LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 3, Issue 30- June 20, 2025

KENTON

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 30 — JUNE 20, 2025

THE VOICE OF NKY

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COMMUNITY VOICES

It’s not just some creamy whip. It’s the Dari Bar

By Cody Pelle This Community Voices column is written

by Cody Pelle, a marketing and copywriting professional who has a knack for telling stories that bring us back to the nostalgic days of Northern Kentucky’s past. Have an idea for him? Email Cody at codympelle@gmail. com.

E

very time I try to tell an out-oftowner about the significance of the Dari Bar, I get the same, “Oh yeah, every small town has a dairy something.”

The thing is, Silver Grove is far more than a small town, and the Dari Bar is far more than a milkshake stand. It’s been the soul of the railroad town for nearly 60 years, and my family has been there for all of it.

My earliest memories consist of summertime neighborhood walks with my grandpa. My parents both worked, so I would spend my days at my grandparents’ place on Second Street.

Continues on page 3

Cody’s father and uncle play with other kids outside the Silver Grove Dari Bar. Provided | Cody Pelle

Latonia’s wait for its own library is over

By Nathan Granger

A

fter more than a century, Latonia has a library.

The Covington neighborhood is the home of the Kenton County Public Library’s newest location. The branch held its grand opening June 10 as a large crowd waited to get inside.

Crowds waited June 10 to see the new Latonia branch of the Kenton County Public Library. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

“We’ve been talking about expanding library services into Latonia for over 100 years now,” Paul Duryea, the branch’s manager, told the Latonia Business Association just before an exclusive tour June 9. “Once they started the Covington library in 1904, within the first decade, they were talking about, ‘How do we get books out to Latonia?’ It took us a little while, but it’s here.”

The new branch is the fourth location in the system, joining those on Scott Street in Covington and in Erlanger and Independence. Library Director Dave Schroeder told the crowd at the opening that there were roughly 18,000 items available to the public at the library, and that’s just the beginning.

The roughly $3 million project, near the Enzweiler Building Institute on Winston Avenue, spans 11,500 square feet with an art deco-inspired decor and architecture. It features – aside from the books, of course – computers and laptops for public use, two study rooms, a meeting space, a fireplace for people to gather around and read, a virtual board game machine and a full children’s library with rotating interactive exhibits.

Continues on page 4

Hum brings new energy to Covington restaurants p5 Man helps little-known Latonia park get new life p6 Ky. girls, Ind. boys all-stars trade wins p13

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Every evening, without fail, Grandpa would take his stroll through the neighborhood.

Everyone knew him. I was way too shy to speak to anyone beyond a passive wave, but it felt incredible to be woven into a community where everyone was so tight-knit.

There were teachers, mechanics and retirees – each looking forward to their daily dialogue with Ken Hedges.

Inevitably, we would make our way toward Route 8, and the smell would kick in. Probably French fries. I doubt scientists in a lab could construct a better smell. If the mood was right, he’d give me a look that said, “Yep, we’re doing this.”

We’d join the line of teenagers fresh from baseball practice and neighbors popping in for a burger. It was like church. I’d order my small vanilla cone with a face (sugar-coated pieces that came in the shape of eyes or a mouth that really tied the whole thing together), and we’d be off to finish our walk.

By the time I was 15, my friends and I were filling out applications to become the next wave of Dari Bar employees. Technically, I was too young to work there, but, one day, the owner, Dianne, stopped by Pelle’s on one of our steak nights and asked me if I’d like to join the team.

It was a blast. I remember the first day on the job: Dianne told me to fix myself something when my break came. I made myself a hot dog, and she told me I had better make it two. She was easily the coolest boss you could have.

When the season ended, we came together for a party as we deep-cleaned the place.

She divided our tips for the year and let us take home any leftover food. I brought home some jalapeno poppers and proceeded to deep fry them with my grandpa that night. As a joke, I wrote “last cup of the 2012 season” on my milkshake and gave it to my grandma.

To my surprise, she cleaned it and kept it on top of her fridge until the day she passed away in April. Every time I saw that cup up there, I was reminded of how loved I was by her.

No part of this publication may be used without permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions.

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So much so that, when I proposed to my wife, Kat, I ended up taking her to the Dari Bar. Kat loved that my grandma kept the

Cody’s grandfather, Ken Hedges.

Cody and his wife, Kat, had their engagement photos taken at the Dari Bar. It’s also where he proposed.

Photos provided | Cody Pelle

cup, so I wrote “last cup before we’re engaged” on the inside of her milkshake.

When I asked her to open it, I got down on one knee.

Honestly, I think I nailed it.

I’m well aware of my bias toward the Dari Bar compared to the average Creamy Whip-type place. It’s a running joke among my friends. I’m a homer. Sue me. Even still, even if the offering of the Dari Bar is not wildly different from its competitors’, it certainly has its own unique fingerprint.

A fingerprint that has marked the lives of everyone who grew up where and how I did.

In that way, it ceases to be a small business and takes the form of a sacred space that conjures memories that reflect a bygone era – an imperfect, but more intimate America. I never had the chance to live it firsthand, but, when I drive through town with a cheeseburger and a chocolate malt, it’s pretty close.

If you have an idea for a Community Voices column, email Meghan Goth at goth@ linknky.com.

Read more Read more Community Voices columns at linknky.com/category/ culture/community-voices.

Most importantly, it’s ours.

Cody and his wife, Kat, at the Dari Bar.

JUNE 20, 2025 3

Among those at the June 10 ribbon cutting for the Latonia branch of the Kenton County Public Library were, from left, architect Noah Onkst; library officials Iliana Rosales-Figueroa, vice president, Julie Roesel Belton, treasurer, Susan Kinsella, secretary, Maureen Hebert, president, and Dave Schroeder, director; Covington Mayor Ron Washington and Kenton County Judge-Executive Kris Knochelmann. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky Continued from page 1

Library staff members were especially proud of the children’s section, which emphasized the importance of active learning and literacy for kids’ development. Children’s librarian Samuel Greenhill said the area was “inspired by kids themselves.”

“I wanted to have a rotating museum, where parents don’t have to worry about their kids just grabbing everything,…”

Greenhill said. “I want kids to be able to interact with things that way.”

Some of the interactive items available on opening day included a rotary phone, some

typewriters, an analog slide projector, a PalmPilot, an oscilloscope and some old cameras. Kids can handle the items freely when they visit the library.

