360 Fireworks Party

360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, March 17, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 17 MAR

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
|   
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
NO SIGN TO HONOR HOLMES'S STATE BASKETBALL TITLE FROM 2009? 
| 
On Wednesday, the 2011 Class 2A state football champions, the Holy Cross Indians, were honored with a sign on Winston Avenue commemorating their remarkable feat. 
| 
The event was covered by The River City News here and while everyone is thrilled for Holy Cross, a reader at The River City News Facebook page asked: 
With all due respect to Holy Cross - where is the Holmes championship sign? I'm hoping one actually exists but if not - how do we make it happen? Are the signs purchased by the school, the city or donors? 
The Holmes Bulldogs claimed the Kentucky high school basketball state title in 2009 but no sign commemorating the victory exists. City Commissioner Steve Casper wrote: 
Holy Cross sign was made possible by Latonia Business Association. There are efforts being made to find a private organization to step up on behalf of Holmes' champions! 
Let's get a sign for the Bulldogs on Madison Avenue! In the meantime, here's a video from 2009 celebrating Holmes's victory: 
| 
SEE ALSO: One player from that 2009 championship team is now a sophomore at Ohio University which upset 4th-seeded Michigan in the NCAA Tournament last night. Ricardo Johnson did not score any points but he did grab a rebound and had a steal in the Bobcats surprising victory -- and Covington Independent Public Schools is celebrating:  
Ricardo was all smiles after the game Thursday night when the Ohio Bobcats upset Michigan, 65-60.
ARE YOU PROUD OF THIS BULLDOG? Let him know and you may win a gift certificate to Chez Nora’s restaurant. You have a chance of winning by liking us on Facebook or by commenting on Ricardo’s photo. We will make sure Ricardo receives your comments. The winner will be notified Wednesday. Pass this message along to your family and friends.
Good luck Ricardo. 
Go to CIPS Facebook to participate! 
|
ROAD PRIORITIES, LATIN SCHOOL BONDS TOP COMMISSION AGENDA
The Diocese's request for more than $1 million in industrial revenue bonds from the City; Covington's road priorities include Hands Pike & Taylor Mill Road; Plus, lots of new equipment for the fire department. For a preview of Tuesday's City Commission meeting, click the link. 
The River City News|
COVINGTON REP. ARNOLD SIMPSON'S ANGEL INVESTOR BILL WON'T HAPPEN
Not this year, anyway: 
Some blamed personal politics while others blamed the state’s lean budget for angel investment tax incentive’s apparent failure this session.(snip)“We are all of one mindset, and the no. 1 mindset is the creation of jobs,” Simpson said. “We keep gaining every quarter but the jobs are not coming back. This is a mechanism by which we could create an impetus to get critical mass for an employment base. It would be a foundation for the future.” 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman  
|
MORE FROM FRANKFORT
| 
A final plan is needed for the Brent Spence Bridge Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
House Speaker Greg Stumbo predicts a busy two weeks as session winds down cn|2 
|
Kentucky will pay $8.3 million for historic Louisville estate to make way for new bridge Courier-Journal 
|
PETS SEPARATED DURING TORNADO IN KENTON COUNTY STILL SEEK REUNION
Take a look at these pets: 
Click image to enlarge
| 
TORNADO RECOVERY HEADLINES
|
Local groups returning items blown far away during storm Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
Photo found 134 miles from West Liberty Home Herald-Leader
|
Red Cross donations near $1 million Courier-Journal 
|
Life slowly returning to normal for West Liberty Herald-Leader 
| 
Miracle school to open in West Liberty WKYT
| 

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
| 
CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP FOR MARCH 17
Who's going to prison and who got probation? It's a long list from This Week in Kenton County Circuit Court. Click the link for the mugshot round-up. 
The River City News 
|
NKCAC & COVINGTON ROTARY CLUB HELP YOUNG DADS
Six more fathers graduated from the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission's "24/7 Dad" program which is supported by the Covington Rotary Club: 
From NKCAC: 
Congrats to our "24/7 Dads" graduates!!! Six local men completed this fatherhood program today. A big thank you to the Rotary Club of Covington for supporting this program! 
About the program: 
NKCAC’s Fatherhood Initiative has trained facilitators who provide classes to fathers using two of the National Fatherhood Initiative sponsored curriculums: 24/7 Dad™ or InsideOut Dad™. 24/7 Dad™ is the most comprehensive fatherhood program available with innovative tools, strategies, and exercises for fathers of all races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds. Developed by fathering and parenting experts, it focuses on the characteristics men need to be good fathers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
| 
QUICKIES
| 
Senator Rand Paul wants to replace Medicare WBKO 
|
Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood to become entertainment district Cincy Voices 
|
Artist Shepard Fairey (who painted several murals in Covington in 2010 and is famous for the Barack Obama "Hope" poster) is returning to Cincinnati Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
What are anglers catching in the Ohio River? Three states will be asking questions starting tomorrow Herald-Leader
|
***********************************************
|
in case you missed...
|
FRIDAY AFTERNOON'S NEWS
Two Covington condo buildings rank in the top 3 for most expensive units sold in Greater Cincinnati; A unique promotion at a Downtown Covington shop wants to know which M&M you prefer; Plus, who's paying for the Governor's plane ride to a basketball game? Those and more at the link. 
|***********************************************
| 
        BRACKETS BUSTED!
        MARCH: NOW WITH MORE MADNESS
Anybody pick Lehigh over Duke? Norfolk State over Missouri? No? Good! Then we all still have a chance to win the office pool!
 
      #1-SEED KENTUCKY TAKES ON #8-SEED IOWA STATE TONIGHT
         MURRAY STATE AND LOUISVILLE ARE ALSO IN ACTION
| 
Iowa State is a unique test for Kentucky Herald-Leader 
|
How Iowa State and UK match up Herald-Leader 
|
High flyin' Wildcats kill with lobs Courier-Journal 
|
One player from Iowa State was close to becoming a UK Wildcat -- but he was too scared to get on an airplane at the time Herald-Leader 
|
Remember Deron Feldhaus? Of course you do -- he's a UK "Unforgettable". He remembers you, too Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
Murray State is one win away from being first Ohio Valley Conference team in Sweet 16 since Nixon Courier-Journal 
|
STILL SOME NUTELLA LEFT IN JAR, REPORTS DEPRESSION
LOL: 
Citing the fact that having another spoonful or two wasn't going to make much of a difference at this point anyway, a crippling bout of clinical depression reported Tuesday there was definitely still some Nutella left in that jar. According to the cluster of symptoms relating to persistent anxiety and low self-esteem, it looks as if there's a little left on the lid as well. 
The Onion 
Posted by at No comments:
More Stories About: , , , , , , , , , , ,

CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP 17 MAR

|   
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
The following people are among a long list from this week's activity in Kenton County Circuit Court. Some are going to prison while others are on probation or in the felony diversion program: 
| 




| 
There are more at the link below with an explanation of charges and recommended sentences from Rob Sanders's Commonwealth Attorney's office. Some have been sent away, some are awaiting sentencing, and others will get probation. Whatever they end up with, let's hope as a community that they return healthy and rehabilitated, otherwise the cycle continues.  
This Week in Kenton County Circuit Court
Posted by at No comments:
More Stories About: , , ,

LATIN SCHOOL BONDS & MORE TOP COMMISSION AGENDA

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
|   
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
On Tuesday the Covington City Commission will hear a public presentation on the Diocese of Covington's request for $1.4 million in industrial revenue bonds and will then vote on the matter. "To finance the acquisition, construction, installation, and equipping of facilities suitable for use in furtherance of the educational purposes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington and located within the City of Covington, Kentucky," the ordinance says of the plans. Other matters on Tuesday's agenda:
  • An order/resolution in support of one of the Kentucky Transportation Task Force's recommendations for the reconstruction of Hands Pike from Madison Pike (3L) to Crystal Lake. (The Kentucky House of Representatives passed Friday a roads bill that includes funding for this project) 
  • Additionally, the commission will vote on a resolution in support of the prioritization of all the local recommendations by the Transportation Task Force for road projects in Covington
  • One road project in which the City disagrees with the state's plans is over the schedule for widening KY-16 (Taylor Mill Road). A resolution will be up for a vote Tuesday asking the state to fund the project in 2012 instead of the proposed 2015
  • The City plans to enter into a programmatic agreement with the Kentucky Heritage Council and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation regarding the Jacob Price/Hope VI project (Only one building of the old Jacob Price housing project still stands because of its proximity to an area of ground that is of interest to archaeologists and preservationists)
  • Four issues involve the funding for Fire Department equipment: Ten cardiac monitors (Cost: $319,000 Funding: $287,100 from a grant and $31,900 from general fund)), a training simulator (Cost: $16,740 Funding: $15,066 from a grant and $1,674 from capital improvements fund), training materials and equipment (Cost: $21,404 Funding: $19,264 from a grant and $2,140 capital improvements fund), nine 4-Gas monitor kits (Cost: $29,444 Funding: $26,503 from a grant and $2,944 from capital improvements fund)
  • Employment will be offered to a new part-time Devou Park Ranger and two interns, a raise will be offered to a member of the Police Department, and an employee is resigning from the finance department
  • The Devou Park Advisory Committee's reserve account recommendations will also be up for a vote 
As always, The River City News will be at City Hall to cover the Commission Meeting for you. 

