LINK Kenton Reader- Volume 1, Issue 43 - September 22,2023

$1395/ month in 2023

$710/ month in 2022

From affordable to unattainable?

NKY housing leaves some out in the cold

September 1968: U.S. president makes surprise visit to NKY p7

NKwhy: How do I get officials’ attention? p9

Streetscapes gets boozy slushies on Court Street p15

PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Mark Collier

MANAGING EDITOR Meghan Goth

SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison

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What is the state of affordable housing in NKY?

BY HALEY PARNELL | LINK nky REPORTER

No part of this publication may be used without permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please let us know and accept our sincere apologies in advance.

In July 2022, notices to vacate were posted at one of the last “very affordable” places to live in Newport, leaving residents in 232 units to find somewhere else to go.

One of those residents was Morgan Mullins, who moved into Victoria Square at the beginning of 2019 with her two kids. She was making $12 an hour at the time, more than the federal and Kentucky minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour. She said that, after an extensive search, it was the one place she could afford.

“I picked that place because it was very affordable compared to anything else in the area,” Mullins told LINK nky.

For Mullins and other Northern Kentuckians struggling to find affordable housing, the Victoria Square situation illustrates an issue that local nonprofits and housing organizations say is growing: More people have to seek assistance to meet the basic need of covering their rent and utilities.

Cincinnati-based Sunset Property Solutions, or SPS, acquired the property at 506 Central Ave. last year for $26.7 million. The units are available to rent under the new name Cadence of Newport as of June, with monthly rents ranging from $1,395 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit to $1,900 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit. Before Mullins and her family left the apartments, they were paying $710 for

their two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.

Though Mullins did not utilize housing vouchers commonly referred to as Section 8 — which assist low-income families, the elderly and people with disabilities to afford housing in the private market — other Victoria Square residents did.

The definition of affordable housing includes the use of housing vouchers offered through Housing and Urban Development, or HUD; however, it is also defined as spending less than 30% of your monthly income on housing, including rent, utilities and other related costs, according to Gordon Henry, director of housing for HER

Continues on page 4

A photo of Victoria Square apartments in 2022, left; they are now called Cadence of Newport and are pictured on the right in 2023.

Photos by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

Cadence of Newport, formerly called Victoria Square.

Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

Mullins said that, at the time, she thought her rent was manageable with the food and daycare assistance she received. Fast forward to 2022, when she was told her family had 30 days to vacate the apartment. Mullins was a stay-at-home mom relying on her wife’s income to pay the bills after she had lost her childcare and couldn’t afford to keep working.

Even though they were getting kicked out of their home, Mullins said she considered herself one of the lucky ones because she had family who took them in. Her family of four packed up and moved into her parents’ house in Crestview. Mullins said there were seven of them living in the small house.

“We made it work, but it was a little tough,” she said. “Definitely stepping on each other’s toes and just not enough space for us all, but we made it work.”

Mullins’ family found their first place to rent in March since leaving Victoria Square, a three-bedroom townhouse in Cold Spring, for approximately $1,600 a month — or $890 more than before. While she said the rent was not as much as she and her wife were expecting, it was still a huge jump for them.

“Even being in a good job now, and my wife making more than what she was making at the time, it’s still hard because it is that much of a difference,” she said. “It’s been an adjustment, for sure.”

Last year, local agencies and nonprofit organizations came together to discuss how

they could aid residents at Victoria Square. One of those agencies was St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky.

Executive Director Karen Zengel said the organization has seen a jump in the need for rent and utility assistance, particularly accelerating since last March.

From last Oct. 1 through the end of June, the agency had provided almost $700,000 in rent and utility assistance, compared with $602,000 during the same period last year. If this trend continues, the organization expects to provide almost $1 million in rent and utility assistance by the end of its fiscal year in September, Zengel said. She said this is an increase in emergency financial assistance of 25% over last year.

“I think it’s a function of increasing rent,” Zengel said. “When folks’ leases are up and it’s time for them to find another place to go, they can’t find something at the same rate at which they were renting before. And that’s been a struggle for a lot of people within our community.”

Welcome House CEO Danielle Amrine said the organization is seeing the same uptick. Welcome House, in Covington, helps people move from housing uncertainty to housing stability through housing, service coordination and outreach.

Amrine said Welcome House is seeing many people who are experiencing homelessness for the first time. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, the economy was fairly good and the job market was strong. Welcome House provided around $250,000 in direct assistance in 2019, which covers rent, utilities, and the securing of birth certificates and IDs.

In 2022, Welcome House provided more

than $1.5 million in direct assistance, a 407% increase from 2019. Amrine said the organization is on track to provide almost $2 million in direct assistance this year. From 2019 to 2022, she said, the organization saw an increase of 40% in the number of people served. This year, it is on track to help 5,400 individuals, a 51% increase over 2019.

“So that’s more people needing assistance, more people experiencing homelessness for the first time, more individuals saying, ‘Hey, I can’t pay this Duke bill,’ or ‘I need to move,’” Amrine said.

Housing costs have increased significantly within the region, according to the recently released National Low Income Housing Coalition’s “Out of Reach” report. To afford a two-bedroom apartment in Kentucky, a person must earn $17.90 an hour, the report concluded. That wage requirement is even higher, at $21 an hour, in the Cincinnati metro area — and both are much higher than the federal minimum wage.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage in the Cincinnati metropolitan statistical area — which includes parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana — is $21.95 an hour.

Amrine said something that stood out to her from the report was that the Cincinnati HUD Metro Fair Market is the most expensive housing market in the state.

Victoria Square is one of many apartment complexes in the region that have been bought and updated. Less than a half-mile down the street, Newport’s Riverchase apartments have been rebranded as Flats on the Row.

Last September, Cincinnati-based Towne Properties, which manages the 203-unit Riverchase complex, distributed letters of non-renewal to a number of tenants regarding their leases. The letters cited interior renovations and repairs to many of the units as the reason for non-renewal, similarly to Victoria Square’s notices to vacate.

Under previous ownership, monthly rent for a studio apartment in Riverchase cost $560, while a one-bedroom unit was $660 and a two-bedroom unit cost $760 per month, according to raybrownproperties. com.

The updated Flats on the Row features three apartment sizes: 375-square-foot studios with one bathroom for $805 per month; 690-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom units for $1,250; and 810-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-anda-half bathroom units for $1,425.

In neighboring Covington, residents were told in 2020 that they would need to gradually move out of the City Heights barracks-style public housing complex because the 366 apartments were severely deteriorated, outdated and not salvageable.  In total, 801 units of more affordable rentals were lost in the market with the rental changes to Victoria Square, Riverchase and City Heights.

Founder of A.M. Titan and local developer Anthony Bradford said the most significant challenge when creating affordable housing is getting the project to pencil.

“What I mean by that is that development projects are very capital-intensive, and that requires several partnerships and vendors to be successful,” he said. “When I think about partnerships, I think about — you partner with banks, you partner with

investors, a property management company, a construction management company, insurance providers. And that developer incurs an expense for everyone involved in that project.”

Without incentives, Bradford said, developers experience a hurdle just making the project work financially for affordable housing.

He said as far as he is aware, the only type of incentive available for a developer to create affordable housing is the low-income housing tax credit program.