Future exhibits could focus on topics like the human body, insects and trains, all of which, Greenhill said, “will incorporate things the kids can play with.”

Wellness will also feature in the library’s services. Erin DeSantis, health and wellness librarian, will lead yoga and meditation classes, including the system’s first wheelchair-accessible yoga class. She hopes to expand the number of wellness

programs in the future.

“We got a ton of ideas, but simple for the moment in time until we see who’s walking in and what we need to have happen here,” DeSantis told the business association during the June 9 tour.

“We want to be a part of Latonia,” Schroeder said at the opening. “We want to be part of our community, and that’s what libraries are all about.”

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Forest Run Subdivision in Independence, KY is hosting a multi–family community yard sale Saturday, 6/21 beginning 8:00 AM. Subdivision located behind city building and Memorial Park.

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About the Latonia library • What: Kenton County Public Library’s Latonia branch is the system’s fourth location.

• Where: 3911 Winston Ave. in Covington’s Latonia neighborhood.

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

• Learn more: For information on events and features at the new location, go to kentonlibrary.org.

Senior Process Engineer Schwan’s Shared Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Schwan’s seeks a Senior Process Engineer at our facility in Florence, Kentucky — multiple positions available. Under general supervision, will be responsible for the investigation, development, improvement and testing of complex, new or modified food processing techniques. Must have proof of legal authority to work in the U.S. Requirements — Education: (A) Master’s degree (U.S. or foreign equivalent) in Industrial Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering or closely related field; OR (B) Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree (U.S. or foreign equivalent) in Industrial Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering or closely related field. Experience: Candidates with a Master’s degree listed above are required to have (A) at least three years of experience in a Process Engineer, Process Engineering Intern, Senior Process Engineer, R&D Chemical Process Engineer, Senior Process Improvement and Quality Engineer or similar processing engineering role; (B) at least one year of experience in engineering, testing, commissioning, and maintaining process operations in the food or pharmaceutical industry OR at least one year of experience providing engineering project support for food and beverage packaging and processing facilities; and (C) at least one year of experience in writing preliminary capital proposals and commercializing new process technology and new processing equipment for manufacturing food OR at least one year of experience as a Project Engineer preparing bid packages for project equipment, components and installation on engineering projects for food and beverage companies. All experience can be gained concurrently in the same three–year period. Alternatively, candidates who have a Bachelor’s degree listed above are required to have at least six years of experience in (A) and one year in (B) and (C). All experience can be gained concurrently in the same six–year period. Work from home, one day a week, in the Cincinnati, OH–KY–IN area is permitted but not required. The salary for this position has a range of $120,432 to $136,250, with standard employee benefits.

Interested candidates should apply on–line at: www.schwansjobs.com These positions are for full–time employment by Schwan’s Shared Services, LLC for employment in Florence, Kentucky. EOE.

The Hum puts new energy in Covington restaurants

By Kenton Hornbeck

A

ddie Von Den Benken was at a career crossroads. As a communications professional, Von Den Benken sought a path that allowed her to be closer to her family.

Then, she thought, what the heck.

So she and her father, Tom, decided to open a restaurant. In 2020, the duo founded Eishaus – a walk-up ice cream shop at 115 Park Place in Covington’s Roebling Point neighborhood. Its signature dish was spaghettieis, a popular German ice cream dish that resembles a plate of spaghetti.

“We decided to open a walk-up window to serve the needs of that time. We didn’t want to do anything inside,” she said. “We wanted to make sure we were meeting the needs of COVID times.”

Despite the challenging conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Von Den Benkens felt they had more to offer. One year later, they opened Frosthaus, a restaurant that served frozen cocktails and food. Before it opened, the Von Den Benkens used the Frosthaus space for storage.

For years, the sister-businesses hummed along, becoming synonymous with the Roebling Point neighborhood. Customers usually grabbed an ice cream or frozen cocktail during the summer months, enjoying it while sitting on the outdoor patio next door to Molly Malone’s, Von Den Benken said.

As time went on, though, she began to notice a theme – one she felt was limiting their potential.

“We had people getting ice cream at Eishaus and frozen drinks over here, and that was really fun,” she said. “I think as time went on, we realized that, really, to be successful in this industry, it’s very challenging. This is a tough industry, and being seen as just a frozen drink bar is really hard.”

Von Den Benken felt their restaurants’ branding was disjointed. They already used a common naming convention in

Addie Von Den Benken stands in front of the Hum. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky

German-flavored Greater Cincinnati – the German word Haus as a suffix. It was logical, since the Von Den Benkens themselves are of direct German origin.

& Power Co., a predecessor to Cinergy and later Duke Energy. The name was inspired by the subtle buzz – the hum – of electrical equipment.

The duo hired BLDG, a Covington-based branding consultancy, to reinvigorate their brand.

Besides the rebrand, Von Ben Benken overhauled the menu, which will continue to feature Frosthaus’ signature cocktails, as well as dinner plates like chicken and waffles, barbecue short rib and a Kentucky hot brown. The signature item is the Pocket – a contemporary take on the Hot Pocket.

“They were like – we don’t know what you are,” she said. “People drive up and they’re like, are you an ice cream shop? Are you just frozen drinks? For the last couple years, we’ve been hearing like, ‘Do you guys even have food? We didn’t know you had food.’”

The Von Den Benkens took the advice to heart, reinventing their restaurant as the Hum. Its name and bright orange and yellow color scheme pay homage to the building’s past as home of the Union, Light, Heat

Rex Herald, the newly hired executive chef and Ripple Wine Bar alumnus, believes the new menu will expand the Hum’s clientele.

He said people typically view the restaurant as a before- or after-dinner place.

“I think there’s a little something for everybody,” Herald said. “I mean, we actual-

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ly have dinner plates now, too, so that’s a brand new thing for us. I think that people will like, check that out right now.”

The walkup window will no longer serve spaghettieis, but it will offer a selection of quick bites and cold drinks. The Hum’s window will open this month, according to a news release.

For Von Den Benken, the rebrand allows her family to reestablish itself in the Roebling Point business community, one that has accepted them since they started.

“We are in a really great community where we want people to come down to Roebling Point and really hang out here for a full day,” she said. ”We have some great businesses around us, and we all work together, which is what this community is about.”

