NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY AFTERNOON 30 APR

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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TEEN MURDER SUSPECT TO PLEAD GUILTY

He is one of the youngest people ever to face a murder charge in Kenton County and Tromonte Rice, 15, is expected to plead guilty today to killing 16-year old Dre'Shawn Hammond: 

Hammond’s grandmother, Brenda McFall, didn’t attend the hearing, but when reached by telephone, said prosecutors have kept her abreast of the details. She said Rice will plead guilty to manslaughter and robbery in exchange for prosecutors recommending a sentence of 15 years to 20 years.
Rice will also have to testify against co-defendant Mikael R. Crumes, 17, also of Covington, said lawyer Rick Scott, who is assisting lawyer Brad Fox in defending Crumes. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah  
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MAN ACCUSED IN FATAL COVINGTON CRASH FACES MORE TRAFFIC CHARGES
Already facing two counts of reckless homicide charges, Richard Michael Beers, 20, of Independence, was pulled over again last month: 

Beers’ headlights were “miss-aimed to blind oncoming traffic,” according to the report. The officer then discovered that Beers was not wearing a seat belt and did not have his driver’s license with him.
(snip)
Beers has now been pulled over 14 times in five years. 

The reckless homicide charges were brought following a fatal crash on 3-L Highway near Richardson Road. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Brenna Kelly  
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INVESTIGATION: CVG AIRPORT IS A HUB FOR INTERNATIONAL SMUGGLERS
WCPO's I-Team will present its investigation into smuggling at the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport during its 6 o'clock news tonight: 

Customs officers are intercepting drugs every night. In the last six months, they've seized more than 1 ton of illegal narcotics in Northern Kentucky. Here are the numbers on what they've found:Cocaine - 90 poundsHeroin - 176 poundsMethamphetamines - 61 poundsMarijuana - 516 poundsSynthetic narcotics - 593 poundsOpium - 626 pounds 

WCPO  
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SCATHING AUDIT REVEALS MANY IMPROPRIETIES BY RICHIE FARMER
Twenty years ago Richie Farmer solidified his standing as an "unforgettable" Kentuckian as part of the 1992 UK men's basketball team that lost in the NCAA East Regional Finals to eventual champion Duke in what many call the greatest college basketball game ever played. That team's trip to the tournament ended several years of dark clouds over UK's program that included a losing season, the firing of head coach Eddie Sutton, and a ban from post-season play. Now, Richie Farmer has brought some dark clouds of his own over the Commonwealth as revealed today by Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen that detailed many improprieties in the Department of Agriculture during Farmer's two terms as commissioner: 

In addition to the basketball court, Edelen said Farmer had state employees take him hunting and shopping, mow his yard and chauffeur his dog — all while on state time.
"He showered himself with gifts and office equipment and rewarded friends with jobs," Edelen said. "These are just some of the documented abuses that should outrage every Kentuckian." 

Herald-Leader/Janet Patton
It is a damning audit full of details that will disappoint Farmer's former fans. It was just six months ago that Farmer could have been elected the state's Lieutenant Governor, running with Senate President David Williams in a bid to unseat Governor Steve Beshear. 

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READ THE FULL AUDIT: Click Here 

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Meanwhile, Farmer's attorney responds: 

“My response is I think in a lot of ways we’re going to find that the audit itself is a very political and self-serving audit. It’s pretty much what we expected,” True said in his Frankfort office. 

WFPL 
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REP. DAVIS: FRANKFORT DROPPED THE BALL ON BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE
In his weekly column, NKY's United States Representative Geoff Davis expressed his frustration with delays in Frankfort in regards to the Brent Spence Bridge project: 

Lawmakers in Frankfort just concluded work on Kentucky’s transportation budget and Road Plan for the next two years. Unfortunately, they failed to prioritize sufficient funds to keep the Brent Spence Bridge project moving forward without delay.
Many may rightfully wonder why a bridge carrying an interstate highway across the Ohio River is an issue for Kentucky’s General Assembly. Kentucky’s Road Plan for the next two years determines which projects will get funding. This transportation budget spends $4.5 billion — including about $2.4 billion in federal funds — to pay for the projects detailed in the Road Plan. These dollars are the primary funding source for a project like the Brent Spence Bridge.
I support quick passage of a fiscally responsible, long-term federal highway bill. However, due to the congressional ban on earmarking, State governments will decide what projects are funded by the money provided in the federal bill.
Simply put, the ball is in Frankfort’s court. And while replacement of the Brent Spence Bridge is one the Commonwealth’s most pressing transportation needs, the General Assembly and the Governor have adopted a strategy of delay.
Absent from the tumultuous debate over the recently passed two-year Road Plan (HB 267) was a modest allocation of additional funds to keep the Brent Spence project on schedule. Governor Beshear’s budget request for fiscal years 2012-2013 for the project was $43.78 million, which was $24.22 million short of the $68 million needed by this July. 

Read the full column here. 

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DO WEALTHY SCHOOL DISTRICTS PERFORM BETTER?

The Cincinnati Business Courier is not sure: 

Readers perusing this week’s “Wealthiest Tri-State School Districts” list won’t see any clear answers. The perennial No. 1-ranked Indian Hill Exempt Village school district, for example, has an assessed per-pupil property valuation of more than $1.8 million, way ahead of No. 2 district Sycamore Community City at $940,000. Indian Hill also pays the highest average teacher salary, at about $74,500. And it spends the second-highest amount per student, at $15,207, just behind third-placer Princeton City Schools’ $15,269. 

Business Courier  
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QUICKIES
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Cincinnati dumps Duke Energy Huffington Post
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Sen. Mitch McConnell bulldozing any possible primary opponent WFPL 
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Beshear announces 600 new jobs in Louisville as Cafe Press moves its headquarters there press release 
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Kentucky extends concussion training for coaches to middle school level WFPL 
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Lexington Fire Department's hiring practices under federal investigation Herald-Leader
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Ohio lags Kentucky, other neighbors in tourism dollars Columbus Dispatch 
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NKU's Griffin Hall (home of the much lauded College of Informatics) is honored for its technology press release 
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After years of work, ambassadors in Over-the-Rhine are a reality Urban Cincy
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Husband of Ben-Gal cheerleader that is accused of sex with teen student will appear on Inside Edition tonight Cincinnati Enquirer
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SAME-SEX INSURANCE COVERAGE COULD COST CITY $543,000
The city is Cincinnati, however: 

Offering medical, dental and vision to city employees and their same-sex partners could cost about $348,000 if 44 partners took part in the insurance plan, or up to $543,000 if 77 did. Those are just estimates based on guesses about how many people might enroll and about how many would enroll children also. 

Covington City Commissioners Shawn Masters and Steve Frank said last fall during a gay pride celebration that Covington would also offer same-sex benefits. Not much has been made of that pledge since. 
Cincinnati Enquirer
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MONDAY MORNING HEADLINES
Did you miss this morning's report? A Covington City Commissioner appointed to area youth board to help combat school bullying; Retired Covington Police officer reflects on Erpenbeck scandal; Plus, is the UK-Indiana basketball rivalry really coming to an end? More Covington News Than Any Other Source at the link! 
The RC News: Monday Morning Round-Up 
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CONGRATULATIONS TO HOLMES STAR DONTEL RICE!
The standout basketball player has committed to play college ball at Gulf Coast Community College in Florida according to NKY Sports Blog which quotes Enquirer contributor Richard Skinner's Twitter feed:

At 6-5, Rice’s game is currently that of a combo-forward. He has tremendous bounce and athleticism that he uses to finish at the rim and rebound. He lacks the true size and back to the basket game to be a post player though, but his skill level has continued to improve over the last two years. He may very well end up becoming more of a wing, as his skills continue to improve, which will elevate his stock as a college recruit by the time he’s finished with his associate’s degree.

NKY Sports Blog
This video of a Rice dunk from this past season never gets old: 

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/30/2169892/auditor-details-spending-by-richie.html#storylink=cpy

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY MORNING 30 APR

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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ERPENBECK SCANDAL STILL STIRS EMOTIONS

The home building scandal that ended a Northern Kentucky company and a local bank happened ten years ago, as remembered in this Enquirer piece that features a former Covington Police officer ripped off by Bill Erpenbeck: 

“You hear about Bernie Madoff,” Mitchell, 74, said. “That was the rich ripping off the rich. This was different. This was a rich guy ripping off a bunch of people like me. Erpenbeck hit the working class right in the gut. He tried to take our American dream away.”
That’s because Erpenbeck’s scheme left about 211 homebuyers with second mortgages on their homes, said Mitchell’s attorney, Brandon Voelker.
“They were scared,” Voelker said of the homebuyers. “They thought they were going to lose their houses.” 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah 
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AUDITOR TO RELEASE REPORT TODAY ON STATE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
This will be big. Kentucky State Auditor Adam Edelen will speak to the public at 10:00AM to announce the findings of his investigation into the Agriculture Department when it was led by Republican Richie Farmer. The current Commissioner of Agriculture, Republican James Comer, asked for the investigation. 
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POLITICS 
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NKU hosts Republicans fighting for the nomination in the 4th Congressional District tonight NKU
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WOOPS: Thomas Massie would not be able to opt out of his Congressional pension cn|2
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Super PAC "Liberty For All" to back Massie in 4th District cn|2
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It's a give-and-take world with Jim Bunning endorsements Courier-Journal 
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POLITICS IS KING IN KENTUCKY ROAD FUNDING 

To fully understand the latest blow-up in the legislature, and the evolution of politics in Kentucky road-building, let’s start at Manntown in southern Russell County, which was never really a town (many Manns lived there) but is where state Senate President David Williams wants to build a road and a bridge, so those points are the beginning and end of our story. 

Courier-Journal/Al Cross  
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Term limit talk is prominent in campaigns (but not likely to happen) Cincinnati Enquirer 
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45 incumbents in Kentucky face no opposition this year Herald-Leader
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Two newcomers hope to continue trend of young faces in the state house WFPL 
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THE SUNDAY EDITION
If it happens in Covington, you read about it here at The River City News. Did you miss a moment last week? Get caught up in The Sunday Edition at the link. 
The RC News: The Sunday Edition 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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MONDAY MORNING MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

From Covington Independent Public Schools Superintendent Lynda Jackson: 

I continue to search for ways to define engagement. I think the best definition comes from the work of Phil Schlecty (1994), who says students who are engaged exhibit three characteristics: (1) they are attracted to their work, (2) they persist in their work despite challenges and obstacles, and (3) they take visible delight in accomplishing their work.

We see signs of engagement daily - during a project, presentation, or lively class discussion. We catch glimpses of the inspired inner world of a child, and hoped to sustain this wonder, enthusiasm, and perseverance every day. How can we provide a practical model for understanding what our students want and need? 

More at the link. 
Lynda Jackson  
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CITY COMMISSIONER MASTERS APPOINTED TO NKY YOUTH FOUNDATION BOARD
From the NKY Youth Foundation: 

Shawn Masters, co-owner of The Merlot Group and a Covington City Commissioner, joins the Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation as a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Masters sees a need to engage our youth in activities, especially in our urban cities, that will challenge their creativeness and create an environment where they can express their individuality through various forms of programs. Secondly, he believes the NKYF can be a more collaborative conduit for addressing the issue of bullying in our schools. With his strong desire to see youth excel, and his continuing lobbying for education efforts to curb bullying, the Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation believes his experience and knowledge will only add to the already strong regional support. Welcome to the Board, Mr. Masters!

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QUICKIES
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Somebody robbed the Newport Taco Bell Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Hopkinsville is the largest city in Kentucky without some form of  a smoking ban but the mayor wants to change that NECN 
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Kentucky hospital offers baby-name generator Herald-Leader 
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Potential new owner plots comeback of Kentucky-based Dippin' Dots ice cream Business First 
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Drama over the closure of a Perkins restaurant in Lexington Herald-Leader 
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Derby winner Animal Kingdom poised for a comeback Courier-Journal 
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COULD THE KENTUCKY-INDIANA BASKETBALL RIVALRY REALLY BE OVER?

The schools are at an impasse over where to play the games: at campus sites or on neutral courts... 

“We can do it in Louisville, Lucas Oil, both teams benefit," Calipari said. Crean rebutted saying, "It's got to be a two-way street and taking it off campus isn’t anything that people here are excited about or behind." 

Just leave Louisville on the schedule, please. 
ESPN 

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LOUISVILLE BASKETBALL IS NUMBER ONE IN "INTRINSIC VALUE"

So what the heck does that mean? 

"When you look at the revenue being produced from men's basketball, the University of Louisville is far outperforming everyone else," Brewer said. "It's not just Kentucky."
For fiscal year 2011, Louisville reported net revenue from men's basketball in excess of $27 million. UK reported some $6.5 million in men's hoops revenue. 

Herald-Leader  
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URBAN PLANNER STUCK IN TRAFFIC MESS OF HIS OWN DESIGN
LOL: 

"A direct path to I-279 and wider on-ramps would have helped, for starters," Rothstein said, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. "Sure, a six-lane street wouldn't look as nice as that tree-lined square with the fountain—Jesus, lady! Move!—but with six lanes, I wouldn't be sitting here breathing fumes." 

The Onion 

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/28/2168453/mark-story-louisville-basketball.html#storylink=cpy

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY MORNING 28 APR

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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CITY COMMISSION TO APPROVE THIRD UNION CONTRACT TUESDAY

After approving new working agreements between the City of Covington and the unions representing police officers and firefighters, the city commission on Tuesday will approve the third and final working agreement with the union representing dispatchers, public improvements employees, and clerical workers. Here is the agenda for Tuesday night's meeting at City Hall: 

• A working agreement between the City and AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) through December 31, 2015
• Purchase of a new ambulance in the amount of $135,888 (with additional options in the amount of $18,564) from Muster Emergency Vehicles payable from capital improvement funds
• Purchase of two new street sweepers (No price listed. Here is the language from the resolution: "Declaring the bids received from CMI Equipment Sales, Inc and Jack Doheny Supplies Inc for the purchase of two regenerative air street sweepers to be the two responsible bids in accordance with KRS45A.365 and rejecting all other bids and authorizing the competitive negotiation process between CMI Equipment Inc and Jack Doheny Supplies, Inc in accordance with KRS45A.370)
• Sale of street sweepers: accepting the bid of William A. Clark in the amount of $138,100 for the purchase of two 2008 street sweepers
• A 1988 Boston Whaler boat used by the fire department will be voted on as surplus property and its ownership could be transferred to another government agency
• Vehicles formerly used by the fire department and department of public improvements will be voted on as surplus property
• The City of Covington may enter into a third amended development agreement with the Center for Great Neighborhoods
• Covington resident Gina Estes will be recognized for her appointment as the Chair of Preservation Kentucky
• Two presentations: one on the purchase of Insight Cable by Time Warner and another on the Children's Home of Northern Kentucky

As always, The River City News will have the most comprehensive coverage of City Hall following Tuesday night's meeting. 

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KENTON COUNTY MOVES TO UNITE DISPATCH SERVICES

As Covington moves to "get out of the dispatch business", the Kenton County fiscal court is preparing to take over the city's 911 emergency services: 

County officials unanimously authorized Kenton Judge-executive Steve Arlinghaus to advertise and accept resumes for a dispatch manager for the Kenton County Emergency Communications Board. The makeup of that board has yet to be determined, but the fiscal court is expected to consider and possibly vote on a board structure at its next regular meeting on May 8. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Cindy Schroeder  
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KY SUPCO: CITY EMPLOYEES CAN'T BE CONSIDERED WHISTLEBLOWERS
Cities are not considered employers to be covered by the "Whistleblower Act":

In sum, we wold that cities are not political subdivisions under Kentucky’s Whistleblower Act, and city employees are therefore not protected by the Act. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeals. 

