LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 3, Issue 44 - October 3, 2025
Police call changes lives for child, officer’s family
By David S. Rotenstein
In October 2024, Florence police officer Michael Stanaland and Cpl. Kelli Chapman responded to a call to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
At the Sept. 23 Florence City Council meeting, Florence police Chief Jeff Mallery presented Stanaland with a distinguished service award for what happened as a result of that call.
“Not to get into the specifics of the call, it involved a child the cabinet was seeking placement for,” Mallery said. “At one point during the interaction, a staff member jokingly said to officer Stanaland, ‘You could take the child home.’”
Instead of brushing the comment off, Stanaland called his wife, Tessa. The couple agreed to take the child in.
“What was intended to be a temporary placement, a few days to maybe a couple months, turned into something much
SparkHaus to power NKY’s entrepreneurs
By Kenton Hornbeck
It’s not about the building itself, but the people inside that make it special.
That’s the message Dave Knox wanted to resonate with people during the grand opening of SparkHaus, the new capital building of Northern Kentucky’s entrepreneurial community. Knox is executive director of Blue North, a Covington-based nonprofit that connects entrepreneurs to critical resources.
“Those people inside are what make a community,” Knox said. “They’re what makes a civilization that is dreaming to be better than they are, dreaming to do things that have never been done before, and that’s what we’re working on.”
SparkHaus, at 727 Madison Ave. in the heart of Covington, is the culmination of
years of collaboration among the region’s entrepreneurial, economic, political and philanthropic communities. On Sept. 22, those stakeholders gathered again at a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of a project that they promise will strengthen the reputation and capabilities of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Among those joining Knox were Covington Mayor Ron Washington, Kenton County Judge-Executive Kris Knochelmann, state Sen. Chris McDaniel and Christine Russell, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority.
Three years ago, the building that would become SparkHaus was vacant. Opened as a Montgomery Ward department store in 1929, it had been home since the 1970s to Sims Furniture. In 2022, Sims closed its Covington store and moved to Norwood, Ohio.
Continues on page 4
Prosecutors asked to drop charges against journalists p5
Florence Police Chief Jeff Mallery, left and officer Michael Stanaland at the Sept. 23 Florence City Council meeting. Stanaland received a distiguished service award. Photo by David S. Rotenstein | LINK nky contributor
The SparkHaus sign from inside the building. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky
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Continued from page 1 more,” Mallery told the council and a small group that included members of Stanaland’s family. “Nearly a year later, the child remains in the loving care of the Stanaland family, who are now [the child’s] official foster family.”
Mallery explained that Stanaland’s award differed from others the department has given out.
“Typically, this award goes to an officer who distinguishes themselves by demonstrating exceptional service which brings credit upon themselves and/or the Florence Police Department,” Mallery said.
“The Florence Police Department is proud to recognize officer Stanaland and his family for their extraordinary kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.”
Stanaland received a plaque and a distinguished service pin to wear on his uniform. In a brief statement, Stanaland said, “A few months before this actually happened, we were saying prayers at nighttime, and my son said that he would like to be a big brother in his prayer.”
The police officer joked that his family wasn’t going to grow by natural means, which elicited hearty laughs from the council and people inside the council chambers.
“There’s no way possible that’s going to happen, and the Lord obviously had the last laugh, and his prayers were answered,” Stanaland said.
The decision to foster the child resulted in significant changes to Stanaland’s family. “The whole family has chipped in beyond what I could ever imagine and have opened up our home, changed their lives around,” he said.
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Stanaland received a standing ovation as police Chief Jeff Mallery presented the award.
Florence Police Chief Jeff Mallery hands Stanaland a distinguished service pin. Photos by David S. Rotenstein | LINK nky contributor
Continued from page 1
Sims’ closure ended more than 90 years for Eighth and Madison as a retail hub, but many Northern Kentucky community stakeholders sensed an opportunity to transform the space into something more. Their vision was to create a place for Northern Kentucky-based founders, investors and support organizations to collaborate in a central hub. Today, SparkHaus is the latest addition to the urban core of a revitalizing Covington.
“Standing here in front of this historic Sims Furniture building on Madison Avenue, you can feel both the weight of our past and the spark of what’s next,” Washington said. “Today, this landmark begins a new chapter at SparkHaus, a front door for entrepreneurship in Northern Kentucky.”
Washington called the development a catalyst for a city that has continually attracted investment to reinvigorate its downtown and urban neighborhoods over the past decade.
The 51,000-square-foot structure underwent extensive renovations to become SparkHaus. The project cost around $16 million. Urban Sites, a Cincinnati-based developer, was the contractor, while CityStudios Architecture handled the design work. Construction kicked off in September 2024.
Financing for SparkHaus came from $2 million in Kentucky Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, donations from private donors and organizations, $2.5 million from the Catalytic Fund and a $6 million allocation from the Kentucky General Assembly, along with other sources. The Kenton County Fiscal Court activated $3 million in site development funds to assist the NKY Port Authority in purchasing the building from local real estate developer Tony Milburn.
“Even if one of those had not said yes, we
would not be here this morning,” Knochelmann said of the project’s financial partners. “But because you believed, we have SparkHaus. Because you believed, entrepreneurs across this region now will have a place to start to grow and to soar. There have been places before where they’ve gathered, and they should always be respected, but never a place like SparkHaus.”
Inside, SparkHaus offers a mix of public, shared and private office spaces across three levels. The first floor and mezzanine feature public amenities, including a café, open lounges, casual co-working areas, phone booths and the Haile Living Room gathering space, as well as an event hall that accommodates 70 to 80 people.
The second floor features dozens of private offices of various sizes, dedicated desks and a boardroom area called the Covington Industrial Club – an homage to the commercial booster organization whose home stood at Eighth and Madison before Montgomery Ward built there. Overall, the hub offers over 170 desks, more than 30 private offices, and versatile event and meeting spaces to meet diverse needs.
SparkHaus already boasts a laundry list of tenants, ranging from venture capital firms like eGateway Capital and Keyhorse Capital to AI businesses like Flamel.ai and SYRV.
Each of the building’s features is tailored to create what Knox calls “collision” between entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and entrepreneurial resource organizations, such as Blue North, which is now headquartered on SparkHaus’ mezzanine.
“Everybody can think about their own life, their own business journey, and those serendipitous moments that brought things to life,” Knox said, “that thing that turned it on a dime, that, if you hadn’t run into that person, hadn’t been introduced to that opportunity, you will never reach the potential of what you are.”
Blue North Executive Director Dave Knox cuts the ribbon to SparkHaus in Covington on Sept. 22. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky
Prosecutors asked to drop charges against journalists
By Nathan Granger
Agroup of professors penned an open letter to Kenton County Attorney Stacy Tapke, asking that misdemeanor charges against two CityBeat journalists be dropped.
The journalists, Madeline Fening and Lucas Griffith, were arrested in July during a protest on the Roebling Bridge.
Organizations that contributed to the letter include the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Greater Cincinnati Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, and the Freedom of the Press Foundation, among others.
Individual signatories include several professors of journalism at the University of Cincinnati, including the department’s director of undergraduate studies, Alfred J. Cotton III.
“Lucas Griffith is one of the best student journalists on this campus,” Cotton said. “He’s a former student of mine, and I believe wholeheartedly in his integrity and dedication to pursuing the truth. I stand with the call to drop the charges against him and Madeline Fening.”
“Newsgathering is a protected right under the First Amendment,” said Jenny Wohlfarth, another professor. “What’s at stake here is not just these two reporters’ fates, but also the fundamental Constitutional rights of a free press that are protected for all of us under the First Amendment.”
The letter goes on to cite legal opinions that the signatories argue support dismissing the charges, as well as other instances in which charges have been dismissed against journalists that have been arrested.
Fening, Griffith and 13 others were arrested after a chaotic encounter with the police on the bridge, which took place after a protest in Cincinnati branched off from a vigil for former Cincinnati Children’s chaplain Ayman Soliman, whom ICE detained following the revocation of his asylum status. Soliman was released Sept. 19 from the Butler County Jail in Hamilton, Ohio.
Felony rioting charges against the journalists were dropped, but the lesser charges were upheld at a hearing in late July. Since then, according to court documents, the court has also dismissed a charge of unlawful assembly against Fening and charges of unlawful assembly and resisting arrest against Griffith. The reporters still face misdemeanor charges of failure to disperse, obstructing a highway, obstructing emergency responders and disorderly conduct.
The journalists’ attorneys also filed motions to prevent prosecutors from employing certain tactics during the trials; those motions were granted, according to court documents. The Kentucky branch of the ACLU is representing the journalists in this case.
Tapke was not immediately available to comment, but another prosecutor involved in the case, Drew Harris, spoke with LINK nky over the phone and later sent an email statement about the letter.
“The First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press, but that right is not unlimited,” Harris wrote in his email. “Like all
citizens, journalists must comply with reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. They do not have the unfettered right to report from any location they choose, particularly when public safety and access are at stake.”
Harris points out that the Committee to Protect Journalists, which is one of the signatories of the letter, “has itself published guidance acknowledging these limits. Its ‘Guide to Legal Rights in the U.S.’ for journalists expressly states that police may order both protestors and reporters to disperse when streets are blocked or safety is compromised, and that journalists should comply with such orders. Their ‘quick tips’ further emphasize that reporters must obey dispersal directives from law enforcement.”
Specifically, the committee’s recommendation reads, “comply with dispersal orders or other directives issued by law enforcement. If engaged in an encounter with law enforcement, explain that you are a journalist covering the event and show your credentials. You may continue to record interactions with law enforcement.”
also said prosecutors “have made multiple offers based on our prosecutorial discretion to resolve their respective cases with a dismissal of the charges, upon their stipulation that officers had probable cause for their arrest. Ms. Fening and Mr. Griffith have declined those offers.”
He explained that, if the journalists had stated on the record that the police had probable cause to arrest them on the bridge, then prosecutors would drop the charges. That would waive their right to bring a civil lawsuit against the officers for a wrongful arrest in the future.
Seth Stern, the advocacy director with the Freedom of the Press Foundation, told LINK that “the fact the police are worried about that prospect [of a lawsuit] is telling.”
“Journalists have every right to cover protests and their aftermath, and when police disperse protestors, it does not mean they can disperse and arrest journalists doing their constitutionally protected jobs,” said Stern. “Otherwise, officers who are up to no good would have every incentive to clear the area of media beforehand.”
The Roebling Suspension Bridge was the site of a confrontation in July between demonstrators and police. Photo by Hailey Roden | LINK nky contributor Harris
Fire chiefs ask mayors to help fund training center
By Nathan Granger
The Kenton County Fire Chiefs Association is asking cities in the county to help fund a joint fire training facility for the area’s fire departments and districts.
The center is already partially funded, and the association brought its request to the Sept. 20 meeting of the Kenton County Mayors Group. The project aims to establish a shared fire training facility – and possibly a police training facility, as well – for the county’s various firefighting organizations.
The Fire Chiefs Association had presented to the mayors group earlier this year, and Saturday’s meeting served as an opportunity for the association to update the county’s elected executives and ask for their help. The tone of the meeting was jocular, and the mayors seemed open to working with the association to help the project come to fruition.
The project aims to replace the former countywide training center, the Wietholter Training Center on Boron Drive in Coving-
ton. It closed in the spring of 2022 after Rumpke purchased the property. Rumpke planned to redevelop the land without building a new fire training facility on the site. Rumpke opened an $8.2 million transfer station off Boron Drive in 2024.
The now-shuttered Wieholter facility opened in 1972. It originally was available to the Covington Fire Department for use as a fire training center. In 1982, Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Court and the Fire Chiefs Association reached an agreement to hand over operation of the training center to the chiefs association, although the city continued to own the building.
The old center included a suite of training facilities, including a smoke building for search training, a high angle ropes course, a live-fire training building, a pumper testing pit and other facilities that departments around the county could use to train their personnel.
After the land was sold, Judge-Executive Kris Knochelmann helped negotiate a buyout from the land’s owners for the association’s remaining lease for $1 million. A committee within the Fire Chiefs Asso-
ciation then formed to scout for a new location.
The land where the association hopes to establish a new center is on Madison Pike near a CSX railway. On Aug. 21, the association approved spending of up to $600,000 to prepare the site. That entails installing infrastructure for utilities and sewers.
The association has also completed engineering plans for the site, and the Kentucky Fire Commission has awarded the association a grant to build a live-fire container prop for training by the end of the year. The association will lose the money if it fails to build the prop by then.
The association already has awarded the work to Klassic Industries. It estimates the project’s total cost, including the $600,000 already committed, at between $3.2 million and $4 million. The association is currently working on getting the proper building permits.
The Northern Kentucky Police and Sheriff’s Training Center, which currently lacks a central location or dedicated office, also has agreed to help the association seek funding with the hope it could also eventually use the facility for police training, too.
“Basically, all the dirt work is done, ready to go to put a building on it,” said Independence Assistant Fire Chief Nick Russell, “and we’re at $2.6 to $3.4 million. So, the Fire Chiefs’ Association is all in with this money they have; that’s a million dollars.
Like I said, we’re going to spend $600,000 of it already to do this.”
Russell said grants to bankroll such a project are rare – the Kentucky Fire Commission, from which they’ve already gotten a grant to build the training prop, doesn’t have the funds for an investment of this kind. Moreover, the association, which is a nonprofit, gets most of its income from member dues. This amounted to only about $6,000 a year, so it isn’t able to pay for the remaining construction on its own.
Washington pitched the idea of using municipal bonding to fund the construction. Russell admitted he didn’t know how that would work, but, based on conversations at the meeting, if cities agreed to issue bonds for the construction, they would have to work the debt repayments into their budget.
“If each community knew, you know, this is what we’re supposed to pay over the next 10 or 15 years, I think that’d be the closer way to do it,” Washington said. “Then we could put it in our budget that, you know, I’m supposed to put this in my budget for the next X amount of years.”
Park Hills Mayor Kathy Zembrodt, who has a background in lending, volunteered to help the association investigate its options.
No official action was taken at the meeting, but “you got people in this room here that would be glad to help,” Washington said to Russell.
A plan of the proposed facility presented to the Kenton County Mayors Group on Sept. 20. Photos provided | Kenton County Fire Chiefs Association
Various fire departments in Kenton County used the now-shuttered Wieholter Training Center.
Bill to outlaw sexual grooming gains bipartisan support
By McKenna Horsley
The Kentucky Lantern
AKentucky Republican is hoping to define grooming of a child in state law and criminalize it under a proposal she presented Sept. 18.
Rep. Marianne Proctor, of Union, said the goal of her bill would be to define what a “groomer” is. No state law now defines or criminalizes that behavior. She presented the idea to members of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary.
“It has become an increasing problem,” Proctor said.
Lawmakers often debate possible legislation in the interim ahead of the next legislative session, which starts in January.
A draft version of the legislation says an adult would be guilty of grooming a minor under the age of 14 if he or she has “intent to entice, coerce, solicit or prepare the minor to engage in sexual conduct with the person or another person” or is a person of authority over a minor with such intention. Violating the law would be a Class A misdemeanor, unless the victim is under the age of 12, in which case it would be a Class D felony. That would carry a possible sentence
of one to five years in prison.
Joining Proctor’s presentation was Louis Kelly, the commonwealth’s attorney for Boone and Gallatin counties. He said that many rape cases involve a history of a relationship before escalating into a criminal act. “What this would do would be to allow us to identify and prosecute and stop this in its tracks before it crosses the line into actually enticing or eliciting sex, or, God forbid, an actual sexual conduct (situation),” Kelly said.
The bill includes provisions to address people who have to communicate with minors for legitimate purposes and further outlines intent, Kelly said. However, the bill could be refined before the legislative session begins in a few months.
The legislation got bipartisan support from committee members, but some lawmakers still had questions about how broad and how narrow Proctor’s bill should be.
The plan comes amid a LINK nky investiga-
tion into a former Beechwood High School teacher who admitted to grooming students while he was a teacher in 2020. The teacher no longer works for the school.
Rep. T.J. Roberts, a Burlington Republican, said “protecting our children is one of the highest duties that we have as a legislature” and that the bill would do that. However, he said states with similar laws state that someone could be liable for grooming if they believe the victim is a minor even if the victim is over 18.
House Democratic Whip Rep. Lindsey Burke, of Lexington, said she views the draft as having narrow definitions but that it could be widened to encompass other possible victims and perpetrators, including some perpetrators younger than 18. She gave an example of a 17-year-old grooming a much younger child and wondered if “we’re going to miss, potentially, very damaging conduct.”
“We need to do everything we can to ensure that young people are safe when they’re at school, when they’re at home, when they’re in the community, and I do think this bill is going in the right direction,” Burke said.
Ohio and Louisiana are among states that have passed recent laws banning grooming of a minor.
Rep. Marianne Proctor speaks during a meeting. Provided | Legislative Research Commission
Dice on Draft: Bar to welcome tabletop gamers to Covington
McKenzie Crist wants to bring people together through tabletop games.
What began as a fun college hobby grew into a community-building business opportunity that merges her passion for tabletop gaming with her love of bringing people together. For her, tabletop games, like Dungeons & Dragons, provide a way to escape reality for a few hours to a new universe through your own imagination.
“It’s a good carve-out time to kind of be together and hang out and feel like a kid again – just using your imagination,” she said. “I’ve always loved the community around that, and I feel like there’s been kind of a resurgence in it.”
Crist is in the process of opening a board game bar called Dice on Draft at 20 E. Fifth St. in Covington. The bar will offer over 200 free-to-play board games, a private room for tabletop roll-playing games, and a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails and nonalcoholic options.
Part of Crist’s inspiration came from the closure of the Rook, a board game-themed bar that in Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood that shut down before the COVID-19 pandemic. Crist wants to bring that idea to Covington, a city she believes is undergoing tremendous growth.
“We’re just trying to slot into such a rapidly growing community and trying to find our place,” she said.
With Draft with Dice, Crist aims to show her customers that she’s making a personal investment in the local gaming community, rather than a strictly business-focused play.
“Part of it was just how deeply entrenched we are in the community,” she said. “It’s disappointing to have a place open that is of your interest, and the owners just kind of saw it as an investment opportunity.”
Crist said tabletop games can be both time-consuming and expensive to play, which creates barriers for casual players or beginners. To make the games more accessible, Dice on Draft plans to host learnto-play events, connect people looking for gaming groups and offer a rentable, private room for longer games.
Crist’s husband, D.J. Stanley, is also a dedicated tabletop gamer, enjoying everything from casual board games to weekly Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Although Crist is the sole owner, Stanley is helping with some of the business’s operations, such as bookkeeping, and has provided labor for the bar’s renovation.
Like Crist, Stanley believes the bar will be a friendly and open space for the gaming community.
“I enjoy a full range of things, from simple family board games like you’d think of, all the way through advanced strategy games and tabletop RPGs,” he said. “We play Dungeons & Dragons almost every week. McKenzie is actually a dungeon master for our group, so she’s the one who runs the games. As far as what this is going to provide, I think it’s going to be a really nice, friendly, open space for the community to play all kinds of different games.”
The bar is projected to open this fall, Stanley said. Renovations are well underway, with the bar equipment being installed and framed. The couple is now focused on staffing, with interviews completed and job offers expected soon. Plumbing work is scheduled to start within the next two weeks, pending final permit approvals and minor architectural revisions.
Once open, Crist wants her bar to have a welcoming atmosphere that’s inclusive of both game and nongaming fans, with a family-friendly feel before 8 p.m. and a more adult vibe afterwards.
Edgewood celebrates opening of newest NKY Kroger Marketplace store
Hundreds of customers gathered outside the new Edgewood Kroger, eager to be among the first to experience the company’s latest marketplace store in Northern Kentucky.
The Dixie Heights High School pep band and cheer team kicked off the store’s ribbon-cutting ceremony with the national anthem and pledge of allegiance. Kroger, the Cincinnati-based supermarket chain, has been on an investment spree south of the Ohio River.
In recent weeks, Kroger has broken ground on its new Cold Spring market near Northern Kentucky University, is redeveloping a former Thriftway in west Newport as a Kroger and has committed to building a 122,912-square-foot Kroger Marketplace on Alexandria Pike.
The Edgewood Kroger, at 3071 Dixie Highway, is the company’s newest in the region. It mainly serves customers from Edgewood, Erlanger, Elsmere and Crestview Hills, filling the space previously occupied by a vacant Kmart. Construction crews broke ground in April 2024.
It replaces the old Silverlake Kroger at
3158 Dixie Highway, which the company said was outdated. The Silverlake Kroger opened in 1988.
Jay Cannon, president of Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton division, said the grocer has invested $25 million in the project.
“It’s with great pride that we’re here today to celebrate our $25 million investment in the city of Edgewood, right here in Northern Kentucky, with this beautiful new store,” he said. “You know, we’ve been a part of the local community since 1988, and it’s an absolute honor to continue to serve this community 75 years later, with this stateof-the-art facility that we hope and know that you’ll love.”
The 101,000-square-foot store features expanded grocery sections and a 6,500-square-foot “deli of the future” with house-roasted meats, made-to-order sandwiches, hot and cold sides, and seating overlooking an open kitchen. Other amenities include a Starbucks, Murray’s Cheese station, Snowfox sushi bar, apparel section, a wine and spirits shop, fuel station and curbside pickup.
Edgewood Mayor John Link told the audience that the new Kroger is now one of the community’s best assets. “I’ve seen a lot of things come and go, and this has been the best asset that we can ever have within our area to serve the entire community,” he said.
Mayors discuss options for rules as popularity of e-bikes, scooters grows
The Kenton County Mayors Group discussed the problem of electric scooter and bicycle safety at its Sept. 20 meeting, following reports of concerns about the vehicles in several cities in the county.
The problem appears to be especially pronounced in Edgewood; the city has even put out regular public warnings about ordinances mandating certain safety measures with the vehicles.
Children tend to use scooters and bicycles with electric motors, said Edgewood Mayor
The exterior of Dice on Draft on East Fifth Street in Covington. Photo by Maggy McDonel | LINK nky
Community members cut the ribbon to the new Edgewood Kroger. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky
John Link. He recounted a recent instance in which a youngster on an electric scooter crashed into a car at a cross walk.
Fort Mitchell Mayor Jude Hehman talked about his son, who uses a scooter. He said his son had shared people’s reactions to his using a scooter both on the road and on the sidewalk at a recent public safety meeting at the city.
“He said, ‘if I’m on a sidewalk, I get yelled at by people that are walking,’” Hehman recounted, “and he said, ‘I get cussed at,’ and he said, ‘You have no business being on the sidewalk,’ and vice versa when he’s on the street.”
Conventional bicycles are usually mandated to stay on the road, rather than the sidewalk, but that didn’t mean people wouldn’t ride their bikes on the walkways, the attendees discussed. Ditto for electric scooters and the like.
The issue has become more salient as the vehicles have become more popular.
There already are regulations in place for other kinds of vehicles, termed low-speed vehicles, such as golf carts and dirt bikes, which mandate things like registrations, insurance, lights and other measures that make centralized enforcement of safety measures more uniform. Scooters, however, aren’t currently categorized as such vehicles.
That wouldn’t happen without a statutory change, said Kenton County Clerk Gabe Summe.
DIVISION I
CASE NO.: 25-CI-00817
“If they’re a low-speed vehicle, then you can be registered so you know who owns them,” Summe said. “They don’t necessarily have to be plated, unless they found they were on the road, like a golf cart or any other low-speed vehicle. But that would have to be a statutory change.”
Another problem brought up at the meeting was improper care and damage to the lithium batteries used to power vehicles.
Independence Assistant Fire Chief Nick Russell discussed proper maintenance of the batteries. He also discussed how, as the batteries have become more prevalent, places around the country have begun implementing safety regulations to curtail the risk of fires, such as requiring that EV charging stations be above ground and out in the open, “instead of putting them in your garage, where it can cause a fire, because it’s so rapid. You can’t control it; you can’t put it out. It just takes time and water to cool it enough that it stops burning,” Russell said.
“Then everything that runs off, or all that water you put on there, is now hazardous runoff,” said Steve Hensley, Kenton County’s homeland security director. “That has to be cleaned up to meet all the environmental standards.”
Tow yards have also become increasingly leery of taking in damaged batteries as well, Russell said, because of the fire risk.
Russell passed out a flyer with tips about battery best practices.
SELECT PORTFOLIO SERVICING, INC. VERSUS}
CHARLENE CUNEO, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered SEPTEMBER 2, 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, OCTOBER 23, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL OR BANKING CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE GREEN TREE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-HE1 VERSUS}
TONY LEE CAMPBELL, ET AL
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered SEPTEMBER 9, 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, OCTOBER 23, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
Mary Joan Hughes of Fort Wright died Sept. 22. She was 86.
Mary Joan Poston was born Oct. 11, 1938, in Newport. She was the daughter of Cecil Francis Poston and Mary Agnes Poston.
She was married for 67 years to her loving and devoted husband, Terry Hughes. She leaves a beautiful legacy of family, friends and accomplishments. Cherished for her fierceness, her kindness and her joyful, fun-loving spirit, Ms. Hughes will be profoundly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
In addition to her husband, Ms. Hughes is survived by two sons, Matthew (Lynn) and Patrick (Michelle) Hughes; a nephew, Jeff Poston (Danielle), who was like a son to her; and grandchildren Meredith Hughes, Nicholas Hughes (Cara), Kevin Henke (Megan), Patrick Henke (Robyn), Stephen Henke (Paige), Emma Hughes, Julia Hughes, Brody Poston and Jacob Poston. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Eileen Poston,
Visitation was Sept. 27 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Ms. Hughes was interred at St. Mary Cemetery in Fort Mitchell.
MASTER
BOONE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
The complete legal description is particularly set out in the Judgment and Order of Sale entered in this case.
TERMS OF SALE: The property shall be sold as a whole. The purchaser may pay all or part of the purchase price in cash, and may pay the balance of the purchase price on a credit of 30 days after date of sale; said credit shall be granted only upon the execution by the purchaser of bond, with surety thereon, and said surety shall be a lending institution authorized and doing business in Kentucky, or a reputable fidelity or surety company, authorized and doing business in Kentucky, and only if said surety be acceptable to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court; and an authorized officer of the surety must be present at the sale or must have given the Commissioner adequate assurance of its intent to be surety prior to or at the sale; and said Bond shall be, and shall remain, a lien on the property sold as additional security for the payment of the full purchase price, and shall have the full force and effect of a Judgment; and said Bond shall bear interest at the rate provided by the Judgment up to Twelve (12%) Percent per annum until paid. The purchaser shall be required to pay the sum of 10% of the bid amount in cash or certified check on the purchase at the time of sale.
The successful bidder at the sale shall, at bidder’s own expense, carry fire and extended insurance coverage on any improvements from the date of sale until the purchase price is fully paid, with a loss payable clause to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court. Failure of the purchaser to effect such insurance shall not affect the validity of the sale or the purchaser’s liability thereunder, but shall entitle, but not require, a lien holder herein, after giving notice to the Commissioner, to effect said insurance and furnish the policy or evidence thereof to the Commissioner, and the premium thereon or the proper portion thereof shall be charged to the purchaser as purchaser’s cost.
The property shall be sold subject to ad valorem taxes for the year 2025 and all subsequent years thereafter; easements, restrictions and stipulations of record; assessments for public improvements levied against the property, if any; existing zoning ordinances, statutes, laws, or regulations; and any facts which an inspection and accurate survey of the property may disclose.
BIDDERS SHALL BE PREPARED TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS.
All sales are “as is” and the Plaintiff, the Master Commissioner, and the Court shall not be deemed to have warranted title of the real estate to the purchaser.
FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THESE SALES AND OTHER UPCOMING SALES CAN BE FOUND AT www.boonecountyky.org (Link to Department/Agencies to Master Commissioner) PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS ARE ADVISED AND ENCOURAGED TO REFER TO THAT WEBSITE FOR ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS.
DIVISION I
CASE NO.: 25-CI-00820
KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VERSUS}
SETH BRAZIER, ET AL
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, OCTOBER 23, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered SEPTEMBER 10, 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, OCTOBER 23, 2025 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:
James Poston, Thomas Poston, Patricia Frost, Rosemary Dean, William Poston and Robert Poston, and a daughter, Monica Hughes Henke (Pete).
Behind the recipe: Carmelo’s with chef Mitch Arens
By Maggy McDonel
Each month, I (LINK’s digital editor and newsroom food aficionado) go behind the scenes with a local chef, bartender or barista to learn how recipes came to be and what makes them unique. This month, we talk to Carmelo’s chef Mitch Arens.
In October, Carmelo’s will have been open on Madison Avenue in Covington for a year, but plans for the restaurant percolated for years before that.
Carmelo’s co-owner and head chef, Mitch Arens, worked with his fellow owner, Billy Grise, 18 years ago at Nada in Cincinnati. “We kind of always talked about doing our own thing, and finally made it happen,” Arens told LINK.
While Grise is more of the business guy, we’re here to talk about the recipes, and Arens has the scoop.
“With our menu overall, we kind of really leaned into the comfort nostalgia of things,” said Arnes. Carmelo’s menu features hallmarks of Italian red sauce classics like the classic spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmesan, Caesar salad and calamari.
Arned said he’s often asked what his favorite dish is, and “it’s like picking a favorite kid, it kind of depends on what day it is.” He said that they are an “immigrant, Italian red sauce, Italian spot, and I don’t feel like you can have one of those without having a great eggplant parmesan.”
Behind the eggplant parm
The first time Arnes had eggplant was when he was around 8 or 9 years old, and his parents took him to F&N Steakhouse in Dayton. F&N closed in 2004 after operating for 75 years, and it was famous for its eggplant fries.
“So you would go in and get a big side of these eggplant fries, and they had the red sauce in the middle that you would dip it in,” said Arens. “And that was the first time I ever had eggplant, and I can still remember tasting it for the first time. It was something different, unique that I had never had before.”
When he started doing research and development for Carmelo’s eggplant parmesan, he said, “We wanted to do something different than the typical round circles.”
Arens brought this up with his mom, who did some research and was able to find an old placemat from F&N Steakhouse, which just happened to have its recipe for eggplant fries printed on the bottom.
“They breaded them with a little bit of cracker crumbs, and that sweetness kind of balances the bitterness of the eggplant,” said Arens. “So we tested a couple of versions with that, and just loved the way that it turned out.”
“I just think it’s really fun to have those kinds of taste memories, to bring you back to something as a child, or to have that comfort.”
So, how do they actually make it?
The recipe, Arens said, was developed to counteract the amount of water and bitterness that eggplants typically hold.
First, they peel the whole eggplant, cut it into wedges, which are lightly seasoned with salt, “and that pulls out some of the moisture and kind of intensifies the eggplant flavor, and it also cools a little bit of that bitterness out.”
The wedges are breaded and fried and served with a housemade red sauce, fresh pulled mozzarella and some crushed herbs and parmesan.
That’s Arens’ favorite, but what’s Carmelo’s most popular dish?
Behind the oxtail ragu
“Our oxtail ragu is our No. 1-selling dish
and local sourcing, Arens said he has to be able to adapt and pivot.
Arens lived in Louisiana for eight years, and he said the Midwest differs because its “growing seasons are very well defined.” In warmer climates, produce grows for longer periods.
The chef’s table
If Arens were to come in and sit down at Carmelo’s as a customer, what would he order? Here’s what he told us:
He’d start with fresh mozzarella. “I think that dish, especially at a table, getting that big cheese pull and that fresh bread that we grill to order, it’s just such a fun, wild dish.”
Then, he’d get an order of the meatballs. “I tell everybody they have to try them. Being a chef and working in a kitchen, you taste and try food so often that some things you don’t want to try anymore, and you get sick of things, but I think I could eat a meatball every day for the rest of my life. I love our meatballs.”
For something green, he would order the Caesar salad.
day after day,” said Arens. “I don’t check it as much every day now, but, in the beginning, you’re really paying attention to what we’re selling, what people were liking, and day after day it was almost double or triple other dishes sometimes.”
Arens said likes to support other local businesses when possible. Carmelo’s oxtail and shanks come from Berry Beef, a sustainable Kentucky Black Angus beef program inspired by Wendell Berry, a Kentucky author and environmentalist.
The ragu is tied to another of Arens’ childhood memories.
“My mom used to make a lot of pot roast growing up, and we would eat the leftover pot roast with buttered noodles, and that’s kind of it, having that braised pot roast meat over noodles,” said Arens. “It’s just such a great flavor combination, so comforting. It kind of sticks to your bones, and we have a little bit of red wine and some fresh oregano, which elevates it a little bit.”
Arens said it’s a big crowd pleaser, partly because it’s unique and also because the staff loves it and often recommends it.
“You can’t go wrong with some simple braised meat, good cheese and homemade pasta.”
Behind the menu
“The menu changed right before we opened,” said Arens. “We had a whole menu that we tested and planned, and ended up knocking off about six or eight dishes literally the week before we opened to start a little smaller and make sure that we were focusing on what we were doing and doing it right.
For a main course, he’d get the spicy shrimp pasta. “It’s kind of an ode to Louisiana…. I did a spicy shrimp ragu on one of the menus when I was a chef down there. So this is kind of our version of it here. I love that dish.”
Cocktail corner
We can’t finish our trip to Carmelo’s without discussing drinks. It offers a robust wine list with sparkling, rosé, orange, white and red grapes by the bottle and single pour. It also offers nonalcoholic cocktails, beers, coffee, tea and, as one would expect in Kentucky, a list of over 40 bourbons.
Which cocktail does Arens goes for? Without a doubt, he said, it’s the Appalachian Sour.
“My business partner is really into Italian bitters, liqueurs, amaros, Campari and Aperol – all these different things – and that was something that took a little time for me to adjust to.”
While he was never much of a fan of these unique ingredients, Arens said he distinctly remembered during research and development for their cocktail menu that he was blown away by the Appalachian Sour.
He was surprised to learn that the drink had Fernet, an Italian amaro, which is an ingredient Arens said he “always pushed away,” but he found the drink to be “super well balanced.”
With a menu based on seasonal availability In case you go
Carmelo’s is at 434 Madison Ave., Covington. Find more information at eatatcarmelos.com
Mitch Arens is head chef and co-owner of Carmelo’s. Provided | Carmelo’s on Facebook
The bar at Carmelo’s. Photo by Maggy McDonel | LINK nky
This Community Voices column is written by Marcus O’Malley, who shares ways you can get involved and give back to your community in NKY. You can email him at marcus@ caringexcellenceathome.com.
Some neighbors need help every day.
Others need it suddenly: a lost job, a health setback, a burst pipe that empties a savings account. Vulnerability isn’t a label; it’s a moment in someone’s life when the rest of us get to show up. When we do, we don’t just meet a need. We reinforce the kind of community where people feel seen, safe and supported.
What does “showing up” look like? It can be as simple as checking in on a senior on your street, providing a ride to an appointment or dropping off a week’s worth of groceries for a family between paychecks.
Businesses can offer paid volunteer hours, sponsor a pantry drive or match employee donations. Churches and civic groups can organize meal trains, make space available for classes or respite care, and serve as connectors to resources. Big or small, these acts ripple outward, strengthening trust and belonging across Northern Kentucky.
Here’s an example of an organization that
There are many ways to ‘show up’
Master Provisions (Florence)
What they do: Master Provisions distributes food and critical resources to hundreds of nonprofit partners across the Tristate, helping nearly 80,000 people each month receive food. Their collaborative model lets agencies focus more time on serving people.
How to help: Individuals and corporate teams can volunteer during weekday hours, donate food or explore partnerships if your organization serves people in need.
Contact: John Eytchison, development manager
7725 Foundation Drive, Florence, KY 41042
O: 859-474-0467 | M: 859-630-3173
www.masterprovisions.org
Ways to care: Here are some simple ways you can care this month:
• Pair up with a neighbor. Ask one senior, single parent or new arrival what would help most this month, then follow through with a practical, timeboxed commitment (meals, rides, chores).
• Host a micro-drive. In your office or small group, collect high-need items (shelf-stable foods, hygiene products) and deliver them to a local distributor like Master Provisions or a nearby pantry.
• Volunteer as a team. Schedule a weekday morning at a distribution center. Shared service builds camaraderie and makes an immediate impact.
• Become a connector. Keep key phone numbers and sites handy so that, when a need surfaces, you can point people to the right door quickly. Start with Master Provisions’ contact and volunteer info.
• Commit to consistency. A one-time effort helps; a monthly rhythm changes lives. Put a recurring reminder on your calendar to take one action for a vulnerable neighbor.
Northern Kentucky is full of quiet helpers –people who lend trucks, write notes, stock shelves and pray for strangers. If each of us takes one intentional step this month, we’ll make it easier for our most vulnerable neighbors to breathe, regroup and move forward with dignity. That’s the community we’re all building together.
Like this story? Consider volunteering or partnering with a local nonprofit this month and then tell me how it went.
If you have an idea for a Community Voices column, email Meghan Goth at mgoth@ linknky.com.
Make a statement: Commit to your local newsroom
By Lacy Starling
ince we started LINK in 2021, I’ve been thinking about community ownership. The example I always come
By every measure, Green Bay shouldn’t have an NFL team. It’s too small a market, the economics don’t make sense, and yet it’s one of the most successful franchises in professional sports with the most loyal fans. How? Because the people of Green Bay literally own the team. They bought shares, they took pride in it, and they made sure the Packers would always belong to them.
Northern Kentucky isn’t trying to field a football team, but we face a similar challenge. We don’t have the size, the corporate money or the deep philanthropic pockets that makes sustaining local journalism easy. By the usual rules, a region like ours wouldn’t be expected to have a thriving, independent newsroom. But I believe – just like Green Bay proved – that, when a community takes ownership, the impossible becomes possible.
That’s the heart of LINK nky’s new Com-
munity Ownership program. For the first time, you can literally own a piece of your local newsroom. Not in the abstract sense of being a supporter or donor, but in the concrete way of being a shareholder. For a one-time purchase of $250, you join a group of neighbors, business owners and community leaders who believe Northern Kentucky deserves independent, trusted journalism – and are willing to put their names on it.
It’s simple to participate. You purchase your share at linknky.com/ownthenews, and you’ll receive official documentation recognizing your ownership. From that point, you’re not just a reader, you’re an owner. There are no annual fees, no complicated rules, no hidden obligations. Just a one-time investment that secures your place in LINK nky’s story.
I want to be clear about what that ownership means. It doesn’t mean you’ll get a vote on how LINK nky is managed – that responsibility still belongs to our managing board and leadership team. It also doesn’t mean you’ll share in profits, because, if we ever do turn a profit, it will be reinvested directly back into the newsroom to strengthen our reporting and expand our reach.
What it does mean is that you’ll be part of the fabric of LINK nky in a meaningful
way. Shareholders will receive quarterly updates so you can see exactly how your investment is making an impact. You’ll also be invited to attend an annual shareholder meeting, at which we’ll share more about our progress, our challenges and our plans for the year ahead.
Every share strengthens our ability to report with transparency, to stay accountable to the community and to keep coverage free and accessible for all. When you buy a share, you’re helping ensure that a parent in Boone County can read about what’s happening in their child’s school district. You’re making it possible for a small business owner in Campbell County to understand how a new policy might affect their livelihood. You’re giving a voice to neighborhoods that might otherwise be overlooked. And, maybe most importantly, you’re helping secure the future of local news for generations to come.
I’ve worked in and around local news long enough to know how rare this is. Most places don’t get the chance to own their local newsroom. They watch it disappear, or morph into something unrecognizable and wonder what happened. Here, we have the chance to do something different. To lock arms as a community and say, “We’re keeping this.” Personally, I find that exciting. I love the idea that, when someone asks who owns LINK nky, I can point
to hundreds – someday thousands – of people across Northern Kentucky and say, “They do.” That feels right.
Here’s the truth: Local journalism can’t survive on goodwill alone. It needs people who are willing to stand up and say, “I own this. I believe in this.” That’s what Community Ownership is about. It’s not charity. It’s not a donation. It’s a statement of commitment.
So I’m inviting you to join us. Buy your share. Put your name among the people who believe Northern Kentucky deserves strong, independent news coverage. Help us keep telling the stories that matter most. Because when you own the news, you’re not just reading about your community. You’re shaping its future.
Lacy Starling is president and CEO of LINK nky.
Shares are on sale now for just $250 — own a piece of the coverage you love. Scan the code for more information.
Volunteers work in the interior of Master Provisions in Florence. Provided | Master Provisions
KHSAA votes to adopt basketball shot clock starting in 2027-28
Kentucky High School basketball is catching up with the times.
At its Sept. 17 meeting, the KHSAA Board of Control voted 13-5 to implement a shot clock starting in the 2027-28 boys and girls varsity basketball season. The time limit will be 35 seconds.
By the start of the 2026-27 season, at least 32 states will have implemented a shot clock in high school basketball. The Kentucky board voted against implementing the clock that soon.
“We felt it was important to leave that timeframe,” said Jim Demler, a KHSAA board member and St. Henry’s athletic director. “Otherwise it would be a rush. Some coaches next school year will want to do some experimentation with it. Schools will need to budget to install it. It’s a big change that will change the game a little bit and change the way the coaches go about their game planning.”
In a survey released in August, nearly 60% of KHSAA member schools voted against adopting a shot clock. The survey is typically conducted every two years for KHSAA member schools.
The move raises questions, though. For schools that struggle to find even a scoreboard operator and statkeeper, will they now have to find someone dedicated just to a shot clock? Or will the KHSAA add a shot clock official to each varsity game?
“With now 32 [states] out of 50 doing it, we felt like it was coming,” Demler said. “I don’t want to speculate, but another official at games is possible. It also depends on the equipment. Each scoreboard operates differently, will shot clocks work that way too? It will be interesting to see how that goes.”
Demler said each school will most likely be financially responsible for installing a shot clock in its gym. Talks at the board meeting estimated the cost of buying and installing one at around $5,000 to $6,000.
The good news is there’s two years to figure that all out.
Bishop Brossart wins back-to-back All ‘A’ girls soccer titles
After a grueling stretch of four matches in five days, the Bishop Brossart girls soccer team is finally catching its breath – and doing so as state champions once again.
The Mustangs captured their second straight All “A” Classic state title on a rainy Sept. 21 in Louisville with a 4-1 victory over Owensboro Catholic.
At a 1-1 deadlock at halftime, Rachel Shewmaker and Kylie Smith combined for three second half goals to pull away in the match. Both finished with two goals apiece in the contest.
Smith was named the tournament’s most valuable player after recording six goals and an assist across three games. Shewmaker, Maddie Broering, Larah Callahan and Jaycee Record also earned all-tournament honors.
After defeating Beechwood, 3-2, in the first round, Brossart traveled to Louisville Sept. 19 and took down University Heights, 3-0, in the quarterfinals and then Bethlehem, 3-2, in the semifinals a couple of hours later.
The championship win improved Brossart to 14-2-2, and the state has taken notice, most recently ranking the Mustangs No. 5 in the Kentucky Girls Soccer High School Soccer Coaches Association poll. The 37th District tournament will start the week of Oct. 6 as they look for a third straight district title. They’ll then set their sights on a first 10th Region title since 2022.
Ryle boys, girls win golf titles, headed to state
Ryle’s boys and girls golf teams won Region 7 titles on Sept. 22 and 23.
The boys team won on Sept. 23 at Boone Links Golf Course, showing a 293 to win the title by 10 strokes over runner-up Covington Catholic.
Paxton McKelvey was the individual medalist with a two-under 70. Teammate Thomas Leone was right behind him with a one-under 71 as the only two in the field under par on the day.
Ryle’s depth carried the rest: Hayden Li tied for fourth with a 75, Chandler James added a 77 to tie for 10th, and Jake Roscoe rounded out the day with an 83 in a tie for 28th (only four scores count toward team scoring).
The Colonels tallied a 303 for their lowest score of the season. Joseph Mangine highlighted their lineup with a 73, a round that featured six birdies but was slowed by late back-to-back double bogeys. Carson White tied for fourth with a 75, while Brady Pagnotto tied for eighth with a 76. Matt Noe (79, 16th) and Marcus Diiulio (81, 20th) rounded out the scoring.
Both teams advance to the first round of the state tournament at Pendleton Hills Golf Course Oct. 1 with Regions 5, 6 and 8 joining
them. The top three out of the eight teams advance to the final two rounds of the state tournament in Bowling Green Oct. 10-11. On top of the top two teams, the next 10 best individuals not on those teams qualified for the state tournament as individuals. Joining them at Pendleton Hills Golf Course in Butler will be: Dixie Heights’ Jack Woolwine (75), Will Steczynski (77) and Kyle Flynn (80); Villa Madonna’s Tyler Brandstetter (75); Beechwood’s Jace Hammons (76) and Kayden Sautter (78); St. Henry’s Parker Isaacs (77) and Jake Montgomery (78); Walton-Verona’s Adam Gutman (78) and Conner’s Max Brunkel (80). Flynn and Brunkel secured the final two spots in a playoff against Scott’s Colton Jones.
Ryle’s girls shot a 313 at the Kenton County Pioneer Course on Sept. 22 and lapped the 10-team field by 34 strokes. Notre Dame was runner-up with a 347.
With all five players finishing inside the top 15, Ryle fired a season-best 313. Anika Okuda led Ryle with a 73 and was the individual champion after finishing runner-up the past two seasons.
Ryle’s depth behind Okuda was just as impressive. Elizabeth Dickson and Morgan Poe both came in with 78s to tie for fourth place, Lacey Wilson added an 84 for ninth, and Piper Aschermann closed the team scoring with an 89 for 14th.
Notre Dame, led by Maria Penaranda’s runner-up 74, secured the region’s other team qualifying spot at state with a 347. Penaranda edged Dixie Heights’ Tatjana Andracenko for second place in a scorecard playoff after both posted matching 74s.
For those not wearing orange and white, Monday was still a chance to extend the season. Ten individuals not on Ryle or Notre Dame punched their tickets to the state tournament, including Conner’s Kendal Raney (78) and Sofia Seals (83), St. Henry’s Reese Anthony (81), Ari Burton (87) and Alexis Fassbender (92), Walton-Verona’s Addison Vonhandorf (86), Cooper’s Annabelle Waltenberg (87), Boone County’s Jayden Ramler (90) and Beechwood’s Ellie Stamm (91).
The girls first round of the state tournament was Sept. 29 at Pendleton Hills with Regions 5-8. The top three teams and the next 15 best individuals qualify for the final two rounds of the state tournament in Bowling Green Oct. 7-8.
Ryle’s girls golf team claimed the Region 7 title Sept. 22 at Kenton County Pioneer Course. Photo by Evan Dennison | LINK nky
Ryle won the Region 7 boys golf title Sept. 23 at Boone Links Golf Course in Florence. Provided | Raider Sports Network
Bishop Brossart went back-to-back at the All “A” Classic state tournament from Sept. 19-21. Provided | Charles Bolton
Sponsored by
The Newport Central Catholic girls soccer team won LINK nky Team of the Week honors for the week of Sept. 7-13. Provided
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00488
DIVISION 2
HEARTLAND BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO VICTORY COMMUNITY BANK VS. OHIO VALLEY SOLID SURFACE LLC, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 9/15/2025 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 10/21/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, towit:
107 Center Street, Wilder, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 30950/A12 & A13
PIDN: 999-99-19-823.00
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00320 DIVISION 2
CITIMORTGAGE, INC. VS. LONNIE COLE , ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 8/22/2025 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 10/21/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, towit:
5 Franklin Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075
Group No: 30269/A1
PIDN: 999-99-15-903.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-01214 DIVISION 2
FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION VS.
RUSSELL E. ASHCRAFT, JR. , ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 9/15/2025 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 10/21/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, towit:
828 4th Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074
Group No: 30384/A1
PIDN: 999-99-09-918.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00495
DIVISION 1
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VS.
HERBERT E. BISHOP A/K/A HERBERT EARL BISHOP JR. , ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 12/10/2024 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR .
To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 10/21/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, towit:
621 Fifth Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074
Group No: 30565/A2
PIDN: 999-99-08-502.00
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 THE SALE. JOSEPH F. GRIMME, MASTER COMMISSIONER 859-291-9075
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-01225
DIVISION 2
WARSAW FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION VS.
ANTHONY E. MAIER A/K/A ANTHONY MAIER , ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 9/15/2025 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 10/21/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, towit:
7 Sentinel Drive, Wilder, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 30866/A2
PIDN: 999-99-19-207.00
CASE NUMBER 24-CI-01175 DIVISION 2
THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY VS.
BLUMBERG AND CRAWFORD REALTY COMPANY , ET AL.
BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 8/22/2025 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 10/21/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, towit:
734 Isabella Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071
Group No: 41088/A4
PIDN: 999-99-00-503.00
CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00221 DIVISION 1
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS.
CHELSEA MEYERS , ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 8/1/2025 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 10/21/2025 at 3:00pm, the following property, towit:
1020 Ervin Terrace, Dayton, Kentucky 41074
Group No: 41336/A1
PIDN: 999-99-09-613.00
Custom ranch with lake view from deck
Address: 2001 Pieck Drive, Covington
Price: $1,250,000
Bedrooms: Four
Bathrooms: Four (plus two half baths)
Square footage: 3,400
School district: Beechwood Independent
County: Kenton
Special features: This spacious ranch home sits on nearly an acre in the Beechwood School District. Features include 10- to 12foot ceilings, hardwood floors, custom poplar trim, reclaimed barnwood accents and copper gutters. The kitchen features double pantries and stainless steel appliances. The three bedrooms feature en-suites, and the primary suite opens to a deck with lake views. Additional highlights include 8-foot doors, a tankless water heater and a threecar garage.
A look at this
LEGAL NOTICE
OPEN HOUSE - PLEASE JOIN US for an OPEN HOUSE to review draft materials including updated Goals and Objectives for the Campbell County & Municipal Comprehensive Plan Update. The Campbell County & Municipal Comprehensive Plan covers unincorporated Campbell County, Crestview, Southgate, Silver Grove, Melbourne and Woodlawn.
This meeting will focus on the Silver Grove area.
Monday, October 20th / 6 p.m.
Jerry Pelle City Building
308 Oak Street, Silver Grove, KY 41085
view of this home’s
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 Covington home. Photos provided | Adam Gregory with RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates
home’s great room.
kitchen.
Edited by Margie E. Burke
The Weekly Crossword
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. 7 4 9 4 5
Answer to Previous Sudoku:
8/4/25 - 8/10/25
Edited by Margie E. Burke
HOW TO SOLVE:
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. 3 9 6 2
Answer to Previous Sudoku:
Cupid, to the bartender Greeks 10 Pennsylvania
"Leave me peaks ____!" 11 Like a certain
Period of truce sax 59 Like some court- 12 Kansas City room questions Chiefs coach
Egypt-Sudan Andy region, once 13 CIA part: Abbr. 62 Spicy stew 19 Unprincipled 63 Shepard in 21 Funk's space collaborator 64 Wooded hollows 25 Ones that got
Dieter's desire away
2025 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SERIES:
OCTOBER 9: K-12 Education Solutions
Event will be held at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library from 6-7:30 p.m.
It will also be live-streamed on LINK nky’s Facebook page.
What a better place to talk about workforce? We’ll see you there!
ON THE PANEL MODERATOR
Hannah Mayle Kindergarten teacher Newport Primary School
Mary Kay Connolly Director of Read Ready Covington
April Draine Education Advocate & Host of The Parent Camp Podcast
Jenny Watson VP of Early Learning & Family Power at EducateNKY
