NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY AFTERNOON 10 JAN

by Michael Monks 
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COVINGTON'S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BRIGHTENS

And not a moment too soon. BioLOGIC celebrates its large grant from the Duke Energy Foundation:

bioLOGIC, a Covington based life science accelerator in collaboration with the City of Covington announced today that the Company has been selected by the Duke Energy Foundation to be one of the first grant recipients of a new pilot economic development program entitled, "Duke Energy Foundation's Urban Revitalization Pilot Program." These grants are designed to help spur job growth and retention in urban core communities served by Duke Energy thus impacting local community vitality.

The City of Covington was awarded a $100,000 grant from a pool of $287,710, the highest grant of this round, for the creation of a Life Science Accelerator in partnership with bioLOGIC. These Duke Energy funds will assist bioLOGIC and the City with the implementation of the Life Science Accelerator by hiring a Biotech Accelerator Program Manager and for infrastructure and program build-out at bioLOGIC's Covington facility. bioLOGIC is planning a 7,500 sq ft expansion of the second floor of their historic building to house more life science companies needing lab and/or office space.

"bioLOGIC is honored to be a part of this pilot economic development initiative sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation," stated Charlie LeCroix, PhD, COO of bioLOGIC. "Our partnership with the City of Covington to develop a life science corridor in Northern Kentucky is greatly accelerated with the Duke Energy grant support. We have a list of file science companies waiting for our renovated second floor space."

Though this news was reported last month when the grant was announced, it is always welcome to revisit good news. 

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NEW TENANT FOR RIVERCENTER TOWERS LIKELY
Tier 1 Performance Solutions currently operates out of offices on 5th Street in Covington but was looking for more space to combine its two offices. The company was courted by other cities, including Newport, but has decided to stay in Covington. At tonight's Covington City Commission meeting, an occupational tax rebate is expected to be approved.
Also on the Commission agenda:
Construction of a new restroom/concessions facility in Devou Park, a new fire vehicle, and money for Covington Ironworks. Full details at the link.
Tier 1's Move to RiverCenter Tops Commission Agenda  
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REDISTRICTING HAS FRANKFORT IN A FOUL MOOD
Will they or won't they? Following a huge outcry from Covington officials and citizens over the proposed redistricting of Arnold Simpson's 65th House District (and yes, it was on the table), House Speaker Greg Stumbo's office reported to City Hall that there were no plans to change the district that encompasses Covington's entire urban core. Additionally, Stumbo came out and said that redistricting of state legislative districts may be postponed till 2013. But now, maybe that's not the case:

Since House Republicans haven’t even been shown a plan and since Stumbo and Democratic leaders didn’t take up the plan Monday as they once intended, it’s clear the Democrats are having problems coming to agreement among themselves.
“We’re working diligently to get it done,” Stumbo said. But he said once again that it’s his legal opinion the question could be delayed until the first part of 2013.
Neither Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, or State Government Committee Chairman Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, agrees.
“That’s not a good idea,” Thayer said Monday. “The constitution requires we re-district every 10 years. We’re ready in the Senate to deal with re-districting as soon as possible.”

The Morehead News/Ronnie Ellis  
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RELATED: The state legislative session in New Jersey took a bizarre turn when a GOP leader dropped dead in the state house's bathroom. Associated Press @ YouTube 
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4TH DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PRIMARY TO BE "WILD"
So says DC-based Roll Call:

Three weeks before the filing deadline, state Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington and Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore are officially in the GOP race. Lewis County Judge-Executive Thomas Massie, affiliated with the tea party movement, appears likely to join the race this week. His bid could set the stage for an establishment-versus-tea-party battle in the Bluegrass State.
“The wild card is Massie,” explained Trey Grayson, a former Kentucky secretary of state. Grayson lost to now-Sen. Rand Paul in a fiercely contested 2010 GOP primary that solidified into a battle between the party establishment, which backed Grayson, and the tea party, which fervently supported Paul.

Remember when President Obama trumpeted Martin Luther King, Jr's "fierce urgency of now"? If Democrats truly believed in that, there would be a candidate ready to watch the GOP destroy each other. This seat can be picked off. It will be tough, to be sure, but it is possible. Is there really no one from the Democratic Party to step up and give this thing a fight? Are the stakes really not high enough?
Roll Call/Joshua Miller  
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BILL WOULD ALLOW ADS ON KENTUCKY SCHOOL BUSES
Imagine your child being picked up in the morning by a billboard:

It's believed the ads could generate $5,000 to $10,000 per bus/per year. There are over 900 buses in Jefferson County. The ads would appear below the windows on the side of the bus. Ads for tobacco and alcohol would not be allowed.

84 WHAS  & Better article here: WFPL
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SEE ALSO: In other school bus-related news, Kentucky is a leader in hybrid buses. Kenton County has 5. Courier-Journal via Cincinnati Enquirer 
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QUIT SMOKING IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY TONIGHT
Two things will keep me from attending this FREE session to quit smoking: 1) a commission meeting and 2) I really feel like chain-smoking today, all day:

The Cooper Clayton Method to Stop Smoking is a free group support smoking cessation program provided by the Health Department, St. Elizabeth Hospital, St. Elizabeth Physicians, and the Kentucky Cancer Program. Groups meet for 1 hour an evening for 13 weeks and are led by a trained facilitator. Each week there is a short video clip followed by group discussion. Participants are responsible for purchasing the nicotine patch, gum or other cessation aid if they choose to use them, but are not required to. Sessions held three times a year, with classes starting in September, January and April. The following classes are scheduled:4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, starting January 5, at Williamstown Elementary School, 300 Helton St., Williamstown, Ky.6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, starting January 10, at St. Elizabeth Ft. Thomas, Café Conference Room, 85 North Grand Ave., Fort Thomas, Ky.6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, starting January 12, at St. Elizabeth Physicians Corporate Office, 334 Thomas More Parkway, Suite 200, Crestview Hills, Ky.

NKY Health  
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WEIGH IN ON LOCAL KIDS AND DRUG USE
NKY Youth Advocates want to know what you know about kids' drug use in our communities:

This survey is intended to determine teen drug use and access in our communities. This is a 100% anonymous survey and will be used by local coalitions in their strategic planning for ways they can help prevent and educate on teen substance abuse. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.

Click the link to take the survey.
NKY Youth Advocates  
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CONCOURSE A CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES AT CVG
Check it:

CVG is rocking out the construction for Concourse A, Baggage Claim and Ticketing.

A few more at the link:

CVG @ Facebook 

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CINCINNATI COUNCILWOMAN PROPOSES NEW MOTTO

Cincinnati: The City That Sings

It’s an idea that comes through council member Laure Quinlivan, who thinks the city needs to jump on a slogan fast – before signs are made for the World Choir Games in July. Cincinnati needs something catchy to be remembered by, she says. “The City That Sings” relates to the games initially but can go beyond that to imply that Cincinnati’s “humming, buzzing, rocking and rolling” on every front.
(snip)
The phrase actually came from Bob Stevie, executive president of the Cincinnati Sister City Association. Quinlivan had been thinking about a couple others – “Queen City of Culture,” “Green Queen City” – but as soon as she heard his idea, “it was like a light bulb went off in my head,” she says. “I was like, ‘That’s it!’ ”

Cincinnati Enquirer/Jane Pendergast  
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RELATED: The River City News asked for feedback on proposals for a good Covington slogan. What do you fine people think of Covington: The Mosaic City? It elicited the most feedback, though there were several other nice contributions to the conversation. I think I love it. The Mosaic City. Nice.
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SO YOU WANT TO BE A CORRECTIONS OFFICER?
Wonder if this is what it's like at the Kenton Co. Jail?

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in case you missed...

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THIS MORNING'S NEWS

The Tea Party continues its assault on the planning commission in Kenton County with help from a state senator; Redistricting of state legislative seats may happen afterall?; Calling your mother is actually physically good for you (Moms: "Duh."); Those stories and much more at the link!

News Round-Up -- Tuesday Morning 

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CONTEST FOR LOCAL TEEN SHUTTERBUGS

Any kids you know good with a camera?

Now’s your chance to actually win fame and prizes for your talent. First prize is a $100 Best Buy gift card; 2nd prize is a $50 Best Buy gift card. Submit your JPEG images via email to jessy.griffith@kentonlibrary.org by January 27. Include your name, grade, and contact phone or e-mail. I will send a reply after I receive your photos. If you do not get a reply email, please try again or call the library. By entering the contest you are allowing the library to use the images in promotional materials and galleries both online and in print. Maximum two entries per person. Judges will be library staff and volunteers. Winners will be announced at the gallery show on Tuesday, January 31.

Kenton Co Library  
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KY STUDENTS COULD WIN $1,500 TOWARD COLLEGE
For young kids:

Kentucky students in grades K-6 have a chance to win $1,500 toward college and $500 for their school in the “Dream Out Loud Challenge.” Students are invited to submit an original drawing, poem, essay or video answering the question: “How will I change the world after I go to college?”
The challenge, sponsored by the Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust (KESPT), is intended to remind families that it is never too early to start saving and planning for higher education. Nine winning entries will be selected by a panel of judges. One winner will be chosen from each of three submission categories — drawing, video and essay or poem — in grades K-2, grades 3-4 and grades 5-6. The winning students will receive a $1,500 KESPT college savings account, and their schools will win $500. The contest runs from Jan. 16 through March 16, 2012. Entries must be postmarked by March 16 and received by March 23.

For more info, click the link.
press release  
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YET ANOTHER CHANCE FOR YOUR KID TO WIN MONEY!
Make a posted for the KY Department of Agriculture. Click the link for details.
press release 
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WITCH WHO GRANTED BEYONCE FAME RETURNS TO CLAIM FIRSTBORN
LOL.
The Onion