LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 4, Edition 47 - October 23, 2026 by LINK nky

KENTON

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 47 — OCTOBER 23, 2026

THE VOICE OF NKY

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Highlands class on U.S. Constitution stirs civic engagement, dialogue By Lia Salvatierra

trio of students crouch over their laptops in the hallway of Highlands High School, considering a question rooted in constitutional

law.

The group was building its case for why states should be able to act as “laboratories” for social and economic policy before policies are adopted at the federal level, ahead of a practice competition. Later in the school year, their entire class will head to a state competition, and possibly, a national one. Highlands’ “We the People” class, established in 2001, teaches constitutional democracy by allowing students to investigate and build cases around different principles of constitutional law under a curriculum created by the nonprofit Center for Civic Education. As a team, the class can then head to competitions. Continues on page 3

Highlands High School is home to Northern Kentucky’s only “We the People” program, which focuses on teaching students how to dissect and debate constitutional principles. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

Covington’s newest dog park honors legendary police K-9 Ernie By Nathan Granger

Ballyshannon development could add 700 homes p5

ovington has a new dog park!

The city cut the ribbon on the K-9 Ernie Memorial Dog Park located in Hands Pike Park off Hands Pike in South Covington Oct. 6. The new park is named after Covington Police K-9 Ernie, the namesake of a state law that made it a felony to assault a police dog. It is the city’s third and southernmost dog park.

Mike Lusardi (right) cuts the ribbon for K-9 Ernie Memorial Dog Park. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

“I’ve always found that dog parks are the thing that really helps me find community,” said Covington Commissioner Tim Downing, who first pitched the idea of the park. “When I had my dog I would come out to

Kenton County housing study finds growing affordability gap p7 What high school seniors say about casting their first ballot p10

Continues on page 4

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Although the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution curriculum is available for elementary, middle and high schoolers nationwide, Highlands stands out as hosting Northern Kentucky’s only We the People program.

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., 523 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor, Covington, KY 41011. 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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Boimann-Hennies emphasized that the program focuses on principles of the Constitution, rather than politics. “While we talk about policy and things that are happening in politics, it’s less around what do you think should happen or what’s right and what’s wrong. And it’s more about like, ‘What does the Constitution say?’” That framework allows students to voice their opinions rooted in evidence and reasoning, and in turn develops independent thinkers and engaged citizens, she said. “It becomes less like a debate arguing back and forth, and more of a civil dialogue.” Research has found that We the People students end up more likely than their peers to civically engage in multiple ways, from being able to critically consume political news to becoming more tolerant of opposing political ideas. Different from Highlands’ other history and government classes, We the People students lead their own learning. Boimann-Hennies starts off the year teaching constitutional foundations, but then places students in small teams to investigate applied constitutional principles on their own. She said relinquishing control over the class period is probably the most unique aspect of the program, and an important one.

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Highlands’ team is also Kentucky’s reigning champion, having clinched the state title for the last 18 years. Fort Thomas Superintendent Brian Robinson originally adopted the We the People curriculum during his tenure at Highlands, and passed the torch to Megan Boimann-Hennies, who’s overseen the team’s 18-year dynasty.

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“When I think about it from a critical thinking standpoint, most of these students will be moving on to college next year. But more importantly, most of them by the next election will be 18,” Boimann-Hennies said. “So that ability to know like, here’s where I find reliable sources, here’s the type of things I need before I make an education decision — whether that’s voting or policy support or opposition, deciding to participate in a protest, whatever — this class is the one where everything we’re supposed to be doing is about civic education.” One student, Mia Mitchell Antonio, said applied learning is a main reason she joined the class. “I like learning more and being more active in my learning, rather than just listening to somebody tell me notes and then doing work. So I kind of just took this class for a change in pace,” she said. The impact on student thinking and civic engagement is visible just weeks into the school year, as some of its 18 year olds approach their first general election. Aiden Darnell, who is eligible and registered to vote this November, said this class has helped him learn how to form his own opinions ahead of the election.

Nepal, about the constitutionality of the country’s recent ban of more than two dozen social media sites. “I feel like I’m more inquisitive about the stuff I learn and see,” Adhikary said. Despite the program’s demonstrated impact on students, the program is somewhat hard to come by in Kentucky. Boimann-Hennies thinks there are a handful of reasons for that, from perceptions of the program to tangible financial barriers. For one, she thinks some districts may underestimate what their own students are capable of, and the diversity of learners who can thrive in the class, pointing to the range she witnesses in her own classroom. Other districts might struggle with how it’s designed to give up control of the classroom. “Sometimes it’s like a teacher’s comfort level, sometimes it’s the standards of the district or state that make it hard,” she said. There’s also the price tag of attending state and national competitions, which can cost up to $2,000 per student, something that dissuades schools from the jump, she said.

“I actually know what’s going on. I’m not just going in and voting based on what my parents think,” Darnell said.

But Boiman-Hennies, who has mentored other We the People teachers for years via various grants, thinks the class represents not only what students need more of, but what the country needs more of.

“I think it’s definitely made me more aware of perspectives I probably wouldn’t have considered otherwise,” said Ellie Simpson, another senior preparing for her first election this year.

“I think the We the People program as a whole is just really what we want citizens to be doing every single day,” she said.

Ethan Adhikary, another senior who is not yet eligible to vote, said he was originally drawn to the class because it didn’t involve tests or homework, but has found it’s already pushed him to ask more questions in his own life.

“The fact that by the time they graduate, We the People students are significantly more likely to vote in any election, to contact their legislator, representatives, to run for office, to be aware of policy, really shows the strength of (the program),” she said.

He described asking his dad, a lawyer from

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Continued from page 1

parks like this to be able to commune with my neighbors. So, it’s really special, very meaningful to be able to plan the park and bring this park to life.” K-9 Ernie began working for the Covington Police Department in 2012, according to a city press release. He was shot twice in 2015 while pursuing a murder suspect but recovered. Ernie would later survive two car crashes while on the job, according to reporting from WCPO and WKRC. A crash Ernie survived in 2018 actually became the basis for the first person to be charged with a felony offense under Ernie’s law, making Ernie both the law’s namesake and its first beneficiary. Ernie died in 2021 from cancer. Ernie’s trainer, Covington Police Specialist Mike Lusardi, spoke at the ribbon cutting and even cut the ribbon. “He was a great dog, great partner,” Lusardi said. “A fairly challenging dog to train and work with, but he produced a lot on the street, putting a lot of bad guys in jail.” The K-9 Ernie Memorial Dog Park closes nightly at dusk with the rest of Hands Pike Park.

Bruno, the dog of Commissioner James Toebbe, at the ribbon cutting for the K-9 Ernie Memorial Dog Park in South Covington on Oct. 6, 2026. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Covington K-9 Officer Ernie. Ernie served on the force for eight-and-a-half years. He was shot twice in 2015, an event that later led to Kentucky law making assaulting a police dog a felony in 2017. The law was dubbed “Ernie’s Law.” Photo provided | The City of Covington

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Fischer Homes looks to expand Ballyshannon development by 687 units sen likewise pointed to the redistricting as a key issue.

By Nathan Granger

subsidiary of Fischer Homes is looking to add 687 housing units to the Ballyshannon development in Boone County.

“For a lot of the commission, that’s the issue — is the school,” Rolfsen said. “Especially if you have children, you don’t want your children being bused.”

A request for a zoning change that would allow for the construction of the units came before the Boone County Planning Commission Oct. 7. The planning commission will issue a recommendation on the zoning change request that would allow for the subdivision to be built at its meeting on Nov. 4.

County Planner Steve Lilly also pointed out that much of the new development’s open space would be inaccessible. And even though Fischer Homes was completing a traffic impact study, the available data was likely inadequate to understand the effect on traffic, according to Lilly. Additionally, the new development would create nine new intersections on Shamrock Drive, which is already classified as a limited access road.

This new addition would contain 460 condos, 103 paired patio homes and 124 townhomes. Fischer Homes is branding the new development as the Cloverlin. The land itself is an old family farm off Longbranch Road adjacent to the Ballyshannon and Woodvale developments. The land spans just over 78 acres. Grand Communities, an LLC subsidiary of Fischer Homes, has requested to change the land’s current agricultural zone to a subur-

A projected map of the proposed housing development near Ballyshannon Middle School. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

ban residential one/planned development zone. Fischer Homes Chair Greg Fischer spoke at the meeting, pitching the development to the planning commissioners and residents in attendance. “While it is an independent submittal and zoning, it is part of the broader context of the community that we’ve built,” Fischer said. “We love this location. Our customers love this location.” Cloverlin’s density would be 8.77 units per acre, but the overall combined Ballyshannon and Cloverlin developments’ density would be between three and four units per acre, according to Fischer’s presentation. Fischer said the starting price for the condos would be about $220,000, with the remaining units’ prices being about $320,000.

A map showing the rough location of the proposed Cloverlin development, projected before the Boone County Planning Commission on Oct. 7, 2026. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

ting this development to completion, most notably the ongoing redistricting of Boone County Schools. Ballyshannon Middle School is located in the center of the Ballyshannon subdivision and is currently at capacity. “Ballyshannon (Middle School) now has capacity due to the recent redistricting and will have additional capacity once the grandfathered students from redistricting move on over the next two years,” Boone County Schools Assistant Superintendent Kim Best had written in a statement to the planning commission. “As I am sure you are aware, Longbranch is also at capacity….,” Best’s statement continued. “If they plan to have a substantial number of homes completed and occupied soon, then yes, this will still be a hardship for Longbranch. If it is planned for 2030 or after, then there will be capacity to support new developments.”

Fischer said the new development would increase local tax revenue, the region’s housing stock and the potential for new jobs. He also pointed to the housing units’ varied prices as selling points in his presentation.

Fischer had stated in his presentation that Fischer Homes was hoping to begin building next year. The Boone County Board of Education voted recently not to redistrict students from Longbranch.

Yet, there will be several obstacles to get-

Planning Commission Chair Charlie Rolf-

Finally, Lilly said, “the alignment for the future Camp Ernst Road is not approved yet,” which the Union Fire District had pointed out as a potential problem. Then there were the concerns of residents. Numerous area residents spoke out against the development at the meeting, citing worries about traffic, density, affordability and the effect on the schools and the environment. No residents spoke in favor of the development. The planning commission’s zoning change subcommittee will discuss the zoning change request later this month, and then cast a recommendation vote on Nov. 4. Greg Fischer sits on the Managing Board of LINK nky, which oversees the business operations of LINK but has no say in editorial matters.

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NKY on Tap: Spinning records and pouring beers at Ludlow Vinyl & Tap By Joe Shutzman

I found the record selection, while modest, well curated, with some really exciting finds. I went home with two pressings from Cincinnati’s own King Records. The group is called The Boys From Indiana, and I bought a record from 1975 and one from 1976 from their bluegrass side of the label.

here is a new place to grab a beer in Northern Kentucky, and they call themselves Ludlow Vinyl & Tap.

Now, when I heard that someone was opening a bar that both served local beer and sold vinyl records, I wanted to be the first in line. These are two of my absolute favorite things in the world, and like wine and cheese, Simon and Garfunkel, they are fantastic on their own but far more magical together. To further add to my excitement, this place is even within walking distance of my house! It’s a leisurely 20-minute stroll there, and depending on how many beers are sipped and records bought to carry back, a slightly more arduous 30 to 35 minute walk and/or stumble home. Vinyl & Tap held its grand opening Oct. 3. My friend Madeline and I popped down to Elm Street in the heart of Ludlow to check it out, and we were not disappointed. It’s an exciting time for Ludlow, and the growth of small businesses in the city is extremely exciting to see. The community engagement is palpable. There are so many cool small businesses to write about in this fabulous river city, and hopefully I get the opportunity to expand on some of them in future articles. It’s an extremely walkable city as well — one of my favorite aspects of

The exterior of Ludlow Vinyl & Tap. Photo provided | Ludlow Vinyl & Tap via Facebook

it, in fact — and on a nice warm day, walking down the streets, you notice it’s a vibrant community where everyone wants to be out and about. Walking through the front door of Ludlow Vinyl & Tap, you’re greeted by the bar and a small sitting area, Parisian bistro style. It’s small and lively, and the decor suggests almost a speakeasy-type vibe. Through a doorway behind the barroom is a small salon area, perfect for a more intimate conversation amongst a small group of friends or amorous rendezvous. Further down the hallway is the record room and beyond that a large parlor area with a dozen or so tables for folks to enjoy their beers and hang out.

COMMISSIONER’S SALE CAMPBELL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

Thanks to a show I caught earlier this summer by local Tri-State Piano legend Ricky Nye, who was also accompanied by my favorite local country and bluegrass honkytonkers Joe’s Truck Stop, I have recently learned about Cincinnati’s King Records and the unbelievable impact this historic label had on blues, soul, country and bluegrass. I’ve become increasingly obsessed with learning more and listening more, and I was elated to find what I found at Vinyl & Tap. And speaking of records, Vinyl & Tap are committed to supporting local musicians. They already have posters hanging on their wall advertising local songwriters they will be hosting for intimate live shows. They also have a section in their barroom for local artists to bring their own records to sell. There is so much local music in our area, and I love to see a small business dedicated to promoting small, local artists.

hidden gems and outright institutions. These places are often revered for their storied traditions and generations of owners, workers and patrons who came before. For example, when you’re sitting down to a beer at Herb & Thelma’s and see the black-and-white photos on the wall, you’re enjoying your beer amidst a tradition that has been going strong since 1939. You look at the photos and yearn for a connection, a through-line, back to those photos and can’t help but think to yourself, “man, if these walls could talk.” Well, those walls hold decades of stories only through community support. Traditions don’t happen unless they are started and then continued. While it is exciting to see legacies carried on, I also find the idea of new legacies beginning to be just as exciting. So get down to Ludlow Vinyl & Tap soon for a beer and peruse the records and catch a local musician. This is your chance to say, “I remember when that place opened.” Supporting them is your chance to one day be the old black-and-white photo on the wall.

I’d also like to take a moment to say how exciting it is to feel like you’re getting in on the ground floor of a new joint. NKY has lots of historically great places to get a beer. We are fortunate to be a community steeped in

CASE NUMBER 19-CI-00918

CASE NUMBER 26-CI-00287

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 2

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE

CITY OF DAYTON

VS.

MAE MAYES AKA MAY MAYES, ET AL.

SHANE PATTERSON, ET AL.

BY VIRTUE OF A JUDGMENT RENDERED 1/19/2021 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 9/14/2026 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 11/10/2026 at 3:00pm, the following property, to-wit:

700 Smith Hiteman Road, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001

918 Maple Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074

Group No: 70123/Z

Group No: 30319/A4

PIDN: 999-99-30-652.00

PIDN: 999-99-09-095.00

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

6 OCTOBER 23, 2026

Kenton County housing study finds growing affordability gap ‘Nobody’s going to spend a million dollars to make a $500 rent.’ By Nathan Granger

new study examining housing data in Kenton County suggests bringing more income-aligned housing to the county will be increasingly difficult. “Altogether, the market is delivering virtually no new housing for households earning less than $40K/year,” reads a portion of the study. “There is also a production gap for households earning $50K-60K.” The report was presented at a recent meeting of the Kenton County Planning Commission and comes from efforts of the commission’s implementation subcommittee. The committee contracted with consulting firm CommunityScale to produce the report. The firm worked on the often-cited 2023 housing study for the Northern Kentucky Area Development District that has framed many of the discussions about housing in the region. This new study is more narrowly focused on Kenton County and pulls data from 2025. The picture the report paints affirms many of the economic conditions and obstacles that developers, planners and experts have expressed about the broader economic conditions that have led to troubles in the current housing market. The study issued preliminary recommendations on expanding the diversity of income-aligned housing in Kenton County — without encroaching on undeveloped rural land in the south county. The study came away with several observations and recommendations. First, much of the demand for new housing units was for smaller, one- to- two bedroom units, even though the county had missed the study’s

A table mapping demand for housing units of different sizes and price points in Kenton County. Green squares indicate a higher demand. The CommunityScale study’s analysis indicates that “63% of the demand for new housing is for studios, 1-beds, or 2-beds.” Table produced by CommunityScale. Table provided | Kenton County Planning and Development Services

benchmark for new production of such units. The issue of affordability is broached in the middle of the study. About 37% of all home sale listings (the largest group) were only accessible to households making over $120,000 a year, according to the study. The study goes on to argue that it would be difficult to build a new home that would sell for less than $208,000 or new apartments that could rent for lower than $1,000 without some kind of subsidy. Additionally, the study argued that expanding the stock of income-aligned housing on site-ready land (i.e., land that already has sewer and water infrastructure) would likely entail producing housing at greater densities. For instance, a development of small lot single-family homes would need about 25 units per developable acre, with

each acre being valued at about $200,000, in order to produce the density needed for income-aligned housing.

munityScale. “They’re more expensive because they have to be because they’re at lower density.”

The planning commissioners, many of whom have professional backgrounds in development and engineering, reacted with mixed responses. Although some of them found the information helpful as a point of discussion, others seemed exasperated by some of the study’s recommendations.

“So, is this just telling us that we’re not going to be able to achieve it…?” asked Planning Commission Vice Chair Paul Darpel. “We all know that it’s expensive to buy housing now. We all know that nobody’s going to spend a million dollars to make a $500 rent.”

For instance, several of the planning commissioners were quick to point out that the recommended density increases essentially didn’t exist in the county, and the region’s current economic conditions were unlikely to enable it. “I don’t think we have anything in our residential zones that comes close to 25 units per dwelling acre,” said Planning Commissioner Tom France. “There’s nothing (that) even comes close.” “That is indicative of why the new construction, the new single-family homes that are coming online are not income-aligned,” said Nels Nelson, a co-founder of Com-

A table showing the requirements for pricing and density to bring more income-aligned housing to Kenton County. Table by CommunityScale. Table provided | Kenton County Planning and Development Services.

“There’s mindsets that need to be probably adjusted, ways of profit sharing that might need to change a little bit, some different ways that we think of housing; that’s where we’re going to go with this,” said Kareem Simpson, who represents Covington on the Kenton County Planning Commission. “The comprehensive plan does task us with addressing housing stock needs by ensuring the availability of income-aligned housing, right?” said Planning Commissioner Sarah Flem. “So, that is a task specifically for us, and if we don’t have some sort of resource to define income-aligned housing, I don’t know how we complete that task.”

Housing. Photo provided | Breno Assis via Unsplash

OCTOBER 23, 2026 7

kenton county briefs Ed Gallrein speaks to Kenton County Rotarians in Villa Hills

Ed Gallrein speaks before the Kenton County Rotary Club at the Villa Hills Civic Club on Oct. 8, 2026. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Ed Gallrein spoke to the Kenton County Rotary Club in Villa Hills Oct. 8, pitching his message and policy platform to the Rotarians as he prepares for the upcoming November election. “This election is simply about choice of the Constitution that’s rooted in religion and our fiery birth of our nation for liberty versus the Communist Manifesto that is deeply atheist and godless,” Gallrein said to the Rotarians gathered at the Villa Hills Civic Club. “It’s as simple as that.” Gallrein is the Republican nominee for Kentucky Congressional District 4 of the House of Representatives. He defeated incumbent Republican Thomas Massie in the May primary and will face off against Democrat Melissa Strange, Libertarian Jeremy

Todd and independent write-in candidate Peter Harmon Williams in the November general election.

Gallrein also emphasized the importance of service, appealing to the Rotarians’ own mission.

The Rotary Club is a service organization dedicated to helping others. It participates in charity drives and other community service events and works to increase civic engagement by hosting candidate forums and speaking events. Gallrein’s Democratic opponent also spoke at the club.

“Rotarians around the world have had a simple but powerful principle: service above self,” Gallrein said. “That tradition of service has touched communities, nations and millions of lives, and it is a motto that resonates deeply with me.”

During the event, Gallrein gave a speech and also answered questions from the Rotarians. In his remarks, he discussed growing up on his family’s dairy farm, his education and his service as a Navy SEAL officer. He also discussed his goals and inspirations, namely the late President Ronald Reagan, whom he said inspired him to join the Navy. “I still believe in the shining city on the hill as Reagan professed,” Gallrein said, referencing one of Reagan’s oft-used metaphors for the United States. Gallrein pitched his socially conservative message, which included greater border security, lower taxes and an emphasis on law and order, deriding his opponents across the aisle as “increasingly radical” and “lawless.” “It is not nuanced,” Gallrein said. “No more is it about a simple disagreement about health care or about taxes.”

The Rotarians followed the speech with questions. Kenton County Rotary Club President Chris Walsh asked, “What’s your position on term limits?” Gallrein said he was for them, “1000%,” adding that it was “interesting how they did it for the presidency, and they didn’t do it for, say, the House and the Senate.” Rotarian Matt Grimes said that many viewed Gallrein’s former opponent, Massie, as closer to Reagan’s perspective and legacy than Gallrein.

to create a discharge petition for the Epstein files — he viewed as emblematic of the excesses of the left. He also criticized Massie’s voting record. “I am not going to betray you,” Gallrein said. “It ain’t going to happen.” Former Rotary Club President Greg Corwin asked, “What’s one bill you would take to the House floor?” before quickly adding, “and don’t say abolish the Department of Education.” “Well, what bill do you think I should bring?” Gallrein asked. Corwin thought for a moment, and then answered “term limits would be a good one.”

Man charged with murder after fatal shooting at Covington gas station

“What differentiates you from him (Massie), and how do we know that you’re going to be independent?” Grimes said. Gallrein started his response to this question by listing a variety of allies that Massie had garnered throughout his career, many of whom, such as California U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna — with whom Massie had worked

Police lights. Photo provided | Scott Rodgerson via Unsplash

One man is dead after a shooting at a Covington gas station, police said.

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kenton county briefs At approximately 3:28 a.m. on Oct. 10, Covington officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Speedway gas station on Fourth Street in Covington. Upon arrival, officers located a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital where he later died. Police have not released the victim’s identity. A Covington man, Jacob Combs, 21, was charged with murder and is in custody at the Kenton County Detention Center, police said.

Covington considers $180K adviser to guide next phase of riverfront development

tives and assist in negotiations.

Flow Cafe & Bakery.

Contract documents also indicate Rhine Civic Partners would advise on the new garage for the site, which is slated for groundbreaking sometime before the end of the year. This includes advising on site design, maintenance considerations, financing, development planning and revenue structures for parking fees.

The new shop will be located across the street from The Hive, which is at 480 Erlanger Road.

Rhine Civic Partners co-founder Adam Gelter is a former vice president at Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation, or 3CDC, where he headed up that organization’s real estate efforts. Co-founder Steve Smith is also a principal at Model Group, a real estate developer across the river. “These two really understand public-private partnerships and what we’re trying to do here,” said Covington Economic Development Director John Sadosky.

Crews and equipment at the Covington Central Riverfront Development, October 2026. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky

Covington is considering a partnership with Cincinnati-based company Rhine Civic Partners to advise on the remaining private development at the Covington Central Riverfront site, also known as CCR. If the deal is approved, the company would specifically advise the city on real estate development, developer selection, negotiation, proposal requests and “long-term market success,” according to contract documents.

Rhine Civic Partners would charge a $15,000 monthly service retainer if the contract is approved. The contract would be up for renewal after a year, and Rhine Civic Partners could charge an additional $7,500 retainer for up to two other projects if the city decides to go that route. Sadosky said the total annual cost to work with the company would be $180,000, paid from the city’s Tax Increment Financing fund. The city could cancel the contract at any time with 30 days notice, Sadosky said.

The Hive Erlanger announces new coffee shop: Ebb & Flow

The new shop is set to open later this year, according to the announcement.

Covington looks to turn $1 vacant lots into affordable homes

The vacant lots at 2116 and 2118 Donaldson Ave. in Covington’s Wallace Woods neighborhood. Photo provided | Google Maps

Covington is working on a deal to sell two vacant city-owned lots in the Wallace Woods neighborhood for single-family home construction. A proposed purchase agreement came before the Covington Board of Commissioners earlier this month. The two lots are adjacent at 2116 and 2118 Donaldson Ave. in Wallace Woods. The development proposal comes from an LLC called Betz and Sons, the owner of which is a Walton resident named Daniel Betz. Betz hopes to construct two custom-built homes on the parcels. Contract documents indicate that Betz and Sons will purchase the lots for $1.

Besides advising on private development, Rhine Civic Partners offers consulting services in development investment fund management, neighborhood revitalization and public-private partnerships, among other services. The contract proposal states that Rhine Civic Partners would advise the city on land use, help review project proposals, analyze project economics and potential return on investment, advise on development incen-

“We’ve heard from you guys; we know how much you love the upstairs in The Hive, our coffee shop, our coffee bar,” said The Hive’s owner Jessica Fette in the business’s video announcement. “We want to expand what you have come to love. We’re creating this new special space just for you.”

The emblem of the soon-to-be opened Ebb & Flow Cafe & Bakery in Erlanger. Image taken from video. Video provided | The Hive Erlanger

The Hive, a restaurant and coffee bar in Erlanger, announced this month that it will be opening a new coffee shop called Ebb &

The project proposal submitted to the city shows designs for two-story homes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and no basements.

