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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 43 — SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

THE VOICE OF NKY

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Four NKY spots to pick pumpkins, pretend it’s finally sweater weather By Haley Parnell

here’s a brief stretch every year when the region collectively decides it’s time to get lost in a corn maze and spend an unreasonable amount of time choosing the perfect pumpkin. Luckily, there are plenty of places around Northern Kentucky to lean into fall. Farms across the region are opening their pumpkin patches, firing up the hayrides and breaking out the cider doughnuts for the season. Whether you’re looking for a full-blown fall festival with corn mazes and farm animals or just want to pick some apples and pumpkins, here are some NKY farms worth visiting this fall. Neltner’s Farm & Event Venue 6922 Four Mile Road, Melbourne, KY Continues on page 3

Pumpkin patch. Photo provided | Marius Ciocirlan via Unsplash

Behind the scenes at LifeSciKY

‘These things were not here when we opened up’ By Nathan Granger

ifeSciKY is one of the flagship businesses at the OneNKY Center in Covington, but what does it actually do?

Essentially, LifeSciKY provides areas for bioscience companies and scientific entrepreneurs to rent lab equipment and space to carry out scientific experiments. Think of it like a co-working space or an incubator… but for science.

Scientist Ameet Chimote (left) shows Kenton County Commissioner Beth Sewell (right) how to use a pipette. Photo provided | Emory Davis

LifeSciKY invited several elected officials to tour the facility and learn about its work and tenant companies earlier this month. During the event, some scientists taught officials the basics of lab work. The scientists also talked about the focus of their re-

search. “These things were not here when we opened up last year,” said Christin Godale, LifeSciKY’s executive director. “We’ve been working very, very hard to find not only entrepreneurs that want to create companies but entrepreneurs that want to build the Commonwealth of Kentucky.” LifeSciKY had eight signed clients as of Sept. 9, Godale said, and was in the process of signing two more. The point of renting a space isn’t only to engage in basic scientific research but to eventually bring the results of that research to scale in the broader biomedical market. Products under development could include pharmaceutical therapeutics (i.e. medi-

What state funding means for your public school district p5 Beechwood schools moves to purchase neighboring home p7 Meet Kentucky’s Teacher of the Year p10

Continues on page 4

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Campbell County’s Neltner’s Farm hosts its fall fest Sept. 25 through Oct. 31.

PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling COMMUNITY EDITOR Christian LeDuc SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison The LINK nky Kenton Reader, (ISSN 3064-7460) is published weekly except 1st Friday in Jan & July by LINK Media, LLC., 7766 Ewing Blvd., Suite 350, Florence, KY 41042. Periodicals postage is paid at Florence, KY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The LINK nky Kenton Reader, 523 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor, Covington, KY 41011. 859-878-1669 | www.LINKnky.com

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The farm offers a pumpkin patch, threeplus-acre corn maze, horse-drawn wagon rides, petting zoo, kids’ corn pit, barrel train and model train display. Weekends also bring live music, food, craft vendors and wine tastings. Sugar Ridge Family Farm 12273 Green Road, Walton, KY Sugar Ridge Family Farm gives Boone County families a close-to-home option for traditional fall activities.

Neltner’s Farm Fall Fest. Photo provided | Neltner’s Farm’s website

The Walton farm offers pumpkins, wagon rides, mazes, play areas and other seasonal attractions during its fall season. McGlasson Farms 5832 River Road, Hebron, KY Set along River Road in western Boone County, McGlasson Farms is a good pick for visitors looking for more of a traditional farm-market experience.

Kinman Farm Market. Photo provided | Kinman Farm Market’s website

Sugar Ridge Family Farm. Photo provided | Sugar Ridge Family Farm’s website

The family farm offers apples, pumpkins and other seasonal produce, with its location overlooking the Ohio River Valley adding to the fall atmosphere. Kinman Farm Market 4175 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY

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.

Kinman Farm Market’s Fall Fest runs Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. Admission includes a hayride, corn maze, barnyard, jumping pillow, children’s train and other activities, making it one of Boone County’s larger fall farm experiences. McGlasson Farms. Photo provided McGlasson Farms’ website

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LifeSciKY Executive Director Christin Godale (background) at the event on Sept. 9, 2026. Also pictured: Kentucky Sen. Chris McDaniel (foreground). Photo provided | Emory Davis

Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery (right) learns about scientific equipment at LifeSciKY on Sept. 9, 2026. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Continued from page 1

es on how variations in people’s genomes affect how and why they get sick. By understanding that, researchers can develop more effective vaccines and treatments and reduce side effects.

cines for treating diseases and symptoms), as well as the development of biomedical tools and diagnostic equipment. During the event, some of the tenant researchers led the officials in using pipettes, handheld lab tools used for measuring and transferring liquid. They’re a common tool used to divide sample liquids into smaller portions in a process called aliquoting. Al-

iquoting is an essential skill for the kind of genetic and biomedical research happening at LifeSciKY. Covington Mayor Ron Washington, Kentucky Sen. Chris McDaniel, Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery and Kenton County Commissioner Beth Sewell all got a crash course in aliquoting on Sept. 9. Four of the scientists working at the facility talked about their research. Ameet Chimote, a scientist with Mitsui Chemicals America, an American offshoot of a large Japanese biomedical company that moved into the building earlier this year, discussed his research into growing organ cells for experimental testing. “If I am testing a drug that affects the liver, I can grow liver cells on the petri dish, and then I add the drug in that petri dish to see how the liver cells are responding, to see how the drug will work, whether it works or not, and whether it works better or not,” Chimote said. Melissa Smith, CEO of Clareo Biosciences, discussed her company’s work studying genetic variation in immune responses.

Covington Mayor Ron Washington (front) uses a pipette to aliquot at LifeSciKY on Sept. 9, 2026. Also pictured: CEO of Ecotera Home, Melinda Chu (back). Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

“So, what is the same and what is different between each of us that make us each have a distinct, unique profile of how we will respond to infection, respond to vaccination, respond to immunotherapy and cancer?” said Smith. “Can we map those differences and then use them to predict how you will respond?” Clareo Biosciences has already secured two contracts with a major pharmaceutical company. Melinda Chu, the CEO of Ecotera Home, is working on a tool that measures the presence of microplastics in water, urine and blood. Microplastics have been suspected of being detrimental to human health, although the research into microplastics is limited compared to some other health phenomena. Eventually, she would like to develop therapeutics for microplastic exposure, but for now she’s working on an AI tool that detects microplastics in liquid when they’re exposed to a plant-based reagent.

