COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO HELP REBUILD PLAYGROUND

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 

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July 21 was already on the calendar for the playground at Sixth District to undergo a renovation. There was to be a new swing set, a learning garden, and an educational art display to cover the adjacent asphalt. What had started as a small planned project had grown bigger thanks to grants scored from the Lowe's and the Center for Great Neighborhoods. All the plans changed, however, when a fire destroyed half the existing playground equipment in June. "We went, 'OK, we have to regroup'," said Heather Abbott, a student affairs specialist at Gateway College and chairperson of that school's partnership with Sixth District Elementary. "How can we illuminate the silver lining, so we came up with community involvement day."

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Volunteers from across Covington and the region answered the call and attended Saturday's event at Sixth District, planting flowers, donating money, offering suggestions for the new playground. City Commissioners Steve Casper & Steve Frank and Covington Independent Public Schools Superintendent Lynda Jackson raised money by volunteering to have buckets of water dumped on them for just a buck a shot. More than two-thousand dollars was raised and Lowe's has promised to match whatever money the volunteers could chip in. 

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Lynda Jackson gets a soaking after
a young girl's solid throw

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"This is truly a community school so there's going to be an outcry of support and that's wonderful because this playground was used a lot," Lynda Jackson said. The superintendent explained that the school's surveillance cameras only captured the image of a solo male fleeing the playground the night that it burned but so far no arrest has been in what police are investigating as arson. 

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The cost of the damage has been described as ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 while the cost to rebuild has ranged in estimates from $15,000 - $50,000. The school district expects to receive its three bids for the work this week. The standing equipment is still in good shape and whatever is added will be built near what wasn't burned. Danielle Eulitt of Keep Covington Beautiful, an organization also deeply involved in the original plans for the playground's renovation, anticipates more equipment for special needs students and more educational components such as litter prevention and conservation to find their ways into the rebuilt park's design. 

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In the meantime, more volunteers are responding to help. On Sunday, members of the Seven Hills Church will be sanding, staining, and resealing the existing structure. And then in August, the United States Navy is coming in to help. Heather Abbott explained that she could purchase the swing set with the funds but then what? "The United States Navy Seabees volunteered to come in and install it," she said. You can spot those Navy engineers at Sixth District on August 18 and 19.

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LOTS MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT, JUST CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 6 JULY

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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COMMISSIONER TO FIREFIGHTERS: 'I'D ADVISE YOU NOT TO PROVOKE US'

The union representing Covington firefighters blasted recommended changes and proposed cuts to its department Thursday evening (SEE: Covington Firefighters Union Urges Against Changes). That prompted a lengthy debate at The River City News Facebook page involving several firefighters/EMTs, citizens, and Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank who said: 

Frankly its coming. There is a mutually beneficial silution, a seperate EMS service where no one loses employment, pay, or union protection or there is another alternative before the Commission. Id advise you to not provoke us.

And: 

Privatized EMS saves the city $1,500,000. Separate service EMS saves us $500,000. If I am such a villain who onlt cares about saving money and screwing the workers, why would I first and foremost want to forgo the extra million in savings? I really do not care what their opinion is any longer. My only concern is protecting the people at a price we can afford. Right now I believe that we should keep the level of service we have grown used to such that if economic times change, a future commission could reintegrate EMS with the fire department. However if we are only going to get treated to the back of the firefighters hands, only 12 of the 120 members actually live in Covington, I and the rest of the Commission are not afraid of taking a more permanent step. The bottom line is that Covington needs to save more money and I'd prefer to do it in the least objectionable way to both our workers and our citizens. I can be persuaded to go for the extra million in savings. There are at least 4 to more than likely 5 votes for having a separate EMS service to save money and I am the swing vote about just plain laying off the workers and going with a privatized EMS service. I again would advise those kicking up the dirt that I am more than willing to think the decision through with a sympathetic bias towards keeping our workers employed even if it costs us an extra million. I won't be intimidated however and I think it's about time those at large understand that all five of us are bound and determined to do what is right by the citizens of Covington.

And:

We have had local government of, by, and for the fire department. If you doubt mre, go ask the police or public improvement department who have been holding the short end of the employee stick. 

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DON'T MISS THURSDAY NIGHT'S NEWS
Fire breaks out on Covington roof during July 4 celebrations; Kentucky stands to benefit the most from "Obamacare"; A local TV reporter finally clears up his unfortunate "sex offender" issue; Plus, what to do this weekend in Covington. Those stories and more at the link! 

The RC News: Thursday Evening Round-Up 

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NEW PAMPHLET PROMOTES DOWNTOWN COVINGTON

Renaissance Covington, the non-profit Downtown Covington advocacy organization housed at City Hall, has a new brochure to promote the Center City. Take a look:

You can pick one up at City Hall and participating businesses. This one came from Pike Street Lounge.

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MORE REPORTING THAT CITY LIVING IS ON THE RISE

From the Columbus Dispatch:

No one suggests that, nearly a century after the automobile and the highway sent middle-class Americans heading toward open spaces in droves, the suburbs are losing their attraction. Most likely the majority of Americans who are able to buy homes in suburban neighborhoods will choose to do so.
The difference now, at least in central Ohio, is that people have a choice; those who fancy stylish urban living have a place to go other than “some other city.” 

FULL EDITORIAL: Here 
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THE STORY OF THE ROEBLING SUSPENSION BRIDGE
From Urban Cincy:

On the fifth episode of The UrbanCincy Podcast, we listen to a talk given by Clifford W. Zink, titled Public Works Should Educate Public Taste: John A. Roebling’s Design of the Cincinnati-Covington Bridge. The talk, given at the Society for Industrial Archeology 2012 annual conference, provides an interesting look at both John A. Roebling and the bridge that now bears his name. C. W. Zink is an historic preservation consultant and author of several books, including The Roebling Legacy.

File Photo from The River City News

To listen to the podcast, click here and scroll down to episode 5.

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QUICKIES

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Is your personal computer among the tens of thousands vulnerable to shutting down on Monday? WLWT 

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Reaction mixed to legalizing medical marijuana in Kentucky WXIX 

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Governor Beshear inaugural fund still has more than $280,000 Herald-Leader 

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Odds of fainting are low when driving a car through a pull-up flu shot clinic UPI 

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Rick Robinson: Is "Fast & Furious" President Obama's Watergate? The Daily Caller 

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HELP THE LIBRARY WIN A CONTEST FROM LEGO:

From the Kenton County Library:

Help us win money for Legos. Please help KCPL to win a Duplo LEGO/ALA contest. You do not need to register. Just complete the pull down menus. Kenton County Public Library pops up as a choice after you’ve chosen the state and city - Kentucky / Covington. Please share on your page and encourage your friends to vote. You can vote once a day. Thank you!

Click Here 

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LOOKING FOR A SUMMER JOB? Gateway College's bookstore is hiring Click Here 

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BIG PICTURE OF KENTUCKY'S EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION

From Education Commissioner Terry Holliday:

The implementation of 2009’s Senate Bill 1, the work of which is now called Unbridled Learning, is becoming a reality.

As is the case when undertaking major change or a series of changes, day-to-day challenges and pressures can become our focus and the larger picture or goals can become less clear. That is understandable given the amount of work involved with Unbridled Learning and the ongoing financial challenges faced by our state.
But it also is good to stop and remember the bigger picture, and how all of the components of this new system work together to help us reach our goal. In the case of Unbridled Learning, here are seven components that interact to produce results. With Unbridled Learning, we are trying to address all seven components. 

Holliday explains all seven components at the link.
Kentucky Teacher
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SEE ALSO: Kentucky's Project Graduate, which helps college students finish school, wins award AP
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE COVINGTON E-NEWS:

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Holmes grads earn more than $500,000 in scholarships

Graduation at Holmes High School was a little different this year. Students selected Covington employees to hand them their diplomas. Each student chose an employee who made a difference in their educational lives. Students selected elementary and high school teachers, counselors, bus drivers and instructional assistants.

