By Nathan Granger
‘You’re not alone’ Service providers unite to combat veteran suicide
ocial service organizations in NKY are coming together to raise awareness about veteran suicide and to provide resources to veterans and their families.
“I really thrived in the military,” said Doug Witt, a peer support specialist at NorthKey Community Care and an Army veteran. “I loved the military. I was a good soldier.”
After serving in Germany from 1979 to 1989, though, he found it difficult to return to civilian life. It’s a struggle many veterans deal with, even if they were never in combat, he said.
“All the proud feelings I had of being a veteran kind of didn’t really matter to anybody else, except for myself,” Witt told LINK nky by phone. “And then I didn’t feel supported and felt very, very lost and very alone.”
Employees take charge as C-Forward celebrates 25 years
By Kenton Hornbeck
When Brent Cooper founded C-Forward, an information technology consulting service to small and mid-size businesses, in 1999, he secured his first investment from his mother, whom he promptly paid back after 90 days. At that time, C-Forward had only three employees and $280,000 in revenue.
Fast forward to today, C-Forward boasts annual revenues of $8 million and employs over 35 people. The business relocated to Covington from Fort Thomas in 2003, contributing to revitalizing the city’s central business district in the years since.
On Sept. 5, C-Forward hosted a 25th anniversary celebration at its headquarters at
the corner of West Fifth Street and Madison Avenue. Northern Kentucky dignitaries including Campbell County Judge-Executive Steve Pendery, Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore, State Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Covington Vice Mayor Ron Washington were in attendance.
The event commemorated C-Forward’s journey while also serving as a venue to break important news – a transition of ownership. After 25 years of growth and community investment, Cooper announced that he was selling C-Forward to his employees through an employee stock ownership plan.
“This big announcement tonight is that, as of Saturday morning [Sept. 7] at 6:30 in the morning, we have officially become an em-
Continues on page 9
Flags planted at the Covington foot of the Roebling Bridge represent the average monthly number of U.S. veteran suicides – 660. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky
C-Forward employees pose for a company photo after they received the news that the company would transition into an employee ownership model. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky
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Witt was one of the speakers at an event put on Sept. 4 by the Northern Kentucky Service Members, Veterans and Families Suicide Prevention Coalition, a partnership of local service organizations. Coinciding with the start of suicide prevention month in September, the event near the Covington foot of the Roebling Suspension Bridge centered around 660 flags placed near the bridge – roughly the number of veterans who die by suicide each month in the United States.
That’s about 22 deaths by suicide per day.
Witt has lived through multiple suicide attempts and now works as a peer counselor, helping others navigate their struggles. He’s also in active recovery. His first suicide attempt was three days after he got home.
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs published a suicide prevention report last year that tracked data on veteran suicide and compared it to suicide more broadly. 2021 was the most recent year for which data was available.
“In 2021, 6,392 veterans died by suicide, an increase of 114 suicides from 2020,” according to the report’s introduction. “When looking at increases in rates from 2020 to 2021, the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among veterans increased by 11.6%, while the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among non-veteran U.S. adults increased by 4.5%. Veterans remain at elevated risk for suicide.”
An earlier report broke the figures down by state. Ninety-eight of Kentucky’s 790 suicides were veterans. Nearly half of those veteran suicides, 40, occurred in the 55 to 74 age range. Over 75% of those deaths were deaths by firearms, a point reinforced during the event.
Couldn’t receive help
Deborah Winkler, a Covington native and the service learning project-based learning coordinator at Holmes Middle School, also spoke at the Sept. 4 event. Winkler’s family comes from a long line of veterans, and her daughter, Nicole, is a social worker who works with veterans. Winkler’s son, Matthew, served two tours in Afghanistan as a Marine. He died by suicide on Sept. 16, 2016, after penning a four-page letter to his mother.
“When his contract was up, he tried to re-enlist, but, due to some physical [problems] and his mental [health] at that time with PTSD, they would not allow Matthew to re-enlist,” Winkler said. “So he came home in 2014. The whole time he was home for that, about a year and a half, he struggled, both financially, mentally and physically. He attempted to try to get help and was turned away or unable to receive that help.”
Like Witt, Winkler spends much of her time these days advocating for suicide awareness. Although she commended the region’s progress, she said many areas still need to be addressed.
“There is still plenty that can be done, not only for the veterans but also for the families,” Winkler said. “In 2014, when I attempted to try to get Matthew help, I was told he had to do it.”
It’s much easier now for families and loved ones of veterans to get help than it was in 2016. She pointed to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which anyone can reach by dialing 988, as an example. The hotline now has a special extension, reached by selecting 1 when prompted after calling, that connects veteran callers to peer support specialists who are also veterans.
“Veterans need to talk to a veteran,” Witt said, “to say, ‘I understand where you’ve been because I’ve been there. You’re not alone.’ That’s the main thing that we emphasize with the coalition is make veterans feel like you’re not alone.”
Winkler also pointed to recent legislation that established suicide prevention coalitions statewide and allowed family members of veterans experiencing thoughts of suicide to contact service organizations and crisis lines on their behalf to get help. That would remove the main barrier her son experienced.
Removing the stigma around suicide and mental health was another point Witt emphasized in his conversation with LINK nky and at the event. Even the way suicide is
discussed can have an effect. He encourages people to use the phrase “died by suicide,” for instance, rather than “committed suicide.”
“‘Committing’ kind of makes it seem like it’s a crime,” Witt said, “and there’s shame with somebody like myself who has suicide attempts, whether it’s religious, whether it’s society that puts it back on the person and says ‘you’re damaged.’”
The community can help, though, Witt and Winkler said. The easiest thing to do is establish connections with veterans and their families, help them cultivate the sense of camaraderie and belonging they miss from the military.
“There’s still the veterans that that are lost and are not connected,” Witt said. “The opposite of addiction is connection. The opposite of a lot of the mental health [problems], the opposite of despair is connection. So connecting is the solution.”
Learn more
Here are some online resources to find more complete data on veteran suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 24/7 to speak with a crisis counselor.
Northern Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and Families Suicide Prevention Coalition: northkey.org/nkyvets.
• Veterans Crisis Line: veteranscrisisline.net
• Veteran suicide data from Department of Veterans Affairs: mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/ data.asp
Doug Witt, a veteran who has attempted suicide and now is a peer support specialist, speaks at the Sept. 4 event. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky
A breakdown of veteran suicides in Kentucky, the Southern region and the U.S. compared to all suicides. Provided | U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Matthew Winkler in uniform. He died by suicide less than two years after leaving the Army. Provided | Deborah Winkler
NOTICE
Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. (“Duke Energy Kentucky” or “Company”) hereby gives notice that, in a tariff revision filing to be filed no sooner than September 13, 2024, Duke Energy Kentucky will be seeking approval by the Kentucky Public Service Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky, of textual changes to its tariff to become effective on and after October 14, 2024.
