360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, April 21, 2012

PHOTOS: GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN-UP IN COVINGTON

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
Volunteers from across Covington braved a steady, cold mist and gray skies Saturday to brighten up an unwelcome gloomy morning. Keep Covington Beautiful led the charge for the city's participation in the Great American Clean-up. The River City News visited volunteers in Mainstrasse, Roebling Point, and at Baker-Hunt Arts & Cultural Center. Photos from the event are below. 
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SEE ALSO: The Friends of Peaselburg neighborhood association shared photos of its efforts at Facebook -- click here 
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SEE ALSO: The Helentown Neighborhood has also shared its photos on Facebook -- click here 
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SEE ALSO: A photo from South Covington click here
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LOTS MORE PHOTOS BELOW, JUST CLICK THE LINK!
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NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY MORNING 21 APR

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
DID YOU MISS...
A BUSY FRIDAY FULL OF HEADLINES?
An exclusive interview with the third candidate running for Mayor of Covington whose platform includes promoting tourism and fighting what she calls the "homosexual agenda"; 
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The City of Covington is closing one city pool while keeping open two more... for now; 
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Report: Five patients died of drug overdoses in the care of the Florence doctor that wants to open a methadone clinic in Covington; 
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Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus: "We don't have to provide a 911 service"; 
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Click the link below and get caught up!
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   KEEP COVINGTON BEAUTIFUL
If you are not already out in the neighborhoods helping the local effort of the Great American Clean-up, go join! The city-wide clean-up goes until noon today with larger efforts at Goebel Park and the Police Memorial. 
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SEE ALSO: Governor Beshear proclaims next week "Earth Week" press release
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   RALLY IN COVINGTON TODAY INSPIRED BY 
    TRAYVON MARTIN SHOOTING IN FLORIDA
The shooting death of a Florida teenager at the hands of a neighborhood watch leader has ignited debate across the country and now several people in Covington are organizing a rally for this afternoon:
The Covington community is invited to convene for a rally to discuss community issues and Kentucky’s Castle Doctrine, which is similar to the Florida law that has been used as a reason not to arrest, and suggested as a defense, in the case of George Zimmerman, who shot Martin in a situation that Zimmerman appeared to have started.
Confirmed guest speakers and performers include:
  • Jerome Bowles- President, Northern Kentucky NAACP
  • Ms. Bennie Doggett- President, East Side Neighborhood Association
  • Bishop Nerrick Jackson-Founder, Grace of God Ministries
  • Kris Nevels-Attorney, Nevels Law Office
  • Vibe-One-Owner, E.S.A Entertainer/Producer
The rally is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Randolph Park, 8th and Greenup Street, Covington, Kentucky 41011. It will run from 3-5:30 p.m. 
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Meanwhile, there's a neo-Nazi rally today in Frankfort Barefoot & Progressive
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CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP
Who's going to prison and who got probation this week at Kenton County Circuit Court? Your weekly mugshot round-up is at the link. Click it. 

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COVINGTON QUICKIES 
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Vision 2015 is looking for artists to work on murals Vision 2015  
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Covington Independent Public Schools staff presents at national conference Facebook 
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St. John's Congregational Church in Botany Hills will celebrate its 120th anniversary next month Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Covington Police host career day with students from John G. Carlisle, St. Augustine, and Holy Cross Facebook 
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Survey shows decline in tobacco and alcohol use by local teens WKRC
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HOLMES HIGH SCHOOL BAND:
From the schools: 

The High School Concert Band and High School Symphonic Band performed in the KMEA Band Performance Assessment today at Ryle High School. Both ensembles played very well and had many compliments of the performances. We are happy to report that the: High School Concert Band received a Proficient RatingHigh School Symphonic band received a Proficient Rating. Please congratulate the band members on a job very well done.  
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    IS IT FINALLY OVER IN FRANKFORT? 
It appears that the special session of the Kentucky General Assembly has come to a close. Governor Beshear offers his thanks: 
“I am thrilled, and Kentuckians should be as well, that the General Assembly joined with me in taking a giant step forward in addressing one of the biggest problems facing our people – prescription drug abuse. House Bill 1, passed in the special session today, gives us an aggressive, broad spectrum of policies needed to fight this problem on multiple fronts.
I’m also pleased that lawmakers passed a Transportation budget bill, needed for funding necessary projects around the state. I placed only two items in the special session call, and the legislature responded by passing both in the shortest possible time.
Even though the final version of the prescription drug bill doesn’t include every element we had hoped, it is an enormous bipartisan accomplishment, and it restores Kentucky as a leading state in innovative tactics in battling prescription drug abuse. The elements of the bill will also help prevent Kentucky from becoming a source state for prescription pills. 
Read the full statement here. 

SEE ALSO: Legislature ends special session cn|2 
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    NKU BASEBALL COACH IS HERO WHEN TRUCK  
        DRIVER SUFFERS HEART ATTACK
NKU pitching coach Dizzy Peyton
via
From WLWT
Northern Kentucky University's baseball team had just left for a trip to a game in Indiana when they noticed a semi-trailer's driver slumped over the wheel of his truck, which was inching along U.S. 27.
Two of the team's coaches sprang into action.
"We jumped up on the step and I beat on the window for a second and no response, then figured a brake is a brake, so we stepped on the brake got it stopped, and our athletic trainer came over to assess what was going on," said Dizzy Peyton, pitching coach.
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LOTS OF AIRPORT NEWS TODAY...
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State Rep. Dennis Keene (D-Wilder) says he is courting a low cost carrier for CVG Business Courier 
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CVG looks to offset reduced flights Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Airport reinvention is underway Cincinnati Enquirer 
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   KENTUCKY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ISSUES RULINGS ON CASES
At its headquarters in Louisville, Ky., the board ruled to accept three conciliation agreements, dismiss 31 complaints with findings of no probable cause to believe discrimination occurred, accept four case withdrawals giving complainants the right to file private suits, and accept three withdrawals where parties reached private settlements once the complaints were filed with the commission. 
Full details on the cases here. 

SEE ALSO: Lexington t-shirt company prepares defense in discrimination case Herald-Leader 
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QUICKIES
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Local celebrity chef Jean-Robert de Cavel was arrested for DUI Cincinnati Enquirer 
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TV show seeks locals to appear on Amish-themed reality program CityBeat 

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Nationally, Lexington buys the most e-readers Herald-Leader 
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     PRESIDENT OBAMA & GEORGE CLOONEY
Want a chance to hang out with both of these men at the same time? Click Here 
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          THE WILDCATS ARE COMING TO NORTHERN KENTUCKY!
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Anthony Davis to visit Florence Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Six Wildcats making local appearances Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Nerlens Noel's UK notebook ESPN 
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Rick Pitino names horses after star players ESPN 
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CINCINNATI MAYOR MARK MALLORY STILL WEARS DREDS FROM TV SHOW
LOL: 
Long after filming the reality show Undercover Boss it has been revealed that Mayor Mark Mallory continues to make use of the dreadlocks wig from the show. The wig is reportedly being used at least weekly by the Mayor, alarming many in his inner circle. 
Derf Magazine (satire) 

CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP 21 APR

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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The following people are among a long list from this week's activity in Kenton County Circuit Court. Some are going to prison while others are on probation or in the felony diversion program. A few more are still wanted for failing to appear in court: 




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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, April 20, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 20 APR

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
REPORT: FIVE DIED OF OVERDOSES IN DR. GARY SHEARER'S CARE
A doctor who is a partner in the methadone clinic that is expected to open in the former Save-a-Lot grocery store space on Madison Avenue saw his Florence office raided by the DEA and FBI this week and WCPO has new information on possibly why
At least five of Dr. Gary Shearer's patients have died in Boone County of drug overdoses in the last two years. (snip) 
"He didn't even look at her, he didn't make eye contact with her. All he did was fill out prescriptions, he did not touch her, he did not listen to her symptoms, and I was disgusted," said Amy.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE THIRD CANDIDATE FOR COVINGTON MAYOR
Meet the third candidate for Covington Mayor, Dara McDowell. In an interview with The RC News, McDowell explains her campaign issues which include combating what she calls the "homosexual agenda" and promoting tourism. Click it. 
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ONE COVINGTON POOL TO CLOSE, TWO TO STAY OPEN... FOR NOW
The City closes one swimming pool and will demolish it in the coming weeks. The two remaining pools in the city will open this year... but next year? Details at the link. 
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ARLINGHAUS: WE DON'T HAVE TO PROVIDE A 911 SERVICE
Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus spoke to FOX 19 about the county's efforts to pay for taking over Covington's 911 emergency dispatch center: 
Arlinghaus said, "We don't have to provide a 911 service. As crazy as that sounds, it's true. But, we feel it is our obligation to do so and we will. However, the money has to come from somewhere". 
A $35 per vehicle fee is on the table: 



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NEW MANAGER OF COVINGTON FARMERS MARKET SPEAKS AT CBC LUNCHEON
Ryan Grayson, a Mainstrasse resident, will serve as the Covington Farmers Market manager this season. 
Ryan Grayson
For more photos from the Covington Business Council Luncheon, click here
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QUICKIES
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More counties gain than lose in new roads plan from state Courier-Journal 
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Bank of Kentucky reports 39% jump in net income Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Cincinnati is all about the bourbon (welcome to the party) Cincinnati Enquirer 
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New Covington burger joint gets some love from CityBeat Twitter 
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Kentucky family finds cat one week after house fire WKYT 
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KENTUCKY HEADLINE OF THE DAY
"Louisville Grandma Calls Police on Self, Threatens to Urinate on Grandchild"
SRSLY
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A GARDENING PROJECT DESIGN SPECIFICALLY FOR COVINGTON
Just kidding. Sort of: 
While you and your friends might sell beer bottles to acquire more beer, or use them to build wicked steampunk goggles, the Cumberland County Recycling Center is grinding them up to make cheap mulch and road salt. Wait: That's actually possible? Hell yeah, it is, and here's how it works. 
The Atlantic Cities 
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    HAPPY FRIDAY, COVINGTON!

ONE POOL CLOSES, TWO TO STAY OPEN FOR NOW

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
Gus Sheehan Pool in Botany Hills
The City of Covington informed neighbors in Botany Hills Thursday night that Senator Gus Sheehan Pool would be closed permanently and demolished in the coming weeks. "We have been lucky for many years that we've been able to stretch its life," said Natalie Garnder, Covington's recreation director. "We've been putting a band-aid on it for ten years." Concrete swimming pools are typically usable for twenty years and Sheehan Pool is now over thirty years old. A letter to neighbors read: 
City staff has examined the possibility of purchasing certain new mechanical equipment but this option is not possible due to problems associated with retrofitting older, existing equipment with newer parts in addition to requiring complete replacement of the majority of the current mechanical systems and piping. Another major concern was the discovery of unknown sub-surface settling issues beneath the pool. During the 2011 season, the filtration room floor sunk several inches raising concerns not only about the condition of the pool's water lines but also the 36" diameter sanitary sewer main that runs directly beneath the pool. 
For public safety reasons, the pool has to go. "The City has been working to identify partners whose business is providing recreation activities (like the YMCA)," said City Manager Larry Klein. "We envision a year-round recreation facility with an indoor pool. It would take more than the City alone but there's strengths in partnerships." 
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Meanwhile, the children of Botany Hills (formerly West Covington) could possibly be bused to Goebel Pool in Mainstrasse, a location that is often already at its capacity and is also beyond its originally projected lifespan. Unlike Sheehan's concrete, Goebel's foundation is made of aluminum which lasts longer. Klein and Gardner told The River City News that while Goebel will open this summer, its future could very much be in doubt. 
Randolph Park Pool in the Eastside
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The same is true across town at Randolph Park Pool in the Eastside which is also beyond its projected lifespan and whose concrete base is also in dire need of repair. A generous $50,000 donation from the Housing Authority of Covington will allow that pool to open this summer. Sheehan Pool joins one in Austinburg as Covington pools shut down in recent years due to the high cost of maintaining and replacing obsolete equipment. 

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The Botany Hills pool was suffering from more than neglect to its infrastructure, however. "I had to deal with more patron issues (at Sheehan) than at Goebel Park and Randolph Park combined," Gardner said. The pool is often a target of graffiti and was forced to open late six or seven days last season because of a large amount of trash thrown in the water, Gardner said. 

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"None of us wanted to do it because it was so painful but this pool is at the top of the list (of pools that need to be closed)," said City Commissioner Sherry Carran, a Botany Hills resident. Other neighbors weighed in on what could become of the secluded space at the end of Parkway Avenue with suggestions ranging from a dog park to volleyball courts. The City expressed interest in developing what it calls "passive recreation" that requires little equipment and therefor little maintenance. Two basketball courts on the site are also in decline and in need of resurfacing and nets for the hoops. 

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Sanitation District 1 will have to investigate the sewer pipe underneath Sheehan Pool to determine if it needs to be replaced before any other plans move forward.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

MORALITY AND TOURISM TOP MAYORAL CANDIDATE MCDOWELL'S AGENDA

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
Dara McDowell
Dara McDowell believes she felt God calling on her to run for Mayor of Covington and plans to run her underdog campaign in the same low-profile, low-cost vein as her unsuccessful 2010 race against Steve Arlinghaus for Kenton County Judge-Executive. Originally, McDowell hoped to focus primarily on economic issues, job creation, and tourism but when she attended Mayor Chuck Scheper's state of the city address in January her attention was jolted elsewhere. 
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"What I see, what I'm afraid of is that it's not only being condoned, it's being promoted," McDowell said in an interview Thursday with The River City News. It is what the Monte Casino mother of eight refers to as the homosexual agenda. A reference to sexual orientation by Scheper while highlighting the city's diversity during his January speech motivated McDowell to change her campaign's focus. "I'm concerned about leaving behind a town for my children, for all children, that is pro-homosexual agenda." 
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"Most moms don't want to put kids in that environment," she said.
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In addition to social issues McDowell offers up some ideas for economic development. While running for Judge-Executive two years ago tourism was a high campaign priority and it will be again as the mayoral primary approaches in May. "There is so much wasted potential in Covington," she said. "When I ran for judge my heart was in Covington, I was going to focus on Covington. I was going to do I all I could do as judge." One key factor in that plan is propping up the international airport. 
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"We have a direct flight to Paris now," she said. "I would invite people from France to come here and open businesses."
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McDowell and her husband, Jeff, operate A-1 Limousines and home-school their children who range in age from four to sixteen (with a 28-year old who lives outside the home) and attend the Bridge Church in Wilder. She was a resident of Taylor Mill in the 2010 election but moved to Covington shortly after. "There is so much wasted potential in Covington but the potential is amazing," she said. "Downtown has been vacated. We need to come back to an urban renaissance. There are so many beautiful old buildings. It adds to the quality of life to be able to walk or bike to everything you need." She added that jobs can be opened up through tourism which is bolstered by improving the airport. 
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But the issue at the top of her priority list is morality. "(Homosexuality) is a choice," McDowell said. "I think it's important to respect choices, but to promote it? I see the undercurrent of that (in Covington)." In 2003, Covington passed a human rights ordinance that makes it one of three cities in Kentucky to offer protection to its gay citizens from discrimination. McDowell said Thursday that she would oppose gay pride festivals in the city which has held such an event the past two years. "I see what happens at gay pride parades and I don't want them in my town," she said. 
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"The homosexual agenda, the people who are pro-homosexual agenda can see there needs to be some protections for children," McDowell said. 
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McDowell often debates the issue of morality with college students in an online forum that she moderates titled What is Truth?. McDowell recently became a mentor at Covington Independent Public Schools, taking a cue from Mayor Scheper. "I like Mayor Scheper, his proactive approach," she said. "I love how he's involved in mentoring." Scheper's term ends at the end of the year and McDowell faces two established city commissioners in her bid to replace him: Sherry Carran and Steve Casper, two experienced campaigners and 2010's top two vote-getters. 
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McDowell is no stranger to taking on the challenge of an uphill election battle. In 2010, in her effort to upset Arlinghaus, the Orlando, Florida native spent only $600 and publicly campaigned for just three days. She garnered more than 9,000 votes or roughly 25% as an independent. (There was no Democrat in that race and Arlinghaus is a Republican.) McDowell does not expect to raise much more money than she did in 2010 but intends to start knocking on doors soon. 
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"I'm a mom and a citizen and I want to leave behind a town in tact," she said, "a growing, prosperous town for my kids and their contemporaries."

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY AFTERNOON 19 APR

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
UPDATE:
Covington City Commissioner Steve Casper reports at The River City News Facebook page:
Last night's action by HAC was only the 1st step, by passing a resolution instructing the Director to speak with the City Mgr to finalize the contribution. Today after communication as directed, the money is forthcoming with much appreciation!!! When the planning process begins for Lincoln Grant I'm confident HAC will help play a role in it. Yes, Charlene many share your same concerns and desires for the school to be brought back as a viable piece of the Eastside community, the City will do everything in its power to make that happen. 
That comment is in response to Wednesday's story:
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HAC: $5OK DONATION TO KEEP POOL OPEN WITH STRINGS ATTACHED
A second pool faces closure this season, but the Housing Authority of Covington wants to come to the rescue with a $50,000 donation to the City. But there are strings attached related to the redevelopment of an historic Covington structure. Click it. 
The River City News 


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METHADONE CLINIC COMING TO COVINGTON DESPITE CITY'S FIGHT
FOX 19 visited Covington to follow up on the forthcoming methadone clinic story which would be co-owned by the Florence doctor whose officers were raided this week. In the report, FOX 19 talks with City Manager Larry Klein


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MISSING COVINGTON SOLDIER WILL FINALLY HAVE MEMORIAL
Army Corporal Dan Alfred was 22-years old when his Latonia family learned that he was declared missing in action during the Korean War. Ever since, his brother has maintained a mission to find him: 
Now 78, Jack Alfred flies a black and white POW-MIA flag outside his Villa Hills home. He proudly carried the flag at recent Veterans Day events, and for the past eight years, Jack and his wife, Flo, have attended annual government briefings in Washington, D.C. to learn the latest about the 8,300 Americans who remain missing from the Korean War.
“We never had a memorial service,” Jack Alfred said. “I think we were hoping they’d find something, just anything.”
On Thursday, the last surviving relative of Cpl. Dan Oliver Alfred will pay tribute to the big brother he idolized with a memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Read this entire moving story at the link. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Cindy Schroeder
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KENTUCKY GETS $101.7 MILLION IN TOBACCO SETTLEMENT MONEY
The annual payday from the 1998 settlement between tobacco manufacturers and the states has arrived again: 
“The money Kentucky receives each year from the MSA provides funding for many invaluable programs –from agriculture to education,” General Conway said. “My office continues to closely monitor and enforce the agreement and stands ready to defend actions brought to challenge it in both state and federal courts.”
Under the MSA, the tobacco companies agreed to make annual payments in perpetuity to the settling states, to fund a national foundation dedicated to significantly reducing the use of tobacco products by youth and to abide by certain restrictions on promotional and lobbying activity. Kentucky’s share of the settlement is approximately $3.45 billion over the first 25 years. Payments are determined according to a formula that is calculated, in part, by the number of cigarettes sold by companies that have agreed to join the settlement. This year’s payment totals $101.7 million. 
press release 
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FRANKFORT & POLITICS HEADLINES
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The Governor taketh away and a senate committee giveth back The chess match between Governor Beshear and Senator Williams continues. Bluegrass Politics 
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Prescription drug pill bill delayed again WFPL 
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Senate committee approves transportation budget WBKO 
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Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore gets NKY Right to Life endorsement cn|2  
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You know how every Kentuckian named John Y. Brown (insert number here) is a Democrat? Not young John Y. Brown IV The Recovering Politician 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
THE COVINGTON COMET WILL BE HONORED IN OHIO ON SATURDAY
The man known as The Covington Comet will be honored at Eldora Speedway Saturday where he won his most famous race before dying two months later in another race. If you don't know the story of Stan Bowman, who grew up on Greenup Street, and whose death paved the way for the rise of Mario Andretti, click the link.

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THURSDAY MORNING HEADLINES
Friends of murder victim from Covington relieved that woman involved in killing will stay in prison; Two pools in the city are now being discussed for closing; Plus, get ready to gleek out: a fictional Glee character is coming to school in Kentucky. Click it. 
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KENTUCKY DERBY POSTER UNVEILED BY GOVERNOR BESHEAR
From a press release: 
This year’s poster features a photograph by John Stephen Hockensmith, in which he captures the undefeated thoroughbred Barbaro as he rounds Churchill Downs’ first turn on his way to winning the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
“We are honored to continue this time-honored tradition of unveiling the commemorative Derby poster,” said Gov. Beshear. “This artwork exemplifies the excitement and enthusiasm that surrounds the greatest two minutes in sports and serves as a wonderful memento for the public.”
Barbaro’s 2006 Derby margin of victory was the biggest since Triple Crown winner Assault won in 1946. 
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RELATED: Storied Calumet Farms in for sale... or is it?
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CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM HOLY CROSS'S 2-0 VICTORY OVER NEWCATH IN THE 9TH REGIONAL ALL A BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP NKY Sports Blog 
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UK'S NATIONAL CHAMPION BASKETBALL TEAM WAS HONRED BY THE US SENATE TODAY Courier-Journal 
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SEE ALSO: Nerlens Noel officially signs with UK today Coach Cal 
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STUDY: 38% OF PEOPLE ACTUALLY NOT ENTITLED TO THEIR OPINION
LOL: 
"While people have long asserted that it takes all kinds, our research shows that American society currently has a drastic oversupply of the kinds who don't have any good or worthwhile thoughts whatsoever. We could actually do just fine without them." 
The Onion