Dennis Maines, principal at Holmes, said made the change because he wanted to make graduation more meaningful for students and also to show staff the impact they have on students. Students were thrilled about having someone they know give them their diplomas.

Lynn Siry, a teacher at Latonia Elementary School, was honored that two of her students - Shannon Sullivan and Nicole Lang requested her. She taught them in the third and fourth grades. 

"It's the best thing that could ever happen to a teacher,'' said Mrs. Siry, who has taught at Latonia for 18 years. "This is pretty exciting. Tears did come to my eyes. It's like a dream.'' 

Students in this graduating class were awarded more than $600,000 during Honors Night. Students will be going away to college - some as far away as Florida, some throughout the state, Union College, Western Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University of Louisville, University of Kentucky and while others will stay close to home, selecting Northern Kentucky University, Cincinnati State and Gateway Technical and Community College.

COVINGTON POLICE BLOOD DRIVE

The Covington Police Department, in cooperation with Hoxworth Blood Center, is sponsoring our annual summer blood drive on Monday, July 9, 2012. The Donor Bus will be at Police Headquarters from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on 7/9/2012.

During the summer months, there tends to be a shortage of blood donations and a higher amount of usage. The Covington Police Department is once again partnering with Hoxworth in the hope of helping them achieve their goal of increasing the amount of blood donated during the summer months. Hoxworth's blood donations are given to local area hospitals to save lives.
And this year, as a special thank you to our donors: Every person who donates will receive a Hoxworth summer t-shirt!

To schedule an appointment to donate, please contact Michelle Robinson-Wilson at 859-292-2241. APPOINTMENT TIMES ARE GOING FAST! CALL NOW TO SECURE YOUR DONATION TIME!

Requirements to donate (and what to bring):
1. Bring a photo ID.
2. Eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before and after donating.
3. You must be 17 years of age (16 with signed parental consent).
4. You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
5. To check additional eligibility guidelines (medical, RX, travel, piercing/tattoo restrictions), please call Hoxworth at 513-558-1304. 

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There is always lots of good information in the monthly Covington E-News as compiled by City Ombudsman Suzanne Gettys. To read the entire issue, click here and don't forget to subscribe!
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11 "GRADUATE" FROM NKY EMERGENCY SHELTER THIS SUMMER
From the Emergency Shelter:

We now have a total of 11 "graduates" from our shelter during this summer season. We define a graduate as someone who has resided in our shelter while working on income, financial stability and better health with the end result of of obtaining housing. In the month of June we had four men who obtained employment, started a bank account, saved money and moved into housing. One of those four men, a young man only 18, was able to move back in with his parents which was truly a positive decision for him. We also had two men, permanently disabled move into their own apartments and who saved their money from Social Security Disability Income.

In the coming month we will be seeing more people recover from homelessness... we currently have several men employed and at the stage of opening a bank account and saving anywhere from 60 to 70% of their income to acquire housing.

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The Emergency Shelter also has news on a collaboration to help end homelessness, an introduction of its new board members, and a list of needed supplies if you can help! Read all about it at the link.

NKY Emergency Shelter Newsletter 

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HAPPY DAYS IN CINCINNATI

Not only are The World Choir Games rocking, but this morning the City of Cincinnati will open its renovated Washington Park:

The ribbon cutting marks the end of a nearly 20-month-long construction project that has expanded the park from 6 to 8 acres and added a full menu of amenities including a dog park, interactive water fountains, refreshed public restrooms, a concession building and 450-car underground parking garage.
For 3CDC, which led the plan in partnership with the Cincinnati Parks Board, a remade Washington Park is key to anchoring the nonprofit developer’s work to revitalize Over-the-Rhine. In the last six years, 3CDC has invested $162 million in the neighborhood, delivering more than 250 renovated condominiums and apartments and 85,000 square feet of storefronts.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Lisa Bernard-Kuhn
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PHOTO: Fences removed from Washington Park Facebook 
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One highlight will be the interactive water fountain. Check out this video that explains how the technology works:

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CELEBRATE YOUR INDEPENDENCE -- SHOP LOCAL TONIGHT!