The proposed text changes and rates are applicable in all territories served by the Company’s service area as follows:
DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY CURRENT AND PROPOSED TEXT CHANGES
Section VI – Billing and Payment (Gas Tariff Sheet No. 25)
Current Budget Billing Plan Description
Annual Plan:
-The Annual Plan provides 12 months of equal payments by using 12 months of customer’s usage, dividing the usage by 12, and using the result to calculate the bill.
Month 12 is a settle-up month between the billed amounts and customer bills based on actual usage.
-A bill message is sent after 3, 6, and 9 months with a new bill amount if the budget bill amounts compared to the actual bill amounts exceeds a Company set threshold.
-The budget bill amount is also changed as needed after the 12 month review.
Quarterly Plan:
-The Quarterly Plan provides 3 months of equal payments starting by using 12 months of customer’s usage, dividing the usage by 12, and using the result to calculate the bill.
-However, to prevent a settle-up month, reviews occur after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months on the plan and continue every 3 months thereafter.
-The budget bill amount is changed as needed after each review. The change is automatic, and the customer does not need to contact Company.
-A bill message is sent after each review with a new bill amount if the budget bill amounts compared to the actual bill amounts exceeds a Company set threshold.
Proposed Budget Billing Plan Description:
Annual Plan:
-The Annual Plan provides 11 months of equal payments by using 12 months of customer’s usage, at the customer’s respective current rate schedule, dividing the total by 12, to calculate the bill.
-Month 12 includes the Budget Bill amount and a settle-up between the billed amounts and customer bills based on actual usage
-Month 12 includes a review of the Customer account and the budget bill amount is changed as needed after the 12 month review. The change is automatic, and the customer does not need to contact Company. A bill message is sent with the new bill amount.
Quarterly Plan:
-The Quarterly Plan provides 3 months of equal payments starting by using 12 months of customer’s usage, at the customer’s respective current rate schedule, dividing the total by 12, to calculate the bill.
-For a customer electing to enroll in the Budget Billing Program without prior usage history at the service location, a calculation will be performed based upon the characteristics of the premise and the customer will be defaulted to the quarterly Budget Billing Program option to help establish accurate payment estimation.
-However, to prevent a settle-up month, reviews occur after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months on the plan and continue every 3 months thereafter. At each of the reviews, the Company will determine the difference between the cost for actual gas service rendered at the premises under this rate schedule and the amounts billed customer for the preceding twelve-month period, and the Company shall add or subtract to the prior billed amount, as appropriate, one-twelfth (1/12) of that difference to each of the next bills to be sent to customer.
-The budget bill amount is changed as needed after each review. The change is automatic, and the customer does not need to contact Company.
-A bill message is sent after each review with a new bill amount.
Current Budget Billing Plan Description:
Annual Plan:
Section
VI – Billing and Payment (Electric Tariff Sheet No. 25)
-The Annual Plan provides 11 months of equal payments by using 12 months of customer’s usage, dividing the usage by 11, and using the result to calculate the bill.
-Month 12 is a settle-up month between the billed amounts and customer bills based on actual usage.
-A bill message is sent after 6 months with a suggested new bill amount if the budget bill amounts compared to the actual bill amounts exceeds a Company set threshold; however, Customer must contact Company to change the amount.
-The budget bill amount is changed as needed after the 12 month review.
Quarterly Plan:
-The Quarterly Plan provides 3 months of equal payments starting by using 12 months of customer’s usage, dividing the usage by 12, and using the result to calculate the bill.
-However, to prevent a settle-up month, reviews occur after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months on the plan and continue every 3 months thereafter.
-The budget bill amount is changed as needed after each review. The change is automatic and the customer does not need to contact Company.
-A bill message is sent after each review with a new bill amount if the budget bill amounts compared to the actual bill amounts exceeds a Company set threshold.
Proposed Budget Billing Plan Description:
Annual Plan:
-The Annual Plan provides 11 months of equal payments by using 12 months of customer’s usage, at the customer’s respective current rate schedule, dividing the total by 12, to calculate the bill.
-Month 12 includes the Budget Bill amount and a settle-up between the billed amounts and customer bills based on actual usage
-Month 12 includes a review of the Customer account and the budget bill amount is changed as needed after the 12 month review. The change is automatic, and the customer does not need to contact Company. A bill message is sent with the new bill amount.
Quarterly Plan:
-The Quarterly Plan provides 3 months of equal payments starting by using 12 months of customer’s usage, at the customer’s respective current rate schedule, dividing the total by 12, to calculate the bill.
-For a customer electing to enroll in the Budget Billing Program without prior usage history at the service location, a calculation will be performed based upon the characteristics of the premise and the customer will be defaulted to the quarterly Budget Billing Program option to help establish accurate payment estimation.
-However, to prevent a settle-up month, reviews occur after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months on the plan and continue every 3 months thereafter. At each of the reviews, the Company will determine the difference between the cost for actual electric service rendered at the premises under this rate schedule and the amounts billed customer for the preceding twelve-month period, and the Company shall add or subtract to the prior billed amount, as appropriate, one-twelfth (1/12) of that difference to each of the next bills to be sent to customer.
-The budget bill amount is changed as needed after each review. The change is automatic, and the customer does not need to contact Company.
-A bill message is sent after each review with a new bill amount.
The text contained in this notice is the text proposed by Duke Energy Kentucky; however, the Kentucky Public Service Commission may order revisions that differ from the proposed revisions contained in this notice. Such action may result in rates for consumers other than the rates in this notice.
Any corporation, association, body politic or person with a substantial interest in the matter may, by written request within thirty (30) days after publication of this notice of the proposed changes, request leave to intervene; intervention may be granted beyond the 30-day period for good cause shown. Such motion shall be submitted to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 615, 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602-0615, and shall set forth the grounds for the request including the status and interest of the party. If the Commission does not receive a written request for intervention within thirty (30) days of the initial publication the Commission may take final action on the tariff filing.
Intervenors may obtain copies of this tariff filing and other filings made by the Company by requesting same through email at DEKInquiries@duke-energy.com or by telephone at (513) 287-4366. A copy of the tariff filing and other filings made by the Company is available for public inspection through the Commission’s website at http://psc.ky.gov, at the Commission’s office at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am. to 4:30 p.m., and at the following Company offices: 1262 Cox Road, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. Comments regarding the filing may be submitted to the Public Service Commission through its website, or by mail at the following Commission address. For further information contact:
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY 1262 COX RD P.O. BOX 615 ERLANGER, KENTUCKY 41018 211 SOWER BOULEVARD (513) 287-4366 FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 40602-0615 (502) 564-3940
261-home development near Independence moves forward
By Nathan Granger
The Kenton County Planning Commission has voted to approve a zoning change for a 261-unit Drees Homes development on unincorporated county land. The decision came despite concerns from residents and at least one of the planning commissioners.
The planning commission voted Sept. 8 to approve the zoning change with only Kareem Simpson, Covington’s representative, casting a no vote. The change now moves to Kenton County Fiscal Court for final approval.
Most of the commissioners didn’t have a problem with the development. “I think they’re trying to be good stewards of the land,” said Jeff Bethell, Fort Mitchell’s representative.
Simpson feared that the type of housing proposed didn’t meet the region’s housing needs, especially in the face of an ongoing shortage. “It’s great that we are building houses,” he said, “but we also need to make sure that we’re facilitating the building of houses that individuals need in our region.”
Understanding housing shortage
The development itself is proposed on a 120.5-acre tract just southeast of Independence. The project’s northern border is the south end of Harris Pike, Ky. 536, between Stafford Heights Road and Oliver Road. Ky. 536 is currently undergoing a state-administered expansion.
The area can support 2.41 housing units per buildable acre. About 45 acres of the total is open space. Matt Mains, a representative from Drees, said the developers hoped the zoning change would maintain the area’s natural landscape. Mains touted the development’s natural character as well as the land’s proximity to businesses and schools as selling points.
Mains pointed to Drees’ Stonewater development in Independence as a reference for what they were hoping to create; the houses in the new development would resemble the style of the homes in Stonewater.
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 home maintenance.
Lot sizes were determined by market demand, Mains said. He said the homes would run anywhere between $350,000 and $550,00, depending on their size, a price point that perturbed Simpson.
“Right now it’s nearly impossible to build affordable housing for what affordable housing costs,” Mains said.
This point has come up in discussions of housing in the past – market conditions often deter the construction of smaller starter homes because the cost makes it difficult to turn a profit. Mains argued that Drees was doing what it could to control construction costs, which he hoped would have the downwind effect of freeing up affordable housing elsewhere in the region.
“We’re keeping them the lowest cost as we can to attract people to this area that we think fit into this,” Mains said, “and hopefully this helps people move up out of lower income housing and free up some of that more affordable housing.”
Several residents from nearby areas came out to oppose the development, expressing concerns about its potential effects on traffic (especially given the development’s
7047065_100_sehada_print_ad_womens_ob_10.375x3.389V1.pdf 1 10/25/23 12:37 PM
proximity to Ky. 536), access and density. Several residents pointed out that there were still unpurchased lots in Stonewater and wondered if more development was necessary.
One resident’s concerns stood out. Erma Jean Gilbert, a widow who lives in a house near the land, was concerned that the new development could exacerbate flooding, a common concern among residents, given the region’s peculiar topography.
“We [Gilbert and her late husband] moved there 32 years ago,” Gilbert said, “and during that time, of course, there was the ’97 flood. It completely surrounded our home. We could not get in or out, and it started to come in under our garage. So when it rains hard, our property used to really flood bad.”
Given that she now lives alone, Gilbert was at a loss for what she could do if the flooding increased. “If this goes through, financially it will be hard for me,” Gilbert said, before concluding with, “If they’re going to do this, I’d rather they take my property.”
Mains tried to assuage the residents’ con-
cerns, saying that Drees had to conform to flood mitigation requirements that would ideally prevent the flooding from getting worse. For traffic, Mains said Drees would install roundabouts at various points in the development and had been working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to ensure the development plan could be adapted to the continuing work on Ky. 536.
Gilbert told LINK after the meeting that she would likely contact Drees to see if they would be willing to buy her property. Gilbert and Mains chatted privately in the hallway outside the commission chambers after the votes were cast.
Construction is estimated to begin in 2026, pending final fiscal court approval.
Learn more
Read or download the concept plan of the development, including preliminary maps and topographical analyses, from linknky.com/wp-content/ uploads/2024/09/Kenton-CountyDrees-concept-plan.pdf.
A preliminary map of the proposed Drees Homes development in unincorporated Kenton County. Provided | Kenton County Planning and Development Services
Kenton County Planning Commissioner Kareem Simpson, who also serves on the Covington Independent Schools Board of Education. Provided | Covington Independent Public Schools
By Kenton Hornbeck
C$20M from state helps Hangar Row take off
incinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport has received $20 million from Kentucky to develop Hangar Row – a dedicated area of the airport tailored to maintaining and upgrading aircraft.
Hangar Row is to be built on approximately 350 acres southwest of the airport’s campus. The multiple new hangars to store and repair aircraft will expand the airport’s capacity to handle and house more planes. Several avionics-related businesses also will be recruited to the site, acting as a “one-stop shop” for aircraft maintenance.
The $20 million was appropriated during the last session of the Kentucky General Assembly. The money will be used to prepare the site.
On Sept. 4, outgoing airport CEO Candace McGraw gathered alongside state senators John Schickel, Gex Williams and Chris McDaniel; Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore and Kenton County Commissioner Beth Sewell for an official announcement of the $20 million allocation.
“It’s a long-term vision for about 350 acres we have that are currently undeveloped,” McGraw said. “When you look at a site and you see a green field, we can envision great buildings there to help support the airport and the ecosystem for the airport.”
McGraw said she sees Hangar Row as a future economic driver for the airport, especially for job growth and tax generation. Still, the project has a long way to go. McGraw said she expects shovels in the ground a year to 18 months from now.
“We know roadway infrastructure is necessary,” she said. “We know utility infrastructure is necessary. With this $20 million allocation from the state, this project is now real.”
Moore said the airport has owned the land for many years, taking it off the table for any other prospective developers.
“When we can use properties such as this that’s already off the tax rolls from other perspectives, but also out of play for development with the private sector – these kinds of projects are a home run. It’s a winwin.”
In July, Boone County Fiscal Court approved providing approximately $2 million toward the project. That money will be used to upgrade infrastructure around the site.
McDaniel, chair of the Senate Appropriations & Revenue Committee, touted behind-the-scenes efforts of Schickel and McGraw. Additionally, he called the project a “smart investment” for the region’s economic future.
“This project is a next logical extension of the great work that they’ve been doing here,” he said.
The airport is conducting an environmental study, McGraw said, that will assess the project’s potential impact on local wetlands and endangered species. It is expected to take around 18 months.
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The City of Covington, Kentucky adopted Ordinance O-30-24, AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE GENERAL REVENUE AND LEVYING AND FIXING AN AD VALOREM TAX RATE ON ALL PROPERTY ASSESSED OR ASSESSABLE SUBJECT TO TAXATION FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES IN THE CITY OF COVINGTON, KENTUCKY, TO MEET THE GENERAL EXPENSES OF SAID CITY; PROVIDING A SINKING FUND FOR PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON THE BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OF THE CITY; AND TO REDEEM BONDS MATURING DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025.
The full text of the ordinance(s) above can be viewed on the City of Covington’s website at https://www. covingtonky.gov/government/code-of-ordinances or by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 20 West Pike St., Covington, KY 41011 or at 859-292-2314 from the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
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From left, state senators Gex Williams, John Schickel and Chris McDaniel; with Candace McGraw, Gary Moore and Beth Sewell. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky
Protect our public schools:
Vote no on Amendment 2
As a proud public school graduate – and an even prouder public school teacher – I have seen firsthand the vital role that public schools play in our communities. Public schools strive to provide quality education and support services to all students and their families.
At Ludlow Independent Schools, where I’ve taught for 23 years, we aim to serve the whole child. We provide universal preschool and wraparound child care for preschool students from 7:30 to 5 every school day. We offer our SHINE and SOAR programs, which provide before- and after-school enrichment and homework help for our elementary and middle school students – all at no cost to families.
