Brinker said. “You can never tell what’s going to happen, and you get to be ready.”
Crescent Springs waits as federal grant money to update park in limbo
Around a year ago, Crescent Springs proposed renovating a city park. A month later, in October 2023, plans and costs were finalized. Now, Lou Hartfiel Memorial Park sits empty as old equipment has been removed, and the city waits for grants to contribute to funding the park’s cost.
The park, discussed at the Sept. 23 city council meeting, aims to be “all-inclusive,” with wheelchair-accessible equipment and flooring. Because of these features, the plan was selected as one of a variety of other parks that will receive funding from the National Park Service. Although the project has been approved for the grant, the city has not yet received the money and cannot move forward with renovations.
“I’ve been emailing with the state on a weekly basis,” said Mayor Mike Daugherty. “They’ve promised us that we will be in the next ‘batch’ that they put with the National Park Service.”
Daugherty said he has not yet received any more information regarding a timeline for receiving the money.
Lou Hartfiel Memorial Park sits empty after old equipment was removed and the city awaits renovations. Photo by Shae Meade | LINK nky contributor
Independence Police K-9 in training Cairo and his handler, Ben Bridges. Provided | City of Independence
“It is a high priority of mine, and I know of council’s, to get this resolved and get the park back open to where it should be,” said Daugherty. “We’re ready to go once the National Park Service says, ‘You’re totally approved.’ We’re kind of at their mercy right now”
According to Daugherty, the city does not have permission to pay for work itself and be reimbursed later but must wait for the grant funding to start renovations.
Covington wins control of historic Duveneck House, to undertake restoration
Covington announced last month that it will begin planning work on restoring the Duveneck House, a historic home belonging to Frank Duveneck, a famous 19th and 20th-century artist, sculptor and teacher.
The Covington structure, which was placed on the National Historic Register in 2015, has been the subject of a nearly eightyear legal battle between the city and the house’s owner, the Frank Duveneck Arts and Cultural Center. The city sued the center in February to gain control of what the city described as a “blighted building.”
The building contains numerous structural problems, most notably a large hole in the foundation. The city used the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act, enacted in 2022. It allows conservators to be appointed to take possession of and undertake the rehabilitation of abandoned or blighted buildings. The Kenton County Circuit Court granted the city conservatorship on Sept. 6.
“We have all the powers, duties and rights of an owner to possess, control, rehabilitate and maintain the property, but we’re not the owner,” said acting Covington City Solicitor Frank Schultz.
The city budget has set aside $175,000 in federal funds to complete work on the house, according to the city’s Neighborhood Service’s Department. No money will come from the city’s general fund. The city is seeking additional grants to fund repairs.
“Our sole focus is to save the building and its history before it’s lost forever,” said Brandon Holmes, Covington’s neighborhood services director. “Hopefully, we have enough time to accomplish that.”
Covington’s Holy Cross among two NKY schools named blue ribbon winners
Two Northern Kentucky schools were designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Education.
Holy Cross High School in Covington and Shirley Mann Elementary School in Union were selected as schools that have exemplified excellent academic performance over the past year, per a release from the Kentucky Department of Education. These Kentucky schools were among 356 others across the country recognized this year.
“I congratulate and thank our newest Blue Ribbon Schools for their hard work to ensure every student has the skills they need for a successful future,” Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said in a news release. “This award highlights the commitment to excellence that teachers, staff, families and communities have, as well as their dedication to be ‘All In’ for their students.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools, according to the Kentucky Department of Education, serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators nationwide. The program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:
• Exemplary High-Performing Schools:
Among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools: Among the state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., later in the school year.
Taylor Mill police given defibrillators by Moose Lodge
The Taylor Mill Police Department now has two new automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, for its police cruisers.
Provided by Covington Moose Lodge No. 1469, the donations coincide with a broader effort in Greater Cincinnati to equip police cruisers with AEDs. Police often arrive at emergency sites before other first responders.
“Having AEDs in our patrol cars is essential for our officers to respond quickly and effectively to cardiac emergencies,” said Taylor Mill Police Chief James E. Mills Jr. “This donation from the Moose Lodge is a crucial step toward our goal of having an AED in every police vehicle, ensuring that we are prepared to save lives whenever the need arises.”
The police department will continue to raise money to equip more of its cruisers with AEDs. To donate to the program, contact the department at 859-581-1192.
plause.
Kuehne then spoke, acknowledging the work of other team members who assisted in the mission, “All of these people here and the other 40+ members [of the rescue team] would have done the same thing I did.”
“We’ve got a heck of a team,” said Kuehne. “We’ve got a heck of a captain right here and all these people here I call my brothers and sisters because I’ve spent hundreds of hours with these people on the river. We’ve got a great organization, so this is a surprise to me, but thank you.”
Ed “Keeney” Kuehne has served Kentucky for over 50 years, during which he has served several terms as a city commissioner since initially taking on the role 14 years ago. Kuehne also is on the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky board and is a board of adjustments member.
To wrap up the special presentation, Kuehne left the room with one final piece of advice before moving on to the rest of the regularly scheduled meeting: “Life is too short to take it for granted. Kiss the one you love or the children you love because you might not be with them tomorrow.”
Covington will begin work on restoring the historic Duveneck House. Provided | City of Covington
Taylor Mill police receive defibrillators from Covington’s Moose Lodge No. 1469. Provided | Taylor Mill Police Department
Taylor Mill City Commissioner Edward Kuenhe thanks city officials after receiving a plaque in honor of rescuing a struggling swimmer from the Ohio River in August. Photo by Dillon Cain | LINK nky contributor
Custom-built brick ranch with finished basement
Address: 3081 Ashley Drive, Edgewood
Price: $589,900
Bedrooms: Three
Bathrooms: Two (plus one half-bath)
Square footage: 2,780
School district: Kenton County
County: Kenton
Special features: This 1978 brick ranch is in the Twelve Trees subdivision in Edgewood. The home features a finished lower level with a walk-out, three fireplaces, hardwood floors and a two-car attached garage. The home is conveniently located near shopping, schools, restaurants, Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport and downtown Cincinnati.
An exterior view of this Edgewood home. Provided | Tracy Mazzone with Susan Huff with Huff Realty
This property features a finished basement.
Bellevue Fall Fest, 5-9 p.m., Bellevue Beach Park, 643-665 Frank Benke Way, Bellevue. Browse booths, go on a police cruiser hayride, pick a pumpkin and more. Free. Information: bellevueky.org.
Comedy @ Commonwealth, 7 p.m., Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. Headliner is Bo Johnson. Admission $20. Information: programming@commonwealthsanctuary.com or commonwealthsanctuary.com.
Sandylandacres Haunted Hayride, 8 p.m.-midnight, Sandylandacres Farm, 4172 Belleview Road, Petersburg. Award winning haunted hayride and haunted barn. Weekends through Nov. 2. Admission $15-$30. Information: 859-3220516, fordnut02@aol. com or sandylandacres. com.
Boone County Pride Festival, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Union Presbyterian Church, 10259 U.S. 42, Union. Event celebrates inclusivity and diversity. Includes live entertainment, community resource fair with LGBTQ+ proud organizations and family friendly activities. Information: fairness.org/boonepride.
ArtAmplified: LIGHT Community Day, 2-4 p.m., Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave., Covington. ArtWorks fundraiser dedicated to enhancing expression and connection through art and partnership. Includes Red Door Project art auction. Information: 513-333-0388, info@artworkscincinnati.org or artworkscincinnati.org/event/ artamplified-light-community-day.
Bourbon and Belonging, 5-11 p.m., The Globe, 12 E. Fifth St., Covington. NKY’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive bourbon festival. Admission: $30. Information: 859-261-1267 or eventbrite.com/e/ bourbon-and-belonging-tickets-951820941057.
