NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY EVENING 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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ERLANGER SCOFFS AT MERGED DISPATCH CENTER

The City of Erlanger is not anxious to join the City of Covington and other in the new consolidated Kenton County 911 emergency dispatch center:

“The bottom line is this, this is Erlanger’s position on dispatch. Erlanger will continue to dispatch its emergency services, and those who are partner cities that choose to remain for as long as it is economically possible,” (Erlanger Mayor Tom) Rouse said. “If and when the new system becomes as good as our system and as efficient with the money, we will consider joining. And that’s been our position all along.”

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Libby Cunningham 
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WHAT'S UP WITH THIS SINKHOLE ON RUSSELL STREET?
A reader emailed The River City News and said that this apparent sinkhole has just been all sinkin' and holin' on Russell Street between Fifth & Sixth since March:

Anyone know why this hasn't been attended to?

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DON'T MISS WEDNESDAY MORNING'S NEWS!

Should Covington Schools drug-test its students? A public meeting tonight discusses the issue; Whoa... how much did you pay for gas this morning?; Plus, a fall fashion show tonight in Downtown Covington. Those stories and much more at the link.

Full story: The RC News: Wednesday Morning Round-Up 

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QUICKIES

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KY homeowners are benefiting from foreclosure settlement Jack Conway 

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Tropical storm Isaac could affect Kentucky agriculture, livestock Lane Report 

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KY electrical line workers head to Gulf Coast to help out WKYT 

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81-year old KY man charged in shooting death AP 

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Sec. of State Grimes makes Nov. 6 official date for special election to fill Geoff Davis's Congressional seat press release
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Sen. McConnell downplays Ron Paul rift in GOP WFPL 

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Anti-tax pundit Grover Norquist previews what a US Senate would like with Sen. McConnell as majority leader WFPL 

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Gov. Beshear names a new chief of staff Bluegrass Politics 

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Governor creates task force to tackle substance abuse, mental health issues among veterans press release 

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White House puts Hardin County in drug initiative Herald-Leader 

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Kenton Co. Library creates scary video Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Assistant attorney general urges students to fight bullying WKYT 

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Cincinnati Port Authority begins landbanking effort Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Grant will help NKU retain STEM students NKU 

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KY State Fair attendance down slightly State-Journal 

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Thoroughbred leaders: KY drug rules being held hostage Herald-Leader 

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State taking orders for fifty kinds of trees Herald-Leader 

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MAN CHARGED IN KIDNAPPING WANTS TO DUMP COVINGTON LAWYER

A guy accused of abducting a shopper at the Crestview Hills Town Center last year says he can't get along with his attorney:

Joseph Weir interrupted his own competency hearing Tuesday in federal court by raising his left hand, showing off a blue-colored cast decorated with a UK logo, and asked that lawyer F. Dennis Alerding be removed.
“Trying to have a conversation with Mr. Alerding just doesn’t seem possible,” Weir said. “I don’t feel like I’m being represented in a serious manner.”
Weir gave U.S. Magistrate Judge Candace Smith a list of grievances that included allegations Alerding cursed and told him, “If you don’t like me, why don’t you just fire me.”

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah
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MEETING SET FOR NEXT WEEK ABOUT FUTURE FOOD TRUCK EVENTS
Via C'est Cheese mobile food truck:

 ...the plan is to do them monthly. The team that puts them on and the participating trucks are supposed to be meeting next week to discuss future logistics. I'll be sure to publicize dates as soon as they're set! 

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WORK ON MAINSTRASSE POPEYE'S MOVING ALONG

The folks opening the new Popeye's at Fifth & Main Streets are wasting no time in getting the former Skyline Chili location in order...

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HISTORICAL MARKER TO HONOR BLACK SETTLEMENT OF STONETOWN

A new historical marker will go up in Scott County:

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will dedicate a historical marker to honor the African-American settlement of Stonetown at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at 176 Stonetown Road in Stamping Ground.

In the 1780s, slaves were brought to Scott County with their white owners as part of the “traveling church,” a Baptist exodus from Virginia. After the Civil War, they purchased land and settled in Stonetown. The community had a school and two churches, one of which, the First Baptist Church, is still open today. In 1877, many former slaves moved farther west to newly formed Nicodemus, Kan.

