Our Kenton County reporter Alecia Ricker shares her five favorite stories of the year:
1. Stewards of Sorcery: The partners of Hierophany & Hedge create a haven for everyone
Meeting the owners of Hierophany & Hedge was almost as magical as the shop itself; knowing only what I had read of the duo and their magic shop on Pike St. in Covington, I was quickly welcomed in by two people who made me feel as if we had known each other for decades.
I was floored by their knowledge and eagerness to learn more, and enchanted by the seemingly endless collection of things in the shop. It was refreshing to meet others like myself who have relocated to the area that have taken to Northern Kentucky as “home”. They have felt welcome in Covington through encouragement and support from residents around town, and they’re returning the favor by opening the doors to their world and making us all feel welcome.
2. Dissenting demonstrators at Covington courthouse support Women’s Wave movement
A photographer at the very core of my being, I always aim for my photos to do the talking in a story. The words under and beside the imagery should only support what you’re feeling when you see them.
Photographing this small piece of a nationwide demonstration gave me that shot.
People honked car horns in solidarity as they drove past.
Others gave hand gestures depicting their opinion on the matter towards demonstrators.
So many in attendance thanked me for being there to cover it, as larger cities were holding the same event and photographing this one gave it exposure, like those in Los Angeles, St. Paul, and Dallas.
3. Nobody goes hungry at Granny’s
I am a big fan of roadside attractions, gratitude, small town diners, bars where everybody knows your name, and a sense of community where once there wasn’t. Somehow, the folks at Granny’s Diner in Latonia managed to have all that in one, but the bar is up the street, not in the diner.
I was humbled to see three women hustling through the last few days before throwing a grand Thanksgiving feast for those in need. So many people were given the chance to come in and enjoy a hot meal in the company of others, should they choose. At Granny’s, the lights stayed on until the food ran out, and not one person had to go home hungry. If you were alone for the holiday and just wanted a place to go and chat over coffee, others were there sharing in the bounty. Owners said they did this as a “thank you” to the community that supported them in their first year open. So much was served up that day: pies, cookies, turkey, stuffing, conversations, coffee, laughter, and gratitude. A whole helping of gratitude.
4. Santa doesn’t come from a chimney. He comes from the heart
In getting to know Chrisopher Estano, I saw more than just a guy who named a bar after a dog; I met a man who had grappled with a tumultuous childhood, moved halfway across the country, and had an enormous heart and even more magnanimous goal.
Spearheading a Christmas miracle with money from his own pocket, he pledged to give 25 families in Covington gifts and meals as a token of his appreciation for the community he now called home. He showed what it is to truly appreciate the place you’re at in the moment. It was rewarding seeing kids scamper up to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas, albeit on the porch of a bar. Some of these children wouldn’t step foot into a mall to meet Santa; how else would they have the chance to see him in person?
In what Estano hopes to be an annual event, I look forward to covering his donations, toy drives, and his team of “Santa’s Helpers” bring joy to even more families in Covington in the years to come.
Oftentimes, covering city hall meetings are a drag; “All in favor?” “Aye.” “Opposed?” “Nay.” It is a rare event to have someone called out for their heroism in a legislature meeting – but on one summer day in 2022, Rudy came to the rescue of the Covington Police Department (and my attention span).
The City of Covington Police Department, city commissioners, and Mayor Joe Meyer all stood to give Rudy a true “thank you” for his quick-thinking and selflessness. Jumping into the middle of a crime scene, Rudy risked his own well-being to maintain the safety of those in downtown Covington that morning. It was heartwarming to see the pride beaming on his face as he shook everyone’s hands and stood for photos. What may not have meant much to him in the moment meant so much to the city and its residents, and it was encouraging to see his recognition for his acts.