Saint Simon’s seeks council backing for reconciliation grant after extremist incident in Lincoln Heights

Denise Pitts, who identified herself as a former resident and representative of Saint Simon's Church, used public comment at the Village of Lincoln Heights council meeting on July 14 to ask what the village is doing in response to a reported Nazi incident in the community and whether the village is coordinating with nearby jurisdictions.

"We had questions about, what was going on with the Nazi incident in Lincoln Heights," Pitts said, and she asked whether Lincoln Heights officials had spoken with Evendale or other neighboring governments. Pitts said the church and the diocese are interested in a Truth and Reconciliation/healing grant and requested the mayor and council consider partnering and providing support letters if needed.

Mayor Ruby Kinsey Mumphrey and multiple councilmembers said some members have met with colleagues in Evendale and that Princeton City Schools has acted as a liaison for cross‑jurisdictional conversations; the mayor said the village hoped to include the soon‑to‑be manager and to invite Pastor Mary or the diocese to present more information. Councilmembers agreed the packet material should be circulated by email and that the church should return with written materials or a PowerPoint so council can consider formally supporting the application.

Council and church representatives discussed timing: a member of council referenced an Aug. 31 deadline for grant-related materials. Council suggested committee review (committee of the whole or safety committee) to ensure any support letter and partners are identified before the application deadline.

Next steps: Pitts said Saint Simon's will bring more information and Pastor Mary will be invited to present at the next meeting in two weeks; council asked the clerk to circulate any written grant materials to all members ahead of that meeting.