School Board member Mike Fitzgerald is in the hospital and missed Thursday's meeting where it was made public that the former chairman is unsure of when he will be released. No further information was made available. Best wishes to Mr. Fitzgerald for a speedy recovery.
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Congratulations to the graduates of the Adult High School
Other notes
The board approved the disposition of surplus equipment; Dyanne Coates (District instructional math coach) was named certified employee of the month, Dan Koch (District electrician) and Donna Eggemeier (finance department), and Natalie Westkamp (District fitness coordinator) were named classified employees of the month.
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School Board retreat scheduled for Saturday
This meeting is open to the public and includes three items for discussion on its agenda: per pupil spending, drug testing, and an update on Covington 101. The retreat starts at 9:00AM at the Instructional Support Center, 212 Levassor Avenue.
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CAUTION TAPE RETURNS TO HISTORIC HOME CITED BY CODE ENFORCEMENT
Just hours after the Covington code enforcement board fined the owners of 630 Garrard Street for use of excessive caution tape around the property, caution tape returned. Before Wednesday's code enforcement board hearing, the tape had been removed and replaced by a wire fence. Now there is both caution tape and wire fencing:
...for good measure?
The City of Covington is unsure as of now how to deal with what has become a nuisance property in the eyes of its neighbors. An email from City Hall indicates to The River City News that the City is weighing its options and may have more to say in the coming weeks.
| ORIGINAL STORY:
The owners of an historic home cited by code enforcement for being excessively wrapped in caution tape had reached an agreement with the City that involved replacing the tape with wire fencing. At Wednesday's code enforcement board hearing, that didn't go over well, either. Click the link for the story.
Dear Facebook Friends - Good News. As of this weekend, we'll have 7 men who have moved from homelessness to housing! Not bad for opening 45 days ago to provide shelter in the summer to men working on gaining employment, housing and financial stability. Want to make a donation? We always love cash but right now we also need:Cans of CoffeeLiquid Laundry DetergentSnacks (cookies, chips, pretzels, cheese crackers)RazorsTo drop off a donation please come to 634 Scott Street in the morning before 10:00am or in the evening after 7:00pm. To send a cash donation, mail to: P.O. Box 176601, Covington, KY 41017.
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WANT TO BUY RICK PITINO'S HOUSE?
It's a bargain at $2.2 million!
See more photos of the amazing home by clicking here.
Goettafest: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Mainstrasse Village!
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Dinner and a show?
Here's a great idea for Friday or Saturday. Come down to Madison Avenue and stop in for dinner at the brand new Whackburger (across from Madison Theater) and then, come around the corner on Seventh Street and pop in the Artisan Enterprise Center and check out a terrific art exhibit and a really funny play. You could do all of that for a little more than twenty bucks! Drinks afterwards at the Avenue Lounge -- optional, but highly recommended!
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Suits that Rock!
"Eat, drink and ROCK OUT with more than forty of the region’s business and community leaders as they unleash their secret rock star identities to entertain you with a salute to American and British music from the early 60's to today."
Saturday this week and Saturday next week! Click the link for more details.
But before you go out, there is some work to do...
Join the volunteers in cleaning up Covington's riverfront during the 2012 Ohio Riversweep. The Cities of Covington and Cincinnati are teaming up with ORSANCO this year to clean up both sides of the river. Meet at the Suspension Bridge at 9:00AM. For more info, see: ORSANCO or Commonwealth of Kentucky
FAMILY SAYS MAILMAN RAN OVER AND KILLED DOG ON PURPOSE
A terrible story out of Kenton Hills where a grandfather says he watched the mailman deliberately run over and kill the family dog. Details at the link.
COVINGTON POLICE INVESTIGATE HOUSE FIRE AS POSSIBLE ARSON
A home in Monte Casino is a total loss after a fire that may have been set on purpose:
The fire destroyed the home and about 80 percent of its contents, said Lt. Col. Spike Jones, interim police chief. After the fire was extinguished firefighters called for police assistance because they believe the fire was set, Jones said.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Brenna Kelly | Meanwhile... a Covington man is being called a hero for a second time... The same man who frantically knocked on the door of the burning home to get the family out of the house is the same man who stopped a would-be thief at a gas station earlier this year. From WKRC:
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WHEN WILL BOTANY HILLS GET A NEW FIREHOUSE?
