Kentucky
Nonprofit addresses critical housing needs in northern Kentucky
LATONIA, Ky. — A nonprofit in northern Kentucky is trying to help first time home buyers in an increasingly challenging market. The organization unveiled a new renovation, which will soon be inhabited by a family that might not otherwise have the same kind of opportunity.
The house at 4541 Huntington Avenue in Latonia is more than 120 years old. And until about 10 months ago, it was really showing its age.
But in that time, it’s undergone a complete transformation.
“Found out that it had fire damage and smoke damage in the upstairs. We knew from day one this was going to be a monster of a project,” said Jeremy Lawson, construction manager for Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky, or HONK.
HONK is a faith-based nonprofit with a mission of creating affordable homeownership for people in northern Kentucky through the renovation and rehabilitation of homes, a lease-to-own model, and emotional and educational support.
Thursday was an open house for its latest renovation, now a three-bedroom, 1.5-bath home. HONK Executive Director David Hastings said it’ll go to a family that really needs it.
“Affordable housing is a huge challenge for people trying to rent a place, and for people trying to buy. I really feel for first time home buyers right now. It’s a real challenge. I’ve been doing this kind of work for over 25 years, and I’ve never seen it this bad,” Hastings said. “We’re really trying to set them up for that long-term success. We want people to succeed in the long term, have an opportunity to build equity.”
HONK recently passed the milestone of helping 111 homeowners in northern Kentucky. And that help is needed.
Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties are all in the top 10 of Kentucky county housing gaps, according to the Kentucky Housing Corporation. It’s the reason Lawson came to HONK.
“I wanted to use what I loved, and what I was good at for people that needed the help. I have spent lots of time working for people that didn’t need it. But one of the things you find is the people that really do need it oftentimes don’t find the help nearly as easily,” Lawson said.
Now, they can find it in Latonia.
HONK is currently working on three other homes in Latonia, and a few others elsewhere in northern Kentucky. The organization hopes to renovate more houses next year.
Kentucky
Kentucky woman, 35, charged with homicide after using abortion pills then burying fetus in backyard
A Kentucky woman was charged with fetal homicide after allegedly using abortion pills and burying the fetus in a Christmas-wrapped lightbulb box in her backyard — when she got pregnant following an affair.
Melinda Spencer, 35, was arrested Wednesday after going to a Campton health care clinic, where she told staff members she used medication purchased online to end her pregnancy, which is illegal in the state, according to Kentucky State Police, FOX 56 reported.
Police said Spencer allegedly admitted to taking the pills on Dec. 26 and burying the fetus — described as a “developed male infant” — two days later in a shallow grave at her Flat Mary Road home.
After obtaining a search warrant, cops found the remains wrapped in a white rag and stuffed in the holiday-decorated box inside a plastic bag, court documents showed.
Spencer later confessed that she allegedly ordered the pregnancy-ending drugs after conceiving with a man who was not her boyfriend, claiming she didn’t want him to find out, police said, per the outlet.
Authorities said she wanted to “abort the fetus on her own.”
It’s unclear how long she was pregnant before taking the pills.
An autopsy has reportedly been scheduled to establish how developed the fetus was.
In Kentucky, nearly all abortions are illegal, with a doctor only authorized to perform one to prevent death or serious injury to the mother.
There are no exceptions for rape or incest.
State law also bars the distribution of abortion medication.
Spencer was charged with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and first-degree promoting contraband, the outlet reported.
The homicide offense makes her eligible for the death penalty. She also faces life behind bars if convicted.
Spencer is being held at Three Forks Regional Jail in Beattyville.
Kentucky
Lancaster resident describes Kentucky earthquake experience
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – A 3.1 magnitude earthquake hit Kentucky Sunday afternoon with an epicenter between Richmond and Lancaster, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The USGS “Did You Feel It” survey received reports from people in Richmond, Danville, Stanford, Lancaster and Lexington.
Caroline Boyd, a retired nurse from Lancaster, was reading at home when the earthquake began at 12:47 p.m.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say shaking but it felt like a rumbling in my basement or even outside,” Boyd said.
Boyd said she felt and heard the ground beneath her rumble followed by a loud boom.
“I thought to myself what on earth is that? Because there is no trains or train station nearby, so I knew it was not a train. So, I just sat there and listened. I would say it lasted about 10 to 15 seconds,” Boyd said.
After the tremor, Boyd called her neighbors and then the sheriff’s office. Dispatchers told her there had been an earthquake.
Dustin Price, deputy director and public information officer for Garrad County Emergency Management Agency, said the agency first heard from Bluegrass 911 about reports of a loud boom and shaking.
“Approximately we were able to confirm through the state that there was a confirmed 3.1 magnitude earthquake that hit through Garrad County,” Price said.
No injuries or property damage were reported, according to Price.
Boyd said she was thankful the earthquake did not cause more serious problems.
“Even if I would’ve had to relocate if there was a problem. I have two pets, so it could’ve been really bad,” Boyd said.
Garrad County EMA said they are thankful for all the agencies who helped respond to the incident.
Copyright 2025 WKYT. All rights reserved.
Kentucky
3.2 magnitude earthquake with no immediate reports of damage confirmed in Garrard County
GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Governor Andy Beshear reports that a 3.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported in Garrard County.
“This range does not typically produce sizable damage – just shaking – and thankfully, that is all that’s been reported so far,” Beshear said on social media Sunday.
According to the Lincoln County EMA, the earthquake happened around 12:47 p.m. with a shallow depth of 8 kilometers.
NWS Louisville reports the location of the quake to have been near the Garrard/Madison County line.
Multiple agencies are also reporting no immediate reports of damage.
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