LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 4, Edition 44 - October 2, 2026 by LINK nky

KENTON

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 44 — OCTOBER 2, 2026

THE VOICE OF NKY

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When are Kentucky election results official? Here’s what happens after Election Day By Haley Parnell

hen the polls close in Kentucky on Nov. 3, the election may be over for voters, but the process of making the results official is just getting started. Before winners are certified and newly elected officials take office, election officials still have ballots to process, results to certify and deadlines for reviewing close races. Here’s what Kentucky voters should know about what happens after Election Day. What happens to absentee ballots? Kentucky election officials can begin processing returned mail-in absentee ballots before Election Day, including verifying required information and voter signatures. Counting can begin at 8 a.m. on Election Continues on page 3

The Fort Thomas Mess Hall polling location on Primary Election Day, May 19, 2026. Photo by Maggy McDonel | LINK nky

From West Point to Florence: Jason Lewis’ path of public service By Kenton Hornbeck

lorence Finance Director Jason Lewis can trace his public service career back to the intense call to duty he felt in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Reflecting on the recent 25th anniversary of 9/11, Lewis recalled feeling compelled to serve by an overwhelming sense of duty. A native of Fort Thomas, he was in third grade at the time. As he grew older, the feeling only solidified.

Florence Finance Director Jason Lewis. Photo provided | Florence

“I’m old enough to remember 9/11,” Lewis said. “I was in third grade at the time, and I didn’t know it back then, but as I went on through high school in the 2000s and saw everything going on in Iraq and Afghani-

stan, I really felt the call to serve. I felt it as more of a duty than anything.”

SparkHaus is full and looking to the future p5

Today, Lewis serves as Florence’s finance director, where he leads the development and management of the city’s $89 million budget. His work directly supports city operations, including police, fire, water and sewer services, and major capital projects. Lewis said his experience in the U.S. Army helped prepare him for his current role with the city.

A new park project is underway in Kenton County p7

During his senior year of high school, Lewis applied to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He drew on his experience as captain of the Highlands High School soccer team to demonstrate his leadership capabilities to the admissions officers. Ultimately, Lewis was accepted

Kentucky to receive millions in federal funding for mental health services p10

Continues on page 4

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Day, although results cannot be released before polls close at 6 p.m. local time.

PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling 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

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Mail-in absentee ballots must reach the county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Election Day to be counted. Unlike states that accept ballots arriving after Election Day if they were postmarked on time, Kentucky generally does not have a days-long waiting period for mail ballots to arrive. Some provisional ballots, however, are reviewed after Election Day. Counties must certify their provisional ballot counts to the secretary of state by noon on Friday, Nov. 6. That’s one reason election-night totals are considered unofficial.

The State Board of Elections then meets to tabulate the certified results no later than the third Monday after the election, Nov. 23 this year. Certification doesn’t necessarily end the process. Close races can be subject to recanvasses, recounts or election contests. A recanvass checks vote totals and voting equipment rather than recounting each individual ballot. A candidate can request one if the difference between candidates is less than 1% of the total votes cast in the race. The request must be submitted by 4 p.m. on the Tuesday following the election, Nov. 10 this year. Qualifying recanvasses begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.

When do results become official?

A recount goes further and involves retallying ballots.

Certification happens in stages. For races contained within a single county, county boards generally must issue certificates of election by the second Monday after Election Day, which is Nov. 16 this year. For statewide, congressional, Kentucky General Assembly and other races spanning multiple counties, counties must certify their totals to the secretary of state by Nov. 10.

Kentucky provides an automatic recount for certain races when the losing candidate trails by no more than 0.5% of the votes cast for the office. That provision applies to races for the Kentucky General Assembly, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and statewide constitutional offices. For applicable 2026 races, automatic recounts begin no later than Nov. 17 and generally must be completed within 14 days, excluding Sundays. Candidates in certain races who don’t qualify for an automatic recount can also petition for one under Kentucky law.

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.

When do the winners take office?

The Cold Spring Community Center on Primary Election Day, May 19, 2026. Photo by Ethan Bloomfield | LINK nky

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Winning on Nov. 3 doesn’t mean starting the job on Nov. 4. Generally, newly elected officials won’t begin their terms until January.

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A ‘vote here’ sign outside of the Independence Senior Center Election Day 2024. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

U.S. House and Senate: Members of Congress begin their new terms at noon Jan. 3, 2027. U.S. representatives serve two-year terms and senators serve six-year terms. Kentucky House and Senate: State representatives and senators begin their terms Jan. 1, 2027. Representatives serve two-year terms and senators serve four-year terms. County offices: Kentucky’s county officials generally begin their terms on the first Monday in January, which is Jan. 4, 2027. That includes county judges/executive and county commissioners. County officials generally serve four-year terms. Mayors and city councils: Kentucky mayors and members of city legislative bodies begin their terms Jan. 1, 2027. Mayors generally serve four-year terms, while city council and commission members generally serve two-year terms. School boards: Newly elected school board members begin their four-year terms when their predecessors’ terms expire on the first Monday in January, which is Jan. 4, 2027.

