Michael Bradford Memorial Cornhole Tournament

Fort Thomas Matters has been keeping you up to date on the city's upcoming Independence Day festivities, and Tower Park is certainly the place to be the afternoon of July 4^th. Along with the many activities taking place at Tower Park, the Michael Bradford Memorial Cornhole Tournament is not to be missed.

Ft. Thomas resident Michael Bradford was tragically killed in 2013 while working in Afghanistan. Bradford was a beloved member of the Fort Thomas community, and a true American hero. Bradford is often remembered by friends and family for his sense of humor, intelligence, and love for the game of cornhole. Since Fort Thomas has been hosting cornhole tournaments on July 4^th for the past few years, Bradford's family and friends saw this as the perfect opportunity to honor his memory. Bradford's twin brothers, Chris and Kenny, have taken the lead on making this year's tournament a success.

Road Work on Memorial Parkway this Week

Expect some delays. Update via Sgt. Casey Kilgore, Fort Thomas Police Department:

"The state has a contract with Eaton Asphalt to begin repaving Memorial Parkway (this) week.  They will be starting closest to the center of town, and working their way out towards Newport.

Schone to Open New Kitchen Design Showroom in Towne Center

33 N. Fort Thomas Ave., future location of Schone Kitchen Design

Coupling a licensed architect with 10 years of residential experience with a design builder who’s passion has included kitchen remodels for over 25 years, Schöne Kitchen Design will be opening a new showroom at 33 N. Fort Thomas Ave. this fall. 

OBITUARY: William "Bill" Thomas III

Obituary

Thomas, William Washington III (born June 30, 1947)
Fort Thomas, Kentucky

We celebrate the life of Bill Thomas, loving husband of Sidney, father of Jennifer Alcala (Pablo), Katie Mills (Collier), and David Thomas (fiancée Sheila), Papa to Kaylee and Collier Thomas Mills and Claire Alcala, brother of Susan Kirby (Alan) and Alan Thomas (Dianne), cousin of Bert Thomas (Diane) and nephew of Evelyn Thomas Moebus.

BREAKING: Suspected Door-to-Door Scam Artist Caught

NEWPORT, Ky. -- Newport Police are reporting that Jeffrey Brumback, wanted in connection with a door-to-door scam in Fort Thomas, has been captured.

Add This to Your 4th of July To-Do List: Buy a Glass of "Super Joey Lemonade"

Joey Holt

The Cayton Family

The Highlands Middle School Odyssey Team will host a lemonade stand in front of the Fort Thomas Women's Club at 8 North Fort Thomas Ave (near Subway) starting at 9 a.m. on the 4th of July. A 16 ounce cup of Super Joey Lemonade can be purchased for $1. Super Joey Holt is a seventh grader at HMS and a member of the Odyssey Team.

He has a rare disease called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, a cancer-like disease, (www.histio.org) that affects 5 in 1,000,000 people. His white blood cells ate his hip bone in 2012 causing him to need a bone graft. Doctors weren't sure if he'd ever walk again but after four months in a wheelchair and a lot of physical therapy he is able to run, walk and ride a bike like normal kids. However, he still suffers with unexplained chronic pain from time to time that can last weeks at a time. There is no known cause or cure. Very little research is done on Histio because it is considered rare and doesn't have the funding other diseases have.

The money raised at the lemonade stand will be donated to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for Histio research.

SAAP Yard Sale Tomorrow (18 N. Fort Thomas Ave)

Sale will be benefitting the Stray Animal Adoption Program

Mama on a Budget: Surviving Summer

The five day forecast calls for temperatures above 90 except on Saturday which will be a brisk, temperate, and down-right fall-like 88 degrees.  Oh, summer in greater Cincinnati!

