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Saturday, March 10, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 10 MAR

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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EXCLUSIVE: SCHOOL BOARD ON COST-PER-PUPIL, OPPOSITION MOBILIZES
The often cited cost-per-student at Covington Schools dominated discussion at this week's School Board meeting while blocks away, critics of the district were planning their next moves. Click the link for this exclusive report. 
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SHOOTING AT EASTSIDE COVINGTON NIGHTCLUB
One wounded, two taken into custody after a shooting at the bar on the corner of 8th & Greenup Streets. 
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CONVICTED: A COKE AND A WHILE (IN PRISON) EDITION
Several cocaine-related convictions and the return (or, the not-return) of the suspect with the neck tattoo highlight this week's mugshot round-up. Click it. 
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SEN. THAYER AMENDS ANTI-AREA PLANNING COMMISSION BILL
Instead of lowering the threshold of signatures needed to place the existence of the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission's existence on the ballot, Thayer will seek to have an audit performed on the organization: 
Thayer said an audit will answer the questions surrounding the necessity of NKAPC, which provides the planning and zoning staff for the Kenton County Planning Commission and the 18 cities and the fiscal court in Kenton County.
“I think it will bring it out into the light of day,” Thayer said. “Maybe it will find the concerns of the planning commission unfounded.” 
Thayer picked up the fight against NKAPC after the NKY Home Builders and the NKY Tea Party were found to have cheated in their gathering of anti-NKAPC signatures. The City of Covington's Commission unanimously opposes Thayer's proposed legislation. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman 
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           TORNADO RECOVERY HEADLINES
The above photo was tweeted by John Calipari showing the "Kentucky Cares" t-shirts that are now on sale to the public to raise funds for the victims of last week's tornadoes. That's not all Coach Cal is doing for the effort: 
Wow! Five people have already matched my donation of $10,000 for the Kentucky Cares telethon. Let's not stop there. The next five people that match my donation of $10,000 will join Ellen and I for lunch and a tour of the New Wildcat Coal Lodge. That's 10 matching donations total. Remember, you can call 800-500-1513 or try 859-299-5455. Let's see how fast we can get five more matching donations. 
A Kentucky Cares phone bank has been set up Herald-Leader
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Campbell County added to list of disaster areas Press Release & FOX 19 
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Part of Piner tornado upgraded to EF4 status Local 12 
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Cleanup continues over the weekend NKY Spot
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Events to benefit tornado victims around NKY/Cincinnati Cincinnati Enquirer 
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SEE ALSO: WNKU Concert 
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Patrols cuts off potential looters Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Peach Grove still needs supplies for cleanup Cincinnati Enquirer 
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TV station visits lost Saint Mary's Church Local 12 
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Disaster center opens in West Liberty WBKO 
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SHOCKING, CHILLING VIDEO: A family's surveillance cameras outside their home capture the devastation caused by the tornado in West Liberty WKYT 
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Family left homeless gets car, camper Herald-Leader 
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Mother of survivors hopes to turn tragedy into testimony Herald-Leader 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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MAN INDICTED FOR KIDNAPPING, ROBBING COVINGTON BANK
A federal grand jury indicted Joseph Weir, 39: 
A break in the May robbery and abduction of the shopper came in February when a tipster told authorities that Weir was the man who held up a Huntington Bank branch on Madison Avenue in December. While Covington police interrogated Weir about the bank robbery, he implicated himself in the robbery and abduction, according to investigators.
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FORMER COVINGTON COMMISSIONER'S GRANDDAUGHTER GOES TO DC
Dixie Heights junior Elicia Elfers, whose father Tom Elfers (a 2010 candidate for Kenton County Commissioner) is the son of former Covington City Commissioner Wayne Elfers, is now headed into the family business of politics: 
The Dixie Heights High School junior is one of only 50 young women from across the nation selected to participate in Running Start’s National Young Women’s Political Leadership Program. Elicia was chosen for this year’s program from a pool of about 30,000 applicants. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Sarah Hardee 

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GEORGE CLOONEY TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS ON THE SUDAN
From The Hill:
Clooney is co-founder of the Satellite Sentinel Project, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that works to deter the "return to full-scale civil war between northern and southern Sudan" by documenting threats to human rights with satellite imagery and analysis.
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DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE LAUNCHES WEBSITE, PICKS UP LABOR ENDORSEMENT
Democrat Bill Adkins
From a press release: 
The Bill Adkins for Congress campaign has announced today that is has launched a new website featuring an announcement video and constituent sign-up pages for volunteers and includes a map of the newly drawn 4th Congressional District. The
new website can be found at http://billadkinscongress.com. “We are reaching out to
voters all across the 4th District and the website provides an easy vehicle for people to learn more and become involved in our campaign,” says Bill Adkins (D-Williamstown).
In addition, Bill Adkins has picked up the endorsement of the Louisville Central Labor Council who will now recommend him to the state AFL-CIO organization for full endorsement. The Louisville Central Labor Council represents approximately 30,000 working men and women in the Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt Counties. The Northern Kentucky Central Labor Council had previously recommended Adkins.
Adkins resides in Williamstown, located in Grant County, KY and is married with
7 children and one granddaughter. Adkins is an attorney in private practice, with
an office in Williamstown. He is President of the Grant County Bar Association, a
member of the Board of Directors of NKBA and is the Grant County Law Library
Treasurer. 
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FRANKFORT QUICKIES
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House could change funding for public colleges cn|2 
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State Rep. Dennis Keene (D-Wilder) fights human trafficking in Kentucky Dennis Keene 
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In case you missed Friday, the state senate had a hard time finding enough members to show up SRSLY Herald-Leader 
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Senate passes bill allowing students to change school districts WFPL 
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Attendees at an agriculture convention in 2008, when Richie Farmer was still in charge, got $60,000 worth of goodies Courier-Journal 
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Could $5 prevent tragedies in Kentucky waterways? cn|2 
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Go 'Cats, y'all!
GOVERNOR BESHEAR AND SENATE PRESIDENT WILLIAMS CATCH IRE FOR ATTENDING SEC TOURNAMENT IN WAKE OF DISASTER IN KENTUCKY. OH, AND THE TORNADOES, TOO. 
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UK TAKES ON FLORIDA TODAY IN SEC SEMIFINALS -- GO CATS!
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The ups and downs of UK's narrow win over LSU Herald-Leader 
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Fans of the old Metro Conference will be in Heaven tonight as Louisville takes on Cincinnati in the Big East Conference tournament championship. Game is at 9:00PM on ESPN. 
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Last night, President Bill Clinton watched Louisville upset Notre Dame: 
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BUT LET'S NOT FORGET ABOUT THE NKU NORSE
They start their final trip through the NCAA Division II tournament today in Louisville. Next year, the Norse are D-I!!!
Coverage: Here and here. Interactive bracker: Here.
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IS THIS THE WORST DERBY PROMOTION VIDEO IN HISTORY?
It's getting awful reviews on the interwebs:
Via Paulick Report 
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SEE ALSO: Churchill Downs raising prices for Derby & Oaks Days Courier-Journal 
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Speaking of the Derby, check out who may be this year's winner at Turfway Park... Hansen: 

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See some photos of Hansen here. 
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Want a horse of your own?
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From the Kentucky Horse Park: 
Meet the adoptable horse of the week, Sophie. She's sound, brave, friendly, and is moving well at walk, trot and canter in the training program at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center. Sophie is a 14.4-hand Mustang cross who loves people and barn cats. Please repost and help Sophie find a good home! For more information, go tohttp://kyhorsepark.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=4698%3Ahorse-of-the-week-sophie&Itemid=421 
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             HAVE A GREAT SATURDAY, COVINGTON!
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CONVICTED: A COKE AND A WHILE (IN PRISON) EDITION

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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This week at Kenton County Circuit Court saw multiple cocaine-related convictions. Additionally, that suspect with the neck tattoo is wanted again, this time for failing to appear. Here is this week's mugshot round-up: 




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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.   
This Week in Kenton Circuit Court
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SCHOOL BOARD ON COST-PER-PUPIL AS DISTRICT OPPOSITION MOBILIZES

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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EXCLUSIVE
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Vocal critics of Covington Independent Public Schools often cite the above-average cost-per-pupil within the district and its the lack of corresponding academic improvements. That criticism was first addressed by the district more than a week ago with the launch of a new interactive website that aims to explain how CIPS's budget works and where the money comes from and where it goes. It was also addressed at Thursday night's meeting of the Covington School Board while just blocks away a new citizens group called Fix Covington Schools was planning its next steps.
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Bill Grein, the district's assessment coordinator, explained that Covington's cost-per-pupil is high because of the additional state and federal money given to CIPS based on its low-income population and its high enrollment of students with special needs. "We have the only SIF (school improvement fund) grant in the country, $200,000 over three years," Greine said. "That gets added in. A math grant, a read to achieve grant, those are all added in."
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"We have to quit using this as an excuse for not having those kids succeed," argued board member Denise Varney. "Where is this per pupil money going? We just gave the teachers a one-percent raise and that was hard enough." Superintendent Lynda Jackson explained that the district still offers amenities now lost at many other schools like insuring that student athletes do not have to pay to play sports or for their warm-up uniforms and that when teams travel, the costs are absorbed by the district. And, "We have psychologists in about every school, school nurses," Jackson said. "We do have a lot of support staff because we have a lot of need."
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Grein, the former principal of Holmes High School, added that there are other costs the district takes on to aid the learning experience and to keep control of behavior in the schools, such as having three counselors at Holmes. "It would be great if these counselors were only working on college and career planning," he said. "They have two hundred kids moving in, two hundred kids moving out during the year. We have kids trying to meet their basic needs." CIPS's student population is the most impoverished in the state of Kentucky with the highest percentage of homeless children and kids that receive free or reduced lunch.
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"(But the spending) ultimately needs to affect student achievement," Varney continued. "Historically, we haven't done that. We can't keep saying 'they're transient, they're homeless'. These kids can learn. What is going to make these eighty-eight-percent free lunch kids learn? You got people moving out to Scott and Woodland to get out of Covington."
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As Grein was about to offer further explanation, starting with how the district has restructured the high school, board member Glenda Huff stopped the conversation. "There are some things (Varney) said that I agree with and some things (Varney) said that I don't agree with but we're not going to accomplish this tonight," Huff said. "This is something to schedule for a retreat and I think we should move on."
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Board chairman Mike Fitzgerald concurred. "(The critics) should bring forth a suggestion," Fitzgerald said. "As long as there are people out there with nothing constructive to say, they're just flapping their jaws."
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Meanwhile, those very critics were meeting at the exact same time just blocks away from the Board of Education building. Fix Covington Schools is the working title of a grassroots organization that materialized following several months of debate in online forums, including The River City News Facebook page. School Board member Krista Powers left the school board meeting early to attend. Covington City Commissioner Sherry Carran and philanthropist Oakley Farris were also present. One of the group's organizers, Everett Dameron, a former candidate for Covington school board emailed The River City News to say that there was "lots of good discussion" and that the group of seventeen people "left with the charge to spread the word".
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OTHER NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
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  • CIPS intends to enter into a partnership with the Carnegie Visual & Performing Arts Center for music and art instruction. The program, which would start in the 2012-13 academic year, would provide supplemental instruction for 35 weeks at the district's five elementary schools. The Carnegie would provide contracted teachers that would visit each school twice a week, once for music and once for visual art. The schools' media specialists would then expand upon the lessons. "I've been upset that we haven't been able to provide art and music teachers," Jackson said. "It's something we're missing in our elementary schools." The cost to the district wold be $60,000 annually.
  • The School Board honored the state champion 8th grade boys basketball team, the middle school wrestling team, the graduates of the adult high school, and the teacher, staff member, and volunteers of the month. For the photo gallery, click here.
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Friday, March 9, 2012

PHOTOS: THREE CELEBRATIONS AT COVINGTON SCHOOL BOARD

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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At Thursday's meeting of the Covington School Board, the state champions 8th grade boys basketball team, the winning middle school wrestling team, and seven graduates of the Covington Adult High School were all honored for their achievements. Plus, the Board recognized the teacher, staff member, and volunteers of the month! Check out the photos: 
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WRESTLING TEAM
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To see more photos, just click below! 
Click Here For More
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NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 9 MAR

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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COVINGTON WINS TV VOTE, WILL BE FEATURED ON KET
The popular KET program Kentucky Life has announced the winners that it will feature on an upcoming broadcast and Covington's Licking River cleanup project won! And so did Rabbit Hash: 
We must have a lot of fans in Northern Kentucky! Congrats to Covington Parks & Rec; we'll see you (and the Rabbit Hash folks) on March 24th for Commonwealth Cleanup! Thanks to everyone who sent in ideas and voted; we wish we could make it to all of the events. 
Kentucky Life @ Facebook  
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FILM FUNDRAISER FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER SUDDENLY CANCELLED
From NKY Emergency Shelter Director Rachael Winters:
The Emergency Shelter of NKY regrets to report that our fundraiser, "Night at the Movies" scheduled for March 13th has been canceled. The Rave theater, despite having a contract to show the movie "Being Flynn", now reports that the movie will not be coming to our local area. Our chair of the event, Cathy Kunkel-Mains along with many others, have put forth a great deal of effort to plan this event and we were devastated to hear this news. Our apologies to everyone who wanted to attend, who were selling tickets and who have already paid. We will be refunding all money collected for the fundraiser.  
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MAINSTRASSE VILLAGE DIRECTOR CHEERS ON RAPID GROWTH
Following the news that Piper's & Hamelin Square expect to open while Otto's and Bouquet are expanding, Mainstrasse Village Association Executive Director Kim Blank says this:
The growth MainStrasse Village is experiencing right now is exciting! Between the expansions of Otto's and Bouquet, and the addition of Goodfellows, Pipers and the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, 2012 is looking like a great year! The variety of great restaurants, shops, bars, special events and outdoor dining makes visiting MainStrasse Village a fun, unique experience for all ages! 
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GATEWAY PARTNERS WITH ADULT EDUCATION TO OFFER FREE GEDs
More good news from our growing community college: 
Gateway Community and Technical College will offer free GED tests, which usually cost $60, through June 30 or until funds are expended. The tests are sponsored by Kentucky Adult Education, a unit of the Council on Postsecondary Education, and the Department of Workforce Investment, an agency of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, using federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) incentive funding.
The free tests will be offered at Gateway’s Boone Campus, 500 Technology Way, Florence; Edgewood Campus, 790 Thomas More Parkway, Edgewood; and the Urban Center, 525 Scott Boulevard, Covington.
GED tests provide adults who did not finish high school an opportunity to demonstrate that they have attained high school-level academic knowledge and skills. To take the GED Exam in Kentucky, individuals must have a Kentucky address, pass the Official GED Practice Test through an approved Kentucky Adult Education center, and be 19 years of age or be withdrawn from school at least 90 days if you are under 19 years of age. If you cannot wait 90 days, you may request a waiver from your school superintendent.
For questions or scheduling, please call 859-442-1159. Accommodated testing is available for persons with documented disabilities. More information is available online at http://gateway.kctcs.edu/en/Academics/Testing_Services/GED.aspx. 
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           TORNADO HEADLINES
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Video from just after a tornado rips through Piner: 
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More video: Tornado approaches drivers on I-75 near Crittenden 
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Kenton County couple killed in tornado laid to rest Local 12 
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Kenton County announces weekend cleanup activities FOX 19 
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From Peach Grove: 
There is an immediate need for volunteers to help clear tornado debris from private property to the edge of roadways in the Peach Grove area to help with cleanup. The Pendleton County Emergency Management office has a coordinator at the rallying point at the North Pendleton Fire District, 5900 Ky. 154. People are asked to call ahead if they want to come out and volunteer, according to the Emergency Management office staff. To volunteer and coordinate your activities call the Emergency Management office at (859) 654-1930. 
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More Kentucky counties may get federal aid Courier-Journal 
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Can you believe that looting is a problem after these storms?
The people of Magoffin County have tried to pick up the pieces to the puzzles that have become their lives. Sheriff Carson Montgomery said some people are trying to make a bad situation even worse.
Montgomery said that the looting problem has gotten out of control and he had to have others come in to help with more than just clean up. He said people walk out with “about anything of value that they can carry” from cigarettes to sheet metal. 
WKYT 
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MEANWHILE, MEN ACCUSED OF STEALING FROM TORNADO VICTIMS TELL THEIR SIDE OF THE STORY:
"We was wanting in the tornado area to work so we went to the fire chief in East Bernstadt and asked him," says Roger Smith with RNS Tree Service. Smith claims he and his sons Roger D. Smith and Ricky Trenton had picked up debris in the area before, and this week was no different.
"It was a gravel road where we was at. A few pieces of tin in a ditch. Picked them up, put them in the back of the truck, state troopers pulled up." 
Riiiiiight...
WKYT  
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Those men are accused of stealing from victims in Laurel County which looks like this: 
Senator Mitch McConnell has more photos of Laurel County here. 
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West Liberty warehouse turned into school WKYT 
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West Liberty newspaper rises from rubble Herald-Leader 
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Visiting hours at West Liberty prison canceled Herald-Leader 
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Storm victims live out of campers WKYT 
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Facebook helps reunite victims with lost items Local 12 
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Photos from Day 7 of the aftermath Herald-Leader
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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AMOS SHINKLE HOUSE PROFILED IN CINCINNATI MAGAZINE
Check it out: 
This Covington Italianate townhome’s story began in 1854, when it was built for millionaire entrepreneur Amos Shinkle. Credited with bringing gas street lights to Covington and founding the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky, Shinkle is most famous for helping finance the Roebling Suspension Bridge. Although Shinkle lived in several Covington-area homes throughout his life, this one is thought to be the only one still standing. 
More on its history at the link. 
Cincinnati Magazine  
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FRANKFORT QUICKIES
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Senate bill would amend Constitution on redistricting WFPL 
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HEMP PROMOTED AS A KENTUCKY CASH CROP!
Yes, please: 
Most Kentucky political leaders have dismissed the issue in the past because of fears that voters might somehow conclude that they’re also pro-marijuana. But the issue was a centerpiece in last year’s race for agriculture commissioner, which was won decisively by Republican Jamie Comer, a hemp proponent. 
Wait, so these guys can go down there and accomplish jack-nothing but what they fear is that people may think they're "pro-marijuana"? Ah, Kentucky... how I love you so. 
AP via Courier-Journal  
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Senate bill would change Attorney General office to a nonpartisan one WFPL 
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Senate panel approves bill regulating pain clinics Bluegrass Politics 
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Nursing home lawsuit review bill to get further study Herald-Leader 
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Legislature could revise meth bill next year cn|2 
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GOP boycotts committee hearing because drug tests-for-welfare bill would not be heard cn|2 
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Senate panel passes prescription drug bill WKYT 
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Damaged Land Between the Lakes bridge will reopen by Memorial Day Press Release 
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SENATE PRESIDENT SKIPS PART OF SESSION TO ATTEND UK GAMES
I'm conflicted on this one. I'd leave work to attend the SEC tournament, too: 

Williams, who will skip Friday's legislative session, on Thursday defended the hours he works as a state legislator.
Williams, R-Burkesville, said the Senate initially wanted to skip meeting on Friday to "save a day" in the legislative calendar to work on the state budget, but the House chose to meet Friday morning. 
Herald-Leader/Jack Brammer  
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        UK BEGINS MARCH TOWARD SEC TOURNAMENT CROWN TODAY
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LSU promises to be a physical threat Herald-Leader 
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Big Blue Nation takes over the Big Easy WKYT 
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UK is behind the monstrous Anthony Davis billboard near New Orleans arena (Slick move, Cats!) Herald-Leader 
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Anthony Davis poised to break another UK record Herald-Leader 
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Calipari gives Cats time to breathe Coach Cal 
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Derek Anderson says 1996 Cats could beat this year's team Vaught's Views
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Guest speaker inspires UK team Herald-Leader
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President Obama to watch NCAA tournament games in Dayton FOX 19 
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IS EVERY BILLIONAIRE A COLLEGE DROPOUT?
Why, oh, why did I stay in school?
Ueltschi, a pilot who dropped out of the University of Kentucky to start a flight school, is one of the world's oldest millionaires. His pilot-training firm, FlightSafety International , which went public in 1968 and was sold to Berkshire Hathaway for $1.5 billion in 1996, Forbes reported. 
Business First 
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MORE HEADLINES
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Kentucky's jobless rate drops below 9% Press Release & KY Post 
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But, US jobless claims rise a bit Business First 
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Toyota recalls more than 600,000 vehicles Business First 
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Ford creates reality show for launch of new Escape (made in Louisville) Ad Age 
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Kentucky company pulls ads from Rush Limbaugh radio show WBKO 
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Lawsuit filed against Kentucky coal company Herald-Leader 
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Sen. Rand Paul says his budget would balance the books in five years Press Release 
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WOULD YOU LIKE A FLORENCE FREEDOM PLAYER TO LIVE WITH YOU?
Now's your chance: 
Freedom players aren’t paid a lot of money and when they get to Florence, they stay with families who open their homes, Brown said.
Potential hosts are often worried they can’t provide for players for a season, but the requirements are simple, she said. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Justin B. Duke  
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ANOTHER STAR FILLY GIVES BIRTH -- ZENYATTA IS A MAMA!
From the champion's "diary":
My adorable foal weighed in at 130 pounds, has a white star on his forehead….and some white on his feet. As Ann commented when she saw him, “he has polka dots on his feet, Zennie, just like YOU.” 
The new colt is so cute! Check him out at the link. 
Zenyatta  
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SEE ALSO: 94 fillies nominated for this year's Kentucky Oaks Courier-Journal

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/03/08/2100726/david-williams-skipping-senate.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy
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Thursday, March 8, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 8 MAR

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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MAYOR SCHEPER WARNS OF LAYOFFS WITHOUT NEW UNION CONTRACTS
Covington Mayor Chuck Scheper continued his meetings with neighborhood associations Wednesday night during the monthly gathering of the Residents of Mainstrasse. Scheper updated the progress of his 10-point plan and "brutal facts", admitting that he would not meet his goal of a new contract with the public employee unions within sixty days. He also said that without the new contracts, layoffs would likely be the end result. Additionally, the internal reviews at City Hall have begun; And did you know - the C+V=G logo was one of three proposed? Click the link for an update from Mayor Chuck Scheper. 
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COMMISSIONER UNVEILS PLANS FOR GOEBEL PARK
At the same ROMA meeting Wednesday night, Commissioner Steve Casper, who's running for mayor, talked of his plans to redevelop Goebel Park. Casper called the park a treasured but underutilized asset and he hopes to make is a destination for Covingtonians and visitors alike. The commissioner would like to see a large fountain installed that would also serve as a seasonal ice skating rink, calling it a mini-Bellagio fountain complete with music and lights. The rink could also host public hockey games. "The benefit would be to enhance traffic to the Mainstrasse businesses while remaining respectful to the residents," Casper said. 
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ALSO: At the ROMA meeting, Covington Police provided its monthly crime report for the neighborhood. Some of the highlights (...lowlights?):
  • A car flipped on its top on York Street and the occupants attempted to flee on foot. The driver was arrested for DUI and was discovered to have cocaine in his pocket.
  • A suspect approached a would-be victim, gestured toward a gun in his pocket and said "give me all you got". The would-be victim was able to run away and police located the suspect, arrested him, and discovered that the weapon was a BB gun.
  • Two guys were reported to have been smoking weed in the back of a building on Craig Street and fled on foot when officers arrived. They were later caught under the railroad trestle between Russell & Washington Streets where it was discovered that one suspect was wanted on an indecent exposure charge.
  • Police received a report of an injured raccoon near the 500 block of West 7th Street. An officer responded, placed the raccoon in an adjacent alley, and shot it.
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BOUQUET, OTTO'S EXPANDING ON MAIN STREET
In another good sign of economic progress in Covington, two of Mainstrasse's newer and more popular restaurants are growing at the same time and one owner at least partially credits the work-together attitude of the neighborhood for the success. Click the link for details -- including how one owner is giving up his apartment upstairs to make room for more seats!
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LEAGUE OF CITIES PANICKING OVER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, POLICE
The scandal-plagued Kentucky League of Cities, of which Covington is a member, is urging city leaders to fight collective bargaining and the police officer bill of rights: 
Senate Bill 169 expands the police officer bill of rights to apply the procedures to all complaints against a police officer, not just complaints made by citizens. This would make the statute applicable to internal disciplinary matters initiated by the police chief or city management related to violations of departmental rules and regulations. The legislation would also require the city to allow a requesting police officer to have an attorney present during any interrogation concerning alleged misconduct, including violations of departmental rules and regulations. Additionally, the bill extends the time for notice of a hearing from 72 hours to 10 days if charges are filed. 
And: 
House Bill 492 would require any city that is a member and pays dues to a "public entity" as defined by KRS 65.310 to bargain collectively with unions representing all employees on issues including wages, works schedules, and other conditions of employment. Collective bargaining would be governed by the same terms and conditions established in state law for Louisville police officers, including selection of exclusive representatives, conduct of elections, unfair labor practices, dispute resolution procedures, and the prohibition against strikes. 
KLC clutches their pearls 
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SEE ALSO: Kentucky hospital forced to rehire employee that was fired after she tried to organize a union for the workers Courier-Journal 
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SEE ALSO: A civil right to unionize The New York Times 
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FRANKFORT QUICKIES
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Senator Jack Westwood, who represents much of Covington, opposes Governor Beshear's new tax task force WFPL 
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University cuts approved in state budget passed by House Herald-Leader 
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              TORNADO HEADLINES
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Covington Fire Department went down to help in Piner Local 12 
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Widow returns to scene of husband's death Local 12 
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Four charged with stealing metal from storm victims Herald-Leader 
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SEE ALSO: Disaster fraud task force Press Release 
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Kentucky tornado cut a 95-mile trench CNN 
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Crittenden family lost home, horses Local 12 
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Some schools condemned, others remain closed Herald-Leader 
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Governor commends overwhelming response Press Release 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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KENTUCKY MAN HEADED TO AUSTRALIAN PRISON
What? You're not allowed to go overseas and strap a fake bomb to a woman's neck?
The letter stated that the case was boobie-trapped and could only be opened safely if they complied with his terms and conditions.
"For the avoidance of any doubt, I am a former special forces green beret munitions specialist and have constructed such devices for over 20 years," the letter stated.
"SO, ACT NOW, THINK LATER, or YOU will inadvertently trigger a tragically avoidable explosion known in the American armed forces, as a BRIAN DOUGLAS WELLS event."
The letter also warned not to tamper with the device or its combination buttons, otherwise it would result in an explosion.
"You will be provided with detailed Remittance Instructions to transfer a Defined Sum once you acknowledge and confirm receipt of this message," the letter stated. 
You're gonna want to read the whole thing. 
News.com  
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QUICKIES
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Kentucky Presidential primary could matter Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Toyota changes North American leadership Business Courier 
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11,000 Kentucky Alzheimer's patients live alone WFPL 
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Lawsuits follow Amazon after Zappo's hacked Business First 
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SEC all but surrendering to 'Cats Herald-Leader 
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UK rarely played from behind Herald-Leader 
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Tournament fever hits Bowling Green WBKO 
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Western Kentucky coach believed in Hilltoppers Courier-Journal
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High School: Host families make life sweeter for Sweet 16 teams WBKO 
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BOWLING GREEN BRINGS FARMING TO THE CITY
Interesting: 
They're building a greenhouse and clearing two plots of land for seniors and children to garden. The greenhouse will grow fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and cabbage. Residents can help out by buying the fresh produce. 
WBKO 
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James Bond's car to be on display in Cincinnati FOX 19 
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Taco Bell rolls out new Doritos shells Business First 
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And then there's this. Watch it, and then see how fast you switch razor brands: 
And he means it.
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