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into West Point, becoming the first person in his family to do so. “I actually didn’t apply to any of the other service academies, just West Point. I got in. No one in my family had really served. I just felt that sort of an obligation. I felt it deep inside of me,” he told LINK nky. Lewis graduated from West Point in 2014, kickstarting his active-duty career by spending six months as a graduate assistant with the Army men’s soccer team. Later, he trained in field artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before serving at Fort Carson, Colorado, as a platoon leader and fire support officer. After being promoted to captain in 2018, Lewis returned to Fort Sill for additional training before spending his final year of active duty at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Overall, he served five years of active duty in the United States. Upon leaving the military, Lewis enrolled at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, where he began his formal training in finance. Lewis did not study finance at West Point, instead focusing on German and international relations. He graduated from Notre Dame in 2021, returning to Northern Kentucky after accepting a position with Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble. Lewis said that although his time at Procter & Gamble was worthwhile, he still felt an urge to return to the public sector.

Jason Lewis playing on the West Point soccer team in 2013. Photo provided l Jason Lewis

“As I got more ingrained in the Kenton County, Northern Kentucky community, I felt like, OK, what opportunities are there for me to actually work — whether it’s local government or a public agency — in Northern Kentucky,” he said. Lewis was hired as Florence’s finance director in September 2024, following the retirement of longtime director Linda Chapman.

Jason Lewis while serving in the Army in 2018. Photo provided | Jason Lewis

Lewis said the most rewarding part of his job is seeing the tangible impact of his work, whether that is through tax cuts or by meeting the city’s financial obligations to its employees. “I think the most rewarding parts are when you can get things passed that affect people’s lives,” he said.

in another one of his passions: soccer. Currently, Lewis serves as an assistant coach on the Covington Catholic High School soccer team, describing the role as another form of public service. He said coaching gives him an opportunity to pass down the wisdom he has gained through his own athletic career, the military and his professional career.

Besides his career, Lewis remains involved

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One year in, SparkHaus is full and looking to the future By Kenton Hornbeck

parkHaus originally opened with a promise: to give Northern Kentucky entrepreneurs a dedicated space to pursue their ideas to the fullest.

The curated environment would be tailored to entrepreneurs, with meeting spaces, private offices, collaborative co-working spaces and access to many of the region’s leading founders. SparkHaus was envisioned to be the region’s hub for entrepreneurs, bringing NKY-based startups, investment firms and entrepreneurial support organizations together under one roof. One year after SparkHaus opened its doors, Blue North Executive Director Dave Knox believes the entrepreneurial hub is delivering on its original promise. “What is SparkHaus going to be? It’s a community gathering of our future business leaders, the leaders that are creating what this space is going to be in 10 years, 20 years, in 30 years. It’s the entrepreneurs that believe in the potential for this,” Knox said at SparkHaus’ one-year anniversary celebration. Covington Mayor Ron Washington, who spoke at SparkHaus’ opening ceremony on Sept. 22, 2025, returned a year later to issue a proclamation acknowledging the hub’s impact on Covington and, more broadly, NKY. “This building’s come a long way,” he said. “I remember when it was Sims Furniture, and walking around here now, it makes Covington proud. I’m glad all the partners that have brought this beautiful structure to what it looks like now, and all the activity in this building. This is a win-win for Covington, Kenton County and Northern Kentucky.”

horse Capital, Commonwealth Seed Capital, Fireroad Ventures and the Kentucky Angel Collective. On the startup side, SparkHaus is home to a range of growing companies working in fields from artificial intelligence to golf simulators, including Flamel.ai, SYRV. AI, Cortechs.ai, Inflow, Proximity Parking, Definity, Another Nine, Reset Marketing Group and Reset Business Consulting, among others. SparkHaus’ success was built on years of planning, collaboration and construction that preceded its opening. SparkHaus is located at 727 Madison Ave. in the heart of Covington’s Central Business District. The building was previously home to Sims Furniture, which operated there for decades before closing in 2023. Before Sims moved into the property in the 1970s, the building housed a Montgomery Ward department store, which closed in the 1960s. Given the building’s prominent location, NKY leaders began exploring ways to repurpose the vacant space as a community asset. The SparkHaus project drew roughly $16 million in public and private investment. Cincinnati-based Urban Sites led the building’s redevelopment, while CityStudios Architecture designed the space. After nearly a year of construction, SparkHaus opened in 2025 to much fanfare, capping off a three-year odyssey to transform the vacant building into NKY’s entrepreneurial hub. Looking ahead, Knox said he wanted to ensure the hub remains a home for NKY entrepreneurs for decades to come.

Today, SparkHaus is fully occupied, with more than 470 members across its 35 private offices and coworking spaces. Its membership includes freelancers, startup founders, remote workers and small-business teams. Some notable organizations based at SparkHaus include Blue North, the region’s primary entrepreneurial support organization, as well as venture capital and investment groups eGateway Capital, Key-

Top right: Durham designers created the SparkHaus sign. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky Bottom right: Covington Mayor Ron Washington (left) handing a city proclamation to Blue North Executive Director Dave Knox (right). Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky

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Northern Kentucky medical examiner’s office, crime lab break ground By Haley Parnell

orthern Kentucky is one step closer to having a medical examiner’s office again after state and local officials broke ground Sept. 18 on a new facility. Construction at the former Highland Heights city building on Harriet Avenue is expected to begin within the next three to four weeks and be completed in early 2028, according to Mary Paula Schuh, Northern Kentucky University’s senior director for planning, design and construction. The new facility will also house the region’s Kentucky State Police crime lab. The Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office will bring autopsy services back to the region for the first time since the previous office closed in 2017, largely because of staffing issues. The project includes an approximately 8,000-square-foot addition to the existing building and replacement of its mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Schuh told LINK nky that the extent of the work, along with long lead times for equipment, accounts for the construction timeline. The project will restore a service NKY has gone without for nearly a decade while also

A rendering of the new Northern Kentucky medical examiner’s office and crime lab in Highland Heights. Rendering provided | Northern Kentucky University

giving the Kentucky State Police Northern Regional Crime Lab more room to operate. “Since before I took office, the Northern Kentucky region had been without a medical examiner’s office,” Gov. Andy Beshear said at the groundbreaking. “This has placed an unnecessary burden on medical examiners’ offices across our state, as well as law enforcement, funeral homes and most importantly, families of victims.” The state secured $21 million in 2024 for equipment and renovations needed for the project, according to Beshear. The medi-

cal examiner’s office and Kentucky State Police chose to locate their operations together as a way to reduce costs and make services more accessible to NKY law enforcement agencies. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William Ralston said NKY cases have had to be transported to Louisville or Frankfort since the regional office closed. That has affected not only families and funeral homes but law enforcement officers who may need to attend autopsies as part of an investigation. “We never expected our Northern Kentucky office to be closed for that long, but I can promise you, we never stopped looking for a location that would allow us to reopen this facility,” Ralston said. Having the medical examiner and crime lab at the same location could also speed up portions of criminal investigations. Ralston said evidence that needs to go from the medical examiner to Kentucky State Police could, in some cases, be hand-delivered within the facility rather than transported elsewhere. The office will also be able to respond locally to natural disasters and mass-casualty events.

Northern Kentucky medical examiner’s office and crime lab break ground in Highland Heights. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky

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The Kentucky State Police Northern Laboratory currently receives more than 3,000 evidence submissions each year, according to Kentucky State Police Lt. Col. Larry Newton. Its current Cold Spring facility has

limited space, while the new location will provide room for additional personnel and updated laboratory resources. For Campbell County, the facility puts both operations within the county while reducing the need to send cases elsewhere in Kentucky. Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery said having forensic testing available closer to local courts and law enforcement can also help cases move through the criminal justice system more efficiently, potentially reducing costs counties incur while defendants are held in local jails awaiting the resolution of felony cases. NKU President Cady Short-Thompson said the project gives a new use to a building the university previously acquired from Highland Heights. “With a local office right here, families and victims will get answers more quickly and efficiently than ever before,” Short-Thompson said. “I cannot fully state how important that will be for people and their families, many of whom will be going through some of the worst days of their lives.” Officials said the operation is expected to serve Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Fleming, Gallatin, Grant, Greenup, Kenton, Lewis, Mason, Owen and Pendleton counties.

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Local leaders break ground on new Kenton County Fox Ridge Park

Fox Ridge Park rendering. Rendering provided | Kenton County

By Nathan Granger

ork on a new park in Kenton County is officially underway.

Local leaders broke ground on Kenton County’s new park project Sept. 21. Dubbed Fox Ridge Park, the project will eventually see the conversion of the old Fox Run Golf Course in Independence into a 225-acre recreational and natural space.

Local leaders participate in the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

“We have an opportunity here to take a property with a long history in our community and give it a new purpose that will benefit a much broader part of Kenton County,” said Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. “And importantly, we’re going to do that while preserving much of what makes this property special.” Located on Independence Station Road, the area formerly served as the Fox Run Golf Course. The county closed Fox Run at the end of 2019 after determining the course was no longer financially sustainable, averaging around 10,000 rounds a year against a roughly 30,000-round benchmark for a sustainable operation. Multiple advisors, including a National Golf Foundation study, recommended the closure. Construction on the new park had already begun by the time of the Sept. 21 groundbreaking. Moved earth and construction equipment were visible throughout the landscape. The fiscal court approved a first-phase construction contract with Prus Construction and released renderings of the park’s future amenities earlier this month.

