LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 3, Issue 22 - April 25, 2025
Lakeside Park says no to backyard chickens
By Kenton Hornbeck
Backyard chickens won’t be allowed in Lakeside Park anytime soon.
At a meeting April 14, the city’s council voted 4-1 against allowing chickens to be kept within city limits. The ordinance would have legalized chickens on home properties if there was adequate housing for the birds at least 25 feet from the adjoining residence. In addition, roosters would have been banned.
Lakeside Park is a bedroom community of approximately 2,800 residents about 15 minutes south of Cincinnati. Backyard chickens are legal in several Kenton County cities, including Fort Mitchell, Erlanger, Independence and Elsmere.
Councilmember Cassi Schabell, who proposed the ordinance, was the only yes vote. Councilmembers Brian Waite, Dennis Landwehr, Tom Bernheimer and Mary Ann Thaman – who voted no – each said they did their due diligence before arriving at their conclusion.
Continues on page 3
He rode out high water above flooded VFW hall
By Nathan Granger
Land along the Licking River and Banklick Creek were especially hard hit by the flooding early this month.
One building, the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Latonia, was one illustrative example. By the time river crested, the building was completely inaccessible by foot – it resembled a castle fort surrounded by a moat.
The man upstairs didn’t seem to mind, though.
“I didn’t know it was going to get that high,” Harold Enda told LINK nky in a phone call. “The next thing I know, I look out and the parking lot was covered in water.”
Enda lives in the room on the top floor of
the building. He’s lived there for about six years. He tends bar and does volunteer work around the VFW.
“Last I saw on the cameras before the electric went off, we had three foot of water in the building approximately,” said Joe Cross, district commander with the VFW, on April 11.
This was not the first time the post has had to deal with flooding like this, said James Toebbe, the VFW state legislative and state finance chairman. He’s also a Covington city commissioner.
Toebbe said the post was more prepared this year with the benefit of experience. “The river crested at 60.5 feet in [2018],” Toebbe said. “It’s a very similar thing. We weren’t as prepared because the flood prior
Continues on page 4
WINNER’S PARTY
THURSDAY, MAY 8 TH | 5:30
A proposal to allow raising backyard chickens in Lakeside Park was rejected. Provided | Beth Wilson
Adolfo Vàlle, in kayak, and others prepared to deliver supplies to Harold Enda on April 8. Provided | Meggan Vàlle
2025 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SERIES:
JUNE 12 AUGUST 14 OCTOBER 9 DECEMBER 4
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Continued from page 1
Councilmember Dave Wolfer, who couldn’t vote because he was absent from the meeting, sent an email to the mayor expressing his opposition to the ordinance. Mayor Paul Markgraf read the email during the meeting.
The vote followed a lengthy public comment period during which residents shared their thoughts about the ordinance in front of a packed city hall audience. Several said they were concerned about noise, the potential attraction of predators and the potential for disease, among other factors.
Mike Buckingham, the first resident to speak, questioned how the chickens and their housing would be regulated.
“If allowed, how will the chickens be regulated, and will they require permits?” he asked. “Who’s going to make sure the coop and fence are the proper size? Who’s going to make sure it’s properly located? Who’s going to make sure it’s kept clean?”
Resident Caroline Colvin said she felt like backyard chickens were a risk to children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals because of the potential for them to carry diseases such as avian flu and salmonella.
“I moved to Lakeside Park because this is just a lovely, lovely community,” Colvin said. “You guys are doing a great job. If I had known the chicken coops were in the back of yards, I probably wouldn’t have moved here.”
Supporters of the ordinance cited homeowners’ rights and the sustainability of backyard chickens in urging its passage. Lisa and Keith Hill expressed support for their neighbor’s ability to responsibly raise chickens.
“I’m not going to use this time to list a myriad of obvious reasons why our citizens should be allowed to responsibly raise chickens, just as they responsibly tend their gardens, scape their landscapes, raise and care for the dogs and cats, not to mention the host of other freedoms and privileges we responsibly exercise,” Keith Hill said.
Schabell introduced the legislation during a city meeting on Feb. 10. Similar versions of the ordinance were introduced in January.
The issue stemmed from a May 2024 citation Lakeside Park resident Jim Wilson received from Planning & Development Services of Kenton County for owning chickens. The Wilson family purchased chickens for their daughter, who has autism. The chickens effectively functioned as emotional support animals for their daughter.
Lakeside Park ordinance 50.009, which passed in 2015, prohibits the “keeping of cattle, horses, chickens and other barntype animals” in any non-agricultural zoned area of the city. LINK nky previously reported that the Wilsons believed chickens were legal within Lakeside Park prior to receiving the citation.
went before the Kenton County Code Enforcement Board on March 10 to plead their case, citing academic literature and personal anecdotes on the efficacy of chickens as emotional support animals. After the code enforcement board meeting, the chicken ordinance was discussed further at a March 10 city council meeting.
Opinions ranged from support to skepticism to outright opposition. Ultimately, the council conducted a first reading of the ordinance.
The Wilsons circulated a petition that accrued 498 signatures, 286 of which were from Lakeside Park residents. They also
Before the vote on the ordinance, Beth Wilson, Jim’s wife, asked city council to consider grandfathering their chickens because the Wilsons owned them before the 2015 nuisance ordinance was passed.
“We are simply asked that our lives not be turned upside down and that we may continue to care for our daughter and her animals, who are truly part of our family,” Wilson said.
Nathan Granger contributed to this report
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The Wilsons
The Wilsons bought chickens for the emotional support of their daughter, who has autism. Provided | Beth Wilson
operate Wilson’s Henhouse Advocacy, an initiative that supports backyard chickens in Lakeside Park.
Continued from page 1 to that was ’97 at the post.”
In 2018, Toebbe said, “the post wasn’t financially prepared, so we had to hold off until we got a check from insurance. It took about four months. So we were down for probably close to a half a year, but everything got redone. We cut walls out, redid the flooring and started all over again.”
Veterans are familiar with disaster preparedness, Toebbe said, so this time volunteers came out to move many of the chairs, tables, gaming machines and other objects off the floor to mitigate the damage before the waters rose. Cross and Toebbe said that they had expected about a foot of water to get into the building; when they checked on Sunday, they found about three feet had gotten in.
Enda, meanwhile, has a heart condition, Cross said, so “we recommended he get out. He refused to, and it was happening so quickly. It was one of those things that we couldn’t really do much about it.”
Enda had some supplies to hold him over during the flooding, and the upper floor has its own electricity, so he never lost power, even when the flooding was at its worst. “I can stay there and still watch TV and still cook and everything else,” he said.
Toebbe said some people from the community took Enda some supplies by boat on April 8.
“They kayaked him a couple packs of cigarettes, a gallon of milk and, I think, some candy,” Toebbe said. “So, he could have clearly went right back out with them and chose not to.”
By two days later, much of the water had receded. “It’s all just cleanup now,” Enda said.
Getting back in business
Cross and some insurance adjusters walked through the building April 10 to survey the damage. Given that the VFW had more contingency plans in place this time, Cross and Toebbe said its operations won’t
be interrupted for long. Community members had come out to check on the building even during the flood, so Toebbe was optimistic they could get timely cleanup help.
“I think that’s one of the differences between 2018 and now is the post has been so much more focused on community involvement lately, and I think that’s the reason they’re getting the reception they are from the community,” Toebbe said. “Every [social media] post that they make out there, you’ll see 10 people asking, ‘Hey,
when can we help? What do you need help with?’”
Cross and Toebbe said the post was still on track to host its community fishing derby in June. That takes place at the large lake behind the building.
“It’s gonna be a lot of work, but veterans are resilient,” Toebbe said. “We’ll overcome it and be back better than before and learn something every time.”
The mud-caked interior of the VFW on April 10. Provided | Joe Cross
An aerial photo of the VFW in Latonia on the morning of April 5, before the river crested. Provided | James Toebbe
Galaxie brings food, beats, vibe to Madison Avenue
By Kenton Hornbeck
Dine, dance and drink – that’s the slogan of Covington’s newest electronic dance club and eatery, Galaxie.
Galaxie, at 815 Madison Ave., is the brainchild of entrepreneur Thor Morgan. The original Galaxie location is in Louisville. Following its success, Morgan decided to look at areas up north to open a second dance club and restaurant.
Morgan said that, after an intensive search and vetting process, he landed on Covington as Galaxie’s next location.
“We looked all over, honestly, the tri-state area, and really felt at home in this town,” Morgan said. “This strip, Madison Avenue, is a beautiful, really cool area, and just so much potential.”
Galaxie’s food and drink menu features several favorites, including margaritas, loaded Vader fries and wakatakas – its signature flatbread tacos.
Galaxie opened in December in the former Acme Lock building. After Acme Lock closed, Morgan and the building’s owners, Edward Wimmer and Erin Eimer, collaborated on a total renovation of the space. The interior was gutted, and a bar, stage and dance floor were added.
While the project was challenging, Morgan said Galaxie signed a long-term lease in the space. LINK nky reported that Galaxie signed a seven-year lease in March.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Morgan said. “It certainly wasn’t an easy project to take on, but we signed a long-term lease.”
Further, Galaxie took advantage of Covington’s Small Business Incentive program, which provides financial incentives to small businesses that have either just opened or are looking to relocate to the city.
In March, Covington commissioners approved a one-year, $6,000 rent subsidy for Galaxie. The program reimburses up to $500 of the business’s monthly rent payments for up to one year.
The city on April 10 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Galaxie, at which the owners were celebrated for expanding into the city.
“This adds to this block,” Mayor Ron Washington said. “As you know, SparkHaus is going in. There are going to be many en-
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trepreneurs going to businesses here, doing business down there. Hopefully they’ll come and enjoy a margarita and a wakataka.”
Galaxie is a block from some of the highest foot-traffic businesses in Covington, including Hotel Covington, Braxton Brewing and Agave & Rye. Madison Live, a live-music venue, is also nearby.
Galaxie hopes the opening of SparkHaus in September will generate even more foot
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Covington officials celebrate the opening of Galaxie Bar on April 10.
Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky
Alexandria artist earns top award in Ohio exhibition
By Haley Parnell
Alexandria-based artist JeeEun Lee carves out a personal topography of belonging in her work. Now, she has earned top honors in Ohio’s premier fine craft exhibition with a ceramic wall sculpture.
Lee’s ”Belonging/Sense” is featured in the “Best of 2025” at the Ohio Craft Museum’s annual juried members exhibition. The “Best of 2025” showcases 81 works of contemporary fine craft by 65 artists. The works, in clay, glass, metal, wood, fiber and mixed media, were selected from nearly 400 entries. Sixteen artists received excellence awards in Ohio Designer Craftsmen’s annual members competition.
Originally from South Korea, Lee came to the United States in 2010 to join Syracuse University’s master’s program in ceramics. She also holds a master’s degree in sculpture from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea. Lee came to Northern Kentucky in 2016 to teach ceramics at Northern Kentucky University, where she is an associate professor.
“In my work practice, I focus on finding questions about my identity and relationship with nature,” Lee said. “For me, nature is mysterious and creates a sense of hope for the universe, or urging me to reconsider the meaning of life and to be aware of myself.”
Lee said she tries to find common denom-
inators between human life and nature in her art. She uses a lot of natural imagery, especially water and mountains, which is reflected in “Belonging/Sense.”
“I was thinking about where I belong and where my home is, and I went to create the series of mountain landscapes that established a sense of place, memories, time and also a fleeting experience of the moments,” Lee said. “This installation touches on various aspects of human nature, such as a sense of belonging, growth and hope and faith.”
When sculpting “Belonging/Sense,” Lee used two different media: white stoneware and red clay. The figure is made of white stoneware, and the mountains are red clay.
Lee said she used mostly a hand-building process to make the figures. She then applied a combination of glazes and an oxide wash and applied image transfer for the clothing. Lee said they went through at least three kiln firings.
Josh Maier, who also teaches ceramics and sculpture, said Lee’s work is “prolific.”
“When she’s not making,” he said, “she’s physically seeking opportunities that she can either be working toward, opportunities to display her work, opportunities for her personal professional development, or professional exposure for classes here at NKU.”
Maier said obstacles often arise when using clay that has nothing to do with artistry.
DIVISION I
CASE NO.: 23-CI-00433
MORTGAGE RESEARCH CENTER, LLC D/B/A VETERANS UNITED HOME LOANS, A MISSOURI LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION VERSUS}
TOBY HENDERSON, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 18, 2023 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, MAY 15, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
He said the materials could be affected by humidity in the air, which can slow progress. If it’s warm, it will speed up drying time. Industry changes, like materials’ no longer being mined or the price per pound rising, can also affect their work.
Lee created “Belonging/Sense” during her two-week vacation, working 10 hours a day. She said creating figures, especially if it has hands and feet, is time consuming. It can take at least six hours to make one hand, she said.
“It’s a material that you can’t take home and work at your personal studio,” Maier said. “You have to have equipment that is off-site. Even if it’s like going into the studio just to uncover work for a couple of hours, to help it dry out, but maintain a slow pace for it, it’s a true commitment.”
In addition to being featured in the Ohio exhibition, “Belonging/Sense” received the $2,000 Challenge Award for Excellence.
“That is a huge honor for me, getting that recognition in this area,” Lee said. “I hope that is a starting point. I can, you know, expand out more of my work in that area, too.”
Lee said the prize money would help her create more, because the materials and equipment she needs are getting more expensive. Lee said travel costs also can add up when going to exhibitions.
Maier, who is working toward a solo show
MASTER
COMMISSIONER’S SALE
BOONE
COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
DIVISION
III
BOONE CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO.: 24-CI-01812
JETSTREAM HOLDINGS, LLC VERSUS}
JOSEPH MICHAEL RICHARDSON, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered APRIL 8, 2025 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, MAY 15, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
The complete legal description is particularly set out in the Judgment and Order of Sale entered in this case.
for his work, has received a $5,000 individual artist award through a local summer fair organization. He said such awards allow artists to keep being makers, especially those who dedicate so much time to teaching.
“An artist has a deep-seated need to be a maker, but, when you also take on education, it kind of hacks into that,” Maier said. “These kinds of awards, these kinds of grants, make it sustainable for professional artists to continue to make their work.”
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered APRIL 8, 2025 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, MAY 15, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
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
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
All sales are “as is” and the
the
and
FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THESE SALES AND OTHER UPCOMING SALES CAN BE FOUND AT
WEBSITE FOR ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS.
“Belonging/Sense” by JeeEun Lee. Provided | JeeEun Lee
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00012 DIVISION 1
NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING VS.
COLLIN BAYNUM, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/11/2025 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 5/13/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 114 Main Avenue, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076
Group No: 30632/A1
PIDN: 999-99-21-668.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00554 DIVISION 2
CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC VS.
ANDREA J. MARDIS, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/24/2025 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 5/13/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:
72 View Terrace Drive Suite 7, Southgate, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 41642/K2
PIDN: 999-99-10-848.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00493 DIVISION 2
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST AND FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005-SD1, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES VS.
SUSAN MOORE AKA SUSAN L. MOORE, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/24/2025 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 5/13/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 502 Seventh Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074
Group No: 41345/A4
PIDN: 999-99-09-623.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00279
DIVISION 1
WELLINGTON PLACE COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. VS.
ADAM J. CARR, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/10/2025 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 5/13/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 10602 Christa Court, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001
Group No: 70239/A13
PIDN: 999-99-36-247.01
COMMISSIONER’S SALE
CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
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
WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS OF
SALE. JOSEPH F. GRIMME, MASTER COMMISSIONER 859-291-9075
CASE NUMBER 22-CI-00848
DIVISION 2
CITIZENS BANK, N.A. VS.
WILLIAM S. FULMER, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/28/2025 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 5/13/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 8 Driftwood Court, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001
Group No: 70304/T2
PIDN: 999-99-24-042.00
CASE NUMBER 19-CI-00918 DIVISION 1
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE VS.
MAE MAYES AKA MAY MAYES, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 1/19/2021 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 5/13/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 700 Smith Hiteman Road, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001
Group No: 70123/Z
PIDN: 999-99-30-652.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00367 DIVISION 2
FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VS. LINDA HODGE THOMAS, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/28/2025 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 5/13/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 10100 Jefferson Street, California, Kentucky 41007
Family, friends greet honored veterans from DC as honor flight returns
Eighty-eight veterans and their companions were greeted by hundreds of friends and family members April 8 at Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport when they returned home from Washington, D.C.
The veterans were part of the latest trip organized by Honor Flight, a national organization that takes veterans free of charge to visit their service memorials in the U.S. capital. Honor Flight wants participants to “share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other veterans,” according to its website.
All World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans aged 65 and older who served either stateside or overseas are eligible to participate. Learn more at honorflight.org.
Photographer Adam Howard captured the return.
Backers cite inflation in bid to raise Erlanger dollar limit on gifts
Erlanger City Council discussed changing the dollar limit for gifts that members can accept, with multiple members citing the need to be transparent and uphold public trust during the April 15 meeting.
Councilwoman Jennifer Jasper-Lucas started the evening with a presentation and said the purpose of the limit is to pro-
mote transparency, fairness and combat bribery. Jasper-Lucas said some staff members have said the current limit of $100, established in 1994, is creating a burden for them.
“We don’t have to look far, unfortunately, for examples of local elected officials being bribed,” she said. “Three former Cincinnati City Council members have faced jail time for bribery, and that’s just been in the last four years.”
Some examples Jasper-Lucas gave were local elected officials and municipal employees directing contracts to certain vendors or grant money to certain nonprofits for a kickback. In other industries there are similar limitations to Erlanger’s $100 limit such as KRS 304.12, which limits insurance agents from giving gifts over $25 to induce the purchase of insurance.
“We are dealing with taxpayers’ money. It’s not our money, it’s the public’s money,” Jasper-Lucas said. “We have an obligation to make sure it’s being spent fairly and appropriately. We can’t allow ourselves to be influenced to direct funds to certain vendors because they give us Reds tickets or to certain pet projects of a specific council member because they let us use their houseboat for vacation.”
Council member Diana Niceley backed Jasper-Lucas by saying that keeping the $100 limit was not to take away niceties like cookies, a meal or appreciative gifts from council members or municipal workers, but to protect the public from swayed choices when it comes to bids or services to the city.
Niceley also brought up that more expensive outings, such as golfing or dinner, can be scheduled months out by agencies hosting them. She said that, given how far in advance events like this can be scheduled, it would allow council’s members to bring the outing forward publicly and decide whether or not it is acceptable.
While Niceley and Jasper-Lucas were not in favor of making changes, council member Tyson Hermes thought some language needed an update. One instance he brought up was the long-winded description of who
qualifies as an immediate family member. Hermes suggested that some of it could be simplified to just “child” from “unemancipated child” and to include parents, too.
Jasper-Lucas argued that, when a child is emancipated, a member of council is less likely to be involved in their finances. City Attorney Jack Gatlin also pointed out that ordinance could be changed to the even simpler “family member.”
Hermes said he was overall in favor of increasing the dollar amount to $150 due to the dollar’s value in 1994 versus 2025. His argument was that the extended dollar amount is still not enough to sway or bribe a city employee.
When a straw poll was taken, council members Hermes, Chris Farmer and Renee Wilson voted in favor of increasing the limit to $150. Council members Jasper-Lucas, Niceley, Rebecca Reckers, Michele Fields, Renee Skidmore and Tom Cahill voted to leave the dollar amount as is. This is an unofficial vote; the matter will be voted on again during the council’s next meeting on May 6.
Ludlow joins roster of NKY cities to pass smoke-free ordinance
Ludlow City Council unanimously passed an ordinance in early April banning smoking on city property, in places of employment and in enclosed public spaces.
The city now joins Bellevue, Dayton and Highland Heights in approving smoke-free ordinances.
“The Ludlow City Council is thoroughly committed to our community’s health,” said Ludlow Mayor Chris Wright in a press release. “This is just one way we can help build a brighter and healthier Ludlow for all citizens.”
Several regionwide institutions, including St. Elizabeth Healthcare, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the OneNKY Alliance have all advocated for smoking bans, to mixed reaction among community members and businesses. Other cities that have passed smoking bans
in Kentucky include Lexington, London, Louisville and Morehead.
In Ohio, a statewide smoking ban went into effect in 2007.
Walk-Up Window, Alley now open at Hotel
Covington
Coppin’s Walk-Up Window and Coppin’s Alley are now open for business.
Coppin’s, at 638 Madison Ave. inside Hotel Covington, will serve chicken and beef tacos, sweet potato tacos, chips, salsa, guacamole, Ro Ro’s cookies, Graeter’s ice cream cups and sodas from the walk-up window.
The walk-up window is open 9 to 11 p.m. Thursdays, and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Hotel Covington’s website says Coppin’s Walk-Up is “committed to culinary excellence and innovations, using the finest locally and globally sourced ingredients.”
Graeter’s, New Riff collaborate on new bourbon ball ice cream
Graeter’s Ice Cream and New Riff Distilling have announced their first collaboration, Graeter’s Bourbon Ball Ice Cream.
Graeter’s Bourbon Ball, which replaces brown butter bourbon pecan, is inspired by the classic Kentucky confection. It’s a bourbon-infused ice cream with whiskey-glazed pecans and dark chocolate
The alley next to Hotel Covington. Provided | Hotel Covington on Facebook
Loved ones and friends welcome veterans returning from the Honor Flight. Provided | Adam Howard
Graeter’s and New Riff Distilling collaborated on the new bourbon ball ice cream flavor. Provided | Graeter’s Ice Cream chips. Its signature flavor comes from a hand-selected single barrel of New Riff’s crafted bourbon.
The new flavor is available at New Riff’s gift shop and Graeter’s scoop shops. Fans can also find the flavor in Meijer, Jungle Jim’s and Dorothy Lane Market stores this spring.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with New Riff Distilling to create a flavor that celebrates two iconic treats: Kentucky Bourbon and ice cream,” said Richard Graeter, fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter’s.
“Graeter’s has been an incredible partner,” said Mollie Lewis, New Riff’s president. “Not only do they make amazing ice cream, but the way they incorporated our single barrel bourbon into this recipe blew us away.”
St. Joseph School academic team places 7th in state competition
The middle school academic team from St. Joseph School, a Catholic school in Crescent Springs, scored seventh among 332 teams at this year’s state Quick Recall competition in March.
Called the Governor’s Cup, the state competition features both individual and team events, including a writing competition and assessments in five different academic specialty areas.
The Quick Recall competition consists of team-based Jeopardy!-style contests in which students have to be the first to ring a buzzer after being posed questions in five academic specialties. This is the second year St. Joseph School made it into the top eight in the competition and the highest position the school has ever achieved.
This year’s middle school team members are listed below:
• Harrison Atzinger: 8th grade.
• Charlotte Breetz: 8th grade.
• Georgia Falhauber: 8th grade.
• Luke Weber: 7th grade.
• Henry Hinzman: 7th grade.
• Jack McClanahan: 7th grade.
• Henry Eby: 6th grade.
• Elizabeth Tewes: 6th grade.
• Nolan Kiely: 6th grade.
“Congratulations to a hard-working team and their coaches!” said Principal Sally Zeck in an email.
Delete 23andMe data, attorney general urges after bankruptcy filing
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman issued a consumer alert urging state residents to protect their genetic data following 23andMe’s bankruptcy announcement.
The San Francisco-based company collects and analyzes people’s genetic code to help trace their family lineage and potential personal health risks. In March, 23andMe filed for bankruptcy and intends to sell its assets.
Due to the company’s large collection of genetic data, state law enforcement officials are reminding Kentuckians of their rights under the Kentucky Genetic Information Privacy Act. This law allows Kentucky residents to delete their consumer account and genetic data tied to it. In addition, people have the right to request and obtain the destruction of any samples of genetic material held by the company.
“We have laws in place that protect Kentuckians’ rights and their personal information,” Coleman said in a press release. “Every Kentuckian who did business with 23andMe should consider taking the prop-
NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS OF KENTUCKY UTILITIES COMPANY
er steps to safeguard their sensitive information.”
Consumers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps:
• Log into 23andMe account on its website.
• Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
• Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
• Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
• Download your data. If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
• Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
• Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
• Confirm your request. You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.
If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe but want to change that preference, you can do so from the account settings page under “Preferences.”
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers using your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”
RECOVERY BY ENVIRONMENTAL SURCHARGE OF KENTUCKY UTILITIES COMPANY’S 2025 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PLAN
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that in an April 30, 2025 Application, Kentucky Utilities Company (“KU”) is seeking approval by the Kentucky Public Service Commission (“Commission”) in Case No. 2025-00105, pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 278.183, of an amended compliance plan (“2025 Plan”). (Collectively, KU’s Application and supporting testimony and exhibits are KU’s “tariff filing.”) If approved, KU will begin recovering capital costs associated with a new pollution control facility in the 2025 Plan under KU’s existing Electric Rate Schedule ECR (also known as the Environmental Surcharge tariff) through an increase in the environmental surcharge on customers’ bills beginning in December 2025.
KU filed an application with the Commission on February 28, 2025, in Case No. 2025-00045 seeking approval to construct a selective catalytic reduction system at the Ghent generating station to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are a precursor to ozone. In Case No. 2025-00105, KU is seeking an order approving the 2025 Plan to recover the costs of this new pollution control facility through its Environmental Surcharge tariff. This project will help ensure ongoing compliance with regulations issued under the federal Clean Air Act as amended, including the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone.
The estimated total capital cost of this new pollution control facility is $152.3 million. Additionally, KU is requesting recovery of future incremental capital and operation and maintenance expenses associated with this new pollution control facility. KU is also asking to recover the cost of publishing this customer notice through the Environmental Surcharge over 12 months and to have Environmental Surcharge recovery of future Commission-approved administrative expenses, including customer notice costs.
Beginning in December 2025, the initial bill impact for KU’s Group 1 customers is estimated to be a 0.01% increase with a maximum increase of 0.81% in 2029. Group 1 includes Rate Schedules Residential Service (RS), Residential Time-of-Day Energy Service (RTODE), Residential Time-of-Day Demand Service (RTODD), Volunteer Fire Department Service (VFD), All Electric School (AES), and all Lighting Rates (i.e., LS, RLS, LE, and TE). RS and VFD customers using 1,085 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.01 up to $1.09. RTODE customers using 1,043 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.01 up to $1.14. RTODD customers using 987 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.02 up to $1.80. AES customers using 25,620 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.30 up to $24.28. LS and RLS customers could expect a monthly increase of $0.00 up to $0.12. LE customers using 2,473 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.02 up to $1.59. TE customers using 147 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.00 up to $0.15.
Beginning in December 2025, the initial bill impact for KU’s Group 2 customers is estimated to be a 0.01% increase with a maximum increase of 1.10% in 2029. Group 2 includes Rate Schedules General Service (GS), General Time-of-Day Energy Service (GTODE), General Time-of-Day Demand Service (GTODD), Power Service (PS), Time-of-Day Secondary Service (TODS), Time-of-Day Primary Service (TODP), Retail Transmission Service (RTS), Fluctuating Load Service (FLS), and Outdoor Sports Lighting Service (OSL).
GS customers using 1,657 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.03 up to $2.41. GTODD customers using 19,652 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.31 up to $25.26. PS-Secondary customers using 30,434 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.39 up to $32.35. PS-Primary customers using 35,028 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.45 up to $36.82. TODS customers using 189,538 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $1.54 up to $126.82. TODP customers using 1,242,574 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $8.25 up to $678.42. RTS customers using 7,387,224 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $38.91 up to $3,199.31. FLS-Transmission customers using 44,229,667 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $237.46 up to $19,525.53. OSL-Secondary customers using 4,627 kWh/month could expect a monthly increase of $0.17 up to $13.87.
The Application described in this Notice is proposed by KU, but the Commission may issue an order resulting in an environmental surcharge for customers other than the environmental surcharge described in this Notice.
Comments regarding KU’s 2025 Plan and Application may be submitted to the Commission through its website or by mail to the Public Service Commission, Post Office Box 615, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602.
Any person may submit a timely written request for intervention to the Public Service Commission, Post Office Box 615, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602, establishing the grounds for the request including the status and interest of the party. If the Commission does not receive a written request for intervention within thirty (30) days of the initial publication of this Notice, the Commission may take final action on the Application.
Any person may examine KU’s tariff filing at the Commission’s offices located at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or through the Commission’s website at http://psc.ky.gov or KU’s website (http://www.lge-ku.com) after KU makes its tariff filing on April 30, 2025. KU has requested a deviation from the requirement to make the tariff filing available at its office at One Quality Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507. If the Commission denies that request, KU will make the tariff filing available at its office upon request by any person.
By Kenton Hornbeck
Businesses try to adjust as tariffs hit home
ara Acri, owner of Covington-based Scarlet Begonia’s Flower Truck, wrestled with the decision to charge a 10% service fee on all her flower sales.
She told LINK nky the decision made her “sick to her stomach,” but ultimately, as a small business owner, she couldn’t avoid it. Why? Tariffs.
“It was a tough business decision for me to make,” Acri said. “It’s something that I’ve said in messages to our customers. It’s made me sick to my stomach. It’s not something that I want to do or wanted to do.”
Tariffs are essentially a tax placed by a government on imported goods. The 10% service fee represents a pass-through charge resulting from a 10% tariff imposed April 5 by the Trump administration on imports worldwide. The administration has said the goal is to encourage American consumers and businesses to purchase more domestically produced goods, thereby motivating companies to increase manufacturing within the United States.
Experts warn, though, that tariffs will lead to higher prices for businesses that need imported goods and for their consumers. A criticism of the universal tariffs is that some businesses may be forced to pass the cost of the tariffs on to their customers. Locally, some small business owners, such as Acri, are worried the tariffs will place undue financial pressure on their enterprises.
Acri buys her flowers from Cincinnati Wholesale Florist, a company that imports flowers from around the world, then sells them to buyers in the area. Acri said much of the wholesaler’s inventory comes from Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Canada – all countries whose exports to the U.S. are hit by the tariffs. Her wholesaler sells flowers grown in the U.S., too, but the bulk are from other countries.
“That’s what’s impacting my business right now, because obviously those tariffs are being applied to what my wholesaler imports, and unfortunately that’s where I had
Business
to make the decision to apply a service fee, because I simply can’t afford to absorb that increase in cost as a result of the universal tariffs remaining in place,” she said.
While larger businesses with greater financial resources may be able to absorb tariff costs, small businesses with tighter margins are forced to pass on their costs to customers in order to stay afloat. Acri said that, if and when the tariffs are rescinded, she would immediately slash the 10% service fee.
Besides flowers, other small businesses, such as coffee shops, are finding it difficult to navigate the plethora of tariff announcements. Over the past couple of years, coffee prices have increased due to several factors, including global supply chain disruptions caused by weather events, labor shortages and weak harvests. Now, tariffs threaten to raise domestic coffee prices even higher.
Alejandra Flores, owner of Unataza Coffee in Dayton, explained that almost all coffee beans are farmed and produced in warm-weather countries like Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia. The United States produces a small fraction of the world’s total supply, less than 0.1%, according to an analysis published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. In fact, Hawaii is virtually the only U.S. state that produces coffee.
Conversely, the United States is the world’s second largest importer of unroasted coffee beans, behind only the European Union. The U.S. imports 99% of its coffee supply, according to the National Coffee Association.
Due to the domestic industry’s reliance on imported coffee, costs are expected to increase. The Trump administration levied a 10% tariff on imports from Brazil and Colombia. Imports from Vietnam were tapped with a 46% tariff. Brazil, Colombia
and Vietnam are the three largest coffee suppliers to the United States.
“Your espresso drinks are going to go up,” Flores said. “Your drip coffee is going to increase.”
Flores said other expenses associated with running a coffee shop are also increasing. This includes payroll software, plasticware and food such as eggs and whole milk.
“There are expenses that you need to cover as a business,” she said. “Unfortunately, that is going up, too.”
Brent Cooper, president of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, said his organization is closely monitoring the situation and is actively working on a public response. Behind the scenes, Cooper said that businesses are having a tough time navigating the unpredictability of the tariff rollouts.
“We’ve seen major back-and-forth changes regarding tariffs, and, as a result of the unpredictability of the situation, we’ve got people who are holding back projects, delaying projects, and people are trying to navigate which way to go from here,” Cooper said. “There’s just a lot of uncertainty, and that’s just a killer for businesses.”
Cooper said many Northern Kentucky business leaders are aligned with many of the Trump administration’s policy goals, such as securing the southern border, mitigating the flow of fentanyl and reinvesting in American manufacturing. Many local business leaders, though, would prefer a business climate that is “fair, simple, and predictable,” he said, so they can have adequate time to adjust to the shifting economic landscape.
“Here in Northern Kentucky, we make things, and we move things, and whenever there are higher taxes or higher costs, it has a negative impact on our economy, and on those two sectors in particular,” he said.
U.S. tariffs and supply challenges have combined to increase costs at shops like Unataza Coffee. Photo by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor
By Maria Hehman
TFrom grab and go to sit and savor in Villa Hills
his Streetscapes we venture to Villa HIlls for coffee flights, pressed paninis, fresh produce and a brand new restaurant with American food and elevated atmosphere.
Villa Mocha
Villa Mocha coffee shop was created by a husband and wife looking to bring a local coffee shop to the people of Villa Hills. Villa Hills may be surrounded by restaurants, but many are chains, so this local coffee shop was a pleasant surprise.
Its coffee options include espresso drinks, drip options and blended options, as well as a variety of tea. Among the more unusual menu offerings are coffee flights – four slightly larger than sample size lattes, perfect for the person who wants a taste of everything. Flights rotate with the season and can be customized with the guest’s milk of choice.
For food there are plenty of baked goods, and each Friday is Pie Day, when Villa Mocha serves up slices of quiche and pie from local bakers.
The interior is colorful and homey, with plenty of spaces for first dates, catching up with friends, kids playing and students doing work. Seating is mixed – barstools, tables and even old church pews – to ensure every guest has a seat that appeals.
Kremer’s Market
Half market, half deli and home to some of the tastiest sandwiches in NKY, Kremer’s Market has a little slice of everything. It carries an abundance of fresh produce along with pantry essentials, making it a quick stop without the hassle of a larger grocery store.
Kremer’s deli section is one of the best notso-hidden gems, featuring daily rotating lunches and dinners with items like meatball subs and chicken alfredo pasta. In addition, the core sandwich menu includes breakfast sandwiches, signature sandwiches and pressed paninis.
The paninis run $6 or less and come in a variety of options. For a fresh and light lunch, the Mediterranean is a great option, while
the Red Barn Classic with Kremer’s baked ham, apricot glaze and gruyere cheese creates a perfect blend of savory and sweet.
Other options include salad bar and soup offerings, and grab and go options for any time of the day. And if you thought it couldn’t get any better, Kremer’s also has desserts from Servatii’s and the BonBonerie.
Sanctuary Social
The newest addition to Villa Hills, Sanctuary Social, has been living up to its name since its opening. It offers brunch, lunch and dinner and is an all-occasion destination. Its interior is modern and elevated, making for a cozy date night spot, but not so fancy that it would deter from a casual lunch with friends.
The expansive menu covers mostly American dishes with nods to other cuisines, but with options for all. Brunch includes options of a breakfast bowl with potatoes, sausage gravy, cheddar cheese, scallions and the choice of brisket or bacon.
For a sweet start there are Belgian waffles with strawberries, powdered sugar and maple syrup or cinnamon swirl waffles. Brunch is never complete without coffee or a cocktail, and Sanctuary Social has both.
Lunch and dinner highlights include flatbreads and tacos along with sandwiches and salads. The Cuban flatbread or Alabama White Chicken Sammie are great, flavorful choices and are just the beginning of the possibilities.
As if there needed to be another reason to visit, I’ll give you three: full bar offerings, live music and a patio. A trifecta for the warm days ahead.
Coffee flight from Villa Mocha. Photos by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor
Kremer’s Market sign.
Colorful interior of Villa Mocha.
3 college players from NKY announce transfer destinations
A trio of local hoopsters in the college ranks have picked their new homes.
Simon Kenton alum Gabe Dynes, Holy Cross alum Jacob Meyer and Ryle alum Abby Holtman all hit the transfer portal recently.
Dynes to USC: Dynes is headed to the Big 10, not in the Midwest, but in Southern California, where he’ll play for the University of Southern California next season. He’s transferring from Youngstown State after two seasons with the Penguins.
Interest in Dynes was high among Power 4 schools, the 7-foot-3 center leading Division I with 104 blocked shots this past season. In his sophomore season in Youngstown, he posted 6.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game in 34 games, shooting nearly 70% from the field. Dynes played in 62 games for the Penguins, averaged 18.1 minutes per contest and shot 70% from the field. He pulled down 309 rebounds to go with 167 blocked shots.
The rising junior hails from Independence, where he was a standout for the Pioneers, posting 600 points and 498 rebounds in his final two seasons with Simon Kenton. He led the state in field goal percentage his senior year and was named to the Ohio-Kentucky All-Star team, among many other local All-Conference teams in northern Kentucky.
He’ll head to play for Eric Musselman and the Trojans as they come off a disappointing 17-18 campaign in 2024-25.
Meyer to UAB: Meyer is headed to play for Andy Kennedy and the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers. This will be Meyer’s third school in three years.
After becoming the all-time leading scorer in 9th Region history in his high school career with the Indians, Meyer took his talents to Coastal Carolina University. Meyer thrived with the Chanticleers, finishing fifth in Division I among true freshmen with 15.7 points per game. Meyer decided to up the competition and transfer to DePaul and play for Chris Holtman.
Meyer started his Blue Demons career strong with double-digit scoring in 17 of his first 18 games, but he finished with just one more in his last 15 games. He closed out his sophomore campaign in Chicago with 8.9 points per game on 38% shooting from the field.
UAB is coming off a successful 2024-25 season in which it went 24-13 and finished third in the American Athletic Conference. UAB came up a win short of making the NCAA tournament, losing to Memphis in the AAC conference championship game. The Blazers played in the NIT, making it to the quarterfinals before losing to UC Irvine.
Holtman follows coach to Mercer: Holtman spent two seasons at the University of Cincinnati and is now headed to Mercer University in Georgia.
She appeared in 48 games for the Bearcats over the two years, including all 28 in her sophomore season. She had three games where she hit at least two 3-pointers this past season.
Now she’ll play for former Cincinnati coach Michelle Clark-Heard, who recruited Holtman to UC but was let go after Holtman’s freshman season.
Holtman is the program record holder for 3-pointers made at Ryle with 290. She finished her Ryle career with 1,611 points and 504 rebounds.
Walton-Verona, Beechwood, Bishop Brossart claim All ‘A’ baseball titles
The small school regional tournaments commenced and Walton-Verona, Beechwood and Bishop Brossart all came out victorious.
The Bearcats were the earliest of the winning trio, claiming the title April 2 in a 10-0 victory over Eminence. Aiden Kerns pitched a no-hitter in five innings, striking out six and walking one. The Bearcats 8th Region All “A” title was their eighth in a row. Kerns was named tournament MVP, while Evan Seibold, Miles Lehmkuhl and Will Hurles were named to the All-Tournament team.
The Bearcats advanced to the All “A” state tournament, where they opened up sectional play April 17 against Kentucky Country Day. If they won that, it gets them to the quarterfinals in Owensboro on April 26.
Beechwood took down Newport Central Catholic April 10 in the 9th Region All “A”
championship, 12-4, for its fourth straight All “A” regional title. Brooks Becker was named Tournament MVP, and Chase Flaherty and Keagan Hutton were named to the All-Tournament team. The Tigers advanced to the All “A” state tournament sectional round to face Bishop Brossart on April 16. The winner of that one gets the Sayre-Danville winner on April 26 in Owensboro in the All “A” state tournament quarterfinals.
Brossart defeated Paris and Augusta on the same day, April 12, to win its first All “A” regional title since 2019.
Cooper grad Held gets WNBA invite to training camp
Lexi Held will get another shot at her WNBA dream. The former Cooper High star recently got a training camp contract for the Phoenix Mercury.
Held is playing in Hungary for PEAC-Pecs, where she’s averaging 16.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.1 steals through 19 games. The 5-foot-10 guard played in college at DePaul, where she helped lead the team to three Big East championships and was an All-Big East first team member in 2021.
At Cooper, Held scored over 2,400 points and posted 28.3 points per game in her senior season. She was named KABC 9th Region Player of the Year and named to several All-Region and All-Conference teams.
Phoenix gets its WNBA season underway on May 17. Held was one of four that got training camp invites, according to a release from the Mercury organization.
Beechwood won its 14th – and fourth straight –9th Region All “A” title. Provided | Charles Bolton
Gabe Dynes led Division I in blocked shots for Youngstown State. Provided | Marc Figgins
Holy Cross grad Jacob Meyer is transferring from DePaul to UAB. Photo by Steve Woltmann | DePaul Athletics
Lexi Held will get a shot with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. Provided | DePaul women’s basketball
Brent Spence project likely to close part of riverfront trail
By Nathan Granger
Covington is considering closing down a portion of the Riverfront Commons trail to allow vehicle and machinery access for the Brent Spence Bridge project.
The city commission heard a proposal April 15 from the city’s administration department that, if approved, would accept a de minimis impact statement from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the U.S. Department of Transportation. This statement essentially affirms the corridor project’s commitment to cause as little damage to the trails and the surrounding area as possible during construction.
The question was placed on the regular agenda for the week’s meeting, meaning the commission will discuss it further before casting a final vote.
“This came about as we were having discussions earlier this year with KYTC about routes of construction traffic down by the riverfront,” said Liz Wetzel, Covington’s director of special projects. “They would be offloading a lot of materials during construction from barges, and it would be located at the Pete Rose Pier area at Scribble Park, which would necessitate the crossing of the Riverfront Commons trail. It became apparent, clearly apparent, that there was no way to maintain that area of the trail safely with construction traffic continuously crossing the path.”
A letter from the U.S. Transportation Department lays out the work in more detail: “To facilitate safe construction of a new companion bridge and the rehabilitation
A map of Riverfront Commons in Covington. Provided | Southbank Partners of the existing [bridge], approximately 0.8 miles of the Riverfront Commons trail will be temporarily closed or detoured during periods of highway and bridge construction. Based on safety concerns shared by the City of Covington, this also includes closure of access to the area east of the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, starting near the intersection of West Second Street and Main Street, to approximately 150 feet west of Covington Plaza.”
Riverfront Commons is a 20-mile trail network, currently at various stages of construction, that is to connect the region’s river cities, from Bromley to Silver Grove. About 1.25 miles is finished and open in Covington along Highway Avenue and the Ohio River levee from the end of the Ohio River floodwall near Swain Court to just east of the Roebling Bridge at Riverside
Place. The city manages the part of the trail that falls within the corridor project’s construction area.
“Approximately 0.4 miles of the Riverfront Commons trail between the Ohio River levee gate and the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge will be temporarily covered with 5 feet to 12 feet of aggregate fill to construct a temporary access road,” the Transportation Department’s letter reads. The section of trail is expected to be closed for about five years, starting this summer, according to the letter, and a one-mile trail detour will be set up along Rivercenter Boulevard, West Third Street and Highway/Crescent Avenue.
Wetzel said the agreement included “terms for reconstructing the trail that will necessarily be damaged by construction traffic
going over it, especially under the companion bridge area and when they reconstruct the current Brent Spence Bridge.”
People were allowed to leave public comments on the matter before the April 15 meeting.
“We received 70-plus individual emails,” said Stacee Hans of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “Those were all taken into consideration.”
Some concerns expressed by the public included:
• The timing of the trail closure.
• Safety along the planned detour, namely a desire to expand the detour path to at least 10 feet to 12 feet, along with safety and noise barriers between the trail and the construction.
• Clear detour signage.
• Ensuring all parties were adequately informed of closures prior to the opening of the temporary trail.
• Ensuring the trail would be restored to its original state after construction.
The trail detour will be able to handle both foot and cycling traffic and will be rolled out in phases.
The Transportation Department’s letter ends by stating there will be a de minimis impact on Riverfront Commons after the construction, followed by a signature from Daniel Peake, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s director of environmental analysis agreeing to the terms laid out in the letter. The city was to vote on the matter April 22.
Four-bedroom Edgewood home on wooded lot
Address: 3258 Kruer Court, Edgewood
Price: $695,000
Bedrooms: Four
Bathrooms: Three (plus one half bath)
Square footage: 2,925
School district: Kenton County
County: Kenton
Special features: This custom-built Edgewood home, built in 1995, features a firstfloor primary suite, laundry and formal dining room. The main living area offers a vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace. Enjoy a finished walkout basement with a wet bar. Outside is a deck porch and patio overlooking a peaceful, wooded lot.
LEGAL NOTICE - SURPLUS PROPERTY SALE
The Northern Kentucky Water District (NKWD) hereby notifies the public that it will sell Computers, Tools, and/orother items (collectively “items”) via an electronic auctionlisting on http://www.govdeals.com. Items listed for publicauction include a large “lot” of used pipe ranging from 16”-42” in diameter, a crane truck, dump trucks, and vehicles.NKWD may offer other items for sale on the site other thanthose listed above.
Auctions last for 7 calendar days and will commenceon April 28, 2025. All items are sold “As Is” with no warranties, express or implied. NKWD reserves the right tocancel the electronic auction, or refuse any bid, at anytime for any reason. Any questions should be directed to(859)-426-2751.
• AJ’s Towing & Recovery
• Boone County Clerk
• Campbell County Clerk’s Office
• Campbell County District Court
• Campbell County Fire District #1
• Campbell County Fiscal Court
• Campbell County Planning & Zoning
• Campbell County Public Library
• Campbell County Sheriffs Office
• City of Alexandria
• City of Bellevue
• City of Cold Spring
• City of Covington
• City of Cresent Springs
• City of Crestview Hills
• City of Dayton
• City of Edgewood
• City of Elsmere
• City of Erlanger
• City of Florence
• City of Fort Mitchell
• City of Fort Thomas
• City of Fort Wright
• City of Highland Heights
• City of Independence
• City of Lakeside Park
• City of Ludlow
• City of Newport
• City of Ryland Heights
• City of Silver Grove
• City of Southgate
• City of Union
• City of Villa Hills
• City Of Walton
• City of Wilder
• City of Woodlawn
• Covington Public Independent Schools
• Cresent Springs Board of Adjustment
• Family Dollar Store
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 SCAN
• Fort Mitchell Board of Adjustment
• Fort Thomas Independent Schools
• Highland Heights Planning & Zoning
• Joseph F Grimme, Campbell County Master Commissioner
• Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL
• Kenton County Fiscal Court
• Kenton County Joint Board of Adjustment
• Larry Dillon, Boone County Master Commissioner
• Northern Kentucky Port Authority
• Northern Kentucky Water District
• Planning & Development Services of Kenton County
• The Baker Firm PLLC
• The Hidden Chapter Bookstore LLC
An exterior view of this Edgewood property. Photos provided | property owner
A look at this home’s eat-in kitchen.
The back of this home features a deck and a screened porch.
WINNER’S PARTY
THURSDAY, MAY 8 TH | 5:30 | FULL THROTTLE ADRENALINE PARK
Your ticket includes:
4 Axe Throwing - Show off your skills! 4 Go-Karting – Experience high-speed thrills!
4 Virtual Reality – Immerse yourself in next-level entertainment! 4 Delicious Food – Fuel up for the fun!
4 One Drink Ticket – Cheers to the winners! ALL ARE WELCOME!!
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