NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY MORNING 29 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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SCHOOLS HOST FOCUS GROUP ON DRUG TESTING STUDENTS WEDNESDAY

If you wish to weigh in on the current debate at Covington Independent Public Schools, consider attending this focus group about the possibility of drug-testing the district's students:

Many schools have random student drug testing programs in place. These programs randomly test students who participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs, as well as students who drive to school. Court decisions have upheld the test of these categories of students. The purpose of the program is to serve as a detterent. The Covington Board of Education is currently exploring the possibility of implementing a program for students in grades 6-12. The district also is hosting a focus group meeting from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 29, to hear from students, parents and the community regarding a student drug testing program. The meeting will be in the Holmes High School Cafe'. We value your opinion. Please take a few moments to answer the following questions. Thank you for your participation.

There is an online survey to take at the link: Click Here 
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GOVERNOR REORGANIZES TECH, CAREER SCHOOLS
Governor Steve Beshear signed an executive order Tuesday that would move technical and career education under the same umbrella at the middle and high school level:

Currently, local high schools can operate career and technical programs using local and state funds. Those programs report to the Kentucky Department of Education. The state also has 53 technical centers for 123 school districts that are paid for with state funds. That career and technical program reports to the Department for Workforce Investment. The executive order moves both systems to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Full story: Herald-Leader/Beth Musgrave
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IF SCHOOLS KILL CREATIVITY, CAN TOYS BRING IT BACK TO LIFE?
Computers save the day:

In an education world obsessed with curriculum standards and high-stakes testing, students are funneled onto particular tracks, rather than being allowed to choose their own adventures and explore their passions (a phenomenon that education expert Sir Ken Robinson says is killing creativity) But if the contemporary education model discourages kids' curiosity and creativity, a new generation of companies are finding ways to emulate Lego and encourage those traits through play.

Full story: GOOD 
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JOHN G. CARLISLE SCHOOL PTA HOSTS GRILL-OUT
From Covington Independent Public Schools:

Nearly 100 parents, students, staff and community members attended John G. Carlisle's Cubs Council PTA kickoff on Tuesday. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout. But its not too late to become a member of the PTA. Cubs Council meetings will be held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m., usually in the school cafeteria.

The officers include President, Sande Shepherd; Secretary/Treasurer, Kerry McHugh; Vice President/Organization and Communications, Kerry Holleran; Vice President/Membership,Francisco Pabon; Vice President/Activities, Shana Lack; Vice President/Fundraising, Christi Blair.

More photos: Facebook 
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DON'T MISS TUESDAY EVENING'S NEWS!
Lawsuit hopes to force election for vacant Covington School Board seat; Workers inside an historic Kentucky building discover the remnants of an old sex club; Plus, it's time for another installment of "What is Covington Selling on Craigslist?"

Full story: The RC News: Tuesday Evening Round-Up |
QUICKIES
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Democratic state senate candidate Jim Noll says he has been endorsed by former Congressman Ken Lucas Facebook 
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State Police: Human remains belong to woman who was scalped WBKO 
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KY Court weights $24 million gas royalty verdict CBS 
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Speaking of gas... how much did you pay this morning?

$3.95 at Liberty Tobacco & Beer on Fifth Street

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KY Appeals Court to decide immigration case AP 
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Man flies from England to KY to meet underage girl WKYT 
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Cincinnati threatens Duke Energy over streetcar costs Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Former Republican US Senator from Kentucky disappointed with GOP's shift to the right cn|2 
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Sons tell KY delegation about growing up Romney cn|2 
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Lexington city council poised to ban aerial fireworks Herald-Leader 
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A BUSY NIGHT IN DOWNTOWN COVINGTON
Rapper Machine Gun Kelly drew a big crowd to the Madison Theater in Covington...

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PROGRESS CONTINUES ON COVINGTON LIBRARY EXPANSION

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DONNA SALYERS FABULOUS FURS FALL FASHION PREVIEW TONIGHT

A fashion show tonight in Downtown Covington...

More details: Click Here 

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GLBT MAGAZINE FEATURES MAINSTRASSE VILLAGE'S PAWRADE

Check out this great photo from the publishers of CNKY Scene:

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LEADING THE WAY ON A 21ST CENTURY WATERFRONT

Something to learn from for Covington?

"Most of all, there’s a growing awareness that the great waterfronts are the ones where there’s a lot of activity in the water itself," says Stan Eckstut, EE&K's senior principal. He points to Baltimore and Sydney, where revitalization schemes didn’t end at land but extended into the water and its uses, making for busier ports with more services and more amenities.

Waterfronts attached to urban cities have evolved too far from their historic character, Eckstut says. As a result of new ideas about zoning as well as trends specific to the maritime industry, such as containerization, some urban waterfronts have fallen into disuse. But not all waterfronts need to be harbors to be successful. And certainly not all waterfronts need to be parks.

Full story with lots of great photos: The Atlantic Cities 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 18 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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CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THREATENED OVER SCHOOL BOARD SEAT

The saga of the vacant school board seat takes another turn as it appears there may be yet another change to the ballot and a lawyer is threatening a class action lawsuit on behalf of Covington voters. Hear from the County Clerk and the attorney at the link.

Full story: The River City News 

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DON'T MISS FRIDAY'S NEWS!

School board candidates (and an attorney) engage in debate over sudden election for vacated seat; Check out some of the awesome items on the menu at Piper's (opening in Mainstrasse soon); Plus, are you ready for some high school football? It's back tonight with defending champs Holy Cross in action.

The RC News: Friday Round-Up 

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WILL WRITE-IN CANDIDATES SLOW THE REPORTING OF ELECTION RESULTS?

Yes. With the news that Alan "Chip" Terry has decided to enter the race for Covington City Commission as a write-in candidate and the enthusiasm with which the announcement was received possibly making him a viable candidate, election results reporting could be slow on November 6. In fact, Kenton County Clerk Gabrielle Summe tells The River City News that we won't know how many votes Terry and other write-in candidates receive until possibly the next day. Terry's addition to the race gives Covington nine choices to fill the four seats available. Other potential write-in candidates for any local office have until October 26 to declare their candidacies.

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JUDGE-EXECUTIVE EXPLAINS $85 FEE TO PAY FOR NEW DISPATCH CENTER

Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus penned an op-ed piece for the Cincinnati Enquirer to explain how property owners will now be saddled with an $85 fee to pay for the consolidated 911 emergency dispatch center since the proposed $6 monthly fee on all Duke Energy bills was shot down by the County Commission:

I, along with Commissioner Jon Draud, voted to place the fee of $6 per month on every electric bill in the county to pay for 911 dispatch services. Doing so on the electric bill would allow us to capture the largest number of users, property owners and renters alike in order to keep the cost as minimal as possible.
Duke Energy and Owen Rural Electric argued we lacked authority to place such a fee on utility bills, that only the state could do so. Our County Attorney Garry Edmondson disagreed, arguing we are a branch of state government, which I too agree. That being said, I still needed the majority of the Fiscal Court to agree.
Two commissioners, Kris Knochelmann and Beth Sewell, did not agree with placing the fee on the electric bills, and both voted against it. Their blocking this ordinance required the less appealing option of placing the $85 annual fee on real property parcels and granting renters in this county a free pass.

Covington's dispatch center is expected to "go out of business" next month and join the Kenton County operation.
Full story: The Cincinnati Enquirer 
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WORK TO BEGIN THIS WEEKEND ON PLAYGROUND THAT BURNED
Here is an update on the Sixth District School playground which was destroyed by arson earlier this summer:

Due to the nature of insurance coverage and the safety issues surrounding the area that was burned, the decision was made to have a local company come in and take care of the re-construction of the area where the re-build will take place, as well as the installation of the new structures and new ground covering. The company will not only be adding a new structure to where the destroyed section of the playground was, but they will also be slightly expanding the space and adding additional play "stations" and activities around the entire perimeter of the complete playground so that there are more things for the kids to do.

This weekend, the US Navy Seabees, Unit NMCB26, will be installing a brand new swing set! The kids at Sixth will now have 10 swings instead of just 4! We are so thankful that the US Navy has volunteered to help us with this engineering feat!

We anticipate that the new playground and swing set will be ready to enjoy by early September!

We do plan to have a Grand Re-Opening Event after school starts. We want to make sure to include the children of Sixth District in our celebration, as well as the community, our sponsors and community partners, and city officials. Details and invitations will be sent out once we start the event planning process. Look for announcements in late September/early October!

More projects planned for this year include an educational black top mural, new litter prevention and recycling program, and a raised-bed learning garden! We also plan on repairing the marquee in front of the school and continue the beautification through additional planting and gardens throughout the park and playground area. We will keep you informed as these projects are planned and hope that you will join us!

The message came from Heather Abbott, chairperson of the BEST partnership between Sixth District and Gateway College.

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QUICKIES
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Gov. Beshear sets special election to replace US Rep. Geoff Davis for the same day as the general election Herald-Leader 
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New NKU President: We will compete Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Black eye for state worker safety enforcement I Watch News 
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More details on Kentucky-India coal deal WFPL 
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Video: Gov. Beshear discusses tax reform commission YouTube 
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Proposed law would end battle between state and Christian health care exchange WFPL 
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KY Agriculture Commissioner fires leftover official from Richie Farmer's administration Courier-Journal 
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Kentucky Sikhs hope to spread understanding Courier-Journal 
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Coach Cal, Kentucky Sports Radio raise serious cash for West Liberty's tornado recovery efforts WKYT 
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WNKU drops late night host Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Kentucky man to attempt world record ax juggle WXIX 
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Gettin' lucky in Kentucky: After a lucrative Powerball ticket was sold in Erlanger, a $250,000 winning lotto ticket was sold in Florence right after WXIX 
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273.3 LB watermelon wins Kentucky blue ribbon WKYT 
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SO, WHAT'S UP WITH THE CANTALOUPES TRYING TO KILL US ALL?
Look out:

Public Advised to Avoid Eating Melons Grown in Southwestern Indiana
The Department for Public Health (DPH) today reported that cantaloupes tested in the state public health laboratory carry the same strain of Salmonella associated with a statewide outbreak that health officials say is still ongoing.
The salmonellosis outbreak, which has sickened at least 50 Kentuckians and been associated with two deaths, began in early July. Through an epidemiological investigation and confirmatory lab testing, Kentucky public health officials determined that cantaloupes, which evidence indicates were grown in southwestern Indiana but purchased in Kentucky, carried the same strain of Salmonella determined to be the cause of an ongoing outbreak of infection. Salmonellosis cases caused by the outbreak strain have also been reported in other states. In addition, investigation is also continuing into other clusters of salmonella cases in Kentucky, which may be linked to cantaloupe or watermelon consumption.

“Foodborne illness is a serious threat to public health. Consumers are advised to avoid eating cantaloupes from southwestern Indiana, especially if they are at heightened risk for complications from salmonella infection,” said acting Public Health Commissioner Steve Davis, M.D. “In addition, healthcare providers are encouraged to be mindful of patients who may have symptoms consistent with salmonellosis and report all cases to the local health department.”

Read more: press release 
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GO TO THE COVINGTON FARMERS MARKET TODAY!

There will be a canning demonstration, orange safety flags passed out for wheelchairs, Josh Eagle and the Harvest City perform, and nearby at Roebling Point Bookstore is a storm drain marking class. And don't forget that the Covington Farmers Market participates in the WIC program. Thanks to the hard work of the NKY Health Department and the ACHIEVE grant, the market provides matching vouchers to double the spending power for WIC participants.

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COVINGTON QUICKIES

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C-Forward donates funds to early childhood education Facebook 

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PHOTOS: Kenton County Library Covington branch renovations Facebook 

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Holy Cross 69, Dayton 20

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HOW GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE COULD BRING MOVIES TO CINCINNATI

Film production is likely to pick up in Greater Cincinnati this year according to this report:

And while money is a major factor in where movies get made, experts assured me it’s not the only one. Another big way to lure movie production to town is through good, old-fashioned customer service, said Joe Bessacini, vice president for film and TV production incentives with Cast and Crew Entertainment Services, an entertainment industry payroll company in Burbank, Calif.
“Everyone knows everyone here in the industry,” Bessacini told me. “They talk to each other, and as long as they had a positive experience, I think that definitely helps.”

Full story: Business Courier/Lucy May 
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SINGING IN THE CAR MAKES YOU A WORSE DRIVER
Bad news for... me:

The research suggests that singing along requires more mental activity – which draws away some of your attention from the road. Singing drivers were more likely to vary their speeds and to drive at an overall slower rate. Interestingly, the research also shows that singing drivers had significantly less movement within lanes than those not listening to music.

Full story: The Atlantic Cities 
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Seems like a good opportunity to post this hilarious video about singing in a car to an annoyingly popular and catchy hit:

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 -- WEDNESDAY MORNING 1 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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PUBLIC WEIGHS IN ON PROPOSED CUTS TO PUBLIC SAFETY

What cuts are to come to the police and fire departments? What is the City Commission's position on de-annexing South Covington? Should the G in C+V=G stand for greatness? A full recap of last night's meeting on proposed cuts to public safety -- at the link.

Full story: The River City News 

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SEE ALSO: The next public discussion about proposed cuts at City Hall is set for Thursday, August 9 at 6:00PM inside the Commission Chambers. The topics will be code enforcement and community/economic development.

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COUNTIES STRUGGLE WITH 911 FEES AS LANDLINES DWINDLE

One of the reasons Covington wanted to "get out of the dispatch business" is because the revenue coming in from 911 fees on landline phones was shrinking:

During the past decade, the number of telephone landlines – a primary funding source for 911 dispatch service in Kentucky – have shrunk from 2.2 million to 1.8 million. Those numbers continue to drop, as telephone landlines are dropped in favor of cell phones, which provide a lesser amount of funding for dispatch centers.
“I haven’t seen any pre-filed bills addressing 911 funding yet, but it’s an issue that comes up in the (state) legislature every year,” said Shellie Hampton, director of governmental relations for the Kentucky Association of Counties. “We’re watching any county that has an innovative way to collect that money because land line fees on phones (a primary funding source for dispatch centers) are decreasing every month.”

The report goes on to suggest that the $6 fee proposed to be charged to utility bills which was defeated at the Kenton County Fiscal Court last week, will likely be reconsidered.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Cindy Schroeder 
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US REP. GEOFF DAVIS RESIGNS FROM CONGRESS
Geoff Davis (R-Hebron), first elected to Congress in 2004, submitted his resignation Tuesday evening and released the following statement:

“I thank the people of Kentucky’s Fourth District for the honor of serving as their Congressman over the last eight years.

“When I was a Cadet at West Point, I internalized the words of the U.S. Military Academy’s motto, ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ Next, I learned that success was based on honoring God, Family, and Work, in that order. In December 2011, I decided that in order to honor those values, I needed to retire from Congressional service so I could more effectively serve my family as a husband and father. 

“Those priorities continue to guide my decisions. Recently, a family health issue has developed that will demand significantly more of my time to assist. As a result, I cannot continue to effectively fulfill my obligations to both my office and my family. Family must and will come first.

“Therefore, I am resigning from the U.S. House of Representatives effective at close of business on July 31, 2012. 

“I have served with great men and women in the Congress in both parties, and leave knowing that the House is filled with people who love this country and are working to make our future better. I am grateful to have been blessed by being a part of this great institution.” 

Congressman Davis submitted his resignation today to Governor Steve Beshear and Speaker of the House John Boehner.

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Senator Mitch McConnell had this to say:

“Congressman Geoff Davis has been an outstanding representative for the people of Kentucky’s Fourth District and has served his constituents with distinction since 2005. He has accomplished much and has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Kentucky during his tenure. I wish him and his family well as he embarks on his new endeavor.”

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More coverage via cn|2:

Kevin Sell, the 4th congressional district Republican Party chairman and a close friend of Davis, said he wasn’t aware of the family health issue to which Davis’ statement referred.
Sell said Davis mentioned the possibility of leaving during a conversation in June. At the time, Davis had said he was eager to return to Northern Kentucky to spend more time with his wife, Pat, his children and grandchildren and wasn’t looking forward to going through the motions in Congress over the next six months, Sell said.
“When you look at the fact that they start to push them out in the fall and there’s usually just procedural votes and they’re not replacing staff, he had just decided that it was time to go,” Sell said.
Sell said he didn’t try to talk Davis out of resigning early but he did provide some counterpoints, such as continuing the representation of 4th district constituents. However, Davis’ staff will remain in place through the end of the year, so constituents will have congressional contacts.

Full story: cn|2
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Former Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson explained via Twitter the process to replace Davis:

KY Gov sets date for special election. Both parties nominate via to party rules. No primary. Election must be at least 5 weeks in future.

I predict Kentucky Gov will call special election for November election date due to cost of special election and proximity to November.

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More coverage of Davis's departure: Politico 
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MAINSTRASSE SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECT WAHEED RAHMAN IN COURT TODAY
The man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 17-year old girl in Mainstrasse is expected to be in court Wednesday afternoon. Last Tuesday, Police arrested Waheed Abdul Rahman, 22, and charged him with first degree sex abuse and kidnapping a minor. At the time of the arrest, Covington Police Chief Spike Jones told The River City News, "The suspect was known to the victim but not well known, more like an acquaintance than anything, and the victim was en route to somewhere and just happened to run into this person."

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MOTHER OF TEEN MISSING FROM COVINGTON WEIGHS IN AT RCN

The comment section of the post regarding the search for Paige Johnson in Knox County last week has deteriorated into personal accusations. Johnson's mother posted the following:

I am Paige's mother. I was just wondering if you knew that Jacob Bumpass spent time in a jail in Pineville, Ky, before he knew my daughter. Pineville is very close to the area they are searching. During his incarceration, he was allowed to roam the grounds and fish. Monday through Friday he was able to leave the facility to do work release on local farms and forestry work. His mother wrote all about it on her CNN blog. It seems to be a huge coincidence that he knew the area and now they are searching there. He would have thought it would be a good place to take her for nobody would look there. This is what I truly believe. I spoke with Jacob shortly after Paige went missing and he wouldn't even look me in the eye. He also seemed nervous and he rushed me off. Does that sound like someone that was supposed to be a friend to Paige? His cell phone proves that he lied since he was never in Covington. This is why I can't look past Jacob.

To read the full comment thread, click the link below and scroll to the bottom.
Search for Teen Missing from Covington Resumes in Knox Co 
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QUICKIES
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NKY foreclosures on the rise WLWT 
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Anti-gay, anti-abortion billboard removed by owner in Lexington KY Equality Federation 
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Sanitation workers in Lexington vote to form union Herald-Leader 
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Gov. Beshear statement on court ruling against EPA regulation of water and coal companies press release 
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Fans of The Who redeem tickets to Cincinnati concert 33 years later WLWT 
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KY Commissioner of Education: Student engagement is key to success KY Forward 
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DON'T MISS TUESDAY EVENING'S NEWS
When a Covington woman's email is hacked, a TV news reporter responds to the hacker; Covington businesses named among the best in NKY; Plus, 10 ways to research the history of your house. Those stories and more at the link!
The RC News: Tuesday Evening Round-Up 
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KENTON CO LIBRARY BRANCH IN COVINGTON COMING ALONG NICELY
Check out the progress at the Covington library expansion:

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TODAY MARKS BEGINNING OF BREASTFEEDING WEEK IN KENTUCKY, WORLD

From a news release:

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1-7, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is working to emphasize the importance of providing support for breastfeeding families. This message extends to fathers, family members, friends, employers and other key individuals who can play a role in the effort to build a supportive network for breastfeeding mothers.

“We encourage mothers to breastfeed to ensure that infants are getting the nutrition they need to grow and thrive,” said Health and Family Services Cabinet Secretary Audrey Tayse Haynes. “Even the most committed mothers can struggle to successfully breastfeed when they don’t have the kind of support system they need at home, at the workplace and in the community. If we want to send the message that breastfeeding is important and improve our breastfeeding rates, we need to support mothers who choose to breastfeed.”

Medical and professional organizations worldwide emphasize breastfeeding and the importance of support for new mothers. Similarly, public health has participated in programs, such as the Business Case for Breastfeeding, that have assisted businesses with the implementation of breastfeeding-friendly policies.

“Families and friends can play a role by offering encouragement and assistance at home,” said Fran Hawkins, director of the Kentucky Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. “Even with that support at home, continuing breastfeeding after returning to work is a tremendous challenge.”

Four steps are encouraged to make work environments more conducive to breastfeeding: support from managers and coworkers; , flexible time to express milk (around 10 to 15 minutes three times per day); , education for employees about how to combine breastfeeding and work; , and a designated space to breastfeed or express milk in privacy.

Public health officials stress that continuing breastfeeding after returning to work is often necessary to meet the recommendations for optimal infant nutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and other medical organizations recommend that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and continue to be breastfed, along with other food sources, for at least a year.

The World Breastfeeding Week 2012 slogan “The Road to Lifelong Health Begins with Breastfeeding” focuses on the lifelong health benefits that breastfeeding provides to both mothers and babies. 

The health and nutritional status of mothers and infants are directly linked, making appropriate infant feeding a critical first step in preventing these and a variety of other medical conditions.
Families, health professionals, governments, employers and communities must support breastfeeding mothers for the mother to have a successful breastfeeding experience.

“When breastfeeding mothers have little support, they are more likely to stop breastfeeding before they reach their goals,” said Marlene Goodlett, breastfeeding promotion coordinator for Kentucky public health.

The Kentucky Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program provides support and information for prenatal and breastfeeding mothers to help ensure good health for Kentucky’s babies. The program operates through local health departments and provides one-on-one counseling, information and round-the-clock guidance for mothers new to breastfeeding.
“The peer counseling service is a wonderful program for breastfeeding mothers,” said Goodlett. “We’ve had a great deal of success helping mothers learn to breastfeed and remain committed to their breastfeeding goals.”

Kentucky law protects women who wish to breastfeed their babies in public. This law permits a mother to breastfeed her baby or express breast milk in any public or private location. This law also requires that breastfeeding not be considered an act of public indecency or indecent exposure.

Welcome to August! Have a great day!