360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, February 11, 2012

HIT & RUN PURSUIT ENDS IN LATONIA

by Michael Monks 
|   
More than ten police vehicles from multiple agencies including Covington filled the parking lot outside the Burlington Coat Factory on Winston Avenue in Latonia. A Kenton County Police dispatcher tells The River City News that the scene followed a long pursuit from Decoursey Pike in the southern part of the county and ended in Latonia. One person was taken into custody at the scene after what the dispatcher said was originally reported as a hit and run. The RC News will update this story when more information is available.
|

|
*****************************
|
catch up on Saturday's news...
|
SATURDAY IN COVINGTON
Adult Education is being explored by Covington Schools (take the survey!); The Emergency Shelter posts on the sick & suffering inside its walls; Plus, a Saturday with Covington philanthropist Oakley Farris (video). Click it.
|
*****************************

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 11 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
|   
COVINGTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS LIFELONG LEARNING SURVEY
CIPS has teamed with the Center for Great Neighborhoods to guage community interest in adult learning opportunities:
Covington Independent Public Schools is in the beginning stages of offering Lifelong Learning Courses for adults! The Center for Great Neighborhoods is working with them to gather input from parents and community members on course offerings, as well as individuals who maybe interested in serving on an Advisory Council for Lifelong learning. In this pilot stage, activities would be planned for schools with a current 21st Century Community Learning Center Coordinator (9th District, John G., and Holmes) in the general timeframe from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. 
To take the survey, click the link.
Lifelong Learning Survey  
|
SEE ALSO: Cinderella KIDS to be performed at Holmes:
Holmes High School will present Cinderella KIDS in the Jack Moreland Auditorium, 2500 Madison Ave., Covington. Performances are 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 15 through Friday, February 17. “KIDS” in the title indicates that the Disney musical will be performed by children in elementary through ninth grades.
The 30 minute show is part of a service learning project. Holmes High School students are guiding and mentoring the elementary and Holmes Middle School student performers.
The show is under the direction of lead theatre coach Rex Sholar with Senior Kaitlyn Herindon heading up production and Senior Elijah Jump directing. Both students have performed several principal roles in Holmes’ theatrical productions.At least 48 students are involved in the production. Entry is free and open to the community.
Image via
|
FUNDRAISER FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER & ACTION MINISTRIES
Join Sutton Rankin Law to raise funds and supplies for two important local charities:
Please join: Sutton Rankin Law & Rudler, PSC
Date: Wednesday, February 15th
Time: 4:00-6:30pm
Location: 130 Dudley Road, Edgewood, KY
RSVP: Friday, February 10th
Reply to lblair@rudler.com or call 859-331-1717 
Sutton Rankin Law 
|
SEE ALSO: The director of the Emergency Shelter wrote a recent blog post titled: Sick and Suffering in Our Shelter
Currently we have a few individuals who should be in a personal care home or even a nursing home facility. Only in their late 40's, these two men frequently need assistance with ADL's (activities of daily living). Both come into our shelter at least every other day needing assistance with cleaning up after they have had a bowel movement or urinated on themselves. One guest functions at the level of a 6 year old and we have to remind/coax him to shower and to take off his gloves once he's in the shelter. The other guest is experiencing liver failure and seems unaware of his surroundings as the liver failure is causing his brain to not function at it's full capacity. He doesn't remember to take the medication that has been given to him. This particular guest, prior to coming to our shelter was found under a bridge, semi unconscious and suffering from hypothermia. He was hospitalized four days but discharged to our shelter!
Read the whole thing at the link.
Emergency Shelter blog
|
HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THIS WEEK'S MUGSHOT ROUND-UP?
See who was put away in Kenton County Circuit Court this week and what the charges are at the link below.
|
REDISTRICTING DECISION CHANGES LANDSCAPE OF STATE RACES
Since a judge ruled that legislative candidates will run in their old districts, a lot of state representatives have decided to withdraw from state senate races to run again for their current seats. Very bizarre shakeup that you can read about at the link.
|
NEWS FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL JACK CONWAY
He is one busy guy. Check out all the statewide crime-fighting going on at the link.
|
JUVENILE OFFENDER LAW FACES REVIEW
The Commonwealth will study how to handle more effectively the young people that commit crimes in this state:
Kentucky lawmakers are considering an in-depth review of state juvenile law, with a key goal being to end the practice of jailing youths for minor, noncriminal offenses such as truancy. 
Courier-Journal/Deborah Yetter  
|
UK STUDY: KENTUCKY SHOULD BROADEN TAX BASE
The report by the University of Kentucky suggests that the Commonwealth should broaden the tax base for a more stable system:

