Issuu

KENTON

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 38— AUGUST 21, 2026

THE VOICE OF NKY

linknky.com

Driver sentenced to 10 years in Gloria San Miguel’s death released early By Haley Parnell

he man who pleaded guilty to striking and killing a cyclist in 2022 on the 11th Street Bridge has been released on parole and filed a motion for the return of his belongings, including the truck he was driving when he fatally struck Gloria San Miguel. San Miguel was riding her bike on the 11th Street Bridge between Newport and Covington when Mark Phipps struck and killed her on Aug. 20, 2022. Phipps, 61 at the time, pled guilty in July of that year to second-degree manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence, leaving the scene of an accident and driving on a suspended license. hipps was sentenced to 10 years in prison P in 2023, which was the maximum sentence permitted by law; however, according to Campbell County Commonwealth Attorney Michael Zimmerman, a second-degree manslaughter charge at that time had a Continues on page 3

A photo of Gloria San Miguel rests on a memorial table inside the community room of Roebling Books & Coffee in Covington. San Miguel was killed in a hitand-run accident on Aug. 20, 2022. Photo by Kaitlin Gebby | LINK nky

Amazon’s CVG hub celebrates five years as cornerstone of global cargo network By Kenton Hornbeck

mazon Air is celebrating the fiveyear anniversary of its North American Superhub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the company’s largest field operations facility on Earth. In 2019, former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos made a surprise visit to the site for the superhub’s groundbreaking, promising that the forthcoming complex would create 2,000 jobs and cut average Amazon Prime delivery times from two days to one.

Amazon Director of North America, Amazon Air, John Gyllenhammer, speaks at the company’s five year anniversary party for its CVG superhub. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky

Two years later, Amazon Air cut the ribbon on its $1.5 billion cargo facility on the CVG campus in Hebron. Today, the 800,000-square-foot facility has created

more than 4,000 local jobs — double Bezos’ goal — processed more than 1.5 billion packages, and supports more than three dozen daily Prime Air flights. Over 1,300 associates report to Amazon’s CVG campus daily. To commemorate the anniversary, Amazon hosted a celebration for its employees outside the facility on Aug. 5, featuring a cover band, food, games and speeches from executives. Amazon’s director of operations at CVG, Mike Berg, declared that Amazon has invested more than $30 billion in Boone County since the superhub project was announced. “That’s the ripple effect in action, not just

Covington to join class-action lawsuit over firefighter exposure p5 Alexandria considers updated rules for e-bikes, e-scooters p6 Meet your Kenton County Schools superintendent p7

Continues on page 4

Want to get NKY news every day? Subscribe to our email newsletters

SCAN ME!

LINK Partners and have thrown their full support behind us. These NKY institutions are helping bring a voice back to our community.

We are grateful to all LINK’s Partners - those organizations in the community who believe strongly in what we are doing,

2 AUGUST 21, 2026

Member FDIC

Continued from page 1

20% parole eligibility under the law. “We pursued and got the maximum sentence permitted by law for the charge, and then subsequent to that, we actively opposed his parole,” Zimmerman told LINK nky. PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meghan Goth COMMUNITY EDITOR Christian LeDuc SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison The LINK nky Kenton Reader, (ISSN 3064-7460) is published weekly except 1st Friday in Jan & July by LINK Media, LLC., 7766 Ewing Blvd., Suite 350, Florence, KY 41042. Periodicals postage is paid at Florence, KY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The LINK nky Kenton Reader, 523 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor, Covington, KY 41011. 859-878-1669 | www.LINKnky.com

HAVE A TIP? News@LINKnky.com WANT TO ADVERTISE? Marketing@LINKnky.com

WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? Send a check for $58.30 ($55 non-auto-renewing rate plus 6% Kentucky sales tax) to LINK nky 523 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor Covington, KY 41011 or scan this QR code below

Love what we're doing? Want to support public-interest journalism in Northern Kentucky? Make a tax-deductible donation to support our work. Scan the QR code below, or mail a check payable to the Northern Kentucky Community Journalism Fund to 50 East Rivercenter Blvd. Suite 431, Covington, KY 41011.

t the time of sentencing in 2023, Phipps A was given the sentence of 10 years for second-degree manslaughter, five years on each count of tampering with physical evidence, leaving the scene of an accident and 12 months for driving while his license was suspended for a DUI aggravator by Campbell County Circuit Court Judge Julie Reinhardt Ward. Those sentences ran concurrently. hipps had already served 376 days and P received credit for that toward his sentencing. hipps’ mandatory supervision date began P June 9.

Gloria San Miguel was killed in August 2022 after she was struck riding her bike across the 11th Street Bridge connecting Newport and Covington. Photo provided | Vision Zero Cincinnati

hrough his attorney, Phipps filed a motion T on Aug. 4, asking for the return of items in evidence, including but not limited to his truck and tools that were in the truck. Ward is scheduled to hear the motion on Aug. 7 at 9 a.m. INK nky reached out to that attorney for L comment but has not yet heard back.

SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS Subscribe. Donate. Advertise.

Gloria San Miguel (right), pictured with her daughter, Luna. Photo provided | Roebling Books & Coffee

NOTICE

No part of this publication may be used without permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please let us know and accept our sincere apologies in advance.

SCAN HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW

Or call (859) 878-1669 to subscribe today!

FOR SALE 2008 Suzuki 600 GSXR VIN: JS1GN7EA082106940 For $30,506.98 For repair and storage that owner Rick Cieslik owes Honda of Florence and Collins Powersports, 6507 Dixie Hwy, Florence KY 41042 (859) 371-1212

Please take notice that, no sooner than August 14, 2026, Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. will apply to the Kentucky Public Service Commission for approval to revise its Demand Side Management (DSM) rate, KYPSC No. 2, Sheet No. 78 for electric service for residential and commercial customers, proposed to become effective on and after September 14, 2026. Duke Energy Kentucky’s current monthly DSM rate for residential electric customers is $0.005514 per kilowatt-hour and for non-residential customers is $0.001154 per kilowatthour for distribution service and $0.000053 per kilowatt-hour for transmission service. Duke Energy Kentucky seeks approval to revise these rates as follows: Duke Energy Kentucky’s monthly DSM rate for residential electric customers would increase to $0.005612 per kilowatt-hour and for nonresidential customers would increase to $0.001195 per kilowatt-hour for distribution service and would remain at $0.000053 per kilowatt-hour for transmission service. The rate contained in this notice is the rate proposed by Duke Energy Kentucky. However, the Public Service Commission may order a rate to be charged that differs from this proposed rate. Such action may result in a rate for consumers other than the rate in this notice. The foregoing rates reflect a proposed increase in electric revenues of approximately $0.24 million or 0.05% over current total electric revenues. A typical residential electric customer using 1000 kWh in a month will see an increase of $0.09 or 0.1%. A typical non-residential electric customer using 40 kilowatts and 14,000 kWh will see an increase of $0.56 or 0.0%. Non-residential customers served at transmission voltage will see no change. Any corporation, association, body politic or person may by motion within thirty (30) days after publication or mailing of notice of the proposed rate changes, submit a written request to intervene to the Public Service Commission, 211 Sower Boulevard, P.O. Box 615, Frankfort, Kentucky 40602, and shall set forth the grounds for the request including the status and interest of the party. The intervention may be granted beyond the thirty (30) day period for good cause shown. If the Commission does not receive a written request for intervention within thirty (30) days of the initial publication of the notice, the Commission may take final action on the tariff filing. Written comments regarding the proposed rate may be submitted to the Public Service Commission by mail or through the Public Service Commission’s website. A copy of this application filed with the Public Service Commission is available for public inspection at Duke Energy Kentucky’s office at 1262 Cox Road, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018 and on its website at http://www.duke-energy.com. This filing and any other related documents can be found on the Public Service Commission’s website at http://psc.ky.gov and are available for inspection at the Commission’s offices at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

AUGUST 21, 2026 3

Continued from page 1

for Amazon, but for every business, every family and every community that benefits when this operation of scale puts down roots and stays committed to the local community,” Berg said. “And what makes all this possible? This growth, this innovation, this impact on sellers and customers … is the incredible people of this building and the community that surrounds it.” Berg described Amazon’s CVG superhub as the “crown jewel” of the company’s air division, as its scale has a disproportionate impact on the company’s global operations. “This is the crown jewel of Amazon Air, and this is the most prominent, largest operation we have in the entire world, located right here in Northern Kentucky,” Berg told LINK nky. “What makes it different is the size, the scale, the amount of impact that we’re able to have because of this.” Amazon’s vice president of Global Air, Raoul Sreenivasan, corroborated Berg’s assessment, stating that the technology and operational systems developed at CVG have helped shape Amazon Air’s broader network. “We have hubs around the country powered by Amazon robotics tools,” Sreenivasan said. “We have tech systems that were built in-house, all to safely deliver that speed and reliability to our customers every single day, and CVG is a key part of that. Without this building, the Amazon Air Network would not be what it is today.”

During the event, Amazon also donated $100,000 to regional charities, including $50,000 to the Life Learning Center and another $50,000 to various organizations across NKY such as the Ion Center, DCCH Center for Children and Families, Go Pantry, Northern Kentucky Harvest and Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky, among others. More broadly, Amazon Air’s presence at CVG has helped restore the airport’s reputation after Delta Air Lines began decoupling from its regional passenger hub following the company’s bankruptcy in 2005. Delta’s gradual dehubbing led to fewer daily flights and the loss of thousands of regional jobs. Amazon’s long-term commitment has helped reposition the airport as a worldwide cargo hub. Coupled with DHL’s presence, the airport has become a logistics powerhouse, enticing numerous aviation, aerospace and logistics firms to set up shop in the region. Moreover, the company has helped generate billions in development for NKY’s economy as a whole. Upper right: One of several Amazon Prime Aircrafts at the CVG Amazon Air Hub. Photo by Grace Tierney | LINK nky Bottom right: From left to right: Kirk Shaffer, associate administrator for airports, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Sarah Rhoads, director, Amazon Air; Jeff Bezos, founder and former CEO, Amazon; Candace McGraw, CEO, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG); Dave Bozeman, vice president, Amazon Transportation Services’ Thomas Massie, United States Congressman (Kentucky District 4).

N K Y• •

PAR NERS �FOR HEALTH

YOUR VOICE

MATTERS NORTHERN KENTUCKY COMMUNITY HEALTH & LIVEWELL ASSESSMENT

SCAN THE QR CODE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4 AUGUST 21, 2026

...... -

Covington to join class-action lawsuit over firefighter exposure to cancer-causing chemicals By Nathan Granger

he City of Covington is now part of a national class-action lawsuit against manufacturers of firefighter protective gear, alleging companies covered up the presence of cancer-causing materials. “Recently, there’s been a national legal effort to seek reimbursement of damages relating to the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighter turnout gear,” Covington City Solicitor Frank Schultz told the Board of Commissioners Aug. 4 before asking the board to approve joining the lawsuit. The move came after the board went into closed session at the beginning of last week’s caucus meeting. After about 10 minutes of deliberations, the board returned to the dais and placed entering into the lawsuit onto the consent agenda for the next legislative meeting. Even though the board did not cast a vote on Aug. 4, the city’s legal department can still begin the process of joining the lawsuit. PFAS, which stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been in use since the 1950s and can be found in a variety of products, including those used as protectants against water, fire and grease. Their chemical structure degrades very slowly over time, thus leading them to be categorized as so-called forever chemicals. They have been linked to multiple health problems, including several forms of cancer, according to the EPA. The high rate of occupational cancers among firefighters is well documented, both locally and nationally, although the cause of such cancers isn’t exclusively due to PFAS exposure. “There’s a high likelihood of cancer in our profession,” Ben Wasson, president of Covington’s fire union, told LINK nky in 2024 for an unrelated story. “Just in the last six years … we’ve lost two brothers from occupational cancer.”

Covington firefighters. Photo provided | Covington Professional Firefighters Local 38

The International Association of Firefighters put the rate of line-of-duty deaths due to occupational cancers among its membership in 2025 at 80%. The specific lawsuit comes out of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, a federal court. Filed in April 2025, the plaintiff in the case is the consolidated county and city government of Butte-Silver Bow, Montana. The defendants are several companies that manufacture firefighter turnout gear — the protective equipment firefighters wear in the course of their jobs — including 3M, Dupont and several of its affiliates. The 274-page complaint alleges that the companies’ products were not only a source of PFAS exposure but also that the companies knew about it and colluded to cover it up. The lawsuit is one of five such federal lawsuits from around the county,

Annual Dinner Presented by:

according to reporting from Courthouse News Service. In July, U.S. District Judge Brian Morris ruled against the company’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, thereby opening it up to class action. “Defendants could not have achieved their goals of selling PFAS and turnout gear containing PFAS if Defendants’ knowledge of the harms of PFAS had been exposed,” Morris writes in his order to deny the dismissal request. “These actions by Defendants, allegedly acting together to conceal the known dangers of PFAS, do not constitute merely normal or ordinary commercial relationships. These allegations indicate a continuing effort of concealment by Defendants.”

Fire Chief Corey Deye declined to comment. However, Mayor Ron Washington sent a written statement to LINK nky after the meeting. “Entering into litigation is not a decision the city of Covington takes lightly,” Washington said. “However, when negligence potentially threatens the health of our firefighters and imposes significant costs on taxpayers, we must take action to protect the city’s interests and pursue every available opportunity to recover those public funds. I look forward to the city taking action to prevent taxpayers from being forced to absorb costs caused by the negligence of others.” The Covington Board of Commissioners voted to enter the lawsuit at their meeting on Aug. 11.

The commissioners did not discuss the case in public at the Aug. 4 meeting, and Title Sponsor

ImageMaker Award Sponsor

Dunlevy Award Sponsor

Devou Cup Award Presented By

Pieschel Award Sponsor

Robinson Award Presented By

Unity Award Sponsor Horizon Award Presented By

Presenting Sponsors Parking Sponsor

Wine Sponsor

Thursday, Sept. 17 5:00 - 8:30 PM NKY Convention Center NKYChamber.com/Events

Reception Sponsors

Centerpiece Sponsor

Photo Booth Sponsor Media Partner

Entertainment Sponsor

AUGUST 21, 2026 5

Alexandria considers updated rules for e-bikes, e-scooters By Haley Parnell

dinance. The ordinance did suggest fines of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $200 for subsequent violations; however, Duncan said the proposal encourages education as an alternative to citations in some circumstances.

lexandria officials are considering an overhaul of the city’s rules governing electric bikes and scooters as they become a more common sight on streets and sidewalks.

“Just like any other ordinance that we have, we want compliance with the ordinance,” Duncan said. “We don’t want their money.”

The city council heard the first reading of the ordinance at its Aug. 6 meeting but did not take any vote. The proposal reflects how transportation technology has changed and attempts to address devices that existing city rules may not adequately cover.

Council Member Tom Baldridge, a member of the city’s safety committee, said the goal was to give police and other city officials a way to encourage compliance, including requirements such as wearing helmets.

Alexandria joins other Northern Kentucky municipalities like Fort Thomas, Florence, Union and Fort Mitchell in discussions on regulating e-bikes and e-scooters. “They’re very popular,” said Alexandria City Attorney Michael Duncan. “Some go faster than others. Some are suitable for sidewalks and walking paths. Some aren’t.” Officials said the ordinance has been reviewed by the city’s safety committee. The proposal replaces portions of older city code with language intended to account for newer types of transportation. “It is very long and detailed,” Duncan said. “We’re getting rid of a lot of language and

Council members acknowledged that the city may need to revisit the rules after seeing how they work in real-world situations. Person rides an e-bike. Photo provided | KBO Bike via Unsplash

replacing it with more modern language that recognizes the devices that are very popular now.” One concern raised during the brief discussion was how the regulations would work in practice, particularly when it comes to enforcement. “I think the hard part is going to be enforce-

ment,” Alexandria Council Member Stacey Graus said. “Now our city police have to not only watch cars on the road, but everybody. You didn’t usually have to watch pedestrians, but now you’ve got to watch all the sidewalks.”

“I think you guys did a great job on it,” Graus said. “I think we’ll have to watch how it plays out in practice, because you may wind up [finding] one of these is more of a problem than another.” The ordinance is expected to return to the council for a second reading and further consideration before a vote on adoption.

Officials emphasized that the purpose of the ordinance is not necessarily to issue tickets to every rider who violates the or-

GET ALL THE HEADLINES DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

SCAN TO SIGN UP

The Weekend LINK SATURDAY MORNINGS The Arts & Events LINK THURSDAYS AT NOON SPONSOR OF THE DAILY LINK:

6 AUGUST 21, 2026

SPONSOR OF THE BUSINESS LINK:

SPONSOR OF THE WEEKEND & SPORTS LINK:

SPONSOR OF THE ARTS & EVENTS LINK:

Meet your superintendent: Kenton County Schools “That’s what brings me joy,” he said.

H A

countability system rules, formally allowing districts to adopt their own local models in addition to the state system, though districts like Kenton County Schools were ahead of that curve.

• E

Y FI F

He didn’t always aspire to the position, but said he realized quickly that leadership multiplied his ability to help kids and staff.

ST. 2020 •

WE’RE TURNING

There’s reminders of that every day and week, but he said graduation is always a special one. During speeches, students thank Kenton County Schools teachers all the way down to the elementary school level, he said.

Dr. Henry Webb. Photo provided | Kenton County Schools

By Lia Salvatierra

enton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Henry Webb views the position as a 24/7 job.

Webb started his education career at Floyd County Schools in eastern Kentucky as a teacher for visually impaired students in 1995, eventually becoming superintendent in 2007. After a decade, he joined Kenton County School District in 2017. This year marks his 19th as a superintendent.

Under his tenure, the district has honed two main goals: its attendance and transition readiness rates, or the district’s measurement of a student’s college or career readiness throughout their education, according to Webb. The aim is 100% for transition readiness and 96.25% attendance. Those have been, and remain, his goalposts every year. Kenton County Schools uses its own “community based accountability system” to measure things like transition readiness, different from the state equivalent of “post-secondary readiness,” he said. This past spring the state changed its ac-

Webb said the district’s transition readiness rate has grown greatly in recent years. According to district data, 96.96% of seniors graduated transition-ready as of May 2025. According to most recently available state data, the district’s post-secondary readiness rate was 89.3% for the 20242025 school year.

FIVE

Kenton County Schools also counts students who graduate with alternative diplomas in its graduation rate measurement, different from the state.

OCTOBER 22ND, 2026 6-9 P.M.

The district had a 99.36% graduation rate in 2025, according to its own measurements and a 98.4% measurement according to the state.

Join us as we celebrate five years of telling Northern Kentucky’s stories — and the community that has made it all possible.

Webb called it a privilege for the district to have support from our parents and community and stakeholders, who also help inform its local accountability model.

WENZEL DISTILLERY

“It’s just an honor to be superintendent here,” he said.

412 MADISON AVE. COVINGTON, KY 41001

TICKETS $55 PER PERSON

Remember your loved one

INCLUDES DRINK TICKETS AND LIGHT BITES. EVERY TICKET SUPPORTS THE NKY COMMUNITY JOURNALISM FUND.

BE THE FIRST TO HEAR WHAT’S NEXT BE AMONG THE FIRST TO HEAR A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT THAT MARKS AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER FOR LINK NKY.

IS NOW OFFERING OBITUARIES

STORIES . IM PACT. HERE’S TO WHAT’S NEXT.

Remember your loved one with an obituary on our website or in our print edition of The LINK Reader

Affordable All-Inclusive Price Convenient SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE AUGUST 21, 2026

kenton county briefs Covington to demolish three deteriorating properties

as Maurice and Jeff Comer, who bought the property in 2001, according to county records.

Congressman compliments NKY’s regional approach in meeting with Covington leaders

nic to suggest Comer should seek the governorship — including Secretary of State Michael Adams, who had been considering a run himself.

1133 Garrard St.

The house to be demolished, located at 1414 Wheeler St. Photo provided | The City of Covington

Covington will demolish three blighted properties in the city, following a vote from the board of commissioners Aug. 11. All of the properties are either abandoned or in states of disrepair. As a result, the structures are not only unsightly, but also a drain on city resources as Covington Public Works is responsible for maintaining the properties in the absence of their owners. Information on the three properties is below. 1414 Wheeler St. This property has been abandoned for 10 years, according to city documents, and has served as a site for abandoned vehicles. The floor is rotten, and the structure is infested with hornets. “Rehabilitation costs would exceed the value of the property,” according to the city’s Neighborhood Services department. The most recent valuation of the house by the Kenton County PVA was $85,000. The current owners are listed

This property has had nine owners since 2006, many of whom are so-called institutional buyers. These are companies that buy up houses with the hopes of reselling them for a profit. The current owner is an LLC called Forty-Nine Properties and Acquisitions, which is based out of a house in Cincinnati, which is, in turn, owned by another company called A5 Real Estate Holdings Corporation. Documents from the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office list Abraham Kuranga and Andrea Eubank as the company’s incorporator and agent, respectively. “At one point the city had to demolish the two-story front porch as it was in danger of collapsing onto the street,” according to city documents. “Currently, the front retaining wall is apparently ready to fail.” Assistant Neighborhood Services Director Walt Mace also attested to the presence of squatters in the past. 2211 Madison Ave. Brandon Bonaccolto bought the house in 2016, according to county property records, but he abandoned it shortly thereafter, according to the city. There are holes in the roof, and the garage door is collapsing. The house “is an extreme blight on the neighborhood, especially since it sits in the gateway to the Madison Avenue business district,” according to the Neighborhood Services Department. “Repairing the structure would be prohibitive as the owner has taken no actions to maintain it since the purchase.”

861 S Collier Blvd Essex S 104 Marco Island, FL for Rent

Adams told the Lantern after the picnic that he views Comer as “the best candidate we’ll have.” On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and former Democratic state House leader Rocky Adkins have launched campaigns. Comer said he would make an announcement related to a gubernatorial run in November after this year’s election, adding the focus now was on the Congressional race. Congressman James Comer (center with red tie) at the meeting with local leaders Aug. 11, 2026. Tornado sires blared throughout the meeting, which went on, despite the weather warnings. Also pictured: Fort Mitchell City Administrator Edwin King (left) and Kenton County Director of External Affairs John Stanton (right). Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Covington leaders met with Congressman James Comer Aug. 11, where the Kentucky District 1 representative complimented Northern Kentucky’s regional approach to infrastructure, transportation, housing and other initiatives. Tornado sirens blared during the meeting, but since city leaders only had a limited time with Comer, they made sure to stay in a safe part of the building, with the fire chief monitoring the radar. The discussion itself centered around infrastructure, transportation, business attraction, housing and workforce development. Comer himself was complimentary of what he characterized as NKY’s regional approach.

Classifieds

2 bath fully furnished condo. 2-bedroom 2-bedroom 2 bath 2 2-bedroom bath fullyfully furnished furnished condo. condo. 3-minute 3-minute walk walk to the to beach. the beach. Full Full size size laundry laundry in condo. in condo. FirstFirst floorfloor covered, covered, assigned assigned parking. parking. Beach Beach towels, towels, cart, chairs chairs &2& bicycles. 2 bicycles. Pricing Pricing & availability & availability 3-minute walk tocart, the beach. upon upon request. request. angie@earlfranksflooring.com angie@earlfranksflooring.com for more for more information. information. SCAN TO

8 AUGUST 21, 2026

Full size laundry in condo. First floor covered, assigned parking. Beach towels, cart, chairs & 2 bicycles. Pricing & availability upon request. For more information, contact: angie@earlfranksflooring.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSIFIEDS

Washington pointed to police recruiting troubles (and issues with recruiting workforce generally) as a key issue for the region. Aubuchon, on the other hand, expressed frustration with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (a point Comer agreed with). Cleves said negligent shortterm rental owners were a key issue, and Hatter talked about the need to shore up the state’s cybersecurity. “When you look at the next four to six years, what do you think are the greatest opportunities for the state?” asked Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. Comer said it was important to convince businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators to set up shop in Kentucky.

“We need to replicate in a lot of the other parts of the state what y’all have done here,” Comer said, as smart phones around the room shrieked weather alerts. “I’ve always been impressed with how the three counties work together, and I think that’s really been a key to your success.”

“That’s what we need to sell in Kentucky, that we’re a business-friendly state,” Comer said.

Comer is a Republican who represents Kentucky District 1 in the House of Representatives. The district has a peculiar shape and encompasses much of the southwestern part of the state and a chunk of the middle part of the state.

“We have a command center set up, and our folks are gathering information on fallen trees and damage assessment and things like that…” said City Manager Sharmili Reddy. “Duke is also working through their process, so there will be coordination between our crews to help residents.”

“It was gerrymandered when I was in college,” Comer said.

861 861 S Collier S Collier BlvdBlvd Essex Essex S 104 S 104 Marco Marco Island Island FL for FL Rent for Rent

Attendees at the meeting included many of the region’s mayors, administrators and local legislators, including Covington Mayor Ron Washington, Florence Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon, Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves and Fort Wright Mayor David Hatter.

Comer formerly served as Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture from 2012 to 2016. He was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2000 to 2012 and unsuccessfully sought a nomination as the Republican candidate for the Kentucky governor’s office in 2015. He entered the office of Kentucky District 1 in the U.S. House in November 2016. He currently serves as the chair of the House Oversight Committee in Washington D.C., a role he’s held since January 2023. Comer is currently seeking reelection to his Congressional seat, yet there’s evidence to suggest he could become the Republican contender for the governor’s race next year. For instance, a plane flew over the Fancy Farm Picnic in Western Kentucky earlier this month saying, “Run, Comer, Run,” according to reporting from the Kentucky Lantern. Most Republicans used their remarks at party events and the pic-

The mayor and city manager addressed the issue of storm damage later that night at the Board of Commissioners meeting.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with our community as there’s property damage,” said Washington later in the evening. “At this time, there’s no reported injuries.” McKenna Horsley of the Kentucky Lantern contributed reporting to this story.

Thomas More University announces new board of trustees member Thomas More alumnus Stephen Wright was recently appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees. Wright will serve a three-year term Stephen Wright. Photo as a member of provided | Thomas the finance, busiMore University ness and capital planning committee, working along-

kenton county briefs BE NKY names new vice president of strategy

side committee chair and trustee Lytle Thomas and committee liaison Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Thomas More Rick Rollino. “We are delighted to welcome Steve to our board,” said President of Thomas More University Joseph L. Chillo. “He is an accomplished financial professional with deep strategic financial expertise who is dedicated to helping our University grow and advance our mission now and in the future. We look forward to his contributions and leadership as a valued member of our Board.” A senior financial advisor and partner at MCF Advisors, Wright has more than 27 years of experience providing comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning and portfolio management for individuals and families. He achieved his certified financial planner designation in 2005 and became a Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM in 2008. Prior to joining MCF Advisors, Wright worked at Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor and associate vice president and at Merrill Lynch as an assistant vice president. Wright earned a Bachelor of Arts in business with an emphasis in finance from Thomas More in 1999, where he also played football for the Saints. An active alumnus, he has served as secretary and president of the alumni board of directors and as former chair of the president’s giving society. He lives in Northern Kentucky with his wife, Amy, and their three children.

Anthony Cadle. Photo provided | BE NKY Growth Partnership

BE NKY Growth Partnership, a regional economic development organization serving Northern Kentucky, has appointed a new vice president of strategy.

Anthony Cadle, a native of Dayton, Kentucky, will lead the organization’s strategic initiatives, including developing BE NKY’s nextNKY Economic Plan, setting strategic goals and establishing benchmark metrics to guide the region’s economic growth over the next five to 10 years. In addition, Cadle will supervise BE NKY’s Economy in Review, an annual report that assesses the region’s economic performance, highlights its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and offers actionable recommendations. “Anthony brings the strategic discipline, regional perspective and collaborative mindset Northern Kentucky needs as we advance the next phase of economic growth,” BE NKY CEO Lee Crume said in a news release. “His experience working with key economic development partners in business attraction and retention, his knowledge of this region and his ability to bring public- and private-sector partners together will strengthen BE NKY’s work to build

opportunity for residents of Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties.” Cadle replaces Christine Russell, who serves as the executive director of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority full-time. “Boone, Kenton, and, certainly, Campbell County raised me,” Cadle said in the release. “They shaped how I see community, possibility and the work that matters. I’m ready to help Northern Kentucky move forward with clarity, collaboration and a shared vision for the region’s future.” Cadle most recently served as division manager for economic development with the City of Cincinnati’s Department of Community & Economic Development. In that role, he worked on business retention and expansion efforts that the city says resulted in more than 3,700 jobs. He also worked with REDI Cincinnati and Hamilton County on efforts to bring new companies to Cincinnati.

What’s next for Covington’s Duro Bag site? Search for developer begins Institutions involved with the acquisition of the old Duro Bag manufacturing site in Covington announced Aug. 10 they were beginning to meet with private developers to serve as partners for the site’s redevelopment. Identifying a private developer to help shape what the site will become in the future is the latest step in the site’s redevelopment journey.

The old Duro Bag building and C&O Roundhouse in Covington. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky Port Authority

“As we seek to transform this site into something vibrant that builds on the momentum we are seeing throughout our city, we must continue to engage the community to ensure the vision aligns with Covington’s values,” Mayor Ron Washington said. “I look forward to continuing to see this unique opportunity develop into something that our community can be proud of.” The partner institutions on the project include the City of Covington, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, Kenton County and the Catalytic Fund. The partners enlisted planning professionals from Kenton County Planning and Development Services in late June to lead a public feedback session with residents of the nearby neighborhoods. Residents at that meeting expressed an interest in several possible uses for the eight-acre site, including a community center, an open air market, affordable housing, workforce and vocational training centers and various kinds of recreation. Childcare and grocery stores were other common recommendations. LINK nky will report more on the progress of the site redevelopment as the project advances.

* 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

AUGUST 21, 2026

50 greatest NKY prep sports teams in 50 days: Day 39-50

e 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. Over the course of 50 days, we’ll release one of the area’s 50 greatest prep sports teams. It began June 22 and runs into 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

the most certain candidates for inclusion.

Day 39: 2022 Notre Dame Academy volleyball

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!

It’s no wonder the 2022 Pandas were so successful, boasting a roster filled not only with standout high school talent, but future Division I and collegiate players. Notre Dame finished 34-5 and captured the state championship with a 3-0 victory over Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Pandas also went 14-0 against 9th Region opponents. The group was led by Sydney Nolan, who

paced the team with 487 kills. Nolan was named the state tournament MVP after recording 18 kills in the championship match. She also earned AVCA and MaxPreps All-American honors before continuing her career at the University of North Carolina and later the University of Cincinnati, where she earned First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. Kamden Schrand anchored the defense, leading the Pandas with 572 digs and 85 service aces. The Kentucky Defensive Player of the Year and KVCA First Team AllState selection signed with the University of Louisville, where she led the ACC in digs in 2025. Kayla Hostetler continued her career at the University of Cincinnati. Ava Tilden, who ranked second on the team with 272 kills, and Julia Grace both signed with Xavier University. Riley McCloskey played at the

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00163 DIVISION 2 PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS. CODY S. GLENN, 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 9/1/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

COMMISSIONER’S SALE CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

26 Dorothy Drive, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076 Group No: 70376/LL4 PIDN: 999-99-17-876.00

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00603

CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00495

CASE NUMBER 23-CI-00339

DIVISION 2

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 2

LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

VS.

RUSTY DIETZ, ET AL.

HERBERT E. BISHOP A/K/A HERBERT EARL BISHOP JR., ET AL.

JILL FROMMEYER, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 3/2/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 12/10/2024 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 11/9/2023 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 9/1/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

45 17th Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

621 Fifth Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074

2445 Alexandria Pike, Southgate, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 30472/A1

Group No: 30565/A2

Group No: 20084/A1

PIDN: 999-99-03-304.00

PIDN: 999-99-08-502.00

PIDN: 999-99-10-750.00

10 AUGUST 21, 2026

University of Memphis before transferring to Morehead State, while Peyton Mast transferred from the University of New Haven to Transylvania University.

Other key contributors include Caitlin Beck, a standout on the defensive end who continued her career at the University of Louisville. Laura Painter also manned the stout back line of defense that had 20 shutouts in back-to-back seasons. Painter went on to play at NKU. Hannah Agard also keyed the defense.

Audrey Dyas, who led the team with 82 blocks as a freshman, will begin her collegiate career at the University of Toledo. Grace Portwood signed with the University of Indianapolis, and Lizzy Larkins with Ohio Dominican University. Even co-head coaches Leslie Litmer and Jenna Leistner enjoyed standout collegiate careers and are members of the Morehead State University Athletics Hall of Fame (Litmer) and Northern Kentucky University Hall of Fame (Leistner). Lauren Ott, who led the team with 694 assists, along with Ella Goetz, Jada Kramer and Ava Erpenbeck, also played key roles. Day 40: 2005-06 Highlands girls soccer They allowed more than one goal in a game just once all season. They allowed just seven goals all season and two in the last 11 games on their way to a 21-1-3 record and back-to-back state titles. Guided by Nina Kearns, the 2006 Highlands girls soccer team deserves mention among the greatest prep teams in NKY

Barth led the team with 11 goals and seven assists that season. Stephie Newman had three goals and 10 assists as the top point-getters on the squad. Other key figures include Victoria Poindexter and Erin Haas. history. They outscored their opponent 64-7 that season and turned it up when it mattered most, outscoring their opponent in the postseason 21-2 and shutting out the opponent in six of eight playoff games. The last of the shutouts came in the state championship, a 1-0 victory over Sacred Heart, Amber Barth the hero with a goal in the closing minutes and earned tournament MVP honors. Sydney Hiance earned one of her many shutouts of the season. McKenzie Hicks, Katie Collinsworth and Alicia Browning earned All-Tournament team honors. Browning and Leslie Twehues helped the Bluebirds get to the title game with goals in overtime against Ohio County in the semifinals of a 3-1 victory.

Day 41: 2007-08 Holmes boys basketball

Only a future pro stopped this team from winning their first state title in program history.

CASE NUMBER 19-CI-00568

DIVISION 2

HIGHLAND MEADOWS CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 9/1/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 25 Highland Meadows Circle, Unit 5, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076 Group No: 30766/Q2

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 7/13/2026 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 9/1/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 445 Muinn Road, Butler, Kentucky 41006 Group No: 70137/Z

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-00371

CASE NUMBER 25-CI-01256

DIVISION 2

KENNETH WILLIAMS

US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LB-TIKI SERIES VI TRUST

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 7/28/2026 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 9/1/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 8 Tammy Lane, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076 Group No: 30204/C1 PIDN: 999-99-22-727.00

VS. CASEY CUSICK, 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 9/1/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 889 Belle Ridge Loop, Bellevue, Kentucky 41073 Group No: 41347/B10 PIDN: 999-99-11-878.50

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.

PIDN: 999-99-22-230.00

RONALD EDWARD ZEIS, ET AL.

Continues on page 12

RICKY TEEGARDEN, ET AL.

PIDN: 999-99-31-165.00

VS.

The senior leader was Arrez Henderson, the NKAC Division I Player of the Year and got it done on both ends, known as “the eraser”. Other standouts included Jamel Riley, Ricardo Johnson, Brandon Housley and Elijah Pittman. Henderson originally signed to play at Louisiana Tech before going to Cincinnati State, Johnson went to Ohio University, Pittman went to Marshall and Brandon Housley spent a season at Cincinnati State before finishing his career at Thomas More.

VS.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 8/15/2022 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.

Guided by David Henley, the Bulldogs were a team filled with next level talent. What made them special was their elite athleticism, relentless defense and depth. Their buy-in on the defensive end is what made them special, allowing just 46.1 points per game.

The 2007-08 Holmes Bulldogs were the continuance of a dominant era, going 34-3

CASE NUMBER 21-CI-00577

APRIL S. HOSKINS, ET AL.

and finishing as state runner-up to Darius Miller and Mason County. It was their second of third straight region titles and went 15-1 in 9th Region play with their lone loss to Newport Central Catholic in the regular season. The only other loss came to Male in the King of the Bluegrass tournament over Christmas break. With the three region title teams in 2007, ’08 and ’09 (who went on to win the state championship), the Bulldogs went 95-15, 10 of those losses coming in ’07.

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

AUGUST 21, 2026 11

Continued from page 11

These Holmes teams endured one of the strongest three-year runs by a public school in the modern era. Day 42: 1994 Notre Dame Academy volleyball

champion, a state runner-up and Northern Kentucky’s Most Outstanding Volleyball Player as a senior. This was the program’s eighth title and the last one they’d see in a while, waiting 26 years to get their next one in 2020. Day 43: 2010 St. Henry girls soccer

The 1994 Pandas were led by Kim Gunning, who guided the Pandas to three state titles and seven second-place finishes between 1989 and 2014. She was the architect of one of the great dynasties in Kentucky high school volleyball. During her tenure at Notre Dame, Gunning went 360-75, with her teams winning district, regional and Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference championships every year. Becky Tenkman Mirick was the MVP for the state champions. She was a three-year starter and All-State selection and was named NKY Player of the Year. She played at the University of Cincinnati where she was Conference USA Freshman of the Year and in 1997 became only the third Bearcat to have 1,000 kills as a junior. She graduated the all-time leader in kills, aces, digs, block attempts and kill attempts. The team also featured Darlene Tierney, who later went on to play at Xavier and become a successful coach. Tierney was a Notre Dame standout, a two-time state

Talk about a scoring machine. This Crusaders team scored 109 goals in 27 games on their way to a state title. They were never shutout and scored less than two goals in a game just four times all year. St. Henry went 24-2-1 in 2010, an early season loss to Boone County and a loss in the All “A” championship to Lexington Christian. While LCA won the small school title, St. Henry came back for revenge in the KHSAA state championship, a 2-1 victory for the school’s lone soccer title in program history. After falling in a 1-0 hole, St. Henry rallied for two second half goals from Libby Leedom and Melissa Spare.

They were guided by Steve Lorenz, coaching the team from 2007-15. Lorenz led St. Henry to 108 victories in his nine years with the program that came with the state title, three region titles and six district championships. The team was in the top 10 offensively and defensively all season. Leading the scoring brigade for the Cru in 2010 was Libby Leedom with 35 goals and adding 10 assists. Natalie Vaught was another prolific goal scorer with 22 goals and Abby Janszen added 13 goals. Laura Felix and Jenna Litzler helped set the table with nine and seven assists, respectively. Avery Robinson was the main keeper in goal. Janszen, Vaught and Jill Leedom were named to the All-Tournament team. Jill Leedom also won the National Guard Leadership Award. The team was filled with next level talent. Libby Leedom, the state tournament MVP, eventually won the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2012 and went on to play at Dayton. Vaught continued her playing career at Indiana State. Janszen and Taylor Gamm played at Bellarmine and Felix went to Thomas More where she eventually earned her way into the Hall of Fame.

CLASSIFIEDS AND HELP WANTED ADS

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

12 AUGUST 21, 2026

Then there was Dante Hendrix, a two-sport standout who went on to play football at Indiana State. Braydon Runion played college baseball, finishing his career at Texas Tech after going the JUCO route to start. Chris McNeil, Sean’s brother, ran the point and steadied the offense. Other key guys included Blaine Walters, Tyler Ollier, Daniel Wasser and Noah Shidler. Although Cooper fell one win short of a state championship, the 2016-17 Jaguars changed expectations for the program. They proved Cooper belonged with the powers that be in NKY and helped stop Covington Catholic’s regime on the region (along with NewCath the year prior) as the Colonels won five region titles from 201420. Day 45: 1964-65 Holy Cross boys basketball

In eight postseason games, the Cru outscored the opponent 26-4. Day 44: 2016-17 Cooper boys basketball

Defense, defense, defense. In order to play for head coach Tim Sullivan, you better buy in on the defensive end. That’s something the 2016-17 Cooper Jaguars excelled at. They finished 31-5, a game shy of the program’s first state title with a loss to Bowling Green in the championship, featured by future pro Terry Taylor.

WE OFFER

finished out at Xavier. Both are still playing professionally.

But the 2016-17 Jaguars still cement their place in NKY history. They allowed more than 60 points just six times all season, just twice in their final 27 games. Teams averaged less than 50 points a game against them at 49.0 The defense was on full display come the postseason. They allowed 40.2 points per game in nine games, only four teams scoring more than 40. The defensive identity was obvious when they got to Rupp Arena for the Sweet 16. They held Meade County to 39 points and forced 19 turnovers, Collins was held to 33 points and 22% shooting, Fern Creek cracked the 40-point marker with 44. Bowling Green was the lone team all postseason to cross the 44-point mark against them with a 6756 victory in the final. Next level talent was scattered all over the roster and not just in basketball. Sean McNeil and Adam Kunkel were the offensive standouts, McNeil continuing his career at West Virginia with Bob Huggins before finishing out at Ohio State. Kunkel continued his basketball career at Belmont and

The Indians had this run in them four years in the making. It started when George Schneider took over the program and six freshmen made the varsity team in the 1961-62 season. Dave Hickey, Don Meyer, Bob Bohman, Ken Rump, Bob Kuehling and Dan Bell were the freshmen at the time, Hickey and Meyer earned starting positions by season’s end. They improved from 13-12 in 1961-62 to 2110 in 1962-63 to 24-6 in 1963-64 and it all built up to 30-4 in 1964-65. Hickey, Meyer and Bohman really started to build up as juniors while Rump, Bell and Keuhling provided the depth. They came up short that season to George Stone and Covington Grant in the region championship but the blueprint was now out. Hickey ran the point, Meyer, Bohman, Rump, Kuehling and Bell providing the scoring and rebounding. Junior Bill Rieger added more depth. After winning the district over Covington Catholic, they won their first region title in program history by taking out Highlands. Then they set their sights on the big stage at Louisville’s Freedom Hall for the Sweet 16. They took down Madisonville and then No. 1 Dunbar. In the semifinals, the Indians defeated Hazel Green and a talented duo in Gerald and Richard Tuttle, who went on to play for Dean Smith at North Carolina. Then came Breckinridge County, who was led by Butch Beard, eventually going on to play in the NBA for 10 years. Breckinridge took the state title game, 95-73. Hickey and Meyer made the all-tourney team. Hickey was also selected to the allstate team and played in the Kentucky-Indiana All-Star game. The Holy Cross fans were voted the most enthusiastic. The team was also voted the most

balanced team and Hickey, the best dribbler. The bar was set for the program in 1965 for many Holy Cross teams to follow. Day 46: 1956 Newport Catholic baseball

Newport Catholic baseball was a powerhouse in the 1950’s and this was the third of their three state championships in the 50’s. Led by coach Jim Connor, the Thoroughbreds won the title taking down Fort Knox 3-1 in the quarterfinals, Southern 2-0 in the semifinals and Murray 4-3 in the title game at Parkway Field in Louisville. The pitching staff showed their dominance, striking out 36 batters in three games.

one of Kentucky’s brightest young basketball players, while Lorenzen provided strength, rebounding, passing and a unique athletic presence that made the Bluebirds difficult to match up with. Together, they formed one of the most memorable partnerships in NKY sports history. Eric Glaser was another standout who was named to the All-Tournament team and did everything he could to bring Highlands a state title home with a 24-point, 10 rebound effort in the title game. Dave Schulkers, Randy Stegman, Joe Herald and Keith Bischoff were also key pieces to the team. Their Sweet Sixteen run included wins over Butler and Greenup County before pulling off one of the biggest wins in school history — a 74-71 overtime victory over defending state champion Paintsville in the semifinals. Day 48: 1993 Covington Catholic football

Standouts from the team included Dave Schneider, George Niles, Jerry Welscher, Tom Ferring, Paul Meyers, Dan Shea, Paul Ruwe, Paul Carr and Jay Rice.

Day 47: 1996-97 Highlands boys basketball

This year was the continuance of a dominant decade for Covington Catholic’s football program, where they won five state titles from 1987-97. Guided by legendary coach Lynn Ray, the Colonels gobbled up the competition and won the 3A state title over Lincoln County, 28-13 at Cardinal Stadium in Louisville. This was Ray’s third of his five state titles with the program, also winning state championships in 1987, 1988, 1994 and 1997. Ray finished his Colonels career with a record of 234-132 over 30 seasons, the winningest coach in program history. The ’93 Colonels went 14-1, the lone loss to Moeller out of Ohio. They ran through the playoff competition, outscoring teams 15230 and gave up three points in their first three games of the postseason. This team could win in a variety of ways and that was evidenced by a 7-3 victory over Conner in the third round of the playoffs and then they followed that up with 76 points in their final two games of the postseason in the semis and championship. After giving up 63 points in their first four games of the season, they allowed just 89 points over the final 11 games of the season.

With a talented duo that may be best known for what they did on the football field, Highlands boys basketball team was just a win away from a state title in 1997. The Bluebirds finished the 1996-97 campaign at 26-5 and were a state runner-up, losing to Louisville Eastern in the state championship game. Jared Lorenzen and Derek Smith were a special duo that combined talent, toughness, and confidence. Smith emerged as

Day 50: 1953-54 Newport boys basketball

wood baseball team made its mark not only in NKY, but around the state, finishing 37-6. After taking down powerhouse Harrison County in the semi-state round, a best of three format, the Tigers earned their way to Lexington. At the state tournament, Beechwood took down Christian County 6-5 in the quarterfinals and Pleasure Ridge Park 7-0 in the semifinals before falling to LexCath 6-4 in the championship game. LexCath had future pro Ben Revere on the team. Cody Elliott was one of the standouts on the roster who played centerfield and continued his career at Ball State. He doubled as quarterback and defensive back for the football Tigers and was an All-State first teamer.

It capped off a golden era for the Thoroughbreds in which they reached the state tournament in six of seven seasons that came with the three titles, two semifinal appearances and a quarterfinal appearance. Schneider and NewCath go hand in hand. His late father Robert engineered multiple state titles in football for the Thoroughbreds while Dave was also a successful baseball coach for NewCath in the 90’s. Niles continued his baseball career with Kentucky before playing pro ball in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Welscher also continued his career at Kentucky and later went on to play in the Detroit Tigers organization. Niles, Welscher and Meyers were named to the All-State team.

claimed eight region titles in that span.

The 1993 team was quarterbacked by Dustin Hicks, who went on to have a Hall of Fame career at Thomas More and played professionally in France for a year. Other standouts from this team included Galen Healey, Kevin Cogswell, Rob Farrell, Bryce Calvert and Mitchell Jobe.

Patrick Muth was an infielder who went on to play at NKU and also played football. Brandon Slusher was one of the aces on the staff and also continued his career at NKU after a brief stint at Georgetown. Chris Curley was the All “A” state tournament MVP and hit .560 for the season, leading the team in pretty much every hitting category for the season. Other standouts on the roster included Chas Moore, Chris Neumann, Chris Gillespie, Ben Johnson and Eric Sawyer. They combined a strong senior core, excellent athletes and a program that was already accustomed to winning. It also marked the program’s first All “A” state title, a run that got them started to winning titles in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019. They defeated Owensboro Catholic in a nine-inning thriller, 6-5. It denied the Aces a shot at four straight titles as they won the All “A” in 2005, ’07 and ’08.

Newport basketball in the 1950s was the standard for Northern Kentucky. In 1954, it was the program's first trip to the state championship game and came during one of the strongest stretches in school history. In that decade alone, they won seven district titles, four region titles and won five state tournament games, three of them coming in 1954. The Wildcats were guided by Stan Arnzen, who was a former pro baseball and basketball player. In his 22 years coaching at Newport, he never had a losing season and was later inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Fame. He compiled a 452-158 record and reached the Sweet 16 five times. In 1954, Newport went all the way to the state championship game at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington before losing to a 32-2 Inez team in front of 12,000 fans. Inez was led by Billy Ray Cassady, who went on to play at Kentucky under Adolph Rupp and won a national championship in 1958. They defeated Lafayette, Bourbon Vocational and Ashland on their way there for their best finish in program history. Lawrence Redmond was the star of the team. Other key players included Ed Huffman, John Ratliff, Gary Rawe, Ronald Derrick and Don Walz. The talented team followed it up in 1955 with a trip to the semifinals before losing to Hazard. Miss Days 1-38? Check out the July 3, 24, 31, Aug. 7 and 14 edition of the LINK Reader!

The 2006 team helped set the table for years to come. Now the Tigers are the standard in the 9th Region. Since 2004, they’ve

THE WEEKLY COMIC by Andrew Buchanan

Day 49: 2006 Beechwood baseball They made a run all the way to the state championship game before coming up short to Lexington Catholic. Coached by Bob Myerhoff, the 2006 BeechAUGUST 21, 2026 13

real estate

Some character in Edgewood Address: 30 Dudley Road, Edgewood Price: $349,900 Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: Two (plus one half bath) Square footage: 1,633 School district: Kenton County School District County: Kenton Special features: This updated Tudor-style home in Edgewood blends classic character with modern finishes. Features include a newly remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, custom cabinetry and a builtin wine fridge, a vintage stone fireplace, oversized walk-in closets and a flexible lower-level bonus room. Outside, a landscaped lot, spacious patio, private backyard and recent roof, gutter and trim updates complete the property.

The exterior of this Kenton County home. Photos by Credit Matt Perkins and Dorothy Housley | Paragon Realty Partners

The kitchen of this Edgewood home.

This home comes with a small shed in the backyard.

Kentucky now allows for Public Notices to be published digitally on LINK nky’s website. You can find public notices for the following organizations on our site at https://linkreader.column.us/search

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Florence, Kentucky, will receive bids Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:00 am.local time at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY, 41042 for the Stringtown Park-Phase 1 Project. This Notice was published by posting in full on the City of Florence, Kentucky Internet Website, www.florence-ky.gov. The address where the full posting may be directly viewed is https:// florence-ky.gov/publication-of-bid-solicitations-enacted-ordinances/. The public has the right to inspect and obtain a copy of any document associated with the posting by contacting the City Clerk of the City of Florence, Kentucky, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, KY, 41042, Telephone no. 859-647-8177. This advertisement was paid for by the City of Florence, Kentucky, using taxpayer dollars in the amount of $65.37. /s/Melissa Kramer MELISSA KRAMER, CITY CLERK CITY OF FLORENCE, KENTUCKY

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

14 AUGUST 21, 2026

• AJ’s Towing & Recovery • Boone County Clerk • Campbell County Clerk’s Office • Campbell County District Court • Campbell County Fire District #1 • Campbell County Fiscal Court • Campbell County Planning & Zoning • Campbell County Public Library • Campbell County Sheriffs Office • City of Alexandria • City of Bellevue • City of Cold Spring • City of Covington • City of Cresent Springs • City of Crestview Hills • City of Dayton • City of Edgewood • City of Elsmere • City of Erlanger • City of Florence • City of Fort Mitchell • City of Fort Thomas • City of Fort Wright • City of Highland Heights • City of Independence • City of Lakeside Park • City of Ludlow • City of Newport

• City of Ryland Heights • City of Silver Grove • City of Southgate • City of Union • City of Villa Hills • City Of Walton • City of Wilder • City of Woodlawn • Covington Public Independent Schools • Cresent Springs Board of Adjustment • Family Dollar Store • Fort Mitchell Board of Adjustment • Fort Thomas Independent Schools • Highland Heights Planning & Zoning • Joseph F Grimme, Campbell County Master Commissioner • Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL • Kenton County Fiscal Court • Kenton County Joint Board of Adjustment • Larry Dillon, Boone County Master Commissioner • Northern Kentucky Port Authority • Northern Kentucky Water District • Planning & Development Services of Kenton County • The Baker Firm PLLC • The Hidden Chapter Bookstore LLC

SUDOKU

The Weekly Edited by MargieCrossword E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

2 6 6 3

/8/26 - 6/14/26

7 8

4 7

9 6 1

2 6 7 2 3 5 1

5 8 3

HOW TO SOLVE:

8 9 1

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

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS HOW TO SOLVE: 1 Swit's sitcom 15 16 14 5Each ___row Major must contain the 19 17 18 (constellation) numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain theingredient numbers 120to 9; and 9 Pesto 21 22 each setinofrights 3 by 3 boxes must 14 Org. contain 23 24 25 fights the numbers 1 to 9. 15 Kind of tide 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 16 Answer Say "y'all," say Sudoku: to Previous 17 Bowie's "_____ 33 34 35 4 9Child" 5 3 2 7 6 1 8 36 37 38 39 7193Biologists' 1 9 study 6 8 5 4 2 20 Scottie or Yorkie 40 42 43 41 2218Shoulder 6 4 5 1 7 3 9 45 46 3 5ornament 7 8 4 2 449 6 1 Big name in 48 9231chips 2 5 7 6 4 8 3 47 52 53 54 55 56 8256___4and1about 9 3 492 505 517 58 59 626 7Forerunners 8 2 1 4 573 9 5 30 Algonquian tribe 61 62 1332Back-row 9 6 cry3 5 608 7 4 64 65 5344In the 3 end 7 8 9 631 2 6 36 Take it easy Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate 37 Sentencing request 39 Fitzgerald of DOWN 31 Parcel out 51 Malek of "Mr. jazz 1 Damon or Dillon 32 St. ___ of Assisi Robot" 40 Nineveh native 2 Stomach woe 35 Voted back in 52 Mideast's Gulf 42 Nervous quiver 3 Putdown 38 Partake of of ____ 44 Vote of support 4 Hastily 41 Sibling _____ 54 Base-runner's 45 Become 5 Up in the air 43 Signs a lease goal associated 6 Brought up 46 Channel 55 Troop group 47 "So ___ heard" 7 "___ cheese!" changer 56 Team with a 48 1776 patriot 8 Vaulted recess 47 Coastal cove bridge in its logo Silas 9 Snarky reply to 49 Ballet attire 59 Wallet bill 49 Storm often "Why?" 50 Norse war god chased 10 Native Alaskan Answers to Previous Crossword: 53 "El Dorado" 11 Window ledge P E A L S O A R S M S E C actor Robert 12 Motionless A D M A N A H M E A C R O 57 Mo or Stew of 13 Just in case C O R N U C O P I A R A M I Arizona politics 18 "___ when?" M E D I C I N A L A L I G N 58 Pearly gem 22 Off the Pampers E R E L O N G S I D E A S T A T E D S E R R A 60 Kitchen 24 Walton's mom M A R I O S S H U T T L E S counter? Michael E A R W A N L E T H E N 61 Feed the kitty 26 Soothe, as fears E S I G N S P A G O P A G O 62 Send out 27 Hangman's loop A S M A D P A R I S H 63 Oneness 28 Stallone's P I E B A L D T O N O F 64 What have-nots "____ King" R E O I L S L E N D E R E R have 29 Seahawks' grp. A R R O G A N T L Y N O D E 65 Some NYPD 30 Hollywood's M O M O A I M E T O V E R S T O M P X E R O W E D S officers Hayek

WE START

WITH YOU.

Florence • Fort Mitchell • Crestview Hills • Union

Member FDIC

AUGUST 21, 2026

Like what you see and want to subscribe? Scan the QR code above 16 AUGUST 21, 2026