“The problem that we’re trying to solve — that especially as the mother of an 8-yearold, I can relate to — is why some people get sick, and some people don’t,” said Smith.

“There’s an optical signature based off of the different concentrations in mixed samples,” Chu said.

Smith said her company’s research focus-

Finally, Meisam Naeimi, a co-founder of

CARTx Therapeutics and UC professor of pediatrics, is developing a method of treating cancer by stimulating the body’s immune response to target cancer cells. Treatment methods like this already exist, but they’re expensive to produce, Naeimi said, about half a million dollars to produce a single dose currently. “I invented a method that now costs $10,000 a dose, and we can make hundreds of doses from each production,” Naeimi said. “Meisam and his team and our team have talked about working together,” said Smith. “We do our genetic profiling on their cells and identify which donors may create the most effective cancer-fighting [immune] cells.” “Everyone that we accepted to the incubator has the mission to build and lead in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and make sure that we are delivering excellence…,” said Godale. “No pressure, guys.”

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What state funding means for your public school district and your tax bill By Lia Salvatierra

s Northern Kentucky school districts set local tax rates this year, a key consideration was how much they anticipated in state

funding.

Specifically, districts focus on the chunk of money they receive for their general fund, which comes from a formula called SEEK, which is directly linked to property tax values. This year, some districts saw SEEK funding shrink, while others saw similar funding levels or increases. But all NKY districts opted to increase how much revenue they generate from local taxpayers. LINK nky demystifies SEEK state funding and how it relates to your local property tax rates. How does state funding work? SEEK considers multiple inputs, but heavily weighs a school district’s property values — and how much revenue it can generate through local taxes. It works like a seesaw: higher property values reduce SEEK dollars and shift the funding burden onto local taxpayers; lower property values increase SEEK dollars and shift the funding burden away from local taxpayers. It’s designed so districts with poorer property values and a weaker ability to generate local tax revenue receive more state support. Though the formula is 36 years old, lawmakers decide every two years how much money to distribute to school districts through the formula, which includes setting a baseline amount of state funding per student each school year. That amount has increased by at least $100 for the last five years: • 2022-23 baseline funding per pupil: $4,100 • 2023-24 baseline funding per pupil: $4,200 • 2024-25 baseline funding per pupil: $4,326 • 2025-26 baseline funding per pupil: $4,586 • 2026-27 baseline funding per pupil: $4,636 But once plugged into the SEEK formula, that’s not necessarily the sum school districts take home per student. Property values are one of the biggest deciders of that final amount, according to Chay Ritter, Kentucky Department of Education office of finance and operations director. “It can be sort of punishing in a way,” Ritter

said of the formula. Daily attendance numbers, the number of English-language learners and students with disabilities and other data also factor in. Another separate formula decides how much money districts receive for transportation, if they provide it, Ritter said. That amount is added to a district’s SEEK funding. Less SEEK funding this year Once SEEK is calculated, most NKY districts expect less funding overall this year, largely because of rising property values. All three county school districts are forecasting funding losses of over $1 million, along with Fort Thomas Independent Schools. Fewer districts, however, are forecasting SEEK losses on a per-student level. That’s determined by many factors involved in the SEEK formula, including student attendance numbers. In that sense, NKY is doing better than the rest of the state, according to analysis by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. That analysis found 89% of Kentucky districts are anticipating a loss in per-pupil SEEK funding this year. That data also factors in SEEK dollars restricted for building funds, different from the charts LINK nky provided above. See raw total SEEK numbers to the right, excluding building funds. See raw per student SEEK numbers to the right, excluding building funds.

DISTRICT Boone County

Campbell County Kenton County Beechwood Bellevue

Covington Dayton

Erlanger-Elsmere Fort Thomas Ludlow

Newport

Southgate

Walton-Verona

DISTRICT Boone County

Campbell County Kenton County Beechwood Bellevue

Covington Dayton

Erlanger-Elsmere Fort Thomas Ludlow

Newport

Southgate

Walton-Verona

Total State SEEK 2025-2026

Total State SEEK 2026-2027

$56,002,161

$54,465,688

$42,342,453

$40,615,243

$13,056,051 $5,112,415 $1,065,657

$14,808,854 $4,159,174 $9,865,335

$11,037,458 $4,096,013 $3,623,101 $618,932

$7,868,749

Every single district in NKY has either proposed or approved generating 4% more revenue than last year through local property taxes. Campbell County Schools, for example, cited its forecast nearly $1.2 million loss in SEEK funding this year as one reason for proposing property tax rates that will generate 4% more revenue locally. Fort Thomas Independent School District Superintendent Brian Robinson said his district plans for less SEEK funding every time the state reevaluates property values. “To a small degree we have reduced staff through attrition, revised resource adoption schedules, budgeted contingency funds and reduced spending on operations,” Robinson said in an email.

$5,215,952 $976,284

$14,296,287 $4,022,397

$10,842,173 $9,602,218 $4,035,517 $3,473,287 $473,768

$7,973,101

Final Per Pupil SEEK 2025-26

Forecast Per Pupil SEEK 2026-27

$2,950

$2,837

$3,281

$3,177

$2,773 $3,448 $2,297 $4,786 $5,636 $4,449 $3,617 $5,297 $2,939 $3,869 $4,547

But districts forecasting greater or steady amounts of SEEK revenue still also opted for the 4% local revenue increase this year.

How does this impact my property taxes? Anticipation of less funding factored into some NKY districts’ decision to generate more revenue locally this year.

$11,868,923

That 4% increase doesn’t necessarily mean bills will increase for all residents in all districts, but rates are increasing in some districts. Ongoing debate over SEEK Earlier this month, legislators in Boone County School District clashed with the district’s Board of Education over SEEK and the decision to generate more revenue locally. Rep. Marianne Proctor, representing Kentucky’s 60th district, told LINK nky the formula shouldn’t become a blanket reason to generate more local tax revenue. Even at the same time, those legislators said SEEK needs to adapt to the times to address issues like spiking property values. “The SEEK formula does not contemplate the situation we are in today, where property values are skyrocketing, but income of the residents is not,” said Rep. TJ Roberts, who represents Kentucky’s 66th district.

$2,615 $3,517 $2,297 $4,887 $5,706 $4,752 $3,214 $5,310 $2,939 $3,358 $4,690

Roberts told LINK nky he’s interested in options for revising the formula itself, such as an affordability index that would consider not just property values, but income. Proctor said she believes one solution would be allowing Kentucky residents to vote on all tax increases. Currently, changes to property tax rates only go to a vote if a district wants to generate more than 4% more revenue over the previous year. The SEEK debate also circles a bigger argument about whether the state dedicates enough education funding in the first place. Ritter told LINK nky he remains agnostic on that question. “They’ve sat in a room and argued about that for years,” Ritter said of Kentucky lawmakers. Roberts and Proctor said districts need to approach their legislators if they think that’s the case. “There needs to be a collaborative effort,” Roberts told LINK nky. SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 5

A Kentucky county becomes first in state to permanently ban data center construction

Valuable agricultural land is one of the reasons Woodford County has banned data center construction. Photo provided | Kentucky Tourism

By Liam Niemeyer | Kentucky Lantern

dustry and the benefits it can bring.”

oodford County has approved an ordinance to permanently ban data center construction — the first Kentucky county to do so and among a handful of local governments across the country to take such a strict stance against the power-intensive operations.

“The data center industry is committed to being a good actor in localities where it operates, which includes the responsible use of key resources like water and energy,” Diorio said.

The ordinance passed by the Woodford County Fiscal Court on Sept. 8 bans the construction of landfills, data centers and large battery storage systems — which are often paired with hyperscale data centers — within the county. After the ordinance unanimously passed, Democratic Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay told the fiscal court that the court “made it our clear, proactive commitment to Woodford County to keep us being one of the most special places on earth.” “We are a tight-knit community with a finite, irreplaceable amount of land. Every single acre matters here. Our rolling pastures, our historic farms, our agriculture, are not just scenic views. They are the backbone of our economy,” Kay said during the meeting. “This isn’t about closing doors or technology. It’s about holding the line on the heritage we treasure.” A spokesperson for the Kentucky Association of Counties told the Lantern in an email that Woodford County is the first Kentucky county the organization is aware of to pass such a permanent ban on data center construction. A number of counties and cities throughout the state have taken less strict measures of passing a moratorium, or temporary ban, on data center construction to weigh potential regulations of the operations. The Woodford County seat of Versailles had passed such a temporary moratorium in July. The Data Center Coalition, an industry group for data center developers, has characterized such moratoriums, and Woodford County’s outright ban, as anti-business and cutting communities off from economic development opportunities. In an emailed statement, Data Center Coalition Executive Vice President Dan Diorio said “the community and its local leaders should work with the industry and all stakeholders to establish reasonable regulatory frameworks that meet the needs of the community without deterring the in6 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

In a phone interview Sept. 10, Kay told the Lantern the fiscal court passed a permanent ban on data centers instead of a moratorium after hearing universal opposition from local residents. He said developers have not pitched any specific data center proposal within the county but that such developers are “looking at everywhere.” “We’re going to do what we say, and what we say and what we want is to ban data centers. Not to put in regulations that hopefully they don’t try to find loopholes or try to come — we don’t want them,” Kay said. Kay pointed to the “divisive” debate happening over a proposed hyperscale data center in the small Mercer County community of Burgin that a permanent ban on data centers avoids. He said the ban on data centers is a part of a larger, years-long effort by the county to try to preserve existing farmland in the county that’s the 14th smallest in the state by geographic area, but has some of its most valuable Thoroughbred horse farms. “We wanted to get ahead of it in the spirit of knowing that the vast majority of people were against it,” Kay said. “We see the pressure on all of our productive farmland. And so we’re trying to protect that and preserve that and continue to protect against sprawl and urban growth as well.” According to a tracker of local government actions on data centers published by the National League of Cities, only a dozen local governments in states including California, Colorado, New Jersey and Nevada have enacted permanent bans on data center construction this year. Numerous local communities have opted for enacting moratoriums instead, according to the tracker. Kay said as data center technology advances, he hopes that the large operations can become more sustainable and less intrusive, mitigating any air pollution impacts and utilizing more renewable energy sources. “I think the community can come back and look at changing its rules and regulations. Until then, the way that it currently stands, I believe that a lot of people feel that it’s somewhat exploitative,” Kay said.

Beechwood moves to purchase neighboring residence for parking lot

The Beechwood Board of Education voted to spend $700,000 to purchase the property directly across from the district to create a parking lot during a Sept. 14, 2026, meeting. Photo provided | Google Maps

There is currently a 1,988-square-foot home on the 40 Beechwood Road property. Photo provided | Kentucky Property Records

By Lia Salvatierra

the district may hold a forum for Beechwood Road residents to allow them to provide feedback on the design and how the project may affect them.

he Beechwood Board of Education has approved spending $700,000 on a 0.66-acre property located directly across from Beechwood High School to build a parking lot. At a Sept. 14 meeting, the board approved an agreement to purchase the property at 40 Beechwood Road. Superintendent Justin Kaiser said the district still needs to close on the property, which would be the first step toward development.

The move comes after months of discussing property acquisition in closed sessions, most recently on Aug. 18, when the board approved a resolution to take action toward acquiring the property following a closed session. The district, located at 54 Beechwood Road, does not provide transportation for students and offers parking for staff and limited parking for seniors via a lottery. Some additional spaces are also designated within the neighboring Kroger parking lot, according to the district’s 2026-27 handbook. Kaiser said if the project comes to fruition,

The board agreed that this needs to happen.

There is currently a 1,988-square-foot home situated on the property. The property’s most recent owner was Roger Chalkley, who died in August, according to state records.

According to a state facility development application the board also approved Sept. 14, the $700,000 to purchase the property will come from the district’s general fund.

If signed, the approved purchase agreement would be between Beechwood Independent Schools and Jerome J. Moser, an agent of the Roger Chalkley Revocable Trust.

The property was listed for $650,000 on multiple sites online and is zoned residential, according to state property records.

Kaiser declined to comment further on plans for the property until the district closes.

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

kenton county briefs St. Vincent de Paul breaks ground on new Erlanger HQ

1911. The organization is known for its donation collections, thrift stores and various other services to the poor, which include everything from rent and utility assistance, homelessness services, food pantries and even low-interest microloans.

The groundbreaking of St. Vincent de Paul’s new headquarters in Elranger, Sept. 15, 2026. Photo provided | St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul broke ground on its new headquarters in Erlanger on Sept.15. The new HQ is the result of a multi-million-dollar capital campaign started earlier this year. “For more than a century, St. Vincent de Paul has been serving our neighbors throughout Northern Kentucky,” said Erlanger Mayor Jessica Fette. “For many years, Erlanger has been blessed to be part of that mission and to serve as the home of its existing facility. Today marks a tremendous milestone in that long and meaningful relationship as we break ground on a new campus that will allow this ministry to serve even more people for generations to come.” The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, named for the priest born in 1581, was founded in the 1800s and has operated in NKY since

The new building is slated to be over 40,000 square feet and will feature several new amenities. These include a new welcome and outreach center, a chapel, private meeting rooms, a dedicated donation drop-off, expanded parking, an expanded call center and an expanded food pantry. It is set to replace the society’s current HQ, also in Elranger, which was originally designed as a warehouse. The new HQ will be located on 2864 Crescent Springs Road, which is about a mile away from the current HQ. Society staff members are expected to begin moving into the new facility in the fall of next year after construction is complete. It’s expected to open to the public in early 2028.

Major door, front-end security firm considers moving to region Innovative Opening Solutions, a Norwood-based security, door and window designer, is considering moving its headquarters to Northern Kentucky.

competing with a site in Boone County, he did not know where it was located when asked. Representatives from Innovative Opening Solutions attended the Sept. 15 meeting but declined to comment.

Innovative Opening Solutions’ current headquarters in Norwood. Photo provided | Innovative Opening Solutions

The potential move would be either in Covington or an undisclosed site in Boone County. Information on the potential Covington site came before the Covington Board of Commissioners the night of Sept. 15. Originally founded as Erlanger Hardware Consultants in 2005, Innovative Opening Solutions specializes in commercial door and window hardware, as well as general front-facing access and security measures. It has provided products for developments on both sides of the river.

In any case, Sadkosy indicated the company is interested in buying about 100,000 square feet of the building that includes the old Keller Logistics center in the Latonia Commerce Center. City documents presented to the Covington Board of Commissioners state the company plans to spend about $6 million to purchase and rehab the building if they decide to go with Covington. To that end, the city is offering an industrial revenue bond package as an incentive to relocate. Industrial revenue bonds, or IRBs, are common municipal financing measures to help companies and developers set up shop in a city. When a city, or another taxing entity like a school or a county, agrees to issue an

If the relocation does happen, it would facilitate the move of 57 jobs, 50 existing ones and seven new ones, according to Covington Economic Development Director John Sadosky, plus any payroll tax those jobs might generate. “Jobs include estimators, salespeople, project managers, handlers, fabricators and back office functions,” Sadosky said. Although Sadosky admitted Covington was

The old Keller Logistics building on Winston Avenue in Latonia. Photo provided | Kenton County PVA

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kenton county briefs IRB, it serves as a kind of conduit of capital financing for a project.

The vote to pass the new rates was unanimous.

An official deal or contract was not part of the discussion at the meeting; it was just a commitment from the Covington Board of Commissioners to offer the bonding package in the event the company eventually purchases property in the city.

Incumbent city commissioner leaves Covington City Council race

However, Sadosky gave an overview of what the deal would look like. His department’s recommendation included a 15-year bonding package with a 20% property tax PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) from the city and county and a 50% PILOT to the schools. His department’s calculations predicted $4.7 million in payroll by the third year of the company’s relocation. “The city’s return on investment for this incentive is 10 to one,” Sadosky said, meaning the city would “make it up tenfold in payroll tax” whatever they gave up in property tax. The Board of Commissioners will cast a final vote on the bonding commitment in the near future.

Independence splash pad to extend operating season this year

He declined to comment further when contacted. Toebbe now joins Tyesha Gordon and Tom Hull as candidates who have withdrawn, bringing the field to seven. Only two incumbents now remain in the running for a spot on the council: Tim Downing and Tim Acri. The new council will have six seats.

Independence city sign. Photo provided | LINK nky archives

$0.194 per $100 of property valuation. The tangible property (also called personal property) tax rate, on the other hand, isn’t changing: $0.534. Both new rates are well below compensating rates, the rate needed to bring in the same amount of revenue as the preceding year.

in Covington, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to serve my hometown as an elected official. It’s something I have never taken for granted, and I am truly grateful that the people of this city gave me that opportunity.”

Current Covington Commissioner and (now former) City Council candidate James Toebbe. Photo provided | James Toebbe

“I’m happy to see we’re actually below the compensating rate, which is a very unusual thing for any city,” said City Council Member Greg Steffen.

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe has dropped out of the race for the city’s new six-member council, becoming the third candidate to withdraw.

“I’m glad we were able to do that, and certainly the business growth we’ve had has helped make that possible,” said Mayor Chris Reinersman.

“This wasn’t an easy decision to make, but at the end of the day, I feel like it is the right decision for me and my family,” Toebbe wrote in his announcement. “Growing up

Covington’s current city manager form of government will dissolve at the end of this year to be replaced by a new mayor-council form of government. Under the new form of government, the mayor’s seat gets more executive power, and council members’ primary duty is setting the city budget.

THE WEEKLY COMIC by Andrew Buchanan

The splash pad in Memorial Park in Independence. Photo provided | The City of Independence

The Independence Splash Pad in Memorial Park will remain open for a bit longer than initially expected this year. Its final day of operation will be Sunday, Sept. 27, according to an announcement from Mayor Chris Reinersman Sept. 14. The splash pad itself is new, opening just this year. However, it opened later than expected, the mayor said. “We wanted to make the most of it while we can this year,” Reinersman said. The splash pad is open from 10 a.m. to dusk every day through Sept. 27.

Independence residents will see slightly lower property tax rate Independence enacted its new property tax rates on the evening of Sept. 14. Although tangible property tax rates are not changing, real estate taxes will see a slight reduction. The proposed real estate property tax rate is $0.193 per $100 of property valuation. That’s a reduction from last year’s rate of SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Meet Beechwood’s Molly Seifert, Kentucky’s Teacher of the Year ‘I didn’t know a human could be that good, and that kind and compassionate.’ By Lia Salvatierra

also directed musicals for 10 years.

t the start of class, Molly Seifert takes attendance by asking each student’s favorite pasta shape. It’s not just a fun icebreaker, but a careful tactic backed by research.

“I like this job a lot. It’s a front row seat in the human condition, all of it,” Seifert said. “The good, the bad, but mostly the good.”

“There’s all this research about kids going to an eight-hour school day, and no teacher at any point has actually said their name,” Seifert’s co-teacher C.J. Fryer explained. “So she intentionally does this every day, so that every kid hears their name every single day.” Seifert has asked a question like that during roll call for as long as she can remember during her 21 years as a high school English teacher at Beechwood. She taught freshmen for 18 of those years, then transitioned to teaching seniors a few years ago. Seifert facilitates Northern Kentucky’s regional speech and debate program and Beechwood’s speech, debate and drama team, called Beechwood Forensics. She

The Kentucky Department of Education named Seifert Kentucky’s Teacher of the Year and High School Teacher of the Year in Frankfort on Sept. 9. She was selected from 600 nominees from the state’s pool of 40,000 teachers. Seifert said she received notice to apply for more than a decade, but had deleted those emails, not realizing it meant she had been nominated. Seifert called the recognition surreal and said she’s most eager to represent and connect with other teachers throughout the state during a six-month sabbatical. “I’m not even the best teacher in this building, I’m not even the best teacher in this hallway … This is definitely by no means, like ‘Molly Seifert is the greatest teacher in

the land,’” she said. “I’m honored to be the spokesperson for so many outstanding educators in the state.” But even an hour at Beechwood High School highlights how special Seifert is to the 135 students she teaches, and even those she doesn’t. Her students showered her with flowers and congratulations the morning of Sept. 10 after learning of her win, but deflated quickly when Seifert told them the award came with a sabbatical. Seifert called the opportunity awesome, but scary, adding she knows the school will find a strong substitute. “I feel such a great responsibility for these children in my classroom.” Coen Yap has had Seifert as an English teacher twice, as a freshman and now as a senior. This is also Yap’s fourth year on Beechwood’s forensics team. “I didn’t know a human could be that good,

10 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

and that kind and compassionate,” Yap said. She described how Seifert responded when she started crying in panic before a speech and debate event that was new to her. Yap said Seifert didn’t ask questions, or pressure her to push through, but rather pulled her from that one event, allowing her to still place first or second in the others.

Notice of Public Meeting In accordance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (Public Law 88578), citizens are afforded the opportunity to express their views concerning the recreational needs of their community. To provide a forum for discussion, the City of Taylor Mill will be hosting an open meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:15 PM ET (5:15 PM CT). The meeting will be held at the City of Taylor Mill Municipal Building, 5225 Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill, KY 41015. The specific purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposed Pride Park Improvements Project, which includes the repaving of approximately 1.5 miles of paved walking trails and the installation of two (2) pickleball courts. The proposed project would be funded through LWCF grant funding and City of Taylor Mill general fund revenues. The public is invited to review and voice their opinion on the proposed activity and potential impacts of the project. Anyone wishing to express support or opposition of the proposed project may also submit written comments to 5225 Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill, Kentucky 41015 by Friday, September 25, 2026.

Beechwood English teacher Molly Seifert accepts the Kentucky Teacher of the Year award in Frankfort on Sept. 9, 2026. Photo provided | Kentucky Department of Education.

“She knew that wasn’t in my cards that day,” Yap said, describing Seifert’s strength of meeting students where they are. In Seifert’s experience, that means celebrating everyone’s dreams and futures. Her classroom is home to a wall where every senior creates a pennant for the program, internship or four-year university they’re accepted into.

Kentucky Teacher of the Year Molly Seifert’s classroom is home to a pennant wall celebrating all senior’s internships, special programs or plans after graduating. Photo provided | Molly Seifert

Another part of meeting students where they are is making English practical for her students from the jump. She kicks off the year by teaching students how to send a professional email, set up an email signature, refine their resume and write a reflective essay. But Seifert’s impact permeates beyond the classroom. “Hey, that’s one of my favorite teachers!” junior Jordan Compton shouted, pointing out Seifert to his grandma when LINK nky visited the high school’s main office in the morning. Compton isn’t actually one of Seifert’s students, but the two have developed a relationship in the hallways and outside of class. “But I’ll have you next year, right?” Compton asks. When Seifert confirmed, Compton smiled. “Bet, bet, bet,” he said.

The Kentucky Department of Education named Beechwood’s Molly Seifert as Kentucky Teacher of the Year and Kentucky High School Teacher of the year on Sept. 9, 2026. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

‘He will never be forgotten’ Friends remember Chance Martin, Holy Cross grad killed in hit-and-run By Drew Ammon | LEX18

aeshaun Cox said he could not believe it when he learned his close friend Chance Martin had died in a hit-and-run crash in Lexington.

Cox described Martin as someone who had the ability to lift your spirits and was always willing to help. “I didn’t have a way to work like a week ago, so he sent my mom 20 bucks for some gas money to get me to work,” Cox said.

“I never expected it to be him,” Cox said. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office confirmed Martin died on the scene at 4:35 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Cox learned about Martin’s passing through a group chat. “I answered it and it was one of my other friends, and he was like, Raeshaun wake up, Chance is gone,” Cox said. Cox said he has not slept much in the past few days. The last time he saw Martin was two days before the crash.

Cox said he is already planning to get a tattoo in Martin’s memory. “He will never be forgotten about,” Cox said. “I will make sure his name will be forever heard, always talked about. I want people to remember how good of a person he was, how funny of a guy he was. I want people when they think of Chance, they smile about it, and that they don’t think of sadness. He was never sad.” This story originally appeared at lex18.com.

Cox said he met Martin two days into his freshman year, and the two had been close ever since, playing football together at Holy Cross High School. To Cox, Martin was like family. “I just have my younger sister, I don’t have any brothers really, so he was like my younger brother,” Cox said.

Chance Martin (left) while playing football for Holy Cross High School. Photo provided | LEX 18

DIVISION ONE CASE NO.: 14-CI-00203 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. VERSUS} SCOTT D. MOODY, ET AL. By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered OCTOBER 7, 2014 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE BOONE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

ADDRESS: 1797 WAVERLY DRIVE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 062.00-36075.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $223,266.29 GROUP NO.: 4444

The complete legal description is particularly set out in the Judgment and Order of Sale entered in this case. TERMS OF SALE: The property shall be sold as a whole. The purchaser may pay all or part of the purchase price in cash, and may pay the balance of the purchase price on a credit of 30 days after date of sale; said credit shall be granted only upon the execution by the purchaser of bond, with surety thereon, and said surety shall be a lending institution authorized and doing business in Kentucky, or a reputable fidelity or surety company, authorized and doing business in Kentucky, and only if said surety be acceptable to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court; and an authorized officer of the surety must be present at the sale or must have given the Commissioner adequate assurance of its intent to be surety prior to or at the sale; and said Bond shall be, and shall remain, a lien on the property sold as additional security for the payment of the full purchase price, and shall have the full force and effect of a Judgment; and said Bond shall bear interest at the rate provided by the Judgment up to Twelve (12%) Percent per annum until paid. The purchaser shall be required to pay the sum of 10% of the bid amount in cash or certified check on the purchase at the time of sale. The successful bidder at the sale shall, at bidder’s own expense, carry fire and extended insurance coverage on any improvements from the date of sale until the purchase price is fully paid, with a loss payable clause to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court. Failure of the purchaser to effect such insurance shall not affect the validity of the sale or the purchaser’s liability thereunder, but shall entitle, but not require, a lien holder herein, after giving notice to the Commissioner, to effect said insurance and furnish the policy or evidence thereof to the Commissioner, and the premium thereon or the proper portion thereof shall be charged to the purchaser as purchaser’s cost. The property shall be sold subject to ad valorem taxes for the year 2026 and all subsequent years thereafter; easements, restrictions and stipulations of record; assessments for public improvements levied against the property, if any; existing zoning ordinances, statutes, laws, or regulations; and any facts which an inspection and accurate survey of the property may disclose. BIDDERS SHALL BE PREPARED TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS. All sales are “as is” and the Plaintiff, the Master Commissioner, and the Court shall not be deemed to have warranted title of the real estate to the purchaser. FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THESE SALES AND OTHER UPCOMING SALES CAN BE FOUND AT www.boonecountyky.org (Link to Department/Agencies to Master Commissioner) PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS ARE ADVISED AND ENCOURAGED TO REFER TO THAT WEBSITE FOR ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 11

sports Newport’s Starks commits to North Alabama

game winning streak that included an All “A” state title and a Ninth Region championship before losing to Campbell County in the first round of the KHSAA Sweet 16 state tournament. Starks’ father Keith played at Cincinnati from 1987-91.

Griffin Starks committed to the University of North Alabama on Sept. 15, 2026. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Sweet home Alabama. Newport’s Griffin Starks is headed south next year, committing to continue his basketball career at University of North Alabama on Sept. 15, an announcement he made via his Instagram.

North Alabama is located in Florence, Alabama, and is the state’s oldest university. They transitioned from Division II to Division I in 2018 and joined the Atlantic Sun Conference. They won the regular season conference title in 2025, but have yet to make the NCAA tournament since reaching the D-1 level. They are coached by Tony Pujol, who will be entering his ninth season with the team. The Lions went 9-21 in the 2025-26 season.

Week 4 NKY HS football takeaways

Starks, who is back at Newport for his senior season, had a variety of offers for the 6-foot-8 forward. According to 247 Sports recruiting rankings, Starks is a three-star prospect and ranked 252nd in the nation. In June 2025, Starks’ offer list was up to six, including Cincinnati, Ohio State, West Virginia, Penn State, Florida State and Ohio. He was offered by UNA in early September. The name of Starks’ game is versatility. Listed as a power forward, he can bring the ball up and guard all five positions if need be. His perimeter shot is improving with a knack for the ball around the rim, evidenced by his team-high 7.3 rebounds per game his sophomore season at Newport. He went the prep school route his junior year at Southeastern Prep in Orlando, Florida. Now back at Newport, he’s expected to join a roster that has a few more transfers on the roster, Jayden Wilkins, who played with Starks at Southeastern Prep last season and Ben McKinney, a 6-foot-11 big man who played at Sunrise Christian prep school in Kansas last year. In his sophomore year, Starks averaged 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds for the 19-11 Wildcats, a 36th District champ and Ninth Region semifinalist. He shot 48% from the field, knocked down 22 three-pointers and hit 51/86 from the free throw line. During his freshman season, Starks was inserted into the starting lineup a handful of games into the season and helped spark a 24-

Bryce Armstrong had Boyle County running in circles. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

— Biggest win in the Bob Sphire era? The Highlands head coach wouldn’t go that far after the win over Boyle County, but I’m leaning that way after the Bluebirds demolished the No. 1 team in 4A. Obvioulsy a state championship trumps any of this talk and that’s the standard in Fort Thomas, but in Sphire’s sixth season, they’ve come short of that and this one is it to me. Yes, they beat CovCath last year in a dramatic closing seconds win, Sphire getting to 3-3 all-time against their rivals, but this was a Boyle team that has won five of the last six state titles in 4A. Boyle is currently the standard in 4A and Highlands let them know they’re here. — Beechwood has allowed three points in its first three games. Fitting for Noel Rash and win No. 200 with the Tigers to be a shutout. They have a big test at Covington Catholic, after that, they may not get tested until Thanksgiving week in the Class 2A playoff state semis.

HOLY CROSS VOLLEYBALL

Sponsored by

The LINK nky Team of the Week presented by OrthoCincy is the Holy Cross High School volleyball team. Graphic provided

12 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

— Brady Boruske gets a game ball and a couple helmet stickers for his game against Bracken County. He caught nine passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns in the Mustangs 27-7 win over Bracken County. He also picked off two passes. Through four games, Boruske has 29 receptions for 532 yards and three touchdowns. He also has four interceptions. — Covington Catholic sophomore running back Kiyan Miller has nine rushing touchdowns through four games after adding three against Dixie Heights. He ran the ball 53 times for 397 yards and nine touchdowns. You’ll have to deal with him for two more years… — In Cooper’s 21-14 overtime victory over Campbell County, Corey Freihofer ran for three touchdowns, including the game-winning eight-yard touchdown run in overtime. He also was the punter, punting six times for an average of 40 yards per punt, completed a pass for 10 yards, caught three passes for 25 yards, had a punt return for 29 yards and recorded four tackles, one of them for a loss. Talk about doing it all. — Beechwood’s Emmett Queen has completed 37-of-48 passes for 652 yards and six touchdowns in his first three games this season. That’s good for a 77% completion percentage. According to the KHSAA record book that was last updated in Sept. 2021, the highest completion percentage in a season is 79.9%, set by Trinty’s Nick Bohn in 2017 at 79.9%. Queen’s 77% would be second all-time, according to the record book. Certainly a lot of season left, but something to monitor if Queen keeps this high rate of efficiency up. — Congrats to Conner coach Chase Floyd and Scott coach Dustin Trimnell picking up their first varsity wins in their coaching careers. Floyd got his via a 41-14 victory over NewCath while Trimnell got his in a 40-6 win over Grant County. Of the seven new head coaches in NKY, six of them have recorded that memorable first win. Holmes’ Emanuel Golsby the lone one left, but the Bulldogs will have a great chance Sept. 25 as they travel to Jackson County, a team they beat last year. — Two Pate’s are better than one. In St. Henry’s 49-14 victory over Bellevue, Lucas and Owen Pate combined to rush for 272 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, they added six tackles, three tackles for loss and five pass deflections. The Crusaders are now 2-2 and have already matched last season’s win total in their first year of varsity football. With district play starting next week, the question begs now can they earn themselves a home playoff game. Beechwood is the top dog in the district, but with Gallatin County, Owen County, Bracken County and Walton-Verona, it’s certainly there for the taking. — What an amazing weekend for NKY football alumni. CovCath grad Michael Mayer got a contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders for three years, $45 million, $30 million of it guaranteed. He went out and caught six passes for 32 yards on Sunday in the Raiders 27-13 win over the Dolphins. Holy Cross grad Derrick Barnes had six tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, two pass deflections, a quarterback hit and an interception in the Lions 31-30 overtime victory over the Saints. Then on the college scene, Ryle grad Dillon Smith recovered a fumble

in Louisville’s 59-13 victory over Villanova. Another Ryle grad, Jacob Savage, had three tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss in the 55-0 victory over Howard. Cooper grad Austin Alexander had six tackles and a fumble recovery in Western Michigan’s 49-14 victory over Monmouth and CovCath grad Willie Rodriguez led Kentucky in receiving with eight receptions for 49 yards in the Wildcats 45-17 loss to Alabama. — Game of the week is obvious as Beechwood heads down the street to Covington Catholic in the neighborhood rivalry. Both have looked impressive early on, combining for a 7-1 record and outscoring the opponent 272-23 in the seven victories. The Colonels come in having won the last four meetings.

Two NKY athletes nominated for Special Olympics World USA team

Maddie Brinkman (left) and Chris Revay (right) show off their medals. Photos provided | Special Olympics Kentucky

Two Northern Kentucky athletes have been nominated to represent the United States in next year’s Special Olympics World Games. The 2027 World Games will take place in Santiago, Chile. Twenty-six-year-old Maddie Brinkman of Union and 50-year-old Chris Revay of Fort Mitchell were both nominated to compete in the games. Both have competed in multiple events as Special Olympics athletes but received nominations for single events. Brinkman was nominated for swimming, and Revay for golf. Additionally, Fort Wright coach Debbie Ogden will serve as the head swimming coach for the Special Olympics USA delegation. Brinkman’s nomination will mark her first foray into the World Games. This will be Revay’s third World Games appearance. Brinkman was part of the gold medal-winning relay team representing Kentucky at the 2026 USA Games. She’s also earned multiple other medals in other events throughout her 10-year Special Olympics career. Revay earned a silver medal in the 9-hole individual stroke play at the 2026 USA Games. He’s also earned medals in soccer. In 2000 at the National Invitational Tournament, he became the first Special Olympics golfer to get a hole-in-one in an official Special Olympics competition. Trials for the USA team will take place later this month in Pittsburgh. The final official team will be announced in October.

COMMISSIONER’S SALE CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-01269

CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00055

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00149

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 2

CITY OF FORT THOMAS, KENTUCKY

ADS TAX LIEN COMPANY, LLC

KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION

VS.

WALTER C. PACK, IV, ET AL.

MARIO MISAEL LOPEZ AGUILAR, ET AL.

FELICIA WATTS, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 9/3/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 9/9/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 10/13/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

12 Allison Court, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075

433 W. 9th Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

1035 Ann Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 41207/A1

Group No: 41422/A3

Group No: 30177/A7

PIDN: 999-99-15-113.00

PIDN: 999-99-01-253.00

PIDN: 999-99-00-609.00

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00131

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00748

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00580

DIVISION 2

DIVISION 1

WEAVER TAX LINK, LLC

KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION

BELLEBROOK RIDGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

VS.

WILSON SEBASTIAN, JR., ET AL.

MOLLY E. MARKUS, ET AL.

GERALD B. PROPHETT, ET AL.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 10/13/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

204 Rifle Range Road, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001

541 Ivy Ridge Drive, Cold Spring, Kentucky 41076

624 Truman Lane, Unit 404, Bellevue, Kentucky 41073

Group No: 70390/A1

Group No: 70404/S3, S4, & S9

Group No: 20031/F4

PIDN: 999-99-23-129.00

PIDN: 999-99-37-225.00 & 999-99-37-247.00

PIDN: 999-99-07-648.00

THE COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION IS MORE PARTICULARLY SET OUT IN THE JUDGMENT AND ORDER OF SALE ENTERED IN THIS CASE. Subject to conditions, covenants, restrictions, right of ways and easements in existence, including but not limited to those in prior instruments of record; legal highways, and zoning ordinances. SAID PROPERTY SHALL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO REAL ESTATE TAXES DUE AND OWING FOR THE YEAR OF SALE AND THEREAFTER PRIOR YEARS UNPAID TAXES SHALL BE PAID FROM THE PROCEEDS IF THE PURCHASER IS NOT THE PLAINTIFF. IF THE PURCHASER IS THE PLAINTIFF, PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID TAXES SHALL BE PAID BY THE PLAINTIFF, IN FULL OR PRO RATA, PROVIDED THE SALE PURCHASE PRICE EXCEEDS THE COURT COSTS. THIS PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD TO PRODUCE THE SUMS OF MONEY SO ORDERED TO BE MADE IN THE JUDGMENT AND ORDER OF SALE ENTERED IN THE WITHIN CASE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COURT COSTS, AD VALOREM TAXES, IN THE SUM OF $4,271.16; AND OTHER LIENS, INTEREST, ATTORNEY FEES AND/OR OTHER SUMS AND JUDGMENTS THAT MAY BE AWARDED BY THE COURT. THE SALE SHALL BE MADE TO THE HIGHEST AND BEST BIDDER(S). ANY PURCHASER OTHER THAN PLAINTIFF WHO DOES NOT PAY CASH IN FULL SHALL PAY 10% CASH AND SHALL BE REQUIRED TO EXECUTE A BOND AT THE TIME OF SALE, WITH SURETY ACCEPTABLE TO THE MASTER COMMISSIONER AND PRE-APPROVED BY THE MASTER COMMISSIONER AT LEAST BY NOON, TWO (2) BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE SALE DATE, TO SECURE THE UNPAID BALANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, AND SAID BOND SHALL BEAR INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 12% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE OF SALE UNTIL PAID, AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME FORCE AND EFFECT AS A JUDGMENT AND SHALL REMAIN AND BE A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY UNTIL PAID THE BOND SURETY MUST BE PRESENT AT THE SALE AND EXECUTE SALE BOND AND THE AFFIDAVIT OF SURETY THE PURCHASER(S) SHALL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PAYING ALL THE BALANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE THIRTY (30) DAY PERIOD. THE DEPOSIT SHALL BE WAIVED IF PLAINTIFF IS THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER. THE MASTER COMMISSIONER SHALL SELL THE REAL ESTATE BY PUBLIC SALE ON A DAY AND TIME TO BE FIXED BY HIM, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR OF THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. BIDDERS MUST BE PREPARED TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS. THE COSTS OF THE SALE SHALL BE PAID WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS OF THE SALE. JOSEPH F. GRIMME, MASTER COMMISSIONER 859-291-9075

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 13

real estate

Big pool in Villa Hills Address: Hills

2640 Valley Trails Drive, Villa

Price: $299,900 Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: Two Square footage: 1,050 School district: Kenton County School District County: Kenton Special features: This Villa Hills home offers an outdoor retreat centered around a 16-by-32-foot in-ground pool. Features include hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, covered deck, fire pit area and spacious fenced backyard. Recent updates include fresh interior paint, some new stainless steel appliances, a newer HVAC system and roof, and a newly poured driveway and sidewalk.

This home has a large pool in the backyard. Photos by Kelly Sparks | Keller Williams Realty Service.

The exterior of this Kenton County home.

This Villa Hills home has a large living room.

Kentucky now allows for Public Notices to be published digitally on LINK nky’s website. You can find public notices for the following organizations on our site at https://linkreader.column.us/search

LEGAL NOTICE The Campbell County Fiscal Court will hold a regular meeting on October 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (8:00 AM Central Time) at the Campbell County Courthouse, 8352 East Main Street, Alexandria, Kentucky, at which time the Fiscal Court will conduct the second reading and consider passage of the Ordinance described below. The Ordinance received its first reading, by title and summary, at the Fiscal Court’s regular meeting on September 16, 2026. CAMPBELL COUNTY FISCAL COURT CAMPBELL COUNTY, KENTUCKY ORDINANCE O-13-26 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CAMPBELL COUNTY FISCAL COURT AMENDING CHAPTER 155 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE The full text of Ordinance O-13-26 is available for public inspection during regular business hours in the Office of the Fiscal Court Clerk, Newport, Kentucky. I, Janie Patterson, Clerk of the Campbell County Fiscal Court, hereby certify that this summary was prepared at the direction of the Campbell County Fiscal Court and that it accurately represents the contents of Ordinance O-13-26.

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GO TO OUR DIGITAL PUBLIC NOTICE PAGE

14 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

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SUDOKU

The Weekly Edited by MargieCrossword E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

2 3 7

1 4

6 /13/26 -77/19/26 2 8 4 3 5 7

8 5 4 9

7 3 9 2

HOW TO SOLVE:

1 4

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Answer to Previous Sudoku:

8 2 6 3 1 5 4 9 7 3 5 4 8 9 7 1 2 6 1 7 9 6 2 4 8 5 3 6 4 7 9 5 2 3 8 1 9 3 8 1 7 6 2 4 5 2 1 5 4 3 8 6 7 9 7 9 1 2 8 3 5 6 4 5 6 2 7 4 1 9 3 8 4 8 3 5 6 9 7 1 2

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1HOW Yoga position TO SOLVE: 15 16 14 6 Campus mil. contain grp. Each row must the 19 17 18 10 Firebird numbers 1 to 9;roof each column must option contain the numbers 1 20 to 9; and 21 22 14 Chest-maker's each set of 3 by 3 boxes must 24 25 woodthe numbers 23 contain 1 to 9. 15 "Dedicated to 26 27 28 29 30 the __ Love": Answer to Previous Sudoku: 1960s hit 34 35 36 31 32 33 16 Endings with 8 2 aster 6 3 1 5 374 9 7 38 39 40 and human 3 17 5 Delilah 4 8portrayer 9 7 411 2 6 42 43 44 19 Plural of Mrs. 1 20 7 Urban 9 6blemishes 2 4 458 5 3 46 47 48 6 21 4 One 7 of9the5 2 3 8 1 49 50 51 52 53 54 Kennedys 9 23 3 Cry 8 from 1 a7crib6 552 564 5 57 58 2 24 1 Big 5 name 4 3in 8 596 7 9 60 61 tortilla chips 7 26 9 Boot 1 camp 2 8reply 3 625 6 4 63 64 5 28 6 Marriott 2 7 rival 4 1 659 3 8 66 67 31 Bygone Belgian 4 8 airline 3 5 6 9 7 1 2 Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate 34 Bone-dry 36 "C'est la ___!" DOWN 32 Swiss river 52 Christine of 37 Some may rest 1 Longed (for) 33 Matador's event "Evil" on theirs 2 "I'm outta here" 35 Feels sorry 53 "It's ___!" 39 Listers on eBay 3 Summed up about ("You're on!") 41 Schubert's "The 4 Skeptical sort 38 Hangs loose 54 Actress Daly ___-King" 5 Folk singer 40 "Toy Story" and others 42 Vegas lake Guthrie director John 55 Small runway 44 Shoots daggers 6 Ladies' men 43 Gen. MacArthur craft, for short (at) 7 The "O" in 46 Prynne of "The 56 "From all of __ 45 City of India Jackie O Scarlet Letter" all of you" 47 Some action 8 Artist Gerard 48 Primps 58 Invitation letters cameras ___ Borch 50 Red Square 61 Miner's find 49 Believe strongly 9 Wispy clouds figure 51 Piece of wood 10 Peppermint Answers to Previous Crossword: 55 Switzerland, to Patty, for one D I S H B A J A D I D O the French 11 Multitasking, e.g. A L O F T E N O S A C A I 57 Prepare oneself 12 Polish border L O N G B R A N C H E T C H 59 USAF rank river E U R E K A E N S H R I N E 60 At least 13 Furtive J O T S U M N E R 62 Will-___-wisp summons C A L I O P E N E R F A T 63 Persia, today 18 Gallery event E N E M A A L O N E N E S S 64 Sporty Chevy, 22 Shakespeare E N S U R E S T I C K L E S for short tragedy C E A S E T R E A T M E N T 65 Tolkien series, 25 Very, in Vichy H N L C L E A N S E D D Y briefly 27 Combatants I N T E R N T A R O B T U S E G U I D A N C E 66 Untouchable 29 Grow weary C L O S E D B O O K L A I R Eliot 30 Dick Tracy's H O O D S L U R E A L E S 67 Asks too many love V I S E G N A T E N D S questions 31 Snow coaster

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