HISTORY: FLOODWALL DEBUTS AFTER 56 YEARS

by Michael Monks 

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The floodwall arrived in Covington in 1955 but only this year was the concrete on Highway Avenue finally in the proper condition for the huge piece to be staged. Today, workers from the City of Covington erected the wall across the road and after five hours of work were preparing to dismantle it and put it back in storage where it will stay until the Ohio River rises to just over seventy feet. Meantime, the Highway Avenue lane reduction continues with just one lane in operation, guided by a single traffic light in both directions. The road is expected to reopen completely by Tuesday afternoon or early Wednesday after it is inspected and the concrete lane dividers are removed by the state. 

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FOR MORE PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY CITY EMPLOYEE AND READER DAVID KLEIN, CLICK THE LINK (THANKS, DAVID!)

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SATURDAY MAGAZINE 17 DEC

 The
 Saturday
 Magazine
  
  3 DECEMBER 2011
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THE RACE IS ON...
FOLLOWING REP. GEOFF DAVIS'S SURPRISE RETIREMENT, LOCAL POLS PREPARE FOR A RUN
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What if NKY's next Congressman is not from its three most populous counties? Boone and Campbell Counties have owned the seat since 1987 when Jim Bunning of Southgate won the seat after Oldham County's Gene Snyder retired. When Bunning went to the Senate in 1998, Florence's Ken Lucas held the seat for three cycles. Since the 2004 election, Geoff Davis, of Hebron, has retained the seat. Some Republicans are already working to make sure that the next candidate is from farther east. A Draft Thomas Massie campaign has already appeared on Facebook urging the Lewis County Judge-Executive to run:

We need Conservatives from across the state to support Thomas and secure the 4th Congressional district once again in the strong hands of a Conservative, small government representative without the control of lobbyists.

Massie won over Tea Party supporters early with a speech in 2011, in which he spoke of liberty and how even your neighbors could turn against you with such evils as a committee and zoning laws. When Lewis County tried to form a planning commission, Massie's political career began. On Lewis County now, "There are no zoning laws in the county, there are no building codes in the county."

That is red meat for the NKY Tea Party that joined forces with the NKY Homebuilders Association to eliminate a planning commission from Kenton County (though their efforts failed when the paid "volunteers" the Homebuilders hired did not collect enough signatures (or too many fraudulent ones) to put the issue on the ballot. Massie is a successful businessman who attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before returning home to buy 1200 acres on which he farms and raises his family. Watch for this guy - if he jumps in, he will be a formidable candidate.

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WHO ELSE IS CONSIDERING?
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Nathan Smith

Only one Democrat, Nathan Smith, seems to be weighing a run. Interestingly, conservative blogger (and another potential GOP candidate for Davis's seat) Marcus Carey describes Smith as the Republicans' worst nightmare:

He is well connected in democratic circles, has been a loyal fund raiser and friend to many in Frankfort and DC, reportedly has money of his own and certainly isn't shy about taking the fight to the other side. Smith, a friend of mine by the way, stayed close to Jack Conway, close to Steve Beshear, close to Alison Grimes and hosted Hillary Clinton at his home. He enjoys wider than average name ID within democratic circles having been the former Vice Chair of the state party and has a real knack for the kind of biting political wit that will get him plenty of attention.

Read the full post: Bluegrass Bulletin 
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Two young guns going at it could make the race to replace Davis an energizing one for the region. Stay tuned: It's going to be an interesting few weeks as candidates scramble to start organizing.
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MORE:
Wait, maybe three Democrats are considering a run: Courier-Journal
Amanda Van Benschoten also takes a look at potential candidates: Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Davis's announcement is good news for Democrats as they may have more of a fighting chance to pick up the seat and it is bad news for the GOP if all of these candidates jump in and create a crowded primary field that not only leaves them bruised, but also opens up other seats down the ticket. Already, the race to replace Jack Westwood in the state senate is filling up on the GOP side as a third candidate has entered the race. In a Presidential election year where voter turnout and engagement is traditionally higher, the local races will more interesting than ever.
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in the news...
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STATE REP. KEENE PRE-FILES CASINOS-AT-RACETRACKS BILL
The Democrat from Wilder (who may be representing parts of Covington soon thanks to the Republican tinkering with our city's representational boundaries in their efforts to make it a tougher row to hoe for State Rep. Arnold Simpson) is making the first step to boost up the ailing horse industry:

