360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, August 11, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 11 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
by Michael Monks 
|
ONE OF COVINGTON'S MOST WANTED IS CAPTURED IN CINCINNATI
A third suspect in the December shooting death of Brett Thornberry, 18, on Greenup Street, has been arrested. From the Covington Police:
We received word that Mr. Hill was captured in Cincinnati over the last few days. Another one down!
From the Cincinnati Enquirer's Brenna Kelly:
Details of Hill’s arrest in Cincinnati were not available Friday. Covington Police were notified this week that Hill had been caught, said Capt. Bryan Carter. Detectives plan to interview Hill next week, he said. Hill is being held on the warrant and has not been charged in the homicide.
Two teens are already in custody in connection with Thornberry's murder.
|
SEE ALSO: A judge has handed down sentencing of three men convicted in the killing of a Covington man in Louisville. They will not serve jail time. WKRC 
|
MORE FROM THURSDAY NIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING AT CITY HALL
The point that the City of Covington cannot on its own develop itself was reiterated Thursday night during a special meeting at City Hall. Wayne Chapman of Management Partners, the Cincinnati-based consultants contracted to review each department within City Hall, delivered a recap of the firm's recommendations regarding a housing strategy, economic development, and code enforcement. "The City could be the last ten-percent (of an investment) but not the first ninety-percent to make a project work," Chapman said. 
|
Among the recommendations is the creation of a Department of Development that would merge code enforcement and community development. As for a housing strategy, the City must improve its relationship with the Housing Authority of Covington, Chapman said. "The City and the Housing Authority tend to hold each other at an arm's length and that's not a good dynamic," he said, adding that HAC could be an important tool in a housing strategy and that the relationship must be better cultivated. 
|
Chuck Eilerman, a commercial real estate agent and candidate for Covington City Commission, said he would like to be an advocate for "all other", a reference to a recent chart presented at City Hall that demonstrated the City's budget as being spent in three even ways: fire department, police department, and all other. "In terms of housing, code enforcement, and parks, we need to devote more resources to this area," Eilerman said. "Many programs are being squeezed and underfunded." 
|
He continued, "We need to fix up houses that we (the City) own and that other people own and we also need lots of new housing and mixed-use developments." Eilerman pointed to 3CDC, a public-private partnership in Cincinnati that has developed many parts of that City's urban core. Whereas 3CDC "land banks" with the intent of selling or developing the properties when a time arises for it to be worth the investment, he said that Covington has become an "accidental land banker" by acquiring the 501 Main Building, the Stewart Iron Works building, and others. "We have to get them filled with people and employees."
|
FROM FRIDAY:
"A huge number of people are afraid of retaliation and that's why they are not here." That remark set off Thursday night's special meeting at City Hall down a tense path, complete with outbursts and personal attacks. Story at the link.
|
"It's not working and I don't think it's going to work. I know I won't be very popular when I leave this stand but truth is truth and truth hurts." The public weighs in on the future of code enforcement in Covington. Click the link.
|
SCHOOL BOARD MAY NOT RAISE PROPERTY TAXES THIS YEAR
For the first time since 2001, the School Board will likely vote to keep your property tax rate the same; Plus, how Covington Schools are working to improve ACT scores, attendance, and dress code this fall.
Full story: The River City News 
|
COVINGTON SCHOOLS WANT NEW SECURITY CAMERAS
Following a fire earlier this summer that destroyed Sixth District School's playground, Covington Independent Public Schools hopes to replace the security cameras at all of his facilities. The Sixth District playground fire is being investigated as an arson case and while a camera on the campus did capture a male fleeing the scene, the video is not of good enough quality to be of as much help as it needs to be. At Thursday's school board meeting, the district's analog cameras were compared to watching an old TV. Digital cameras offer a better quality while shooting a longer distance and can also be accessed wirelessly by administrators or even the police. The district will issue a request for proposals (RFP) from security firms anticipating a cost of nearly $250,000. "I would like to push this through while this board is here because come January it could be a whole new ballgame," said board chairman Glenda Huff. Three of the board's five seats are up for election in November.
|
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RULES ON RESTRAINING UNRULY STUDENTS
The Kentucky Board of Education has issued restrictions on restraining unruly students:
The regulation, which could go into effect for the 2013-14 school year, said public school officials cannot use restraint and seclusion except when a child's behavior poses "imminent danger of serious physical harm" to the child or others.
Full story: Herald-Leader/Valerie Honeycutt Spears 