Summer has finally arrived and it literally feels like a sauna outside.  To survive the heat and, more importantly, to help your kids survive the heat you need to get creative to stay cool but still have fun.  Here are a few suggestions to get you through at least one week this summer:

Schaefer sees immediate playing time at Xavier

Contributed Photo. Xavier's Leah Schaefer (23) makes a move in a game against Georgetown last season. The 2013 Highlands alum averaged 28.9 minutes, 5.3 points and six rebounds per contest her freshman year.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Many players have to wait a couple years to see the court as much as they did in high school.

UPDATE: Police Still Searching for Suspected Door-to-Door Scam Artist

NEWPORT, Ky. -- Newport Police have posted to their Facebook page that Jeffrey Brumback, known door-to-door scam artist, is still wanted in connection with stealing from a 100-year-old victim.

Five New Businesses Coming to Fort Thomas Towne Center

Former location of Mio's Pizza, soon to be renovated and re-opened as a brick-oven pizza restaurant in the Fort Thomas Towne Center

Five new businesses have committed to opening in the Fort Thomas Towne Center district, just north of the intersection of Highland and Fort Thomas Avenues, according to Fort Thomas Renaissance Manager and Economic Development Director Debbie Buckley.

OP-ED (Campbell Co. Dems): Increase in 911 Service Fee Should Be Equitable

Democratic Candidates for Campbell County’s Fiscal Court expressed disappointment to the Campbell Circuit Court’s ruling this past week that the $45 addition to each property owner’s individual real property tax bill was constitutional.

Firecracker 5K and Kids Fun Run Kicks Off 4th of July Celebration

The Campbell County YMCA will host its annual Fourth of July Firecracker 5K and Kids Fun Run on Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2014.

The race course begins in Tower Park, heads to Highlands High School, then returns to Tower Park, where cash, gift cards, trophies and medals will be presented to top performers in various age groups. 

Those who pre-register will receive a race T-shirt; same day registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race steps off at 8:15 a.m. Participants, ages 12 and over, are encouraged to register online.

All entries in the one mile kids race (for those under the age of 12) will receive a participation ribbon; registration for the kids run begins at 7:40 a.m. 

“This year, we’re asking race participants to wear something patriotic,” event organizer and YMCA of Campbell/Kenton County Executive Director Dana Ensley said. “Entire families take part in this event together and have a lot of fun. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if we see a mini Lady Liberty or an Uncle Sam lacing up his shoes to take part.”

Prizes will be awarded to the most patriotic participants. 

Online registration costs $22. Pre-registration by mail, or in person at the Campbell County YMCA, located at 1437 S. Ft. Thomas Avenue in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, cost $25. Registration on the day of the race costs $30. 

After the race, enjoy the annual Fort Thomas Independence Day Parade that steps off at 10:30 a.m.; the parade theme this year is Investing in Education and the Community.

The grand marshalls for the parade are Chuck and Mary Lou Smith Keller.

Keller estimated he has taught over 4,000 students in his 34-years as an educator, most spent at Highland High School. Mary Lou is a life-long resident of Ft. Thomas and works for Great American Insurance Company; she is a frequent participant in local 5K races. The couple, married 30-years, are Ft. Thomas residents, active in their community, and supporters of numerous charities. 


For more information about the YMCA Firecracker 5K and Kids Fun Run, visit the website  or call 859-781-1814.

What is happening, and not happening this Tuesday

As scattered storms move across the Tri-State the schedule for Tuesday has been adjusted.

The American Graffiti concert that was to take place at the Amphitheater Tuesday night has been canceled. It will be rescheduled for September 2 at 7 p.m.

________________________________

While the concert has been postponed the Farmers' Market is still planned to go off as scheduled.

The market offers a wide variety of produce, eggs, meat, and products from the farm as well as organic items.  Need homemade soaps? Honey? Those are available as well. 

Tuesday's market welcomes Blue Over Bakery. The Blue Oven Bakery is a small family farm cultivating and providing a diversity of grains, vegetables, herbs, poultry, flowers, and fruits in and around the Greater Cincinnati area.

