360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, July 28, 2012

SEARCH FOR MISSING COVINGTON TEEN RESUMES SUDDENLY IN KNOX CO

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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Paige Johnson
It has been nearly two years since Covington teenager Paige Johnson disappeared, but even now signs with her picture on them still pop up in windows across town as some hold on to hope that she may still be found. On Thursday evening this week, however, what had seemed like a cold case reemerged with the urgency as when the case was new. The Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Office tells the story:
Late Thursday evening, Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders was contacted by a prosecutor from the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio about information obtained by Ohio law enforcement resulting in a possible new lead in the investigation into the disappearance of 17 year old Paige Johnson of Florence. The phone call resulted in an early morning meeting between Sanders, Covington Police Detective Bryan Frodge, and representatives from the US Attorneys Office, Hamilton County Prosecutors Office, Norwood (OH) Police, and the US Secret Service. By lunchtime, three prosecutors, three detectives, and four Secret Service Agents were departing on a three hour drive to a farm just outside of Barbourville in Knox County, Kentucky, in hopes of finding Paige.

Upon arriving in Knox County, the contingent of local authorities were met by Knox County Commonwealth's Attorney Jackie Steele, Barbourville Police, Knox County Sheriff's Dept, and KY State Police. Investigators pinpointed the exact location provided in the new lead and found it was actually in a wooded area just off of KY229, near the farm. An evidence collection team of Troopers from KSP Post 10 in Harlan led the search as investigators looked for anything that might resemble a shallow grave. Law enforcement officers cleared a very large area of brush and overgrowth. After sifting through bucket after bucket of dirt turned up nothing, a backhoe was called in to slowly unearth the entire area. Before the search ended, shortly after midnight, investigators had dug 6 to 8 feet deep in an area about the size of an Olympic swimming pool with no luck in finding any sign of Paige.

Sanders called the search "frustrating in its' lack of fruition, but impressive in scope, cooperation, and effort." Sanders said the information received was obviously not accurate in its exact location but he would not rule out the possibility Paige Johnson's body is in Knox County. "Paige could still be close by but I assure you she's not where we were lead to believe," said Sanders. "About thirty prosecutors, police officers, sheriff's deputies, state troopers, and Secret Service agents, along with the Knox County Coroner and his brother, gave up their Friday nights to dig up that land without hesitation. We even had KSP troopers who lived nearby stop and pitch in on their own time," said Sanders.

Covington Police Chief Spike Jones said: "I want to sincerely thank every agency and their personnel who contributed to this effort. A great many resources were devoted to this search but they were not wasted. As we approach the two year anniversary of Paige's disappearance, it's important for the public and Paige's family to know we have not given up! Most importantly, the person or persons out there who know where Paige is need to realize we will not give up till we bring Paige home!" Sanders and Jones both emphasized that anyone with information about Paige's whereabouts would be much better off coming forward now to assist authorities, rather than waiting to be caught.

Paige Johnson went missing September 23, 2010. Anyone with information should call Covington Police at (859) 292-2222 or contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. 
***Note: The specific information received by Ohio law enforcement is part of an on-going, unrelated investigation that could be compromised by further comment. As such, no additional details on the nature and/or source of the information will be released.***