No clue:
City Manager Larry Klein and the two city commissioners running for mayor – Steve Casper and Sherry Carran – don’t give the impression a decision on where to construct a $2.5 million to $3 million station is imminent.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge | COVINGTON CITY COMMISSION AGENDA FOR TUESDAY On Tuesday, the Covington City Commission will meet for a legislative meeting. Note that this meeting starts at 5:00PM instead of the normal 6:00PM. On the agenda:
Purchase of services from Mobilcomm to narrowband the public safety communication towers ($22,858.58 from general fund)
Purchase of two street sweepers ($351,512 from capital improvements fund)
Rescinding the approval of a bid from Heitzman Construction to perform roof work on 118 and 120 East Fifteenth Street (original bid was awarded for $89,750)
Executing a contract with Entryway, Inc in the amount of $66,000 for the rehabilitation of a single family home in Newport (938 Hamlet Street) as part of the Home Consortium's efforts in the river cities
Approval of the authorization of other city employees to execute documents in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Various appointments and reappointments to city boards, and the resignation of a police dispatcher
The River City News will be there and will have the most comprehensive coverage afterwards right here. |
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DON'T MISS FRIDAY'S NEWS!
Mother of God Church gets a good scrubbin'; Businesses moving into Covington Station and on West Seventh Street; Celebrating the Holmes High Class of 2012 which graduates today; Plus, a prosthetic leg surfaces in the ocean -- with a UK logo on it! Those stories and tons more at the link!
Take a look at who's headed to prison, who got probation, and who skipped town in your weekly mugshot round-up from Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders -- at the link.
The hearts of racing fans were broken Friday afternoon when it was announced that Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another had suffered an injury and would be retired, eliminating him from Saturday's Belmont Stakes, and thus, his shot at becoming the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.
The Governor has a few events to attend in Northern Kentucky, including one in South Covington:
After he tours the speedway improvements, Beshear will head to Kenton County to break ground on the Ky. 16 widening project. The project will finish the expansion of the road to five lanes – including the center turn lane – through Taylor Mill and Covington.
The Health & Wellness Collaborative has great news to report! During the 2011-2012 school year, 30 after school Fitness Rocks clubs were offered weekly for students in kindergarten-12th grade. Over 1,200 students attended Fitness Rocks this year and it is paying off. There has been a 6% increase in the number of students who engage in 60 or more mintues of daily physical activity, a 12% increase in the number of students with age-appropriate upper body strength and endurance and a 6% increase in the number of students consuming more fruits and vegatables. The Collaborative also hosted Family Fitness Nights at all five elementary schools, as well as on the Holmes campus this school year. These events included educational booths sponsored by local organizations as well as fitness activities for the entire family. For more information about the Health & Wellness Collaborative please contact Natalie Westkamp at (859) 392-3177 or natalie.westkamp@covington.kyschools.us.
The “five point literacy program” which began in October, was a coordinated effort to help children in Covington become better readers. For the past seven months the children have been engaged in multiple literacy activities. Beginning with “One on one” reading, students from Holmes High School began a tutoring/reading regiment by being paired with a child who was struggling. Several times a week the students would come to the After School program and help coach and mentor the children. On days when the students were unable to make it, our After School staff would fill in as tutors.
For the past four years, Demarco Amison has traveled from his home in Boone County passing up his home school to attend Holmes High School in Covington. The daily 40-mile round trip was worth the drive, Demarco and his parents agree. “I like the diversity at Holmes and this school offers so many programs and opportunities for students to be successful,’’ Demarco said. “And, the people here, they really care about you.’’ While at Holmes, Demarco played on the basketball team, was a member of PRIDE, a program for African American males, and took classes in the International Baccalaureate program.
Read more about Demarco at the link above.
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Holmes band releases teaser video for next season's program:
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MMMM... Barbecue Sundae...
That's pulled pork, baked beans, cole slaw, and a pickle! You can get it at the Covington Farmers Market on Court Street. Go! Now!
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WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON TODAY?
Tons!
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PET ADOPTION EVENT (Click to enlarge)
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HAVE YOUR FUTURE TOLD TO YOU IN MAINSTRASSE
Don't miss the Tarot card readings at Ottoman Imports in Mainstrasse Village on Saturday.
(click to enlarge)
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WEST LATONIA MEET AND GREET AT BARB COOK PARK
From the West Latonia Neighborhood Association:
The WLNA is hosting a meet n greet on June 9th from 11am-2pm at the Barb Cook Park. Come on out bring your family and friends and enjoy a day of fellowship. We will have some activities for the kids, our community garden will be open, and there will be free ice cream from Mister Softee sponsored by our friends at CSI Waste Management and WLNA.
| TWO NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALES Check out the large neighborhood-wide yard sales in Austinburg and Wallace Woods Saturday! | CROSSFIT FOR HOPE From CrossFit Covington, the Russell Street fitness center:
CrossFit for Hope is a new CrossFit Fundraiser. CrossFit for Hope will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We will perform a workout on Saturday, June 9th for this great cause. See workout details below. If you would like to try and raise money for this event, please click on the link below to register and be sure to choose CrossFit Covington as your affiliate.
Click here for more details. | LIBRARY 5K RACE FOR CHILDREN'S LITERACY The race starts at 9:00AM. Click here for information. | KENTUCKY TRIVIA NIGHT AT PIKE STREET LOUNGE This event benefits Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. The trivia is Kentucky-themed. Click here. |
DON'T FORGET TO COME SEE "FUDDY MEERS" ON WEST SEVENTH STREET
This hilarious play is at the Artisan Enterprise Center and performs tonight at 8:00PM and then next Friday and Saturday at 8:00PM. Tickets are just ten bucks. From the Cincinnati Enquirer:
“Fuddy Meers” director and AEC board member Dan Doerger explained the dark comedy is the latest effort to expand the group’s arts outreach. “Last year we performed what we called a ‘paint dance’ – ballroom dancers dancing on a canvas covered with paint – that became part of the exhibit that was showing at that time. “This time, around, I decided to direct a full-length play. In spring Doerger, exhibit curator Katie Rentzke and the artists met to discuss the concept. That was when I discovered that Billy Simms was also a scenic designer for theater...(and) the theme of the gallery show came about as a result of this meeting. “(Simms) was very agreeable to using his art as part of the set. The other artists were also on board.”
LINGERING DEATH PENALTY CASE IN COVINGTON TAKES TOLL ON FAMILY
Fred Furnish, convicted of killing a Crestview Hills woman and a Kenton Hills woman, is seeking a new trial in a Covington courtroom. He has been sentenced to death:
Gayle Williamson Cummings and Michelle Hubert sat just feet apart, separated by an aisle and a security guard. They didn't look at each other or speak with each other, even though they were together for nearly a week, grieving over the same 1988 slaying. Hubert's brother, 44-year-old Fred Furnish, is seeking to overturn his death sentence for killing Cummings' mother, Ramona Jean Williamson, inside her Crestview Hills home 14 years ago.
Associated Press | This is not the first time "Freddy Boom Boom" (as he called himself) has gone through another trial:
In 2002, the Kentucky Supreme Court overturned Furnish's death sentence, remanding the case back for a sentencing retrial only : a first in Kentucky. The Kentucky Attorney General's Office turned to veteran trial attorney Luke Morgan for the task. Together Luke and Wayne successfully re-tried Fred in 2003, who was again sentenced to death. Today, Fred sits on Kentucky's Death Row.
The City applauds "unprecedented support" for Covington's desired changes to the Brent Spence Bridge project. At the link, see the full list along with their comments (strong words from Taylor Mill's Mayor, and TANK wants to make sure that there is high speed rail available someday soon, too).
| CITY COMMISSIONER STEVE FRANK ADDS: "We also know that they received over 600 letters from the citizens of Covington. That speaks as loud as any public official and has a lot to do with why we were able to get big wigs on both sides of the river to come togeather on this. A great effort by and for Covington. A big thank you to our citizens, our neighbors, and our friends in high office in both parties. This is an example of what can happen when we all come together to solve a problem." |
"I'm troubled by the increase in costs when we're trying to hold the line in city government," City Commissioner Steve Frank said to the Covington School Board. As a tax increase is considered by the district, criticism of the budget practices was raised at Thursday's meeting. Click the link.
Here are the attendance figures for all of the schools within the Covington Independent Public Schools district for the eighth month of the year:
Latonia Elementary 96.58%
Glenn O. Swing Elementary 95.83%
Sixth District 95.65%
John G. Carlisle 95.56%
Ninth District 95.42%
Holmes Middle School 93.89%
Holmes High School 89.92%
Holmes Alternative 84.71%
There were concerns expressed at Thursday's board meeting that students may want to skip out on the final days of class (the school year ends next week) but the district is taking steps, such as testing, to make sure kids continue to show up.
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| SEE ALSO: Proposal to improve 3rd grade reading is a finalist for a national award via Strive Together |
DON'T MISS FRIDAY'S BIG NEWS
Another candidate jumps in the race for Covington School Board; Plus, more notes from Thursday's school board meeting; And, why the race to represent Covington in Frankfort will get heated this fall. Click it.
Kenton County put up a digital version of its survey in which you are asked how you want to pay for a proposed consolidated dispatch center: a property tax, a car registration fee, or $6 dollars more on your monthly electric bill. Click the link to go the the county survey. This is an important matter that requires your attention.
COVINGTON STATE REP ARNOLD SIMPSON ON CONGRESSIONAL RACE
Arnold Simpson, Covington's Democratic representative in the state house spoke with cn|2 about fellow Democrat Bill Adkins and his chances in the fall as the Williamstown attorney seeks to pull off an upset to represent NKY in Congress:
“If you look at the history of the 4th Congressional District, it’s always been dominated by very conservative individuals. Even our Ken Lucas was a conservative,” said Democratic state Rep. Arnold Simpson of Covington. “It’s really a Republican seat — that’s how it’s eyed by so many people.”
Simpson spoke in this video from his home in Old Seminary Square (via cn|2):
New state tourism commissioner named press release(Remember when the last one was fired over some bad marketing decisions in Britain that included the suggestion that Kentuckians play a game called "Road Kill Bingo"?)
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KENTUCKY MAN ARRESTED AFTER TRYING TO MARRY 15-YEAR OLD GIRL
Ugh:
Stanford police say 34-year-old Chris Gosser twice filed petitions to marry the teen - once in March and again in April. The Advocate-Messenger reported that Gosser repeatedly sent text message and was seeing the girl even after the mother told him to stop.
THINK A PROPOSED NEW WALGREENS IN COVINGTON WAS TROUBLESOME?
Check out what would happen in Pleasant Ridge (north of Cincinnati) is a new Walgreens gets its wish and opens there:
Walgreens is hoping to buy most of the south corner of Montgomery and Ridge roads. If it happens, businesses that have been there for decades will be torn down and forced to move.
"FUNNY MIRRORS" OPENS AT ARTISAN ENTERPRISE CENTER
This is a really cool exhibit that you should take a few moments to go check out. The unique sculptures and paintings are incredibly detailed and interesting. Plus, if you ever had a fear of clowns, you will really love the "Clown Genocide" display... Here are a few photos from Friday night's opening:
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Additionally, a really funny play opens at the AEC in conjunction with this exhibit. You're gonna want to see it (NOTE: I, Michael Monks, am in the cast -- trust me, it's hilarious and only ten bucks). There was an excerpt presented last night.
The play opens next Friday and also runs on Saturday and then Friday & Saturday the following week with each show starting at 8:00PM.
A playful riff on “Sesame Street,” the Broadway hit tells the timeless story of recent college grad Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. Princeton makes friends, human and not, and they sing about their struggles to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Warning: Don’t let the puppets fool you. “Avenue Q” is rated R for puppet nudity, puppet sexual situations and strong puppet language. Seriously – no one under 17 will be admitted without a parent or adult guardian.
This is the Showbiz Players' first show in Covington since moving from Cincinnati -- so go support it! Click here | WHY YOU SHOULD SAY HELLO TO STRANGERS ON THE STREET It is a very common practice to say hello to strangers on streets in Kentucky and now we know that that action may help you live longer:
In the study "To Be Looked at as Though Air: Civil Attention Matters," published earlier this year in Psychological Science, the lead author Eric D. Wesselmann, a psychology professor at Purdue University, explains: "Because social connections are fundamental to survival, researchers argue that humans evolved systems to detect the slightest cues of inclusion or exclusion. For example, simple eye contact is sufficient to convey inclusion. In contrast, withholding eye contact can signal exclusion. ... Even though one person looks in the general direction of another, no eye contact is made, and the latter feels invisible." Similar to my feelings when I went unnoticed.
