LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 4, Edition 34 - July 24, 2026 by LINK nky

Newport to remove Flock cameras, end pilot program

By Haley Parnell

The city of Newport is ending its Flock pilot program, will remove the cameras from the city and will not move forward in purchasing the technology.

Newport announced the afternoon of July 14 that it is ending its Flock Safety pilot program and will not purchase the automated license plate reader cameras. The city said the cameras helped police with criminal investigations and showed promise as a public safety tool, but officials decided not to continue the program after reviewing the pilot results, public feedback and recent developments in Fourth Amendment law.

“We didn’t think for a minute that our staff would misuse this,” Newport Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen said. “All the considerations and factors were outside of that concern, and there’s a lot of misinformation about this technology out there. It is a very effective tool for efficiency, and we

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From Highland Heights to world stage: Jesse Randall makes history as first NKU Norse in a World Cup

By Marc Hardin

Former Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer star Jesse Randall made history on the global stage last month: He became the first Norse player to compete in a FIFA World Cup. Representing New Zealand, Randall took the field June 15 during its Group G opening match against Iran. The contest was in Los Angeles.

“For it to have happened the way it has, it’s been quite the journey,” Randall told Stuff, a popular New Zealand news media website.

“It’s been quite a different route I’ve taken to get here, but it’s all part of it, really.”

The 23-year-old Wellington native was a late substitute off the bench in his World Cup debut. He stepped into a high-pres-

sure environment as a replacement for Sarpreet Singh. Randall briefly showcased his signature speed, helping New Zealand battle to a 2-2 draw against Iran at SoFi Stadium.

The energetic appearance sent waves of pride back to the NKU campus in Highland Heights. It was also a proud moment for Randall. “Especially for my family who have been there the whole way,” he told Stuff.

They were also celebrating 90 miles south of NKU at Midway University. That’s where Randall’s former Norse soccer coach Stu Riddle coaches the men’s team. One of Riddle’s former Midway assistants is one-time Highlands High School girls soccer coach Chris Norris. He was coaching the Bluebirds while Randall was with the Norse.

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Flock camera. Photo provided | Mother Flocker via Unsplash

Jesse Randall played one stellar season at Northern Kentucky University and was named all-league.

Photo provided | Northern Kentucky University Athletics

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witnessed that ourselves. It just leaves too many open questions where we’re at right now.”

Steffen said the city’s use of the system will cease immediately and the Flock cameras would be removed within the following week or so.

A factor in the city’s decision to end the Flock pilot was a U.S. Supreme Court case that the city had been monitoring. The Supreme Court ruled on June 29 in Chatrie v. United States, which concerned digital location information and Fourth Amendment privacy protections. The court reaffirmed that collecting detailed location-history information is subject to the Fourth Amendment, meaning law enforcement generally must obtain a warrant supported by probable cause before accessing it.

While the court decision does not directly address automated license plate reader technology, the city reviewed the case with its attorney and said that some of the similarities in the case, such as the tracking of movement, has the potential in the future to become an issue as it relates to Flock or other automated license plate reader systems.

With that court decision, along with public feedback and input from the board of commissioners and from the police department, Steffen said the city thought it best to take a step back and reevaluate.

Feedback came from the public at a July 8 town hall, hosted by the Newport Police Department to explain the technology, answer questions and hear from residents. Newport residents packed the room during the meeting, voicing concerns about the automated license plate reader cameras, questioning the technology’s impact on privacy, government surveillance and Fourth Amendment protections.

The city said that the discussion raised important questions about privacy, transpar-

ency, data retention, oversight and constitutional protections. Steffen said the city and police department also heard behind the scenes from supporters of the technology.

The city said its decision should not be interpreted as opposition to emerging public safety technologies or as a reflection that automated license plate readers lack public safety value.

Newport Police Chief Chris Fangman said the Flock cameras did create efficiency, including in solving the city’s only shooting of the year back in May.

Fangman said the department has to balance that efficiency with listening to those it serves.

“For those that really wanted us to have them, I don’t know the majority in this situation, but there’s also the silent group out there that does give their opinion, and we had a lot of people that were very much for this, so it weighed heavily, and we really had to consider all the sources and all the people that we were listening to,” Fangman said.

Newport Police Captain Kevin Drohan said he will be working with Flock to get its contractors out to the city to remove the cameras.

As new technologies become available, the city said it will continue to evaluate them.

Fangman said a lot of police training goes into what technology is coming out, evaluating what is going to create efficiency for the police department and piloting the technology. The city said that any future pilot programs or proposals involving similar technology will include opportunities for public engagement and input before decisions are made.

“We anguish over trying to make the best decision for everybody,” Fangman said.

“We have our finger on the pulse, and we try to get as much transparent information out as possible, especially when things get political. We want people to understand the technology and really what we use it for, because the last thing we’d ever want anybody to feel is that we’re trying to invade their privacy.”

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Newport town hall held on July 8, 2026. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Flock Safety ALPR at the intersection of Donnermeyer and Riviera drives in Bellevue. Photo by Ethan Bloomfield | LINK nky

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The coaches have been exchanging texts. Riddle stays in touch with Randall. In fact, he was a traveler to Tampa, Florida, to see Randall play in a World Cup tune-up and got to shake his hand.

“Was truly great to see him again,” said Riddle, a coach at NKU for four years. “It’s pretty amazing Jesse’s been able to do that. It is 100% the case that he’s the first from NKU. It’s a remarkable opportunity.”

New Zealand, in its first World Cup appearance in 16 years, lost 3-1 to Egypt and 5-1 to Belgium to wrap up play. Randall recorded significant minutes, playing a total of 60 over the course of the group stage. He entered again as a late substitute at forward, playing 14 minutes against Egypt. He played the entire second half against Belgium.

Randall became a member of the 26-man New Zealand squad in May. Long before his World Cup breakthrough, Randall made an unforgettable impact on the NKU men’s

soccer program. Arriving for the 2021 season under Riddle, the dynamic forward took the Horizon League by storm. He led the Norse and the league in multiple offensive categories, netting 10 goals and five assists in 17 matches. He ranked tied for second in the league in goals scored and 20th in NCAA Division I.

It was a perfect pairing with coach Riddle. He was born in England and prepped in New Zealand, where he also was a soccer standout. At age 19, Riddle was a member of the 1996 New Zealand Olympic Team. He has soccer contacts in both countries. His recruiting strategy at NKU while competing with several NCAA Division I colleges in the region was to go international. One of Riddle’s New Zealand contacts, Matt Calcott, tipped him off about Randall when the standout was a teenager.

“I trust Matt,” said Riddle, who put so much faith in his buddy that he flew to New Zealand. “When I got there, I distinctly remember in a men’s league match Jesse scoring five goals. I texted my assistant coaches who were 16 hours ahead and probably in bed and told them we might have something here.”

Within a week, Randall was with the Norse. By the end of the 2021 season, he was the Horizon League Freshman of the Year. He was also a first-team all-league pick.

“Jesse was the fittest guy on the roster that season, a year after we won the Horizon League, and he was only 17,” Riddle recalled. “He had an incredible aptitude, and he was the first to practice and last to leave. He has amazing character and he comes from a great family. Just completely loves soccer, and it shows.”

Following his single season at NKU, Randall left school and launched into a successful professional career. He returned to New

Zealand to fine-tune his skills. He eventually played for Wellington Olympic before capturing an A-League Men championship with Auckland FC.

Randall was predominantly active as a striker during his breakout domestic campaign. He logged nine goals and six assists, proving to be one of the most dangerous attackers in the region. His form caught the attention of scouts, securing him a transfer to join Dundee United FC in Scotland. He signed in January this year.

Randall’s domestic success drove a direct path to his New Zealand national team career. It culminated in the ultimate dream: a call-up to New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup squad. His incredible journey exemplifies what can happen after an elite player leaves NKU athletic programs.

“It doesn’t just happen,” Riddle said. “Jesse has had to work very hard to get to where he is today and he has performed remarkably well. To be as young as he is, it’s just the start.”

Local fans are keeping their eyes on the rising star as his international and European club careers continue to soar. He joins Dundee United on a two-year contract, kicking off his Scottish campaign with a busy July schedule.

“To know where I was going to end up was really nice,” he said. “Obviously, you look at it and say I could have waited. But I’m super excited to be heading over to Dundee. It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

Beginning July 11, Dundee United plays four consecutive Premier Sports Cup group stage matches. The club plays Stirling Albion FC, Montrose FC, Arbroath FC and The Spartans FC. Randall makes his league debut July 31 against Scottish giants Rangers FC in a match broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Jesse Randall (middle) meets his former Northern Kentucky University coach Stu Riddle (right) at a World Cup tuneup in Tampa, Florida. Photo provided | Stu Riddle

Jesse Randall makes his first World Cup appearance for New Zealand. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky University Athletics

Northern Kentucky University celebrated the callup of Jesse Randall to the New Zealand World Cup team. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky University Athletics

How 859 Taproom became a Northern Kentucky favorite

By Kenton Hornbeck

It was always Jeff and Mandy Kaplan’s dream to own a restaurant. Now they do, less than three miles from where they live.

Jeff and Mandy met 30 years ago when he was working as a chef in New York City, while Mandy worked at AOL in Utah. They have been together ever since, relocating to Florence and gaining experience through various service-industry gigs. Mandy worked as a corporate trainer at Bonefish Grill, while Jeff served as an executive chef for over 20 years.

In 2021, the Kaplans decided to go all in on their shared dream by acquiring a local sports bar listed for sale. For the Kaplans, the opportunity was the culmination of decades spent working toward that dream.

Today, that vision manifests itself as 859 Taproom, a popular sports bar and restaurant located at 8720 Bankers St. in Florence. The restaurant has become a fan favorite among Florence residents and Northern Kentuckians alike, becoming a go-to spot for special occasions such as birthdays, family dinners, or sporting events like Bengals’ games or Kentucky basketball games.

“We’re almost 50 years old, and chasing our dream, and decided what better time than now, so we bought a restaurant to chase our dream,” Jeff said.

Readers’ Choice Winner Spotlight: 859 Taproom

As NKY residents, they built on the local branding because they believed it was a core part of the restaurant’s identity.

“We moved here about 10 years ago and we’ve lived in many places. There’s something about here that instantly we knew this is our home,” Mandy said. “This is where we meant to be.”

Much of their food menu is sourced from local businesses and wholesalers, giving customers the opportunity to sample from NKY-based producers. Some of the menu’s most prominent examples include Whobrey’s Farm and Neely Family Distillery in the Sparta area.

In a unique agreement, the wagyu beef that appears on 859 Taproom’s menu actually comes from cattle fed with spent grain from the Neely Family Distillery.

“When we put this together, it blossomed before we even had the restaurant,” Jeff said. “Once the restaurant came to be, what better fit? We’re a family-owned restaurant. We’re going to a family-owned distillery and a family-owned local farm, and it’s just such a great fit.”

The restaurant’s most popular menu item may be its namesake 859 Burger, topped with bacon, cheese, a bourbon glaze and crispy onion straws, served with curly fries.

The shrimp tacos are another standout,

featuring freshly breaded shrimp tossed in a spicy cream sauce and topped with fresh vegetables.

“I think that’s where his (Jeff’s) fine dining background comes in, because it’s elevating those kinds of food,” Mandy said.

While 859 Taproom has been in business for several years, it was founded in 2018 by another entrepreneur under a different name. Entrepreneur Josh Bolin founded The Brass Tap in 2018. The Brass Tap Beer Bar is a Florida-based craft beer and sports bar with more than 50 locations nationwide.

Bolin, a former Kona Ice franchisee and a food-industry veteran, initially wanted to enter the restaurant business as an owner. However, after a financial backer recommended joining a franchise group, Bolin

decided to open his restaurant under the Brass Tap Beer Bar brand.

After a year of operating under the Brass Tap branding, Bolin decided it was time to go independent. As an independent operator, Bolin said the move would give him more input into the food and drink menu. Ultimately, he wanted more operational control. This led Bolin to change the restaurant’s name to 859 Taproom — a nod to his NKY roots.