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 28 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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FOOD TRUCK EVENT EARNS ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION, HIGH ATTENDANCE
Covington's first foray into food trucks was a blast, with hundreds of orders taken Friday afternoon by the five trucks. The Food Truck Invasion, sponsored by Renaissance Covington and the BLDG was to introduce the City to that type of food vendor as the city commission prepares to relax zoning laws that previously prohibited them. When able to open full-time, the trucks will likely appear around parts of Downtown Covington that do not have a lot of food choices, such as where the IRS is located. The operator of one food truck was surprised at how well-attended the event was and told The River City News that she can't wait to return to Covington. PHOTOS:
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NOTES FROM THE COVINGTON SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
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Budget to be discussed
The School Board will have an extensive session on August 9 to discuss the budget for the upcoming school year. "You will all be pleased with where we are financially at the end of the year," said superintendent Lynda Jackson. Those numbers were not readily available at Thursday night's meeting because of the accountant's vacation but will be presented August 9.
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Program contract awarded, but not unanimously
The board awarded a contract for the 2012-13 school year that is not exceed $75,000 to Flaugher & Associates which will serve as the local evaluator of the programs and initiatives of the Leadership Resiliency Program, the Covington Mentoring Program, and Fitness Rocks under the Twenty-first Century Community learning Center grants and the Carol M. White grant. Board members Krista Powers voted against the contract's approval. "We are quite pleased with the programmatic evaluation services rendered; however, given the magnitude of work we do with (Flaugher) for many years now, I believe we could have a candid conversation about our budget, our needs, and where Flaugher & Associates fits into the picture with an outcome of reducing the maximum cost permitted for service, at the least," Powers said. The contract was not awarded through a competitive bid process because this particular item does not require that.
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Another contract was awarded Thursday night, this one to Cintas for fire protection services, including the manual inspection of the district's fire extinguishers. The district did offer a competitive bid process that came down to Cintas and Silco, the company that had previously provided services, but Cintas will be able to perform the tasks at a 40% lower cost than previously paid.
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Holmes students improve performance on AP tests, courses
Holmes High School showed improvement on this year's AP tests. Three ninth graders passed the AP human geography class earning college credit. "That's never happened before, so we're excited about that," said Marian Benavides, the school's AP/IB coordinator. Additionally, it had been "many years" according to Benavides since students passed the AP English test but two passed this year. Two also passed a "very tough" AP history exam. 
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Congratulations to the graduates of the Adult High School
Two students were recognized at Thursday night's school board meeting for graduating from the Adult High School. Tyler Lindsey, who hopes to study music at an arts program, and Joshua Jarvis, the first in his family to earn a high school diploma who now intends to go to Morehead State, are now high school graduates.
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Summer program success highlighted
"People are blown away by this program," said Stacy Strotman, who lead the school district's summer program which is a partnership with the City offering academic and recreational curriculum for five weeks after school ends. Strotman said that the data collected during the program will be compared to the participating students' academic achievement in the previous spring and in the upcoming fall. "We have a foundation in place to make this summer program bigger and better each year." Individual students were recognized as "employees of the month". The student-workers are all Holmes students or recent graduates.
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Board chairperson Glenda Huff suggested that a presentation on the program be made at a City Commission meeting so that they can see where their dollars are going.
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Board member would like to see dress code enforced
While meeting with Governor Beshear's education secretary Joe Meyer and others, school board member Mike Fitzgerald discussed whether Holmes graduates are job-ready upon graduating. One way to improve upon any struggles in that area would be more strict enforcement of the school's dress code, Fitzgerald said, to give the students an idea of order and structure. Ken Kippenbrock, director of pupil personnel, explained that dress code decisions are made by each school's site-based council.
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DON'T MISS FRIDAY'S NEWS!
A Covington school will have to start the new year without its playground; Delta to cease operations of Comair; Plus, News anchor and Covington resident Katherine Nero discusses her breast cancer diagnosis. Those stories and more at the link. 
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QUICKIES
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Woman sentenced for threatening to kill Sen. Mitch McConnell Herald-Leader 
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McConnell discusses Kentucky's drought with Agriculture Secretary WFPL 
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Gov. Beshear's statement on Comair being shut down Business Courier 
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Delta wants to negotiate Comair separation as quickly as possible Business Courier 
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What does Comair departure mean for CVG airport? Business Courier 
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"Deny everything" said ex-Bengal cheerleader and NKY teacher to boy she's accused of having sex with WLWT 
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Allegations that he had sexual contact with a 13-year old boy forces popular Zumba instructor to lose license Herald-Leader 
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Wanted Kenton Co insurance agent who was accused of bilking elderly out of half million dollars found dead in barn WKRC 
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Two KY mothers join in campaign to prevent pill abuse Deseret News 
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NKY cable customers losing NFL Network Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Sanctions against KY lawyer rejected on free speech grounds Courier-Journal 
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NKU students get high tech education, jobs PC Advisor 
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What changes in Over-the-Rhine mean for long-standing residents Urban Cincy 
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Kings Island dismantling Son of Beast roller coaster Cincinnati Enquirer 
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WHISTLEBLOWER SAYS CAMPBELL LODGE RETALIATED AGAINST THEM
This story gets worse and worse:
The lawsuit was filed Thursday in Campbell Circuit Court by the home’s former therapists Jennifer Rush and Shane Donohue, along with the director of equine-assisted services, Mary Oldiges, and equine specialist Regina Bach.
(snip)
The children at the home, licensed to care for 24 at a time, were removed after the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services investigated the whistleblowers’ claims. The home then laid off about 50 employees and fired Jones, who earned $96,652 per year. The suit echoes the findings of the state investigation. The home had a dangerous practice of improperly dispensing psychotropic medications and narcotics to the children. When the children acted out, the staff then handled them roughly.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah 
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KY COURTHOUSES TO CLOSE DOWN FOR FULL DAY ON AUGUST 6
As part of mandatory furlough days across the Commonwealth, the state court system will shut down on Monday, August 6. Via news release:
The Supreme Court of Kentucky has approved two orders that provide guidance on how the statewide court closures are to be implemented. While the two orders provide more detail, below is a summary of what the public and the law enforcement and legal communities should expect on furlough days:
• Trials and other court proceedings will not be scheduled on furlough days as there will be no staff available. Items already on the docket for those days will be rescheduled.
• Driver licenses will not be issued.• The Supreme Court will suspend its rule requiring pretrial officers to interview a defendant within 12 hours after incarceration. No Pretrial Services staff will be working on furlough days.• Deputy clerks will not be available to process bonds and no release orders will be issued.• Existing after-hours protocol will be followed for processing domestic violence orders (DVOs) and emergency protective orders (EPOs).• Local court designated workers will not be available. The Court Designated Worker Program will have a supervisor available to ensure that law enforcement adheres to its statutory requirements in cases involving the arrest and custody of juveniles.
• Technology Services staff will not be available to recover the CourtNet database in the event the system experiences an interruption in service.• County offices that share space with the state court system in courthouses and judicial centers will not be affected.
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Chief Justice of KY Supreme Court reacts:
“As chief justice, I find it disheartening that I can no longer assure you that the courts in Kentucky will be open when you need them,” Minton said in a statement. “For the first time in modern history, we will have to close every courthouse in the state to balance the Judicial Branch budget. For three days in 2012, we must furlough all court personnel and close all courthouse doors because the General Assembly has not allotted enough money to fund court operations at current levels.
“The 4.3 million people in Kentucky generate nearly 1.1 million court cases each year. To meet that demand, the Judicial Branch needs only about 3 percent of the state budget. Yet since 2008 our court system has experienced a cumulative budget reduction of 48 percent. “
Full story: Herald-Leader/Jack Brammer 
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CHICK-FIL-A CONTROVERSY HITS KENTUCKY CAMPUS
The anti-gay marriage remarks by the CEO of Chick-fil-A has spawned protests and boycotts across the country and now both the President and Provost at the University of Louisville have vowed not to eat at the campus location:
U of L spokesman Mark Hebert says the university is not officially boycotting the restaurant, but that Ramsey an Willinganz have made a personal decision to not patronize Chic-Fil-A anytime soon.

"The president and the provost feel very strongly about the statements that were made by the president of Chic-Fil-A. They found them very offensive and unnecessary," he says. "And that it goes against a number of their own personal views and they think the views of this campus as being a welcoming and tolerant campus."
Full story: WFPL/Phillip M. Bailey 
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION YEAR IN REVIEW
In video:
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CARNEGIE RECOGNIZED IN THEATER SEASON RETROSPECTIVE
From CityBeat's Rick Pender:
Another local producer coming into its own is the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center in Covington, which often creates shows by partnering with other organizations with positive results. Last fall it offered the area premiere of Sarah Ruhl’s award-winning script In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play with CCM’s drama program, directed by Ed Cohen, a respected local director who came up through the community theater ranks and now works more frequently with university programs. This spring, the Carnegie collaborated with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra for a satisfying concert presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I. However, my choice for the Carnegie’s best show of 2011-2012 was its own production of the down-home Pump Boys and Dinettes, a stage full of singers and musicians portraying folks who are just having a good ol’ time. Jared Doren directed it; Steve Goers provided music direction (and turned in a fine onstage performance personally) with able assistance from Brad Myers, lead guitarist with Ray’s Music Exchange.
Full story: CityBeat  | The disco ball rises at The Carnegie in anticipation of the upcoming musical production of Xanadu:
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SEE ALSO: VOLUNTEER!!!!! You can help make Art of Pike a great success this year and there is a party at the Carnegie today if you are interested Click Here 
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SEE ALSO: The Dog Days of Summer Art Fair in Rabbit Hash today Click Here 
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NAKED MAN FLEES MAYSVILLE HOSPITAL, STEALS CLOTHES, JEEP
Yep:
Maysville Police Sgt. Chris Neal says 34-year-old Justin Young didn't want to stay for treatment at Meadowview Regional Medical Center on Thursday, so he fled into a nearby corn field.
Full story: WLWT 

