NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY MORNING 28 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

| 

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

|

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

|

GROUND IS MOVING AT DEVELOPMENT IN COVINGTON'S EASTSIDE

Work continues in the early stages of the River's Edge at Eastside Pointe mixed-income housing development. The first tenants are expected to move in next spring.

|

DON'T MISS MONDAY EVENING'S NEWS!

Photos of the remnants of a longtime Covington business destroyed by fire Sunday; Plus, why investigating the fire's cause would have been extremely difficult. That story and much more including a new online video series for the Holmes Band, at the link.

Full story: The RC News: Monday Evening Round-Up 

|

QUICKIES

|

CVG Airport runway paved with potential Cincinnati Enquirer 

|

Covington lawyer loses claim to class action fees from the Diocese of Covington sex abuse scandal Cincinnati Enquirer 

|

Former Commonwealth's Attorney Harry Rankin has died Facebook & Obit  

|

Kentuckians to address the Republican National Convention Tuesday & Wednesday Herald-Leader 

|

Police: KY women used kids to shoplift WKYT 

|

Highland Heights hopes for economic boost from NKU's NCAA Division I status Cincinnati Enquirer 

|

It's gonna be a long year for UK football if these predictions hold up Herald-Leader 

|

Book: a year in the life of Kentucky's minor league baseball teams, including the Florence Freedom WFPL 

|

WHITE SUPREMACISTS FROM NKY TO RALLY IN OHIO

Ugh:

The brutal beating of a man by a group of young teenagers who said they did it because they were bored has shaken the Cincinnati suburb of North College Hill and stirred some to question why police aren't investigating the attack as a hate crime.
Now nearly two weeks after the beating, the small working-class city is bracing for two opposing rallies Friday, one organized by a self-described white separatist who says he wants to draw attention to "hate-crime hypocrisy."
"The rally is meant to be a way in which white citizens can gather and express their discontent with the problem of black-on-white crime, as well as the censorship and downplaying of these crimes by the media and police/government officials," wrote Robert Ransdell, of Florence, Ky.

Full story: AP/Amanda Lee Myers 
|
AMOUNT OF FOOD WASTED AFFECTS HUNGRY KENTUCKIANS
A new study shows that Americans throw away 40% of their food:

The research from the National Resources Defense Council also suggests the average family of four wastes more than $2,200 worth of food annually.
"Well, its a shame," said Rev. Michael Barnette of Hazard's New Hope Church, which has a food bank. "Of course a lot of that food, there's no way to get it in the hands of the people that need it."
And with the recent drought causing food prices to tick upward, fewer and fewer people can afford to waste any part of a meal.

Full story with video: WKYT 
|
SEE ALSO: Why don't Americans recycle? GOOD 
|
PTA HOSTS COOKOUT AT JOHN G. CARLISLE ELEMENTARY
Via Covington Independent Public Schools:

|

WHACKBURGER WANTS PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE BURGER!

The trendy new burger place on Madison Avenue (5 stars, by the way!) is holding a contest. Check out the photo for details:

Click to enlarge

Check out Whackburger on Facebook 

|

SEE ALSO: Here's a great deal -- 50% off Totter's Otterville click here 

|

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SHORTENING "NEIGHBORHOOD"

Is it the 'hood or is it the... nabe?

Real-estate blogs like Curbed rely heavily on "nabe." The Chicago Tribune has used the word, as has the Dallas Morning News and the Salt Lake Tribune. Generally, these publications do so "unglossed": without placing nabe in quotation marks or defining it in running text, indicating its general acceptance. There’s a national website for house-hunters called NabeWise.
It turns out nabe is not, as I had cynically hypothesized, a word invented by the incoming urbanites of the ‘90s and the real estate brokers who found them apartments. Nabe was not, at least initially, intended as a deracialized alternative to our more common shortening of neighborhood: "hood." So where did nabe come from, and why do we use it? Is there a difference between the way we use nabe and hood? Should there be?

Full story: The Atlantic Cities 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY EVENING 1 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

| 

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

|

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

|

SHOW SOME LOVE FOR WEST PIKE STREET BUSINESSES

After the successful Food Truck Invasion and the debate that followed (SEE: Food Fight: Shut The Truck Up), it was determined that similar foodie events should be organized for the "bricks-&-mortar" establishments. What started as an event for this coming Saturday to encourage people to spend some cash at Bred & Spice, a new bakery/cafe, has developed into a week-long effort to patronize three news businesses in that area. In addition to Bread & Spice, that includes Charley Maxwell's malt shop/lunch spot and the Pike Street Lounge:

Our new businesses on West Pike have a challenge - they are located on the far west edge of Downtown and the far east edge of Main Strasse Village.
Make West Pike a destination for lunch, coffee, cocktail hour, a trip to find great baked goods.

Check out the event on Facebook for more information by clicking here.

|

WHAT HAPPENS NOW THAT GEOFF DAVIS HAS RESIGNED?

WKRC reporter Joe Webb went to find out:

Davis's resignation was effective yesterday. A Kentucky special election to replace him could be held as early as September 4, but past precedent leads the experts to speculate there will be two elections on November 6. Kenton County Clerk Gabrielle Summe says, "You could have the special at the same time you have the general. Which would mean the names of both candidates would appear twice on the ballot. There would be a section for the special election. Whoever won that would fill out the term to January 1."

That's presuming Massie and Adkins would be the names on the special election ballot, too. Adkins says that's not a given. "No, it's not. I think the parties have to, that would be a logical conclusion, but I think the parties would have to meet to nominate, and I would anticipate they would simplify it and make it that type of nomination circumstance."

Full story: WKRC
|
MEANTIME: Surprised allies react to Davis's sudden resignation cn|2 
|
SEE ALSO: Sens. McConnell & Paul team up for Thomas Massie fundraiser WBKO 
|
LOCAL AUTHOR RICK ROBINSON WEIGHS IN ON #VEEPSTAKES
Rick Robinson's latest column for the conservative website The Daily Caller explains "why Brian Williams and the left are afraid of Rob Portman":

But for some reason, silly season is starting early this cycle. It was kicked off last week with Brian Williams’ London interview of Mitt Romney. Sounding more like President Obama’s press secretary than an NBC reporter, Williams asked Romney if he is going to choose “an incredibly boring white guy” as his vice-presidential nominee.
Showing humor he does not often display, Romney replied: “You told me you were not available.”
The initial coverage of the exchange focused on Williams’ biased question and Romney’s uncharacteristically witty retort. However, the coverage of Williams’ characterization of Romney’s short list of VP choices misses an important underlying point: The left is scared of the competence and experience of those on the list.
Case in point: Rob Portman.

Full story: The Daily Caller
|
KENTUCKY INTRODUCES "TAMPER PROOF" DRIVER'S LICENSES
From a news release:

Kentucky in August begins a transition to a new driver’s license that, while similar in appearance to current licenses, contains security features for greater protection of privacy and resistance to tampering. 

“The new licenses are the manifestation of Kentucky’s efforts to improve the level of service provided to our customers, in addition to securing a credential Kentuckians use each day,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Tom Zawacki said. 

“It was already time to replace the cameras and computer equipment – most of it more than 10 years old – that our circuit court clerks use in issuing driver’s licenses,” Zawacki said. “That made it an ideal time to also make this transition to a new license.” 

The new license has multiple layers of security features, all linked to each other, so counterfeiters must compromise multiple technologies – not just one. 

The licenses’ new features include:• Digital watermark imperceptible to the human eye• Bank note-level fine line printing• Improved dual-side lamination for greater tamper resistance and durability• Hologram with single-color, ultraviolet “ghost” image 

Kentucky last updated driver’s licenses in 2001, with the introduction of digital licenses. The new format offered improved security. Kentucky was the first state to put the driver’s image in the bar code on the back of the license. With the next stage of Kentucky’s driver’s license, those security measures will be tightened to provide even greater resistance to fraud. 

Installation of new cameras and computer equipment will require a one-day suspension of driver’s license processing at each circuit court clerk’s office. Installations are scheduled to begin in August and be completed by October. The first installation of equipment will be in McLean County Aug. 7. The new licenses should be available there the next day. 

Starting in the fall, new licenses will also feature veteran and organ donor designations. 

Customers are not required to obtain new licenses until their current licenses expire. The process for obtaining or renewing a driver license will not change. The cost of $20 will also remain the same. 

More information and answers to some frequently asked questions can be found on KYTC’s website: http://transportation.ky.gov/pages/digital-drivers-license.aspx. 

MorphoTrust USA, which provides driver’s license issuance solutions for 41 states and the District of Columbia, is partnering with the state to implement the new work stations and camera systems, including new security features in the driver’s license.

|
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS ABOUT KY'S HEALTH CARE FUTURE
A new study issued by the University of Kentucky’s Community Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky finds:

“Since the (U.S.) Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, there likely will be 400,000 Kentuckians that now have access to health care who did not before,” said Alison Davis, the initiative’s director and author of the study. “This report is timely, because it provides a comprehensive overview of the current access to health care across the commonwealth and projects where expected shortages might occur.”

Read this: Kentucky Forward
|
QUICKIES
|
SAD: 1,194 workers will lose their jobs when Comair ceases operations Business Courier 
|
Attorney: KY death row inmate missing part of brain WBKO 
|
Group urges kids to be vaccinated for meningitis WKYT 
|
University of Louisville considers Chick fil A controversy over 84 WHAS 
|
KY has 3rd highest car insurance rates in nation WKYT 
|
KY sales tax is 16th highest in nation Business First 
|
Court documents: Mom tried to hide phones of ex-Ben-Gal cheerleader/teacher accused of sex with student WLWT 
|
RELATED: Attorney Eric Deters issues this release on the case Facebook 
|
Most Kentucky Democrats won't speak at Fancy Farm WFPL 
|
Fort Thomas brothers show off their political memorabilia Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
Dog may have stopped bear attack WKYT 
|
Dalai Lama to visit Louisville in May WBKO 
|
US digital infrastructure is also bad American City 
|
SPORTS: New offers rolling in for Holy Cross senior basketball player Cincinnati Enquirer
|
IN CASE YOU MISSED...
PUBLIC WEIGHS IN ON PROPOSED CUTS TO COVINGTON POLICE, FIRE
What cuts are to come to the police and fire departments? What is the City Commission's position on de-annexing South Covington? Should the G in C+V=G stand for greatness? A full recap of last night's meeting on proposed cuts to public safety -- at the link.

Full story: The River City News |
DON'T MISS WEDNESDAY MORNING'S NEWS!
Man accused of kidnapping, sexual assault of teen in Mainstrasse expected to appear in court; The mother of a teen missing from Covington weighs in on new search in the RCN comments; Plus, Kentucky marks the beginning of "breastfeeding week". Those stories and more at the link.

The RC News: Wednesday Morning Round-Up |
URBAN VIBES, VIBRANCY RENEW HAMILTON'S DOWNTOWN
"Studios, lofts, coffee houses make new city." You know, whenever consultants come to town and present all these ideas and examples of other cities, I wonder why places like Hamilton, Ohio aren't included since it is far more comparable to Covington. Check out what's going on up there in the city between Cincinnati and Dayton:

Dilapidated buildings, some 200 years old, are being transformed into swank loft apartments, new retail space, studios where artists can live and work, a ballet center and other uses. The city plans to spruce up its east entryway on High Street in a $10 million project.
The local school district also is proof that change is happening in Hamilton. While other urban districts are losing students, 135 new students enrolled in Hamilton City Schools in the recent school year, Superintendent Janet Baker said.
The district has undergone a makeover of its own in recent years to stay in line with the city’s plans to attract economic development. Hamilton’s 11 schools have been rebuilt or renovated, also adding the latest in technology, to the tune of $250 million.

Small cities can be cool, too.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Sheila McLaughlin 
|
SANITATION DISTRICT'S PUBLIC SERVICE PARK SHOWCASED ONLINE
So, this is happening:

Caption: "A 7,000-gallon cistern made from reinforced concrete pipe collects runoff from the adjacent garage. A roof solar panel was intended to feed a pump for recirculating the stored water. The cistern water is used for demonstrations throughout the Stormwater Garden. The fountain in the Stormwater Garden is carved from Indiana limestone. Water recirculates via a small, self-contained pump and basin."

|

Check out the full article: Landscape Online 

|

#NOM NOM NOM ALERT!

Graeter's revealed its new flavor today:

From Graeter's:

Our new Mystery Flavor is... Black Cherry Chocolate Chip!! All natural black cherry flavored ice cream loaded with black cherries and our signature dark chocolate chunks. Available at all Graeter's locations, while supplies last!

|
KENTUCKY #SWAG

Don't you love that? Me too. Want to buy it? Click here 

|

Hat tip to those kick-ass Kentuckians at Kentucky for Kentucky 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 19 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

| 

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

|

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

|

LIGHTNING & WIND CAUSE DAMAGE TO HOME, CARS, CEMETERY

Wednesday's strong thunderstorm that rolled through the region caused severe damage to trees in a few Covington neighborhoods which in turn harmed homes and cars, and even Linden Grove Cemetery's fence. Some of the trees were clearly struck by lighting while others were uprooted by the abnormally strong winds. Tons of photos of the damage are at the link below.

Wind & Lightning Wreak Havoc in Parts of Covington 

|

AN INTERVIEW WITH RETIRING FIRE CHIEF CHUCK NORRIS

He was just 16-years old when he was part of the crews that responded to the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire in 1977. Shortly after, Chuck Norris knew he wanted to be a firefighter for the rest of his professional life. Now, he'll retire this month as Chief of the Covington Fire Department. Interview at the link.

Chuck Norris Talks About His Retirement from Covington FD 

|

HOUSING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES HIS IMPENDING RETIREMENT

Aaron Wolfe-Bertling, executive director of the Housing Authority of Covington, plans to step down in the spring of 2014. At Wednesday's meeting of the HAC Board of Commissioners, it was decided that a subcommittee should be formed to establish the criteria for selecting Wolfe-Bertling's replace and to decide whether that candidate should be hired before his retirement or brought on in a lesser role in the meantime for transitional purposes. The subcommittee will include members of the HAC Board, HAC staff, and a representative from the City, likely assistant city manager Larisa Sims. HAC's assistant director, Tom Schmitz will be retiring at the end of the year.

|

Other notes from the HAC Board meeting:

• A resolution will be drafted by HAC's attorney to be approved by the City attorney to formally privatize the streets of City Heights. One issue that could arise would be if the church and store located in the public housing development refuse to agree, at which point the boundaries of the private streets would have to be adjusted
• Covington Police Chief Spike Jones was also present at the meeting and informed the public that changes in the command structure at the police department will go into effect on Sunday. That also includes the dissolution of the department's community relations team, but Jones said not to worry. "It's not going anywhere, it's just getting bigger," Jones said. "It's the responsibility of all of us to do that, to be involved in the community."

Aaron Wolfe-Berling (File photo)

|

Update on River's Edge at Eastside Point set for August 1

From the Housing Authority: 

There will be a Rivers Edge at Eastside Pointe Community Update Meeting held on August 1, 2012 at 5:00 pm in the lower level conference room of 2300 Madison Avenue, Covington, Kentucky. Everyone is invited to attend.

|
Housing Authority Put Teens to Work Over Summer
From a news release:

The Housing Authority of Covington’s Teen Summer Work Program provided a unique employment opportunity this summer to fifteen young adults living in Covington public housing.

The six week program was designed to offer young workers job training, paid employment, and community involvement throughout the city of Covington. The fifteen Covington youth –ages 16 to 20 years – worked at several non-profit agencies in Covington, Ky. The program started June 11 and ended on July 27, 2012.

Participating employers included the Housing Authority of Covington, Covington Independent Public Schools, Boys & Girls Club, and the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission. 

Job duties included office/clerical work, summer recreational program support, and facilities maintenance. We are grateful to our partners for employing our teen residents and supporting our program this year. “Our goal wasn’t to just place individuals in any jobs. It was to strategically place each resident in a working environment that would teach them transferable skills to equip them for future endeavors.” Jon Adkins, Education Coordinator for the Housing Authority of Covington, said.

In addition to working 20 hours per week at the aforementioned sites, each youth worker participated in a two-day, 10 hour orientation/training program. Each youth was trained on workplace etiquette and employer expectations. In addition, teens received instruction on “soft skills” in the workplace, money management, the importance of secondary education, goal setting, time management & organizational skills.

Thanks to the Housing Authority of Covington’s Teen Summer Work Program, many young adults will take away the knowledge and work skills necessary for continued success.

|
COUNTY NEEDS TO KNOW WHICH CITIES ARE JOINING NEW DISPATCH CTR
The Kenton County Fiscal Court wants to know by August 1 which cities will be joining Covington in the new consolidated 911 emergency dispatch center:

“To add three or four other cities we wouldn’t need more dispatchers than we (did when we) added Covington,” said Kenton County Judge-executive Steve Arlinghaus. “The true savings of merging into one dispatch center does not really come about until every city is on board.” More dispatchers will need to be hired and the dispatch building will need to expand if the cities under Erlanger’s 911 center join the county.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Libby Cunningham 
|
MAN STABBED AT COVINGTON LANDING OVERNIGHT
Story: WKRC & WCPO 
|
GROUND TO BE BROKEN TODAY ON "WORLD CLASS MICRO-BREWERY"
From State Representative Dennis Keene:

Nth Degree Distilling, LLC has announced a groundbreaking ceremony on July 19 at 11:00 AM for a “world class” bourbon micro-distillery that will be located on The Party Source campus. The multi-million dollar construction project will also include an expansion of The Party Source itself, increasing the store’s size by one-third.
The distillery is expected to be a popular tourist attraction, featuring on-site tours and educational programs. Current plans also call for a community space that will serve meetings and private gatherings, including an indoor/oudoor multi-purpose roof garden that can accommodate 150 guests. Construction is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2013. 

Nth Degree Distilling Owner/President, Mollie Lewis, sees the distillery as a way to connect to the time-honored traditions that bourbon represents across the state of Kentucky. “The new distillery will allow us to celebrate in our state’s heritage, while producing a world-class product and visitor experience that will only enhance the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region as a travel destination. We’ve done everything possible to ensure that our distillery will be top-notch, from the hiring of Glaserworks as the architects of the distillery, to the securing of industry veteran Larry Ebersold as our master distiller.” 

Ebersold, who previously managed distillery operations at the Pernod Ricard USA distillery Lawrenceburg, is equally as enthused about the potential that Nth Degree Distilling represents to the region. “I’ve been fortunate to have had experience with many world-renown spirit brands, but I’m most excited and honored by the opportunity to bring to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky a new bourbon and distillery that will stand equal to all others in the industry.” 

The distillery construction follows the recently-completed first phase of the project, which involved the removal of the earthen levee on the west side of the store’s parking lot. In its place a more space-efficient concrete flood wall was erected, allowing land to be reclaimed for both construction projects. While the current store is located in Bellevue, all of the new development, including the distillery, will actually sit on the Newport side of the city boundary that borders the store. 

“This Party Source project is going to be a great addition to our city,” said Newport City Manager Thomas Fromme at the start of the levee’s removal last December. “It’s going to generate investment and jobs by reclaiming land that was otherwise unusable. For a city that doesn’t have a lot of undeveloped land available, this is a special opportunity to not only take full advantage of a limited resource, but to also be a part of an exciting project that will enhance our community.” 

The Party Source’s expansion will make it one of the largest off-premise beverage alcohol retail stores in the country, Party Source President Ken Lewis reports. “The additional space will provide much needed room for dramatically expanding our artisan distilled spirits selection, particularly bourbon and rye, as well as craft beer. The expanded store will house a micro-brewery and craft beer bar with 40 taps, as well as a “library bar” of 400+ bourbons and ryes to educate the public.”

|
QUICKIES
|
Kentucky and federal law enforcement are looking for an "armed & dangerous" ex-Army ranger who fled his rape trial The Los Angeles Times 
|
Convicted Kentucky killer who faked death an re-emerged on YouTube is caught in Indiana WKRC 
|
Memorial fund for pregnant woman killed in I-471 crash is dried up due to bank error Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
Instant racing case goes to Kentucky Supreme Court WFPL 
|
Local teacher accused of sex with student speaks out on the Today Show WLWT 
|
Report: Region ranks high in metro areas for economic output Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
Indiana smokers could be fined $10,000 for flinging cigarettes out of their cars WKRC 
|
Field of marijuana found, burned in Logan Co WKYT 
|
Did the landlord force a long-time Ft. Thomas jeweler to move his shop to another city? Fort Thomas Matters 
|
Electronic medical records education comes to NKU 
|
Kentucky rain helps soybeans, but too late for corn Courier-Journal 
|
KROGER MAY CHARGE CUSTOMERS MORE FOR USING CREDIT CARDS
Via WKRC:

It could save you money to have cash in your pocket when you go grocery shopping. The New York Times reports Kroger is considering charging you a lower price when you pay with cash or a check, and a higher one if you use a credit card.

From The New York Times:

Under the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, banks had to reduce “swipe fees” that they collect from merchants each time a customer makes a purchase with a debit card. Under the credit-card settlement on Friday, worked out over months of negotiations, merchants can charge higher prices to consumers who decide to pay for their purchases with credit cards.
A customer, for example, who buys a $100 item with a credit card might be charged an additional $2.50. A judge still needs to approve the settlement.
Until now, the card companies banned merchants from adding such a surcharge, although gas stations and other retailers sometimes offered a discount for customers who paid in cash.

|

WILL SECRETS AT DUKE ENERGY UNDERCUT EXPECTED CUSTOMER SAVINGS?

That's what a utility regulator in North Carolina wants to know

North Carolina utilities regulators are shedding a rare light on whether secret decisions at Duke Energy might undercut expected consumer savings from its takeover of Progress Energy. The North Carolina Utilities Commission holds a hearing Thursday featuring the Duke Energy CEO ousted within hours of becoming the top executive of the country's largest electric company.

AP via Herald-Leader 
|

KENTUCKY TEEN BEAT UP IN WHAT FAMILY CALLS A HATE CRIME
A possible anti-gay attack on a teenage girl in Louisville:

A teen girl is recovering at home after being injured in an attack by a group of adults.  Her family said after talking with police, they believe she's a victim of a hate crime.
It happened early Tuesday morning on Taylor Boulevard near Wyandotte Park.
The girl, who suffered several injuries including a broken jaw was with two younger boys when the attack happened. They said the adults yelled anti-gay slurs at the girl before she was beaten.
"Her jaw is broken in several places and she has to have a plate put in her jaw," said family friend Brenda Hickerson. "She continued describing the 17-year old girl's injuries, "She has teeth knocked out of her mouth and she has scrapes and bruises."

Photos of her injuries as well as a video report are at the link.
WAVE  
|
SEE ALSO: More than 100 rally in support of fairness ordinance in Richmond, KY Herald-Leader 

More photos from the event: The Fairness Campaign 

|

POSITIVE & NEGATIVE REPORTS ON EDUCATION IN KENTUCKY

|

First, the bad news:

Kentucky received an F in one area of higher education on a national report card to the surprise and disappointment of some state education leaders who questioned the results of the analysis. A member of the United States Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday presented its “Leaders and Laggards” report, a state-by-state analysis of the best and worst performers in postsecondary education. The report doled out grades in areas including: student access and success, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, meeting labor market demand and transparency and accountability. Kentucky’s four-year universities scored on the low end of all the categories while its grades for two-year colleges were around the national average.

Full story: cn|2 
|
And now the good news:

The improvement of Kentucky students in assessments of reading, math and science in the past 20 years has placed the state in a tie for fifth place in a report from Harvard University.

Full story: WKYT 
|
NEW PRINCIPAL NAMED AT NINTH DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Scott Shepherd

From Covington Independent Public Schools:

Scott Shepherd has been named principal at Ninth District Elementary School. He comes to Covington from Newport schools where he served as assistant principal at the Intermediate School.

Shepherd also worked in Covington schools at the alternative program. “Covington is an ideal place to come back to,” Mr. Shepherd said. “I wanted to come back to Covington Schools because of the community, the students and the staff.”

Two community events to welcome the new principal will take place on July 24, City Heights, from 5 to 7 p.m., and July 31, Latonia Terrace (Barb Cook Park), 5 to 7 p.m. Residents will not only have the opportunity to meet Shepherd, but they will also learn about opportunities for children, families and residents at Ninth District for the upcoming school year.

“My goal is to get Ninth District back to the top,” Shepherd said. “I plan to establish a culture of universal achievement where all students find success in the classroom and in life.”

|
GOODFELLAS PIZZERIA PROFILED IN METROMIX
The new pizza place in Mainstrasse Village gets some buzz:

Huge pizza pies bubbled from behind their glass case and movie stills stared at us from the burnt umber walls while someone from behind the counter took our order.
They have three sizes of pizza, but be forewarned – they’re huge. We ordered a “small” 12-inch pizza for two people, but it was more like a medium. I’m guessing the 22-inch large could’ve fed Marlon Brando alone.
The seven specialty pizzas have cute, gangster names like The Boss, Fuhgetaboutit (with everything on it) and The Immigrant, but you can also do a build-your-own pizza and get pizza by the slice.

Metromix 

Goodfellas Pizzeria (RCN file photo)

|

LOL: CVG FOR SALE FOR SAME PRICE AS ONE-WAY TICKET TO NEWARK

Have a laugh:

The Greater Cincinnati International Airport is reportedly for sale, and the price is rumored to be approximately the same as the cost of a one-way ticket from CVG to Newark, NJ. Although the asking price is firm, officials the airport can be purchased for one third of the asking price by simply driving to Louisville.

Read it all at the link: Derf Magazine (Satire) 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY EVENING 17 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

| 

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

|

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

|

COVINGTON SCHEDULES PUBLIC INPUT SESSIONS FOR REORGANIZATION

"We want to be open and transparent," said City Manager Larry Klein. Dates are set for public input sessions to discuss the reorganization and plans for budget cuts at City Hall. There will be two public meetings, one for police & fire recommendations, and another for code enforcement and community development. Details and background at the link.

Full story: The River City News 

|

GOVERNOR CREATES KY HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE

Kentucky has moved forward in its role in implementing a portion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, AKA Obamacare. From the office of Governor Steve Beshear (words in bold emphasized by RCN):

Governor Steve Beshear today issued an executive order establishing the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange, a requirement of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange is an online marketplace that will provide one-stop shopping for individuals to enroll in qualified health coverage plans. Those plans may be offered through the exchange or coverage through other federal or state health care programs, including Medicaid and the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP).

“Since the Supreme Court upheld most of the Affordable Care Act, Kentuckians who have had difficulty finding or qualifying for affordable health coverage will be able to do so by visiting the state’s online Health Benefit Exchange,” Gov. Beshear said. “We will work closely with insurers, providers, consumers and other groups to develop a robust, responsive, and user-friendly portal that will help Kentuckians find the coverage that best suits their needs.”

