NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY MORNING 14 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

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BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE CLEARS FEDERAL HURDLE, WIN FOR COVINGTON

The design has been approved, but without funding:

“It’s like having a green light, but no car to drive through it,” said Mark Policinski, executive director of the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, the region’s top transportation planning agency.

And it looks like Covington will retain its Fifth Street exit:

The FHWA report reveals a win for Covington. The plan has been modified to include a Fifth Street exit ramp off northbound I-75. Originally, the plan called for the elimination of the Fifth Street exit, requiring motorists traveling northbound to exit at 12th Street. Access to Covington has been a major concern for city leaders and the public, and the report said the decision to keep the Fifth Street exit was in response to public comments.

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Jason Williams 

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COVINGTON BANK ROBBED, SUSPECT DIES AFTER JUMPING FROM BRIDGE

Wow. Via WCPO:

The man allegedly robbed the Fifth Third Bank on West Fourth Street in Covington at about 6:30 p.m. Police say a Covington police officer spotted the suspect walking in downtown Covington and tried to talk to him. That's when the suspect took off and ran across the bridge to Ohio. The man then jumped off the bridge and died instantly, according to authorities.

More with a video report: WCPO 
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DON'T MISS MONDAY'S NEWS!
Three candidates for Covington School Board have joined together to run as a slate; Story of a bullied Covington teen that took his own life is now part of an anti-bullying video; Plus. word is that the Mike Fink is going to reopen...soon. Those stories and more at the link.

Full story: The RC News: Monday Round-Up 

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QUICKIES
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Duke Energy shareholder sues over ousted CEO's $44.5 million exit agreement Business Courier 
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Delta comes to terms with Comair employees Business Courier 
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Gas prices see biggest jump of the year WLWT 
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Judges to review grandparents visitation law Cincinnati Enquirer 
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We're Number Ton! Kentucky among most obese states WFPL 
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POSSIBLY RELATED: Driver slams into Krispy Kreme truck WKYT 
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Best places to live in the future? KY is third from the bottom 
:-( Business First 
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POLITICS
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Kentucky legislator worried about Sharia law:

The bills are motivated by claims that Islamic Sharia law and laws of other nations are creeping into American courtrooms. Sharia is a the Islamic moral and religious code that is part of the legal systems of many Muslim nations. It deals with issues ranging from divorce, custody to diet and fasting. (State Rep. Kim) King (R-Harrodsburg) said she’s not singling out any foreign law or culture but addressing the concerns that a constituent brought to her.

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman 
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Former Agriculture Commissioner/UK basketball star wants his child support payments reduced now that he is out of a job Courier-Journal 
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Gov. Beshear's Chief of Staff to be remembered Wednesday press release 
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Lt. Gov. Abramson's remarks about Fancy Farm draw more criticism WFPL 
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Good news for the NKY river cities from State Rep. Dennis Keene:

Great news for our region. The Kentucky Department of Transportation has informed me that they will be issuing a check to the City of Dayton in the amount of $79,399 and the City of Newport will receive $1883.02. These funds are left over municipal road bond funds to be used for road and bridge rehabilitation.

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Political observers are thrilled about the upcoming Vice Presidential debate which will be held in Kentucky WFPL 
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LOL: Your Republican to Explain Why Paul Ryan is a Good Choice The Onion (satire)
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KY EAGLE SCOUT RETURNS MEDAL BECAUSE OF GAY BAN
A Kentucky attorney is returning his eagle scout medal to the Boy Scouts of America over the organization's ban on gays:

Attorney Jackson Cooper, 32, of Louisville, Ky., said in an open letter that he was unsure if any of his fellow Scouts were gay. “But I do know that my now-deceased mother, a lesbian, would not have been allowed to serve as a den mother if her orientation had been public knowledge,” he wrote. “The thought that I have invested such a large part of my life with an organization that would have turned my own mother away breaks my heart.”

Full story: Associated Press 
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SKECHERS SHOES FEDERAL CASE SETTLEMENT OK'D IN LOUISVILLE
A federal judge in Louisville has tentatively OK'd a settlement in the case against Skechers shoes and the company's allegedly misleading ads about its "Shape-Ups":

An undetermined number of people will be able to get a maximum repayment for their purchases — up to $80 per pair of Shape-Ups; $84 per pair of Resistance Runner shoes; up to $54 per pair of Podded Sole Shoes; and $40 per pair for Tone-Ups.

Full story: Associated Press 

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LICKING RIVER TRAIL IS "AN URBAN OASIS"

Covington's newest addition to outdoor enjoyment gets a profile in today's Cincinnati Enquirer:

Phase II plans are to move north toward Randolph Park at Ninth Street. Ultimately officials want the trails to extend from the Ohio River, where the Riverfront Commons walking/biking path is planned, south to Interstate 275, including pieces along the shores of Campbell and Kenton counties. “We think that the trail’s going to be built piece by piece,” in $100,000 segments, Williams said. Proposed parks along the Greenway could raise total costs to $10 million or $12 million range, she said.

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge 
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LIBRARIES TEAM UP FOR BOOK EVENT
Rick Robinson's latest thriller Writ of Mandamus (which I have read and you should buy IMMEDIATELY) features Covington prominently in the storyline with one of its key plot points happening right on Main Street. Now the three library systems in NKY are teaming up to highlight the work:

The library systems of Boone, Kenton, Campbell and Grant counties are teaming up for the annual reading program. Committee chair Amy Foster, manager of the Boone County Public Library’s Scheben branch, said the program began in 2007 as an initiative to get everyone in the Northern Kentucky counties reading and talking about the same book. The desire to support a local author was one of the major reasons Robinson’s book was selected, she said.

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Stephanie Salmons 
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COVINGTON ROTARY CLUB CHANGES LEADERSHIP
The Covington Rotary Club's new board of directors:

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More pictures: Covington Rotary @ Facebook 

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COVINGTON SCHOOLS MENTOR TRAINING TONIGHT

Help one student, change two lives. Learn how to be a mentor in the Covington Independent Public Schools (students return next week!) during a training session tonight at Holmes Middle School (classroom 1320) running from 6:00PM - 7:30PM. Call 859.392.3188 for more information.

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COVINGTON QUICKIES

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Holmes football team builds for a bigger finish this season Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Which local high school football games will be on your TV each week? Click: TBNK 

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Have you weighed in on the most awesome stuff in Covington? The list is being compiled so hurry up! Awesome Collective of Covington 

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Covington's Wolf & Company Bistro review by Polly Campbell Cincinnati Enquirer 

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XANADU IS A HIT AT THE CARNEGIE

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Good review: City Beat 

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Mixed review: Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Overview: Behind the Curtain Cincinnati

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY EVENING 25 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

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INTERIM POLICE CHIEF ON PLAYGROUND FIRE: "ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING"

The fire that mostly destroyed the playground at Sixth District Elementary School in Austinburg early Sunday morning is being investigated as suspicious according to Covington Police. No arrests have been made but investigators are hopeful that surveillance video from the school that shows activity before and during the fire will help lead to suspects. "Our investigators are meeting with area residents and potential witnesses to put together facts surrounding this event," said interim Covington Police Chief Spike Jones, who attended first through third grades at Sixth District in the 1970s. "It's absolutely horrible that anyone would torch a child's playground, especially at an elementary school. It's absolutely disgusting."

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Meantime...

Representatives from the Center for Great Neighborhoods which primarily built the park in 1999, Gateway Technical & Community College, Keep Covington Beautiful, and Janice Wilkerson of Covington Independent Public Schools met this afternoon to assess the situation. Daneille Eulitt of Keep Covington Beautiful tells The River City News: 

1.The playground site is currently an official crime scene. We are waiting to hear from the police and fire departments, as well as the insurance company, to see if and when we will be able to begin the clean-up. As of right now, plans for renovation and the swing set installation are stalled until we hear further information from them, which may take several weeks.
2. We have a preliminary estimate of the cost of rebuilding the structure at $100,000, mainly for materials. Of course, we will be seeking donations and volunteers, and we are working on some fundraising efforts now.3. We plan to keep our initial “build” date of July 21st, however, in lieu of any building, installing or renovation, we will focus instead on hosting a community involvement event at Sixth District. We also plan to start the beautification project with some planting and initial landscaping around the front and back entrances of the school building itself.
4. At the event we will have a volunteer sign-up, encouraging community members to donate their time and expertise in rebuilding the playground. We will also be asking the community to provide their input and ideas for designs for a blacktop mural as well as components they would like to see as part of the new playground structure. 