Posted by at No comments:
More Stories About: , , , ,

Friday, March 16, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY AFTERNOON 16 MAR

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
|   
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
| 
TWO COVINGTON CONDO COMMUNITIES AMONG TOP 3 IN CINCINNATI
The Cincinnati Business Courier ranked today the most expensive condominium communities in Greater Cincinnati. The Ascent topped the list while Domaine de la Rive placed third based on the highest-priced units moved in each development: 
The Ascent at Roebling’s Bridge in Covington, Ky. maintained its No. 1 spot, but was joined by last year’s No. 2 development, SouthShore Condominiums in Newport. Both had units that sold for $5.45 million each.
(snip)Domaine de la Rive, another Covington condo development, placed third with its most expensive unit going for $3.5 million. 
|
COVINGTON PROJECTS WOULD BE FUNDED BY HOUSE BILL
The Kentucky State House of Representatives approved today a $3.5 billion roads bill that would fund several Covington projects, including the replacements of the 11th & 15th Street bridges as well as adding sidewalks to another street and removing a traffic signal from a busy intersection. Click the link for all the details and what stands to be funded should the state senate approve the bill. 
|
SEE ALSO: State senate expected to make changes to roads bill Herald-Leader
|
FRANKFORT HEADLINES
|
Neighborhood schools bill passes senate committee WFPL 
|
Courier-Journal: Not passing bullying bill was a "shameful vote" Courier-Journal 
|
RELATED: A Cincinnati-based gay organization and a Cincinnati film production company produced a video about the dangers of bullying that has now been picked up by The Huffington Post 
|
Kentucky Public Health immunization program honored by Center for Disease Control Press Release 
|
Kentucky teacher nominations sought WBKO 
|
Kentucky Human Rights Commission offers fair housing training Press Release 
|
Governor unveils Medal of Honor plaque WKYT 
|
New Head of Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands Named Press Release 
|
Governor Beshear's plane ride to the SEC Tournament will be paid for by Democratic Party Herald-Leader 
|
No Election year worries for sitting House Dems cn|2 
|
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
| 
NEW COVINGTON MEN'S CONSIGNMENT SHOP HAS UNIQUE PROMOTION
Check out flow - a shop for men's weekend promotion: 
The Event: M&M's vs. Peanut Butter M&M's
The Place: flow - a shop for men (Covington) & Revolve (Charlotte)
The Time: This Friday & Saturday
Help us settle the debate once and for all! Stop in to flow this Friday and Saturday to vote for your favorite between these two delicious colorful candies. Free samples will be provided. Votes must be cast at the shop. May the best M&M win! 
flow is at 621 Scott Boulevard. 
| 
SEE ALSO: flow owner Jerod Theobald's column in Cincinnati Profile 
| 
QUICKIES 
| 
Nick & George Clooney arrested in front of Sudanese Embassy in Washington, DC Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
Ft. Campbell soldier charged in wife's death Local 12
|
Murray State student's fall from fine arts building ruled a suicide Courier-Journal 
|
CVG improves monthly on-time flights rate Business First 
|
Cincinnati (still) ranks #1 for bedbugs FOX 19 
|
New Mio's pizza place opening in Fort Thomas NKY Spot 
|
Kentucky radio host sued for slander by Louisville police officer Courier-Journal 
|
Gary Burbank (briefly) returning to radio on WNKU Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
REP. GEOFF DAVIS'S SIGNATURE LEGISLATION CAUSES TIFF IN MAGAZINE
The Economist wrote a piece on Geoff Davis's REINS Act: 
Finally, one bad idea is the REINS bill. Passed by the House, it would involve Congress more heavily in rule-making. If there is a body worse than the executive agencies at this kind of thing, it is Congress. 
The Economist 
|
That promoted the Congressman from Kentucky's 4th District to write a letter to the editor of The Economist:  
The bill’s acronym as a metaphor for the reins on a horse is fitting. The purpose of reins is not to keep a horse at a standstill, but to keep it in check; to ensure that it acts according to the intent and will of the rider. The REINS Act ensures that the people’s representatives are accountable for the laws they pass as well as the major regulatory costs that may follow. 
| 
SPEAKING OF HORSES... Rest in peace Fortunate Prospect Courier-Journal 
| 
TORNADO RECOVERY:
|
FEMA sets up location in Piner Cincinnati Enquirer 
|
Contractors must register with Kenton County NKY Spot 
| 
Fuel drive to help victims Cincinnati Enquirer 

| 
***********************************
| 
in case you missed...
|
THURSDAY EVENING'S NEWS
More must-see photos from Thursday's storm in Covington sent in by readers; The management consulting firm begins its review work with the Covington Fire Department; Plus, will the new can't-look-away ads from the CDC get smokers to stop? (video). Those stories and more at the link. 
|************************************
|

Photos: UK's win over Western Kentucky Herald-Leader 
|
Kentucky was on track for 35 minutes Herald-Leader 
|
Terrance Jones joins 1,000 point club Herald-Leader 
|
DID YOU MISS THE TERRIFIC PREVIEW OF "COVINGTON VOICES"?
The River City News gave you a sneak peak of this wonderful exhibit here. 
|
Check out more about it from the creators: Art By Covington's Future 
|
GET A NEW (RECYCLED) DOG ON SAINT PATTY'S DAY!
From Recycled Doggies: 
These are the doggies scheduled to be at our adoption event at the Milford PetSmart this Saturday, March 17th. The event is from 2-5pm.To read more about any of our adoptable doggies, please go to www.recycleddoggies.petfinder.com 
| 


| 
Many more here! 
Posted by at No comments:
More Stories About: , , , , , , , , , ,

MULTIPLE COVINGTON PROJECTS PART OF ROADS BILL

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
|   
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
| 
The Kentucky House of Representatives passed the roads bill 88-4: 
The two-year $3.5 billion plan also includes authorization for two new Louisville bridges and includes planning money for a new bridge in Northern Kentucky.
The House on Friday passed a series of bills relating to the state’s road plan. The measures will now go to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it will make changes to the plan to reflect their priorities. A committee will be appointed to work out the differences. 
Bluegrass Politics/Beth Musgrave  
|
In addition to funding several phases of Kentucky's role for a new Brent Spence Bridge, multiple other Covington projects are included in the bill: 

  • Replacement of West 15th Street bridge $200,000 for fiscal year 2012 and $350,000 for fiscal year 2013
  • Replacement of 11th Street bridge $1.11 million for fiscal year 2014
  • Congestion mitigation at 4th & Philadelphia $1.26 million for fisacl year 2012 for an additional lane would be added to 4th Street west of Philadelphia to Crescent 
  • Congestion mitigation at Main & Pike Streets $760,000 for fiscal year 2012 to eliminate traffic signal at Main & Pike to allow for free flow of traffic in Covington
  • Reconstructing Hands Pike $250,000 for fiscal year 2012, $3.6 million for fiscal year 2013, and $6 million for fiscal year 2014 to reconstruct Hands Pike from KY 17 (3-L) to Crystal Lake Drive
  • Resurfacing Madison Avenue $175,000 for fiscal year 2012 to resurface Madison Avenue between MLK Blvd and 16th Street
  • Replace sidewalks along Highway Avenue $250,000 for fiscal year 2012 to improve safety along Highway Avenue between Swain Court and Western Avenue by replacing sidewalks, constructing new sidewalks, installing new curbs, stabilizing slide area, and fence
  • Brent Spence Bridge Funding totals that will (hopefully) lead to its eventual replacement include FY 2012 $28,780,000; FY2013 $15 million; FY2014 $15 million
  • Total funding for Kenton County (including projects outside Covington, such as streetscaping in Ludlow and resurfacing in Bromley) FY2012 $33,835,437; FY2013 $45,510,000; FY2014 $22,210
|
Read the bill here (PDF)

Posted by at No comments:
More Stories About: , , , , , ,

Thursday, March 15, 2012

COVINGTON SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ARRESTED

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
|   
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|

|
UPDATE: 10:45PM - Varney appears to have been released from the Kenton County Jail. No further information was available from the Covington Police Department who handled the arrests. Varney is expected to appear in court Friday morning.
|
Covington School Board member Denise Varney was arrested Thursday night along with her husband, Donald Varney, following a domestic disturbance. Denise Varney, 40, was booked into the Kenton County Jail at  8:00PM tonight and is charged with 4th degree assault/domestic violence, the same charge that Dinald Varney, 41, also faces. This story is developing and The River City News will update as soon as more information becomes available. 
Posted by at No comments:
More Stories About: , ,

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY EVENING 15 MAR

by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
|   
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
STORMY THURSDAY PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY READERS: 
|
From Candy in Licking Riverside

 
From Josh in Botany Hills
| 
COVINGTON DEPARTMENT REVIEWS BEGIN IN FIRE DEPARTMENT
From Mike Rutledge: 
Through Wednesday, the visitors had been at fire stations on six days. Prior to their arrival at fire and police offices, “they sent us a list of information that they wanted to see beforehand,” Norris said. “And we sent them stacks of statistics and information about the department – the equipment, the manning, the personnel, for their review before they arrived here.”
“There’s a lot of interviewing that’s taking place,” Scheper said, noting the safety departments’ operations are being compared with counterparts elsewhere. 
Every department within the City will undergo this review as part of Mayor Chuck Scheper's 10-point plan. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge  
|
A BUSY DAY IN FRANKFORT
| 
Jobless rate is down in 114 counties Press Release 
|
House will vote Friday on $3.5 billion roads bill Bluegrass Politics 
|
Kentucky gets $8.4 million to help low-achieving schools WKYT 
|
Senate approves 3 Constitutional amendments Bluegrass Politics 
|
Wait... make that 4 Constitutional amendments Courier-Journal
|
KY Supreme Court to hear Amish buggy sign case WKYT 
|
Senator scraps phone bill Herald-Leader 
|
Former aide to Tipper Gore named cabinet secretary cn|2 
|
Making Pikeville College a state school would have minimal impact on education, study says Herald-Leader 
|
State House gives donations to Red Cross for storm victims WKYT 
|
Counties affected by tornadoes are eligible for food benefits Press Release 
|
SHOCKING: STUDENT FALLS FROM BUILDING AT MURRAY STATE
As the Racers basketball team was set to take the court in Louisville, back on campus a tragedy was unfolding. A student reportedly fell from a window in the fine arts building and died in front of several students and professors. 
The Murray State News 
|

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
|
DON'T MISS THIS EXCLUSIVE REPORT ON THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN COVINGTON!
Check out all the exciting ideas for a newly re-envisioned Downtown Covington. One idea removes the old jail in favor of a public gathering area, another redefines Cathedral Square, and many more great ideas at the link. Click it.

The RC News: Plans Take Shape for Downtown Covington 
|
SEE ALSO: Did you miss this morning's news?
Kentucky tests a new program for free/reduced lunch; Holmes alumni rally for heart transplant recipient; Plus, why UK fans want UPS to stop airing its newest commercial. Those stories and much more at the link. 
|
WANT TO WEIGH IN ON THE MURALS TO BE PAINTED ALONG THE LICKING?
Now's your chance: 
Please join (Vision 2015) on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 for a community brainstorming session to develop ideas for the murals that will be painted along the Licking River. Artworks has partnered with Vision 2015 to create a series of 8 murals this summer as a part of the Licking River Greenway and Trails project. In order to create a unique theme for the murals that encompasses the history of Covington and the unique environment of the Licking River banks, your input is needed! 
 The meeting is at the Artisan Enterprise Center in Covington from 6:00-8:00PM. 
|
QUICKIES...
|
UPS meant no harm in showing video of UK's infamous 1992 loss to Duke in new ad -- in fact, it was partially created by a Kentuckian 84 WHAS 
|
Fans of 3 Kentucky schools cheering on teams in Louisville (Murray won earlier, UK & WKU are on the court now as of this writing -- and Louisville won out west earlier) Herald-Leader 
|
SEE ALSO: The Kentucky Sweet 16 title will not be coming to NKY this year as Boone County fell to Knott County today WKYT 
|
Cincinnati names a new economic development director Press Release 
|
Louisville loses "Tastiest Town in the South" honors to Lafayette, Louisiana Business First 
|
Now that The Beach waterpark has closed, its season pass holders are not happy with the Kings Island agreement Local 12 
|
WILL THESE GRAPHIC ADS HELP SMOKERS QUIT THE HABIT?
Yikes:
Perhaps the most dramatic CDC ad depicts the morning routine of a 51-year-old woman named Terrie. The throat cancer survivor's rituals include putting in her teeth, donning a wig, and installing an electrolarynx that gives her a harsh, synthetic voice she uses to utter: "Now you're ready for the day."
More at the link. 
Ad Age 
|
SRSLY: Pope Benedict XVI has his own cologne commissioned The Guardian 
|
LOL: Cincinnati gives $1 million to Willie Nelson for new restaurant (Satire) Derf Magazine
Posted by at No comments:
More Stories About: , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)