NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY MORNING 21 DEC

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter   

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MALE VICTIM FOUND SHOT TO DEATH ON GREENUP STREET

UPDATE: The victim has been identified as 18-year old Brett Thornberry. Updated information with new photos at the link. Call Police at 859.292.2222 if you have any information that may lead investigators to the killer(s).
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Original Post:
First, Police received a call about shots fired on the Eastside, and then arrived to find a male dead. Neighbors told The River City News that the victim was likely a 17-year old male, but that is unconfirmed by investigators who had the 1000 block of Greenup shut down. The Cincinnati Enquirer made the connection that 1010 Greenup where the shooting occurred, is the same address in which Shawn Davis was brutally murdered in 2009. Kenton Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders later confirmed that connection via Twitter.

For more and for photos from the crime scene, click the link.

The RC News: Male Shot and Killed on Greenup Street 

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CITY COMMISSION RECAP

Police Chief Lee Russo's employment is now on an at-will basis following a 3-2 vote by the Covington City Commission Tuesday night. Plus, the City received more than $150,000 in grant money from the Duke Energy Foundation. For the most comprehensive report from inside City Hall (and for photos, too!), click the link.

The RC News: Covington Commission Recap 

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CITY & COUNTY EMPLOYEES SHOULD STARVE TO DEATH UPON RETIREMENT

That's the conclusion of an anti-tax organization that slithered into Covington to grandstand against public employees and their pensions. 

The group is lobbying for an end to guaranteed lifetime pensions for government employees. Instead, Tobin said all new public workers should be enrolled in private savings plans, like a 401(k), and they should work until later in life, as private sector employees do.
(snip)
Covington City Solicitor Frank Warnock said he provided the group a list of city positions and the salaries for those jobs. He said the city didn’t put names to its more than 300 positions. Warnock said to create such a list would be time-consuming and not necessarily required under state open records law. He called the group’s press conference “manufactured drama.”

The group is based in Chicago and held their press conference at the Covington Courtyard by Marriott. I hope the smell from the adjacent White Castle forced them back to the Windy City, stat.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah 
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NOTE: This isn't the first time City Solicitor Frank Warnock has used the phrase, "manufactured drama", but incidentally, the last time he used it was against public employees. To the Firefighters' union, Local 38, during a court proceeding:

"This is not about public safety, this is manufactured drama," barked Covington City Solicitor Frank Warnock. 

Can't say the guy's not fair. If that is to be Warnock's signature phrase, I have to say, I like it and may have to borrow it.
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FORMER REP. KEN LUCAS'S SON MAY RUN FOR DAVIS'S SEAT
But as a Republican! Lance Lucas's father represented Northern Kentucky in Congress as a Democrat from 1998 - 2004, but was part of the "Blue Dog" coalition of Dems that are pretty much Republicans because they're afraid of seeming gay or something. Ryan Alessi reports:

“Public service has always been something in our family,” Lucas said. “And I think people are looking for something very different.” As the co-owner of the firm Lucas & Dietz, Lucas said he brings business experience as well as a military background having served as an Air Force pilot in the first Gulf War. That’s a background similar to Davis, an Army Ranger and consultant before he won the 4th District in 2004 upon Ken Lucas’ retirement.

Alessi also has video of Fort Thomas state senator Katie Stine who is also looking into the race. He talks to Erlanger state representative Adam Koenig too. Click the link.
cn|2  
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TEA PARTY BACKLASH ALREADY BEGINS AGAINST GARY MOORE
The Republican Boone County Judge-Executive (who fought off a Tea Party challenge in the GOP primary for his job last year) will have to fight Tea Partiers again. Phyllis Sparks has penned a guest editorial at the blog of potential candidate Marcus Carey:

Last night during the Boone County Fiscal Court meeting, our commissioners and Judge Executive Gary Moore voted to buy 81 acres along Gun Powder Creek with no road frontage, to preserve for future walking trails.
(snip)
So the next time you are stuck in traffic because you can't get across the I71-75 bridge, thank the Boone County Fiscal Court and other local governments who accept these grants.

Bluegrass Bulletin
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CHRISTMAS COMES FOR KIDS AT JOHN G. CARLISLE
This is a great story of the Covington community to help those in need. John G. Carlisle is the poorest school in the region, and possibly the state. This year, their annual corporate donor that provides Christmas gifts for the children had to back out over financial concerns. The Covington Rotary Club, attorney Bob Sanders, and the Covington Fire Department stepped up to fill the $3,000 void and now the kids will have a happy holiday.

Image via

More photos at the link.

Covington Independent Schools @ Facebook 

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THE TOP 10 STORIES FROM COVINGTON IN 2011

The list is available for you to read and to remember the year that was in Covington. What a crazy year. Click the link and weigh in.

The RC News: Top 10 Stories in Covington in 2011 

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SUSPECT IN ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE FOUND DEAD

The man who owned the Henry County land from which hundreds of various animals were taken, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound:

Kentucky State Police say 71-year-old Kenneth Smith was found by a relative dead in his car with an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound. The car was in Smith's driveway on Allyson Lane in Campbellsburg. This comes just three days after he bonded out of jail.
(snip)
On Friday Kenneth Smith and his wife Terri were taken into custody after more than 200 animals were removed from their home. Investigators found dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, even a hybrid wolf, all living in filthy conditions.

FOX 19  
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MORE CUTS POSSIBLE IN KENTUCKY'S BUDGET
Next year's budget may be the toughest ever to craft and more state agencies will see cuts, warns chief budget officer:

The state tapped more than $3 billion in federal stimulus dollars to help plug holes as state revenues plummeted during the recession, but that money is now gone. Lawmakers also have used one-time fixes — such as delaying state paychecks by a day to push them into another fiscal year and delaying debt payments — to save money and not cut key areas such as education. But the state can no longer use those one-time tricks, Lassiter warned.

Herald-Leader  
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GROUP WANTS HISTORIC HOME DELISTED FROM REGISTER
This morning at 10:00 in Louisville, a group called the East End Bridge Conspiracy will organize a challenge to the historic designation granted to a large estate that has raised the price of a sought-after bridge project:

The Drumanard property, if you recall, is pivotal to getting the East End bridge built, or not built, depending on which side you’re on. The 82-year-old estate at 6401 Wolf Pen Branch Rd., which sits on 50 acres, is making Kentucky’s most expensive infrastructure project even more expensive. Because the magnificent home is, well, a national treasure with trees Frederick Law Olmsted himself apparently planted by hand.

From the press release:

New information has been discovered in the form of historic documents that seriously questions the validity of the National Register status of the 55 acre Drumanard estate. The Drumanard estate is located at the eastern terminus of I-265 (Gene Snyder Freeway), and due to its National Register designation, the extension of I-265 across the Ohio River is proposed to be underground in tunnels, which will cost $261 million dollars. If this property is not on the National Register, then this proposed Interstate can be located above ground, thereby saving over $100 million dollars in taxpayer money.

To read the full article and the full press release, click the link.
Insider Louisville
SEE ALSO: Great backstory here titled "The $260 Million Home" from Leo Weekly 
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SALVATION ARMY NOT COLLECTING AS MUCH COIN AS THEY NEED
Donations are way down:

Last year, more than $348,000 was raised. In this year that number only amounts to more than $278,000. "Unfortunately we only have six days to go, and we need to raise about $170,000," adds Ashcraft.

WKYT  
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WANT TO SEE JESUS CHRIST RIDE A DINOSAUR AT NO CHARGE?
Free admission on Christmas Eve at the Creation Museum!
Creation Museum 
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CHEZ NORA CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT TONIGHT
Complimentary appetizers and Bonhomie from 4:00PM - 10:00PM at the restaurant (6th & Main Streets).

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STUDY LINKS MALE SMILING TO OVERWEIGHT MEN SCORING TOUCHDOWNS

LOL:

"But without fail, if that man happens to recover a turnover and begins to run with the ball, the size of the observer's smile grows exponentially, especially if the plump athlete attempts to jump over anything. By the time the obese player scores, literally every adult male we studied was grinning to the limits of his ability."

The Onion 

COVINGTON CITY COMMISSION RECAP 20 DEC

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter   

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The Covington City Commission met Tuesday night for the final time in 2011. The next meeting is set for January 3. Here is a recap of what happened during the meeting:

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POLICE CHIEF LEE RUSSO RETAINED BY 3-2 VOTE

Chief Russo sat in his usual spot in the back of the
chamber and did not speak before the vote

Russo will be an at-will employee after his original 5-year contract expires next month. The chief had sought a 1-year extension but the Commission backed off as every department at City Hall will undergo a thorough review before any more permanent decisions are made, according to comments made to me by multiple commissioners following Tuesday night's meeting. Commissioner Shawn Masters was opposed to keeping Russo as chief and was joined in voting against the extension by Commissioner Steve Frank whose opposition stemmed from a 6-month severance clause. "Now the chief's situation is the same as everyone else," Frank said. "Even the city manager doesn't have a contract. We shouldn't give a deal that we don't give anyone else."

In the original 5-year contract, Russo had a 3-month severance clause, Commissioner Steve Casper said.

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$155,000 IN GRANTS AWARDED TO COVINGTON BY DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION

$35,000 check awarded to Center for Great
Neighborhoods

The charitable wing of Duke Energy is handing out checks worth nearly $300,000 all around Cincinnati, and Covington is fortunate enough to receive more than half of that. The public was made aware of two of the grants but Duke surprised the City with news that a third was awarded to Covington. All three grants go toward the revitalization efforts of the urban core:

• $100,000 will go towards bioLOGIC's efforts at developing a lie sciences accelerator on the Pike Street corridor. These funds will hire a program manager and assist with the program's buildout.
• $35,000 to the Center for Great Neighborhoods as they help local developers build the Pike Star project at 108 - 112 Pike Street. This project includes retail space and residences.
• $20,000 will go toward rent subsidies for new businesses to locate at Short Pike Street and Madison Avenue.

"These grants will pay dividends," said Mayor Chuck Scheper. "We're trying to put Covington on the map and these funds mean new jobs and new growth."
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ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES NOW UNDER COUNTY CONTROL
The commission unanimously approved moving animal control work to county control. The City was left with just one animal control officer following budget cuts during the summer. That officer will be reassigned to another City job. "This will be the first of many steps to cut the costs of local government," said Commissioner Steve Frank.
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COVINGTON STUDENTS THANKED & PRESENTS FUND WAS RESTORED

Holmes Middle School students were thanked for decorating the lobby outside commission chambers at City Hall. Mayor Scheper says that when the new official City lapel pins arrive, that the kids will each get one. Additionally, it was acknowledged that the community did come through to restore funds that were lost by a former corporare donor to John G. Carlisle School for Christmas gifts. Covington Rotary Club, attorney Bob Sanders and the Covington Fire Department were all instrumental in making sure the money was found (more than $3,000 was needed when the corporate donor could not provide this year).
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12 NEW FIREFIGHTERS TAKE OATH OF OFFICE
Covington has twelve fresh faces on the fire staff, filling roles left empty by early retirements following the budget cuts last summer. "Every one of these men is dedicated and professional," said Assistant Chief Alan Terry. "They will exhibit the heroism and courage you would expect."

Mayor Scheper congratulates the new firemen

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PARKING ENFORCEMENT RAKES IN CASH

In a presentation on Covington's public parking situation, chief engineer Tom Logan said the City has collected $245,827 in parking violations. Also, since the new equipment has been installed, the garage at RiverCenter is bringing in more cash than ever on a daily basis. A video was shown of a possibly-intoxicated driver crashing through the gate but because there are new cameras, the driver was tracked down and paid the $648 to replace it. Quick stats: Covington owns three parking garages (RiverCenter, City Center, and Midtown), 18 surface lots, 409 metered locations and 379 non-metered parking spaces accounting for 54% of parking availability in the urban core.
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FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM CELEBRATED
Tom Logan also offered a presentation on the work done by his department in erecting the flood protection gate on Highway Avenue. It protects $200 million worth of property, including the IRS building and prevents all those residents and businesses from having to buy flood insurance. The city workers put up the wall in three and a half hours, beating the time provided by the Army Corps of Engineers and setting a new record. If Covington is threatened by a major flood, five of these gates would be erected all over town by teams of six to ten people simultaneously. "This really shows the skill level of our city employees and instills confidence from our businesses," said City Manager Larry Klein.
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CITY WILL SUPPORT LINDEN GROVE CEMETERY'S PLANS FOR NEW GRAVES
Linden Grove Cemetery board chairman Pete Nerone told the commission that Linden Grove Cemetery would need $3 million to become a viable commercial entity again. Phase one would cost roughly $460,000 and would move the entrance to 15th Street at Lee Street and would also restore the pond which may help channel drainage and regain land that would open up sites for 2400 new graves. The cemetery has already hired a consultant and has started its grant application process. Nerone mentioned that donors have been slow to get on board because the endeavor is not a non-profit, but a commercial entity. "It's an asset to our City and a major part of the Linden Gateway small area study," said Commissioner Sherry Carran. "It's greenspace without being a public park and the historic component attracts visitors from all over." 
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NOTES
-The Commission will meet again on January 3 after voting to approve the meeting dates of its legislative and caucus meetings for 2012.
-Salary was established for Devou Park rangers not represented by a union.
-A bid of $26,400 was accepted from CDS Associates for professional services at the Devou Park Clubhouse. It will be paid through Devou Park Master Plan Funds.
-Commissioner Sherry Carran was reappointed to the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments.
-Founding members of Devou Park's advisory committee, John Volz and Ben Vastine, resigned from the board. They were thanked for their many years of service and each has a nature trail named for him. Michelle Halloran and Greg Engelman were appointed to the positions.
-Drew Board was appointed to the Urban Forestry board. 
-Police Officer Josh Craig was approved for promotion to Patrol Officer Grade IV and was given a raise of 11%.
-Mayor Chuck Scheper acknowledged that December 23 is the anniversary of his bone marrow transplant that saved his life from cancer and that he always looks at this time of year as one of renewal and rebirth. "2012 is going to be an exciting, important year for the City, he said. "Good strategy, good plans, and action and we'll make this an exciting place to live."

Mayor Scheper dons Santa hat to celebrate Duke
Energy's grants to Covington

City Commission & City Administration holiday photo

MAN SHOT AND KILLED ON GREENUP STREET

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter   

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UPDATE: 3:38PM

The victim in Tuesday's night shooting has been identified as Brett Thornberry, who just turned 18-years old. The following two photos have emerged online as family and friends mourn the death of their loved one. No one has been arrested yet. Call Covington Police at 859.292.2222 with any information. 
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ORIGINAL POST:
A male was found dead at 1010 Greenup Street Tuesday evening. Covington Police responded to the home following a report of shots fired around 7:30PM. Upon arrival, a man was found dead in the back of the property. It is unclear whether the male was inside or outside the home. The Cincinnati Enquirer's Janice Morse reports that 1010 Greenup is the same address in which Shawn Davis was brutally murdered two years ago. A neighbor on the block told The River City News that speculation on the Eastside was that the victim was 17-years old, but that report is unconfirmed. Covington Police were still on the scene at around 10:00PM and the coroner had yet to arrive. No further information is available at this time except that the entire 1000 block of Greenup wass shut down and will be as long as the investigation lasts. Much of the block is surrounded by crime scene tape.

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NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY AFTERNOON 20 DEC

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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COVINGTON MOM GETS 5 YEARS FOR BABY'S DEATH

What a terrible story. Shocking:

Gray admitted to being impaired on a cocktail of cocaine, prescription drugs and alcohol when the 9-month-old, Anthia Lattimore, rolled off a bed and became wedged between a mattress and the heater. The mother lived in a West Covington apartment with another family and had only one bed for herself, Anthia and her three other children – ages 4, 3 and 2.

The baby melted to death.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah
Video report here: WCPO/Bill Price  
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BOONE CO JUDGE-EXEC GARY MOORE ENTERS CONGRESSIONAL RACE
Another NKY Republican jumps in what will likely be a crowded primary:

“There is a big difference between talking about issues and living them,” he said. “I know what businesses need because I’ve been a businessman and a friend of business as County Judge Executive. I know that government can be run more efficiently because we’ve done it in Boone County. There won’t be any other candidate in this campaign with that kind of experience.”

More and the full statement from Moore at the link.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda Van Benschoten  
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DEMS THINK THEY CAN WIN DAVIS'S SEAT
There's certainly a fighting chance, but who will step up and run?

Campbell County Democratic Party Chairman Paul Whalen says because it’s an open seat the party has a chance, which will help Democrats in their efforts win back control the House in 2012. “It’s as important as any other congressional seat. Obviously, it will make a difference if the Democrats retake Congress, also it will strengthen our situation here statewide in Kentucky and perhaps it would even help elect some more Democrats to the legislature,” he says.

WFPL/Phillip M. Bailey 
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KY CONGRESSMAN WANTS MONEY OUT OF POLITICS
Louisville's popular Congressman, John Yarmuth, introduced a bill to rid the political scene of the troublesome loads of money in that game:

“Corporate money equals influence, not free speech,” Yarmuth said. “The last thing Congress needs is more corporate candidates who don’t answer to the American people. Until we get big money out of politics, we will never be able to responsibly address the major issues facing American families – and that starts by ensuring our elections and elected officials cannot be bought by the well-off and well-connected.”

Yarmuth just appeared on MSNBC's Dylan Ratigan show to discuss the move. Read his full statement at the link.
John Yarmuth  
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UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS LOCALLY, IN KENTUCKY, & IN 43 STATES
Slowly (very slowly) but surely. Local:

The unemployment rate for the 15-county region last month was 7.8 percent with 86,200 jobless, down from 8.6 percent, or 95,900 jobless in October, the Department of Job and Family Services reported Tuesday.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Lisa Bernard-Kuhn
Kentucky:

Kentucky’s November unemployment rate was 9.4 percent, a decline from 9.6 percent the month before and 10.2 percent a year earlier.
(snip)
About 20,600 more people in Kentucky were employed in November compared to a year ago.

Louisville Business First/Steve Ivey  
National:

The vast majority of states — 43 in all — saw their unemployment rate decrease in November, a month that saw the biggest decline in the national rate in close to a year.
(snip)
In all, the U.S. economy added 120,000 jobs in November, and the unemployment rate fell to its lowest rate since March 2009. The national unemployment rate in October was 9 percent.

The Hill 
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THOMAS EDISON APARTMENTS TO HAVE RIBBON CUTTING IN JANUARY
According to Kevin LeMaster of Building Cincinnati (via Twitter), the old schoolhouse's transition into apartments will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting on January 4 at 11:00AM. The 26 units will range in price from $450 - $650.

Image via

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KY FALLS SHORT IN ANTI-SMOKING EFFORT

Health advocates think the Bluegrass State can only be saved by a statewide smoking ban:

Smoking-related illnesses claim the lives of 8,000 Kentuckians and cost the Medicaid program about $500 million dollars a year.

84 WHAS 
MEANWHILE...
The Northern Kentucky Health  Department wants smokers to sign up for its free classes to help stop through the Cooper Clayton method:

The Cooper-Clayton Method to Stop Smoking program is a comprehensive, 13-week program that helps you stop smoking with peer support, educational guidance, and nicotine replacement products (i.e. patch, gum, lozenge).

Full details with dates at the link.
NKY Health  
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32% OF KENTUCKIANS HAVE RELATIVES WITH PILL PROBLEMS
Surprised?

Although other studies have shown that Kentucky has among the highest levels of prescription-drug abuse in the nation, the latest survey helps illustrate how pervasive the issue has become in the state, said Van Ingram, executive director of the state Office of Drug Control Policy."That's a lot of people," he said. "To me, that's even bigger than I thought."The survey found that younger people — ages 18 to 29 — were more likely to have a friend or relative who'd had a problem with pain pills than in other age groups. The figure was 43.8 percent in that age group, compared to 29.7 percent of people ages 46 to 64.

Herald-Leader/Bill Estep 
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CINCINNATI UNVEILS ITS STREETCAR STATION DESIGN
It's happening:

The modular design of the new station ensures various elements will be easy to maintain and replace. The materials themselves are thin, light, and durable – allowing natural light to come in while protecting waiting riders from the elements. Each station will include a route map, information about the Streetcar system and an electronic sign displaying the arrival time of the next car, as well as important messages for riders.

Urban Cincy/Jenny Kessler 

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************************************************************

did you miss this morning's news?

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At City Hall, the police chief's contract will be voted on tonight; The 10 stories from Covington in 2011 (agree? disagree? weigh in!); Holmes students make sure the city building is festive; Plus, where to drop off school supplies to help local students. Those stories and much more at the link!News Round-Up -- Tuesday Morning 
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NORWAY IS SERIOUSLY OUT OF BUTTER & THIS GUY IS SERIOUSLY PISSED
The fact that his country has no butter is bad enough, but Americans' use of humor in detailing the story just churns his... well... yeah.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY MORNING 20 DEC

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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CITY COMMISSION TO VOTE ON CHIEF'S CONTRACT TONIGHT

Police Chief Lee Russo is up for a contract extension.

REPOST FROM MONDAY:

Police Chief Lee Russo's contract renewal will be voted on by the Covington City Commission Tuesday. The language of the ordinance is vague as to the contents of the proposed contract:

AN ORDER/RESOLUTION APPROVING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF COVINGTON POLICE CHIEF LEE RUSSO EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2012. 

The chief has a community forum scheduled for the following day, Wednesday, at Police Headquarters on Madison Avenue from 7:00 - 9:00PM. In addition the chief's contract, the Commission will offer final approval on merging the City's animal control services with Kenton County, set the schedule for next year's meetings, approve salaries for the new part-time Devou Park rangers, vote on a bid to improve the Devou Park golf course clubhouse/multipurpose facility, vote to declare police property as surplus and eligible for sale, appoint Commissioner Sherry Carran to the OKI Regional Council, appoint citizens to the Devou Park Advisory Board and the Urban Forestry Board, and approve a raise for a police officer. Also, expect presentations on Linden Grove Cemetery and the public parking facilities. Duke Energy Foundation will present its checks to the city (presumably to the Center for Great Neighborhoods and possibly bioLOGIC) and the fire department recruit class of 2011 will take the Oath. 

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TOP 10 STORIES FROM COVINGTON IN 2011

The River City News has a list of the most important stories from 2011 in Covington. Click the link to see if you agree or disagree, and weigh in!

The RC News: Top 10 Stories from Covington in 2011 

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HOLMES MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS DECORATE CITY HALL

Covington's city building is finally in the holiday spirit thanks to some talented 8th graders from Holmes. Under the guidance of their art teacher, Erin Leston, the kids put images on the walls and windows. They will be recognized by the City Commission tonight. Congratulations to them and thanks to city employee Michelle Robinson Wilson, who helped coordinate the event with the school. Photos courtesy of the Covington Police Department are at the link.

CPD @ Facebook 

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SCHOOL SUPPLIES WANTED FOR COVINGTON STUDENTS

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Michelle Robinson Wilson is also organizing a city-wide school supply donation drive for Covington schools. Pencils, pens, paper, folders, art supplies, tissues, hand sanitizer are all among items that can be dropped off in bins at City Hall on the 1st or 4th floors, at police headquarters, and Fire Station #1, and at the department of public improvements. For more information, call Michelle directly at 859.292.2241.

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COVINGTON STUDENT TO DANCE IN THE NUTCRACKER

Covington Independent Schools: 

Fifth grader Kellen Robinson is performing with the Cincinnati Ballet in Frisch's The New Nutcracker at the Aronoff Center. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 21; 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December 22; and 2 p.m., Friday, December 23. Kellen will also be participating in the Sugar Plum Parade after Friday's 2 p.m. performance.

Congratulations, Kellen! 

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LAYAWAY ANGELS IN NEWPORT AND IN LOUISVILLE

If there's a new craze to sweep the nation, I'm glad it's this one. More people are popping up and paying off the layaway balances for others. In Newport:

“She said, ‘I’m here to pay for this’,” recalled a grateful Marquicia Jones-Woods, 46, of Cincinnati’s West End, who was shopping for kids who were going to attend the party for the Q-Kidz Just Say No to Drugs and Violence Drill Team, which practices at the Lincoln Recreation Center on Linn Street in the West End.
“It was truly a blessing,” Jones-Woods said. “She didn’t even want to give her name.”

Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge  
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And in Louisville, a journalist decided to get in on the action. This one may make you cry, so grab a tissue before clicking on the link:

The customer whose bill I paid looked at me with both disbelief and enormous gratitude. She turned to her husband, who was still digging in his wallet, pointed at me and said, “She paid it! She paid it off!”

Louisville Business First  
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PAINTING CELEBRATES MARY MIDDLETON'S JOY
The late wife of former Kenton County Judge-Executive Clyde Middleton is remembered in a painting by Park Hills artist Tom Lohre:

Tom Lohre, a Park Hills native now living in Clifton, said it was apropos to paint Middleton in his new portrait style and auction it off at The Point’s major fundraiser. The Point, a favorite of Lohre’s, supplies group homes for the disabled.
“She was vivacious and addictive to her causes, Salvation Army and Northern Kentucky Symphony,” Lohre said.
“Thrifty, she loved to ask the question about her latest fashion statement, ‘Look at this, how much do you think it cost? One dollar!’” Lohre recalled.

Check out the painting at the link.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Nancy Daly   
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KENTON COUNTY TAKES TIME ON POLICE MERGER
The Fiscal Court will collect information through the end of March:

"If we can save money without sacrificing any safety concerns, that, to me, signifies it’s something we should look into,” said Draud. “I would anticipate at least a year study, but I think it should be more of a formalized study with some real data and without all the rumors.” Both Draud and Kenton County Judge-executive Steve Arlinghaus quoted possible savings of $2 million. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Amy Scalf  
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STATE SEEKS NKY VOLUNTEERS FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
The Kentucky Court of Justice is looking for good hearts to come forward and help with NKY foster children, especially those in our region's more rural counties like Pendleton. You would be volunteering to check on the well-being of the foster children (and you do not have to live in the county in which you do the work). What a terrific civic volunteer opportunity. Click the link for the full details.
KY Court of Justice press release 
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JACK CONWAY WON'T RUN FOR SENATE IN 2014
The Kentucky Attorney General, who was reelected in November, will not make another run for the US Senate in 2014 after losing in 2010 to Republican Rand Paul. 

Conway said state Auditor Crit Luallen would make “a strong candidate” against McConnell. Luallen ends her second term as auditor in January. The interview started with Conway answering a question about whether he had thought about which Democratic might make the strongest candidate in 2014.

Video at the link.  
cn|2 
SEE ALSO: Former staffer for Sen. McConnell will not run for Geoff Davis's seat. cn|2
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ARTIST SOUGHT TO CREATE MURAL IN MAINSTRASSE'S KENNY SHIELDS PARK
The Residents of Mainstrasse Association (ROMA) has issued a request for proposal from a qualified artist to create a mural at Kenny Shields Park (corner of 9th & Philadelphia Streets). ROMA will pay $1,000. 

In 2010 ROMA applied for a Place Matters Mini-Grant through the Center for Great Neighborhoods, for the purpose of refurbishing the park. We also retained an Artist, to design and execute a mural with assistance from community volunteers. During the summer of 2011, over the course of two weekends, ROMA member and volunteers trimmed brush, power washed the concrete walls and benches, then followed up repainting. During this time, our Artist became unavailable due to his work schedule, so the project has yet to be completed.

For full details, click the link.
ROMA  
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KENTUCKY WINS THE LOTTERY!
Not really, but we're gittin' $11.6 million, y'all! Seems like Louisville is getting some new bridges, even though it's not the ones they wanted replaced. These are railroad bridges.
Louisville Business First 
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HE CAME FROM THE GLORY!
OMG, this is the best kid chorus ever. Go on and watch their cuteness lineup to sing and prepare for the show, but the real fun begins around the :45 second mark. Wait till you hear this girl sing. LOL.

TOP 10 STORIES IN COVINGTON IN 2011

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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A tumultuous year in Covington is winding down and With the new year comes the annual gift of starting fresh and new. Covington should embrace that opportunity tightly. 2011 will be remembered throughout 2012 as the previous year's effects emerge during budget adjustments, elections, and planning. In the new year, Covington needs a game-changer and fast, and many opportunities exist for it to happen. The most important act that the People of Covington can do to contribute to positive change is to pay attention and to be involved. Covington's best attribute is its people and their passion but the vocal population must grow in 2012 to include those that have never spoken up before. The River City News was born in 2011 and will continue and grow in 2012 as a committed source for the issues that matter to Covingtonians. 2012 will be an important year in our history and we all must work to ensure its positive significance. 

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But for now, a look back on the top ten stories that shaped Covington's narrative in 2011.

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10 

SIMS FURNITURE WINDOW DISPLAY

What a stunning display of holiday cheer and civic pride. This Christmas season, Sims Furniture pulled out all the stops to present a retro, old-school holiday window display featuring elves, reindeer and Santa & Mrs. Claus - and they all move. The Santa's workshop image stretched the entire front of the building, filling each window and thrilling every passerby. Sims's new management worked with a design team from Cincinnati to create an enchanting tribute to the North Pole that could thaw the frozen hearts of even the most dispassionate Grinch. In an age where large, independent retailers are few and far between in urban centers, and those that do remain too often refrain from large scale displays, Sims offered a welcome return to a time when holiday shopping was also a visual experience shared by families. That time returned to one block in Covington this holiday season and the people are grateful for the memories and the experience.

FOR THE FULL STORY AND LOTS OF PHOTOS, CLICK THE LINK.

Wow! Sims Holiday Display is Amazing!

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9 

COVINGTON TAKES CARE OF THE VULNERABLE

Volunteers at Madison Avenue Christian Church

The tragedy that Pike Street has lost its status as a retail Mecca in Northern Kentucky several decades ago is made worse by the slowness of its revitalization. The sidewalks are still heavily trekked but no longer by crowds of shoppers. Instead, the downtrodden and less fortunate travel the busy corridor that has become homebase for homeless shelters. It is easy and typical to deplore the fact that Pike Street has a high number of shelters, but it is much more difficult to combat the issues that lead to their necessity. Until society wholly answers the cause of intense poverty in these United States, Covington has risen to the occasion and serves as a welcoming home to those in need. That is not a black eye on the City, rather it is a feat that should be worn as a badge of honor. The good people that operate The Welcome House, the Parish Kitchen, Fairhaven, the Emergency Shelter, and the people that feed the hungry at the Madison Avenue Christian Church are on the front lines in the war on poverty. That war is waged on too many of Covington's streets where too many people live without homes including the highest number of schoolchildren in Kentucky. Stories emerged this year of a former resident of the Welcome House enrolling in medical school and multiple takes from the Emergency Shelter have formerly homeless men gaining employment and housing. And how about the way the community rose up to raise the money that was not available this year to buy Christmas gifts for John G. Carlisle students. Good stuff. Covington is fortunate to be a helping hand to the less fortunate.

SEE ALSO: Covington Women Make Sure Hungry People Eat

SEE ALSO: As Heat Index Reaches 110, Shelter's A/C Breaks 

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8 

SMALL BUSINESS BOOMS AND BUSTS

flow - a shop for men

The bad news is that Covington, like many urban cities, has a high number of empty storefronts. The good news is that they are starting to fill with committed, passionate shop owners. Additionally, the ones that planted their seeds here in Northern Kentucky's capital city years ago have seen a higher than usual number of transactions during the holiday shopping season. Perhaps 2011 has served as a year in which the openings and closings finally balanced out. For every Enchanted Florist, AJ's Creations, Mad Hatter, and Greek to Me that closed, there was a flow - a shop for men, Goodfella's Pizzeria, Bangarang's, and Fraulein's that opened. Covington should capitalize on this by showing the region that we are open for business -- small business. These businesses form the backbone of our community and give it the personality that it has and can have. Shop them. Often. And thank them. As for the larger closures of Latonia's Value City and Madison Avenue's Supervalu, those leave a larger void to fill.

SEE ALSO: flow - a shop for men Open On Scott Blvd

SEE ALSO: Lexington's Goodfellas To Open in Mainstrasse

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7 

ARTS GROW IN SPITE OF DISTRICT'S POOR PLANNING

In an exclusive report, The River City News presented documents from City Hall that indicated extremely poor or lacking planning when Covington launched its Arts District in the middle of the previous decade. In fact, it was discovered that a majority of the buildings within the Arts District's boundaries would be in conflict with the zoning created for it. The still-high vacany along Pike Street is evidence of the poor planning as the Arts District never really gained traction, seemingly making every urban planning mistake possible from the zoning to the marketing. The City voted this year to do away with the District and return it to the central business zoning that it had previously. The Arts District manager will be reassigned. In spite of the failed intentions of the District, the arts have been on the rise in Covington. The Carnegie Visual & Performing Arts Center is a competitive destination within Cincinnati's theatre scene, with its own productions, NKU's Commonwealth Theatre and the recently announced move of Showbiz Players to the facility. The shows, art exhibits and concert series have helped boost the Carnegie's image and importance. Baker Hunt continues to set a standard for celebrating arts and culture and in 2012 will celebrate 90 years of doing it. On Pike Street, the Artisan Enterprise Center has booked interesting shows all year and Art-Off-Pike was a big hit. Arts grow organically and the arts proved that by sprouting up around the Arts District and in spite of it.

SEE ALSO: Documents Indicate No Real Planning for Arts District

SEE ALSO: I "Art" the Cov: Off Pike 

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6

VIOLENT CRIME SPIKE SPARKS COMMUNITY RESPONSE

After six murders in Covington, neighborhood leaders had had enough and organized Stand Up Covington, a march against violence. Not only had the number of murders risen to more than the previous three years combined, the brutality had also increased. One man's body was found dismembered and another man was murdered by someone he sponsored in an addition support group. Nearly eighty citizens, every elected official and many administrators from the city and schools joined the journey from the Carnegie to the HUB in Helentown, weaving through neighborhoods most affected by the crimes. It was a moving display of energy and devotion to a safer city. The murders have been shocking but the response has been inspiring, both through the quick action of the Covington Police to arrest suspects in each case and the community's willingness to come together and fight the problem.

SEE ALSO: Covington Stands Up to Violence 

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5

THE PLAN OF PLANS TO REVITALIZE THE URBAN CORE

Like the munchkins in Oz, plans come and go so quickly here. In fact, at least twenty plans to revitalize Downtown Covington and/or the riverfront have been developed in the past ten years. Finally, on the night that the City Commission voted to rid the City of its failed Arts District, a contract with Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates was approved to develop the Center City Action Plan, the "plan of plans" to perform the Herculean task of jumpstarting the urban core. Additionally, property owners in the core will decide whether to continue the work of the Urban Partnership through a Business Improvement District, funded by an increase in property taxes as an effort to increase visibility and cleanliness Downtown. The CCAP being developed by PUMA will be unveiled in the spring after workshops, public forums and surveys are completed. This time, more people are engaged and paying attention to the effort and the plan will be heavily scrutinized and its follow-through will be monitored. This story will help set the tone for 2012 in Covington, so stay tuned.

SEE ALSO: Window Open for New Era in Covington 

SEE ALSO: Goodbye Arts District, Hello Team PUMA 

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4

OMNICARE AND NIELSEN BOLT FOR CINCINNATI

When you dance with the devil you're bound to get burned. And if the devil danced in empty pockets, he'd have a ball in Covington. Kentucky offered millions in taxpayer money to lure Omnicare from Cincinnati and Nielsen from Florida. When the so-called "incentives" ran out, Omnicare announced plans to vacate its RiverCenter space and Nielsen started packing at Madison Place because there more "incentives" to be had in Cincinnati. In a gross display of the redistribution of jobs and wealth, Republican Ohio Governor and Democrat Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory exhibited a bipartisan con job exploiting the worst style of American economics, a race-to-the-bottom system that pits cities and states against each other. Not one job was created by this blatant transaction of corporate welfare and section-8 office space for the multi-billion dollar businesses that benefited from it. Covington's already threatened finances suddenly looked bleaker. $1.5 million in payroll taxes from Omnicare and Nielsen will no longer fill the City's coffers. Madison Place may fall into foreclosure. Covington's relatively new skyline will shine less brightly when all of the lights are off. As city administration plans to redevelop the riverfront, priority number one must remain the development of smaller firms that can occupy the fledgling towers on RiverCenter Boulevard. 

SEE ALSO: No Apologies from Cincinnati on Nielsen, Omnicare

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3

HOLY CROSS WINS KENTUCKY STATE FOOTBALL TITLE

Motorists passing through the busy Ritte's Corner in Latonia will drive under a proud banner congratulating the Holy Cross Indians on its 2011 Class 2A Kentucky state football championship. The southwest corner of 36th & Church Streets will be renamed 'Champions Corner' in honor of the team that broke back the coveted trophy in just the program's fourteenth year of existence. Helmed by former Cincinnati Bengal Bruce Kozerski, the Indians racked up huge scoring totals, shattering school records all season but most meaningfully in the playoffs. In winning its first title, Holy Cross also claims the first such win for any school in Covington, the final NKY River City to be on top in high school football. Since their victory, the team has been celebrated in rousing fashion in the streets upon their return and at the school's gym that weekend as well as in a more subdued manner at City Hall and various other programs. The pride generated by this historic achievement will last well into 2012. 

SEE ALSO: Return of the Champs: Holy Cross is Kentucky's Best 

SEE ALSO: Holy Cross: A State Championship Celebration in Photos 

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2

THE GREAT BUDGET BATTLE OF 2011

Commissioner Steve Frank (right) was an outspoken
critic of the unions during the budget debate

The most divisive issue the City has dealt with in ages was how to balance its crippled budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year. While Covington has had an increase in the number of shows performed at the Carnegie and the Madison, no performance was more talked about than the 'Budget Road Show' starring City Manager Larry Klein and Finance Director Bob Due. Neighborhood by neighborhood, the duo traveled to explain how they saw Covington's finances shaping up and what the major cause of the deficit was: health care benefits for the City's unionized workforce. Unsurprisingly, that interpretation did not sit well with the city's three public employee unions who packed City Hall during commission meetings and held a well-publicized rally in Goebel Park. The employees defended their compensation and benefits and argued for the elimination of positions like the ombudsman and the arts district manager in lieu of police, fire or public improvement workers. Enter first-term City Commissioner Steve Frank and a burning debate erupted into a full fledged wildfire with most of the back and forth leaving City Hall and reemerging with more vitriol on social networking websites. In one of the most depressing periods in recent memory, civility was nowhere to be found. Ultimately, a budget contingency plan was accepted by the four commissioners with Mayor Denny Bowman the sole vote opposed to layoffs and benefit reductions. The most vocal union, Local 38 representing firefighters, fought with the City all the way to a courtroom. Since then, the debate has simmered and the results of the contingency budget are emerging. Many veteran firefighters and police officers retired early to spare new employees from layoffs, and new employees are being hired in part-time capacities. A new budget debate will take shape in 2012 as the City plans to deal with the money lost to Omnicare and Nielsen's move. Only this time, both sides will be veteran fighters and the bout could be bloodier. Let's hope for more respect the next time around.

SEE ALSO: Budget Passes, Negotiations to Continue 

SEE ALSO: OK, Covington, We've Aired Our Dirty Laundry, Now Let's Wash It 

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1

SCHEPER BECOMES MAYOR FOLLOWING BOWMAN'S RESIGNATION

The successes and failures of the previous year along with all of the plans for the future now rest squarely on the shoulders of a man who has never before held public office. That may a good thing for Chuck Scheper who established himself as a successful business leader in Greater Cincinnati. Scheper was appointed mayor following the resignation Denny Bowman. The two men could not be more different. Bowman spent more than 25 years as an elected official and between his two stints as mayor he served Covington as recreation director. Bowman's tireless defense of the public employees and his old school progressive politics were overrun and defeated during the budget debate. After weeks of finding himself on the losing end of 4 - 1 votes, Bowman unceremoniously vanished from the public eye, resigning through a note addressed to City Manager Larry Klein. After months of fiery outbursts in support of the unions from the dais at City Hall, Bowman ended his tenure quietly and has not been heard from publicly since. His effortless recitation of employee names from today and yesterday combined with his jovial small-town-mayor personality was enjoyed in Covington for decades and the man deserves a street or something named in his honor. Now, Chuck Scheper is called upon to pick up the pieces and move the city forward. His calm, somewhat shy demeanor has only been on display a few times since the appointment.  Scheper has been endearing to watch as he learns the nuts and bolts of presiding over meetings and making public appearances. A wealthy, generous man, Scheper personally financed the hiring of an interim arts district manager. That, in addition to his personal defeat of cancer and his personal crusade to cure it, has established many hopes upon him. Scheper is a thoughtful, skilled visionary who loves Covington and now as the City's chief executive must channel every ounce of his abilities to move us all forward. Covington does not have a strong mayor form of government, but a strong mayor, in some form, is what Covington needs. Scheper understands this and may be why he came out of retirement so quickly to accept such a role he never would have wanted. The tone, tenor and direction of 2012 will be set by him. Let's all watch and stay engaged to answer the call to move the City forward just like Scheper did. 

SEE ALSO: Good Luck Chuck: Covington's New Mayor is Named

SEE ALSO: Source: Mayor Denny Bowman to Step Down 

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There will be many stories to watch out for in 2012, especially the force education is playing in the City. Gateway College's plans for its urban campus and the expansion of Covington Latin School are good news to follow as we await their impact. The Covington branch of the Kenton County Library is undergoing a major expansion as well and its impact is highly awaited too. Covington Independent Schools continues to struggle academically and financially and next year as a school board race unfolds, all of our eyes will need to be on the district to ensure that it is on the right path, and if not, figure out how to get it there. The district faces a number of unique hurdles, but it is past time to get beyond them. 

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Additionally, the Center City Action Plan and its implementation may be the game changer we are all hoping for. But that will only be if we watch and stay involved. 

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Also, what are the plans for Latonia? The populous, important neighborhood is so often left out of revitalization discussions but there is too much history and promise for that to continue. 

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The River City News will be there in 2012 just as in 2011, except bigger and more involved. Thank you for your continued readership. What a great city to cover and to call home. Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!