To donate or help with repairs please contact : Heather Abbott Student Affairs Specialist Urban Center of Gateway Community Technical College 525 Scott Boulevard Covington, KY 41011Office: (859) 815-7634
heather.abbott@kctcs.edu

To read the original report and to see more photos of the damage, click the link below. 

Fire Destroys Playground at Covington School 

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POSSIBLY SUSPICIOUS FIRE IN OLD SEMINARY SQUARE

A dumpster used for construction debris during the renovation of a row house at the corner of Russell & Robbins Streets caught fire Saturday afternoon. The location was also the site of a fatal fire in 2009 that nearly destroyed the four connected row houses, nearly all of which have now been renovated. A neighbor who witnessed Saturday afternoon's fire tells The River City News, "Flames were shooting and the smoke was very thick for a couple of hours. The Covington Fire Department had two big trucks and they got it under control. They did a good job protecting property and cars in the vicinity. Kudos to them for averting a terrible fire in our neighborhood."

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Interim Chief Jones says the police department is also investigating the dumpster fire as suspicious. "They were lookinh into that to see if there are connections (to the Sixth District playground fire)," Jones said. "We'll look at any possible connections and right now we're looking at all aspects on that one."

COVINGTON CHANGES PARKING RULES FOR MAINSTRASSE LOTS

There will soon be a limit on how long drivers can park in the Fifth Street parking lot and the 501 Main Street parking lot. From a City of Covington press release: 

In an effort to free up these lots for the residents, businesses, and the visitors to Mainstrasse Village - and keep commuters that were using the lot as a Park and Ride out of the lot - we had AMPCO install "3 Hour Parking, M-F 8 AM to 5 PM" signs. AMPCO has made parking passes that will be available to the residents, businesses, and their employees that will be free of charge. With the pass, vehicles will be able to park longer than 3 hours without being ticketed. These passes will be distributed free of charge.

The passes are available in the AMPCO office that is located in the Midtown Garage (corner of 5th and Scott, directly across from the Library). Those wishing to obtain a pass will need to show Ampco a pay stub showing employment at a business, or a piece of mail, drivers license, or something similar showing proof of residency to receive their pass. AMPCO will be issuing warning tickets initially, explaining the process for those that did not get the notification. 

If anyone has questions, please call Mike Yeager, Covington Engineering Division, at 292-2112 or Ron Traweek with AMPCO at 431-7049.

MEANWHILE...

The City of Covington is writing more parking tickets than ever before

From the Cincinnati Enquirer: 

Vigilant meter monitors, working for Ampco System Parking, have been writing significantly more parking tickets in recent months than city police wrote in the past. The aggressive enforcement will pour nearly $387,000 into city accounts, 52 percent more money than two years ago when Covington police – often cadets – were primarily responsible for parking enforcement.
In addition to a boost to city coffers, city leaders hope the boost in ticket-writing will make it easier to find parking in Covington and lead to more people visiting Covington businesses. 

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge 
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MONDAY MORNING'S NEWS
Don't miss this morning's news! Should school board members be tested for qualifications? KY's education commissioner thinks so; Work on a business improvement district for Downtown Covington begins in earnest in the coming days; Plus, how you can help rebuild Sixth District's playground. Click it.
The RC News: Monday Morning Round-Up 
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CITY COMMISSIONER TO MISS IMPORTANT COVINGTON BUDGET VOTE
City Commissioner Steve Frank will not be present at either of this week's important meetings regarding the City of Covington's finances. Frank writes at Facebook: 

All, unfortunately I will be out of town beginning this morning on business and may not be able to be back until Friday. I have made every city meeting both public and executive and tried to make as many neighborhood and city events as possible given the fact that I also have a 60 hour work week in my other profession. That means I will miss Tuesday Night's presentation from Management partners along with Chuck Scheper's State of the City Speech and Thursday's final vote on the budget. That said I have read the Management partner's report cover to cover, several times and participated in several all day events that helped shape its content. As per the budget. I am in full support and have seen the final numbers. Its a tough budget but one that is required if we want to get Covington back on a sustainable path to economic recovery. The budget vote should carry without my presence. Even given that, the only way I would miss these events is if it was absolutely required by my professional business to be away. 

Those meetings are Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday night, Mayor Scheper and the city commission will present the 2012-13 budget to the public at 6:00PM inside the Madison Event Center. On Thursday night at 6:00PM inside City Hall, the commission will vote on the budget. The River City News will have full, in-depth coverage both nights.
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PENSION COSTS CONTINUE TO DOG CITY BUDGETS
The rising cost of public pensions weigh heavily on municipal and state finances but a new rule will bring to light the financial obligations that could have been hidden previously: 

The new rules are the result of more than five years of work by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board on one of the most contentious topics the agency has ever tackled. The current rules have been criticized for making pensions look more affordable than they really are and creating incentives for governments to take undue risks with taxpayer money.
(snip)
Mr. Attmore declined to predict which states and cities would bear the brunt of the board’s rule changes, but said that, in general, it would be those that had failed, year after year, to set aside as much money as their actuaries instructed. Such plans include those operated by Illinois, New Jersey and Kentucky. 

Full story: The New York Times 
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SEE ALSO: Despite many reforms, big problems persist in most states with public pensions The Economist 
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HOW MUCH DO OUR STATE LEGISLATORS MAKE?
The Courier-Journal created a list of salaries and total 2011 compensation received by members of the Kentucky House of Representatives and the State Senate and shows House Speaker Greg Stumbo earning the most with a salary of $47,114 and total compensation of $94,183. 
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Local legislators: 
Rep. Arnold Simpson $27,480 in salary, $63,976 in total compensaion
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Rep. Dennis Keene $29,906 in salary, $71,000 in total compensation
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Rep. Tom Kerr $16,752 in salary, $47,083 in total compensation
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Sen. Jack Westwood $22,189 in salary, $58,180 in total compensation
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Sen. Damon Thayer $19,240 in salary, $47,901 in total compensation
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The full list, as well as explanations on how total compensation is calculated, is at the link. 
Courier-Journal 
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GOV BESHEAR SIGNS BILL CRACKING DOWN ON METAL THEFT

From a press release:

Metal recyclers in Kentucky will soon be required to register and keep records of their purchases under legislation sponsored by Rep. Tanya Pullin
(D – South Shore), which becomes law July 12.
During a ceremonial signing of House Bill 390 today at the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Third Division, Gov. Steve Beshear said the bill will ensure that recyclers are not inadvertently receiving stolen metal such as copper, brass, aluminum, bronze, lead or zinc.
“What Rep. Pullin has put into place is a statute that will give our Kentucky State Police the ability to track not only sellers of stolen metals, but those who knowingly purchase those metals, many times after Kentuckians have been victimized by the vandalizing of home and business air conditioning units or other sources of these metals,” said Gov. Beshear. “This will make it much more difficult for metal thieves to operate in the Commonwealth.”
HB 390 requires a registry for second metal recyclers, which will be administered by the Office of Occupations and Professions (O&P) in the Public Protection Cabinet. That registry will require applicants to pay the Kentucky State Police for conducting background checks. The legislation also limits payments for restricted metals to be done by check or electronic bank transfer rather than cash. It also requires the registry to keep records of restricted metal purchases such as manhole covers, guardrails, traffic signs, etc., and makes those records available to law enforcement at all times. Additionally, HB 390 recommends the creation of a Recyclable Metals Theft Prevention Working Group.
Once the regulations have been finalized, second metals recyclers will be required to submit to a name-based background check and receive a certificate of registration from O&P within 60 days of the effective date of the regulations.

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QUICKIES

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Police work to combat growing heroin epidemic in NKY Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Triple digit weather coming to Kentucky this week Herald-Leader 

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Kentucky ranks tenth in injury related deaths State-Journal 

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Immigration ruling at US Supreme Court could halt Kentucky legislation WFPL 

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US lawmakers reworked their own portfolios as economy was collapsing in 2008 Washington Post 

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NKU to study human trafficking in region Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Dole recalls salads sold at Kroger and Walmart in Kentucky, other states Business Courier 

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BUZZKILL: 45-50 LBS OF MARIJUANA SEIZED IN KENTUCKY

A lot of weed is seized after a traffic stop on I-75 in Whitley County. From the Kentucky State Police: 

During the stop officer Douglas learned 58 yr old Carl R. Bradshaw of Cincinnati Ohio was operating a 2003 Chevy Z-71 Tahoe at a high rate of speed and in a careless manner. While on the stop, Douglas smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked the driver to step from the vehicle at which time consent to search was obtained.
Located in the rear passenger compartment of the vehicle was a suitcase and duffle bag containing approximately 45-50 lbs of marijuana. Bradshaw was arrested without incident and lodged in the Whitley Co Detention Center.

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CINCINNATI (AND COVINGTON) GET SHOUT-OUT IN LARGE NEWSPAPER

The swath of positive national media attention bestowed upon Cincinnati lately continues with a nice profile in the Chicago Tribune about the World Choir Games: 

Cincinnati is a city of neighborhoods, and two on the must-see list include Over-the-Rhine, an uber-chic area near downtown with a distinct Old World vibe. It's one of the most intact historically significant collections of architecture in the nation, comparable to New Orleans and Savannah, Ga.
In this rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, you'll find specialty shops, boutiques and several restaurants named among the best in town by Cincinnati magazine. 

Covington and Newport get nice mentions, too: 

When it's time to dine, the German heritage is in evidence across the Ohio River in places such as the MainStrasse Village area in Covington, Ky. Or walk across the "Purple People Bridge" to Newport, Ky., where the Hofbrauhaus is modeled after the original in Munich. While there, save time for the nearby Newport Aquarium, with its long underwater tunnels where sharks glide above you, and Mighty Mike, the biggest gator in the U.S. outside of Florida.

Full story: Chicago Tribune 
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When the World Choir Games kick off next month, three events will be held in Covington, with one each at Devou Park, Mainstrasse Village, and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption.

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CAN YOU HELP THE HOLMES HIGH SCHOOL BAND?

From the Holmes Band: 

Alumni and supporters of the Holmes Band we need your help!!! We are quickly approaching band camp season and we are looking for some items to help our students. If you are able to donate any of the following we would greatly appreciate it: a case of bottled water, granola bars, small bags of chips. If you are able to help us out please let us know!!!!! Thanks so much in advance and as always "Once a Bulldog .... Always a Bulldog"

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY AFTERNOON 17 APR

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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DOCTOR BEHIND COVINGTON METHADONE CLINIC HAS OFFICE RAIDED

Dr. Gary Shearer, who was one of the partners hoping to open a methadone clinic in Covington saw the FBI raid his Florence office Tuesday: 

FBI agents carted out boxes filled with file folders and loaded them into a U-Haul truck. 

A photo with limited details at the link -- with a promise to update the story later. The proposed methadone clinic is slated to open later this year in the former Save-a-Lot store on Madison Avenue.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Brenna Kelly  (Originally this link was incorrect and directed readers to an unrelated story.  Many apologies for the error.)
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UPDATE FROM FOX 19: 

One patient told FOX19 that a police officer turned her away from the office when she arrived for her appointment with Dr. Shearer Tuesday morning. 

FOX 19
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UNION CONTRACTS TO BE APPROVED AT TONIGHT'S COMMISSION MEETING
In case you missed this morning's headlines from The River City News the Covington City Commission will likely vote to approve the working agreements between the city and the police and fire unions. AFSCME, meanwhile, is voting today. 
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Also at the link from this morning: Riverbank murder suspect says the victim is still alive -- because he visits him in jail; Is your street on the list to be resurfaced by the city (see all of them); Plus, an effort to honor UK's basketball team ends in embarrassment for Pikeville. Click it. 
The RC News: Tuesday Morning Round-Up 
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New developments on a new carrier for CVG?
This tweet was sent out today by river city state representative Dennis Keene: 

I talked to the KY Econ. Dev. Cabinet today about a out of state airline carrier who wants to come into CVG and serve the East Coast

Fingers crossed.
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GEOFFREY MEARNS NAMED NKU'S NEW PRESIDENT
The Cleveland State University provost will replace the retiring Jim Votruba: 

An avid runner who competed at Yale University and qualified for the 1984 Olympic trials in the marathon, Mearns is no stranger to Greater Cincinnati. He said visiting NKU last week brought back fond memories of running the hills on both sides of the Ohio River when he attended Walnut Hills High School. He and wife Jennifer ran the bridges during their visit last week, and Mearns said he looks forward to spanning them regularly when he arrives. 