This marker dedication is part of a weekend-long celebration of the 135th anniversary of that migration from Kentucky to Kansas. Descendants of those early settlers; Angela Bates, executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society; and Kent Whitworth, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society, will be in attendance.

Via press release.
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HOT DOG! CINCINNATI IS NUMBER ONE!
Eat it, Chicago!

Crain’s Chicago Business and Food Genius, a Chicago-based food data analytics company, paired up to see where Chicago ranked in terms of hot dog availability. Chicago ranked as the 28th Top Hot Dog City, with only 1.2 percent of menus containing hot dog items, according to Food Genius’s database of restaurant menus. The Queen City, and we should all be proud of this, ranked No. 1. Nearly 7.3 percent of our restaurant menus contain hot dog items.

Full story: Business Courier/Tom Demeropolis 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY MORNING 28 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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GROUND IS MOVING AT DEVELOPMENT IN COVINGTON'S EASTSIDE

Work continues in the early stages of the River's Edge at Eastside Pointe mixed-income housing development. The first tenants are expected to move in next spring.

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DON'T MISS MONDAY EVENING'S NEWS!

Photos of the remnants of a longtime Covington business destroyed by fire Sunday; Plus, why investigating the fire's cause would have been extremely difficult. That story and much more including a new online video series for the Holmes Band, at the link.

Full story: The RC News: Monday Evening Round-Up 

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QUICKIES

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CVG Airport runway paved with potential Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Covington lawyer loses claim to class action fees from the Diocese of Covington sex abuse scandal Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Former Commonwealth's Attorney Harry Rankin has died Facebook & Obit  

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Kentuckians to address the Republican National Convention Tuesday & Wednesday Herald-Leader 

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Police: KY women used kids to shoplift WKYT 

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Highland Heights hopes for economic boost from NKU's NCAA Division I status Cincinnati Enquirer 

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It's gonna be a long year for UK football if these predictions hold up Herald-Leader 

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Book: a year in the life of Kentucky's minor league baseball teams, including the Florence Freedom WFPL 

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WHITE SUPREMACISTS FROM NKY TO RALLY IN OHIO

Ugh:

The brutal beating of a man by a group of young teenagers who said they did it because they were bored has shaken the Cincinnati suburb of North College Hill and stirred some to question why police aren't investigating the attack as a hate crime.
Now nearly two weeks after the beating, the small working-class city is bracing for two opposing rallies Friday, one organized by a self-described white separatist who says he wants to draw attention to "hate-crime hypocrisy."
"The rally is meant to be a way in which white citizens can gather and express their discontent with the problem of black-on-white crime, as well as the censorship and downplaying of these crimes by the media and police/government officials," wrote Robert Ransdell, of Florence, Ky.

Full story: AP/Amanda Lee Myers 
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AMOUNT OF FOOD WASTED AFFECTS HUNGRY KENTUCKIANS
A new study shows that Americans throw away 40% of their food:

The research from the National Resources Defense Council also suggests the average family of four wastes more than $2,200 worth of food annually.
"Well, its a shame," said Rev. Michael Barnette of Hazard's New Hope Church, which has a food bank. "Of course a lot of that food, there's no way to get it in the hands of the people that need it."
And with the recent drought causing food prices to tick upward, fewer and fewer people can afford to waste any part of a meal.

Full story with video: WKYT 
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SEE ALSO: Why don't Americans recycle? GOOD 
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PTA HOSTS COOKOUT AT JOHN G. CARLISLE ELEMENTARY
Via Covington Independent Public Schools:

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WHACKBURGER WANTS PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE BURGER!

The trendy new burger place on Madison Avenue (5 stars, by the way!) is holding a contest. Check out the photo for details:

Click to enlarge

Check out Whackburger on Facebook 

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SEE ALSO: Here's a great deal -- 50% off Totter's Otterville click here 

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF SHORTENING "NEIGHBORHOOD"

Is it the 'hood or is it the... nabe?

Real-estate blogs like Curbed rely heavily on "nabe." The Chicago Tribune has used the word, as has the Dallas Morning News and the Salt Lake Tribune. Generally, these publications do so "unglossed": without placing nabe in quotation marks or defining it in running text, indicating its general acceptance. There’s a national website for house-hunters called NabeWise.
It turns out nabe is not, as I had cynically hypothesized, a word invented by the incoming urbanites of the ‘90s and the real estate brokers who found them apartments. Nabe was not, at least initially, intended as a deracialized alternative to our more common shortening of neighborhood: "hood." So where did nabe come from, and why do we use it? Is there a difference between the way we use nabe and hood? Should there be?

Full story: The Atlantic Cities 

BERNSTEIN FAMILY PLANS TO REOPEN THE MIKE FINK

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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Jimmy Bernstein

More than twenty years ago, the Conway family of Cincinnati had just sold off its manufacturing business and was looking for a new enterprise to jump into. They decided upon a TGI Friday's franchise at the newly built Covington Landing but the restaurant chain had a stipulation for new franchisees that someone with restaurant experience be involved. The Conways tapped the Bernsteins, operators of BB Riverboats and the Mike Fink floating restaurant, to come aboard and help with their entry into food service. Now, Bob Conway says his family has the second-largest collection of TGI Friday franchises in the country in addition to Newport's Hofbrahaus, Karlo's Bistro in Florence, and multiple McAllister's Delis but as he sets out on yet another new endeavor, Conway is once again collaborating with his old friends, the Bernsteins, only this time it's that family in need of a partner.

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After thirty-five years the Mike Fink served its last meals on Valentine's Day 2008 and since then has mostly remained at its once thriving spot on the shoreline of the Ohio River in the front yard of Covington's Historic Licking Riverside neighborhood. The steady deterioration has drawn the ire of many residents in this posh part of the city dominated by its blocks of antebellum mansions and towering condo developments. Jimmy Bernstein and Bob Conway visited the neighborhood association during its monthly meeting Wednesday night and shared some welcome news: the Mike Fink is on pace to reopen in time for the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day next spring.

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"When we closed, we couldn't compete because the boat was run down and we didn't have the capital to invest," Bernstein said. "But I've matured greatly over the last few years." Closing the Fink was not originally on Bernstein's menu. In fact, in the summer of 2007, six months before the closure, Bernstein had applied for and received approval for plans to renovate the boat once operated by his parents. But the hull of the boat which was built in 1930 was quickly deteriorating and though Bernstein contends that it was never in any danger of sinking a surveyor recommended that the Fink be closed, especially after developing multiple pin leaks.

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The hull was replaced during a trip to Portsmouth, Ohio and should be good for another eighty years, Bernstein told his longtime residential neighbors. Now, the goal is to have some business going on inside it. "In order to compete today you have to keep your eye out, know what's new, appeal to all ages, and have a great product," Bernstein said after acknowledging and empathizing with the neighborhood's concerns. "We just want to serve great food. We want to be your neighborhood restaurant. We want to give Licking Riverside preferential treatment and always have a table for you."

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If there were any bad feelings from the neighbors toward the Mike Fink Wednesday night they were hard to notice as most of Bernstein's remarks were met with enthusiastic applause. But before those tables are available to neighbors or anyone else, financing has to be achieved and that has yet to happen, though Conway is optimistic that their estimated $1.5 - $2.5 million investment will be backed by a bank. Conway is already turning some of his assets into cash so that painting on the Mike Fink's exterior can begin right away.
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"We need to get moving on restoring the outside immediately," Conway said. The color scheme will be the familiar black and white, the traditional colors of an old-fashioned steamboat. On the inside, "there will be lots of character to it," Conway promised. "We want people to come in and discover different areas of the boat and its unique characteristics."

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There are some external issues still facing the boat's reopening in addition to the pursuit of financing, the most pressing of which are in the hands of nature. Bernstein explained that the Ohio River fluctuates from twenty-six to fifty feet about three times a year and that debris dumped from Licking River goes right into the Ohio with its first stop being the Fink. He is working with the City of Covington on developing drift deflectors, though current drawings place them at the Roebling Suspension Bridge, too far west to be of any help to the restaurant. In any case, a crew from BB Riverboats will be on regular patrol to maintain any debris that accumulates. Trash on the land is also an issue and neither Conway nor Bernstein is sure yet where to place the necessary dumpsters. 

Brad Bernstein

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Back on the inside of the boat when the kitchen is cooking again, a third generation member of the Bernstein riverboat family will be serving up its new menu. Brad Bernstein, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America who studied in New York and Napa Valley, will be the Mike Fink's chef. He cut his teeth in the boat's kitchen before earning his formal education, though his time on the floating restaurant allowed him to skip many classes at the exclusive school. Brad was inspired in California by the farm-to-table movement and hopes to incorporate that into the relaunched Mike Fink. In its first incarnation the Fink ordered a lot of wholesale products, but this time will be different. 

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"We'll be getting our product locally, taking it in its raw form and creating wonderful meals from it," Brad said, promising slow-cooked entrees over wood fire. He also looks forward to dockside service, a feature that will bring other boats on the Ohio River back to their long-dormant friend, the Mike Fink, ready to breath and serve once again.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY EVENING 20 AUGUST dest

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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FIRE ISSUES CLOSE ANOTHER COVINGTON PARK

Just months after fire partially destroyed and closed the playground at Sixth District School, another Covington park has been removed. Father Henry Hanses Park in Lewisburg is no more. "The playground was removed to address the neighborhood's concerns regarding the safety and condition of Father Hanses Park," said Natalie Garnder, Covington's director of parks and recreation. "There have been a few fires started on the play equipment over the years and we removed the damaged play equipment and are currently searching for a more fire-resistant alternative."

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The park was named for a long-time pastor at nearby Saint John Catholic Church. 

To see what the park looked like, click here.

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ENERGY EFFICIENT DEVICES SAVE COVINGTON MORE THAN $500,000

City Commissioner Sherry Carran shared this news via Facebook:

Last Thursday I was part of a panel discussion on 'Financing Facility Improvements through Energy Savings' held at the Governor's Local Issues Conference in Louisville. I was asked to attend by Department of Local Governments to represent an elected official's perspective. Besides Covington's Engineering Department making significant improvements to our lighting, and heating & cooling equipment by switching to energy efficient devices, I emphasized the financial savings were double what was expected. From Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2011 Covington saved almost $530,000. Those savings are significant and appreciated, especially when it is getting harder and harder to balance budgets.

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KENTON CO ADDED TO FEDERAL DISASTER AREA LIST 
Kenton is now among the 116 of Kentucky's 120 counties declared a disaster area due to a drought. Governor Steve Beshear said he heard from The United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Monday. “We are pleased that Sec. Vilsack has issued this disaster designation for the benefit of additional farm families in Kentucky. While some areas have seen rain in recent weeks, it did not arrive in time to mitigate agricultural losses in these counties,” said Gov. Beshear in a news release. “The widespread impact this drought has had on the Commonwealth can be seen in that 97 percent of the state is covered by a disaster designation. I appreciate Sec. Vilsack’s continued support of our farm families.” Only Bell, Harlan, Lee, and Perry Counties in eastern Kentucky are not currently listed among those severely affected by drought.
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WHAT DOES MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE LOOK LIKE?
It looks a lot like this morning's news, which you don't want to miss! A City Commissioner follows through on promise of contest to award $2,000 to anyone with ideas to save the city money; Arts District failure in Covington explained to Louisville paper; Plus, why KY will continue to officially thank "Almighty God" for its security. Those stories and tons more -- at the link.
The RC News: Monday Morning Round-Up 
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QUICKIES
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Gov. Beshear says hybrid pension system could possibly work for Kentucky WFPL 
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Kentucky Republicans land prime speaking gigs at national convention WFPL 
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FOX News host Mike Huckabee will be in Kentucky to campaign for GOP statehouse candidates cn|2 
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Singer John Legend will be in Over-the-Rhine Thursday to campaign for President Obama Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Sen. Rand Paul & KY Agriculture Commissioner James Comer to discuss industrial hemp WFPL 
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Kentucky joins interstate water pollution trading program WFPL 
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Bank of Kentucky ups dividend 14% Business Courier 
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GET READY MAINSTRASSE -- HERE COMES POPEYE'S!
Covington's urban design review board Monday afternoon approved plans for a Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen to open at Fifth and Main Streets where a Skyline Chili most recently failed. 3 Panther, LLC will invest $400,000 in the property transforming the structure into a typical Popeye's design and may also do some work on the parking lot. Owner Jim Moehring, of Ludlow, also owns five other Popeye's locations in Greater Cincinnati and the Holy Grail Tavern & Grill which has two Cincinnati locations, one at the Banks and the original in Corryville. 

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Though multiple other fast food outlets have failed at the Fifth & Main locations, Moehring believes Popeye's can succeed, telling The River City News that while the limited parking lot may be a challenge his dedication to customer service should lead to a winning formula. Moehring, a Ludlow resident, said he looked at the location for two years before finally jumping on the opportunity. 

What the Popeye's will look like

The building will be repainted a mustard yellow with dark red trip and mocha brown on the lower wainscoting. The awnings will be removed while a parapet and balcony will be added. Decorative shutters in a closed fashion will be added as well. Moehring is unsure what he will do with the sign that sits directly at the Fifth & Main corner, but said that he is not a fan of it.

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Bishop's Mansion/Walgreen's issue returns to UDRB next month

The controversial plans to tear down what has been called the Bishop's Mansion across from the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and replace it with a Walgreen's returns to the urban design review board next month. One sticking point that remains is the plan to place a drive-thru route on the Madison Avenue side instead of the Martin Luther King Boulevard side.

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PARTY SOURCE TO APPEAL GROCERY LIQUOR SALES RULING

The Party Source in Bellevue is not happy that grocery stores in Kentucky will soon be allowed to sell liquor:

Ken Handmaker, who represents The Party Source of Bellevue, declined to offer any grounds for the appeal until U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II issues his final order, which is expected Tuesday. In a conference Monday with attorneys in the case, Heyburn said he’ll enter his final order Tuesday, but hold off enforcement for 15 days. That would give the state or Party Source time to file a motion to keep his ruling on hold even longer until the appeal is decided.

Full story: Courier-Journal/Gregory Hall 
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COVINGTON QUICKIES
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Take an amazing 360 tour inside the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption Click Here 
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Family Friendly Cincinnati visits Amerasia Family Friendly 
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Little Caesar's is now open on Madison Ave in Covington Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Mayor of Rabbit Hash, Lucy the dog, has a new website 

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MUST BE A GREAT DAY TO WASH HIGH RISE WINDOWS IN COVINGTON

Winders was gittin' a good scrubbin' in Downtown Covington Monday, at the Ascent and at RiverCenter. Take a look:

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY MORNING 13 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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THREE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES TO RUN AS A SLATE

With Tuesday August 14 marking the filing deadline for candidates seeking a spot on the Covington School Board, some declared candidates are already hitting the pavement. Everett Dameron, Tom Miller, and Jo Rogers spent Saturday afternoon campaigning together at a picnic in Helentown, even passing out shared campaign material. Under the slogan, "Destination Education - We Can And Must Do Better", the piece reads: "We support a new direction for Covington Schools: increase the quality of education for all students; reduce administration cost, conserve taxpayer dollars; increase money in the classroom for books and supplies; set goals for students and staff and support achievement; increase communication with parents and the community; establish a strong early childhood education program." The campaign piece says it was paid for by E. Dameron.

Dameron, Miller, and Rogers have all been active in the Facebook group "Fix Covington Schools" which has been active since the spring. Other candidates that have filed or stated their intention to run include Christi Blair, Kerry Holleran, and Rebecca Pettigrew. Incumbent Mike Fitzgerald has also indicated his intent to run again while fellow board members Glenda Huff and Krista Powers have yet to confirm. The rest of the field will be known Tuesday afternoon after the filing deadline passes. Three of five seats on the school board are up for election in November with a fourth seat now vacant following the resignation of Denise Varney whose term, which runs through 2014, will be filled by an appointment approved in Frankfort.

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COVINGTON TEEN'S SUICIDE STORY TO BE FEATURED IN NEW VIDEO

It has been nearly a year since Sam Denham, 13, shot and killed himself inside his family's home. The Woodland Middle School student's parents say young Sam had been tormented by bullies. Now his story is being told by Lexington Fairness:

It was meant to be a collection of stories from the community, said Fairness chairman Craig Cammack. That was in 2008. Over the years, the project grew to include the video and the certification and training of 28 people to carry the message into the community with the hopes of training school staffs, civic leaders, church groups — basically anyone who asks — how to best handle bullying.
As with all non-profit efforts, raising money has been the most difficult task.
The group has raised $19,000, including a $5,000 grant from JustFundKy, a non-profit dedicated to ending discrimination of lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people in Kentucky.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/08/11/2295520/fairness-group-produces-video.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

Full story (with remarks from Denham's parents): Herald-Leader
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Bully victim continues to struggle Herald-Leader 

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KY teens speak out about violence Herald-Leader 

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MIKE FINK FLOATING RESTAURANT TO REOPEN?

After years of serving the Covington riverfront as a popular dining destination, in recent years the Mike Fink has deteriorated into a floating eyesore in the front yard of one of the City's finest neighborhoods. Its presence has been a point of controversy in recent months as many more residents raise their voice, wanting it to go away if it shall remain dormant. However, the old boat may finally be close to reopening. Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank tells The River City News that one of the Bernsteins (the family that owns the Fink and BB Riverboats) told the Covington Rotary Club that the restaurant may reopen. In fact, an update from the Bernstein family is expected to be presented to the Historic Licking Riverside Civic Association next Wednesday, August 22. Stay tuned.

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COVINGTON'S MOST COMPREHENSIVE WEEK IN REVIEW

Don't miss The Sunday Edition! Heated arguments at City Hall, Food Trucks to roll in town again, School Board moves away from raising taxes, a Covington strip mall is full again, this year's most beautified homes are honored... wow, another busy week for news in Covington. The week in review and a look ahead to this week -- at the link.

The River City - The Sunday Edition 

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CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP

Who's going to prison, who got probation, and who's still on the run? Details on all the action inside the Kenton County Courthouse last week -- at the link. 

Full story: The River City News 

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TICKETS SPORTS CAFE TO REOPEN THURSDAY, ACCORDING TO OWNERS

Tickets, the once popular sports bar located in an old Covington firehouse, will be back in business this week. In fact, it was expected to reopen last week but posted this message on its Facebook page:

We have been working very hard to get Tickets up and running for tomorrows games, however, there just has not been enough time to get everything done! We have decided to move the re-grand opening from 08-09-12 to 08-16-12! Tickets will NOT be open for this weekends games. We appologies for any incomvenience this may have caused anyone!

In any case, welcome back, Tickets. 

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ERLANGER CRITICIZED FOR USING 911 FEES TO PAY SALARIES
Interesting:

Erlanger is paying its own employees with about half the money it charges other cities to use the municipality’s 911 emergency dispatch center.
Fort Mitchell council cited that fact as part of the reason it passed a resolution Monday to quit using the Erlanger dispatch center. In July of next year, Fort Mitchell intends to switch to the consolidated 911 emergency dispatch center that will be created this fall when Kenton County takes over Covington’s dispatch operations.

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah & Cindy Schroeder 
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QUICKIES
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Gov. Beshear's Chief of Staff Mike Haydon dies suddenly Courier-Journal 
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Beshear statement:

“Jane and I are shocked and devastated by the sudden death of my chief of staff and good friend, Mike Haydon. Mike’s deep experience in state and local government and his vast knowledge of the issues that really matter to the people of this state made him an invaluable leader in our administration and a strong advocate for local governments. Jane and I will always be grateful for his dedication, counsel, knowledge and sense of humor. We have not only lost a man who dedicated his life to improving the future for Kentuckians; we have also lost one of our best friends.
But the pain of our loss pales in comparison to that of his wife, Lisa, and their three children, Blair, Kate and Ben, as well as the many members of his extended family. Mike was a dedicated husband and father, and he was never happier than when he was with his family. We grieve with them now, and are praying for them."

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House Speaker Greg Stmbo:

"He had a great understanding of the issues both locally and at the state level, and that experience helped him and those he worked with immensely. On behalf of the Kentucky House, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Haydon family. He will be missed.”

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NKY Congressional candidates have different reaction to Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's selection of Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate. 
For Republican Thomas Massie's take: cn|2 
Democrat Bill Adkins:

Four months ago I was asked by Ryan Alessi about the Ryan Budget. What I said then still holds true -- the Ryan Budget will cost the nation trillions in added national debt and it will destroy our Medicare system. Tom Massie supports the destruction of Medicare and simplistic Tea Party economic theory would destroy our economy.

For Adkins's interview: cn|2 (6:00 mark)
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Pill mill bill affecting legitimate doctors and patients Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Fancy Farm organizers react to Lt. Gov. Abramson's remarks that the picnic is outdated Bluegrass Politics 
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101st Airborne marks 70th anniversary Herald-Leader 
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Three accused of trying to traffic pot through mail Herald-Leader 
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Reducing the black-white achievement gap Herald-Leader 
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You can learn a lot from the Kentucky Historical Society's new iPhone app Herald-Leader 
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Anthony Davis's gold medal in basketball is storybook ending WDRB 
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CAN EMINENT DOMAIN SOLVE OUR MORTGAGE WOES?
Interesting:

MRP wants to let cities use eminent domain to take control of the mortgages. Here's how it would work: cities would condemn "underwater" homes that meet this criteria. Under the law, they would then pay mortgage holders (the trusts) only the "market value" of the home, or the value the house is worth today.*
Then, instead of booting the residents, the city would allow them to refinance their mortgage and pay a new, lower rate. This would reduce the principal the mortgage owners owe, saving them money that could, ostensibly, be spent on things like dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.
"What you do is you find a way for that mortgage to move from the trust to community," says MRP Executive Chairman Steven M. Gluckstern.
It's a clever idea. But is it legal? "It's very unusual," says Thomas W. Merrill, a law professor at Columbia University who specializes in property law. But, he notes, "this doesn't mean it's unconstitutional."

Full story: The Atlantic Cities 
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DOOR-TO-DOOR DAIRY PRODUCT DELIVERY RETURNS TO KENTUCKY
The milkman is back:

Ehrler, 54, is now the only person in Kentucky licensed to sell dairy products door to door. He launched his business, Ehrler's Micro Dairy, in May. Since then, he has attracted more than 40 customers - he said his goal is to add 30 per month - and expanded his delivery route from one day a week to three.
He handles most of the business himself, from fielding calls to making deliveries, but said he plans to hire the company's first full-time employee soon.
He credits the local food movement for inspiring a renewed interest in local milk - especially among consumers who are willing to pay more for the sake of supporting local producers who provide a high-quality product.

Full story: Courier-Journal/Matt Frassica
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BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL
Summer is just about over, kids! Kenton County Schools is first to return with students reporting to class on Wednesday, August 15. Holy Cross goes back this week with classes starting again on Thursday, August 16 followed by Covington Latin which returns Friday August 17. Covington Independent Public Schools heads back on Wednesday, August 22.
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Check out this beautiful video of Covington Latin:

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/08/13/2297186/door-to-door-delivery-of-dairy.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

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HOLY CROSS FOOTBALL RANKED HIGHLY FOR UPCOMING SEASON
Kentucky high school football coaches have made their picks for the preseason polls and in Class 2A, defending state champions Holy Cross is picked #3. However, Newport Central Catholic is the #1 pick in that class. Other local schools ranked in their respective class's top 10: Campbell County (#10/Class 6A), Conner (#7/Class 5A), Highlands (#1/Class 4A), Covington Catholic (#3/Class 4A), Beechwood (#2, Class 1A).
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High school football season means cooler weather is on the way, folks! #LoveAutumn