In addition to supporting Blue Oven Bakery and our Blue Oven Food Truck, The farm has a working relationship with the Boca Restaurant Group and delivers much of its produce directly to the chefs.

The farm utilizes full organic, experimental permaculture, as well as partial biodynamic practices. Blue Oven Farm has been providing Greater Cincinnati with sustainably-raised farm goods for many years. 

Celebrate the 4th of July in Fort Thomas

For many Fort Thomas residents, attending the Independence Day Celebration & Antique Car Show is an important part of their annual 4^th of July festivities. The Fort Thomas Recreation Department seems to outdo themselves every year, and this year is certainly no exception.

Independence Day in Fort Thomas is an all-day celebration, which kicks off with the Firecracker 5K. The race begins at the Mess Hall with two start times: 7:40am for the Free Kids Fun Run (one mile run for ages 12 and under), and 8:15am for the Adults Race. You can find out more information about the race and register here. The Tennis Tournament will also begin bright and early at 8:00am at the Tower Park's tennis courts.

Former KY Governor Patton to Attend Campbell County Democrats 2nd Annual Riverboat Cruise

Kentucky's 59th Governor Paul E. Patton will be the Guest of Honor at The Campbell County Democrats 2nd Annual Riverboat Cruise on Sunday June 29th. 

The Syndicate to Host "Gangster Night" Fundraiser for Newport Parks

NEWPORT, Ky. -- The Newport Syndicate is hosting Gangster Night, Friday, June 27th, to raise funds for the Newport park system.

Shopping Fort Thomas Central's First Artisan Market

Last night, I stopped by Fort Thomas Central's first Artisan Market and it did not disappoint. Despite the rainy weather, there was a steady stream of guests and plenty of treasures to be discovered.

Here's a sampling of items you could find:

What to do in Fort Thomas this weekend (Fort Thomas Central, St. Catherine's Festival)

TONIGHT:

Stained Glass by Jane Pompilio

Art, Food and live music and waffles! Bring a chair and stay awhile at the first Artisan Market (on the lawn) at Fort Thomas Central from 4-7 p.m.

Live music by John Delagrange of Fort Thomas. Yummy food offered by Marty's Waffle Truck. Shop the farmers market next door. Creation location for the kiddos! Jewels on the Avenue will be across the street with estate jewelry to add to the artisan theme.

FTPD Investigating Neighborhood Cat Found Shot, Dumped in Nearby Bushes

Otto, found shot in Fort Thomas/Facebook

Fort Thomas Police are investigating the suspected shooting of a neighborhood cat in Fort Thomas, the FTPD reports.

Past year had many great moments for Highlands, NC

Jennifer Jones Photo. Highlands pitcher Joey Cochran helped the Highlands baseball team to a 22-18 record and appearance in the 9th Region title game this past year.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

As usual, the Highlands and Newport Central Catholic sports teams had plenty of great moments during the 2013-14 school year.

City Council Round-Up: BSL Discussion Continues, Council Considers City Staff Residency Requirement

Breed specific legislation (BSL), the VA homes, and city personnel policy were all discussed by Fort Thomas city council Monday night. Here’s your round-up:

Charities Guild of Northern Kentucky- Happy Feet Ball 2014

CGNK KICKS OFF PLANS FOR HAPPY FEET BALL 2014

The Charities Guild of Northern Kentucky (CGNK) invites the community to “Join Us on the Bourbon Trail.” CGNK will host the 4th annual Happy Feet Ball on November 8 at the New Riff Distillery in Newport, Kentucky. The New Riff Distillery is Kentucky’s newest craft distillery and member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.

Blue Marble Bookstore - FIND WALDO IN FORT THOMAS!

Waldo and His Faithful Dog, Woof, Create Summertime Fun to Support the Shop Local Movement.

