Kentucky

A Kentucky cathedral called ‘America’s Notre Dame’ gets a rehab, gargoyles and all

Published

4 months ago

January 22, 2026

A Kentucky cathedral called ‘America’s Notre Dame’ gets a rehab, gargoyles and all

COVINGTON, Ky. — Gargoyles have watched over this small Kentucky city for more than a century from their lofty perches on a cathedral known as “America’s Notre Dame.” A new renovation will ensure they keep their posts for years to come on the meticulously restored facade of the towering stone sanctuary.

Workers in recent weeks have been installing new terra cotta gargoyles as one of the final steps of a major, two-year restoration of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. The Catholic cathedral’s nickname stems from how its exterior was modeled on the larger Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris — from the pointed arches and flying buttresses to the gargoyles and chimeras with their reptilian grins and piercing, canine eyes.

Unlike the Paris landmark, which recently underwent a massive renovation because of a sudden and devastating fire, the Covington cathedral needed a rehab due to the slow deterioration of old stone, metal and terra cotta after 125 years of exposure to the elements in its Ohio River city across from Cincinnati.

“We consider ourselves blessed to be able to ensure the cathedral is taken care of for coming generations,” said Assumption’s rector, the Very Rev. Ryan Maher.

Workers have been painstakingly repairing and replacing tons of Indiana limestone. The new gargoyles are replicas based on meticulous scans of the 32 worn originals.

Workers aim to complete the two-year restoration by March. The finishing touch will be the installation of new 26 chimeras along the rooftop. These grotesque creatures, similar to gargoyles, are exact replicas of their weathered predecessors.

“It’s hard to believe that you’re able to replicate a piece that was built a hundred years ago by men that are no longer with us,” said Brian Walter, executive vice president of Trisco Systems, the prime contractor for the restoration.

A general view of chimeras waiting to be installed on the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Covington, Kentucky. Credit: AP/Jeff Dean

Restoration expert says work is both ‘an art and a science’

Workers have faced numerous challenges throughout the project: hoisting and fitting heavy stones into the façade while operating cranes above a busy street in the heat, cold and wind. They have been patching and fixing what they can and replacing other parts entirely.

“It’s an art and a science that’s passed down from generation to generation,” Walter said. “Every part of it is challenging.”

Those challenges began long before the materials even arrived at the cathedral, for a project involving architects, stonecutters, terra cotta artists and more.

Workers made precise scans of deteriorated finials, arches, balustrades and other architectural elements so stonecutters could make exact matches. Organizers sourced stone from Bedford, Indiana, where limestone for the original cathedral was quarried.

A general view of chimeras waiting to be installed on... — A general view of chimeras waiting to be installed on the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Covington, Kentucky. Credit: AP/Jeff Dean

Over the generations, the cathedral has had several renovations and overhauls, with exterior statues added in 2019.

But Maher knew a comprehensive exterior renovation was needed when, in 2018, he found a large, fallen piece of stone — evidence of a wider deterioration.

This time, workers used more durable stainless steel pins and brackets to secure the stone and replace the original carbon steel, which had rusted.

Bishop in a small city had big ambition

The cathedral opened in 1901, following a multiyear construction campaign by the Belgian-born Bishop Camillus Paul Maes, head of the Diocese of Covington and an admirer of the French Gothic style.

While the exterior is modeled on Notre Dame, it has adaptations. It is just under half of the Paris cathedral’s size, lacking the original’s twin towers and featuring a narrower but still imposing façade. The high-vaulted interior, bathed in light from large stained-glass windows, is modeled on another landmark Paris cathedral, Saint-Denis.

The ambition was striking, cathedral historian Stephen Enzweiler said. The city then had just over 40,000 people, similar to its population today.

“At the time, no one had ever heard of Covington,” Enzweiler said.

Maes wanted a sanctuary large enough to accommodate the rapidly growing immigrant Catholic population and grand enough to fulfill the medieval vision of a cathedral that would “represent heaven on earth,” he said.

The cathedral was part of a larger Gothic revival happening around the turn of the century that also saw the emergence of such landmark cathedrals as St. Patrick’s and St. John the Divine in New York.

“This is a smaller version of that revival of French Gothic in America, done at a very high level in a little town at the time, of surprisingly high quality,” said Duncan Stroik, an architect, professor of architecture at the University of Notre Dame and author of “The Church Building as a Sacred Place: Beauty, Transcendence and the Eternal.”

“It shows the talent of the bishop, the architect and the craftsmen,” he said.

Comparing the Gothic features of the Kentucky and Paris cathedrals

Ironically, some of that Gothic revival wasn’t quite as medieval as it may seem. The movement drew strong influence from the mid-19th century renovation of the Paris cathedral after the popular novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” called attention to its deterioration.

