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Showing posts with label Chuck Eilerman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chuck Eilerman. Show all posts

Saturday, August 11, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 11 AUGUST

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

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


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

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

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

Saturday, August 4, 2012

PHOTOS & VIDEOS: DAY ONE AT OLD TIMERS IN COVINGTON'S EASTSIDE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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The twenty-sixth annual Old Timers picnic kicked off in Covington's Eastside neighborhood Friday evening with a proclamation presented by Mayor Chuck Scheper and a performance by The Kingsmen. Check out the photos and videos below:
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More photos below, just click the link!
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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

PHOTOS: PEASELBURG PARADE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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The annual Independence Day Parade in Covington's Peaselburg neighborhood was a well-attended blast, even though the sun was working overtime to heat up the place. Check out photos from the event: 
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Lots more photos below, just click the link!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 28 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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JUST IN: Spike Jones will be named at Chief of Police at a special city commission meeting Friday at 11:00AM. Congratulations, Spike!
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EXPECT CUTS AS COVINGTON COMMISSION VOTES ON 2012-13 BUDGET TODAY
It will no longer be just talk and just warnings of what to expect in the budget of the next fiscal year that starts July 1. Tonight at City Hall, the Covington City Commission will vote to approve a very lean budget, one that will likely cause immediate cuts to staffing levels and one that could lead to more cuts and reorganization in the very near future. The meeting was moved to Thursday because Tuesday night was reserved for a special presentation and first reading of the proposed budget and also to hear the recommendations of Cincinnati-based Management Partners on how City Hall could be reorganized to save money in the coming years. The River City News will be at City Hall tonight and you will find the most comprehensive coverage right here immediately afterwards. 
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SEE ALSO: Mayor Chuck Scheper updates his agenda laid out in his 10-point plan Click Here 
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SEE ALSO: The City of Covington has posted the updated 10-point plan and the slideshow used by Management Partners at the City website 
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HIRING REBOUNDS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
A topical story considering what is about to happen at Covington City Hall tonight: 
States, cities, counties and school districts hired 828,000 workers in the first four months of the year, up 20% from a year earlier, and the most since 2008, according to a USA TODAY analysis of the government's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. The number of job openings at state and local governments also hit a four-year high.
This lift in government hiring shows how state budget problems have eased in recent months as tax collections have improved. Total revenue is flat because extra federal aid is drying up. But tax money revenue generally is spent on workers, especially at the local level, while federal aid is often dedicated to outside vendors, such as health care providers in the Medicaid program and highway contractors. 
USA Today/Dennis Cauchon 
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TOUGH DISCUSSION ABOUT HEATED EXCHANGE AFTER TUES NIGHT'S MEETING
Chuck Eilerman, a candidate for Covington City Commission, posted this to his campaign Facebook page: 
Last night I attended the Mayor's update on the state of his 10 point plan and the summary overview of the Management Partners study recommendations. Some thoughtful and provocative ideas, many of which seeem to have merit for further discussion. I do believe, though, that the only way we can maximize the effectiveness of these ideas is by dealing respectfully and collaboratively with all parties involved, including our employees and the leadership of related organizations. One Commissioner was overheard after the meeting threatening/promising to "F***" several of these folks. This behavior is not "passionate", it's disrespectful, insulting, disfunctional, and unacceptable coming from an elected official. Just saying... 
Eilerman did not name the commissioner directly, but City Commissioner Steve Frank responded to the story at The River City News Facebook page:
Last I checked Will Terwort wasn't a city employee. As for losing my temper, I am most assuredly guilty and frankly what we are doing in Covington is of no concern to Ft Mitchell commissioners who want to tell us who we should be doing business with aka Mr. Toeben rather than attracting open bidders for a project. I told him off and apologized to him later onve I cooled down. Covington will not be bought and sold by special interests as its been in the past. Sorry if I burned your virgin ears Chuck. 
Will Terwort is a Fort Mitchell city councilman who ran unsuccessfully in May in the GOP primary to represent that city and Covington in the Kentucky State Senate. Terwort also responded at the Facebook page: 
Last night, I attended the meeting to hear the report from Management Partners. I wanted to learn how to make government more efficient and how to provide services better. I liked some of the report's ideas and disagreed with other parts of it. The point I was making with Mr. Frank was the city's lack of economic development in recent years. In the 1990's, the city was bringing in fortune 500 companies. As a result, the city's payroll tax grew. However, the city quit chasing the payroll tax, which is what pays for basic services. Even though I dont live in Covington, I still want the city to grow and prosper because its good for Kenton County. Covington is the heart and economic center of Kenton County. Unfortunately, you can't have a reasonable conversation with Mr. Frank without him losing his temper.
Looks like the campaign break is over.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RCN: WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
The River City News celebrates its first anniversary today. On June 28, 2011 the first story was posted and the headline read: 
"Budget Battle No Clearer Today Than Yesterday or in May"
That's right. The first couple of postings dealt with tough decisions being weighed at City Hall in regards to the budget just as the stories of this week have. Here is an excerpt from that first posting: 
Tuesday night’s meeting was the first reading of an updated "proposed" budget that changes employee contributions to health care. A final vote is set for less than twenty-four hours later on Wednesday night. The City must fill a projected $4.2 million dollar deficit in next year’s budget. Klein and Finance Director Bob Due have proposed cutting $1.2 million from the police department, $1.5 million from the fire department, and nearly $900,000 from public works. Ten firefighters, four police officers, and eight public works employees would be laid off. Twelve vacant positions between all three departments would be eliminated without having been filled. "This is a watershed moment in Covington history," Klein said. "This budget rebuilds financial reserves to build Covington’s credit rating. We have a long way to go and we have to begin somewhere."  
Read the entire first post by clicking here.
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LET'S ALSO WISH A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO BAKER HUNT
Baker Hunt is one of Covington's best resources and tonight the arts organization celebrates ninety years:
"A Gathering of Friends"... Please join us TONIGHTas we celebrate 90 years of Baker Hunt being a true icon of what makes Northern Kentucky Great !! If you are a current or former student or teacher, or just a Baker Hunt supporter, come join us in true celebration. The Friends Business Meeting (6pm) Pot Luck (6:30) Music by The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra info 859.431.0020.
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COVINGTON SCHOOLS GET MONEY FOR FRESH FRUIT/VEGETABLE PROGRAM
The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Education was awarded $2.7 million from the US Department of Agriculture as part of the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, and some of that money is coming to Covington. Glenn O. Swing and Latonia Elementary Schools will participate in that program that is described in a news release:
The FFVP provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. The FFVP also encourages community partnerships to support the schools when they offer free fruit and vegetables to children during the school day. 
The goal of the FFVP is to: 
· create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices
· expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience
· increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption
· make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health

School selection was based upon submitted applications from elementary schools that operate the National School Lunch Program and that have 50 percent or more of their students eligible for free/reduced-price meals. Priority was given to schools with the highest percentage of free- and reduced-eligible students. 
Latonia will receive $21,590.60 and Glenn O. Swing will receive $20,748.04 for the program that begins in the 2012-13 school year.
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QUICKIES
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Would tolls on Brent Spence Bridge affect other bridges? Cincinnati Enquirer 
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CVG Airport prepares for using only a single terminal Cincinnati Enquirer 
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State Auditor: Special taxing districts operate in near pitch black darkness Herald-Leader 
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The auditor is looking into special taxing districts across the Commonwealth and that report & database will be available by year's end Bluegrass Politics 
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Is there a secret conservative war on zoning? The Atlantic Cities 
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An Eastern Kentucky newspaper editorializes on the coal debate Hazard Herald 
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AROLDIS CHAPMAN INTRODUCES USA TO 'SOMERSAULT OF RESPECT'
LOL: 
The Summersault of Respect is an ancient ritual often performed by Cuban people at important events such as weddings and religious ceremonies. Cuban children are often required to perform Summersaults of Respect when addressing their parents. Cuban cultural Authority, Juan Guillermo Marquez, says it is a very rare indulgence to witness the Double Summersault of Respect. “Aroldis must indeed feel a deep sense of respect for his team. I have only seen a double one or twice in my life.” 
Derf Magazine (Satire)