The authors say the current structure lacks "buoyancy," a description of how well state revenue keeps pace with the economy. During the past 40 years, there's been a gradual decline in that rate.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/02/06/2058349/uk-report-kentucky-should-broaden.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

Herald-Leader/Linda B. Blackford 
|
SEE ALSO: Small businesses say "tax big businesses":
Small-business owners see corporate tax loopholes and accounting gimmicks used to shift U.S. profits offshore to avoid taxes as serious problems, according to an independent nationwide opinion poll released Monday. 
Business First  
|
CHURCHILL DOWNS ACQUIRES POKER COMPANY
The most famous name in horse racing is bracing for more liberal laws regarding online gambling.
Business First/John R. Karman III 
|
NOMINATE SOMEONE TO THE KENTUCKY HUMAN RIGHTS HALL OF FAME
Know anyone worthy? Nominate them!
Nominees for the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame must have shown exemplary leadership and achievements in civil rights in Kentucky. Nominators are asked to submit the name, address, phone number, biography, picture and three letters of recommendation of the nominee. The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights will also need the name, address and phone number of the nominator. Newspaper, magazine and other articles that describe the nominee and his or her work are also accepted.
The hall of fame includes President Abraham Lincoln... so nominate with discretion!
Press Release 
|
CELEBRATE PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY TOMORROW
Head down to his birthplace in Hodgenville:
"During the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commemoration, Kentucky worked diligently to reclaim its Lincoln heritage. On President Lincoln's 203rd birthday, the Kentucky Historical Society encourages people once again to explore the lifelong connections between Abraham Lincoln and his native Kentucky home," said KHS Executive Director Kent Whitworth.

The KHS HistoryMobile will be parked at the Abraham Lincoln BirthplaceNational Historical Park near Hodgenville, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. this Sunday, Feb. 12. Its current exhibit, "Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln," explores Lincoln's frontier childhood, his career from log house to the White House and his struggles to end slavery and lead the nation through the Civil War. Lincoln was born on Sunday, Feb. 12, 1809. 
Press Release  
|
STUDY: ADULTS ARE MOSTLY KIND ON SOCIAL MEDIA
I guess the Pew Research Center did not calculate a couple Covington-related Facebook pages in its findings: 
Eighty-five percent of adults that use social networking sites said people are mostly kind on them, while 5 percent said users are mostly unkind. Another 5 percent said their answer depends on the situation. More than two-thirds had an experience that made them feel good about themselves.
The Hill/Gauthem Nagash  
|
A SATURDAY WITH OAKLEY FARRIS
While posting a video from the Center for Great Neighborhoods yesterday, I came across this fun video starring Covington's most generous philanthropist. It was posted to YouTube a couple weeks ago:
Have a great Saturday, Covington!
|
*********************************
|
in case you missed...
|
FRIDAY AFTERNOON'S NEWS
COVINGTON: Students at Latonia Elementary fight graffiti artists; A conservative blogger offers a standing ovation to Covington State Rep. Arnold Simpson; Posters of UK star Anthony Davis cause the university a major headache; Plus, why Kentucky native Chuck Woolery opposes civil rights. Click it.
|
*********************************

CONVICTED: BURGLARS & TRAFFICKERS 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 and this week there was a particular emphasis on drug trafficking and thieves.
|
HERE'S A SAMPLING:
|




|
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 10, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY AFTERNOON 10 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
|   
SEMINAR TO INCREASE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN COVINGTON SCHOOLS
Covington & Newport school districts have teamed up for a seminar to increase parent and adult involvement in their respective systems:
April Roberts-Traywick, community support coordinator with the committee’s Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership (CIPL) said the seminar in meant to give parents and other adults interested in getting more involved and being an advocate for education the knowledge they need.
The seminar provides information about the schools, learning styles, social assets, education standards and issues each school is facing. 
The seminar will be held at the Center for Great Neighborhoods. More details at the link.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda Joering Alley  
|
VIDEO SHOWS COVINGTON STUDENTS AGAINST GRAFFITI
This was posted by the Center for Great Neighborhoods and features students from Latonia Elementary School. The kids are members of BLOCK (Born Leaders of Covington, Kentucky):
|
SEE ALSO: Kentucky schools to track students' body mass index:
In a nod to the growing problem of childhood obesity, the state Board of Education recently approved a proposal that would require schools to calculate and record a child’s body mass index, which relates to body fat. At the same time, the proposal also eliminates a decades-long practice of checking middle-school students for signs of the spine condition scoliosis.
Courier-Journal/Janet Cappiello 
|
SEE ALSO: Senator Rand Paul applauds No Child Left Behind decision Click Here
|
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR AREA TILL NOON TOMORROW
The snow has been coming down since noon today, though most reports did not anticipate precipitation until closer to 3:00PM. So, drive safely out there.
Snow accumulating today in Peaselburg

