360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, June 16, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 16 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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SCHOOL BOARD RETREAT SATURDAY MORNING
The Covington School Board hosts a retreat this morning for in-depth discussion of several issues including the cost-per-pupil and drug testing. The meeting is open to the public and starts at 9:00AM at the Instructional Support Center on Levassor Avenue near Holmes High School. Check out the agenda by clicking here.
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SEE ALSO: Another candidate has filed to run for the Covington School Board in November when three of five seats are up for election. Christi Love-Blair filed Thursday. She is a mother with children in the district and joins Rebecca Pettigrew, Kerry Holleran, and Jo Rogers as an announced candidate. 
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HOLMES GRADUATION PHOTOS
The Covington Independent Public Schools District has published photos online from the Holmes High School graduation. From the district: 
June 8, 2012 - Diplomas were awarded to 135 Holmes High School seniors. Valedictorian Lauren Tucker delivered opening remarks and Class of 2012 President Melea Klein delivered closing remarks. Covington Interim Chief of Police Michael "Spike" Jones gave the commencement address. Five were inducted into the Holmes Hall of Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Honorary Alumni. Those inducted were: Franklin Duff, Class of 1945; David Kumpe, Class of 1959; Robert Sanders, Class of 1965; Michael "Spike" Jones, Class of 1984; and Julie Geisen-Scheper, honorary alumna.  
See more photos here
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FRIDAY'S NEWS
A member of the school board remains hospitalized; New details on the historic home that is again wrapped in caution tape; Take a look inside Rick Pitino's palatial estate (it's for sale!); Plus, what to do in Covington this weekend! Click it.  
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KENTUCKY COMMUNITY COLLEGES RAISE TUITION
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)'s Board of Regents approved a 3.7% increase in tuition costs Friday. The system includes Gateway College: 
The in-state tuition rates for the 2012-13 academic year will increase from $135 per credit hour to $140. Out-of-state tuition rates will be $280 per credit hour for students from counties bordering Kentucky and $490 for all other out-of-state students.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/06/15/2226336/kctcs-raises-tuition-37-percent.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy
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COVINGTON POLICE RE-ACCREDITED BY STATE AGENCY
From a press release: 
The Covington Police Department received Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation June 13, 2012.

"This has been a lengthy and involved process," said Interim Police Chief Spike Jones. "We are pleased with the outcome as it speaks volumes as to the level of dedication and commitment of our men and women of the City's police service."

"Covington is a very safe city," said Mayor Chuck Scheper. "I am proud of our officers. They are dedicated professionals, and this accreditation verifies their professionalism."

"Our Covington police officers are the best," said City Manager Larry Klein. "We strive for excellence, and our men and women who serve in the Police Department face the potential for dangerous confrontation on a regular basis. Accreditation is important, and indicative of their skill level and training."

The City's policing practices and policies are reviewed, scrutinized and compared to best practices as determined by the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police ("KACP").

Various categories of police operation policies and procedure were reviewed. A physical inspection of the Police Department facilities was conducted. Individual officers were selected on a random basis. They were questioned about their knowledge of policing procedures. Their vehicles and equipment were inspected.

Captain Rob Nader compiled and reviewed policy and procedure manuals. He served as "accreditation manager" to facilitate the ultimate goal of accreditation. "The KACP executive director indicated that the City's policy and procedures were some of the best he has seen," said Jones.

Civilian Crime Lab Technicians Dawn Bayless, Angie Keller and Kim Newman played an integral role in preparing the Crime Lab for inspection. Records Section clerks assisting included Anita Schaeffer, Michelle Robinson Wilson and Tracy Wietholter who spearheaded preparing documents for review. Policies and procedures are under review year-round, said Jones.

"We are proud of this accomplishment," he said.

SEARCHING FOR HISTORY ON COVINGTON'S EASTSIDE
As archaeologists recreate the history of a block on Greenup Street where the Jacob Price Housing Project once stood, the lead researcher is asking for your help. You may recall last weekend's story here at The River City News that important links to Covington's past were discovered under the ground at Jacob Price as the Housing Authority prepares to develop River's Edge at Eastside Pointe on the site (SEE: Clues to Covington's past uncovered at Jacob Price site). Jeannine Kreinbrink writes that her organization is searching for more details and hopes that you may be able to help. If you have any old photos of that part of Covington that will help them recreate the neighborhood from an historic perspective, contact the Housing Authority of Covington at 859.491.5311. 
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QUICKIES
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Dr. Votruba has few regrets as tenure as President of NKU comes to an end Cincinnati Enquirer 
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NKY's business relationship with Korea takes center stage Click Here 
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Attorney Eric Deters is reinstated to practice law in Kentucky Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Bluegrass Boardwalk (formerly Kentucky Kingdom) deal ends just days after tax incentives are approved for the project as the owners (who also own Holiday World in Indiana) pull out Click Here 
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Wife of state senate President David Williams may run for Attorney General WKYT 
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Ruling on instant racing in Kentucky overturned Business First 
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Governor Beshear's statement on instant racing ruling click here 
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Farm-to-school program to be available in Kentucky soon press release 
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KENTUCKY MAN CHARGED WITH BEATING CAT TO DEATH
Awful: 
Police told The Courier-Journal that McKinney became irritated with the cat Wednesday night when it jumped onto a chair and knocked a second cat to the floor. An arrest report says McKinney chased the cat into the kitchen and struck it with a broom "three or four times." Police say McKinney kicked it to see if it was still living. 
AP via WKRC 

CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP
Lots of young people on their way to prison in this week's mugshot round-up. Check out who's going to prison, who got probation, and who's on the run -- at the link.
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TODAY
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Ohio River Sweep
Meet at the suspension bridge at 9:00AM, or look for the volunteers on the shore of the river near there.
Goettafest
Another festival is underway in the Mainstrasse Village. Check out Goettafest tonight until 11:30PM and tomorrow, too! 
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GRAND OPENING OF TK'S HOUSE OF MISFITS
Another new business is set to open in Covington: 
TK's House of Misfits offers more than just clothing. We provide our visitors with an experience unlike any other boutique around. Not only do we provide quality brands, we provide our shoppers with inspiration! TK's is the home of Modern Misfit Classic Genius. -- Embrace The Misfit//Become the Genius 
TK's is located at 603 West Third Street near Riverfront Pizza. 
Check out TK's on Facebook here
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SEE ALSO: The Enquirer checks out the new sushi place opening in Covington next weekend Click Here 
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Oh, the places you can go in Kentucky
Check out some of the must-see places in our beautiful Commonwealth for you to visit on a weekend this summer Herald-Leader 

CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP 16 JUNE

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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The following people are among a shorter-than-usual list from this week's activity in Kenton County Circuit Court. Some are going to prison while others got probation or were sent to the felony diversion program. A few more are still wanted for failing to appear in court: 
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See what their sentences are along with more mugshots at the link with explanations of charges and recommended sentences from the office of Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders.   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. Click the link below. 

Friday, June 15, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 15 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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COVINGTON SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE
School Board member Mike Fitzgerald is in the hospital and missed Thursday's meeting where it was made public that the former chairman is unsure of when he will be released. No further information was made available. Best wishes to Mr. Fitzgerald for a speedy recovery. 
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Congratulations to the graduates of the Adult High School
Other notes
The board approved the disposition of surplus equipment; Dyanne Coates (District instructional math coach) was named certified employee of the month, Dan Koch (District electrician) and Donna Eggemeier (finance department), and Natalie Westkamp (District fitness coordinator) were named classified employees of the month. 
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School Board retreat scheduled for Saturday
This meeting is open to the public and includes three items for discussion on its agenda: per pupil spending, drug testing, and an update on Covington 101. The retreat starts at 9:00AM at the Instructional Support Center, 212 Levassor Avenue.  
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CAUTION TAPE RETURNS TO HISTORIC HOME CITED BY CODE ENFORCEMENT
Just hours after the Covington code enforcement board fined the owners of 630 Garrard Street for use of excessive caution tape around the property, caution tape returned. Before Wednesday's code enforcement board hearing, the tape had been removed and replaced by a wire fence. Now there is both caution tape and wire fencing: 



...for good measure?
The City of Covington is unsure as of now how to deal with what has become a nuisance property in the eyes of its neighbors. An email from City Hall indicates to The River City News that the City is weighing its options and may have more to say in the coming weeks. 
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ORIGINAL STORY: 
The owners of an historic home cited by code enforcement for being excessively wrapped in caution tape had reached an agreement with the City that involved replacing the tape with wire fencing. At Wednesday's code enforcement board hearing, that didn't go over well, either. Click the link for the story. 
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QUICKIES
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Kentucky's jobless rate drops to 8.2% press release 
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State task forces on juvenile justice, student rights, and pensions put on hold cn|2 
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Retired teacher sentenced for traveling to Kentucky for sex with juveniles press release 
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State worker arrested, accused of trafficking drugs WKYT 
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Winners in redistricting case fight for court costs cn|2 
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Sen. Rand Paul's endorsement of Mitt Romney may land him a prime speaking role at GOP convention cn|2 
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Louisville among two most livable cities in America Courier-Journal 
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Programs battle Kentucky fat epidemic Courier-Journal 
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GOOD NEWS FROM THE EMERGENCY SHELTER
Check it out: 
Dear Facebook Friends - Good News. As of this weekend, we'll have 7 men who have moved from homelessness to housing! Not bad for opening 45 days ago  to provide shelter in the summer to men working on gaining employment, housing and financial stability.  Want to make a donation? We always love cash but right now we  also need:Cans of CoffeeLiquid Laundry DetergentSnacks (cookies, chips, pretzels, cheese crackers)RazorsTo drop off a donation please come to 634 Scott Street in the morning before 10:00am or in the evening after 7:00pm. To send a cash donation, mail to: P.O. Box 176601,  Covington, KY 41017.
WANT TO BUY RICK PITINO'S HOUSE?
It's a bargain at $2.2 million! 

See more photos of the amazing home by clicking here
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Business First reports that this has nothing to do with Pitino wanting to leave UofL 
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LOTS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN COVINGTON!
Goettafest: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Mainstrasse Village!
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Dinner and a show?
Here's a great idea for Friday or Saturday. Come down to Madison Avenue and stop in for dinner at the brand new Whackburger (across from Madison Theater) and then, come around the corner on Seventh Street and pop in the Artisan Enterprise Center and check out a terrific art exhibit and a really funny play. You could do all of that for a little more than twenty bucks! Drinks afterwards at the Avenue Lounge -- optional, but highly recommended! 
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Suits that Rock!
"Eat, drink and ROCK OUT with more than forty of the region’s business and community leaders as they unleash their secret rock star identities to entertain you with a salute to American and British music from the early 60's to today." 
Saturday this week and Saturday next week! Click the link for more details. 
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But before you go out, there is some work to do...
Join the volunteers in cleaning up Covington's riverfront during the 2012 Ohio Riversweep. The Cities of Covington and Cincinnati are teaming up with ORSANCO this year to clean up both sides of the river. Meet at the Suspension Bridge at 9:00AM. For more info, see: ORSANCO or Commonwealth of Kentucky 
            HAPPY FRIDAY, COVINGTON!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 14 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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attention: budding entrepreneurs

         ENTREPRENEUR SPEED DATING
Learn about the start-up process in Covington tonight at 6:00PM at Pike Street Lounge. Presented by futurecraft of Covington. Your dream of operating your own business begins now! There has never been a better time in Covington. 
Click to enlarge
RE-POST:
SELLING COVINGTON: WE'RE ALL AMBASSADORS NOW
The City of Covington has launched an ambitious incentives program to attract potential business owners to Downtown and into one of the City's historic commercial properties. There are rent subsidies, matching grants for rehabs, micro-loans, and more! Click the link to see why there has never been a better time to start a business in Covington. 
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PLANTING ENTREPRENEURIAL INNOVATION IN INNER CITIES
An interesting piece from the Harvard Business Review details how urban areas are attracting more residents and entrepreneurs and offers strategies on how to make it work. Check it out at the link. 
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TROUBLED HISTORIC HOME CITED FOR EXCESSIVE CAUTION TAPE
The owners of an historic home cited by code enforcement for being excessively wrapped in caution tape had reached an agreement with the City that involved replacing the tape with wire fencing. At Wednesday's code enforcement board hearing, that didn't go over well, either. Click the link for the story. 
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COVINGTON SCHOOL BOARD MEETS TONIGHT AT 5:00
The meeting is at the Board of Education. To check out the agenda, click here
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There is also a special meeting scheduled for Saturday morning. To check out that agenda, click here.
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COVINGTON QUICKIES
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Teen enters guilty plea in Covington murder case WKRC 
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Doomsday prophet found guilty of tax evasion at Covington federal courthouse Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Man sentenced in vehicular death of Covington man Cincinnati Enquirer
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Man shot in Covington late Wednesday night Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Judge criticizes NorthKey Cincinnati Enquirer 
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South Covington Community Action Association meets tonight Click Here 
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Direction 2030, developing a long-term plan for the future of Kenton County, starts its second round of public meetings tonight in Ludlow Click Here 
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WEDNESDAY'S NEWS
$1 million (at least) needs to be cut from Covington Police & Fire; Plus, more notes from the Covington City Commission meeting; Those stories and more at the link.
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GOVERNOR: RETIREMENT FUNDING IS NOT DIRE
Governor Beshear says the state pension situation is not dire, but an expert points to very concerning trends: 
Tobe, a Louisville-based pension system consultant, said the latest numbers have been concerning for the Kentucky Retirement System and retirees alike. In the last year the system took in less than $1 billion in money from the state and its investments and had to pay out $1.5 billion in benefits. 
cn|2 
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FRANKFORT QUICKIES
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Kentucky gas tax to go up 2.1 cents Courier-Journal 
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Kentucky recognized for job creation Herald-Leader 
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State Police buys 125 new cruisers for $3.1 million Herald-Leader 
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Legislators disagree on redistricting legal fees Herald-Leader 
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KY House GOP leaders frustrated over redistricting legal fees cn|2 
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Attorney General announces $7 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson press release 
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MORE
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Family feud turns deadly WKYT 
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92 pot plants seized from... front yard? WKYT 
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Sen. Rand Paul proposed law against domestic drones WFPL 
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Bluegrass Boardwalk approved for tourism tax credits Business First 
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          GOETTAFEST THIS WEEKEND!
   Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Mainstrasse Village!
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The Kenton County Democratic Party is hosting a steak dinner in Covington Friday evening...
It's at the Covington Firemen's Hall on Howell Street. For full details, click here.
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KENTUCKY LOTTERY COMMERCIAL SHOT IN MAINSTRASSE IS NOW ON THE AIR
Have you seen it yet? You may remember a few weeks back some photos that were posted here at The River City News of the commercial shoot in progress: 

Now the commercial is complete and on the air (produced by Covington's the PPS Group whose offices are in the beautifully renovated Ice House building on Scott Boulevard). Check out the commercial and see how many places you recognize! Click Here 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

TROUBLED HISTORIC HOME CITED FOR EXCESSIVE CAUTION TAPE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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UPDATE: THURSDAY 1:22PM
At some point after the meeting, the caution tape was returned to 630 Greenup Street only this time it is wrapped around the wire fence: 


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ORIGINAL POST:
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A home that sits on the corner of Garrard and Seventh Streets across from the Covington Ladies Home has had a controversial history over the past five years. Purchased by Martin-Elias Properties in 2005 and renovated with the intention of selling it to a law firm, the property has fallen into dangerous disrepair after the law firm idea fell through at the City level following an outcry from neighbors who did not want a business operating on the block. According to the Kenton County property value administrator's website, 630 Garrard Street was valued at $480,000 in 2011 and now is worth only $45,000. 
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The home with its new wire fencing
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Not only has the home fallen apart with a fractured foundation and multiple break-ins and thefts, the business relationship between Shia Elias and Mike Martin has also dissolved and on Wednesday evening the pair made another appearance before the City of Covington's code enforcement board. 
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At issue this time was a March 27 citation issued by the code enforcement department for excessive use of caution tape draped across the porch and facade of the building as if it were being decorated for an ambitious Halloween party. Though the tape may have been overdone, the caution is legitimate. The house could be dangerous for anyone who enters it and an engineer suggested that it be condemned. What damage was suffered by the home and when and how it happened was not made clear at the hearing.
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What the home looked like at the time that it was
cited by code enforcement
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"I think caution tape is the best deterrent and most police departments would agree," Elias said to the board, adding that the Covington Police Department requested that he put up the tape. He said the house had been boarded up for a year and a half and that people had carved holes in the drywall and ferreted through the ceilings. "My responsibility is to keep the community safe. This is not just a vacant building. It has a faulty foundation. It is imperative to the people of Covington and the people of Licking Riverside Historic District that we keep people off the property."
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By the time Martin, Elias, and Elias's attorney, David Schulenberg, arrived at City Hall for the hearing, a temporary resolution had been agreed to by the property owners and the City. Assistant City Solicitor Alex Mattingly arguing on behalf of Covington said that the owners agreed to remove the caution tape and replace it with wire fencing and suggested that the case be dismissed. In fact, at the time of the hearing the tape was already gone and the wire fencing was up in its place. "We have been in talks to make sure this was acceptable to the City," Mattingly said. "This is a complicated matter involving litigation."
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The issue of litigation interrupted Wednesday's proceedings on multiple occasions with both Elias and Schulenberg refusing to elaborate on what the litigation was related to, but it was made clear that it does not involve the City. It was made well known at a previous code enforcement board hearing earlier this year that Martin and Elias are not only no longer in business together, they can hardly speak to one another. That previous hearing involved a building on Greenup Street owned by Martin that is next door to Elias's home that the pair renovated together. According to Martin at the time, Elias had refused to grant Martin access to his side of the house in order to make the repairs for which Martin was being cited. That case was headed toward a resolution that day.
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The case involving 630 Garrard Wednesday, however, was not. "I can't believe the City is accepting this," said Linda Schwartz of Licking Riverside. "First it was tape, now it's got this fence. It's wrong. And how long is it going to go on? This is a beautiful home that may not be here much longer. If you dismiss this, it's really not good. It's not right. Everybody in the neighborhood is unhappy with it. I'm pleading with you. It's not right that we have to live with it like that."
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Schwartz was supported by a majority of the code enforcement board. When a motion was made to dismiss the case, no second to the motion was offered. Finally, after a brief discussion among the board members, a vote was taken and by a 3-1 count, the case was not dismissed. "That looks terrible," said board member Greg Manning, gesturing to the projected image of the house wrapped in its new wire fencing. "There are a lot of houses boarded up. I don't know why it has to have tape and fencing."
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"It's just another unsightly element," said board member Fritz Kuhlmann. 
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The board then voted to support the citation and fine the property owners with an added 90-day limit on how long the fencing could remain in place. The code enforcement board's attorney, Jeff Otis, then had to speak up. "Our options are only to fine or not to fine unless it is re-cited for the fence," Otis said.
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At that point, a third vote was taken fining the owners $100 for excessive caution tape on the date of March 27. Elias engaged Mattingly outside City Hall following the hearing where he was visibly upset with the decision and insisted that he would appeal to Kenton County District Court. As for being re-cited for the new fence, it was not made clear Wednesday if it too is in violation of the code.