360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, February 4, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY MORNING 4 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
NEW GROCERY STORE IN LUDLOW HELPS HYDRATE FOOD DESERT
The new Riverside Market Place is owned by the guys who closed down the Covington SuperValu. While that hurts people in the city's center, the western part of Covington will benefit from the close proximity of this new grocery, Ludlow's first since IGA closed 14 years ago:
The 12,000-square-foot store will feature everything you would expect to find in a supermarket, long-time grocer Victor Dawn says, including fresh meat and produce, a full-service deli and bakery with doughnuts made fresh daily, as well as a selection of grocery, dairy and frozen foods – all at competitive prices. New gas pumps also are being installed. 
Covington's state representative, Arnold Simpson, is credited with securing funding to get the project rolling. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Cindy Schroeder  
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NKU PRESIDENT TALKS TO STUDENTS AT HOLMES MIDDLE SCHOOL
From Covington Independent Public Schools:
Students in Ms. Gerber's eighth grade English class at Holmes Middle School wrote letters to college and university presidents to invite them to visit their school. Northern Kentucky University President Dr. James Votruba accepted the invitation.
Dr. Votruba, NKU Director of Admissions Melissa Gorbandt, Assistant Director of Admissions Rochelle Shields and students Candace McLaurine and Kevin Donnelly spent almost an hour with the entire eighth grade class on Friday morning.
Dr. Votruba asked the students to dream ambitious dreams about themselves and to believe in themselves and their abilities to accomplish great things. "You can be a college graduate," he told them. 
More photos at the link.
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SEE ALSO: Teacher from Boone County honored for her innovative program to boost literacy among impoverished students.
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THE MILD WINTER IS SAVING MONEY FOR CITIES, COUNTIES
The River City News endorses mild winters. Boyle County is saving a ton:
Duane Campbell, Boyle County Public Works director, said the county averaged ordering about 1,000 tons of road salt over the last four years before last year’s frequent ice and snow events meant having to order about 1,300 tons. The price of road salt has risen as it has been harder to come by during the last several years as well.

This winter, however, Campbell said the savings so far have probably been about $80,000. Overtime also has gone down from the 60-100 hours typical during the first quarter to virtually none. “We definitely aren’t out of the woods yet, but temperatures usually aren’t as cold going forward, and we are able to deal with it better when it’s warmer,” Campbell said.
The Advocate-Messenger  
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NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY WITH NEWPORT'S GRANT FOR NEW HOUSES

Governor Beshear was in Newport to present a $1 million check for new home construction, but that's not good news for everyone:
The first house on 19th Street is already under construction, but the residents who've lived here for years say they are worried about the parking. "The parking's going to be crazy. It's already hard to park here."
Most of the homes on 19th Street are older - without garages or parking pads. "There's so many cars, there's not enough room for all the cars that are here." 
More with video at the link.
Local 12  
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PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS LIKE HITLER, SAYS JUDGE-EXEC GARY MOORE
This came across Twitter this morning:


 Gary Moore 
Talking about"good"things Planned Parenthood does is kinda like saying Adolf Hitler was scratch golfer & made killer risotto 