Notre Dame’s renovation architect, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, added new elements such as the gargoyle-like chimeras on the rooftop. Unlike the gargoyles on Notre Dame, which double as rainspouts, the Covington sanctuary’s fantastical creatures are purely decorative.

Theories vary about the medieval intent behind the gargoyles. Were they to ward off evil spirits? Did they represent the demonic realm outside the sanctuary of the church? Were they allegorical figures for morality lessons? Or simply the imaginative fruits of medieval craftsmen?

In modern times, gargoyles and chimeras have often become objects of endearment — portrayed by Disney as animated comic sidekicks and replicated in miniature as bookends, figurines and garden art. The Covington cathedral’s newsletter is named the Gargoyle Gazette.

The renovation price tag is $7.8 million, most of which has been raised. More than 2,000 donors contributed, along with foundations, Maher said.

“It was kind of an easy sell, because of what the cathedral means to not only our parishioners but to the whole community,” he said.

The goal is to maintain the cathedral as a sanctuary for years to come.

“When everything is upside down, this is a place of people where people can experience the calm of the Lord,” Maher said.

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Kentucky

Liberty Trees planted throughout Kentucky

Published

1 hour ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

Liberty Trees planted throughout Kentucky

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Ky. (WXIX) – Liberty Trees are being planted across Kentucky in celebration og America 250.

FOX19 NOW’s Philip Krinsky went down to Campbell County, where a Liberty Tree dedication took place.

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Kentucky

2026 Kentucky Derby: The Sporting Event Expanded Its Partnerships

Published

14 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

2026 Kentucky Derby: The Sporting Event Expanded Its Partnerships

LOUISVILLE, KY.—Jockey Jose Ortiz rallied long shot Golden Tempo from way back in the pack to claim the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, beating his older brother Irad Ortiz Jr. by a neck and making Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Derby winner.

Held at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Ky., this year’s race averaged 19.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-viewed Run for the Roses on record since Nielsen began tracking average audiences in 1988.

In the week leading up to the first Saturday in May, Churchill Downs hosted a full roster of events, including 502’sDay, Winsday, Thurby, and the Kentucky Oaks (when fans watch 3-year-old fillies compete), which, for the first time, was contested in primetime and on network television.

As part of the racetrack’s ongoing renovations, the sixth-floor space, 10,000-square-foot ultra-VIP space known as The Mansion opened its private doors, revealing a $30-million refurbishment. There were improved amenities in the Finish Line Suites this year as well.

But that wasn’t the only newness happening. This year introduced several firsts, including the Derby’s first-ever beauty partnership with L’Oréal, an MLB activation where fans were able to put their pitching skills to the test, and a limited-edition Graeter’s ice cream flavor, Bourbon Backstretch Cherry.

Returning partners also evolved their experiences for 2026, including Old Forester serving up a new signature cocktail with a fruity twist called the Perfecta and Red Bull expanding its lounge area in the Infield, which included a custom Ford F150 DJ booth with custom Red Bull cocktails.

This updated partnership strategy is part of the racetrack’s efforts to attract younger fans and the Gen Z demo. “Reaching new and younger audiences is how the brand stays relevant after 152 years,” said Casey Ramage, senior marketing and partnerships consultant for Churchill Downs Racetrack.

“Churchill Downs does this by offering onsite fans brand experiences such as beautiful photo moments around our iconic Twin Spires and partner collaborations and merchandise brands that are relevant to this audience such as vineyard vines, lululemon, and Aviator Nation,” she said.

For the fans at home, the Churchill Downs team also turned more to social media to educate the viewing audience. This year, the Derby’s social media accounts saw a 59% increase during Derby Week, Ramage added.

As for the L’Oréal partnership, Ramage said it just made sense. “With fashion being one of the first things you think about for the Kentucky Derby experience, Churchill Downs has always wanted to partner with a beauty brand, and L’Oréal Paris is the perfect fit,” she explained.

The brand was the presenting partner of the Derby’s Green Room, where celebrities and VIPs were able to touch up their makeup and hair before walking the red carpet. L’Oréal also produced activations in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza fan zone with product giveaways and surprise-and-delight makeup moments in the ladies’ restrooms.

Keep scrolling to see more from the 2026 Kentucky Derby and the brand activations and parties surrounding the historic event…

^{L’Oréal produced activations in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza fan zone with product giveaways as well as surprise-and-delight makeup moments in the ladies’ restrooms.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack}

^{Because of Churchill Downs’ strong partnership with NBC, the racetrack also highlighted the network’s new relationships with both the MLB and WNBA. The MLB hosted an interactive pitch activation, where fans were challenged to test their fastball and track their throwing speed in real time.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack}

^{Attendees posed inside a WNBA bespoke photo moment.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack}

^{The WNBA logo was made out of red and white roses, as a nod to the Derby race.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack}