Even in the snow, public workers tend to the streets
|
CONGRESSTIONAL REDISTRICTING PASSES IN FRANKFORT
First the House:
“What we are doing today is passing a congressional district map that will take effect in 2014,” Hoover said. “Reopening filing deadlines is one of the most egregious abuses of power.” Hoover repeatedly said he would support the plan. But he said it set a dangerous precedent. 
cn|2/Ryan Alessi  
|
State Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington, who is running to represent NKY in Congress, voted against the measure:
"I voted against the Congressional redistricting plan because the lines were clearly drawn in the interest of partisan gamesmanship, and not to best represent the people of Kentucky. I am also deeply disappointed that the redistricting process, which will have major political implications over the next decade, was conducted largely behind closed doors."
Webb-Edgington 
|
In the senate:
A compromise plan to redraw the boundaries of Kentucky’s six congressional districts rocketed through the General Assembly on Friday, ending weeks of deadlock between Senate Republicans and House Democrats. The measure now goes to Gov. Steve Beshear for his signature or veto. 
Herald-Leader/Jack Brammer  
|
The new districts:
|
BUT WILL THE BULLYING BILL GET MORE SUPPORT?
Another Kentucky teen has killed herself:
Travis Campbell, Miranda’s father, said that his daughter dealt with bullying on a day-to-day basis in school, in connection to her bisexuality. Felty, who knew Miranda for more than two years, also said bullying was a factor in her life.

|
CONSERVATIVE BLOGGER GIVES ARNOLD SIMPSON A STANDING OVATION
Marcus Carey who writes Bluegrass Bulletin, a conservative blog, is happy about our Democratic State Representative Arnold Simpson's "Angel Investor Bill":
What a great idea! Now every single house member and each member of the Senate needs to give this bill their full support.
Arnold Simpson is a gentleman. He is a calm and steady hand. I have always considered him a friend and even though we might belong to different political parties, we have the same interests at heart, making the world in which we live a better place for our community, our Commonwealth and our children.
I hope that Arnold's bill gets unanimous support at every step of the process. 
Bluegrass Bulletin  
|
OHIO POLITICIAN IN COURT TUESDAY OVER LIAISONS IN KENTON COUNTY
What a mess:
Former Clermont County Commissioner Archie Wilson, charged with two misdemeanors in a drugs-for-sex case in Kentucky, will turn himself in to authorities on Tuesday, according to the office of Garry Edmondson, the Kenton County Attorney.