SATURDAY UPDATE COMING AT 9:15AM

See you then! -Michael

Friday, July 27, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 27 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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SIXTH DISTRICT WILL START SCHOOL WITHOUT ITS PLAYGROUND
"It's been slow," Superintendent Lynda Jackson said of the process to rebuild Sixth District School's playground, which was partially destroyed by a suspicious fire in June. No arrests have been made though surveillance cameras did capture the image of a solo male running from the scene. As for rebuilding, Jackson explained at Thursday night's school board meeting that insurance will only cover its portion of the cost to rebuild if the playground is built exactly the way it was before the fire. Possibly because of that stipulation, only two bids from contractors have been received. "In September we will start school without a playground," she said. 
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COVINGTON SCHOOLS CONSIDER DRUG-TESTING SOME STUDENTS
The Covington School Board is debating whether or not students who participate in extracurricular activities such as sports should be tested for drug use. The district will host parent focus groups on the subject in the coming weeks. Click the link for the full story.
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SCHOOLS OFFERING HEALTHIER CHOICES UNDER NEW FEDERAL LAW
School lunches will be healthier starting in the next school year with mandatory daily servings of fruits and vegetables, a substantial increase in whole grain foods, only fat-free or low-fat milk availability, limited calories based on age of the children, and new limits on saturated fat, trans fats, and sodium present in foods:
The new standards are expected to cost $3.2 billion dollars over the next five years.
The changes will be phased in over three years with most changes in breakfast offerings phased in during future years.
Full story: WXIX 
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NEWLY RENOVATED HOMES HIT MARKET IN COVINGTON
It was a block dominated by dilapidated, boarded-up houses but now features several newly renovated or newly constructed homes that just hit the market. (The houses are so nice, two are already nearly SOLD!) Take a photo tour of them at the link!
Full story with tons of pics: The River City News 
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DON'T MISS THURSDAY EVENING'S NEWS!
The Southgate House lands a new home; Did Covington-born assassinated KY Governor William Goebel deserve to die?; A UK student is in trouble with the law for emailing a picture of The Joker; Plus, a look ahead to weekend events in Covington. Those stories and more at the link!
The RC News: Thursday Evening Round-Up 
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QUICKIES
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Delta to end Comair operations on September 29 Business Courier 
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Woman accused of trading baby for truck is back in Kentucky Herald-Leader 
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Read the Enquirer's online chat with news anchor and Covington resident Katherine Nero who recently revealed her breast cancer diagnosis Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Kentucky man accused of stealing a book about... ethics? Courier-Journal 
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SPORTS
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UK football ticket sales running behind previous years Herald-Leader 
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UK/UofL eye intense opener carefully Herald-Leader 
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Former UK basketball star and NBA player Tayshaun Prince visits Scott High School for camp Cincinnati Enquirer 
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What are UK players tweeting? The school knows because it monitors it Herald-Leader 
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BENGALS-SIZED HOLE IN GEORGETOWN
The loss of the Bengals training camp at Georgetown College has had an adverse effect on the Kentucky town:

In the past, having the Bengals in the community of 20,000 for three weeks in the summer boosted the bottom line for business owners and the college. Now, however, the Bengals will begin camp Friday at their home base of Paul Brown Stadium because of new NFL guidelines that reduced two-a-day practices and left more downtime for players to lift weights, watch video and meet with coaches — activities better suited to staying in Cincinnati than in the dorms at Georgetown.
Georgetown City Council member David Lusby said restaurants, hotels and shopping centers in the area will miss the influx of customers.
Full story: Herald-Leader 
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Backstage Cafe on Madison Avenue is hiring:
We are looking for a server/bartender, part time, 2 to 3 nights a week. Must have experience! We are also looking for a part time cook a few nights a week, must have experience as well. If you or someone you know needs a fun part time job, come down and apply!!!
Find the Backstage Cafe near the Madison Theater.
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COLUMBUS TV TAKES A TRIP ON THE BB RIVERBOATS
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SEE YOU TONIGHT AT HOLMES HIGH SCHOOL FOR A PREVIEW OF THE MARCHING BAND'S SEASON? IT STARTS AT 7:00PM.
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Oh, and where are you having lunch today? Try something different!
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/07/26/2272614/lack-of-training-camp-leaves-a.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

PHOTOS: NEWLY RENOVATED HOMES HIT MARKET IN COVINGTON

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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One block of Banklick Street once lined with dilapidated, boarded-up houses is now full of market-rate, newly renovated or newly built homes for sale. The work is so good that of the five homes on the market, two are already under contract. The City of Covington, the Center for Great Neighborhoods, Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky, and the Covington Realtor Roundtable opened up the homes for tours Thursday afternoon. 
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For more information on the homes and the attractive program to help you buy one, click here.
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Take a look:
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Tons of photos below, just click the link!

COVINGTON SCHOOLS CONSIDER DRUG TESTING STUDENTS

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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"If we can stop one kid from doing drugs, that's one kid saved," said Covington School Board member Mike Fitzgerald. Covington Independent Public Schools is weighing the possibility of drug testing students involved in sports and other extra curricular activities. "I'd like to make sure our schools are as drug free as possible." 
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The five-member board was mostly in support of the idea of drug testing, though that support ranged from enthusiastic to tepid. "Then, what?," asked board member Krista Powers. "What do parents and the community believe is the role of the schools in this?"
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"I don't know if it's our place to address it educationally," said board member Denise Varney. "We have teachers we don't even test for drugs and we're going to test students who are participating in sports?"
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Janice Wilkerson, the executive director of student support services, and Ken Kippenbrock, the director of pupil personnel, presented a report to the board Thursday night as was requested following another meeting earlier in the summer where drug testing was discussed. Their findings indicate that sixth grade students in the district are almost entirely drug or alcohol-free but as those kids age to the twelfth grade, experimentation or regular use increases. During the 2011-12 academic year, 38% of twelfth grade seniors reported that they had smoked marijuana at least once in their lives.
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But the proposed drug testing would not apply to all students, only those participating in sports and other extracurricular activities, as dictated by law, though parents can ask the schools to test their children for drugs whether they are involved in activities or not. Kippenbrock presented findings from the past two academic years that indicate there were sixty-five instances of students being found in possession of, using, or under the influence of drugs across the district. Only eight of those cases involved students that participate in extracurricular activities. 
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The Department of Education's recent study on the issue played a role in Thursday night's presentation in which it was noted that the federal government no longer offers grants for drug testing because of the study's results. The problem for the government was that schools that did drug-test students did not show significantly better drug-use prevention than schools that did not test for drugs. "There was no effect on any group of students' reported intentions to use drugs in the future," Wilkerson said.
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Kippenbrock and Wilkerson included in their presentation what they found to be pros and cons of drug-testing. Pros: it would exhibit a clear no-use stand by the district; potential to prevent drug use; identify students using drugs. Cons: Distracts from other school/district issues; potential to prevent students joining extracurricular activities; only a small sample of students will be in the pool. 
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The next step is a series of focus groups involving parents, said superintendent Lynda Jackson who plans to work with Kippenbrock and Wilkerson to create the format that will likely include written and oral elements. The word will go out to all parents to consider participating on August 14 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at Holmes Middle & High Schools. Ninety-two districts in Kentucky test their students for drugs and if Covington joins them the cost would likely be close to $5,000 annually to process what Kippenbrock expects to be around 250 kids. 
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"I'm supposed to do everything in my power to make sure students are safe," said Board Chairperson Glenda Huff, offering her support of drug testing. "We have to do this. There are families out there who don't know their kids are on drugs and it may be too late to get help for them. It could be saving someone's life."
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Board member Jerry Avery is also in support. "I'm all for it, one hundred percent," Avery said. "Drugs are in our schools, kids are using drugs. If you sit back and do nothing, what do you expect to happen? We have got to take a stand against it. If we don't, it's an injustice to the students."

Thursday, July 26, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY EVENING 26 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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MAN INDICTED IN DOWNTOWN COVINGTON MURDER
Timothy Henson, 43, was indicted Thursday morning by the Kenton County grand jury for allegedly stabbing to death Jonathan Lowe, 40, on Eighth Street near Madison Avenue in mid-May. Henson has already spent three stints in prison for other non-violent crimes.
This makeshift memorial tribute to Lowe was erected at the site of the killing:
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COVINGTON WOMAN CHARGED WITH STEALING FROM OHIO FAMILIES
A Covington woman is accused of stealing $20,000 worth of items from families for whom she babysat (and possibly went on a cruise between the thefts and the indictment). Story via WKRC at the link.
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250,000 KENTUCKIANS TO GET $15 MILLION IN REBATE CHECKS
From Congressman John Yarmuth (D-Louisville):
Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced that by next week, nearly 250,000 Kentuckians will have received approximately $15.4 million in health insurance rebates because of a new provision in the Affordable Care Act. On average, the rebates will total $114 per person.
“This is one of the key ways the Affordable Care Act lowers health costs for consumers,” Yarmuth said. “The law helps consumers get more out of their premium dollar, and that means expanded and improved care delivered more efficiently.”
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of consumers’ premium dollars on medical care and quality improvement. Insurers can spend the remaining 20 percent on administrative costs. Insurance companies that do not meet the 80/20 standard must provide their policyholders a rebate for the difference no later than Aug. 1, 2012.
Consumers will receive rebates in one of the following forms:
-A rebate check in the mail
-A lump-sum reimbursement to the account used to pay the premium if it was paid by credit or debit card
-A direct reduction in future premiums
-An employer provides one of the above rebate methods, or applies the rebate in a manner to benefit its employees
Nationwide, 12.8 million Americans will benefit from $1.1 billion in rebates under the 80/20 standard.
For more information on the 80/20 standard and insurance rebates, please visit HealthCare.gov.
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DON'T MISS THURSDAY MORNING'S NEWS
Kentucky man charged with stealing ring off the finger of a body inside a funeral home; Fighting the emerald ash borer in Devou Park; Plus, get a look today at five newly renovated homes in Covington. Those stories and more at the link!
The RC News: Thursday Morning Round-Up 
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QUICKIES
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What's the full story behind Cincinnati population loss since 1950? Urban Cincy 
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Kentucky's budget ends fiscal year with $45 million surplus WFPL 
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Kentucky's budget picture is good except for coal severance funds Herald-Leader 
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State finds that cutting high prison costs is an elusive goal Herald-Leader 
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Former KY Governor John Y Brown (D) is upset with both parties cn|2 
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Big names skipping Fancy Farm political picnic this year WFPL 
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KY man pleads to shooting boy who pulled doorbell prank WKRC 
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Early results of new 2011 drug law mixed WFPL 
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Governor appoints new executive director of military affairs commission press release 
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USDA pulls support of "Meatless Mondays" The Hill 
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PHOTOS: Children's, Inc volunteers promote literacy in early education Facebook 
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NEWPORT'S SOUTHGATE HOUSE WILL REOPEN IN NEW LOCATION
The famed music venue will take its name and set up shop at the former Grace Methodist Episcopal Church on Sixth Street in Newport:
Bev Holiday, the city’s community liaison coordinator, said that the Raleighs are renovating the former church, which was purchased from Bob Weber, owner of Dickey’s Glass. Holiday said Morella Raleigh is handling the project, and is hoping for a late August or early September opening.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda Joering Alley 
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TAYLOR MILL ROAD (KY-16) RECONSTRUCTION AS SEEN FROM SKY
Via the City of Taylor Mill:

