KENTON
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 14 — FEBRUARY 27, 2026
THE VOICE OF NKY
linknky.com
If bill passes, drinks with friends could cost 4% more By Haley Parnell
O
rdering a cocktail at dinner or grabbing a case of beer from a liquor store in Kentucky may soon come with a bigger price tag if House Bill 612 becomes law. The state introduced the bill, which would impose an additional 4% state regulatory license fee on gross receipts. If passed, it would add an additional 4% fee on all alcohol sold in Kentucky, affecting restaurants, bars, liquor stores and convenience stores. “It’s [going to impact] the corner store on the west end of Newport, it’s Jeff Ruby’s in Lexington, it’s Pompilio’s in Newport, it’s One Stop Liquor, it’s Kroger, it’s everybody,” said Kentucky Restaurant Association 2026 Chairman and Pompilio’s Co-Owner Joe Bristow. Combined with Kentucky’s 6% sales tax, the consumer would effectively pay 10% on their alcohol purchases. A $100 purchase today would bring you $106 after the 6% Continues on page 3
One Stop Liquor in Bellevue. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky
Villa Hills native accepted into prestigious opera program By Nathan Granger
V
illa Hills native and performer Logan Wagner has performed in operas throughout the country.
Now, he has been accepted into the prestigious Merola Opera Program, a 10-week live-in training program in San Francisco that, as Wagner put it, is “like a stamp of approval for your career.”
Logan Wagner. Photo provided | David Bachman Photography via Logan Wagner
The program had a record number of applicants this year: over 1,500, from all over the world. Wagner was one of only 28 people accepted. Starting this summer, he and the other artists selected — who come from everywhere from South Korea to the UK to states throughout the U.S. — will travel to California to complete the program.
Merola alumni include Joyce DiDonato, who has won a Grammy for Best Classical Vocal Solo three times, and Stuart Skelton, who won Male Singer of the Year at the 2014 International Opera Awards, among numerous others dating back to the mid20th century. “Once they have completed this program, they will join a vibrant community of distinguished alumni who have gone on to thrilling careers with major opera houses around the world,” said Merola Executive Director Sean Waugh in a press release. LINK nky talked with Wagner about his career, his love of opera and the form’s appeal before he heads off later this year. Continues on page 4
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