June 18, 2014 - Ft. Thomas, Kentucky – Where's Waldo? In Fort Thomas, Kentucky of course.  The famous children’s book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting twenty-six different local businesses throughout our community this July. Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, book coupons and more. From Fort Thomas Central at 3 North Fort Thomas Avenue to Fort Thomas Florist and Greenhouses at 63 South Grand Avenue, from the YMCA at 1437 South Fort Thomas Avenue to Tracy Davis State Farm at 919 North Fort Thomas Avenue, Waldo and his faithful dog Woof will be well hidden in local business establishments. Find Waldo is a great summer vacation activity and a wonderful way for residents to support local businesses and the Shop Local movement.

Fort Thomas Ranked Second Safest City in Kentucky

Fort Thomas has once again received notoriety for being one of the best cities in Kentucky. Value Penguin recently awarded Fort Thomas the #2 slot on their “10 Safest Cities in Kentucky” list. Value Penguin is a site dedicated to “providing the best In-Depth Research and Interactive Tools for all your financial decisions.” The site also mentions the Fort Thomas Independent School system's outstanding reputation. According to Value Penguin, “Those fortunate enough to live in Ft. Thomas enjoy one of the better school systems in the state with Highlands High School leading the way.”

NKY Sewer Hike Could be 4.9% (Enquirer)

Via SD1.org

Via Carrie Blackmore Smith, Enquirer - David Rager doesn't think of Northern Kentucky's sewer system as a quagmire without solutions, he thinks of it "as a very challenging puzzle."

Each time the region gets three-quarters of an inch of rain, raw sewage overflows at 180 locations in Northern Kentucky. Larger storms cause flooding, sometimes several feet deep in places, and there's enough money to fix only emergency collapses in the hodgepodge system, built piece-by-piece decades ago by the region's cities.

Last year, under the demands of a federal consent decree to fix the system by 2026, Northern Kentucky Sanitation District No. 1 proposed a 9 percent increase in sewer rates, after back-to-back 15 percent rate increases each year from 2009-2012.

Leaders in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties said their residents couldn't afford it. They ordered Rager, executive director of SD1, to renegotiate the agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more time to spread out the cost for residents, discussions that are now underway and expected to be resolved by summer of 2015.

Fit Philosophie Becomes First “Bike Friendly Destination” in Fort Thomas

 Jennifer Lynn with the President of Queen City Bike, Frank Henson

Jennifer Lynn, owner of Fit Philosophie, was recognized by Queen City Bike as a “Bike Friendly Business” in front of City Hall in Downtown Cincinnati in June. Lynn had to apply to a panel to show that her business values bicyclists by providing them with necessary accommodations not typically found at other businesses.

Highlands football adjusts to more offseason changes

G. Michael Graham Photo. A new weight room facility and parking lot are among the things being built in Death Valley at Highlands High School.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Off to the south of David Cecil Memorial Stadium is a place known as Death Valley.

It once housed the field of the Highlands softball team and served as a practice field for the football team. It is currently covered in construction.

HHS Selects New Head Soccer Coach for Ladybirds

Highlands High School has selected Brian Wiefering as the new girls’ head soccer coach. Wiefering has been the HHS girls’ freshman soccer coach for the past three years.

Wiefering has a long and impressive history with soccer beginning as a player at the age of five. In addition to club soccer, he played on the HHS soccer team all four years of high school, earning honors of All-District Team, All Region Team, 110% Hustle Award and a Leadership Award.

Motorcycle Ride to Benefit Fort Thomas Shooting Victim Alisha Waters

Survivor Ride for Alisha/Facebook

Northern Kentucky communities continue to rally their support for Alisha Waters, the 32-year-old victim of the deadly shooting at 20 N. Grand Ave. in Fort Thomas last August, with a motorcycle ride scheduled for next month.

Ft. Thomas' Summer Calendar Second to None

School is out and summer is finally upon Northern Kentucky! Fort Thomas Matters has compiled the schedule for summer events happening in the city. The happenings in Fort Thomas will offer something for everyone. There will be athletic events, musical events and events for children. 

