LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 4, Edition 27 - May 29, 2026

KENTON

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 27 — MAY 29, 2026

THE VOICE OF NKY

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Gallrein defeats Massie in GOP primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District

By Kenton Hornbeck

E

d Gallrein has secured the Republican nomination for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District after a hotly contested primary, defeating incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie.

This was the most expensive GOP primary in U.S. House history, with more than $32 million spent, as funds flowed in from billionaire mega-donors, super PACs and small-dollar donors from across the country.

During his victory speech on the evening of May 19, Gallrein characterized his win as a victory for District 4.

“I entered as a Navy SEAL officer in 1983 because I had the audacity to think I could make a difference, and I did,” he said. “I will serve this district, my party and my nation with that same audacity to make a difference for them, their families, our district, Continues on page 3

Ed Gallrein smiling while standing at a podium following his victory against Thomas Massie in the GOP primary. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

The price of a degree: Navigating the student debt crisis at NKU

By Jaiden Campos | The Northerner

I

t’s 9:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, and while a lot of students at Northern Kentucky University are wrapping up their night, student Savannah Metzger is clocking in for a late shift at Walmart. Instead of studying or relaxing after class, she’s spending her night working to keep up with the cost of college.

“I work about 25 hours a week,” Metzger said. “People always say college is your fulltime job, but for me, this is what actually pays the bills.”

Northern Kentucky University students. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky University

Even with those hours, the numbers still don’t really work. Metzger is a freshman currently living on campus, but she already knows that won’t last. As she looks ahead

to next year, the cost of tuition and housing has forced her to make a tough decision — she won’t be returning to the dorms.

Instead, she’ll be moving back in with her parents and commuting about 45 minutes each way.

“I love being on campus, but I’m already over $20,000 in debt after just one year,” she said. “I can’t justify spending another $10,000 just to live here. At this point, my college experience is probably going to be a lot of driving and a lot of listening to podcasts.”

What Metzger is dealing with isn’t unusual. Across the United States, student loan debt has grown to more than $1.7 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For students at NKU, it’s not

NKY police department adds more hybrids p5 Kenton County sheriff primary results p7 Opinion: More lanes highway is not what Greater Cincinnati needs p10

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our party and our nation.”

Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, which encompasses 21 counties and nearly 775,000 people, is currently represented by longtime incumbent Massie, who was first elected in 2012. Despite facing challengers in previous GOP primaries, no one has posed quite the threat as Gallrein.

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“We weren’t really running against Ed Gallrein. We weren’t running against Donald Trump. We were running for what we believe in,” Massie told a crowd of supporters during his concession speech on May 19.

Gallrein, who has run for statewide office only once before, announced his candidacy in October 2025, accompanied by an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

The president’s endorsement catapulted Gallrein into the throes of contention.

Following his victory, Gallrein thanked Trump for his guidance at “this critical time and juncture in our country.”

“Now my focus is on advancing the president and the party’s agenda to put America first, and Kentucky always,” Gallrein said.

At Gallrein’s election night watch party at Wenzel Distillery in Covington, Edgewood resident Kim Steffen said she has always voted for Massie in the past.

But this year, she changed it up.

“I’d been a Massie supporter,” she told LINK nky. “I started looking out because I didn’t like some of the voting that Massie had done.”

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Massie reflected on the loss at his election night watch party on May 19.

“We stirred up something,” Massie said.

“There is a yearning in this country for somebody who will vote for principles over party.”

The GOP primary was effectively a proxy battle between Trump and Massie, as the congressman had proven to be a thorn in the president’s side. Massie had voted against several of Trump’s legislative priorities, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025, multiple COVID-19 stimulus pack-

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Ed Gallrein (right) pictured next to President Donald Trump (left). Photo provided | Ed Gallrein campaign

ages and criticized the president’s foreign policy regarding Iran.

large spending bills introduced by both Democrats and Republicans.

Massie was also the only Republican to co-sponsor the Epstein Files Transparency Act, partnering with Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna of California on the bill. Trump ultimately signed the bill into law.

On the other hand, Gallrein markets himself as a traditional conservative focused on supporting Trump’s legislative agenda.

Gallrein has argued that Massie is insufficiently loyal to the Republican Party, even calling him a “Benedict Arnold” ­— an idiom for a traitor — during a February campaign stop in Wilder.

Trump has publicly railed against Massie, calling him a “loser,” a “bum,” and “The Worst Republican Congressman in History.” In March, Trump visited Northern Kentucky to campaign for Gallrein. At his rally at Verst Logistics in Hebron, Trump praised Gallrein’s military record, calling him “straight out of central casting.” The president also spent time attacking Massie, musing about the possibility of his handpicked candidate defeating Massie.

Historically, Trump has a strong record of defeating Republicans who’ve openly challenged him. Recently, Sen. Bill Cassidy, one of seven Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after Jan. 6, was defeated in the primary by a Trump-backed challenger.

Massie, a libertarian-leaning conservative, has largely relied on his ideological principles to explain why he’s split with Trump on particular issues. Massie is described as a fiscal conservative who calls for cuts to federal spending, which he argues needs to be reined in. Massie has consistently advocated for reducing the overall size and scope of the federal government, voting against

In response to those criticisms, Massie has argued that his job is to work for the people of his district, rather than the Republican Party or Trump. Massie has called Gallrein a “rubber stamp” for Trump, saying he would vote on his principles, rather than political expedience.

In the days leading up to the primary, several national political figures visited NKY to campaign for their preferred candidate, underscoring the stakes of the race.

On May 18, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth campaigned for Gallrein at the Hilton DoubleTree at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. On May 16, Massie hosted campaign events featuring Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Colorado’s 4th Congressional District Rep. Lauren Boebert, Ohio’s 8th Congressional District Rep. Warren Davidson, Indiana’s 5th Congressional District Rep. Victoria Spartz, and Kyle Rittenhouse.

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MAY 29, 2026 3

An aerial photo of the Northern Kentucky University campus. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky University Continued from page 1

just a national issue — it’s something that affects everyday decisions, like where to live, how much to work and how to balance school and life.

NKU is still considered one of the more affordable schools in the region, but that doesn’t mean it’s actually easy to afford.

With a recent 3.9% tuition increase and rising costs for things like food and housing, even a “reasonable” option is becoming harder to manage.

This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about how students are having to change their daily lives just to stay in school.

For Metzger, that’s about learning to live with trade-offs. Moving back home means spending about an hour and a half in the car every day — time she used to spend studying, being on campus or just taking a break.

“Last semester, I had to wait two weeks to buy an access code for one of my classes because I needed my paycheck first,” she said. “Now I’m thinking about gas, tires, oil changes, stuff I didn’t really worry about before. It feels like everything just keeps adding up.”

That pressure doesn’t go away.

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m getting a degree to actually do what I want,” she said, “or if I’m just getting a degree so I can pay off the degree.”

For some students, the stress doesn’t end after graduation. Sadie Weaver, a 2022 NKU graduate, is still dealing with the financial impact of her degree. She originally planned to go into marketing, but right now she’s working at Walgreens while trying to find something in her field that pays enough to support herself.

“I graduated with about $32,000 in debt,” 4 MAY 29, 2026

Weaver said. “At 22, it didn’t feel real. Now at 25, it definitely is.”

Between a $350 monthly student loan payment and a car payment just to get to work, she couldn’t afford to live on her own. Like Metzger, she had to move back in with her parents.

“I’m grateful they let me stay, but it’s not what you picture after graduating,” she said. “You think you’ll have your own places, your own life. Instead, it kind of feels like you’re stuck.”

She said her debt has made it hard to move forward financially.

the best path to a stable career, the rising cost is forcing students to take on more risk than before. Even small financial decisions during college can shape a student’s future: how much they borrow, how much they work and even where they live.

“It’s not like I have a lot of options,” Metzger said. “I’m just doing what I have to do to stay in school.”

a.m. class that morning, and soon that routine will include a long commute from her parents’ house.

“People act like student debt is something you deal with later,” she says, locking the door behind her. “But for us, it’s already affecting everything.”

That reality shows how college today is about more than academics; it’s about survival, planning and trying to stay ahead of the financial pressure that comes with it.

She walks out to her car under the streetlights, getting ready to do it all again the next day. Soon, she’ll be back in class, working toward a degree she hopes will pay off.

But in the dark of the morning, she’s just trying to make the numbers work.

As her shift ends at 2:30 a.m., Metzger grabs her things and heads out. She has a 9

This story originally appeared at thenortherner.com.

“My debt-to-income ratio is so high that I can’t qualify for an apartment, let alone a house,” she said. “It feels like I’m just waiting for things to finally start.”

Looking back, she said she would have approached borrowing differently.

“Don’t just accept the full loan amount because it’s offered,” she says. “Only take what you actually need. Nobody really explains how much that decision matters later.”

The situation at NKU reflects a larger shift in higher education. As state funding has changed over time, more of the cost has been passed on to students, according to the College Board. The university is trying to respond with scholarships and what it calls a “student-first” budget, but for many students, the reality is still difficult.

For Metzger, thinking about the future can feel overwhelming.

“I try not to stress about it too much right now,” she said. “But it’s always in the back of my mind. Like, am I going to graduate and actually be able to afford my life?”

That uncertainty is something a lot of students share. While a degree is still seen as

Students gathering for the Northern Kentucky University summer camp. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky University

Newport to add four more Tesla Model Y vehicles to police fleet

By Haley Parnell

T

he Newport Police Department is adding four more Tesla Model Y vehicles to its fleet.

​ he Newport Police Department first addT ed three Tesla Model 3 vehicles in December 2023 and then requested two more in November 2024 after the success of the first three. In January 2025, Newport requested the Tesla Model Y electric vehicle for use, initially in the planning, development and code departments. Then, in June 2025, the commission approved four more Tesla Model Y electric vehicles for its police fleet. ​ he Model Y vehicles serve as patrol vehiT cles because they are large enough to fit a cage to hold arrested people, whereas the Model 3 is used for administrative purposes.

The city estimated in June that its total savings over five years for four Teslas is $148,311.56. Newport Police Chief Chris Fangman said the Tesla is cheaper and a better product than a more common police vehicle like a Chevy Equinox or Dodge Durango. ​As shown in the city-provided graphic from June, the base purchase price difference between the Tesla Model Y (2026) and the department’s previously purchased vehicle of choice, the Dodge Durango (2025), is 13.64%.

Newport Police Department’s Tesla Model Y vehicle (left) and Tesla Model 3 vehicle (right.) Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

​ he graph also shows the advantages of T buying Tesla vehicles in terms of upfitting costs, annual energy and fuel costs, annual maintenance costs, resale value (five years), total energy and fuel costs (five years), total maintenance costs (five years),

and total cost per vehicle (five years). All of which show the Tesla winning out in each category.

Fangman said the city was in talks with Covington to provide as much information as possible about the success of its electric vehicle program. Covington recently voted to purchase 10 new electric vehicles for various city departments, specifically the police, fire and public works. ​ angman said he has already had a third F city reach out to the police department about Newport’s size, which is going that route as well.

cally cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Newport was able to obtain some for under $20,000, according to Newport Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen. Superchargers add 200 miles of range in 15 minutes, whereas regular chargers are best used overnight, often taking eight to 12 hours to charge fully. “​ We purchased as many of them as we possibly could from Duke Energy,” Steffen said.

“They were surplusing them out. They had a job somewhere else in the country that they didn’t complete, so they had a surplus of them. So that’s why we acquired them.

We took advantage of the price while we could get them.”

“So it has proven successful,” Fangman said. “We’ve had other cities do their independent studies, and it’s very consistent, so it’s been a great leadership move, and it’s been working for everybody.” ​ he city also has some level 3 chargers, T also known as superchargers, which typi-

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MAY 29, 2026 5

Florence approves ordinance targeting traffic queues spilling onto public roads

By Kenton Hornbeck

tion, Hunt said that police officers would be tasked with responding first to address the immediate safety hazard by directing traffic or requiring the business to temporarily close access points.

T

he City of Florence passed an ordinance to curb vehicle queues that spill onto public roadways, reducing potential safety hazards for drivers and emergency response vehicles.

Hunt emphasized that the ordinance was not targeted at any single business and would be enforced on a “site-by-site, caseby-case” basis.

In recent few weeks, the Florence City Council advanced ordinance O-11-2026, which establishes new regulations to prevent motor vehicle queues from commercial, industrial and non-residential properties from spilling onto public streets and rights-of-way.

Typically, the businesses that generate the longest vehicle queues are those that generate high traffic, like fast food restaurants, drive-thru coffee chains and industrial delivery operations.

Florence unanimously passed the ordinance, although a lengthy discussion preceded the vote.

LINK nky media partner WCPO reported that some Florence residents voiced concerns about traffic congestion caused by 7 Brew, a drive-thru coffee chain with two stores in Boone County: one off Turfway Road and the other on U.S. Route 42 near the Interstate 75 ramp. The outlet reported that 7 Brew has gained a reputation for generating long vehicle queues at its Northern Kentucky stores.

Prior to the ordinance’s approval, Council

7 Brew. Photo provided | 7 Brew

Member Diane Whalen asked whether a line of multiple vehicles blocking a roadway would count as one violation or several.

12-month period and $5,000 for each additional offense within the same 12-month period. Enforcement would be handled by Florence’s Code Enforcement Board.

“I’m having a really, really hard time with this one because there’s already legal reasons why they can’t impede the right-ofway and we’re now adding to that a civil violation on top of that, adding to the duties of code enforcement and who calls them and how all of that’s done in a timely fashion.”

Violations would adhere to the same schedule as other standard code enforcement violations within the city. Code enforcement officers would be required to photograph the violation, then send an official letter to the business informing them of the infraction.

For reference, the penalty for an infraction is a $1,000 fine on the first offense, a $2,500 fine for the second offense within a

Florence City Administrator Josh Hunt clarified that a line of vehicles would generally result in a single citation, rather than issuing a citation to each driver. In addi-

“I have dealt with stacking issues for years and they take years to resolve,” he said. “I could tell you, I’ve been personally successful at–and I don’t want to name businesses — but correcting these issues, and they take years to work through. This ordinance not only prevents life safety issues, but it gives us the ability to address these things head-on and require these businesses to address the issues immediately.”

Hunt reaffirmed that the main purpose of the ordinance is to enable law enforcement to assist in maintaining street safety.

“I’ll reiterate, the biggest thing is it allows the police officers and the first responders to immediately make our road safe, and I don’t know how people can’t get on board with that aspect of the ordinance,” he said.

Hunt stated that one of the next steps for the city in combating traffic queues is to update its zoning regulations to better address the issue in the future.

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6 MAY 29, 2026

Larry Shelton defeats Jude Hehman in Kenton County sheriff GOP primary

By Nathan Granger

L

arry Shelton defeated Jude Hehman in the Republican primary for the Kenton County sheriff, and will be facing off against Democratic challenger and former Newport Chief of Police Tom Collins in November.

“I would like to see the sheriff’s department evolve,” Shelton told LINK nky earlier this year.

“What I understand, it [the Sheriff’s Office] needs a lot of adjusting, and there’s a lot of programs and a lot of things that they could be doing and should be doing as assistance to other agencies,” Collins said.

Kenton County’s previous Sheriff Chuck Korzenborn retired at the Hehman, in his conversations with end of 2025. Kenton County Judge/ LINK nky, discussed some of the Executive Kris Knochelmann (who, misconceptions around the sheriff’s as an aside, is running unopposed seat and some of its challenges. for reelection this year) appointKenton County Sheriff Democratic ed former Fort Mitchell Mayor and Jude Hehman. Photo provided | Heh- Larry Shelton. Photo provided | Shelton “I’m required to staff the the court, man campaign campaign candidate Tom Collins in 2018. Photo business owner Jude Hehman to the Justice Center, with a certain provided | Tom Collins serve out the remainder of Korzenborn’s amount [of deputies],” Hehman County both have their own county police There are some exceptions to this tenden- said in early April, “and they’ve just now term, which concludes at the end of 2026. departments that operate independently cy, such as the Boone County Sheriff’s De- increased that. As a mayor or as a business partment.

Hehman garnered endorsements from of the sheriffs. owner, I could come up with ways to create Korzenborn himself, as well as the counrevenue. As a sheriff’s office, there’s no crety’s prosecutors, also elected positions. Instead, sheriffs’ primary duties focus on Both Shelton and Collins have run on a ating revenue. My revenue is based on fees Korzenborn occupied the sheriff’s seat for property tax collection, court security and platform of expanding the role of the Sher- that I collect.” serving court processes like subpoenas, iff’s Office. Hehman does not have a law 26 years. summons and court orders, including enforcement background, although he has Debates around the role of the sheriff in the In spite of their cultural associations, most protective orders. Sheriffs (or their prox- had a long career in politics and business. community will undoubtedly characterize Kentucky sheriffs’ primary duties do not ies) also sit as voting members of county Shelton and Collins, on the other hand, do conversations in the lead up to the Novemfocus on patrolling and other workaday boards of election, perform vehicle in- have law enforcement backgrounds. Shel- ber general election. law enforcement activities. While they may spections for driver’s license applications ton worked for the Kentucky State Police take part in those duties if needed, if you and provide consumer protection services and is currently an attorney. Collins has call 911 in Kenton County, the officer who like scam warnings. Finally, Campbell and worked in other police departments and responds will likely come from a municipal Kenton counties share a combined SWAT public safety institutions, besides the Newdepartment, rather than the sheriff’s of- team, the current CEO of which is Campbell port Police Department. fice. In fact, Kenton County and Campbell County Sheriff Mike Jansen.

MAY 29, 2026

7

kenton county briefs Here are the Kenton County commission candidates heading to the general election

dicial role. Instead, they carry out executive and legislative functions, similar to how a city council governs a city.

Fiscal courts are headed up by a judge/ executive, who serves as the central executive of the county government. The current Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann is running unopposed for reelection this year.

Kenton County Fiscal Court building. Photo provided | Kenton County

The numbers are in, and we now know what the final slate of candidates will be for the Kenton County commissioner race in November.

Following the tallies from the May 19 primary election, the following candidates will appear on the ballot in the general election: District 1 • Democrat candidate: Sarah Froelich (challenger) • Republican candidate: Beth Sewell (incumbent) District 2: • Democrat candidate: Ben Bach (ran unopposed in the primary) • Republican candidate: Jeff Niceley District 3: • Democrat candidate: Jordan Baldridge • Republican candidate: Richard “Scott” Kimmich Commissioner seats correspond to districts based on where the commissioner lives, but the positions represent the county at-large, meaning they represent the county as a whole. Any county voter can cast votes in each district.

County commissioners serve as legislators of the county fiscal courts, which are extensions of the state government that operate at a more localized level. Fiscal courts, in spite of their names, have no ju-

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candidates, Jordan Baldridge, is a member of the Kenton County Democrats Executive Committee. Many of the Republican candidates either had direct links to the local Republican party or organizations adjacent to it.

Andy Barr to face Charles Booker in U.S. Senate race in November

County governments have several roles, namely to provide essential public services, including infrastructure, road maintenance, parks, jails and animal control.

Counties also administer elections (note: Fiscal courts themselves do not administer elections; that duty falls to county boards of election), keep important records, and collect and allocate tax funding for the aforementioned public services. Other services, such as law enforcement dispatch services, are also administered at the county level. The county clerk, jailer and sheriff are responsible for submitting budgets to the fiscal court, which then votes on whether they’re appropriate.

The commissioner positions are usually not full time, unlike other elected positions at the county level. Thus, fiscal courts often employ full-time county administrators and other administrative staff to handle the day-to-day.

This year’s county commissioner race was unique in that two of the fiscal court’s incumbents, Joe Nienaber and Jon Draud, decided not to run for reelection. This year’s field was packed and featured primaries in both parties. It was also the first time the Kenton County Democrats have run candidates for the body in over 20 years.

Economic development, environmental issues, tax policy and how the county deals with its rural land were all key issues in the primary this year. Several candidates in both parties said they ran because of how the current county administration has fielded issues like the Site Readiness Initiative in the south county or what they viewed as a dismissive attitude among county leaders more generally.

The candidates came from a variety of backgrounds. All but one of the Democrat

Jesse Brewer (left) and Melissa Strange (right).

Photo provided | Brewer and Strange campaigns

and cared deeply about this community, that maybe, maybe, they would be willing to leave the (Republican) party behind and actually make the decision in the best interest of the community.”

Charles Booker for U.S. Senate. Provided | Charles Booker via Facebook

Andy Barr. Photo provided | Barr campaign

Republican Andy Barr will be facing Democrat Charles Booker in the November race for U.S. Senate.

Long-time incumbent Mitch McConnell did not seek reelection, making the open seat a competitive race with 12 Republican candidates and seven Democratic candidates.

Barr will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November’s general election.

President Donald Trump gave his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of U.S. Rep. Andy Barr in a post on Truth Social on May 1. Following the news of the endorsement, Lexington businessman Nate Morris dropped out of the race (though he still appeared on the ballot) and also endorsed Barr.

The other Republicans in the race were Anissa Catlett, James Duncan, Michael Faris, Valerie Fredrick, Jonathan Holliday, Jimmy Leon, A. Nick Shelley, George Washington and Donald Wenzel.

The Democratic primary was essentially a rematch from the 2020 primary between former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath and former state Rep. Charles Booker. McGrath won in 2020 against Booker but lost to McConnell in the general election.

The other Democrats in the race were Joshua Blanton Sr., Logan Forsythe, Dale Lewis Romans, Pamela Stevenson, and Vincent Anthony Thompson.

Strange wins Democratic primary for Kentucky House District 4 Melissa Strange defeated Jesse Brewer in the Democratic primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.

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8 MAY 29, 2026

Strange was a first-time candidate in the race, saying she decided to run after hearing complaints of Rep. Thomas Massie’s tenure.

“I felt that if we could present a reasonable alternative,” Strange said, “somebody who they felt was rational and just like them

Strange is a lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky and a graduate of Dixie Heights High School, Northern Kentucky University and Thomas More University. She lives in Erlanger with her husband and has two sons. Currently, she works as a director of supply chain management at Archer Daniels Midland in Erlanger.

Brewer told LINK nky he decided to run for office after experiencing personal trauma related to his health. In 2024, Brewer was diagnosed with cancer. While seeking treatment, he said he encountered significant barriers navigating the health care system, including disputes with his insurance provider over treatment coverage.

Frustrated, he paid for his treatment out of his own pocket. He said his experience exposed him to systemic issues within the healthcare system, which ultimately motivated him to run.

“So, working with several oncologists across the country, spending literally every penny I had and maxing out all of my credit cards, I was able to manage to survive,” Brewer said. “Now I’ve got a problem with how the system works, not just for healthcare, but many other things, and so I’m using my second chance of life to do better for everybody involved, so nobody has to go through what I did.”

Brewer, originally from Gallatin County, is a current resident of Villa Hills. Prior to seeking office, he worked in inventory and operations management, where he oversaw teams across multiple states, managing large workforces and traveling extensively.

He graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2025 with a degree in business management, completing his education after initially leaving school due to financial constraints.

Ludlow celebrates Riverwalk phase two ribbon cutting The City of Ludlow and Southbank Partners, the organization behind the Riverfront Commons project, celebrated the completion of Phase 2 of Ludlow’s portion of the project’s Riverwalk on May 14 with a ribbon cutting. The event marks the latest

kenton county briefs two-way traffic.

• Detour: Pike Street/Dixie Highway to Kyles Lane, to I-71/75 southbound.

• Expected reopening: The southbound on-ramp and Bullock Avenue is expected to reopen in late October.

Ribbon cutting guests standing on the completed Ludlow Riverwalk on May 14, 2026. Photo provided | Southbank Partners

development in the project, which will see eight of the region’s river cities connected across 20 miles of walking paths.

With the ribbon cutting, that portion of the Riverwalk is now officially open for public use.

“The Riverwalk is more than just a paved trail, but rather an active transportation system for urban living and a defining part of our region’s riverfront,” said Will Weber, president and CEO of Southbank Partners in a press release. “Each new phase creates more opportunities to experience the riverfront while continuing to connect people to shared places through recreation, placemaking and regional collaboration.”

“This project is an investment in Ludlow’s future and the experience of everyone who lives, works and visits here,” said Ludlow Mayor Sarah Thompson. “We are proud to work with Southbank Partners to continue expanding access to our riverfront and to be part of a regional effort that is creating something truly special for Northern Kentucky.”

You can learn more about the Riverfront Commons project at thefrontporchofthesouth.com.

Brent Spence I-71/75 ramp closures in Covington delayed

The Brent Spence Bridge. Photo provided | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Closures of the 12th Street and Bullock Avenue ramps in Covington onto Interstate 71/75, which were originally scheduled to close on May 20 to make room for Brent Spence construction, have been delayed by about a week, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

The change is to allow more time to coordinate and move construction equipment.

The ramps ended up closing on May 26. Information about the closures and their detours is below.

I-71/75 southbound on-ramp from Bullock Avenue/MLK Jr. Boulevard and Bullock Avenue from Pike Street to MLK Jr. Boulevard.

Simon Kenton Way will be reconfigured to

The I-71/75 northbound (Exit 191) ramp to 12th Street/MLK Jr. Boulevard/Pike Street will close for ramp construction.

• Detour: I-71/75 northbound Fifth Street exit ramp, turn left on Philadelphia Street, then left on Fourth Street west to the I-71/75 southbound ramp to Pike Street, then right on Simon Kenton Way, then left on to MLK Jr. Boulevard.

• Expected reopening: The northbound exit off-ramp is expected to reopen summer 2027.

Park Hills becomes Purple Heart city

Two cars driving the Texas turnaround’s loopshaped ramp emerge from under the interstate and prepare to take the entrance ramp near Pike Street. Photo provided | The City of Covington

which loops drivers around a series of left turns from Fourth Street to exit onto the Brent Spence Bridge toward Cincinnati, will permanently close in October as part of the Brent Spence Corridor Project, a representative from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet informed LINK nky May 11.

The Texas turnaround began service in 2022. As a replacement, the project will reopen the original Fourth Street exit that turns right directly onto the bridge.

More details about the closure will be released as October approaches, the Cabinet said. You can stay up to date with closures related to the Brent Spence Corridor project at brentspencebridgecorridor.com/ construction-updates/traffic-advisories.

Fort Wright’s getting a new salt building Purple Heart. Photo provided | Unsplash

The Park Hills City Council voted May 11 to enshrine the city as a Purple Heart city, honoring members of the armed services who have been wounded or killed in the line of duty.

“I’m excited about this,” said City Council Member Pam Spoor, whose husband is a recipient of two Purple Hearts.

An example of a similar structure slated to go in near the Fort Wright City Building. Photos provided | Kenton County Planning and Development Services

“We’re excited to see it come to Fort Wright,” said Bailey.

The Kenton County Planning Commission OK’d a public facility review for a new storage building on May 7. The city hopes to put it near the Fort Wright City Building.

Located on the former site of “Fort Tot,” an old playground that was removed to make room for the salt building, the structure will span about 45 feet in diameter and 28 feet tall. A four-foot asphalt apron will lead up to its 18-by-15-foot door. Additional landscaping was also included in the city’s development plan.

Earth working for the project has already been put out to bid. The city estimates the project will cost between $300,000 and $400,000 to build, but the final price tag will be determined by contractor bidding amounts.

A new salt building is coming to Fort Wright, hopefully before the next snowfall occurs, according City Administrator Jill Bailey.

THE WEEKLY COMIC

by Andrew Buchanan

Purple Hearts are special medals granted to armed service members who have sustained wounds or died in the line of duty, specifically after April 5, 1917. The honor is traced back to the country’s founding when President George Washington established a Badge Military Merit for soldiers in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

The Purple Heart moniker dates back to the 1930s when Washington’s badge was revived under the new Purple Heart designation, initially for U.S. Army personnel.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt extended eligibility to all armed service members in 1941, and President Harry Truman would later retroactively extend eligibility of the honor back to 1917 to cover armed service members who served in the World War I. As part of Park Hill’s new designation, it will proclaim a Purple Heart Day for the city, which will be observed on Memorial Day, May 25.

Covington’s Texas Turnaround will close for good in October The so-called Covington Texas turnaround, MAY 29, 2026

9

Opinion: More lanes highway is not what Greater Cincinnati needs people, though. Acres of wetlands, greenery and public spaces are slated to be destroyed for this project. Already, we’re seeing historic buildings like Longworth Hall be sectioned off for demolition due to construction. Bike lanes, parks and walking paths are being closed off, with no real promise of re-opening.

By Leo Thamann

D

espite a National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, lawsuit pending against the project, officials have officially “broken ground” on the Brent Spence companion bridge and highway expansion. This is a devastating betrayal of not only local transit agencies, but also Northern Kentucky and West End residents who will be affected by this. This is not what Greater Cincinnati needs and will not ultimately fix our traffic problem.

This doesn’t need to happen. This future doesn’t have to become reality. We were once a beacon of transit-oriented development, and we can be again. Even as early as just two generations ago, streetcars and sidewalks outnumbered cars in the area.

We almost even had a subway, and not just in the 1920s either (anyone still mad over MetroMoves?).

There are ways to fix our bridge problem that will be less costly and much more beneficial to Greater Cincinnati residents. The most obvious is that we have better ways of solving traffic. Brent Spence was never made to carry the multitude of semi trucks that it does today. It was only ever designed to carry around 80,000 vehicles a day, and yet as early as 2006, it carried over 150,000.

One simple fix to this problem is to simply route all trucks not doing business in Covington or Cincinnati through Interstate 275. In fact, this was already the rule up until 1995. This one simple change would immediately alleviate a large portion of the heavy traffic we currently see bogging the bridge down.

Another way to solve traffic would be to invest in non-car-dependent modes of transportation. The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky and Metro already lack proper funding as we speak. Imagine if we invested in making these buses faster, on time and accessible. By just getting a few people out of cars and onto buses, our lanes wouldn’t be so clogged. If we instead invested in updating pedestrian and bike

Kentucky and Ohio officials at the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project groundbreaking. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

infrastructure, we would see less cars. The solution to traffic isn’t more lanes, it’s getting people out of the lanes that are already clogged. Increasing car dependency is not the way to go about this.

The other, more important, reason is the damage to residents. This project’s cost has ballooned to over $4 billion, only $1.3 billion of which were funded by Biden’s Department of Transportation. Where is the other roughly $3 billion coming from? Most likely, straight out of our incomes. The remaining $3 billion would create a tax burden on a region that is already fed up with high tax rates and doesn’t want to see more taken from their take-home pay.

Another financial blunder will be the detrimental effect the lane and ramp closures will have on small businesses in Covington. Many people will simply stop going to restaurants that require fighting traffic to get to. Not only that, but the noise and air pollution from the highway will end up affecting residents of multiple Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky cities and neighborhoods. These cities will be hit with new waves of air pollution clogging their lungs and cars droning in the background. In neighborhoods with already lower-than-average life expectancies due to pollution, poverty and crime, do we really want more years taken from our lives?

The pollution doesn’t just stop at affecting

Like I said earlier, the path towards alleviating traffic is not marked with expanding lanes and endless highways. It isn’t marked by tax hikes or air pollution. It’s done by investing in what the people want: sustainable transit. Imagine if that $3 billion was used to make our buses fast, reliable and cheap. Imagine if all those semis were instead routed through I-275 instead of slowing down the Cut in the Hill.

The reality would be a Greater Cincinnati that isn’t so slow and car-dependent. A Greater Cincinnati known for its food and vibrant culture, not its depressing Midwest traffic. It’s possible and we can make it happen. Talk to your neighbors, representatives and community leaders. Tell them what you really want. Because do we really want 10 years of construction headaches and 12 lanes of ugly concrete?

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CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00482

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00043

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 2

AMBER COMPTON

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC

VS.

VS.

WILLIAM ALLEN, AS ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF ROSETTA E. ALLEN, ET AL.

PETER PURINS, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 5/8/2026 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.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 4/23/2026

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 6/16/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 6/16/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

1308 Central Avenue, Newport, Kentucky 41071

918 Thornton Street, Dayton, Kentucky 41074

Group No: 41102/A2

Group No: 30323/A3

PIDN: 999-99-01-714.00

PIDN: 999-99-08-395.00

COMMISSIONER’S SALE CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00586

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00014

CASE NUMBER 23-CI-00452

DIVISION 2

DIVISION 2

DIVISION 1

CHECKERED WHEELS, LLC

THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK

VS.

GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF GV TRUST 2025-1

TINA M. COBB, ET AL.

VS.

KENNETH URLAGE A/K/A KENNETH E. URLAGE, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 4/27/2026

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.

UNKNOWN SPOUSE, IF ANY OF CHARLEY JOHNSON, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 10/23/2023

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

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 6/16/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 5/8/2026 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.

VS.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 6/16/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

405 Brookwood Drive, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 6/16/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

Group No: 70304/M2

922 Clayridge Road, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001

Group No: 30385/F2

PIDN: 999-99-24-344.00

Group No: 70119/Z & 70113/Z

PIDN: 999-99-16-859.00

45 Burney Lane, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075

PIDN: 999-99-31-346.00

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

MAY 29, 2026

11

sports Kes Murphy returns to sideline as St. Henry girls basketball coach

Brady was a junior and won a doubles title last year as a sophomore with Kalei Christensen, who graduated last year.

and appeared poised for a strong postseason run before injuries took a toll late in the year. St. Henry entered the 9th Region quarterfinals missing three starters and fell 51-25 to eventual champion Notre Dame.

Third time was the charm for the Covington Catholic doubles team of Jacob Kramer and William Tribble, who also claimed a title. They defeated Beechwood’s Neel Reddy and Andrew Dunaway in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 10-4. Kramer and Tribble were finally able to break through after reaching the region finals the prior two seasons and losing to teammates in the championship match. Last year they lost to teammates Hussey and Christensen. In 2024, they lost to Christensen and Alex Yeager.

Despite those setbacks, Murphy inherits a roster with significant returning talent.

Kelcey Bollman and Ellise Armbruster are the only departing seniors from last year’s squad.

Kes Murphy was named the next girls basketball coach at St. Henry High School. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Former Notre Dame Academy and Holy Cross High School girls basketball coach Kes Murphy is back in the game.

Murphy was announced May 14 as the new head coach of the St. Henry District High School girls basketball program, bringing more than a decade of success and championship experience with him.

Murphy compiled 309 wins over 15 seasons between Holy Cross and Notre Dame.

During his eight-year tenure at Holy Cross, he guided the Lady Indians to 158 victories, highlighted by a state championship and an All “A” state title in 2015.

He later spent seven seasons at Notre Dame, where he won 151 games and led the Pandas to three appearances in the 9th Region championship game, finishing runner-up each time.

Murphy replaces Dan Trame, who resigned in March after two seasons leading the Crusaders. Trame posted a 31-30 record during his tenure and helped the program make back-to-back appearances in both the 34th District championship and 9th Region tournament.

One of the highlights of last season came when St. Henry snapped an 18-game losing streak against Dixie Heights High School with a regular-season victory over the Colonels.

The Crusaders finished 17-13 last season

Junior Joey Powers led the team with 11.4 points per game, while sophomores Anna Bain, Audrey Pieczonka, Gia Jones, Kenadi Sieg and Caroline Brannen headline a promising sophomore class.

The Crusaders showed flashes of their potential throughout the season, winning the Mercer County Tourism Clash tournament and defeating Ursuline Academy in the Crosstown Catholic Challenge during an 8-2 start. A Jan. 16 win over Dixie Heights improved St. Henry to 11-4 before injuries contributed to a difficult stretch late in the season.

Murphy now takes over a program aiming to reach heights it has not seen in several years. St. Henry last won a 34th District championship in 2014, while the program’s most recent All “A” 9th Region title came in 1996. The Crusaders’ last victory in the 9th Region Tournament was in 2012, capping a stretch of four consecutive region quarterfinal wins from 2009-12.

Cooper announces Tyler Morgan as next Athletic Director Cooper High School is bringing in Tyler Morgan to be the school’s next athletic director.

ing changes in multiple sports. Girls basketball, girls soccer and football have all recently made coaching changes while Justin Holthaus will be entering his second year as boys basketball coach after coming over from the girls program. Lee Patsel is in his second season guiding the softball team.

The athletic program has seen its fair share of success recently. The football team was back-to-back state runner-up in 2023 and 2024, the boys basketball team won the 9th Region title and was a quarterfinalist in 2025, the girls basketball team won four straight 9th Region titles from 2022 to 2025, the girls lacrosse team recently won a district title and is one of the final eight teams remaining and the boys track and field team just recently won a region title to name a few.

Covington Catholic sweeps region tennis titles for sixth straight season

Morgan will enter his role with a lot of fresh faces as the school has experienced coach-

Sponsored by

The sixth LINK nky Team of the Week (TOW) for the spring sports season presented by Ortho Cincy is the Bellevue boys track and field team. Photo provided | Bellevue High School

The four semifinalists in each of the singles and doubles tournaments automatically qualify for the state tournament that begins on May 20 at Sayre High School. Outside of Hussey and Ahmad, Ryle’s Navneeth Selvaraju and Highlands Dylan Fortner also qualified for the state tournament as semifinalists.

In doubles, outside of Kramer and Tribble and Reddy and Dunaway, Highlands’ Lukesh Muzumdar and Daniel Beasey and Villa Madonna’s Drew Gray and Andrew Kramer also qualified as semifinalists.

NKY Youth Football League announces girls’ flag football league The Northern Kentucky Youth Football League announced the creation of a girls-only flag football league.

The announcement follows the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s decision to sanction girls’ flag football as a championship sport in March. Kentucky became the 23rd state nationwide to sanction the sport.

The school made the announcement on May 13. Morgan is set to replace Randy Borchers once the new school year begins in July. Borchers announced he was resigning from head football coach in April and would not continue his athletic director role as well, taking a job in another school district next year.

BELLEVUE BOYS TRACK & FIELD

12 MAY 29, 2026

Cooper High School announced the hiring of Tyler Morgan to be the next athletic director for the 2026-27 school year. Photo provided | Cooper Athletics

Despite the roster turnover with players moving on to the next stage of their life, one thing remains constant: CovCath’s next man up continues to get the job done in Northern Kentucky.

Covington Catholic High School’s Blake Hussey celebrates a point during the 9th Region tennis final. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Tradition never graduates.

Covington Catholic once again won the boys singles and doubles titles in the 9th Region tournament on May 13 at Covington Catholic High School. It was the Colonels’ sixth straight season doing so.

Blake Hussey, already a doubles champion last year and a last name that has claimed many tennis titles from Park Hills, won the singles title with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Villa Madonna’s Shayaan Ahmad. Hussey didn’t drop a set in the tournament and lost just six games in four matches. He joins his brothers Brady and Austin as singles champions. He lost to Brady his freshman year in the region championship when

As such, the NKYFL announced that its first girls flag football season will be open to girls aged 8 to 12 from seven different counties across Greater Northern Kentucky.

The league’s inaugural season will kick off this fall, running from August through October, with signups open throughout the summer.

Founded in 1958, the NKYFL is Northern Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating youth football league. The league is composed of 19 member organizations that serve families across Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Gallatin, Pendleton and Grant counties, offering tackle football, flag football and cheerleading programs for athletes ages 5 to 12.

LINK nky hires Lia Salvatierra through Report for America

By Staff Report

L

ia Salvatierra will join LINK nky through Report for America this summer as part of a cohort of 78 journalists placed in newsrooms across the United States.

Report for America was launched in 2017 as a way to place vetted journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities.

As a K-12 education reporter at LINK, Salvatierra will tell the stories of the communities, teachers, districts, parents and students themselves working to build a strong educational foundation for all of Northern Kentucky’s kids.

Journalists in this year’s cohort were chosen from among a pool of more than 1,600 applicants; newsroom partners also go through a competitive process in order to be matched with a reporter.

Hailing from Ridgway, Colorado, Salvatierra is finishing up a previous Report for America assignment covering local government for the Ouray Plaindealer. She will start with LINK in July.

Salvatierra said she became a journalist so

Left: The 2026 Report for America Corps. Photo provided | Report for America Above: Lia Salvatierra. Photo provided | Report for America

that she could spend her life better understanding the world around her.

“Report for America has given me the gift of being able to dive into new corners of the United States and write for my neighbors,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the chance to keep a pulse on education in Northern Kentucky and join such an innovative, ser-

vice-driven team.”

More than a quarter of reporters placed in this cohort will be covering rural communities, according to Report for America.

“These corps members are entering communities with curiosity, rigor and a deep commitment to listening,” said Earl John-

son, vice president of recruitment and alumni engagement at Report for America. “They will cover issues that too often go underreported while building meaningful relationships with the communities they serve. That work matters, not just for local newsrooms but for strengthening trust and connection at the local level.”

DIVISION I

DIVISION I

CASE NO.: 26-CI-00245

CASE NO.: 25-CI-02341

HERITAGE BANK, INC.

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA

VERSUS}

VERSUS}

BOONE MAINTENANCE LLC, ET AL.

KRISTINA J. MORELAND, ET AL.

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered MAY 5, 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, JUNE 11, 2026 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 APRIL 23, 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, JUNE 11, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 5716 IDLEWILD ROAD, BURLINGTON, KENTUCKY 41005

COMMISSIONER’S SALE BOONE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 037.00-00-051.02 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $262,611.38 GROUP NO.: 166

DIVISION I CASE NO.: 26-CI-00297 TRIPLE CROWN HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION, INC. VERSUS} SCOTT R. ROSS, ET AL. By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered APRIL 21, 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, JUNE 11, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 1117 SAMUEL COURT, UNION, KENTUCKY 41091 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 064.04-07-057.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $9,354.43 GROUP NO.: 3114 The complete legal description is particularly set out in the Judgment and Order of Sale entered in this case.

THIS SALE IS SUBJECT TO THE MORTGAGE OF UNION SAVINGS BANK, RECORDED ON JUNE 24, 2021 IN MORTGAGE BOOK M4479, PAGES 346-361, OF THE BOONE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE. THE TOTAL AMOUNT OWED TO UNION SAVINGS BANK, IS THE PRINCIPAL SUM OF $157,034.16, MORE OR LESS, PLUS INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES ALLOWED BY THE MORTGAGE AND THE PROMISSORY NOTE IT SECURES, AND KENTUCKY LAW.

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.

ADDRESS: 10416 VINEYARD COURT, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 074.00-15-080.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $50,894.02 GROUP NO.: 3876

DIVISION I CASE NO.: 25-CI-00491 FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION VERSUS} DAVID ALAN CLETTENBERG, ET AL. By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered APRIL 21, 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, JUNE 11, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 1807 BRAMBLE COURT, HEBRON, KENTUCKY 41048 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 035.00-16-254.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $394,290.93 GROUP NO.: 5540

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.

MAY 29, 2026

13

real estate

Stylish Kenton County home Address: 1321 Hermes Ave., Covington Price: $189,000 Bedrooms: Four Bathrooms: Two Square footage: 1,388 School district: Covington Independent Public Schools County: Kenton Special features: This renovated Covington home blends historic character with modern updates and move-in-ready convenience. Features include a modern kitchen, updated finishes, new flooring, fresh paint and brand-new HVAC. Located near the highway for an easy commute, the property also offers spacious living areas and classic charm throughout.

The open kitchen inside this Covington home.

The exterior of this Kenton County home. Photo provided | Daniel Collins and Eric Senft of Keller Williams Advisors

This home has updated bathrooms.

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids are to be received at the Boone County Water District, 2475 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005 by 10:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, June 11, 2026, for the installation of water main facilities along Belleview Road (KY 20) (3921 Belleview Road to 4826 Belleview Road, Boone County. The work described includes approximately 11,000 LF of 8” D.I.P water main and other appurtenances. The contractor shall furnish all labor and materials.

Digital Plans, specifications, and the official bid form, in PDF format or hard copies may be obtained for a cost of $75.00 each set, by calling Sandy McMillan on 859 727-3293, ext. 2011, or Kim Michaelis, ext. 2026. If hard copies are requested, they may be ordered and paid in advance by credit card and can either be mailed or picked up at the office of the Engineers, Viox & Viox, Inc., 466 Erlanger Road, Erlanger, KY 41018. Viox will waive any additional charges for mailing and handling.

Contractors must purchase the bid documents from Viox & Viox, Inc. to qualify as a registered bidder. No substitution of Contractors shall occur without a change of registration with Viox & Viox, Inc. Contractors shall be pre-qualified with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and will be responsible for all construction safety practices, complete maintenance of traffic plans & implementation.

The District will evaluate all submitted bids in accordance with resident bidder preferences pursuant to KRS 45A.490-494. The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Signed Harry Anness Boone County Water District Official BOONE COUNTY

14 MAY 29, 2026

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SUDOKU

The Weekly Crossword Edited

by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

5

2 4 7

1 6

7 5

/23/26 -93/29/26

4 2 3

5 3 6 9

1 3

4 4Edited by Margie E. Burke8 3

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

7 5

4 8 3

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

Answer to Previous Sudoku:

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

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Corrin or Stone HOW TO SOLVE: 15 16 14 5Each Scalp misery row must contain the 19 17 9 Big picture? numbers 1 to 9; each column must 18 14 Leave, slangily contain the numbers 201 to 9; and 21 22 15 Goofs up 3 by 3 boxes must each set of 24 25 16 Oscar-winning contain the numbers 1 to 9. 23 rom-com of 29 30 26 27 28 2024 Previous31Sudoku: 17 Answer Has thetowrong 32 33 34 35 36 effect 37 38 39 40 19 Metric volume 20 Type of 44 41 42 43 campaign 45 46 47 21 Repeating 23 NPR fan 50 51 52 48 49 25 ___ Paulo, Brazil 53 54 55 56 57 58 26 Bump on the tongue 60 61 59 29 Claim 63 64 62 31 Ginger ___ 32 Lackadaisical 66 67 65 sorts 37 Parisian picnic Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate spot 39 Jules of sci-fi 2 Hat-tipper's 35 NFC West team 49 Thorny bunch fame word 36 Parking place 51 URL character 40 Trendy sand3 Cheese nibblers 38 Mongrel dog 52 Full of energy wich 4 Acid neutralizer 42 Contemporary 54 Be concerned 41 Alias 5 Oahu garland people 56 Belinda Carlisle, 44 Texter's 6 Bent out of 43 50's Ford flop for one "I think …" shape 47 Overwhelm with 57 Rollercoaster 45 Press a garment 7 Largest Greek noise feature 46 Most embarisland 48 The Sorbonne, 58 Otherwise rassed, maybe 8 German steel e.g.

61 Quaint lodging 48 Baseball stat city 50 Scatter, as a 9 Tropical woe crowd 10 Academic credit Answers to Previous Crossword: 53 Hidden 11 Cooking device A H A B F E T A C A R I B 55 Muppet Sam, for 12 Performance A V I D A B O D E T O P E one place L O O M M A L A P R O P O S 59 Part of an EGOT 13 Key ___, FL R E V E L S A C C I D E N T 60 Springtime 18 Clothing trim S I M I L E S H A R I prank victim 22 Coupon user L E S T N A M E A B L E 62 Find out 24 Neighbor of P U D G Y S L E E K A M Y 63 Created a web Croatia E N S L A V E R E P L E T E 64 Some may be 26 Bearded Smurf M E S O N A A R O N R I D fragile 27 Woeful word S T E T S O N S R E I D 65 ___ Park, Colo.

28 Longhaired H A N S O N S C O R E 66 Mass number feline C A U S E W A Y G Y R A T E 67 Slangy denial 30 FYI cousin A N T E N O U R I S H I N G 33 Coffee holder B A C H G O E R A U D I O DOWN 34 Percussion O L E S E N D S T R Y O N 1 Trails off instrument

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MAY 29, 2026

15

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