The Exchange will also assist employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in health plans, enable individuals to receive premium tax credits and premium subsidies and qualify small businesses for tax credits. The Exchange will begin operation Jan. 1, 2014.

Gov. Beshear announced in May his intent to issue an order establishing a state-operated exchange provided the United States Supreme Court upheld the federal ACA, which it did on June 28. 

Kentucky must demonstrate readiness to operate a state health benefit exchange by the end of 2012, or that responsibility will default to the federal government.
Several interest groups representing employers, health care advocates, and citizens, including the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Voices for Health, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield have expressed that the Commonwealth, not the federal government, should operate the exchange for the state. 

“Kentucky is more in tune with the unique regional and economic needs of our citizens, as well as the health insurance needs of individuals, Kentucky small businesses and nonprofits,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Audrey Tayse Haynes. “By establishing a state-operated exchange, we can also better coordinate the new eligibility and enrollment system within the current Medicaid program.” 

The Executive Order issued today establishes the Office of the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange, which will oversee the implementation and operations of the Exchange. The office will be housed in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). 

The Cabinet and the Department of Insurance have been involved in planning for the Exchange since 2010. The Commonwealth has received three exchange grants from the Federal Department for Health and Human Services (HHS) totaling $66.4 million for planning and implementation of a state exchange. 

The development and operation of the Kentucky Exchange will be funded entirely with federal dollars until Jan. 1, 2015, after which the Exchange will be wholly funded with revenues it generates.

Gov. Beshear selected Carrie Banahan to serve as executive director of the Office of the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange. A career state employee with experience in the Department of Insurance and the Department of Medicaid Services, Banahan currently serves as the executive director of the Office of Health Policy within the Cabinet. She will remain acting executive director of health policy until a permanent replacement is named. 

Order Creates Exchange Advisory BoardThe Governor’s executive order also establishes an 11-member Exchange Advisory Board. 

Nominees for the panel representatives must have relevant experience in health benefits administration, health care finance, health plan purchasing, health care delivery system administration, public health, or health policy related to the small group and individual markets and the uninsured. 

Gov. Beshear expects to announce appointments to the advisory board by mid-August. The Governor will appoint the chair of the advisory board from the appointees to the 11-member panel.

There will be public forums across the Commonwealth to decribe in detail what the new program means. The first one is Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at Northern Kentucky University's METS Center auditorium from 1:00 - 3:30PM.
|
Meanwhile, Kentucky Republicans block the approval of leasing a space to operate the exchange:

...the Kentucky General Assembly's Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee rejected, on a 3-4 partisan vote, a proposal by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to spend $294,540 for rental space to accommodate 210 employees associated with the health insurance exchange.
Despite the vote, Finance Secretary Lori Flanery has the authority to override the oversight committee's decision and let the rental project proceed. Beshear said late Tuesday that Flanery will sign the lease "in order to make sure that we don't fall behind on implementation and run the risk of a federal takeover of our health benefits exchange."

Herald-Leader/Jack Brammer
|
US Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) applauded the Governor:

I commend Gov. Steve Beshear and thank him for his leadership in establishing the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange, which will provide tens of thousands of Kentuckians with access to affordable, high-quality health insurance options. A critical component of the Affordable Care Act, the state-based exchanges – which will be available in 2014 – offer individuals and small businesses more choice and control in their health coverage while also helping bring down the cost of care for all consumers.

|
IS COMAIR SHUTTING DOWN?
Via WCPO:

 

| 

SEE ALSO: CVG approves lease deal for Southern Air Business Courier  

| 

DON'T MISS TUESDAY MORNING'S NEWS 

"We are not stepping up to the plate." How black men in Covington are trying to rally each other to better their community for the kids; Where does Covington rank on the Geography of Tolerance map?; Plus, a Holy Cross baseball player is invited to a prestigious event. Those stories and more at the link!

The RC News: Tuesday Morning Round-Up 

|

QUICKIES

|

Sen. McConnell successfully blocks federal Disclose Act WFPL 

|

Miners weather storm of coal's demise WFPL 

|

Has President Obama really declared a "War on Coal"? CBS News 

|

Republicans hope to block measures that would fight black lung disease WFPL 

|

UK Hospital is ranked #1 in the state, St. Elizabeth locations in top 7 US News & World Report 

|

Jury: Boss in Boone County owes former employee $2 million Cincinnati Enquirer 

| Secretary of State reminds Kentuckians of new business entity laws press release  |

Bardstown is ranked the most beautiful small town in America while Murray is chosen as the friendliest USA Today 

|

Kentucky's new Chief Appeals Judge moonlights in a rock band Herald-Leader 

| 

Reds TV ratings among best in nation Business Courier  

|

LIVELY LEARNING AT HOLMES MIDDLE SCHOOL

From the blog of the Kentucky Department of Education:

At Holmes Middle School (Covington Independent), disco balls and baseball bats are routine academic tools. Characters like Tara Bullvoice show up to rap about five-paragraph essays. And students will listen to Alanis Morisette’s “Ironic” before defining irony and explaining two examples in the song. 

“It’s not your traditional stand-and-lecture series,” said teacher Travece Turner, who teaches 8th-grade language arts. “This allows me to be creative as a teacher and really push myself to think outside the box.” 

Turner and other teachers in the Covington Independent school district recently wrapped up their second year using the Ron Clark Academy teaching approach. This approach focuses on unique, creative approaches to presenting content while addressing student confidence and focus. 

“My favorite thing about using Ron Clark’s method is the excitement and passion for learning that I see in my students,” 8th-grade English teacher Elizabeth Wolf said. 

“They are more engaged and really seem to enjoy learning. The methods also motivate students to be more creative and involved in the learning process.” Wolf will routinely dress up in character to present lessons. While students were preparing for their K-PREP tests last spring, she became Dr. Ima Reader, who talked to students who were dealing with text anxiety. She would present a case involving mock students like Stayaway Stephanie or Worried Wendy, who was apprehensive about testing. Students then discussed the form of test anxiety, they would diagnose the ailment with a creative name (anxianosis or testinitis) and find a cure (have confidence, face your fears or take a practice test). 

“I also perform skits for them dressed like characters from books and stories we are reading,” Wolf said. “I write and sing raps to help my students remember content. In my room, you might find students singing a motivational chant (some while standing on desks), classical music playing while students work at their tables or sports jams to get students energized and alert.”

Read the rest: Kentucky Teacher 

| 

COVINGTON PARTNERS GOLF OUTING IS BEST EVER 

From Covington Partners:

Covington Partners 3rd Annual Golf Outing was our most successful ever! On a hot July day, 88 golfers braved the links to raise friends and funds to support Covington students and families. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success, including our Star Sponsor; The Bank of Kentucky, our Course Sponsor; Traditions Golf Club, our Food Sponsor; Queensgate Foodservice and our Hole In One Sponsor; Lexus Rivercenter. Many thanks also to our hole sponsors, volunteers and board members!

The River City News was a proud sponsor of one hole during the golf outing:

Check out a bunch of photos from the golf out: Covington Partners 

|

COVINGTON GIRL NAMED MISS TEEN KENTON COUNTY 2012

Congratulations to Rosa Mejia of Covington for winning the Miss Teen Kenton County pageant at the Kenton County Fair. Her proud parents are Bethany and Raul Mejia.

Via Kenton County Fair 

|

URBAN LIFE...

|

IN PRAISE OF SMALL CITIES

I always tell people that Covington is not a "small town", but that it's a "small city" with city benefits, amenities, and problems. The Atlantic Cities, my favorite online magazine, covers the appeal of small city living in a profile on Ann Arbor, Michigan:

I've lived in Chicago, New York, Washington, and Tokyo. And now, I’m back in Ann Arbor, the town where I was born. Only I’m not standing on our Main Street and despairing. 

Turns out my years living in big cities have given me an unexpected education in getting the most out of small city life. They’ve helped me discover what’s most important to me: a lively, diverse community, with access to good food, the arts, the world around us, and a comfortable place to live that’s also affordable on a freelancer’s budget. 

Of course, Ann Arbor is unique. Thanks to the University of Michigan, a good-sized number of Ann Arborites have lived in other big places. We’ve learned to recognize each other almost instantly, much as Greeks and Canadians do. (It may have to do with wearing black most of the time, even in our 90-degree summer.) 

Compared with the surrounding Detroit area, "It’s like an island," my friend Luke Song, who designed Aretha Franklin’s inaugural hat, remarked when I told him I was writing this piece. "Ann Arbor – the city that everyone loves," Rufus Wainwright said on stage at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival last month.

Full story: The Atlantic Cities 

| 

SEE ALSO: The next wave of urban growth will come from mid-size cities Harvard Business Review  

|

WELCOME HOUSE WILL TAKE OLD BIKES From the Pike Street social service agency:

Do you have a men's bike taking up space in your garage? We would gladly accept new or used bikes, our clients often used them for transportation to work. Please call Jen Amos at 859-431-8717.

| 

PHOTOS: Check out the slideshow of the Big Pig Gig in Cincinnati Business Courier 

| 

NEW BABY CHEETAH BORN AT CINCINNATI ZOO 

Awww:

ead more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/07/17/2261526/beshear-creates-health-benefit.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy