NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY MORNING 12 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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COVINGTON SCHOOLS CRITICS MOBILIZE FURTHER ONLINE

The Fix Covington Schools organization now has a public Facebook group and one member created a separate page to urge as many people as possible to attend the March 28 School Board meeting. Following last Thursday's School Board meeting, comments by Board Chair Mike Fitzgerald angered many that participate in Covington-related online forums. 

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SEE ALSO: Monday Message from Superintendent Lynda Jackson Click Here 

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COVINGTON PART OF REGION-WIDE EFFORT TO BOOST READING

Seventy local organizations are teaming up to help boost reading skills among 3rd graders in Greater Cincinnati: 

Locally, third-grade reading rates have gone up by about 2.5 percent a year for the past five years.
But last school year, 29 percent of Cincinnati Public Schools students and 36 percent of Newport Independent Schools students were not proficient in reading by fourth grade. For Covington Independent Schools that number rose to 50 percent, according to state statistics. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Sarah Hardee  
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SCOTTISH RITE TEMPLE TO UNDERGO RENOVATIONS
Some improvements are coming to the landmark building on Madison Avenue: 

“The building was built in 1954 and has needed some repair for some time,” said F. Keith Dreier, the Scottish Rite’s secretary/registrar. “We are basically cleaning and restoring and updating several parts of the building which include all the carpet being replaced in the ante room, coat room, offices, sitting room and library. We have stripped and restored the terrazzo floors on the first floor of the building, and we’re replacing the heat and air conditioning in the auditorium. We are going to restore and refinish the front doors of the building this spring.” 

The building was recently for sale, but is now off the market. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Howard McEwen  
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          TORNADO RECOVERY HEADLINES
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99-year old storm victim dies Local 12
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FEMA sets up two centers in Eastern Kentucky WKYT 
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West Liberty Police could use some help too WKYT 
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Kenton County raises funds for tornado victims FOX 19 
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So does Cold Spring FOX 19 
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Classes to resume in storm ravaged districts WFPL 
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Many pets lost in storms Courier-Journal 
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West Liberty: We may have lost our church, but not our heart Herald-Leader 
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Did you know that there is emergency assistance available to artists affected by the tornadoes? There is: 

There are several national organizations that lend assistance specifically to artists who have suffered loss from a catastrophic event. After you have addressed your immediate needs, you may want to investigate the following organizations to determine if you are eligible for additional assistance. 

Kentucky Arts Council  

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MARCH MADNESS IS HERE...

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UK SELECTED AS #1 OVERALL SEED IN NCAA TOURNAMENT

Despite losing to Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament finals, the Kentucky Wildcats are the #1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. They could face Western Kentucky in the first round Thursday evening (but only if Western gets past Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday night in Dayton where the "First Four" play-in games take place -- MS Valley is coached by former Wildcat Sean Woods). 

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Fans greet Wildcats at airport WKYT 

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How all the pieces fit for UK Herald-Leader 

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H-L columnist mark Story makes his predictions 

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UK NCAA tickets hard to come by (UK plays in Louisville) Herald-Leader 

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'Cats will conjure magic of 1951, 1996 Herald-Leader 

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UK players watch NCAA Tournament announcement at Coach's house (photos) Herald-Leader 

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Complete schedule complete with TV times and which announcers are assigned to each game Turner 

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PRESIDENT OBAMA IS GETTING IN ON THE BRACKET ACTION And you can play along Barack Obama 

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Tips for filling out your bracket Herald-Leader 

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If you're curious about which teams are in the other post-season tournaments, check out the links: NIT, College Basketball Invitational, College Insider

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HOLMES GRAD RICARDO JOHNSON SUITS UP FOR OHIO BOBCATS IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT Ohio U 

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HOLY CROSS CHEERLEADER COACH IS KENTUCKY COACH OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Gayle Trame, who is retiring this year:

“She’s more than just a coach,” parent Kim Butts said of Trame. “She’s a visionary for the sport…and an inspiring role model.
“She teaches students not just about cheerleading, but also teaches them life lessons and the importance of giving back.” 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Sarah Hardee 

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in case you missed...

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The River City News does not stop on the weekends! Get caught up on the weekend headlines: 

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THE SUNDAY EDITION

The Holy Cross football state champions are set for another celebration; Plus, the week that was and the week that will be in Covington. Click the link for The Sunday Edition.
The RC News: The Sunday Edition 

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SATURDAY'S NEWS

A shooting at an Eastside nightclub lands one in hospital and two in jail; Shocking & chilling surveillance video captures the wrath of one Kentucky tornado; Plus, the granddaughter of a former Covington Commissioner continues the family political tradition. Click the link for those stories and more! 
The River City News 
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RECYCLED DOGGIES
The River City News likes to showcase the local animals up for adoption each week. The Cincinnati Enquirer has a nice piece on one of the organizations helping to find new homes for pets:

A friend volunteered at a shelter in Kentucky. She circulated pictures of the dogs. You would look at these pictures and think something has to be done. I thought, ‘I could foster one or two.’ Then my friend was like, ‘You’re coming to this shelter.’ At first I said no. But she convinced me. ... I used to say when I was younger that I wanted to just sit in the middle of a room and be surrounded by puppies. Now I know that a roomful of puppies is a lot of work. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Jane Pendergast  
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Want to see some cute pups available? Click here, here, here, here, and to see a cute puppy pile, click here. 
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CROCODILES COMING TO THE NEWPORT AQUARIUM
The exhibit opens March 24 Herald-Leader 
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KENTUCKY-BASED TACO BELL CHANGING MENU AGAIN
This time to compete more with Chipotle Business First 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY EVENING 1 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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ROB SANDERS URGES NO PAROLE FOR HELPER IN COVINGTON MURDER

A woman involved in a 1987 Covington murder is up for parole and Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders urges the parole board to keep 58-year old Brenda Humphrey behind bars: 

“I do not write to the parole board often in hopes that, when I do, the board takes notice that the subject of my letter is someone who desperately needs to be kept behind bars,” Sanders wrote. “This defendant is one of those people. I appreciate your time and consideration.”

The female victim was kidnapped on Garrard Street by Humphrey and a man before being raped, murdered, and dumped in an Indiana field. Read all about the gruesome crime at the link. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah  
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KENTUCKY HORSES HELP VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE RECOVER
The Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center has partnered with the Kentucky Horse Park: 

Once a week they gathered at CKRH for the EAST Group, which combined psycho-education, skills building, and equine-assisted learning to create a personal journey of therapeutic healing. From walking to the field to catch and halter their horses to meditating, from serpentine walking to grooming, survivors participated in exercises designed to assist them in working through common symptoms of trauma, such as trust issues, relationship challenges, hyper-vigilance and post-traumatic stress. 

Kentucky Horse Park/Cindy Rullman  
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FRANKFORT QUICKIES
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Kentucky Auditors has more questions about Medicaid managed care cn|2 
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Bill would give Attorney General more power to monitor prescription drugs cn|2 
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SEE ALSO: Attorney General Jack Conway was actually in Washington, DC today talking about prescription drug abuse 84 WHAS
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Senate committee hears bill to end Kentucky's death penalty WFPL 
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Bill would require fingerprints for nursing home employees Bluegrass Politics 
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Longtime inspector named mine safety chief Courier-Journal 
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Bill would allow government contractors to avoid disclosure law Herald-Leader
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COVINGTON SCHOOLS APPLAUDED FOR CAREER CLUSTER IMPLEMENTATION
A team of teachers from a school in Alabama visited Holmes High School and were impressed. From the District: 

A team from Citronelle High School in Alabama visited Holmes High School this week to look at how we are implementing career clusters and all of the other changes we have put in place this year. They were amazed and impressed at the work Holmes is doing.
One of the highlights was the student interview session. A range of students who represented different career clusters were invited. First, they each introduced themselves with a short description of their clusters and future plans. Each of the students looked the guests in the eye, spoke up and expressed their thoughts well. (Thanks for the good work in communication arts!) However, even more impressive was that all students could describe their clusters, what they are learning, how that matches with their concrete career goals and what they plan to do to continue their studies. They especially praised the advocacy sessions and connections with the real world that are being made.
There were many other rewarding moments in the day. Thanks to the teachers who talked so knowledgeably in both the interviews and in classroom visits. The team was amazed at Bulldog Cafe and the options presented there for the students.

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COMMUNITY LEADERS EXPRESS HOPES FOR COVINGTON HOUSING STRATEGY

In a special public meeting Wednesday night at City Hall, a lot of hopes and issues were raised by members of the housing and real estate community in Covington on how best the City could maximize the impact of its housing strategy. Click the link for the full story. 

The River City News  

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BASEBALL CARD, SPORTS MEMORABILIA SHOP CLOSES IN MAINSTRASSE

Without much of a fuss or fanfare, the store emptied out and closed for good.

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MAN WHO ORCHESTRATED OMNICARE DEAL FOR OHIO CITED FOR ACHIEVEMENT

A glowing article highlights Ohio as the best state for corporate relocations in a survey by Site Selection (a corporate real estate magazine) largely because of the work of Governor John Kasich's Department of Development President Mark Kvamme, known to Covington as the guy who negotiated Omnicare and Nielsen away from RiverCenter Boulevared to Cincinnati: 

"It's about creating a business-friendly environment," Kvamme asserts. "At the end of the day, businesses compete worldwide, and if they are not efficient here in Ohio or in the United States, they will not be successful. We have to do everything we can to create an efficient environment for them." 

Site Selection  
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Interestingly, despite the major losses in our city, Kentucky managed to rank eighth on the list: 

The magazine credited Kentucky with 198 finished projects in 2011, enough for an eighth-place finish, one notch below the 216 projects finished in Illinois, according to a news release.

Business First  
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6 TORNADOES CONFIRMED TO HAVE HIT KENTUCKY WEDNESDAY
Northern Kentucky was spared, but other parts of the Commonwealth took direct hits: 

Most were classified as EF-2 in strength. That means they had estimated wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph. 

Herald-Leader/Bill Estep
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Video of a tornado in Elizabethtown:

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SEE ALSO: Attorney General Jack Conway warns storm victims about possible scams WKYT 

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SEE ALSO: Victims clean up, brace for more WKYT

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TURFWAY PARK SLASHES PURSES TO LOWEST LEVELS IN 20 YEARS

And Kentucky's horse racing industry takes another hit:

"Turfway's purse cut comes in the same week that New York boosted purses 27%, Gulfstream announced a 15% purse increase, and Oaklawn announced a $100,000 per week purse increase," said Patrick Neely, executive director of the Kentucky Equine Education Project. "It is imperative for Kentucky's legislature to put Kentucky racing and breeding on a level competitive playing field, or stories such as this will continue to occur with regularity until our industry has been irreparably damaged." 

Hope you're happy, David Williams. 
Blood Horse 
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SEE ALSO: Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pins are now for sale 84 WHAS 
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WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS DOWN TO FOUR-YEAR LOW
Some good economic news: 

Weekly applications were down 2,000 to 351,000 for the week ended Feb. 25, the lowest level since March 2008, from the previous week's revised figure of 353,000, the Labor Department reported on Thursday.

The four-week average, a less volatile measure than the weekly figure, also dropped to a four-year low, hitting 354,000, a decrease of 5,500 from the previous week's revised average of 359,500.

The Hill/Vicki Needham  
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KENTUCKY PROFESSOR FINDS AN INCREASE IN AMERICAN MOSQUES
The study shows a 74% increase since 2000. There are 27 mosques in Kentucky: 

Ihsan Bagby, a professor at the University of Kentucky and lead author of the study, said the findings show Muslims are carving out a place for themselves despite the backlash.
“This is a growing, healthy Muslim community that is well integrated into America,” Bagby said. “I think that is the best message we can send to the world and the Muslim world in particular.” 

AP via Washington Post  
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COVINGTON LIBRARY SHOWS PHOTOS OF EXPANSION FROM INSIDE
The Covington branch of the Kenton County Public Library was closed today and will be closed Friday as well as the expansion's construction moves inside. Take a look at some of the photos: 

See a lot more photos at the link. 

Covington Library @ Facebook 

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NEWPORT AQUARIUM IS RATED BEST IN THE COUNTRY

Eat it, Chicago.

NKY Spot 

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NEWPORT ON THE LEVEE HOPES NEW LIGHTS DRAW MORE VISITORS

But it's not just visitors the Levee wants: 

Huge ad messages, biggie-sized like signs in Las Vegas and Times Square – without the flashing neon – also can attract coveted retailers like the Apple Store or Dick’s Sporting Goods to the riverfront venue, marketing consultants hired by the levee have told Newport city commissioners. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge  
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SCOTT STUDENTS SERVE AS SPANISH TRANSLATORS

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CINCINNATI'S MOST INFAMOUS BUS DRIVER IS FIRED

Remember the press conference after the Horseshoe Casino collapse and the bus driver that crashed into a TV news van on live television? She's been fired. 

Cincinnati Enquirer 

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in case you missed...

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THIS MORNING'S NEWS

Kentucky tourism official resigns over roadkill bingo mess; The late Mary Middleton to be honored tonight by Behringer-Crawford; The Noah's Ark theme park is still on track; Plus, UK bids farewell to Darius Miller. Click it. 
The River City News - Thursday Morning Round-Up 
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COVINGTON NEVER LOOKED SO TASTY
"Luv for the Cov cookies" from the Awesome Collective: 

The Awesome Collective of Covington is always up to something positive, so be sure to check them out on Facebook.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/03/01/2090734/six-tornadoes-confirmed-in-central.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cp

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY AFTERNOON 31 JAN

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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A SIGNIFICANT DAY FOR COVINGTON'S FUTURE

This evening Mayor Chuck Scheper will deliver his State of the City address at 6:00PM at the Madison Events Center. It is free and open to the public. Please come! Also, this afternoon we will know the full slate of candidates running for Covington Mayor and Commission as the filing deadline approaches in a couple hours.

Full rundown of why today is so important at the link below:

Special Edition: State of the City 

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But that's not all you'll find at the link! Also, a state senator representing South Covington refuses to disclose his clients in the horse industry despite his intentions to file a bill on their behalf to allow expanded gaming; Plus, check out the new UK basketball uniforms! Click the Special Edition link above!

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FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA TO HOST FUNDRAISER IN KENTUCKY

From the President Barack Obama re-election campaign:

You're Invited to a Reception to Meet Michelle Obama Thursday, Feb. 23rd, 4 p.m. in Louisville at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. RSVP by Feb. 15th to colszewski@barackobama.com or 312-985-1235 Guest tickets are $100, $2,500 for VIP Ropeline, reception & VIP bar.

Generation 44 

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It is expected to draw hundreds of President Obama’s supporters, who won Jefferson County in 2008 despite his overall unpopularity in the state.
(snip)Last year, Mr. Obama tapped Louisville’s Matthew Barzun to oversee re-election fundraising. Barzun left his position as ambassador to Sweden to take the post.

WFPL  

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REP. GEOFF DAVIS DID NOT LIKE THE PRESIDENT'S STATE OF THE UNION

Quelle surprise:

Rather than working to make America more competitive and position the nation for growth and job creation, the Senate and the White House have consistently pursued policies that make us less competitive and make it harder for the private sector to grow and create new jobs.

The President’s policies have not worked to improve the economy. Since 2009 when he took office, almost two million more Americans are out of work. Our national unemployment rate has been more than eight percent for thirty-five months in a row, making this the longest period of high unemployment since the Great Depression.

Davis's flair for partisan rhetoric is one more reason to be pleased that this guy will no longer represent us in Congress. Useless.
Geoff Davis 
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KENTUCKY'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY WILL BE SLOW CLIMB
Good things come to those who wait?

The economies of the Lexington area and Kentucky will return to pre-recession levels in employment and housing, but it will be a slow and steady climb rather than explosive growth, a University of Kentucky economist said Tuesday. "If you're looking for a job, that's cold comfort," Kenneth Troske said. "But we will get back to normal."

Herald-Leader 

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/31/2050097/kentucky-economys-recovery-will.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

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LUDLOW DAYCARE SHUTS DOWN AFTER CHILD IS TAPED TO FLOOR
All in all, I'd say that's a pretty good reason to shut down a daycare:

The daycare says after learning about the alleged incident, they began investigating. The day care says Lyons initially denied the allegation, but she admitted to the incident to the management of the daycare facility last week. Immediately after the admission yesterday, Mustard Seeds' management team fired Lyons and reported the incident to Ludlow police. The company also self-reported the incident to the Kentucky Office of the Inspector General, the state office in charge of regulating daycare facilities.

More with a video report at the link.
Local 12 
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COVINGTON MAN WINS $1 MILLION POWERBALL JACKPOT
He bought it at the Taylor Mill Remke's. I really hope we're related.
The River City News
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NEWPORT PENGUIN THAT POOPED AT STATEHOUSE GETS TIME ON CNN
Anderson Cooper's 'RidicuList' highlighted a recent trip by a penguin from the Newport Aquarium to the statehouse. Watch the whole thing right now:

Brilliant.

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LOOKS LIKE THE KIDS AT HOLMES HAD A GREAT TIME MONDAY

Nationally-celebrated educator Ron Clark came to Covington yesterday and spoke at three of our schools. His unique approach to teaching kids has inspired the faculty:

Darla Payne, an eighth grade math teacher, has her entire classroom painted graffiti-style with a medieval theme. Students sit at tables instead of desks, and learn through unusual methods such as music and physical challenges. “Because of Ron Clark, we started a third Algebra I class this year because so many students are doing so well,” said Payne. “There is no opting out with his way; it’s total student engagement. They’re not just going through the motions – they’re learning the material.”

Great photo of a Holmes teacher rapping to her students from the top of a table at the link.
Cincinnati Enquirer/William Croyle  
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QUICK SPORTS NOTE:
Catch the Holmes vs. Dixie boys basketball game live streaming at NKY Sports as part of their Republic Bank game of the week. We celebrated Holy Cross's big tournament win over the weekend, but the Bulldogs are pretty fierce this year too. A great year for Covington high school basketball. 
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DO YOU NOTICE MORE POLICE PRESENCE AT NEWPORT PAVILLION
From our friends at Fort Thomas Matters:

It has happened to me a handful of times. I'm walking out of Kroger, maple turkey and Cheerios in tow, and I see someone waiting near the entrance, head down, hands in cuffs.

I guess its not necessarily surprising. Shrinkage in any retail situation is bound to happen. What struck me was, unless it was an uncanny coincidence, I have happened upon this scene about 5 different times.

Read the whole thing at the link.

Fort Thomas Matters 

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15-PERSON BICYCLE TO MAKE THE ROUNDS IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI

Neat:

Jack Heekin and Tom O’Brian, both 24, founded Unplugged in order to bring the Pedal Wagon, a 15-person, 2,100-pound bike to the streets of Cincinnati. During the day, the bike will be used in partnership with American Legacy Tours as one of their attractions. At night the bike can be rented by groups for pub-crawls and other events. With hydraulic brakes and an electric assist to help with hills, the 8’8” tall, 17’ long Wagon makes its inaugural visit downtown during Cincy Beerfest next month, but groups can already reserve the bike online. Soapbox's Evan Wallis caught up with Heekin to find out more.

Read the article and see a photo at the link.
Soapbox Cincinnati 
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ARE YOU KENTUCKY'S NEXT BIG STAR?
You know you are:

It is called the Country Music Highway Road to Fame. It is designed to both identify new talent and boost tourism in eastern Kentucky. It starts in mid-March and is open to 13 to 35 year olds who are aspiring musicians.

WKYT  
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CONTROVERSIAL SUNDANCE FILM TELLS KENTUCKY STORY
Remember the young girl who worked at a Louisville-area McDonald's and got a prank call that resulted in her being strip-searched? It's a movie now! And apparently a chilling one:

The Sundance Film Festival says it may be the most difficult film to watch in the 2012 Festival program even though "no one gets their head gashed in during the movie; no one even peacefully dies."

Herald-Leader  
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From the review:

Based on actual events, as director Craig Zobel takes pains to indicate in the movie’s opening credits, Compliance is the raw, combustible story of what happens when Sandra (Ann Dowd), a manager at an American fast food restaurant, gets a call from a policeman, Officer Daniels (Pat Healy), telling her that one of her teenaged employees, Becky (Dreama Walker), is suspected of being a thief. He has details that reveal he knows exactly who Becky is. However, he says police headquarters is short-staffed and he can’t make it to the restaurant to interrogate Becky himself. He asks Sandra to do it, and despite the fact that the restaurant is short on both bacon, an employee lost $1,400 of food because someone left the freezer open, and a quality control inspector is rumored to be secretly stopping by, Sandra says she’ll interrogate Becky. Sandra hasn’t had problems with Becky beyond her snarly attitude; but because it’s a policeman calling, she does as she’s asked. Then things get much worse, for Becky and everyone else.

Sundance 
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SEE ALSO: George Clooney will appear on Inside the Actors Studio tonight. John Kiesewetter has the top 10 things Clooney will talk about:

TV ads: “I do commercials overseas. I do! If I do a coffee commercial that affords me to live in the house I live in, and have a nice life, and I get to make the films I wan’t to make and not to have to worry about a profit, then I will sell coffee.” 

Cincinnati Enquirer/John Kiesewetter  
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AWW...
Do you recognize these two?

That's Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and his son, Kentucky's junior US Senator Rand Paul!
The Atlantic 
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HIGHLANDS QB AND UK RECRUIT PATRICK TOWLES IS #1 IN STATE
First, UK football announces that they got the (Mookie) Blaylock twins and now they get to brag more about the accolades that continue to befall Patrick Towles. We might have a pretty good team here soon!
Courier-Journal 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON 25 JAN

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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IN CASE YOU MISSED THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF COVINGTON CITY HALL, CHECK OUT THE TOP THREE STORIES BELOW!

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COVINGTON LAYS OUT PRECARIOUS FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

Potentially "unpopular decisions" are on the way as the City of Covington prepares for another round with its struggling budget. "We're getting pretty lean and the challenges that we face, we need to address them head-on," Mayor Scheper said. Full story at the link.

The River City News 

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NEW BUSINESS GROWTH HIGHLIGHTED IN COVINGTON

Despite the rough economic outlook, Covington saw an uptick in new businesses. Twenty-six new businesses were created here in the final quarter of 2011. However, questions were raised in how the City handles public relations when such new businesses open up. Click the link for the full story and other notes from Tuesday's commission meeting.
The River City News 
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ANTI-PLANNING BILL OPPOSED BY COMMISSION & DEMOCRATS
A harshly-worded resolution passed at City Hall last night opposes a bill in Frankfort that would make it easier to end community planning in Kenton County. "They didn't get their way and now they want to change the law," Commissioner Shawn Masters charged. Full story at the link.

The River City News 

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RELATED: From the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission:

The Mayors group, NKAPCommission and City of Covington Commission have all adopted resolutions that state that Senate Bill 62 currently pending in the Kentucky General Assembly should be defeated. Kentucky American Planning Association has issued a similar statement as well. This information will be presented to the committee at noon.

Will update as soon as there is a report from Frankfort.