At the high school level, we encourage students to participate in off campus programs, such as dual credit college courses and a carpentry program offered at Enzweiler Building Institute. These programs are provided to students at no cost to their families – tuition, books and all material expenses are covered.
Districtwide, we offer free breakfast, lunch and after school snacks to all students – in addition to a food pantry that is open to families by appointment. Our schools help provide mental health counseling to our students and host numerous family events throughout the year. I can confidently say that our school system plays a vital role, not just in our students’ lives, but in the community as a whole. The same can be said for countless public school systems across our state.
In order to make these things happen for our students, families and communities, public schools depend on state funding. This November, that funding will be in jeopardy. Past attempts to use public funds for school vouchers have been stopped because they are unconstitutional. However, Amendment 2 seeks to change our state constitution to allow for public spending to be used for private schools.
Because the wording of amendments is often confusing, it is important that voters are informed as they prepare to vote. Amendment 2 states, “The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common (public) schools. The General Assembly may exercise this authority by
A yes vote would mean that a voter thinks the constitution should be changed to include the above language, which would pave the way for the legislature to send public dollars to unaccountable private schools. This would allow public funds to be used in support of private schools that have no oversight on curriculum, student assessment, or student and educator anti-discrimination practices. This amendment would allow public money to be used for vouchers for parents to send their kids to private schools, but it is important to remember that these private schools don’t have to accept all students, and they don’t have to provide disability services. If Amendment 2 passes, public dollars would be taken away from the public schools that teach and provide services to all students and serve as crucial support systems in our communities.
By voting no on Amendment 2, we can ensure that public funding is used to support our public school students. A no vote would mean that a voter doesn’t want to change the constitution to include the new language. A no vote protects public education by ensuring that public dollars must go to public schools. A no vote helps to protect SEEK funding, which is critical to all students regardless of ZIP code.
The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy released a report that calculated how Kentucky districts could be impacted if Amendment 2 passes. Regardless of size and income level, school districts across Northern Kentucky could be drastically affected. Ludlow Independent Schools could lose $1,664,208 in funding. Bellevue Independent Schools could lose $943,407. Beechwood Independent Schools could lose $2,654,045. Fort Thomas Independent Schools could lose $5,457,842. The Kenton County school district could lose $20,558,332, and Boone County Schools could lose $25,278,500. Just imagine the drastic impact that such losses would have on any public school district’s ability to provide quality education and support services to its students and families.
Kristy Collins
Questioning Covington mayor-council proposal
This November, voters in Covington, Kentucky, will be asked to consider changing
cil-manager to a mayor-council (an executive mayor) system. The group asking for this change, Covington Forward, is led by business interests who argue that Covington’s current governmental form is not sufficiently efficient and that by vesting more power in the mayor, decisions at city hall will occur more quickly.
Covington adopted the current council-manager form of government in 1930. This change reflected a national movement in cities which had seen that centralizing power in one person limited the impact of individual and divergent group voices upon decision-making and increased the possibility of corruption. The fight to adopt council-manager government was a crusade for ending the “boss” system and adopting “good government” in its place.
Increasing public accountability and transparency of decision-making at city hall as a result of sharing policy decision-making in a council increased confidence that city hall was not dominated by any one special interest. Allowing different interests in the city to be represented in a council and have power to be involved in setting policy increased the potential that policy would benefit the community rather than any one special interest.
Americans have always been wary of concentrating power in any one person or group because power tends to corrupt. When concentrated, power also tends to limit what interests in the community have access to the public agenda. The idea that democracy benefits from a fragmentation of power and having more voices setting public policy is captured in the American Constitution, generally referred to as the “balance of power” between the executive and the legislature. Council-manager government is a system that reflects this balance, and it is important to note that a key value of a democracy is not about how fast a decision can be made, but how well it reflects the interests of the community.
Before voters in Covington determine that a dramatic change in government is warranted, perhaps it would be worthwhile to consider why this effort is being promoted now and what inefficiencies justify calling for such a change. Unfortunately, there has been no community discussion about the change, only Covington Forward’s public relations campaign and proposed ballot language that is devoid of any explanation regarding what mayor-council government actually entails: “Are you in favor of the proposal entitled Petition for the City of
The current mayor has been a vocal sponsor of the ballot measure, arguing for its passage at community and business meetings throughout the city. Covington Forward spent tens of thousands of dollars on professionally printed materials and hired professional pollsters to obtain voter support for the effort. Except for the nebulous argument about efficiency, voters have been left in the dark as to the need for change or what potentially problematic outcomes of adopting an executive mayor system would be.
Nowhere has the public been able to obtain any explanation as to what problem or crisis justifies such an extreme change of governmental system. Could it be perhaps because there is no such crisis?
If there is a valid reason for changing government form, why would the current mayor wait until the eighth year of his second term, and six months before he leaves office to call for this change? At no time during the previous eight years of this mayor’s administration have the people of Covington been told there is any problem with the efficiency of decision-making at city hall. In fact, during the COVID-19 crisis, the mayor assumed executive power to direct the work of the city using the emergency powers the mayor has under the current council-manager form of government. So what is the problem with council-manager government when a crisis does occur?
The people of Covington deserve a community dialogue on the question of changing governmental form. Hearing only one side of the story flies in the face of community engagement, and the basis for democratic representative government. Without community dialogue, we might assume that increasing efficiency may simply be a smoke screen for special interests to place more power in one person who can be swayed to their point of view without public input into decision-making. In that respect the mayor-council proposal may be just an effort to revive the “boss” system at city hall.
John T. Spence, PhD, AICP
kenton county briefs
Study: Speed not cause of damaged mailboxes on Buttermilk Pike
Another mailbox is out of commission and another homeowner has to buy a replacement after yet another car veered off Buttermilk Pike the morning of Sept. 3.
A doorbell camera recorded the crash, which shows a car driving east up the inclined stretch of road between Mary Street and Meadow Drive when it appears to hit the curb and plow through a mailbox. The driver keeps going, leaving the knockedover mailbox – and the car’s front bumper – behind.
“I think that’s our first bumper that we’ve had,” neighbor Leslie Scott said. “Before I saw the video, [my neighbor] was standing out in the driveway with this bumper, and … I didn’t notice the mailbox was gone.”
Scott said mailboxes are common casualties on her block. She’s replaced four in five years. Her neighbor will now be replacing her second in as many months.
“I posted on Facebook when this video came out: ‘What is it about our little stretch of Buttermilk like this?’” Scott said.
Scott first spoke with us in April after a doorbell camera recorded a car catching a curb, skipping down the street and driving through front yards before crashing into a tree. She blamed the crash on speeding, which she stressed was her main concern along the thoroughfare.
Villa Hills Police Chief Matthew Hall said that, while speeding was a factor in the April incident, the teen driver had fallen asleep at the wheel, likely causing him to
step harder on the gas.
Hall assured he would look into concerns of excessive speeding down the stretch of Buttermilk. Hall confirmed Sept. 5 that his department did collect data. He told LINK partner WCPO that a speed radar known as Kustom Signals Stealth Stat II Covert Traffic Data Collector surveyed speeds between Sunglow Street and Meadowview Drive for 11 days.