Perhaps the most prominent feature of 859 Taproom’s menu is its extensive craft beer selection, which Jeff regards as among the largest in Greater Cincinnati. It offers beers from major national craft breweries and smaller, niche ones. Customers will find local favorites like Rhinegeist along with brands such as Founders from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The taproom serves flights, allowing patrons to sample both local and national beers.

On the bourbon side, 859 Taproom has a bourbon wall with over 150 different options, which feature some of Kentucky’s most prominent brands.

“We really couldn’t ask for more,” Jeff said. “This is home for us, and it will never change.”

The bar at The 859 Taproom and Grill. Photo provided | The 859 Taproom and Grill via Facebook

Introducing Report for America education reporter Lia Salvatierra

By Lia Salvatierra

Hi everyone!

I’m Lia Salvatierra, LINK nky’s first Report for America corps member here to cover K-12 education.

I arrived earlier this month after packing up in southwestern Colorado, where I was with Report for America for two years covering local government.

I’m so grateful to be here and have a lot to learn about learning in this area before the school year kicks off! I’m new to Northern Kentucky, but I’m seasoned in and hungry for reporting on new places and topics. Counting Kentucky, this is the sixth state I’ve reported on in the last six years, including summers between studying journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill.

My writing has spanned fights over prairie dogs disturbing wedding venues in Ouray County, Colorado, to weighing the use of a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence chatbot for psychotherapy in Virginia.

Everywhere has a wealth of its own stories and spirit, and I feel lucky to learn NKY’s. When I’m not wordsmithing down in one of those prairie dog holes, I’m pitifully attempting to learn silversmithing or playing outside somewhere. I managed to swallow a lot of water during my last couple of months in Colorado surfing on an artificial concrete wave structure in the Arkansas River.

Besides getting outside (I’m already making leaf-peeping plans) there’s no more satisfying way to get to know a new place than as a reporter. I can’t wait to spend my days asking you all questions about why things work the way they do and why they matter.

This time, I get to cover education in a newsroom grounded in what that represents: hope and growth.

When I applied for another role with Report for America, LINK nky stood out because of how rapidly and effectively a startup has been able to address missing regional coverage.

I’m originally from the land of startups in California’s Bay Area, and I am drawn to the type of people willing to bet on new solutions like this growing team.

I’m also here for journalism that highlights not just what isn’t working, but also what is.

My biggest subject is the area’s 13 county and independent school districts, the 34 schools under the Diocese of Covington and other involved groups and stakeholders. That means I’m looking at leadership, outcomes, funding and other happenings.

I’m also here to examine how this patchwork of districts play with each other, with a focus on equity, or the lack of it.

Like all of LINK’s great work, my goal is to decode things, like the alphabet soup of acronyms created by the powers that be — like the BRIGANCE Early Childhood Readiness assessments, the subject of my first article. I want to ensure parents, educators and students understand the systems in charge.

Telling your stories is also a big (and my personal favorite) piece of the story. I’m eager to meet and learn from as many of you as I can.

I’m ready to listen to all things education and anything else you want to chat about, including recommendations for where to buy secondhand furniture and art.

Lia Salvatierra interviews Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet in Ouray. Photo provided | Erin McIntyre

Lia Salvatierra.

Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

A permanent farmers market?

Some Covington residents say the plan goes too far

By Nathan Granger

After years of bouncing from one location to another, the Covington Farmers Market may finally have a permanent home.

Covington residents and leaders came out to John G. Carlisle Elementary School July 13 for an open house on the newly proposed permanent location. Although some residents were pleased the market was finally going to get a permanent home, others worried the proposal was too aggressive on the cutting down of green space.

The Farmers Market itself isn’t new, but it’s never had a permanent, fixed location. It’s been set up at various locations throughout the city over the years, including the Pike Street arcade, Mainstrasse and a space on Madison Avenue. It moved to Washington Street last year.

“There’s a direct correlation between the number of vendors and visitors and how many times we change locations,” said Erin Graham, who’s the chair of the Center for Great Neighborhood’s Farmers Market Committee. Graham said the market currently averages about 20 vendors per session. Those numbers decline any time the market moves.

The Center for Great Neighborhoods is one of the institutions that’s heading up the development of the new site. The property is located near John G. Carlisle Elementary School on Pike Street between Holman and Banklick streets and includes a small parking lot, some open space and an old bank building.

The Covington Board of Education sold the land to the city for $300,000 in June. The proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the school’s playground, according to Covington Board of Education Chair Tom Haggard. The Center for Great Neighborhoods and the Covington Motor Vehicle Parking Authority each contributed $150,000 to fund the purchase of the land, and the Covington Economic Development Authority has recommended $500,000 to partially bankroll the redevelopment.

Additionally, said Covington Mayor Ron Washington, a private donor has contributed funds to redeveloping the bank building, specifically for affordable housing. The plan is to convert the second and third floors of the building into four single-bedroom apartments marketed to teachers in the district. The bottom floor will be leased to commercial tenants once completed.

“We want to align those rent price points as something that a first- or second-year teacher can pay for with about 30% of their income,” said Center for Great Neighborhoods Executive Director Shannon Ratterman. A full-time teacher with zero to two years’ experience can make between roughly $44,000 and $57,000, depending on their rank, according to the district’s most recent salary schedule.

The mayor declined to share the donor’s identity.

The plans presented at the open house were very early in development; the final product will likely look different. Still, there were mixed feelings from the residents in

One resident who frequented the farmers market, J.J. Berg, said he thought it is “great” that the market was getting a new home, but other residents were worried the plan signaled a decline in green space around the school.

“We don’t need something permanent for the few weeks of the year we use the farmers market,” said resident Jane Sanbdhan.

The paved area under the market shelter

would serve as parking when not in use, under the proposed plan, although it would be conceivably possible to host one-off events there every now and again.

Another resident, Jan Thurman, admitted that “something needs to happen” with the old bank building but thought the plans could be improved.

“I’m not quite sure that we have our finger on it, but at least the discussion is happening,” Thurman said.

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A placard showing a rendering of the concept plan for the new farmers market space in Covington with sticky notes showing resident feedback. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

The old bank building next to John G. Carlisle Elementary School on Pike Street. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

attendance at the event.

kenton county briefs

Covington to host open house for Goebel

Park

plan

Covington’s Department of Parks & Recreation will host a public open house on July 28 to give residents a chance to leave in-person recommendations on the future of Goebel Park.

Located in Covington’s Mainstrasse neighborhood, the park is one of the city’s key landmarks, but its proximity to the impending Brent Spence project work means its future is in flux.

The city has contracted with KZF Design, a Cincinnati-based architecture firm, to head up the planning process. The contract with KZF was OKed by the Board of Commissioners late last year. Kenney Shields Park, which is adjacent to Goebel Park, is included in the planning process.

The July 28 event will showcase an early concept plan for the parks and allow residents to leave recommendations and ask questions. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hellman Creative Center on MLK Jr. Boulevard.

A list of the stops in place are listed below.

In Newport:

• 11th Street at York Street

• Monmouth Street at Ninth Street

• Monmouth Street at Seventh Street

• Fourth Street at Columbia Street

• Isabella Street at Sixth Street

• Isabella Street at Ninth Street

Stops previously in place on Central and Eighth Street and Central at 10th Street are no longer in service.

In Covington:

• Greenup Street at Ninth Street

• Greenup Street at Fifth Street

• Scott Street at Sixth Street

• Scott Street at 11th Street

The Licking River Link will be in place until the new bridge traversing the river is complete. Construction is scheduled to finish in 2028. Stay up to date with the project at ky8bridge.org.

Thomas More’s conservation concert fundraiser returns

vides,” said Dr. Kendall Simon, biology field station manager. “Large-scale murals like this help bridge the gap between art and science and inspire visitors to think more broadly about their relationship with the natural world.”

The event is family friendly. Tickets begin at $15, and kids ages 5 and younger get in for free.

How to apply for Covington’s homeowner repair program

The City of Covington is now accepting applications for its homeowner repair program, which provides funding to make home repairs to owners of single-family homes in the city who qualify. Grants of up to $10,000 are available.

“Funding is intended to assist residents facing emergency repair needs that could jeopardize the health or safety of household members if left unaddressed,” according to a city announcement.

You will need to make an account by clicking on the “Sign up now” link at the top of the page if you have never used the portal before.

Independence to buy vacant lot to realign road using county grant

The Independence City Council voted July 6 to purchase a vacant lot at the intersection of Cox and Taylor Mill roads with the hopes of realigning the road to make it safer.

The city plans to use money it obtained from the Kenton County Community Redevelopment Fund to complete the project, and there are no plans to redevelop the site after the realignment, according to Mayor Chris Reinersman.

“We’ve had a terrible line of sight problem,” Reinersman said, “but simply acquiring that property, I think, will allow us to correct some of that.”

The intersection turns at an odd angle, and the realignment will aim to convert the turns at the intersection into something closer to right angles.

TANK changed State Route

Eligible repairs include the following, according to the city:

bridge detour route

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, or TANK, made several changes to its Licking River Link route beginning July 11.

The route was instituted following the demolition of the Fourth Street Bridge (officially called the State Route 8 Bridge) and is offered to riders for free.

The route’s existing stops in Covington did not change, however, several changes are taking place in Newport. A complete loop of the route takes about 30 minutes. It operates on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Thomas More University’s third annual concert to raise funds for conservation on the Ohio River will take place at the Thomas More Biology Field Station on July 25.

Dubbed “Raisin’ Hellbenders on the River: Concert for Conservation,” the event will feature live music performances and the unveiling of a new mural from Thomas More alumnus and artist-in-residence Michael Thompson.

“The biology field station was one of my favorite parts of my time at Thomas More University, and I’m thrilled to return and collaborate with one of the university’s gems,” said Thompson. “This mural celebrates our treasured river ecosystem, and I hope it will remain an iconic part of the landscape for years to come.”

A hellbender is a salamander species native to the Ohio River Basin. They’re sensitive to changes in the ecosystem, so their presence in a river or stream often signals good water quality. They’re among the species the field station focuses on conserving.

“We encourage visitors of all ages to engage with our education and research programs while enjoying the beauty of the Ohio River and the recreational opportunities it pro-

• Actively leaking roofs

• Fallen or damaged gutters and downspouts

• HVAC systems and furnaces

• Water and sewer line repairs

• Water heaters

• Hazardous or inoperable electrical outlets and fuse systems

• Modifications to aid in building accessibility

• Lead-based paint hazards identified by the Northern Kentucky Health Department

Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to qualify, applicants must own a single-family home in the city and have a household income of 60% or less than the area median income: a maximum of $46,200 for a single-person household or a maximum of $65,940 for a four-person household.

Applicants must provide income documentation for all members of the household and cannot have received funding from the home repair program in the last five years. Veterans, seniors, people with disabilities and households with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income will be given priority.

Apply online using the city’s

The city received $1 million from the county fund to perform the work. It must contribute $100,000 of city money to the project in order to access the funds.

The mayor said the city could possibly install a sign advertising the adjacent shopping center in the future, but stated the city did not intend to sell the land to developers.

Kenton County Planning Commission elects new treasurer

Maura Snyder was elected to serve as the new treasurer for the Kenton County Planning Commission on July 7. Snyder is the Independence representative on the commission and will assume the role following the retirement of former Treasurer Phil Ryan.

“I’m just excited to help the planning commission and keep things going in the right direction,” Snyder said.

“She’s been the long-standing Indepen-

Maura Snyder. Photo provided | Kenton County Planning Commission

Kids observe hellbenders at the Thomas More University Biological Field Station in California. Photo provided | Thomas More University

The tower in Goebel Park. Photo provided | City of Covington

A house in Covington. Photo provided | City of Covington

The vacant lot at the intersection of Cox and Taylor Mill roads in Independence. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

TANK’s Licking River Link bus route, effective July 11, 2026. Map provided | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6

dence rep, and there’s a lot of work,” said Planning Commission Chair Brian Dunham, who was the one who nominated Snyder for the position. “As we all know, Independence is a hotbed of development, just because that’s where land and infrastructure is located, and she does a lot of work.”

The position is elected from within the planning commission, rather than through a popular ballot measure. The July 7 vote was cast by acclamation — with a single voice vote as a group, instead of a one-byone tally. There was no opposition.

“Thank you for your vote of confidence,” Snyder told the commission members upon being elected.

Elsmere approves design contract for new public works building

The City of Elsmere will enter into a design contract with SHP Architecture and Design for a new public works building.

On July 14, Elsmere City Council unanimously approved the design and proposed budget of $6.4 million for the project, intended to house all public works offices and vehicles under one roof at 717 Bedinger St., next to Woodside Park.

“So, you have the current site and the combination of a couple of out buildings, if you will,” said SHP Director of Development Steve Kenat. “They’re constantly playing jumble tag with various pieces of equipment.”

Public works employees and vehicles currently reside at both 513 Ash St. and 496 Ash St. Not all vehicles are housed under one single roof, leaving uncovered vehicles outside to weather more quickly. Equipment can get scrambled behind trucks and other vehicles, Kenat said, taking time out of the day to move things in and out to reach the intended items.

“We really want to make sure that this space was going to be well-organized, not only for the vehicles, but also for the staff,” Kenat said. “It needs to be a space that is constant care and feeding, providing support for the citizens of Elsmere.”

The new building is proposed to be around 20,000 square feet; 18,000 square feet will be dedicated to housing vehicles and another 6,000 square feet for office space. The design also includes designated bathrooms, showers and locker rooms for staff, alongside a small break room and a multi-purpose meeting room.

Internally, all vehicles will be housed under one roof with an easy flow of traffic so as not to disturb the nearby park and residents. The building will also have a designated vehicle maintenance bay and vehicle washing station.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Elsmere Public Works Director Chris Zerhusen.

City council members were also presented with statute KRS 65.025(1)(e), or Best Value Selection statute, from Ben Hyden, attorney and partner for Bricker Graydon Wyatt. According to Kentucky legislation, the

statute means “a procurement in which the decision is based on the primary objective of meeting the specific business requirements and best interests of the local government.”

Standards for cost, quality, and service are explicitly stated. Oftentimes, a construction manager is named on the project to help oversee and evaluate progress as needed.

“It’s definitely a needed thing for the city based on how much you’ve grown and the equipment that you have,” said Council Member Andrew Myatt. “Having everything under one roof in a correct place and grab and go is going to save you guys time and time is money in this.”

Independence re-reads new parking ordinance

Independence performed a first reading of revisions to its parking regulations.

The new first reading follows discussions from last month in which the council made several revisions to a previous ordinance that had already gone through a first reading. The city’s legal department recommended a new first reading after the changes.

Conversations about parking regulations began in November last year after a city resident, Dan Burgey, brought his concerns to the city council. Burgey is a volunteer with the Independence Citizens’ Police

Academy alumni association and a member of the homeowners association maintenance committee in Independence’s Manor Hill neighborhood.

He told the city council in November that he’d observed issues on city-owned streets in his neighborhood, which he argued met the city’s legal definition of a nuisance and that the HOA has no jurisdiction over.

Specifically, Burgey was concerned about abandoned vehicles or vehicles parked on public streets for extended periods. The council deferred to the police department to clean up its ordinance in January, and the new ordinance, which contains numerous revisions, new language and definitions and enforcement mechanisms, reflects the concern about excessive parking times and abandoned vehicles.

City Attorney Jack Gatlin previously stated the ordinance was “probably one of the most robust parking ordinances that I have seen in Northern Kentucky.”

The changes in the July 6 version of the ordinance included clarifications about parking on roundabouts (you can’t do it), stipulations on camera evidence for reporting violations, and the correction of several clerical inconsistencies.

The council will perform a final vote on the new regulations at its meeting on Aug. 3.

We gave you the 50 greatest sports icons from Northern Kentucky last summer. Since we had so much fun with that, we’re bringing you another list of the 50 greatest things this summer: The 50 greatest prep sports teams from NKY.

Each day for the next 50 days, we’ll release one of the area’s 50 greatest prep sports teams. It began June 22 and runs into the first few days of August. This is not a ranking from No. 1 to 50, it’s just a collection of the 50 best sports teams ever assembled.

We’ll preface this by saying you may or may not agree with all 50 and that’s fine. Sports editor Evan Dennison assembled a panel of dedicated NKY sports fans to weigh in and give their takes on who should be on the list. We trust those people because of their history and knowledge of the game in NKY. We compiled numerous lists and identified

50 greatest NKY prep sports teams in 50 days: Days 8-17

the most certain candidates for inclusion.

Some of the traits we sought in these teams were state championships (almost certainly a requirement), dominance and standout players and coaches. We may have cheated a little by lumping some dominant teams together that achieved numerous consecutive state titles, but that gives a few more teams an opportunity to be recognized.

I hope you enjoy this, as summer is the off-season for high school sports. This list serves as a way to remember the past a little and keep you entertained daily as it continues.

Another note, while we respect and give coverage to golf, tennis, track and field, wrestling, cross country, bowling and others, we consider those individual sports, so any of those teams will not make the list. Here we go!

COMMISSIONER’S SALE

CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-01158 DIVISION 2

THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY VS.

NOLAN RECHTIN, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/16/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 904 Columbia Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 30178/A3 & 30178/A4

PIDN: 999-99-00-716.00

For much of the late 2000s, Holmes was the standard in NKY boys basketball. The 2009 Bulldogs represented the peak of that run, finishing 36-2, winning the 9th Region title and capturing the state championship under head coach David Henley.

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00292

DIVISION 1

FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VS.

EMILI WITT, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 10/3/2025 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

229 3rd Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074

Group No: 30577/A1

PIDN: 999-99-09-478.00

CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00580 DIVISION 2

PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS.

TEDDY SINCLAIR JR., ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/26/2026

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

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 6 Apple Blossom Lane, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001

Group No: 70299/A2

PIDN: 999-99-25-587.00

Holmes dominated throughout the season, posting a 17-1 record against 9th Region competition and closing the year on a 13-game winning streak. The Bulldogs entered the postseason battle-tested and continued to prove themselves on Kentucky’s biggest stage. Their championship run culminated in a memorable 67-63 double-overtime victory over Central in the Sweet 16 title game, with Ricardo Johnson earning tournament MVP honors.

The title was the crowning achievement of an era led by Henley, who finished his career with 511 victories and ranks among a select group of Kentucky coaches with both 500 wins and a state championship. During a five-year stretch, Holmes won four 9th Region championships and reached three consecutive Sweet 16 Final Fours, a feat no Kentucky school has matched since. It took a future pro to stop them from being backto-back champs, losing to Darius Miller

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00852 DIVISION 2

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC VS.

PHILLIP ROY AKA PHILLIP C. ROY, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 2/16/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

79 Southview Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075

Group No: 41004/A1

PIDN: 999-99-16-647.00

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00055 DIVISION 1

BLUESTONE HOLDINGS, LLC VS.

JEFF KREBS, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 5/27/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 112 West 4th Street, Silver Grove, Kentucky 41085

Group No: 70368/A2

PIDN: 999-99-28-100.00

Day 8 – 2009 Holmes boys basketball

Best basketball team ever out of NKY? The 2009 Holmes Bulldogs certainly have their case.

and the Mason County Royals in the 2008 championship game.

The Bulldogs were loaded with talent. Johnson led the way during the championship run before continuing his career at Ohio University. Today, he serves as the boys basketball coach at Holy Cross. Elijah Pittman developed into a standout at Marshall, averaging 17.1 points per game over two collegiate seasons, while Brandon Housley spent a season at Cincinnati State before finishing his career at Thomas More. Jamel Riley rounded out a veteran core that made Holmes one of the state’s most complete teams.

More than a decade later, the 2009 Holmes Bulldogs remain one of the benchmark teams in NKY boys basketball history.

Day 9 – 1991 Beechwood football

The start of the dynasty under Mike Yeagle began in 1991 for the Beechwood football team. This was the first of a four-peat for the Tigers in Class A, the first high school football coach in the state ever to do so. The success of the 1991 team laid the groundwork for future championships and solidified Beechwood’s reputation in high school football.

During the 1990s, Beechwood became the

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00144 DIVISION 2

state’s most successful football program, compiling a remarkable 125-15 record and winning seven state championships during the decade. The 1991 team was the group that started it all, going 15-0 and defeating Pikeville in the Class A state championship, 34-6.

The contingent from the Beechwood folks is one of the top three teams ever fielded in Beechwood football history. (You’ll see the other two at a later date.)

Craig Wilmhoff was the quarterback, Brandon Berger and Joey Johnson were the offensive rushing weapons. Berger ran for three touchdowns and 271 yards in the state championship game. Wilmhoff was a finalist for Mr. Football. He finished fourth in program history in passing yards, fifth in total offense, fourth in touchdown pass-

KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VS. VIANEY EVELIN LECHUGA ORTEGA, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/3/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE

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

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

56 Woodland Hills Drive, Unit 4, Southgate, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 41642/C4

PIDN: 999-99-10-443.00

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00460 DIVISION 2

ATHENE ANNUITY AND LIFE COMPANY VS.

MI REAL ESTATE LLC, AN INDIANA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/26/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 401 10th Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074

Group No: 41546/A2

PIDN: 999-99-08-909.00

es and eighth in total yards before going on to play at Eastern Kentucky University. Berger also attended EKU and was a multisport athlete who eventually made the Major Leagues with the Kansas City Royals, playing outfield for the club from 200104. Berger finished as the Tigers all-time leading rusher with 4,729 yards, second all-time in touchdowns with 73 and fourth in total offense with 5,699 yards. Johnson, Charlie Mescher and Keith Schilling helped man the defense.

The Tigers were more than just a dominant Class A program. Beechwood routinely scheduled and defeated schools from larger classifications, including several Northern Kentucky heavyweights, a philosophy that became a hallmark of Yeagle’s teams and helped cement the Tigers’ reputation as one of the state’s elite programs regardless of class.

Day 10 – 1954 Newport Central Catholic baseball

During the first decade of Kentucky state baseball competition, few programs enjoyed more success than Newport Central Catholic. The 1954 Thoroughbreds continued that tradition with another state championship under Jim Connor.

NewCath’s title run was a dominant one.

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00019 DIVISION 1

EVERETT LAKE HOLDINGS, LLC VS.

BROCOL PROPERTIES, LLC, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/18/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE

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

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

327 West 11th Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 41454/A1

PIDN: 999-99-04-414.00

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00292 DIVISION 2

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VS.

KATHRYN ANNE PIRMAN, AS EXECUTRIX TO THE ESTATE OF LESLIE CAROL BAXTER, ET AL.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 10384 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001

Group No: 70240/D1

PIDN: 999-99-23-389.00

The Thoroughbreds outscored opponents 18-4 during the state tournament and recorded two shutouts along the way. Their championship game was perhaps their most impressive performance, a 6-0 victory over Male that secured the state crown. The title was NewCath’s third state championship and one of four won during a remarkable 10-year span that also included championships in 1946, 1950 and 1956.

The Thoroughbreds featured a talented roster led by Frank Pangallo, Jack Woods, Larry Uebel, Dave Brockman and Jim Weyer. Ralph Carr, Dick Hehman, Carl Volpenheim and Paul Meyer earned All-Tournament Team honors for their performances throughout the state tournament.

Several members of the team would go on to leave lasting impacts on NKY athletics.

Continues on page 12

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00979 DIVISION 2

KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VS. DARWIN SIMPSON, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 6/24/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 8/11/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 30 Woodland Hills Drive, Unit 1, Southgate, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 41642/E4

PIDN: 999-99-11-397.00

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

Pangallo later joined Connor in the 9th Region Baseball Hall of Fame, while Weyer spent nearly four decades coaching baseball and men’s basketball at Thomas More. Carr continued his athletic career at Villa Madonna College, where he played both baseball and basketball.

At the center of it all was Connor, one of the most accomplished coaches in Kentucky sports history. Connor, a World War II veteran who participated in the D-Day operation, built a coaching career that spanned more than four decades across the high school and collegiate ranks. His success at NewCath included three state baseball championships in 1950, 1954 and 1956, helping establish the Thoroughbreds as one of Kentucky’s premier programs during the sport’s formative years.

