NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY MORNING

by Michael Monks 

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PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR CURFEW ORDINANCE

The controversial ordinance before Covington City Commission that requires school-age kids to be in class or at home during school hours will be discussed in a public forum. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 14, at 6:30PM at City Hall. The River City News reported on October 20 that many of the calls to City Hall against the proposed daytime curfew are coming from parents that home-school their kids. Other news from the city's November e-news: the Chimney Man, a new business in South Covington is open; a profile of Pike Street's Pop Art Candy; interstate traffic issues; and more. Click the link.

Covington November E-News
SEE ALSO: Covington Teen Beaten, Calls For & Against Curfew

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COUNTY ATTORNEY TO SPEAK TO SOUTH COVINGTON CAA

The South Covington Community Action Association hosts Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmonson at its next meeting, Thursday, November 10 (6:30PM social half hour, 7:00PM meeting). The group meets at the Hands Pike Firehouse. The agenda also includes an update from President Bill Wells on the Covington Neighborhood Collaborative. The SCCAA offers participants an interesting feature: "Get It Off Your Chest", a 3-minute rant for neighbors to address their issues of concern.

South Covington Community Action Association

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY TOPPLES BIG EAST FOE IN EXHIBITION

In a game that is sure to go down in history as one of the most significant in NKU's history, the Norse shocked Bob Huggins and West Virginia 77 - 74 following a 3-point basket with under 2 seconds left in the game. Always remember that NKU's athletes wear the name of our region on their jerseys and when the transition to Division-1 begins, it will mean great things for all of us. What a great way to justify that move -- beating a BIG EAST team on the road!

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COVINGTON SCHOOLS GO 1 FOR 3 IN FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Holy Cross rolled to victory in round one of the KY football playoffs, destroying Carroll County 68-0 in Class 2A action. The Indians face Owen County next week. Holmes and Scott were less fortunate. Far less fortunate. The Bulldogs had their season ended with a 66-20 loss at the hands of Johnson Central in Class 4A. In Class 5A, Scott was owned by Franklin County, falling 56-21. Covington Catholic plays Rowan County at 1:00PM today.

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TIME TO "FALL BACK" AND TO CHECK SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES

Saturday overnight/Sunday morning, remember to turn your clocks back one hour. Also, it's a good time to check out your smoke detectors and change any dead batteries.

Commonwealth of KY press release

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KY-BASED DIPPIN DOTS FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY!

You know times are still tough when even the space-age ice cream is struggling...

Associated Press

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING

by Michael Monks 

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NKY COUNTIES A HOT BED FOR DEER CRASHES

Seriously, watch out for these beasts of the forest. They may look sweet and charming, but on a slick road in the middle of the night, they will kill you. And like it. Oh, and it turns out that NKY counties are all among the worst for deer crashes in the entire state. In Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties over the last five years, there have been 1,600+ crashes involving deer.

FOX 19

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OOH, AND IT WAS GONNA BE SUCH A GOOD WEEKEND...

Too bad this dude from Tennessee got busted with all that sweet, delicious moonshine in his van.

WKYT

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SARAH PALIN TO CAMPAIGN FOR KY CANDIDATE

The former half-term Governor of Alaska will be making robo-calls on behalf of Republican Attorney General candidate, Todd P'Pool. 

cn|2

SEE ALSO: Election Day Facts & Stats for KY

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REMEMBER WHEN PETE ROSE ONLY LIED THROUGH HIS TEETH?

Now it appears that the Hit King is lying about his teeth too. Or, at least not paying for dental work. That's a good way to upset a dentist. Rose is being taken to small claims court in California.

TMZ

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CHECK OUT A FUN TIME AT THE BEHRINGER-CRAWFORD THIS WEEKEND

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DID YOU MISS THURSDAY'S NEWS?

