360 Fireworks Party

360 Fireworks Party

Saturday, June 23, 2012

CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP 23 JUNE

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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The following people are on the 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. 


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Friday, June 22, 2012

TWO COVINGTON COMMISSION MEETINGS NEXT WEEK TO DEAL WITH BUDGET

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 precarious state of the City of Covington's finances will be addressed by two city commission meetings next week as the current fiscal year comes to a close and a new one begins. Tuesday night, a special meeting of the Covington City Commission will take place outside City Hall, and across the street instead at the Madison Event Center. Presentations by Mayor Chuck Scheper and Management Partners, the Cincinnati firm that reviewed each department at Covington City Hall, will be the highlights of the evening. Here is the agenda for Tuesday night's meeting at the Madison:
  • The commission will hear a first reading of plans to reappropriate funds to meet the expenses of the current fiscal year
  • A first reading will also be presented on the issuance of tax and revenue anticipation notes. What are "tax and revenue anticipation notes"? Here is how the Commonwealth of Kentucky explains them: 
As the receipt of revenues and expenditure demands of a particular fund or account of the Commonwealth render it necessary, the commission may issue tax and revenue anticipation notes to discharge expenditure demands in anticipation of estimated revenues that are required to be deposited in that fund or account during the fiscal year in which the tax and revenue anticipation notes are issued. Tax and revenue anticipation notes may be sold and issued in the manner and have terms
relating to the payment of interest, principal, and premiums or discounts as market conditions warrant. Tax and revenue anticipation notes may be issued in an amount not to exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the estimated revenues anticipated to be deposited during the fiscal year in the fund or account for which the tax and revenue anticipation notes are being issued. Tax and revenue anticipation notes, together with interest thereon, shall be repaid from revenues required to be deposited in the fund for which the tax and revenue anticipation notes were issued. Revenues to be deposited in that fund or account shall be pledged for the repayment of tax and revenue anticipation notes so long as any tax and revenue anticipation notes remain outstanding. Any lien on and security interest in taxes or revenues that may be created as provided in this section shall be prior and superior to any other lien or security interest created by law or otherwise.
 Then on Thursday, the City Commission convenes again, this time in their usual home inside City Hall where final actions on the budget will be made. In addition to voting on the items introduced Tuesday night, the 2012-13 city budget will be voted upon. 
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Other items of note on the agendas: 

  • Assistant City Solicitor Alex Mattingly's resignation will be accepted as he prepares to become Elsmere's first city administrator
  • A parking agreement between the City and Gateway College involving the Midtown Parking Garage will be considered
  • Katie Hushebeck will likely be named the new executive assistant to City Manager Larry Klein
The River City News will have live coverage from inside the Madison Event Center on Tuesday night and from inside City Hall on Thursday night right here.
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 22 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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BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE PROPOSALS COULD CALL FOR FASTER COMPLETION
On the other side of the river, multiple companies will make presentations to the Hamilton County Commission: 
Next Wednesday, foreign and domestic bridge-building companies will make presentations to Hamilton Co. Commissioner Todd Portune and the Transportation Improvement District that will describe how to pay for a new bridge and how they can get it done more quickly.
"Theoretically, we could get the project started with all things in place as early as 2014," Portune said.
To Covington's city manager, that time reference has a nice ring to it.
Larry Klein said that in a few weeks, he believes the ramp access concerns his city has will be settled favorably by Kentucky transportation leaders.
"We welcome anything as a region that gets that bridge project done sooner than later," Klein said. 
Full story: WLWT
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At The River City News Facebook page Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank offered an optimistic note about Covington's desired changes to the Brent Spence project: 
There seems to be good news on that front. It seems likely that we will keep our fourth and fifth street exits, have a direct exit to fifth street coming from the South and have the Clay Wade Bailey exit. Still in play is the second chance exit. 
UPDATE: Frank adds at 9:41AM: 
Meeting coming up in mid July. Early buzz sounds good for most of our desires. Still some finer points need to be ironed out along with at least one major contention.
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IMAGINE... HIGH SPEED RAIL FROM KENTUCKY TO GEORGIA
It's apparently possible. From the Florida Times-Union:
Running high-speed, passenger rail lines between Atlanta and Jacksonville, Louisville and Birmingham is economically feasible, according to a consultant's study presented Wednesday to the State Transportation Board.
The Jacksonville line should be built in two phases, first to Savannah, and then to the Northeast Florida city, consultant HNTB recommended in its study. Possible stations along the route would include Griffin, Macon, Savannah and Brunswick. The feasibility study was the first of many long steps in setting the final course of the train routes and securing funding.
Via WFPL 
Check out the full Powerpoint presentation by clicking here (PDF)
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In other traffic news...
The City of Taylor Mill reminds commuters: 
The KY 16 NB entrance ramp to I-275 EB is currently closed for reconstruction. KY 16 is also reduced to one lane in each direction between the I-275 overpass and Old Taylor Mill Road. Traffic is being detoured to I-275 WB to Exit 80 (KY 17) and back onto I-275 EB. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has advised that this ramp is scheduled to reopen on Monday, June 25th. Please travel safely. 
 
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SEE ALSO: Kentucky Speedway confident in new traffic plan Cincinnati Enquirer 
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BRANDING COVINGTON AND MAKING IT GREENER
"Covington never had grand green space Downtown". How our city can (and must) catch up with its neighbors in terms of green space and branding -- at the link. 
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HOW COMMUNITY COLLEGES STIR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Why is the Gateway College urban campus such a priority for Covington? Because it can be an important catalyst for further growth Downtown. In other news... A KY couple's home is burglarized while they are away at their murdered son's funeral; Plus, why 134,000 Kentucky families will split $15.3 million. Click the link for those stories and more in Thursday evening's round-up. 
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WHAT TO DO IN COVINGTON THIS WEEKEND?
Another great Covington weekend is shaping up. RoeblingFest, Covington Quest, a big yard sale, and much more. For all the details, click the link below and scroll to the bottom of the post!
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QUICKIES
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Kentucky cracking down on drinking & boating this weekend WKYT 
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Kentucky State Rep to push for charter schools again in 2013 cn|2 
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Newspaper rips KY legislature for approving too many ceremonial resolutions without accomplishing much of anything significant: 
But let’s not dwell on the past. Looking ahead to future sessions, how about this for a resolution both the House and Senate could approve?“Whereas, as Kentucky is a cash-starved state, one with insufficient tax receipts coming through an obsolete tax system and whereas, continuing budget cuts for the past five years have not solved the problem and in fact have eroded basic services government should provide, and whereas, the state falls further behind each year in funding programs such as education and social services, be it hereby resolved that we as Kentucky’s elected members of the General Assembly, will stop shirking from our chief obligation and take steps to reform our tax system and produce budgets in future years that don’t kick our citizens to the curb.”
Hear, hear!
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Kentucky parents can apply for state-based student loans WKYT 
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State human rights commission rules on 12 discrimination complaints Courier-Journal 
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NKY TOUTED AS EXAMPLE OF TOURISM IMPACT
As the Commonwealth figures out how to better promote its Tourism Act, officials are looking to NKY for evidence of success: 
“What you see in Northern Kentucky, specifically with Newport, is the huge multiplier effect,” Rose said. “We have a lot of revitalization that’s going on in Newport with the riverfront, Main Street, a lot of mom and pop businesses coming up. So even though Newport Aquarium and the Levee are the main drivers in our industry ... there’s a significant amount of other businesses that have benefited from that.” 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman 
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You know what else is a tourism gem? Natural Bridge: 
To get a glimpse of what the state parks have to offer, I, along with my more outdoor-savvy boyfriend, visited Natural Bridge State Park in Powell County park for two days and nights, and I can safely say that whether you are looking for an action-packed trip or a relaxing getaway, this park has something for you. From rock-climbing at Red River Gorge to lounging by the lodge pool, the wide variety of activities offered will please the whole family. 
Check out the full report at the link.
Kentucky Forward/Jill Seelmeyer 
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HALF PRICE ADOPTIONS THIS WEEKEND AT KENTON CO ANIMAL SHELTER
 For contact info, check out the KCAS on Facebook here. 
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TAKE A MOMENT TO VOTE FOR GATEWAY COLLEGE IN THE BUSINESS COURIER'S "SOCIAL MADNESS" COMPETITION Click Here 
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Thursday, June 21, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY EVENING 21 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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COVINGTON MUST CATCH UP TO NEWPORT AND CINCINNATI IN GREEN SPACE
"We're the last of the three and there's no reason it can't happen here, too," said Covington City Manager Larry Klein during the Covington Business Council's monthly luncheon which focused on green space and branding Thursday afternoon. What are some possibilities for Covington to consider? Click the link for the full story.
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Meanwhile... on the Cincinnati side of the river...
The new Smale Riverfront Park is already exceeding expectations: 
Reports from various media outlets and first-hand accounts highlight the immediate popularity of the park. One problem, according to Prather, has been that visitors want to play in the dramatic water curtain along Mehring Way which was not designed for interaction. 
Via UrbanCincy 
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HOW COMMUNITY COLLEGES CAN SPUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The expansion of Gateway College's urban campus in Downtown Covington is one of the city's top priorities, though its fate relies heavily on financing from Frankfort which seems to be pretty well dried up at the moment. Why is it so important? City leaders believe the school (and the thousands of students that would be in attendance) would be a serious catalyst in revitalizing the urban core. This article from The Atlantic Cities, which focuses on Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio, agrees: 
Murka introduced me to Sinclair's President, Steven Johnson. Johnson, a farmer's son, has degrees in marketing and a PhD in education administration. He's seen a lot of things in his life, lived a lot of places, and worked a lot of jobs. Like Murka, he doesn't have much faith in private unions, especially unions like the UAW that, he said, put the needs of its membership ahead of the needs of the community. Nor, he made clear, did he have much patience for people who insisted that college be purely "academic."

"We're not Sarah Lawrence, not Wellesley," he says. "We're trying to help people get enough education to make something of themselves, people who are financially limited, academically limited, logistically limited."

Johnson explained that the UAV training program is part of his plan not only to prepare students for 21st-century jobs, but to promote a new educational model. "For most of us, college is one of the few things you do only once - you go when you're 18, stay until you're 22, and never go back," he said. "That model doesn't work for everyone. Sinclair is a place you can come back to for the rest of your life -- to refresh, retrain. You've heard of 'just-in-time' manufacturing? This is 'just in time' education."
Full story: The Atlantic Cities/Ellen Ruppel Shell 
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NEWPORT BREAKS GROUND ON NEW LUXURY APARTMENT BUILDING
Via WKRC:

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QUICKIES
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Feds did not properly seize $250,000 in Bill Erpenbeck's money Herald-Leader 
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Erpenbeck's money up for grabs Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Jobless rate falls in 107 Kentucky counties press release 
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But this won't help: 500 miners to lose their jobs WKYT 
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Governor Beshear reacts via press release:
“We are extremely disappointed and disheartened by the announcement from Arch Coal today, as we know the announcement of significant layoffs in Kentucky is devastating news for hundreds of Kentucky families.

I have authorized the mobilization of our Education and Workforce Development Cabinet’s Rapid Response Teams to assist these employees in the transition from their jobs to beginning a search for new work, starting new workforce training or enrolling in classes to prepare them for the next stage of their careers. These teams will also ensure the families are aware of assistance available from state and federal services during this difficult time. We will adapt the roles and services of these teams as needed to make certain that our affected families are equipped to handle this challenge.
As unfortunate as this news is, it cannot be said that it was wholly unexpected. Demand for coal is at a 20-year low, thanks to a rapidly shifting energy market and high inventory. Unpredictable federal regulation processes have also hindered legal mining efforts, and we will continue to fight the unfair regulatory changes that effectively delay or halt our mining projects.” 
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Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes's grandmother (made famous in Grimes's campaign ad) passed away at 92 press release Full coverage: cn|2
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Cincinnati/NKY home sales up, inventory down in May Business Courier
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After being hacked twice, Louisville traffic sign to be moved Courier-Journal 
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134,000 KY FAMILIES TO SPLIT $15.3 MILLION IN HEALTH CARE REBATES
This is thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare: 

The average rebate for a family will be $114.
As part of the controversial 2010 health insurance overhaul pushed by President Barack Obama, insurance companies must spend 80 percent of all premiums they collect to pay claims or improve health outcomes. The remaining 20 percent can be spent on administrative costs, such as salaries and advertising. 
Herald-Leader/Beth Musgrave
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KENTUCKY COUPLE'S HOME BURGLARIZE WHILE AWAY AT SON'S FUNERAL
Parents whose son was murdered had their home burglarized while attending his funeral: 
The thieves took jewelry, guns, tools, electronics, and money. Police say they believe the thieves were fully aware the family would not be home. 
Clarkson, Kentucky is rough. 
WBKO
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THIS WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT KENTUCKY
Isn't this a sweet piece of art?
The really wonderful group "Kentucky for Kentucky" is giving one away, but you have to "Like" their Facebook page. Click here 
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THE GREENING AND BRANDING OF COVINGTON EXPLORED AT LUNCHEON

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
Email Michael
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"We confuse green space and open space with an amenity, but the fact is, as cities evolve and take back spaces, this is economic development at the highest level," said Craig Gossman of MKSK, formerly known as KKG, the Covington-based planning firm. "These are projects that stimulate reinvestment in the cities." The Covington Business Council's monthly luncheon Thursday featured a discussion on green spaces in and branding a city, facilitated by Gossman and Kelly Kolar of Kolar Design. 
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The discussion was mostly a continuation of the ideas prepared by Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) in its Covington Center City Action Plan, lovingly referred to by Gossman, whose firm worked on the plan with PUMA, as 3CAP. Covington should follow the lead of other cities in the region and reinvigorate its riverfront while looking for ways to create more usable green space, like pocket parks, in the urban core. Both Gossman and Kolar pointed to Columbus, Ohio and its Scioto Mile which Kolar helped to brand. "How do you create community," Kolar asked those gathered inside the Madison Event Center, offering that her firm led the naming strategy that resulted in the branding Columbus's redeveloped waterfront as the Scioto Mile. "It's another way cities begin to build their brand. It's called sense of place."
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"Covington never had grand green space Downtown," Gossman said. "I'm not advocating to tear down a bunch of buildings. We want green space to be integrated in day to day activities." He pointed to the unexpected success of 5/3 Pavillion in Lexington. "When you create great spaces people want to open businesses nearby to capitalize on that traffic." Another example offered was the manicured parking lot near Mother of God Church.
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Covington is not completely bare of attractive outdoor spaces, however. Gossman pointed to the Suxth Street promenade that runs through Mainstrasse Village, but as was suggested in the center city action plan, the neighborhoods that work need to be better connected. "Gateway College to Mainstrasse seems like a long walk because of its fractured nature," Gossman said. "Sometimes we get too hung up on traffic flow. You want to capture people's attention, invite people to want to walk on it."
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Kolar's portion of the presentation focused on helping a city tell its story. She worked closely with Southbank Partners and Cincinnati Parks on such a task in the recent past. "How do you tell the story? What's different here than there?"
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What's different in Covington from Cincinnati and Newport is that those two cities have created excitement on their share of the riverfront while Covington waits. Rachael Winters, executive director of the NKY Emergency Shelter, referenced at the end of the presentation that she often walks across the bridges from Covington into Newport and Cincinnati and sees stark contrasts. Cincinnati and Newport have well manicured featured while Covington welcomes visitors with graffiti. 
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City Manager Larry Klein, who was also present at the luncheon, responded, "What you see in Newport and Cincinnati didn't happen overnight. They have had a sustained vision. That's the path we need to follow. We're the last of the three and there's no reason it can't happen here, too."
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NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 21 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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THE GREENING OF COVINGTON
Thursday afternoon's luncheon hosted by the Covington Business Council will focus on creating green spaces in the city: 
Local experts are cautioning the need for more greenspace in the city. This presentation will focus on several key urban design elements; brand, place making, enhanced quality of place and long term economic value of downtown real estate. Concept renderings will also be shown regarding enhanced greenscapes for Covington. 
Kelly Kolar, President of Kolar Design, and Craig Gossman, principal of KKG, will host the presentation. The event runs from 11:30AM to 1:00PM at the Madison Event Center. It costs $15 for CBC members and $25 for non-members. Click here to register.
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NEW LUXURY APARTMENT GROUNDBREAKING TODAY IN NEWPORT
The Catalytic Development Fund sent this message earlier this week: 
Capital Investment will break ground on Vu 180 in Newport KY this Thursday! Vu 180 is a 93 unit upscale apartment project located next to the SouthShore condominium project. This is the first major new development in the NKY River Cities since 2007. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 21 at 9:00 AM. Look for the tent next to SouthShore.
And from this morning's Cincinnati Enquirer: 
The building will be four stories of one- and two-bedroom apartments above a parking area. Rent for a one-bedrooms apartment will be about $800 per month and a unit with two bedrooms will be about $1,400 per month, Bastos said.

The construction of the building is estimated to take a year and will cost $15.8 million, he said. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Marika Lee 
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AN EVENING THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Tonight at the Carnegie, Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders and Cincinnati State Technical & Community College President O'dell Owens will speak at An Evening That Could Change Your Life. The lectures start at 7:00PM with food & refreshments being served from 6:00 - 7:00PM. Admission is free and limited to the first 450 guests. The event is sponsored by the Eastside Neighborhood Association, the Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney office, and O.A.S.I.S. Inc.

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DON'T MISS WEDNESDAY EVENING'S NEWS
As Covington faces the likelihood of layoffs, are these public job eliminations nationally slowing the recovery?; More on why the Latonia Waterpark is closed indefinitely; Plus, Gov. Beshear cuts the ribbon at the opening of Koran Kountry! (LOL). Click it.
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WEDNESDAY MORNING'S NEWS
More on why the City of Covington may be changing the way code enforcement exists in the city; World Choir Games concert is coming to Mainstrasse; Plus, a KY traffic sign is hijacked to read "Honk if you're..." Click it. 
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QUICKIES
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KY State Police to release traffic plan for Quaker State 400 WXIX 
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Kentuckians want more money for education, and suggest paying for it through online sales and pension taxes cn|2 
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Sen. McConnell's plea to thwart EPA rejected Herald-Leader 
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Kentucky Human Rights Commission to host fair housing summit in relation to gay/lesbian tenants today press release 
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Priorities out of whack in world of academics and athletics Herald-Leader 
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Cincinnati's Crosley Building to be torn down WKRC 
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Hacked road sign in Louisville warns of zombies Herald-Leader 
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BOTANY HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING TODAY
The neighborhood association meets tonight -- outside! The meeting is at 7:00PM at Devou Park. Click here for the agenda and other details. 
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CAN YOU HELP THE HOLMES CROSS COUNTRY TEAM?
From the team's Facebook page:
We will be hosting our CC meet again in Aug. We are looking for the  following items for the meet. If you have any of them or know someone that would like to donate please let me know. Yellow rope, safety tape, Surveying flags,  red/white/blue flags, safety fence, temp fence post or anything that we could mark the courseoff which is held along the Licking River on the Licking River Greenways  and Trails which is behind Holmes. 
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WHO'S TAKING SCHOOL BUSES ON JOY RIDES IN MERCER COUNTY?
Harrodsburg, Kentucky is all abuzz after someone has hijacked a school bus three times over the past eleven days and headed out on a joy ride: 
Authorities believe the culprit drove the bus to the Mercer County Mobile Home Park over the weekend and crashed into the community’s mailbox on Clay Avenue.  
Stealing a school bus and promptly driving to a trailer park? Ah, Kentucky. 
Danville Advocate-Messenger
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SPORTS ARTS WORLD LOSES A LEGEND
LeRoy Neiman, who was widely known around the Commonwealth for his paintings of UK basketball, Muhammad Ali, and the Derby, died Wednesday at the age of 91: 
For Kentucky basketball fans, Neiman painted the most famous painting in our beloved team's history. Commissioned by Ashland Oil in 1977, the original of Neiman's "UK Basketball Game Between UK and St. John's, December 17, 1977" hangs on display in the UK Art Museum. 
Read more about the artist and his work at The Kaintuckeean. 
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THIS WEEKEND IN COVINGTON!
Another fun weekend in Covington is almost here... What to do? Check it out: 
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RoeblingFest!
This event is really terrific and the weather is going to be perfect for it. Be sure to "like" RoeblingFest on Facebook!
In addition to all the fun, food, drinks, and games you would expect at a festival, you can also check out the "guts of the suspension bridge", take a walking tour on the bridge, around Licking Riverside, or along the riverfront murals, and then check out the headline music act, Poco. 
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Covington Quest
It's our own version of the Amazing Race -- right here in Covington. Get all the details by clicking here. 
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Botany Hills Neighborhood Yard Sale
Don't miss the Botany Hills Yard Sale on Saturday, June 23rd from 9:00AM to 2:00PM at 1226 Highway Ave. There is still space left. Reserve table space for $10 ($5 for BHNA members). For more info contact Connie Kingsbury at 261-4053 or cschmitt@fuse.net.
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"Fix Covington Schools" to host school board candidates
The group that chats on Facebook about Covington Independent Public Schools is meeting up in person -- and hosting a few school board candidates, too. Click here for details. 
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Sushi place opens Saturday
Pike Street is now home to a new sushi joint where you can learn to roll your own! Click here 
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          WITH SO MUCH TO DO, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY EVENING 20 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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LAYING OFF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES HURTING THE ECONOMY?
As departments within the City of Covington consider the possibility of more layoffs in the coming days, a report from The New York Times indicates that the nation's economic recovery may be slowed by the purging of public employees: 
So while the federal government has grown a little since the recession, and many states have recently begun to add a few jobs, local governments are making new cuts that outweigh those gains. More than a quarter of municipal governments are planning layoffs this year, according to a survey by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence. They are being squeezed not only by declining federal and state support, but by their devastated property tax base.
“The unfortunate reality is our revenue streams have not rebounded,” said Timothy R. Hacker, the city manager of North Las Vegas, which has cut its work force to 1,300 from 2,300 and is about to lay off 130 more. “Shaking this recession is becoming increasingly difficult.” 
(snip)
If governments still employed the same percentage of the work force as they did in 2009, the unemployment rate would be a percentage point lower, according to an analysis by Moody’s Analytics. At the pace so far this year, layoffs will siphon off $15 billion in spending power. Yale economists have said that if state and local governments had followed the pattern of previous recessions, they would have added at least 1.4 million jobs. 
The New York Times 
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The Center for State and Local Government Excellence reports: 
More than half of state and local governments still have a pay freeze and are adjusting retirement and health care benefits. At the same time, the pace of layoffs has slowed with 28 percent reporting layoffs this year compared with 40 percent last year. 
Read the full analysis by clicking here. 
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The City of Covington has asked for $500,000 (or possibly more) in cuts from police and fire budgets and massive cuts in other departments as well which will likely to lead to the elimination of several positions. Read that earlier report at the link below. 
Questions and Uncertainty at City Hall as Budget Vote Looms 
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SEE ALSO: Home ownership may not be the answer to the nation's economic woes after all The Atlantic Cities 
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DON'T MISS THIS MORNING'S NEWS
More on why the City of Covington may be changing the way code enforcement exists in the city; World Choir Games concert is coming to Mainstrasse; Plus, a KY traffic sign is hijacked to read "Honk if you're...What?!" Click it. 
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LATONIA WATERPARK AND SPRAY PARK CLOSED INDEFINITELY
In another blow to Covington's summer recreation opportunities, the City notified the media Wednesday afternoon that the waterpark/spray park in Latonia is closed: 
The Covington Waterpark/Spraypark in Latonia is closed due to operational issues. We regret this inconvenience. The length of time it will be closed will be determined once investigations into the issues are conducted. We will send a notification once that information is available. 
Covington recreation director Natalie Gardner tells The River City News via email: 
About the waterpark, our staff noticed an unusual amount of water was being lost.  We suspect that the large recharge line that feeds the pool has a leak.  The waterpark is constructed on a landfill and over time the decomposition will create settlement issues for decades after a landfill closure.  The recharge line carries a large amount of weight and would be the first line to experience problems.  Right now we are investigating to see if we can locate the leaks, so we are unsure the severity and how long it will need to be closed. 
That leaves only Randolph Park Pool in the Eastside and Goebel Pool in Mainstrasse available to the public. Gus Sheehan Pool in Botany Hills was closed for good earlier this year because of the high cost to repair and upgrade it.
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NEWPORT VS BELLEVUE IN TEEN ON TEEN FIGHT
Awful. Via WKRC: 