"We've already passed this out of the House on to go to the Senate and never be heard," Keene said. "If we don't see some kind of movement on the Senate side, there's no sense in voting on this."
Rep. Mike Nemes, R-Louisville, also has pre-filed bills to expand gambling with a constitutional amendment to allow the local-option vote.
Keene's bill would allow casinos or limited expanded gambling such as slots or other electronic games of chance in counties with populations of 90,000 or more that already have a track. Churchill Downs in Louisville, and Keeneland and The Red Mile in Lexington would qualify. Ellis Park in Henderson, Turfway Park in Florence and Kentucky Downs in Franklin could be eligible under another rule.

Herald-Leader/Janet Patton  
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DERBY CHAMPIONS DESERVE SPECIAL PLACE
Following the death of 1991 winner Strike The Gold, who was kept overseas in Turkey, concerns returned and memories of 1986 champ Ferdinand's death in a Japanese slaughterhouse resurfaced:

Back home in the U.S., Strike the Gold had become little more than a fleeting chestnut memory, summoned more often when the conversation turned to his operatic trainer, Nick Zito, or to the tragic story of his Derby-winning jockey, the late Chris Antley. There will be those who claim Strike the Gold was revered as the oldest of only 17 living Kentucky Derby winners, but if he was such an American icon what was he doing living in Turkey? As Zito once said, “That’s business.”

Daily Racing Form  
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COVINGTON CHILDREN SHOP FOR PARENTS
The Welcome House has helped make the season brighter for local families again:

Joclyn's family lives in the welcome house of Northern Kentucky's Gardens at Greenup apartments. It's a place for families to live temporarily while they work ,go to school, or both to move beyond hard times. There are 20 families. These are their 52 children shopping at a makeshift Christmas store set up by volunteers called the Garden Girls. "The kids are amazing. That's why I'm here, the kids are so thankful and so loving so appreciative of getting anything."
Each child gets to pick out one gift. One gift and a moment with Santa was all Lily needed. "What did you tell Santa? I want a Barbie doll. What did you get mom? Body wash stuff."

Full story with video at the link.
Local 12  
SEE ALSO: The Welcome House issued an update on their Facebook page: 

Looking for volunteer opportunities over the holiday? Homemade meals are a real treat for the women and children living in our shelter. For more information contact Donna at 859-431-8717.

SEE ALSO: The Welcome House newsletter. 
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM GOVERNOR AND JANE BESHEAR

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SHOP COVINGTON AND GET YOUR GIFTS WRAPPED FREE!

Awesome:

Shop at local Covington businesses this season for a stress free experience.  Bring your receipts from gifts purchased at local Covington businesses on Saturday, December 17, between 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Groove Coffeehouse, 640 Main St., and the Awesome Collective will wrap them for free! Stop for a holiday cheer or warm cup of coffee at one of the local establishments while we take care of your wrapping.  For more information visit the Awesome Collective Facebook page!

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AUTHOR RICK ROBINSON CORRECTS RECORD ON BOONE CO JAIL

Following a report by a national immigrant rights group that Boone County's immigrant detention facility ranked among the worst in the nation, Ludlow's Rick Robinson paid a visit to check it out. Other than his use of the word "illegal" as a noun (any writer/human should know better), it's a great piece:

The Boone County jail is one of the most regulated and frequently inspected detention facilities in the nation. Because they accept state, federal and ICE detainees, as well as their own county’s prisoners, the facility is inspected by a plethora of government bodies. The facilities are top-notch and the personnel extremely professional.

The report complains that the closest immigration lawyers to Boone County, Kentucky are located in Chicago, Illinois. George Free disagrees. Mr. Free practices immigration law from his office in Cincinnati, Ohio (apparently, the legal world doesn’t revolve around Chicago, but I digress). Mr. Free was quoted in a television news report on this story as saying Boone County jail was actually one of the best facilities he has seen.

KY Forward  
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EWING'S RETIREMENT LETTER
Patrick Ewing, the man who helped found the Covington Business Council before going on to lead the Economic Development Department for the City of Cincinnati, officially retired Thursday. Here's his letter:

Anyone who knows me understands that my philosophy is that development works best when government and private industry work in partnership to advance mutual interests. The City government, using its resources, can create and maintain an environment that is conducive to business development. Companies commit to invest in capital improvements like real estate and equipment. They create job opportunities for City residents, which enhances that positive business environment. We need each other.

Read the while thing by clicking here. 

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SEE ALSO: Ewing spoke to the CBC this week and defended Cincinnati's taking of Omnicare and Nielsen from Covington, but also spoke of the ills of incentives packages that corporations use for a while before bolting for somewhere else. 
The RC News: No Apologies from Cincinnati on Omnicare or Nielsen 
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SD1 GETS A NEW LEADER
David Rager is the new Executive Director of Sanitation District 1:

“I am thrilled to be taking the reins of an organization that has done so much for Northern Kentucky,” Rager said in a news release. “SD1 provides a critical service to the community and is approaching a pivotal point in its history. I am energized at the opportunity to work with the community, the board and the SD1 employees as we tackle the challenges ahead.” Most recently, Rager was director of the Greater Cincinnati Water Works. He left that position in December 2010 after support for a proposed regional water district dried up. He had agreed to stay on as director to help with the regional water district project.

Business Courier  
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sports
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UK TAKES ON CHATTANOOGA IN FIRST GAME SINCE FIRST LOSS
You can catch the game on Insight channel 505. Great video of the team's first practice following the heartbreaker at Indiana, at the link.
CoachCal.com

 A Kentucky fan pointed out an interesting factoid regarding that Indiana game:

17. A 'Christian' soldier I: In Kentucky's epic 1992 NCAA Tournament defeat to Duke, a player named 'Christian' — Laettner — drained a walk-off jump shot to decide the game by one point.
16. A 'Christian' soldier II: In Kentucky's 2011-12 early-season upset defeat to Indiana, a player named 'Christian' — Watford — drained a walk-off jump shot to decide the game by one point.
15. A 'Mason' defender I: In 1992, the Kentucky defender closest to Christian Laettner on his game-deciding shot was a former Mason County High School forward, Deron Feldhaus.
14. A 'Mason' defender II: In 2011, the Kentucky defender closest to Christian Watford on his game-deciding shot was a former Mason County High School forward, Darius Miller.

Eerie. The entire list is worth reading. Herald-Leader/Mark Story

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HOLY CROSS 59, NEWPORT 52

Video at the link.

NKY Sports Blog 

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story of the week...

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BALLOON LAUNCHED BY KINDERGARTEN STUDENT IN 1988 RETURNED

A school in Lexington used to do a balloon launch in which the students would write a note, put the note in a balloon and then send it off and hope that they would be returned. 1988 was the last year the event took place, but a card was returned to the school 23 years later. The student who launched the balloon was in Kindergarten at the time and is now overseas in the military. Great, great story. Read the whole thing.

Herald-Leader/Jim Warren 

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ENJOY YOUR SATURDAY AND WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR THE SUNDAY EDITION!

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY LUNCH 16 DEC

by Michael Monks 

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Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

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SURVEY: COVINGTON'S HEALTH IS GOOD (OR AT LEAST NOT BAD)

A new survey from the Greater Cincinnati Health Foundation which profiled three urban neighborhoods (their words, not mine -- while Avondale and Price Hill are neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Covington happens to be a bonafide city) including Covington, shows some results that turn out to be unalarming. Of course, perfect health is desired, but considering the cloud of cigarette smoke that tends to hover above our beautiful city in addition to the high concentration of poverty, it would be a safe bet to consider Covington to be a heart attack waiting to happen. Turns out, it's not that bad:

HIGHLIGHTS:

4 out of 10 think they are in good or excellent health

3 out of 10 had 2 or more weeks of unhealthy days in past month

4 out of 10 are obese

7 out of 10 say their mouth and teeth are in good condition

3 out of 10 eat enough fruits & veggies every day

4 out of 10 get enough exercise

4 out of 10 have never smoked a cigarette

Here's some promising stats from the survey:

7 out of 10 believe the community will help when they're troubled

6 out of 10 say Covington gives them a secure feeling

6 out of 10 think Covingtonians can depend on each other

There is more with analysis at the link.

Greater Cincinnati Health Foundation via Cincinnati Enquirer.

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TREY GRAYSON WILL NOT SEEK DAVIS'S SEAT

The former Kentucky Secretary of State who now leads the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School is not planning to run for the newly open 4th District Congressional seat:

Congressman Geoff Davis has served as a strong and dedicated voice for the constituents in Kentucky's Fourth District over the past six years.  His leadership and convictions will be sorely missed in the U.S. House of Representatives when he retires. On a personal note, I appreciated all the advice and counsel he gave me over the years.  Nancy and I wish Geoff and his wife, Pat, many years of health and happiness to come with their family. Although many people have reached out to me tonight to inquire about my future plans, I am extremely fulfilled in my current position as the Director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, and more importantly, spending time with my family. At some point, I will return to my Kentucky home, but for now, I plan to remain in Boston and continue to serve in my position as Director.

So he's out.
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BUT A FORMER MCCONNELL STAFFER MAY BE IN
Ever heard of Hunter Bates? He's the former chief of staff to Senator Mitch McConnell and says he will pray on it:

“The most important thing in my life is my wife and three children,” Bates wrote in an e-mail response to a Roll Call inquiry about his potential candidacy. “We will prayerfully consider whether this is the right moment to re-enter the political arena.” Republicans expect a crowded and competitive primary for the likely GOP seat in northern Kentucky.
(snip)
Bluegrass State Republicans mentioned several other potential candidates in the wake of Davis’ announcement, including state Rep. Adam Koenig, state Sen. Damon Thayer, Campbell County businessman Kevin Sell, state Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington, state Senate President Pro Tem Katie Kratz Stine and conservative blogger Marcus Carey.

Roll Call 

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HISTORIC ART TRAIL PROPOSED BY UK FOR NKY'S RIVERFRONT

Students at the University of Kentucky Department of Historic Preservation appeared in Ludlow to unveil plans for "Northern Kentucky Historic Art Spaces Trail". Fascinating stuff:

The studio is part of the UK/CoD ‘River Cities’ project, which has partnered with the development corporation Catalytic Development Funding Corporation; Vision 2015, a Northern Kentucky nonprofit; and Culture Now, a Suprastudio project organized by Thom Mayne at UCLA. Culture Now is an effort to understand the role of culture as an agent of change in America’s mid-sized struggling cities
The studio identified 47 historic buildings that are currently being used as art spaces in the necklace of historic river cities located south of Cincinnati on the Ohio River, including: Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton and Fort Thomas.
After evaluating this information the students proposed a “Northern Kentucky Historic Art Spaces Trail.” Douglas Appler explains how this proposal would benefit the Northern Kentucky region: "The objective of the project is to change the way people think about Northern Kentucky, its arts community and its historic building stock. Viewed in isolation from each other, no single city featured in the proposal carries quite enough weight to make people think of Northern Kentucky as an arts hub, or as a center for creative activity. But when the cities are framed together as a group, it becomes clear that the region actually presents an unusually wide range of opportunities to experience the arts, and to do so in some fascinating historic spaces. But you only see that if you look at the region as a whole, rather than at its component parts."

The complex mix of social forces that allowed parts of these cities to retain so much of their historic fabric throughout the 20th century also left the region with commercial and residential building stock that is of high quality, that is affordable, and that is well suited to the needs of the growing segment of the population that is choosing to commit to an urban lifestyle.

Kentucky State Route 8 runs roughly parallel to the Ohio River, linking the cities and passing through some of their most historic neighborhoods. Current plans for the region continue this historical trend of connecting along the river in the form of the Riverfront Commons proposal, being developed by Southbank Partners and the Vision 2015 Catalytic Fund. This proposal would create a traffic-free cycling and pedestrian route along the banks of the Ohio, thereby improving connectivity among the region’s cities.The complex mix of social forces that allowed parts of these cities to retain so much of their historic fabric throughout the 20th century also left the region with commercial and residential building stock that is of high quality, that is affordable, and that is well suited to the needs of the growing segment of the population that is choosing to commit to an urban lifestyle.This region also has a surprisingly high number of organizations and businesses dedicated to the fine and performing arts. These run the gamut from large organizations and businesses with deep historical roots, such as the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center and the Madison Theater, to smaller, newer, businesses and organizations such as Sigra Gallery, The BLDG, or the Monmouth Theater. They also include instructional spaces such as Circus Mojo, the Baker Hunt Art Center and the Children’s Art Academy.To date UK College of Design has already initiated projects in two "river cities." In Henderson, the college has worked with the nonprofit, River City Renaissance, and with the city and county to redevelop HMPL#1 (Henderson Municipal Power and Light Plant No. 1), a retired coal fired power plant built in the late 1950s. And in Paducah, the college is currently working with the city, the city port authority, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to speculate about future uses for the DOE's uranium enrichment facility in Paducah (the only one in the U.S.), which plans to halt operation in the next 10 years.

University of Kentucky (Read the whole thing)
Major hat-tip to Building Cincinnati

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GIVE TO THE ARTS AND THE CARNEGIE WILL MATCH

If you donate some money to help in-school arts studios, Covington's leading performing arts venue will match the donation:

Through power2give.org, The Carnegie is working to raise funding for its in-school arts workshops. Thanks to the generosity of the Kentucky Arts Council (KAC), donations made in support of The Carngie's in-school arts workshops will be eligible for a dollar for dollar matching gift from the KAC! 

Power 2 Give 
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BANGARANG'S TO OPEN IN OLD MAD HATTER SPACE THIS WEEKEND
I got a sneak peak of the new Bangarang's music venue -- and these guys have big plans for the space. It won't just be music -- wait till you taste these tacos and salsa!
The RC News: Tunes & Tacos: New Music Venue to Open With Bang

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TIME TO SHOOT SANDHILL CRANES THIS WEEKEND!
Get your guns out, folks!

Doesn't this look like fun to kill?

After being restricted from hunting lists, the birds are now fair game:

The hunting season lasts for 30 days, or until the 400 bird quota is reached. Rocky Pritchert is the migratory bird coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. He says the sandhill crane population has drastically recovered in recent years.“The eastern population has done so well; its numbers have recovered tremendously over the years,” he said. “Our most recent population count, which was just conducted last November, came up with a population of 72,000. It’s just a tremendous wildlife success story.”

WFPL  
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WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA WATCHES ON TELEVISION
As far as I'm concerned, the man has great taste in shows:

One of his top picks, he says, is the HBO Prohibition-era drama, “Boardwalk Empire.” The often uber violent series stars Steve Buscemi as the embattled and corrupt treasurer of Atlantic City, N.J.(snip)Obama also says he’s a fan of the Showtime’s “Homeland,” about a CIA officer investigating a U.S. Marine held captive by Al-Qaeda who could be a threat to national security.

If you think I was shill for President Obama before, you've seen nothing yet. Now that I know that we have the same favorite shows... it's on! He also likes to watch some shows with his family. Charming story at the link.
The Hill

TUNES & TACOS: MUSIC VENUE TO OPEN WITH A BANG

by Michael Monks 

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L-R: Gomez, Dumond, Chaney

A rough week for Northern Kentucky music fans that included announcements that Mad Hatter and the Southgate House would close turned out to be good news for three guys, each named Andrew. Andy Dumond, Andrew Chaney, and Andrew Gomez had spent much time searching out a location in which they would open a music venue of their own. The trio, friends since their time as students at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, were in discussions to open at Newport on the Levee in the old Shadowbox Cabaret, but when that deal was weighed down by technical complications such as capacity issues, the Andrews went back to the drawing board, but knew they wanted to open Banagarang's in Northern Kentucky.

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"Covington was gonna be lacking and we wanted to follow in the footsteps of the Mad Hatter," said Dumond. When the space became available, he and his partners pounced at the chance and have spent the last few weeks cleaning up the former mid-century Buick dealership and making it their own. "It's hard, but nothing capable people can't pull off."

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Dumond and Chaney (who is leaving his job as a video editor at Channel 5), while only 25-years old, already have experience in running a business. Together they operate Riverfront Media, a video production company that includes Jungle Jim's among its list of clients. The connection to the international grocer will offer a benefit to Bangarang's: the guys want to serve food, and not just any food, but really great tacos and salsa made famous by Gomez who is already well known in the bar scene for his taco nights at Longworth's and Village Tavern. "We're gonna have the best food for a place like this," Dumond boasted. "We'll have top-shelf hand-crafted carnitas, hand tossed salsas." Gomez's love for Mexican food was inherited from his father who is from Brownsville, Texas near the Mexican border. "I grew up eating salsa before I ate ketchup," Gomez said. He even bought a food truck with the hopes of someday soon driving around town, serving his signature creations.

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As for the music, the guys have followed the local music scene for years including stints in their own bands during high school. They have landed three bands and a DJ for tonight's soft opening and seven musical acts for the opening night bash on Saturday. Though they live across the river (Dumond in Symmes Township, Chaney in Mt. Lookout, and Gomez in Oakley), they are excited for the opportunity and grateful to the City of Covington. "Everyone in Covington has been amazing," Dumond said. He cites assistant city solicitor Alex Mattingly, zoning specialist Andrew Juengling, and fire chief Chuck Norris as examples of those on the City staff that have been helpful to their cause. 

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"Bangarang" was the battle cry of the Lost Boys in the 90s flick, Hook but Dumond, Chaney, and Gomez are not lost in Never Never Land. They have big hopes for their new venture and see it expanding someday. While no band has taken the stage yet, once you taste the salsa, you will know that these guys are in it to win it and are a welcome addition to Covington. Following the recent opening of flow - a shop for men across the street, Bangarang's will be second new business on the block in a span of two weeks, and with Gateway College's expansion looming, this neighborhood is on the verge of a renaissance.

FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY LINE-UPS, CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND THEN CLICK THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE:

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY EVENING 15 DEC

by Michael Monks 

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Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook

@theRCnews on Twitter

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CONGRESSMAN GEOFF DAVIS WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION

Geoff Davis stands to the right of
Rep. Eric Cantor after the REINS
Act passed

The immediate responses describe this as a "surprise" announcement. In fact, Davis is the first Republican member of the House to announce that he will not run in 2012. This is strange timing considering that just last week Davis passed his first significant piece of legislation in the House (the REINS Act, which will fail in the Senate) and was finally appearing on stage with big names like John Boehner and Eric Cantor. It seemed that his star was rising. There will undoubtedly be more to this story. Here's Davis's announcement:

"In order to devote more time to my family, I have decided not to seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
“It is an honor to have the trust and confidence of the citizens of Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District.
"I have been blessed with an exceptionally competent staff who have helped thousands of Kentuckians over the years.  Moreover, together we have passed critical pieces of legislation and enacted laws to reform our government, strengthen our national security, protect our veterans and service members, create economic revival and energy independence, and improve transparency and accountability of the government. 
"As Chairman of the Ways and Means’ Subcommittee on Human Resources, we have set a new tone that combines genuine concern for the least among us, with pragmatic process reforms that are both compassionate and conservative.  That attitude and focus have produced real results and proactive bi-partisan legislation, despite the negative partisan climate in Washington.  Indeed, we have proven that people of diverse world views can find common ground and produce meaningful results.
"I thank the people of Kentucky's Fourth District for this honor and look forward to continued service to our community and to our Republic in other capacities as I return to the private sector.  I also want to thank my friend and mentor, former Senator Jim Bunning, for his example of steadfast character and unimpeachable integrity in service. 
"Most of all, I thank my wonderful wife Pat and our children for their unfailing love, grace under pressure, and tireless encouragement in answering this call to serve. 
"I am grateful that I live in a country where a boy like me, growing up with little hope, could walk a path by God's grace that has allowed me to encounter His peace, the joy of true love, and service at the highest levels of our elected national government.  Truly, we are blessed in this Republic."

Here are media reactions:
Cincinnati Enquirer, Washington Post, Courier-Journal, Herald-Leader, 84 WHAS, cn|2, FOX 19, WKYT/WYMT, WVXU, WFPL 
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JUST IN FROM ROLL CALL (8:32PM)
The publication is naming possible replacements for Davis:

Kentucky insiders and former Davis staffers seemed shocked by the Congressman’s sudden announcement. But local Republicans began to name a few potential candidates who might run in 2012.
Republicans mentioned state Rep. Adam Koenig, state Sen. Damon Thayer, Campbell County businessman Kevin Sell, state Rep.Alecia Webb-Edgington, state Senate President Pro Tem Katie Kratz Stine and conservative blogger Marcus Carey as potential GOP candidates.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) former top aide, Hunter Bates, also lives in the area and could run for the seat, according to one Republican operative. In 2003, Bates ran for lieutenant governor, but a judge ruled he did not meet the state’s residency requirement and he withdrew from the GOP ticket.

Roll Call
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WILLIAMS TO REMAIN SENATE PRESIDENT
Despite the shellacking he got in the gubernatorial race, Kentucky Republicans still want David Williams to lead them in the next session:

Higdon told Pure Politics that the caucus voted to “confirm their leadership” and that there were no plans to take future votes on leadership this upcoming session. Williams, who has been Senate President for more than a decade, was handily defeated in this year’s gubernatorial election against Gov. Steve Beshear. That lead to speculation that Williams would lose his Senate leadership position.

cn|2
SEE ALSO: Williams lost 6 of 9 Senate districts in which Republicans are up for reelection cn|2 
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IN CASE YOU MISSED...
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CINCINNATI'S ECON DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: NO APOLOGIES FOR OMNICARE
In what could have been an awkward meeting, one of the architects of the incentive packages that lured Omnicare and Nielsen away from Covington to Cincinnati was the guest speaker at the Covington Business Council's monthly luncheon. While Patrick Ewing offered no apologies and no excuses, he did lambast the way cities and states are forced to compete with each other to land large corporations with massive tax breaks. It was a great presentation full of interesting comments. Click the link for the story.
The RC News: No Apologies for Omnicare, Nielsen from Cincinnati 
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OMNICARE'S FORMER CEO AMONG HIGHEST PAID IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY
In spite of the fact that Omnicare can't pay its rent at RiverCenter without massive taxpayer subsidies and in spite of the fact that Omnicare was forced to settle for $100 million when it was accused of a Medicare fraud scheme, its former CEO that watched over the corruption and corporate welfare walked away with a ridiculous parting gift:

Gemunder got a package totaling about $98 million, reports the New York-based research firm GMI. He was second to John Hammergen of San Francisco-based pharmaceutical distributor McKesson Corp. (NYSE: MCK), who collected $145 million.
Gemunder departed the Covington-based Omnicare (NYSE: OCR) abruptly in summer 2010 after nearly three decades with the company, which provides pharmacy services to the long-term-care industry. He was replaced by John Figueroa, a former McKesson executive.
The package included various severance and retirement provisions. Some analysts have estimated the real value at more than $130 million.

Seriously. Defraud Medicare to the tune of $100 million and only pay rent when it is subsidized by taxpayers and still walk away with a package that may be worth $130 million? America.
SEE ALSO: Even Republicans are starting to believe that CEOs are paid too much by a majority of 53% according to the latest poll from Pew Research:

Executive pay in 2010 was up as much as 40 percent in some cases, even as Americans’ approval of mega-corporations on Wall Street plunged to its lowest levels yet, data released this week reveals.
(snip)
In spite of soaring corporate profits and executive pay, hiring has has only seen marginal improvement. Recent government studiesplace the overall unemployment rate at 8.6 percent, although unemployment claims are at the lowest they’ve been in nearly four years.
(snip)
A survey released Thursday by the Pew Research Center found that even among Republicans, often the most pro-business political party in the U.S., a slim majority (53 percent) agree that wealthy people and large corporations have too much power. Overall, Pew found that 77 percent of the public feel that political power has become too concentrated into the hands of America’s wealthy class.

Raw Story
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RELATED: LASIK ALOWS BARON TO SEE WITHOUT MONOCLE
LOL:

"I grew so dreadfully weary of affixing my monocle whenever I wished to look over a writ concerning one parcel of land or another," said the baron, adding that the sunglass monocle he had to wear while his eye recovered was worth the inconvenience, though its darkened lens forced him to rely upon the opinion of his manservant when selecting a dressing gown each morning.

The Onion 
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CENTER FOR GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS LANDS DUKE GRANT
The organization is on fire lately and now, the good work can continue:

Today the Duke Energy Foundation awarded us $35,000 to help CGN, in partnership with Tony Kreutzjans and Marc Tischbein, transform the vacant building at 108-112 W. Pike into 7 apartments and 3 commercial spaces. We'll keep you uppdated on the Pike Star project in 2012! Thanks to Duke for supporting this urban revitalization project in Covington!!

SEE ALSO: The River City News was the only media present when CGN showed off some of its beautiful new works. Three homes in Jackson Square are now completely redone or close to being so. Two, in fact, are already sold! For the story and photos, click the link.
The RC News: Redefining a Neighborhood: Rundown Homes Go Back on Market  
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20-YEAR OLD WOMAN ARRESTED IN OVERNIGHT COVINGTON SHOOTING
I'm told that this is not her first run-in with the law either:

Rabe and Desmar Owens were involved in an argument about 2:45 a.m. when Rabe shot Owens, Jones said. Owens was shot in the shoulder and taken to University Hospital. His injury was not believed to be life-threatening.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Brenna Kelly  
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STAND UP COVINGTON WANTS YOU TO STAY ENGAGED
The group's efforts to raise awareness and curb violence in the city continue:

12TH STREET NEARLY FINISHED
Local 12's Joe Webb always does good work and seems to be in Covington a lot, so be grateful for that:

It's a dramatic change. Four lanes, a median, parking on each side, decorative crosswalks and street lighting. Built in the 1880's, 12th Street was the main east-west corridor through Covington. The link from the expressway to Campbell County. It had to be fixed. "This little section/corridor carried over 16,000 vehicles in a day's time. A lot of traffic going on and just not a lot of place to put it. So, the construction part's never pretty, but the end results worth it."

Notice the link on the word "vehicles"? I usually take those out, but I'm leaving it this time just so you can see how even in news stories, local TV stations are trying to sell you something. How embarrassing. Anyway, Webb's story with video is at the link.
Local 12  
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LOUISVILLE BRIDGES ON TABLE BUT WHAT ABOUT BRENT SPENCE
Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson sees discussion coming soon about Ohio River bridges, but fails to mention the Brent Spence:

Speaking to Pure Politics after his first official economic development announcement as the second-in-command, Abramson said he expects the details of a financing plan to come “in the first quarter” of next year. And he agreed with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, who said that the upcoming legislative session is the right time for Kentucky to pay up it’s share of the project that would build two new bridges connecting Kentucky and Indiana.

Video at the link.
cn|2  
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KY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS
But it's still very high:

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate fell to 9.4 percent in November 2011 from 9.6 percent in October 2011, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Commonwealth of Kentucky  
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THESE AMISH MEN ARE HARDCORE ABOUT IT
They refuse to put reflectors on their buggies so now they're under the fluorescent lights of jail:

The action came Monday after bench trials in Graves County. The men said that they do not plan to pay their fines and court costs, an action that has led to jail time for others convicted of the same charge. The conservative sect of the Amish has refused to display the orange triangle because they say it violates their religious prohibitions against displaying bright colors and trusting in man-made symbols.A state law requires the emblem for safety. However, Republican Rep. Ron Crimm of Louisville is proposing legislators take up a bill next month that would allow white or silver reflective tape to be used instead of the triangle.

Herald-Leader  
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TURFWAY PARK APPROVED FOR PICK-4 TAKEOUT REDUCTION
The track's hoping for a boost:

Turfway offers two Pick 4 wagers on nine-, 10- and 11-race cards, and three Pick 4 bets on 12 race cards on Friday evenings. “We decided we need to draw some attention to our Pick 4s,” Turfway president Bob Elliston said. “It has proven successful at Tampa Bay Downs, so we thought we would give it a shot.” The Turfway holiday meet runs through Dec. 31. The three-month winter/spring meet begins the following day.

What a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, too!

Blood Horse 

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ANOTHER DERBY HORSE HAS DIED

Just a day after 1991 Derby winner Strike The Gold went to the racetrack in the sky, 1998 3rd place finisher Indian Charlie has died after a battle with cancer. He was 16. In '98, he went off at 5-2 odds but fell behind eventual winner Real Quiet, whom Indian Charlie beat in that year's Santa Anita Derby.

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A WARNING FROM COVINGTON POLICE

Check it:

Now is that time of the year when parcel trucks are easily observed in the communities and their deliveries are being left outside. This packages are easy targets for theft. Here are some tips:
• We ask that residents be alert when they are expecting package deliveries. Check the doorstep frequently.
• Neighbors, pay attention for deliveries and take note if you observe a suspicious vehicle nearby when deliveries are being made or shortly thereafter.
• You can request that your parcel carries not leave packages unattended.

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MISS THIS MORNING'S NEWS ROUND-UP?
Did you ever think there would be a time when Covington could say, 'At least we're not Villa Hills'? That time is here; (In case you missed) Code enforcement hearing pits Mainstrasse businesses against each other; Plus, George Clooney goes gay for play. Those stories and more at the link!
News Round-Up -- Thursday Morning
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HOLIDAYS IN MAINSTRASSE
It's been a great holiday season in Mainstrasse. Check out some of the photos from various celebrations at the link!
MSVA @ Facebook