All the details you need to know are included in the fliers below, or a web page is provided where additional information can be found. Summers in Fort Thomas are social outings that can be enjoyed by everyone in attendance. FTM champions everything that benefits the city and attracts people into the city.

FTM hopes to see you out and about at some of the events below!

________________________

_______________________

Do you have an event that will be offered over the summer that you would like the FTM nation to know about? Leave a comment below or visit our Facebook page to notify our readers about other summer events.

Street Class Follow-Up: The Woman of the Year Nominee from North Ft. Thomas Avenue

Over the past few months, Ft. Thomas native Jamie Baker was actively campaigning for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Woman of the Year title. Baker's campaign consisted of fundraising events throughout the area, and she also collected donations through her page on the LLS website. After being featured in a Street Class article back in February, many of our readers were interested in Baker's fundraising efforts. I'm happy to report that Baker raised an astonishing $90,365 between March 21, 2014 and May 30, 2014.

Out of the 13 candidates who competed in the fundraising campaign, a total of $544,000 was raised for LLS. Baker's fundraising total wasn't far behind this year's winner, who brought in $114,000. Although Baker fell short of being named the Woman of the Year, she certainly should be proud of her campaign.

Budding Journalists: Transitioning from Elementary to Middle School in Fort Thomas

FTM is opening up its platform to students in Fort Thomas who have an interest in Journalism. Budding Journalists is a new feature and Lexie Crawford is our first writer to take the plunge. Let's welcome Lexie to the #FTMFamily!

By Lexie Crawford

Most people reading this have been through middle school and know it is not the easiest experience. I am a girl in the fifth grade getting ready to go to middle school. I am both worried and excited to be going to middle school. I wondered how my friends were taking this experience so I asked a few fifth graders from different schools to answer some questions about the transition.

Emma H., a fifth grader from Moyer, said that she is not worried about how many more people there will be because she knows a lot of people and they are all pretty much her friends and is not scared about making more friends. She is looking forward to having more freedom, because we do not have much freedom in elementary school. But, she is also scared about being the youngest in school again.

Fort Thomas man killed driving scooter

Via Fox 19 A Fort Thomas man driving a scooter was killed Thursday night when it was struck by another vehicle on Madison Pike in front of the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, Fort Wright Police said.

Q&A with Fort Thomas Makeup Artist Nancy Dawson

Did you know we had one of the most well-known makeup artist in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky wedding market right here in Fort Thomas? Nancy Dawson is the founder, owner and lead artist of BRIDEface, an onsite bridal artistry and makeup coaching business.

From what I've seen and heard around the community, her approach and airbrushing technique is to die for, so I was excited to learn she was interested in sitting down to share some insights with us! Without further ado...

#BradyStrong

Local boy, Brady Walz, is returning home today from Cincinnati Children's Hospital after a month of treatments for Leukemia. 

The neighbors of West Kimberly made signs for this return. 

Highlands learns valuable lessons in state tournament

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands first baseman Brennah Dutcher catches a bunt attempt and throws to first for a double-play in Friday's state softball tournament game against Owensboro Apollo. Highlands finished the historic year 27-14.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior Ashley Grosser attempts a bunt against Owensboro Apollo. Grosser and Kendall Turner are the lone two seniors on the team.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

OWENSBORO – The good news is the Highlands Ladybirds softball team can say it’s seen the best teams in Kentucky.

They hope to learn from their first-ever experience that ended Saturday in the double-elimination tournament. Highlands (27-14) fell to 3rd Region champion Owensboro Apollo, 12-2 in the morning then 16th Region champion Ashland, 12-0 in the afternoon.

Fort Thomas Central- Artisan Market in Fort Thomas Town Center

Fort Thomas Central Announces New Summer Artisan Market in Fort Thomas Town Center.

Fort Thomas, KY - Fort Thomas Central is bringing a monthly, FREE to attend, Artisan event to the Town Center of Fort Thomas, KY.  The Artisan Market will take place every 3rd Friday during the summer, June 20, July 18th and August 15th, 4 PM - 7 PM.  Artist participation in this event represents small independent artists and businesses that offer artisan quality products.  On display and for sale, items will include rare gemstone jewelry, stained glass, wood designs, pottery, watercolor, custom designed charm lockets, Eco-friendly bath and home products and so much more!
The Artisan Market will feature musical entertainment, food and one-of-a-kind art and gift items.  John Delagrange of Fort Thomas (who often plays at the Blind Lemon in Mt. Adams) will setup and perform on the front porch.  The tempting smells  and offerings coming from Marty's Waffle Truck (voted best in Cincinnatti) will cater to your taste buds while you enjoy the evening listening to music and getting to know the local art community. 

"We are very excited to bring the Artisan Market to Fort Thomas," says Barb Thomas, owner of Fort Thomas Central.  "Due to hearing customers comment about how nice it would be to have an event like this in Fort Thomas, we have decided to bring a family friendly event that will take place on the front lawn at Fort Thomas Central in conjunction with the farmers market," says Thomas.  
The Artisan Market invites everyone in Fort Thomas and surrounding communities to come out and get involved by either attending or by spreading the word. “Community support is very important to us, as our event is about and for the community,” says Thomas. 

Fort Thomas Central, 3 N Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas, KY  41075.  (859) 609-6427.  Www.fortthomascentral.com.

Ladybirds Engineer first-ever state tournament win

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands seventh-grader Chloe Jansen scores in the fouth inning of Thursday's state tournament game against Estill County. Highlands won 4-1.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands sophomore Shelby Graybill cranks a two-run home run in the first inning against Estill County in the state tournament in Owensboro. It marked the eighth home run of the year for Graybill.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands sophomore Haley Coffey makes another diving stop in the state tournament game against Estill County.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

OWENSBORO – It may not have been a win or go home game situation.

But the Highlands Ladybirds softball team wanted to use it to set a tone for the rest of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Fastpitch State Softball Tournament. The 9th Region champions started off the tournament on the right foot overcoming inexperience and jitters in a 4-1 over the experienced 14th Region champion Estill County Lady Engineers. The game took place Thursday at Jack C. Fisher Park.

Michael Bradford among military personnel recognized by for their service, sacrifice

DynCorp International recognized 11 team members who were injured or killed while serving U.S. government missions abroad as they received the Department of Defense’s Defense of Freedom medal and DynCorp International Chairman’s Purple Star Award.

 

The honorees previously worked on either the Company’s Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A) or Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) contract.

Award recipients, their families, representatives from the Department of Defense, the office of Rep. Kay Granger and from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) were in attendance at the ceremony held May 30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Featured speakers included Colonel Darren Werner, chief of staff for the Army Sustainment Command. 

Ladybirds ready to make more history

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands pitcher Bailey Spencer winds up and fires home in last week's 9th Region Tournament. Spencer owns a record of 20-6 with 110 strikeouts entering the state softball tournament starting Thursday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It started with a vision that is quickly coming to fruition.

The school named Rob Coffey the head coach of the Highlands Ladybirds fastpitch softball team in September of 2012. The prevailing thought among many at that time was to catch the Ryle Lady Raiders. Ryle had won seven of the past eight region titles at that point and captured the 2006 state championship.

Anointed Touch Celebrates One-Year Anniversary by Giving Back

Anointed Touch Massage

Tiffany Maple, owner and sole proprietor of Anointed Touch Massage (located in the Highland Building on North Fort Thomas Avenue), is celebrating her one-year anniversary of successful business ownership.  As a way to celebrate, she is partnering with her friend, Chris Kubik (of MayWeHelp.org, an organization of volunteers that engineer mobility solutions for those impacted by paralysis, loss of limbs, or other ailments stalling their mobility) who is attempting to raise $10,000 this summer to cover the costs of a group-climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro to a height of 20,000 feet.