Day 11 – 1982 Highlands football

They said this team’s helmets were made of cement. They were that tough. The 1982 Highlands football team finished nationally ranked in the USA TODAY Top 25, going 15-0 and outscoring opponents 422-79. They’re labeled one of the stingiest defenses in program history.

They were led by Jeff Kremer, John Bankamper and coached by legendary Bill Herrmann. They defeated 4A champ Christian County in the regular season (four class system at the time, Birds were 3A).

Jim Ulbricht was the tight end who played both ways like Kremer and Tony Dougherty and Mark Cottingham were also defensive standouts along with David Fischer at nose guard.

“We’ll hit you the first play, the 14th play, the 24th play and the 44th play,” Herrmann said after their 23-13 victory over Christian County. “And the final play.”

They had some close calls outside of beating Christian County. They defeated rival Covington Catholic 13-7 in the second round of the playoffs and beat Franklin-Simpson 6-0 in the Class 3A state championship.

The 1982 team represented the peak of Highlands’ early-1980s dynasty. The Bluebirds won their third straight state championship and capped a remarkable three-year run in which they established themselves as Kentucky’s premier program. Their blend of physicality, defensive dominance and success against larger schools still makes the 1982 squad a measuring stick for greatness at Highlands decades later.

Looking back on the 2019 Ryle roster, it’s easy to see why the Lady Raiders became state champions.

Coached by Katie Haitz, the Lady Raiders went 33-5 overall, including a 14-1 mark against 9th Region opponents and a 7-1 record in the 33rd District. They never lost back-to-back games all season and entered the postseason playing their best

THE WEEKLY COMIC

basketball, closing the year on an 11-game winning streak.

Ryle rolled through the postseason, winning by an average of 22 points per game, with all but one victory coming by double digits. The championship run ended with the program’s first state title, making the Lady Raiders only the second girls basketball team from the 9th Region to win a Kentucky state championship.

At the center of that success was a trio that would eventually continue their careers at the Division I level. Lauren Schwartz led the team at 19.2 points per game, Maddie Scherr averaged 15.1 and Brie Crittendon added 11.6, giving Ryle one of the state’s most talented offensive groups. Role players Jaiden Douthit, Juliet McGregor and Austin Johnson also played vital parts in the championship DNA.

Scherr later starred at Oregon, Kentucky, and TCU, starting 105 Division I games while earning Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2019 and 2020 and Kentucky Miss Basketball recognition in 2020. Crittendon went on to play at Eastern Kentucky before transferring to Utah Tech, where she posted a career-best scoring season. Schwartz began her career at Rice before transferring to Washington, where she developed into a consistent double-figure scorer, averaging double figures in three of her five collegiate seasons.

The careers that followed for Schwartz, Scherr and Crittendon underscore what made the 2019 Lady Raiders so special: a championship team built around a trio that would all go on to play Division I basketball.

Day 13 – 1987 Boone County football

For much of the fall of 1987, Boone County appeared destined to capture the state football championship.

The Rebels entered the season motivated

by Andrew Buchanan

by a loss in the Class 4A state championship game the year before and responded with the program’s first undefeated regular season. Under legendary head coach Owen Hauck, Boone County went 10-0, spent much of the season ranked No. 1 in Kentucky and established itself as one of the state’s most dominant teams.

The Rebels combined a punishing rushing attack with a defense that thrived on creating turnovers. Boone County rushed for 4,258 yards and averaged 33 points per game. John Ransdell led the offense with 1,687 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while Tony Law added 1,008 yards and 11 scores on just 115 carries. Jon Smith nearly gave the Rebels a third 1,000-yard rusher, finishing with 966 yards and a team-high 21 touchdowns. Quarterback Phil Dinn directed the offense before continuing his career at Morehead State.

Defensively, Boone County was just as impressive. The Rebels recorded 27 interceptions and forced 37 turnovers while allowing only five passing touchdowns all season. All-state linebacker Dave Trosper led the way with 181 tackles, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Law added a staggering 25.5 sacks.

Boone County entered the state championship unbeaten after winning their first three playoff games by an average of 29 points. Facing Shelby County, a team they had beaten 28-0 during the regular season, the Rebels fell behind 17-0 before rallying

Day 12 – 2019 Ryle girls basketball

with 14 fourth-quarter points. The comeback came up just short in a 17-14 defeat.

Although the championship eluded them, the 1987 Rebels remain one of Northern Kentucky’s most celebrated teams and are often considered the greatest squad never to win a state title.

Day 14 – 1981 St. Henry volleyball

As Kentucky high school volleyball was establishing itself, NKY was setting the standard. In 1981, St. Henry captured the third KHSAA state volleyball championship and became the third consecutive NKY school to win the title.

Coached by Katie Wesseling, the Crusaders finished 32-7 and entered the state tournament among Kentucky’s top teams. Their championship journey, however, was anything but straightforward. After an early loss to two-time defending state runner-up Our Lady of Providence, St. Henry battled their way back through the tournament with six straight victories.

The run culminated at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, where the Crusaders earned a rematch with Our Lady of Providence in the state championship match. This time, St. Henry left little doubt, winning 15-13, 15-6 to claim the title.

The team was led by twin sisters Kathy Tepe Bessler and Wendy Tepe Tobergte, who went on to star at Miami (Ohio). Both surpassed 1,000 career kills, earned multiple First Team All-MAC honors and were inducted into the Miami Hall of Fame in 1994. Their accomplishments also earned them recognition as the first two inductees into the St. Henry Hall of Fame.

The championship’s influence extended well beyond 1981. Current St. Henry volleyball coach Maureen Kaiser, who later guided the Crusaders to the 2021 state championship, was a freshman on the junior varsity team. Wesseling also helped shape the future of the sport by building the NKY Volleyball Club into one of the region’s premier programs.

More than four decades later, the 1981 Crusaders remain a foundational team in Kentucky high school volleyball history.

Day 15 – 2021 Beechwood football

By the end of the 2021 season, opponents weren’t so much trying to beat Beechwood as they were trying to survive four quarters. The Tigers outscored opponents 689104 on their way to a perfect 15-0 record and a Class 2A state championship.

Coached by Noel Rash, Beechwood domi-

nated on both sides of the ball. The Tigers averaged 45.9 points per game, the highest in Kentucky, while allowing just 6.9 points per contest, the lowest in the state. They also led Kentucky in scoring margin, recorded five shutouts and held opponents to just 446 rushing yards all season. Only two teams finished within single digits, including Lexington Christian in the state title game.

The road to perfection included wins over two Class 5A teams and two Class 6A programs despite Beechwood competing in Class 2A. The postseason featured a 38-7 semifinal win over Mayfield before a dramatic 23-21 victory over previously unbeaten Lexington Christian in the state final. Jake Conrad drilled a 36-yard field goal with under two minutes left for the win.

At the center of it all was Cam Hergott, one of the most accomplished players in Beechwood history. The future Eastern Kentucky University signee accounted for more than 4,100 yards of total offense, throwing for 2,323 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for 1,811 yards and 29 scores. Hergott earned state championship MVP honors and capped a career that included three state titles and a shared Mr. Football honor in 2020.

Beechwood’s talent extended beyond its star quarterback. Mitchell Berger added more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns, while Avery Courtney contributed 11 rushing scores. Xavier Campbell anchored the defense with 12 sacks.

The 2021 Tigers stood at the center of Beechwood’s run of three consecutive state championships from 2020-22.

Day 16 – 2002 Covington Catholic baseball

By the time the final out in the 2002 KHSAA state title was recorded, the Covington Catholic Colonels had secured their place among the greatest teams in NKY high school baseball history.

CovCath finished 40-3, tying for the second-most wins in Kentucky high school baseball history and posting what was recognized as the nation’s best record that season. The Colonels went 28-1 against 9th Region opponents, scored double-digit runs in 17 games and steamrolled through the postseason, outscoring opponents 7015 while recording three shutouts.

It was the culmination of legendary coach Bill Krumpelbeck’s career.

Krumpelbeck guided the Colonels to the only state championship of his Hall of Fame career, defeating Louisville Trinity 5-3 in the state title game. Krumpelbeck would eventually finish his career with 1,149 victories, the second-most in KHSAA history.

The Colonels were powered by an exceptional pitching staff that posted a team ERA below 3.00. At the front was All-State player Rob Harmon, a towering 6-foot-7 right-hander who went a perfect 13-0 with a microscopic 0.76 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 79 innings. He later pitched at Ohio and Arkansas-Little Rock, eventually being selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 33rd round of the 2006 MLB Draft.

Mark Bogenschutz provided another ace for the Colonels, finishing 10-2 with a 2.08 ERA and throwing a complete game in the state championship victory, continuing his career at Northern Kentucky University.

At the top of the lineup, leadoff hitter Sean Ryan set the tone. The future Eastern Kentucky University player was named state tournament MVP and remains Covington Catholic’s career leader in batting average and hits. Ryan, Harmon and Bogenschutz were all named to the state tournament all-tournament team.

More than two decades later, the 2002 Colonels remain the gold standard of Northern Kentucky baseball.

Day 17 – 1957 Highlands football

Before the Kentucky High School Athletic Association introduced a football playoff system, Highlands was already building a

championship tradition.

The 1957 Bluebirds authored a perfect 11-0 season, outscoring opponents 411-44. Their dominance culminated with a 20-6 victory over Danville in the Rotary Bowl at Covington Holmes Stadium, securing what was recognized as Highlands’ third mythical state championship in the pre-playoff era.

The architect behind the undefeated campaign was legendary head coach Homer Rice, one of the most influential figures in Kentucky football history. Rice guided Highlands from 1954-61, compiling a 7111-6 record that included three undefeated seasons, five NKAC championships and a 50-game winning streak. His innovative offensive concepts helped earn him recognition as a pioneer of the air-option offense. Rice later coached at Kentucky, Oklahoma, Cincinnati and with the Cincinnati Bengals before becoming a prominent athletic director at North Carolina and Georgia Tech.

Rice’s staff included future Hall of Fame coach Owen Hauck, who began as a Highlands assistant in 1954 before eventually becoming one of Kentucky high school football’s most successful coaches.

The 1957 squad was powered by several standout athletes.

Team captain Bill Straub earned All-NKAC honors at quarterback before playing at Kentucky and Western Kentucky and later becoming a highly successful assistant coach, highlighted by seven state championships at Moeller. Co-captain Gary Cochran was an All-State selection and NKAC All-Star who later played fullback at Kentucky. Denny McAtee, a defensive back and multi-sport standout, captained football, golf and swimming, earned Highlands’ Most Outstanding Athlete award and later entered the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame.

Miss Days 1-7? Check out the July 3 edition of the LINK Reader! We’ll bring all 50 to you over the next couple of weeks.

Address: 1406 Greenup St., Covington

Price: $419,900

Bedrooms: Three

Bathrooms: Two (plus one half bath)

Square footage: 2,985 square feet

School district: Covington Independent Public Schools

County: Kenton

Special features: This renovated three-story brick home in Covington blends historic character with modern design in a highly walkable neighborhood. Features include exposed brick, soaring ceilings, a brandnew kitchen, flexible living space, zoned heating and cooling and a private deck for outdoor entertaining. The home offers nearly 3,000 square feet of updated living space with industrial-inspired finishes throughout.

Urban oasis in Covington

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• Kenton County Joint Board of Adjustment

• Larry Dillon, Boone County Master Commissioner

• Northern Kentucky Port Authority

• Northern Kentucky Water District

• Planning & Development Services of Kenton County

• The Baker Firm PLLC

• The Hidden Chapter Bookstore LLC

The exterior of this Kenton County home. Photos by Holly Nally | Huff Realty – Florence

The kitchen inside this Covington home.

This home has a range of deck spaces.

Edited by Margie E. Burke

The Weekly Crossword

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 1 3 4 2 6 3

Answer to Previous Sudoku:

Answer to

Montpelier's

Former German

of state Argentina

"Piece of cake",

Poetic adverb e.g. 11 Purveyor of

Overly eager periodicals

Hosiery thread

carol

Cafeteria imple-

Defense ment acronym