Join us for a compelling panel discussion featuring industry leaders from the bourbon, brewery, and culinary sectors—each of whom has recently made significant investments in Northern Kentucky. Panelists will share their perspectives on why they continue to grow in the region, the current state of their industries, and what the future holds. The conversation will also explore how food and beverage play a vital role in attracting and retaining talent, contributing to the region’s continued economic development and vibrancy.

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JUNE 20, 2025 5

Man spearheads Latonia park revitalization

New picnic tables, mulch and freshly planted plants in front of 30th Street and Decoursey Park in Latonia. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

By Nathan Granger

D

id you know there’s a park on 30th Street and Decoursey Avenue in Latonia?

Samuel Greenhill, a neighborhood resident and a librarian at the new Latonia branch of the Kenton County Public Library, didn’t know, either. Once he found out, though, he realized there was a ton of potential in it.

“I was going on a walk with a friend, and, during our walk, we ended up walking down to this place that I didn’t realize there’s a park there,” Greenhill said. “I remember just being like, ‘Wow, this would be such a cool neighborhood revitalization thing to bring about.’”

Greenhill has since made it his mission not only to spread the word about the park but also to revitalize it as a sanctuary for native plant species.

“I want to bring the community together where they all feel responsible for the park,” Greenhill said. “It’s not just a city park, but it’s something that we can all take care of together.”

Because 30th Street and Decoursey Park is prone to flooding, volunteers are working to bring acidity back to the soil and add native plants. Provided | Sam Greenhill.

Shortly after learning about the park, Greenhill gathered a group of people from the neighborhood to apply for a $4,500 grant from the city to initiate the revitalization process. They won the grant, although “there’s a lot more work to do,” according to Tyler Bennett, a neighbor and volunteer who’s been helping Greenhill with cleaning trash, growing plants and general labor.

One challenge that emerged immediately was how to revitalize the soil. The park is prone to flooding, including sewer runoff, which can deplete nitrogen and other nutrients from the soil. Greenhill was able to assess the soil’s quality with the help of the University of Kentucky’s Kenton County Extension Office.

“Good soil needs to be slightly acidic, and so I have to bring back that acidity somehow,” Greenhill said. “So, a lot of that’s gonna be happening is me mulching and then letting all this fertilizer and mulch sit to just allow the soil to start to change.”

Another challenge was clearing out invasive species that had taken root, mostly winter creeper and Japanese honeysuckle.

Many of the native species he wants to re-

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introduce to the area, Greenhill said, are hardy and flood-tolerant. He and other volunteers already have begun clearing the invasive flora to make room for the native plants, most of which Greenhill plans on planting in the fall.

Plants he’s eyeing for the future include milkweed – which have the added bonus of attracting monarch butterflies – buttonbush and bald cypress. He’s already planted some river cane and passion flower vine.

All of the plants are native to North America. Eventually, Greenhill would like to install signs with educational information about the different plant species, as well as a new sign to make the park’s entrance more obvious.

The city has removed an old metal fence, and Greenhill wants to replace an old, damaged, white plastic fence with a wooden fence. A Little Free Library has also been installed in the park, and Greenhill’s team has added new picnic tables, too. Dale Puffenberger, who lives nearby, said the tables already are being used.

“The neighborhood’s looking forward to it because there are families that picnic down there,” Puffenberger said, especial-

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ly on holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day. Puffenberger has been aiding the effort by allowing Greenhill and his team to store mulch and supplies on his property.

“A lot of people couldn’t even tell it was a park,” said Jim Gardner, who’s been helping Greenhill clear out some of the invasive species as well as some of the tree cover near the park’s entrance.

“It seems like the more we work on it and the cleaner we get it, it seems more people are coming around,” Bennett said.

“I want the park to be a very much open-ended project, where everyone can feel like they can collaborate,” Greenhill said. “If one neighbor wants to bring over a plant and then plant it in the ground themselves, they’re free to do that; they’re welcome.”

“Hopefully, it can be a nice little community area because we don’t really have anything in this area of Latonia,” Bennett said.

To join the effort, write to Sam Greenhill at samuelcgreenhill@gmail.com.

obituary

James David Trosper, 55, Conner teacher, coach

J

ames David Trosper, of Independence, died unexpectedly June 7 at his home.

He was 55.

Born and raised in Northern Kentucky, Mr. Trosper graduated in 1988 from Boone County High School, where he excelled as an all-state linebacker on two state runner-up teams. He continued his academic and athletic journey at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, where he was an all-Mid-South linebacker for the Union Bulldogs. Known for his fierce play and leadership on the field, one of his most memorable achievements was recording 19 tackles in a single game, an enduring record and testament to his drive.

Since 2007, Mr. Trosper served as a beloved business teacher and head football coach at Conner High School. Through his years of coaching, he earned numerous awards and was honored to be selected twice to coach in the prestigious Kentucky-Tennessee Border Bowl All-Star Game.

To his players and colleagues, Mr. Trosper was more than a football coach; he was a life coach, mentor and man of unmatched energy and loyalty. His one-of-a-kind personality, marked by intensity, humor and genuine care, left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Off the field, Mr. Trosper found joy in life’s simple pleasures – working in the yard, enjoying a round of golf and relaxing on the couch with a notebook in hand, jotting down ideas. In one of his final notebook entries, David wrote: “I called Conner High School my home for 18 years, I never had any regrets.”

Mr. Trosper leaves a legacy marked by passion, discipline and heartfelt dedication to his family, students and players. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Ginny; children, Morgan “Morg,” Grace “Franny,” and Christen “Nah”; a brother, Kyle (Rachael) Trosper; an aunt, Donna Trosper; and nieces and nephews, Levi, Liza, Katie-Beth, James and John-David. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Karen May (Hicks) Trosper, an uncle, Jim Trosper, and his dog, Rosko.

Visitation and celebration of life were held June 13 at Conner High School’s Fred Nevel Football Stadium. He is laid to rest at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Verona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trosper family to help cover funeral and other expenses related to Mr. Trosper’s unexpected death at tmcfunding.com or by visiting Mr. Trosper’s memorial page at chambersandgrubbs.com.

James David Trosper. Provided | Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Homes

CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00283 DIVISION 1 MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR AMERICAN MORTGAGE SERVICE COMPANY VS. ASHLEY LAUREN KRAMER, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 4/29/2025 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 7/8/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

COMMISSIONER’S SALE CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

10602 Christa Court, Unit 1, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001 Group No: 70239/A13

PIDN: 999-99-22-885.14

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

JUNE 20, 2025 7

kenton county briefs Covington-based Farmer Nate’s earns national recognition

In an interview with LINK nky, Nunemaker thanked Greater Cincinnati for the years of support.

“I am extremely grateful,” he said. “The city has been behind me pretty much from the beginning. Covington – not just Covington, Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati – have really been so supportive of the brand, and it is still so mind-blowing to see how many people love our products and push our products.”

Farmer Nate’s sauce. Provided | Farmer Nate’s on Facebook

Farmer Nate’s, a food company that sells hot sauce, spice mixes and branded merchandise, secured two national honors at the 2025 International Flavor Awards.

Farmer Nate’s, founded by Nathanael Nunemaker in Covington, offers three signature flavors: Kentucky Tang, Curry Jalapeno and Smokehouse Habanero. Additionally, it features the new 1815 Special Reserve, Louisiana-style sauce and Covington Gold Dust taco seasoning.

The International Flavor Awards offer small to medium-sized businesses a chance to showcase their distinctive products. Farmer Nate’s won awards for: • Most Unique Sauce: 1815 Special Reserve • Best Spicy Seasoning: Covington Gold Dust

Farmer Nate’s products are available in more than 30 retail locations across seven states, including Kentucky, Ohio, Colorado, Arizona, California, Tennessee and Washington. In addition to its online store and Amazon, the company has also partnered with HomeGoods, a national retailer, to offer its products in stores nationwide.

tions, including financial and strategic decision-making. Self-nominations are accepted, and anyone can nominate a woman business owner that meets the criteria.

Shops and businesses in Covington off of Madison Avenue. Hailey Roden | LINK nky

Anchor Grill, Otto’s, Bouquet, Carmelo’s, the B-Line and Goettafest (in spite its taking place in Newport) all get shout-outs in the article.

“Set against a backdrop of cobbled streets and a restored Mainstrasse Village, Covington combines small-city soul with big character,” the article reads.

Covington ranked among top small cities for food and drink

Nominations open for second Aviatra woman of year awards

Food & Wine Magazine has ranked Covington as one of the best small cities in the United States for food and drink.

Aviatra Accelerators, a Covington-based nonprofit focused on advancing women entrepreneurs, is accepting nominations for its second annual Woman Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

The article, written by Wendy Pramik, states, “Covington is where smooth bourbon meets savory goetta, and North meets South. This walkable river town blends Appalachian, German and Southern influences into a culinary identity all its own.”

In partnership with the Cincinnati Business Courier, the awards program recognizes women who are making an impact through innovation, leadership and business success across Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

Winners will be recognized in five categories: • Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

• Woman Tech Entrepreneur of the Year.

• Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

• “Paying It Forward” Entrepreneur of the Year.

• Woman Health Entrepreneur of the Year.

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A selection committee composed of business leaders from several industries will evaluate submissions. Nominations close at 11:59 p.m. July 4. Winners will be honored at Aviatra’s signature event, Flight Night, on Sept. 4 at the 20th Century Theater in Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood.

The event also celebrates graduates of Aviatra’s Momentum Accelerator – a 12-week program focused on business planning, customer acquisition, marketing, finances and scaling strategies. More details and the nomination form can be found at AviatraAccelerators.org.

County planning board OKs consultant contract on income-aligned housing Housing continued to occupy the minds of public institutions last week as the Kenton County Planning Commission gave its blessing for the county’s planning professionals to contract with CommunityScale.

CommunityScale produced the 2023 Northern Kentucky Area Development District’s study on the region’s housing landscape. The company will provide infrastructure recommendations aimed at implementing income-aligned housing strategies in the county, especially as it relates to the county’s 2030 comprehensive plan.

“They definitely have very deep, relevant experience not only in the field of attainable housing but actually in this area,” said Andy Videkovich, planning manager with Kenton County Planning and Development Services. “And based on our review, we feel like they’re going to be able to help us deploy some cutting-edge technology or cutting-edge tools to extend our capabilities and have an impact in this arena.”

“Our region is home to a strong community of women entrepreneurs,” Aviatra CEO Jill Morenz said in a news release. “We want to celebrate their achievements and impact on our region’s entrepreneurial and business landscape, as well as inspire and encourage other women to pursue their business goals.”

$50,000 has already been set aside to pay for the contract with CommunityScale.

To be considered, nominees must be the majority owner of a currently operating business headquartered in the region and actively involved in its day-to-day opera-

Conducted in partnership with the county fiscal courts, the engineering firm Stantec, as well as local businesses and civic organizations, the study suggested that the eight counties in the area development district need “to build 6,650 housing units to support economic development in the next 5 years, which equates to 1,330 units per year.”

An exterior view of Aviatra Accelerators’ location on Pike Street. Photo by Maggy McDonel | LINK nky

The area development district’s 2023 study was the first large-scale, empirical analysis of the issue in recent years. It served as the impetus for many conversations about housing in Northern Kentucky.

CommunityScale will conduct an infrastructure analysis to help the planning commission develop a plan for income-aligned housing. Following that, the commission will need to perform a marketing and public engagement campaign to get the word out and analyze residents’ opinions.

kenton county briefs construction of a small community center on a roughly 11-acre vacant lot on Locust Pike. The plan states the center will be about 3,000 square feet and will have 31 parking spaces.

A “Home For Sale” sign in a yard. Image created via Canva

“We still need to kind of inform our residents what income-aligned housing is,” said Kareem Simpson, who represents Covington on the commission. “What are the benefits, what are the detriments to it?

And just give them a little bit of an idea of what it is.”

Income-aligned housing is one of several monikers, along with labels like affordable housing and workforce housing, that professionals use to describe reasonably priced housing that people can afford. The broad term has become the dominant way of framing the issue among the region’s business and civic leaders.

When asked directly what it meant, Simpson said, “Income-aligned housing, in a nutshell, is the overall strategy for making sure that everyone has housing that they can afford.”

County planning professionals, who operate under the aegis of Kenton County Planning and Development Services, still need to approve the agreement with CommunityScale.

Although some of the commissioners found the request from the planning professionals a little odd (since they would have to issue their own agreement, as well), most thought the idea of using CommunityScale to advise on the county’s housing was good.

Commission Chair Brian Dunham referred to consultants that the commission and planning professionals employed during the commission’s most recent updating of the county’s zoning ordinances, which the county refers to as the Z21 Project.

“I just can’t imagine where we would have ended up with Z21 had we not had that technical skill to help us working with the staff and working with our commission members on the committee,” Dunham said. “So, I’m excited to see what they come back with.”

Planning commission OKs community center in Ryland Heights Designs for a new community center in Ryland Heights received approval earlier this month from the Kenton County Planning Commission.

The development plan submitted at the commission’s June 5 meeting calls for the

The project has been in development between six and nine months, according to Ray Erpenbeck, president of Erpenbeck Consulting Engineers, who provided the design documents to the commission. He told LINK nky that construction would begin this summer with the hope of being completed sometime in the fall.

Projects from public institutions, such as cities, are not subject to zoning regulations, but they still get reviews from the planning commission to ensure they fit well within the county’s comprehensive plans.

County staff recommended approval of the project, but recommended that the building’s height not exceed 35 feet. Additionally, they recommended the city be generally mindful of the area’s soil conditions, erosion tendencies and natural water buffers.

The surrounding areas have a high number of natural waterways and may be prone to flooding. The lot itself, according to plans submitted to the county, does not contain any waterways or flood areas.

There was little discussion among the commissioners about the plans, and the facility review received unanimous approval from the commission.

Walmart expansion for pickup, delivery wins county approval

The Walmart Supercenter on Valleyplaza Parkway in Fort Wright will see a small expansion to accommodate online order pickups. Provided | Walmart

The Kenton County Planning Commission has approved concept plans for an addition to the Walmart Supercenter on Valleyplaza Parkway in Fort Wright. The expansion will enable expanded pick-up and delivery services.

Walmart plans to add approximately 4,973 square feet to the building’s southeast corner, creating an area where customers who have placed online orders can wait to pick them up. The area also will have expanded space for delivery trucks to congregate and park.

The store has a bit of a tumultuous history.

The planning commission recommended accepting an initial development plan for the land on which the store would eventually appear in 2000, but the city council at the time voted the proposal down. In response, Walmart sued the city. Two years later, the city and Walmart settled out of court, with the council agreeing to approve

the development plan with certain conditions.

The expansion approved this week conforms to the agreement the city and company made, but county staff members pointed out that final development plans will have to include detailed plans for lighting, soil and grading, landscaping and signage when they come before the commission again.

Although the total square footage will increase, the total number of parking spaces for the store will decrease to accommodate the pickup spots. The new overall total will be 804 spots once the work is complete, which, county staff members pointed out, is still a lot of parking. Relevant repainting and striping were included as part of the development plan.

Although the concept plan eventually garnered unanimous approval from the commissioners, one member, Matthew Martin, representing Taylor Mill, expressed trepidation about the growing traffic from delivery services in the region. Martin had made comments about this phenomenon before, saying it would continue to grow “bigger and bigger” and questioning whether traffic studies could adequately account for delivery traffic.

“Amazon will be in my neighborhood when I go home tonight,” Martin said. “It’s all day, every day, and it’s not just Amazon. It’s

Walmart, it’s DoorDash, it’s Uber Eats.”

Tod Berling, Fort Wright’s representative, agreed with Martin but told LINK nky after the meeting that overall “the development has proven to be very beneficial to the community. Expanding it to meet the times based on the current pickup and delivery requirements that are so prevalent – so many people ordering online and then just picking up, not going into stores – is a good opportunity.”

Traffic studies for development sites are usually performed by third-party contractors.

“If it’s a big project, even if it’s not required, and [developers] know traffic’s going to be an issue – and they’ve got the time and the budget – they will definitely go get one just to head that off,” Brain Dunham, the commission’s chair, told LINK. “A lot of good projects get derailed because of traffic.”

However, Dunham said that county staff members, commissioners and developers have gotten much better at critically assessing traffic conditions and whether or not traffic studies are warranted or valid.

“The gestation point [for the traffic] is a large box store,” Berling said. “They’re picking up there, and then they’re going out into the communities. But I don’t think what they’re doing in Walmart impacts that. It’s just kind of the sign of the times.”

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NKY’s greatest names in sports

T

he history of sports in Northern Kentucky goes back a long way. Decades. Centuries.

At Alabama, he earned All-SEC honors in the nation’s premiere conference and even warranted Heisman Trophy consideration heading into his senior year. With his burst onto the scene in his freshman season with the Crimson Tide, the College Football Freshman Player of the Year Award is now called the Shaun Alexander Award.

Halls of fame are everywhere in NKY – the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame, High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, NKU, Thomas More and local high schools all have something to recognize their past.

We know you’ve seen best-of lists before, but this is a little different. We’re presenting our “50 sports icons in Northern Kentucky” one every day online over 50 days.

For our print editions, we’re spotlighting 10 per week through mid-July.

We hope you enjoy it as summer rolls on!

Some of you may disagree with who should or shouldn’t be in the top 50, and that’s fine.

Plenty are in the Hall of Very Good, but these 50 are the ones who stuck out to us.

Sports Editor Evan Dennison spoke and conferred with several local NKY sports history buffs to get their opinions and their lists of who should be “locks” for the 50 sports icons. We compiled those lists to come up with our own 50 (maybe cheated a little by putting families in as one). Here’s the first installment, Days 1 through 10.

Day 1: Dave Cowens After a strong high school career at Newport Central Catholic, Cowens continued his basketball career at Florida State University. Mostly known for his relentless hustle and rebounding, Cowens was a late-blooming product who eventually grew to 6-foot-9. At FSU, he became the program’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,340 for the Seminoles. He averaged an astonishing 17.2 rebounds per game at FSU and is one of the program’s top 10 scorers.

After an illustrious four years at FSU, Cowens was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1970. He played for the Celtics from 1970-

With the Seahawks, he was named league MVP in 2005 and set a number of franchise records with the Seahawks.

80 and the Milwaukee Bucks from 1982-83.

He finished his career with a double-double average – 17.8 points and 13.6 rebounds per game – and went on to become an NBA Hall of Famer.

Cowens’ list of pro accolades include 1971 Rookie of the Year, MVP in 1973, eight-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion to name a few. Cowens is also a Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame member and had his number retired at both FSU and with the Celtics. He was selected as a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time team and 75th Anniversary team. He made the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1991.

Obviously what he did in the NFL and at Alabama stand out, but how about his senior season at Boone County? Alexander ran for 3,166 yards and 54 touchdowns. According to the KHSAA record book, that’s the third most rushing yards in a season and tied for second most touchdowns in one season.

Alexander ran for 6,657 yards in his Boone County career, 3,433 yards in his college career at Alabama and 9,453 yards in his NFL career.