“This device is the most accurate way of collecting information without alerting drivers and motorists to its presence. Obviously, with any study, we want to remove any factors that could skew the results of the data, and this device does this effectively,” Hall said in an email.
A summary of the study determined that the average speed of vehicles along the stretch of Buttermilk Pike was 32 mph. The 85th percentile speed for both directions of travel was 37 mph. The posted speed limit is 35 mph.
“Based upon the speed study, it does not find a persistent and systemic speed issue. This is not to say that speeding does not occur on this stretch,” Hall said. He said the department continues to monitor that stretch of roadway and that extra patrols have been assigned.
Vintage bourbon shop celebrates new location in Hotel Covington annex
Revival Vintage Bottle Shop co-owners Shannon Smith and Brad Bonds expressed relief that their yearslong move into North by Hotel Covington is finally complete. Smith and Bonds opened Revival in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MeetNKY CEO Julie Kirkpatrick said she thought Smith was “crazy” when she first pitched the idea for a vintage bourbon bottle shop in 2019. Five years later, she conceded Smith was “crazy like a fox,” as the business had received plenty of success and acclaim. Revival’s first location was 5 E. Eighth St. in Covington.
However, their goal was to move into North by Hotel Covington – a $26.5 million expansion that increased Hotel Covington’s pres-
ence on Madison Avenue by a city block.
Revival announced in August 2022 that it had signed a lease to occupy a future storefront in the space. It planned to open a multilevel bourbon-tasting bar and showroom. After over two years, and a lawsuit, Revival finally celebrated its grand opening at the new location on Sept. 4.
“We got a lease here two years ago, and it has taken tremendous effort, faith, belief, support from everyone you can imagine to get us here,” Smith said.
Revival hosted a grand opening ceremony preceded by a ribbon-cutting courtesy of the city of Covington. Speakers included Smith, Bonds, Kirkpatrick and Covington Mayor Joe Meyer. Meyer praised Revival for contributing to Covington’s rich bourbon culture. He also noted Revival’s new location, which is prominently featured in the heart of the city.
“This enterprise is a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship here in Covington,” Meyer said. “Let’s face it, they’re taking a bunch of old bourbon bottles that are mostly full that nobody had used, and they’ve been sitting in a closet for generations, and they’re making a fortune on it.”
Kirkpatrick touted Revival’s key role in marketing the region across the United States and the globe. It’s been featured in well-known publications such as Conde Naste and the New York Times.
“I can tell you that the more than 500 journalists that we have brought to Northern Kentucky have made Revival part of their story – often the star of the story,” she said.
Revival now comprises three floors inside
its new space. Fedders Construction and Hub+Weber Architects worked with Revival to design the new store. So far, only the first and second floors are open to the public; the third floor is still under construction.
The first floor acts as a showroom for vintage bottles, or “dusties” as they’re called in the bourbon enthusiast community. Patrons have the opportunity to try a variety of vintage spirits that can be over 100 years old.
“Cheers to the future,” Bonds said. “Let’s go drink some bourbon.”
Covington fire chief introduces latest class of recruits
New firefighters are set to join the ranks in Covington. The recruits, also known as ducks, recently completed a 16-week basic training session designed to test their mental and physical fortitude.
“You have just completed one of the most challenging and demanding fire training programs in Northern Kentucky,” Fire Chief Corey Deye said in a release announcing the recruits. “You have pushed through the physical exhaustion, mental strain, and countless hours of hard work.”
The new firefighters are:
Cameron Barrett
Andrew Burk
Allen Frank
Jacob Hughes
William Louis
Caleb Madison
Jacob Metcalf
Natalie Neufelder
Dylan Sabie
Another mailbox was struck along Buttermilk Pike in Villa Hills on Sept. 3. Photo by Rob Pieper | WCPO
The new bar at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky
Covington’s newest firefighters are, from left, Allen Frank, Andrew Burk, Jacob Hughes, Natalie Neufelder, Jacob Metcalf, Dylan Sabie, Cameron Barrett, Caleb Madison and William Louis. Provided | City of Covington
Covington Vice Mayor Ron Washington, who gave the nine recruits the oath of office, emphasized the importance the new firefighters will have in the community.
“Our city is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, backgrounds and traditions,” Washington said. “As firefighters, you will be serving a community that is as diverse as it is dynamic. You’ll be interacting with people in their most vulnerable moments, and your ability to show empathy, cultural sensitivity, and understanding will make all the difference.”
Fort Mitchell mulls using city money for officer at private school
The City of Fort Mitchell is considering shouldering part of the cost of a school resource officer at Blessed Sacrament.
Ted Edgington, director of safety for the Diocese of Covington and school resource officer at Covington Catholic High School, addressed the council on this topic at its Sept. 9 meeting.
He explained that neither the diocese nor Blessed Sacrament is formally requesting the city sponsor an officer. Right now, they’re just on a fact-finding mission. Edgington said he intended for the meeting to provide information on behalf of Blessed Sacrament and the diocese.
“One of the best ways to keep our schools safe is to have a [school resource officer] in
every school we can,” Edgington said.
Blessed Sacrament is a local parochial school under the Diocese of Covington. It serves about 550 elementary and middle school-aged students.
A 2022 bill that later became law requires that Kentucky public schools have a school resource officer. As a private school, Blessed Sacrament is not legally obligated to have one, nor is Fort Mitchell obliged to provide a private school with an officer.
Mayor Jude Hehman and several council members said they didn’t think that meant they shouldn’t provide one. “I do feel that the city should take some responsibility,” Hehman said. “They are a school in our city limits. Kids from our city go there.”
Some council members spoke in support and cited the recent school shooting in Winder, Georgia.
“I will be open-minded in having this conversation to place a school resource officer at Blessed Sacrament,” council member Greg Pohlgeers said. “I think the Retire Rehire program could be the way to go here.”
Retire Rehire is a statewide program through which municipalities hire back retired employees; in this case, they would hire former officers back as SROs.
“My question is, what is the risk if we don’t [sponsor this]?” council member Jerry Deatherage said.
Council member Jeff Dietrich questioned Edgington about the program. “What type of commitment is this? Is it a full-time position?”
Edgington said the officer would work only when students are in school – about 180 days. During the summers, they attend training.
“How much of a need is there, typically, for a school resource officer in an elementary and middle school environment versus a high school one?” Dietrich asked.
“I don’t see a difference,” Edgington said. “It is the same priority.” That priority, he said, is protecting the students.
The Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers also considers an officer beneficial to protecting the school and to creating a positive culture. “By interacting with students every day, [school resource officers] can build positive relationships with students and help to promote a climate of safety in the school,” the association says on its website.
The Kentucky American Civil Liberties Union does not agree. LINK asked Angela Cooper, communications director at the organization, whether they believe school resource officers benefit Kentucky schools.
“When police enter schools, they do what they are trained to do: detain, handcuff and arrest,” Cooper said. “The presence of police in schools disproportionately pushes children of color and children with disabilities into the criminal legal system, and Kentucky-specific data prove it. Young people need support from teachers, counselors, therapists, social workers and their community – not more law enforcement.”
According to its website, Blessed Sacrament has one counselor for its 550 students. A report from the American School Counselor Association endorses a ratio of 250 students per counselor.
Fort Mitchell city council agrees that an SRO would benefit Blessed Sacrament Schools. However, it must decide if the city is willing to bear the legal and financial responsibility of sponsoring that officer. It currently sponsors an SRO at Beechwood Schools.
Hehman and Casmir Thornberry, Fort Mitchell’s new city attorney, say this could fall into a legal gray area. “The issue is, constitutionally, using public funds for private organizations,” Thornberry said. “There is nothing excluding it. But that is the gray area we are in.”
Many other officers stationed in Covington diocese schools are paid partly by the city and the diocese. At Covington Catholic High School, the school pays half of Edgington’s salary, and the diocese pays the other half.
If Fort Mitchell does not agree to sponsor an officer for Blessed Sacrament Schools, they could ask the county for sponsorship.
Continued
ployee-owned business, an employee stock option purchase business,” Cooper said.
C-Forward President Brian Ruschman, one of the company’s longest-tenured employees, will remain in his role. Cooper will also remain as CEO.
Cooper also announced the addition of Norman Desmarais, founder of TiER1 Performance, to C-Forward’s board of directors. Desmarais has known Cooper for 23 years. He was there when C-Forward moved into its current building in Covington. At the time, Desmarais operated TiER1 Performace out of the building’s third floor. As such, he had a front-row seat to C-Forward’s growth and development.
“It’s often said that the hardest part of any business is the beginning,” he said, “the startup phase, where dreams collide with numerous and neverending challenges. Statistics show that most startups don’t make it past the first five years, let alone thrive for a quarter of a century.”
Washington, the sole candidate running in November to be Covington’s next mayor, spoke about C-Forward’s investment in Covington, particularly with its involvement in helping to spur revitalization along Madison Avenue. Washington said he grew up in Covington, witnessing how the city has transformed from his childhood to today.
“Now, up and down Madison Avenue, we’ve seen how people have embraced the environment. That’s because of the forward-thinking of C-Forward,” Washington said.
Ruschman touted the company’s longstanding relationship with the community, highlighting how much the company has donated to local charities and growth organizations. Cooper himself serves as CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
“We’ve focused our vision of wanting our communities to succeed, and, as a result of our collective efforts, over the past 10 years alone C-Forward has given over $1 million to community and growth organizations in our area,” Ruschman said.
The door of Blessed Sacrament. Provided | Blessed Sacrament on Facebook
Modernized 1921 Covington home features rooftop deck
Address: 1208 Southgate St., Covington
Price: $499,500
Bedrooms: Three
Bathrooms: Two (plus one half-bath)
Square footage: 2,125
School district: Covington Independant
County: Kenton
Special features: This Covington home, built in 1921, has been fully renovated in a modern style. The property is on a private street with neighboring greenspace. The home features a rooftop deck and wet bar, as well as Ambrosia Maple wood accents, and it has been updated with modern appliances and utilities.
A look into this home’s kitchen.
A look at this home’s living space.
A drone view of this Covington home. Photos provided | Annie Venerable with Pivot Realty Group
Blue Jelly concert, 7 p.m., Boone County Main Public Library, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington. Concert at the Library Series continues with live, outdoor performance by Blue Jelly. Free, but bring your own chair. Information: 859-3422665 or boone.libnet. info/event/11032385.
Kenny Weber and Zach Holmes comedy, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. An evening of laughs with headlining comedian Kenny Weber and Zach Holmes and friends. Admission $20. Information: programming@ commonwealthsanctuary.com or commonwealthsanctuary.com.
Florence Arbor Day celebration, 10 a.m.noon, Stringtown Park, 7340 Burlington Pike, Florence. Honor the beauty and significance of trees in our community with tree planting activities, a brief history of Arbor Day, a reading of the city’s Arbor Day proclamation and a free lunch. Information: 859-647-5425, victoria. riley@florence-ky.gov or florence-ky.gov.
Schneider’s Sweet Shop 85th Anniversary Block Party, noon-5 p.m., around Schneider’s Sweet Shop, 420 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue. Celebrate a landmark anniversary for this landmark family operated business. Schneider’s partners with Barleycorn’s Brewhouse, Fesslers Pizza, Script Coffee, Gold Star Chili and the Boys and Girls Club of Cincinnati. Enjoy live music, fantastic door prizes and a kids play zone with coloring, crafts, balloons and more.Information: facebook.com/events/ 2607191759469991.
Florence Neighborhood Night Out, 5-7 p.m., Kentaboo Park, 418 Kentaboo Park, Florence. Residents are invited to connect with city departments and Florence City Council members in a relaxed and friendly environment. Attendees will enjoy dinner while learning about the latest projects and activities shaping the city’s future. Information: 859-647-8177, victoria. riley@florence-ky.gov or florence-ky.gov.
Florence City Council business meeting, 6-7 p.m., Florence City Building, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence. Information: florence-ky. gov/our-government/ minutes-archive.
Mini Therapy Horses, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Hebron Branch, Boone County Public Library, 1863 North Bend Road, Hebron. Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship improves the lives of individuals impacted by disabilities and unique challenges. Pet the horses and experience their healing power. Information: 859-342-2665, victoria. riley@florence-ky.gov or boone.libnet.info/ event/10040927.
Ian Gunn art exhibition 3:30-7 p.m., Eva G. Farris Gallery, Thomas More University, 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills. Gallery talk and closing reception for “Greencrest,” the mixed-media exhibition by 2016 Thomas More alumnus Ian Gunn.
Jared Kassebaum comedy, 7 p.m., Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. Originally from Indiana, L.A.-based comedian Jared Kassebaum charms audiences with his unique blend of naive storytelling and witty wordplay. Admission $20. Information: programming@commonwealthsanctuary. com or commonwealthsanctuary.com.
For more events, scan the QR code or visit: https://linknky.com/events/
Healthful and delicious? Find both on Dixie Highway
By Maria Hehman
This week, we start with a new restaurant that does it all – breakfast, lunch and dinner. A Mexican dessert and drink shop follows, and we finish with Japanese cuisine and sushi. This Streetscapes is a winding one in and on Dixie Highway in Florence, y’all.
Spear Ridge Cafe
Spear Ridge Cafe is the newest addition to the Florence area. It crafts classic comfort dishes for all meals in modern, yet rustic, decor. The barn-inspired look pays homage to Kentucky heritage. A wraparound porch offers outdoor casual seating, while the interior offers elevated comfort.
As impressive as the decor is, a restaurant’s main draw is its food. Spear Ridge features classic American dishes with a nod to Southern comfort favorites. Breakfast options include sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and French toast.
