LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 4, Edition 31 - June 26, 2026

KENTON

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 31 — JUNE 26, 2026

THE VOICE OF NKY

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Layoffs, lost sales & stalled growth: The toll of Ohio’s THC drink ban and how Kentucky is benefiting

By Kenton Hornbeck

A

s Ohio’s crackdown on hemp-derived THC beverages kneecapped a growing market, Kentucky emerged as a beneficiary, drawing both producers and consumers south across the Ohio River.

Fifty West Brewing Co. had high hopes for its increasingly popular line of hemp-derived THC beverages, Sunflower, coming into this year.

The Cincinnati-based craft brewer invested heavily in its hemp-based beverage line, with internal financial projections indicating it would be a substantial revenue generator in 2026. On the production side, the company had even greater expectations.

“We were anticipating we were gonna make as much THC beverages this year as we were beer,” CEO Bobby Slattery told LINK nky.

Continues on page 3

Fifty West Brewing Co.’s hemp-derived THC beverages, Sunflower. Photo provided | Fifty West Brewing Co. via Facebook

Local leaders break ground on Covington biomedical center

By Nathan Granger

L

ocal and regional leaders broke ground on the new Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence on June 11.

Covington Mayor Ron Washington at the groundbreaking for the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence on June 11, 2026. Photo by Ethan Bloomfield | LINK nky

Located on East Rivercenter Boulevard in Covington near the Northern Kentucky Convention Center and the Kenton County Justice Center, the biomedical center will see the relocation of Northern Kentucky University’s Chase Law School to its original city of Covington, where it was located from 1972 to 1981. Moreover, the center will host the local branch of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

“We are thrilled to put shovels in the ground and transform this parking lot into a world-

More NKY cities move to preserve savings at the pump p5

class facility for the NKU Salmon P. Chase College of Law and University of Kentucky Medical School – Northern Kentucky campus,” said Christine Russell, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, which owns the land. “Northern Kentucky’s future doctors and lawyers will be educated at the Commonwealth Center in the heart of the region’s life sciences and legal community.”

Here are the most delinquent tax payers in Covington, according to the city p7

The Kentucky General Assembly injected $125 million of state money into the project in 2024 to get it off the ground. The relocation of the law school and medical school will bring the two programs closer to the region’s urban core and allow the medical school to expand its NKY campus enrollment by 40%, according to a press release

Democratic state lawmaker prepares data center regulation bill p10

Continues on page 4

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NOTICE Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. (Duke Energy Kentucky or Company) hereby gives notice that, in an application to be filed no later than July 1, 2026, Duke Energy Kentucky will be seeking approval by the Public Service Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky, of an adjustment of its Pipeline Modernization Mechanism (Rider PMM) rates and charges proposed to become effective on and after January 1, 2027. The Commission has docketed this proceeding as Case No. 2026-00162.

DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY PRESENT AND PROPOSED RATES The present and proposed rates charged in all territories served by Duke Energy Kentucky are as follows: Present Rates Rate RS, Residential Service Proposed Rates Rate RS, Residential Service Present Rates Rate GS, General Service Proposed Rates Rate GS, General Service

Residential Service – Rate RS $0.27/ccf $0.35/ccf General Service – Rate GS $0.08/ccf $0.10/ccf

Firm Transportation Service – Large Rate FT-L Present Rates Rate FT-L, Firm Transportation Service – Large Proposed Rates Rate FT-L, Firm Transportation Service – Large

$0.00489/ccf $0.00646/ccf

Interruptible Transportation – Rate IT Present Rates Rate IT, Interruptible Transportation Proposed Rates Rate IT, Interruptible Transportation

$0.00227/ccf $0.00305/ccf

IMPACT OF PROPOSED RATES These rates reflect an increase in gas revenues of approximately $25,018,289 for 2027 to Duke Energy Kentucky. The allocation of this estimated increase among rate classes is as follows: Rate RS – Residential Service Rate GS – General Service Rate FT-L – Firm Transportation Service (Includes DGS) Rate IT – Interruptible Transportation Service

$21,065,400 $ 3,716,217 $ 188,388 $ 48,285

84.2% 14.9% 0.8% 0.2%

The average monthly bill for each customer class to which the proposed rates will apply will increase(decrease) approximately as follows: Rate RS – Residential Service Rate GS – General Service Rate FT-L – Firm Transportation Service (Includes DGS) Rate IT – Interruptible Transportation Service

$ 4.00 $ 7.80 $ 25.91 $ 70.66

3.64% 1.25% 0.42% 0.64%

The rates contained in this notice are the rates proposed by Duke Energy Kentucky; however, the Commission may order rates to be charged that differ from the proposed rates contained in this notice. Such action may result in a rate for consumers other than the rates in this notice.

Any corporation, association, body politic or person with a substantial interest in the matter may, by written request within thirty (30) days after publication of this notice of the proposed rate changes, request leave to intervene; intervention may be granted beyond the 30-day period for good cause shown. Such motion shall be submitted to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 615, 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602-0615, and shall set forth the grounds for the request including the status and interest of the party. If the Commission does not receive a written request for intervention within thirty (30) days of the initial publication, the Commission may take final action on the application.

Intervenors may obtain copies of the application and other filings made by the Company by requesting same through email at DEKInquiries@duke-energy.com or by telephone at (513) 287-4366. A copy of the application and other filings made by the Company are available for public inspection through the Commission’s website at http:// psc.ky.gov, at the Commission’s office at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am. to 4:30 p.m., and at the following Company office: Erlanger Ops Center, 1262 Cox Road, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018.

Comments regarding the application may be submitted to the Public Service Commission through its website, or by mail at the following Commission address.

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Then, politics threw a wrench into their plans.

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On Dec. 19, 2025, after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s unexpected line-item veto of Senate Bill 56 — legislation crafted to update the regulatory framework for THC and intoxicating hemp products — the state of Ohio effectively banned the sale of these beverages in retail stores.

The new law’s enforcement mechanism took effect on March 20. Nearly one month later, some of Cincinnati’s marquee breweries are feeling the negative effects, resulting in lost revenue and, in some cases, the elimination of jobs.

To offset losses, Slattery said that Fifty West has shifted its focus south to Kentucky, where the laws are more favorable.

Kentucky allows the sale of hemp-derived THC beverages to be sold only through licensed package liquor stores.

Slattery said that Sunflower’s sales in Kentucky have “skyrocketed” since Ohio implemented its restrictions in March. However, he noted that Fifty West’s sales in Kentucky were not enough to offset its losses in Ohio, given the vast difference in market size.