The project will also integrate the neighboring Lincoln Ridge Park into the same infrastructure. Both parks will operate under the same Fox Ridge name and aegis, and the combined geographic footprint will make the new park the largest of the county’s seven parks. Although the park will include new amenities, including family-friendly waterworks, climbing equipment, a ropes course, about 20 miles of trails and a pump track, most of the land — about 70%, Knochelmann said — will remain an untouched natural space. “Fox Ridge will give our residents opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, gathering with family and friends, playing, climbing, exploring and simply enjoying the outdoors,” Knochelmann said. “The goal is to provide a park that serves users of all ages and abilities, allowing everyone to capture Kenton County’s pioneering spirit through adventure, exploration and discovery,” said John Cody, a project manager with design firm Bayer Becker, which is contributing to the park’s design process. “I appreciate Kenton County has found a way to repurpose this asset in a way that

can be enjoyed by all Kenton County-ans,” said Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman. “It’ll be a wonderful opportunity and a benefit to the city’s residents, to the county’s residents for years to come.” The park will be divided into three sections, dubbed ridges, each one of which will focus on a different experience: • Discovery Ridge will serve as the primary family and social area, featuring a fishing pond, dog park, fitness areas, playground, water features, observation towers and ways to access the tree canopy. Restrooms and other necessities will also be found in this area. • Adventure Ridge will focus on larger-scale recreation, namely the pump track, the ropes course, mountain biking trails and a pavilion. • Nature Ridge is essentially everything else and will feature the park’s remaining open space, along with other activities related to enjoying and learning about the natural landscape. The park will remain closed to the public throughout the construction process. It is slated to reopen in August 2028.

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kenton county briefs Covington lowers real estate tax rate, raises personal property tax rate

Covington City Hall. File photo | LINK nky archives

Covington set its new property tax rates Sept. 22. The city’s real estate property tax rate has decreased, whereas the rate on personal property, also called tangible property, has increased. The new real estate property tax rate is $0.262 per $100 of property valuation, down from last year’s rate of $0.287 per $100 of property valuation. That’s an 8.7% rate reduction, according to Covington’s Budget Director Joe Ewald. It also represents the compensating tax rate, the rate required to bring in the same amount of tax revenue as the preceding year. The tangible, or personal, property tax rate, on the other hand, is going up from $0.375 to $0.382 per $100 of assessed property. The personal property tax rate is also a compensating rate. Real estate property taxes are levied against homes and commercial real estate. Tangible property, on the other hand, is taxed against equipment and other movable property, essentially anything that’s not nailed down. Tangible property taxes tend to affect businesses more than residents.

New comedy improv theater opens in Fort Thomas

from its new space at 8 North Center for the Arts, 8 N. Ft. Thomas Ave. “This is a welcoming third space for people of all ages to enjoy,” said INK co-founder Charley Roetting. “We know the value that improv brings to people’s lives, and we wanted to make improv accessible to anyone interested here. It’s not about becoming famous. It’s about creating a space where people are encouraged, accepted and inspired.” Roetting, along with the other INK co-founder, Warren Bryson, and INK Leadership Council members Bethany Pike and Derek Shipman, has roots in the region. All four attended Northern Kentucky University years ago and noticed the absence of improv in Northern Kentucky. The team, who collectively bring 50 years of improv experience, started talking years ago about changing that deficiency. But as other career opportunities pulled them in various directions, the improv scene for Greater Cincinnati remained north of the Ohio River. In the spring, Roetting and Bryson decided to formally bring improv to NKY. With support from Pike and Shipman, INK was incorporated May 28 and held its first event June 18 at Fort Thomas Coffee. With the Fort Thomas historic theater as its home base, INK offers four course levels for improv classes: Improv Fundamentals 101, Character & Game 201, Advanced Scene Work 301 and Advanced Performance 401. The improv comedy theater will host live comedy shows, community jams and youth improv programs as well as corporate events. Additionally, INK produces The Made-Up Movie Players shows throughout the year. During October, INK is producing “MUMPs: The Made-Up Halloween Horror.” Every Thursday and Friday in October, eight paid improv performers will put on the improvised cinematic show that’s led by audience suggestions and classic horror tropes with each show being unique to the audience that evening. INK will produce “MUMPs: The Made-Up Holiday Classic.” in December. Each production will feature a newly assembled cast, creating new opportunities for those in the community to audition throughout the year.

For its leadership team, INK means building a community where beginners feel comfortable, artists feel inspired, students feel supported and audiences feel included.

NKY hazardous waste collection event returns in November

Cans of paint in a garage. Photo provided | Orlando García via Unsplash

Have old electronics, batteries or other household hazardous waste you need to get rid of? The Northern Kentucky Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way in Florence. The event is free for Campbell, Boone and Kenton county residents and provides an opportunity to safely dispose of many items that should not go in your regular trash, including electronics, TVs, household cleaners, pesticides, batteries, automotive fluids, fire extinguishers and propane tanks. You can bring: • Electronics (limit two televisions) • Paint (oil-based, limit 10) • Aerosol cans • Household cleaners • Batteries • Car fluids, and more

A new improv comedy theater has opened its doors in Fort Thomas with a mission to help people reconnect with their creativity and community. Improv Northern Kentucky, or INK, officially opened in May and offers improv classes, workshops, corporate events and performances. INK serves communities in Campbell, Kenton and Boone counties 8 OCTOBER 2, 2026

NKU students will conduct rider interviews, analyze community survey data and apply financial and AI modeling to propose ideas for new revenue streams, route strategies and operating efficiencies. “This partnership allows our students to learn by doing. Not only is student involvement central to the project, but it aligns perfectly with NKU’s applied learning mission,” said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson. “This project puts learning into action while making a significant regional impact.”

