She was the last person to enter and the first to exit from the race for Covington mayor, and now Dara McDowell has decided to reenter the race from which she never formally withdrew. In a press release issued Saturday morning, the Monte Casino mother of eight and home school advocate did not mention what she had previously referred to as the "homosexual agenda", and instead focused on what she views as an effort to remove Jesus Christ from the public sphere. Here is her statement in full:
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Out of concern for the lack of Christian values in the current Covington Mayoral Race, I have decided to reenter the race. We have become a nation that has embraced the religion of Secular Humanism which states that there is no God to whom we must give an account of our lives. Our founding fathers did not believe this way. In fact, It was President George Washington who gave two foundations for political prosperity. The first was "religion" and, the second was "morality“ without those two foundations society can not survive. President John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made solely for a moral and religious people.” Fisher Ames the founding father who offered the final wording of the First Amendment, urged that we never let the bible be separated from the classroom. (*Noah Webster warned that serious social problems would proceed from American schools and public policy neglecting the principles found in the bible. Since prayer was taken out of schools in 1962, our nation has seen not only sharp moral decline but also plunging SAT scores.) How is it that our Christian government has been taken over by the "anti-Christ" (which means the absence of Christ)? The answer is found in Matthew 13:24: "While the good men slept, the enemy came in." Jesus never faulted the enemy for doing what he did, for it was his task and purpose to destroy; Jesus placed the fault on the good men who went to sleep. While we sleep, young adults are being led away to denounce God and base their lives their sinful behaviors. While we sleep, marriage is being redefined. While we sleep, our children’s inheritance is being squandered. Obama’s attempt to redefine the institution that God has designed, as one man and one woman, is a WAKE UP a call! Our territory is now occupied by the enemy. It's time to establish a beachhead and take it back. "The violent take the Kingdom by force" (Matt 11:12) -- Thankfully, unlike our forefathers, nobody has to die, we just have to get up off of the couch and vote. I may be a home schooling mother of 8, but I refuse to sleep while our city and national governments, continue to drive Christ out of the public sphere while, thus allowing Humanistic depravity in. We owe it to those who have shed their blood for us, their posterity, to truthfully stand up for the lost among us, and in so doing, for our own posterity as well.
The race for Covington Mayor will have just two candidates, City Commissioners Sherry Carran and Steve Casper, as Monte Casino mother of eight Dara McDowell has decided to exit the race. McDowell told The River City News that she reached her decision after a Monday night conversation with her husband. The home-school advocate and self-described former homosexual created a firestorm at The River City News Facebook page when she announced that her top campaign priorities would include moral issues and what she dubbed the homosexual agenda. After weeks of continued online debate with readers of The River City News, McDowell conceded that she wants to learn more about the very gay people that motivated her campaign platform.
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"I just feel I want to have integrity in this race and I don't think I would be a good candidate because of the moral issues, because I don't think I would represent the homosexual community the way I should, because they do have a plight," McDowell said Tuesday afternoon. Virtually no other citizen openly supported McDowell's declaration that Covington was faced with moral depravity over her perception that the city was endorsing homosexuality through its human rights ordinance that offers protections to gay citizens, annual gay pride festivals, and the recent passage of domestic partnership benefits that would cover the same-sex partners of city employees.
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"For me, I do want to advance the city economically," McDowell said. "I do feel like I have some good ideas, some very good ideas because Covington is such an untapped resource. The sky is the limit as far as what we could do. I do feel like I had a vision for the city but the moral issue held me back. I am deficient in that area and I do need to work on that but I'm not ready to yet."
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"I realize that I am being biased, I can see that in myself and I do want to be that way. I do need to come to terms with that myself and I recognize that."
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McDowell ran for Kenton County Judge-Executive in 2010 as an independent and the only opponent of Republican Steve Arlinghaus who won the election with 75% of the vote. In this year's election, McDowell engaged her detractors directly online prompting what could amount to some soul-searching of her own viewpoints. "I do recognize that I need to read up on the plight of the homosexual movement, that there are some abuses and some oppression going on that need to be address and I am for addressing those," she said. "I just feel like I need to be more dictated and more balanced in my approach."