So there's that.
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THIS WEEK AT KENTON CIRCUIT COURT
Who got sent away, who's waiting to be sent away, and who got probation?
Click the link.
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SEN. PAUL PROMISES HELP ON WKY BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Sen. Rand Paul:
"From years-long environmental impact studies, to backed-up permit processes, the current state of federal agencies and regulations can often make it impossible to complete a project in a timely and cost-efficient manner," Sen. Paul said. "The people of Kentucky deserve better and need their government to expedite this process, not block it. I will continue to work with local and state officials to give them all the support they need at the federal level to rebuild this bridge and to begin moving on other vital bridge and infrastructure projects around the Commonwealth." 
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LAWYERS PREPARE FOR BATTLE OVER KENTUCKY REDISTRICTING
Debacle:
Attorneys for House Republicans and a Senate Democrats and those lawyers defending the maps will make their case to Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phil Shepherd. Sheryl Snyder, one Kentucky’s most prominent attorneys, will represent the Legislative Research Commission in defending the maps. And the case could go all the way to the Kentucky Supreme Court. 
More with video at the link.
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GOP PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY DEBATE MAY HAPPEN IN CINCINNATI
That would be awesome.
Cincinnati Enquirer 
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in case you missed...
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FRIDAY AFTERNOON'S NEWS
What a great day for a walk, especially when so much great stuff is happening in our city. Take a look at the boom happening on Main Street!; Plus, details on the 2012 Covington Citizens Summit. Those stories and more at the link!News Round-Up -- Friday Afternoon
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HOLY CROSS GETS PAST COVCATH IN OVERTIME
Latonia was packed with spectators, some of whom waited two hours to get into this game. The Indians pulled it out in OT.
Recap: NKY Sports Blog 
Post-game interviews: NKY Sports Blog 
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SCORES: Holmes 66, Highlands 45; - Scott 62, Conner 51
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KENTUCKY STATE BASKETBALL PLAYER SHOT
Two students are in custody.
WBKO
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DID HUNDREDS OF WORKERS NO-SHOW AT SPEEDWAY CAUSE PARKING ISSUE?

That's what the owner says:
“The company that Mark had dealt with as far as the number of parkers, we contracted for 300. Eighty-four showed up,” Smith said during his opening remarks Jan. 25.
A Nashville lawyer whose firm represents Brantley Security challenged those figures in a letter sent to The Enquirer.
Full story at the link.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Kevin Kelly 
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WOULD YOU DRINK TOILET WATER?
It's happening:
Towns across the country are already unwittingly drinking “toilet” water every day, according to a National Geographic article. This treated wastewater, also known as “reclaimed water,” is also oft-used by industries and for irrigation.
 Yum?
CityBeat 

CONVICTED: DEALERS, THIEVES & DEADBEAT DADS EDITION

"Like" The River City News on Facebook! Click here.
Another week has come and gone at the Kenton County Courthouse. Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders and his office put away more criminals ranging from drug dealers and burglars to deadbeat dads and a child porn distributor. 
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HERE'S A SAMPLING:
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There are more at the link below with an explanation of charges and recommended sentences from Rob Sanders's Commonwealth Attorney's office. Some have been sent away, some are awaiting sentencing, and others will get probation. Whatever they end up with, let's hope as a community that they return healthy and rehabilitated, otherwise the cycle continues. 

Friday, February 3, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY AFTERNOON 3 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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LOTS OF PROMISING ACTIVITY ON MAIN STREET
The weather is gorgeous and Mainstrasse is abuzz with activity that promises to bolster its position as the region's most thrilling urban experience. What a great day for a walk, especially when so much great stuff is happening in the City.
Who's thirsty for bourbon? Soon.
Goodfellas Pizzeria is redeveloping its property

Plywood never looked so tasty! Get a preview slice
during Mainstrasse's Mardi Gras. 
This once dilapidated, blighted property will soon be
home for Mainstrasse's next residents.
C+V=G.
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MORE BAD NEWS ABOUT A NEW BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE
As expressed by Congressman Geoff Davis:
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BY THE WAY...
Are you keeping tabs on the folks seeking to replace Davis in Congress? There are 5 Republicans seeking the seat, including Tom Wurtz who wrote this in a recent column:
When a lady finally answered the telephone, I asked, “Do you have a book entitled, How Do You Kill 11 Million People?" There was silence on the other end of the line. I repeated my request. The lady confessed that she never heard of the book and offered to check their inventory. I felt she kept me on the phone for a very long time. Maybe she was allowing the F.B.I. to trace my call. I decided to hang up.
The F.B.I. never showed. Strangely, my book request was for a legitimate book that just hit the market. It was written by Andy Andrews and I learned about it from watching the Glenn Beck Program. It’s a book about the Holocaust. I ordered it online and it inspired me to ask the following question.
So how do you enslave 311 million Americans? YOU LIE TO THEM!
So... he seems like... fun?
Tom Wurtz 
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GOVERNOR BESHEAR IN THE RIVER CITIES WITH A BIG FAT CHECK
Great news for our sister across the Licking:
Governor Steve Beshear today joined local leaders to announce funding for a new development project that addresses housing revitalization needs for the city of Newport. The $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will go toward the construction of 10 new housing units for low to moderate income families.

“Owning a house is part of the American dream, yet due to recent economic hardships and the catastrophic housing crisis, many people have found that dream to be unattainable,” Governor Beshear said. “In Kentucky, we want to reassure families that owning a house is no longer out of reach and the funding for this development project is a positive step in that direction.”
More from the Governor's office at the link.
Press Release
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SEE ALSO: Governor Beshear discusses the Earned Income Tax Credit.
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THE INCREDIBLE INEDBLE EGGS SOLD IN KENTUCKY!
Check your fridges!
Michael Foods, of Minnetonka, is recalling eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use under the brand names: Columbia Valley Farms; GFS; Glenview Farms; Papetti's; Silverbrook; and Wholesome Farms.
Kentucky is included in this recall.
WKYT 
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NEW OVERNIGHT BUS SERVICE FROM CINCINNATI TO NEW YORK CITY
Awesome:
Imagine falling asleep in Cincinnati and waking up in Manhattan the next morning. It’s not a dream but another travel opportunity for the Cincinnati region. With the increasing cost of air travel and the declining flight activity at shrinking airport markets like CVG, many people are turning to low cost alternatives provided by inter-city buses.
Urban Cincy  
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ANGEL INVESTING IS TOPIC OF COURSE AT BELLARMINE

This angel investing movement is all the rage -- so now you can trek down to Louisville and learn about it:
The course — $149 until Feb. 9, then $159 — will focus on building a diversified portfolio of private equity investments using a disciplined approach to portfolio management. Topics include deal flow, business risk, deal structures, return expectations, valuation, pricing and networking with other investors.
Business First  
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SAVE THE DATE: COVINGTON'S 2012 CITIZENS SUMMIT
From the Center for Great Neighborhoods:
Click the image to enlarge.
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ART SHOW OPENS TONIGHT AT ARTISAN ENTERPRISE CENTER
From the AEC:
The AEC in Covington, KY will present the exhibition "A Retelling" which presents work by artists Brian Harmon, McCrystle Wood and Billy Renkl. The opening reception will be held on Februray 3, 2012 from 6pm to 10pm and the exhibit will run through March 9, 2012. This exhibition, curated by Katie Rentzke, brings together three different artists that have three very different mediums and platforms of expression. Yet, all their work speaks to the concept of personal story and the identity we find in those stories.

Brian Harmon, having an MFA in photography from the University of Cincinnati is a visual artist who uses a photographic installation called "The Fear of Forgetting" to illustrate the importance we place on memory. His collection of dream like imagery articulates the physical and emotional ways we try to preserve precise moments of our history in order to preserve the identity we find in those moments.
Details at the link.
AEC 
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CARNEGIE SEARCHES FOR ARTISTS
From the Carnegie:
For the upcoming 2013 exhibition season The Carnegie is hosting TWOCall to Artists - One for it's 2013 Exhibition Season and one for its Regional Photo Competition that takes place during FOTOFOCUS.
Details at the link.
The Carnegie  
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in case you missed...
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THIS MORNING'S NEWS
A brief intro of the third candidate for mayor; Plus, Covington native and KY Governor William Goebel died of gunshot wounds 112 years ago today. Those stories and more at the link!
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NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 3 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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COVINGTON'S WILLIAM GOEBEL DIED 112 YEARS AGO TODAY
February 3, 1900, newly (and questionably) elected Kentucky Governor William Goebel, a state senator from Covington, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered while walking to the Old State Capitol on January 30. From Wikipedia:
Journalists recalled his last words as "Tell my friends to be brave, fearless, and loyal to the common people." Skeptic Irvin S. Cobb uncovered another story from some in the room at the time. On having eaten his last meal, the governor supposedly remarked "Doc, that was a damned bad oyster." 
Goebel was a populist Democrat who spent much of his later life railing against the growing power of the railroad companies.
In respect of Goebel's displeasure with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, the governor's body was transported not by the L&N direct line, but circuitously from his hometown of Covington north across the Ohio River to Cincinnati, and then south to Frankfort on the Queen and Crescent Railroad. 
 In 1895, Goebel shot to death John Sanford on Madison Avenue in what many at the time referred to as a duel. 
The duel occurred as Goebel and two of his acquaintances went to cash a check in Covington. Goebel suggested they avoid Sanford's bank, but Sanford, standing outside the bank, engaged the trio in conversation before they could cross the street to another establishment. As Sanford greeted Goebel's friends, he offered his left hand, his right remaining on a pistol in his pocket. Goebel, noticing this and being likewise armed, clutched the pistol in his own pocket. Sanford asked Goebel, "I understand that you assume authorship of that article?" "I do," replied Goebel. Witnesses agree that both men fired their guns, but none could tell who fired first. Goebel was uninjured, the bullet passing through his coat and ripping his trousers, while Sanford was hit in the head. He died five hours later.
Goebel was acquitted after pleading self-defense. Today, Goebel Park in Mainstrasse is named in his honor.

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SEE ALSO: February 3, 1959 was the Day the Music Died
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UNEMPLOYMENT FALLS TO 8.3%
That's still too high but it is significant because that was the rate in February 2009, just one month after President Barack Obama took office. 243,000 jobs were added in the private sector while government jobs shrunk another 14,000. Stand by for right-wing spin.
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ALYSSA DARA MCDOWELL, THE THIRD CANDIDATE FOR COVINGTON MAYOR?
She is relatively new to Covington, but not to local elections. While a full profile is forthcoming, click the link for a quick introduction to the home-school advocate from Monte Casino.
 
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MAN INDICTED IN FATAL COVINGTON CRASH
And he has a long history of bad driving:
His infractions included not wearing a seat belt, not having his insurance card, not having his license with him, running a stop sign, improper passing, careless driving, reckless driving and speeding.
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C+V=G VIDEO FROM STATE OF THE CITY SPEECH
This logo is really, really sharp. This quick video is an introduction to the design. A full campaign will surely follow. Take a look:

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Also, here is the video of Mayor Scheper's well-received speech:
But if you don't have time to watch, check out the full text at by clicking here (PDF).
OR: Check out the most comprehensive coverage from The River City News: Mayor's Brutal Facts & Pep Talk Motivate Covington

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GRAFFITI TO BE REMOVED FROM ROEBLING BRIDGE TODAY
It's not even pleasant graffiti, just a mess. I hope these guys get caught. But in the meantime, thanks to the peeps working today to remove the markings.
“I don’t know if the warmer weather has brought artists out or what,” she said. “It’s not just the Roebling bridge, it’s several of them but you hate it that it is the Roebling because it’s a historic landmark and we just spent $16 million on a paint job.”
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GOVERNOR BESHEAR WILL BE IN NEWPORT TODAY
Gov. Steve Beshear will be at Newport City Hall at 11:00AM to make a community enhancement announcement. 
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LIBRARY LAWSUITS MOVED TO FEDERAL COURT
This is all just so ridiculous. Who sues a library? Oh, right, the tea party.
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TREY GRAYSON SAYS REDISTRICTING DEBATE INCREASES VOTER ANGER
And he's right because what most of the legislators truly stand for in Frankfort is on full display:
“There’s sort of a disgust in watching both the House Democrats and the Senate Republicans play political games … What the Senate Republicans did in Lexington and what the House (Democrats) did in southern Kentucky with some of those slivers, is just bad,” Grayson said. “But a judge is not going to strike down the plans for those reasons.”
More with video at the link.
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STATE SENATOR CANDIDATE WANTS GOVT CUTS, BUT NOT EDUCATION
Fort Mitchell City Councilman Will Terwort (R) is in the race to replace Jack Westwood (R), who represents most of Covington in the state senate:
“I think the governor’s budget is reasonable,” Terwort said. “I would like to see the General Assembly spend more time streamlining state government, making it more efficient. And looking at where we can eliminate some redundancies.” Terwort said he would want to start with eliminating the state treasurer’s office and moving those functions to the state Finance and Administration Cabinet — a move that would require a constitutional amendment. 
More with video at the link.
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GEORGETOWN TOYOTA WORKERS IN SUPER BOWL AD
To promote the new Camry:

Among Toyota's advertisements during Super Bowl coverage will be one that features the Scott County plant and eight of its workers, and showcases Kentucky's role in building the vehicle that has been the best-selling car in America for 10 years straight and 14 of the past 15 years. The Camry has been assembled in Georgetown since the plant opened in 1988.
Herald-Leader/Scott Sloan  
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KY KIDS WRITE SLOGANS TO GET YOU TO VOTE
And now you have to... vote... on which one is best. Good practice. Click the link.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

WHO IS ALYSSA DARA MCDOWELL, ANYWAY?

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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As the buzzer was about to sound on the filing deadline for candidates to enter Covington's 2012 municipal races, the city's mayoral ballot gained a third name, forcing a May primary. While Covington voters will likely be familiar with the names of two candidates, current City Commissioners Sherry Carran and Steve Casper, they may not yet know the name of number three. That is unless the voter paid attention to the 2010 race for Kenton County Judge-Executive in which Alyssa Dara McDowell ran as an independent.
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In that election, McDowell was described in press reports as a resident of Taylor Mill and press releases from her campaign also used that city as the dateline. There was no Democrat in the 2010 Judge-Executive race making it a two-candidate showdown between McDowell and Republican Steve Arlinghaus who cruised to victory by a margin of 76% to 24%. But in that race McDowell's 24% translated to more than 9,200 votes, nearly 2,500 more than Denny Bowman got in 2008 when he was elected Mayor of Covington. In fact, the 9,200 votes McDowell won is just roughly 2,000 fewer than the total that was cast for Bowman and his opponent, former Mayor Butch Callery.  
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Because the Covington mayor's race coincides with the Presidential election, voter turnout will likely be as high as or higher than it was in 2008, but that would only matter to McDowell if she were to be able to pick off one of her opponents. Only two candidates will advance beyond the May primary to the November general election. Presumably, McDowell is a newer resident of Covington and will have to work a little hard than Casper or Carran in developing name recognition within the city limits.
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The River City News is awaiting response from McDowell to a list of interview questions submitted via email after an in-person interview was cut short at her request moments after the Monte Casino resident filed her papers to run for mayor. McDowell promises a response soon. She was heavily involved in the recent debate over Covington's daytime curfew, advocating for home-school exemptions. In the meantime, an examination of McDowell's Judge-Executive campaign-related websites and press reports from 2010 gives us a glimpse of what to expect possibly.
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From a 2010 KY Post article following the results of the Judge-Executive race:
McDowell is a native of Boca Raton, Fla. She attempted to draw on her experience of tourism as a viable answer to the county’s unemployment rate. She owns A1 Limousine and has lived in Kenton County for 20 years and served as a volunteer for the Republican Party.
 From her 2010 campaign website:
I am Pro-Life, as science proves that a baby is a living human being. Choice should not override that fact. Further, studies have shown that mothers who have had abortions later suffer emotional trauma over the loss of the life of their child. I support adoption as a healthy alternative to all involved. I also support teaching abstinence. 
I am for our right to bear arms. It is our right, granted by the Constitution, to protect ourselves. 
I am against a smoking ban as I am for free enterprise. However, for the ban to come up in question, I believe that the people should be able to vote on the issue.
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Three pieces of her platform that also appear on the campaign website: implementing small business initiatives such a one-stop small business start-up center and cutting business taxes; creating a business-friendly environment with better marketing and more tourism; partnering with governments, businesses, and non-profits to solve social issues.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY AFTERNOON 2 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
ST E DENIED NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
The NKY hospital behemoth will not have its desired NICU unit which was opposed by the UK hospital and which St. Elizabeth had hoped would stop expectant mothers from giving birth in Cincinnati:
The hospital system applied in 2009 for the Level III NICU designation. But it failed to convince the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services the Kentucky needs the 12-bed service. A spokeswoman for the organization said St. Elizabeth is likely to appeal the decision.
Business Courier/James Ritchie  
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COVINGTON BISHOP FOYS DENOUNCES MANDATORY CONTRACEPTION INSURANCE

And he wants this letter read in every parish over the weekend:


                                                         My dear Friends:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the direction of the Obama Administration, mandated on Jan. 20 that religious-affiliated institutions, such as hospitals and universities, among others, would be obligated to include contraception — including drugs that cause abortions — and sterilization among “preventive services” coverage in virtually all health plans offered to Americans. Despite clear requests from U.S. Catholic Bishops, other religious leaders and concerned Americans, prompted by the HHS’s initial decision in August 2011, HHS has refused to expand the exemption to include such religious-affiliated institutions.
In response to this ruling, the HHS has received widespread condemnation for its restriction on the free exercise of religion in the United States.
This condemnation is not without merit. Throughout our history, countless people have fled to America for freedom, especially the freedom to exercise their religious faith. They come knowing that one’s religion impacts all aspects of life. Faith helps them form their conscience so they may know right from wrong. Faith is the underlying truth that gives meaning to their actions. Faith guides them as they grow in relationship with God, as they discover that transcending happiness for which each of us longs. So important is this inalienable right of religious freedom to one’s pursuit of happiness, our founding fathers enshrined it in the First Amendment of our Constitution along with other precious rights including the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, and the freedom of assembly.
The role of faith is all the more integral in institutions established by people of faith to help the members of society. Whether it is education, health care, social charities, worship or another activity, each activity is an expression of faith. Each one has a unique quality flowing from that basis of faith. To deny that underpinning of faith is to change the very character of the institution and of the service it provides. This ruling by HHS denies this underpinning of faith. It ignores the diverse ways through which faith is expressed. It forces people to act against their free, conscious decisions made in the light of faith.
It is a decision symptomatic of the radical secularism gripping our society. Those who hold to this secularism believe that religion is a private matter, relevant only when members of the same faith gather together. Thus, they have no qualms telling people of faith that you must violate your conscience in everyday activities to do what we say is right. They strive to replace the values of life discerned in faith’s light with the unfulfilling values of radical secularism and the culture of death. They see religion as a burden on public life and hold that it should have no part in everyday interactions. Thus, they ignore the uniqueness that faith brings to the actions of an individual and of faith-based institutions.
It is indeed a sad commentary that, even as the Supreme Court unanimously rules against government restrictions on the exercise of religion in the recent Hosanna-Tabor decision, a department of the United States government is still actively restricting the free exercise of religion counter to the Constitution.
Every religion strives to know the truth of God. And, the right to freely pursue the truth of God is a treasured hallmark of our democracy. We will not idly stand by as this inalienable right is marginalized. Together with other Bishops and other Americans we will work to reform the law and change this unjust and intolerant regulation.
Yours devotedly in the Lord,
Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, D.D.
Bishop of Covington 
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SEN. RAND PAUL WRITES ABOUT THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE
And other functionally obsolete Kentucky bridges:
Last September, I spoke to President Barack Obama about this issue aboard Air Force One as we traveled to visit the Brent Spence Bridge. I proposed reapportioning Department of Transportation funds, currently allocated for beautification projects, to instead be used for an emergency bridge fund. This would take mandated highway funds that go to “beautification projects,” pork-barrel vanity projects and bureaucratic waste and use them for much-needed infrastructure repairs.

Offsetting the cost of these projects by eliminating funds used for projects such as turtle tunnels, flower beds and squirrel sanctuaries will create nearly $700 million for the Highway Bridge Program. If we prioritize our spending, we can build, repair and maintain our infrastructure even while we face a $15.2 trillion federal deficit.
Courier-Journal  
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UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS WORRIED OVER 6TH STRAIGHT YEAR OF CUTS
The presidents of UK and UofL spoke at the state legislature today:
Kentucky’s universities have been cut 11 times in the last decade. And Capilouto says UK’s top priority is to protect students as much as possible.
“And that’s going to be our guidepost as we go through these tough choices and they will be tough choices,” he said. But he has not ruled out raising tuition and reducing scholarships.
NKU is in the same boat.
WFPL/Kenny Colston  
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KY HOUSE DEMOCRATS SAY NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAP IS CLOSE
The Congressional offices helped:
In this version of the map Owensboro is in the 2nd district, and Boyd County is split. The leading House Democrat says the map does not have great changes from previous versions, but that it represents a legitimate compromise between the democratic controlled house and republican senate.
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WHERE'S THE BEEF? ...NO, REALLY, WHERE IS IT?
America has the lowest amount of cattle in two generations which may cause a spike in the cost of beef:
The USDA says there were about 91 million cattle in the U.S. as of January 1-that's down from nearly 93 million the year before.
Local 12  
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KY-BASED TACO BELL, KFC PARENT COMPANY GROWS IN CHINA
Ah, so that's where all the beef is going... To feed the rats that KFC passes off as chicken.
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PHOTOS WANTED OF KENTUCKY SOLDIERS WHO DIED IN VIETNAM
For a memorial in Washington, DC:
The Fund has collected more than 30,000 pictures so far, but only 350 from Kentucky. Theyr'e looking for the remaining 708 photos of Kentucky heroes. The photos will be displayed at a new Visitors Education Center at the Wall. Groundbreaking for the mutli-million dollar Center is scheduled for November. 
84 WHAS  
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ANOTHER MILLION DOLLAR POWERBALL WINNER IN KENTUCKY
Boy, are we a lucky state or what?
The winning ticket was sold at Midway Travel Plaza in Frankfort. The retailer will receive $10,000 for selling the winning ticket.
(snip)
This is the second $1 million winning Powerball ticket that has been won in Kentucky since the price of a ticket went up to $2 on January 15th. Joseph Bennett of Covington claimed the first million dollar ticket from the January 28, 2012 drawing, since the game changed.
WKYT 
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GEORGE CLOONEY COMMERCIAL IS A BIG HIT IN NORWAY
From NKY Spot:
According to the Norwegian International Network web site, Clooney was paid a reported 1.5 million Norwegian kroner (about $250,000) to star in the one-minute commercial, in which a woman wakes up in a luxurious hotel room to discover she just married Clooney. The commercial’s message? That some people are lucky, but the rest of us should save our money at Den norske Bank
Another video and more on this story at the link.
NKY Spot 
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BOURBON BOOSTS KENTUCKY TOURISM
And if we get the tourists drunk enough, maybe they'll move here!
Louisville Business First 
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in case you missed...
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THIS MORNING'S NEWS
Kenton County's indoor air quality is ripped by UK study; More talks on the Center City Action Plan & Business Improvement District; UpTech is now taking applications for those impressive start-up funds; Plus, are you ready for the earthquake? Those stories and more at the link. News Round-Up -- Thursday Morning 
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WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON'S NEWS
A new bourbon bar is coming to Mainstrasse; Covington police officer is NKY's Officer of the Year; Plus, a Holmes student awarded a $40,000 scholarship to UK! Those stories and more at the link. Click it!
News Round-Up -- Wednesday Afternoon 
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EATEN IN LOUISVILLE LATELY?
Not only is it in contention to be named The Tastiest Town in the South, it's also one of the best food getaway cities in the world:
Louisville has been listed as one of the “best foodie getaways around the world” by Zagat Survey LLC, which ranks leisure activities such as dining, travel, nightlife, shopping, golf, theater, movies and music. Other cities featured in the list are Okinawa, Japan; Prince Edward Island, Canada; Cornwall, England; Vieques, Puerto Rico; Morelia, Mexico; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Cairo, Egypt.
Wow.
Business First/Stephanie Clouser  
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PARTY AT RIVERCENTER FOR UNVEILING OF NEW LEXUS
Check it:
WE'RE UNVEILING THE ALL NEW 2013 LEXUS GS350
SAVE THE DATE FOR: FEBRUARY 10th from 5 - 7 P.M.
BEER, WINE, TRENDY HORS D'OEUVRES & A HOT CAR!
OUR SHOWROOM, 633 W. 3RD ST. COVINGTON, KY 41011
RSVP TO lbernstein@lexusrivercenter.com 
 Trendy hors d'oeuvres and a new Lexus? Now that's livin'!