New bookstore, The Wordcage, opens in Latonia

NKU, TANK launch partnership to help reimagine public mobility in NKY Shoppers at The Wordcage Bookstore on Decoursey Avenue at the store’s grand opening on Sept. 18, 2026. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

The City of Covington has a new book store.

Roetting says INK will produce podcasts, sketches, live streams and media production. “Bringing improv to Northern Kentucky is so important because of the ripple effect improv has on your life and on the community at large,” said Pike. “Improv improves your confidence, emotional intelligence, communication skills, creativity and adaptability. It extends far beyond the stage.”

“Public transit is essential to thousands of Northern Kentuckians who rely on it to access work, healthcare and other essential services,” said Gina Douthat, general manager of TANK. “For many years, our counties have supported public transit responsibly and generously, and we are deeply grateful for that partnership. As costs continue to rise both here at home and nationally, we must reimagine a model that protects transit-dependent riders while ensuring long-term sustainability. This collaboration with NKU, supported by our board, reflects our shared commitment to innovation and to strengthening our region’s economic future.”

Do not bring: • Latex paint • Tires • Appliances • Fertilizer • Medications • Explosives • Radioactives, and more

“Hosting seasonal shows is a great way for new people to experience INK,” said Roetting. “But it’s just scratching the surface of what INK aims to achieve.” The Village Players of Fort Thomas theater. Photo by Charles Infosino | LINK nky contributor

Northern Kentucky University and TANK announced a new partnership aimed at reimagining the future of public mobility in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. Through a multidisciplinary student project, “NKU Econ Games: The TANK Challenge,” NKU students in economics, finance, artificial intelligence, public administration and business will be challenged to design ideas for a financially sustainable and equitable mobility network from the ground up.

The Wordcage Bookstore, a new, used book and media store, opened in Latonia on Sept. 18 TANK bus. Photo provided | Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky

Facing rising operational costs and potential constraints on future public funding, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, also known as TANK, is working to identify new, sustainable operating models.

Located on Decoursey Avenue near Ritte’s Corner, which serves as the neighborhood’s central commercial area, the new storefront hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting Sept. 18. Jessica Whyte, the store’s owner, said she was inspired to open the store after visiting Dark Star Bookstore in

kenton county briefs Yellow Springs, Ohio. “I was like, ‘Wow, this place is so cool! You could just get lost here,’” Whyte said. “On our ride back, I was like, ‘How about I open a bookstore?’”

following them on Facebook and Instagram.

Executive Kris Knochelmann, given recent advances in technology.

cess to the company’s infrastructure, rather than its own.

Kenton County mayors consider options for online tax portals

The infrastructure for the systems was also a point of discussion. Lakeside Park Mayor Paul Markgraf said his city’s clerk had been researching several systems, and one thing that came up was how the data was stored. Lakeside Park currently uses Pontem, as well.

Zembrodt said she may broach the topic again at a subsequent meeting.

For now, the store is focusing exclusively on used books, but Whyte said the goal is to eventually sell other kinds of media, as well: CDs, vinyl albums, VHS tapes and the like. The store also has a large back room that Whyte hopes to open up to local nonprofits and community organizations as a meeting space. “We’ll either do it free or for very cheap,” said Whyte. “That’s what we’re hoping to do. We’ll also have it available (for) author signings, book signings, just a variety of private events if necessary and if requested.” Whyte got help in setting up the storefront from the Latonia Business Association and the local office of the Small Business Development Center, a state program aimed at helping entrepreneurs get on their feet. The Covington office is headed up by April Coffee, who’s also the president of the Latonia Business Association. “We helped her secure the location, secure the lease and then have worked with her from the start, basically, of the company,” said Coffee. Coffee said the business was significant to the neighborhood in that it was in a walkable area surrounded by other local businesses. The Roost Latonia, a coffee shop, and Bard’s Burgers and Chili, a restaurant, are both nearby, so visitors to the neighborhood could have things to do when they came to town. “It just helps bring awareness and bring visibility down here,” Coffee said. “Anytime that you’ve got a bookstore coming in, obviously, people want to come in.” “We have a lot of small businesses coming to Ritte’s Corner,” said Mayor Ron Washington. “Small business is the heart and soul of our city.” The Wordcage is set to receive a small business rent subsidy of $6,000 from the city. The Covington Board of Commissioners will vote on that in the near future. The Wordcage is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Keep up with them by

“We got till ’28,” said Zembrodt. “But I’m never a last-minute person. I’m like, ‘let’s get this out of our hair.’”

“Part of the problem is we’re also having some electronic problems with our server,” said Markgraf. “Pontem needs that, but these other companies don’t actually need the server; everything is cloud-based.”