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Her decision, however, does not reflect a complete change of heart on the issue of homosexuality. "(The agenda) is basically masterminded by Harvard graduate individuals that just have an agenda to basically promote homosexuality and that's what I'm against. When I was a homosexual, I just believed that I was born that way and that kept me trapped in that and I don't want that for anyone. I feel like I am so much better off in understanding that was a choice. It is a lie that you don't have a choice, but it comes across as hateful and not accepting and I don't want that to happen."
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McDowell intends to further her studies on the issue of homosexuality by reading her Bible more, asking God for insights, and talking with pastors and other Christians. She hopes to focus more on what she calls a "grace-oriented" approach. "It's a better message," she said. "I tend to be too religious in that area and I need to clean that up because that is a sin for me, too much religiosity. It's not worse than homosexuality but it's still not right."
$100 MILLION IN NEW DEVELOPMENT WOULD BOOST NKY RIVER CITIES
What could $100 million worth of new real estate developments look like in Covington and the river cities? The RC News talks with Jeanne Schroer who, along with Mayor Scheper, will lead this ambitious effort to transform the region. Details at the link.
COVINGTON CITY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA FOR TUESDAY
The main event for Tuesday night's caucus meeting of the Covington City Commission is the public unveiling of the Center City Action Plan by Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates. The River City News has full coverage of the plan and what it could do revitalize Covington's Downtown and urban neighborhoods at the links below:
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PART ONE
The River City News has obtained a copy of the Center City Action Plan. At the link, find part one of three upcoming reports. Suggestions include parking meters for Mainstrasse, zoning changes, and a database of vacant, available spaces for new businesses. Click it.
The second part of the plan to revitalize Downtown Covington focuses on creating open and green spaces for the community with recommendations that include a trail system through the town and dramatic lighting displays on historic industrial infrastructure. Details at the link.
How would you feel about a 90-day code enforcement blitz? At the link, details from the Center City Action Plan's goals for "an inviting public realm", including the role of social service agencies and which neighborhood Covington should prioritize for residential development. Click it.
An emergency contract awarded to Aladdin Pools for the concrete resurfacing of Randolph Park Pool (a vital step to keep this pool open and possibly part of the generous $50,000 donation from the Housing Authority of Covington)
An amendment of the agreement between the City of Covington and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in regards to the Madison Avenue streetscape
Approval of the Home Consortium's annual action plan
As always, the most comprehensive coverage of City Hall will be right here at The River City News
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BRENT SPENCE PLAN HEMMED IN BY HISTORY
Could the historic designation of the Lewisburg neighborhood be a problem for Covington's desired changes to the Brent Spence Bridge plans?
There are federal laws that dictate how new or expanded highways must be kind to the environment and to surrounding cultural and historic areas. “Especially,” Hans added, “when you are impacting parks that have been funded with federal funds,” such as Goebel Park, located immediately east of I-71/75 and south of Covington’s Fifth Street. In the current plan, 40 homes – all in Kentucky and most in Covington – are targeted for purchases. So are 14 businesses, including six in Kentucky. Adding a “last chance exit” would “impact more property, it takes more historic district, several more homes (in the district), it causes the closure of Crescent Avenue (where two cul-de-sacs would be created near the center of Crescent),” Hans said.
A very good and thorough report is at the link. Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge | NOTE: Business leaders and Kentucky's Lt. Governor will announce a possible path forward for a new bridge on Monday at noon at the Banks in Cincinnati.