Wednesday, June 27, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY EVENING 27 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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WHAT DID A CITY COMMISSIONER SAY AFTER LAST NIGHT'S MEETING
Chuck Eilerman, a candidate for Covington City Commission, published this charge to Facebook Wednesday afternoon: 
Last night I attended the Mayor's update on the state of his 10 point plan and the summary overview of the Management Partners study recommendations. Some thoughtful and provocative ideas, many of which seeem to have merit for further discussion. I do believe, though, that the only way we can maximize the effectiveness of these ideas is by dealing respectfully and collaboratively with all parties involved, including our employees and the leadership of related organizations. One Commissioner was overheard after the meeting threatening/promising to "F***" several of these folks. This behavior is not "passionate", it's disrespectful, insulting, dysfunctional, and unacceptable coming from an elected official. Just saying... 
Interesting.
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Lots of debate about Tuesday night's meeting is going on at The River City News Facebook page.
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In case you missed the coverage from last night's meeting...
Close two firehouses (and build a new one), brown out a fire truck; privatize ambulance services, eliminate code enforcement, and more -- all part of the 59 recommendations for the City of Covington to adopt in an effort to save $3.2 million. Full story at the link.
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DON'T MISS WEDNESDAY MORNING'S NEWS
A large sinkhole swallows part of a Mainstrasse street; Thirty-four possible projects for city-owned properties; Mayor updates his 10-point plan and turns focus to economic development; How Covington will welcome visitors to World Choir Games; Plus, storytellers from across the nation are in Covington this week. Those stories and more at the link!
The RC News: Wednesday Morning Round-Up 
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MORE ON THE LARGE SINKHOLE IN MAINSTRASSE VILLAGE
Via WKRC

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WHOA! HOW MUCH DOES SEN. RAND PAUL HATE UNIONS?
This much: 
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Sen. Paul is also holding up flood insurance legislation for a life-begins-at-conception measure: 
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) won’t allow a measure extending the FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program for five years to move forward until he gets a vote on legislation declaring that human life begins at conception.
“Just trying to get a vote for the people who elected me,” Paul told TPM in the Capitol Tuesday evening. “If he’ll give me a free-standing vote, I’ll take a free-standing vote anytime. He hasn’t been really forthcoming with offering a free-standing vote on it.” 
Talking Points Memo
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KENTON CO TO VOTE ON $6 ADDITION TO ELECTRIC BILLS FOR DISPATCH
The Kenton County Fiscal Court is expected to vote next month on adding a $6 surcharge to electricity bills in order to pay for the anticipated consolidated emergency dispatch center: 
If enacted, the new fee would replace the monthly dispatch fee on telephone land lines, which have been steadily decreasing in recent years.
Tuesday, county officials had first reading of an ordinance calling for establishment of the fee. A final reading and vote is scheduled for July 10 when the Fiscal Court meets at the courthouse in Independence. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Cindy Schroeder 
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NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: EXPECT TEMPS OVER 100 DEGREES THURSDAY
It's going to be a hot one Thursday. No, like, seriously hot. Take all necessary precautions. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning: 

TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHENPOSSIBLE...RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OREVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHENPOSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY...CALL 911.
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The NWS has also issued a "red flag warning" in effect until 8:00PM Thursday: 

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OFSTRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

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Meanwhile, Gov. Steve Beshear has authorized drought assistance for 90 Kentucky counties: 
Gov. Steve Beshear today signed an executive order directing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to expedite the transport of emergency supplies to Kentucky counties struggling with drought. Ninety counties – 75 percent of the state’s counties – are classified as suffering moderate to severe drought conditions.
The executive order directs the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to waive special registration and permit requirements for vehicles carrying relief supplies such as water, livestock forage and hay to stricken areas.
Under the order, the response vehicles do not have to pay permit fees for oversized/overweight vehicles. KYTC will also waive certain size and weight restrictions as they determine to be appropriate to meet the needs of the agricultural community. In order to ensure the safety of the traveling public and its infrastructure, the carrier must obtain all necessary permits for route verification.
“Having responded to a series of weather disasters as Governor, I know that quick and decisive action is absolutely critical to recovery efforts,” Gov. Beshear said. “Our farmers need all the help they can get to fight the affects of this drought, and we will continue to assist them in whatever way we can.”
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FINANCING EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE
Two companies interested in forming public-private partnerships believe the project could be under construction by 2014: 
A packed house of project boosters and consultants attended the meeting of Hamilton County’s lead transportation planning agency. Hamilton County Commissioner and TID Chair Todd Portune said the goal of the briefing was to educate local leaders and the public on financing options that can get the bridge project under construction by the end of 2014.
“If it is the priority that we all say it is then we all need to be adult about it and have a serious discussion on which of those methods make the most sense for us,” said Portune. 
Business Courier/Dan Monk 

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Meanwhile... tolls were also part of the discussion: 
Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear favor tolling as a means to fast-track the $2.4 billion Brent Spence Bridge project. The Ohio Department of Transportation currently is in the process of hiring a consultant to explore a P3 for the project. Build Our New Bridge Now — a coalition of business leaders in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky — also has said tolling may be the only way to fast-track the project. Count Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune in the club, too. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Jason Williams 
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QUICKIES
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Covington man leads Ohio troopers in high speed pursuit, crashes, is ejected from vehicle that catches fire WXIX 
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Grant will make health care more affordable in Kentucky Rep. John Yarmuth 
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Kentucky Horse Council aims to help victims in Colorado wild fires KHC 
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KY Attorney General Jack Conway takes for-profit college fight to Washington, DC WFPL 
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Conway announces $2.5 million settlement against GIBill.com press release 

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Borrowing for college skyrocketing in Kentucky WKYT 
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Cincinnati Enquirer/Fort Thomas battle headed to KY Supreme Court Business Courier 
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State wants Christian ministry held in contempt WKYT 
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Traffic stop in KY leads to discovery of $143,000 inside a piece of luggage WKYT 
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Shop opens in Over-the-Rhine that will allow yours dogs to dine-in WKRC 
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HOW ABOUT A LITTLE COVINGTON PRIDE?
The Awesome Collective of Covington has released its "ten core values":
1. Embrace and celebrate Covington’s awesomeness2. Create fun and a little weirdness3. Nurture Covington’s limitless potential4. Design "with" not "for"5. Risk-taking and Failure are ok!6. Break down barriers with out of the box thinking and kindness7. Use creativity to seek opportunities and solve problems
8. Make good ideas work through partnerships and inclusiveness9. Create and/or adopt innovative ideas and best practices from around the country
10. Be thankful, Be positive, Be awesome
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COVINGTON PARTNERS ENCOURAGES YOU TO MENTOR A CIPS STUDENT
"Mentor one child, change two lives" is a common phrase around these parts as the Covington Independent Public Schools attempts to increase the number of community mentors in the schools. Covington Partners in Prevention has issued this call:  
We know that if you mentor one student, you can change two lives and the Mentoring Collaborative has great news to report! During the 2011-2012 school year, over 150 mentors served as positive adult models for students in grades 3-12. They met weekly to talk about school, family and life. We now know 51% of students with mentors had better school attendance than last year and 84% of students with mentors had the same number, or fewer, disciplinary referrals this year compared to last year.
If you would like to become a mentor please contact Renee Fisk at 859-392-3188 or renee.fisk@covington.kyschools.us.
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METROMIX REVIEWS COVINGTON'S NEW BURGER SPOT: WHACKBURGER
Check it out:
Covington’s new gourmet burger joint wants to sucker punch you with their array of burger styles and graphic novel motifs. Located in the Wedding District across the street from the Madison Theater, this hip eatery deserves a visit whether or not it’s a show night.
The mood: Keeping with the comic book theme, blue, yellow and red graced three walls with a yellow lightning bolt cutting down the middle of the azure wall. One wall was plastered with comic panels featuring sounds like “choom kroom doom” and “wham.” For dining in, there’s four tables and a long counter facing a mirrored wall plus two outdoor tables.
More at the link, including "the verdict".
Metromix/Garin Pirnia
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DID YOU KNOW THAT MAINSTRASSE'S NEW PIZZERIA ALSO HAS A BAR?
Goodfellas Pizzeria is now open for business on Main Street in Mainstrasse Village and they want you to know that there is also a bar upstairs, the Wiseguy Lounge.
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CINCI/NKY TAXI DRIVERS TO COLLABORATE DURING WORLD CHOIR GAMES
The City Managers of Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport have all signed the agreement...
...to allow licensed taxicabs to freely commute and transport passengers across city lines from July 1-15. This differs from normal taxi law, in which a Covington driver who picked up passengers in Covington and transported them to Cincinnati, for example, would be barred from picking up another group of passengers within Cincinnati limits, instead required to go back to Covington to seek business. 
CityBeat/Hannah McCartney 
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CINCINNATI SEES INFLUX OF HOOKERS BEFORE WORLD CHOIR GAMES
LOL: 
“They’ve been coming in by the van load,” said Cincinnati Visitors Bureau community liaison William Rowland. “Although our official stance is that prostitution is illegal, immoral, and a vile scourge on society, we would also like to point out that having this many hookers in town all at once finally shows that we are a real big league city. Take that Columbus!” 
Derf Magazine (Satire)
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SPORTS
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Anthony Davis's shot blocks provide lesson in physics Herald-Leader 
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WOW: Indiana, Louisville, and Kentucky are the top three favorites to win the NCAA basketball title next season USA Today 
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UK basketball team nominated for four ESPY awards Coach Cal 
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