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/08/09/2292811/state-school-board-approves-policy.html#storylink=cpy
|
NORTHERN KY JOB MARKET WEATHERS LOSSES
The economy in NKY isn't as bad as it maybe ought to be:
Omnicare and A.C. Nielsen have moved across the Ohio River, taking 835 jobs and millions in local tax revenue with them. Delta Air Lines plans to shutter Erlanger-based regional carrier Comair, laying off 1,200 people. A Hebron-based division of UPS laid off more than 400 people after losing a contract with an online retailer in January. But economic development officials in Northern Kentucky say there is also plenty of reason for optimism.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda Van Benschoten 
|
GAS LEAK LEADS TO EVACUATIONS IN LATONIA
Contractors working on a water line near Ritte's Corner in Latonia triggered a gas line break forcing precautionary evacuations of nearby buildings. The gas line break happened just after 8:00AM and was capped ninety minutes later. No one was hurt.


HISTORY: FINAL JACOB PRICE BUILDING COMES DOWN
Now that historic preservation evcavations have been completed (SEE: Clues to Covington's Past Uncovered at Jacob Price Site), the Housing Authority of Covington moved forward with demolishing the final building left standing at the former Jacob Price housing project. The structure came down Friday morning. Construction will soon begin on the new mixed-income development called River's Edge at Eastside Pointe with new residents moving in next spring.
|
QUICKIES
|
US jobless claims drop Business First 
|
Optimism on economy drops CNN 
|
Kentucky faces worst corn crop since 1983 AP  
|
Rain is a big relief for tobacco crop State-Journal 
|
How Sen. Mitch McConnell deliberately moved to sabotage the economic recovery LEO Weekly 
|
GOP enlists Sen. Rand Paul to win Kentucky House Herald-Leader 
|
Rand Paul performs charity eye surgeries WBKO 
|
Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson: Fancy Farm is outdated cn|2 
|
State GOP Chairman takes Abramson to task over Fancy Farm comments Bluegrass Politics 
|
Secretary of State Grimes sues Kentucky over voting deadline Bluegrass Politics 
|
Kentucky woman killed by her own car WKYT 
|
Veterinarians will watch for swine flu at Kentucky State Fair WFPL 
|
CHECK OUT THIS MAP: Want to buy or sell alcohol in Kentucky? Good luck Herald-Leader 
|
Copper thieves strip phone lines in Kentucky WKYT 
|
Paducah featured in Where To Retire Magazine WPSD 
|
DON'T MISS THURSDAY EVENING'S NEWS!
Two Covington road projects get big federal funding boost; Why Kentucky ranks first in toxic air pollution from power plants; Plus, a how a dessert topping led a KY man to set a gas station's toilet on fire. Those stories and more at the link!
|
The Ascent named among 10 buildings that changed Cincinnati Cincinnati Magazine (subscription)
|
Cincinnati Magazine also visits Europa Bistro in Mainstrasse Click Here 
|
PART OF PURPLE PEOPLE BRIDGE IS CRUMBLING
But neither Newport nor Cincinnati wants to pay for it. Via WKRC:

|
CHILDREN'S HOME DIRECTOR'S MISSION: BUILD BRIDGES TO HOPE
Nice story:
The Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky campus overlooks the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge its founder helped build. A fitting metaphor, says its chief executive officer, for the organization’s new mission.
“We refer to our staff here today as bridge builders,” said newly named CEO Rick Wurth. “The bridge down there can only connect Ohio and Kentucky on its best day. The bridges that we are building are to hope and opportunity for the children in our care.” In 1882, Amos Shinkle started the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky as a home for abandoned, orphaned and neglected children.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Mark Hansel 
|
MORE GOOD NEWS FROM THE EMERGENCY SHELTER
Check it out:
Two more graduates (Friday) from our shelter! Paul and Matt both are moving to their apartments today and they both have full time jobs. Paul is moving to a furnished apartment but Matt is in need of a twin or double bed. If you have a bed, please give me a call or an email...for now he will receive a loaner army cot. Thanks to all of you who support our shelter with time, money and material donations - you support us to provide shelter to these two amazing guests who now no longer need shelter. Phone: 291-4555 Email: emergencyshelternky@yahoo.com
|
METEOR SHOWER TO PEAK THIS WEEKEND
Keep your head up:
“On any given day there is all kind of stuff falling from the sky. It falls all the time. We see very few, because the majority burn before we can see anything and especially if they fall during the day. Astronomers say the best time to see the Perseid shower is between midnight and dawn.
More: WFPL 
|
WHAT'S UP FOR SATURDAY?
|
NKY Harvest's 12th Annual Breakfast & Backpacks
Get down to Goebel Park for this event open to students in grades K - 12 from Boone, Kenton, or Campbell Counties. Backpacks will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis (families will need photo ID and proof of residency). The event will also feature pony wagon rides from the Covington Recreation Department and breakfast from Frisch's. 
|
Mother of God Yard Sale
Come and bring your friends to the church yard sale for an interesting and unique assortment of items. It will be held August 11 from 9:00AM - 6:00PM and August 12 from 1:00PM. to 4:00PM at Mother of God Church.
|
Helentown Neighborhood Picnic
Saturday on Garrard Street between Fifteenth and Patton. It starts at 12:30PM and lasts until 3:30PM. 
|
THERE WILL BE DRAGONS AT THE CREATION MUSEUM'S ARK PARK!

Though the theme park dedicated to Noah's Ark, from the people who brought our region the Creation Museum, will likely never be built, the plans sure sound... interesting:
Since Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis believes that dragons were real, and existed after “the flood,” I asked if there would be dragons on the ark. Their answer insisted that dragons were real (they were dinosaurs, living with humans, duh), but I never got a direct answer about if they were on board, or would be on Ark Encounter in Northern Kentucky.
Well, according to a post on their website today… yes. Yes, there will not only be dragons on the ark, but fire-breathing dragons:
Read more: LEO Weekly 
|
COACHES: JOHN CALIPARI IS BIGGEST (PERCEIVED) CHEATER
CBS asked NCAA basketball coaches confidentially whom they thought of as the biggest cheat in the business. UK's John Calipari topped the list:
"Cal probably doesn't have to cheat now as much as he used to, but he's still the standard. The rest of us can't even deal in his league. He's the best."
Full story: CBS Sports 
|
Meanwhile... another writer blasts the coaches that participated in the survey:
CBSSports.com isn't the party to blame here. Well, not entirely. It's not something I would have endorsed. But it’s an editor’s job to drive traffic to the web site, and the writer's job to execute, and no doubt that’s been accomplished through the course of the week. We’ve all talked about the survey results. It’s the coaches who responded to the most salacious of the questions who ought to be ashamed, and hardly for the first time.
Full story: The Sporting News 
|
As for Coach Cal, he took to Facebook:
I'm going to say it again, don't let anyone steal our joy even though they'll try. The parents and the players we recruit know what we stand for.
SEE ALSO: The UK Wildcats now have a full schedule for next season with the release of the SEC portion Herald-Leader 
|
HOLY CROSS CENTER COMMITS TO OHIO UNIVERSITY according to NKY Sports Blog 