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BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE LICKING RIVER TRAILS MURALS
Via WKRC:


Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/07/25/2270273/bystander-trips-suspect-helps.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/07/25/2270273/bystander-trips-suspect-helps.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy
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SUSPECTED JEWELRY THIEF TRIPPED UP BY BYSTANDER
Check out this jerk:

Lexington police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts said Russell initially met with a victim who was trying to sell jewelry. Russell had replied to the victim's online advertisement and said he might want to buy the items. When the two met, Russell allegedly grabbed the goods and ran off, she said.
But then:
A friend of the victim then contacted the suspect online and told him he had more jewelry to sell. When Russell arrived at the arranged meeting point in the 800 block of North Broadway, the victim was waiting with an officer, Roberts said.
The victim pointed out the suspect to the officer. When the officer tried to speak with Russell, he took off running, she said.
And that's when things take a turn for the awesome.
Full story: Herald-Leader 
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DID COVINGTON-BORN GOV. WILLIAM GOEBEL DESERVE TO DIE?
The author of a recent fictionalized book about Covington hero William Goebel says the assassinated politician may have had it coming:
Now, it has often been said by criminal defense attornies that in a murder case the real issue is, did the victim deserve to die? And most people who knew Willilam Goebel would agree that he was pretty deserving. He destroyed lives, usurped power, undermined democracy and was a murderer. Even his political allies really didn’t like him.
Listen to an interesting interview on the subject at the link.
The Bookcast 
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William Goebel
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UK STUDENT CHARGED AFTER SENDING OUT PICTURE OF 'THE JOKER'
It's not just that the student sent out a picture of the Batman villain, it's to whom he sent it:
A University of Kentucky student pleaded not guilty to a terroristic threatening charge for allegedly sending a picture of Batman's arch enemy to a university official.
Steven I. Kennedy, 28, allegedly emailed a photo of the Joker, an anarchist villain in movies and comic books, to associate vice president Terry Allen after Allen didn't return his messages. Kennedy was allegedly upset about the way officials handled a discrimination complaint, according to a warrant filed in Fayette district court.
Full story: Herald-Leader/Josh Kegley
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LAST CALL FOR ART OFF PIKE ARTISTS
From the event organizers:
Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply for a booth at Covington's premiere Urban Art Festival. Deadline for application is this Sunday July 29, 2012. Everyone can apply by using Zapplication.

Businesses and non-profit organizations are also encouraged to participate in this year's festival, by taking a booth or taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities associated with the event.

Follow Art Off Pike on Facebook or at visit our website. or email us.

Art Off Pike will be held Sunday, September 30 from 11-5 PM, Rain or Shine, at Pike and 7th Streets between Madison and Russell Streets.

Now in its eighth year, 2012 Art Off Pike is bringing together a wide variety of artists whose works will be on display and for sale in an urban setting in the heart of Covington's downtown. Stroll historic Seventh Street where artists stalls line up from Madison to Washington Street. Children will find a cornucopia of art activities in 'Picasso's Playground', hosted by Covington's many arts non-profit organizations including the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center and Baker-Hunt Art & Cultural Center. Listen for the music -- have lunch. Don't miss this fun filled event!   
There is also an opportunity to enlist as a volunteer:
Covington's unique outdoor art show is now in its 8th year. The Call to Artists is out. On Sunday, September 30, the tents will be back up on 7th Street, sheltering 90 artists from throughout the tri-state area. Our urban center will be on display along with fabulous art in a wide variety of mediums.
Join us at the Carnegie Center for the Visual and Performing Arts to find out more about being an ART OFF PIKE Volunteer on SATURDAY, JULY 28 from 7:00 till 11:00. There will be line dancing, too-- and wine, and munchies, of course. This is the Call to Volunteers.
EASTSIDE, WESTSIDE - LET'S ALL GET BEHIND ART OFF PIKE THIS YEAR
It takes at least 50 volunteers to pull this off. Our goal is to have every Covington neighborhood represented on the 2012 ART OFF PIKE team. Find more information atwww.artoffpike.org. SAVE THE DATE and party with us at Carnegie -- SATURDAY, JULY 28 -- 7:00 till 11:00. 
More details: Click Here 
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ANOTHER GREAT WEEKEND IN STORE FOR COVINGTON
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FRIDAY
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Holmes Marching Band Preview Show
Click to enlarge
Here's a video preview:
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SATURDAY
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Bike & Dine makes two stops on Covington
From the event page:
Pedal into summer on the seventh edition of Queen City Bike + Dine 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 28. Ride your bike to Park + Vine for hydration and a quick air-brakes-chain check before departing promptly at 2:30 p.m. on a bike tour of local restaurants and bars. Tickets ($25 plus processing fees) go on sale July 5 and include food and drinks. Proceeds benefit participating businesses and Queen City Bike, our region’s bicycling advocacy organization. Tickets are non-refundable. Event is rain or shine. Helmets required. For more information, e-mail info @ parkandvine . com BIKE + DINE STOPS:1. Streetpops at Park + Vine, Over-the-Rhine2. Bellevue Bistro, Bellevue3. Whack Burger, Covington4. Pike Street Lounge, Covington
More details: Facebook 
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SUNDAY
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10th annual Mainstrasse Village Car Show
Check it out on Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. More details: Click Here 
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Mother of God Church Yard Sale
From the Church:
On July 29 and August 5 we will collect school supplies for Prince of Peace School. The items that are especially needed are glue sticks (not the kind for glue guns), Elmer’s glue, washable wide markers, #2 pencils, band aids, wide ruled filler paper, red pens, pink wide chunk type erasers, pencil top erasers, solid color folders with clasps and without clasps, rubber bands and safety pins. There will be bins in the back of church and at the side doors. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please put it in an envelope marked Prince of Peace and drop it in the collection basket. Thank you.
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ARE YOU PROUD TO BE FROM COVINGTON?
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BOB ROSS REMIXED
This should make you feel good: