LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 3, Issue 36 - August 8, 2025
NKY districts invest in major school upgrades
By Haley Parnell
School districts across Northern Kentucky are investing tens of millions of dollars into building upgrades. Here is a list of the major renovations underway across the region:
Campbell County Middle School
Earlier this year, the Campbell County School District unveiled the completed first phase of renovations at Campbell County Middle School. The project included updates to the school’s entrance plaza, vestibule and lobby, as well as the traffic loop and other areas.
The school district is now working on Phase II of the middle school renovations. Those follow the district’s facilities plan, approved in August 2021. It includes a complete renovation of the 1939, 1948, 1962 and 1969 sections of the middle school building.
The renovations will cover:
• A complete HVAC system replacement.
Continues on page 3
Filmmakers work to preserve murdered Covington leader’s story
By Nathan Granger
Harold – “Sandy” as his friends knew him – Cohen disappeared July 5, 1986.
Less than a week later, Cohen’s friends found his body near Cincinnati’s Amtrak station, then in the Lower Price Hill neighborhood. Now, nearly 40 years later, two independent filmmakers are making sure Cohen’s story isn’t forgotten.
“We’re two busy guys who are doing this passion project in our free time, and it’s becoming more of a huge thing,” said Paul Nocchi, one of the filmmakers. “We don’t want anybody to forget this story, basically.”
Nocchi and the other filmmaker, Louie Meisner, started a campaign to raise mon-
ey for their documentary project, titled “Our Friend Sandy.” The pair has started a website as well as a crowdfunding campaign, which has raised just over $6,000 as of LINK’s print deadline. They hope to raise $60,000 by the end of August.
The two hope to have the project completed by next year, the 40th anniversary of Cohen’s death.
Nocchi and Meisner went to college together. Meisner is the son of David Meisner, one of Cohen’s good friends and one of the men who found his body. “I loved him like a brother,” David Meisner said in a trailer for the documentary.
“Growing up, I was familiar with this area and all of our family friends,” Louie Meis-
Continues on page 4
Homeowner on hook for damage to sewer line p5
A rendering of renovations to the entrance and main lobby of Newport Central Catholic High School. Provided | Newport Central Catholic High School
A photo of Harold “Sandy” Cohen that appeared in the Kentucky Post circa 1980. Provided | Kenton County Public Library
Thursday, August 21st 3–5pm
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Continued from page 1
• Electrical distribution and wiring updates.
• Upgrades to all low-voltage systems.
• New flooring, ceilings and painting.
• Exterior work, including a new roof over the library and main gymnasium.
• Paving improvements,
The total project is estimated to cost $28.5 million.
Grant’s Lick Elementary School
Another Campbell County school, Grant’s Lick Elementary, will see significant changes as its students step into a completely new building. The old school was built in 1936.
The district purchased 80 acres at 293 Nagel Road, near Plum Creek Church, in 2019. The groundbreaking was held in February 2024, and a ribbon-cutting event will be held this month.
Newport Central Catholic High School
Newport Central Catholic has launched a major renovation to modernize and secure its entrance and main lobby. The project will:
• Create a fully accessible main entrance for all visitors.
• Add a secure vestibule to enhance campus safety. Include an open indoor space for socializing, studying and lunch, connected to an outdoor roof deck for classes and gatherings. Feature a new alumni center overlooking the basketball court.
Construction is expected to finish by fall.
The lobby project is separate from the school’s $13 million Looking Up campaign, which includes construction of a new science learning center; facilities improvements such as roof repair and HVAC upgrades to the gymnasium; and construction of on-campus multipurpose athletic complex.
Lloyd Memorial High School
The Kenton County Planning Commission in May approved a public facility review for Erlanger-Elsmere Independent Public School District’s plan to demolish and renovate portions of Lloyd Memorial High School.
The district plans to demolish a portion of the school and build an addition of approximately 40,000 square feet, as well as a new entrance and walkways along Grave Avenue. It also plans to replace the asphalt on the south side of the property, replace the campus playground and expand parking.
Construction is expected to begin this fall and is anticipated to take between two and two and a half years; during this time, some students will use mobile classrooms.
For more information and project renderings, go to bit.ly/link-lloyd.
Estimated costs:
• White’s Tower: $12 million.
Kenton County Schools approved plans in May to begin design work for renovations at four elementary schools – White’s Tower, Piner, Kenton, and Ryland Heights – with a combined estimated cost of $36.3 million.
The renovations address issues identified in the district’s 2023-2027 facilities plan.
White’s Tower, Kenton and Ryland Heights will receive HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, and interior and exterior renovations. Piner Elementary will undergo gym and restroom upgrades, enhanced traffic circulation, and roof and exterior repairs. White’s Tower’s upgrades will also resolve longstanding traffic congestion at the school.
• Kenton: $10.5 million.
• Ryland Heights: $10.98 million.
• Piner: $2.8 million.
Construction is expected to begin this fall for White’s Tower and Piner and in the spring for Kenton and Ryland Heights.
Kenton County elementary schools
The completed new facade for Campbell County Middle School. Provided | Campbell County Schools
Continued from page 1
ner told LINK nky. “They were like uncles to us; I was familiar with this entire community of people, but he’d always mention his friend Sandy, and essentially all I knew was that he had a friend that was murdered, and that was pretty much it.”
Many of the people who lived through Cohen’s disappearance and death are getting older, both Nocchi and Louie Meisner said, so now was the time to preserve his story while people who could give a firsthand account of the events were still around.
“This is kind of like the last shot that anybody will have to talk to the people who were there,” Louie Meisner said.
He encouraged “anybody out there who knows anything about this story that isn’t public, or if anybody knows anything else about this story” to contact him or donate to support the effort.
Who was Sandy Cohen?
A Jewish and closeted gay man originally from Mississippi, Cohen moved to Covington in 1978, eventually setting up a printing firm on Madison Avenue. He served two
terms, from 1982 through 1985, as a Covington city commissioner.
In office, he was a proponent of building Covington’s neighborhoods and stayed active in community life, even when out of office. News reports from the time indicate he decided not to run for a third term because he wanted to focus more on his business.
Cohen disappeared on a Saturday. His friends and loved ones noticed he had not shown up to any of his weekend appointments and didn’t come to work the following Monday, which was unusual. He was officially reported missing the following Tuesday – July 8, 1986.
“My father and his friends did everything humanly possible to find him,” Louie Meisner said, even consulting a psychic, Patricia Mischell, who had purportedly helped the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department in earlier investigations. The words she gave to Cohen’s friends were admittedly cryptic: “tall grass, railroad tracks and water.”
Accounts differ – in fact, Louie and Nocchi noted that teasing out the discrepancies from firsthand accounts has been a
rapher unknown. Provided | Paul
and Louie Meisner big part of putting the film together – but, after searching at several sites across the Tristate, Cohen’s friends located his body under a couch near some railroad tracks on July 10. His body showed signs of being beaten.
“I think maybe a quarter mile away, half a mile away, the police were staking out Sandy’s car that was dumped by the river,” Louie Meisner said. “This is all happening simultaneously, and the police were doing that at the same time because they’re thinking, ‘Is one of the criminals going to come back and torch it to get rid of the evidence?’”
One of them did – Louie Meisner wasn’t sure which one – but in the course of torching the car, he accidentally set himself on fire, according to David Meisner. Two 22-year-old men from Cincinnati were later charged with murder: Gregory Moore and James Messmer.
One account has one of the murderers holding a tire iron against Cohen’s throat, eventually crushing it, but this doesn’t account for the other bludgeoning wounds found on Cohen’s body. The coroner’s report, Louie Meisner said, put the number of strikes to Cohen’s head at 16 (LINK nky has not read the report).
“We do have information about the trials, which is troubling because the defense team, in short, they were trying to twist the story into somehow saying that this is acci-
dental because they were involved in some deviant behavior,” Louie Meisner said, “because Sandy was gay.”
In other words, the defense attorneys argued the men were engaging in some consensual act that went wrong. Given the state of Cohen’s body, though, Louie Meisner doesn’t find this convincing. Although he doesn’t believe the murder was premeditated, he believes other explanations could also be likely, such as a robbery, but figuring out precisely what happened and why the men acted the way they did is one of the many lines of inquiry the filmmakers hope to pursue.
Messmer is eligible for parole in May 2029, at which point the filmmakers hope to interview him. Louie Meisner said they’re still tracking down Moore.
“These things are closed, like, people are in jail,” Louie Meisner said, “But there’s so much more that happened and that is left unresolved…. If I’m not the one to clear it up, I don’t think anyone ever will.”
Support the effort
Follow the documentary’s progress and learn more about it, including how to contribute financially and how to contact the filmmakers to share any information you have about Sandy Cohen, at ourfriend sandy.com.
Sandy Cohen sometime before his death. The photographer’s thumb obscures part of the image. Photog-
Nocchi
James Messmer, seated in front, is sentenced for the murder of Sandy Cohen in November 1986. Officials standing in the back are unidentified. Photo by Jim Osborn | Kentucky Post via the Kenton County Public Library.
Missing sewer easement puts homeowner on hook for thousands
By Alex Null | WCPO
When Tony Dalton bought his first home in April, he had no idea about the nightmare in store.
Dalton said his sewage line was accidentally cut in June by workers with Webbs Excavation. The Kenton County School District had hired the company to build a new parking lot for Hinsdale Elementary.
Dalton’s house sits next door to where the parking lot will be.
“I no longer have any connection to sanitation,” Dalton said.
Dalton said he wasn’t too worried about it initially, because he thought it would be an
easy fix. He said the home he bought was built about 25 years ago, and the line has always been there.
However, Dalton said he was told that there was no formal easement for his sewage line. That means there was no agreement for his line to cross onto the neighboring property, where the parking lot will soon go. Now, Dalton is left to fix the issue on his own.
“I feel it’s unfair, and I feel it’s unethical, too,” Dalton said.
Dalton said the district agreed to hold off on capping the line for a few weeks, but it has since been capped. He said he can’t use any running water in his house, because it has nowhere to go.
The sewage lines in Kenton County are overseen by Sanitation District No. 1. Dalton said SD1 gave him options for reconnecting to other sewage lines, but he said those are hundreds of feet away. He said he recently got an estimate showing it could cost up to $35,000 to connect to a new line.
“It’s going to cost tens of thousands of dollars that I’m left [footing] that bill,” Dalton said.
LINK’s media partner, WCPO, spoke on the phone with the school district’s attorney, Jeremy Deters. He said that, while they sympathize with Dalton’s situation, they are not responsible for what happened since there was no formal easement. WCPO also spoke to the owner of Webbs Excavation, who told me he has no comment.
“It’s been frustrating, but at first I was hoping people would be responsible and work with me, and we could work together to find a solution, but I’ve been left in the dark,” Dalton said.
WCPO reached out to SD1 to learn more about this case. They were told the spokesperson for the department was out of the office but would provide an update in the coming days.
Dalton said he doesn’t point the finger at one specific party, but he said he feels he shouldn’t be left to pay for a problem he didn’t create. “I’m hoping that someone involved will step up, reach out to me and we can work on a civilized, mutual solution.”
This story originally appeared at WCPO.com.
Tony Dalton said his sewage line was cut by workers with Webbs Excavation during work to build a new parking lot for Hinsdale Elementary. Provided | Tony Dalton
kenton county briefs
‘Elsmere Chicken Man’ advocates for statewide backyard chicken legislation
An Elsmere resident is pushing for legislation that would prevent Kentucky’s cities and counties from banning backyard chickens.
Eric Bunzow, known as the “Elsmere Chicken Man,” testified July 29 before the Interim Local Government Committee at the state Capitol, advocating for a bill that would allow residents to keep up to six chickens on residential properties throughout Kentucky.
According to the proposal, House Bill 806, local governments “may enact and enforce reasonable ordinance regulations” such as sanitation standards and setback requirements for coops, but they could not prohibit a person from keeping six or fewer backyard chickens on any residential property.
“It will stop a city or a county from changing zoning or any existing zoning that says no chickens,” Bunzow told LINK media partner WLEX in Lexington.
NOTICE
Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. (Duke Energy Kentucky or the Company) hereby gives notice that, in an application to be filed no sooner than August 4, 2025, Duke Energy Kentucky will be seeking approval by the Public Service Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky to revise KYPSC No. 2 Sheet 84, proposed to become effective on and after September 4, 2025.
Duke Energy Kentucky seeks approval to revise these rates as follows:
Rider Net Metering II (Electric Tariff Sheet No. 84)
Current Rate:
EXCESS GENERATION AVOIDED COST CREDIT RATE
The Company will provide a bill credit for each kWh Customer produces to the Company’s grid using the rate below.
Excess Generation Avoided Cost Credit per kWh (Residential): $0.062924
Excess Generation Avoided Cost Credit per kWh (Non-Residential): $0.063255
Proposed Rate:
EXCESS GENERATION AVOIDED COST CREDIT RATE
The Company will provide a bill credit for each kWh Customer produces to the Company’s grid using the rate below.
Excess Generation Avoided Cost Credit per kWh: $0.065427
The foregoing rates reflect a proposed increase in the Net Metering II credit for exported energy resulting in an increased credit to participants. Net Metering II participants do not represent a separate rate class. All Net Metering II participants are currently residential customers and have participated for less than a year. The average usage and monthly bill impact for each customer class to which the proposed rates will apply are not applicable. The percentage increase in the credit per kWh, representing a reduction in the net metering participant’s bill is as follows:
Bunzow’s journey began in his own community, where he had to convince local officials to allow backyard chickens. “The very first city council meeting that I brought it up, there were two that were very hard nos when they voted,” Bunzow said. “It was a 4-2 vote.”
Elsmere eventually agreed to a pilot program and, after a successful trial period, passed an ordinance permitting residents to keep backyard chickens.
Bunzow currently has five chickens on his property and plans to expand his flock. “I actually bought the woods behind my house that I’m starting to clear out … to hopefully get eight more,” he said.
Bunzow highlighted the benefits of keeping backyard chickens, including their calming presence and the superior quality of fresh eggs. “They are the best eggs,” he said.
Bunzow noted the significant difference between store-bought eggs and those from backyard chickens. “Any store-bought egg, you’re at 45 to 60 days old when you get them. My eggs – they don’t last over a month in my house because I’m eating them.”
While Bunzow jokes that his homegrown eggs ultimately end up costing more than those from grocery stores, he believes having the option is valuable for Kentucky residents.
County planning names Wice as new executive director
Josh Wice was named executive director of Kenton County Planning Services. Provided | Planning and Development Services of Kenton County
Josh Wice will take over as executive director of Kenton County Planning and Development Services from Sharmili Reddy, who was recently appointed as Covington’s city manager.
Young 4-H equestrians take champion ribbons at state contest, show
The Blazing Bridles 4-H Horse Club earned 54 Top 10 ribbons at the Kentucky 4-H State Horse Contest and 44 more at the state horse show.
The horse contest was held in Lexington on June 17-18. Contest participants competed in horse judging, horse bowl, hippology exam and arts.
The horse show was held in Louisville from June 28 through July 2. Youngsters demonstrated their riding skills in the drill team, saddleseat, miniature, walking/racking/ mountain, speed, Western and hunter divisions.
• Katherine Rose Gibbons (age 11, Latonia): Contest champion – photography, single photo; art, junior clothing/sewing. Horse show champion – Miniature Division, pleasure driving junior.
• Fionna Lawrence (age 12, Independence): Horse show champion – Saddleseat Division, showmanship, walk trot pleasure and walk trot equitation. Horse show champion – Miniature Division, jumper 34″-38″. Horse show – Saddleseat Division, high point reserve champion.
The rates contained in this notice are the rates proposed by Duke Energy Kentucky; however, the Public Service Commission may order rates to be charged that differ from the proposed rates contained in this notice. Such action may result in rates for consumers other than the rates in this notice.
Any corporation, association, body politic or person may, by written request within thirty (30) days after publication of this notice of the proposed rate changes, request leave to intervene; intervention may be granted beyond the thirty (30) day period for good cause shown. Such motion shall be submitted to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, P. O. Box 615, 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602-0615, and shall set forth 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 the Commission may take final action on the application.
Intervenors may obtain copies of the application and other filings made by the Company by requesting same through email at DEKInquiries@duke-energy.com or by telephone at (513) 287-4366. A copy of the application and other filings made by the Company is available for public inspection through the Commission’s website at http://psc.ky.gov, at the Commission’s office at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am. To 4:30 p.m., and at the following Company offices: 1262 Cox Road, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. Written comments regarding the application may be submitted to the Public Service Commission through its website, or by mail at the following Commission address.
For further information contact:
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY 1262 COX ROAD
P. O. BOX 615
ERLANGER, KENTUCKY 41018
211 SOWER BOULEVARD (513) 287-4366
FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 40602-0615 (502) 564-3940
The PDS Management Board unanimously approved Wice as the new director July 24, according to an announcement from Chris Reinersman, PDS management chair and Independence mayor.
“Josh has been a key member of the PDS team for four years and helped establish the community development program, which I know has benefited many of your communities,” Reinersman’s statement said. “In addition to leading community development, Josh was recently promoted to deputy executive director, reflecting the additional responsibilities he has taken on over the years, including PDS communications and serving as acting executive director when needed.”
Wice formerly served as city administrator and as economic and community development director for Florence. He also held a senior strategic role at REDI Cincinnati, an economic development company across the river. He earned degrees from NKU and Thomas More. He grew up in Edgewood, but he currently lives in Erlanger.
He began his new duties Aug. 4.
• Catalina Mejia (age 13, Independence): Horse show champion – Drill Team Division.
• Kylie Patton (age 14, Morning View): Horse show champion – Walking Racking Mountain Division, trail pleasure racking lite shod junior and Western country pleasure racking lite shod junior.
• Chelsey Ruby (age 14, Crittenden): Horse show champion – Drill Team Division.
• Elisha Wilson (age 14, Ryland Heights): Contest champion – art, black and white photography and senior original design. Horse show champion – Miniature Division, halter obstacle senior. Horse show – Miniature Division senior high point reserve champion.
Members Sophia Lipscomb (age 12, Kenton County) and Blake Terharr (age 12, Independence) rounded out the state teams, which are led by 4-H volunteers Melinda Martino and Leah Wilson.
A Blazing Bridles 4-H Horse Club member. Provided | Charles Bolton
The chickens raised by Eric Bunzow. Provided | Eric Bunzow
Programs prepare students for life after high school
By Kenton Hornbeck
With the school just around the corner, several of the region’s educational institutions are offering collegeand career-readiness programs to help jumpstart students’ post-high school ambitions.
These programs, offered by local universities, school districts and community groups, give students opportunities for dual-credit courses, resources to explore careers, individual coaching and practical work experiences.
We’re highlighting five Northern Kentucky-based college and career readiness programs that are helping prepare students for life after graduation.
Northern Kentucky University’s SchoolBased Scholars program enables high school students to earn college credits toward an undergraduate degree while still in high school. The program is the university’s flagship dual-credit program.
The program, open to public, private and homeschooled students, enables them to earn NKU college credits in three ways: through their high school, online through NKU’s virtual learning platform or on campus alongside traditional college students at the Highland Heights campus.
Tuition is available at a notably lower rate, too, making it a cost-effective option for students to earn credits. Many students also qualify for extra financial aid through the Kentucky Dual Credit Scholarship, which can cover up to two courses annually at no expense to families.
The School-Based Scholars program focuses on general education subjects, including English, history, math, psychology and public speaking. These courses not only earn college credits but also contribute to students’ high school diplomas. Additionally, many credits earned through the program can be easily transferred to other higher education institutions throughout Kentucky.
Campbell County ATC
Campbell County’s Area Technology Center is one of Northern Kentucky’s premier high school technical training programs, offering 11th and 12th grade students the opportunity to earn credits toward a technical degree.
Located on the Campbell County High School campus, the ATC offers students an alternative to traditional college, enabling them to learn a valuable trade. ATC classrooms feature hands-on learning stations that allow students to experience operating in a real workstation and gain satisfaction from completing a task while still
in school. Its practical, technical training include programs in automotive technology, auto body repair, carpentry, electrical technology, health sciences, masonry and welding.
Students from nearby districts such as Highlands, Dayton, Bellevue, Newport and Pendleton County schools are eligible to attend classes at the ATC.
Gateway dual credit
Like NKU, Gateway Community and Technical College offers a robust dual-credit program for high school students in the region.
The program includes both general education courses, such as English, history, math, science and public speaking, as well as career-oriented technical pathways like health care, manufacturing, logistics, trades and business. Gateway’s courses are aligned with the state community and technical college system’s dual credit pathways, ensuring that credits transfer to in-demand degrees or credentials.
What makes Gateway’s program enticing is affordability. Students can earn essential college credits at discounted rates, helping them save money on their education while gaining skills. Many students qualify for the Kentucky Dual Credit Scholarship or Work Ready Kentucky funding, which further reduces costs.
To advance in their degree programs, many students complete required undergraduate courses through Gateway, earning an associate’s degree after two years, and then transfer the credits to a larger, four-year university in Kentucky. This saves students money in the long run.
Ignite Work-Based Learning
school in Erlanger, requires senior students to complete an academic internship or capstone project in their chosen field.
Students can accumulate 400 or more hours of work-based learning through an internship, co-op program or an approved workplace immersion related to their selected career pathway. The program is a key part of the school’s goal to graduate students who are academically equipped, professionally experienced and prepared for their careers.
Ignite collaborates with local employers, colleges and community organizations to find and carefully select valuable placements. These partners include St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Gravity Diagnostics, NKU, Gateway and various regional tech and design companies.
Each placement is guided by a workplace mentor that provides students with real-time support to make sure the experience is educational and helps students achieve their career objectives.
NaviGo Prep
NaviGo Prep at Learning Grove is the college- and career-readiness division of Learning Grove, a nonprofit education organization based in Covington.
Through in-house tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey and YouScience aptitude assessments, NaviGo offers personalized coaching, assessments and planning to help middle and high school students discover their interests and strengths, then translate them into postsecondary plans.
In addition, the NaviGo Scholars Program connects high school students to local companies in health care, manufacturing, finance and mental health fields. Selected students join employer-sponsored cohorts, where they receive mentoring, internships, soft skills training and occasional scholarships. The program connects classroom education with practical career experiences.
Learn more
Find more information about these programs online.
• NKU School Based Scholars: inside.nku.edu/schoolbasedscholars.html.
• Campbell County ATC: atc. campbell.kyschools.us.
• Ignite Institute Work-Based Learning: ignite-pathways. com/work-based-learning.
• NaviGo Prep: navigoprep.com.
NOTICE
Please take notice that, no sooner than August 15, Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. will apply to the Kentucky Public Service Commission for approval to revise its Demand Side Management (DSM) rate, KYPSC No. 2, Sheet No. 78 for electric service for residential and commercial customers, proposed to become effective on and after September 15, 2025. Duke Energy Kentucky’s current monthly DSM rate for residential electric customers is $0.002418 per kilowatt-hour and for non-residential customers is $0.003409 per kilowatt-hour for distribution service and $0.000674 per kilowatt-hour for transmission service.
Duke Energy Kentucky seeks approval to revise these rates as follows: Duke Energy Kentucky’s monthly DSM rate for residential electric customers would decrease to $0.001641 per kilowatt-hour and for non-residential customers would decrease to $0.003000 per kilowatt-hour for distribution service and would remain at $0.000674 per kilowatt-hour for transmission service.
The rate contained in this notice is the rate proposed by Duke Energy Kentucky. However, the Public Service Commission may order a rate to be charged that differs from this proposed rate. Such action may result in a rate for consumers other than the rate in this notice. The foregoing rates reflect a proposed decrease in electric revenues of approximately $2.10 million or (0.44%) over current total electric revenues.
A typical residential electric customer using 1000 kWh in a month will see a decrease of $0.82 or (0.5%). A typical non-residential electric customer using 40 kilowatts and 14,000 kWh will see a decrease of $6.21 or (0.3%). Non-residential customers served at transmission voltage will see no change.
Any corporation, association, body politic or person may by motion within thirty (30) days after publication or mailing of notice of the proposed rate changes, submit a written request to intervene to the Public Service Commission, 211 Sower Boulevard, P.O. Box 615, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602, and shall set forth the grounds for the request including the status and interest of the party. The intervention may be granted beyond the thirty (30) day period for good cause shown. If the Commission does not receive a written request for intervention within thirty (30) days of the initial publication of the notice, the Commission may take final action on the tariff filing. Written comments regarding the proposed rate may be submitted to the Public Service Commission by mail or through the Public Service Commission’s website. A copy of this application filed with the Public Service Commission is available for public inspection at Duke Energy Kentucky’s office at 1262 Cox Road, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018 and on its website at http://www.duke-energy.com. This filing and any other related documents can be found on the Public Service Commission’s website at http://psc.ky.gov
NKU School-Based Scholars
Gateway Community and Technical College’s dual-credit program allows students to earn college credit while they’re still in high school. Provided | Gateway Community and Technical College
What’s hot for 2025-26? Check out these school-year trends
By Dillon Cain
LINK contributor Dillon Cain is a high school senior – i.e., not old like the rest of the LINK team – so he knows what he’s talking about.
As summer prepares to take its last bow before another school year, students across the nation are gearing up for the 2025-26 academic year.
With new and returning trends on the horizon, staying ahead of the curve is the perfect way to start the year on a high note. Without further ado, buckle up for an exclusive sneak peek at the hottest trends set to define the coming school year.
Birkenstock clogs
Introduced in the 1970s, Birkenstock clogs are making a major comeback in 2025. These iconic shoes are the perfect balance between functionality and fashion, featuring a cushioned footbed and plush suede lining designed for all-day comfort.
Their closed-toe design makes them a
must-have for navigating school hallways in style. The most popular colors, mocha and taupe, are currently flying off the shelves, so make sure to grab a pair before August rolls out!
• Where to buy: Journeys, Birkenstock.com, DSW, DICK’S Sporting Goods, REI.
Denim pants
Jeans have always been a back-toschool essential, but denim is experiencing a major moment now. From classic cuts to striking new designs, denim pants and their countless variations are hotter than ever.
Popular brands like Empyre infuse skate-inspired flair into traditional jeans, while True Religion makes a statement with eye-catching styles. Whether you’re going for laid-back or bold, there’s a denim trend to match your vibe.
• Where to buy: Zumiez, Buy One Get One Free (Empyre Brand); Zumiez, truereligion. com (True Religion).
Animal, camo prints
From camo pants to cheetah blouses,
Fort Thomas Home For Sale By Owner
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4 BR/2BA home in the Fort Thomas School District 2 blocks from Highlands High School and Middle School.
Block foundation with full basement, gas heat and central air. Located in the center of town. Minutes from downtown Cincinnati with easy access to 275/471.
Bright & Open Living Spaces — Enjoy sun–filled, open–concept living and dining areasperfect for both quiet evenings and lively entertaining.
• Room to Grow — With 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, there’s room foreveryone to thrive, with potential for a 4th bedroom.— Move-In Ready Kitchen with Room to Make It Your Own — The kitchen is clean,efficient, and fully functional, offering a great opportunity for future updates withoutimmediate pressure. — Versatile Family Room Addition — This light–filled, expansive room — just 20 years young — adds valuable square footage and everyday comfort. — Outdoor Living — Step outside to a flat, landscaped backyard ideal for gardening, grilling, or playing in the yard!–Climate Comfort — Central cooling and forced air heating keep you comfortable all year round. — Garage Convenience — An attached garage adds ease, security, and additional storage space. Also, includes adjacent carport under family room addition.
FALL IN LOVE WITH 819 N. FT. THOMAS AVE FOR SALE BY OWNER!
LIST PRICE: $485,000
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
prints are making a triumphant return for the next school year. Statement pieces are reclaiming the spotlight in 2025, with fierce animal prints and camouflage exploding in popularity.
This resurgence isn’t just about clothing, though. It’s a celebration of individuality and living out loud. Designers worldwide are pushing the boundaries with unexpected color mashups and striking patterns, promoting a new era of self-expression.
Whether you are rocking a zebra print purse or a leopard skirt, this year is all about embracing fashion without hesitation. So go ahead and let your wardrobe go wild!
• Where to buy: Amazon, Hollister, American Eagle, Target, Kohl’s, Macy’s.
If currently trending shoes are any indication, retro is making a bold resurgence. Inspired by the iconic Adidas Campus sneaker from the 1980s, these stylish kicks pay homage to the Y2K aesthetic while delivering the comfort and support of a modern shoe. Blending nostalgia with practicality, they’re set to be a must-have in schools everywhere.
• Where to buy: Foot Locker, Finish Line, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Adidas.com, Journeys, City Gear
Knitwear/crochet kits
It’s a good time to pay a visit to your grandmother to find her spare yarn, because crocheting and knitting are making waves. From chunky, oversized sweaters to stitched shirts, knitted pieces are undeniably “in” because of the authentic, warm vibe they lend to any outfit. TikTok has further fueled this knit revival, with content creators inspiring a new generation to pick up the needles and hooks themselves rather than buying from stores.
• Where to buy: Macy’s, American Eagle, Old Navy, Hollister, Aerie (knitwear); Barnes & Nobles, Walmart, Amazon, TheWoobles.com (The Woobles).
Fjällräven Kånken backpacks
With the reemergence of the VSCO girl, the cultural obsession with Fjällräven Kånken backpacks also is making its return.
Once a staple of eco-conscious style in 2020, the Kånken is reclaiming its spot five years later as a must-have accessory. Its classic square design and distinctive logo make it the perfect complement to the effortless aesthetic of today’s fashion.
As the younger generation embraces reviving past trends, these stylish backpacks can be seen slung over shoulders everywhere, from classrooms to music festivals.
• Where to buy: REI, Nordstrom, Amazon, Dillard’s.com, Journeys.com, Fjallraven.com.
Backpack plushies
Adorable, fuzzy backpack companions are not just for kids anymore. They’ve become a stylish and playful accessory for people of all ages. Whether it’s a cuddly dinosaur, a whimsical butterfly or a nostalgic character from pop culture, these playful keychains are popping up everywhere!
Whether you’re looking for a quirky statement piece or just want a soft friend to carry around, backpack plushies are proving that current trends can be fun, affordable and full of personality.
• Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Hot Topic, Five Below.
Thrifting
In 2025, thrifting is more than a budget-friendly shopping habit – it’s a full-on trend! With sustainability taking the spotlight now more than ever, younger shoppers are beginning to embrace secondhand fashion and the art of upcycling.
The thrill of discovering hidden gems and crafting a truly individualized back-toschool outfit has created a far-reaching appeal for thrift shopping, especially among students. Plus, as an added bonus, one can support a circular economy by choosing to thrift, giving preloved items a second life instead of contributing to landfill waste.
• Where to buy: Plato’s Closet, Dixie Treasure, Goodwill.
Because of this focus on handmade craftsmanship, beginner crochet kits are flying off the shelves, with the “Shark Tank”backed company The Woobles leading the charge. The beginner crochet kit has captivated aspiring crafters with its easy-to-follow tutorials and custom-made Easy Peasy Yarn, making it the go-to back-to-school relaxation hobby.
No matter your style, there’s something for everyone trending in the 2025-2026 school year. Whether you’re rocking throwback footwear, discovering hidden gems at the thrift store or embracing knitted fashion, this year’s back-to-school must-haves prove that personal expression is at the heart of it all. So grab your Birkenstock clogs, sling on your Kånken backpack, and step into the new school year with confidence!
Adidas Campus 00s shoes
Birkenstock Boston Clogs. Provided | birkenstock. com
Empyre Ultra Loose Fit Evening Dark Blue Jeans. Provided | zumiez.com
Women’s Cheetah Pocket Top – 143 STORY. Provided | Target. com
Campus 00s Shoes. Provided | adidas.com
Loose short sleeve striped knitted shirt. Provided | knowledgecottonapparel.com
Nothing’s better than cracking open a fresh pack of pens and a new notebook (or is that just journalism nerds?).
While school supplies can be one of the most enjoyable parts of heading back to school, they can also be pricey for parents and teachers. We’re helping to ease that wallet pain by gathering a few options for finding free and discounted school supplies.
Supplies for teachers
• Adopt a Classroom: Through Adopt a Classroom, educators can create fundraising pages and register for specific items that they need. Donors can be individuals, nonprofit organizations or companies. To register, you must be employed at an accredited K-12 school in the U.S. or at an accredited public preschool or a preschool associated with an accredited school.
Learn more at adoptaclassroom.org
• Discounts galore: There are plenty of discounts available for technology, like over 60% off a monthly Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and free Canva premium accounts, to clothing, including 30% discounts from Adidas, 15% off at Crocs and more. Plus, there are discounts on home goods like mattresses, meal subscription boxes and KitchenAid. Many media companies, like the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, also offer a teacher discount. Even insurance and car rental companies have deals.
Find these and more at weareteachers. com
Supplies for students
• Kids in Need Foundation: This organiza-
tion donates school supplies to students in need and also allows teachers to shop for supplies for students at no cost to themselves. The program will provide a backpack full of essential school supplies to students. Parents who would like to participate are asked to reach out to their student’s teacher, counselor or principal. The group also has a regional resource center in Dayton, Ohio, called Crayons to Classrooms.
More information at crayonstoclassrooms. org and kinf.org
• Churches and community centers: Keep an eye on local churches and community centers, such as the Red Cross and YMCA. Some of them may offer help to families in need during back-to-school season. Organizations often alert local media about planned fundraisers, so stay tuned at linknky.com to learn about upcoming events.
• Operation Homefront: Operation Home-
front supports military families through programs that offer financial help, longterm stability and ongoing support. The Back-to-School Brigade is the organization’s annual campaign that provides free school supplies and backpacks to children of military personnel. Since it began, the program has distributed over 550,000 backpacks nationwide.
More information at operationhomefront. org
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati: The Boys and Girls Clubs collaborate with several national retailers to collect and distribute free back-to-school supplies to families in need. There are three Northern Kentucky chapters, in Newport, Covington and Erlanger.
For more information, visit bgcgc.org
Gregory Dean Morris, of Oakwood, Ohio, and formerly of Cincinnati, died peacefully July 24 surrounded by his family. He was 64.
Mr. Morris was born in Cincinnati on January 28, 1961, and grew up in the city’s Price Hill neighborhood. He graduated from Elder High School in 1979 and then from Cumberland Junior College.
He was an outstanding left-handed pitcher for Elder High School, Bentley Post summer ball and Cumberland Junior College. After college, Mr. Morris became an accomplished local amateur golfer and enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball teams.
Mr. Morris was a retired senior sales manager from SKKR Inc.
Mr. Morris’ greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband for 38 years to Kathryn “Katie” Hils and loving father to Olivia Morris of Kettering, Ohio, and Henry Morris of Columbus, Ohio.
In addition to his wife and children, Mr. Morris is survived by his mother, Peggy Morris Bova (Charles), a sister, Nancy Foster, uncles Sim (Lowanda) Morris and Plaze Bowling, sisters-inlaw Lori Hils and Jennifer (Donny) Petro, brothers-in-law Mike (Dawn) Hils, and Jeff (Roni) Hils; and several nieces and nephews. Greg was preceded in death by his father, Harold “Hitter” Morris, and his mother and father-inlaw, Kathleen and Martin “Mote” Hils.
Greg’s legacy is one of tremendous courage, integrity and profound love for his family and lifelong friends. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation was held Aug. 1 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati and was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and reception. Burial was at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.
Mr. Morris’ family is grateful for the extraordinary medical care he received from Christ Hospital physicians Drs. Gregory Egnaczyk, Saad Hasan and Joseph Kremer, and from the University of Cincinnati Health Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit team. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Christ Hospital kidney transplant program.
Several resources are available to help those in need get school supplies. Photo by Laura Rivera | Unsplash
COMMISSIONER’S SALE
DIVISION I CASE NO.: 25-CI-00820
KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VERSUS}
SETH BRAZIER
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 15, 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, AUGUST 21, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 VERSUS}
JAMES J. JENSEN, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered DECEMBER 13, 2017 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, AUGUST 28, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
DARLINGTON FARM CONDOMINIUMS COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS, INC. VERSUS}
LINDA SUE CARTER, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 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, AUGUST 21, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 2231 TEAL BRIAR LANE UNIT 101 BURLINGTON, KY 41005
UNKNOWN HEIRS, ASSIGNS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES AND BENEFICIARIES, IF ANY, OF SHIRLEY D. MUTTERS, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 23, 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, AUGUST 28, 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.
DIVISION III
CASE NO.: 25-CI-00024
SHERWOOD LAKES COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC. VERSUS}
FRANK BOVINO, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 16, 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, AUGUST 21, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
ADDRESS: 10136 CARNATION COURT UNIT 12 FLORENCE, KY 41042
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 23, 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, AUGUST 28, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $249,465.01 FIFTH THIRD BANK, $96,212.30 TOC, LLC
GROUP NO.: 3727
TERMS OF SALE: The property shall be sold as a whole. The purchaser may pay all or part of the purchase price in cash, and may pay the balance of the purchase price on a credit of 30 days after date of sale; said credit shall be granted only upon the execution by the purchaser of bond, with surety thereon, and said surety shall be a lending institution authorized and doing business in Kentucky, or a reputable fidelity or surety company, authorized and doing business in Kentucky, and only if said surety be acceptable to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court; and an authorized officer of the surety must be present at the sale or must have given the Commissioner adequate assurance of its intent to be surety prior to or at the sale; and said Bond shall be, and shall remain, a lien on the property sold as additional security for the payment of the full purchase price, and shall have the full force and effect of a Judgment; and said Bond shall bear interest at the rate provided by the Judgment up to Twelve (12%) Percent per annum until paid. The purchaser shall be required to pay the sum of 10% of the bid amount in cash or certified check on the purchase at the time of sale.
The successful bidder at the sale shall, at bidder’s own expense, carry fire and extended insurance coverage on any improvements from the date of sale until the purchase price is fully paid, with a loss payable clause to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court. Failure of the purchaser to effect such insurance shall not affect the validity of the sale or the purchaser’s liability thereunder, but shall entitle, but not require, a lien holder herein, after giving notice to the Commissioner, to effect said insurance and furnish the policy or evidence thereof to the Commissioner, and the premium thereon or the proper portion thereof shall be charged to the purchaser as purchaser’s
and
All sales are “as is” and the Plaintiff, the Master Commissioner, and the Court shall not be deemed to have warranted title of the real estate
WEBSITE FOR ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS.
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00122 DIVISION 2
FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO FIFTH THIRD BANK, NORTHERN KENTUCKY, INC. VS.
DOUGLAS K. ROGERS, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/16/2025 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 8/12/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 1018 Ervin Terrace, Dayton, Kentucky 41074
Group No: 41336/A1
PIDN: 999-99-09-871.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-01153 DIVISION 2
FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VS.
JULE LEE KING, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/30/2025 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 8/12/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 59 Ohio Avenue, Newport, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 30782/A2 & A3
PIDN: 999-99-04-936.00
CASE NUMBER 21-CI-00795 DIVISION 1
REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC VS.
DONNA LEHMAN, ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 12:00:00 AM 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 8/12/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 7 Fernwood Court, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001
Group No: 70301/C1
PIDN: 999-99-25-254.00
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00209
DIVISION 2
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST VS.
WILSON SEBASTIAN JR, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/16/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/12/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 539 Rifle Range Road, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001
Group No: 70393/Z & 70393/A1
PIDN: 999-99-23-583.01
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 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
JOSEPH F. GRIMME, MASTER COMMISSIONER 859-291-9075
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00672
DIVISION 2
JOYCE VERSINO VS. RANGER CONSTRUCTION, LLC, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/30/2025 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 8/12/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 133 Fourth Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074
Group No: 30289/A1
PIDN: 999-99-08-750.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00094
DIVISION 1
ADS TAX LIEN COMPANY, LLC VS.
STEVEN G. CHANDLER, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 5/22/2025 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 8/12/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 816 Ann Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 30184/A3
PIDN: 999-99-01-280.00
CASE NUMBER 22-CI-00910 DIVISION 2
FIFTH THIRD BANK, N.A. VS.
GARY WAYNE CARRIER, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 5/23/2023 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/12/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 1934 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076
Group No: 30629/A3, 30629/A4, 30630/A1 & 30630/A6
PIDN: 999-99-20-971.00
2025 prep football stories we’ll be watching this season
While 2024 brought quite the excitement for high school football fans in Northern Kentucky, 2025 has the potential to bring even more elation to pigskin watchers for arguably the best region the state has to offer.
Three teams made it to the KHSAA state championship in their respective class in 2024, the first time that had happened since 2014. This year brings the potential for just as many to accomplish that feat, as the region could bring home more than the one brought home last year by Beechwood, the program’s 18th.
As the 2025 season is slated to begin Aug. 22, here’s a look at some storylines leading into the first Friday night lights kickoff. These and a few other storylines will be featured individually and more in-depth on our website.
Is this the year an NKY team ends 6A title drought?
Since the KHSAA expanded to six classes in 2007, a Northern Kentucky school has failed to claim a title in the biggest class, 6A. Some have come close – Simon Kenton (2008), Dixie Heights (2014) and Ryle (2024) all finishing as runner-up.
While Ryle had quite the impressive season in 2024, there’s certainly a lot of meat left on that bone for the Raiders in 2025. They return 16 of 22 starters from their 12-3 state runner-up team. Last year’s dominance
came with eight straight running clocks against opponents and owned a 14-0 lead over Trinity in the state title game before the Shamrocks rallied to a 42-23 victory.
The Raiders have loaded their schedule up once again, facing Covington Catholic, Cooper, CAL and Highlands before they enter district play. They certainly won’t lack star power, highlighted by University of Indiana commit Jacob Savage. They have another Division I commit in receiver-defensive back Dylan Lee (Colgate), while defensive end Bo Gay is also drawing Division I interest.
The potential for Ryle to break the NKY 6A drought is certainly there for the taking.
Beechwood’s quest for No. 19 has a new QB under center
The Tigers have had quite the run of quarterbacks, with seven state titles in their past nine seasons led by Brayden Burch, Cameron Hergott and Clay Hayden. The new expected signal-caller is Emmett Queen, a transfer from Covington Catholic.
Queen turned heads at camps in the offseason, getting offers from Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Kentucky and Eastern Michigan despite not having much significant varsity playing time.
How will Conner regroup after death of longtime coach?
Conner was struck with the tragedy of losing their leader, Dave Trosper, in June. Trosper had led the program since 2007, and his unfortunate death left the Cougars with an unwanted, unexpected and unfortunately timed coaching search.
Conner hired Noel Rash shortly after, the longtime leader of the Beechwood program with eight state titles under his name. Rash stated his love for Trosper and getting the blessing from Trosper’s wife made the decision for not only Rash, but the school. There’s no doubt the season will be dedicated to Trosper, and the Cougars have a rallying point to go to when times get tough this season.
With offseason upgrades, holdouts Bellevue, Dayton make move to turf field
Say goodbye to grass football in NKY.
With Dayton and Bellevue going the turf route, all 22 NKY football teams (NewCath’s new facility coming soon as well) will have turf fields at their home stadiums.
Dayton and Bellevue, the last two in the region to play on grass, made the transition in the offseason. The Greendevils are breaking in a new stadium, while the Tigers renovated theirs. Times evolve; so do schools.
Cooper’s Cam O’Hara has shot at shattering NKY passing records
Cooper’s Cam O’Hara enters his senior season with 8,996 career passing yards, already the most in NKY history – if Ryle grad Tanner Morgan’s first two seasons at Hazard don’t count (Morgan finished with 10,303 career yards). O’Hara and Beechwood’s Clay Hayden, who just graduated with 8,823 passing yards, are the only players in NKY history to clear 8,000 passing yards.
O’Hara also has 120 passing touchdowns and 579 completions in his career.
Through the 2020 season (the latest for which the KHSAA has updated career records), only 11 quarterbacks in state history have thrown for more than 10,000 yards. With a full season ahead, O’Hara should not only clear that mark, but be in line for over 12,000 career yards, something that’s been done only four times in KHSAA history.
We are now featuring comics from artist Andrew Buchanan. Check in each week for an updated comic!
Realignment
puts CovCath, Highlands head to head in district
Instead of an out of district game in late August whose stakes are mainly bragging rights, the Covington Catholic-Highlands football rivalry will carry much more meaning in the 2025 season.
With Highlands moving down to 4A in the latest football realignment, the Colonels and Bluebirds are in the same district again. They’ll play a game in October with a lot more implications this year, just the way pretty much everyone wants it.
Don’t be surprised if the two meet again in November late in the playoffs, much like Cooper and Highlands did in 5A the past two seasons.
New coaches set for debuts at Conner, Holmes, Simon Kenton
As mentioned earlier, Noel Rash is taking over at Conner with other two coaching changes in NKY taking place at Simon Kenton and Holmes.
Joe Wynn takes over at Simon Kenton, getting back to Northern Kentucky after coaching at Mason County the past four seasons. Prior to coaching the Royals, Wynn was head coach at Newport for three seasons and was also an assistant at Holmes and Campbell County.
Jonathan Hopkins is the interim coach at Holmes, filling in because time constraints limited a full search for the Bulldogs. Hopkins could eventually be the permanent man in charge, but the school will make a more extensive search after this season.
Hopkins was the offensive coordinator for Ben Nevels, who resigned in May after 12 seasons at the helm. Hopkins has served as assistant coach since 2001. He’s also led the boys track and field team for 15 years and works as a counselor at the high school.
Shuffled districts make new names into contenders
We’ve already highlighted Highlands-Covington Catholic in the Class 4A 5th District, the two seemingly in a two-team race with Mason County and Harrison County challenging.
Ryle will get tested from Great Crossing in the Class 6A 6th District, while Simon Kenton and Campbell County hope to offer resistance.
Jacob Savage and Ryle have state title hopes entering the 2025 season. Provided | Charles Bolton
Cooper’s Cam O’Hara can shatter NKY passing records this season. Provided | Charles Bolton
Cash Harney and the Colonels will be playing a marquee matchup with Highlands in October. Provided | Charles Bolton
With Highlands out of the Class 5A 5th District, who will challenge Cooper? Conner, Dixie Heights, Boone County and Scott will give it their best shot.
With Lexington Catholic out of the Class 3A 5th District, does that open the door for Lloyd Memorial to claim a district title? The Juggernauts are probably the favorite, with Bourbon County, Carroll County, Henry County and Pendleton County challenging.
Beechwood hasn’t been challenged in the Class 2A 5th District, and that most likely won’t change this season. St. Henry, Walton-Verona, Bracken County, Owen County and Gallatin County will do their best to make it less lopsided.
The Class 1A 3rd District is in a similar situation, dominated by Newport Central Catholic as Newport, Bellevue and Dayton try to challenge the Thoroughbreds.
The one district where it may be hard to get a consensus prediction is the Class 1A 4th District, made up of Bishop Brossart, Holy Cross, Ludlow and Trimble County. Brossart, Holy Cross and Ludlow all could make a good case for district champs.
St. Henry to field first varsity team in school history
St. Henry will be playing its first varsity season in program history this year. Provided | Rob Lux
St. Henry got a taste of football last season with a JV and freshman team. Now things get real as the school in 2025 embarks on its first varsity season.
The Crusaders had strong numbers on their rosters last year, and they’re hopeful to hit the ground running. They’ll compete
in the Class 2A 5th District with Beechwood, Bracken County, Gallatin County, Owen County and Walton-Verona.
Week by week: Marquee games to look forward to
There’s never a shortage of great high school football in Northern Kentucky, but here are games each week this season that are best bets to be great matchups or have a lot riding on them for postseason play.
• Aug. 22: Ryle at Covington Catholic, Scott at Campbell County, Conner at Madison Central, Cooper at Anderson (OH), Dixie Heights at Simon Kenton, Frederick Douglass at Highlands, Holy Cross at St. Henry, Newport Central Catholic at Lloyd Memorial, Bishop Brossart at Walton-Verona.
• Aug. 29: Beechwood vs NewCath at CovCath, St. Henry at Boone County, Highlands at Cooper, Covington Catholic at Elder (OH).
• Sept. 5: Cooper at Ryle.
• Sept. 12: Ludlow at Dayton, Highlands at Boyle County, Christian Academy of Louisville at Ryle.
• Sept. 19: Covington Catholic at Beechwood, Newport Central Catholic at Raceland, Ryle at Highlands.
• Sept. 26: Ludlow at Bellevue, Conner at Cooper, Walton-Verona at Bracken County
• Oct. 3: Covington Catholic at Highlands, Cooper at Dixie Heights, Newport Central Catholic at Campbell County.
• Oct. 9-10: Bellevue at Dayton, Holy Cross at Bishop Brossart, Scott at Boone County, Conner at Dixie Heights, Newport vs Newport Central Catholic at Dixie Heights.
• Oct. 17: Bishop Brossart at Ludlow, Campbell County at Simon Kenton, Ryle at Great Crossing.
• Oct. 24: Holy Cross at Ludlow.
Summer isn’t over! Find last minute adventures in NKY
By Maggy McDonel
There’s still some summer left, and kids still need entertainment.
We’ve gathered some ideas for last-minute summer activities to round out the season before back-to-school gets into full swing. Read on to find some end-ofthe-season inspiration.
Grab a creamy whip
To the uninitiated, a creamy whip may seem like soft serve ice cream in a cone, and well … that’s technically what it is –the regional way of saying soft-serve ice cream. Creamy whips are more than a frozen treat, though. They’re summer, tradition and community with a walkup window.
Find our roundup of creamy whips around NKY at bit.ly/LINK-creamy.
Visit a splash pad
The Wilder Splash Pad runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting. It’s in City Center Park, which also offers two shelters, a playground, half-court basketball, a pitching wall, a tennis practice wall, two pickleball courts, a concession stand and restrooms. City Center Park is at 110 South St., Wilder.
Spend time on the water
Looking for ways to get out on the water this summer? Maybe it’s time to visit one of NKY’s kayak kiosks.
schacksyaks.com.
Take a last-minute trip
Looking to go on a little adventure this summer but don’t have time to go far? You’re in luck: There’s plenty to explore around Northern Kentucky that’ll make you feel like you’re worlds away. From the views at Devou Park to a trip back in time at Rabbit Hash to spending time in local waterways, there are so many ways to get out and enjoy the region. Find our list of last-minute trip locations where you can escape NKY without actually leaving here.
Go back in time at Big Bone Lick
Fun fact: NKY has a site that, according to the National Park Service, is “the key to understanding the life of the Ice Age on the North American continent.” Big Bone Lick State Park in Union is on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail and is known for its salt springs and prehistoric animal fossils. Visitors can view life-size replicas of prehistoric animals, visit a bison herd, explore more than 4 miles of trails, camp, hike, swim, watch birds, orienteer, picnic and more.
The park is open year-round, and admission is free. It also features 62 campgrounds, a camp store, showers, grills, laundry and restrooms.
Big Bone Lick State Park is at 3380 Beaver Road, Union. Learn more at parks. ky.gov.
Explore NKY history at BehringerCrawford
With plenty of lakes and, of course, rivers around the region, there are tons of spots to enjoy the warm weather on the water, but you may not own a kayak, or, if you do, you might not have space to store it. That’s where kayak kiosks come into play.
Schack’s Yaks has an innovative twofold program: It provides lockers so those with kayaks can store them by the river, so they don’t have to lug them around or improvise creative storage solutions. It also offers hourly rentals starting at $15 for the first hour and $10 for every additional hour in kayak kiosks for people looking to take a quick trip on the river. Learn more about Schack’s Yaks at
In Covington’s Devou Park, the Devou family’s 19th-century home is now the Behringer-Crawford Museum. It offers a unique look at the region’s history through exhibits that focus on cultural history, archaeology, industry, and performing and visual arts. The museum also offers rotating exhibits as well as educational and cultural events and programs that range from the seasonal Holly Jolly Days to family fun days to music programming and more.
The Behringer-Crawford Museum is at 1600 Montague Road, Devou Park, Covington. Find more information at bcmuseum.org.
The Roebling Bridge during Paddlefest 2025's sunrise preview event. Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor
Well-maintained 3-bedroom in prime location
Address: 78 Superior Drive, Fort Mitchell
Price: $749,900
Bedrooms: Three
Bathrooms: Two (plus two half baths)
Square footage: 3,086
School district: Beechwood Independent
County: Kenton
Special features: This spacious home features hardwood floors throughout and a flexible layout, with the potential to convert a former fourth bedroom back into use. Built in 1972, the property is on a generous lot in a desirable neighborhood in the Beechwood Independent School District.
A look at this home’s
REQUEST FOR BIDS – POLICE VEHICLES
The City of Fort Mitchell will accept bids in any format for the purchase of two (2) police cruisers for use by the Fort Mitchell Police Department. The bid must be received in person, by mail, or by email by August 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the City Clerk’s office at 2355 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, 41017, or by email at rnader@fortmitchell.com. Bids must be in accordance with specifications posted on https://fortmitchell.com/city-administrator/ city-bids/ or obtained from the City Clerk’s office at, 2355 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 from 7:30 to 5:00 p.m. Contact Police Chief Rob Nader at rnader@fortmitchell.com or at 859-331-1212 if you have any questions. The City of Fort Mitchell reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities and to negotiate with the apparent qualified best bidder to such extent as may be in the City’s best interest.
A look at this home’s screened-in porch.
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
• 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
• 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
The exterior of this Fort Mitchell home. Photos provided | Lara Camden with Huff Realty
entryway.
- 6/22/25
Edited by Margie E. Burke
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. 5
Answer to Previous Sudoku:
Edited by Margie E. Burke
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:
2025 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SERIES:
OCTOBER 9
DECEMBER 4
Scan the QR code to register – Education – 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.
Our December Community Conversation event will be held at a different location: The new SparkHaus Entrepreneurial Hub at 727 Madison Avenue in Covington. What a better place to talk about workforce? We’ll see you there!