For details on a mysterious Facebook profile that the NKAPC says does not belong to them but is attacking the Tea Party on their behalf, click here; For more on the controversial hiring of an interim Arts District Manager, click here. For details on the big push to sell the new plan to save Downtown Covington, click here.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY LATE NIGHT

by Michael Monks 

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DEALS LIKE OMNICARE'S & NIELSEN'S DEBATED BY KENTUCKY CANDIDATES

Should states continue on the path of race-to-the-bottom economics in which they give away as much tax money as they can to attract unloyal companies to move within their borders? Covington is a perfect case study for these arguments. We danced with big businesses like Omnicare and Nielsen who took our tax dollars, grew their profits, created no jobs outside their section-8 offices, and then bolted for more taxpayer money across the river. Kentucky tax dollars are also being given away by Governor Beshear to create a theme park dedicated to Noah's Ark in Grant County. He says it will create 900 permanent jobs. Think about how much money is made by people who work at theme parks. These are not the types of jobs the Governor should be bragging about.

Roger Alford

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IS WEBSITE INDICATIVE OF NEED FOR ARTS MANAGER?
UPDATE (11/4 9:00AM): The gallery hop for this month is in fact canceled. 

Looking for info for tomorrow's First Friday Gallery Hop in Covington? Is there even one scheduled (They are usually set for the first Friday of each month)? You won't find the info at the city's Arts District website. There you'll find a listing for the gallery hop scheduled for September 2, an arts exhibit that closes September 23 and a listing for Full Spectrum that runs October 1 - 30. To refresh, today is November 3. Cincinnati.com's calendar says there is a gallery hop tomorrow as does the Covington Business Council's monthly newsletter. 

WORTH NOTING: The website was "developed by the Merlot Group" which is co-owned by Commissioner Shawn Masters who cast the sole vote against hiring an interim Arts District Manager at Tuesday night's meeting.

Covington Arts

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MORE ON THE MYSTERIOUS "DIRECTION 2030"

Earlier today The River City News posted about a fake Facebook page that supports the NKAPC and goes after the group's chief enemy, the NKY Tea Party.

SEE: Is NKAPC Taking Tea Party to Task Through Social Media?

There is more news from Direction 2030 tonight. They post via Facebook:

"Another common comment submitted by attendees from our public forum meeting last week was that "government planning is not needed" and that centralized planning has never worked." Tell us how you feel about that comment. Do you agree? If not, can you provide examples where it has worked for the benefit of our citizens here or elsewhere?"

Must have been a lot of Tea Partiers there. But check out this video, the group's second, that includes plenty of shots of Covington: Direction 2030 @ YouTube
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SPEAKING OF TEA PARTIERS...
Kentucky's Junior Senator, Rand Paul, the Republican from Bowling Green and hero of the Tea Party has this to say about the Herman Cain sexual harassment controversy:

“There are people now who hesitate to tell a joke to a woman in the workplace, any kind of joke, because it could be interpreted incorrectly,” he told the National Review. “I don’t. I’m very cautious.”

Paul also said that it seems as though women "can't take a joke".
Talking Points Memo 
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HAVE YOU EVER TOURED THE CATHEDRAL?
Saint Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, one of Covington's iconic landmarks, is part of a FREE tour next Friday. 365 Cincinnati is bringing its followers over to our side of the river to check out the most beautiful church in the region. The tour guide, Nell, comes from a long line of Basilica parishioners.
365 Cincinnati
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HOW MANY HOURS DOES IT TAKE TO DECORATE NEWPORT ON THE LEVEE?

Image via

Not only is Mainstrasse Village already in the Christmas spirit, but Newport on the Levee is being decked out too. The entertainment destination posts to Facebook that it takes 1,000 hours to decorate it for Christmas! The work is done by Christmas Decor of Northern Kentucky. Also, just in time for the holiday season, a new toy store is opening at the Levee on Saturday, and it is a locally-based independent shop called Peek-a-Toy. Please shop at small, local independent stores this holiday season. They are the businesses that reinvest in our communities and are the ones most deserving of your money. Just say no to BIG BOX retailers!