That's the message from Bellevue:

Click to enlarge

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HOW DO COUNTRIES DECIDE WHICH SIDE OF THE ROAD TO DRIVE ON?

Curious? Check it out:

According to some sources, about a quarter of the world drives on the left, as they do in Britain. This isn’t too surprising, since at one time Britain owned about a quarter of the world. Traveling on the left side of the road was a practice that started with the feudal societies of Western world, like the proto-British empire – back in the day, you never knew who’d you pass on the road, so best to keep your sword arm between you and them. In 1300 AD, Pope Boniface VIII codified the practice with a law that decreed that pilgrims headed for Rome should keep on the left.

Other possible reasons addressed: the England/France rivalry, Napoleon, Hitler, a left-handed driver's seat... Read the full story at the link. Mental Floss  | WHAT UP LIL KICK ASS KENTUCKIAN? A popular Facebook page titled Kentucky for Kentucky shares many photos that they refer to as "Kick Ass Kentuckians" and this one is particularly kick-ass. It's lucky enough to be born in Kentucky, but to be surrounded by all that great stuff? Awesome:

"Like" Kentucky for Kentucky on Facebook 

COMMISSION RECAP: 28 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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COMMISSION APPROVES NEW BUDGET WITHOUT SPECIFICS

"I feel sorry for the people in a state of limbo because it's a time of uncertainty." The City Commission passes a budget for next year that is short on specifics, but there is a promise that more details are on the way after they hear from you. Click the link for the full story.

Specifics Will Come Later for Covington's New Budget 

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CITY TO PAY $150,000 TO OWNERS OF PLANNED METHADONE CLINIC

The City lost the lawsuit filed against it by the operators of a planned methadone clinic and will now pay out $150,000 to settle the case. The timeline of the situation is as follows: the methadone clinic operators request a permit to operate in Latonia but was denied by the zoning administrator; the operators appealed to the Board of Adjustments which upheld the denial by the zoning administrator; the operators then appealed to the state court system and filed a federal lawsuit against the City citing the Americans With Disabilities Act and discrimination; the state court reversed the Board of Adjustments decision and ordered the City to issue a permit (the methadone clinic will likely open at the former Save-A-Lot grocery on Madison Avenue); the federal court was also not favorable to the City and both parties have been in mediation, reaching the $150,000 settlement  to cover attorney costs and loss of profits.

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The settlement passed the commission 4-1, with the majority agreeing that it was time to put this issue behind the City. Commissioner Steve Frank disagreed. "I'm not an attorney but I understand how the law works," Frank shouted. "You need a signed lease before you can claim you can lose profits!" The commissioner said the methadone clinic operators lied to the Schottenstein family, which manages Latonia Terrace, and that Schottenstein never would have agreed to rent to them. "I don't believe he lost a dime."

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"We've lost two lawsuits," said Mayor Chuck Scheper. "Someone once told me when you're in a hole, stop digging. This is an opportunity to put this is all behind us."
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CITY TO PAY FIREFIGHTERS $600,000 IN SETTLEMENT

Thursday night's special meeting also revealed that the City was on the losing end of another settlement, this time with retired and active firefighters. Calling it a complicated situation, City Solicitor Frank Warnock explained that over the years, the City and the firefighters union agreed to average overtime pay eight hours a week, as opposed to the thirty-two hours of scheduled overtime the firefighters often see, saving the City cash. In other cities, firefighters challenged the manner in which they were paid overtime which led to court decisions ruling the payment methods incorrect. In May, 2010 Covington was informed by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet that it was not in compliance with various court rulings.

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While administrative action is still pending at the Labor Cabinet, a majority of firefighters have agreed to the $600,000 settlement which could have been as high as $6 million without an agreement. "It will be a financial hit to the City to do this but if the firefighters as a whole had pushed their claim forward, it would have been a greater hit," Warnock said. "We'd probably be in bankruptcy court. I don't know what the City would do."
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JACKSON KINNEY RESIGNS AS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

"After forty years of being on the front lines, I think it's time to retire, or rewire, and I'm looking forward to that," said Jackson Kinney in his resignation speech before the City Commission. "I hope I've been able to put projects on the table that can benefit the City for many years to come. ...I will never forget the experience that I had here."

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Jackson Kinney

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In a news release issued Thursday afternoon, City Manager Larry Klein applauded Kinney's efforts:

According to Klein, Kinney was instrumental in organizing and staffing the City's then-newly-created Community Development Department in 2010, when several Housing Development staff functions were transferred from the Housing Authority of Covington back to City Hall in recognition of the City's refocusing on housing development.

Klein stated that "Jackson took the City's development efforts to a highly professional level and we are greatly appreciative of that. He has been a constant champion for the City since his arrival and chose to make Covington home for his family as well.

"We also understand his decision to resign at this juncture, the conclusion of the CCCAP Plan, which is the next step in Covington's plan for revitalization and redevelopment of its urban core." Klein indicated that Kinney will be available in the coming months to provide consulting service to assist the City as needed with current projects and programs. 

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Kinney's resignation was accepted unanimously but a second item involving the departing director, an exit agreement, had one vote against it. Commissioner Shawn Masters, who was the only commissioners that did not wish Kinney well or thank him for his efforts in accepting the resignation, quipped, "I cannot and will not support quite a few of the parameters" of the exit agreement.
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ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR LEAVES TO TAKE TOP JOB IN ELSMERE
Alex Mattingly is leaving his post as Covington's assistant city solicitor to become the City of Elsmere's first administrator. Mattingly called the deal "bittersweet" and thanked Frank Warnock for being a good mentor. Warnock joked that he would like to apply for the assistant city solicitor position, while calling Mattingly an honest, good lawyer. 
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City Manager Larry Klein, an Elsmere native, thanked Mattingly as well. "I know you'll do a great job there," Klein said. 
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Calling him a great city solicitor, Commissioner Sherry Carran said money is partially to blame. "We're just not able to pay him what he's worth," she said. "We've lost a number of good people over the last few months because we're just not able to pay them."
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Alex Mattingly

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PARKING AGREEMENT WITH GATEWAY IS STEP TOWARD URBAN CAMPUS
The Commission unanimously approved a deal with Gateway College which will rent 100 parking spaces at the Midtown Garage as part of a two-year agreement. For the first year, beginning July 1, Gateway will pay Covington $3,000 a month, and then the following year will pay $3,500 per month. "This is an exciting new phases for the city," Mayor Scheper said. "Five-thousand students will create demand for a lot of the amenities we are all looking forward to."
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OTHER NOTES
Commission awarded a bid worth $109,956 to Woeste Builders to construct a roof on city-owned property on East Fifteenth Street as part of the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program and payable through that program's funds.
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The City accepted the deed to 319 Orchard Street in exchange for a $27,158 tax credit for its owners.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY MORNING 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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COMMUNITY PREPARES TO RALLY TO REPLACE BURNED OUT PLAYGROUND

As soon as news spread that the playground at Sixth District Elementary School had been destroyed by an overnight fire Sunday, the community was quick to share stories of the park's origins and plans to rebuild it. 

This used to be a sliding board

See the full story with photos: 

Fire Destroys Playground at Covington School 

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The Center for Great Neighborhoods raised most of the $250,000 used to build the Sixth District playground thirteen years ago which was slated to undergo a renovation in just a few weeks. Gateway College, the school's business partner, had raised nearly $14,000 for new swings and other amenities. Keep Covington Beautiful had also earned grant money that the organization had hoped to apply to the park's renovation. 

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Sixth District School released this statement: 

Sixth District Elementary School would like to show our appreciation for everyone's support and well wishes as we move forward past this unfortunate playground fire incident. As a reminder, our school, in conjunction with our B.E.S.T. Partner, Gateway Community Technical College, has already established a playground renovation fundraising account. Although it was not intended to be used to to re-construct, as we will now need to do, we will do whatever is needed to restore the playground to a space that our students, families, and community members may enjoy once again. If you would like to donate to this fundraising effort, you may send your cash, checks, or money orders (payable to Sixth District) directly to our school at the following address:
1901 Maryland AvenueCovington, KY 41014
We will add any additional funds to the renovation account that has already been set up. Mark your calendars for July 21-22, when we plan to rally together and renovate our playground and install a brand new swing set! Thanks!

The River City News will update info on the investigation into this fire as soon as more details are gathered. 
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IS THIS THE MOST IMPORTANT WEEK IN RECENT COVINGTON HISTORY?
Quite possibly. Two incredibly important meetings are scheduled to lay out the plans to balance next year's budget (which begins July 1) in addition to details being released by Management Partners on how City Hall could reorganize its departments. 

City Commissioner Steve Frank posted this to Facebook: 

Much will be said on Tuesday and Thursday about what Covington intends on doing to put itself on the path to sustainable recovery. One thing completely out of our hands that is forcing change is the exorbitant cost of state run public pensions. Much of the blame can be laid at the feet of those in Frankfort who didn't put away enough money when times were good in the 1990's. Unfortunately cities and counties cannot put what is now expected of them in to these funds without it affecting service or rethinking how services are delivered.

Check out the full details of this week's meetings in addition to a look back on the week in Covington news inside The Sunday (Evening) Edition. 

The Sunday (Evening) Edition 

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CRASH: Covington Police officer crashes vehicle while responding to a wreck WKRC 

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MAILMAN ACCUSED OF KILLING DOG MAY FACE CHARGES

The mailman that a Covington family claims repeatedly ran over and killed a dog, could be in more trouble: 

Postal investigators said the mail carrier has not been allowed back on street duty since the animal's death was reported.

Police are looking into criminal charges. Video report at the link. 

WLWT

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WILL DOWNTOWN COVINGTON PROPERTY OWNERS PAY MORE TAXES?

That is the question commercial property owners will be asked in the coming weeks as the effort to launch a Business Improvement District begins in earnest. Pat Frew, executive director of the Covington Business Council, tells The River City News that a consultant just finished work on the petition late last week and that the steering committee is still fine-tuning some of the points, but that work will begin on gaining support for a BID either this week or next. 

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"Our goal is to get the thresholds we need to get this BID plan approved and we think that if it's approved, once people see the impact it's having, it will be a no-brainer when have to go back and petition them in five years," Frew said. In order for a BID to be created, 51% of commercial property owners representing 51% of the total real estate value of Downtown Covington would have to sign the petition in favor. The BID would be overseen by a board that would then allocate funds from an additional self-assessment that property owners would pay toward marketing, maintenance, and other improvements to the business district. It would need to be renewed every five years. A similar operation is Downtown Cincinnati, Inc.

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"What we're trying to do is get this thing as complete as possible," Frew said. It's unlikely we'll be assessing people next year but we should have a better idea later in the year of where this is headed."

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Mainstrasse Village was also exploring a possible BID but as of now there is no update to offer. 
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REVIEW REJECTS MORE SIGNATURES IN EFFORT TO DISSOLVE NKAPC
The Tea Party and its backers in the NKY Home Builders Association lose again in their effort to rid the region of the organization that ensures that roads and homes are built properly: 

Kenton County Clerk Gabrielle Summe found 9,177 of the 24,275 signatures gathered for the petition to dissolve the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission invalid, according to the review submitted to the Kenton County Circuit Court on Friday. That leaves the petition with 15,098 signatures, below the 17,491 signatures needed to put the issue on the ballot. That’s 1,000 more invalid signatures than the original review last year. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman
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CARNEGIE GETS 117% INCREASE IN ARTSWAVE FUNDING
Good news for the City's thriving visual & performing arts center: ArtsWave (formerly the Fine Arts Fund) has increased its funding of the Carnegie from $23,010 in 2011 to $50,000 in 2012. 
Cincinnati Enquirer 
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QUICKIES
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Comair plane crash victims' families speak about new memorial marker Herald-Leader 
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Young immigrants in Kentucky expect to benefit from President Obama's new policy Herald-Leader 
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Columnist: Let's focus on making health care better Herald-Leader 
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Manufacturing plant moving from Maysville to Mexico Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Governor Beshear releases tax returns, reports nearly $200,000 in income Bluegrass Politics 
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Louisville developer willing to resume Kentucky Kingdom talks WFPL 
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KY delegates prepare for political conventions amid coal debate Herald-Leader 
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Kentucky skydiving record broken Herald-Leader 
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KY EDUCATION COMMISSIONER: TEST SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
Teachers, principals, and superintendents are regularly tested for qualifications, so why not school board members, too, says Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday:

“Why wouldn’t we have some type of minimum competency for these folks who make tremendous decisions?” Holliday said.

Also: 

Holliday also answered questions about money in education.“The best investment we can make is helping the teachers we have … We have undercut the training and support of existing teachers. We used to spend about $25-per-student supporting existing teachers, now we spend less than $4 per-student,” Holliday said, pointing to the effects of recent budget cuts to the Department of Education.   

A full 11-minute interview on some topics that are often discussed in Covington via cn|2:

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SEE ALSO: Kentucky must expand access to preschool and needs more money from cuts or revenue cn|2 

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IN CASE YOU MISSED...

Two stories involving in Covington Independent Schools and some of the issues the Commissioner discusses in the video. 

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CANDIDATE FOR SCHOOL BOARD EMERGE AT PICNIC FOCUSED ON REFORM

A picnic focused on reforming Covington schools attracts school board members and several candidates. Click the link for the full story, another you won't see anywhere else.

The RC News: Candidates Emerge for School Board 

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HIGH COST OF EDUCATION IN COVINGTON ADDRESSED AT RETREAT

The often criticized "cost per pupil" at Covington Independent Public Schools was addressed over the weekend during the school board's retreat. The district's administration highlighted its barriers and successes in a special Saturday meeting. Click the link for details. 

The RC News: High Cost of Covington Education Addressed at Retreat 

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COUNCIL ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION SETS RATES: 

The rate increases for undergraduate, in-state students include: Kentucky Community and Technical College System (which includes Gateway), 3.7 percent; Eastern Kentucky University, 5.2 percent; Kentucky State University, 5 percent; Morehead State University, 5 percent; Murray State University, 4 percent; University of Kentucky, 6 percent; University of Louisville, 6 percent; and Western Kentucky University, 4.9 percent. The Council approved Northern Kentucky University’s tuition and fee schedule in April.

press release
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COMMUNITY COLLEGES CHANGE WAY WE FEEL ABOUT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
From the White House and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden:

On Tuesday, I met a group of remarkable community college graduates and business leaders who are on the cutting edge of workforce training. As part of my Community College to Career tour, I visited Coyote Logistics, a third-party logistics company. Coyote Logistics is working with City Colleges of Chicago to make sure City Colleges’ logistics training program prepares students with the skills they need to succeed in jobs in the transportation, distribution and logistics industry. The partnership is part of the City Colleges of Chicago’s College to Career program, which works directly with businesses to design curriculum, provide work-based learning, and offer internships, interviews, and top-notch learning facilities to students. 

The White House/Jill Biden
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Can you help Senior Services of Northern Kentucky?

Love to Cruise in Style? SSNK is in DESPERATE NEED of Volunteer Drivers 2/3 days a week for our 5-9 AM and 2-6 PM shifts Mon - Sat. Flexible hours, flexible days! Call Bobbie for details: 859.292.7945

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SPORTS
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How would Dr. Seuss describe the UK/UofL rivalry?

Then the coach of the red and the coach of the blue,both stepped up to each other, they stood shoe-to-shoe,and both said “I will show you! I’ll get all the greatest!They’ll all jump the highest! They’ll all shoot the straightest!And then, in December we’ll see who’s the best,
we will see who’s the champ and who’s left with the rest!”

Oh yes, there is much, much more at the link.
Kentucky Sports Radio
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Former UK football player describes what is wrong with program KSR 
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Comparing the 2 best college basketball triangles: Louisville/Lexington/Bloomington... or the one in North Carolina?
KSR 
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FIRST NKY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL FOR NEXT SEASON
Defending state champion Holy Cross is picked eighth and perennial loser Scott is picked tenth. Holmes is not ranked. 
KYPost.com 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE