LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 4, Edition 5 - December 26, 2025 by LINK nky

KENTON

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5 — DECEMBER 26, 2025

THE VOICE OF NKY

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Everyday people step into politics:

Inside what it takes to run a grassroots campaign By Haley Parnell

hile going from house to house on the campaign trail in 2024, Brandon Long said he had people tell him they always get mailers in the mail or doorhangers on the door handle, but never had a candidate show up on their doorstep. “That just felt so patriotic and American and democratic to me,” said Long, who was campaigning for a seat in the 68th House District at the time. “I’m here. I want to represent you. I’m going to show up and listen to you and I will learn from you and I will take action. This is what it is supposed to be. It just felt quintessentially American.” Long, who is the vice chair of the Campbell County Democratic Party, ran his own grassroots campaign last year for the 68th House District seat, which spans urban and suburban Campbell County. Long, a Dem-

ocrat from Fort Thomas, ran against Mike Clines, a Republican from Alexandria, and lost. Grassroots campaigns are typically ordinary citizens throwing their hats into the ring. The candidates usually have to put in extra effort to build name recognition through boots-on-the-ground campaigns, such as rallying many unpaid volunteers to knock on doors. Long said he has been politically sensitive for as long as he can remember. In kindergarten, he would read books about presidents and organize his subdivision into a mock government. Similarly, Boone County resident Maureen Walczak, who grew up in Daviess County, Kentucky, said she came from a politically aware family. The kind of family that would have dinner together and talk about world events and politics. Continues on page 3

Brandon Long (left) with Ann Dickerson (right) during his campaign last year. Photo provided | Ann Dickerson

COMMUNITY VOICES

Just keep swimming alongside your kids By April F. Draine

keep swimming!”

This Community Voices column is written by April F. Draine, a parent of three kids who shares stories, advice and tips for those trying to raise responsible humans. Email her at aprildraine@gmail.com.

Non-stop. To the point of nauseum.

he year was 2003 and the Disney favorite “Finding Nemo” took many kids by storm, including my then-tenacious 2 year old.

When it was officially released to VHS tape, she’d already discovered how to fully operate our DVD-VHS Combo, and without fail, we would find that tape in her hands, ready to watch it on repeat. An hour and a half would go by with quoting her favorite lines, especially Dory’s infamous, “Just

This was her daily ritual … until one day it wasn’t. The cassette ribbon became stuck inside the VHS player, and needless to say, we had to break the news to her that her wellloved—and completely worn out—tape was no more. (Honestly, we welcomed the break…at least until the next day when she cried and bellowed, “I WANT NEMO!” Oh the toddler tantrums we survived!) Fast forward to her tween and teenage years, and Dory’s chant of “Just keep swimming” unknowingly became a silent en-

As cold persists, keep these fire prevention tips in mind p6 Housing nonprofit to buy cityowned vacant lot in Covington p7 Community Voices: Your LinkedIn profile photo wants a redo p11

Continues on page 5

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Walczak said her dad would challenge the family on what they’d heard and why it was happening. She said her dad usually voted on policy, not necessarily R or D, even though Daviess County was highly Democratic at the time. Fast forward to today, and Walczak is retired and has taken an interest in politics, specifically in grassroots campaign efforts. Walczak was part of the Boone County Republican Party reorganization in 2021, led by now-Boone County Commissioner Chet Hand. She became a precinct officer and started learning more about local politics. Then she started knocking on doors for Rep. Marianne Proctor, a Republican from Union. “They (grassroots candidates) see and speak to the federal government over regulation when the states are supposed to be sovereign,” Walczak said. “They speak to the games that are being played with the other establishment candidates. They speak about the things that they’d like to see through. They speak to the things that they’ll be responsible for.” Long said his own run last year was sparked by observing the state assembly and “the lack of attention given to issues that affect kids, the LGBTQ+ community getting thrown under the bus, and the minority-African American community getting thrown under the bus.” Long said he wanted to use his run to advocate for those who are not being advocated for.

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“There’s a verse in scripture that I’ve always held dear, which is, ‘Speak out for those who have no voice,’ and running for office, for me, was an opportunity to be a voice for those who can’t fight for themselves,” Long said. Unlike Walczak and Long, who had grown up interested in politics, Boone County resident Stacie Earl’s first involvement in a grassroots campaign was her own. In 2018, she ran as an Independent for the Kentucky House of Representatives District 66. House District 66 is made up of parts of Boone County, including Hebron, Burlington and Florence. Earl lost that race to the Republican candidate, Ed Massey, a resident of Hebron and longtime Boone County School Board member. Backing up to 2016, Earl became invested in politics through her daughter’s education at Boone County Schools when she was upset with the curriculum the district was trying to implement. Overall, she said there was a lack of accountability in the education system. “Realizing that the whole system was a joke, I started recruiting candidates,” Earl said. “I would recruit people as people would start talking about what they were seeing, the injustices, how things don’t work. It became a conversation of, are you willing to run, identifying what the issues are, how people have been taken advantage of.” Independent candidates often must pe-

Stacie Earl (left) with other volunteers and Michael Faris. Photo provided | Maureen Walczak

tition to have their names printed on the general election ballot. Earl said her campaign started before there was even a campaign because she had to collect 200 signatures to get on the ballot. “I was resonating with the parents and my community, and to get my signatures, I set up a booth at the Boone County Fair, and I had people coming over to me, just wanting to talk to me about what I heard,” Earl said. She said people who work on grassroots campaigns are personally invested in the candidate, unpaid and passionate, offering their time, talent and treasure to see a candidate win. “You know it’s a real grassroots candidate if they’re giving you their personal cell phone number because they actually want to hear from you, they’re actually going to answer your calls,” Earl said. “They’re going to respond.” Ann Dickerson is a cofounder of Indivisible NKY, which is a grassroots activist group working to “build a better Kentucky by holding elected officials accountable.” Dickerson was also a latecomer to politics. She is Gen X, which she said was a generation taught not to talk about politics, religion or things considered private matters. She got more invested in politics after Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election to President Donald Trump. The first grassroots campaign Dickerson worked on was for Seth Hall, a Democrat from Oldham County who ran for the U.S. House in Kentucky’s 4th District in 2018. “I love the behind-the-scenes stuff,” Dickerson said. “I love the strategy. I love looking at the data and figuring out messaging or figuring out where the votes are and plotting them.”

Every year that Kentucky has had an election cycle, Dickerson said she has been involved in at least one campaign. In 2024, she was the campaign manager for Deb Flowers, a Democrat from Union who ran against Proctor for the 60th District House seat in Boone County. At the same time, she also helped Long with some political advising. Dickerson said there is nothing more effective in a political campaign than talking to people face-to-face. Further, she said, when someone is out campaigning door to door, they are collecting data in real time about what people’s thoughts are, which way they’re leaning and why they’re leaning that way. “When you’ve knocked on somebody’s door and you are talking to them—whether it be issue-related, candidate-related or a combination of the two—it’s very hard for a human being to have had a conversation with you and build an opinion of you based on that conversation and then receive a negative piece of mail,” she said. “You look at it, and you go, ‘That is nothing like the person that I talked to. Nothing like the opinion that I formed of them.’” Both Walczak and Earl are currently working on the campaign of Michael Faris, a Republican from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, for the U.S. Senate. That seat is currently occupied by Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is not seeking reelection. Because the Senate race is a statewide election, it takes even more boots-on-theground volunteers from every region of the commonwealth to help with campaigning. Earl said that during the summer, when all the county fairs were happening, volunteers would staff booths in different areas. “A grassroots candidate is not going to be flip-flopping to whichever direction the wind’s blowing for the day or what the hot topic issues are or having done something, Continues on page 4

DECEMBER 26, 2025 3

Continued from page 3

then going, ‘Oh, I can get that scrubbed, and we can move forward, and I’ll narrate this way,’” Earl said. “There’s really no accountability that way, either, where a grassroots candidate is going to have accountability because all your volunteers are your constituents. You’re not paying these people to help you.” Walczak said that supporting a grassroots candidate has helped her see what a person stands for, rather than a candidate who spouts popular political rhetoric, which she calls “theatrics.” “They miss that this person is a good orator because they were hired for that,” she said. “They practice, they say all the right things at whatever platform is right now—‘America first’ or ‘pro Trump.’ They jump on that bandwagon, and people go, ‘Oh, yes, we need that,’ but then they don’t look at the

background of these people.”

gitimate candidates.

Just as the volunteers in a grassroots campaign are unpaid and typically working people themselves, so are the candidates they help get into office.

“I really would love to see a both-ends approach,” he said. “Raise all the money you can, but then work your tail off to meet people where they are.”

Long said he had to split his time between his personal life and campaigning.

Aside from money, Long said the lack of name recognition was one of the biggest challenges for a grassroots candidate.

On weekends, he either went door-to-door or his team mapped out every festival, fair, craft show and anything else happening that year, so he could be there talking to people. When he was driving anywhere, he had a list of phone calls to make. He said he hoped that voters would connect with him in at least one way, whether that be over the phone, through door knocking or meeting him at an event. During his campaign, Long said he and volunteers made a combined 10,000 phone calls and canvassed 5,000 homes. “They have to work, make a living while they’re campaigning,” Walczak said. “They’re not getting paid by PAC money or the taxpayers while they’re running around campaigning.”

Maureen Walczak is volunteering for the Michael Faris campaign. Photo provided | Maureen Walczak

PAC money refers to funds raised and spent by a Political Action Committee, an organization that pools contributions from members like employees, union members or shareholders to support or oppose political candidates, ballot initiatives or legislation. Long said that, as grassroots candidates, if they are not raising money or getting PAC money, they are not seen as threats or le-

He said he had to run with the knowledge that nobody knows him, and to answer the questions “Who am I?” and “What do I stand for?” to people. He said, when you are not a household name, people think they know what you stand for, whether you actually do or not. One of the first questions Long said he was always asked while out campaigning was which political party he belonged to. He said that it was difficult because people see the party over the person. People would immediately impose upon him their stereotype of a Democrat, or what being a Democrat means. Depending on which part of Campbell County he was in, he said it could help or hurt.

ning for state representative of Kentucky, no jurisdiction over Gaza or the American border,” Long said. “Their perspective was, if you’re running for something, you should answer to this. I think that it nationalizes every single race, and it increases the division where people are not connected to ‘here’s the issues that affect you that this office actually could do.’” Long said that with a grassroots campaign, you never know what you’re going to get, so you can’t be polished all the time. You have to be raw and real. “Don’t discount somebody just because they’re the person with the least money,” Dickerson said. “Whether you’re a Republican, a Democrat or an Independent, learn what each candidate stands for, where they stand on issues that are important to you, before you decide just to pull a lever because of a letter after a name.”

Another thing Long said he encountered on the campaign trail was the tension around stances on national issues. Long said when he talked to people on the left, their question for him was what his stance was on Gaza, and when he talked to people on the right, they wanted to know his opinion on immigration.

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“I communicated to both of them, I am run-

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At times, we may feel like our efforts, fears or lack of knowledge separates us from our children. But, just like Marlin used Dory’s “just keep swimming” reminder as his motivation in finding Nemo in the vast ocean he’d gotten swept away in, I encourage you to find your mantra, your motivation, your reason.

couragement in parenting her and her younger siblings. Those three words gave my heart needed courage as we steered through similar questions Nemo gave his father. The questions, seeking clarity, as she boldly grew in discovery of her autonomy as a growing young adult before her father’s and my eyes.

Our children may not always fully understand the dangers that life has in it, but knowing they have a parent who’s willing to keep trying, keep striving and keep loving them through the challenges—fears and all—they get to learn and grow with us…and us with them.

“Why can’t I start dating now?” “Why can’t I wear what they’re wearing?” “Why can’t I stay out as long as my friends?” Or the one question that caused me to pause: “Mama, when you were my age, did you ever do anything that made you embarrassed or ashamed of yourself?”

So, here’s to swimming. How do we “just keep swimming” while simultaneously helping our children navigate their layered questions and ever-changing world? Nemo’s dad, Marlin, struggled with the thought of releasing Nemo to the big ocean beyond their trusted home. My fears, like many of you, were, how much do I share from my own teenage moments? Will my children respect me after giving a glimpse into some of my not-so-well-thought-out decisions and the consequences that resulted? The deeper question became: Is protecting my image and reputation in their eyes more important than watching them go to lesser sources for life’s truth and understanding? Because the truth is, sometimes our own personal fears—like that of Marlin—can be the wedge that keeps us from

Here’s to growing! Life’s ocean has room for both. If you have an idea for a Community Voices column, email Meghan Goth at mgoth@ linknky.com.

Draine encourages parents to just keep swimming along with their kids. Photo provided | Getty Images via Unsplash

fully connecting with our children… that is, if we want to grow with them. When we don’t empower and educate our children or give space to have uncomfortable conversations, curiosity can sometimes pull them to peers who may not have lived experience to help them

navigate the toughest ‘currents’ of life. It took several trusted mentors, plenty of lessons learned with each child and my personal faith journey to offer this: Speaking truth to our children in an age-appropriate way gives room to build trust and stronger bonds.

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Stay safe this holiday season: Fire prevention tips By Nathan Granger

Vance said. “Be cognizant of window curtains, towels, rags and other decorations that you may have out. NFPA recommends one foot around around the candle be cleared. And if you’re using candles, use holders that are sturdy and only place them on uncluttered surfaces, again, just to keep the distance away and keep the flame away from catching other combustible items.”

ire departments around the country respond to an average of 835 home fires a year that are related to holiday decorations (not including Christmas trees), according to the National Fire Protection Association, also known as the NFPA. “These fires caused an annual average of three civilian fire deaths, 29 civilian fire injuries and $18 million in direct property damage,” according to the association.

Vance added that candles should be kept out of the reach of pets and kids. Never leave candles unattended and always blow them out before leaving your home or turning in for the night. Ditto for electric lights.

If you look around your home, you’ll probably be able to spot some decorations or other holiday customs that open you up to more fire risk than you initially realized: Christmas lights, fireplaces, holiday candles, crowded holiday meals and so on. As such, it’s good to stay vigilant throughout the holidays to ensure everyone stays safe. “Nationally, you kind of see cooking fires, electrical fires [and] candle fires,” said Joe Vance, Covington Fire Department’s assistant chief of fire prevention and education. Part of Vance’s job is to determine the origins of fires and then make community programs to educate people on fire prevention. Given that the holidays come with their own fire risks, he offered some advice and resources for local families. If you have an artificial Christmas tree, check to see that it’s been certified as flame-resistant by a reputable safety lab. There should be a label on the packaging. One of the most common certifications comes from Underwriting Laboratories, often shortened to UL, a legacy safety testing organization. Note: Flame resistant doesn’t mean fireproof, so you’ll need to employ other safety protocols to avoid accidents. Holiday lights and other lighted decorations should also be checked for

If you’re buying electronic gifts that use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, make sure they’ve also been tested by a reputable certifying laboratory, just like lights and decorations. This is especially important when ordering things online. Depending on where an item is manufactured, it may not be subject to thorough safety testing. An open fire. Photo provided | Raquel Raclette via Unsplash

certification from a reputable safety lab. If you have a live tree, keep it watered daily. Dry trees can catch fire quickly and cause a lot of damage in a short time. A dry tree that catches fire in a living room can engulf the whole room in flames in about 15 seconds. Keeping your live tree watered will reduce your risk. Live trees should also be kept away from fire places, radiators, space heaters and candles. Next, check to see where it’s safe to display your lights.

can generate more heat than indoor lights. Replace all burnt-out or missing bulbs on decorative lights. If the wires are frayed or otherwise damaged, refrain from using them at all. Additionally, don’t overload your electrical outlets with a lot of extension cords and multi-plugs for your decorations, as these can increase your risk of an electrical fire. “December is the peak time of the year for home candle fires,” Vance said.

“You don’t want to use outdoor lights inside or vice versa,” Vance said.

Candles are an integral part of both holiday decorations and year-end religious practices, so it’s important to be informed about candle safety.

Lights designed for display outdoors are often made from different materials and

“It’s important to keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn,”

Moreover, ensure that all chargers, cords and connectors match their proper devices. Don’t swap chargers and connectors willy-nilly. If a battery or device is unusually hot, damaged or leaking fluid, that’s your cue to discontinue using it. Finally, it’s good to practice general, yearround fire safety tips around the holidays, as well. Check to make sure all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every level of the home, in sleeping areas and in the home’s central room. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced twice a year. Smoke detectors older than 10 years old should be replaced outright.

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Housing nonprofit to buy city-owned vacant lot in Covington By Nathan Granger

ovington is planning to sell a cityowned vacant lot at 1323 Russell St. to a local housing nonprofit.

The property was sold to Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky, known as HONK, after the Board of Commissioners heard a proposal from the city’s Neighborhood Services Department on Dec. 9. The move occurs amid a citywide effort to bolster the affordable housing stock. In fact, a neighboring property at 1321 Russell is already being rehabbed by HONK. “So, we’ll have two houses right next to each other on formally unused space, which is great,” said Covington Community Development Manager Jeremy Wallace. The sale was placed on the board’s consent agenda for the legislative meeting next week, meaning it will not undergo further discussion before a vote is taken. Items placed on legislative consent agendas usually pass. The nonprofit will purchase the lot for $16,000 and use it to build housing for buyers earning less than 80% of the area’s median income, according to HONK’s development plan. Covington’s median household income was

A diagram of the house slated for construction at 1323 Russell St. Design produced by Studer Residential Designs. Design provided | Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky via the City of Covington

$58,814 per year, as of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city’s own internal metrics put the most recent median household income at $63,717 per year. This would put 80% of the city’s median income (i.e., the top income range the house would be marketed to) between roughly $47,000 and $51,000 a year. HONK specializes in rehabbing old properties and then selling them on a lease-

to-own basis to families whose incomes can’t penetrate typical market-rate housing prices. The lease period usually lasts between 12 and 18 months, with payments roughly equal to a mortgage payment. “This time gives them a chance to work with HONK’s full-time housing counselor to build their credit, develop savings, reduce debt and otherwise prepare for the financial responsibilities of owning a home,” according to the development plan from

David Hastings, HONK’s executive director. As of early October, 118 people have achieved home ownership through HONK’s programs. The organization is a long-time partner with the City of Covington and is the beneficiary of some of the city’s passthrough federal grant funding. Upon acquiring the property, HONK expects to invest about $315,000, according to city documents. HONK is aiming to complete construction by the end of next year. HONK’s development plan calls for the construction of a two-story, single-family home with a full patio, a full (unfinished) basement, a laundry room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, central HVAC and a full slate of appliances. Parking will be available in the alley behind the property. Studer Residential Designs, which has worked with HONK to develop sites in Ludlow, will head up the development of the property. “This is a win for our city,” said Mayor Ron Washington. “We’re taking a vacant piece of land, and we’re going to put a house on it… for people in need.”

The vacant lot at 1323 Russell St. in Covington. Photo provided | Google Maps Monthly Sponsors

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kenton county briefs Cauldron Cafe brings magic to Covington

The Cauldron Cafe. Photo by Emily Widman | CityBeat

Something magical is brewing in Covington: A Northern Kentucky couple just opened their own cafe that combines a menu of specialty coffee, a cozy atmosphere and a sprinkle of enchantment for the whole community. At 807 Madison Ave., husband-and-wife team Noah and Brittany Markowich created their dream coffee shop. An eclectic collection of chairs fills the space, which celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 30. Some are completely wooden; some feature fabric seats with embroidered flowers. All are what you would expect to find in a cottage kitchen, and all are unique, just like each guest who passes through the doors of The Cauldron Cafe. “Every person who comes in has something going on in their life that you probably have no idea about, and just being there for them, just being a positive source in someone’s day—we just want to be a safe space for people to come and be like, ‘I know I can come here,’” Brittany tells CityBeat. “I’m gonna have a good cup of coffee. I can decompress for a few minutes and then be on my way. Or I can chat for 10 minutes if I wanted to. I think that’s really important for us.” It’s that understanding of how a good cup of coffee can help someone heal, even just a little bit, that started the Markowichs on their journey to opening The Cauldron. In 2023, both Noah’s brother and mother died, just a few months apart. “We worked our jobs, we lived in our house in the suburbs in Edgewood and we didn’t

love the neighborhood,” Noah explains. “And those things kind of happening back-to-back, we kind of hit this point of, like, what do we want to do? We want to do something that makes us happy. Live somewhere else that really makes us happy. … We fell in love with coffee after that happened.” While mourning Noah’s brother and mother and taking time off work, the Markowichs bought their first espresso machine and learned about the art of brewing. The idea of opening a coffee shop began to form as they shifted their lives to align with their dreams. They sold their home in Edgewood and moved to Covington last October. Whether it was a little bit of magic or just a coincidence, The Cauldron’s future space was just across the street from the couple’s new home. “We moved here just with the idea of wanting to do this in Covington, and we didn’t really have a spot in mind, and we slowly just kept working on it,” Noah says. “It’s funny, actually. When we were just walking past one day, there was a sign in the window that said it was for lease, and we weren’t ready to do it right then and there, but it was just too perfect of a scenario. Too perfect of a space.” At The Cauldron, guests will find a warm and inviting space to work, study, socialize or just relax. Think the cozy cottage of a kitchen witch: clean neutrals of linen and wood mixed with eclectic chairs, tables and decor to make you feel at home, and something always brewing and bubbling behind the counter. Those who practice kitchen witchcraft view the kitchen as a sacred space and their craft often focuses on infusing everyday life with magic through intentional practice in the culinary arts. That level of intention is what Noah and Brittany want to bring to the cafe’s menu. The Cauldron’s menu offers third-wave coffee, a style that focuses on the artisanal side of coffee, with a focus on high-quality specialty beans and ethical farming and sourcing practices, with beans from South Carolina roaster Methodical Coffee. “I compare it to craft cocktails, but craft

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coffee,” Brittany says. “So it’s really focused on not-your-average flavor profiles. We’re trying to come up with stuff that’s maybe a little out of the box. Everything on our menu, it’s all gonna be intentful. From drip all the way to even lemonade or tea or anything. … It’s more about letting everyone enjoy the experience of just a good quality cup of coffee, consistently.” Noah has also been practicing crafting seasonal drinks, like a matcha latte made with apple cider. The Cauldron now offers pastries from North South Baking Co. in Covington. The couple also hopes to offer events—floating ideas like book clubs, yoga pop-ups and craft nights—once they’re more comfortable running the cafe. At the end of the day, the couple hopes The Cauldron is a place where everyone can feel welcome. “Just really a place people can go and feel like they have a sense of community around here,” Brittany says. “There’s so many really great local businesses; it would be great to have everyone connect over a great cup of coffee or just meet new people on a daily basis.” The Cauldron is open Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Billy Joel Foundation awards $25K for NKY music education

in Covington. The money will be used to support the organization’s music and music education programs in Northern Kentucky public schools, especially those that would otherwise be unable to fund music education programs. The exact schools that will benefit from the program have not yet been announced. “The Carnegie’s in-school programming provides students with opportunities to imagine, create and communicate in all art forms during the school day,” said The Carnegie’s Education Director Alissa Paasch in a press release. “Our programs challenge students to explore and express ideas through the arts to strengthen problem solving, perseverance, communication and pride.” The donation from the foundation will serve as one of two major funding sources for The Carnegie’s arts education programs, the other being an annual fundraising concert called Suits That Rock, the most recent of which raised about $2 million, according to The Carnegie. “The Carnegie’s in-school programming prioritizes student learning through creativity and self-expression and promotes the arts as must-have versus nice-tohave,” said the foundation’s Executive Director Cheri Walsh in the same release. “All teachers and students deserve access and opportunities in and through the arts. Billy, Alexis and The Joel Foundation are very proud to support The Carnegie’s music education programs throughout Northern Kentucky public schools.”

Habitat for Humanity wins $3M for local affordable housing

Kyle Taylor, one of The Carnegie’s teaching artists, at Latonia Elementary in Covington. Photo provided | The Carnegie

The Billy Joel Foundation, led by recording artist Billy Joel and his wife Alexis Roderick Joel, has awarded $25,000 to The Carnegie, a community arts and theater organization

Habitat for Humanity’s Greater Cincinnati branch won $3 million in grant funding for affordable housing rehab and construction in both the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati regions. The funding was granted as part of Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati’s Affordable Housing Program, which awarded a total

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kenton county briefs mission,” he said in a news release. “Their leadership, partnership and continued investment in workforce development ensure that the Enzweiler Building Institute remains a cornerstone for training and opportunity in our region. We are grateful for their commitment and excited for what the future holds because of their efforts.”

Volunteers at a Rock the Block event in Newport. Photo provided | Habitat for Humanity

of $51.9 million—its largest grant amount ever—to 30 organizations. The money will be used to create 2,990 units of affordable housing in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, according to a press release from the bank. “The affordable housing landscape is changing with many of our members and the organizations they support facing unprecedented challenges in the development and rehabilitation of housing throughout our region,” bank President and CEO Andrew Howell said in the release. “We are proud to illustrate our commitment to affordable housing through our largest ever announcement of Affordable Housing Program grants.” You can view a full list of awardees and award amounts at the Federal Home Loan Bank’s dedicated webpage.

