NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY EVENING 27 DEC

by Michael Monks 
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87% OF KENTUCKIANS WANT TO VOTE ON EXPANDED GAMBLING

That does not mean that that many support it, but they do want their say. The poll was commissioned by a conservative, anti-gambling organization called The Family Foundation EDIT: The poll was not conducted by The Family Foundation, but rather by a firm with alleged ties to the horse industry. The Family Foundation opposes the expansion of gambling and released a statement challenging the results of the poll, which anyone with half a brain other than me could gather by reading the article below. So sorry for the error. Anyway, here:

The poll released Tuesday asked how people would vote on potential ballot language to "allow regulated casino gaming at eight existing horse racetracks and one additional location subject to voter approval in the city or county where it would be located. The money would be used for the benefit of education, health care, public safety, local governments and the horse-racing industry."According to the results, 64 percent would vote for such an amendment, and 32 percent would vote against it. The pollsters said that the low figure of 4 percent who are undecided "suggests that Kentuckians are pretty much decided on this issue, and there is little likelihood of major movement."

 Many more details at the link.
Herald-Leader/Janet Patton & Jack Brammer 
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Governor Beshear released this statement today:

“Once again, a new poll shows Kentuckians demand an opportunity to vote on expanded gaming. The call for a direct vote by the people of this state has only gotten stronger over the last few years, and we should not make our citizens wait a moment longer to have their voices heard. For far too long, millions of hard-earned Kentucky dollars have flowed across our rivers to surrounding states – helping to build schools and roads, and hire teachers and police officers in Indiana, Illinois, and West Virginia. That’s Kentucky money, and it belongs here where it can directly help our people. We’re working very hard to prepare for the upcoming legislative session, and one of my top priorities will be a constitutional amendment to take the gaming question directly to our people. It’s time for Kentuckians to decide the state’s future on expanded gaming.”

SEE ALSO: More on this story from Blood Horse.
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COVINGTON'S MARRYING MAN IS A MAGISTRATE AGAIN 
Steve Hoffman officiates weddings at his chapel in Downtown Covington and has done so for many years. He's also President of the Kenton County Democratic Club. Now he can add the title of "Magistrate" to his resume (again). Hoffman says on his Facebook page:

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to pass along I was Appointed by Commonwealth of Kentucky Gov. Steven L Beshear to be Commissioned as Kenton County Magistrate in District 1. I will be sworn in, with the Old Oath of Office, on Thursday December 29th at 11:30 in the Kenton County Judge Executive Steve Arlinghaus's Chambers; you are all invited if you would like to come. We will be going to Molly Malone's for 1/2 price Pizza day afterwards if anybody wants to join my Dad and I! I am very glad to receive this appointment. My duties will be as Justice of the Peace, which will be continuing what I have been doing in the Wedding Industry since 1989. After serving as Magistrate for Kenton County for 15 years in another district I am happy to be back in the fold on an Official Capacity once again.

A very nice article on Hoffman by Scott Wartman at the link.
Cincinnati Enquirer  
SEE ALSO: More on this at The Lane Report.
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WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN LUDLOW TODAY?
Remember when the biggest crime over there was people pooping directly into the river from the Yacht Club? Not so anymore. An alleged crime ring that stretched from end-to-end of the River Cities was broken up:

The Kenton County SWAT team raided a home here at about 3 p.m. Tuesday as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation into a counterfeit currency ring.
Shannon Stephany, 33, of Ludlow will be charged with possession of forged instruments, said Ludlow Police Chief Wayne Turner. Stephany is also facing drug charges after marijuana was found in the home, Turner said.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah  
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FIRST GAMBLING, NEXT DOPE. KENTUCKY IS AWESOME
Or at least, could be. A state senator from Christian County plans to introduce a bill in the next session of the General Assembly that would legalize industrial hemp:

The Christian County Democrat says if Kentucky were to legalize the growth of industrial hemp, it would create over 17,000 jobs and add up to $500 million dollars to the state budget. “85% of the industrial hemp raised in Canada is exported to the U.S. and a lot of it is exported into Kentucky,” Pendleton said. “It’ll be good for our agricultural community. It’ll be good for our economy and bringing more revenue to the Commonwealth.”

17,000 jobs. $500 million for the state. Of course, those figures need to be backed up, but it sure sounds good. Why is this even up for a debate? Legalize all hemp and marijuana and watch the money pile up. Kentucky needs to get out of its own way.
WFPL
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RICK PITINO TO RETIRE IN 2017

There was a time that this man could have been Governor of Kentucky had he wanted it. Then he went to a Louisville restaurant and ordered a Karen Sypher. In spite of his off-the-court table-top dalliances, Pitino resurrected both of our state's great college basketball programs and for that he is to be remembered forever. Though, I hope like Hell that he and the Cards get their asses kicked on New Year's Eve. GO CATS!
USA Today


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in case you missed...
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ONLY 2 NKY LOCATIONS MAKE BUSINESS COURIER'S TOP 25 LANDMARK LIST
And both of them touch Cincinnati? I demand a recount. Click the link for the details. 
1 Covington, 1 Newport Landmarks Make Top 25 List 
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TUESDAY AFTERNOON
Funeral is set for the teen shot and killed on Greenup Street last week; Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders announces reelection bid as his father weighs a race of his own; Will Rand Paul be President in 2020?; Plus, have you noticed Covington birds singing differently? There may be a reason for that. Those stories and more at the link!

News Round-Up -- Tuesday Afternoon 

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|SANTA VISITED THE WELCOME HOUSE
It seems as though this Pike Street organization has had a lot of success partnering with area schools and businesses. Lots of great news has come from The Welcome House all year. Including:

St. Henry brought Santa to Welcome House last week, along with their adopt-a-family donations. They wowed us with their generosity - with their help, several local families had a very merry Christmas this year. Thank you, St. Henry!

Be sure to "Like" The Welcome House on Facebook by clicking here.

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HEY COVINGTON, WE CAN BUILD A BEAUTIFUL CITY

A great song from "Godspell", which is back on Broadway. This video started making the rounds a couple weeks ago. Watch it, love it, and believe it.

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PS: The hot kid from Weeds can sing? Wow.