SEE ALSO: Looking for deserving families to Light Up the Levee

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SALACIOUS SHOW AT CARNEGIE IS SUREFIRE WAY TO WARM UP WEEKEND

"In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play" opens this weekend at the Carnegie. Here's what the theater says ladies are saying about it:

"We're getting lots of calls this week from groups of women who are seeing IN THE NEXT ROOM as part of their girls night out adventures! If you're thinking about doing the same, Brenda in The Box Office can help, just give her a call at 859-957-1940."

This weekend at the Carnegie is more than show. Purchase tickets to either performance this weekend and enjoy perusing the "In The Next Room Expo." The Expo will feature products by some of the area's top purveyors of passion and intimacy, including Pure Romance by Tisa, Erotic Time Parties, and Votre Vu with Julena Bingaman.   
The Carnegie

IS NKAPC TAKING IT TO THE TEA PARTY THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA?

by Michael Monks 

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The summertime battle between the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission and the NKY Tea Party/NKY Homebuilders was a bitter one. The Homebuilders hired an outside agency to come to NKY and collect signatures for the Tea Party in its effort to eliminate the planning commission. Unfortunately for the Homebuilders and the Tea Party, too many of those signatures turned out to be fraudulent and the effort will not appear on the November ballot.

Cut to November, and the NKAPC has a new project called Direction 2030, which aims to collect information from Kenton County's citizens to plan for its next twenty years. There have been videos, public meetings and social networking initiatives to help galvanize support.

Thursday afternoon, the tone took a decidedly more aggressive turn. A fake Facebook profile of someone named "Ann Crasher" appeared with this status update:

Well I decided to start a fan page called Tea Party Crashers after going to an area planning meeting for my neighborhood in Northern Kentucky. It was really upsetting because the Tea Party sent a bunch of people who dominated all the table discussions with their anti-government BS and wouldn't let us get any real work done on the plan. I went their to talk about better roads, more public transportation, walkable communities, community resources and more parks. Instead all I got to do was sit there and listen to a bunch of bullies spouting the tea party agenda. We need to do something about this. I DON'T WANT THE TEA PARTY DECIDING THE FUTURE OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD!!!

"Ann Crasher"

The update was shared on the Facebook page of Direction 2030.  A quick search for the origin of Ann Crasher's sole profile photo indicates that it is a stock image titled "perplexed". Ms. Crasher says on her profile that she lives in Covington, and that she is a Republican upset with the "extremists" that have taken over her Party. Crasher wrote through her Facebook fan page, "Tea Party Crashers":

If you're pissed off about the Tea Party's bully tactics in Northern Kentucky become a fan and voice your opinion.

Crasher and her new fan page even talk to each other in the same thread. Direction 2030 posted the following question:

At our meeting last week, 67% of the attendees indicated they felt it was NOT important to provide affordable housing to the workforce. Do you agree? 

Ann Crasher responded:

Right. There were also about 20 people from the Tea Party there totally dominating the conversation and interfering with the public forum. They wouldn't let anyone express their own view. We need to rally support and get more rational people to attend and express views from everyone who lives here and not let the Tea Party dictate our future. this is important!

And then, Tea Party Crashers chimed in with:

That's exactly right!

It appears that even though the Tea Party/Homebuilders lost its attempt to put the NKAPC on the November ballot, that they continue to send members to obstruct the organization's business. But then again, we are learning this second-hand from a clearly artificial Facebook page.


In any case, the battle between the NKAPC/Kenton Planning Commission/Direction 2030 and the NKY Tea Party/Homebuilders is not over.


FURTHER READING:
Ann Crasher @ Facebook
NKY Tea Party Crashers @ Facebook
Direction 2030 @ Facebook
And if you can stomach the ridiculousness (a local elected official actually posts here using words like "Demmunists" to describe Democrats and spells President Obama's name with a zero instead of the letter O - clever, right?), check out:
NKY Tea Party @ Facebook

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY LUNCH

by Michael Monks 

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Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

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HOW MANY TAX DOLLARS DID OMNICARE AVOID PAYING THIS TIME?

The Covington-based pharmaceutical drug company's plans to leave its government-subsidized office space at RiverCenter for government-subsidized office space in Cincinnati is another step closer to meeting the terms of the move. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved the corporate welfare this week:

Omnicare Inc. received a 75 percent, 10-year tax credit to relocate its operations from Covington to downtown Cincinnati. A spokesman for the Ohio Department of Development was unable to provide the dollar amount of the tax-incentive, but when the move was announced it was estimated at $5 million. Omnicare is creating 343 full-time jobs in Cincinnati, with an estimated annual payroll of $25.6 million. It must maintain operations in the city for at least 13 years, according to documents from the state. The tax credit beings (sic) in January 2012.

Let me correct the Business Courier report. Omnicare is NOT creating a single job in Cincinnati. They are taking their jobs that were already created and moving them to the Queen City in order to collect a better welfare check. Not one job is being created. In fact, the agreement only calls for the creation of roughly 200 jobs over the next TEN YEARS. 
Business Courier
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COVINGTON PUSHES NEW "PLAN OF PLANS" FOR DOWNTOWN
At least four events so far are scheduled for next week to highlight the new Center City Action Plan to revive Downtown Covington. Click the link for those details.
The River City News
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GEOFF DAVIS SIGNS LETTER AGAINST GAY MILITARY WEDDINGS
In another political move that will not create a single job or repair a single bridge or do much of anything, really, Northern Kentucky's Representative in Congress continues to demonstrate where his priorities are. As thousands of Northern Kentuckians struggle to find a job, Geoff Davis, the Republican from Hebron, devoted his time to signing a letter that seeks to ban any gay weddings from happening on military property. From the letter:

This clear and deliberate violation of established US law sets a dangerous precedent. (The Defense of Marriage Act) makes clear that for purposes of the federal government, marriage is defined as between one man and one woman. The use of federal property or federal employees to perform anything but opposite-sex ceremonies is a clear contravention of the law.

Thank you Congressman Davis for all the jobs that will be created by this heroic stand against two gay soldiers marrying each other on a military base.
The Entire Letter Is Here (PDF)
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ELIZABETHTOWN LEADERS, INDIAN BUSINESS EXEC ANGRY AT WILLIAMS
Duh. Senator David Williams's ridiculous criticism of (God-forbid!) Governor Beshear's participation in a Hindu prayer at the groundbreaking of an Indian business bringing 250 jobs to Kentucky, has drawn criticism from E-Town officials and an Indian business executive.

“Gov. Beshear’s presence at a Hindu blessing does not represent an abandonment of his faith or idolatry, as Williams charges,” he added. “It’s simply a token of appreciation and humility toward the people responsible for job creation in a poor economic climate.” Chaturvedi said the comments were blatant religious profiling and proved to him Williams does not have the well being of Kentucky in mind because he has undercut something positive for “shorthanded political gain.”
“He should really be ostracized from his own party,” he said.

News Enterprise
NO WONDER: Beshear leads by 25 points in latest poll
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 BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS IN MAINSTRASSE
Just a couple days after Halloween, Mainstrasse Village is already decking the streets. Check out a couple photos, courtesy of Noah Kidd, owner of Noah's Art Salon:

The Goose Girl Fountain at 6th & Main Streets
lit up for the holidays

L-R: Kim Maius (Owner, Ottoman Imports), Kim Blank
(Executive Director, MSVA) and Noah Kidd
(Owner of Noah's Art Salon)

OVERDRIVE TO SELL NEW PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN COVINGTON

by Michael Monks 

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A fourth event is now scheduled for next week to discuss, explain and debate the Center City Action Plan (CCAP), "the plan of plans" to revive Downtown Covington and the Central Business District. 