The Kenton County School District was honored with the institute’s Champion of the Year award for its collaboration on career and technical education initiatives and its efforts to increase hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing skilled trades. BME Inc. was named Partner of the Year for its ongoing involvement with Enzweiler programs, including equipment support, student engagement and industry guidance. Fred Cernetisch from Pella Windows & Doors was honored with the institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. With decades of experience in the regional construction industry, Cernetisch has also dedicated himself to mentoring students and promoting workforce training programs.

may qualify for the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission’s home weatherization program. • Perform regular, professional maintenance on your heating system. Routine maintenance and check-ups from HVAC professionals on your home’s ventilation, furnace and air conditioning systems will ensure your home remains energy efficient. It can also head off any disastrous breakdowns before they occur. • Change your air filters regularly. Changing out your air filters at the proper time will ensure that warm, clean air will properly circulate throughout your home, which will, in turn, ensure energy efficiency. • Let the sun in. Open any drapes and blinds any time the sun’s out to let the natural heat and light come in. Then, close your drapes and blinds at night to prevent heat from escaping. • Set your ceiling fans to run clockwise. Setting your ceiling fan to run clockwise, rather than counterclockwise, will push warm air down from the tops of rooms where it naturally gathers, ensuring warm air is properly circulated throughout.

Energy-saving tips to help lower utility bills during cold weather

Enzweiler announces workforce development award winners

861 S Collier Blvd Essex S 104 Marco Island, FL for Rent A Duke Energy employee inspects a natural gas meter. Photo provided | Duke Energy

The Enzweiler Building Institute recognized three organizations and individuals for their contributions to construction training and workforce development during its third annual awards event on Nov. 20. The Enzweiler Building Institute, operated by the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, provides training for high school students and adults entering the trades. Brian Miller, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, said the honorees reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the region’s construction workforce. “These honorees represent the heart of our

Still, you don’t want to break the bank with heating costs. Check out some energy-saving tips from Duke Energy below. • Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable (but safe) setting. The lowest you can set your thermostat in most homes before you start having problems is 55 degrees, according to the American Red Cross. If you blast the heat, your bill’s going to go up, so play with different temperature ranges to find the lowest comfortable setting for you. • Seal any leaks and insulate. You’ll want to seal any places where heat might escape from your home. This includes rooms that aren’t properly insulated as well as unlocked or unsealed windows. If you can’t afford to bring your home’s weatherization up to date, you

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Presentation of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Fred Cernetisch of Pella Windows & Doors from Brian Miller, executive vice president of the BIA NKY, during the Enzweiler Building Institute’s annual celebration. Photo provided | Enzweiler Building Institute

Energy bills tend to go up during cold weather as systems churn away to keep everyone warm. It’s important to keep your home (and yourself) warm during cold weather—pipes begin freezing around 20 degrees without extra warming measures, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Consult the Kentucky Division of Water’s tip sheet to learn how to prevent frozen pipes.

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DECEMBER 26, 2025 9

community voices

Your LinkedIn profile picture called. It wants a redo By Tonya Bolton

That’s normal. It’s why working with a professional photographer (hi, that’s me!) matters. My job isn’t just to take your photo—it’s to direct you into looking natural. I’ll tell you where to put your hands, how to tilt your head and which angle makes you look like the best version of yourself.

This Community Voices column is written by Tonya Bolton, who shares advice, tips and ideas for entrepreneurs. You can reach her at info@tonyaboltonphotography.com. Let’s talk about first impressions.

You don’t need to know how to pose—you just need to trust the process.

You know, those magical few seconds when people decide whether you’re confident or clueless, trustworthy or suspicious, approachable or “let’s pretend we didn’t see them.”

Step 4: Focus on Connection, Not Perfection You’re not a mannequin. The best headshots are the ones where your personality shows through. Think about someone you genuinely like and imagine you’re talking to them—your eyes will soften, your smile will become real and suddenly… bam. That’s the shot.

In the old days, you made a first impression when you walked into a room—maybe you had time to smooth your hair, take a deep breath and hope your lunch wasn’t stuck in your teeth. But now? You make your first impression before you even know it’s happening. Your “Hello, nice to meet you” moment happens online—on LinkedIn, your website, your business card or even that Zoom meeting where your camera angle is… unflattering at best. (If your webcam currently points directly up your nose, this is your sign to fix that immediately.) Whether you’re looking for a job, attracting clients or simply trying to look like you’ve got your life together, people are judging you—kindly, of course—based on that little square image next to your name. So, what does your headshot say about you? If it’s from your cousin’s wedding five years ago and your spouse’s shoulder is barely cropped out, it’s saying, “I didn’t plan for this moment.” If it’s a selfie taken in your car with your seatbelt visible, it’s saying, “I like to take risks—especially with lighting.” And if it’s your high school senior photo, well, it’s saying, “I peaked early.” Let’s just admit it—we’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: your professional image isn’t just about vanity. It’s about credibility.

No amount of Photoshop can fake genuine connection. (But yes, it can remove that surprise pimple that always shows up the day before your session. You’re safe there.) Does your LinkedIn profile photo need a re-do? Photo provided | Souvik Banerjee via Unsplash

It’s about telling the world, “I take myself and my work seriously.” Because fair or not, humans are visual creatures. We form opinions based on what we see. A confident photo communicates confidence. A polished image suggests competence. And a professional headshot? That’s your visual handshake—the one that says, “Yes, I am indeed the person you want to hire, refer or collaborate with.” Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “But I hate having my picture taken.” Join the club. It’s basically everyone except professional models and that one friend who somehow looks amazing in every candid photo. (We all have one. We love them. We also kind of hate them.)

Before your session, think about the impression you want to make. Are you a friendly professional? A creative visionary? The calm, capable type who gets things done without drama? Your vibe determines everything else— your outfit, your location, even your expression. If you’re a lawyer who shows up in a tropical print shirt, we might be sending mixed messages. (Unless, of course, you’re a fun lawyer. Then go for it.) On the flip side, if you’re a yoga instructor wearing a stiff suit and tie, people might assume your classes come with a side of legal advice. Step 2: Choose Clothes That Feel Like “You”

The good news is, preparing for a great headshot doesn’t have to feel like a root canal. It can actually be fun. And it starts long before you ever step in front of the camera.

Notice of Noncompliance Pursuant to KRS 65A.040, the Kentucky Department for Local Government hereby gives public notice that as of December 2, 2025, Southgate Wilder Emergency Medical Service, LLC is in violation of Kentucky Law for failure to comply with the reporting requirements of KRS 65A.020. The last known point of contact for Southgate Wilder Emergency Medical Service, LLC is Anthony Kramer, who may be reached at (859) 441-1422 and/or 128 ELECTRIC AVE SOUTHGATE, KY 41071. The last known Board Members are: Ryan Boothe, Jeff Kendrick, Doug Neyman, Dan Speier, John Beatsch. The district was noncompliant with FY2022 Audit Every 4 Years. The Auditor of Public Accounts has been notified and state funding for this entity will be withheld until further notice. Department for Local Government encourages this entity to comply with the law. 10 DECEMBER 26, 2025

Step 1: Figure Out Your “Vibe”

You don’t need to reinvent yourself for a headshot. Wear something that fits well, flatters you and makes you feel confident. That’s it. Avoid loud patterns, neon colors and anything with a logo (unless it’s your brand). And iron your clothes. Trust me, wrinkles are 10 times more noticeable in photos. Oh, and for the love of all things flattering— check your collar. You’d be amazed how many great photos are ruined by a rogue fold that could’ve been fixed in three seconds. Step 3: Get Comfortable With the Idea of Being Photographed Most people tense up the moment a camera appears. Suddenly, your arms forget where they go and your smile feels like you’re auditioning for a toothpaste commercial.

Step 5: Relax and Remember Why You’re Doing This A great headshot is an investment in your personal brand. It’s one small, powerful way to show up confidently in your career or business. Because when you look at a photo of yourself and think, “Wow, I look like I actually know what I’m doing,” that energy carries into everything else—your emails, your meetings, your interviews. People can feel it. And you’ll finally have something to post on LinkedIn that isn’t from your last family reunion. I’ve photographed hundreds of professionals, and here’s what I’ve learned: Everyone—everyone—looks better when they feel comfortable, confident and seen. That’s why my sessions are designed to take the pressure off. I guide my clients through styling choices that highlight their best features, help them pose in ways that flatter their natural shape and create an environment where laughter isn’t just allowed—it’s encouraged. Because when you’re having fun, it shows. The end result isn’t just a photo. It’s proof of confidence. It’s your story—told in a single, powerful image that says, “This is me, and I’m ready for what’s next.” So the next time you look at your headshot and cringe just a little… take it as your sign. It’s time to upgrade that first impression. You’ll thank yourself later—and so will your LinkedIn connections. If you have an idea for a Community Voices column, email Meghan Goth at mgoth@ linknky.com.

COMMISSIONER’S SALE CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00281

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00375

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 2

FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION

JOYCE VERSINO

VS.

SECURITY CREDIT SERVICES LLC, ET AL.

ROBERT DENNIS MAHANEY, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 9/19/2025 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 10/24/2025 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 1/6/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

252 Linden Avenue, Southgate, Kentucky 41071

104 Ward Avenue, Bellevue, Kentucky 41073

Group No: 20070/A1

Group No: 30494/A1 & A2

PIDN: 999-99-10-429.00

PIDN: 999-99-06-104.00

CASE NUMBER 23-CI-00339

CASE NUMBER 21-CI-00577

DIVISION 2

FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

HIGHLAND MEADOWS CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

VS.

JILL FROMMEYER, ET AL.

APRIL S. HOSKINS, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 11/9/2023 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 8/15/2022 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 1/6/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

2445 Alexandria Pike, Southgate, Kentucky 41071

25 Highland Meadows Circle, Unit 5, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076

Group No: 20084/A1

Group No: 30766/Q2

PIDN: 999-99-10-750.00

PIDN: 999-99-22-230.00

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

DECEMBER 26, 2025 11

sports Henry Thole jersey retirement

Villa Madonna retired Henry Thole’s jersey on Dec. 15, 2025. Thole was joined by his Xavier teammates. He’s the program’s second all-time leading scorer and all-time leading rebounder. Photo provided | Tony Wagner

No. 32 will hang at Villa Madonna forever. The Vikings retired Henry Thole’s jersey during its Dec. 15 game with Bellevue.

to be a preferred walk-on for the football team. Harney drew interest from a variety of schools at the Division I and Division II levels, but decided to bet on himself and give football a try in the SEC. He’s the only player in program history to rush for 1,000 yards and throw for 1,000 yards in a season. He helped lead the Colonels to a state title game as a sophomore, the state semifinals as a junior and the region championship round as a senior. On the basketball court, he has 1,111 points in his high school career.

Kentucky Barrels release 2026 schedule

Thole was recognized as the program’s second all-time leading scorer, with 1,571 points and leading rebounder with 1,041. He’s also the single-game record holder for points scored in a game with 50.

Harney commits to UK as preferred walk-on

Kentucky Barrels 2026 schedule. Graphic provided

Arena football back in Northern Kentucky is less than four months away.

Covington Catholic’s Cash Harney recently committed to the University of Kentucky

The Kentucky Barrels, a new team in the Arena Football One league, released their schedule on Dec. 12. Their first home game is April 12 against the Michigan Arsenal. They’ll play six home games at Northern Kentucky University’s Truist Arena in a 12game regular season that runs to July 11.

THE WEEKLY COMIC by Andrew Buchanan

City of Florence, Landrum part ways on managing World of Golf

It has recently announced a couple of players to the team that include former Ohio State receiver Jalin Marshall. They currently have 30 players listed on the roster on the team’s page on the AF1 website. Arena Football One has 10 teams listed on the website for the 2026 season. They are the Albany Firebirds, Beaumont Renegades, Billings Outlaws, Kentucky Barrels, Michigan Arsenal, Minnesota Monsters, Nashville Kats, Oceanside Bombers, Oregon Lightning and Washington Wolfpack. Season tickets are on sale now at the Truist Arena Box Office or online at ticketmaster. com. Packages and single game tickets on sale dates will be announced soon. Owned by local entrepreneur and proud NKU alum Corey Cunningham, the Barrels aim to deliver an unforgettable game-day experience while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a passion for both football and the region, Cunningham is committed to building a team that fans can rally behind, on and off the field. Leading the charge on the sidelines is Head Coach Cedric Walker, who joins the Barrels after a successful run with the Billings Outlaws. Walker helped guide the Outlaws to a championship in 2024 and brings a winning mindset and deep knowledge of the game to Kentucky.

Thole now plays at Xavier and is in his sophomore year, making the team as a preferred walk-on and is a business major.

Covington Catholic’s Cash Harney recently committed to the University of Kentucky as a preferred walk-on. Photo provided | Brandon Wheeler

The Barrels home dates are April 12 (Michigan Arsenal), April 19 (Oceanside Bombers), May 3 (Nashville Kats), May 17 (Beaumont Renegades), June 13 (Oregon Lightning) and June 27 (Albany Firebirds).

The City of Florence and Landrum Golf Management are parting ways in January, ending a partnership that started in 1993. Photo provided

Ralph Landrum is proud of what he’s done for golf in Northern Kentucky since 1974. On Dec. 9, he found out the City of Florence is not renewing his contract to manage World of Golf on Woodspoint Drive. The current deal expires on Dec. 31, ending a 32-year relationship. (The city owns the World of Golf property.) Florence City Administrator Josh Hunt said Troon, a Scottsdale, Arizona management company, is the preferred choice to move forward. City Council is expected to vote at its meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 at city offices, 8100 Ewing Blvd.

The 2026 season will kick off on April 12 and the Kentucky Barrels are ready to make some noise in their quest for the Arena Crown.

Landrum is president and owner of Landrum Golf Inc. Before World of Golf, he managed facilities at Devou Park in Covington and The Golf Ranch in Burlington.

Founded in September 2024, Arena Football One, known as AF1, wrapped up its first season in 2025 with eight founding teams. Led by Commissioner Jeff Fisher, the league delivers the fast-paced, high-energy action fans expect from arena football— launching with a national TV deal on VICE TV and a debut season full of competitive games and memorable moments.

Hunt said the city’s main concern dealt with succession planning and operational continuity in case Landrum was unable to fulfill the contract.

With legacy teams like the Albany Firebirds and Nashville Kats and emerging brands like the Washington Wolfpack and Southwest Kansas Storm, AF1 is building a coast-to-coast brand that delivers up close and personal Arena Football action to fans nationwide.

Landrum, meanwhile, said city officials did “not really” give him a reason the contract wouldn’t be renewed, and he didn’t want to know what company was replacing him because it wasn’t his business. Though Landrum, 68, wants to spend more time at his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, he said three people want him to teach golf in NKY.