Verona Farmers and Artisan Market, 11 a.m.3 p.m., Verona Vineyards, 13815 Walton-Verona Road, Verona. Last market of the season has a “Who dey!” theme. More than 30 food and drink vendors. Information: 859-739-3144 or veronafarmersandartisanmarket.com.
NKY Chamber Government Forum, 11:30 a.m.1 p.m., Hilton Cincinnati Airport 7373 Turfway Road, Florence. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman will discuss ongoing efforts to combat the drug epidemic. Information: 859426-3656, kfrizzell@ nkychamber.com or business.nkychamber. com/events.
Assistive Technology Exposition, 2-6:30 p.m., NKU Student Union, 20 Kenton Drive, Highland Heights. Explore latest assistive technology devices related to communication, mobility, recreation, hearing, vision or daily living. Free but ticketed. Information: eventbrite. com/e/assistive-technology-expo-tickets-995503326247.
Covington City Commission candidate forum, 7-8:30 p.m., Facebook Live virtual event. Organized by LINK nky and the Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington. LINK reporter Nathan Granger moderates. Information: facebook. com/events/9378700 28365622.
more events, scan the QR code or visit: https://linknky.com/events/
By Maria Hehman
FThese small places have big followings
or this week’s Streetscapes, we head to three small, familiar and comfortable spots in Park Hills and Covington. Coffee, beer and burgers all await along Dixie Highway. Join us as we visit Reality Tuesday Cafe, Finke’s Pub, and Herb and Thelma’s Tavern.
Reality Tuesday Cafe
A longtime Park Hills staple and well loved by nearby students of Notre Dame and Covington Catholic, Reality Tuesday has consistently been serving some of the best coffee in NKY for over 20 years.
This locally owned business is best known for its morning essentials, coffee and pastries. It has all the barista basics: espresso, drip and cold coffee, frappes and iced coffee. There are offer over a dozen flavors to enhance the drinks, including pumpkin (because, even in the heat of summer, sometimes you just need a PSL).
Besides coffee, Reality Tuesday’s chai tea is regionally known as the best in the area. It also offers smoothies and refreshers. The decadent pastries rotate and are always a nice treat, but guests shouldn’t overlook the lunch offerings. Soup, salads and sandwiches are all freshly made and in tune with the seasons.
As a small coffee shop, it has a fun, communal atmosphere with large seating for conversing with friends or strangers. There’s also cozy booth seating to get work done while enjoying a latte and scone.
Finke’s Pub
Those looking to hit the Covington bar scene have most likely passed this unassuming bar along Dixie Highway. Blink and you may miss it, but those that visit can expect alarmingly cheap drinks – yes a bar that still offers drinks under $5. Finke’s also has typical bar games like darts and the latest game on every TV.
The front of Finke’s has a garage-like door that opens to an outdoor patio. This welcomes the warm weather and sunshine in the summer, illuminating the bar’s interior. Although the space is on the smaller side, you won’t be standing shoulder to shoulder
and screaming over music to order your favorite domestic beer.
The drink selection is primarily domestic canned and bottled beer, along with seltzers and select spirits. The easy going, welcoming atmosphere is perfect for a pit stop for a quick drink or to relax with friends for multiple rounds.
Herb and Thelma’s Tavern
Down the road, right off of Dixie Highway on Pike Street, Herb and Thelma’s is a tried-and-true hometown hangout. This cash-only establishment has been in business over 80 years, and the ambiance will take you back a few decades to a simpler time.
Herb and Thelma’s menu is focused on bar essentials. When the food is good there’s no need to complicate it with too many choices. It’s best known for burgers (my father says they’re the best in Northern Kentucky), which come basic or dressed up as guests choose. There also are grilled items – fried bologna sandwiches, bratwurst and mettwurst, along with soup and chili. Coney night on Wednesdays is the best way to get the full Herb and Thelma’s experience.
The tavern’s decor exudes a nostalgia, with quirky and timeless memorabilia tacked onto the walls. With all the beer necessities to pair with delightfully greasy eats, it’s a great stop for quick, cheap eats. If you have the time, though, the staff warmly welcomes guests to relax and converse over a couple of cold ones.
What to Know If You Go
Reality Tuesday Cafe
Location: 1518 Dixie Highway, Park Hills
Hours: Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Phone: 859-261-4939
Finke’s Pub
Location: 1458 Dixie Highway, Park Hills
Hours: Monday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Tuesday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Wednesday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Friday, 4 p.m.-2:30 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m.- 2:30 a.m.
Phone: 859-431-6154
Herb and Thelma’s Tavern
Location: 718 W. Pike St., Covington Hours: Sunday, closed; Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Website: herbandthelmas.com
Phone: 859-491-6984
Finke’s Pub on Dixie Highway, a small bar with all the essentials.
Finke’s patio is the perfect place to spend the final days of summer.
Iced coffee from Reality Tuesday Cafe. Photos by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor
The burgers from Herb and Thelma’s Tavern are famous across the region.
Newport enjoys stellar start under first-year coach
By Marc Hardin
Paul Wiggins remembers the conversation. It was the middle of winter, and he was feeling the chill.
After parting ways with the Bishop Brossart High School football program in January, the coach met with Newport’s Ryan Hahn. For both men, it was an opportunity. For the Wildcats’ football team, it was a fateful encounter with reverberations being felt today.
Hahn was preparing for his third season as Newport head football coach, following an 8-4 finish. Wiggins, a teacher in the Newport school system, had been head coach at Bishop Brossart for the past 10 years. Hahn liked the idea of adding to his staff an experienced coach who was already on campus. Wiggins, a middle school special education
teacher with nearly 70 career wins, was newly available. It was a bonus that Wiggins is a 1986 Newport graduate who once played football for the Wildcats.
“I talked with coach Hahn,” Wiggins said. “I told him I could help the team out.”
Wiggins accepted Hahn’s invitation to join his staff. Wiggins proved a quick study and bonded with the Wildcats. Seven months later, Newport is a surprise team in Northern Kentucky. The Wildcats were one of two area unbeatens after five weeks of play with a 4-0 record, their best start in five years.
The Wildcats were not only undefeated, but they were also unyielding, ranking fifth statewide in Class A scoring defense, and they remained unbowed. The Wildcats have endured ups and downs, unexpected events and enough behind-the-scenes drama to fill a sports movie.
This is not a film full of plot twists. This is real life, with real surprises and significant life-shaping consequences for real people, all within a calendar year.
Through it all, the players on the Newport football team stayed together and held strong.
“It feels awesome,” quarterback Kyle Lee said of the Wildcats’ success. “It’s really great.”
Newport’s twists and turns began Jan. 3 at another school. That’s the day Bishop Brossart parted ways with Wiggins, architect
of seven winning seasons in Alexandria. The Mustangs fell to 5-6 in Wiggins’ final season after posting a 9-3 record in 2022. When Wiggins and Hahn first talked Newport football, Hahn was all ears.
“I said I could help with the defensive line, receivers and special teams,” Wiggins recalled. “I left Brossart in January, and I was on the Newport staff by spring.”
On June 19, Wiggins found himself Newport’s head football coach following Hahn’s surprise resignation, becoming the team’s third coach in four years. Newport’s athletic director retired a few days later. Through all the changes, the players stayed committed.
“I love our new coaches. They keep us in check,” said lineman Jaylan Hartness, a state leader in sacks along the newly installed three-man front.
The new athletic director was hired in time to oversee the final phase of the football team’s return home. Newport Stadium, built in 1937, had failed a building inspection and was out of use for two seasons. The venue underwent a complete renovation, forcing Newport to hold practices and play its games elsewhere.
All the while, the players remained focused on football.
The resilient Wildcats and their new head coach recalibrated after the team lost nearly one-third of the roster to graduation. This paved the way for a large freshman class accounting for nearly a third of the 2024 squad. There are just six seniors,
including co-captains Lee and Hartness. Players are learning a revamped offense and a new base defense. Lee has buckled down in the spread attack which has added formations and set plays.
“It’s team execution,” Lee said. “We’re practicing hard and winning.”
The unwavering Wildcats weren’t even at full strength. Two-way standout Amontae Lowe, one of Lee’s top receivers, missed three games with an eye infection. Rod Thompson, the leading ball carrier, missed two games with an injury. There were other aches and pains that kept the team at less than 100%.
The available players soldiered on and didn’t lose a game.
“The players deserve the credit,” Wiggins said. “It goes with the buy-in.”
The results have been satisfying. Newport started 4-0 while also punching above its weight. The Wildcats opened with a 3614 victory at Class 2A Carroll County. They shut out 4A Holmes 27-0 in Covington. They won their first home game in three years, beating 6A Boone County, 24-20, on homecoming night. The Wildcats won at Ludlow, 32-30, avenging a loss to the Panthers in the second round of last year’s Class A playoffs.
“We’re trending in the right direction,” Wiggins said. “Right now, it’s the defensive side making it possible and giving the offense a chance. We’re still waiting on the offense to break out.”
The Wildcats’ Kendall Buck-Barber, shown here intercepting a pass, is a key cog on the state-ranked defense. Provided | Brandon Wheeler
Newport quarterback Kyle Lee, middle, looks for teammate Ayden Stachel (24) while lineman Jaylan Hartness (55) seeks a defender to block. Provided | Brandon Wheeler
Newport football coach Paul Wiggins. Provided | Newport athletics
St. Henry, Highlands boys take links titles; Ryle girls win region
Northern Kentucky was well-represented in region golf tournaments.
Topping Region 8, the Highlands boys golf team won its fifth straight regional trophy and Bishop Brossart took the runner-up spot at the Sept. 24 tournament at Eagle Creek in Crittenden.
The Bluebirds’ Hank Shick won individual medalist honors for the third straight season, defeating teammate Nate Surrey in a playoff.
Campbell County’s Talen Beane qualified for the first round of the state tournament as well.
Bishop Brossart’s Emma Laker, Highlands’ Jenna Richey, and Campbell County’s Ella Pompilio and Natalie Waggoner were among the 10 players not on the two qualifying teams to advance in the girls Region 8 golf tournament on Sept. 23 at A.J. Jolley Golf Course.
Ryle dominated the girls 7th Region field Sept. 24 at the Golf Courses at Kenton County Pioneer Course, winning by 36 strokes over second place Notre Dame. The two will now advance to the first round of the state tournament.
While Cooper isn’t the top dog anymore, Reagan Ramage still is. The Jaguars senior won her fifth straight region title.
Also advancing to the state tournament were Conner’s Sofia Seals; Dixie Heights’ Tatjana Andracenko and Addyson St. John; St. Henry’s Carly Apgar, Alexis Fassbender and Taylor Walsh; Walton-Verona’s Addison Vonhandorf and Ava Klipps; Beechwood’s Ellie Stamm; and Boone County’s Jayden Ramler.
St. Henry and Ryle boys golf teams continued their success, advancing to the first round of the state tournament as the Crusaders claimed the 7th Region championship on Sept. 23 at Boone Links Golf Course.
On top of their regional title, the Crusaders’ Ben Carter took home individual medalist honors.
Individual runner-up went to Covington Catholic’s Joseph Mangine.
After Mangine qualified with ease, Boone County’s Trenton Wilson; Dixie Heights’ Jack Woolwine and Kyle Flynn; Scott’s Chase O’Keefe; Conner’s Max Brunkel and Drake Brittingham; Walton-Verona’s Jacob Cottrell and Jacob Vonhandorf; and Covington Catholic’s Sammy Klaene advanced to the state tournament.
The first round of the state tournament for Regions 5-8 will be played on Sept. 30 (boys) and Oct. 1 (girls) at Shelbyville Country Club.
The top three teams and next 15 best individuals not on the qualifying teams then advance to the final rounds of the state tournament in Bowling Green the week of Oct. 7-12.
Brossart girls soccer, St. Henry volleyball, take All ‘A’ state titles
Small schools from Northern Kentucky took center stage Sept. 20-22 with the All “A” Classic state tournaments in volleyball and soccer.