Friday, August 10, 2012

PUBLIC WEIGHS IN ON CODE ENFORCEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
by Michael Monks 
|
The review of most of the departments at City Hall is now complete and as of last night the public discussion portion of the Management Partners report has also concluded. Thursday, the Cincinnati-based consulting firm recapped its twenty-five recommendations for code enforcement, community development, and housing at a packed public meeting inside Commission Chambers. 
|
|
For the most part, residents want more code enforcement, not less and even though the Management Partners recommendations include decreasing the department to part-time status or outsourcing to an entity such as the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission, it promises that code enforcement will be more productive. Most residents did not buy it.
|
Nancy Ray of South Covington complained of what she called "dirtbags" taking over vacant and foreclosed buildings, warning that more foreclosures are likely on the way. James Berg of Helentown said that outsourcing the service to NKAPC would be a bad idea. "Covington code enforcement is far more in tune to Covington's needs than anything NKAPC will be able to come up with," he said. Berg also raised concerns about the efforts of the Northern Kentucky tea party and the Home Builders Association to put NKAPC on the ballot for elimination.
|
Dennis Fangman of Austinburg, a member of the City's code enforcement board, thinks the decision to rid the City of the department has already been made. "I have a feeling that what's going to happen has already been decided," he said. "We keep losing more and more people because people don't want to live next to boarded up properties that aren't taken care of. Code enforcement needs more tools and the code enforcement board needs more to get things moving instead of spinning our wheels so much."
|
"I don't want to see code enforcement outsourced to area planning or some private company. It needs to remain in the City where the citizens can have contact. We need code enforcement desperately. We can't do away with it."
|
"Blight and code enforcement is always on top of the list of concerns," said Bill Wells of his meetings with various neighborhood groups. Wells, of South Covington, is the president of the Covington Neighborhood Collaborative. "We depend on code enforcement to keep our property value as high as it can be."
|
Maurice Burden, another member of the code enforcement board, asked how the City can be more effective with fewer employees. "I spoke to code enforcement in Newport," he said of Covington's neighbor which uses part-time code enforcement officers. "I asked about the restructure. The answer I got was, 'It's different'. Not that it's working, not that it's not working. 'It's different.'"
|
Another code enforcement board member also spoke. "I have grave concerns about the near future of what will happen," said Fritz Kuhlman of Kenton Hills. "Code enforcement should be toughened, more aggressive."
|
But not everyone spoke highly of the department. "There is a house at 226 West Fifth that has been vacant for twenty of the twenty-one years I've lived there and no one seems to want to take care of it," said Carolyn Parker of Mutter Gottes. "It seems like I shouldn't be calling after twenty years but these properties have to be addressed."
|
"We're trying to rebuild this city. We need to clean this city up and we won't clean this city up without more aggressive code enforcement," said Terry Simpson of Levassor Park. "It's not working and I don't think it's going to work. I know I won't be very popular when I leave this stand but truth is truth and truth hurts."
|
SEE ALSO: Cracks emerge in unified commission at special meeting about code enforcement 
|
One of the biggest offenders in the arena of blighted properties is the City of Covington which owns 288 parcels of land. Mayor Chuck Scheper said that is being addressed. He toured the city with employees from the code enforcement department. "Blighted buildings can be an opportunity for us," the mayor said. "I saw it as blight and challenging but I also saw it as an opportunity to cluster and do something. Let's cure the patient instead of just putting Band-Aids on it."
|
"There are nineteen to twenty developers interested in investing in Covington but they want to know what kind of tools we have in our toolbox (in the form of tax breaks, etc). How do we monetize the value of 288 properties?"
|
City Commissioner Steve Casper said that no decision has been made on the future of code enforcement, at least not yet on his end. "I've not made up my mind," he said. "We're going to listen to the department and we are open to what the resolves are."

SCHOOL BOARD MAY NOT RAISE TAXES & OTHER NOTES

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
by Michael Monks 
|
For the first time since 2001 the Covington School Board may bypass its right to take a full 4% increase on the property tax rate that it collects and instead will likely approve taking just the compensating rate. That means property owners will pay the same tax rate to the schools as they did last year. Superintendent Lynda Jackson made the recommendation at Thursday's meeting. 
|
"If we can do our work without taking a tax increase, I say let's do it," said board member Jerry Avery. 
|
"We are good stewards of district dollars," said board chair Glenda Huff. "If we need something we find a way to make it happen and we look at what may need to be cut."
|
"The Covington Independent Public School Board is thrilled to share with our community the good news that we will be taking the compensating tax rate for the upcoming tax year," said board member Krista Powers. "This is a reason to celebrate! While we are pleased with our ongoing fiscal success our primary celebration remains focused on our students' success."
|
Board member Mike Fitzgerald was not present at Thursday's meeting.
|
Budget in good shape
The school district finished the fiscal year with a balance of $6,384,669.63 and a contingency balance of $2,498,640.00 (with the difference between real ending balance and contingency balnce being $3,886,059.63). Some reasons for good budget news:
  • Buyout of cell phone tower at Holmes High School for $162,420
  • $221,790 in sick leave projections not spent
  • Departments spent more conservatively with $371,139,63 in their combined general funds
  • $1.5 million in SEEK funds were not spent
|
Filling the vacant school board seat
Since board member Denise Varney's resignation last week, the district has followed the necessary steps to find a replacement which will be appointed by the Kentucky Commissioner of Education. In Friday's edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer, a legal ad will run announcing the vacancy for the first of two times as required by law. There are applications available at the Board of Education building on East Seventh Street which should be filed directly with the Education Commissioner in Frankfort, postmarked no later than August 24. Following the application process, the Commissioner and a panel of three people will come to town to interview each applicant. Superintendent Lynda Jackson explained that the Commissioner has ninety days to make the appointment but that it usually does not take that long.
|
Steps to improve ACT scores, college/career readiness
Instructional coach Renee Murray presented some positive news to the board regarding plans to improve ACT scores and college/career readiness at Holmes High School. "We are improving our graduation rate," Murray said. "It did not improve enough to please us but it's still not comparing apples to apples." Murray said that CIPS is a transient district and because of that the state's calculations put the district at risk. That will change next year as students begin to be tracked individually from ninth through twelfth grade. 
|
As for ACT scores, "Not what we hoped for, but it's good that we are headed in the right direction," Murray said. Starting in the 2012-13 school year there will be ACT-specific intervention courses. The school administration plans to test ninth graders to see where they are a year before they are accountable for the PLAN test, a pre-ACT. The goal is to familiarize the students with the types of content and questions on the actual ACT. Additionally, thirty seniors will be selected for an ACT boot camp that will include thirty sessions to prepare them for October's testing date. These seniors will be specially selected based on their proximity to their benchmark scores.
|
"For many of our students eager about scholarships, they need those scores back from the October (ACT) session," Murray said.
|
Murray also addressed concerns about attendance. "If we can't get our students to school then they are not learning what we need them to be learning," she said. Some instructors at Holmes will be used for one period each week to teach discipline, allowing them to follow-up with students who may have missed or skipped school. The staff will begin holding monthly meetings specifically to address attendance issues. 
|
Board member Krista Powers pushed for a stricter standard on the dress code as a way to increase focus and discipline. "I would at this point like to see us sending students away if they are not dressed according to code," she said. "We'll lose educational hours which is concerning to me, but where do you draw the line? It's a dynamic of our expectations of the students."
|
Superintendent Jackson explained that the district does not wish to send kids home but there will be ways to address the lack of commitment displayed by students in regards to a dress code. There will be generic gray sweatpants available and Jackson researched a school district that requires an out-of-dress-code student to wear a t-shirt that reads "I love my principal". 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

CRACKS EMERGE IN UNIFIED COMMISSION DURING SPECIAL MEETING

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
by Michael Monks 
|
Round two of the public meetings at City Hall to discuss its reorganization plan as recommended by Cincinnati-based consulting firm Management Partners was mostly like the first one that focused on the police and fire departments. This one, with an emphasis on code enforcement, housing, and community development, started with a presentation by the firm's Wayne Chapman who recapped some of its recommendations followed by many comments from the public, mainly in support of strengthening code enforcement, not outsourcing it as recommended. 
|
But then the City Commissioners weighed in. "A huge number of people are afraid of retaliation and that's why they are not here," said Commissioner Sherry Carran, triggering gasps and outbursts from the packed Commission Chambers. "That's not easy to say but what my personal experience has been." Carran noted that she and her husband have made substantial investments in their Botany Hills neighborhood having torn down eleven troubled properties. "Outside of where we're investing not much is happening (in terms of blight in the neighborhood)." Much of Carran's ire was focused at developer Wes Bitlinger whose had a colorful exchange online with Commissioner Steve Frank who posted photos of several of Bitlinger's properties online.
|
Commissioner Shawn Masters was not happy with Carran's remarks. "I want to say I am sorry to the employees who were questioned for retaliation. That pisses me off," Masters said. "I think we have some of the finest staff." He accused the City Manager and others of already having their minds made up about what to do with code enforcement. When the code enforcement director was told to cut $500,000 from his department's budget, "That by God tells you something."
|
The tense turn the meeting took contrasted greatly with most meetings since Mayor Chuck Scheper was appointed to take over for Denny Bowman who resigned last September. A common refrain at commission meetings and other civic engagements is that this city commission is unified, often voting unanimously on most of the pressing issues facing Covington. That changed during Thursday night's special meeting.
|
"For five years I have lived next to some of the biggest hell holes around and guess who owns them? The City of Covington!" Masters, who lives in Covington's Westside, spoke passionately for several minutes about the blighted properties and other issues. "Until we take care of our problem, how can we hold others accountable?"
|
"I am offended that a city commissioner would say that our own employees would retaliate," Masters continued. "There has been a lack of communication and respect between certain people on this dais and code enforcement." The two-term, commissioner who is not seeking reelection, said that union employees were brought to the table to discuss changes in their departments but that that has not been the case for code enforcement. "If we do away with code enforcement this will be a death blow to this city."
|
Masters moved on from code enforcement but was not finished with his remarks, many of which were met with applause. "While I was on vacation there were across the board raises given to every single non-union employee. Raises of $80,000 to $100,000 (total) backdated to last January." The heated words were followed with a warning. "I'm going to be letting people know exactly what is going on."
|
City Manager Larry Klein explained the raises, saying these employees had gone without pay increases for three and a half years and that the 1.5% increase for one year may not even be repeated next year. "(These employees') health care plan saved the City money for a long period of time," Klein said, adding that the employees do not get overtime and are not even paid extra for their work at commission meetings. 
|
"Show me someone who requested a raise," Masters barked.
|
"One employee in public improvements came up a couple weeks ago and thanked me for their seventeen cents-a-week raise," Carran answered.
|
Masters shot back arguing, "We can't give a merit raise because the City Manager hasn't given any evaluations yet!"
|
Between the arguing on the dais and the unsolicited outbursts from the audience the room was at a tipping point of becoming out of control. Mayor Chuck Scheper began to wind the meeting with a calm conclusion. "Everyone in this room cares about this city," the mayor said. "I wish we could have a resolution soon. This is a terrible situation for folks in this world of not knowing what's going to happen."
|
Asked after the meeting to elaborate on her position that code enforcement employees could potentially retaliate against those who spoke against them, Carran said she has heard of more code citations being written against targeted residents and on other occasions code enforcement breaches confidentially by revealing the sources of code complaints to the people who are cited. Former president of the Covington Neighborhood Collaborative, Terry Simpson, backed up Carran saying that he personally had been revealed as the source of a code enforcement complaint on one of his neighbors.  
|
NOTE: More on the substance of the meeting will be detailed in a separate article.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY EVENING 9 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
by Michael Monks 
|
COVINGTON ROAD PROJECTS GET FEDERAL FUNDING THROUGH OKI
The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) today announced $85 million in federal funding to support 33 area road projects including two in Covington:

The funds were allocated through three federal programs: the Surface Transportation Program  (STP), Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Program for  Northern Kentucky (SNK). Funding was exclusive to Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky.
(snip)
“These projects play an important role in revitalizing our region and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens,” said OKI Executive Director Mark Policinski. “OKI continues to  move projects  forward to help relieve stress from our congested roadways and provide transportation options to  save citizens time and money, attract commerce and improve our environment.” 
Covington projects on the list include:

  • $441,000 for the Caroline Underpass reconstruction from 34th Street to 26th Street in Latonia
  • $631,000 for Latonia Avenue construction from Madison Avenue to Southern Avenue and Southern Avenue to Latonia Avenue up to Grace
  • $1.2 million to replace 4 TANK buses with bike racks, security cameras, and wheelchair lifts
Other NKY projects include improvements to Carothers Road in Newport. For the full list and information: OKI  
|
KENTUCKY RANKS FIRST IN TOXIC AIR POLLUTION FROM POWER PLANTS
A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Fund shines an unflattering light on the Commonwealth's air:
Maybe I’ve been watching way too much TV from London over the last few days, but it occurs to me that if they held a power plant pollution Olympics and states “won” medals for being home to the most toxic emissions, the gold, silver and bronze would go to Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Source: NRDC Switchboard
|
More:
This year's analysis also found that toxic pollution declined by 19 percent compared to 2009 levels, which includes a 4 percent decrease in mercury emissions. In part, the reduction is due to some power companies' decision to invest in pollution controls before the standards come into effect, in essence getting a head start on the reductions. The EPA estimates that these reductions will prevent as many as 11,000 premature deaths; 130,000 asthma attacks; 5,700 hospital visits; 4,700 heart attacks; and 2,800 cases of chronic bronchitis annually. The public health improvements will save between $37 billion and $90 billion in health costs, and prevent up to 540,000 missed work or "sick" days each year.
Full story with link to full report: NRDC
|
Analysis:
Even though 92 percent of Kentucky’s power comes from burning coal, the 92 percent of elected Kentucky public servants are dead set on keeping that number right where it is. 
Why? Because the mining and burning of coal is totally safe, of course. No water contamination, no asthma, no cancer. You just flip that switch in the room and the lights come on, thanks to the coal industry — which you may never question, ever, or else you hate people from Appalachia. Our governor and legislature have things totally under control, so don’t worry about it.
Full story: LEO Weekly
|
KENTUCKY CORPORATION'S HEALTH CARE STANCE GOES NATIONAL
Politicos across the country are debating comments made by the CEO of Kentucky-based Papa John's Pizza, but no one had more fun with it than late night satirist-in-chief Stephen Colbert:

|
Meanwhile... Bluegrass Politics reports via Twitter: "David Adams of Tea Party: Aug. 21 Frankfort rally also will urge folks to buy Papa John's, whose owner said Obamacare will hike pizza prices." So, after a week of arguing over chicken sandwiches, our new foodie wedge issue is pizza. It's gonna be a long three months, isn't it?
|
WHOOPING COUGH CASES INCREASE IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY
The Northern Kentucky Health Department sent out this news via Twitter:
3 more cases of whooping cough in NKY this week. Total for year is up to 82. Age ranges from 3 weeks to 67 years old.
For info on how to prevent and treat whooping cough, also known as pertussis, click here.
|
QUICKIES
|
CVG, Delta improve on-time scores Business Courier 
|
Support for Democrat Bill Adkins in special election urged by State Party Chairman press release 
|
KY Republicans organize campaign around Democratic State House Speaker Greg Stumbo's support for President Obama WFPL 
|
KY Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer to advise Mitt Romney on agriculture issues WFPL 
|
Coal miners union not wild about Obama or Romney WFPL 
|
It may take years for eastern Kentucky schools to recover from tornadoes Kentucky Forward 
|
Kentucky Historical Society to display Civil War artifacts at state fair press release 
|
Attorney General Jack Conway schedules events to warn seniors of scams press release 
|
DON'T MISS THURSDAY MORNING'S NEWS
How are the candidates for office in Covington doing on the fundraising front?; The School Board will take up the issue of taxes at today's meeting; A local food truck is already expanding its services; Plus, a look at what to do in Covington this weekend! Click it.
The RC News: Thursday Morning Round-Up 
|
LOUISVILLE MAN SETS TOILET ON FIRE FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS
So, this happened:
A 36-year-old Louisville man was arrested Saturday morning after police said he set a toilet on fire at a Speedway gas station and claimed he did it for “religious reasons.”

(snip)

Officers reported that Crittenden was “intoxicated on nitrous oxide from huffing the Reddi-wip,” the report said. He had “extremely slurred speech” and was unsteady on his feet, it said. Crittenden, who had already been banned from the store, was huffing the whipped cream cans in the aisles of the store, which was “causing alarm” to customers, the report said.
Wow. Full story: Courier-Journal 
Dangerous!
|
MARTY BRENNAMAN TO TRIM NOSE HAIRS IF REDS WIN PENNANT
LOL:
Following a successful hair-cutting promotion last week to benefit the Reds Community Fund, Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman announced he will publicly undergo a full nasal trim if the Reds win the National League pennant.
Full story: Derf Magazine (satire)
|
|
AIN'T THAT AMERICA...
A man living in our nation's capital ordered a TV but received an assault rifle instead:
Thirty-eight-year-old Seth Horvitz says he purchased the 39-inch television from a third-party seller. A box arrived from UPS on Tuesday evening, and it seemed too small to contain the TV. He says he initially thought it contained accessories.
More with video: WXIX 
|
10 THINGS A BURGLAR DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW
Good to know info written in the form of thank-you notes from burglars:
You’d be surprised how many home owners position a mirror in their entry hall so I can see from a window if the alarm system is armed. (Yours wasn’t, but I’m guessing you know that by now!) Thanks for taking a lot of pressure off of me.

