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LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 4, Edition 41 - September 11, 2026

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KENTON

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 41 — SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

THE VOICE OF NKY

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Personal stories drive call for veteran suicide prevention By Haley Parnell

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hen retired Air Force Master Sergeant Jared Bonvell was medically retired from the service in 2014, he had spent years investigating suicides as a special agent. Then, he began experiencing suicidal thoughts himself. Bonvell shared that experience at a veteran suicide prevention event held at Tower Park in Fort Thomas on Sept. 1. The Northern Kentucky Service Members, Veterans and Families Suicide Prevention Coalition planted 660 flags adjacent to the veterans’ memorial, which serve as a visual reminder of the number of veterans who die by suicide in the United States each month. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The flags will stay planted until October. Continues on page 3

Veteran suicide prevention event held at Tower Park in Fort Thomas on Sept. 1, 2026. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

Big man on campus: 6-11 basketball standout Ben McKinney is at Newport By Marc Hardin

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ig news out of Newport High School.

The boys’ basketball program is enjoying a sizable addition with the transfer of four-star center Ben McKinney. The 6-foot-11, 195-pound Indiana and Kansas prep standout is enrolled at Newport, according to Prep Hoops Kentucky. “Newport has added Ben McKinney from Sunrise Christian in Kansas. Originally from Indiana. He holds multiple D1 offers and is a top 5 level prospect,” Prep Hoops Kentucky posted on social media.

Ben McKinney is enrolled at Newport High School. Photo provided | Ben McKinney via X

McKinney, widely regarded as one of the top interior prospects in the class of 2028,

plays with nonstop energy. He is a four-star prospect by Rivals and ranked the nation’s No. 87 prospect. He arrives in Northern Kentucky after a stint at national powerhouse Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. Prior to his time on the national circuit, McKinney starred at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indiana. His hometown is Indianapolis. The transfer adds to an already well-fortified Newport roster replete with other top national recruits and talented holdovers. It also continues to reshape an increasingly interesting 9th Region basketball landscape. McKinney becomes one of the area’s tallest local prep basketball players in recent memory. He gives the Wildcats an elite inContinues on page 5

Major Covington interstate off-ramp to close permanently p5 Kenton County flagship park closing for two years p7 Remembering young athlete Zach Mertens p10

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Continued from page 1

“When I was medically retired in 2014, I was on 13 medications, drinking about a half a gallon of whiskey every couple days just to be able to sleep,” Bonvell said. “Soon, the intrusive thoughts, suicidal thinking, began.”

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Bonvell served nearly 18 years in the Air Force, first as a weapons loader and later as an Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agent, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. During his career, he said he investigated about 50 suicides. “I’m investigating all these suicides, and then I start to feel that same way,” Bonvell told LINK nky after the event. “I’ve got all the training in the world, and I’m feeling this way. What about somebody that doesn’t have my background?” Bonvell said it took about two-and-a-half to three years after his retirement to get off the medications he had been taking. He now advocates for veterans and supports expanding access to alternative treatments alongside traditional medical care. For Bonvell, preventing suicide can also begin with something much simpler: starting a conversation. “A lot of it’s just losing hope, you know, not having a purpose or feeling at a complete loss,” he said. “Just a simple, ‘Hey man, you doing okay?’ or ‘Hey, let’s go chat for a minute.’ That can open the door for a lot of change in somebody.” That message was echoed throughout the event.

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Fort Thomas City Administrator Matt Kremer welcomed attendees and served as emcee. Kremer is an Army combat veteran. He served two tours in Iraq and retired in 2018 as the 478th Engineer Battalion executive officer after 20 years of service.

The flags planted in Tower Park. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

tendees that warning signs can include withdrawal from others, changes in behavior, increased alcohol or drug use and sudden irritability or silence. Be the One offers free suicide prevention training. “Community engagement, not just government programs, will be the true turning point in ending this crisis,” Bernet said. “It is our responsibility. It is our job. It is our duty.” For Deb Winkler, that mission is personal. Her son, Marine Corps veteran Matthew Winkler, died by suicide in 2016. He served two tours overseas before returning home in 2014. Winkler said her son had a difficult time reintegrating into society as a civilian. She has since become an advocate for veterans and their families.

Kremer said the gathering was about more than memorializing those who have died.

Bonvell is a commander of the VFW Post 3205 in Alexandria. He said there is a lot of division among the veteran community caused by the political climate. Still, he urged veterans to come to the VFW (a nonprofit service organization for United States war veterans) and the American Legion (advocates for veterans, service members and military families while fighting to end veteran suicide) and join one of their groups.

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“Today is not just a time of remembrance, but also of recognition of the struggles many face in silence, and of that courage it takes to acknowledge those truths,” Kremer said. Vyneta Bernet, a Navy veteran and coordinator of the American Legion’s Be the One program at Post 219 in Alexandria, told at-

Winkler urged people to turn sympathy into action, even through small gestures like buying a veteran lunch. “Service is what I want to give back, just a little bit, so another mother, another veteran isn’t sitting up here having to tell you our story,” Winkler said.

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Continued from page 3

terior defender with an established post presence. McKinney brings extensive experience against top-tier national competition, especially in the highly scouted Nike EYBL Scholastic League. College programs have already taken notice of McKinney’s rare combination of size and mobility. The big man holds multiple NCAA Division I scholarship offers. His recruitment gained significant momentum following recent offers from programs such as California, Akron and Oral Roberts. McKinney will serve as a defensive anchor and an offensive gamechanger for Newport. His unique shot-blocking instincts and rebounding ability give the Wildcats a distinct physical advantage heading into the 2026-27 season. His addition follows the arrival of transfers Jayden Wilkins and Keith Starks, who is returning to Newport. Wilkins, a highly touted 6-2 senior combo guard, announced his move to Newport in July via Instagram. The son of 10-year NBA veteran Damien Wilkins, he adds exceptional pedigree to the 9th Region after developmental stints with Atlanta’s Overtime Elite and Orlando’s Southeastern Prep. He’s also the grandson of former NBA guard Gerald Wilkins and the great-nephew of

Atlanta Hawks Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins. The 6-8 Starks, a senior forward, has been working out with Newport since the beginning of summer after spending a year in Florida. National prospect tracker NextUpRecruits reported in June that the fourstar prospect appeared for the Wildcats at a Xavier University summer team camp. Newport head coach Rod Snapp later confirmed that Starks is reuniting with the Wildcats and that Wilkins is also with the team. While the coach has yet to confirm the arrival of McKinney, the addition of all three players firmly establishes Newport as a regional powerhouse to contend with this upcoming season. The Wildcats finished 21-10 last season. They lost to Highlands in the 36th District Tournament championship game and concluded the season with a loss to Ryle in the first round of the 9th Region Tournament.

Ben McKinney is enrolled at Newport High School. Photo provided | Ben McKinney via Prep Hoops

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Major Covington interstate off-ramp closes permanently as traffic pattern shifts

The Brent Spence Bridge. Photo provided | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Staff Report

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he southbound off-ramp onto Fifth Street in Covington will close permanently on Sept. 14, according to an announcement earlier this month from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The closures will coincide with the completion of utility work on and around Third Street, which is expected to reopen around the same time. The closure and reopening are both related to the Brent Spence Corridor Project. The exact dates of the closure and reopening may change, depending on work progress. Although the Fifth Street off-ramp will be closed, the southbound exit itself (exit 192)

will remain open. However, drivers will only be able to exit onto Crescent Avenue. The northbound ramp onto Fifth Street will also remain open. Furthermore, West Fifth Street will close long-term (the cabinet did not say exactly how long) once Third Street has reopened. The closure will span from the intersection of Crescent Avenue to the ramp coming off the northbound highway. Detour signs will direct drivers through the zone. Southbound drivers will have to turn right from the exit onto Crescent Avenue, then turn right onto Third Street and then right again onto Philadelphia Street to West Fifth Street. Consult to the map to the right for more information, and check out some of our previous coverage to learn about other ways to get into Covington.

Map provided | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6

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Meta settles with Kentucky, other states, including changes for kids’ safety By McKenna Horsley | Kentucky Lantern

Coleman, a Republican, previously said this was the “largest consumer protection lawsuit in American history.”

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ocial media giant Meta has agreed to settle a multi-state lawsuit for $17.1 billion and make changes to its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, for children’s safety, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Aug. 26.

“While Meta is certainly paying for its conduct, this was never just about the money. Kids deserve a childhood that isn’t measured in likes and followers,” Coleman said in a statement Aug. 26. “The online protections delivered by this settlement will bring a generational change that will make social media platforms safer for Kentucky families.”

Coleman’s office said in a press release that under the terms of the settlement, which is still subject to approval by the court, Kentucky will receive $358 million.

Kentucky will also receive $7.5 million from Meta to settle an investigation into Cambridge Analytica. Coleman’s office said that ahead of the 2016 election, Meta had “shared nonpublic information about its users with third parties like the political consulting and data analytics firm.”

The trial began in California and had been expected to last six to eight weeks. Kentucky was leading the case in court with California, Colorado and New Jersey. Attorneys general from 25 other states were also part of the lawsuit. The states claimed Meta used harmful features to drive compulsive use by children and teens while also claiming the platforms were safe for young users. Immediate changes Meta must implement as part of the settlement to Facebook and Instagram include: • Time limits and “Productive Pauses” for children: for its two platforms, Instagram and Facebook, a combined two-hour daily time limit with mandatory pauses after 15 minutes of continuous use and again at 60 and 90 minutes to interrupt endless scrolling. • “Nighttime blocks” restricting children’s access from midnight to 6 a.m. • Limited school-time access for children, eliminating push notifications on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the school year. • Robust age assurance measures to

“While this is an important step, the fact is that teens move fluidly between dozens of apps a day,” the statement said. “All platforms should empower parents and support teens by putting the same measures in place, because we know that when teens are restricted on one app, they simply move to another.” The Meta logo. Photo provided | Dima Solomin via Unsplash

more effectively verify the age of young users. • Safer, age-appropriate content controls, including stronger safeguards against bullying, content promoting eating disorders and content related to suicide and self-harm.

• Stronger, more user-friendly parental controls. Most changes will be in effect for a decade. An independent auditor and the settling states will regularly assess the implementation and efficacy of the features.

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Meta said the fund “can be used to fund youth online safety initiatives, among other state priorities.” This story originally appeared at kentuckylantern.com.

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In a statement, Meta called on TikTok and YouTube to join them in making similar changes for youth.