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ALSO: Senator Damon Thayer, who filed the bill on behalf of the NKY Homebuilders who seek to build lower quality roads and homes, is running for reelection.

damon_thayer damon thayer 

I just filed my candidacy papers for re-election to the state Senate. Thanks to Sheriff Tony Hampton and Mayor Karen Tingle-Sames for si ...

2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

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SEE ALSO: The same committee today passed an amendment that would eliminate the state treasurer's office WFPL

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HUNDREDS OF JOBS TO BE LOST IN NKY AT UPS

542 jobs will be eliminated at the Hebron center. Only 150 will be retained.

The job cuts are prompted by the facility’s largest customer Zulily, a Seattle-based e-commerce provider of baby items and clothing, and its decision to bring its distribution operation in house.

Cincinnati Enquirer  
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COVINGTON FIREFIGHTER: 'I'M NO MORE THAN A LEACH, USELESS WRETCH'
An assistant fire chief with the Covington Fire Department penned an online editorial blasting the language being used by some at City Hall in the ongoing battle over union benefits. Chip Terry's brief missive has gained popularity over the last forty-eight hours:

It is good to know that for my 26 years of service to the City as firefighter, I am considered a lowly “Government Worker”. Not a professional firefighter, a first responder or a dedicated public servant. No…I have come to conclude from the words of those I protect and for whom I work that I am no more than a reprobate, a leach, a useless wretch that sucks the life blood out of the citizens.
Before I continue, let me state that I use the first person as a narrative point-of-view. My hope is to illustrate the heart and soul of the hundreds of firefighters that serve and have served the City over the past 150 plus years. This is not about me individually. It is illustrative of the core values that many of us adhere to. This example can be demonstrated over and over again and represents a multitude of members past and present. What is does not represent are those who have not served in such a capacity and fail to possess, either through self-centeredness or lack of intestinal fortitude, the ability participate in such a career. It is interesting to note that such individuals find it necessary to discount and denigrate such a professional endeavor.

Read the whole thing by clicking here.
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SEE ALSO: The firefighters union, Local 38, spoke to The River City News about the mayoral candidates here and the issued a list of runs that the department handles here. 
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PENGUIN FROM NEWPORT AQUARIUM EXPRESSES OUR FEELINGS IN FRANKFORT
It took a big dump in the middle of the senate floor:

The penguin, from Newport Aquarium, was in the chamber as Senate President Pro Tem Katie Stine, R-Southgate, presented Senate Resolution 92, a measure to honor the aquarium for its contributions to the “aquatic world in general through its stewardship of sea life and penguins.”
Williams, presiding over the chamber, interrupted Stine to inform her that the penguin “just defecated on the floor.” An aquarium employee placed the penguin on the upper part of Williams’ desk after it did its official business and while Stine finished with her resolution.

Herald-Leader/Jack Brammer  
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MEANWHILE... THE REDISTRICTING TROUBLE CONTINUES...
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LEXINGTON COUNCIL ANGRY OVER LOSING SENATOR

Calling the redistricting affecting state Sen. Kathy Stein "ridiculous" and "a travesty," members of Lexington's Urban County Council weighed in on the controversy during a work session Tuesday.
Councilman Steve Kay called for a resolution decrying the move. The resolution will be made at Thursday's regular council meeting.
Councilman Tom Blues said the resolution would be a way "to express our disdain." Vice Mayor Linda Gorton said the redistricting was "disrespectful" to the elected officials it affected and the citizens they represent.
Councilman Doug Martin said the move was "a complete disappointment," adding that the political infighting was like the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys.
"Good heavens," said Councilman Julian Beard, upon hearing the redistricting took effect immediately. "Can we not file suit?" The city's legal staff said they would look into legal options.

Kentucky Got Dissed  
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AND IN THE HOUSE... THE GOP WILL SEEK AN INJUNCTION
Ain't redistricting fun?!

Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover said on Wednesday that Republican representatives will also ask for an injunction to delay implementation of the measure and ask that next Tuesday's election filing deadline be postponed until the matter is resolved.

WKYT  
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KENTUCKY GENEROUS FOR 'ARK ENCOUNTER' THAT MAY NEVER BE BUILT
Governor Beshear's approval of tax incentives and millions in new road construction for the Creation Museum's new Grant County theme park centered around the ark, has earned him plenty of criticism around the country. And it may be all for naught:

But as Kentucky prepares to spend millions on transportation infrastructure for the park, many are beginning to wonder if and when Ark Encounter will ever be built.
Ark Encounter LLC initially announced that their groundbreaking would be in the spring of 2011. That date was pushed back to the summer, then the fall, and eventually to this spring.
Accompanying this delay was a stall in fundraising. Though Answers in Genesis had managed to raise $3 million of its $24.5 million goal in May of 2011, by mid-December, their total was stuck at $4.3 million.
Though Tourism Cabinet officials tell LEO Weekly they have not been in recent contact with park representatives, emails obtained via open records request reveal Answers in Genesis has in fact shared details about difficulties getting the project off the ground.

The entire thing is a must-read.
LEO Weekly/Joe Sonka  

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KY NEWSPAPERS AND PUBLIC RADIO JOIN ALLIANCE

Including WNKU:

"My philosophy is simple: Radio stations in the past and future will probably continue to borrow content from newspapers," said David Greer, director of the KPA News Content Service. "Why not set up a system where they will pay us for it?
"Newspapers spend a lot of money to staff and organize news departments. It's only fair that folks who borrow our content help defray some of those expenses."
However, the pilot project, which is to end in October, doesn't have a revenue component.

Herald-Leader/Scott Sloan  
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NEXT DATE SET TO HELP SPRUCE UP THE LICKING RIVER GREENWAY
Vision 2015:

Hello, Everyone! The first Greenway Restoration Day of 2012 is scheduled for Saturday, February 11th at 9:00 a.m. We will be meeting at 16th Street and Eastern Avenue, instead of our usual place behind Holmes High School.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided and family and friends are always welcome!

RSVP to Natalie Gardner of the Covington Recreation Department at 859-292-2151 or ngardner@covingtonky.gov

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KENTON CO LIBRARY AWARDS ITS LITERACY PRIZE TO HEALTHPOINT

SEE ALSO: Cincinnati named 7th most literate city in America USA Today 

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HEY FANILOWS! BARRY MANILOW IS SET TO ROCK THE BOK CENTER

The Copacabana crooner is bringing his show to NKU's Bank of Kentucky Center:

Tickets to the singer/songwriter’s concert go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, with prices ranging from $34.99-$124.99, plus fees.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Tasha Stewart 

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HORSE RACING GENE TRACED BACK 300 YEARS

Wow:

A study published in Nature Communications looking for the "speed gene" in horses has been traced to a single British mare from about 300 years ago, an international team of 16 researchers from Britain, Ireland, Sweden and Russia has found, reports the Ottawa Citizen.Nearctic, owned by the renowned Canadian industrialist and horseman E.P. Taylor, andNorthern Dancer who was sired by Nearctic and 1964 winner of the Kentucky Derby, "have been largely responsible for spreading a so-called 'speed gene' among the world's top thoroughbreds," according to the Ottawa Citizen.

Herald-Leader/Lu-Ann Farrar  
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IN CASE YOU MISSED: A photo of superstar filly Rachel Alexandra and her new colt that she conceived with legend Curlin' can be found in the round-up here. 
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CARNEGIE LANDS 3 CINCINNATI THEATER AWARD NOMINATIONS
Congratulations:

The League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) has recognized Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s production of The King and I in Concert, produced in collaboration with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, with three awards. Panelists praised cast members Ronn K. Smith, Lee Merrill and Teresa De Zarn for their performances.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/25/2042411/kentucky-news-review-speed-gene.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

press release

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/23/2039324/kentucky-newspapers-launch-partnership.html#storylink=cp