“NKU’s location in a major metropolitan region is one of its greatest assets,” he said. “This region has so much to offer prospective students and faculty from around the commonwealth and across the country. Great things are happening in the region, and our whole family looks forward to our move to northern Kentucky.” 

President Votruba said Mearns will be a natural fit. “Geoff Mearns’ values, professional experience and breadth of understanding of the role NKU plays in the lives of our students and our region make him ideally suited for this leadership role,” Votruba said. “Under his leadership, I have no doubt that NKU will continue its momentum.” 

NKU Grad Articles 
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QUICKIES
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A Kentucky soldier was killed in Afghanistan press release
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Webb-Edgington says she'll prevail in 4th District Congressional GOP primary WFPL
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Return of original prescription drug bill reignites new debate in Frankfort WFPL 
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Kentucky House debating tolls on Louisville bridges WFPL 
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Legislative reunion features stale plot but plenty of drama cn|2 
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Mitt Romney to bring his presidential campaign to Louisville WFPL 
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UK professor beats education official in ACT challenge Herald-Leader 
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NKU helping to improve local daycares KY Post 
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Group to fly Confederate flag near Kentucky interstate FOX News 
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DESTINATION: GRADUATION
The Covington Independent Public Schools profiles another soon-to-be graduate from Holmes High School: 

At 17, Kelsey Hamilton is focused on her future. She knows she needs a college degree to get a good job and earn enough money to take care of her 17-month-old son.
In her year and a half at Holmes, Kelsey has made friends. She spent the first few high school years at Scott High School where she was a cheerleader. At Holmes, she works on the yearbook. Kelsey works part time at Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell. She mostly keeps to herself and concentrates on her studies.
"Nobody else is going to get you where you want to go,” Kelsey said. “You’ve got to work hard. It won’t be given to you.” 

More on Kelsey here.
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Bid on a lunch with Nick Clooney! Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Remember the old WLWT Channel 5 news team of Jerry Springer, Norma Rashid, Ken Broo, and Pat Barry? Me neither, but they're reuniting. Click the link to find out why. Cincinnati Enquirer

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY LUNCH 9 APR

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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ARLINGHAUS SUED BY COUNTY ATTORNEY EDMONSON

Things sure seem awkward these days out at the Fiscal Court. The latest, a lawsuit filed by Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson against Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus: 

Edmondson alleges in his lawsuit that Arlinghaus purchased goods and services and ordered county employees to renovate second-floor office space without securing Kenton Fiscal Court’s approval, and later presented claims totaling $11,194.78 for materials already installed, in violation of state law.
Before that, Edmondson said some initial bills totaling $10,583.57 for the second-floor renovation project were paid, but the contract for that work had not been authorized by Fiscal Court, as required. He said the latter payment was brought to his attention after one of the county commissioners raised the issue at a meeting. 

Arlinghaus denies the claim and in turn accuses Edmondson of offering mixed advice on the issue. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Cindy Schroeder 
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ALERT: KENTON COUNTY TEEN MISSING
Check out NKY Spot for details.
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in case you missed...
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THIS MORNING'S NEWS
Man who confessed to killing woman and disposing of her body parts in Covington grants a chilling interview; Plus, City Commissioner Steve Frank offers up an endorsement in the 2012 commission campaign. Those stories and more at the link. 
The RC News: Monday Morning Round-Up 
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The conversation is underway on those topics and more at The River City News Facebook page. Click here to join in! 
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FROM THE NEIGHBORHOODS
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WALLACE WOODS
Mayor Chuck Scheper and the city commissioners continue their C+V=G tour tonight with an appearance at the Wallace Woods neighborhood association. Join them at 7:00PM at 27 Wallace Avenue. 

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AUSTINBURG

From the neighborhood's Facebook page: 

Just a reminder... we are meeting tonight at 6:30 at the Oakland Baptist Church. Our special guest for this month will be John Coulter from Code Enforcement to talk about the Great American Clean Up. Hope to see you there. 

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UNAUTHORIZED TRAILS BEING MARKED IN DEVOU PARK?
The Devou Park Trails Facebook page offers this warning: 

Trails are in great shape. We have noticed someone hatching bark from trees and then marking the trees with orange spray paint. Some trees are on the trail, some are off trail on deer trials. It seems as if someone is visibly marking an unapproved trail. If this person thinks it is OK to mark rogue (unapproved) trial on City property, I am not sure why they would not use ribbon or other non invasive means. Why slice up trees?. Permanently marking trees, or marking/building unapproved trail (rogue trial) is not allowable in Devou Park. The authorities have been notified. If you see anyone with marking or looking like they are marking trees, please call the police. Also ask them to please stop, Thanks. The Covington Park Management and The Devou Park Trial stewards. 

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HIGH HEELS BECOME THE FOCUS OF NEW CONGRESSIONAL AD
Republican Congressional candidate Alecia Webb-Edgington has launched a new TV ad highlight her history as a tough law enforcement officer ready to take on the brutes in Washington, DC. But the ad repeatedly changes focus to Webb-Edgington's high heel shoes. Take a look and weigh in on what you think about it: 

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AN UPDATE FROM STATE REP. DENNIS KEENE

The Wilder Democrat who represents Campbell County's river cities offers an update on this final week of the General Assembly legislative session: 

Beginning last Wednesday afternoon,, I met with legislative staff to tie up several loose ends. On Thursday, beginning at 8:00 a.m., I met with my office staff to go through correspondence and finish up other business. Then, I met with Don Pasley, Commissioner of Rural and Municipal Roads, where I believe I found some great opportunities for our district. Thursday afternoon I met with the head of Homeland Security, Gene Kiser. We talked about needs for the Wilder and Southgate Fire Departments. 

More at the link. 
Dennis Keene 
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FRANKFORT QUICKIES
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Legislators closer to compromise on prescription drug abuse bill cn|2 
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Governor orders flags at half staff tomorrow in honor of Kentucky soldier killed in Afghanistan press release 
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Kentucky State Police push motorcycle safety through social media following a 69% increase in crashes from 2011 NKY Spot 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FROM GATEWAY COLLEGE: Having trouble with motivation and need some help with goal setting? Develop lifelong strategies that will help you become self-motivated. Open Groups: Motivation and Goal Setting, Apr 10, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. at the Covington Campus, Bluegrass Room. 
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COVINGTON NATIVE MAKES MLB DEBUT, STRIKES OUT JOSH HAMILTON
Put your hands together for Nate Jones who was born in Covington and played baseball at NKU. He is now a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox and took the mound for the first time Sunday night where he pitched one hitless inning and struck out MLB MVP (and former Cincinnati Red) Josh Hamilton. Take a look at the video (which includes a shout out to Covington) at the link. 
Chicago White Sox @ MLB.com 
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RANKING NORTH AMERICA'S MOST IMPORTANT AIRPORTS
CVG is looking more and more like an also-ran on the national stage, though there are good things on the horizon The Atlantic Cities 
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QUICKIES
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Begrudging Kentucky for its basketball success and opportunities (A New York Times columnist blames race) The New York Times 
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UK football loses three more players Courier-Journal 
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Instant horse racing is up 20%, appeals court to hear case on April 25 Herald-Leader 
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Unmanned tractor-trailer crashes into Lexington apartment Local 12

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY 30 MAR

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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GROUND BROKEN FOR RIVER'S EDGE AT EASTSIDE POINTE

Ground is broken for the new housing development River's Edge at Eastside Pointe which replaces the former Jacob Price. Congressman Geoff Davis was on hand and at the link, you'll find out how the Jacob Price community center inspired his daughter to become a teacher. Lots of photos, too!

The River City News 

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THE ANSWER FOR BROKE CITIES (LIKE COVINGTON)?

The answer to saving broke cities may be right above our noses: tall, empty Downtown buildings in need of TLC. At the link, check out a report on how the concept is working in other cities and weigh in with your thoughts here. 
The River City News 
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SWAT TEAM CALLED TO REP. DENNIS KEENE'S FRANKFORT CONDO COMMUNITY
From the Dennis Keene (D-Wilder)'s Facebook page: 

Yesterday my morning began at my condo development in Frankfort with a police SWAT standoff with an armed man threatening to kill people. I was protected but was unable to return home until this morning. Good job by the Frankfort police and SWAT team. 

Glad you're okay, Representative! 

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ALSO IN FRANKFORT...

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Senate passes $19 billion 2-year budget Bluegrass Politics 

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Senate sends anti-meth bill to Gov. Beshear Bluegrass Politics 

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Senate sends personal home care bill to Governor Bluegrass Politics 

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The district of senate president David Williams gets lots of funds from roads bill Courier-Journal 

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Senate to consider human trafficking bill WKYT 

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Kentucky offers $10 million in tax incentives to Amazon Business First 

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Deadline to register to vote in May primary is April 23 press release 

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Louisville's government is among most tech savvy in country Business First 

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What is International Earth Hour? press release 

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April is Financial Literacy Month press release 

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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THE CARNEGIE SHARES HISTORIC PHOTOS

Check it out: 

The performing and visual arts center has a lot more at its Facebook page, so check it out. 

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Holmes High School showcases another soon-to-be graduate on its Facebook page. Check it out by clicking here. 

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CVS donates to Covington care center Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Kentucky high school basketball all-star team is coached by Holmes's head coach and will feature Holmes star Dontel Rice Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Holy Cross quarterback Kyle Fuller commits to Thomas More College reports Richard Skinner via Mike Dyer 

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WHAT'S THE VALUE OF DIRECT SERVICE FROM CVG AIRPORT?

The Business Courier asks: 

It’s the age-old question for Greater Cincinnati corporate travel departments: How much more should we be willing to pay for direct-flight service? It’s a complicated question, no doubt. But there’s a reasonable argument that can be made for $458.90. 

The Business Courier has also assembled a CVG fare tracker.
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SEE ALSO: CVG adds service to Mexico, Caribbean Business Courier 
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QUICKIES
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Kentucky lands 1,200 construction jobs Business First
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Cincinnati wants Kentucky to clean up Purple People Bridge Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Newport Fitworks to close Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Best Buy to close 50 stores Business First 
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Renaissance of OTR's Gateway Quarter hearkens back to history CityBeat 
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         $640,000,000

What would you do with all that money? Go get a ticket and find out!
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Mega Millions could mean mega problems Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Record jackpot means cash for states Cincinnati Enquirer 
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COVINGTON MAN BUYS TICKET, BURNS IT ON STOVE
And... catches it all on video for you to watch. Click here.
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                                                   FINAL FOUR
Governor Beshear declares New Orleans to be part of Kentucky's "There's Only One" campaign: 

“There’s only one place where two Kentucky basketball teams are playing in the NCAA Final Four, and that is New Orleans,” said Governor Beshear. “It’s appropriate that we show them our appreciation for their hospitality to both of our teams and the thousands of Wildcat and Cardinal fans that will flock to New Orleans this weekend.”
“I’m happy to welcome both Kentucky and Louisville fans to the City of New Orleans,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “As the host of this year’s NCAA Final Four, we are honored to be named an “Only One” city for the weekend. We love having you, and we expect that you’ll have a spectacular time.”
The Governor issued an official proclamation for the city, which noted that “there’s only one place where this historic event (Final Four) is taking place, much like the unique places and attractions in Kentucky that make up the “There’s Only One” travel campaign such as Mammoth Cave, Cumberland Falls, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the Horse Capital of the World, the Kentucky Derby and many more.” 

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Meanwhile, the Governor travels to the Final Four on the state plane (but the state will be reimbursed) Herald-Leader
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What we learned from December's match-up between UK/UofL Herald-Leader 
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Dick Vitale weighs in on Dream Game 84 WHAS 
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Rick Pitino says there is no animosity between him and Calipari Courier-Journal 
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Cards are confident that they've improved Herald-Leader 
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John Calipari says he will never root against any team because it may come back to bite him Herald-Leader 
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Anthony Davis wins Player of the Year trophy Herald-Leader 
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Pitino falls short in Hall of Fame voting Card Chronicle 
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Civil war? So far, just civil Courier-Journal 
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Channel 64 to air UK special tonight Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Darius Miller understands rivalry's passion Herald-Leader 
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Derby winner Big Brown is Big Blue this weekend Herald-Leader