“The sales in Kentucky are extremely strong, and that’s good, but it doesn’t replace the sales from Ohio,” he said.

Similarly, Rhinegeist Brewery, the largest craft brewery in Cincinnati, rolled out Fuzzy Bones, its own intoxicating hemp beverage, in fall 2025. CEO Adam Bankovich said the brewery was forced to pivot after the lineitem veto, abandoning its initial revenue projections for the product line.

The company initially expected up to 10% of its 2026 revenue to come from Fuzzy Bones.

“The impact was pretty real and immediate,” Bankovich said.

Kentucky became a key focus for Rhinegeist since the ban, as Bankovich said the market and state regulators were more receptive to hemp-derived THC beverages.

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“We’re very happy with the success Fuzzy Bones has found in Kentucky,” he said. “We absolutely are still focused on supporting Fuzzy Bones in Kentucky for everybody

Sunflower. Photo provided | Fifty West Brewing Co.

who’s found it and enjoyed it there.”

having it, and I’m sorry for them,” he said.

Bankovich described the situation as frustrating, but one that’s become all too familiar as a veteran of the craft brewing industry. He likened the ban to a contemporary form of prohibition.

Slattery remains optimistic that statewide restrictions on intoxicating hemp beverages will be reversed. Currently, he, along with several other brewers across Ohio, is lobbying state legislators to overturn the ban. As an entrepreneur, Slattery said he’s learned to roll with the punches.

Regarding job losses, Slattery said that Fifty West has already cut five jobs, but over the next year, the brewery may need to eliminate an additional 40 to 50 due to ongoing impacts. For now, Fifty West has avoided broader layoffs through attrition and creative measures, such as reassigning employees to other roles to keep operations running.

“Nobody opened a business that everything just went perfect, and then it all worked out right,” he said. “The roller coaster is, for me, part of what I love.”

Statewide, Slattery estimates that more than 700 jobs have been eliminated, in addition to $120 million in lost revenue, as a result of the line-item veto.

“When we talk about production, that means jobs, that means people,” he said.

“On the business front, we had to adjust things. We’ve eliminated jobs in this instance.”

Originally, Senate Bill 56 was designed to establish a regulatory framework for previously unregulated hemp-derived THC products, such as gummies and vapes, sold at convenience stores and other loosely regulated retailers. The law also included regulations for hemp-derived THC beverages.

Ohio now requires that the beverages be sold only through state-licensed cannabis dispensaries. Breweries, bars, convenience stores, grocery stores and liquor stores were forced to either remove their inventory from the shelves or destroy it.

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In the aftermath, Bankovich said the real losers in this situation are the consumers who enjoy the product. He encouraged Ohioans to reach out to their state representatives if they feel so inclined.

Estazzi. Photo provided | Estazzi

“Here in Ohio, as we go weeks beyond the line item veto, they’re (consumers) realizing that, like, if this is real and it sticks, I’m not going to have this beverage that I enjoy anymore, and they’ve grown accustomed to JUNE 26, 2026 3

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from the Port Authority earlier this year.

“By bringing together law, medicine, research and innovation in the heart of Covington, we’re creating new opportunities for students while helping strengthen the talent pipeline and economic vitality of Northern Kentucky,” said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson.

University Salmon P. Chase College of Law and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine to Covington strengthens our position as a center for education, innovation and economic opportunity,” said Covington Mayor Ron Washington. “I am proud to know that many of the next generation of doctors and lawyers who will serve communities across the commonwealth will have received their education right here in Covington.”

A design build team for the center was selected earlier this year, and the Kenton County Planning Commission approved a public facility review for the center last month. The center’s potential effect on parking and traffic has emerged as a concern among some of the community, and others have expressed criticism of how officials went about lobbying for the schools’ relocation.

“This project has been a challenging endeavor, but today is a testament to what can happen when people set aside all of their individual interests and work cooperatively to create lasting opportunities for Kentuckians,” said Kentucky Sen. Chris McDaniel, a Republican from Ryland Heights and chair of the Kentucky Senate Budget Committee.

The state and local leaders at the event, however, were generally optimistic.

Construction of the center is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

“The relocation of the Northern Kentucky

Local leaders at the groundbreaking for the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence on June 11, 2026. Photo by Ethan Bloomfield | LINK nky

A scale model of the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence. Photo by Ethan Bloomfield | LINK nky

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More NKY cities move to preserve savings at the pump: Here’s where

A trailer. Photo provided | Unsplash

By Haley Parnell

D

rivers in at least four Northern Kentucky communities could continue seeing slightly lower prices at the pump through the end of June after local officials opted into an extension of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s temporary 10-cent wholesale gas tax break.

Beshear’s executive order, issued May 5 to address rising fuel costs, cut Kentucky’s gas tax by 10 cents but expired statewide on June 10. A June 11 update from the governor’s office said 37 Kentucky cities and counties secured an extension of the tax freeze, up from the 33 announced June 9.

While Alexandria and Covington were the only NKY cities initially listed, Facebook posts from Erlanger and Ludlow indicate they have since filed for the extension as well.

Kentuckians in areas where the county judge/executive or mayor chose not to request an extension or withdrew their request can expect to see prices at the pump rise by 10 cents per gallon starting June 11. ​The extension is through June 30. “​ Gas prices are too high due to the continued war in Iran, and Americans — including right here in Kentucky — are struggling,” said Beshear in a written announcement.

“Every dollar counts, and my executive or-

der lowered gas and diesel prices across the state to help our families save. Government is there to help our people, and the state can and will make up any potential financial hit. Right now, our priority should be on Kentucky families, and I applaud these local leaders for doing what’s right.” ​ ccording to AAA, as of June 11, the average A price of regular gas per gallon is $3.84 in Boone County, $3.93 in Kenton County and $3.99 in Campbell County. That’s compared to Kentucky’s average of $3.69 per gallon and the national average of $4.12. ​ 10-cent tax break on wholesale gasoline A means the government is reducing or suspending a fuel tax by 10 cents per gallon at the wholesale level, where fuel distributors buy gasoline before it reaches gas stations.

In practice, if wholesalers pay 10 cents less tax per gallon, the hope is that the savings gets passed on to the consumers at the pump. “​I’m interested to see, is the gas at the Speedway in Cold Spring and the gas at the Alexandria Speedway going to be different?” said Alexandria Mayor Andy Schabell.

“In theory, I believe it should be.”

I​ n his June 9 announcement, Beshear said it was up to local officials, including judges/ executive and city mayors, to receive extended relief.

Schabell said he heard about the extension opportunity at the bottom of an email update from the governor’s office.

“I remember when it very first went into effect; I believe that the gas prices at the pump did go down 10 cents or so immediately,” Schabell said. “So, I’m hoping that Alexandria’s gas prices stay lower than Cold Spring, Highland Heights.” ​ chabell said he wasn’t sure why not all citS ies have opted into the extension.

“To me, this isn’t a Democrat or Republican thing; this is taking care of your constituents, and everything is expensive right now,” he said. ​ e did question what would happen to the H money the city receives from the state road aid fund (funded by the gas tax) and whether they would get “docked” money, but ultimately said he didn’t think it would be enough to affect them. “​ I think the benefit to the residents outweighs any negative that could come from it, as long as the gas prices actually stay low,” he said. ​ INK nky media partner WCPO reached L out to multiple municipalities and county judges/executive in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties to see whether they applied for an extension of the gas tax break.

WCPO only heard back from Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore. ​ oore issued the following statement on M June 9: “I fully support any tax relief that positively impacts the citizens of Boone County. The governor’s decision to institute an executive order is a state government decision. This is a tax freeze on the price of wholesale gas; not what residents are paying at the pump.

“This is an action that may not deliver significant savings to residents and will continue to negatively impact the state road fund, which is already struggling to support needed road repairs and upkeep.

“I encourage our state representatives to engage on this state issue.” ​udlow Mayor Sarah Thompson anL nounced via her mayoral Facebook page that she filed for the extension on June 10. “​ While no single action solves the broader economic pressures families are facing, even modest savings can make a difference for working families, seniors and local communities navigating rising costs,” Thompson said in the Facebook post.

I​n addition to the 10-cent reduction, Beshear signed a separate emergency order to freeze the gas tax, preventing it from increasing in July.

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Another Nine aims to make golf more accessible as indoor franchise expands and infrastructural barriers to play golf to the extent that most everyday people that don’t belong to a club or aren’t retired have to deal with.”

By Kenton Hornbeck

A

nother Nine co-founders Ethan Grob and Brett Jewell started their business with the goal of increasing accessibility to the game of golf, a sport that’s traditionally notorious for high up-front costs.

Many golf simulator-based businesses are centered around bars, restaurants and large social gatherings. Another Nine differentiates itself from its competitors by using private simulator suites, giving golfers a dedicated space where they can practice and socialize without the fear of feeling self-conscious. Another Nine allows 24/7 access, letting customers play on their own schedule.

From 2019 to 2025, the participation base has grown by 41%, with the sport approaching 50 million total participants, according to the National Golf Foundation. However, the rise in overall participation has led to a corresponding increase in 18-hole public playing fees, which have risen by around 29% over the same period.

Another Nine targets potential locations in mixed-use developments, retail centers and other high-traffic areas that can complement nearby businesses without directly competing with them. Due to its low overhead and small commercial footprint, the franchise has proven to be highly scalable.

“I think there are a lot of people that need the permission to play, because they feel like outsiders in this game that’s very gatekept — it’s kind of an old rich man’s club,” Jewell said. “Golf is changing, and I think we can be part of the movement to make it more diverse and accessible for people.”

The rise in prices has prompted some prospective and beginner golfers to seek more affordable alternatives, with golf simulators the main beneficiaries. Several golf simulator businesses have popped up throughout Greater Cincinnati over the past few years.

As the sport has grown, simulated golf has also experienced a rise in popularity, with the global market projected to surpass $4 billion by the early 2030s.

Another Nine is a rapidly growing indoor golf simulator franchise with 71 signed franchise agreements spread across 16 states. Grob and Jewell opened their first location in Cincinnati’s Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood back in March 2024.

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Another Nine co-founders Brett Jewell (left) and Ethan Grob (right). Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky

The franchise has over two dozen planned locations across Greater Cincinnati, with its first Northern Kentucky site expected to be in Florence. Currently, Another Nine is headquartered in Covington’s SparkHaus, which grants it proximity to entrepreneurial resources as it scales.

Prior to founding Another Nine, Grob and Jewell, then amateur weekend golfers, felt that golf simulators were the best way to

“We don’t need to be in the heart of downtown, or right on whatever Main Street happens to be for that area, but we do like to be in well-trafficked locations, so that we’re visible, and it’s not tucked away in some kind of industrial area,” Grob said.

bring the game to more people because they’re generally cheaper, more accessible and not weather-dependent.

Grob and Jewell’s ultimate goal is for Another Nine to be the preferred destination for indoor golf in the United States.

“We could create something more appealing and better, and something for the average everyday person that just wants to play more often,” Jewell said. “We like to say we’ve never met a golfer that wanted to play less. Everyone wants to play more, and there are all these kinds of systemic

“We’ve been successful if we can visit a community for the first time and see the logo and see an owner that’s active in the community, that’s representing what Another Nine is, that is what success looks like to us now,” Grob said.

Holiday Inn among most delinquent tax payers in Covington, according to city

The Holiday Inn on Third Street in Covington. Photo provided | Kenton County PVA

By Nathan Granger

T

he Holiday Inn on Third Street and an absentee landlord are among the property owners who owe the highest amount of delinquent property taxes in Covington, according to the city. Now a new proposal is aiming to balance the city’s books.

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe first proposed the measure last month.

Toebbe emphasized that this was not about punishing particular residents or bullying Covingtonians into paying more taxes. Instead, it was about ensuring people with longstanding bills paid their share for city services.

“Before we continue to place additional burdens on our residents who are paying taxes and fees on time, we should also be making a stronger effort to collect the money that is already owed to the city,” Toebbe said in May. “This order is not about taking punitive action, but it’s simply about communication and accountability, reaching out to residents and businesses with taxes or fees owed to the city.”

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the proposal on May 26. The order directed the city manager’s office to send letters to delinquent owners, both individuals and businesses, instructing them to pay outstanding property tax bills, as well as outstanding storm water and waste collection fees.

Toebbe had made a records request with the city’s finance department for a list of outstanding bills after he first proposed the measure. He shared his results with LINK nky, but the initial spreadsheet contained several inaccuracies, which took some time for the finance department to correct.

The city recently produced an updated list, which shows there’s about $2.4 million in delinquent property taxes and fees (some dating back years) throughout the city.

There are some nuances to the $2.4 million figure. For one thing, many of the water fees are recent, and many residents pay those fees with their property tax bills, which might explain some of the outstanding fees. Just under a quarter of the delinquencies, about $568,000, are for outstanding storm water and trash fees.

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The entry with the highest amount of outstanding property taxes is not a household but a business, the Holiday Inn on West Third Street. The owner of the hotel is an Indiana-based LLC called Southbend Hospitality, which owes $56,455.62 in combined property taxes and fees, according to city financial records. About $53,000 of that combined figure is delinquent property taxes.

The principal of Southbend Hospitality, according to the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office, is a Balvir Singh, whom LINK nky has been unable to contact directly.

The second-highest entry is a trust called Real Holdings Trust Co., Inc., which owns a single property on East 15th Street, owing about $32,000 in back taxes and fees dating back years. The company’s mailing address is a PO Box in St. Petersburg, Florida.

LINK nky was not able to locate any records of that company with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office. The Florida Division of Corporations has record of a company by that name, but it’s listed as inactive, and the mailing address on file with the Florida division doesn’t match the one in Covington’s

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records. The principal listed on the Florida entry is Raymond Garbatini.

The third is the LLC that owns the Braxton Brewing Co. building on Seventh Street, owing $30,782.48 in property taxes. LINK nky reached out to Jake Rouse, Braxton’s owner, who characterized the delinquency as a “misunderstanding.”

“We were unaware…,” Rouse said, but added that “we’ve taken care of it with the city.”

LINK nky has made a public records request to confirm payment and will update this story once we receive the documentation.

Given Rouse’s comments, it’s possible that other businesses and residents in the delinquency list were not aware they owe back taxes and fees.

Whoever receives a letter from the city must make a payment “by June 30, 2026, to avoid additional collection activity,” according to a city announcement.

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JUNE 26, 2026

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kenton county briefs The LINK nky Educator of the Spring 2026 Semester: Megan Rider

Kenton County convict pardoned for aiding enslaved people

The work in question is planned for Route 536 from Williamswoods Drive in Independence to where it intersects with Madison Pike (state Route 17), according to KYTC plans.

The votes are in, and the LINK nky Educator of the Spring 2026 Semester is Megan Rider, a Campbell County Middle School teacher.

Rider was nominated by Shelbi Hitch because “Mrs. Rider has served as a strong mentor to her team this year, intentionally creating a collaborative atmosphere and building capacity among her colleagues. She consistently supports those around her, helping to strengthen instructional practices and promote a positive, team-centered culture.

The LINK nky Educator of the Spring 2026 Semester, Megan Rider

“Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Rider devotes a significant amount of time outside of school serving as an academic coach. Her commitment to student success extends well beyond the school day, as she works to ensure all students are supported and challenged. Additionally, she goes above and beyond to help create meaningful experiences and incentives for our eighth grade students. Organizing events such as a student trip and dance,” wrote Hitch.

Congratulations to Rider, and thank you to everyone who participated.

Kenton County. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, or KYTC, is in charge of maintenance on state-owned roads.

Juneteenth flag in MainStrasse Village, Photo provided | The City of Covington

A man who helped enslaved people escape to freedom — and was convicted in Kenton County for it — was among those pardoned

by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on June 15 in celebration of Juneteenth.

The pardons were all posthumous. The 43 people around the commonwealth to receive pardons, both white and Black, were convicted for harboring or otherwise helping enslaved people escape slavery during the antebellum period, the era before the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery. The Kentucky General Assembly had outlawed aiding and harboring escapees in 1835; federal laws outlawing such practices date back to the late 1700s.

The man convicted in Kenton County was Isaac Johnson, a white man who was imprisoned between 1851 and 1853. Johnson is the only person on the list convicted within LINK nky’s coverage area, although there are several people convicted in nearby Bracken County who also appear on the list. It’s not clear from the governor’s list if Johnson was originally from Kenton County or from somewhere else in Kentucky.

“When we have a chance to correct a historical wrong, we should do it,” said Beshear in a press release announcing the pardons.

“That’s why ahead of Juneteenth, I am posthumously pardoning 43 brave Kentuckians who were wrongfully imprisoned for helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

These leaders are heroes — not criminals and they and their families deserve the justice of having their names cleared.”

City officials have a meeting scheduled with state officials later this week to discuss specifics, but members discussed thoughts ahead of that discussion at the June 15 meeting.

While plans are outlined on KYTC’s website, some of the more specific parts of the proposal are leaving Edgewood officials on edge.

In recent plans, Council Member Scott Spille said the proposal plans to “eliminate left turns onto (Route) 17, and there would be all right turns and there would be multiple U-turn spots.”

The proposed concept resembles a restricted crossing U-turn, known as an RCUT design, which would restrict direct left turns onto Route 17 and instead require drivers to turn right and use designated U-turn locations to change direction.

Residents and officials also raised concerns about how the changes could affect traffic flow for drivers accessing Interstate 275 and surrounding routes, saying they want clearer answers on how vehicles would navigate the corridor under an RCUT system.

Officials said they hope KYTC will present the proposal either at a future council meeting or at a public community forum before any final decisions are made.

“Our hope is to figure that out and try to do it,” Spille said. “And as soon as we do, we’ll communicate that with the council and make sure that everybody is updated.”

CLASSIFIEDS AND HELP WANTED ADS The first homes under construction at the Covington Central Riverfront site. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky

8 JUNE 26, 2026

The city has had a TIF since 2022, according to a memo Sadosky delivered to the board before the June 16 meeting. That TIF required a minimum capital investment of $200 million within two years of approval in order to activate the TIF. The city failed to meet this threshold but was granted a twoyear extension before failing to meet the threshold again. The city is not allowed to request another extension under the terms of the TIF approved in 2022.

The new terms are as follows: the TIF term will be reduced from 30 to 20 years and will allow the city to request reimbursements of up to roughly $30 million, a reduction from the original terms of $45 million in allowable reimbursement. In exchange, the minimum capital investment threshold to activate the TIF is reduced from $200 million to $20 million, which the city has met, meaning it will be able to access funding almost immediately.

“We would still collect 60% of the state taxes,” Sadosky said.

The vote to approve was unanimous.

Experts share how to identify poison ivy and other toxic plants in Northern Kentucky

Poison ivy. Photo provided | WCPO

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“We are in a bit of a time crunch because the mixed-use TIF program sunsets on June 30,” Sadosky told the Board of Commissioners. “So, we have to have this amended and restated agreement signed by the mayor before the next Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority meeting on June 25.”

Covington amends Central Riverfront TIF in special vote

Edgewood discusses Madison Pike widening project at council meeting

Edgewood City Council spent much of its June 15 meeting discussing a proposed widening of Madison Pike at the Dudley Road intersection.

The Covington Board of Commissioners performed an emergency vote on June 16 during its caucus meeting, when votes usually do not take place, to amend the tax increment financing, or TIF, agreement for the Central Riverfront Development site, located on the site of the old IRS building.

Madison Pike, also known as state Route 17, is a state-owned road that runs through

TIFs allow cities to recoup state taxes generated in a particular area and redirect

Plans for work on Madison Pike, or state Route 17.

Photo provided | KYTC District 6

them back into local infrastructure projects, rather than state services generally.

TIFs are managed by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, a state administrative agency. Covington’s acting Economic Development Director John Sadosky requested the vote to avoid missing a state deadline.

As more people spend time outdoors this summer, experts are encouraging residents to learn how to identify poisonous plants and take quick action if they come into contact with them.

Robert Brockman, a horticulture agent with the Boone County Extension Office, said poison ivy is by far the most common poisonous plant found in Northern Kentucky.

The plant is known for its three leaflets and can grow along the ground or climb trees, buildings and other structures. While poison oak and poison sumac contain the same irritating oil, they are much less com-

kenton county briefs mon in the region.

This story originally appeared at wcpo.com.

Poison sumac is typically found in wet areas and grows more like a shrub. Poison oak is more common in western parts of the United States.

Florence approves second Planet Fitness to account for growing demand

All three plants contain urushiol, an oil that can trigger an itchy rash when it comes into contact with skin.

“The actual oil within poison ivy, within poison oak, poison sumac, it’s all the same and it resists water really well, so you need to get some kind of soap, some suds, to kind of wash that oil off,” Brockman said.

Brockman also said poison hemlock has become more common in the area in recent years. Unlike poison ivy, poison hemlock belongs to a different plant family and can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested. It is often found along woodland edges and produces clusters of small white flowers during early summer.

Experts recommend washing exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible after contact with a poisonous plant.

Clothing and shoes should also be cleaned because the oil can remain on surfaces and cause additional exposure.

For those who are unsure about a plant’s identity, Brockman recommends using plant identification apps such as iNaturalist or contacting a local extension office for assistance.

Florence Planet Fitness. Photo provided | Google Maps

The City of Florence will be getting a second Planet Fitness after the city council voted to approve a proposal from Midwest Fitness Partners, a company that operates dozens of gyms across the country.

The city council approved an ordinance on June 16, authorizing the development of a two-story, approximately 33,000-squarefoot Planet Fitness Health Club on a 3.9acre parcel between Richmond Road and Wetherington Boulevard, just south of the Express Street intersection. The council unanimously voted in favor of the project.

The location is less than two miles from Florence’s original Planet Fitness off Mall Road, which is one of the busiest in Northern Kentucky. The new Planet Fitness will

be closer to the growing City of Union, which may divert some excess business away from the Mall Road location.

The property is currently a grassy field, neighbored by Erpenbeck Elementary School, a Starbucks, a childcare center and suburban homes. The property, owned by Plantation Luxury Flats LLC, is zoned Commercial Two with a Planned Development overlay.

Planet Fitness, one of the largest gym franchises in the United States, is known for its inclusive environment. The gym enforces this through several rules, but perhaps its most famous is the “Lunk Alarm” siren, which is triggered when gym-goers engage in prohibited behaviors such as grunting or loudly dropping weights.

Prior to being heard by the Florence City Council, the Boone County Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposal in May. Florence’s director of community development, Todd Morgan, first presented Midwest Fitness Partners’ proposal before the city council at a caucus meeting on June 2.

“I think additionally, one of the discussions that we had was there are a lot of folks in that area that will want to go to this facility rather than going all the way to Mall Road,” Morgan said during the June 2 meeting.

“There’s just that many people in the area

that take advantage of that particular gym.”

Throughout Morgan’s presentation, he highlighted several attached conditions, including requiring signage to comply with zoning regulations and the Plantation Pointe North development plan, and prohibiting signage on the building’s south side. A pedestrian sidewalk would also be required to connect the building entrance to the sidewalk along Cavalry Drive.

The building’s design was required to conform to the revised architectural plans submitted on May 28. Ultimately, the building would retain a flat roof, and all rooftop mechanical equipment would be screened behind parapet walls. Additionally, a decorative roof feature will be added to the building’s rear to enhance its appearance from nearby residential properties.

Regarding parking, the new Planet Fitness will feature a 223-spot parking lot, which exceeds the city’s standard maximum parking allowance. The rationale is to accommodate anticipated demand.

“I know folks had some concerns about it being a busy area. I think they’ve really accommodated the parking,” Morgan said.

“There are only a hundred parking spaces at the (Mall Road) Planet Fitness.”

­­

* With purchase of a new Safe Step Stairlift. Not applicable with any previous stairlift purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. Not available in every state. Expires 12/31/26. CSLB 1082165, NSCB 0083445, 13VH11096000, CGC1537181, ROC 312990, CCB 244331, SAFESSW784PS, PA127501, MHIC 134223, TN 5887, RL.884533, RBB.49248, UT 13229623-5501

JUNE 26, 2026

9

Democratic state lawmaker prepares data center regulation bill for next year Community.” He pulled inspiration from a similar state designation process for nuclear energy.

By Liam Niemeyer | The Kentucky Lantern

A

Democratic state lawmaker is working on a bill to file next year in Frankfort that would try to regulate the impacts of hyperscale data centers and the transparency concerns swirling around those pending developments in the state.

Such a designation would require local public hearings on a project; a resolution passed by a fiscal court or city council in favor of a data center or a successful local ballot initiative; and the adoption of a siting ordinance to regulate data centers.

Rep. Adam Moore, D-Lexington, proposed a bill during this year’s legislative session that sought to ensure electricity ratepayers aren’t burdened by the costs of hyperscale data centers. That bill did not receive a committee hearing in the GOP-controlled state legislature, and a GOP-sponsored bill to similarly provide ratepayer protections didn’t pass the Kentucky Senate.

But Moore said, after hearing from constituents, they also had concerns over local officials signing non-disclosure agreements with data center developers. Such agreements prevent local officials from releasing specific information about a project.

“It almost seems like counties or municipalities are working behind closed doors, potentially against one another, to try to lure or get the best deal possible to bring a data center there,” Moore said. “The constituents of that area are kind of left in the lurch, and they only find out about the details once it actually hits the front page of

Moore said such a siting ordinance would require a county or city to address setbacks, water usage, noise and other environmental considerations for a data center, but the local government would be given flexibility on how to regulate each aspect.

“What I need in my county is not the same thing that you need in your county,” Moore said. “It’’s not just about ratepayer protection. It’s also about local control. It’s also about transparency. It’s about building trust in our communities again.”

the local newspaper.”

munity.

Barring his bill becoming law, Moore said he hopes to at least “shape the conversation” around data center regulation during next year’s legislative session.

He said his new bill being drafted by legislative staff would go beyond just electricity ratepayer protections to also ensure communities have “local control” over a data center project, if they want it in their com-

Moore’s tentative bill, described in detail in an email newsletter, would require that no hyperscale data center can locate into a community unless a county or city is designated by the state as a “Hyperscale Ready

“I think it is our job to establish guardrails and accept that it will not be a perfect solution or even the permanent solution, but we have to put certain protections in place,” Moore said.

Rep. Adam Moore, D-Lexington, speaks at a March 18, 2026, press conference. Photo provided | The Kentucky Lantern

MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE BOONE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

DIVISION ONE

DIVISION ONE

DIVISION III

CASE NO.: 25-CI-01186

CASE NO.: 25-CI-01819

CASE NO.: 25-CI-01187

NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC

JETSTREAM HOLDINGS, LLC

VERSUS}

VERSUS}

VERSUS}

SARAH CLISE, ET AL.

DWAYNE CHRISTERSON, ET AL.

BARRY DEAN HUTCHISON, ET AL.

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JUNE 2, 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, JULY 9, 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 JUNE 2, 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, JULY 9, 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 JUNE 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, JULY 9, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 3012 REDSTONE DRIVE, BURLINGTON, KENTUCKY 41005

ADDRESS: 4 AIRVIEW DRIVE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042

ADDRESS: 817 RIDGEVIEW DRIVE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 062.00-07-004.00

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 062.00-12-026.00

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $173,202.40

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $1,720.89

GROUP NO.: 603

GROUP NO.: 265

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 038.00-04-067.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: 213,980.03 GROUP NO.: 1268

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.

10 JUNE 26, 2026

No more college parties at Madison Theater following May incident

The Madison Theater in Covington on June 17, 2026. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

By Nathan Granger

M

adison Theater, a popular music venue on Madison Avenue in Covington, will cease hosting events for college-age audiences after a show at the theater on May 30 led to safety concerns and police involvement.

“What happened was a shame,” said theater owner Frank Hulefeld. “It really was very chaotic; I’m not going to deny that, but I felt like from the venue’s point of view, we were very proactive.”

The incident occurred late in the night of Saturday, May 30 and into the following morning, according to police reports. Covington’s Alcohol Beverage Control Administrator Lydia Northcutt informed Hulefeld in a June 2 letter that the theater had potentially run afoul of state laws mandating that liquor licensees prevent their premises from becoming disorderly. The city held a hearing of its Alcohol Beverage Control Board the morning of June 18 to discuss the situation and possible solutions.

Hulefeld said there were nearly 1,000 people at the venue the night of the incident, including staff members. Multiple acts were playing that night, but the one that led to the issues occurred in the main room of the theater, where a DJ was playing to a crowd of mostly college students from the

University of Cincinnati and Xavier University — two rival schools.

“What ended up happening is all these groups of people were interconnected because they were part of the UC and Xavier African-American Greek fraternity system,” Hulefeld said. “So, they all were two degrees of separation from knowing each other. It was a party that was promoted to celebrate a lot of the students graduating.

I think they were just in a good mood, word spread quickly, more people showed up than any of us had anticipated.”

Members of the Greek community did not attend the June 18 hearing.

Three officers were staffing the event as a security detail that night. As the crowd grew in size, people began spilling out onto the sidewalk, waiting to enter the building.

Finally, the theater decided to cut the show off early.

“After conversing with officers on duty, more and more we kept asking people, ‘Hey, look, we’re not letting any more people in, can you guys please go home?’” said Hulefeld. “They didn’t listen.”

Additional police units began arriving around 11 p.m., according to police reports.

Officers also indicated the crowd’s size had grown too large, potentially risking blocked exits.

Police closed off the 700 block of Madison Avenue to give room for the crowd to exit the theater. Police reports state the theater stopped the show at 11:37 p.m. As the crowd moved out of the theater, the police “sounded the airhorn, the siren, and activated the emergency equipment in an attempt to gain the attention of the crowd. We then made announcements to disperse.” It took about 20 minutes for the theater to empty out, according to police reports.

Police argue they had issued multiple commands to the crowd to disperse and move southward out of the area, but the crowd failed to do so in a timely fashion. The police used pepper ball guns, non-lethal riot control weapons resembling paintball guns, to disperse the crowd.

“Officers targeted the roadway in front of the crowd with pepper balls to maximize the effect of the OC powder and prevent injury from direct impact on participants in the crowd,” reads one report. “This had the intended effect: The crowd immediately left the area.”

“In the last 28 months, we’ve done close to 500 shows and never had an incident,” Hulefeld told LINK nky.

The city board did not place any binding conditions on the venue or revoke its liquor license; the board members seemed pleased with the measures the theater was

planning to take to avoid similar incidents.

“Madison Theater has been a great partner for the city, and you’ve been here a long time pulling off some amazing events,” said City Manager Sharmili Reddy. “This one was an unfortunate one, and I think I’m really encouraged that you’re already looking at proactive ways to prevent these things from happening.”

“I think there’s an easy solution to make sure this doesn’t happen again, which is just we’re not going to do any more college parties…,” Hulefeld said. “It’s not really a part of our traditional bookings. We book more national touring acts and local bands.”

Hulefeld didn’t seem to hold any ill will towards the crowd.

“The kids were so polite and friendly and accommodating,” Hulefeld said. “It was just, you get that energy of a lot of kids in their early 20s together… they just made a mistake.”

The police made a single arrest of 19-yearold Cincinnati resident Dahron Jackson, who was charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Jackson was arraigned in Kenton County on June 15 and has a diversion hearing scheduled for July 27.

JUNE 26, 2026 11

sports Campbell County’s Tiemeier wins Johnny Bench award as state’s top catcher

Cam Tiemeier celebrates with teammates. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

The Johnny Bench Awards, which honors the top NCAA Division I male and female college catchers along with the top high school baseball and softball catchers from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia have been announced.

Campbell County’s Camden Tiemeier was selected in Kentucky as the top backstop.

The Camels senior hit .446 for the 10th Region champions that reached the state tournament quarterfinals. Tiemeier led the team in home runs (11) and RBI (63) in 2026 and led the state in RBI. He tallied 12 doubles, walked 26 times, scored 31 runs and stole 17 bases.

The winners, presented by MSA Sport will be recognized at the Johnny Bench Awards Luncheon on July 7 at Great American Ball Park and recognized that evening during on-field ceremonies before the Reds-Phillies game.

“Congratulations to the 2026 Johnny Bench Award winners,” said Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. “Catching is one of the toughest jobs

in sports and demands leadership, toughness, quick instincts and a relentless work ethic. This year’s winners are outstanding athletes who have proven they can handle every part of the game from managing a staff to controlling the field and delivering when it matters most. That’s what this award is all about. I am proud of what they have accomplished and I look forward to being with them and celebrating with their families and coaches.”

in the first round of the 37th District Tournament. Scott’s last postseason win was in 2020. The Eagles haven’t won a district championship since 2018.

Nichols is on board to change all that. “Can’t wait to see these ladies battling together here soon,” said the coach, who brings unique experience to his new job.

Highlands High School’s Kaitlyn Dixon won 9th Region Player of the Year honors. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Previous collegiate winners include a twotime Women’s College World Series champion Reese Atwood, 2019 No. 1 overall draft pick Adley Rutschman, 2021 Team USA Olympian Dejah Mulipola, 2021 Reds firstround draft pick Matheu Nelson and 2022 Rawlings Gold Glove winner Jordyn Rudd.

Highlands’ Dixon highlights All-State softball team, wins Region Player of the Year The Kentucky Softball Coaches Association have made their selections for the All-State teams and Region and Player of the Year in each respective region.

While softball in the state isn’t classified, the KSCA splits the state into three classes to form the All-State teams. Each class has a first and second team along with an honorable mention, a Player of the Year and coaching staff of the Year.

Player and Coach of the Year were also awarded in each region. In the 9th Region, Highlands’ Kaitlyn Dixon won Player of the Year and St. Henry’s Chris Schreiber won Coach of the Year.

Once again, Dixon was dominant in the cir-

THE WEEKLY COMIC

by Andrew Buchanan

St. Henry District High School softball coach Chris Schreiber speaks to some of his players. Photo provided | Rob Lux

cle for the Bluebirds this year. She posted a 30-4 record in 34 starts with a 0.91 ERA. She struck out 352 batters compared to just 40 walks and allowed 108 hits and 27 earned runs. She also hit .373 at the plate with 27 runs driven in, helping guide the Bluebirds to their best season in program history as they reached the state semifinals. Dixon was also named to the Class 3A All-State first team.

Schreiber guided a complete turnaround for the Crusaders. They went 15-7, which equaled their win total over the last four seasons combined.

Highlands Payton Brown and Campbell County’s Josie Feebeck were named to the Class 3A All-State second team.

Honorable mentions for the All-State Class 3A team were Highlands Layla Zepf, Conner’s Averie Lightner and Campbell County’s Hope Hamilton.

For the 2026 Kentucky Prep Softball EastWest All-Star game, Conner’s Kayla Ortiz was selected to the game.

South Warren’s McLaine Hudson was selected as Miss Kentucky Softball.

Nichols named Scott girls soccer coach

Corey Nichols is the new girls soccer coach at Scott High School. Photo provided | Scott High School

Corey Nichols is the new head coach for the Scott High School girls soccer team.

He replaces Allie Ast, who left the program in May after three seasons with a 23-29-5 record and no postseason wins. The Eagles finished 6-10-2 in 2025 with a third straight loss in as many years to Campbell County 12 JUNE 26, 2026

He’s been a local U18 club coach with the School of Ginga in Florence in the Kentucky Premier League. Nichols is also the Boone County Youth Soccer Association vice president and game day coordinator. A recreational soccer league with teams for kids ages 3-12, the BCYSA has been serving young soccer players of Northern Kentucky since 1979.

Nichols takes over a Scott squad losing two of its top three scorers. Expected back is Ava Karl, who scored seven goals as a junior. Also due back are Noelle Price and Cassidy Grome, who scored four goals each as sophomores. Rylee Gribble scored three goals as a freshman. Both of last season’s goalkeepers were juniors: Savannah Black and Cadence Charles. Black gave up 1.9 goals per game and posted six shutouts.

Charles yielded just one goal in limited duty.

Sparks takes over Cooper girls soccer Amadeus Sparks is the new girls soccer coach at Cooper High School. The Lawrenceburg, Indiana, native and Mount St. Joseph University graduate was hired in May. That followed the resignaAmadeus Sparks is tion of longtime coach the new girls soccer Scott Hughes. Sparks coach at Cooper played soccer at LawHigh School. Photo provided | Cooper renceburg High School High School and various club teams.

He also played at Mount St. Joe where he earned a degree in sports management.

“Cooper High School is excited to welcome coach Sparks to the Jaguar family and looks forward to the future of the girls soccer program under his leadership,” the school said in a statement.

Hughes left with a 121-69-16 record, two 33rd District championships, five district final appearances and five 9th Region tournament berths. The Jaguars finished 11-9-2 last season. They made it to the 33rd District championship game where they lost 1-0 to Conner. Cooper ended the season with a 2-0 loss to Highlands in the first round of the 9th Region Tournament.

The Jaguars lose nine seniors from the 2025 squad. Seven new seniors are due back.

Three of last season’s top five scorers were sophomores. They were Olivia Haswell (13 goals), Leila Allen (8 goals) and Hayden Johnson (7 goals). Lyna Ewell scored eight goals as a freshman.

Power outages, road closures impact Florence after strong storms

By Felicia Jordan | WCPO

R

oads were closed and many were without power in Florence on the morning of June 18 after strong storms swept through the TriState overnight.

LINK nky’s media partner, WCPO, had crews in Florence that saw damaged homes and businesses throughout the city, including damaged roofs and downed trees. Big Red’s Appliances on Dream Street appeared to have suffered significant roof damage, and the Rodeway Inn nearby was also damaged.

The City of Florence said several neighborhoods and businesses were without power, as crews responded to downed trees, power lines and damaged utility infrastructure throughout the community.

Utility poles were broken along Industrial Road, causing the Boone County Public Safety Communications Center and Boone Center to lose power; the outages also impacted telephone lines. The county’s non-emergency line was temporarily down, and 911 calls were being routed to Kenton County’s 911 dispatch center — though callers were still being connected with emergency services, the City of Florence said.

Crews world to clear debris in Florence. Photo provided | Rob Pieper, WCPO

Storms damaged the roof of a Dream Street store in Florence, Kentucky. Photo provided | WCPO

Boone County officials asked residents to only call 911 with urgent, life-safety matters while they worked to restore full service.

The Florence office of the Boone County Clerk’s Office was closed because of storm impacts; the Burlington location was open and available to those who needed services.

The City of Florence said the city’s water tower also temporarily lost power, causing water to discharge through a relief valve, as it was designed to do. The city said the storm caused an “overflow event” at the water tower.

Storm damage in Florence at the corner of Ann and Lee. Photo provided | Rob Pieper, WCPO

A portion of the roof of Dave & Buster’s in Florence was torn off during during the June 18 storms. Photo provided | WCPO

“During normal operations, Greater Cincinnati Water Works was actively filling the tower; however, due to the loss of electrical power at the site, the pumps were unable to move water through the system, leading to the overflow condition,” City of Florence officials wrote in a press release.

Water could be seen discharging from the tower, but the city said this is a normal and expected response.

Damage has been reported throughout Florence, including Dream Street, Lee Drive, Preakness Drive, Circle Drive, Locust Street, Melinda Lane and S.t Jude Drive, among others, the City of Florence said.

This story originally appeared at WCPO. com.

Florence police officers clear debris after a strong storm. Photo provided | WCPO

JUNE 26, 2026

13

real estate

Condo in Covington Address: 115 E. Eighth St., Covington Price: $259,900 Bedrooms: Two Bathrooms: One (plus one half bath) Square footage: 1,010 square feet School district: Covington Independent Public Schools District County: Kenton Special features: This historic Covington property blends urban living with timeless character in the heart of MainStrasse Village. Features include exposed brick, high ceilings, updated interiors and walkable access to restaurants, shops and entertainment. The property offers a rare opportunity to enjoy downtown living with modern comforts while preserving its classic architectural charm.

The kitchen area inside this Covington home.

The exterior of this Kenton County condo. Photos by Adam Hayhow | Coldwell Banker This home also features a single-car garage.

Realty

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 is hereby given that THE COUNTY OF KENTON located at 1840 SIMON KENTON WAY COVINGTON KY 41011, has filed an application with the Energy and Environment Cabinet to construct RESTROOMS SHELTERS WITH COVERED PICNIC AREA AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE. The property is located at 3952 MADISON PIKE COVINGTON KY 41017, 9,625 FEET SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 275 ON MADISON PIKE ADJACENT TO BANKLICK CREEK. Any comments or objections can be submitted via email to: DOWFloodplain@ky.gov Kentucky Division of Water, Floodplain Management Section, 300 Sower Blvd. Frankfort, KY 40601. Call 502-564-3410 with questions.

KENTON COUNTY

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GO TO OUR DIGITAL PUBLIC NOTICE PAGE

14 JUNE 26, 2026

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SUDOKU

The Weekly Edited

by MargieCrossword E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

9 7 6 5

7

8 3 6 5

1

2 8 /20/26 - 4/26/26

9

4

2 5 2 3 6 4 8

8 3

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

3 6 5 8

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:

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

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 HOW Turning TO point?

SOLVE: 15 16 14 5 Unruly crowds Each row must contain the 19 17 18 9 ____ the rightcolumn numbers 1 toin9; each must direction: 2 wds. contain the numbers 1 20 to 9; and 21 22 14 Part of the each set of 3 byCorn 3 boxes must Belt the numbers 1 to 9.

23 24 25 contain 15 On ___ (without 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 a contract) Answer to Previous Sudoku: 16 Mecca native 35 33 34 17 Burt of 1960's 36 37 38 "Elmer Gantry" 19 Clean completely 39 40 41 20 Items on to-do 43 44 42 lists 21 Seismic source 45 46 47 23 Caviar fish 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 25 Outspoken 26 Lucky charm 56 57 55 29 Out of shape?

59 60 30 Where Switz. is 58 33 Penalty 62 63 61 35 Beheaded Boleyn Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate 36 Begged 37 Peter, pumpkin2 Weather track32 Oboe-sounding 48 Luxurious wise ing org.

34 Views from 49 Shaving lotion 38 Portion out 3 Admits, with isles, often brand 39 Cleanse "up" 35 Lilylike flower 50 1990s VP 40 Etcher's fluid 4 Fall off the 41 Mea ___ 52 Grimm villain 42 OH to MA wagon, perhaps 43 Baby birds?

53 Spineless sort direction 5 Publisher's pile: 46 "___ we all?"

54 "Beat it!"

43 Kind of curve Abbr.

47 Varnish ingre57 Covered in 44 Thanksgiving 6 Chose dient Cottonelle, say fare 7 Microwave 45 Regarding birth sound 47 Depend (on) 8 Copyist of old Answers to Previous Crossword: 48 Sponsorship 9 ____ ratio (TV N A P A O P T E D E A T S 51 Works, as a field spec) C R A Z E P O U T O P E C 55 Buyer's 10 Spa feature P E R T T E R R A F I R M A proposal 11 High-collar top A N I S T O N E X P I R E D 56 Wistful for the 12 Result of honing L O O T E D R O A R S past 13 Fishing spot E V E N S F U E L E D 58 Smelled awful 18 Contents of T E X E D I B L E I N K Y 59 Icicle former some urns E V A C U E E S T E P S O N 60 Hogwarts librar22 Penitent Y O D A P E N C I L M E L ian Pince 24 Plato was one C R E D I T O D E L L 61 Puts a stop to 26 Eden fruit P R E F E R S E P I A 62 Fax button 27 Disney's O A T C A K E 63 Equinox mo.

Chinese warrior T R U F F L E I T E M A N T I T O X I N S 28 Humdrum K A T I E D O N T H I T S DOWN 29 Midler of music I M A C S E R O S L E S T 1 Scottish garb 31 Loosen a knot

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

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JUNE 26, 2026

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�� 1 Place st

Best Feature Story Haley Parnell, Campbell County Reporter

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Sports Editor

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Campbell County Reporter

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