360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, November 12, 2011

SATURDAY MAGAZINE



  The
  Saturday
  Magazine
  
  12 NOVEMBER 2012
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MIDTOWN GROCERY STORE SHAKE-UP
SUPERVALU CLOSES FOR RENOVATIONS ON MADISON, WILL OPEN NEW LOCATION IN LUDLOW; PARENT COMPANY ALSO OWNS SAV-A-LOT ACROSS STREET
Signs read Closed For Remodeling
at Covington SuperValu
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Only one large grocer remains in Covington's midtown, the Kroger on Madison. According to a sign posted on its door, SuperValu has closed for renovations. It is also constructing a similarly-sized location in Ludlow (The Ludlow Community Connection reports that that location will open in January). The gas station and tobacco outlet at Covington's SuperValu remain open. The large national chain lost $1.5 billion last year according to the company's annual report. SuperValu also owns the Sav-A-Lot chain of discount grocers which has a location on Madison as well.

Sign at bottom says tobacco outlet and gas
station are still open

Construction of grocery store in Ludlow





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DUKE ENERGY PAYMENT CENTER NOW
       AT FASHION STORE         
Image via
Covington's only Duke Energy payment center was inside the SuperValu store that is now closed for remodeling. According to Duke's 
website, the new location is A&E's Fashion & Beauty Supplies at 812 Madison Avenue (the company's Facebook page says that 
it sells clothes, hair, and cigarettes). This marks the fifth different payment center since 2005 for Duke's customers in Covington. The old center was on 4th Street but was torn down where the newer 5/3 Bank branch now stands. When that one closed,
Duke customers had to go to the Newport Shopping Center and when that one closed, Covingtonians had to cross the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and pay in Queensgate. When that one closed, we were back to paying in Covington at the SuperValu, which is now closed (at least temporarily). Of course, if you pay your bill by mail, this is irrelevant. 
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BUSINESS COURIER: 
MADISON PLACE FACES FORECLOSURE, 
CORPOREX COUNTERSUES; OMNICARE FACES CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT
The stories are only available to Business Courier subscribers or to customers who pick up the print edition, unless you sing up for a FREE subscription that is good until tomorrow (find that option at the links).
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BUTLER BLAMES BANK FOR NIELSEN'S DEPARTURE
Covington's Madison Place, a 290,000 square foot office tower with multiplie million-dollar penthouses on top, faces foreclosure along with two other Corporex properties in Erlanger and Tampa. Corporex Chairman Bill Butler blames Bank of America for the loss of The Nielsen Company which will reportedly move from Madison Place to Cincinnati's Chiquita Building early next year:

He believes Corporex could have kept the market research firm and its roughly 500 employees if Bank of America would have worked with the company on refinancing.“We needed the cooperation of the bank to meet the terms and conditions of Nielsen to stay and the bank wouldn’t cooperate,” Butler said.Corporex wanted to start conversations with Bank of America about the Madison Place loan in August 2009, according to the counterclaim. However, the bank said Corporex and its affiliates should put off discussions because of the recession’s impact on real estate valuations, according to Corporex’s counterclaim.
Butler and Corporex are countersuing Bank of America for damage to the company, arguing that BOA always intended to sell the loans:
In mid 2010, Corporex and its entities started negotiating with Bank of America on all three loans, since the maturity dates on all three were coming up, according to the counterclaim.Corporex had sought out other lenders to refinance its loans, in particular the Olympic II building in Erlanger. The lender Corporex was working with offered a loan with a 7 percent interest rate, which Butler said was expensive.“They (Bank of America) told us, ‘We can do better,’” he said. So Corporex continued to try to come to terms with the bank, he claims.During the time Corporex was negotiating with Bank of America, it discovered the bank planned to sell its loans as part of a roughly $880 million portfolio of commercial mortgages at a discount of 20 percent to 25 percent, according to a September Wall Street Journal article. Three of the loans, totaling $47 million, were Corporex’s, Butler said. 
You MUST read the entire article here: Business Courier
Madison Place
OMNICARE FACES CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT

In other bad news involving companies about to bolt from RiverCenter, Omnicare (which will move to Cincinnati in December) faces a class-action lawsuit:

The plaintiffs are two institutional investors – the Florida-based Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund and the Texas-based City of Austin Police Retirement System – and, in a separate suit, an individual, Paul Ansfield. They claim that they and “others similarly situated” lost money by investing in Covington-based Omnicare from Jan. 10, 2007, to Aug. 5, 2010.“While the company was trying to publicly distance itself from the pervasive fraudulent conduct that afflicted it, Omnicare continued to engage in similar machinations during the class period that had repercussions on the company’s financial results – misleading investors about the company’s income,” the plaintiffs allege.The plaintiffs didn’t specify how much they’re seeking in compensation. The institutional investors claim to have lost, collectively, $343,000.
You MUST read the entire article here: Business Courier
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MAJOR PROPS TO THE CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER FOR ITS DAILY DOSE OF BREAKING NEWS, AND PARTICULARLY ITS AHEAD-OF-THE-CROWD INFORMATION INVOLVING COVINGTON'S LARGE COMPANIES THAT WILL BE MOVING OUT OF THE CITY. GOOD JOURNALISM LIVES AT THE BUSINESS COURIER.
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DID LEXUS RIVERCENTER HIRE THE CREEPY VOICE GUYS FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TO DO THEIR ONLINE VIDEO COMMERCIALS?
It sure sounds like it:
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It sure does sound an awful lot like this guy (voice starts at :20):
Nice work if you can get! (Nice cars too!)
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ANOTHER RESTAURANT FROM COVINGTON OPENS   
        LOCATION IN HYDE PARK
Following the lead of Cock & Bull, Keystone Bar & Grill opened a new location in Hyde Park. Check out the photos here: Keystone Hyde Park @ Facebook
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The Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center Winter Light Series is tonight at 7:00PM, featuring singer-songwriter Tim Lake. Tickets are $7. Details? Click here.
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SPORTS:
Holy Cross scores its third straight football shutout, 45-0 over Owen County, moves on to play defending state champ Newport Central Catholic in next round of playoffs.
Kentucky basketball season started last night with a 50-point win for the Wildcats over Marist, 108-58.
NKU's defending national champion men's soccer team advanced to the next round of the playoffs.
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HUMOR:
cincinnati's the banks to have NKY theme
This article has been online for a while, but it's still worth a chuckle. Derf Magazine is sort of a local "Onion". Check it out here: Derf Magazine.
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colbert laments the loss of kentucky-based dippin' dots

Watch the hilarious video here: Huffington Post
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                  SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR THE SUNDAY EDITION!

Friday, November 11, 2011

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE
Image via

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THE WEEK IN CRIMINALS AT KENTON COUNTY COURT
Couple of mature women included in this week's round-up of those convicted of crimes in Kenton County. Apparently, they diverted funds from a charity. Click the link for the full list and check out the county's most wanted!



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COVINGTON & RIVER CITIES MAKE RIGHT CALL ON BIKING TRAILS
With the Devou Park bike trails and the pursuit of Riverfront Commons and the Licking River Greenway projects, NKY's river cities may be on their way to saving billions of dollars according to a new study. 
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DID YOU READ THE ONE ABOUT THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT?
Not only is team PUMA working on our Center City Action Plan to revive Downtown Covington, the Denver-based company is also performing a feasibility study for a business improvement district (BID). For what that means, click the link.
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RURAL RESIDENTS ARE RETURNING TO CITIES IN KENTUCKY
Come on to Covington, y'all!
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ROEBLING POINT HOSTS FIRST AUTHOR SIGNING
Covington's only independent bookstore welcomed author Jane Congdon to discuss and sign copies of her new book, It Started With Dracula. For photos, click the link.
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PECANS COST HOW MUCH?!?!?
Just in time for pecan pie season (which may be all year in some parts 'round here) the price of the nut is up 22% to $11.00/pound. Two years ago they were just $7.00 per pound. That's nuts!
Image via


Thursday, November 10, 2011

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY EVENING

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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DOWNTOWN PLANS DISCUSSED, AND NOW WE WAIT
Five events to spread the word about plans and possibilities for Downtown Covington are now over. When next we see Progressive Urban Management Associates in the spring, expect to see recommendations on how Covington should move forward on two issues: reviving Downtown and creating a business improvement district.
Coverage from The River City News:
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HOUSING AUTHORITY SEEKS CONSTRUCTION BIDS NEAR JACOB PRICE
The call for bids is out by the Housing Authority of Covington. To read what the agency is looking for in the search to rebuild/rehab properties adjacent to where Jacob Price projects were, click the link.
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COVINGTON RESTAURANTS RANKED IN TOP 10 IN CATEGORIES!
The results of Metromix's readers' choice awards are out. Covington restaurants in the top 10 for their categories: Zola for Burgers, Chez Nora for Casual Contemporary, and Greek to Me for Mediterranean. More Covington eateries were nominated as we reported earlier, here. Full results at link:
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COLONEL SANDERS LIVES!
The iconic founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken authored a cookbook that was just recently discovered. Now, it will be published, finally. Finger lickin' good!
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MUST SEE COVINGTON VIDEO OF THE DAY
A bird sneaks into the office at Roebling Point Bookstore and it's all caught on tape. "That's not a real tree!" LOL.
Oh, and the bookstore has a special guest until 6:30PM (going on as of this writing -- go check it out!):

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR COVINGTON ALSO STUDIED BY PUMA

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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Not only will Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) report back in the spring on recommendations for the Center City Action Plan (CCAP), it will also weigh in on the feasibility of a business improvement district (BID) for Covington. At Thursday's monthly luncheon for the Covington Business Council, the BID process was discussed more in-depth by PUMA's Brad Segal who gave two presentations on Wednesday promoting the intent of the CCAP. "Brad literally wrote the book on business improvement districts," said Pat Frew, Executive Director of the CBC. "We have the best person and the best organization to make this happen. The city is to be applauded for hiring him."
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"We're looking at Downtown Covington as a real estate asset," Segal said. Segal and PUMA have worked on analyzing BIDs across the country, recommending that fifty cities proceed with the program and that fifteen not proceed. The team hopes to return to Covington with a recommendation in the spring.
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For Wednesday's story on the CCAP presentation
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WHAT IS A BID?
The business improvement district would be a designated part of the city in which a majority of property owners have decided to levy a tax on themselves (usually around 10% of property tax) to use in a pool for various areas of concern such as beautification, safety and marketing. A similar program is already in place called the Urban Partnership, though that is being handled by the CBC through 2012 at no cost to property owners. Cincinnati's Downtown Cincinnati, Inc is an example.
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Segal said that between the two CCAP sessions and the BID presentation on Wednesday were seen by 140 people. Most questions involved economic development, such as filling store fronts and solving parking issues. These types of concerns would be addressed in a BID, which by law last for five years (but can be renewed) and can only enhance services offered by the city (such as frequency of trash removal or tree trimming).
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If a BID is recommended for Covington and the property owners decide to enact one, there would be an appointed board of directors to handle the funds. Segal compared the process to that of a common-area maintenance requirements of a strip mall. The cost for property owners was brought up at Thursday's discussion. "We will price this in a way to enhance real estate but not put added stress on your leases and your tenants," Segal assured the roughly one-hundred people at the CBC luncheon.
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Those in attendance were asked to participate in a survey by ranking nine areas of concern for a potential BID: marketing & image, economic development, enhanced maintenance, public safety, special events & festivals, capital improvements, parking & mobility, cosmetic improvements, parking & mobility, cosmetic improvements, and advocacy & education. The results of that survey along with data gathered from Wednesday's presentations will be released to the public soon.
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"This town should be thirsty for this (BID)," Segal said. "They offer immediate services, they're visible, tangible, and immediately valuable."
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Next month's CBC luncheon features Cincinnati economic development director and former CBC leader Patrick Ewing to discuss economic development during a rough economy. Thursday, December 15.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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COVINGTON'S MUSIC SCENE CONTINUES TO ROCK
The Cincinnati Entertainment Awards, the city's top local music prize, will be in Covington this year. The ceremony is set for the Madison and the after-party is at the Mad Hatter. The most active names on the local scene are on the ballot and on the stage, so check it out. You still have until noon Friday to vote for your favorites.
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THE PUMA PUSH CONTINUES TODAY WITH LUNCHEON
The Center City Action Plan, the city's latest effort to revive Downtown Covington, continues its two-day tour this afternoon with a luncheon at the Covington Business Council. If you missed The River City News coverage of yesterday's presentation, click here, and learn why a window is open for a Downtown Covington renaissance and how many pieces are starting to come together already.
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STATE FLAGS WILL FLY AT HALF STAFF TODAY
A Fort Campbell soldier was killed in Afghanistan on October 29. Sgt. James M. Darrough, 38, was from Austin, TX. 
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SAME SUSPECT BREAKS IN TWO COVINGTON STORES WITHIN 20 MINUTES
An industrious criminal is on the prowl, knocking off multiple shops in a half hour's time. Now, Covington Police need your help in identifying him. Click the link for photos from the break-ins at the Kwik Mark and Swifty on Madison Pike.
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CANDIDATE ANNOUNCES TO REPRESENT COVINGTON IN STATE SENATE
Fort Mitchell City Councilman Will Terwort (R) has announced his intent to replace the retiring Jack Westwood (R) in Frankfort. Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman
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DOES YOUR KID WANT A PONY THIS CHRISTMAS?
Of course they do. Can you afford one? Yes! The Kenton County Animal Shelter is still looking for homes for two young horses that were found malnourished on a Kenton County Farm. They are now healthy and ready to surprise your children. Adoption fee is only $100. Call 859.356.7400.
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OK, SO MAYBE THERE WON'T BE A CHRISTMAS TREE TAX
The River City News reported last night that a 15-cent fee per tree would be imposed on the industry to help promote real trees over fake ones. Now, the President is backing off.
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GOODFELLA'S PIZZA TO OPEN IN MAINSTRASSE
If you missed The River City News exclusive real estate news from yesterday, click the link below. The building at 603 Main Street sold to the owners Goodfella's Pizzeria, recently voted Lexington's best pizza. They'll open their first shop outside Lexington this spring.
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AQUARIUM & BEHRINGER CRAWFORD MUSEUM HONOR VETS THIS WEEKEND
The Newport Aquarium is offering free admission to veterans and active military personnel this weekend. Steep discounts for family members too. 
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Covington's Behringer-Crawford: "The 20th annual Holiday Toy Trains are back and rolling in the Christmas season at the Behringer-Crawford Museum! Join us Friday, November 11th for the exhibit opening for members and Military. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided. The exhibit will run through January 22, 2012, plenty of time to make holiday memories for all ages to cherish. For additional information call 859-491-4003 or check out our website at www.bcmuseum.org."
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"IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY" CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND
The Carnegie's latest show is getting rave views from fans on Facebook. Check out pics from the production: click here.
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PAINT COLORS BUTCH IT UP
No more painting with "Butterscotch Tempest". The shade you are looking for is "Beer Time". Click the link for the full story and all the hilarious dude-oriented paint colors.
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WHAT YOU MISSED WEDNESDAY NIGHT!
Did you know you can blame a dead Covington man for Justin Bieber's new music video? - NKU may be playing in Division-1 sports as early as next fall. - If you were creating a sandwich to honor the late Carl Lindner, what would be in it? Izzy's has the answer. Click the link for last night's round-up.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY EVENING

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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NKU EXPECTS TO PLAY DIVISION ONE NEXT FALL
This is a major development for our region, even for non-sports fans. Northern Kentucky going head-to-head with programs that we all see in the Big Dance in March. Holy moly, can you even wait for the Norse to play in NCAA tournament? Plus, any national TV exposure would feature the name of our region. HUGE DEAL.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Cliff Peale
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NEW PLAN TO REVIVE DOWNTOWN COVINGTON DISCUSSED IN DEPTH
Two separate presentations Wednesday to promote the intentions of the Center City Action Plan. The River City News reported this morning on the first meeting. Click the link for the story on this important development...that may just happen for us!
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EXCLUSIVE: LEXINGTON'S BEST PIZZERIA TO OPEN IN MAINSTRASSE
The owners of the wildly popular Goodfellas Pizza will open their first location outside Lexington on Main Street. Two Covington firefighters prompted the owners to visit Covington, and they tell The River City News that they enjoyed "the vibe". Click link for full story.
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MAN RECOVERING AFTER BEING SHOT SEVERAL TIMES OUTSIDE BAR
A 25-year old was found with multiple gunshot wounds at 10th & Greenup Streets.
SEE ALSO: The plan to rally and march against violence in Covington is still set for later this month. Click here for details.
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DO CINCINNATI ELECTION RESULTS INDICATE ANYTHING FOR COVINGTON?
Probably not. But it is worth noting that four Republican members of city council were not returned to their seats and that SEVEN Democrats were elected. Four of them are under the age of 35. They have a majority African-American council and one member is the city's first openly-gay councilman. The voters also approved a progressive stance on mass transit and statewide, voted down an anti-union piece of legislation.
Covington has had an openly gay member on the city commission since 2009 and now Cincinnati, and several other cities across the country elected their first openly gay candidates as well.
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CAN WE LEARN FROM LOUISVILLE'S MAYOR?
Find out when Mayor Greg Fischer speaks to the NKY Chamber of Commerce next Monday. The following day, the Chamber welcomes the Greater Cincinnati/NKY Film Commission to discuss the business of Hollywood and how more of it could happen here.
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DISCUSS 2012 POLITICS THURSDAY AT CARNEGIE
Every time you blink, there's something cool happening at The Carnegie. Associated Press Political Editor Lisa Sidoti will talk about how news is covered from the depths of the campaign trail. A really cool opportunity for political junkies to hear from someone in the trenches.
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JIM BUNNING AND TOMMY LASORDA ON STAGE THURSDAY AT NKU
The former US Senator from Southgate will be joined by the former Dodgers Manager/Slim-Fast spokesman to discuss "Baseball & Beyond". 
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TREY GRAYSON'S NEW COWORKER IS FORMER CHICAGO MAYOR RICHARD DALEY
The longtime leader of the Windy City is joining NKY's Grayson at the Harvard Institute of Politics.
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NEW SANDWICH AT IZZY'S HONORS THE LATE CARL LINDNER
What do you put between two slices of bread to honor Cincinnati's richest man? Four meats and Izzy's secret sauce. "Simple and elegant, just like the man," Izzy's says.


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A TAX ON CHRISTMAS TREES TO SAVE CHRISTMAS TREES?
People who sell live trees for the holidays are tired of all of you fakers and your plastic travesties. So, they've taken their cause to the President who suggests a fifteen cent tax on producers of Christmas trees for each tree, the proceeds of which would go toward marketing fresh-cut trees.




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JUSTIN BIEBER'S NEW VIDEO IS SONG CO-WRITTEN BY COVINGTON MAN
Last week he was dodging paternity rumors. This week he's got a new Christmas video. The song? Santa Claus is Coming to Town. All of you non-Beliebers can blame Covington's own Haven Gillespie who co-wrote the original version that an animated Beebs is now rocking for a new generation of alleged baby mamas. Watch it. You know you want to. "Santa's coming, girl!" LOL.



LEXINGTON'S GOODFELLAS PIZZA TO OPEN IN MAINSTRASSE

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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Lexington location
Goodfellas Pizza, the wildly popular Lexington pizzeria will soon open its first location outside of that city when it lands at 603 Main Street in the spring. "We found that Mainstrasse was an awesome fit because it's mom-and-pop, not corporate, everyone's having a good time here mingling, drinking," said Alex Coats, co-owner along with Eric Boggs. "We specialize in bar districts." The pair's two Lexington locations were recently voted the best pizza in the city. 

603 Main, future
location of Goodfellas
Coats and Boggs, both 32, opened their first Goodfellas in 2005 at a hole-in-the-wall spot as homage to their Italian families that come from Long Island. "I was brought up on the best pizza in the world, hand-tossed, big slices," Coats said. The idea to open up a place of their own came roughly ten years ago when the pair recognized a lack of pizza after bars close. Goodfellas will be open seven days a week, delivering until 3:00AM. 

In addition to serving by-the-slice pizza from a walk-up counter, Coats & Boggs will renovate the second floor apartment into the "Wise Guys Lounge" where beer will be available.

It was two Covington firefighters that, while dining at a Lexington location, suggested to the owners that they open a location in Mainstrasse. "I said, 'What the heck is a Mainstrasse Village?', he says, 'Oh, it's up there in Covington'," Coats said. A few months ago, Coats & Boggs visited the neighborhood, met with business owners and started looking for property. 603 Main "has almost the exact same facade as our Downtown Lexington office, small space, glass," Coats said. "Glass is very important to our concept. We want people to see what's going on."

Apartment will become lounge
Twenty-four inch pizzas are what's going on. Coats warns his future Covington customers that it may not be easy to fit the pizza in your car. "Most people put them in their trunks," he said. Coats & Boggs hope to open Goodfellas in the spring around a the same time as a festival such as Saint Patrick's Day or Maifest. Realtor Rebecca Weber who sold the property is thrilled for the new owners. "Hopefully it has a line down the street and people want to eat there all the time," Weber said.

SEE GOODFELLAS PIZZA'S MENU AT THEIR WEBSITE, CLICK HERE.
FOR MORE GREAT LISTINGS, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL, SEE REBECCA WEBER'S WEBSITE (CLICK HERE) OR CALL 859.578.3927.

WINDOW OPEN FOR NEW ERA IN DOWNTOWN COVINGTON

by Michael Monks 

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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For Covington, the twentieth time may be a charm. The Center City Action Plan (CCAP), the city's twentieth similar study since 2000 on how to revitalize the urban core, was the focus of a presentation and group discussions Wednesday at the Artisan Enterprise Center. Only, don't call it a plan. 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY MORNING

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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BIG WIN FOR DEMOCRATS ENDS UP AS BAD NIGHT FOR NKY DEMOCRATS
Local Democrats are undoubtedly celebrating the statewide victories of most of their candidates, but there was bad news. The Democrats shellacked the Republicans in almost every race Tuesday night. But in Kenton County, the results were reversed. Even a Republican candidate that lost statewide by more than 170,000 votes cruised to victory here. What that means for local races in Covington in 2012 at the link.
SEE ALSO: Kenton County Democrats respond to results: click here.
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RESULTS FROM KENTON COUNTY
Click the link to see the final numbers.
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MAINSTRASSE CAFE ANGRY WITH CITY OVER ELECTION DAY LIQUOR RULES
The owners of Chez Nora took to Facebook Tuesday to blast the city for enforcing state rules:
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. Today is our 36th Election Day (18 years x two) For the first time ever Chez Noa has been instructed that we must put our liquor under lock and key (as opposed to simply not serving alcohol) but@! we have been given a break this year - we need only put tables cloths to cover the bottles. But next year, whooboy, we had better lock it up! This town is so business friendly as to be ridiculous.
Of course, while it may have been a city official enforcing the rule, it is a state law. A law I don't understand either. 
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PUSH TO SELL DOWNTOWN PLAN TO PUBLIC STARTS TODAY
The City of Covington's 20th plan to revitalize its core starts a publicity tour this morning. The Center City Action Plan aims to combine the best elements from many of the previous plans. Two public presentations and a cocktail happy hour are planned. Tomorrow, the Covington Business Council hosts a luncheon to discuss the plan as well. The River City News will have all of this covered for you.
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URBAN PARTNERSHIP WINS MORE GRANT MONEY
Simon Sotelo of PNC Bank (L)
presents check to Pat Frew
of the CBC
Even as the people of Covington wait for a plan to revitalize Downtown Covington, the Covington Business Council and its Urban Partnerhsip continue to work toward beautifying the area. The hard-working organization that has cleaned up literal tons of trash in recent months, scored a $10,000 grant from the Robert H. Reakirt Foundation at PNC Bank's Charitable Trust Division. "We appreciate the support of the Reakirt Foundation and PNC Bank as we create a more clean and welcoming environment for business owners and potential investors in Covington," said CBC Executive Director Pat Frew in a release. "We are creating positive momentum with community input sessions this week for the City Center Action Plan and for feedback on a service package for a potential business improvement district."
SEE ALSO: The latest stats from the clean-up program, click here.
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COVINGTON'S EMERGENCY SHELTER CELEBRATES SUCCESS STORY
A man who arrived on the night the shelter opened this season is now moving on, with a job and a home:
Out of work with no family who had room to house him, Dan arrived to our shelter ready to find work and get back his life. Today, he moves into his apartment in Covington after securing a job in the construction field. He just needed us for a short period but during that period he was able to get some sleep, keep clean and maintain his years of sobriety from alcoholism. We wish our third graduate a life of stability and peace as he moves into his new home.
Other great news and issues of need for the shelter are at the link.
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12 YEARS FOR MINIVAN, CHILD THIEF
The Covington man who stole a minivan with a child in it will spend the next twelve years in prison.
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COVINGTON IS FEATURED LOCATION AT SOAPBOX CINCINNATI
Image via

A popular Cincinnati website is showing some love for the Cov:
"This genteel town just south of the Ohio River features a number of charming treasures including the lively MainStrasse district with its trendy bars, pubs and restaurants as well as beautiful homes stretched along the river beneath the strikingly modern architecture of its newest jewel, the Ascent. "
Click the link for several stories on our city as told by the people at Soapbox.
Soapbox Media

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

WHY TUESDAY NIGHT WAS BAD FOR NKY DEMS & WHAT IT MEANS FOR 2012 IN COVINGTON

by Michael Monks 
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Covington's role as a Democratic stronghold was strenghtened Tuesday night in Kentucky's statewide election as Democrats won five out of six races in the city's precincts. However, when results came in from the rest of Kenton County, the Republican candidates nearly swept the ballot, winning every position but Governor. Beshear won by roughly 1,500 votes but it was brutal for Democrats down-ticket. That news could serve as a preview of the 2012 election in Covington.
Secretary of State: Despite losing statewide by more than 170,000 votes (61% to 39%), Republican Bill Johnson won Kenton County by a margin of 14,212 to 11,287 (56% to 44%) over Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes. Grimes won Covington.
Attorney General: Democrat Jack Conway rebounded from his 2010 US Seate loss to Rand Paul by winning reelection to his post as Kentucky's top law enforcement official. Conway easily defeated Todd P'Pool, but again, the roles were reversed in Kenton County. P'Pool won the county by a healthy margin of 14,460 to 11,177.
Treasurer: The closest race of the night statewide was not close at all in Kenton County. While Democrat Todd Hollenbach was reelected 49% to 46%, Republican challenger KC Crosibie, who was endorsed by Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank (who cohosted a fundraiser for her at the Ascent) coasted to a Kenton County victory (54% to 38%).
Auditor: The GOP candidate seeking this office has filed for personal bankruptcy protection twice. He was anihilated in the election statewide, 56% - 44%. And yet, Republican John Kemper scored the second biggest win of all in Kenton County commanding 60% over Democrat Adam Edelen here.
Commissioner of Agriculture: Republican James Comer's win, the only one statewide for the GOP, was not a surprise. The margin of his victory in such a great year statewide for the Democrats, on the other hand, is a surprise. Comer won 64% to 36%. Comer not only won Kenton County (68% to 32%), but he even won Covington.
Governor: Saving the best for last... If Kenton County went so handily to the GOP in all the down-ticket races, what happened to David Williams? Remember, the GOP nominee also lost here in the primary to Tea Party hero Phil Moffett. Governor Beshear won Kenton County (51% to 45%) and Covington. In a very bad night for David Williams, the results from Kenton County (and Campbell County too, which had the exact same results) have to be the hardest to swallow.
So do these races mean anything for the 2012 elections in Covington?
Possibly. In 2007, the statewide office races all ended in landslides, but for three Democrats and two Republicans. 
Kentuckians are willing to vote for either party on the same day. In 2010 we learned that Covingtonians are also willing to do that, electing two Democrats and two Republicans to the city commission. Tuesday night's results indicate that Covington still prefers Democrats overall, so that is good news for left-leaning candidates for commission next year. However, with the Republican Comer's victory in the city, Covington proves willing still to vote for Republicans.
Another race to watch that does not look good for Democrats, is the state senate seat held by Republican Jack Westwood. The three-term Erlanger conservative narrowly escaped defeat in 2008 at the hands of Covington's Kathy Groob. That was a good year for Democrats. Tuesday night in Kentucky was a great night for Democrats statewide, but a horrible night for Democrats in NKY. Covington's votes were virtually wiped out by the right-leaning ballots cast in the suburbs. Westwood's district encompasses more than Covington and now that we know he is retiring, we can brace for a seriously tough campaign. Trouble for the Democrats is, the main event for the seat may be the GOP primary.