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 is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
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