^{Apparel brand vineyard vines marked its 16th year as the Official Derby Style with on-site activations, including a fully branded stage in the Infield, featuring live entertainment and giveaways such as its fan-favorite whale hats, sunglasses, and more.}^{Photo: Courtesy of vineyard vines}

^{Fully wrapped F-150s and Broncos in a vineyard vines print were located at the track’s “First Turn.”}^{Photo: Courtesy of vineyard vines}

^{Sports Illustrated Resorts’ Club SI hosted guests across both Oaks and Derby Day at Churchill Downs. The exclusive hospitality suite offers a view of the paddock and paddock runway. SI Swim model Camille Kostek hosted Oaks Day, while commentator Nate Burleson led Derby Day.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{Guests received custom caricature illustrations in the hospitality suite.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{Sports Illustrated, in partnership with}J Wagner Group^{, closed out Derby weekend with its third annual late-night celebration, Revel at the Races presented by DraftKings, which was headlined by Tiësto and held at}Ice House^.^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{As the official apparel partner, Ted Baker presented a branded photo moment.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{Verizon served as the exclusive wireless partner, offering expedited entry via a dedicated fast lane and ticket access through Verizon Access.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{As the official bourbon partner, Maker’s Mark served up premium cocktails.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{HydroJug provided on-site custom engraving, delivering a personalized takeaway for guests.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Live, a Division of Authentic Brands Group}

^{The Derby experience starts long before the bugle sounds at Churchill Downs, so Delta turned the journey to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport into a spirited ride. On May 1 and 2, in partnership with Brown-Forman, Delta offered travelers in the Atlanta and JFK Delta Sky Clubs a bespoke Mint Julep syrup. Once onboard their flights, passengers could pair it with Woodford Reserve bourbon to craft a cocktail.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Delta}

^{The airline also surprised travelers with arrival and departure goody bags on April 30 and May 3 at the Louisville airport.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Delta}

^{Crew members donned fascinators to close out the weekend.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Delta}

^{Herradura returned with its official cocktail, the Horseshoe Margarita. The brand also collaborated with Q Mixers on a new track-wide cocktail featuring Herradura Reposado called the Paddock Paloma.}^{Photo: Courtesy of Herradura}

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Kentucky

2026 Kentucky Wildcats football position preview: Safety

Published

1 day ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

2026 Kentucky Wildcats football position preview: Safety

As we continue to go position group by position group and project what each unit will look like for the 2026 Kentucky Wildcats, we will now look at the safety room. This position is led by two of the most experienced safeties in the conference with Ty Bryant and Florida transfer Jordan Castell. The safety position is heavily relied upon in defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s scheme. Having experience is paramount for this group, as Coach Bateman will call creative looks for disguised coverages which will create plenty of safety rotations pre-snap and post-snap.

Starters

I think it is safe to assume that the new staff made it a priority to retain Ty Bryant and Willie Rodriguez more than any other returning players on the roster. Bryant was voted second team All-SEC by coaches last season and is one of the best safeties in the conference. He was the team’s leading tackler a year ago with 76 total and led the SEC with four interceptions. Bryant is a do-it-all safety that has a nose for the football and is expected to be the leader of the defense this fall.

Jordan Castell transferred over from the Florida Gators, where he started over 30 games in his career. Castell is a long, rangy safety that knows what it takes to play at an SEC level. He started as a true freshman at Florida and earned freshman All-SEC honors in 2023. Over his three seasons with the Gators, Castell has totaled 169 tackles, 13 pass breakups and three interceptions.

If things go as planned, these two will rarely come off the field this season. Bryant has natural playmaking ability on the back end as a ball hawking safety and is coming off the best season of his career. Castell has ideal length for the position and has shown the ability to make big time plays in this conference. Bryant and Castell form one of the best safety tandems in the SEC and will be a key to the defensive success in 2026.

Backups

Dyllon Williams
Jesse Anderson

Dyllon Williams is a 6’2, 191-pound redshirt freshman that got his feet wet last season in limited snaps. Williams only saw action against Eastern Michigan, Florida and Vanderbilt a year ago. Ideally, I don’t expect him to see much of an increase in playing time this season but it will be interesting to see how he progresses when he does get on the field. Coach Bateman does like to throw three safety looks at opposing offenses, but that will likely be manned by the slot corner position group.

Jesse Anderson is a transfer from Pitt that brings some experience to the depth of this room. In three seasons at Pitt, he has received snaps in 23 games as a rotational safety. I wouldn’t expect his role to change, he will be a rotational guy in this group as well and brings much needed experience in a backup role. Anderson is on the smaller side at 6’0, 186-pounds.

Like I previously mentioned, Coach Bateman likes to keep offenses off balance with three safety looks in coverage. However, I expect the slot corners to be heavily involved in those formations, which will be Aaron Gates and Jaden Smith. We will group the slot corners in with the cornerbacks when we preview that position group. Overall, this safety room is a strength of the team although it is hinged on the experienced duo of Bryant and Castell.

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