The deal marks the latest in the city’s ongoing effort to increase its affordable housing stock. Just last month, the commissioners rubber stamped the addition of five new prefabricated homes in the Eastside neighborhood. Betz told LINK nky he’s been in the custom home-building business for about 12 years and he’s trying to build homes that are “simple” and “elegant,” yet “affordable.” “There aren’t a lot of houses in this kind of market that are available,” Betz said, adding that he hoped his houses would be affordable enough to “have a mortgage payment that’s similar to what (people are) paying in rent.” City documents indicate the houses will be marketed to buyers at 80% or less than the area’s median income, as measured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. For a single-person household, that would be $61,550 or below, according to HUD. For a four-person household, that would be $87,900 or below. Depending on their situations, buyers may also be eligible for a low-interest, forgivable loan from the Northern Kentucky HOME Consortium to help cover down payment and closing costs.

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

Affordable All-Inclusive Price Convenient SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

THE WEEKLY COMIC by Andrew Buchanan

OCTOBER 23, 2026

Meet NKY’s newest voters:

What high school seniors say about casting their first ballot By Lia Salvatierra

ach election cycle, a new crop of 18 year olds are eligible to vote for the first time — though that demographic remains largely under-registered, especially in Kentucky. Kentucky has above average registration rates for eligible voters over 45 and below average registration rates for 18-year-old voters, according to a June report from The Civics Center, a nonprofit aiming to make voter registration part of every high school in America. According to that research, on average, 56,000 Kentuckians turn 18 every year, of whom only 39% were registered to vote as of July. On the other hand, more than 90% of Kentuckians over 45 were registered to vote on that same timeline. As of July, Boone County had registered 46% of eligible 18 year olds, Kenton County had registered 40% of eligible 18 year olds and Campbell County had registered 33% of eligible 18 year olds. LINK nky sat down for a Q&A with Northern Kentucky high school seniors between Sept. 29 and the voter registration deadline of Oct. 5 to hear their thoughts on participating in their first election. Some of these new voters are excited, feeling ready for this moment for years. Others see their participation as more of a responsibility. Many think older generations underestimate how much they care, while another handful encourage their peers to do their research.

all the candidates and get myself more informed and prepared to vote.” What has your relationship been to prior elections, when you couldn’t yet vote? “In my household growing up, political stuff has always been very open, always been very talked about. So I tend to engage in political discussions with my parents and my siblings. So, I’ve never been not informed on what’s happening politically. I’ve always been raised around people with very strong political ideologies, so I am informed on those, and I think that context where I am has made it so that I’m able to understand and digest political content more easily.” How are you preparing for the upcoming election? Where are you getting your information?

formation? “I really get my information from my grandma because she watches the news a lot. You know, sometimes I watch it with her and just see what’s going on in the world.” How are you feeling about participating in your first election? “I feel like I know what I need to do.” What do you think people should know, or might misunderstand about the youth vote? “I feel like people underestimate how young people feel, and they don’t think they know what’s going on.”

Oliver Victor, 17

Campbell County High School

“I’m planning to look both at candidates’ own, I guess, manifestos of their own descriptions of what they’re intending to do, as well as social context and perceptions of each. And I’ll probably end up asking about people around me.”

Brayden Wyler, 18 Holmes High School

The interviews pertained to students’ civic duty, rather than their political views, and are edited for brevity and clarity.

Lorelai Sanders, 18 Highlands High School

Campbell County High School senior Oliver Victor. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

Have you registered? What has that process looked like for you? “I am not because I’m not quite there yet, however I’ve already talked a fair bit to my parents about doing that. I’m getting ready for that. My father is very actively involved in it, and he would be very disappointed if I did not already go into (participating). Yeah, I’ve been preparing thoughts on the matter for a while now.” What has your relationship been to prior elections, when you couldn’t yet vote?

Holmes High School senior Brayden Wyler. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

Have you registered to vote? What has that process looked like for you? Highlands High School senior Lorelai Sanders. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

“I’m not really sure. I think my grandma keeps prying me to vote, but I never really gave it that much thought.”

Have you registered to vote? How long have you been thinking about this moment? What has that process looked like for you?

What has your relationship been to prior elections, when you couldn’t yet vote?

“I’m not registered yet. I’m hoping to in the next couple of days. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and it’s really one of the reasons that I’ve looked forward to turning 18 is to be able to vote, and I plan, with the General Election coming up, to read up on 10 OCTOBER 23, 2026

“Once in middle school, I think we had a vote for our mayor, just kind of so that we get the feel of it. I don’t think it was really serious.” How are you preparing for the upcoming election? Where are you getting your in-

How are you feeling about participating in your first election? “It’s been really confusing because it feels like over the past, recent years, obviously under the digital age, there are a lot more headlines, just a lot more sources in general, and when you see older people talking all the time. They seem like they have so much experience. That can be a little, as I said earlier, that can be a little daunting for young people. But I’m feeling as though we will one day be leading this nation, and we need to take the most initiative that we can now to ensure that we’re ready for that. And that involves going and doing things in person and talking with people in our community. So I think that even if it’s a little daunting, third time I said that.” What do you think people should know, or might misunderstand about the youth vote?

How are you feeling about participating in your first election? “Excited. Like I said, like that was one of the things, big things, I was looking forward to. At times, I’m overwhelmed. Like, oh my gosh, with emotion, like I finally get to vote, like I can’t wait to be a part of that. I think it’s very important, and I wish more people would be excited about voting.”

News, then I go and touch on kind of like both sides of the more polarized spectrum, just to kind of see how that perspective looks from there. But I try to take it from a multifaceted view of news sources, and I think that it’s really important that everyone chooses to do that when they decide how they want to vote.”

“I’ve gone and voted with my stepfather and mother, and one occasion with my dad. I just like doing the filling out the little kids’ ballot, and it’s very interesting to see what all the adults are doing throughout the entire process because it’s like, I had no idea what was going on there. And thinking back, like over the past four years, as I kind of transitioned to my adult stage, I understand now the topics they were filling in on and the things that just seemed so out of reach at the time. But yeah, don’t worry, I got my ‘I voted’ sticker.” How are you preparing for the upcoming election? Where are you getting your information? “I try to extend my reach to a broad variety of news sources. I get that there’s a lot of partisan bias, and it’s just a natural thing that occurs within our political world today. So I’ll take things from RealClearPolitics, AP

“I want to make sure people understand that they need to have this experience no matter what, even if they don’t have experience in the political world, yet they shouldn’t let themselves. They shouldn’t let the fear of judgment from their mentors or parents or peers stop them from expressing their opinions. And for older people, I would say that they should encourage young people to follow their hearts, even if they might lead them to make a mistake that they believe their children would regret later on, I think everyone needs to act on their own accord because there will be a day that we are acting without the support of our mentors.”

Dana Hatfield, 17 Holmes High School

Holmes High School senior Dana Hatfield. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

Have you registered? What has that process looked like for you? “So I have not turned 18 yet. I turn 18 before the election starts. I was told today that I can apply right now, like register to vote. I didn’t know that I could register to vote right now. But since I turned 18 before the

next election, I can.”

“All levels.”

What has your relationship been to prior elections, when you couldn’t yet vote?

How are you feeling about participating in your first election?

“I have a lot of educated people around me who definitely keep themselves updated with what’s happening. I also have read articles. I’ve seen snippets of the news. So I definitely try to keep myself educated, as well as how educated my peers are.”

“I feel pretty normal about it. I don’t really feel nervous or nothing because I don’t know that’s nothing to be nervous about in my eyes, but yeah, I’m just ready to vote, I guess.”

How are you preparing for the upcoming election? Where are you getting your information? “My friends, some of my family, the internet.” How are you feeling about participating in your first election?

place to be better than it used to be because we see time like history repeating itself, and we want to make it greater than what other people think. We know what’s going on in the world, and we do want to help the change.”

Highlands High School

What do you think people should know, or might misunderstand about the youth vote? My mind is more about the future of what, you know, what the future will hold, and so voting for the right candidate can really just set the future.”

Highlands High School senior Aiden Darnell. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

Saneah Bias, 18

“I think it’s exciting. I think it’s nice that I can voice my opinion and have a say in what happens.”

Have you registered? What has that process looked like for you?

“I think a lot of the older generation doesn’t think that we care as much as we actually really do care about what’s happening in the world.”

Terry Woodard, 18 Holmes High School senior Saneah Bias | Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

Have you registered? What has that process looked like for you? “I have not registered yet. I was planning to do that last year, but I was more focused on college stuff. But this month, I’m gonna register.” What has your relationship been to prior elections, when you couldn’t yet vote?

When did you register to vote? “I think it was around a couple months ago. I think I kind of forgot. I turned 18 in late May.” How did you get reminded to do that? “My grandma.” What has your relationship been to prior elections, when you couldn’t yet vote? Have you paid attention or participated as a non-voter? “Never.” How are you preparing for the upcoming election? Where are you getting your information? “I just touch up little stuff on the internet here and there, just you know, talking about the insight about what I’m really voting on, who I’m voting for, and kind of understanding candidates.” Are you looking at all levels: local, state and federal?

Have you registered? What has that process looked like for you?

“I had just set up a new Instagram account because my old one deactivated for something. I don’t know why, but it pulled out the link on the page that said, ‘Have you registered to vote yet?’ I said I was 18 … it took about three, four minutes.”

“I registered on my birthday, because I was really excited about it.”

What has your relationship been to prior elections, when you couldn’t yet vote?

“I haven’t looked as much at the party as I have at the person’s actual beliefs. OK, and because I don’t believe in voting for your party just to be a party. In fact, I hate the term like a cross voter, like a politician who’s a Republican, votes Democrat, because it’s based on beliefs. It’s not based on words.”

Highlands High School senior Ellie Simpson. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

What do you think people should know, or might misunderstand about the youth vote?

Holmes High School senior Terry Woodard. Photo by Lia Salvatierra | LINK nky

Highlands High School

Ellie Simpson, 18

Holmes High School

Aiden Darnell, 18

“My grandmother used to throw like parties for Election Day or the week before elections. Have everybody come together, eat, wear the colors, wear the tags, watch the people, watch the candidates. Usually it was state and national ones. The last one was local.” “We’ve been doing it for years.” How are you preparing for the upcoming election? Where are you getting your information? “Mostly my mom and online and local like groups on Facebook, other things. It’s mainly my mom pushing it.” How are you feeling about participating in your first election? “Kind of nervous. One vote does go a really long way, and I don’t know. I really don’t know. Like, what if things go wrong? What if I pick the wrong vote? Yeah, I’m just nervous, you know to do it all. I was excited before. Now that it comes up to it …” What do you think people should know, or might misunderstand about the youth vote?

“I try to pay attention; I like to be aware of things just in general. I moved here two years ago from another country, so I didn’t know a lot about how this stuff works. So I didn’t know much up until two years ago.” “I’m from here, but I lived abroad in Germany for six years.” How are you preparing for the upcoming election? Where are you getting your information? “I get a lot of information from online. Not from social media, I try to stay off of that because I feel like you never know if that’s reliable or not. I talk to my parents a lot; I wouldn’t say they’re biased either way, as much as a person can’t be biased, like, to an extent, you know. But we try to have open conversations about it because I think it’s important to be able to talk about it, and I read a lot of news articles about it that my parents send.” How are you feeling about participating in your first election? “I’m excited. I think it’s important, especially for young people, to vote, because I feel like sometimes people take it for granted, especially because it’s not a requirement here, and even though I don’t think it should be a requirement, I still feel like, as a citizen of a country, you should.” What do you think people should know, or might misunderstand about the youth vote? “I think it’s very important, especially for people of my generation, to not get sucked down the rabbit hole of social media. I feel like it’s become a very polarizing thing and I feel like it’s more important to also listen to other perspectives.”

How are you preparing for the upcoming election? Where are you getting your information? “I’ve been paying a lot more attention to what’s going on in the (state) House and the Senate. Federal, I kind of get thrown at me anyway because my dad’s an educator. And I listen to a lot of NPR in the mornings, like seven-ish, so I know a little bit what’s going on each day, little snippets. But for state, gosh, Andy Beshear’s been posting a lot just on news and what he’s planning and whatnot, and I’m also just following the House because I know someone who’s a representative.” How are you feeling about participating in your first election? “A little on the fence because on one end, well, I know that every voice is said to be important. In the end, it depends on who you elect to be said person.” What do you think people should know, or might misunderstand about the youth vote? “So it’s a big field. Voting is a very big topic. And while I believe that all students should vote, I also believe that students should be up to date on what they are voting for … Because the people that go in that only listen to what they want to hear, are the people that end up being the reason why votes sometimes get dicey, why voting can become very split, or why certain things and why certain parties win over the others.”

“I think that they don’t see that we want the OCTOBER 23, 2026 11

sports NKBBCA releases top 10 players in NKY

Fifth is Ryle’s Holden Smith, the Raiders leading scorer from the 9th Region runner-up this past season. Six through 10 consists of Walton-Verona’s Wyatt Shearer, the Newport duo of Griffin Starks and Jayden Wilkins and then a tie in the ninth spot with Dixie Heights’ Hunter Seng and Highlands’ Amil Wimzie. Wimzie is the youngest on the list, entering his freshman season.

Holy Cross High School takes the field before their game against Bishop Brossart High School on Oct. 9, 2026. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

The talent pool in Northern Kentucky is always deep.

The KHSAA basketball season officially began Oct. 15 with the first regular season games slated for Nov. 30.

10 takeaways from Week 8 of NKY HS football

There’s certainly no shortage of talent as another year of Kentucky high school hoops is knocking at the door. The Northern Kentucky Boys Basketball Coaches Association released its top 10 boys basketball players headed into the 2026-27 season. The list is voted on by coaches, who also control the nomination process. Beechwood’s Dylan Topmiller sits at the top. The Tigers junior broke onto the scene his sophomore year averaging 20.7 points per game on 50/41/78 shooting splits. College coaches took notice as well as he recently secured his first Division I offer from Eastern Illinois. Plenty of others have taken interest as well. Covington Catholic’s Braeden Myrick certainly can certainly make his case for the top spot. The Cal State Fullerton commit fit right in during his first season with the Colonels after transferring from Mason County. He averaged 17 points per game and was deadly from long range, knocking down 106 three-pointers at a 45% clip. Newport’s Amontae Lowe comes in at third. Lowe will be pivotal in an expected big year for Newport with the addition of three transfers. He’s expected to man the point for a talented Wildcats team after coming off a junior year in which he led the Wildcats with 20.1 points per game. Simon Kenton’s Bray Bilton follows at fourth. The Pioneers senior will once again need to be the Pioneers driving force on the offensive end. He’ll be an 8th Region Player of the Year candidate, coming off a junior season in which he averaged 18.6 points per game.

Beechwood High School’s Dylan Topmiller was picked No. 1 by the NKBBCA preseason top 10 players. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

— There’s a legit chance Dayton is going to have two running backs end the season with over 1,000 rushing yards. Malachi Kennedy has 818 rushing yards and Kaden Anderson with 638. With three regular season games left and the postseason, it’s trending that way. Oh yeah, the Greendevils are also 7-0 with a huge contest up on Oct. 16 when they host Newport Central Catholic. Dayton’s last win over NewCath came in 1998. — Highlands-Elder. Shew, what a game. What a heavyweight fight is like. Back and forth, blow for blow. Despite the loss, the Bluebirds will still be the No. 1 team in 4A on my ballot. They’ve proven time after time this season they can play with anyone. — The Kiyan Miller train rolls on. Despite Covington Catholic’s 28-20 loss to Cathedral (IN) on Oct. 9, Miller ran for 163 yards and three touchdowns. That gives him 971 yards rushing and 20 rushing touchdowns on the season. Again, he’s just a sophomore… — Beechwood’s Nathan Pabst and Tyler Fryman have now combined to score 35 touchdowns in seven games for the Tigers. Pabst is up to 20 touchdowns on the year, 15 for Fryman. They’ve done it in a variety of ways, too. Rushing, receiving, kickoff returns and interception returns.

WALTON-VERONA VOLLEYBALL

— Dixie Heights’ Levi Gilliland is the next running back on the cusp of a 1,000 yard season. He’s up to 904 yards after his 142yard, four touchdown performance against Conner on Oct. 8. He can thank his last four games. He has 724 yards and 11 touchdowns in the four-game stretch. — Important district battles to look for: Bracken County at St. Henry, Ludlow at Bishop Brossart, Simon Kenton at Campbell County, NewCath at Dayton, Great Crossing at Ryle. — Shout out to former Cooper standout Isaiah Johnson for his first career touchdown at the college level, catching a 15-yard touchdown pass in Citadel’s 34-16 loss to East Tennessee State University. Johnson did a year of prep school after graduating high school and his Oct. 10 touchdown grab was his first career college reception. Standing at 6-foot-3, Johnson has bulked up to 210 pounds. — Here’s your latest RPI check-in with just a few weeks left: • 6A: Ryle 14th, Simon Kenton 20th, Campbell County 21st • 5A: Cooper 8th, Dixie Heights 26th, Conner 31st, Scott 36th, Boone County 37th • 4A: Highlands 4th, Covington Catholic 13th • 3A: Lloyd Memorial 6th • 2A: Beechwood 1st, Walton-Verona 13th, St. Henry 17th • 1A: Dayton 7th, Holy Cross 13th, Bishop Brossart 15th, Ludlow 16th, Newport Central Catholic 20th, Newport 23rd, Bellevue 26th The RPI freezes after the last week of the season on Oct. 30 — Holmes got its second win of the season on Oct. 10 in a 14-13 victory over Ohio County. It’s their second win of the season, matching last year’s win total. After losing 26 games in a row from 2023-25, Holmes is now 4-9 in their last 13. Progress. — Season stats leaders are out. Check the website to see who is standing out!

All-Region golf teams announced

The LINK nky Team of the Week sponsored by OrthoCincy for the week of Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 is the Walton-Verona High School volleyball team. Photo provided

12 OCTOBER 23, 2026

As far as All-State, Ryle’s Hayden Li made the All-State second team. Li finished 15th in the standings with 760 points. He is the lone NKY boys or girls golfer to make the All-State teams. The top 10 in points make the first team, the next 10 on the second team. St. Xavier’s Luc Kelty won Mr. Golf while Frederick Douglass’ Willa Borough won Miss Golf. A few just missed out, Dixie Heights’ Jack Woolwine (35th), St. Henry’s Parker Isaacs (37th), Covington Catholic’s Joseph Mangine (47th) and Ryle’s Thomas Leone (49th) all finished in the top 50 in boys. Ryle’s Elizabeth Dickson (21st), St. Henry’s Reese Anthony (23rd) and Notre Dame’s Maria Penaranda (27th) were top 30 finishers in girls. Li also took home KGCA boys Region 7 Player of the Year honors while Newport Central Catholic’s Evan Himmelsbach won boys Region 8 Player of the Year. Dickson won KGCA girls Region 7 Player of the Year. BOYS 7th Region • Player of the Year: Hayden Li, Ryle • All-Region First team Hayden Li (Ryle), Jack Woolwine (Dixie Heights), Parker Isaacs (St. Henry), Joseph Mangine (Covington Catholic), Thomas Leone (Ryle) • Second Team Chandler James (Ryle), Carson White (Covington Catholic), Kayden Sautter (Beechwood), Matthew Noe (Covington Catholic), Adam Gutman (Walton-Verona) 8th Region • Player of the Year: Evan Himmelsbach, Newport Central Catholic • All-Region First Team Evan Himmelsbach (Newport Central Catholic), Nicholas Bryan (Henry County), Kasen Bertram (Bracken County), Derek Bezold (Bishop Brossart), Collin Parks (Bishop Brossart) • Second Team Connor Barlow (Highlands), James Kuhn (Highlands), Devin Massie (Highlands), Ezekiel Mefford (Owen County), Nick Bryan (Henry County), Bailey Rietskin (N/A), Bryson Vail (Highlands)

Ryle High School’s Elizabeth Dickson is the KGCA Region 7 girls Player of the Year. Photo provided | Charles Bolton

The Kentucky Golf Coaches Association has released the All-Region and All-State teams for the 2026 season, which came to an end on Oct. 10 with the girls’ KHSAA state championship. Sponsored by

tance, therefore more points with good results.

The All-Region and All-State teams are based on points collected throughout the season in tournament play. The tournaments are weighted with the more prominent ones such as state, sectional and region tournaments along with the KGCA All-State tourney carrying more impor-

GIRLS 7th Region • Player of the Year: Elizabeth Dickson, Ryle • All-Region First Team Elizabeth Dickson (Ryle), Reese Anthony (St. Henry), Maria Penaranda (Notre Dame), Sofia Seals (Conner), Annabelle Woltenberg (Cooper) • Second Team Lacey Wilson (Ryle), Ari Burton (St. Henry), Jayden Ramler (Boone County), Kendall Williams (Cooper), Audrey Hayes (Ryle), Eva Fey (Conner), Mylah Jasper (Notre Dame).

‘You can be brave and scared’:

NKY family turns daughter’s cancer battle into hope for others

Robinson and his family, who live in Erlanger, launched the foundation on Sept. 6 and have delivered 12 boxes around the country since then. They had hoped to focus mostly on the Greater Cincinnati region, Robinson said, but they’re seeing interest from throughout the country.

“Our biggest mission is to provide kids comfort, care and spread the message that you can be brave and scared at the same time,” said Derrick Robinson, founder of the Brave Like Remington Foundation

Parents, guardians and social workers at hospitals can reach out to the foundation requesting a box and a list of items. Each box is personalized.

By Nathan Granger new Northern Kentucky foundation is helping kids with serious illnesses face their circumstances with courage.

The Brave Like Remington Foundation fulfills its mission by creating personalized care boxes and sending them to kids with serious illnesses. The foundation gets its name from Robinson’s 2-year-old daughter Remington, who was diagnosed with a form of nerve cancer at the end of June. Robinson said that Remington often struggled with fear about her condition, and even though hospitals and other service providers were able to help with the medical aspect of the disease, facing the fear was another matter. “When Remington faced something frightening — a shot, getting poked, prodded — I told her something I created, which was the one big brave breath,” Robinson said. “We wanted to let her know that it was okay to be scared, and being brave didn’t mean she had to stop feeling scared.” “We want the child to open the box and feel seen for who they are beyond what they’re going through medically,” Robinson also said. “We want them to be able to feel seen for them being themselves.” Items include things like soft blankets, crayons and activities, stuff that really caters to their interests. The goal is to make a hospital room feel a little more like home and help the child, and even the family, feel a little more at ease. They’re dubbed “Brave Boxes” after the “big brave breath.”

“The parents tell us their child’s age, the things they love and then we choose items with that particular child in mind,” Robinson said. “Every box is built specifically for the child that’s receiving it.” Haley Hutson’s 3-year-old daughter Lennix received a box. “It made her entire day,” she said. “I think she sat and kept this stuff in that box and played with it for a week straight.” Lennix was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 11 months old. She takes medicine twice a day. She experiences grand mal seizures, which can lead to loss of consciousness and at times violent muscle contractions. “It’s been really rough,” Hutson said, but getting the Brave Box helped brighten Lennix’s mood.

Remington Robinson. Photo provided | Derrick Robinson

“She got a new blanket,” Hutson said. “She got a stuffed animal, Peppa Pig. She loves cheerleaders, so she got some pom poms. She got coloring books, crayons; so much stuff I can’t even really remember.” You can request a Brave Box, donate to the Brave Like Remington Foundation or learn more about the organization’s mission at bravelikeremington.org.

Lennix Hutson with her Brave Box. Photo provided | Haley Hutson

A map showing the number of hospitals to which Brave Boxes have been delivered. Map provided | Brave Like Remington Foundation

OCTOBER 23, 2026 13

real estate

Cute Erlanger home Address: 551 Perimeter Drive, Erlanger Price: $260,000 Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: One Square footage: 1,320 School district: Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District County: Kenton Special features: This remodeled three-bedroom, one-bathroom brick ranch in Erlanger offers 1,320 square feet of living space. The home features an open floor plan, an updated kitchen with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and a center island, and a large front window that provides natural light. Additional features include recessed lighting, a full unfinished walkout basement with storage space, a new driveway and an attached one-car garage. The property sits on a 0.2-acre lot and has public water and sewer service.

The exterior of this Kenton County home. Photos by Dustin Poe | KW Seven Hills Realty

The kitchen inside of this Erlanger starter home.

This home has an open basement.

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

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that William McKinney of 3323 Hempfling Rd Morning View KY, has filed an application with the Energy and Environment Cabinet to build a 30x40 garage. The property is located 8 miles southeast of Independence Ky on Hempfling Rd along Cruises Creek. Any comments or objections can be submitted via email to DOWFloodplain@ky.gov Kentucky Division of Water,Floodplain Management Section, 300 Sower Blvd. Frankfort, KK 40601. Call 502-564-3410. KENTON COUNTY

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

14 OCTOBER 23, 2026

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

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

The Weekly Edited by MargieCrossword E. Burke

3 9 7 8 6

HOW TO SOLVE:

5 2 6 1 9

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

Answer to Previous Sudoku:

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

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Difficulty: Medium

by Margie E. Burke

SUDOKU

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OCTOBER 23, 2026

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