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ANTI-"HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA" MAYORAL CANDIDATE WILL DROP THE ISSUE
Dara McDowell, who is running for Covington Mayor this year and who started a Facebook firestorm with her position on gays in the city, announced today that she will stop talking about the issue:
When I entered this race, I had no idea about the new gay rights movement going on. If I had known, I don't think I would have gotten involved. But once I found out, being a former gay and living in a gay town that wasn't family friendly ... I felt like I had to do something to prevent the movement. However, I wasn't sure if I would be doing the right thing or not. I tried my best to figure it out. Michael messaged me a couple of weeks ago for an interview. And honestly, I did not know if I should continue in the race ... I was so concerned about the new "gay movement". I do want people to feel protected. However, I also feared... well, simply those things that I saw happening in other "gay cities". This really took me by surprise. I had great economic plans for the city, but I couldn't see past the possible threat to morality (such as what I see in gay cities across the U.S. and across the globe, right now... such as what I have been posting - for your information). I'm not against gays... I just have a lot of fear that children's rights to grow up in wholesome environment will disappear (thinking of the open-sex gay pride parades, and the "fisting" lessons given to highschool kids in other cities). I want a family safe place for my children, their friends and all children to grow up innocently, unlike I did. I was a victim of molestation by a neighbor, as a child (he was straight). Anyway, for a moment, or two, I thought, that maybe I could shed some light, and Covington, will consider the importance of putting family first. I never meant to be hurtful to you in any way shape or form. I kind of felt that my back was against the wall, and I couldn't just ignore what I knew in my heart to be true... and that I couldn't remain silent about it either. Honestly, this is just too much for me. I am officially bowing out of this topic from here on out. Please accept my apologies. I had my eyes on the "sins" of other cities and was forgetting about how great *this* city is doing.
A COUPLE OF BACK-TO-BACK POLICE EVENTS IN MAINSTRASSE
First, police, fire, and ambulance crews responded to West 8th Street between Bakewell and Philadelphia after a man crashed his moped into a pickup truck. That man was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is expected to be OK.
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Then, not long after the moped crash, Covington Police respond to a call that a possibly naked woman is locked out of her home on Main Street between 9th & Pike. The woman was never located.
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CONVICTED: WEEKLY MUGSHOT ROUND-UP
34 people are either on their way to prison or probation. Your weekly mugshot round-up from Kenton County Court is at the link.
Covington Police want you to remember that some of our neighbors are still missing, one since as far back as the mid-1980s:
From the Police:
Geoff was last seen in the vicinity of the 600 block of Main St. in Covington. An accident occurred on westbound I-275 at the bridge heading to Indiana at approximately 3:20am. When the police arrived, his vehicle was located but Geoff's whereabouts remain unknown.
I feel sorry for him. Not pity but actual empathy. I don’t excuse his actions but celebrating them won’t gain anyone anything. Richie is already destroyed for now. He could rise again and I’d like to see that, reformed, redemptive, a little hope for all of us regardless of conviction. And I feel sorry for him because he’s living in a state full of folks who would likely have done much the same and is surrounded by a political class that already does.
Check out the Market's new location for the year in Roebling Point at Court Street in Park Place. New this year is the ability to accept credit cards and WIC/food stamps.
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GROUNDBREAKING AT THE LICKING RIVER GREENWAY & TRAILS
Join the ceremony this morning at Holmes High School (in the rear parking lot) as ground is formally broken on the Licking River Greenway & Trails. The event starts at 10:30AM with the short program at 11:00AM. Check out photos from a recent trip to the trails at the link below.
Come to the Latonia Children's Festival on Saturday, May 5th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The free festival, for young children and their families, is designed to promote summer activities, to provide safety and wellness information and to bring together families in the Latonia area. The festival will take place ½ blocks from Ritte's Corner at 38th and Church Street.
Just in time for the City of Covington's First Friday Gallery Hop, MainStrasse Village is happy to help the Taft Museum of Art celebrate their 80th anniversary by displaying "A Gray Day in Holland" in The Village! Thanks to Cock & Bull for providing the perfect red backdrop.
ART FOR ALL is a public arts program celebrating the Taft Museum of Art’s 80th anniversary. The program commemorates Charles and Anna Taft’s gift of their home and art to the people of the region in 1932. As the Tafts stated in their deed of gift, “We desire to devote our collection of pictures, porcelains, and other works of art to the people of Cincinnati in such a manner that they may be readily available to all.” Modeled after successful programs launched by the Tate Gallery in London and the Detroit Institute of Arts, ART FOR ALL strives to give back to the community that has generously supported the Taft over the past 80 years, as well as to make some new friends.
| JACOB PRICE MEMORIAL GARDEN MEETING TUESDAY The former site of the Jacob Price housing project where the new River's Edge at Eastside Pointe is being developed will still retain a tribute to its history. A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, at 5:00PM at the Housing Authority of Covington. Call (859) 655-7304 with any questions. | FROM THE KENTON CO LIBRARY:
Free Comic Book Day today at the Durr Branch (for teens) and the Covington library (for teens and children). Libraries open at 10 today.
| CONGRATULATIONS, GATEWAY COLLEGE!
The Gateway Community and Technical College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the nation’s largest academic honor society for two-year colleges, received national recognition at the organization’s annual convention in Nashville April 12.
For more on the honor: Gateway --------------------------------------------------------------- HAPPY DERBY DAY! Some perspective on today's race... | Derby was sublime but now it's ridiculous Kentucky Forward | Kentucky author Hunter S. Thompson's epic piece "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent & Depraved" Click Here | Legendary southern writer William Faulkner's take on the Derby written for Sports Illustrated Click Here | Which Derby horse has been the best investment? Herald-Leader | "Believe You Can" wins the Kentucky Oaks Business First --------------------------------------------------------------- WILDCATS GO TO THE WHITE HOUSE
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Photo gallery from the White House visit State-Journal
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Calipari, staff get new contracts, raises Herald-Leader
COVINGTON PASSES DOMESTIC PARTNER INSURANCE FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES
"We have an equal rights law on our books but we have not practiced what we preach." A last second addition to the commission agenda leads to Covington joining Louisville as the only Kentucky cities to offer domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. The sudden passage of the legislation was in anticipation of a similar vote expected in Cincinnati soon and Covington leaders wanted to be first. Full story at the link.
MAYORAL CANDIDATE DARA MCDOWELL REACTS TO DOMESTIC PARTNER VOTE
The Monte Casino mother of eight who hopes to pull of an upset in the May primary for Covington mayor over Commissioners Sherry Carran and Steve Casper, and who has also expressed concern over what she calls the "homosexual agenda" in Covington, is not pleased with the decision to extend domestic partner benefits to city employees:
“I’m in disagreement with that because it should have been put on the agenda, and citizens should have had a chance to voice their concerns about it,” (Dara) McDowell said. “And also this will be an expense to the taxpayers when we’re already having to lay off the 911 dispatch workers because of the shortfalls. “In addition, I would be against that anyway, because the message that we’re sending out is that we are affirming gay relationships and as a Christian I believe that homosexuality is a sin,” McDowell added.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge | CITY COMMISSION MEETING RECAP Domestic partner benefits were not the only piece of legislation approved last night. The city commission accepted the terms of the third and final working agreement between Covington and its public employees unions. Plus, you will likely lose at least one channel when Time Warner takes over your cable service; And, the city is buying new street sweepers because the ones bought a few years ago were not equipped for urban streets. The RC News: Commission Recap 1 May | COVINGTON TASER DEATH HIGHLIGHTED IN ENQUIRER PIECE The Cincinnati Enquirer shares the stories of four individual who died after being tased, including one man in Covington:
Leroy Hughes, 52, died in December 2008 after being shocked by a Taser and struggling with Covington police officers at Highland and Jefferson avenues. Hughes, who was 6 feet and 6 inches tall and weighed more than 400 pounds, was carrying a concealed weapon and threw a box of bullets at officers during the struggle. His mother sued the city and three police officers over the use of the Taser, but the suit was dismissed. The court found the officers acted with reasonable force and did not act maliciously.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Jennifer Edwards Baker | COVINGTON TEEN'S BULLYING DEATH MOTIVATED YOUTH FOUNDATION The Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation moved into action to create an anti-bullying effort following the October suicide by teenager Sam Denham, a student at Woodland Middle School:
“We’re working with local schools and organizations to create a community-wide response to bullying,” says Ryan Courtade, the foundation’s executive director. “This is an issue we need to get out into the open.” Founded nearly three years ago, the Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation is a nonprofit youth advocacy organization that is composed entirely of volunteers. Courtade, who formerly was the youth leader at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Thomas, said he saw the need for more after-school activities in Northern Kentucky, both to help keep kids out of trouble and to help them feel more invested in their communities.
Mayor Chuck Scheper and the City Commissioners will meet this evening with the Eastside neighborhood association at the OASIS Outreach Center at 6:00PM. The presentation will include an update on Scheper's 10-point plan and other issues going on in the city.
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SPEAKING OF C+V=G...
Check out the larger version of the images going up in vacant storefronts in Downtown Covington:
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in case you missed...
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TUESDAY AFTERNOON'S HEADLINES
A Covington girl inspired by a production of Rapunzel donates her hair; NKU to increase tuition by largest amount allowed by law; Plus, a Covington Latin grad is the newest Dean at UC. Click it. The RC News: Tuesday Afternoon Round-Up | KY MAN ALLEGEDLY CAUGHT SEXUALLY ABUSING HORSE, THREATENS DAD Um... awkward:
According to a police report, an officer was dispatched to the home of Cohron's father on Alford Avenue Sunday because of a domestic dispute. Police said Cohron and his father were arguing about video and photographs depicting the younger Cohron having sexual intercourse with a horse. Cohron Jr. had allegedly shown the material to his 8-year-old brother and was asked to leave the home by his father.
WAVE | LOCAL HOUSING MARKET MAY BUCK TREND In a piece on the local housing market, the Cincinnati Enquirer points to Covington:
A continued run of increased demand and shrinking inventory will mean less competition for sellers – and potentially the return of prices rising in their favor, says Rebecca Weber, an agent with Huff Realty. “Inventory is getting really low,” she says. “I don’t want to say we’ve shifted back to a seller’s market, but it’s starting to feel that way because we’re not seeing a ton of new inventory coming back.”
KENTUCKIANS SUPPORT UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, BUT NOT FEDERAL LAW
From an annual poll of Kentuckians about health:
Every region found 80 percent or more of citizens favored health care for everyone. But less than 50 percent in every region said they were favorable to the health care reform law Congress passed a few years ago.
NKU NAMING STUDENT CENTER AFTER PRESIDENT AND MRS. VOTRUBA
The event is today:
A ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the lower lobby of the Student Union, which will be renamed the James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union, in honor of the Votrubas’ 15 years of service to the university and the region.
Business Courier | QUICKIES | Villa Hills citizens react to investigation of mayor Cincinnati Enquirer | Regulators seek comment on water pollution plant in Kentucky WFPL | Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes is recruiting election workers WKYT | ATTORNEY GENERAL JACK CONWAY: STOP THE TEXTS Conway issued a statement on his support of National Stop the Texts Day:
"In 2010, more than 3,000 people were killed and an additional 416,000 injured nationally due to distracted driving," General Conway said. "I want Kentuckians to know that they are risking their lives and the lives of others when they text and drive. It is also illegal."
press release | MCCONNELL TURNS DOWN INVITATION TO MEET WITH UK AT WHITE HOUSE Kentucky's senior senator in DC will not meet with the national champion UK basketball team and President Obama on Friday:
The president asked McConnell to join but the Senate leader will be in Kentucky participating in festivities leading up to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, according to a McConnell aide. Some Kentucky Republicans are wondering if the invitation was sincere, however, given that Congress is on recess and the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for the next day. They suspect it may be what Jerry Seinfeld would call an "unvitation."
SCHOOL BOARD APOLOGIZES FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS AT PREVIOUS MEETING
The Covington School Board apologizes for allowing a lengthy personal attack on a volunteer and vocal critic of the district to be delivered during public comments; Plus, Superintendent Lynda Jackson thanks Covington Police for breaking up a large fight at Holmes. Details at the link.
The Board approved upgrades at Holmes High School that will include the relocation and renovation of the band room, the replacement of exterior conrete panels on the gym/science building, asbestos abatement on the ground floor of the gym lobby and stairs, and architectural and lighting upgrades in the gym lobby and stairs. The estimated project cost is $1,165,409.98. The funding source is a bond sale. The Board also entered in a consultant contract with Covington-based PCA Architecture which will serve as the prime consultant for the upgrades. That contract is worth $77,600.
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CIPS approves partnership with City for summer youth program
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The Board approved a memorandum of understanding between the school district and the City of Covington for the 2012 summer youth program. The district approved a budget of $20,000 for additional costs and transportation. The program is five weeks long (June 18 - July 27, but will not include the first week of July) and will be hosted at each of the district's schools for students in grades K through 4. College students are already applying for the popular positions and applications are available at the Board of Education, City Hall, and soon, online.
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Monthly attendance report
Latonia Elementary 96.26%
Glenn O. Swing 95.28%
Sixth District 95.27%
Ninth District 95.27%
John G. Carlisle 95.49%
Holmes Middle School 94.04%
Holmes High School 91.13%
Holmes Alternative 83.13%
| Computer printer supplies contract awarded
Two companies bid on the district's request for computer printer supplies and the contract was awarded to MRO Express, LLC of West Chester, Ohio.
| Custodial supplies contract awarded
Twelve companies responded to this bid request and the contract was awarded to Pyramid, Greko, Acorn, and Phillips Custodial Supplies.
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Fitness assessment evaluator contract awarded
CIPS will enter into a contract with Dr. Bradley R. A. Wilson who will serve as the primary evaluator for the required fitness assessments under the Carol M. White physical education grant in an amount not to exceed $14,000.
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Holmes students to visit Washington, DC
The five day trip's sample itinerary includes visits to Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, the Pentagon, the International Spy Museum, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the US Capitol, the White House, the American History Museum, the the Natural History Museum, the Baltimore Aquarium, Ford's Theater/Peterson House, the Holocaust Museum, the Air & Space Museum, and the Newseum. The cost is $500 per person and students must have a solid attendance and discipline report in addition to good grades, and a teacher recommendation.
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COVINGTON POLICE INVESTIGATE DEATH OF BABY IN MAINSTRASSE
A newborn was found dead inside a home on Lockwood Street in Mainstrasse Village Wednesday morning. Covington police are currently investigating, though no charges have arisen yet. That story and more, including: Covington mayoral candidate Dara McDowell continues her morality debate on Facebook. Click the link.
Back2Stonewall, a nationally-oriented gay news blog based in Covington had this to say about mayoral candidate Dara McDowell:
Ex-Gays are like ex-smokers. They still want to have some but since they won;t they have to make life miserable for everyone else that still does.
Back2Stonewall | FRANK: THERE WILL BE NO NEW BRIDGE WITHOUT COVINGTON'S CHANGES City Commissioner Steve Frank posted online that the Commonwealth of Kentucky would not match any funds for the Brent Spence Bridge project without Covington's requested changes being included:
Well here is the deal. The State of KY has many uses for what highway money it has and if we do not get a bridge design that meets our needs in Covington; I have it better than on good authority that there will be no required state match to build the bridge. The Highway Department first was promoting plan "E" which would have eliminated the 4'thand 5'th street exits into KY and I and some of my associates successfully moved them to endorse Plan I...though until this week Plan E was still an option. There isn't an ounce of compromise on maintaining Plan I with its 4'th and 5'th street exits. There is always room to compromise on other things but we feel we are within our rights to be asking for what we believe is in the best interests of the citizens of Covington. Yes federal rules for safety are paramount; but the collector distributor road that we want so that our Northbound traffic to fifth street can arrive unimpeded (as it currently is now) rather than hit three stop lights is both cost effective and safe. The Clay Wade Bailey exits exist in Plan I and they will stay in Plan I or there will be no bridge. Cincinnati's objections that our having a new access point to the Interstate via the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge is because it would prevent their streetcar from coming to Covington. To which I say if it was so important to Cincinnati that their toy trains come to Covington, you would think that they might have picked up a phone to call us before now (we are still waiting).
Read more here. | DID YOU MISS COVERAGE OF THE MASSIVE COVINGTON MEETING ABOUT THE BRIDGE PROJECT? Nearly every Covintonian that spoke worried that the bridge plans would kill our city. For the most comprehensive report from that important meeting, click the link below. The RC News: Covington Raises Voice in Bridge Battle
| 2012 PRESERVATION AWARD TO GO TO CHUCK EILERMAN Local real estate agent and Covington City Commission candidate Chuck Eilerman will be presented with the 2012 River Cities Preservation Award - Karen and Peter Rafuse Memorial Award in May, the City of Covington announced this week.
This award was created to honor and celebrate individual dedication to the preservation of Covington's architectural and cultural heritage. Through your work on saving the Grant House, expanding the Licking Riverside National Register Historic District, serving as a member and president on the Renaissance Board, serving on the original Urban Design Review Board, and on various.other cOlIllT).ittees wi~ha focus on preserving Covington' s Landmarks you have helped establish and further historic preservation in Covington. Further, you promotion of Covington through you job as a Real Estate Agent and through your photographs have helped people appreciate the beauty of the built environment here in Covington.
Read the full announcement here (PDF). | QUICKIES | An exclusive look at the new Concourse A at CVG Airport Cincinnati Enquirer | Kentucky gets $1 million for tornado clean-up efforts press release | KFC sandwich causes Australian girl brain damage, company to pay $8.3 million Business First | Americans put to shame by immigrants on civics test Cincinnati Enquirer | 19 Kentucky nonprofits in running for award from Toyota, including one from NKY Kentucky Forward | Kentucky woman wins $63,000 on a ten-cent bet State-Journal | COVINGTON ANNOUNCES WEEKEND ROAD CLOSURES The 1100 block of High Street in Botany Hills will be closed by the Sanitation District for sewer main repair all weekend. (The 5 houses affected are 1108 to 1120 High St. and the residents have been notified.)
West 8th Street from Main to ½ block east to the alley has been closed by the City's Department of Public Improvements.
Questions? Please contact Mike Yeager, Engineering Division, at 292-2112. | POLITICS | GOP CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES DEBATED THIS WEEK All seven Republicans seeking the GOP nomination for the race to represent NKY in Congress met for a debate in Oldham County. Lots of analysis and videos here: cn|2 | The liberal Louisville newspaper LEO Weekly offered this analysis:
LEO Weekly was at Oldham County High School last night for the 4th congressional District Republican candidate forum, where a packed auditorium heard about the evils of Obama, Obamacare and everything the president touches. The winner of next month’s primary will be Kentucky’s new representative in D.C., baring a miraculous Democratic victory this fall in the very conservative district.
LEO Weekly | SEE ALSO: NKY Super PAC defends itself Cincinnati Enquirer | Geoff Davis introduces legislation to incentivize "clean coal" press release | Rep. Yarmuth vows to vote against student loan bill WFPL | Governor Beshear urges Congress to keep student loans affordable press release | Senators McConnell and Paul vote against Violence Against Women Act LEO Weekly |
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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DESTINATION: GRADUATION PROFILE FROM HOLMES HIGH SCHOOL
From CIPS:
Kayla Mitchell, 18, is a serious person. She spends most of her time studying and preparing for college. She is a quiet leader. “I’ve made it possible for myself to go on to college,” said a soft spoken and articulate Kayla. “I have a $40,000 scholarship from UK.” At Holmes Kayla is enrolled in the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma program, where she takes university-level courses. Her grade point average is 4.911. She is ranked second in her class. She plans to become a nurse and then possibly pursue a degree in dentistry. She will be attending the University of Kentucky and will room with her friend and classmate, Rani Davis. An important lesson that Kayla learned at Holmes is that anything is possible if you try. “School is what you make of it,” Kayla said. “Good things happen at Holmes.”
The answer to this photo's location is Annie Hargraves Park in Old Seminary Square. Background on the park from a 1997 Cincinnati Enquirer article:
A teacher at the Lincoln-Grant School, superintendent of the St. James AME Church Sunday School and director of the park at West Robbins and Chesapeake, Mrs. Hargraves was a woman who helped calm some of the racial strife in Covington during the 1960s and 1970s. ''She was so instrumental in that transition,'' said Ken Shields, basketball coach at Northern Kentucky University. He worked for the Covington Recreation Department the same time Mrs. Hargraves did. When not teaching, Mrs. Hargraves spent her time in the park, organizing softball and basketball games, checker tournaments and parties for the neighborhood children.
| 2012 National champs have stiff competition for "best UK team ever" Herald-Leader | Tonight is NKU Night at the Cincinnati Reds game NKU | A very cool bike tour is taking place this weekend through Newport Barons & Bike Tour