Page One Kentucky 
Read the entire ruling here (PDF)  
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REIMAGINED BRENT SPENCE: FINANCIAL WINDFALL FOR CINCINNATI?
As Covington fights to save its exits and access to the city Cincinnati is seeing potential dollar signs in a reimagined Brent Spence design: 

A land use analysis performed by the UrbanCincy team found that the alternatives presented and illustrated in the Revive-75 documents would increase the amount of new land available in the Central Business District by roughly 33 percent. Approximately 25 new city blocks would be created under the proposal, freeing up land that is currently taken up by the expansive tangle of roadways that connect I-75, I-71 and the Brent Spence Bridge.
This would be accomplished by maintaining the ramps that connect I-71 to the Brent Spence Bridge and extending Fort Washington Way west, becoming the Third Street Expressway. This expressway will later align with the Sixth Street Expressway after connecting to the new bridge alignment west of Longworth Hall. The street grid would then be reestablished and developable real estate could be maximized on the newly reclaimed land. Based on the research provided from Minicozzi and Katz, UrbanCincy estimates that the taxable revenue capture could be more than $200 million from property taxes alone.
Such a move would not only allow for a sizable expansion of the Central Business District, but it would also create available land for a future expansion of the Duke Energy Convention Center. In a time when public agencies are trying to do more with less, this is a perfect opportunity to create more tax-productive property in the heart of the Cincinnati region. Moving the new bridge west is a solution that city, county and local business leaders should all support. 

Urban Cincy  
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MEANWHILE, A TV NEWS INVESTIGATION FINDS THAT THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE COSTS TAXPAYERS $8 MILLION A MONTH: 

"We have to look at different ways to build this project that will cut years off of this," said Mark Policinski, president of OKI Regional Council of Governments. "Simply put, we can't wait 11 years to have a new bridge."
Funding remains an issue, despite a visit by President Barack Obama that used the bridge as a backdrop to promote his jobs bill.
"The frustration on my part as it is with anybody," said Steve Morrison, a Covington business owner. "Nobody can tell you a time and a date. A lot of discussion, but nobody can tell you if that's three years, four years or 10 years from now." 

More with video at the link. 
WLWT  
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SEE ALSO: As Louiville prepares for its new bridge project, towns on the other side of its portion of the Ohio River in Indiana feel like they are getting the shaft: 

“They’re not conservationists, they’re obstructionists,” he said. “I’m a bit upset about the whole process. And I don’t think it’s necessary at this point to build a downtown bridge, especially redoing all of Spaghetti Junction and throwing all of that in and expect Indiana to pay because of what Kentucky should have done years and years ago.”
(snip)
“Adding tolls on the 65 bridge will wipe me out,” she said. “I’m a travel agent ... I’ve been in the business since 1980. I survived 9/11, I survived the recession, but I will not survive tolls. It’s hard enough to get them to come over to Indiana as it is,” she said referring to Kentucky residents.
“My dream would be just to do away with the downtown bridge,” she said. “It is not needed. I know it’s not needed. As sure as I’m standing here, we don’t need another bridge down here.” 

News & Tribune  
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in case you missed...
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KENTON COUNTY HIRES FIRST AFRO-AMERICAN PROSECUTOR
Congratulations to Lawrence Hilton: 

More on Hilton along with the weekly mugshot round-up... 

...at the link! 

Convicted: Mugshot Round-Up 28 April

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FRIDAY'S HEADLINES
A national gay blog weighs in on a candidate in the Covington mayor's race; Steve Frank: No new bridge without Covington's changes; Plus, a profile on the Holmes student that landed a $40,000 scholarship to UK. More Covington News Than Any Other Source -- at the link!

The RC News: Friday Round-Up 

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QUICKIES

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Woman sues Kentucky dentist after he allegedly dropped a small screwdriver down her throat that had to be surgically removed Herald-Leader 

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Kings Island opens today Cincinnati Enquirer 

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KY Arts Council gets $734,000 from National Endowment for the Arts press release 

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NKU among healthiest employers Business Courier

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NKU professor to be part of summer institute press release 

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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STATE AUDITOR SPEAKS IN COVINGTON ABOUT TAXING DISTRICTS

Democratic State Auditor Adam Edelen discussed special taxing districts like the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission in Covington and called NKY the state's "special district capital": 

Edelen’s office will begin in May a review of all the special taxing districts that can levy a tax or fee to see how many there are, how much tax money is going to these districts, and what, if anything, should be done to make the system more efficient.
These districts include libraries, fire districts, sanitation districts and the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission. Taxing districts in Northern Kentucky have become a hot-button issue with tea party members and others seeking to dissolve NKAPC and roll back the taxes of the libraries and sanitation district.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman 

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SEE ALSO: On Monday, Edelen is expected to release the full audit of the state agriculture department which could be a very bad day for former Commissioner of Agriculture, former Republican candidate for Lt. Governor, and former UK basketball star Richie Farmer cn|2 

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MORE POLITICS

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Governor Beshear takes steps to increase access to high quality anesthesia press release 

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4th District Republican voters react after this week's debate cn|2 

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Attorney General jack Conway talks prescription drug abuse in Murray and Paducah press release

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NEW DIXIE PRINCIPAL WAS ADMINISTRATOR AT HOLMES MIDDLE SCHOOL

The new principal at Dixie Heights, one of the area's largest high schools, spent 12 years in the Covington Independent Public Schools district: 

One of Hendrix’s toughest challenges in education was soon after she got out of college when she worked as a counselor at a wilderness residential treatment facility for emotionally disturbed teenage boys. They lived in a tent several miles from civilization. The average stay for a boy there was a year.
“I did leave that program feeling like I could do anything,” Hendrix said. “They wanted us to give a two-year commitment, but most didn’t make it that long.”

Cincinnati Enquirer/William Croyle  
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SEE ALSO: Holmes High School's Dontel Rice is named a Cincinnati Enquirer all-star Click Here 
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COVINGTON FARMERS MARKET STARTS ONE WEEK FROM TODAY
Support the Covington Farmers Market at its new location starting next Saturday, May 5 on Court Street in Roebling Point near the former jail. 

Stay up to date with the Farmers Market by following on Facebook. Click here. 

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INDEPENDENCE FARMERS MARKET IS TODAY TILL 2:00PM

From the City of Independence: 

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for your Lettuce, Kale, Spinach, green onions, free range eggs, frying chickens, pork, and organic cheeses. Also available honey, breads, jams and a variety of plants. Indulge yourself at Reta's Food Booth for your biscuits and gravy for breakfast or BBQ Pork Sandwiches, herb roasted potatoes and coleslaw for lunch. The market will be open every Saturday from 8:30-2:00 at the Courthouse Square on Madison Pike.  

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FROM OUR NEIGHBORS IN TAYLOR MILL: 

We are currently seeking a volunteer who is interested in leading our Mobility Monday Walking Group, beginning at 7:00 pm in Pride Park. Anyone interested should please contact us at 859.581.3234. The walking group starts in May and continues until October. Its a great way to guarantee you'll meet new friends and live life actively. 

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MORE QUICKIES
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How the town of Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky got its name NPR 
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Yelp Cincinnati to host preview event at new Mainstrasse bourbon bar Yelp 
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The Welcome House thanks Restaurant Association for large donation Facebook 
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Creation Museum Founder: Jesus was not a zombie! Barefoot & Progressive 
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PHOTOS: UK star Anthony Davis's visit to Florence Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Why you need to download UK star Terrence Jones's song Kentucky Sports Radio

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY EVENING 6 FEB

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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OMNICARE EXEC GETS $1 MILLION SEVERANCE IN DEPARTURE

And yet, this is a company that cannot afford to pay its rent without your tax money:

The separation agreement provides Leo Finn with aggregate cash severance of $320,000, payable in 12 monthly installments, according to a filing that Covington-based Omnicare made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Additionally, Finn will receive $502,609 in lieu of forfeited restricted stock, and $240,000 in lieu of his 2011 annual bonus.  

Wow. I hope he can make it!
Business Courier/James Ritchie 
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COLLEGE READINESS PROGRAM AT HOLMES HIGHLIGHTED BY STATE GROUP
The Kentucky School Board Association puts the spotlight on efforts at Holmes to better prepare students for post-secondary education:

“What we discovered was that a great number of our students didn’t believe they could be successful in a postsecondary program,” said Dennis Maines, principal of Covington’s Holmes High School. He said most students come from families where no one has ever attended college. “A lot of these kids will be the first ever to finish high school,” he said.

Full story at the link.
The River City News 

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DOWNTOWN COVINGTON BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED

Nearly two months later, the guy whom police believe robbed the Huntington Bank on Madison Avenue is finally behind bars.

The River City News 

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KY JUDGE MAY RULE MIDWEEK ON REDISTRICTING

And then maybe some work could get done?

Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd listened to more than four hours of arguments in a hearing Monday. Shepherd had issued a temporary restraining order last week that pushed the filing deadline to the close of business on Tuesday. He said he may extend that restraining order if necessary.

AP via Ledger-Independent (Facebook)
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SEE ALSO: You know it's strange days in Frankfort when the state senate's most liberal member joins Republicans in the state house fighting the issue of redistricting. Lexington's long-serving Senator Kathy Stein saw her district moved to northeastern Kentucky, leaving her without a seat -- and that has left many Lexington voters angry:

He appeared to take seriously the disenfranchisement of Fayette County voters who would have to wait six years to vote on their Senate representative, which of course is two years longer than the Constitution says we should. On top of that there’s the House Republicans who argue that Stumbo’s maps unnecessarily split counties and thus disenfranchise voters.

Barefoot & Progressive 

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SEE ALSO: Congressional filing deadline will likely be moved again. WFPL 

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SEN. RAND PAUL TO SPEAK TO NKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Check out the adoring invitation:

Senator Rand Paul, elected in November 2010 to his first term in the U. S. Senate, is the son of presidential hopeful U. S. Representative Ron Paul (R-Texas). Before being elected to the Senate, Paul was working as an ophthalmologist in Bowling Green, KY. However, when longtime Senator Jim Bunning retired, Paul felt compelled to run for elected office. His dedication to the cause of limited government not only resonated with the voters of Kentucky but catapulted him onto the national stage. 

The event is February 24. Click the link for details.
NKY Chamber of Commerce  
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KY AUDITOR WANTS TO SEE MEDICARE CLAIMS OF 3 FIRMS
Kentucky's new Auditor of Public Accounts, Adam Edelen, wants to know how well the state's Medicare claims are being paid and processed by the three firms hired to handle those tasks:

“Our office has received a flood of phone calls from patients who are concerned about slow or denied claims as well as from providers,” said Edelen spokeswoman Stephenie Steitzer.

Courier-Journal/Deborah Yetter 
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KENTUCKY CONTINUES UNIFIED FIGHT AGAINST PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
Governor Beshear & Attorney General Conway were flanked by legislators from both houses and parties today in Frankfort:

The leaders emphasized that in spite of a heavy legislative agenda, the issue of prescription drug abuse is a high priority. Gov. Beshear explained that the many efforts underway to fight the abuse of controlled substances should not be overlooked in this session. "Battling the scourge of prescription drug abuse requires dynamic, nimble policies and coordination of efforts, from law enforcement to recovery centers, from computer assisted investigations to citizen tipsters," said Gov. Beshear. "The legislation under consideration in the General Assembly will allow us to better coordinate our efforts for a safer Kentucky." 

Office of the Attorney General  
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SEE ALSO: Conway announces multi-state settlement with NCO Financial Systems over debt collection practices Press Release 
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KENTUCKY'S SIGNATURE PRODUCT GETS BOOST FROM OVERSEAS
The international community is really enjoying some bourbon:

Spirits exports grew 16.5% last year, reaching a record $1.34 billion -- outpacing wine's $1.14 billion and dwarfing beer's $334 million, according to new data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a liquor trade group. Whiskey, including bourbon, accounts for 69% of spirits exports. The growth is fueled by lower tariffs, a weaker dollar that makes exports less expensive and growing middle classes in developing markets, according to the trade group. 

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Congressman John Yarmuth on the bourbon boom:

Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), founder of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, praised the economic contributions of Kentucky’s bourbon industry on Monday, after a new study revealed that the signature industry is in the midst of a worldwide resurgence that is centered in the Commonwealth.
The distilled spirits industry in Kentucky – which produces 95 percent of the world’s bourbon – has expanded more during the past three years than at any time since, according to the University of Louisville study. Bourbon contributes $1.8 billion a year to the state’s economy and employs nearly 9,000 people, directly and indirectly, with a total annual payroll of $413 million, the study revealed.
The industry has also created 4 percent new job growth since 2008.
“I’ve always been proud to support the bourbon industry, and this reaffirms the vital role that bourbon plays in our state,” Yarmuth said. “Far more than a drink of choice for those with discerning taste, bourbon is an economic driver and job-creator.” 

In other news, there's a Congressional Bourbon Caucus?
Press Release 
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BOAT MOVED FROM BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Maybe that will shrink the lookie-loos flocking to the scene of the accident in Western Kentucky:

A ship is no longer sitting near the western Kentucky bridge that it crashed into. The Delta Mariner was freed this morning and moved to a safe harbor down river. Underwater debris had been holding it in place near the Eggner's Ferry Bridge.

84 WHAS 

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MONDAY AFTERNOON'S NEWS

Another small business makes a big investment in Covington; Congressman Davis seeks to close the 'strip club loophole'; Plus, how grocery stores are ripping off girl scout cookies. Those stories and more at the link!
The River City News 
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TWO COVINGTON ATHLETES UP FOR HONOR FROM WLWT NEWS 5
Channel 5's Beacon Orthopedics Primetime Performer honors the week's most outstanding athletes at the high school level. Voting ended today at noon, and we'll find out who the winner is during Channel 5's 11:00PM news tomorrow. There's a 40% chance the winner will be a Covington athlete. Jake Burger of Holy Cross was nominated for his 29-point/6 steals performance while Dontel Rice, of Holmes, was recognized for his 25-point throwdown. 
WLWT
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COVINGTON'S VIEW OF THE CINCINNATI SKYLINE TO IMPROVE?
Sounds like Dunnhumby is going to forgo The Banks and build a new headquarters in Downtown Cincinnati at 5th & Race Streets:

The market research firm is working toward formal agreements with the city of Cincinnati, the state of Ohio and 3CDC to build its new headquarters at the site, owned by the city of Cincinnati, according to a statement. The land is currently being used as a public parking lot and will be redeveloped by 3CDC to include the office building for DunnhumbyUSA, a parking garage, and additional commercial space and retail.

Business Courier/Tom Demeropolis  
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CINCINNATI WAS ABUZZ WITH NATALIE PORTMAN SIGHTINGS
Then it was confirmed that the actress was in fact in town, as demonstrated by this photo from Orienal Wok, where Portman ate. Also, from the Enquirer:

Our best guess is that Portman was here to visit her grandmother, Bernice Stevens. Stevens, whom Portman mentioned during her best actress acceptance speech during the 2011 Golden Globes, lives in Hyde Park and is the widow of Art Stevens, the founder of Champion Windows.

And then this tweet from Busken Bakery:

BuskenBakery Busken Bakery 

Natalie Portman was spotted at Busken Bakery last night. What sweet treat do you think she devoured?

6 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

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See, America? Cincinnati goes gaga for stars other than George Clooney, too!
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COVINGTON POLICE AT THE POLAR PLUNGE
They raised over $2,500 for the Special Olympics according to the department's Facebook page. Photos at the link.

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LOOKS LIKE IT WAS ANOTHER FUN NIGHT AT BANGARANG'S!

So happy that these guys are rockin' it on Scott Boulevard. Click the link for photos from the most recent good time.

Metromix