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What Covington’s ‘school of innovation’ denial says about education in KY

By Nathan Granger of LINK nky and McKenna Horsley of the Kentucky Lantern

Accusations of hasty decision making, political interloping and clandestine payouts for teachers have shaken Covington Independent Public Schools and its attempt to establish what has been dubbed a school of innovation at Holmes Middle School.

The proposed initiative, if ever implemented, would revamp the organizational and curricular structure of the middle school. It was first discussed late last year to much fanfare from some of the district’s board members, but the Kentucky Board of Education issued a denial in early February of the district’s request for legal exemptions that would enable the changes.

The Covington Board has since voted to begin the process of crafting a new application, but Superintendent Alvin Garrison and other district leaders aren’t happy,

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Kentucky GOP Senate candidates talk immigration and Iran war in first debate

By McKenna Horsley of the Kentucky Lantern

Kentucky’s top three Republican U.S. Senate candidates largely agreed that illegal immigration is a major issue for Kentuckians, but they strongly disagreed about which of them would best handle it.

The candidates — U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris — faced each other in their first debate of the primary season on March 16. Hosted by the Jefferson County Republican Party and TV station WDRB, the debate was held in front of party faithful and elected officials, including state lawmakers, at The Henry Clay

in downtown Louisville.

Candidates largely had equal time to answer questions, but Barr and Morris got heated a few times, talking over each other while rebutting the other’s attacks. Before a TV break halfway through the debate, Morris and Barr clashed over immigration policies following a question about workforce and labor.

In his answer, Barr said that “border security is something that I prioritize with this president” in Congress, adding that he favors securing the country’s borders while streamlining legal immigration programs.

“Securing the border is not incompatible or mutually exclusive with the idea that we

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Kenton County commission hopefuls weigh in on SRI, development concerns p7

Spring kickoff nears for long-awaited Brent Spence companion bridge construction p10

Kentucky would require photo ID to file openrecords request p13

Holmes Middle School in Covington. Photo provided | Covington Independent Public Schools

Nate Morris. Photo provided | Wikimedia Commons

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characterizing the proposal as rushed and short-sighted. Garrison has even alleged that teachers involved in the proposal “were compensated $10,000 by a local nonprofit, EducateNKY.”

In short, there’s much more going on here than teaching methods and curriculum structures. In the shadow of 2024’s defeat of Amendment Two, which would have allowed public money to fund private schools, the issues of school funding, school structures, teaching methods and the roles of schools in the community have returned to the fore in Covington. And how the situation plays out may presage future conflicts about education in the commonwealth.

Schools of innovation & SB 207

Covington Independent tends to hemorrhage students between fifth and sixth grade, when they transition from the district’s elementary schools to Holmes Middle. This has been observed both in state data and by independent consultants: Architectural firm SHP, with whom the district contracted last year to help craft its new master facilities plan, predicted the district would likely continue to see declining enrollment in the coming years, which will inevitably affect the school’s funding structure and role in the community.

Sources who spoke with LINK nky affirmed this. In the transition from the elementary

schools to the middle school, Covington families will sometimes elect to move their kids into either the county district or into one of the region’s many parochial schools. The school of innovation initiative has been pitched as a way to both help students better prepare for future workforce demands and incentivize local families to stay with the district long term.

It’s seemingly the brainchild of Holmes Middle School Principal Lee Turner, who began developing the proposal in the latter quarter of 2025 and first presented it to the Covington Board late last year.

“I was an elementary principal at Latonia Elementary,” Turner told LINK nky, “and that was one of the schools where some of the kids go to take alternatives to different schools, besides coming to Holmes. So, I’ve known about that being an issue because I was trying to push the kids to go to Holmes Middle School.”

Turner said inspiration came first following the introduction of Paxton/Patterson Labs at the Holmes campus. The labs are small, hands-on modules that introduce students to basic tools and concepts for different careers. The labs, as well as other partnerships the school had with businesses and organizations, prompted Turner to think of ways to make the middle school “a place where inquiry and interdisciplinary learning and authentic problem solving were a norm in our school.”

Turner and Holmes Middle School science teacher Rachel Blackwood gave a brief overview of the potential revamp on Dec. 4, 2025. LINK nky made a records request for a more complete proposal, which yielded about 55 pages laying out a broad-strokes vision for the middle school.

The “school of innovation” moniker is not Turner’s. Instead, it comes from Kentucky Senate Bill 207, which became law last year. The bill granted districts the ability to ask for waivers to typical administrative requirements in order to experiment with novel school structures.

Districts don’t have free rein to request waivers for everything. Federal requirements, civil rights requirements, criminal background checks for teachers, financial reporting, state assessment requirements and several other regulations can’t be touched, but others pertaining to how school days and instruction are structured are fair game.

In order to get a waiver, a district must sub-

mit a written narrative identifying the laws it wants exemptions from and offer arguments as to how the waivers could improve student performance. The Kentucky Board of Education then considers the merits of the waiver request and issues a decision.

The main sponsor of the bill was Kentucky Sen. Stephen West, a Republican from Paris, who told the General Assembly’s Budget Subcommittee on Education in September 2025 that he proposed the law after last year’s defeat of Amendment Two at the ballot box, according to reporting from the Kentucky Lantern. Northern Kentucky Republican Senators Shelley Funke Frommeyer, Steve Rawlings and Gex Williams also sponsored the bill.

West, who is also the chairman of the Senate Education Committee, told lawmakers that the law allows “outside private investment” into the public education system.

“Everywhere you look in your life, choice is almost always better,” West said in September. “And so whether it’s the car you drive or the movie you go to or whatever, we demand choices. But for some reason in K-12, it’s been pretty stagnant, and there’s a lack of choice.”

Critics of the bill feared this was a way of circumventing Amendment Two’s defeat. Kentucky Rep. Tina Bojanowski, a Democrat and public school teacher from Louisville, asked that with the legislation allowing Kentucky to “subcontract the management of a specific school to an outside entity” if that is “exactly what a charter school is.”

West answered yes, but a main difference would be “the initiation of the request by the local district,” giving the public school district “more control” than under previously passed charter school legislation. West said such schools could also pay teachers more as an incentive outside of the school district pay scale.

The text of the bill corroborates the bit about outside management, stating “in addition to any other waivers granted for the school or program, a school of innovation shall be granted a waiver from all statutes and administrative regulations that would prevent the district from entering into an agreement with an education service provider to assist in the management and operation of the school or program.”

This is a key difference between a conventional public school, which is governed

Holmes Middle School Principal Lee Turner bearing a torch at BLINK in 2022. Photo provided | Covington Independent Public Schools

Kentucky Department of Education data. Table provided | Nathan Granger

by an elected Board of Education and a state-funded in-house administration, and a charter school, which is governed by an independent managing board or organization (although charter schools in Kentucky are legally considered public schools).

Outsourced management does not appear in the Holmes Middle School proposal, however, and Turner emphasized that the proposal was, at this point, simply an “idea,” rather than a fully fledged plan.

Several sources who spoke with LINK nky stated that Covington was the first school to employ the mechanisms of SB 207. LINK nky could not corroborate if the district was, in fact, the very first district in Kentucky to do so, but given the bill passed just last year, it’s certainly among the first.

The proposal

Revamping the middle school would entail several key changes. Firstly, it would see the implementation of an interdisciplinary teaching structure, where teachers from different subject specialties would co-mingle instruction, rather than having everything siloed off.

Subjects would be organized into four pathways: humanities, STEM, applied and trades. Humanities would focus on communication, civic education and awareness of global events. STEM would focus on data literacy, technology skills and forms of scientific inquiry. The applied pathway would focus mostly on real-world skills like entrepreneurship and design. Trades would focus on trades education, which has gained traction among school districts in NKY.

Holmes Middle School houses grades six through eight. Under the new structure, sixth graders would be able to explore all four pathways at their leisure to see what

interests them. When they move to seventh grade, they will have to pick two tracks to focus on. In eighth grade, they would spend their time completing a capstone project in one of the specialty areas. Eighth graders could also pursue internships.

Turner and Blackwood said that this redesign is based on both community feedback and a desire to help students prepare for the modern world.

The proposal calls for gradual implementation of the program from 2026 to 2029 with calls for greater implementation at other schools throughout the region in the future.

The district submitted its application packet to the Kentucky Board of Education and the Kentucky Department of Education at the end of last year. The Department sent a letter to the district on Dec. 23, 2025, warn-

ing that it had failed to properly fill out the cover sheet of its application (this is corroborated in LINK’s records request) and would likely be denied as a result.

More notably, however, the application paperwork, also provided in LINK’s records request, is rife with legal inaccuracies and misapprehensions: The department warned the district that the Kentucky Board of Education did not have the authority, in spite of SB 207’s passage, to waive some of the statutory requirements the district asked about. Other statutory provisions in the application either did not exist at all, made inaccurate textual references or cited administrative regulations that did not fall under the purview of the Board of Education.

For instance, at one point in the application, the writer states that “KRS 161.100(1) states: ‘A teacher shall be assigned only to

a position for which the teacher holds the proper certification.’”

That law lacks a subsection (1) as indicated in the application, and the quoted text appears nowhere in the statute. Similar errors appear elsewhere in the application.

The Kentucky Department of Education’s letter concludes by stating the district could postpone its application if it submitted a written request. It apparently did not, so the Kentucky Board of Education denied the district’s request at its meeting on Feb. 4.

Allegations

Covington Superintendent Garrison made his concerns about the application known at the Covington Board meeting on Feb. 26 after the state had already issued its denial. This was not the first time the issue had been discussed in the open, but it was the first time the superintendent expressed his concerns publicly.

The relationship between the members of the Covington Board of Education and district administrators has been acrimonious in the past, and tensions flared at the Feb. 26 meeting. Garrison read aloud from a letter he’d submitted to the Kentucky Board with the district’s application in December 2025.

“The district office had no input in this proposal’s drafting, and I believe it was rushed,” Garrison said. “There are many unresolved questions regarding curriculum — which curriculum does belong to the superintendent; that belongs to the superintendent — scheduling, budgeting, funding, transportation, staffing, differentiated pay and community impact. The proposal’s authors have not adequately considered its effects on the rest of the district.”

going on across the river?

Garrison, who is retiring at the end of the school year, worried that a project of such what's

check out

Paxton/Patterson Labs at Holmes Middle School. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

a scale ought to loop in the new superintendent. Additionally, he said the complete proposal for the program had not been publicly facing. He said the proposal showed a “lack of systems thinking.”

Most notably, however, was his assertion that Turner and the teachers who developed the proposal had either been paid or had been offered payment by EducateNKY to develop the proposal.

EducateNKY is an educational nonprofit that analyzes data and information about education in NKY and advocates for educational changes and reforms. It was first formed in 2023 and was incubated at the OneNKY Alliance, which is itself tied up with powerful regional initiatives like BE NKY Growth Partnership and the NKY Port Authority. Its mission is arguably reflective of the alliance’s entrepreneurial, business-minded outlook.

EducateNKY’s website describes itself as trying to “build collaboration that will lead to robust public/private partnerships. These partnerships will lead to more innovation, expanded grant opportunities, expanded business engagement and more meaningful collaborations with public schools, private schools and community agencies to expand educational opportunities and services to students and their families.”

EducateNKY works with many of the independent districts in the river cities and issues grants to kick-start programs and provide resources. It actually made a large donation to Covington Independent in September 2025 to fund programming and has also donated to the district to help in a search for a new superintendent.

It has also come out in favor of using SB 207 as a way of experimenting with different kinds of educational initiatives. Covington School Board President Tom Haggard is a VP at EducateNKY, a point that Garrison brought up in his letter.

EducateNKY denies any payouts occurred, at least in the strictest sense.

“To be clear: EducateNKY did not provide any compensation to school employees in connection with this application,” said

EducateNKY CEO Cheye Calvo in a written statement. “Any suggestion otherwise is false. We commend the Covington Board of Education for advancing innovation on behalf of students and stand ready to continue supporting meaningful, educator-led reform at Holmes Middle School and across Northern Kentucky.”

A check, which LINK nky has obtained a copy of, was written in the amount of $10,000 from EducateNKY in late November 2025, shortly after Turner first delivered the proposal to the superintendent, but it was not written to Turner directly. It’s written to Holmes Middle School. The district didn’t cash it; it was returned to EducateNKY voided.

Turner declined to comment on the check but said that Garrison’s “allegations aren’t true.”

Calvo said that Turner had approached EducateNKY seeking a way to get a stipend for staff who had developed the proposal, much in the same way a district might apply for a grant to fund work during an after-school program or similar initiative, the labor for which isn’t usually covered in the teacher’s typical salary.

A memo he shared with LINK, dated Feb. 17, states, “On October 29, Principal Turner contacted me to let me know that he had briefed Superintendent Garrison on the proposal and received his approval to move forward with developing an SB 207 application. At that time, Principal Turner asked whether EducateNKY would consider supporting staff time for application development. We agreed to provide a $10,000 grant to the school intended for staff stipends related to drafting the proposal.

“However, Principal Turner was unable to

secure central office approval to process staff stipends through district procedures.”

The memo sheds light on other events leading up to the application, namely a symposium on Sept. 25, 2025, hosted by Horizon Community Funds, which included a panel moderated by Calvo featuring West, Covington Board of Education Member Hannah Edelen and Newport Board of Education Chair Ramona Malone.

“In advance of the symposium, I [Calvo] met with Ms. Edelen to discuss SB 207 and the broader concept of school innovation,” the memo reads. “The goal of the panel was straightforward: to elevate awareness of the newly enacted Schools of Innovation statute and to highlight the role elected school board members could play in advancing bold, student-centered redesign efforts within their districts. In addition to Ms. Edelen, two other Covington Board members attended: Tom Haggard and Kareem [sic] Simpson.”

A different memo by Garrison, which appears in LINK’s records request, offers more insight into the timeline of the process and suggests that Garrison had privately expressed his opposition to the proposal. Scott Alter, the assistant superintendent, had also expressed opposition to the proposal, according to the memo. Simpson informed Calvo as early as August 2025 that the district would no longer be working with EducateNKY.

According to Garrison’s memo, on Oct. 29, 2025, after a luncheon event, “Principal Turner explains to me that he plans to draft a school of innovation proposal during his free time. He says he was approached about this by Cheye Calvo and [EducateNKY Governing Board Member] Tim Hanner. He also states that he and his three or four

teachers will receive $10,000 for this work. I cautioned him about drafting the proposal.”

The board voted to instruct the district to begin preparing a new waiver request on Feb. 26. Board Member Michelle Williams was the only board member to vote against it. Edelen initially voted yes but then revised her vote to an abstention. Abstentions count with the majority.

In a subsequent letter on Feb. 26 to the Covington Board, Garrison affirms his opposition to the proposal, arguing the board members were incurring on the district administration’s duty to manage the dayto-day of the district.

Haggard, for his own part, defended his relationship with EducateNKY.

“I’m not going to apologize for using my influence and the relationships that I’ve cultivated over an entire career to bring resources to our river city communities,” Haggard told LINK nky.

The issue was broached only briefly at the Covington Board meeting earlier this month by Edelen, who said that she had spoken with people about the proposal since the Feb. 26 meeting.

“I just wanted to lift up their concerns to this group,” Edelen said. “Some noted that they were unaware of this effort, despite their mention of staff voice in the process. Some noted that they have not received some answers from leadership in the district related to the proposal, and some noted that they would like to have a more concrete plan before we move forward.”

LINK nky will report more on this topic as it develops.

Kentucky Sen. Stephen West speaks on the Senate floor. Photo provided | Legislative Research Commission

OneNKY Center. Photo provided | OneNKY Center

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are a nation of immigrants,” Barr said. “We are a nation of laws, and we are a nation of immigrants.”

Barr then accused Morris of hiring foreign workers instead of Americans. The Barr campaign has previously highlighted this in a campaign ad, pointing to Rubicon Global, the waste and recycling company Morris founded.

Morris said Barr was called “Amnesty Andy” in Washington, D.C., and then referred to a 2018 vote Barr gave in support of a Republican-backed bill on immigration. Barr responded that President Donald Trump had supported the measure.

After more back-and-forth between Morris and Barr, Morris criticized Barr for supporting Afghan refugees who had helped U.S. forces and said that unvetted Afghan immigrants were responsible for a Thanksgiving Day attack on West Virginia National Guardsmen. The Afghan man charged in that incident served in an elite counterterrorism unit operated by the CIA.

“Andy, you’ve got blood on your hands,” Morris said.

Meanwhile, Cameron took some jabs at both of his opponents, though he didn’t receive many attacks in return. In response to a question about his electability following his 2023 loss to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, Cameron said that he, Barr and Morris “believe in second chances.”

“Congressman Barr asked for a second chance when he first lost to Ben Chan-

dler, and he got that second opportunity,” Cameron said, referring to the Democratic congressman who previously held Barr’s seat. “Nate Morris had a company, Rubicon, that was delisted from the stock exchange. Now, he’s asking you for an opportunity to serve in the United States Senate. So, we all believe in second chances. I would be honored to have your help and support.”

Iran War

Trump’s recent war on Iran was a theme throughout the night, and the three candidates said they agree with the president’s actions. Two Kentuckians have died in the

military conflict, Tech Sgt.

Barr recently voted against a war powers resolution backed by U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, another Kentucky Republican, that would have blocked Trump from furthering the war in Iran without congressional authorization. Barr said that the resolution “would have been a gift to our adversaries.”

“I will never, ever put the American people at risk by blocking the commander-in-chief’s ability — this president’s ability — to protect the American people from a

nuclear weapon, from a ballistic missile or conventional capabilities,” Barr said.

Asked directly if he would support American boots on the ground in Iran, Barr said he would support Trump’s decision “and I have full faith and confidence that this president will make the right decision.”

Cameron was critical of former Democratic Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama for a “disastrous evacuation of Afghanistan” in previous years.

“President Trump is about decisive action on behalf of the American people to ensure our national security. I’m grateful for President Trump and support his efforts in Iran — and also let’s look at what he did with Maduro and taking out a narco-terrorist in Venezuela. This president is on the right track, and I’m grateful for his leadership,” Cameron said, referring to the January U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He and his wife were brought to New York on narco-terrorism and conspiracy charges.

Morris also said he would back Trump’s decisions about the Iran war.

“I trust the president because of the results that he’s got for the American people, and I stand by him 100%,” Morris said. “And he has been so surgical, so tactical in the way that he’s gone after all these foreign governments, and I think that we’re going to get great results for the American people.”

Kentucky’s primary is May 19.

Kentucky GOP U.S. Senate candidates Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron and Nate Morris take the stage at their first debate in Louisville. Photo by McKenna Horsley | Kentucky Lantern

Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, and Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale.

Kenton County commissioner primary candidates weigh in on SRI, other key issues

By Nathan Granger

Candidates for Kenton County commissioner came out to Piner on the evening of March 16 to discuss issues on the minds of the south county residents, including the county’s Site Readiness Initiative, or SRI.

With the incumbents for county commissioner Districts Two and Three choosing not to pursue reelection this year, the races for seats on the fiscal court have proven among the most competitive in the region. Seven candidates will participate in a primary for a Kenton County commissioner seat in May. This year also marks the first time in more than 20 years that Democrats have run for a seat on the governing body. Two Democratic candidates, John Busse and Jordan Baldridge — both from Kenton County District Three — participated in the March 16 forum.

The SRI is an initiative of the current Kenton County Fiscal Court that aims to inventory land in the south county for potential future industrial development. It has proven unpopular among some of the county’s residents, and it was the first question posed to every candidate at the forum. Their points of view were mixed. Some opposed it outright, and other responses were more measured.

Baldridge and Republican Jeff Niceley, from District Two, were the least ambiguous; they both opposed it explicitly.

“If elected, I will not support the SRI,” Baldridge said. “I would support repealing it and doing a new study that actually listens to the people.”

“I am against the SRI as it stands right now,” Niceley said. “I understand the concept, I understand the planning to it, but I’m absolutely against it.”

Busse described the SRI as a “sales tool” to try to get people to sell their land to developers.

“You have to ask the people in southern

Kenton County, do they want to sell their land?” Busse said. “If they do, well, it looks like there’s an opportunity. If they don’t, it looks like somebody’s trying to sell it for them, and I don’t think that’s the way it should be.”

Republican Sherry Goodridge, from District Two, said that she’s “not opposed to that planning tool in general” and pointed out that the SRI was not something that one could just repeal; it was less a fixed plan and more of a document or a tool that when used correctly could “hopefully influence some of the potential businesses that can come in there.”

The other Republicans also reiterated that the SRI wasn’t something that could be completely repealed. Still, even with those caveats, the candidates were generally in favor of having greater resident input into the process.

“There’s no situation where I would support any sort of blanket rezoning that would circumvent any sort of due process or notification for those people,” said Republican candidate and current Erlanger City Council Member Rebecca Reckers.

Scott Kimmich, who’s held various political positions in his life and was familiar with how government studies are created,

said he couldn’t in good conscience say he wouldn’t ever vote for a zoning change but said, “I will not vote to institute to begin a zone change, and I, under no conditions, will vote for the use of eminent domain for industrial development in Kenton County.”

“The rural character and nature of our county is incredibly important,” said Matthew Hayden, a Republican candidate running for District Three, “and the feedback of our citizens is paramount. So while we may not be able to make certain changes on the fiscal court, what we can do is listen to the people.”

The event was hosted by the Kenton County South County Citizens Group, which has become a forum for many in the south county to express their concerns about both the SRI and the overall future of family farms in the region. Not all of the candidates were asked about farms, but those who were emphasized their importance.

“I think it is vital that we do all that we can to support our rural community, and that will be something that I will advocate for with our state legislators to see if there are new ways that we can help just keep our family farms in business,” Goodridge said.

“I think family farms are really the backbone of the country,” Niceley said, a sentiment that was also expressed by Baldridge and Busse.

“Does government need to support these small farms?” Busse asked rhetorically. “Absolutely.”

The candidates were also questioned about the role of large, region-wide economic development groups like the OneNKY Alliance and BE NKY Growth Partnership, as well as their funding. Here, most of the candidates admitted that groups like this had some benefits but also expressed a need to keep them accountable to county residents.

“We are a region, and ultimately what helps us be competitive is having organizations like this to help compile data and assist

lawmakers in making high quality decisions,” said Hayden. “However, obviously, we need to make sure that, at the end of the day that the decisions that are being made by our fiscal court members are from the will of the people.”

Kimmich advocated for a “zero-based budget every year” (i.e. a balanced budget) for any organization funded by the fiscal court.

Notably, toward the end of the forum, the moderator directly asked Niceley and Goodridge about possible conflicts of interest with the county’s current leadership.

Niceley’s business entered into a partnership with Schneller Knochelmann, a business owned by Kenton County Judge/ Executive Kris Knochelmann, last year. Goodridge, on the other hand, has been active in the Kenton County Republican Women’s Club, a group that also holds incumbent District 1 Commissioner Beth Sewell among its membership.

Niceley said that the partnership between his business and Knochelmann’s was a small part of his revenue; it wouldn’t affect his bottom line much if their partnership ended.

“That’s a very small part of any type of revenue that I get, and that doesn’t affect me being able to state my opinion, which I have stated my opinion to Kris,” Niceley said. “He knows exactly where I stand, and that’s not a bad thing. That’s how we get things done. When people agree all the time and just rubber stamp each other, that’s a problem.”

Goodridge said that her involvement with the local party — she’s also the vice chair of the Kenton County Republicans Executive Committee — was the part of the reason she got civically involved. Still, she said that she had “no problem keeping things separate as they should be.”

The NKY Chamber, in partnership with BE NKY, brings together experts to explore how shifting demographics, accelerating technology and changing productivity trends are reshaping Northern Kentucky’s economy.

Other topics of discussion included zoning policy, tax policy and housing.

Republican candidates from left to right: Matt Hayden, Rebecca Reckers and Scott Kimmich.

Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

kenton county briefs

Work near Riverfront Commons in Covington to start next month

Tree clearing and other work for the Brent Spence Corridor Project will begin near the Riverfront Commons in Covington on April 13. The work will take place adjacent to the trail from the intersection of Highway Avenue, or State Route 8, and Wright Street to the east end of the parking lot along the riverfront near the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge.

The work is expected to continue until April 30. Crews will be working the site from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Signs and flaggers will be present to help direct traffic.

“Flaggers will help facilitate construction traffic passage and activity,” according to a city announcement. “Trail users may also notice increased trucks crossing the trail within the ABM Waterfront Parking Lot as materials are delivered for work along the Ohio River shoreline. Flaggers will facilitate construction traffic to allow trail users to pass, as well as to ensure safety.”

The upper portion of the parking lot will remain open. Work schedules may be adjusted due to the weather. Visit the Brent Spence Corridor Project’s website to get regular updates on the project’s progress.

Kenton County PVA announces contract for aerial photography

The Kenton County Property Valuation Administrator’s Office, which is responsible for determining the fair-market value of homes and buildings in the county, announced that it obtained a new contract for top-down and angled photography of

structures in the county.

The contract will enable the PVA to collect high-resolution images of the properties in its jurisdiction.

The contract is with Pictometry/Eagleview, which will take the photos using low-flying manned planes. The PVA’s office is required to inspect properties every four years. The contract will enable the office to meet its legally mandated aerial inspection requirements.

“A lot can change in two years,” Kenton County PVA Darlene Plummer said in a press release. “By flying in 2026 on the heels of our 2025 flight, we can compare current and historical data to identify new construction, additions or demolitions. It’s about ensuring fair and equitable assessments for all property owners.”

The final images are expected to be collected by the end of May. The data collected will be shared with the LINK-GIS Consortium, a local data-sharing project between Kenton County Planning & Development Services, the Northern Kentucky Water District, Sanitation District 1 and the Kenton County Fiscal Court.

Newport commits $112K for multi-color lighting on new 4th Street Bridge

The Fourth Street Bridge may shine in changing colors above the Licking River, after Newport approved its share of funding for new programmable lighting.

The Newport Commission held a first reading on March 16 to approve a payment of $112,500 to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, or KYTC, for the city’s share of the multi-color, programmable, aesthetic

lighting to be installed on the new Fourth Street Bridge, which connects Newport and Covington over the Licking River.

The Fourth Street Bridge was demolished on March 2. It will be replaced by a new three-arch bridge, scheduled to open in fall 2028, according to the KYTC.

“Both cities expressed interest in this early last year; we felt it was a great opportunity to take advantage of and create a focal point in Northern Kentucky on this new bridge,” Newport Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen said. “So we all felt very excited about that.”

The city said the lighting will enhance the bridge’s appearance and be programmable in colors for holidays and community events.

“If you look across the region, the Roebling has always been lit, it’s very simple but it’s also decorative and adds to the community,” said Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. “I think that the opportunity of this bridge being the first one to have color and possibly movement, which is the new trend in bridges, that you have the color and it actually moves, is very cool.”

The city also approved a joint agreement with the transportation cabinet and the city of Covington regarding maintenance of lighting improvements. Under the agreement, Newport and Covington will share responsibility for maintaining the lighting systems and operating the programmable lighting. A third separate agreement between the two cities will be entered regarding the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

Future maintenance and operational costs will be shared between the two cities.

Steffen said this type of equipment has a roughly 20-year life cycle. Based on that, the city would anticipate some equipment replacement or upgrades over that period, which it would budget for between New-

port and Covington. Steffen said they anticipate it to be around $40,000.

“This is an opportunity, as we look at our riverfront and the work that we’re doing, to truly give a product of generational change that people in Newport and the region will be proud of for many, many years to come,” said Newport Commissioner Mike Radwanski.

TradesNKY announces four new members to board of directors

TradesNKY, a nonprofit organization that brings trades education into public schools, announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors on March 16.

“TradesNKY is committed to connecting students, educators and industry leaders to strengthen the skilled trades pipeline in our region,” said Lorraine O’Moore, executive director of TradesNKY. “These new board members bring valuable expertise and passion for workforce development that will help advance our mission.”

The new members are Philippe Garnier, CEO and general manager of Safran Landing Systems; Michael Taylor, HR director of Riegler Blacktop; John Strawser, owner of Stud Chopper and former COO of Valley Interior Systems; and Randy Hemmerle, vice president of administration at KraussMaffei.

“I wanted to serve on the TradesNKY Board to help make it clearer for students, parents and counselors what career paths and local opportunities exist in the skilled trades,” Taylor said. “I also want to help streamline the process for businesses of all sizes to get involved with developing the workforce of tomorrow.”

“After seeing the success that visual and hands-on learning can have with students, I couldn’t say no to the opportunity to help strengthen what TradesNKY is building,” Strawser said. “Many students thrive when learning is practical and experiential, and organizations like TradesNKY are helping create better pathways for them.”

“The vision of TradesNKY aligns with my passion for creating opportunities and pathways for students,” Hemmerle said. “This board is made up of individuals who are committed to getting things done, and that’s exciting.”

Learn more about TradesNKY at tradesnky. org.

A map showing the work near Riverfront Commons in Covington beginning April 13, 2026. Map provided | Brent Spence Corridor Project

Mock-up of the new Fourth Street Bridge with programmable lighting. Photo provided | Newport

Middle school students work with a TradesNKY instructor. Photo provided | TradesNKY

Two aerial photos taken as part of the Kenton County PVA’s new contract. Photos provided | Kenton County Property Valuation Administrator

Judge rules Covington police acted reasonably in excessive force case

It was an eventful February for Covington Police Officer Doug Ullrich, who won his fourth court fight over the constitutionality of his law enforcement tactics while a new lawsuit was filed against him — his ninth since 2021.

U.S. District Judge S. Chad Meredith sided with Ullrich, Officer Anthony Fritsch and the City of Covington in a 2024 case alleging the officers used excessive force while arresting Covington resident Ashley Ferreiras.

“Given that the plaintiff resisted arrest and assaulted the police, it was not objectively unreasonable for the police to subdue her by striking her twice, placing her in handcuffs and forcing her into the back of a police car,” Meredith wrote. “Thus, the plain-

tiff’s excessive-force claim is unavailing. And so are her other claims.”

Ferreiras’ attorney, Justin Whittaker, declined to comment on the ruling but added, “We will let the appellate process play out.”

The Ferreiras case is one of 16 lawsuits filed against Covington police officers since 2021. The city has yet to be found liable in any of the cases. Two of them were settled without an admission of liability.

“The rulings issued so far show that the actions taken by our officers were professional, lawful and within established operating procedures,” Captain Justin Bradbury wrote in an email response to LINK nky’s content-sharing partner WCPO’s request for an interview. “The Covington Police Department is committed to professional policing, accountability and ensuring that officers carry out their duties responsibly while protecting the people and visitors of Covington.”

LINK nky, WCPO and other media outlets have all reported on Ullrich’s history with the department. In October 2025, when WCPO published its report, the city had been named in 14 lawsuits since 2021, with Ullrich named in seven of those cases. In the last five months, two new lawsuits have been filed in which three people allege Ullrich and other Covington officers violated their constitutional rights during traffic stops.

Ferreiras was recovering from surgery to her left ankle when Covington officers stopped her boyfriend’s car near her home on May 4, 2023. Her complaint alleged Ullrich and Fritsch violated the department’s use of force rules by pulling away her crutches, punching her in the head and stepping on her foot after she fell to the ground.

“It was Ullrich who began yelling at Ferreiras from the start in aggressive and threatening language,” Ferreiras’ attorney argued in court filings. “He then escalated the confrontation by grabbing her, discarding her crutch and placing her under arrest for a minor, non-violent offense that should have resulted in a ticket or fine according to the statute.”

In its motion for summary judgment, the city argued Ferreiras actively resisted arrest after ignoring Ullrich’s orders to stay away from the traffic stop.

“From verbal noncompliance to outright assault, Ferreiras resisted Officer Ullrich’s efforts to arrest her for nearly seven minutes,” said the filing. “In those minutes, she pulled away from, hit, kicked and bit Officer Ullrich.”

Meredith ruled the officers were entitled to qualified immunity for their actions, but didn’t need it because “Officer Ullrich acted reasonably and did not subject Ferreiras to excessive force.”

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY FOR LEASE

8,030 SF Total space, Built in 1989, Alarm system with cameras, Updated office finishes, 3 Bathrooms, 1 with shower, 15 Off–street parking places, 15 Off–street parking places, Double wide loading dock with 1 drive–in, Clear height 13’–4” – 16’–8”, Clear height 13’–4” – 16’–8”, Epoxy coated floors, 1 Phase power 400A, 240V, 3 Phase power 200A, 240V, 100% Climate controlled and insulated, 9 Blocks from downtown Cincinnati, Excellent access to 1–75, I–71, I–275, I–471, and Route 9, High visibility corner lot, Lease rate $8.75 SF/yr NNN, Term: 5 year.

The ruling repeatedly noted that Ferreiras was convicted by a Kenton County jury of assault, resisting arrest and criminal mischief for her actions that night.

“Ferreiras does not contest that Officers Ullrich and Fritsch had probable cause to arrest her for a variety of crimes, including assault,” Judge Meredith wrote. “Thus, Officer Ullrich had the right to arrest Ferreiras for her offense and use the amount of force necessary to detain her.”

It’s the third time since 2024 that Ullrich has been cleared of liability in cases that alleged he violated the constitutional rights of people during traffic stops. He also won a 2025 dismissal in a jailhouse complaint that accused him of fabricating evidence.

In the five cases still pending against Ullrich, the city has filed motions to dismiss all or part of three cases. Proceedings are delayed in a fourth case while criminal charges are pending against the plaintiff. The city has yet to respond to a fifth case, filed Feb. 27.

Thomas J Parr tomjparr@outlook.com 859–468–8588

Doug Ullrich at a traffic stop in March 2023. Image taken from police body cam footage. Image provided | Covington Police Department via WCPO

Construction on Brent Spence Bridge to begin this spring

By Grace Erin | WCPO

Construction on the Brent Spence Companion Bridge is finally set to begin this spring, officials announced March 16.

The Ohio Department of Transportation, or ODOT, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, or KYTC, said the Ohio Controlling Board approved authority to finalize construction plans and start work on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project in the spring.

The project, now years in the making, is intended to ease congestion long-term, addressing what officials say is “one of the most severe traffic bottlenecks in the country.”

The plan, according to officials, is to “transform” Interstates 71/75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio.

Although the original construction plan called for rebuilding eight miles of interstate from Fort Mitchell to Cincinnati, officials now say the plan is to cover about one mile of highway on each side of the river. Further portions of the project, like additional highway improvements, are still being planned.

An update on the estimated cost of the construction project was also announced March 16.

Officials said the cost of construction on the first portion of the corridor project will be $4.05 billion.

Each state will cover the cost of its own highway work. The cost of the companion bridge will be shared.

Officials said updating the cost and getting board approval are “critical steps” to move the project to heavy construction without tolls by the summer.

Funding for the project is expected to be covered through ODOT and KYTC state revenues and/or financing.

Officials said the new companion bridge

grades to the remaining original portion of Longworth Hall

The project is expected to generate approximately six million hours of work and create more than 700 jobs. Construction wages are expected to start at around $30 per hour.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called the announcement a “major milestone.”

“The work is set to begin on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, which will deliver safer travel for our families, create good-paying construction jobs, boost national commerce and ease congestion for those commuting between Ohio and Kentucky,” Beshear said. “My administration has worked hard to deliver on this promise, and now we are months away from beginning the meaningful work that will get this job done.”

A traffic plan has been created for the construction period.

• Two entrances and two exits will remain open into and out of Cincinnati in both directions

• Ramps and bridges connecting to the Brent Spence Bridge will be reconstructed, with temporary connections installed

• Early summer: ramps from eastbound U.S. Route 50, southbound I-75 and northbound I-71 to Second Street will be closed and relocated to a temporary ramp to Third Street

• Late summer: the ramp from eastbound U.S. Route 50 to southbound I-75 will be closed and reopened on a temporary alignment

• Work will take place on ramps and bridges along I-75 from Second Street to Ninth Street, including connections to Gest Street and Central Avenue Preparation work has started on the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of a 200-foot portion of Longworth Hall to accommodate the new bridge, plus comprehensive up-

Kentucky traffic plan

• There will be one entrance ramp, both northbound and southbound, into and out of Covington as construction work begins

• Impacts to various Covington ramps to develop the approach to the new companion bridge

• Sewer line and water line reconstruction work on Third Street in Covington this spring

• The project will separate stormwater from the combined sewer system

• Tree clearing operations this spring in the project area, including the Riverfront Commons Trail

• Full closure of the Riverfront Commons Trail this summer

Officials said early work has been completed to prepare for the construction. The project team will now begin work on approaches to the companion bridge.

• Fort Mitchell

Crestview Hills

A rendering of the Brent Spence Companion Bridge. Rendering provided | Brent Spence Corridor Project is expected to be completed and open in 2031, with the approach work “substantially complete” by 2033.

Ohio traffic plan

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00650

DIVISION 2

CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC VS.

NANCY A. SMITH, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/16/2026 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 4/14/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 114 Rossford Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075

Group No: 41639/K2

PIDN: 999-99-13-451.00

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00411

DIVISION 2

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE ASPEN INCOME TRUST, A DELAWARE STATUTORY TRUST VS. KENNETH M. ROGG, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 2/16/2026 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 4/14/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 126 4th Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074

Group No: 30288/A2

PIDN: 999-99-09-878.00

COMMISSIONER’S SALE

COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-01158

DIVISION 2

THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY VS. NOLAN RECHTIN, ET AL.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 4/14/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

904 Columbia Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 30178/A3 & 30178/A4

PIDN: 999-99-00-716.00

CASE NUMBER 19-CI-00918

DIVISION 1

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE VS.

MAE MAYES AKA MAY MAYES, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 1/19/2021 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE

I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 4/14/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

700 Smith Hiteman Road, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001

Group No: 70123/Z

PIDN: 999-99-30-652.00

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00603 DIVISION 2

LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC VS.

RUSTY DIETZ, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 2/27/2026 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 4/14/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

45 17th Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 30472/A1

PIDN: 999-99-03-304.00

THE COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION IS MORE PARTICULARLY SET OUT IN THE JUDGMENT AND ORDER OF SALE ENTERED IN THIS CASE. Subject to conditions, covenants, restrictions, right of ways and easements in existence, including but not limited to those in prior instruments of record; legal highways, and zoning ordinances.

SAID PROPERTY SHALL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO REAL ESTATE TAXES DUE AND OWING FOR THE YEAR OF SALE AND THEREAFTER PRIOR YEARS UNPAID TAXES SHALL BE PAID FROM THE PROCEEDS IF THE PURCHASER IS NOT THE PLAINTIFF. IF THE PURCHASER IS THE PLAINTIFF, PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID TAXES SHALL BE PAID BY THE PLAINTIFF, IN FULL OR PRO RATA, PROVIDED THE SALE PURCHASE PRICE EXCEEDS THE COURT COSTS.

THIS PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD TO PRODUCE THE SUMS OF MONEY SO ORDERED TO BE MADE IN THE JUDGMENT AND ORDER OF SALE ENTERED IN THE WITHIN CASE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COURT COSTS, AD VALOREM TAXES, IN THE SUM OF $4,271.16; AND OTHER LIENS, INTEREST, ATTORNEY FEES AND/OR OTHER SUMS AND JUDGMENTS THAT MAY BE AWARDED BY THE COURT.

THE SALE SHALL BE MADE TO THE HIGHEST AND BEST BIDDER(S). ANY PURCHASER OTHER THAN PLAINTIFF WHO DOES NOT PAY CASH IN FULL SHALL PAY 10% CASH AND SHALL BE REQUIRED TO EXECUTE A BOND AT THE TIME OF SALE, WITH SURETY ACCEPTABLE TO THE MASTER COMMISSIONER AND PRE-APPROVED BY THE MASTER COMMISSIONER AT LEAST BY NOON, TWO (2) BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE SALE DATE, TO SECURE THE UNPAID BALANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, AND SAID BOND SHALL BEAR INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 12% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE OF SALE UNTIL PAID, AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME FORCE AND EFFECT AS A JUDGMENT AND SHALL REMAIN AND BE A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY UNTIL PAID THE BOND SURETY MUST BE PRESENT AT THE SALE AND EXECUTE SALE BOND AND THE AFFIDAVIT OF SURETY THE PURCHASER(S) SHALL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PAYING ALL THE BALANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE THIRTY (30) DAY PERIOD. THE DEPOSIT SHALL BE WAIVED IF PLAINTIFF IS THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER. THE MASTER COMMISSIONER SHALL SELL THE REAL ESTATE BY PUBLIC SALE ON A DAY AND TIME TO BE FIXED BY HIM, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR OF THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. BIDDERS MUST BE PREPARED TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS. THE COSTS OF THE SALE SHALL BE PAID WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS OF THE SALE. JOSEPH F. GRIMME, MASTER COMMISSIONER 859-291-9075

CAMPBELL

Simon Kenton makes historic run, Pandas set 3-point record at state tourney

Notre Dame didn’t waste any time in their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013. The Pandas hit 17 three-pointers, a state tournament record in a win over Pikeville. The three-point barrage was from a variety of Pandas, Emma Holtzapfel and Amelia Stallard hit five three-pointers apiece, Sarah Young hit four, Kylee Wagner with two and Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey with one. In their quarterfinal matchup, they fell to Taylor County in the quarterfinals. They held a 32-29 lead headed into the fourth, but went cold in the fourth in the defeat. Holtzapfel was named to the All-Tournament team.

CovCath loses heavyweight battle with St. X in opening round of Sweet 16

For the first time in program history, Simon Kenton’s girls basketball team reached the state semifinals of the KHSAA Clark’s Pump-n-Shop girls Sweet 16 basketball tournament.

The Lady Pioneers defeated Ashland Blazer and Owensboro Catholic on their way to the semifinals before falling to eventual champion George Rogers Clark. Eighth grader Angela Kabeya set a career high with 29 points in the opening round while Brynli Pernell paced Simon Kenton in the quarterfinals with 18 points. Both were named to the All-Tournament team.

St. Xavier’s Ethan Petter hitting a three-pointer in mop up time pretty much summed up the day.

The Tigers hit nearly everything in their 7561 victory over Covington Catholic in the UK Healthcare boys Sweet 16 tournament opening round on March 18 at Rupp Arena in Lexington.

St. Xavier (27-7) hit 62% of their shots from the field and 12-of-18 from the three-point line.

CovCath (31-3) opened with a blitz, creating their organized chaos and getting the game into the flow they wanted. The Colonels led 28-17 nearly two minutes into the second quarter by doing what has been a staple of their team all season long…creating turnovers and getting out on the go.

Then St. Xavier flipped the script.

The Tigers weathered an early blue storm to take a 41-35 lead into halftime. They closed the half on a 24-7 run, scoring on their final eight possessions of the half. Bryce Johnson came off the bench and was a big key in the run, hitting all four of his three-point attempts in the half.

The Tigers’ efficiency lingered into the second half, hitting their first five shots and a Connor Klein layup opening up their biggest lead of the game at the time to 15 at 56-41. The Colonels chaos was eliminated. CovCath was able to trim the deficit to nine by the end of the third at 59-50.

They got it down to six after a Braeden Myrick three-pointer with 3:51 to play, but back-to-back dunks from Josh Lindsay and Jordan Jackson closed the door on any comeback attempt.

It closes Covington Catholic’s season at 313, returning to Rupp Arena for the first time since 2022.

Preseason watch lists out for baseball

The Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association has released its preseason watch lists for each respective region.

THE WEEKLY COMIC by Andrew Buchanan

Three from Northern Kentucky landed at the top of those lists: Walton-Verona’s Bronson Corpus in the 8th Region, Beechwood’s Tyler Fryman in the 9th Region and Bishop Brossart’s Isaac Amin in the 10th Region.

8th Region

1. Bronson Corpus, Walton-Verona

2. Keith Mitchell, South Oldham

3. Preston Miller, Collins

4. Jaylen Hortenbury, Henry County

5. Jacob Piper, Simon Kenton

6. Griffin Kingsolver, Spencer County

7. Gabe Kuerzi, North Oldham

8. Carter Poole, Collins

9. Luke Balardo, South Oldham

10. Kaden Dickhaut, North Oldham

9th Region

1. Tyler Fryman, Beechwood

2. Anthony Coppola, Ryle

3. Brady Bushman, Conner

4. Caleb Arrasmith, Beechwood

5. Brooks Becker, Beechwood

6. Kai Anderson, Highlands

7. Kyle Flynn, Dixie Heights

8. Brooks Hendrix, Highlands

9. Cole Krumpelman, Covington Catholic

10. Grayson Begnoche, Lloyd Memorial

10th Region

1. Issac Amin, Bishop Brossart

2. Trey Cook, Scott

3. Evan Copher, Montgomery County

4. Gavin Kramer, Campbell County

5. Jayse Mays, Montgomery County

6. Brady Mefford, Mason County

7. Tyler Schumacher, Campbell County

8. Cooper Slade, Harrison County

9. Camden Tiemeier, Campbell County

10. Donovan Walker, Harrison County

Beechwood High School’s Tyler Fryman is at the top of the 9th Region preseason watch list. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Simon Kenton High School girls basketball finished its season as a state semifinalist in the girls KHSAA Clark’s Pump-n-Shop Sweet 16. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Notre Dame Academy girls basketball fell to Taylor County High School in the girls KHSAA Clark’s Pump-n-Shop Sweet 16 quarterfinals. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Covington Catholic High School’s Donovan Bradshaw looks down after the Colonels 75-61 defeat to St. Xavier High School in the UK Healthcare boys Sweet 16 tournament. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Walton-Verona High School’s Bronson Corpus is at top the top of the watch list for the 8th Region. Photo provided | Pete Coleman

Kentucky would require photo ID to file open-records request under bill passed by House

By McKenna Horsley | Kentucky Lantern

With no questions on the floor, the Kentucky House passed a bill that would allow public agencies to require photo IDs from residents who request public records.

House Bill 567 from Rep. Patrick Flannery, R-Olive Hill, gained approval from the House with a vote of 71-19 the morning of March 13. The 19 votes against the bill included 13 Democrats and five Republicans. The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

If passed by the General Assembly this year, the bill would change the state’s open records laws to allow a public agency’s records custodian to ask for a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to prove a records requestor’s residency. The General Assembly changed state law in 2021 to allow only Kentucky residents to request public records of agencies in Kentucky, with some exceptions for news organizations.

In his explanation of the bill, Flannery said local governments and police departments

are seeing an influx of automated requests from chat bots that check boxes on the request saying they are a Kentucky resident. The current state law doesn’t say how proof of residency can be verified.

“This situation with the bombardment of these requests result in a strain on taxpayers’ resources and time and can slow agencies’ responses to otherwise valid requests made by Kentucky residents, news-gathering organizations and other needed ser-

DIVISION I

CASE NO.: 23-CI-01414

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION VERSUS}

ROBERT G. WERMELING, IV, ET AL.

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered FEBRUARY 6, 2024 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, APRIL 16, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 7775 CEDAR WOOD CIRCLE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 073.00-04-075.00

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $144,180.22

GROUP NO.: 1206

DIVISION III

CASE NO.: 25-CI-01585

TRIPLE CROWN HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION, INC. VERSUS}

NARINDER DABHIA, ET AL.

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered FEBRUARY 10, 2026 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, APRIL 16, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 1051 SPECTACULAR BID DRIVE, UNION, KENTUCKY 41091

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 064.04-07-331.00

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $9,955.46

GROUP NO.: 4428

THIS SALE IS SUBJECT TO THE MORTGAGE OF PNC MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 2, 2012, IN MORTGAGE BOOK M 3642, PAGE 699, OF THE BOONE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OWED TO PNC MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, THROUGH APRIL 1, 2026, IS THE PRINCIPAL SUM OF $229,720.22, MORE OR LESS, PLUS INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES ALLOWED BY THE MORTGAGE AND THE PROMISSORY NOTE IT SECURES, AND KENTUCKY LAW.

vices that are provided by our police and local agencies that have to deal with what we would consider unlawful requests,” Flannery said.

Previously, Lawrenceburg Police Chief Bryan Taylor joined Flannery in a House committee to testify in favor of the bill. Taylor told lawmakers that the bill would help his office weed out open records requests made by online bots.

COMMISSIONER’S SALE

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 2026 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.

Flannery filed a floor amendment to the bill, which was also approved, to allow public agencies to ask for a requester’s ID via facsimile, email, mail or by hand-delivery. The amendment also says the agency could ask for alternative proof of residency if the requester does not have a photo ID. He said he proposed the amendment after getting “constructive criticism” about when a requester lives in one part of the state and is seeking documents from an agency located elsewhere in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Open Government Coalition submitted a letter in opposition to the bill to the House committee, arguing that the bill could increase bureaucracy for records custodians who are reviewing open records requests.

One of the Democrats who voted against the bill, Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, D-Lexington, said that she appreciated the floor amendment but felt like there are other ways to remove requests from bots, such as a CAPTCHA system.

“I am very concerned about making sure that people still feel like they have access to our government,” she said.

DIVISION I

CASE NO.: 25-CI-02267

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VERSUS}

BRENDA BAKER (NOW DECEASED), ET AL.

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered MARCH 3, 2026 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, APRIL 16, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 18 LYNN STREET, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 061.10-26-026.00

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $105,172.36

GROUP NO.: 263

DIVISION III

CASE NO.: 25-CI-00696

ROBIN NECESSARY VERSUS}

THE HEIRS AT LAW, DEVISEES, AND BENEFICIARIES OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCES D. WHITE

ADDRESS: 1930 BLK GUN CLUB ROAD, VERONA, KENTUCKY 41092

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 069.00-00-009.06

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $3,735.58

GROUP NO.: 2089

Lawrenceburg Police Chief Bryan Taylor, left, and Olive Hill Republican Rep. Patrick Flannery, middle, listen as the Director of Government Affairs for the Kentucky League of Cities Gracie Kelly, right, speaks during a committee meeting. Photo by McKenna Horsley | Kentucky Lantern

Address: 944 Squire Oaks Dr, Villa Hills

Price: $2.25 million

Bedrooms: Five

Bathrooms: Five (plus two half baths)

Square footage: 10,700 square feet

School district: Kenton County

County: Kenton County

Special features: This home offers more than 10,700 square feet of living space on a private 1.84-acre lot. The residence features expansive living areas designed for entertaining. Highlights include a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, a first-floor primary suite, formal living and dining rooms and an executive office. The finished lower level includes a media room, game room, wet bar and exercise space, while the backyard features a pool, spa and covered terrace.

Five bedrooms and a pool

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF UPCOMING SALE: 4/1/2026

1VWBT7A33GC032416

2016 Volkswagen Passat (Red)

L9L612 (KY)

Listed Owner: Shanklin, Annie C

Listed Lienholder: Exeter Finance

Sold By: AJ’s Towing and Recovery LLC

2043-B Alexandria Pike Highland Heights, KY 41076 (859) 907-6755

CAMPBELL COUNTY

• 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 Villa Hills home. Photos provided | Melissa Van Treeck and Jim Murray of Simple Fee Realty

The elegant kitchen space.

The home has a private pool.

Edited by Margie E. Burke

The Weekly Crossword

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 6 7 6 7 4 2 9 4 1

Senator, e.g.

Answer to Previous Sudoku:

Don Quixote's squire Panza

Goes down

French islands

Bitter-tasting 42 What a spoiler 5 Arson, for

"The Lord of the may spoil instance variety Rings," e.g.

Fluid losses

Truthful

Dentists' org.

Carson of the selection

Plank producer Old West