By John Eckberg
Enquirer staff writer

COVINGTON - Promising to create a trusted voice for Northern Kentucky, Donald J. Then, publisher of The Sunday Challenger, said Thursday that his new free weekly publication will be circulated to 60,000-65,000 households in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties starting on July 4.

The full-sized newspaper will have color printing, Then said;will offer "intensely local" stories to readers, and serve as an advertising vehicle for companies that want to reach suburban Northern Kentucky households.

Stories will be about local, county and state government; education, crime, courts, business, real estate, health, food, entertainment, travel, religion, community events and sports.

"We want The Sunday Challenger to light a pathway to future greatness for Northern Kentucky," said Then, president and chief operating officer of Challenger Communications, a partnership formed last year between Then and developer William P. Butler.

"We expect to be the favored and most trusted source of balanced reporting and information."

During a press conference Thursday, Then said Butler would have no role in editorial decisions made at the Challenger.

Distribution will be house-to-house through carriers, but racks will also be at Remke Markets, bigg's stores and some United Dairy Farmers and Skyline restaurants.

The Challenger will employ 20 people, Then said.

He refused to offer start-up costs and information related to advertisers.

The printer is located in Northern Kentucky but wishes to remain anonymous, Then said.

E-mail jeckberg@enquirer.com.