Wilson’s lawyer has agreed to present his client in Kenton County District Court at 9 a.m. Tuesday to be arraigned on charges of soliciting prostitution and trafficking a controlled substance, according to the statement.
Cincinnati Enquirer  
|
DEAL WITH INSIGHT CABLE HELPS LOUISVILLE BALANCE BUDGET
Interesting:
About $3.5 million will come from a settlement with Insight Communications. The city spent the last year negotiating a new contract with the cable provider. Insight has agreed to give the city the payout and preserve all existing services.
WFPL/Gabe Bullard  
|
WHY IS THIS POSTER OF UK STAR ANTHONY DAVIS CAUSING TROUBLE?
Thousands were handed out for Tuesday night's game against Florida celebrating star Anthony Davis's placement as a contender for national defensive player of the year. But now the posters are popping up on eBay, and the University of Kentucky doesn't want anyone profiting off an amateur athlete (...isn't that what UK does?):
The posters became such a hot item, ESPN sportscaster Dick Vitale begged on air for someone to get him a poster. After being given one, Vitale displayed it during the broadcast. By Friday morning, the posters were selling for as much as $125 on the Internet auction site eBay. Peevy said the school does all it can to stop someone from profiting off of an amateur student-athlete’s image or name. 
The hypocrisy...
AP via Courier-Journal  
|
NORTHERN KENTUCKY'S INDOOR FOOTBALL TEAM FOLDS
The NKY Monsters played at the Bank of Kentucky Center:
The team had already held tryouts and announced its 2012 roster, but the source says, " then all of a sudden the money stopped coming with no explanation." 
FOX 19/Joe Danneman
Confusion: Is this the River Monsters that became just the Monsters? Help out if you know...
|
HIT UP THE HOME & REMODELING SHOW THIS WEEKEND IN COVINGTON
It's going on all weekend at the NKY Convention Center:
The show includes exhibitors offering information about home remodeling including landscaping, basement renovation, kitchen and bath makeovers and complete remodeling.
NKY Spot 
|
WOULD YOU LIKE A FURRY VALENTINE?
With a face like this...
...how could you say no? Check out the adoption drive all weekend called My Furry Valentine. The Kenton County Animal Shelter is participating. Bring something warm home!
|
JAPAN GIVES KENTUCKY 20 CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES
It's a gesture of thanks to the Kentuckians who helped the Asian country after a devastating earthquake last year:
The gift also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees from Japan to the United States in 1912. The trees dot Washington D.C.’s River Basin and are frequently photographed in the Spring.
Meanwhile, the Japan/American Society of Kentucky announced it will have its first Cherry Blossom Festival in downtown Lexington in May 2012, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
Herald-Leader/Beth Musgrave 
|
*************************************************
|
in case you missed...
|
THIS MORNING'S NEWS
Politician seeks treatment before turning himself in after alleged dalliances with hookers & drugs; NKY hopes to recruit entrepreneurs from Pittsburgh to start their businesses here; Winter weather advisory kicks in this afternoon; Click it! 
|
**************************************************
|POWERBALL JACKPOT'S CASH VALUE IS LARGEST EVER
So... get a ticket? Saturday's jackpot is $325 million and its cash value is a record $202.9 million. I could live with that, how about you?
WKYT 
|
AMANDA ORLANDO IS BACK ON THE RADIO!
This great news for a great person. Hear the former country music DJ back in the saddle as a new voice on the new country format at 94.1. She was one of the hosts of Cincinnality, a talk/entertainment show that ran for a week last fall and that I had the pleasure of serving as Executive Producer. Love her!
Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda Orlando 
|
WHAT THE HELL IS CHUCK WOOLERY'S PROBLEM?
Remember Chuck Woolery? Yeah, I didn't either until the news article linked below. Remember when this Kentucky native was a fun game show host? Now he's this:
|
Yes, there is actually a website called Save Us Chuck Woolery. He's at the big right wing dance party in DC this week and had this to say about civil rights:
"Majority rules," he said, dismissing the idea that minorities need protections. "We were born with natural rights. We don't need civil rights. [African-Americans] don't need civil rights. They don't need them. They have inalienable rights granted by God in the Constitution. I mean, I'm discriminated against all the time. I don't care. It doesn't bother me. [I'm discriminated against] because I'm old. I'm too old to get a job as a game show host. They say, well, the guy's 71 and in five years he'll be 76. And I’m a one per center, and I'm absolutely discriminated against as a one per center."
He used to be so charming.
Good As You 
|
Interestingly, it turns out that game show hosts tend to be the conservative sect in Hollywood:
A tiny island of Reagan Republicanism in the vast sea of liberal Hollywood, television’s greatest arbiters of luck and love—including Chuck Woolery, Drew Carey, Wink Martindale, Merv Griffin, and many others—have regularly loaned their support and opened their wallets to right-wing candidates and causes, collectively donating more than $100,000 since 1998.
Even Pat Sajak and Alex Trebek! Interesting.
The Daily Beast

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 10 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
|   
COVINGTON & NKY REGION UNDER WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
Beginning at 3:00PM we'll all be watching for some winter weather. The National Weather Service says to expect 1 to 2 inches of snow as the advisory lasts until noon Saturday. The heaviest snowfall is expected during the evening and overnight hours.
|
HUNDREDS OF JOBS MAY MOVE FROM CINCINNATI TO COVINGTON
Paycor is leaving Queensgate and is looking elsewhere, including Covington's riverfront towers:
“We’re most certainly aggressively marketing the opportunities in both Madison Place and RiverCenter, because of the most recent losses,” said Dan Tobertge, president and CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corp. He declined to talk about dealings with Paycor. Covington officials also did not return calls for comment. 
Hundreds of jobs are at stake and this would be a big win (and sweet revenge?) for Covington. Read the Enquirer exclusive at the link.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Laura Baverman  
|
NKY START-UP INCUBATOR RECRUITS ENTREPRENEURS IN PITTSBURGH
This is aggressive and it may pay off for the region:
In a whirlwind visit earlier this week, Caswell met with Carnegie Mellon University folks on campus and would-be entrepreneurs in East Liberty at The Beauty Shoppe to recruit applicants for the inaugural class of UpTech.

|
CITY HALL REACTS TO COVINGTON'S CULTURAL DISTRICT DESIGNATION
If you missed this great news yesterday when Covington was selected as one of five Kentucky cities to be certified as a Cultural District, click the link below.
|
City Hall released this statement on the honor:
The opportunity to be certified at a state level has been well-timed for Covington and coincides with the City's decision to rid itself of the pre-existing Art District zoning boundaries that was initially created to encourage art and technology businesses to take residence in the core of downtown but was challenged due to its rigid land use zoning restrictions. In contrast, the new State certification calls for a district that promotes mixed use development. As a result, the City has defined the new Arts & Cultural District to overlay the entire downtown of Covington spanning from the riverfront to 12th Street from the Licking River boundary to the 71/75 interstate, and including all of Devou Park.

According to Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development for the City of Covington, "The focus will be on highlighting the City's arts and cultural assets andapproaching these assets as part of broader economic development and community
enhancement efforts."

The City's Arts Initiative was recently the beneficiary of Mayor Chuck Scheper's generosity of a $10,000 donation. When asked how he thinks the arts & cultural assets are beneficial to Covington, he said, "In order for us to be a great city and enhance the quality of life in Covington, we need to embrace the arts. In the past, we have not invested enough into the Arts and that is why I made a personal monetary commitment. I wanted to keep the momentum going so we would not lose out on the return on investment in the city that the Arts can provide." 
Good things are starting to happen more and more in Covington. Cam you feel it?


|
COMMISSIONER STEVE FRANK REPORTS FROM FRANKFORT
 I come back to Covington reasonably optimistic that many of our projects are thought very highly of and worthy of funding. I would not be surprised, if when all is said and done that Gateway’s Urban Campus to be built in Covington, receives some additional support. It’s quite obvious though that the campus is going to have to walk before it runs; but the will seems to be there to see that the campus continues on an upward trajectory despite the Commonwealth’s many budget woes. More on that later.
The second main ask was for support of HB 113 sponsored by our own Arnold Simpson. This would enable Kentucky to be on more favorable terms when trying to incubate exciting new companies. While it is not widely known; Covington has eight High Technology, early stage life science businesses being accelerated with eight more getting ready to come in as well. Angel tax credits makes possible the willingness of entrepreneurs to invest money in inherently risky projects that could lead to big gains for us all. Frankly the College of Informatics at NKU will give rise to an eco system that, using these tax credits; can put Northern Kentucky on the map as a hot bed for new start ups. 
The Expansion of the Northern KY Convention Center is very well considered; but budget realities and the slow timeline for setting aside the land by IRS makes this project not as likely this year; but I’ll be back down in Frankfort next week pushing for it again.
I have less positive news for Brent Spence Bridge funding. This was not a specific topic for the Senators and House members I spoke with today as none were involved directly with road appropriations. I can say with certainty that Louisville has eaten most of the funding for the next six years that we would need for our state match and that they have set a precedent by tolling their bridges to reduce the Commonwealth’s overall expense. I know that we are dead set against tolling up here; but it will be hard to argue that we should not have to do what Louisville did to justify their funding. 
|
IN OTHER FRANKFORT NEWS...
If you missed the video interview with Covington's State Rep. Arnold Simpson talking about his 'angel investor' bill, click here
|
Legislators may be close on Congressional redistricting (though this seems to change like the weather). Herald-Leader 
|
Senator Damon Thayer's clients will benefit from his legislation Herald-Leader 
|
CLERMONT POLITICIAN WILL SURRENDER IN KENTON CO AFTER TREATMENT
Archie Wilson, who allegedly shacked up on occasion in Kenton County motel rooms with a hooker that he compensated with drugs, will turn himself in... after treatment. The article below does not explain what treatment Wilson is seeking.
Local 12 
UPDATE: A court date has been set... for Valentine's Day FOX 19
|
COMPANY SEES PROFITS SOAR AFTER OMNICARE'S HOSTILE EFFORTS
Hopefully Covington will experience the same success as Pharmerica when Omnicare decides to leave it alone:
“We emerged from the distraction of Omnicare’s hostile tender offer as a stronger company with a laser focus on driving customer value. Looking forward, we see continued improvements in client retention, margin expansion and a very favorable acquisition climate.”
Business First  
|
LAST DAY TO VOTE FOR THE BEST OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY
I hope you'll take a moment to click the link and support as many Covington businesses as you can! Vote now!
|
HOLMES HOSTS SKILLS USA COMPETITION SATURDAY
The competition seeks to identify the best students in advertising design, automotive, collision repair, computer, television production, web design, welding and more.
Students will also compete in the leadership category in areas such as debate, extemporaneous writing, job interview, prepared speech, medical terminology and more.
The competition is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chapman Career and Technical Education Center on the Holmes Campus, 2500 Madison Avenue, Covington.