Lunch and dinner options are more lengthy, including soups, salads, wraps and flatbreads. Spear Ridge’s specialty dishes,
though, are its smash burgers and race day sandwiches. The Cowboy Killer is one of the signature items. It’s a blackened smash burger topped with pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeño chips and a mango habañero spread. Signature sandwiches include a catfish po’boy and country ham and pimento. The Winners Circle Club is the Spear Ridge version of a traditional club sandwich, a great option for those wanting something simple and satisfying.
This is a great, quick stop to relax and enjoy the best aspects of Kentucky comfort.
Fruit Land
“Healthful” and “dessert” don’t always coexist, but at Fruit Land there’s no need to choose between a sweet treat and a goodfor-you snack. This fruteria serves ice cream, fruit salads, fresh fruit drinks and Mexican street snacks. Its Mangonadas are top sellers, with mango ice cream topped with mango chunks, chamoy sauce and Tajin. The chili-lime seasoning adds some spice to the sweet mango for a mix of flavors.
Agua de fresa is another popular fruitbased drink. The subtly sweet strawberry beverage is the original “pink drink” that fueled the Starbucks craze. Here it’s authentic and fresh. There also are ample choices of ice cream for the sweet tooth and fresh fruit salads for a more healthful alternative.
Besides desserts and drinks, Fruit Land features Mexican street snacks: walking tacos, esquites, loaded ramen for savory snacks that will balance out the sweet treats.
Housed in a small strip mall, it can be easy to miss Fruit Land in bustling Florence, but a colorful banner along Dixie Highway signals drivers that sweet treats are waiting inside.
Matsuya Japanese Restaurant
Matsuya Japanese Restaurant is an ideal spot for guests looking to immerse themselves in Japanese cuisine and culture. It features a full sushi bar and Japanese favorites like tempura, gyoza and noodles. Its menu thoughtfully explains each dish, so newcomers can easily find the dishes that best fit their taste.
Matsuya’s massive menu is great for sampling and sharing, but for those who want a full Japanese dining experience to themselves, opt for the kaiseki. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese full-course meal, a fun experience for those with an appetite who want to indulge in a relaxed and slow paced meal.
Matsuya also houses a tatami room that can be reserved for large parties. It offers traditional low tables and floor-level seating. The space has a rustic look adorned with Japanese relics and decor.
To pair with its meals, Matsuya serves Japanese beer, sake and shochu.
What to Know If You Go
Spear Ridge Cafe
Location: 7301 Industrial Road, Florence
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Website: spearridge.com
Phone: 859-869-0018
Fruit Land
Location: 10136 Dixie Highway, Florence
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Phone: 859-817-0344
Matsuya Japanese Restaurant
Location: 7149 Manderlay Drive, Florence
Hours: Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, 11a.m.- 2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Wednesday, closed; Saturday, 4:30-10 p.m.; Sunday 4:30-9:30 p.m. Website: sites.google.com/view/matsuyajp/home
Phone: 859-746-1199
Guests can enjoy all the best aspects of Kentucky comfort on Spear Ridge Cafe’s back porch. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor
Fruit Land’s colorful exterior signals to bustling Dixie Highway that authentic Mexican desserts await inside. Photo by Maria Hehman
Matsuya’s interior offers a peaceful space with clear Japanese influence. Diners can sit at tables or the sushi counter. Provided | Matsuya
Hot start fuels ‘warm and fuzzy’ Ryle volleyball
By Marc Hardin
There’s something going on with the Ryle High School volleyball team. Head coach Tasha Tanner Lovins thinks she has it figured out.
The Raiders are making a name for themselves.
Despite laboring in the shadow of 9th Region stalwarts Notre Dame and St. Henry, Lovins said her team is transforming. The ensuing teamwide boost has Ryle playing better than it has in a while.
“We’ve had a lot of success,” Lovins said. “We have goals we want to reach, and I’ve got a great group of girls who enjoy winning.”
The Raiders have achieved a great deal of success despite never winning a 9th Region tournament title. Notre Dame or St. Henry has usually been in the way.
Ryle, meanwhile, has become a fixture on top of the heap in the rough-and-tumble 33rd District. The Raiders have won four straight district championships and 10 of the last 14. Lovins is pursuing career win No. 600. Each time the Raiders win, they extend her program record.
Over the years, a deeper sense of pride in the program is palpable and proved to be a
powerful motivator. It’s pushing players to train harder and perform better to maintain their sense of achievement. Coach Lovins said her players truly believe in their abilities and meet challenges with a positive mindset. It’s making them more resilient, resulting in some impressive bouncebacks.
“It’s our attitudes,” said senior Lucy Trapp, a Thomas More University commit. “We’ll be 10 points down, and our body language is good.”
Greater team pride, coach Lovins said, has also enhanced team dynamics by fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. With that has come an elevated teamwide confidence, greater player accountability not to mention wins galore.
The Raiders finished 24-13 last season and 5-0 against 33rd District foes. They won 19 of their final 24 matches, giving them a 26-5 record over a 31-match span bridging last season and this season. Ryle has won at least 20 matches in six of the last eight years.
This year, the Raiders added to their 33rd District winning streak, which now spans three seasons. They won their ninth district match in a row with a win over Conner. It was part of a 7-0 start to the 2024 season, Ryle’s best in three years. The hot start also includes wins over four state-
ranked teams. The Raiders beat Paul Laurence Dunbar in the opener when Dunbar was ranked No. 4 statewide. Then they beat North Oldham, Great Crossing and West Jessamine.
The Raiders moved up to No. 10 in the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association’s first regular season poll. They were No. 13 in the preseason rankings. The KVCA’s 9th Region ranking has Notre Dame No. 1, St. Henry No. 2 and Ryle No. 3. NDA was No. 3 statewide and St. Henry was No. 4 in the first regular season poll.
The dominance displayed by Notre Dame and St. Henry has fueled a deeper desire at Ryle.
“Our team chemistry is really good, and it’s helping us beat these teams,” said senior Karsyn Griffin. She’s verbally committed to the North Alabama beach volleyball team. “I’m really proud of the Dunbar win especially. It set the tone.”
One of Ryle’s other top players has a further explanation for the hot start, and she should know. Her last name is Heater, first name Morgan. She’s receiving college offers. Coach Tanner admits Heater has a hot volleyball name and a sizzling game to match. The junior dynamo is a key cog as the Raiders get into their quick-tempo offense.
“I’ve been called Mo, Fastball and just plain Heater,” Heater said. “People ask if we’re warm. We do have a loving family.”
Somewhat similarly, Heater said coach Lovins has a warm name and a personality to match. Heater said Lovins loves her players like family. Occasionally, Lovins sees one of her players out and about. Heater is one of them.
“We go to the same church,” Lovins said. “Morgan’s mom, Meredith, is Ryle’s boys volleyball coach. Morgan’s a great kid from a great family. It sounds warm and fuzzy, and it is. But it’s funny; Morgan’s not so warm and fuzzy when she’s playing. She’s our setter. A big part of our success is she holds people accountable, including herself.”
Griffin, Trapp, Heater and junior Ria Furuta were named to the KVCA 2024 preseason watch list. Trapp and Griffin were the team’s early season kill leaders. Heater was the leader in assists and aces. Furuta led in digs. Rachel King, Layna Wilkinson, Francesca Hansel, Lucy Baker and Rebecca Kramer are also contributing.
“I can’t wrap my mind around it. It’s just so positive,” Trapp said. “I’ve never been on a team quite like this and we just want to keep winning.”
26,
Ryle volleyball coach Tasha Tanner Lovins, far left, stands with friends and family while celebrating one of her milestone wins. Provided | Ryle High School X account
Ryle’s Lucy Trapp (4) skies for a kill. Provided | Ted Jackson
Karsyn Griffin is a standout volleyball player at Ryle. Provided | Bob Jackson
St. Henry claims All ‘A’ Classic golf tourney title
The St. Henry boys golf team has already put together a solid season and added more to it on Sept. 7.
For the third time in program history, the Crusaders won the boys All “A” Classic state golf tournament at Gibson Bay in Richmond.
The Crusaders fired a 305 as a team and defeated the 16-team field by eight strokes, Lexington Christian Academy coming in second with a 313.
They were paced by a pair of Wills – Will Carter and Will Hammond, who both finished with a 74 and finished in third place. Ben Carter tied for 12th with a 78, Parker Isaacs tied for 16th with a 79 and Jake Montgomery tied for 23rd with an 80.
The All “A” title adds to a season in which they’ve qualified for the Kentucky Golf Coaches Association All-State tournament as one of the top 15 teams in the state. In 11 qualifying tournaments this season, the Crusaders have collected 690 points, tied for fifth most in the state. They’ll play in the All-State tournament Sept. 14-15 at the UK Club in Lexington.
Bishop Brossart finished in sixth in the field with a 335, Walton-Verona in 14th with a 350.
Brossart’s Cole Bricking tied for 16th with a 79, Luke Bertsch in a tie for 21st with a 81.
Gavin Vonhandorf led Walton-Verona with an 82 and in a tie for 34th.
Bellevue’s T.J. Sorrell qualified as an individual for the tournament and finished in a tie for 23rd with an 80.
Jeff Cavana, a Tiger in water at Bellevue and LSU, dies at 67
Going from Class 6A to 1A, seven Northern Kentucky teams made their respective top 10 lists the week of Sept. 8-14. Ryle is at No. 8 in the 6A poll. Cooper and Highlands come in at Nos. 2 and 3 in the 5A poll, while Covington Catholic is No. 5 in 4A. Beechwood is No. 2 in the 2A poll with Newport Central Catholic fifth and Newport 10th in the 1A poll.
Ryle dropped two spots from the initial poll after its loss to Cooper. The Jaguars and Bluebirds stayed put in the 5A poll, while the Colonels jumped up a spot. Beechwood, Newport Central Catholic and Newport stayed put.
As of Sept. 11, Ryle is 7-0 to begin the year, including 2-0 in district play with wins over Boone County and Conner. They went on to sweep a tough three-game stretch against Great Crossing, North Oldham and West Jessamine. All three teams are ranked in the top 25.
Highlands also appeared in the top 25, coming in at No. 24. The Bluebirds were ranked 14th in the preseason poll but dropped 10 spots after a 2-2 start to the season.
Jeff Cavana started his swimming career wearing the Bellevue Tigers’ black and gold. He finished his coaching career in the Louisiana State University Tigers’ purple and gold.
Cavana died Sept. 3 at age 67. He was an LSU assistant coach from 1989-2000, head coach from 2000-2004 and head coach of Jamaica’s Olympic team at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.
As a sophomore at Bellevue in 1973, Jeff Cavana placed third in the state in the 100yard backstroke and fourth in the 100 butterfly.
After four years as a letterman on Western Kentucky University’s swimming team, Cavana coached at Highlands. He then went to Wright State University near Dayton, Ohio, where he was later inducted into the Raiders Hall of Fame.
Cavana was a multisport athlete at Bellevue: He was also quarterback and captain of the football team in 1974.
Cavana is survived by Helen, his wife of 27 years, and sons Jake Cavana, Sion Cavana, Ian Cavana and Max Cavana. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Cavana.
7 NKY football teams ranked in 2nd prep poll by sports journalists
The Kentucky High School Football Media Poll is conducted by 16 sports journalists across the state – one for each of the 16 basketball regions.
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BOONE COUNTY BOYS SOCCER
Simon Kenton dropped out of the 6A top 10 after losing to Simon Kenton, but it did make the “others receiving votes” category. Dixie Heights (5A), Lloyd Memorial (3A), Ludlow (1A) and Bishop Brossart (1A) also received votes for their respective classes.
9th Region teams take three spots in KVCA’s top 10
The first regular season poll from the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association was released on Sept. 4, and, as expected, the 9th Region showed its strength in it.
Notre Dame, St. Henry and Ryle are all in the top 10, the Pandas coming in at No. 3, Crusaders at No. 4 and Raiders No. 10.
Notre Dame made waves nationally, finishing in third place at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Florida on Aug. 30 and 31, earning them a top 25 ranking nationally on MaxPreps.com at No. 24.
St. Henry is off to a solid start despite graduating six seniors from last year’s team. The Crusaders are fresh off a 9th Region All “A” championship with a win over Newport Central Catholic.
Simon Kenton out of the 8th Region is ranked No. 22 after not appearing in the preseason poll. The Pioneers are off to a 17-1 start to the season and have taken down reigning 8th Region champion Oldham County twice.
9th Region shows strength in statewide girls soccer poll
If the first few weeks of the season are any indication, the path to the state tournament in the 9th Region might be harder than the state tournament itself.
In the latest Kentucky High School Girls Soccer Coaches Association poll, released on Sept. 9, six teams from the 9th Region were ranked in the top 25 in the state. They are led by Notre Dame, ranked second with two first-place votes, behind No. 1 Sacred Heart.
The Pandas are off to a 7-1-2 start and earned a 1-1 tie with Sacred Heart in Louisville on Aug. 24. Following Notre Dame is Conner at the No. 5 spot. The Cougars’ impressive start includes an 11-0-1 record in which they’ve yet to allow a goal.
Highlands (6-3-2) is 11th, Dixie Heights (63) is 15th, Highlands having defeated Dixie Heights 5-0 on Sep. 3.
Beechwood (7-2-1) is 14th, as the Tigers recently won the first 9th Region All “A” title in program history.
Cooper (8-2-3) is tied for 17th to round out the 9th Region teams in the top 25.
Simon Kenton (8-2-1) out of the 8th Region also cracked the top 25, in a tie for 20th.
Sponsored
The Boone County boys soccer team won LINK nky Team of the Week for Sept. 1-7. They’ll be eligible for Team of the Season and a $500 scholarship. Provided | Boone County Athletics
Jeff Cavana was LSU’s assistant swimming coach from 1989-2000 and head coach from 2000-2004. He led Jamaica’s swimming team at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of LSU Athletics
Cam O’Hara and the Cooper Jaguars are ranked No. 2 in the latest 5A football poll. Provided | Charles Bolton
The St. Henry boys golf team won the All “A” state title on Saturday. Provided | St. Henry Athletics
