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Saturday, June 2, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 2 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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LINGERING DEATH PENALTY CASE IN COVINGTON TAKES TOLL ON FAMILY
Fred Furnish, convicted of killing a Crestview Hills woman and a Kenton Hills woman, is seeking a new trial in a Covington courtroom. He has been sentenced to death: 
Gayle Williamson Cummings and Michelle Hubert sat just feet apart, separated by an aisle and a security guard. They didn't look at each other or speak with each other, even though they were together for nearly a week, grieving over the same 1988 slaying.
Hubert's brother, 44-year-old Fred Furnish, is seeking to overturn his death sentence for killing Cummings' mother, Ramona Jean Williamson, inside her Crestview Hills home 14 years ago. 
Associated Press  
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This is not the first time "Freddy Boom Boom" (as he called himself) has gone through another trial: 
In 2002, the Kentucky Supreme Court overturned Furnish's death sentence, remanding the case back for a sentencing retrial only : a first in Kentucky. The Kentucky Attorney General's Office turned to veteran trial attorney Luke Morgan for the task. Together Luke and Wayne successfully re-tried Fred in 2003, who was again sentenced to death. Today, Fred sits on Kentucky's Death Row. 
Strategic Solutions 
Fred Furnish
To view Furnish's listing within the Kentucky State Penitentiary system, click here. 
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SEE ALSO: Kentucky to change execution methods Associated Press 
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COVINGTON GRATEFUL FOR "UNPRECEDENTED SUPPORT"
The City applauds "unprecedented support" for Covington's desired changes to the Brent Spence Bridge project. At the link, see the full list along with their comments (strong words from Taylor Mill's Mayor, and TANK wants to make sure that there is high speed rail available someday soon, too). 
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CITY COMMISSIONER STEVE FRANK ADDS: "We also know that they received over 600 letters from the citizens of Covington. That speaks as loud as any public official and has a lot to do with why we were able to get big wigs on both sides of the river to come togeather on this. A great effort by and for Covington. A big thank you to our citizens, our neighbors, and our friends in high office in both parties. This is an example of what can happen when we all come together to solve a problem."
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SCHOOLS BUDGET CRITICIZED, TEACHER SALARY INCREASE DEFENDED
"I'm troubled by the increase in costs when we're trying to hold the line in city government," City Commissioner Steve Frank said to the Covington School Board. As a tax increase is considered by the district, criticism of the budget practices was raised at Thursday's meeting. Click the link. 
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MONTHLY ATTENDANCE REPORT FOR COVINGTON SCHOOLS
Here are the attendance figures for all of the schools within the Covington Independent Public Schools district for the eighth month of the year: 
  • Latonia Elementary 96.58% 
  • Glenn O. Swing Elementary 95.83%
  • Sixth District 95.65% 
  • John G. Carlisle 95.56%
  • Ninth District 95.42% 
  • Holmes Middle School 93.89%
  • Holmes High School 89.92%
  • Holmes Alternative 84.71%
There were concerns expressed at Thursday's board meeting that students may want to skip out on the final days of class (the school year ends next week) but the district is taking steps, such as testing, to make sure kids continue to show up.
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SEE ALSO: Proposal to improve 3rd grade reading is a finalist for a national award via Strive Together  
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DON'T MISS FRIDAY'S BIG NEWS
Another candidate jumps in the race for Covington School Board; Plus, more notes from Thursday's school board meeting; And, why the race to represent Covington in Frankfort will get heated this fall. Click it. 
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HOW DO YOU WANT TO PAY FOR CONSOLIDATED DISPATCH?
Kenton County put up a digital version of its survey in which you are asked how you want to pay for a proposed consolidated dispatch center: a property tax, a car registration fee, or $6 dollars more on your monthly electric bill. Click the link to go the the county survey. This is an important matter that requires your attention. 
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COVINGTON STATE REP ARNOLD SIMPSON ON CONGRESSIONAL RACE
Arnold Simpson, Covington's Democratic representative in the state house spoke with cn|2 about fellow Democrat Bill Adkins and his chances in the fall as the Williamstown attorney seeks to pull off an upset to represent NKY in Congress: 
“If you look at the history of the 4th Congressional District, it’s always been dominated by very conservative individuals. Even our Ken Lucas was a conservative,” said Democratic state Rep. Arnold Simpson of Covington. “It’s really a Republican seat — that’s how it’s eyed by so many people.” 
Simpson spoke in this video from his home in Old Seminary Square (via cn|2): 

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MORE POLITICS QUICKIES
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Mitt Romney is coming to Cincinnati Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Tea Partier Phil Moffett may run for KY Governor again cn|2 
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Covington woman appointed to state corrections board by Governor Beshear Lane Report 
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Kentucky tax reform panel faces monumental task Cincinnati Enquirer 
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New state tourism commissioner named press release (Remember when the last one was fired over some bad marketing decisions in Britain that included the suggestion that Kentuckians play a game called "Road Kill Bingo"?) 
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KENTUCKY MAN ARRESTED AFTER TRYING TO MARRY 15-YEAR OLD GIRL
Ugh: 
Stanford police say 34-year-old Chris Gosser twice filed petitions to marry the teen - once in March and again in April. The Advocate-Messenger reported that Gosser repeatedly sent text message and was seeing the girl even after the mother told him to stop. 
WKYT 
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THINK A PROPOSED NEW WALGREENS IN COVINGTON WAS TROUBLESOME?
Check out what would happen in Pleasant Ridge (north of Cincinnati) is a new Walgreens gets its wish and opens there: 
Walgreens is hoping to buy most of the south corner of Montgomery and Ridge roads. If it happens, businesses that have been there for decades will be torn down and forced to move.  
The affected businesses include Everybody's Records, which has been there for 34 years.  
WCPO 
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REFERENCE: There were plans to raze an historic Covington building near the Cathedral to make way for a new Walgreen's but those plans have since been pulled "indefinitely"
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QUICKIES
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"Kentucky Crafted" retailers named and while there are none in Northern Kentucky, there is one in Cincinnati press release 
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Jim Beam buys vodka, rum brands Courier-Journal 
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Kentucky basketball to play at Notre Dame next season in SEC/Big East challenge Courier-Journal 
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Coach Calipari still basking in post-title glow USA Today 
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Holy Cross pitcher named to 9th region all-tournament team NKY Sports Blog 
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PHOTOS: Holmes High School Band picnic Facebook 
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"FUNNY MIRRORS" OPENS AT ARTISAN ENTERPRISE CENTER
This is a really cool exhibit that you should take a few moments to go check out. The unique sculptures and paintings are incredibly detailed and interesting. Plus, if you ever had a fear of clowns, you will really love the "Clown Genocide" display... Here are a few photos from Friday night's opening: 








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Additionally, a really funny play opens at the AEC in conjunction with this exhibit. You're gonna want to see it (NOTE: I, Michael Monks, am in the cast -- trust me, it's hilarious and only ten bucks). There was an excerpt presented last night. 


The play opens next Friday and also runs on Saturday and then Friday & Saturday the following week with each show starting at 8:00PM. 
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AVENUE Q IS NOW OPEN AT THE CARNEGIE
Speaking of hilarious theatre... The "adult Sesame Street" is now open at the Carnegie. The Cincinnati Enquirer published a piece on the show Friday: 
A playful riff on “Sesame Street,” the Broadway hit tells the timeless story of recent college grad Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. Princeton makes friends, human and not, and they sing about their struggles to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.
Warning: Don’t let the puppets fool you. “Avenue Q” is rated R for puppet nudity, puppet sexual situations and strong puppet language. Seriously – no one under 17 will be admitted without a parent or adult guardian.  
This is the Showbiz Players' first show in Covington since moving from Cincinnati -- so go support it! Click here 
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WHY YOU SHOULD SAY HELLO TO STRANGERS ON THE STREET
It is a very common practice to say hello to strangers on streets in Kentucky and now we know that that action may help you live longer: 
In the study "To Be Looked at as Though Air: Civil Attention Matters," published earlier this year in Psychological Science, the lead author Eric D. Wesselmann, a psychology professor at Purdue University, explains: "Because social connections are fundamental to survival, researchers argue that humans evolved systems to detect the slightest cues of inclusion or exclusion. For example, simple eye contact is sufficient to convey inclusion. In contrast, withholding eye contact can signal exclusion. ... Even though one person looks in the general direction of another, no eye contact is made, and the latter feels invisible." Similar to my feelings when I went unnoticed. 
The Atlantic Cities  
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Friday, June 1, 2012

"UNPRECEDENTED SUPPORT" FOR COVINGTON'S DESIRED CHANGES ON BRIDGE PROJECT

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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The City of Covington expressed its gratitude Friday for the outpouring of support from surrounding communities, elected officials, and various civic organizations as it hopes to see changes implemented to the preferred design of the Brent Spence Bridge project. That design, noted as "Alternative I", currently inhibits access to Downtown Covington and several other key areas within the city, a proposal so serious that "the death of Covington" was predicted at multiple public forums. However, Covington's rallying cry has been heard and answered. 
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“The citizens and businesses of Covington are most appreciative of the unprecedented level of support from a broad range of political, business, civic and other community leaders from the region for the City’s concerns and requests related to the proposed Alternative I plan for the Brent Spence Bridge project," Covington City Manager Larry Klein said in a news release. "It 
seems nearly unanimous that good access to our City for current and future residents, businesses and visitors is recognized as critical to the success of our City.” 
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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet accepted public input on the matter through last Friday, May 25. The City had hosted multiple public forums to express concerns that the current preferred design of the long-awaited Brent Spence Bridge project does not offer direct access to Covington's Fifth Street exit when traveling northbound on Interstate 75, an important access route Covington's Downtown, riverfront, and Mainstrasse entertainment district. The plan, as it stands now, would require drivers to the Twelfth Street exit and then travel a new, one-way, local road through several traffic lights to reach those areas. 
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Additionally, while access to Fifth Street (and Ninth Street) would be available for southbound drivers on Interstate 75, the decision point to make that exit would be located one mile north of the river near the Cincinnati Museum Center. If a driver were to miss that opportunity, the only chance to come to Covington would require exiting at Kyles Lane in Fort Wright. There would be no opportunity to exit into the City when it becomes visible to drivers. 
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Also of concern was the elimination of access to Devou Park at Lewis Street and the effect the project may have on Goebel Park in Mainstrasse. Joining the Covington City Commission in publicly voicing support for the city's hoped-for changes in this bridge battle were United States Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, United States Congressman Geoff Davis, the Kenton County fiscal court, the City of Newport, the City of Ludlow, Taylor Mill Mayor Dan Bell, the City of Bellevue, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission, the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (Tri-Ed), Vision 2015, the Covington Business Council, the Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau, Corporex, the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter, the Behringer-Crawford Museum, the Kenton County Public Library, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and the Drees Pavillion in Devou Park.
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SEE EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTERS AND OFFICIAL RESOLUTIONS BELOW

Click Here For More
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NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 1 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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SCHOOLS BUDGET CRITICIZED, TEACHER SALARY INCREASES DEFENDED
"I'm troubled by the increase in costs when we're trying to hold the line in city government," City Commissioner Steve Frank said to the Covington School Board. As a tax increase is considered by the district, criticism of the budget practices was raised at Thursday's meeting. Click the link. 
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ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: 
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Recommendation for the hiring of an additional psychologist
A letter from Janice Wilkerson, the district's executive director of student support services, to superintendent Lynda Jackson reads in part: 
Several principals have requested additional service time from our school psychologists. (snip) Our school psychologists are leading the Response to Intervention process in their schools and providing invaluable information to our district RTI process.  
The letter included additional notes of support from district principals. 
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Creation of a substitute custodian position
Adding this position eliminates the need to pay existing staff overtime of time-and-a-half. The hourly wage is $11.55/hour with a maximum of ten hours per week with no benefits. 
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Effort to secure a school counseling grant
From the board meeting's agenda: 
Student Support Services staff seeks the Board’s consent to apply for funding for a U.S. Department of Education grant, the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Programgrant. This competition focuses on enhancing school counseling programs. If funded, this grant would place one additional full-time guidance counselor at Holmes Middle School and a certified school social worker at Holmes Middle School and Holmes High School (total of three new staff).
We are working closely with Dr. Brett Zyromski of Northern Kentucky University’s School Counseling program to develop our application. Included in our proposal are plans for extensive training for current and new guidance counselors as well as the school social workers, specifically in the areas of data-driven comprehensive school counseling. Funding will also support specific bullying prevention activities.
Our grant request will be approximately $1,100,000 for the three-year funding period. 
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ROTC students honored for service and achievements
This year's ROTC students have the highest cumulative GPA of any previous class in at least the past five years. Photos: 
ROTC leads the Pledge of Allegiance before the meeting

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SEE ALSO: Today at 10:30AM, students at Sixth District will have their annual walkathon to raise money for school programs. According to the school's outgoing PTA President Sandy Arnold the school raised between $2,500 and $3,500 in previous years with that money going toward trips to see theater productions and other educational enrichment programs as well as a $500 scholarship for a graduating Holmes senior. If you see any of these kids walking around Austinburg this morning, throw them a few bucks! 
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ATTORNEY KERRY HOLLERAN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SCHOOL BOARD
From the candidate's newly launched campaign Facebook page: 
Most importantly, I am the mother of Aryah (prounounced like the word aria), a soon-to-be fifth grader at John G. Carlisle Elementary. I'm currently an attorney, but I am a former professor of English at NKU and at Cincinnati State.

I moved to Covington in 2010. The day I enrolled my daughter at John G., I was asked to run for Site-Based Council. The school had no parents on their council because none expressed interest in running for the positions. I agreed. I soon realized the school had no parent organization. I started one with the help of other parents.

I was not raised in Covington; I chose Covington. I grew up in Bracken County, Kentucky. My plans were to move back to Cincinnati, where I attended college, when I completed law school. But Covington felt livable. It felt like a community. It felt like home. I've been here for two years and now Covington really is home to me.

I am running for school board because parents matter just as much as our children matter. Parent involvement is detrimentally low in our district and it's because we spend too much time focusing on the negatives. CIPS has done great things for my child. I appreciate the education she is receiving and I intend to use all the resources I have to assist the district in increasing the value of education in our district.

I have two hands, two feet, a quick wit, a sharp tongue, and an ability to bring people together. These are the tools I plan to use to help move CIPS forward.

I need your vote. Our children matter. So do their parents. 
Kerry Holleran
Holleran and Rebecca Pettigrew are the only declared candidates for the school board where three of five seats are up for election in November.  
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COVINGTON CITIZENS SUMMIT AT CENTER FOR GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS

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STORM ROLLS INTO COVINGTON
This photo from reader Candace Witte shows Thursday night's storm rolling into Covington: 
More rain today...
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QUICKIES
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Five people hospitalized in crash on I-75 in Covington WLWT 
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Cincinnati/NKY ranks 46 among US metro areas population with college degrees The New York Times 
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Time Warner acquisition of Insight has resulted in the Louisville FOX station to be dropped from cable WDRB & WDRB 
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Unitd Airlines sees opportunity at CVG Airport Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Voices needed to support the Clean Water Act in Kentucky Kentuckians for the Commonwealth 
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RACE FOR COVINGTON SENATE SEAT WILL GET HEATED
Taylor Mill businessman Chris McDaniel represents the Republicans while Villa Hills City Councilman Jim Noll represents the Democrats in the race to replace the retiring Jack Westwood (R-Erlanger) in the 23rd district state senate seat: 
“My race will be an important signal to show the state and Northern Kentucky that the Democratic Party is a party to be reckoned with,” Noll said. “We need to put up serious candidates that stand up for our region in a way that’s more of a centrist view. I believe the people have views that are more center than what the tea party, for instance, believe.”
But McDaniel, who defeated a primary challenger, has already raised $70,600 compared to Noll’s $2,100. McDaniel said he thinks Kentucky Republicans will dominate in the 2012 elections. “This seat is a good solid conservative seat,” McDaniel said. “I feel I better represent the attitudes and issues of the voters in Northern Kentucky.” 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman   
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SEE ALSO: What to watch for in Kentucky politics this fall cn|2 
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THURSDAY'S BIG NEWS
Don't miss any of Thursday's big headlines from The River City News!
-An arrest is made in a Downtown Covington stabbing death 
-Talk of dispatch consolidation continues, but how to pay for it?
-Covington preservation projects score two awards from state 
-Much more in the Thursday Evening News Round-Up 


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YOU MUST READ WRIT OF MANDAMUS BY LOCALLY-BASED AUTHOR RICK ROBINSON
The political thriller has lots of local flavor and Covington references. Go buy it now. 
Check out this latest write-up on the book: Cincinnati Enquirer 
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WHAT A FRIDAY NIGHT IN STORE FOR COVINGTON AND THE RIVER CITIES
Check out all this fun stuff: 
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Avenue Q opens at The Carnegie
This is the Showbiz Players first production since moving to Covington from Cincinnati where it enjoyed a reputation as one of the region's best community theaters. This show is hilarious - but it's not for kids. So go have a nice grown-up night of theater and laugh your a$$ off!
Click here for ticket information 
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Funny Mirrors opens at the Artisan Enterprise Center
This new art exhibit features some very interesting work, including a portrait essay titled Clown Genocide. There are also several small sculptures depicting clowns meeting their doom. If you still hold on to your childhood fear of clowns, this is the show for you. (It's also the show for you if you want to support the arts in Covington, so get down to the Artisan Enterprise Center!) From the City: 
Nothing in this world is exactly as it appears to be. This is the premise AEC's "Funny Mirrors" which hosts work by artists Jeff Casto, Billy Simms and Helena Cline.

Curated by Katie Rentzke, "Funny Mirrors" asks deep questions about the values we hold as individuals and how those values play out in our society. Each artist tackles social justice based issues such as genocide, environmental policy and child welfare, yet with a touch of dark humor and playfulness, making their work approachable and thought provoking. The exhibit is open to the public and all are welcome.

Coinciding with the exhibit, is a play entitled "Fuddy Meers". Directed by Dan Doerger, the play integrates artworks from the exhibit into the scenes.

The play will be performed on June 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8:00 p.m. and ticket price is $10 
(Note from Michael Monks: I'm in the play so come make fun of me and see it)
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Oh, and this awesomeness is happening, too: 
Click to enlarge
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Meanwhile, over in Bellevue...
Tonight's "First Friday" along Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue features the Diva Dash: 
Dress as your favorite diva and hit Fairfield Avenue in style. You'll love to see Fairfield Avenue business owners and customers strutting The Avenue. We've invited a few special guests to add to the fun with Brooklyn and her friends performing in front of Healing Therapy located at 405 Fairfield Avenue. 
With every purchase you make you'll receive a "coin" to place a vote for your favorite divas. The winning diva will be crowned and win a $50 Fairfield Avenue shopping spree.

The Diva Dash celebrates the first night of National Gay Pride Month. Throughout the district you'll have an opportunity to make donations to Caracole. They provide safe, affordable housing and supportive services for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.
For more info, click here.
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SEE ALSO: Bellevue considers outdoor dining Cincinnati Enquirer  
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MOM ON A BUDGET VISITS TOTTER OTTERVILLE
From Fort Thomas Matters: 
As you may imagine, they have a three level water table from which one would assume the name was derived. This is a neat attraction but far from the only one. When you first walk in, there is a ball pit and a number of rooms devoted to different play and learning activities. There is a Lego room, an art studio, a train room, a ballet studio, a puppet show room, a mailroom, a grocery store, and a live performance room, to name only a few of the options.

But wait, there’s more! 
For the rest, click the link. 
Fort Thomas Matters  
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      THAT'S A LOT TO DO ON A FRIDAY NIGHT! BETTER STRETCH!
                Shoulder! Chin! Double Dream Hands!
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SCHOOLS BUDGET CRITICIZED, TEACHER SALARY INCREASE DEFENDED