A little free advice: Relocate the mirror so your alarm system isn’t visible if someone else would peer through a window.
Of course, you could always just order an assault rifle.
Full story: House Logic 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 9 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
by Michael Monks 
|
THE FUTURE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The City of Covington hosts a public forum tonight on the future of code enforcement and community development based on recommendations made by outside consultants Management Partners and also based on projected budget constraints. Could code enforcement be outsourced away from City Hall? Will there no longer be a community development director? The discussion starts at 6:00PM at City Hall inside Commission Chambers. The River City News will have it covered for you.
|
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING WILL DISCUSS BUDGET, TAX INCREASE
At Thursday afternoon's school board meeting, expect to hear some discussion on the budget and the proposed 4% increase in the district's share of property taxes. The River City News will have it covered for you.
|
UPDATE: CANDIDATE FUNDRAISING IN COVINGTON
As the fall campaign starts to pick up in pace, let's see who's got the most cash to spend:
|
MAYOR
|
Sherry Carran reported raising (including self-contributions) $17,855 and as of late July had just over $3,300 left. 
|
Steve Casper reported raising (including self-contributions) $10,450 and as of late July had just over $1,900 left.
|
CITY COMMISSION
|
Chuck Eilerman reported raising (including self-contributions) $14,245 and as of late July had just under $2,400 left.
|
Steve Frank reported raising (including self-contributions) $15,701 and as of late July had just over $6,500 left.
|
Greg Paeth reported raising (including self-contributions) $6,195 and as of late July had just over $2,800 left.
|
Michelle Williams reported raising  (including self-contributions) $2,557 and as of late July had just over $500 left.
|
Candidates Ed Faulkner, Neil Gilreath, Roger Hamilton, and Mildred Rains have yet to report any fundraising or only reported a small self-contribution.
|
The next campaign finance reports are due October 5.
|
DON'T MISS WEDNESDAY EVENING'S NEWS!
Check out which homes won this year's Covington beautification awards; Graduation rates are up across the Commonwealth, including a small gain at Holmes; Plus, why there are probably more spiders lurking in your home RIGHT NOW! Those stories and more at the link.
|
FOOD TRUCK EXPANDS TO OFFER BURGERS AT DOWNTOWN WINDOW
One of the food trucks that participated in Covington's Food Truck Invasion, Cafe de Wheels, is expanding into immobile service:
Owner Tom Acito said he will soon be opening Base Camp 1, a burger window at Dive Bar on Short Vine in Corryville. He’ll still take the food truck to Fountain Square, events and other locations. But this space doubles his ability to sell burgers, and he’ll move his commissary there as well.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Polly Campbell 
Cafe de Wheels in Covington
|
QUICKIES
|
State retiree says legislators should put on their "man pants" and deal with the pension problem cn|2 
|
WATCH: Kentucky school's surveillance video captures footage of when a tornado ripped through it last spring WYMT 
|
Powerball jackpot grows larger for Saturday's drawing WKYT 
|
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN COVINGTON
|
Friday
|
Xanadu the Musical opens at The Carnegie
Beautiful Greek muse Kira has journeyed from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in a quest to inspire struggling chalk artist Sonny to create the most resplendent and staggering work of art the world has ever known… the roller disco! But can Sonny capture the imagination of a jaded landlord to save his disco from the wrecking ball, and will Kira’s jealous muse sisters destroy Sonny and Kira’s forbidden love?
Roll up your leg warmers for an “all-skate” of funny and feel-good '80s pop-rock pandemonium,featuring musical hits including “Magic,” “All Over The World,” “Suddenly” and “Evil Woman.”
Tickets $19 - $26
For dates and times, click here 
SEE ALSO: Xanadu's director is profiled in City Beat 
|
Mother of God yard sale all weekend
Come and bring your friends to the church yard sale for an interesting and unique assortment of items. It will be held August 10 and 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and August 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. here at Mother of God.
|
High School football returns with scrimmage tonight between Holy Cross and Scott. The game starts in Taylor Mill at 7:00PM.
|
SATURDAY
|
Backpack Giveaway in Mainstrasse
Northern Kentucky’s largest school backpack and school supply giveaway will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, in Goebel Park at Fifth and Philadelphia streets in Covington’s MainStrasse.
At the 12th annual Backpacks and Breakfast some 900 backpacks loaded with school supplies will be distributed to school children from low-income families.
Full story: Community Recorder 
|
Helentown Neighborhood Picnic
Saturday on Garrard Street between Fifteenth and Patton. It starts at 12:30PM and lasts until 3:30PM. 
|
SUNDAY

|
A Day in Rabbit Hash Click Here 

|
OBSCURE WORDS FOR PEOPLE WHO COLLECT OBSCURE THINGS
Interesting:

1. Sucrologists collect those little sugar packets that you see in restaurants.

Read more: Mental Floss