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Old Fox Run Golf Course closing for two years for major overhaul Staff Report

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he new Kenton County Park, located on the site of the former Fox Run Park and Golf Course, will close Monday, Sept. 14, for a construction project slated to last two years, according to an announcement from the county. The 225-acre park will serve as an expanded outdoor recreation area, civic hub and trail network. The county hopes to have the work completed and reopen the park sometime in the summer of 2028. “To protect the safety of the public and construction crews, the park will be fully closed for the duration of construction,” reads the announcement. “The project will involve large-scale equipment, heavy machinery and active work zones throughout the property, making full closure necessary to safely complete the work.”

Fox Run Park in Kenton County. File photo | LINK nky archives

The project dates back to at least 2022, when Cincinnati-based design firm Human Nature first recommended the idea of a new park master plan to the Kenton County Fiscal Court. Once complete, the park will include an enlarged fishing pond, a dog park, fitness areas, expanded playgrounds, biking areas, a ropes course, other tree-top activities and an extensive trail network, among other amenities. Read the county’s announcement to learn more.

The new Kenton County Park master plan. Map provided | Kenton County

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kenton county briefs TANK announces service changes coming this fall

TANK bus. Photo provided | Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky

More frequent buses and a new high-frequency route connecting Newport, Covington and Cincinnati are coming to Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, or TANK, riders this fall. TANK, the public transit system serving Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties as well as downtown Cincinnati, will implement service changes Nov. 7 to better meet riders’ needs while maintaining sustainable operations. Those service changes include: • Route 1 will be extended to Newport with service ending at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Fort Thomas. • Peak frequency on routes 3, 7 and 12 will increase from hourly service to every 30 minutes. • The Southbank Shuttle and route 16 will be removed and replaced with a new high-frequency corridor connecting downtown Newport, Covington

and downtown Cincinnati. Riders will continue to have access to the same communities, with service provided by a fixed-route bus rather than a trolley. Service will operate every seven to eight minutes along the areas currently served by route 1, interlined routes 3/12 and interlined routes 7/25, and every 15 minutes along areas served by route 1 and interlined routes 7/25. Riders who currently use route 16 will have access to the new route 1 and the Licking River Link as alternative service options. • The TANK Plus zone will expand to include the Alexandria Walmart and Village Green Shopping Center, with a six-mile distance cap designed to improve trip efficiency. • Interlined route pairings will be updated to improve service coordination. Beginning in November, routes 3 and 12 will operate as an interlined pair, as will routes 7 and 25 and routes 5 and 8. Route 1 will operate as a standalone service. Current interlined pairings are routes 1 and 25, 7 and 12, 3 and 16, and 5 and 8.

“These improvements reflect our commitment to building a sustainable transit system that continues to serve our community for years to come,” said Gina Douthat, TANK general manager. “We spent significant time listening to our community, gathering input from riders and stakeholders and carefully evaluating how we can continue to provide reliable transit service that connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, shopping and other essential services.”

In addition, route timetables will be updated to better reflect traffic conditions and actual travel times, helping improve ontime performance.

Camco Chemical announced plans to construct a new 130,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center on its Holton Drive campus in Independence.

In 2025, TANK conducted community outreach and gathered feedback from riders, employees, nonprofit organizations, major employers and local government officials to help shape its strategic direction for the next five to 10 years.

Camco is a chemical manufacturer that provides industrial blending, packaging and distribution services. The company plans to integrate the new facility into its existing operations, increasing its manufacturing, warehousing and distribution capacity to support future growth.

TANK will host public meetings to discuss the upcoming improvements and answer questions from the community. The meetings will take place: • Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on at the Campbell County Public Library Newport Branch, 901 E. Sixth St. • Thursday, Sept. 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Public Library Covington Branch, 502 Scott St.

Camco Chemical plans 130,000-square-foot expansion in Independence

A rendering of Camco Chemical’s forthcoming facility. Rendering provided | Camco Chemical

Camco, founded in 1960 by Richard Rolfes Jr., is a third-generation, family-owned company that began in Fort Thomas. The company has maintained operations in Northern Kentucky ever since. “Northern Kentucky has always been our home and an important part of Camco’s story and success, and we are proud to continue investing and growing here,” CEO Adrian Hothem said in a news release. “Our customers increasingly need turnkey services that simplify complex supply chains, including manufacturing, warehousing, fulfillment, packaging and logistics. This investment strengthens our ability to serve our customers, support our people and build the capabilities Camco needs for its next chapter of growth, where speed and effectiveness in getting product to end users are increasingly critical.” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear commented on the news, touting Camco for its continued investment in NKY’s economy. “Kentucky is a place where companies succeed, and Camco’s development of a new

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kenton county briefs distribution center in Northern Kentucky shows our economy continues to support growth,” Beshear said in the release. “I am proud to see this family-owned Kentucky business thrive as they support good jobs for our people. Camco and the Rolfes family are true Team Kentucky partners, and it’s always a great day when we can celebrate them.”

“So, come see us,” the announcement reads.

Erlanger opens new bike park, The Flow

A construction timeline for the new facility was not revealed in the announcement. The expansion follows Camco’s 2024 acquisition of an 18-acre property at 7125 Industrial Road in Florence, near its existing campus. The property includes a former 170,000-square-foot IRS facility that Camco acquired to increase its production capacity.

Kenton County appoints interim police chief A leadership change is underway within the Kenton County Police Department James “Jim” Gilpin was appointed interim Kenton County police chief Aug. 25. Newly appointed Kenton County Interim Police Chief James “Jim” Gilpin. Photo provided | Kenton County Fiscal Court

Gilpin will assume the mantle of police chief from Michael “Spike” Jones on Sept. 11. Jones was voted in as the new Covington assistant city manager on the same day that Gilpin was voted in as interim chief. County police chiefs are appointed by county fiscal courts.

located in the hills above the new Amber Run Dog Park, which opened earlier this summer. The city held a grand opening event on Aug. 27. The park is designed to cater to varying ages and skill levels and features a 1,000foot jump line, a bump track, a beginner training area and a bicycle playground area with loops and tunnels. “The closest [jump-line] of its kind is in Dayton, Ohio,” said Mayor Jessica Fette in a social media post before the opening, “and it’s 500 feet. So, this is a very awesome amenity that’s going to draw people into our area.” The Flow is located at 4200 Houston Road in Erlanger. It’s open from dawn to dusk every day.

Bottle of rum. Photo provided | Second Sight Spirits

ten portion of the announcement reads. “We’ve met incredible people who became friends, created unforgettable memories and somehow turned a little distillery in Ludlow into something much bigger than we ever imagined.” In spite of this, the venue announced that in the remaining time of the business’s operation, there would be numerous events, shows and other activities to close out its twilight months.

A young cyclist at The Flow bump track in Erlanger. Photo provided | Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance

Erlanger has a new off-road bike park. The Flow held its grand opening late last month. It is part of the city’s 1,000-acre Eons Adventure Park project; the track is

THE WEEKLY COMIC by Andrew Buchanan

“We’re going to do some administrative review for the next couple weeks,” said County Administrator Joe Shriver. “We plan on posting this position mid-September, getting the applications in [and] doing interviews in mid- to late October with the goal of having a selection to [The Fiscal Court] by the Oct. 27 meeting.” Gilpin is a longtime member of the Kenton County Police Department. He spent 20 years with the department, rising through the ranks to the rank of captain. He retired in 2019 but came back as assistant chief in January 2024.

Second Sight Spirits in Ludlow announces closure Second Sight Spirits, a distillery and lounge in Ludlow, Kentucky, announced on Aug. 27 that it would be closing at the end of November. The announcement took the form of a video. In it, one of the venue’s owners held up cards delivering information about the closure. One of them gave a list of reasons why running the distillery had become difficult, including “costs,” “tourism” and “staff health,” among other reasons. As a result, the business will not be renewing its distilling license for 2027. “It’s hard to put into words what this place and all of you have meant to us,” the writSEPTEMBER 11, 2026

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A smile, a jump shot, a legacy: Remembering Zach Mertens By Marc Hardin

nior, he averaged 15 points per contest, second-best on the team. He added 3.3 rebounds — proof he refused to be a onetrick pony.

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he visitation for Burlington’s Zach Mertens was held Aug. 18. The onetime Bellevue High School sports standout passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 10. Mertens, a 2025 Bellevue graduate, had recently celebrated his 20th birthday in June. Authorities said he fell from the top of South Falls at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, about 50 miles south of Portland.

He averaged 14.6 points and 4.7 rebounds as a sophomore, ranking second on the team in both categories. As a freshman, he led the Tigers in scoring (13.3) and rebounding (5.1). Even as an eighth grader, the small guard was third on the team in scoring (7.6). He was fourth in rebounding (3.3).

Investigators determined that Mertens had entered a closed area near the top of South Falls while attempting to pose for photographs. Authorities said he slipped in the restricted area and fell into the water approximately 177 feet below. A rescue attempt was unsuccessful, and Mertens died at the scene.

By the time he was 18, Mertens stood nearly 6-foot-1, but he didn’t suit up for his final year. “He was dealing with some personal things in his life that made basketball not as relevant,” Hicks said.

The circumstances of his death are tragic and public, the kind that can eclipse the quieter, everyday ways he made people feel good about themselves and about Bellevue — more specifically, about their Tigers. But those who knew him will remember the way he lived just as vividly.

Whatever it was — and it doesn’t matter what it was — Mertens handled it with courage. He dealt with it in a way that made it more important than basketball, which for him ranked right up there with family, hiking and camping. His former coach says Mertens was quietly courageous. He said Mertens was that way in practice, in huddles, with seconds left on the clock and the score tied.

Mertens made people smile. That was the whole shebang. He made people laugh. He made them think. Mertens made them hustle to their seats before the opening tip-off of a Bellevue varsity boys basketball game because missing the first quarter meant missing the chance to watch him go off on one of his trademark scoring rampages. He was a very good basketball player at Bellevue, and if you believe in heaven’s hardwood, he’s probably shooting the lights out right now. Knowing Mertens, he’s already made someone look silly with his arsenal of basketball tools. If the lights flicker while you read this, that’s just Zach saying it’s OK to be sad — but don’t worry. Sadness is different from worry. Mertens rarely carried both at once when he wore a Bellevue uniform. His basketball coach, current Bellevue athletic director Jim Hicks, says the crafty guard played with an unbridled joy for the game. Hicks remembers him as an unflappable teammate who modeled the right things for younger players, passing along what he learned from the savvy Tigers who came before him. As a teammate, Mertens was a master craftsman quietly sliding tools across the

Boom. Another go-ahead basket from Mertens, the kind that ended games before anyone realized it. “He was an incredible player,” Hicks said. “But a better person.”

A smile, a jump shot, a legacy: Remembering Zach Mertens. Photo provided | Bellevue High School

workbench to newer builders. He handled his role with care because he knew his teammates held the keys to the house. Even as a young player, he wanted to make sure they had the best blueprints available. “He was easy to coach as the team always came first,” Hicks said. Even when Mertens was putting the team on his back with one of his patented scoring displays, he disguised the one-man showmanship with a team-centric vibe. And it wasn’t just offense. He was an inveterate hound on defense — picking pockets, forcing bad passes. He flummoxed oppo-

nents with a flamboyant but controlled style of play. And that charismatic smile when Bellevue won? Electric. As real and authentic as his swagger on the court. “He had the ability to take over a game on either end of the floor if we needed him to,” Hicks said. Mertens scored 1,307 career points at Bellevue, ranking eighth all-time at a school that’s been around a long, long time. He stacked all those points without playing a single game his senior season. As a ju-

EXPIRES: 11/30/2026

Stop cleaning-out your gutters this season

Mertens scored over 1,300 points in his Bellevue career, good for eighth all-time in program history. Photo provided | Bellevue High School

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10 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026


Athena Hospitality’s $100M Florence development gets planning commission backing By Kenton Hornbeck

Athena will also have to extend Beam Boulevard to the property’s eastern boundary, which follows the site’s natural ridgeline to allow for a potential connection to the neighboring property. In addition, one hotel will be limited to five stories rather than the seven shown in the initial concept plan.

A

growing hospitality company has received the Boone County Planning Commission’s backing for a proposed $100 million commercial development at 3700 Houston Road in Florence. On Sept. 2, the planning commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of a zoning change request that would pave the way for the development of a 14,000-square-foot, one-story restaurant; a 15,368-square-foot, two-story office building; a 109,000-square-foot, three-story hotel; and a 152,000-squarefoot, seven-story hotel. The company behind the request, Florence-based Athena Hospitality Group, owns and operates several hotels throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana and New Jersey. The firm’s portfolio includes brands from some of the world’s largest hospitality companies, including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Choice Hotels and Wyndham. Athena Hospitality is seeking to rezone the vacant property from commercial to office use, while maintaining its Houston-Donaldson Study Corridor Overlay designation. JDV Ventures, a holding company associated with Athena CEO Devesh Patel, owns the

The planning commission’s recommendation now heads to the Florence City Council, which has final authority over the project because the property lies within the city’s jurisdiction.

An overview of the Athena Project. Photo provided | Athena Hospitality, City of Florence

land, according to Boone County property records.

Whitley, an Athena Hospitality representative.

Athena plans to use the office building as its corporate headquarters. The project will feature a Residence Inn for extended stays and a full-service Hilton or Marriott hotel. The restaurant brand has not yet been determined.

The recommendation comes with several attached conditions that will govern the project’s design, landscaping and connection to surrounding infrastructure.

Athena’s current headquarters are situated at 4750 Houston Road, right next to the proposed project site. “We’re in agreement with all the divisions that have been placed forward,” said David

Athena will be required to provide landscaping along the roadway and around the development, comply with architectural standards for the Houston-Donaldson corridor, and preserve trees within 100 feet of the Interstate 71/75 right-of-way.

Nearly a week before the planning commission meeting, Florence City Council approved a memorandum of agreement with Athena that allows the city to pursue industrial revenue bonds, or IRBs, and a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement, commonly known as a PILOT, to help finance the project. During the Aug. 25 meeting, Florence City Administrator Josh Hunt emphasized that the financing agreement was separate from the project’s zoning process. Hunt said the bond arrangement would not move forward without the necessary zoning approvals.

DIVISION ONE CASE NO.: 25-CI-02262 KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION VERSUS AUTUMN STORM BENAVIDEZ, ET AL.

MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE BOONE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 7, 2026 the above case, I shall proceed to offer for sale at the Justice Center Building in Burlington, Kentucky, to the highest bidder, at public auction on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 137 ROGER LANE, FLORENCE, KY 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 061.09-24-018.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $235,653.00 GROUP NO.: 337

The complete legal description is particularly set out in the Judgment and Order of Sale entered in this case. TERMS OF SALE: The property shall be sold as a whole. The purchaser may pay all or part of the purchase price in cash, and may pay the balance of the purchase price on a credit of 30 days after date of sale; said credit shall be granted only upon the execution by the purchaser of bond, with surety thereon, and said surety shall be a lending institution authorized and doing business in Kentucky, or a reputable fidelity or surety company, authorized and doing business in Kentucky, and only if said surety be acceptable to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court; and an authorized officer of the surety must be present at the sale or must have given the Commissioner adequate assurance of its intent to be surety prior to or at the sale; and said Bond shall be, and shall remain, a lien on the property sold as additional security for the payment of the full purchase price, and shall have the full force and effect of a Judgment; and said Bond shall bear interest at the rate provided by the Judgment up to Twelve (12%) Percent per annum until paid. The purchaser shall be required to pay the sum of 10% of the bid amount in cash or certified check on the purchase at the time of sale. The successful bidder at the sale shall, at bidder’s own expense, carry fire and extended insurance coverage on any improvements from the date of sale until the purchase price is fully paid, with a loss payable clause to the Commissioner of the Boone Circuit Court. Failure of the purchaser to effect such insurance shall not affect the validity of the sale or the purchaser’s liability thereunder, but shall entitle, but not require, a lien holder herein, after giving notice to the Commissioner, to effect said insurance and furnish the policy or evidence thereof to the Commissioner, and the premium thereon or the proper portion thereof shall be charged to the purchaser as purchaser’s cost. The property shall be sold subject to ad valorem taxes for the year 2026 and all subsequent years thereafter; easements, restrictions and stipulations of record; assessments for public improvements levied against the property, if any; existing zoning ordinances, statutes, laws, or regulations; and any facts which an inspection and accurate survey of the property may disclose. BIDDERS SHALL BE PREPARED TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS. All sales are “as is” and the Plaintiff, the Master Commissioner, and the Court shall not be deemed to have warranted title of the real estate to the purchaser. FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THESE SALES AND OTHER UPCOMING SALES CAN BE FOUND AT www.boonecountyky.org (Link to Department/Agencies to Master Commissioner) PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS ARE ADVISED AND ENCOURAGED TO REFER TO THAT WEBSITE FOR ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 11


sports Seven from NKY ranked in first statewide media football polls

Cooper’s Noel commits to South Florida

What Kyle Niederman and his staff are doing is great. They share the love on offense with defenders flying all over the place. While Christian Academy-Louisville is the unquestioned top team in 3A, could this be the year the Juggernauts break through and get to Kroger Field?

The back-to-back girls basketball 9th Region Player of the Year has found her college home.

Emmett Queen and Beechwood High School are No. 1 in the initial 2A statewide media football poll. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

Seven Northern Kentucky teams found their way into their respective top 10’s in the first statewide media polls of the season, released on Sept. 2. The Kentucky High School Football Media Poll is conducted by 16 sports journalists throughout the state, with one representative for each of the 16 basketball regions in order to provide geographical balance. In the first poll, Beechwood was voted as the No. 1 team in 2A. The Tigers opened up the season with a 42-0 victory over Indian Hill on Aug. 28. Covington Catholic and Highlands are neck-and-neck in 4A. The Colonels were ranked No. 3, slightly ahead of No. 4 Highlands, who was tied for fourth with Paducah-Tilghman. Ryle is No. 9 in 6A, while Simon Kenton and Campbell County are in the others receiving votes category at 13th and 16th, respectively. Cooper came in at No. 8 in 5A, Boone County also picking up a vote and tied for No. 18. Lloyd Memorial is No. 4 in 3A, coming off a state semifinal appearance from a season ago. In 1A, Holy Cross was the lone team from NKY ranked at No. 10, Dayton, Bishop Brossart, Newport Central Catholic, Ludlow and Newport showing up in the others receiving votes category. The full top 10’s from each class can be seen at our website in the sports section. The poll will be released every Wednesday throughout the regular season.

Cooper senior Haylee Noel committed to South Florida, via her Haylee Noel committed Instagram page to the University of South Florida on Sept. 1, 2026. on Sept. 1. Noel Photo provided | Charles enters her senior Bolton season with 1,685 career points as she looks to help lead Cooper to a fifth region title in the last six years. In her junior season, Noel averaged 20.9 points per game while shooting 44% from the field, 36% from three and 88% from the free throw line, while pulling down 7.9 rebounds per game and was also the Northern Kentucky High School Girls Basketball Coaches Association Division I Player of the Year. She’s been playing varsity since the seventh grade and was a part of four region title teams from seventh through 10th grade as the Lady Jaguars reached the state semifinals twice during that run. Noel joins a list of Cooper players during that time to play Division I basketball. Whitney Lind plays at Lehigh, Liz Freihofer is at Eastern Kentucky University, Logan Palmer at Evansville and Maleah Alexander is at Liberty. Zene Thompson (Thomas More) and Bella Deere (Gannon) are at the Division II level. Noel was an All-State first team selection in both the Lexington Herald-Leader and Louisville Courier-Journal. She held offers from Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Bowling Green, Arkansas, Murray State and Youngstown State among others.

on Aug. 26. The poll will be released biweekly throughout the regular season, and a coach must be a member of the KVCA to participate. 23 members voted in the first poll, with Assumption voted the unanimous No. 1. Notre Dame Academy came in at No. 2, the runner-up from a season ago. The Pandas are 5-3 and had their 59-game winning streak against 9th Region opponents snapped on Sept. 1 with a five-set loss to St. Henry. St. Henry is ranked No. 6. They opened the season 9-3. Beechwood is No. 13, but certain to make a jump after beating St. Henry for the 9th Region All “A” championship on Aug. 27. They are 9-1 on the year, the lone loss to No. 1 Assumption. Ryle follows at No. 14 with Conner ranked No. 21. The Raiders are off to a 4-0 start while the Cougars are 2-2. As far as the top five in each region, in the 8th Region, Simon Kenton is fourth. North Oldham is first, Eminence is second and Oldham County is third with Woodford County fifth. In the 9th, Notre Dame is at the top with Beechwood, St. Henry, Ryle and Conner following.

South Florida plays in the American Conference, their head coach is Kristy Curry.

In the 10th, Bishop Brossart is first with George Rogers Clark, Montgomery County, Scott and Calvary Christian following.

Five from NKY show up in first KVCA regular season poll

10 takeaways from Week 2 of the high school football season

Five Northern Kentucky teams appeared on the first regular season Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association poll, released

— Beechwood hit everyone with the “WOW” factor in their season-opening win over Indian Hill. While everyone certainly knew what talent they had returning, they dominated an Indian Hill team that was a state semifinalist a season ago and returned a Division I athlete at quarterback. It was never a game. The Tigers returned the opening kickoff and dominated in all phases. They get Dixie Heights and then Simon Kenton the next two weeks, followed by the showdown in the neighborhood rivalry with Covington Catholic. If they can get through those unscathed, they most likely won’t have to worry about a road playoff game this year. LCA and Owensboro Catholic have already taken losses early in the year, which bodes well for the Tigers when it comes to the RPI.

ST. HENRY BOYS SOCCER

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St. Henry High School’s boys soccer team won the first LINK nky Team of the Week for the fall sports season after winning the 9th Region All “A” title. Photo provided | St. Henry High School

12 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Ryle High School’s Clare Holtzapfel and the Lady Raiders are ranked No. 14 in the first regular season KVCA poll. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

— Since 2022, Lloyd Memorial has built itself into a legitimate program. With a 2-0 start to the season, it means they are 4410 over their last 54 games with two state semifinal appearances. Enjoy it, Erlanger.

— The unquestioned top three teams in Northern Kentucky right now are Beechwood, Covington Catholic and Highlands. There’s a big gap from there, I believe. However, the next group of teams looks to be competitive and should create some tight district races. Especially keeping an eye on the Class 6A, District 6 (Ryle, Simon Kenton, Campbell County), Class 5A, District 5 (Cooper, Conner, Dixie Heights, Boone County) Class 1A, District 3 (Newport Central Catholic, Newport, Dayton) and Class 1A, District 4 (Holy Cross, Ludlow, Bishop Brossart) races. — Dayton hasn’t started 3-0 since 2020 and had the chance to do so Sept. 4 when they hosted Owen County. The Greendevils returned a lot and look to be a potential threat to both Newport Central Catholic and Newport in the Class 1A, District 3 race. They’ve outscored the opponent 83-7 in the first two games, and if they can get past the Rebels, the Sept. 11 matchup with Ludlow can be an intriguing one if the Panthers can beat Walton-Verona and set up a matchup of two 3-0 teams. — Not many bright spots for Bishop Brossart in its 42-0 loss to Sayre, but Brady Boruske has shown early on what he can do. He’s recorded back-to-back 100-yard receiving games to open up the season and has two interceptions on the year. — Holy Cross has now won 12 straight regular-season games after dismantling Bracken County on Aug. 28. They’ve outscored the opponent 74-13 in their 2-0 start and we really might not see them tested until Oct. 9 when they play Bishop Brossart. Their next four games are against Clermont Northeastern (Ohio), Holmes, Eminence and Harlan County. — A disturbing trend…blowouts. The margin of victory in NKY in Week 1 was 26.5 points spread out over 12 games. The margin of victory in Week 2 was 25.9 points over 16 games. Just seven of 28 games have been decided by single digits. — The battle of Union took place on Sept. 4 at Cooper. It was the 20th all-time matchup between Ryle and Cooper. Ryle is 14-5 alltime head-to-head and won nine in a row before the Jaguars won the last two meetings. — While we got a tease with some college football games over the weekend, things really get going now. Looking at the slate, there were eight FBS games on Sept. 4. Can we stop scheduling those on Friday and move them to Thursday or Saturday? Let’s leave Friday nights to the high school kids. — The first statewide media poll was released on Sept. 2. How many NKY teams will show up in their respective top 10s?


COMMISSIONER’S SALE CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00459

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00699

CASE NUMBER 24-CI-00253

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 1

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE, FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-WCW1

CITIZENS BANK, NA FKA RBS CITIZENS, NA

VS. CHRISTI SHIELDS, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 8/10/2026 BY THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURT, IN THE ABOVE CAUSE I SHALL PROCEED TO OFFER FOR SALE AT THE CAMPBELL CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE, 330 YORK STREET, NEWPORT, KENTUCKY 41071, OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR.

VS. CHRISTINE S. LOHBECK, ET AL.

VS. SARAH J. SCHMIDTGESLING A/K/A SARAH JANE SCHMIDTGESLING, ET AL. BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 8/21/2026 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 9/29/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 8/21/2026 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.

2001 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 9/29/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

Group No: 41302/A9

154 Tremont Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075

Group No: 70384/C1 & 70384/Z

PIDN: 999-99-22-738.00

Group No: 41166/A1

PIDN: 999-99-25-095.00

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 9/29/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit: 7722 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001

PIDN: 999-99-15-718.00

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00473

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00540

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00599

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 1

KIAVI FUNDING, INC.

CITY OF DAYTON

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION

VS.

VS.

VS.

MI REAL ESTATE, LLC, ET AL.

THERESA COLETTA, ET AL.

NATALIE MARIE BROWN, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 8/10/2026 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 8/10/2026 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 8/10/2026 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 9/29/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 9/29/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

To the highest or best bidder at public auction on 9/29/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

617 Eighth Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41073

1001 Ervin Terrace, Dayton, Kentucky 41074

117 West 10th Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071

Group No: 30571/A1

Group No: 41332/A3

Group No: 30178/A8

PIDN: 999-99-08-537.00

PIDN: 999-99-09-639.00

PIDN: 999-99-03-533.00

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

SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 13


real estate

Cutie in Park Hills Address: 1122 Mount Allen Road, Park Hills Price: $275,000 Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: One Square footage: 1,317 School district: Kenton County School District County: Kenton County Special features: This traditional two-story home in Park Hills sits on a quiet, treelined street and offers a wooded backdrop. Features include hardwood floors throughout the formal living and dining rooms, an electric fireplace, a sunroom overlooking the trees, a full basement and a one-car garage.

The exterior of this Kenton County home. Photos by Brian Smith | Keller Williams Realty Service

The kitchen inside of this Park Hills home.

The home sits on the edge of a wooded area.

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

LEGAL NOTICE The Kenton County Fiscal Court is seeking sealed proposals for the purchase of Fence Replacement at Pioneer Park - Cordero Field for Kenton County Parks and Recreation, located at 420 independence Station Rd, Independence, Kentucky 41051. Bid documents are available on the Kenton County website at www.kentoncounty.org or may be obtained through Kenton County’s eProcurement portal located at https://procurement. opengov.com/portal/kentoncounty. Bids must be submitted through the County’s eProcurement portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/kentoncounty/ projects/295340 and received no later than 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. KENTON COUNTY FISCAL COURT KRIS A. KNOCHELMANN, JUDGE/EXECUTIVE KENTON COUNTY

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

14 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

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SUDOKU

The Weekly Edited by MargieCrossword E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

6

3 5 7 5 4

2

1 9 /29/26 - 7/5/26

5 2 7 6

5 1 7 9 6 3 4

1 8 3

Edited by Margie Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate E. Burke

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the 3 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.

4

Answer to Previous Sudoku:

1 8 3

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

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Out of juice HOW TO SOLVE: 15 16 14 5 Babe Ruth was Each row must contain the 18 19 17 its 1 "sultan" numbers to 9; each column must 9 False contain thefriends numbers 1 20 to 9; and 22 21 14 Doing each set ofnothing 3 by 3 boxes must 24 25 15 Readthe (over) contain numbers 1 to 9. 23 16 Makeshift money 28 29 26 27 17 Rx unit Answer to Previous Sudoku: 18 Hertz rival 30 31 32 33 34 35 20 Spelunking sight 3 6 9 4 2 7 365 8 1 37 38 22 Slushy drink 5 237 Item 4 on1a to-do 6 8 393 2 9 40 list 2 8 1 3 5 9 7 6 4 41 42 43 44 24 Mark who 6 2 played 8 7Crowley 9 4 451 465 473 48 49 4 3 in 7"Supernatural" 6 1 5 502 9 8 51 52 53 54 26 "If you ask me," 1 9 in 5a text8 3 2 6 4 7 57 55 56 clotting 7 284 Blood 6 5 8 aid 1 9 3 2 59 60 58 30 Cattle owners 9 321 Beach 3 2sights 4 6 8 7 5 62 63 61 8 365 Where 2 9a zoom 7 3 4 1 6 Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate gets you 37 Run, as a business 3 Just like that 34 Make an 45 Fails miserably 39 Golf legend Sam 4 Mason's Street? impression? 46 Type of rotation 40 ____ of mind 5 Small spots 35 Appear 47 Nairobi's land 41 Serious warning 6 "This ___ hurt a 37 Mine yield 49 Welliver of 44 Electric unit bit" 38 Puts on a show "Bosch" 45 Early plastic 7 Monet and 40 Attorney, at 52 Juicy fruit 48 Waller or Domino Manet times 53 Tolstoy heroine 50 They can take a 8 Sprout canines 42 Wine's partner 54 Sad ending? yoke 9 Pill bottle letters 43 Captain's 56 Toupee 51 Layered ice 10 Daily reading, command cream for some Answers to Previous Crossword: 55 ESP user? 11 Lucas's sis on 57 Dial follower "Stranger R A B B I T E S S A L M S 58 Louisiana Things" E L A L M A I L A C U R A wetland 12 Stair separator P A L I N D R O M E O S L O 59 Clothing line? 13 Dash display E M P O W E R I N G S I L T D O L L I E S Y I K E S 60 Containers for 19 It holds the line O R O N O T R A C E S ashes 21 Hades flower F E Z T R E S A T T L E E 61 Street talk 25 Statue support C L O S I N G F L E S H E S 62 Blows it 26 Part of the eye S Y R I A N S I L O B O O 63 Wet septet 27 "Death in C R E S T S T R E S S Venice" author K U T C H E R N I C K I DOWN 29 "What ___ the E L A B O R A T E S F A R E 1 Queso and odds?" A T T R I B U T E D W O R E hummus, et al. 31 Former WNBA T E E N A T E I N E N I D 2 Trim to fit, player Layshia E R R S H E D D A L A B S maybe 33 Micro retailer

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