That’s 19,543 yards, or 11.1 miles, for those keeping score at home. Alexander has been up for the NFL Hall of Fame a few times but has fallen short of the votes necessary to be inducted.

Cowens would also go on to become a head coach in both the NBA and the WNBA. NewCath named its basketball court after him, the floor taking on the parquet style like the Boston Celtics have at the Boston Garden.

The former Bluebird went on to play at Centre College in Danville before getting into the coaching scene. Coaching at three different high schools from 1951-61, including eight seasons at Highlands, Rice amassed a 109-7-1 record.

He led the Bluebirds to their first two of 23 state championships in 1960 and ’61. After his success at the high school level, Rice went on to coach college with Kentucky and Oklahoma as an assistant before taking over as head coach at the University of Cincinnati.

After UC, Rice went to Rice for two seasons before becoming head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1978. He coached the Bengals for two seasons, succeeding Paul Brown.

He then landed on the administrative side, serving as athletic director at North Carolina, Rice and Georgia Tech. As an AD, he developed and implemented the Total Person Program, now the model for the NCAA Life Skills Program in place at universities throughout the nation.

The Homer Rice Award was established by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. It’s given annually to a FBS director as recognition of achievement. Rice joined the Navy at 17, serving during World War II in the Pacific theater in the Philippines.

Day 2: Shaun Alexander The Boone County Rebel is one of the most accomplished football players in Northern Kentucky history.

Day 3: Homer Rice

After winning Mr. Football in 1994, Alexander went on to play at Alabama before being drafted in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

There’s a reason Highlands is one of the all-time winningest high school football programs in the country, and it starts with Homer Rice.

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Day 4: Dicky Beal

School Basketball Hall of Fame in June 2024.

Day 5: Jared Lorenzen

He then played in the NFL for the New York Giants for four seasons, serving as Eli Manning’s backup and winning a Super Bowl ring in 2008.

After his NFL career, Lorenzen was hired to coach quarterbacks at Highlands and then lead the Northern Kentucky River Monsters on two separate occasions as well as serve as commissioner for the indoor league. He died at age 38 in 2019.

Day 6: Jim Bunning

in both the American and National leagues.

Bunning’s sports career was followed by one in politics that began with his election to Fort Thomas City Council in 1977 and then the Kentucky Senate. In 1983, he was the Republican nominee for governor but lost to Democrat Martha Layne Collins.

In 1986, Bunning was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Northern Kentucky in the 4th District. In 1998, he was elected to the U.S. Senate and reelected in 2004.

Bunning died at 85 in 2017.

Day 7: Tom Ellis

The 1980 Holmes graduate helped lead the Bulldogs to a state runner-up finish in 1978 and the state semifinals in 1980, contributing to a 92-12 record in his four years in a Holmes uniform. Beal played point guard for the Bulldogs and was the 1980 9th Region Player of the Year, selected to the AllState Tournament Team and named first team All-State. He was also awarded the prestigious Sweet 16 Ted Sanford Award.

Beal was one of the top recruits in the country coming out of Holmes before signing with the University of Kentucky.

At UK, he played in 111 games and tallied 301 assists, 133 of them coming his senior year, when he was named NCAA Mideast Regional Most Outstanding Player. Huge in heart and talent, Beal thrilled Kentucky fans with his electric play. Beal and his 1984 teammates were honored in January at Kentucky’s game against Georgia.

Beal was later drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth round of the 1984 NBA Draft.

He is now a manufacturing business representative and lives in Greater Cincinnati.

He was inducted into the Kentucky High

The “Hefty Lefty” was a three-sport letterman in Fort Thomas, playing football, basketball and baseball. In basketball, Lorenzen was a part of three straight 9th Region title teams from 1997-99. He was an All-Tournament team selection in the 1997 Sweet 16, first team All-State in 1999 and finished his Bluebirds basketball career with 1,280 points.

In football, Lorenzen took off his junior year at Highlands, throwing for 2,759 yards and 37 touchdowns. As a senior, those numbers ballooned to 3,392 yards and 45 touchdowns that came with a state title.

This was before high school football and Northern Kentucky in general became pass-happy like today. In one of the most prolific offenses in high school football history, the Bluebirds scored 801 points that season and averaged 493 yards per game.

Lorenzen later won Mr. Football.

Lorenzen then took his talents to the University of Kentucky, where he was a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award in 2000 and ’02, as well as All-SEC First Team 2000 by College Football News. He was Freshman of the Year in 2000.

Born in Southgate, Bunning would go on to graduate from Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School and Xavier University before embarking upon his Hall of Fame baseball career. He made his Major League Baseball debut as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in 1955. His career ran through 1971 and included stops with Detroit, the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, and again with the Phillies.

He threw a perfect game for the Phillies in 1964 and a 1958 no-hitter for the Tigers. At the time, he was the only pitcher to throw no-hitters in each league. He finished with a record of 224-184, a 3.27 ERA and 2,855 strikeouts. He won more than 100 games

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Tom Ellis, a 1928 graduate of Western Kentucky University, was a legendary figure in Kentucky high school sports. A native of Calhoun, Ellis earned letters in football, basketball and baseball at Western, famously playing in the first football game he ever saw. He began his coaching career in 1929 at Bardstown High School, where he served as head football coach, basketball coach, principal and aeronautics teacher until 1943.

In 1944, Ellis joined Holmes High School as an assistant coach under Dave Evans and Continues on page 12

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onships (2000, 2001), claimed individual national titles in the 200-yard individual medley and 200 backstroke, and contributed to nine NCAA championship relay teams. He capped his college career by setting the NCAA record in the 200 IM.

took over as head football coach in 1947.

In his first year, he led Holmes to an unbeaten, untied season and a mythical state championship, earning Kentucky Coach of the Year honors. “Big Daddy,” as he was affectionately known, also coached basketball and baseball, and he served as athletic director at Holmes until his retirement in 1968.

Internationally, Dusing represented the United States at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics. He earned a silver medal in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay in Sydney and a bronze in the 4x100 freestyle relay in Athens, making him the only Northern Kentuckian to win Olympic swimming medals in the modern era.

Ellis was a constant presence in the local sports scene, even scouting Covington Catholic basketball so frequently that the school awarded him an honorary letter.

His teams frequently excelled: Besides the state champion football squad, he led two Holmes basketball teams to the Sweet 16.

Coach Ellis retired from education in 1973.

His accolades include induction into the Northern Kentucky, Kentucky High School, and Greater Cincinnati Sports Halls of Fame. The Holmes football field bears his name, a tribute to the man known as “Mr. Bulldog” and “Coach” to generations.

Day 8: Nate Dusing Nate Dusing, a Villa Hills native and Covington Catholic graduate, is among the most accomplished swimmers in Kentucky

history. As a high school standout, he won six state titles and set a national record in the 100-yard butterfly in 1997, a mark that stood for over a decade. That same year, he was named USA High School Swimmer of the Year.

Day 10: Steve Cauthen

Beyond the Olympics, Dusing collected a full set of medals at the World Championships, highlighted by gold in the 4x100 freestyle relay in 2005. He also won six medals at the Pan Pacific Championships, including gold in the 1997 4x100 medley relay and three individual bronzes.

Day 9: Jim Connor

Dusing went on to compete at the University of Texas, where he became one of the program’s all-time greats. He helped the Longhorns win two NCAA team champi-

Few earned the title “Coach” like Jim Connor. A 1940 graduate of Newport High School, Connor played on the school’s state championship baseball team before serving in World War II, where he participated in the D-Day operation. Upon returning home, he began a legendary, 42-year coaching career in basketball and baseball that spanned high school and college programs.

Connor’s early success came at Newport Central Catholic, where he led teams to three regional basketball titles and three state championships in baseball (1950, 1954, 1956). His combined coaching record included 558 basketball wins and more than 800 victories in baseball. He later coached at Bellarmine College and Boone County High School before concluding his career at Thomas More University, his alma mater, where the convocation center now bears his name.

Appointed athletic director at Thomas More in 1978, Connor added 127 basketball and 149 baseball wins during his tenure. He was named NAIA District 32 Coach of the Year in 1981 and earned Hall of Fame honors from both Bellarmine and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

Connor’s impact extended beyond wins 12 JUNE 20, 2025

and titles. He mentored athletes that reached the highest levels, including NBA MVP Dave Cowens, MLB Rookie of the Year and World Series MVP David Justice, and NBA player Larry Staverman. Yet, to those who played for him, Connor was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a teacher of life and a man who inspired loyalty and respect across generations.

Steve Cauthen’s rise was meteoric. Born in Covington, the son of a farrier and trainer, Cauthen rode his first race just after turning 16 in 1976. A week later, he had his first win. By 1977, the “Six Million Dollar Man” had captured national attention with a staggering 487 victories and over $6 million in earnings, both records, earning him Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year and two Eclipse Awards.

In 1978, he etched his name into racing history, guiding Affirmed to a thrilling Triple Crown sweep over rival Alydar, becoming the youngest jockey ever to do so. Just a year later, he moved to England, where higher weight limits suited his growing frame. There, he found even greater success, winning 10 English Classics, including two Epsom Derbies and three St. Legers, and becoming Britain’s champion jockey three times.

Known for his flawless pace judgment, calm demeanor and unique crouched style, Cauthen is the only jockey to win both the Kentucky Derby and Epsom Derby. He won top races across France, Ireland and Italy, amassing 2,794 worldwide victories before retiring in 1993 at just 32.

Returning home, Cauthen established Dreamfields Farm near Verona, close to where he grew up. Inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1994, Cauthen’s career remains one of global acclaim, defined by poise, precocity and a rare ability to deliver on the biggest stages.

sports Ky. girls sweep Indiana; Hoosier boys return favor

rebounds to go with two assists and a steal.

Gutman had 10 points and six rebounds to go with two assists. Moreno, a Kentucky signee, did not play on Saturday.

Kentucky’s girls basketball senior all-stars had a good weekend; the boys not so much.

In the annual Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Series, the Kentucky girls got a sweep of Indiana while the Indiana boys returned the favor June 6-7.

Johnson is headed to Illinois-Chicago to play in college, Gutman to Evansville.

Indiana’s boys now lead the all-time series 106-46.

Eaglin, NewCath’s all-time leading scorer who’s headed to Northern Kentucky University, finished with 11 points, three assists and two rebounds. Johnson led the way again with 34 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocked shots.

Indiana’s girls now lead the all-time series, 55-43.

The Indiana boys swept Kentucky, winning 98-89 June 6 at Lexington Catholic and 105-92 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 7.

In the June 6 affair, Cooper grad Andy Johnson finished with 11 points and five rebounds, adding an assist, steal and blocked shot. Walton-Verona grad Aaron Gutman added 10 points with three rebounds and an assist. Great Crossing grad and Mr. Kentucky Basketball Malachi Moreno led Kentucky with 22 points and 14 rebounds and blocked four shots to go with three assists.

In the June 7 contest, Johnson was second in scoring for the Kentucky roster with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting and grabbed six

Holmes cuts ribbon on major update to athletic facilities

Paul Laurence Dunbar. In the semifinals, the Colonels eliminated North Oldham, 3-1.

What CovCath did June 4 was possibly a fun finale to the school’s centennial: The Colonels won the team title, Alex Yeager won the singles title the prior week, and Kalei Christensen and Blake Hussey won the doubles title.

Hertsenberg said this year’s tournament was a grind – the Colonels beat perennial power St. Xavier in the June 3 opening round, Central Hardin in the quarterfinals and North Oldham in the semifinals.

CovCath’s Krumpelbeck announces retirement

Kentucky’s girls won the June 6 contest at Lexington Catholic High School, 84-73. Newport Central Catholic grad Caroline Eaglin was the lone NKY representative. Eaglin started and played 22 minutes, scoring six points with six rebounds and two assists.

Sacred Heart grad and LSU signee ZaKiyah Johnson led Kentucky with 28 points and 11 rebounds, one of four Kentucky girls in double figures.

The June 7 contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis needed two overtimes to decide, with the Kentucky girls coming out on top, 106-103.

trict and losing in the first round of the 9th Region tournament to eventual champion Highlands. CovCath won nine regional titles from 1985-2005, but it has suffered a regional title drought since.

Yeager shut out the Bulldogs’ Nikan Rosenau (6-0, 6-0), Hussey did the same against Atharva Dang, and Christensen clinched the championship over Thomas Chandler, 6-3, 6-1.

Holmes High School cut the ribbon on its renovated indoor sports facilities. Provided | Covington Independent Schools Covington Catholic baseball coach Bill Krumpelbeck has announced he’s retiring. Provided | Charles Bolton

The second winningest coach in KHSAA baseball history is calling it a career.

Covington Catholic baseball coach Bill Krumpelbeck said he’s retiring, the school announced June 6. He ends his 48-year career in Park Hills with 1,149 wins, 22 district titles, nine region championships and a state championship in 2002, the last Northern Kentucky team to win a baseball state title.

Krumpelbeck also taught biology at the school for 46 years.

“Few individuals have shaped the spirit of Covington Catholic the way coach Krumpelbeck has,” said athletic director Tony Bacigalupo in a release. “For nearly five decades, he has modeled what it means to be committed – not just to a sport, but to a school, its mission and its young men.

His loyalty, humility and passion have left a lasting mark on this community that will be felt for generations to come.”

The Colonels are coming off a 21-12 season, finishing runner-up in the 35th Dis-

As part of an ongoing $26 million construction project at Holmes High School, the school cut the ribbon June 5 on its updated athletic facilities.

The facilities feature a renovated weight room, football locker room and multipurpose gymnasium. Also included in the project is a 50-yard turf run, batting cage and multipurpose flooring.

The project marked a significant breakthrough for the school. This was the first major renovation of the facilities since the school was built in 1916.

The ribbon cutting comes on the heels of breaking ground on the new softball field at Glen O. Swing Elementary, a journey nearly seven years in the making.

CovCath wins its third straight state tennis title Covington Catholic’s tennis team can boast, crow, exult – and brag. The Colonels captured their third consecutive KHSAA boys team title June 4 at the University of Kentucky’s Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center.

CovCath won the title with a 3-0 shutout of

In doubles, CovCath’s Jacob Kramer and Will Tribble won the first set, 6-4, over Nick Colon and Evan Fomby, when Christensen clinched the trophy. Ben Unkraut and Auggie Eilerman took on PLD’s Saketh Sanjay and Raymond Yu in the other doubles match.

Yeager, Hussey and Christensen won their semifinal matches, but Clifton Valentine IV and Ben Unkraut fell to North Oldham’s Yazan ElFarra and Nicolas Ajkay.

Christensen struggled early – he had three break points against Chandler and lost the game to go to 1-2. After that, not a lot of trouble.

CovCath thus said goodbye to five seniors – Yeager (aka “Alexander the Great”), Christensen (“Captain Crunch”), Hudson Schreiber, Eilerman and Unkraut. Tribble (“Silly Willie”), Hussey (“Captain Flash”) and Kramer (“Fred”) lead the returnees.

CovCath dropped just two matches on the way to its third straight team tennis title. Ray Schaefer | LINK nky contributor

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SUDOKU

Difficulty: Easy

Edited

by Weekly Margie E. Burke The Crossword ACROSS

1

HOW TO 1 Kind of SOLVE: blocker 14

2

Like the contain Sahara the Each 5row must 7 1 3 Rolex rival column must numbers 91 to 9; each the numbers 1 to 9; and 14 Hollywood's 6 1 9 contain each set Ken of 3 or byLena 3 boxes must contain the numbers 15 Playing with a 1 to 9.

8 2 3 full deck 16 Plant root Sudoku: Answer to Previous 5/25 - 5/11/25 17 Draws 4 8 9 7 3 on1 4a bead 5 2 6 8 4 2 18 5 Wavering 8 6 3 9 7 1 5 6 7 20 Cheap ship 9 7 2 4 5 3 6 1 7 8 5 12 68 2286 accommodations Youth's 5 3 inn1 7 9 4 23 Inventor Nikola 7 3 24 1 Gas 4 guzzler 9 6 5 8 2 9 8 5 9 26 4 Enduring 2 8 7 1 3 6 28 vases 7 2 6 6 1 329 Large 7 2 8 Longtime CBS3 4 5 3 4 2 News 6 5host9 8 1 7 2 Charles

3

by Margie E. Burke

4

5

26

34 37

Edited by Margie E. Burke

HOW TO SOLVE:

1 9 8 8 5 6

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

Answer to Previous Sudoku:

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

DOWN 1 Talk big

13

28

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30

31

52

53

35 39 44

43 47

40 45

48

50

51 57

56

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

66

67

65 8 5 34 7 Of3the1stars 4 6 2 9

36 Holiday guests, often 37 Petal-plucker's word 39 Nada 40 Langley group 41 Ordering option 44 Mouth-watering 46 Texter's "seize the day" 47 Key element (var.)

49 "Streetcar" cry 51 Laundry pairs 54 "Dust in the Wind" group 57 Jolie of film 59 Juice drink brand 61 Guinness and others 62 Hit heavily 63 Culture medium 64 Herbal brews 65 Studly guys 66 Nevada city 67 Whirlpool-like current

38

42

49

12

25

27

46

11

22

33

41

10

19

24

36

Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate

9 16

21

23

55

8

18

20

54

7

15

17

32

6

Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate

2 Cream of the 33 Farm building 52 Work with crop 35 Run out dough 3 Striking clock, 38 IM sign-off 53 Fresh e.g.

42 Russian 54 Former N.Y.C. 4 San ____, horseman mayor California 43 Swell 55 Civil rights org.

5 Qatar's 45 Break, as a rule 56 Sign-making continent 48 Biblical promised substance 6 Yogi's nemesis land 58 Greek sandwich 7 Hits the tab key, 50 Army vehicles 60 Golfer's goal say 8 Wallace of "E.T." 9 Hunter of myth 10 Spa staffer Answers to Previous Crossword: 11 Make revisions D A D S H E R B R E C A P to E W E R A D A G E R E I N 12 ____ and take E R G O B I P A R T I S A N 13 Figure skating A I R B O R N E E A T E R S jump N E G L E C T D E E 19 Immature S L E W G O A T E E S 21 Quimby of kid-lit F U S E S P U R I T A N I C 25 Profit R I G E L L U N A O L I N 27 Like argon or N E O N L I G H T E L M E R radon R A Y E D E N Y I N G P S Y C H E S R A P 29 Made peace H E A T R A S H A T T I R E 30 Hair removal P R O C E D U R A L O T T O brand P I T T S O O N 31 Kill, as a dragon S A M O A A S H Y E R N E E M E N D 32 Rubber-stamp

JUNE 20, 2025 15

2025 COMMUNITY

CONVERSATION SERIES: OCTOBER 9 – Education DECEMBER 4 – Workforce Events will be held at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library from 6-7:30 p.m. Events will also be live-streamed on LINK nky’s Facebook page.

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