Two teams came home with championship trophies as the St. Henry volleyball team and Bishop Brossart girls soccer team won their respective tournaments.
St. Henry didn’t drop a set on its way to its eighth All “A” state title. The Crusaders de-
feated Holy Cross (Louisville) (25-16, 25-20), Somerset Christian (25-17, 25-11) and Bishop Brossart (25-12, 25-17) in pool play and then Knott County Central (25-12, 25-14) in the quarterfinals, Shelby Valley (25-14, 2515) in the semifinals and Holy Cross (25-12, 25-22) again in the championship on Sept. 21 in Elizabethtown.
It improves the Crusaders’ record to 53-1 all-time in the All “A” tournament.
Kenadi Sieg, Violet Main, Corrine Blackburn and Lizzie Casey were named to the all-tournament team, Casey taking home Tournament MVP honors.
The Bishop Brossart girls soccer team knocked off four-time reigning champion Bethlehem to claim its first All “A” Classic title in its ninth appearance in the tournament, according to the All “A” Classic website.
The Lady ’Stangs got their tournament run started with a 2-0 victory over Beechwood Sept. 11, then proceeded to defeat Hazard (9-0) and Sayre (7-1) in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, before taking down Bethlehem 3-0 in the championship Sept. 22 in Louisville.
Zoey Woosley, Kaitlyn Kramer, Maddie Broering and Kylie Smith were named to the All-tournament team while Rachel Shewmaker took home Tournament MVP honors.
Walton-Verona’s Christy among girls scoring leaders
Walton-Verona multisport standout Cam Christy knows how to score. She ranks seventh in the state in girls soccer with 34 goals. She’s averaging 2.1 goals per game with a high of five against Carroll County. The senior scored four goals against Owen County. She tallied three goals in anoth-
er match against Owen County and also scored three against Shelby County, Calvary Christian, Henry County and a team from Tennessee.
In the 6-0 win over Pendleton County, she set the program scoring record with 253 points in her high school career, which accounts for goals and assists.
Saints’ first wins of season come in pair of shutouts
The Thomas More University football team is 2-1 after two shutout wins.
The first was a 50-0 shellacking of Kentucky Christian at Republic Bank Field on Sept. 14. The Saints bounced back from a season-opening loss to Davenport on Sept. 7 with an offensive explosion and a show of force on defense. The Saints rolled up 453 total yards of offense while limiting Kentucky Christian to 113. The Saints passed for 274 yards and rushed for 179. Kentucky Christian had minus-16 yards rushing and 129 passing.
Kicker Luke Iden’s three field goals and five extra-point kicks combined to set a program record for points in a single game by a kicker with 14.
The Saints earned a second win Sept. 21 with a 6-0 shutout of Ohio Dominican. Iden kicked two field goals of 31 and 24 yards for the only points in the game.
Sheets, Bennett winners at Covington diocese championship
Covington Catholic’s Will Sheets and Villa Madonna’s Ryan Bennett won 5,000-meter races at the annual Diocese of Covington Championships at Rivershore Sports Park in Hebron on Sept. 14. Sheets turned in a silver standard elite performance, according to kymilesplit.com, with a finishing time of 15 minutes, 26.58 seconds in the boys event.
Sheets was the only boy breaking the 16-minute barrier at the cross-country event. Just four other runners came in under 17 minutes. Bennett, an eighth grader, was the lone girl to break 21 minutes with a time of 20:47.31.
The St. Henry boys golf team won the 7th Region title Sept.23 at Boone Links Golf Course with a team score of 299. Evan Dennison | LINK nky
The Ryle girls golf team won the 7th Region title Sept. 24 at the Golf Courses at Kenton County Pioneer Course. Evan Dennison | LINK nky
Bishop Brossart won its first All “A” title with a 3-0 victory over Bethlehem Sept. 22. Photo provided
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The Ryle volleyball team is the LINK nky Team of the Week for Sept. 8-14. Photo provided | Ryle volleyball
