360 Fireworks Party

Thursday, May 24, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 24 MAY

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
by Michael Monks 
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COVINGTON WELL REPRESENTED AT TONIGHT'S PRESERVATION AWARDS
The 2012 River Cities Historic Preservation Awards will be handed out tonight at 6:30PM inside the Sanctuary Event Center, 417 East Sixth Street, Newport: 
This annual awards ceremony acknowledges outstanding preservation projects and the efforts of citizens working to rehabilitate and restore our historic buildings. During National Preservation Month, the Ohio River cities of Covington, Newport, and Bellevue come together and celebrate our local preservation achievements. 
Covington will be well represented with six winners: 
  • Exterior Restoration-Residential: 3211 Decoursey Ave., Pat Huber
  • Exterior Restoration-Mixed Use/Commercial: Kings Crossing, 1126-1130 Garrard Street
  • Rehabilitation- Residential: 401 W 9th Street, Orleans Development
  • Rehabilitation- Adaptive Reuse: Thomas Edison School- 1516 Scott Street
  • Stewardship: The Bank of Kentucky, 231 Scott Street
  • Karen and Peter Rafuse Memorial Award: Chuck Eilerman 
The Orleans Development project on Ninth Street was featured in The River City News in January: 
The building was an empty shell before Orleans got their hands on it. See lots more photos from the project at the link below: 
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The Thomas Edison schoolhouse project was also covered by The River City News in January: 

See lots more photos from Thomas Edison at the link below. 
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SENATOR MCCONNELL'S LETTER ABOUT THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE
United States Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has sent in his letter to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in support of Covington's desired changes to the Brent Spence Bridge project: 
Dear Ms. Hans: My office was recently contacted by the City of Covington in regards to the proposed Brent Spence Bridge Alternative "I" Design Plan. It is my understanding that the current preferred design plan does not offer direct access to downtown Covington. Brent Spence Bridge access is critical to the long term viability of Covington and Northern Kentucky communities. Civic leaders and the community are very concerned about the detrimental effect the design plan could have on the local economy. I have been told that the City has developed a plan that proposes access routes into Covington, and that this plan has been shared with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. As your office weighs alternatives for the new bridge, I strongly urge you to keep in mind the importance of these modifications for the City. Thank you for your time and attention to these matters. Please don't hesitate to contact me should I be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Mitch McConnellUnited States Senator 
McConnell joins a chorus of support for Covington's desired changes that now also includes Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory. 

BANK OF KENTUCKY WARNS OF SCAM
If you are a customer of the Bank of Kentucky, be aware of this scam: 
The Bank of Kentucky does not call or text clients at any time to solicit debit card information or account information.
We have been notified by customers and non-customers of bogus texts and calls attempting to obtain debit card account information.
These texts and calls are scams. DO NOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION TO THE CALLER OR AUTOMATED SYSTEM. JUST HANG UP OR DELETE THE TEXT.
If you do receive a call or text, please send a message to us through online banking with your mobile phone number. We will continue to work on identifying the source of the scam.

CHILD SEX SLAVES A GROWING PROBLEM IN THE REGION
A Covington organization is assisting in the battle against the practice of child slavery of which there have been cases right here in Northern Kentucky: 
Mary Richie said it's not just a problem in Ohio.
Richie works with the Women's Crisis Center in Covington. In 2008, she founded P.A.T.H.or Partnership Against the Trafficking of Humans. The program is a victim-centered partnership of professional and community organizations devoted to the Prevention of human trafficking through education and training; Protecting victims through rescue and holistic services; and ensuring the Prosecution of traffickers through legal advocacy.
In Kentucky, a bill that would have assisted in stopping trafficking in Kentucky died last week in the State Senate. House Bill 350 would have held traffickers (buyers and sellers of men/women/children) accountable for their actions.
"The average age of entry into prostitution into the United States is 13 years old," said Richie. "Some of the cases that we've had are in Ft. Wright; are in Ft Thomas; are in Villa Hills." 
More with video at the link. 
WXIX/Kimberly Holmes Wiggins  
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HOW PRESIDENT OBAMA NEARLY LOST TO "UNCOMMITTED" IN KENTUCKY
While most of us in Covington were eagerly awaiting the results of the mayoral primary, across the Commonwealth another situation was unfolding as the votes were being counted: President Barack Obama was barely escaping a humiliating loss to no one. Since Tuesday, national, regional, and local media outlets have tried to understand why. Is it racism? From The Washington Post:  
They argue that conservative white Democrats — particularly those in the South and Appalachia — don’t want to vote for an African American for president and, therefore, are willing to cast a ballot for almost anyone else up to and including an incarcerated felon. (Keith Judd, we are looking at you.)
The problem with that theory is that it’s almost entirely unprovable because it relies on assuming knowledge about voter motivations that — without being a mindreader — no one can know.
“There’s no easy or simple answer,” said Cornell Belcher, president of Brilliant Corners, a Democratic polling firm. “One man’s racial differences is another man’s cultural differences.” 
From the Courier-Journal
And Tuesday’s election in Kentucky was part of a bad run for Obama south of the Mason-Dixon line, as he gave up more than 40 percent of the vote to a convicted felon in West Virginia and a little-known Tennessee lawyer in Arkansas.
Larry Sabato, who heads the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, said he believes race was partly to blame for Obama’s poor showing in all three states but said a number of issues and Obama’s persona played an even bigger role in what he said was an “embarrassing” setback for the president.
“It’s everything,” he said. “It’s certainly some of his policies they don’t like, but it’s image, too. This guy has nothing in common with them — that is, white, working-class voters. He’s Harvard and they’re not.” 
And a humorous take by locally-based author Rick Robinson writing for The Daily Caller
It took a while, but I found the Uncommitted victory party at Marlo’s Country Palace in Pikeville, Kentucky. Uncommitted won 65% of the vote in Pike County, a Democratic and union stronghold located in the eastern tip of the state.
As I arrived, Paul Eeyore, the chairman of the Uncommitted in 2012 super PAC, had just taken the stage. He spoke in a low, dull monotone and was obviously tired from the whistle-stop tour of the Bluegrass State that he had just completed.
“I want to personally thank the thousands of volunteers and poll workers who helped us in this Herculean effort,” Eeyore said gloomily. “It was a great moral victory, if there are moral victories, which I doubt.”
The crowd responded with uninspired applause. “Yeah,” they replied in unison. 
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SEE ALSO: Without Louisville and Lexington, Obama would have lost to "uncommitted" Herald-Leader 
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PLOTS STILL AVAILABLE AT NEW MAINSTRASSE COMMUNITY GARDEN
From organizer Lee Bledsoe: 
We had a nice turnout for our first meeting today in the Garden. 11 of the 18 plots were spoken for. There are STILL 7 remaining--1 large and 6 small. Our next meeting will be at 4:30 on Thursday, May 31st. Andrea Dee, the Kenton County Extension Service's Horiculturist will be there to lend technical advice. Please contact Kim Blank, Paul Weckman or Me, Lee Bledsoe if you have any questions! We look forward to seeing you in the Garden!
In case you missed, The River City News featured the new garden in an earlier report that detailed how some of the produce and flowers will go right into Mainstrasse restaurants. For that full report, and how another new community garden across town will help feed the city's homeless, is at the link below. 
New Community Gardens Will Feed Homeless, Restaurant Guests 

@theRCnews on Twitter  
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THE EMERGENCY SHELTER OF NKY COULD USE SOME HELP
Two items from the shelter located at 634 Scott Boulevard: 
Our shelter is in need of mens razors, laundry detergent and coffee. If you are heading to the store, think about picking us up one of these items. They can be dropped off at our shelter in the evening after 7:00pm OR in the morning before 10:00am 
And: 

Kroger is promoting a new community rewards program that could aid in our shelter's fundraising. If you shop at Krogers and have a Kroger plus card - a percentage of your future purchases will come to our shelter on a quarterly basis. You do not pay extra - it's a donation made from Krogers from your normal purchases. Sounds easy, right? There is only one catch - I have to get everyone to register their Kroger plus card on-line and choose the shelter as the recipient agency. 
Here are the steps:1. Have Your Kroger plus card in hand and go to krogercommunityrewards.com 2.Register your card by clicking on "sign up today" under New Customer3. Follow all the steps to register.4.Then go to my account, and look for Community Rewards section5.Choose the shelter - our number is 82763.
Some of you may already be signed up with another agency or church, but if you are not, consider ESNKY for this program. Thanks! 
KID'S LEMONADE STAND IN MAINSTRASSE TO BENEFIT AREA HOMELESS
After his 4th grade class visited The Welcome House, a student has decided that he wants to help out more: 
Max McMillen will have a lemonade stand at the upcoming 4th Sunday Mainstrasse Antiques, Etc. on May 27th. Max will make his lemonade at Otto's. The restaurant sponsors the event, along with MainStrasse Village Association, and Cock & Bull English Pub. Paul Weckman, with Otto's, has looked for ways to incorporate Max's idea since first hearing of it in March. When Welcome House reached out to Weckman, he said, "I really do think it is a great thing for such a young man to want to help! We'll try to make it an event that will really highlight his efforts." This month Paul and his team are helping Max do just that.
The 4th Sunday Mainstrasse Antiques, Etc. is May 27th from 9:00am-3:00pm on the 6th Street Promenade. It will also feature over 30 antique and vintage collectible dealers selling jewelry, furniture, glassware and other items. The event continues every 4th Sunday through October. The outdoor event is free to attend.  
More news from The Welcome House at the link. 
The Welcome House 

Covington firefighter Mike Clendenen posts at The River City News Facebook page about Covington Latin: 
Anna Matchinga '13 and Mitchell Blewett '13 have won the 2012 Community Press Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year Awards. We believe this is the first time in school history that a student from Covington Latin has won this award and this year, there are two winners from our school! It is an honor to be selected from the nominations, to be included on the ballot and Bridgette Hildreth '13 was also named on this year's ballot. Anna and Mitchell will each receive a certificate, a story in the June 20-21 issue of the Community Press and a pair of Red tickets. 
Congratulations!
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COVINGTON SUPERINTENDENT LYNDA JACKSON WINS AWARD
Congratulations to Covington Superintendent Lynda Jackson who was honored with an “Imaging Tomorrow Award,’’ by Children, Inc. during the agency’s 35th annual luncheon celebration.Ms. Jackson was one of seven dignitaries to receive the award on Wednesday. Others included Dr. Terry Holliday, Kentucky Commissioner of Education; Glenda and Roger Schorr, community volunteers; Glenna Hess, Jefferson County Schools; Dr. Terri Cox-Cruey, superintendent, Kenton County Schools, and Dr. Jim Votruba, president, Northern Kentucky University.“I am so grateful to receive this award from Children, Inc. one of the great partners of Covington Schools,’’ Ms. Jackson said. “We will continue to work with Children, Inc. to do great things for our children.’’  
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DESTINATION: GRADUATION PROFILE
Another soon-to-be-graduate of Holmes High School, Shannon Sullivan, gets the spotlight: 
Shannon Sullivan had a say in change made to the Holmes High School cafeteria. She served on an advisory group that recommended improvements to Covington Superintendent Lynda Jackson.
Students wanted better cafeteria food. Now, a chef runs the cafeteria and the students and staff love the meals.
“The school district was willing to make changes and to listen,” Shannon said.
Shannon has led a busy life during her high school years. She has been a cheerleader since 8th grade, played fast-pitch softball, volunteered with Bulldogs Give Back and taken rigorous courses through the International Baccalaureate program at Holmes. A National Honor Society member, she is listed as No. 3 in her class and has proven herself a conscientious student, said teacher, Elaine Eifert.  
More on Shannon at the link. 
Covington Independent Public Schools @ Facebook 
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SEE ALSO: "Beauty and the Beast" is on stage at Holmes this week Click Here for Photos 
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QUICKIES
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Kentucky has second highest rate of children living with relatives Herald-Leader 
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Jobless rate drops in 110 Kentucky counties press release 
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Covington's Tess Burns wins award for her work at Gateway College: 
Burns was nominated by her peers not only for her work in web services and social media but also for her creativity and innovation in developing and delivering professional development opportunities, such as “5 Things We Can Learn from Lady Gaga,” related to online communications.

“While her work is most often seen on the college’s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts, her creativity and talent are splattered across the Gateway campuses and throughout KCTCS,” Hughes said. “Tess lives and breathes creativity and collaboration, two core values shared by Gateway and KCTCS.”
Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Tess Burns is also among several from Covington nominated for Legacy Next Generation awards which will be handed out in July Legacy  
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Liberty For All Super PAC, which helped Thomas Massie win the GOP nomination to represent NKY in Congress, will maintain an office in Bellevue cn|2 

Greenpeace sneaks into KFC headquarters in Louisville and hangs a large protest sign Courier-Journal 

How does Kenton County compare to surrounding counties when it comes to smoking and obesity rates? Business Courier 
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Universities challenged to create jobs in Kentucky Lane Report 
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New park opens in Newport, named for hard-working member of the community Building Cincinnati 
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National faculty group blasts UK basketball's scheduling practices, urges schools not to play UK on neutral sites KSR 
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UK Coach Calipari responds: I want to create experiences, not just games Coach Cal 
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UK ranked 5th (behind Indiana and Louisville) in new Sports Illustrated basketball poll for next season Nation of Blue 
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WHOA! Justin Bieber is coming to Kentucky! Courier-Journal 
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COVINGTON'S NEW EFFORT TO BRING IN NEW BUSINESSES: SPEED DATING!
Check it out: 
Are you interested in opening a business? Do you hold commercial property? Do you administer a program that supports new business? Do you have lots and lots of money that you would like to give to entrepreneurs??? Yes. It's start-up speed dating. 
NEW TWITTER PROFILE POKES A LITTLE FUN AT COVINGTON
Meet @OnlyInCovington, a new Twitter profile that has a little fun at Covington's expense, but seemingly in good humor. Here's a sampling of the tweets: 
Honey bun for dinner, air heads for dessert #wrappersIfound #COV
And: 
Some guy comes to your door, asking if you want to buy a truck part that he bought for $60, he'll sell you for $20 #nky #really 
Corner marts are meant for every corner...literally. #CovKY
It's springtime, Cov. Shirts are again optional. #CovKY
More here  
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GOOD LUCK TO HOLY CROSS IN THIS EVENING'S 35TH DISTRICT BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP NKY Sports 

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