The CCAP seeks to combine nineteen previous plans that were designed to save Downtown Covington by taking all the best ideas from them and combining them with new ideas that will hopefully work this time, or at least be implemented. Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) will oversee the new plan.

SEE ALSO: Goodbye Arts District, Hello Team PUMA

Here's the rundown of events for next week:

Public Presentations at Artisan Enterprise Center on Pike Street
There will be 2 presentations on Wednesday, November 9 at this location. You can hear it from 9:00 - 10:30AM or from 6:00 - 7:30PM. For what to expect at the presentation, click here.

Covington After Hours Focuses on Center City Action Plan
While the evening session is going on at the Artisan Enterprise Center, Covington After Hours will be hosting Craig Gossman of architecture, design & planning firm KKG to discuss the Center City Action Plan. KKG is a partner in the planning. That will happen at Dee Felice in Mainstrasse from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on Wednesday, November 9. For event details, click here.

Covington Business Council Hosts The Plan's Leader
The following day, Thursday, November 10, the CBC welcomes Brad Segal as the guest speaker at their monthly luncheon. Segal is the President of Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) which is charged with crafting the new plan to save Downtown. That event is from 11:30AM - 1:00PM at the Madison Event Center. For details, click here.

Covingtonians should try to attend at least one event to learn more about the efforts to bring new life to our Downtown. If you cannot make it, trust that The River City News will be at each of them with full reports to follow.

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY EVENING

by Michael Monks 

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COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF COVINGTON CITY HALL

If you missed any of our coverage from Tuesday night's very interesting city commission meeting, check out the links below:

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If the Arts District is to be done away with, why hire an interim manager for it? The answers and explanations are at the link along with details about an anti-bullying resolution, a hero police officer, the city's top transportation priorities and more.

City Commission Report

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The Arts District hire was a tense vote, but the most tense was over a small, vacant piece of land on quiet Busse Street. Why? Click the link.

Vacant Lot Causes Tense Moment at City Hall

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The best story from City Hall last night was about Ken Shirley whose retirement was accepted after 46 years of working for Covington.

City Employee Retires After 46 Years

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FIXES COMING TO THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE

A new study, initiated after a man was hit and thrown from the Brent Spence Bridge in June, is now avbailable to the public.

More changes are to come: more signs in the southbound lanes; four ARTIMIS cameras; and a light-up "Watch for Stopped Traffic" sign. Those additions still need funding, but are expected to be added gradually within the next two years.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Jane Pendergast
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TOP NKY FOOTBALL PLAYER, AUBURN RECRUIT SUSPENDED
Dixie Heights's Zeke Pike, who's to play for Auburn next year, is suspended from the first round of playoffs Friday night.
FOX 19
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HINDU LEADER WANTS APOLOGY FROM KY REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR CANDIDATE
David Williams's ridiculous statement about Governor Beshear has ticked off more than politicos.
WFPL
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NEW CLOONEY FILM TOPIC FOR NKY CHAMBER
Meet the woman behind the organization that brings films to the Greater Cincinnati/NKY area and you'll have a chance to win memorabilia from George Clooney's latest film, "The Ides of March".
NKY Chamber Eggs N Issues
SEE ALSO: Chamber brings Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer
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OH DEER!
It's that time of year for the area's deer to be searching out mates. That also means, as with humans, that they are dumber. And more susceptible to being run over by your SUV.
KY State Police
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IT'S NOT ALL SWELL AT CINCINNATI'S THE BANKS
Three restaurants slated to open at the riverfront development are having financial trouble.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Lisa Bernard-Kuhn
NOTE: UrbanCincy Tweets in response to this report: "More than 95% of apartments leased and 90% of retail space with tenant commitments".
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THE FONZ IS COMING TO KENTUCKY!
Sure, US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will be at this conference in Louisville, but come on, you're way more excited about The Fonz, right? Henry Winkler is the keynote speaker.
Louisville Business First
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LOOK WHO BROKE INTO THE AQUARIUM
Click the link to see what the Newport Aquarium is accusing of a break-in!
Newport Aquarium

CITY COMMISSION REPORT

by Michael Monks 

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MAYOR SCHEPER HOPES FOR PRODUCTIVE TERM

Newly named Covington Mayor Chuck Scheper expressed optimism at the start of his first meeting Tuesday night. "You'll have to bear with me," Scheper said. "I'm not used to presiding over a public forum like this. I'm thrilled to be able to serve and look forward to a productive fourteen months."

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HERO POLICE OFFICER HONORED

Officer Matt Hugenberg was recognized at City Hall for his quick action that saved the life of a 3-month old baby that was not breathing. Hugenberg performed CPR on the child until firefighters showed up. By the time the baby was placed in an ambulance, he was awake and breathing on his own. The baby was in attendance with his mother Tuesday night. "I'm just very thankful that Hugenberg was there," Mayor Scheper said. "I'm sure it's something you'll remember for the rest of your life."

"Every Covington officer would have done the same thing I did," Hugenberg said. 

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INTERIM ARTS DISTRICT MANAGER HIRED WITH RELUCTANCE

It was announced earlier this year that Covington would request a zoning change for its Arts District back to the Central Business District. That request was to be considered next week, but Commissioner Sherry Carran announced Tuesday night that the request would be postponed. In the meantime, current Arts District manager Natalie Bowers is on maternity leave and the commission voted to hire an interim manager for six months. Katie Rentzke will take over the job for six months following the 4 - 1 vote. 

"It was not long ago that we went line by line with the budget," Commissioner Shawn Masters said in casting the dissenting vote. "$50 million in infrastructure needed, we've asked employees to sacrifice, we've (browned) out a pumper." It was explained at Tuesday night's meeting that the interim hiring of Rentzke would not cost the city any additional funds. 

"When we have had cutbacks, my first inclination was not to fill the position," said Commissioner Steve Frank. "It needs to be redefined. The Arts District is now a city-wide initiative."

"The title is just a misnomer," said Commissioner Steve Casper. "We're not changing form over substance."

"We need to change the job title because it doesn't reflect the position," said Commissioner Sherry Carran, adding that the manager helps all arts organizations in the city. Mayor Chuck Scheper noted that $10,000 of his salary will be redirected to fund the interim manager.

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CITY EMPLOYEE RETIRES AFTER 46 YEARS

by Michael Monks 

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He started his work for the City of Covington as a draftsman in 1964 earning $33 a week. Tuesday night, Ken Shirley ended his 46 year career in the code enforcement department when his retirement was accepted by the city commission. "Ken was one of the faces of the city to the people," Police Chief Lee Russo said. "He's been a one-man partner between code enforcement and the police department. Ken will be missed by every one of us." Russo jokingly pointed out that he was just 1-year old when Shirley was hired at the city.

Another coworker joked that he hoped that Shirley would be involved in Covington's bicentennial committee which is making plans for the city's two-hundredth birthday in 2015. The employee joked that Shirley was very helpful during the city's centennial celebration in 1915.

"I loved this city all my life," Shirley said. He and his wife Elaine live in Levassor Park. Between Ken, Elaine and their daughter, the Shirleys have worked for Covington for 78 years. "I've been through six mayors, thirty-four commissioners, six city managers, and nine department heads," Shirley said.

He also rattled off some more frightening statistics from his duties as a code enforcement officer. Shot at three times. Five death threats. Three wrecks involving city vehicles. He has had his home vandalized, his personal car stolen and he has attended the funerals of twenty-seven coworkers. 

His final act came today when he wrote a parking ticket to City Manager Larry Klein who proudly held it up inside commission chambers at City Hall. 

VACANT LOT CAUSES TENSE MOMENTS AT COMMISSION MEETING

by Michael Monks 

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During the Great Budget Debate of 2011, the City of Covington expressed an intent to rid itself of much of its surplus property. The sale of one such piece of land came up for a vote at Tuesday night's commission meeting. 2217 Busse Street is a vacant piece of land nestled between two houses. The owner of an adjacent property placed the only bid at $500. Kenton County property records indicate the land's worth at ten times that amount, $5,000.

2217 Busse Street via
Google maps

The winning bid was by Charles Moore who owns the home next door. City Manager Larry Klein indicated that Moore expressed some positive intentions when his bid was submitted. "He said he would use the lot, clean it up and remove the sidewalk fence," Klein said. "It would help beautify the street and there would be off-street parking."

Klein expressed a desire to require Moore to ensure those actions were taken by including directive language in the deed. That caused concern from Commissioner Shawn Masters. "It should be the property owner's decision what to do with it if we're selling it as surplus," Masters said. 

"The property owner is getting a deal," Commissioner Sherry Carran said, adding that because of that, including beautification requirements to the deed would be fair. "I don't think it's unreasonable to preserve the neighborhood," Carran said.

"It's in the best interest of the city to make sure these properties get in the hands of people who will do good things for the neighborhood," Carran continued. "If the language isn't added, I will vote 'no'."

Masters did not find it reasonable to request that a property owner agree to terms on a deed when by the Commissioner's estimation, the city does not take proper care of its own properties. "501 Main? Until we set standards for ourselves, I don't see how we put restrictions on residents," Masters shot back. "I have no doubt (Charles Moore) will take care of the property."

No specific language was added to the order, which passed 4 - 1 with Carran dissenting. "We have a lot of property to get off our books," Commissioner Steve Frank said. "Five hundred bucks is better than zero."

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY EVENING

by Michael Monks 

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Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

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REPOST: MAYOR'S FIRST MEETING TONIGHT

Mayor Chuck Scheper presides over his first meeting tonight. This is a repost, but if you'd like to see what's on the interesting agenda, click the link for details.

The River City News

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CINCINNATI BENGAL GIVES HALLOWEEN CANDY IN LATONIA

Photo via

Thanks to a locally-based company called Unheard Of Brand: Street Pusher of Rare Goods, Andre Caldwell of the Cincinnati Bengals helped pass out candy on 41st Street in Latonia. This young entrepreneur seems to be all about giving back to his community, which is great! The most recent posting from the company's Facebook page reads, "Just got out of a meeting with senior services about meals on wheels and this thanksgiving. My buddies Andre Caldwell, rey maualuga and I need your help raising money for them, more info coming soon!" Keep up the great work!

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PROOF: AMERICAN HEALTH CARE IS FUNKED UP

Funk legend Bootsy Collins testified before Cincinnati City Council about the need to extend hours of the city's health clinics. Collins's nephew died from a tooth infection that spread to his brain after being unable to afford his antibiotic prescription. In America.

FOX 19

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DUKE ENERGY BUYS iPADS FOR HOLMES

90 iPads will arrive at Holmes High School courtesy of the Duke Energy Foundation at a cost of $65,000. They'll be used in biology classes.

(Not The) Kentucky Post

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COVINGTON LADIES HOME TURNS 125

Photo via Baker HuntFacebook Page

We learn from the Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center that the Covington Ladies Home is 125 years old. The arts center writes on Facebook, "The birth certificate (patent) of the automobile was issued 125 years ago today. Also 125 years ago, The Covington Ladies Home was established. Stopped over to "party" and see a product of Baker Hunt outreach, a paper quilt. Administrator... Janet Borton"

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO OF THE LADIES HOME -- IT'S REALLY GREAT:

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SPEAKING OF THE VICTORIAN ERA...

The Carnegie's "In The Next Room" opens this weekend. Check out this hilarious video preview:

The Carnegie @ YouTube

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KY GOVERNOR RACE TURNS DESPERATE

Senator David Williams's bid for the Governor's Mansion took a turn for the desperate and pathetic today. Williams is quite upset with Governor Beshear for bringing 250 jobs from India to the Commonwealth. Oh, there's nothing wrong with that... it's the Hindu prayer that Beshear participated in that the xenophobic bigot Williams objects to. For the unbelievable details, click the link.

Bluegrass Politics

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COVINGTON POLITICAL CONSULTANT WRITES BOOK

Kathy Groob, whose November Strategies is based in Mainstrasse, has a new book available. Pink Politics: The Woman's Practical Guide to Winning Elections is the Elect Women Magazine publisher's effort to raise awareness and effectiveness for female candidates. Buy the book at the link.

Pink: The Woman's Guide to Winning Elections

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8 DIE ON KENTUCKY ROADS LAST WEEK

Three of the victims were not wearing seatbelts. 

KY State Police

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SO YOUR HOUSE IS HAUNTED... DO YOU HAVE TO TELL?

A lot of homes in Covington are believed to be haunted. So, if you are trying to sell, do you think you should tell? The rules vary apparently, but here's a link to a fun article on the subject.

Mental Floss

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY LUNCH

by Michael Monks 

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CHILDREN IN POVERTY INCREASES IN KENTON COUNTY
A new report from KY Youth Advocates shows that 6,197 children in Kenton County live below the poverty level. That's 16% and up from 12% in 2000. The new data is from 2008. Comparatively, Campbell has the same percentage (16%) while Boone has half that (8%). Median household income rose in Kenton from 2000 - 2008 from $43,000 - $52,000. Kenton's unemployment rate in 2000 was just 3.3% (Remember America before Bush?) and rose in 2009 to 9.9%.  The number of children receiving supplemental nutrition assitance in Kenton County nearly doubled from 2000 - 2009 (4,611 - 8,366). The number of Kenton kids on Medicaid also nearly doubled. The entire depressing report can be found at the link (it's a PDF).
KY Youth Advocates
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WHY OCCUPY WALL STREET WHEN YOU CAN OCCUPY CHEZ NORA?!
It's Day 15 of the contentious battle at 6th & Main. The protestors want "Sunday Brunch on Monday", "Pot roast to be served more often", and note that "Stoopid Rooster is spelled rong". Watch video of the clash at the link:
Chez Nora @ YouTube

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SEE ANY CAMERA CREWS AROUND TOWN?
A campaign commercial is supposed to be filmed for a Democratic Presidential candidates. If you spot them, take a pic and send it in!
Enquirer/Politics Extra

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WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS?

Image via

The Kenton County Public Library's Local History & Geneaology Department is asking for your help in identifying this month's "unidentified" people, places & events. They include adults at 4th District School in 1957, Holy Cross's 4th grade class in 1995-96 (kids would be about 23 now), a baseball team from 1946 and more. Click the link to check out the photos and for info on how to add comments and support!
Dept of History & Geneaology/Kenton Co Library
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TAKE THAT CANDY OUT OF YOUR MOUTH! YOU COULD MAKE MONEY ON IT!

A local dentist wants your leftover Halloween candy. He'll even pay you for it. And then he'll ship the candy to troops overseas. Sounds like a nice deal. (He collected 500 pounds last year!)


FOX 19


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FAMOUS KENTUCKY RECORD STORE CLOSES
Louisville's iconic Ear-X-Tacy is now officially closed, a victim of the digital download age. 
Courier-Journal
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THANK YOU FROM THE RIVER CITY NEWS

Since it is now November, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you readers for making October such a huge month for this news outlet. Since launching in June, our numbers have doubled each month. Except in October. They quadrupled! 4 times as many people got their Covington news from us in October compared to August/September which had double the numbers from July which had double the numbers from June. Thank you for your trust, your feedback, and your continued readership in this new experiment of local journalism. -Michael

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INTERESTING SEARCH ITEMS LEAD PEOPLE HERE...

Obviously, search engines are huge for traffic to any site, but it's been fun to watch what people look for that leads them here. Some of my favorites:

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You never know what may bring in the next reader...