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank
addresses the Covington School Board
Talks of another tax increase from the Covington School Board drew criticism from a few members of the public Thursday night, including Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank. At a special meeting two weeks ago in which a proposed budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year was introduced, board members considered an additional 4% increase on its share of city property taxes, the highest increase allowed by state law. "I'm troubled by the increase in costs when we're trying to hold the line in city government," Frank said. At its meeting Tuesday night, the Covington City Commission saw a presentation on its own proposed budget for 2012-13 which included a deficit of more than two million dollars. 
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"The city is not raising taxes, in fact they are lowering the payroll tax and we urge the schools to do the same," said Jeff Murden. "People are thinking, 'these are mediocre schools that cost twice as much'." Murden compared Covington Schools' property tax rate of 1.1 per $1,000 to Kenton County's .55 per $1,000. 
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Commissioner Frank offered what he called "a practical suggestion" to the board: adopt a tax amnesty program similar to the one enacted by the City earlier this year that has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars. "The city has a number of properties sitting idle and vacant with tax liens against them. People want to buy and rehab them but are unwilling to because of the liens." Frank said that the Kenton County government is "amenable" to the idea but admitted that it is still in gestation form. 
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"I'd like to talk to you more about that at a later time," said Superintendent Lynda Jackson. 
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The proposed tax increase, which will not be up for a vote until August or September, was not the only part of the proposed budget that was met with criticism, however. Resident Tom Miller called the $151,000 designated for the school district's attorney "surprising" and "disturbing". "I do wonder why Kenton County only pays fifty-two thousand dollars (for its attorney)," Miller said. The difference, he said, is that the County schools put an attorney on staff where as Covington has one under contract, "which is not necessary to do according to state law." UPDATE: The Kenton County School District contracts its attorney as well at the rate mentioned. The attorney is not on staff.
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Miller continued, "It seems the first priority (of the budget process) was to approve salaries for the teachers rather than seeing that the tools for our students are met."
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"Covington has paid (teachers) less than neighboring districts," said the district's assessment coordinator and former Holmes principal Bill Greine. "We agree that the better create a city environment where teachers want to live and stay here, the better we'll be. We don't have teachers staying here. We'd like to change that." Greine noted that two-thirds of the district's teachers have less than ten years experience in Covington. "We are going to be paying teachers a significant raise. We don't want them leaving because of money."
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NOTE: During the public comments portion of the meeting in which all of this discussion took place, board members typically listen but rarely respond or take action during the meeting. Board Chairperson Glenda Huff described the body as a "data-driven board" that will verify the opinions expressed and then take action or at least follow-up with the citizens.
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Thursday, May 31, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY EVENING 31 MAY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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MAN ARRESTED IN COVINGTON MURDER CASE
Timothy Henson, 43, was picked up by Covington Police late Wednesday night and charged with the murder of 40-year old Jonathan Lowe who was stabbed to death two weeks ago. Details at the link. 
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DISPATCH CONSOLIDATION TALK CONTINUES, BUT HOW TO PAY FOR IT?
Kenton County held a public forum Wednesday night to discuss the long-suggested consolidation of three dispatch centers into one, including Covington's, which is scheduled to be shut down September 1. Or is it: 
Arlinghaus said he was surprised to learn that Covington was going out of the dispatch business by Sept. 1. “However, we do believe we can (take over Covington’s dispatch service) then, or shortly after,” Arlinghaus said.
Covington City Manager Larry Klein said Sept. 1 is a “target date.” “Obviously, if the county is not ready, we’re going to stay in business until such time as they are,” Klein said. He said Covington city officials’ goal is to have a safe and smooth transition of dispatch service.
“We’re hoping, as the judge alluded, that all of our dispatchers apply for a job with county dispatch, so that they can continue serving the same group of people that they’re serving now,” Klein said. He added the city’s contract with the union that represents dispatchers prevented Covington officials from discussing the issue with the county beforehand. 
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Cindy Schroeder 
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County wants your input in "online survey"
How would you like to pay for the consolidated dispatch center? The county has a survey online, but it's not digital. You have to print it up and mail it in. Only, there's no return mailing address on the form so the assumption would be to send it to the County Building in Covington, but who knows? An email to the county this morning did not receive a response. Basically, you have three choices: a property tax ($48 for every $100,000 a home is worth), a $35 annual fee added to car registration, or $6 per month on your electric bill. Click here to check out the survey. Not only do you have to print out the survey, according to the above-linked Enquirer story, the County wants them by the end of the week. 
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If you could not make it to the meeting, you can view the presentation slides here. 
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THIS MORNING'S BIG NEWS
Makeshift memorial erected for Downtown Covington murder victim; Plus, should plastic bags be banned, or at least reduced, in Covington?; And, who steals donations for a Kentucky cat with one eye, no tail, no meow, and diabetes? Click it.  
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TWO STATE PRESERVATION AWARDS GIVEN TO COVINGTON PROJECTS
Two Covington projects were honored today in Frankfort. The Commonwealth is handing out six preservation awards -- two of them for efforts in our city. Details at the link! 
Two State Preservation Awards for Covington Projects 
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WATER MAIN WORK IN COVINGTON WILL SLOW TRAFFIC THROUGH LATONIA
Expect some traffic tie-ups in the coming weeks that will likely last four months as a water main is replaced along an important artery through the city. 
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QUICKIES
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Governor Beshear signs synthetic drug bill into law press release 
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Beshear also signs bill allowing nuclear related industries to operate in Kentucky press release 
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State official arrested for DUI seven minutes after leaving work, pleads not guilty Herald-Leader 
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Appeals panel in Cincinnati to hear Rick Pitino extortion case Associated Press (where it gets cool reception from federal judges Courier-Journal)
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Senator McConnell explains how Thomas Massie won the GOP primary to represent NKY in Congress cn|2 
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Berea, KY among top 25 small cities in nation for art enthusiasts American Style 
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Dress worn by Rosemary Clooney in film to be on display at Rosemary Clooney House Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Bluegrass Boardwalk now officially aims for 2014 opening Courier-Journal 
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As Time Warner takes over Insight, negotiations with one Louisville station are not going well Courier-Journal 
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GATEWAY URBAN CAMPUS IS GOLD CERTIFIED BIKE FRIENDLY
The Gateway Urban Center was recognized as a gold-certified Bike Friendly Destination and the Gateway Edgewood Campus was recognized as a silver-certified Bike Friendly Destination by the Queen City Bikes program of Greater Cincinnati. 
Gateway College 
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DESTINATION: GRADUATION PROFILE
Another soon-to-be-graduate of Holmes High School is featured by Covington Independent Public Schools: 
Zach Mardis learned valuable leadership skills when he served on the executive council of the Chapman chapter of SkillsUSA at Holmes High School. He was the treasurer of the chapter and garnered awards during the annual SkillsUSA competitions. Working with the school chapter, which represents students at Holmes’ Chapman Career and Technical Education Center, Zach learned what he needed to know to lead others, he said.
“It showed me what I needed to work on and helped me to speak publicly,” he said.Zach won a first-place award in the SkillsUSA regional competition and took home a second-place award in the state competition for telecommunications cabling this year. While at Holmes, Zach has also been involved in the National Technical Honor Society, the Student Technology Leadership Program, the Kentucky United Nations Association and the International Baccalaureate program.  
Read more about Zach here. 
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Scott High School creates video tribute to 2011-12 school year:

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CREATION MUSEUM CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW EXHIBIT
And this exhibit pokes fun at the famous "Lucy" discovery, often considered a "missing link" in the evolution of human beings: 
Dr. David Menton, staff scientist for the Creation Museum, told CP that the holographic exhibit shows how "Lucy" should not be considered a "missing link" for human evolution.
"As this exhibit conclusively shows, the Lucy fossils belong to a knuckle-walking, ape-like creature. We can see that Lucy's V-shaped mandible was very ape-like, nothing like that of a human," said Menton."Our exhibit also demonstrates how significant artistic license can be employed in interpreting what Lucy resembled. There simply isn't enough information found in the fossil bones for anyone to determine what Lucy looked like." 
Christian Post 
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TWO OF COL. SANDERS'S RECIPES TO BE REVEALED ONLINE
This week, fans of KFC's Facebook page began to have access to two of the Colonel's famous secret recipes: 
Starting (last) Tuesday, fans of KFC's Facebook pages can access two of Colonel Harland Sanders' recipes and other content from his soon-to-be-released autobiography. The manuscript was written by Sanders in 1966 and discovered more than 40 years later. KFC says the two recipes are for potato pancakes and upside-down peach cobbler. They're among 33 never-before-seen recipes featured in the book. 
Associated Press 
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To check out the Facebook app revealing the recipes, click here 
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SEE ALSO: Did you know that the Colonel died nearly penniless? The Daily 
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