Flags at Pride Park in Taylor Mill. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

The question of online tax portals for cities took up much of the discussion at the Kenton County Mayors Group meeting on Sept. 19. The topic was broached by Park Hills Mayor Kathy Zembrodt, who expressed frustration that her city was going to lose its online tax portal, which is provided by a company called Pontem, in 2028 due to it being bought out. The company that’s slated to buy Pontem, Zembrodt said, is OpenGov, a commonly used platform in the region. “They’re so expensive,” Zembrodt said. “I don’t even want to go that route. So, I’m looking for input and seeing what everybody else is doing.”

The question of data storage is relevant as it presents different challenges. Housing local tax data in a physical server at a city facility gives local governments more direct control over the data. Yet, it can also come with the risk of exposing that server to localized damage, such as a building flood or a pipe bursting. Edgewood’s city building, for instance, recently underwent a pipe burst that damaged some of its computer servers. On the flip side, storing local tax data in a company’s server allows the data to be stored offsite, but that has a different set of risks, namely the city relinquishing its ac-

The damaged Edgewood server, July 2026. Photo provided | Brian Dehner

THE WEEKLY COMIC by Andrew Buchanan

Mayors and other officials expressed similar concerns about either fee structures or accessibility. OpenGov, for instance, is a commonly used system that city residents can use to track government spending. Kenton County itself formerly used OpenGov, but it was plagued with technical problems; the fiscal court still posts monthly financial reports as PDF forms on its website. Crestview Hills, on the other hand, uses a platform called Edmunds GovTech. Villa Hills Mayor Heather Jansen said her city administration was investigating possibly switching to that system or a different platform. Kenton County Planning and Development Services Director Josh Wice said his department had experienced similar travails with building permitting software. “I feel like we get one thing up and going, and then they merge with something else,” Wice said. Kentucky Rep. Kim Moser, a Republican from Edgewood whose district includes much of Kenton County, pitched the idea of possibly finding a group rate from a single vendor that could provide services to multiple cities. “Is there a way to collectively use the same vendor and get a better rate?” Moser asked.

The entryway window of The Wordcage Bookstore on Decoursey Avenue. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

“Generally speaking, I think the days of that stuff being all overly expensive are going to be ending,” said Kenton County Judge/ OCTOBER 2, 2026

Kentucky to receive millions in federal funding for mental health services By Sarah Ladd | Kentucky Lantern

to the behavioral health crisis system. • Doula support for women with addiction: $3,238,083 to strengthen and expand the state’s ability to provide integrated addiction and maternal mental health services for pregnant and postpartum women (PPW) and their families. • School Crisis Response Network: $600,000 to support schools across Kentucky with crisis preparedness, mental health awareness and connections to care following traumatic events such as disasters, suicide deaths, violence and fatal accidents.

entucky will receive $17 million in federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Sept. 21. The money will be used to support the 988 suicide prevention lifeline, youth mental health, addiction recovery, doula services and more. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and devoting more resources to expand access and service capacity for Kentuckians is important,” Dr. Steven Stack, the secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said in a statement. “These dollars will help us strengthen our behavioral health capacity within the state, and in turn help more individuals thrive.”

Holliss Williamson, a triage specialist, works in her office in River Valley Behavioral Health in Owensboro, Kentucky, on Feb. 10, 2023. Photo by Arden Barnes

Here’s how the grants will break down, according to Beshear’s office: • 988 Crisis Improvement Project: $7,391,219 to improve Kentucky’s response to all 988 contacts (including

calls, chats and texts) originating in the state and bolster service for populations at high risk of suicide and overdose. • Early identification and treatment for youth experiencing psychosis: $2.6 million to help identify youth and young adults ages 25 and younger who are at clinical high risk for psychosis. The initiative will provide support to

MASTER COMMISSIONER’S SALE BOONE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

prevent the onset of psychosis or lessen the severity of psychotic disorder. • Expansion of youth behavioral health mobile crisis teams: $3 million to both create and enhance existing mobile crisis teams that serve children, youth and adults experiencing mental health and addiction crises. Through formal partnerships, grantees will divert crisis responses from law enforcement-only

“To our fellow Kentuckians who are struggling with mental health or addiction, please remember that it’s OK to not be OK,” Beshear said in a statement. “There is help available, and Team Kentucky will never stop working to make sure you have access to the support you need.” This story originally appeared at kentuckylantern.com.

DIVISION ONE

DIVISION III

CASE NO.: 14-CI-00203

CASE NO.: 26-CI-00215

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. VERSUS}

FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE FREDDIE MAC SLST 2025-2 PARTICIPATION INTEREST TRUST

SCOTT D. MOODY, ET AL.

VERSUS}

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered OCTOBER 7, 2014 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

JAMES MARCUS GRIESS, ET AL.

ADDRESS: 1797 WAVERLY DRIVE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 062.00-36075.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $223,266.29 GROUP NO.: 4444

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered AUGUST 25, 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 7635 CLOUDSTONE DRIVE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 050.00-11315.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $202,887.34 GROUP NO.: 4126

DIVISION III

CASE NO.: 26-CI-00025

CASE NO.: 25-CI-01847

CASE NO.: 23-CI-00173

KAR TAX LIEN PORTFOLIO, LLC

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION

NATIONS DIRECT MORTGAGE, LLC

VERSUS}

BRENT TOLES, ET AL.

MICHAEL VESEY, ET AL.

JACOB UHL, ET AL.

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered MARCH 31, 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered AUGUST 11, 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered JULY 11, 2023 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit:

ADDRESS: 1816 VAL COURT DRIVE, BURLINGTON, KENTUCKY 41005

ADDRESS: 10065 ARMSTRONG STREET, UNION, KENTUCKY 41091

ADDRESS: 1682 COLONADE DRIVE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 049.00-15002.01

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 051.00-06207.00

PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 062.00-35051.00

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $5,844.94

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $238,832.04

AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $233,916.04

GROUP NO.: 1524

GROUP NO.: 4586

GROUP NO.: 4087

10 OCTOBER 2, 2026

After Medicaid ban, Kentucky Planned Parenthood says it’s ‘not going anywhere’ By Sarah Ladd | Kentucky Lantern

n the heels of a year-long Medicaid ban, Planned Parenthood officials say they are eyeing the midterms in November, which they believe could be a deciding factor in future funding stability. Jennifer Allen, the CEO of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and a policy expert with the organization, told the Kentucky Lantern Sept. 23 during a sit-down interview at the Louisville Health Center that keeping services available during the ban “stretched us.” During the year it was in effect, Rebecca Gibron, the CEO of Planned Parenthood’s largest geographic affiliate of health centers that includes Kentucky, said centers saw an increase in self pay as well as a “small decrease in our patients.” The ban expired in July, meaning Kentuckians can once again use Medicaid at Planned Parenthood locations, which offer birth control services, HIV tests, pregnancy

Outside Planned Parenthood’s Louisville Health Center on Sept. 18, 2025. Photo by Sarah Ladd | Kentucky Lantern

testing, prenatal and postpartum care, STD treatment and more. But Allen and Gibron said this isn’t the end of potential threats to funding. “Politically, we think it’s very calculated that that ban on Medicaid was allowed to expire and hasn’t been re-instituted yet, and that some other pieces of the ‘big bad bill’ that was passed at the federal level are still to come after the midterms,” Allen said. “We think it’s very calculated. Politicians know that it is not popular to attack Planned Parenthood and to attack reproductive health care, and so they’re waiting. They’re waiting until after this election cycle, and then

…. we absolutely think that attack and others could be coming on people’s access to reproductive health.”

Still, she said: “We’re in Kentucky to stay. Planned Parenthood is not going anywhere.”

Because of that, the organization is “working really hard,” said Allen, to “make sure that champions for reproductive health care get elected.”

Looking to 2027

“It’s not going to change who’s sitting in the president’s chair,” she said, “but it can help with … stemming the tide of these kinds of attacks.” In Kentucky, the organization has its longest list of candidate endorsements yet, according to Tamarra Weider, Kentucky’s state director of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “We are out on the doors. We are talking to people,” she said. “We’ve already hit almost 1,000 doors.” If future funding bans come down, Gibron said, “it will be a significant blow to the organization; It will be a significant blow to our patients.”

DIVISION ONE

DIVISION III

CASE NO.: 26-CI-01213

CASE NO.: 25-CI-02310

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC

VERSUS}

CHAD A. BURKHART, AKA CHAD ALLEN BURKHART, ET AL.

MARCUS BEST, ET AL.

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered AUGUST 18, 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 6206 RIDEWOOD COURT, BURLINGTON, KENTUCKY 41005 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 038.00-04131.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $207,332.37 GROUP NO.: 1380

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered MAY 12, 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 6465 ELSINOR COURT, BURLINGTON, KENTUCKY 41005 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 037.00-05099.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $313,338.90 GROUP NO.: 4877

DIVISION ONE

CASE NO.: 24-CI-01401

CASE NO.: 26-CI-01023

FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO FIFTH THIRD BANK, N.A. (NORTHERN KENTUCKY)

VILLAGE CAPITAL & INVESTMENT LLC

VERSUS}

THE UNKNOWN REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID M. HATTER, ET AL.

BETTY L. DUNCAN, ET AL. By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered AUGUST 18, 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 1892 RANSOM DRIVE, UNION, KENTUCKY 41091 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 053.00-01301.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $38,328.44. GROUP NO.: 687

VERSUS}

Planned Parenthood is planning to push for legislation in the 2027 General Assembly that would make Medicaid pay for sexually transmitted infections testing. “You can come in, and if you have symptoms or believe you’ve been exposed, they will charge you for the tests,” Weider said. “So we’re trying to get rid of the Medicaid test expense for that, and so we have a bill to make it more accessible for treatment and the testing. We’re really excited because it feels like common sense legislation that if you are showing symptoms, that you shouldn’t have to fight with insurance to get those tests.” She’s also planning to promote a bill to make it easier for Kentuckians to access hormone replacement therapy treatments for perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

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.

By virtue of a judgment and order of sale of the Boone Circuit Court rendered SEPTEMBER 1, 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, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. or thereabouts, the following described property to-wit: ADDRESS: 7016 GLENBURN DRIVE, FLORENCE, KENTUCKY 41042 PVA PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 061.00-19064.00 AMOUNT OF JUDGMENT: $269,563.16 GROUP NO.: 3347

OCTOBER 2, 2026 11

sports St. Henry launches $4 million capital campaign

Beechwood claims back-to-back All “A” state volleyball titles

CovCath, Notre Dame, Highlands claim region golf titles

St. Henry District High School announced a $4 million capital campaign that includes a new athletics training facility and the renovation of the locker room facilities. Photo provided

St. Henry District High School announced a $4 million capital campaign that includes the construction of a new, modern athletic and training facility along with a comprehensive overhaul and modernization of the locker room facilities. The campaign, called “Faithful to Our Roots, Fearless in Our Rise,” was announced during a special event on campus on Sept. 17. The multi-million-dollar initiative aims to secure the school’s future by balancing financial sustainability with major facility enhancements that support growing student programs. The priorities include debt reduction, a Crusader Training Center and locker room renovations. With nearly 80% of St. Henry District High School students participating in athletics, the school leadership emphasized that these improvements reflect the school’s vibrant culture while reinforcing its core mission of academic rigor and spiritual growth. “For generations, St. Henry District High School has stood as a beacon of faith, learning, and excellence,” said St. Henry District High School Principal Grant Brannen in a statement.

wins, they’ve defeated five ranked teams in No. 5 St. Henry (according to the latest KVCA rankings), No. 9 Lexington Catholic, No. 24 Covington Holy Cross (twice) and No. 24 Louisville Holy Cross. They still have St. Henry, No. 3 Notre Dame and No. 6 North Oldham on the regular season schedule before postseason play begins.

Beechwood High School won a second straight All “A” state volleyball championship on Saturday. Photo provided | Beechwood High School Athletics

To open play, they took down Sayre 2-0 (2512, 25-5) and Ballard Memorial 2-0 (25-12, 25-17). They continued pool play the next day and defeated Eminence 2-0 (25-11, 2510) to earn a No. 1 seed for bracket play. They were matched up with Metcalfe County to open up the 8-team championship bracket. They won that match 2-0 (2514, 25-9) before taking on NKY foe Bishop Brossart in the semifinals. Beechwood again won a two-setter, (25-17, 25-10) to advance to the championship where they’d face Louisville Holy Cross. In the championship match they were tested as the match went the distance to three sets, Beechwood taking it 2-1 (25-12, 23-25, 25-10).

“As we embark on this ambitious journey, we invite every member of our school community — parents, alumni, parishioners, friends and faculty — to join us in securing the future of St. Henry.”

All-tournament selections for Beechwood were MVP Isabel O’Brien, Macy Armstrong, Skylr Estep, Rachel Lewandowski and Kennedy Sturgeon. Bishop Brossart’s Aubrey Rebholz and Josie Reckner also made the All-tournament team.

The school is asking supporters to consider a sacrificial five-year pledge to help reach the $4 million-plus goal.

The six wins improved Beechwood to 18-1 on the season, the lone loss to the No. 1 team in the state, Assumption. In their 18

CONNER FOOTBALL

Highlands High School won the Region 8 boys golf tournament on Sept. 21, 2026, at Pendleton Hills. Photo provided

Extra holes were needed to decide the 7th Region boys golf title at Boone Links in Florence on Sept. 22. Covington Catholic defeated Ryle in a playoff to secure the Colonels first region title since 2019. CovCath’s Matt Noe won individual medalist honors with a one-over 73, edging out Ryle’s Hayden Li by a stroke. CovCath had four score 80 or below as they finished the day with a team total of 310. After Noe’s 73, Joseph Mangine finished tied for seventh with a 78, while Colin White tying for ninth with a 79 and Marcus Diullio tied for 12th with a 80. Carson White was the hero in the playoff, clinching the title with a birdie and finishing the day with an 83. Ryle’s team score of 310 was led by Li’s 74, followed by Chandler James tying for third with a 75, Thomas Leone tied for 12th with an 80 while Luke Roscoe shot an 81. Jake Roscoe tallied an 83. The next 10 to qualify for individual play in the sectional tournament not on CovCath or Ryle were Dixie Heights’ Jack Woolwine (75) and Lucas Powers (76). Others qualifying were Cooper’s Jarrett Turner (77), Walton-Verona’s Adam Gutman (78), St. Henry’s Parker Isaacs (79), Beechwood’s Kayden Sautter (79), Simon Kenton’s Cole Burris (80) and Nolan Stone (80), Dixie’s Oliver Nieheus (80) and Walton-Verona’s Jacob Gore (81). For Notre Dame, the girls Region 7 golf tournament was a chance to atone for not winning the team title a year ago.