|
WHAT'S GOING ON IN FORT THOMAS?
A new restaurant called the New Garden... Cake Towne closes... A new school board member appointed by the state... and a Fort Thomas woman has another book out. Click over to Fort Thomas Matters to find out all the comings-and-goings in one of our fellow river cities. 
Fort Thomas Matters 
|
SPORTS
|
CHURCHILL DOWNS DOUBLES ITS OWNERSHIP OF KENTUCKY DOWNS
That's a race track in Franklin.
Herald-Leader/Janet Patton 
|
NEW PONY AT CENTER FARM!
And what a great looking colt:
More on this future champion -- including some adorable videos at the link.
|
LONGTIME SCOTT COACH TO RETIRE
This will shock all my fellow Scott grads -- Jerry Mohr is retiring! This guy coached boys and girls in swimming, cross country, and track. Well deserving of a break, though.
|
THE STREAK IS OVER! MURRAY STATE GOES DOWN...
What an amazing run though and another great testament to the quality and importance of basketball in the Commonwealth. Murray State was the last unbeaten team in men's college basketball but fell last night at home to Tennessee State in one the ugliest final thirty seconds of basketball possibly ever.
|
CELEBRATE THE NEW LEXUS IN COVINGTON TODAY
|
************************************************
|
in case you missed...
|
THURSDAY AFTERNOON'S NEWS
Urgent care facility plans to open location in Latonia; Rep. Arnold Simpson sees his angel investor bill pass committee (video); Plus, why the unseasonably warm weather may be to blame for a spike in KY traffic deaths. Those stories and much more at the link!
|
************************************************

Thursday, February 9, 2012

HUNDREDS OF JOBS MAY RELOCATE TO COVINGTON

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
|   
The City of Covington's move to lower payroll taxes for the rest of the year may pay off with a big coup from Cincinnati:
“We’re most certainly aggressively marketing the opportunities in both Madison Place and RiverCenter, because of the most recent losses,” said Dan Tobertge, president and CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corp. He declined to talk about dealings with Paycor. Covington officials also did not return calls for comment. 
Hundreds of jobs are at stake and this would be a big win (and sweet revenge?) for Covington. Read the Enquirer exclusive at the link.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Laura Baverman 



NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY AFTERNOON 9 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
|   
COVINGTON REP. SIMPSON'S ANGEL INVESTOR BILL PASSES COMMITTEE
This piece of legislation was listed as a priority of the NKY Chamber of Commerce:
The bill is seen as way to attract investors in small businesses — those with fewer than 100 employees — that have more than 50 percent of its assets, operations, and employees located in the commonwealth.
More on this story including another video of Rep. Arnold Simpson commenting on the bill at the link.
|
COVINGTON'S PROPOSED 'BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT' EXPLAINED
Should Covington's commercial property owners levy an additional tax on themselves in an effort to boost economic development in the urban core? The proposed Business Improvement District was explained in depth this week, but there's still more to learn. Click the link for a story you'll only find here. 
|
COVINGTON AMONG 5 CHOSEN AS CERTIFIED CULTURAL DISTRICT
What a great honor for our City! 
An independent panel of reviewers deemed these five communities ready for certification from a pool of 26 applicants. The Kentucky Arts Council will continue working with communities seeking certification, offering technical and planning assistance throughout the year. 
Covington joined Berea, Danville, Horse Cave, and Paducah on the list. Click the link for more on this story!
The River City News 
|
KY First Lady Jane Beshear announces the five
certified cultural districts at the State Capitol.
(Photo courtesy of City Commissioner Steve Frank
who is in Frankfort today)
|
NKU STUDENTS FIGHT FOR MORE FUNDING IN FRANKFORT
It may prove fruitless, but students at NKU expressed their displeasure with proposed cuts to higher education:
They traveled to meet and collaborate with college students from around the state in a collective effort to proclaim in one unified voice that the legislators of Kentucky, their legislators, should invest in the state’s educational future, instead of reducing funding year after year.
The Northerner/Zachary Rogers 
|
STATE SEN. THAYER RELEASES CLIENT LIST
Sen. Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown), whose district includes South Covington, has released a list of his clients that may stand to benefit from expanded gambling, a measure which the senator hopes to help the Governor pass.
“I am offended that my integrity was called into question but am happy to put any questions to rest in the interest of moving this issue forward,” he said. “I believe a vast majority of Kentuckians see it the way I do — that a public referendum is the right way to lay this issue to rest.”
He said his clients gave him permission to release their names. Besides the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, which he already had said is his biggest client, there are three breeding farms — Millennium Farms in Lexington; Wintergreen Stallion Station in Midway and Whispering Oaks Farm in Louisiana.
Courier-Journal/Gregory A. Hall  
|
Thayer’s clients became an issue after a Frankfort-based pastor raised questions about whether Thayer might personally benefit if his firm represented horse industry clients that could directly gain if Kentucky approves expanded gambling, as the Herald-Leader first reported. . That prompted Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear to rush to his defense. 
cn|2/Ryan Alessi  
|
Thayer released a statement earlier today:
“The implication that a legislator who wants to allow the people to decide an issue is somehow engaging in a conflict of interest is ludicrous. This is why more and more people don’t want to participate in politics these days. Personally destroying someone’s reputation is somehow more acceptable than just debating the issues and letting the best ideas rise to the top. I am offended that my integrity was called into question but am happy to put any questions to rest in the interest of moving this issue forward. I believe a vast majority of Kentuckians see it the way I do – that a public referendum is the right way to lay this issue to rest.”
 Read the entire statement at the link.
Damon Thayer @ Facebook 
|
TRAFFIC DEATHS ON THE RISE IN KENTUCKY
Already, 64 people have died on the state's roadways, five more than at the same time last year:
“Although it is still early, we want to be proactive in addressing this increase in highway deaths on Kentucky roadways,” said KSP Spokesperson Lt. David Jude.
Of the 64 people killed so far this year, 31 were not wearing seat belts and nine died in crashes involving alcohol.
“With the decent winter weather, more people have been traveling our roadways, which might explain the fatality increase,” said Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) Director Bill Bell. “However, it does not explain why people are not making safe decisions when they get behind the wheel.” 
Press Release  
|
KENTUCKY WILL GET NEARLY $59 MILLION FROM FORECLOSURE SETTLEMENT
Good news from bad news?
The settlement, with five of the nation’s largest banks, will provide relief to consumers who were foreclosed upon, principal write-downs and refinancing to homeowners who hold mortgages that exceed the current value of their homes, and payments to states for ongoing consumer protection programs, according to a news release. 
Louisville Business First  
|
The money is part of a national settlement:
In the largest deal to date aimed at addressing the housing meltdown, federal and state officials on Thursday announced a $26 billion foreclosure settlement with five of the largest home lenders.
(snip)
"We are using this opportunity to fix a broken system," said U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder at the news conference announcing the settlement. 
CNN Money  
|
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway held a press conference this afternoon in Frankfort:
"Our efforts made a difference, and I will use a significant portion of the money that Kentucky receives from the banks to continue going after them on behalf of Kentucky homeowners," General Conway said. "In fact, today I subpoenaed MERS (Mortgage Electronic Registration System Inc.), which I believe may have circumvented Kentucky law by failing to properly record mortgage assignments and pay filing fees with county clerks throughout the Commonwealth."  
  • Of the $25 billion settlement, Kentucky will receive $58.8 million. $12 million available in direct relief to homeowners, which includes loan-term modifications and principal write-downs. 
  •  $10.8 million in direct payments from the banks to consumers who were foreclosed upon using "robo-signed" documents from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2011. Each borrower would be eligible for up to a $2,000 direct payment from the banks. The amount of the payment will depend upon how many borrowers participate. "Robo-signing" is a practice where banks did not properly review and prepare foreclosure paperwork and applied automatic or electronic signatures to court documents. Borrowers will not have to release any legal claims they may have in order to participate.
  • $15.9 million in refinancing for borrowers who are current on their mortgage payments, but hold mortgages that exceed the value of their homes.
  • $20 million in a direct payment to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for consumer protection programs. 
More details at the link.
Press Release  
|
CLERMONT POLITICIAN TO TURN SELF IN AFTER SEX CRIME IN KENTON CO
Good to know that our fine county is where politicians from across the river still bring their prostitutes:

Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson says he has spoken with Archie Wilson's attorney and Wilson plans on turning himself in soon. Wilson is being represented by Robert Lotz in Covington.
|
The lurid backstory:
The case began last spring when a female inmate at the Clermont jail, Amanda Lay, saw Wilson’s photo in a newspaper and asked to speak to a detective. According to a Clermont sheriff’s report dated June 22, she told investigators that Wilson, over a period of several weeks, had paid to have sex with her in Kenton County motels and that he had provided her with cocaine and pills. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/John Johnston  
|
URGENT CARE CENTER PLANS TO OPEN LOCATION IN LATONIA
Hometown Urgent Care has opened an office in Hebron and plans to open a second location in Latonia.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Shauna Steigerwald 
|
SEE ALSO: Kangaroo Care Training aims to boost breastfeeding rate in Kentucky Press Release 
|
SEN. MCCONNELL: OBAMA DEMEANS THE PRESIDENCY
From the department of assholery:
“The White House and its lieutenants have made an art form out of the orchestrated attack,” he said. “They’ve shown they’ll go after anybody or any organization they think is standing in their way.

“These things demean the office of president. They corrode our democracy and they need to stop.”
It's like he doesn't even hear himself when he speaks.
The Hill  
|
AND WHAT IS OUR OTHER US SENATOR UP TO?
Rand Paul is speaking out on the fake War on Religion 84 WHAS 
|
And calling for an end to all US aid to Egypt:
|
GOV. BESHEAR APPOINTS TAX COMMISSION MEMBERS, INCLUDING NKY MAN
The new members of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform were announced today by Governor Beshear:
The Commission, to be led by Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson, will work over the coming months to develop recommendations to make the state’s tax code more responsive to the ups and downs of the economy, as well as to make taxes more equitable for Kentuckians. The revisions should allow for tax revenues that are adequate to address the needs of the state’s citizens and businesses.
“In order to better prepare our state for the future, we must study how we can better align our tax code with the principles of fairness, business competitiveness and a 21st Century economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “An improved tax code will not only create a more welcoming business environment, but will also allow the state to invest in the services and priorities that best position our citizens for success.” 
Press Release 
|
A Northern Kentucky man is part of the commission:
Rick Jordan of Walton, who is vice president and general manager of LSI Industries and has spent 30 years in manufacturing. He has been active with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and served on Gateway Community and Technical College’s board during the terms of Democratic Gov. Paul Patton and Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher. 
cn|2  
|
SEE ALSO: Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramsom lays out goals for tax commission cn|2 
|
SEE ALSO: Does Abramson plan to run for Governor in 2015? cn|2 
|
RICHIE FARMER RETURNS RIFLES TO AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
Only in Kentucky:
When former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer returned missing state computer equipment to his old office last month, he also delivered a bit of a surprise — seven rifles. The weapons were among those specially ordered to be given as gifts to visiting agriculture officials at the 2008 convention of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, which Farmer’s agency held in Lexington.
Courier-Journal/Tom Loftus  
|
3 MORE GREAT BLACK KENTUCKIANS NAMED TO GALLERY
From a release:
The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights was proud to announce today three inductees into its Gallery of Great Black Kentuckians. The inductees are Kentucky State Senator Gerald Neal, the late Arthur Walters and the late William Blakey. 
Read more at the link.
Press Release  
|
in case you missed...
|
Covington has two Great Black Kentuckians included in the gallery and The River City News had their stories on Wednesday. Click the link to check it out!
|
SEE ALSO: Online resources to explore the Civil Rights movement in Kentucky Click Here 
|
SO KNOTT COUNTY, KENTUCKY WANTS TO PARTY?
It's hard to believe that some counties in Kentucky still outlaw the sale of alcohol (and harder to believe that they still benefit from the taxes collected on such sales in other counties), but Knott County is thinking about joining the 1930s:
Knott County has joined the growing list of counties or cities where voters will decide this year if they want to allow alcohol sales. Judge Executive Randy Thompson said a petition had more than the 675 signatures needed to put this issue on the ballot but voters will have to wait until April to make their choice. 
WKYT  
|
In the meantime, Knott County is busy getting high on life... and meth:
On February 5, 2012 Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard along with DESI East and the Knott County Sheriff's Department responded to a complaint at 313 Hickory Withe Road in the Fisty community of Knott County in reference to a possible meth lab.
Seven were arrested in the small Knott County town of Fisty. 
|
NKU TO HONOR FIRST BASKETBALL TEAM TONIGHT
As the NKU Norse men and women take on Indianapolis at the Bank of Kentucky Center tonight, the crowd will pause to pay homage to the school's first basketball team:
NKU will recognize the 1971-72 men's basketball squad, which was the first varsity team in school history. On Nov. 12, 1971, then-Northern Kentucky State College tipped off competition in a high school gym. Inside Newport High School's 'Cats Den, Northern Kentucky State met Calvary College, and the Norsemen, coached by Mote Hils, posted a 109-65 win in their inaugural game.

|
SEE ALSO: NKU announces its first recruiting class for women's soccer as a division 1 school NKU Norse 
|
LOUISVILLE RESTAURANT SCORES FIVE DIAMONDS FROM AAA
It's the fifteenth consecutive year that the Oakroom inside the Seelbach Hotel has scored the acclaim:
“We are extremely honored to once again be the recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award,” Jon McFarland, general manager of the Seelbach Hilton, said in the news release. “The Oakroom has long been known as the premier dining destination in Kentucky and this recognition from AAA affirms our reputation of culinary and service excellence. We certainly appreciate the significance and prestige of this award.” 
Business First  
|
****************************************************
|
in case you missed...
|
THIS MORNING'S NEWS
Hot mess alert in Frankfort ("Lawmakers generally don’t like to act on controversial issues until they know who their opponents will be."); A joke about President Obama divides KY gay community; Plus, two young Covington athletes get region-wide acclaim. Those stories and much more at the link! 
The River City News 
|
****************************************************
|
GUY WHO PAINTED MURALS FOR FACEBOOK GETS $500 MILLION PAYDAY
Wow, what a gamble and what a payoff. This artist was commissioned to spray paint murals inside the original Facebook offices. Facebook offered to pay him $60,000 for the work... or stock options. The artist chose stock options:
Today, he said, the stock he took instead could be worth more than $500 million.
Yes, that’s what he says: half a billion dollars to paint the murals. 
Full story at the link.
The New York Times/Nick Bilton