According to HUD, the program “gives state and local low-income housing tax credit-allocating agencies the equivalent of approximately $9 billion in annual budget authority to issue tax credits for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing targeted to lower-income households.”

However, Bradford said the program is very competitive and requires a lot of resources, time and expertise to win the credits. He said it makes it very challenging for developers, especially small ones.

“I think if there’s opportunities there and the right programs are available, I think developers will take that risk,” Bradford said. “It is a big risk, it’s really capital-intensive. … No bank is going to finance you, even if you have a passion to build affordable housing, if you can’t make it work financially.”

A.M. Titan specializes in restoring old, blighted and neglected buildings, with a mission to invest in the community by providing a quality living experience. Still, Bradford said some circumstances, such as historic tax credits, are required, even for market-rate housing, to make deals work.

The federal historic rehabilitation tax credit program, according to Novoco.com, is an indirect federal subsidy to finance the rehabilitation of historic buildings with a 20 percent tax credit for qualified expenditures.

“Things like historic tax credits really help hold the integrity of each neighborhood as well as entice developers to rehab and revitalize communities,” Bradford said.

Attainable housing units aren’t the only thing dwindling. Henry said the number of landlords accepting housing vouchers is also decreasing.

Kentucky, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is

In Alabama, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is $943. In order to afford this level of rent and utilities — without paying more than 30% of income on housing — a household must earn $3,143 monthly or $37,715 annually. Assuming a 40-hour work week, 52 weeks per year, this level of income translates into an hourly Housing Wage of:

FACTS ABOUT ALABAMA:

There was a push from HUD a few years ago to have fewer single-property landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers to streamline the process, Henry said, but that made it harder for applicants to find somewhere to live. Amrine said they are seeing the same at Welcome House.

“When the economy got good, everybody started unloading these mom-and-poptype rental properties,” she said. “So, it’s created quite a squeeze because we’re decreasing subsidized affordable housing, but we’re also losing all these private rentals to these big major companies that are coming in and scooping up all the rental properties and either redeveloping them or increasing the rents significantly.”

Bradford said there are benefits to restoring neglected and blighted properties in a neighborhood. He said it is crucial for the

social and economic vibrancy of the community.

Restoring the properties also reduces crime, as neglected properties often become hotspots for criminal activity, he said, adding that it also helps boost the economy.

“Redeveloped properties attract businesses, which not only results in job opportunities but increases consumer activity in local shops, restaurants and services,” Bradford said. “By doing so, homeowners also see increases in their property values. We’ve seen it happen in multiple areas that have experienced a renaissance by restor-

ing properties in Over-the-Rhine, Mount Auburn and Price Hill. We’ve also seen it right here in Covington.”

Not only are there fewer landlords, but the waitlist to receive Section 8 housing can be hundreds of people long. In March, Tracie Joyner, deputy director of Neighborhood Foundations (Newport’s housing authority), told LINK nky that its waitlist was roughly 500-600 people. That number increased significantly with the vacancy notices posted at Victoria Square last year.

“I think there’s multiple issues of why there’s not enough affordable housing,”

Henry said. “One is: Not as many landlords are accepting those vouchers, but also, we live in a very capitalistic world, and cash is king.”

When it comes down to it, Henry said if a landlord can charge as much as people are willing to pay, why would they charge less? Landlords that accept Section 8 are also subject to inspections of their rental properties, which he said may be a disincentive.

But there are some incentives for landlords to accept housing vouchers, particularly the “guaranteed” portion of the rent because vouchers cover most of the revenue coming in.

While there are incentives for landlords to accept Section 8, Henry said, there are also incentives for developers to create market-rate housing with tools such as Industrial Revenue Bonds, tax breaks or tax incentives. Municipalities can issue an Industrial Revenue Bond to provide a lower interest rate for the financing of a project, but the issuer is not obligated for the debt repayment.

“You see a lot of times, too, someone goes in with the best intentions to fix up a property, and it’s way worse off than they thought,” Henry said. “They wanted to make it a little more affordable, then they say, ‘I really can’t swing it. I’ve got to charge this (higher) amount.’”

Another consideration Henry mentioned: New development or renovations can bring new residents into an area who want to experience the bars, restaurants and other businesses. But who will work in those establishments?

“Where are they going to live? Who’s going to work there?” he asked. “And then you have the push- back … ‘We don’t have enough staff.”

Amrine said economic activity can’t just focus on single-family residential development. Communities need workforce housing.

“They (Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties) want economic development; they want to draw people into the area,” Amrine said. “But … you want to go to Starbucks and get your mocha latte, but the person that works there can’t afford to live here or without a roommate.”

Henry said there is a difference between workforce housing and affordable housing. The main differences being affordable housing units require reporting, compliance and research to ensure the property is up to par. People living there do not pay over 30% of their monthly income. Workforce housing allows someone to pay more than 30%, but it’s still attainable for an area’s median income.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s “Out of Reach” report, 60% of workers statewide earn an hourly wage less than the two-bedroom housing wage, and nearly 50% of workers earn an hourly wage less than the one-bedroom housing wage ($14.46 an hour.) And 13 of the 20 most common occupations in Kentucky pay median wages that are lower than the two-bedroom housing wage.

Henry said that one of the significant qualifications of market-rate housing is that renters must earn three times the amount of their rent. At HER Cincinnati, he said, they are seeing average prices of $1,300

to $1,500 for units, equating to $4,500 a month income needed.

If they hadn’t been forced to vacate their apartment, Mullins said her family had no intentions of leaving Victoria Square, though she knew it wasn’t their forever home.

Morale around Victoria Square when the notices to vacate were sent out was low, she said.

“After we got the notices … you could just see how defeated everyone felt, “ she said.

Mullins said her family chose not to contact any community organizations for housing; however, they did reach out to St. Vincent de Paul for financial support because she said they were already in a tight spot with money when they were asked to leave.

Zengel said that in 40% of the cases where they have assisted with rent and utilities, the families had children under 18.

Mullins said her family was struggling because she quit her job to take care of her two children full time because she lost child care assistance. Zengel and Amrine said folks make trade-offs because they must decide what bills to pay if they can’t afford to pay them all.

Amrine said they see people who forgo paying their utilities because they can only afford to cover their rent, but the lack of utility payments will cause an eviction. Similarly, Zengel said transportation is another issue. People will stop taking care of their vehicles; over time, the car will stop running, and then they can’t get to work.

“It’s this compounding effect of all these

different stresses that folks are making active decisions every day on the best way to get to the next day,” Zengel said.

When it comes to gaining more affordable housing options for people in the region, Zengel said it starts with awareness and advocacy. She said it’s essential for people to reach out to elected leaders to demand legislative change.

According to Amrine, many people say they want affordable housing to be available for those who need it — just not in their backyard.

Mullins said she saw comments on social media when the notices were sent about “meth heads” living in Victoria Square and how people needed to work harder.

“I never met anyone like that in my time there,” Mullins said. “I met single parents who were working really hard just to provide. There were elderly people on disability who didn’t have family left and had no other options.”

Henry said he has found that if affordable housing is not baked into developments or a comprehensive plan on the front end, it will not be added in at Phase 2 or 3.

In the future, Mullins said she wants people to pay more attention to situations like what happened at Victoria Square.

“I just hope the best for everybody that lived with me there, and I hope people realize that this is a bigger issue than a lot of people think and that it’s something that I do think can be stopped or slowed down,” Mullins said. “It’s possible to make better resources and have better options for people, and I really hope that happens.”

September 1968: U.S. president makes surprise visit to NKY

BY RICK ROBINSON | SPECIAL TO LINK nky

Rick Robinson is a local author who is writing a book based on life in Northern Kentucky in 1968 and what we can learn now. LINK will be publishing his book chapter by chapter in a recurring series here at linknky. com. This is Chapter 9.

In September 1968, Northern Kentucky had a surprise visitor – President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Johnson came to town for the dedication of Thomas More College, now called Thomas More University. Thomas More president John Murphy had extended the invitation at the beginning of 1968, when Johnson was still running for re-election. However, confirmation of the presidential visit occurred only days before the actual dedication ceremony, leaving college officials scrambling to prepare. The Kentucky Post and TimesStar noted Johnson looked down from the podium “like a benevolent dictator.”

Johnson’s speech covered everything from theology to politics, with a laundry list of his accomplishments while in office. And while Johnson did not mention those seeking to replace him in the Oval Office by name, the political portion of the speech was certainly aimed at candidates Richard Nixon and George Wallace and those opposing the war in Vietnam. He compared the turmoil of 1968 to that occurring at the country’s first Constitutional Convention.

“Today you and I, and the whole American nation, face another time of controversy and choice. And in a way, I guess we must create our own miracle,” the president said. “We must emerge from a season of bitter debate with a national decision – with a choice – which will strengthen our unity and not endanger it. We must, as we Americans must every election year, renew that great experiment in democratic government that was begun 181 years ago.”

Johnson then turned his thoughts to the 1968 campaigns for president:

“Some people discovered a long time ago that it is easier to scare people than it is to reason with them; that it is easier to shout fire than to fight fire; that it is easier to condemn crime than to conquer crime.

But, in my opinion, anyone-- anyone-and I am not speaking a name, I am speaking of anyone-- who exploits fear, and who ex-

ploits hate, and who exploits prejudice, and who preaches division and disunity – whoever he may be – chooses the low road and the wrong road.”

The Kentucky Post and Times-Star called the well-kept secret of the surprise presidential visit “almost flawless,” noting “one woman outwitted the security corps by embracing him (Johnson) vigorously and smacking him on the cheek.” There is no indication whether the incident was one of admiration or confrontation.

Valera Koester was at Thomas More that day and reflected on how exciting it was to see the motorcade arrive and shake the president’s hand.

“Back then television wasn’t like it is today,” she said. “You didn’t constantly see the president on TV. So, seeing the president of the United States and shaking his hand was quite a thrill.”

Johnson was not the only politician making waves in the region in September 1968. With the election on the horizon, politics were on full display in Northern Kentucky.

A senatorial debate between Marlow Cook and Kathryn Peden became heated when Peden accused Cook of “trying to demagogue the Vietnam War.” Her declaration of Nixon and former President Dwight Eisenhower as the people who “got us in there in the first place” drew boos from the predominantly female audience at the Kentucky Federation of Women’s Clubs. It also drew a strong rebuke from Cook, who

asserted the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations were following the Geneva Treaty provisions regarding Vietnam.

“Today under Lyndon Johnson the commitment has been elevated from 7,000 men to 580,000,” he said.

Peden stumbled a second time when she responded to Cook’s plans for a volunteer military force and referred to Americans who would willingly become a soldier as “mercenaries.” A woman in the first row with two sons and a grandson who was wounded in Vietnam stood up and ripped Peden for the characterization. The reporter covering the event thought Cook clearly won the confrontation.

In the campaign for president, Northern Kentuckians supporting the presidential bid of Eugene McCarthy offered lukewarm support to the Hubert Humphrey/Edmund Muskie ticket. William Billingsly of Fort Mitchell had been a floor leader for McCarthy at the state convention and noted, “The McCarthy people are split up about what they are going to do.”

He hoped McCarthy backers would not be lured away from Humphrey by the “demagoguery” of George Wallace.

The concept of having no other option was a common response of McCarthy supporters. Covington attorney Jim Nolan, who had chaired the McCarthy campaign in Kenton County, predicted some may stay at home on election day. He personally had concluded, “There is no reason to vote for Re-

publican Richard Nixon or George Wallace … except out of anger.”

One local Democrat hoped Humphrey would move further left. While in the U.S. Senate, Humphrey maintained a liberal voting record. One could logically conclude the statement was aimed at his support of Johnson’s tactics in Vietnam and his failure to support a “peace platform” at the Democratic National Convention.

Endorsements mattered in 1968, and politicians scrambled in and out of the offices of local newspapers to get them. The Kentucky Post and Times-Star was no exception.

In the race for the 4th District seat in the U.S. Congress, the Post and Times-Star endorsed Republican Gene Snyder over Democratic lawyer and newspaper publisher Gus Sheehan. The editorial carrying the endorsement noted the pair had similar views on many issues – “particularly in conservatism, adherence to constitutional principles and states’ rights.” But the editorial noted, “The chief difference as we see it is Snyder’s now-established Washington know-how, his verve, wider public contact and recorded interpretation of public opinion.”

The newspaper endorsed a second Republican when it endorsed Cook for U.S. Senate. Interestingly, while previously praising Snyder’s conservatism, the endorsement of Cook labeled him as a “modern, moderate Republican, a sober individual who confronts but is able to reduce crises.” And his neither “hawk” nor “dove” stance on Vietnam played into the endorsement. “In broad terms, he calls for a much larger participation there by other Southeast Asian nations and for an ‘honorable’ American withdrawal.”

An endorsement of Nixon for president made it a sweep for Republicans. The editorial set forth the idea that Vice President Humphrey would have to heal the Democratic Party before he dealt with the nation. It also stated Wallace offered no hope at all. The editorial went through the issues facing the country and explained how Nixon was better equipped than Humphrey to handle each of them. Nixon, the editorial concluded, “has the experience, the knowledge and the innate intellect which we expect and need in a President.”

President Lyndon Johnson at Thomas More. Photo provided | Thomas More University archives

Former Two Rivers school in Covington transformed into 68,000-square-foot mixed-use development

BY KENTON HORNBECK | LINK nky REPORTER

Construction on the former Two Rivers Middle School building in downtown Covington has been completed, transforming the site into a mixed-use development that features 68,000 square feet of office space, a café, school, weight room and basketball court.

The property developer behind Hotel Covington, vR Hospitality, officially opened the First District Café and Gourmet Market inside the revamped building on Sept. 12. Covington-based marketing firm DeanHouston+ also unveiled its new global headquarters on the second floor. The building was already home to Covington Classical Academy.

Covington city officials were joined by representatives of DeanHouston+ and The Salyers Group at a ribbon-cutting, where they celebrated the opening of the new café, as well as the completed renovations to the building.

“These are both extraordinary, extraordinary additions to the Covington landscape,” Covington Mayor Joe Meyer said. “For those of us who have been around for a while, the transformation of this building has been most, most remarkable. From the foreboding solid brick wall along Scott Street to glass windows and airy, open balconies on the west side of the building, I mean, it’s just a phenomenal change.”

Finished in 1939, the building had various uses throughout its lifetime. It was built as First District Elementary School, part of the Covington Independent School District. After First District closed, it became Two Rivers Middle School. That, too, eventually closed in 2009.

Gateway Community & Technical College purchased the building in 2010 and integrated it into its large-scale urban metro project in downtown Covington. After failing to gain significant traction, Gateway scaled back the scope of the project, eventually moving out of the building and opting to sell it in 2021. The property was purchased by Covington Kentucky Devel-

opment LLC, headed by The Salyers Group CEO Guy van Rooyen.

In January 2022, Covington City Commission approved an order that issued over $12.5 million worth of Industrial Revenue Bonds for the site’s redevelopment. The bond terms are 30 years long. The building hasn’t been on the city’s tax roll since 1939, LINK nky reported last January.

“To the City of Covington, the county, the school – this is an IRB (Industrial Revenue Bonds) project, and these difficult projects require incentives, they require support, they require partnerships. So without the support of the city and the other partners, we wouldn’t be able to do it,” van Rooyen said.

First District Cafe’s name pays homage to the shuttered elementary school. It’s only a short walk from Hotel Covington, which is The Salyers Group’s marquee development in the city.

Customers can purchase food and drinks such as baked goods, sandwiches, coffee, parfaits and various packaged snacks. Its operating hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In September 2021, marketing agency DeanHouston+ announced that it would move its headquarters from Cincinnati into a revamped space at 525 Scott St. DeanHouston+ officially moved into the property on Jan. 1, 2022. Its office features around 12,000 square feet of operating space. Covington-based WORK Architecture + Design collaborated with DeanHouston+ to design the layout of the office space.

“We selected this location specifically to accommodate our growing workforce and for the accessibility of this beautiful Covington area,” DeanHouston+ CEO Dale Dean said. JCL Contracting LLC and Manning Construction also worked on the building’s construction. There is remaining office space available for lease in the building, Covington Business Attraction Manager Susan Smith told LINK nky.

The newly revamped 525 Scott St., the former site of Two Rivers Middle School. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky

NKwhy: Which local government meetings allow public comment?

BY MAGGY MCDONEL | LINK nky DIGITAL EDITOR

Being able to make your voice heard by local government officials is important, but it can sometimes be marred by complications of the bureaucratic process.

One way you can get elected officials to listen in NKY is by attending a local government meeting. However, depending on the municipality, there are only certain meetings where public comments can be made.

Some local governments meet multiple times a month to discuss local issues, and while all are open to the public, they may not all be open for public comment.

Those city councils or commissions with more than one monthly meeting will typically have a caucus meeting and a legislative or business meeting, although these are sometimes called by different names. (We didn’t say understanding these processes would be easy.)

So, what is the difference?

Well, to put it pretty simply, caucus meetings are for discussion; legislative meetings are for voting.

However, this can be a bit confusing because, during the caucus meetings, the public is not allowed to make comments. The meetings are more a time for officials to discuss proposed legislation that is set to be passed during legislative meetings.

“No votes are taken, and that’s where the commission just basically hears presentations from staff about things we would like

to take before them. … It’s just sort of the initial, here’s what’s going on, here’s what’s going to be our priority in the next meeting,” Covington Communications Manager Dan Hassert said about caucus meetings.

After viewing these presentations, Hassert said, the commission will then discuss whether to put the issues on the agenda for the legislative meeting.

Various things happen in a legislative meeting, including the voting and passing of ordinances and resolutions. There also may be the first reading of an ordinance, which is not a vote, but a public notice of what will be voted on at the next legislative meeting. The public will then have time to give comment on the ordinance before the second reading and subsequent vote.

Who has caucus meetings?

So, it may seem a bit puzzling, but not all cities have these different types of meetings.

Having separate caucus and legislative/ business meetings is typically reserved for larger municipalities. Places like Florence, Newport, Covington and Fort Wright have these separate meetings, while smaller cities like Alexandria and Bromley do not.

The idea is that these larger cities have more business to handle, and it would be too much to discuss in one meeting with voting and public comment.

However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule; some smaller cities such as Ludlow have

caucus and legislative meetings, and some larger cities such as Fort Thomas only meet once a month.

Okay, so how do citizens know when/ where to go?

With all the different processes, it can be hard to know how to get your thoughts to your elected officials.

Your best bet is checking your city’s website. There they will have posted schedules of the future meetings, with indications of what type of meeting is held when. Public notices for special meetings and public hearings can be found on LINK nky’s website and will also be physically posted somewhere at the city’s municipal building.

Rules for public comment (i.e., how long the comment period is, how long individuals can talk and more) should also be available online.

If you aren’t able to make a meeting or feel like your issue needs to be addressed individually, commissioners and council members will often have their contact information available online.

“Local government is the most accessible government. It’s where the proverbial rubber meets the road, and they’re always happy to talk to residents. They see them at bars, they see them at lunch, coffee shops, events, ribbon-cuttings everywhere, and they’re always talking to people,” said Hassert.

Residents came out in droves to a Jan. 17, 2023, Covington City Commission meeting, only to be told they weren't allowed to speak because they had come to a caucus meeting and not a legislative meeting. Photo by Meghan Goth | LINK nky

Erlanger enacts resiliency fund at special meeting reduces property tax rates

• New real property tax rate: $0.248/$100 of property valuation

• New personal property tax rate: $0.198/$100 of property valuation

These rates are reductions for both real property and personal property from the previous year

Second Act Bootcamp from Aviatra targets women considering career change

DESERVE the best

Erlanger City Council voted to enact a special resiliency fund in the city’s budget and institute new property tax rates at a special legislative meeting on Sept. 12.

The meeting was held specifically to vote on these measures, as well as a measure on the new fiscal year’s wage scale for city employees, which also passed.

The new tax rates are as follows:

Aviatra Accelerators, a Covington-based nonprofit accelerator focused on female entrepreneurs, is starting a program designed for women considering a career change.

Dubbed the Second Act Bootcamp, the program targets women who are transitioning from their primary careers, re-entering the workforce or seeking a new direction.

“Aviatra’s Second Act Bootcamp is designed to provide inspiration, ideation and valuable instruction to women who may be at a crossroads in their life or career,” said Aviatra CEO Jill Morenz. “It’s a platform to help

them navigate their ‘second act’ with confidence – whatever that may be.”

The two-day, in-person workshop will be hosted by Modern Woodmen, located at the Black Bull Capital Partners office.

The boot camp spans seven hours over two days. Participants will partake in ideation exercises and expert-led instruction to equip them with the tools necessary for their second act.

Kentucky Colonels give $7K grant to Children’s Home of NKY

The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels recently issued a $7,000 grant to The Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky Behavioral Health, or CHNK Behavioral Health, for youth mental health services, according to a press release.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels for their generous support,” Rick Wurth, CEO of CHNK Behavioral Health, said in the release. “This grant exemplifies the shared commitment to addressing the pressing

mental health needs of our youth and their families. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to fostering mental health and resilience among our clients, ensuring their holistic well-being.”

The Kentucky Colonels have repeatedly invested in the organization’s services, contributing about $150,000 to CHNK over the years, according to the press release.

Kenton County Farm Tour hosts 13th annual event

Oct. 1

The Kenton County Farm Tour will host its 13th annual self-guided tour of farms throughout the county from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1.

“This self-guided tour features some of Kenton County’s finest farms, exciting interactive activities and the chance to discover the roots of food and ornamentals grown in our region,” according to a press release from the Kenton County Library, one of the stops on the tour.

The tour is free and open to the public. It will feature games and scavenger hunts.

At its Sept. 12 special legislative meeting, Erlanger City Council voted to reduce property tax rates.

Photo provided | City of Erlanger

Ludlow Schools approves bids for school renovations

Ludlow Independent Public Schools approved roughly $19 million in contracting bids for projects related to facility improvements and renovations at a special meeting Wednesday evening.

“I feel really good about the team assembled,” said Robert Ehmet of REH&A Architects, the Fort Mitchell-based firm responsible for designing the additions to the district.

With the meeting’s vote, the board successfully chose contractors for all but two of the proposed construction packages, which did not receive bids: masonry and general contracting. Ehmet said that he and the project’s construction manager will have to re-advertise those packages and hopes to get new bid prices within the week.

The acceptance of the bids follows the board’s decision from last month to issue about $10 million in bonds to help fund the project. The district also secured $23 million from Kentucky’s School Facilities Construction Commission, which issues state funds for school construction projects throughout the commonwealth.

Superintendent Mike Borchers said the district expects to break ground on the project on Friday, Sept. 29, although the event doesn’t yet have an established time. The exact date for when construction will begin in earnest has also not yet been established.

Villa Madonna receives 2023 School of Distinction award

Cognia, a national educational nonprofit, honored Villa Madonna Academy Elementary with its 2023 School of Distinction award, given to 33 schools in the United States and four other countries.

“Mrs. Soshana Bosley [Villa Madonna’s principal] is to be commended for earning

the designation as a School of Distinction,” said Mark A. Elgart, Ph. D., president and CEO of Cognia, in a recent press release. “Cognia Accreditation is already a mark of school quality recognized around the world. Being named a School of Distinction further acknowledges the demonstrated commitment to education quality and a mindset of continuous improvement Villa Madonna Academy Elementary School has for its learners.”

Kentucky can continue enforcing ban on minors’ transgender medical care

Kentucky’s ban on transgender medical care for minors will remain in force under a ruling issued Sept. 12 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.

The decision is a setback for seven anonymous Kentucky minors and their parents who had asked the appeals court to reinstate a preliminary injunction that briefly stopped enforcement of the ban. U.S. District Judge David Hale had issued the preliminary injunction in June.

Hale later stayed his own injunction based on the appeals court’s decision allowing enforcement of a similar law in Tennessee.

On Sept. 12, Chief Judge Jeffrey Sutton and Judge Amul Thapar denied a motion requested by the ACLU of Kentucky to lift Hale’s stay of his own injunction.

The two judges ruled that the issues with Kentucky’s law are the same as in the case in which the court allowed the Tennessee law to be enforced.

Judge Helene N. White dissented, writing that unlike Tennessee’s law, the law in Kentucky “provides no grace period during which patients receiving care may continue treatment.”

Lawyers for the Kentucky minors had asked that they be allowed to continue receiving puberty blockers and hormones while the case is argued on its merits. (The plaintiffs are not challenging the Kentucky law’s ban on gender-affirming surgeries for minors.)

The Tennessee law allows gender-affirming care “without alteration” through March 31, 2024, White wrote, while Kentucky’s law requires health care providers to immediately cease treatment or to begin systematically reducing use of the drug or hormone. Violations could cost providers their licenses.

• Boone County Clerk

• Campbell County Fiscal Court

• City of Alexandria

• City of Bellevue

• City of Covington

• City of Cresent Springs

• City of Dayton

• City of Edgewood

• City of Elsmere

• City of Fort Thomas

• City of Fort Wright

• City of Independence

• City of Lakeside

• City of Wilder

• Cresent Springs Board of Adjustment

• Family Dollar Store

• Fort Mitchell Board of Adjustment

• Fort Thomas Independent Schools

• Highland Heights Planning & Zoning

• Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL

• Kenton County Joint Board of Adjustment

• Northern Kentucky Port Authority

• Northern Kentucky Water District

• Planning & Development Services of Kenton County

• The Baker Firm PLLC

• The Hidden Chapter Bookstore LLC

Ludlow Independent Public Schools approved bids for school renovations. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

news from other places

U.S. sets record for weather disasters with $1B-plus toll

economist who tracks the billion-dollar disasters.

“We’re seeing the fingerprints of climate change all over our nation,” Smith said. “I would not expect things to slow down anytime soon.”

Indiana man sentenced to 9 years for fire that gutted historic building dating to 1912

comes as the Biden administration has issued a blanket waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money from South Korea to Qatar without fear of U.S. sanctions.

The moves by both Tehran and Washington appear to signal the prisoner swap is progressing as the money once held in South Korean won is converted into euros and moved to Qatar, where Iran will be able to use it for humanitarian purposes.

of anniversary events this year. Many trace the genre’s creation to an Aug. 11, 1973, back-to-school party where 18-year-old Clive Campbell, also known as DJ Kool Herc, deejayed at a Bronx apartment building in New York City.

Harris said hip-hop is “the ultimate American art form” that “shapes every aspect of America’s popular culture.”

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — The deadly firestorm in Lahaina, Hawaii, and Hurricane Idalia’s watery storm surge helped push the United States to a record for the number of weather disasters that cost $1 billion or more. And there’s still four months to go on what’s looking more like a calendar of calamities.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Sept. 11 that there have been 23 weather extreme events in the U.S. that cost at least $1 billion this year through August, eclipsing the yearlong record total of 22 set in 2020. So far this year’s disasters have cost more than $57.6 billion and claimed at least 253 lives.

And NOAA’s count doesn’t yet include Tropical Storm Hilary’s damages in hitting California and a deep drought that has struck the South and Midwest, because those costs are still to be totaled, said Adam Smith, the NOAA applied climatologist and

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A southwestern Indiana man was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to setting a fire that gutted a historic century-old building that had been slated for restoration.

A Vanderburgh County judge sentenced Charles James Perrin, 25, on Sept. 12 after the Evansville man pleaded guilty to felony charges of arson and criminal mischief in the May fire that left the Pearl Laundry Center building in ruins, the Evansville Courier & Press reported. The Pearl Laundry Center was built in 1912 and was added in 1984 to the National Register of Historic Places.

Iran names 5 people it wants freed in prisoner swap with U.S.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran on Sept. 12 identified the five prisoners it hopes to see freed in the United States in exchange for five Iranian-Americans now held in Tehran and billions in assets once held by South Korea.

The acknowledgment by the Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York

VP hosts hip-hop 50th party for ‘ultimate American art form’

Illinois first state to ban cash bail as pretrial release condition

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act, which abolishes cash bail as a condition of pretrial release, will take effect Sept. 18, making Illinois the first state to end cash bail and a testing ground for whether — and how — it works on a large scale.

Judges can still keep people accused of serious crimes behind bars pretrial but first would have to go through a more rigorous review of each case.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a celebration of hiphop’s 50th anniversary on Sept. 9, with appearances by some of the music genre’s pioneers and stars. Common, Jeezy, MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante were among the hip-hop artists invited to join Harris for the party at the vice presidential residence.

Hip-hop’s 50th birthday has inspired a host

Critics say cash bail policies are especially unfair to Black people and other people of color. A 2022 federal civil rights report on cash bail systems found that courts tend to impose higher pretrial detention penalties on Black and Latino people, citing a study that showed Black men received bail amounts 35% higher than white men, and Latino men received bail amounts 19% higher than white men.

Between 1970 and 2015, there was a fivefold increase in the number of people jailed before trials, according to the 2022 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights report.

With four months to go in the year, the U.S. had set a record by the end of August for a record number of weather disasters that cost $1 billion or more. File photo by Chris O’Meara | Associated Press

Vice President Kamala Harris is seen on a video monitor as she speaks at a 50th anniversary celebration of hip-hop at her Washington, D.C., residence on Sept. 9. Photo by Manuel Balce Ceneta | Associated Press

September

Boone County Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 1961 Patrick Drive, Burlington

Kiwanis Boone County presents “A Wine Dinner - Mardi Gras Blue Grass Style,” 6:30-9 p.m., Brianza Winery and Gardens, 14611 Salem Creek Road, Verona. $75

Mount St. Joseph University 5K Run, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati Campbell County Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, 709 Monmouth St., Newport

Crescent Springs City Council meeting, 6-7 p.m., Crescent Springs City Building, 739 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs

Newport City Commission meeting, 7-8 p.m., Newport City Building, 998 Monmouth St.

Cold Spring City Council meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Cold Spring City Building, 5694 E. Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring

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

Farm Frenzy, 5-7 p.m., Boone County Cooperative Extension Service, 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington. Family-friendly agricultural experience. Free.

Boone County Fiscal Court meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Boone County Fiscal Court, 2950 Washington St., Burlington

Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Kenton County Fiscal Court Covington Courthouse, 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington

Florence City Council business meeting, 6-7 p.m., Florence City Building, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence

Hike the Trails, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Boone County Environmental and Nature Center, 9101 Camp Ernst Road, Union. Self-guided hikes. Must sign it at the shelter house. No dogs.

Kenton County Senior Fall Harvest, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Kenton County Fairgrounds, 2836 Harris Pike, Independence. Annual picnic for people 55 and up. Lunch, entertainment. $9.

Walton-Verona Board of Education meeting, 6-7 p.m., Walton-Verona Independent SchoolsCentral Office, 16 School Road, Walton

Boone County Business Association meeting, 6-7 p.m., Florence Lions Club, 29 Lacresta Drive, Florence

Ludlow City Council meeting, 7-8 p.m., Ludlow Municipal Center, 808 Elm St., Ludlow

1940s Fort Mitchell home features old-world charm, modern touches

Address: 9 Sunnymede Drive, Fort Mitchell

Price: $674,900

Bedrooms: Three

Bathrooms: Three

Square feet: 2,332

School district: Beechwood

County: Kenton

Special features: You’ll find old-home charm with modern touches in this recently listed 1940s Fort Mitchell home. This brick home is located on tree-lined Sunnymede Drive and includes refinished pegwood floors as well as a recently renovated kitchen and a new patio. This property puts the owner within the Beechwood school district as well as walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Exterior of 9 Sunnymede Dr. in Fort Mitchell. Photo provided | Huff Realty

A living area at the Sunnymede home. Photo provided | Huff Realty

The kitchen of the Sunnymede home. Photo provided | Huff Realty

Streetscapes enjoys smoked meats, boozy slushes and Irish pub vibes on Court Street

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MARIA HEHMAN | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

The Roebling section of Covington is ever-changing – new businesses pop up and, sadly, many in recent years have closed (RIP, Keystone and Lil’s Bagels). But even with some familiar favorites closing their doors, there’s still plenty of places to visit in the Roebling District. For this Streetscapes, we go to court –well, Court Street. Join us for shepherd’s pie, smoked wings and boozy slushies.

Smoke Justis

With over 500 bourbon options, Smoke Justis earned a spot on the B Line, a self-guided Northern Kentucky bourbon tour. Its clubhouse is more in tune with a true bourbon lounge – still relaxed, like the main dining room, but more intimate. This space is a great fit for a sit-and-sip evening. Smoke Justis can be rented for private parties in any of its three spaces. Regardless of why guests visit Smoke Justis – whether for pregame fuel or relaxing after work –there’s a space that fits.

Frosthaus and Eishaus

No summer night out is complete without a refreshing, frozen, boozy drink. That’s where Frosthaus comes into play. Frosthaus serves frozen alcoholic slushies, mixed drinks, beer buckets and German-inspired grub.

tries. This is a family-friendly option for friends of Frosthaus. It’s most famous for “spaghetti” ice cream. Soft-serve is made to look like noodles and mimic spaghetti and meatballs, and Cincinnati-style chili. Of course, the ice cream isn’t topped with actual chili, just chocolate that looks exactly like the real thing. It’s a fun place to visit with kids and has one of the most Instagram-worthy treats in the NKY area.

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Restaurant

Guests can smell Smoke Justis’ famous meat as soon as they step foot into the Roebling District. Smoke Justis is a hybrid sports bar and bourbon lounge that serves smoked meats in a variety of dishes.

The main dining room has a sports bar feel; it’s a great place to grab food before, during or after a Bengals win. The laid-back environment features plenty of TVs, beer and bourbon. Smoked wings and the smoked meat plate are the most popular items, bringing guests back again and again. Lesser-known items are equally as mouthwatering and worth ordering, too.

Fry-boxes are a concoction of all the best items at Smoke Justis. Each fry-box starts with french fries as the base, with toppings piled on. The BBQ box – with smoked pork, housemade BBQ sauce, shredded cheese and onion straws – is arguably the best, but the buffalo chicken box could give it a run for its money.

Its loaded tots are a perfectly poppable snack to pair with one of the rotating frozen drinks. There are eight premade alcoholic options and two that are alcohol-free (but guests can add liquor). The large outdoor seating area has one of the best views in Covington – a straight shot of the Roebling Bridge. Pair that with a refreshing slushie, and it makes for one memorable evening.

Eishaus is the sister store – or more the twin store, as it’s situated right next door. Eishaus serves ice cream, coffee and pas-

Molly Malone’s has been a staple of Covington for over 15 years. It specializes in Irish pub fare, including bangers and mash; Irish pork sausage and mashed potatoes; as well as shepherd’s pie, a savory pie with beef and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes. Molly Malone’s Irish cuisine has garnered local and national awards nearly every year since its opening. However, for those fearful to branch out of American cuisine, it still has options for every palate.

The décor, beer selection and atmosphere make for an Irish pub vibe that’s as authentic as any you’ll find in the U.S. The place was dedicated to broadcasting soccer games long before FC Cincinnati took over the screens. It even prides itself on being the premier soccer bar in the Greater Cincinnati area. Of course, football, basketball and baseball are all aired during their seasons, but soccer takes the main stage here.

Molly Malone’s has two floors that can be booked for private parties, as well as ample outdoor seating. The seating and interior hold true to the original building’s architecture. With hardwood throughout and adorned in soccer flags, guests are immersed in an Irish pub atmosphere. Belly up to the bar and order a pint and, for a moment, you’ll think you’re across the globe.

Have a street, city or business you want to see covered next? Email Maria Hehman at mchehman@gmail.com and it could be featured on the next installment of LINK Streetscapes.

What to Know If You Go:

Smoke Justis

Location: 302 Court St., Covington

Hours: Monday, 4-11 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Website: smokejustis.com

Phone: 859-814-8858

Frosthaus

Location: 115 Park Place, Covington

Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11-1 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Phone: 859-360-3272

Eishaus

Location: 117 Park Place, Covington

Hours: Monday-Thursday, closed; Friday, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2:30-9 p.m.

Phone: 859-360-3272

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Restaurant

Location: 112 E. Fourth St., Covington

Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2:30 a.m.

Website: mollymalonesirishpub.com

Phone: 859-491-6659

Smoke Justis serves smoked meats and sports bar vibes.

Frosthaus offers tasty bar snacks, refreshing slushies and a great view.

Molly Malone’s has an authentic Irish pub vibe.

Backyard games, sibling battles prepped Holy Cross standout Julia Hunt for stardom

BY MARC HARDIN | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

Growing up in a home with a college basketball-playing father, a college volleyball-playing mother and three athletic siblings, Holy Cross two-sport standout Julia Hunt couldn’t help but have a ball around the house and in the yard.

“Since I was little, there have always been plenty of things to play with and lots of people,” Hunt said. “There are all kinds of balls on the shelves. We just go get them and play. That’s kind of where it all started.” And then, the kids started getting bigger and bigger.

“Actually, there were balls everywhere,” said Julia’s mother, Holy Cross volleyball co-coach Jill Hunt. “Basketballs and volleyballs, for sure. Out in the garage. In the living room. At one time, at the most, definitely more than a dozen. Probably 15.”

That sounds about right. Two sports balls per person in the Hunt household.

Jill Hunt played three sports at Notre Dame Academy and played college volleyball at Bellarmine. She met her husband, Ray Hunt, a Kansas native, at Bellarmine, where he played for the basketball team. They have four sports-crazed kids.

Maya Hunt plays college volleyball at Marshall. At Holy Cross, she also played basketball. Julia Hunt, a 6-foot-3 middle hitter, is heading to national power, the University of Washington to play a Big 10 volleyball schedule, fulfilling a personal goal. She’s eschewing college basketball, where she received a smattering of Division I offers. She’s expected to be one of the best prep basketball players in the area this coming season. She is Kentucky’s top high school volleyball player, according to prepdig.com. Brother Max Hunt also plays two sports at

Holy Cross. He’s catching passes and getting sacks as a 6-5 freshman tight end and two-way lineman for the football team. He also plays basketball. Seventh-grader Lacey Hunt is already on the Holy Cross volleyball team. She’s also set to play basketball. As you might imagine, standing still and doing nothing is a nonstarter at home for the Hunt kids, who always seem to be in motion.

“We work hard in the Hunt house,” Julia said. “We’re all really competitive. I think it got started when we were younger and playing around and nobody wanting to get beat.”

Julia dislikes losing so much, she’s worked her entire school life to be an asset for every team she’s been with. As she’s grown older, she’s come to realize all those sports balls around the house, all those sibling battles in the backyard and all the play time to beat the boredom have actually helped make her the elite athlete she is today.

“With siblings, there’s always somebody to play with,” Julia said. “A lot of times, I would come home from volleyball and pass a volleyball with Maya. I’ve played pepper with Max. Sometimes I’ve had two practices after school, and then I come home and have another mini-practice. I realize now that’s why I don’t get so tired. I’ve always been on the go.”

When the Hunts moved from Burlington to Independence, there was a basketball hoop in the backyard.

++ 0 10 15% %% OFF OFF

“You can’t get mad at your family,” Julia said.

“Lacey, she’s my biggest cheerleader. I just smile at her. And she holds up her ‘heart hands.’ Maya had her recruiting first, so she was able to help me. She helped me organize my notes. She and my mom helped me organize my calls. So, I’ve learned about time management at home.”

“Max is taller than me and super athletic. When we played at home, I had to come up with some moves, or I wasn’t going to score or get a rebound. I’ve come up with a lot of moves,” Julia said. “We’ve all shot a lot, too. That’s helped me in basketball. We used to throw the football around in the backyard. That would help Max with his hands, and I think it’s made my arm stronger with my volleyball swings.”

Playing with and against family also helped the family members develop a strong sense of sportsmanship.

Mom and Dad also gave Julia two coaches at arm’s reach right there at home. With so many resources before stepping out the front door to play club sports and high school sports, no wonder she has more than 2,000 career volleyball kills and 500 blocks and counting at Holy Cross. And no wonder she has almost 1,500 career points and more than 1,100 rebounds in basketball before starting her senior season.

Though she is continuing her sports career as a college volleyball player, Julia hasn’t turned her back on basketball. One of those sports balls hanging around the Hunt household is her favorite bed pillow, shaped like a basketball.

“Oh, I love that pillow. I’ll always love basketball. But volleyball is my best sport,” she said. “It’s good to know all that extra work at home paid off.”

Holy Cross volleyball standout Julia Hunt stands with her mother, Indians co-coach Jill Hunt, while commemorating the senior’s 2,000th career kill in a recent win against Scott. Photo provided | Bob Jackson

Ryle, St. Henry take home first in NKAC tournament; Beane, Carter individual winners

Ryle and St. Henry were the winners at the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference tournament at the Willows at Kenton County Golf Course on Sept. 11.

The Raiders took home first in Division I with a score of 324, defeating Covington Catholic in a fifth-man tiebreaker. St. Henry carded a 328 and defeated Highlands by two strokes in Division II.

Although none of the Raider golfers finished in the top three individually, everyone finished under 90, needing the full depth of the team to earn victory. Palmer McKelvey led the team shooting a 78, and Jake Roscoe followed with an 81. Andrew Roach finished with an 82, Paxton McKelvey an 83 and Thomas Leone an 88.

Covington Catholic’s second-place finish was led by Mitchell Gastright with a 76. Ben Unkraut followed with a 77. Rounding out the scoring for the Colonels was Luke Pieper with an 84, Jacob Thomas with an 87 and Avery Stanley with an 89. Dixie Heights followed in third with a score of 355.

Campbell County’s Talen Beane was the Division I individual winner with a one-

under-par 71, the lone golfer in the red on the day. Gastright and Unkraut followed in second and third, Palmer McKelvey fourth and Scott’s Chase O’Keefe fifth with an 80.

St. Henry’s 328 was paced by Will Carter shooting a 74 and winning Division II individually. Ben Carter helped signify the win with a 79. Will Hammond finished with an 87, Jake Montgomery and Parker Isaacs with 88s to round out the Crusader scoring.

Highlands’ 330 was led by Hank Shick, who also placed third in the division individually with a score of 78. Alex Race (83), Ryal Toole (84), Oliver Golden (85) and Nathan Kirst (90) rounded out the Bluebirds scoring. Bishop Brossart finished third with a 353.

Newport Central Catholic’s Caleb Eaglin was runner-up individually in Division II, carding a 76. Schick, St. Henry’s Ben Carter (79) and Charlie Bihl (80) rounded out the top five.

Cooper girls golf team second in All-State points

Cooper’s girls golf team is entering the postseason on a high note as it currently sits in second of the Kentucky girls golf AllState standings.

The Jaguars have played in 13 tournaments this season and collected 1,115 points. The All-State formula takes your top seven finishes in tournament play, Cooper with 680 points in those, only 20 points behind Sacred Heart in first place.

The top 15 teams and 21 individuals not on those teams play in the KGCA All-State Tournament at UK Golf Club on Sept. 16 and 17. Cooper’s Reagan Ramage is third in the individual All-State points standings with

620 points. Eva Maley and Kendall Brissey are fifth and sixth in the standings.

Ryle’s Anika Okuda, Notre Dame’s Didi Jiradamkerng and Bishop Brossart’s Emma Laker are among the top 21 individuals not on the top 15 teams that will be participating in the tournament.

St. Henry’s boys team is 10th in the standings and has qualified for the boys KGCA All-State Tournament. Newport Central Catholic’s Caleb Eaglin is 16th in the AllState standings and will be competing individually. Covington Catholic’s Mitchell Gastright and Campbell County’s Talen Beane have also qualified as the 21 individuals not in the top 15 teams.

Pair of volleyball coaches pick up 500 career wins

Ryle head coach Tasha Lovins earned her 500th career win in the Louisville Volleyball Invitational Tournament on Sept. 9, and Highlands head coach Jim DeLong earned his in the Capital City Classic on the same day.

Lovins has been a mainstay in Union, coaching the Raiders program since 2002. She has guided Ryle to more than a dozen 33rd District championships, including the last three in a row and nine of the last 13 in a highly competitive district. She led the Raiders to a Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division I title in 2021, the same year they finally beat Notre Dame Academy.

DeLong, a Highlands grad, has been a head coach for 26 years. He started off his career at Beechwood for four seasons and coached at Highlands for three from 200002. DeLong then coached Oak Hills (Ohio) for 11 years before spending eight at Wyoming starting in 2015. He came back home to Highlands this year. His overall record is 501-235 (as of Sept. 13).

Notre Dame softball coach steps down, takes director job

Notre Dame Academy softball coach Joe Stephenson is stepping down from his head coaching duties to be the director of softball operations for the school.

Stephenson coached the Pandas for 12 seasons, amassing 225 wins, 10 district titles and three region championships.

Notre Dame went 14-10 during the 2023 season, winning the 35th District title before losing to Cooper in the first round of the 9th Region tournament.

The new coach will inherit a team that graduates three seniors and returns a lot of valuable pieces, including pitcher Abby Turnpaugh and two of its top three hitters in Ava McKinley and Addie Zinser.

Notre Dame softball coach Joe Stephenson has stepped down from his head coaching duties to become the director of operations for the program.

Photo provided | Notre Dame Academy

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As a reminder, our honor is available to any athletics team from any sport at any level – from high school and collegiate to youth to recreational and beyond. Readers can scan the QR code to head to linknky.com to vote for the next Team of the Week.

Photo provided | Nick Keener

Campbell County High School’s Talen Beane won the Division I NKAC golf tournament with a score of 71. Photo provided | Campbell County High School

Tasha Lovins, right, recently surpassed the 500 career win mark. Photo provided

Southgate filmmaker Hatter eyes Hollywood with locally shot movie about tornado rescuers

BY GARIN PIRNIA | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

It’s a hot summer morning during Labor Day weekend, and filmmaker Jason Hatter and a small crew are fiddling with a giant crane, green-screen backdrop and leaf blowers. They’re perched in a field adjacent to Southgate Community Center.

Hatter has been filming scenes around town for a feature script he wrote named “Downdraft.” Until he came along, it’d been 35 years since a movie had filmed in Southgate. The last time that occurred was in 1988, when “Rain Man” filmed in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, including at Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate and St. Anne’s Convent in nearby Melbourne. The film came out in December 1988, grossed over $350 million and won four Oscars.

Southgate native Hatter filmed a scene at the VFW, where he bartends part-time. He plans to film a crash scene there, too. But on this day, he’s doing dangerous stunt work. The film is about tornado rescuers who save people caught in a tornado’s path. In real life, these people don’t exist. The idea evolved from his love of the film “Twister”

and his fascination with tornadoes.

“I wanted to write something that was original,” Hatter said. “It hasn’t been done before. I saw the documentary ‘Tornado Alley’ at the Omnimax. I saw the TIV Dominator 3, and I thought that was super cool. With the storm chasers, I was like, ‘What if they tried to rescue people out of the tornado’s path?’”

Hatter studied media informatics at Northern Kentucky University, and this is his first movie. In order to film at the community center, he had to present his concept to City Council, which approved a film permit. As an indie filmmaker, he wears many hats, including acting in the film and co-producing it with Clairemont Films. In today’s scene, he “rescues” a victim, played by Schuyler Woods. He grabs Woods as a crane picks them off the ground, simulating a tornado.

One of his goals is to put Southgate back on the map for film production.

“I grew up in this town and thought this looked like a really great location to do this kind of scene,” Hatter said. “It’s not every

Mary Lou Heidrich

Mary Lou (nee Bornhorn) Heidrich of Fort Wright, passed away Sept. 13 at the St. Charles Community Center in Fort Wright at the age of 88.

Mary Lou was the loving mother of Dave (Paula) of Villa Hills, Rich (Julie) of Crestview Hills and Ken (Meleia) of Lakeside Park. She was the grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of 10, with one more soon to follow. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Finke, of Kettering, Ohio, and her dear friend Chris Wilson.

day you get yanked up by a crane.”

He can also add costume designer to his resume: He created his tornado rescue suit from scratch and had embroiderers design the patches.

“I wanted to make people feel like, ‘OK, these guys actually exist,’” he said.

Once he’s finished filming more scenes, he plans to edit it into a trailer and shop it to Hollywood producers in hopes of obtaining funding. Even though he’s called in a lot of favors — lead actress Rachel Cloe’s uncle owns the crane company, Dave Moore Crane Services — he’s already spent $20,000 of his own money.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of savings, and a lot of sacrifices,” he said. “It’s a lot of ramen noodles every night.”

The crane sequence finishes, and the cast and crew prepare for a couple of less risky shots. So far, Hatter’s pleased with the day.

“I think it went good,” he said. “I’m happy with the results, and it was a lot of fun.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll J. ‘Mac’ Heidrich and her son Gary.

Mary Lou led a full and purpose-filled life in support of her family, friends and community. She was an extraordinary caregiver for 55 years for her son Gary, who experienced cerebral palsy, and spent decades in volunteer roles with the Easterseals Redwood organization serving as chair of the Women’s Guild, the Redwood Board and many fundraising events.

Memorials are suggested to the Gary Heidrich Fund at Easterseals Redwood, Fort Mitchell.

Visitation was on Monday, Sept. 18, at 4 p.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 6 p.m. at St Agnes Church, 1680 Dixie Highway, For Wright, KY 41011. A reception followed at the Gardens of Park Hills. Burial was at Mother of God Cemetery. Middendorf Funeral Home in Fort Wright handled arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.midden- dorf-funeralhome.com.

A film crew sets up a green screen and a crane at Southgate Community Center. Photo by Garin Pirnia I LINK nky contributor

Filmmaker Jason Hatter wrote “Downdraft,” about tornado rescuers, and also acts in the film, which is being shot in Northern Kentucky. Photo by Garin Pirnia I LINK nky contributor

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