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$75,000 AWARDED TO GATEWAY COLLEGE FROM DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION
As part of its urban revitalization efforts, Duke Energy handed out $125,000 to three entities Wednesday, including $75,000 for the Gateway Community & Technical College Foundation and $25,000 for Legacy Young Professionals: 
“While each of these organizations has a unique mission, they all rally around three common, profound goals: sustain the core of our communities, reduce blight in neighborhoods and produce something new out of something old,” Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky President Julie Janson said. 
Business Courier
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SEE ALSO: Gateway students and staff team up to fight cancer press release
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DEMOCRAT LAUNCHES FIRST COMMERCIAL IN NKY CONGRESSIONAL RACE
From Williamstown attorney Bill Adkins (D) who faces Lewis County Judge-Executive Thomas Massie (R) in November: 


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Said Adkins in a news release, “Voters in the 4th District need to know the truth about Thomas Massie. His broken promises and failings as a 1 ½ year Lewis County judge-executive, his radical positions and association with out-of-state Texas SuperPAC money are all fair game in this election.” 
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The Massie campaign responded to the commercial through its campaign chair, failed Tea Party gubernatorial candidate Phil Moffett, in an interview with Bluegrass Politics: 
Phil Moffett, campaign chair for Massie, said Massie won the primary election in May because “he was the best candidate and he will win the general election in November because he’s the best candidate.” 
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QUICKIES
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Groups helps Democrat and Republican women get elected in Kentucky cn|2 
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Commonwealth of Kentucky to county its horses WFPL  
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Two historic Lexington homes crumbling (one is condemned) due to neglect... sound familiar? Herald-Leader  
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The Republican US Chamber of Commerce says Kentucky's higher education system needs fixin' WFPL  
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Did Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman's girlfriend lie about being tied up in a Pittsburgh hotel room? WLWT  
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Archaeologists hope to find remnants of original fort at Boonesborough Herald-Leader  
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KENTUCKY WOMAN GLUED TO BATHROOM SEAT AT WALMART
Is that a Kentucky headline, or what?
Monticello city officials said the woman went to use the store's bathroom when she realized she was stuck to the toilet seat. It was later determined the seat was covered in Super Glue. 
CNN via WCPO
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WHY DOES A LEXINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD SMELL LIKE... POO?
A mixture for plants that included manure made for a steamy hot smelly mess, particularly on this hot day: 

"It was almost unbearable," he said Tuesday afternoon. "You can't plan anything — we don't want friends over."Coldstream Court resident Nancy Jo Kemper said the foul smell made her sick to her stomach when she was in her yard."It was awful," she said. "It seeped through the windows and doors. ... It smells like a pig farm." 
Herald-Leader/Karla Ward
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COVINGTON SHOP OWNER ON WHAT TO WEAR THIS SUMMER
Jerod Theobald, owner of flow - a shop for men on Scott Boulevard writes his monthly column for Cincinnati Profile: 
The truth is, most men don’t think twice about what they put on before they set out to enjoy the days of summer. Sure, a man doesn’t have to be on point to cut the grass, lay down mulch, or work under the hood of his car – but he should make an effort to look his best before heading out on a date or off to an outdoor wedding. A little effort (and adhering to the suggestions below) will go a long way to ensure you look cool and stay cool all summer long. 
For Jerod's tips on what guys should wear this summer to weddings, on dates, to concerts and other outdoor events, click the link below. 
Cincinnati Profile
Jerod Theobald
Check out flow - a shop for men on Facebook here.
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UK'S 1996 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM TO REUNITE
One of the greatest teams in college basketball history is getting back together. Herald-Leader 
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But it's not just to hang out... the team is helping out the Derek Anderson foundation as the former 'Cat great launches a new bottled water Click Here 
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KY High School Basketball Team Grows Flat Tops
More evidence that UK fans are the craziest... Members of the Marshall County High School boys basketball team have cut their hair in honors of incoming UK freshman Nerlens Noel and his now famous 'do. Check out the photo here 
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KORAN KOUNTRY OPENS IN KENTUCKY WITH INCENTIVES FROM BESHEAR
LMAO: 

Gov. Steve Beshear attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday for the opening of Koran Kountry, the radical Islamic theme park that could receive up to $75 million in tax incentives from the state.
“We are excited to be here for the grand opening of Koran Kountry,” Beshear said. “This park will bring almost 1,000 jobs to this region and give a vital boost to our economy, with millions of tourists visiting the commonwealth.”
The controversial park is the creation of Answers in Koran, LLC, who seek to bring visitors to the “family-friendly attraction that celebrates the truth of the Koran, and the power of the global jihadist movement to liberate Muslims from the oppression of the infidels and Jews. We also have roller coasters.” 
If you feel like wetting yourself from laughter, read the whole thing at the link. (Satire, obviously)
LEO Weekly 
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No, but seriously... Can you imagine if someone wanted to open Koran Kountry in Kentucky? Would it be met with the same lavish tax incentives that the Creation Museum's "Ark Encounter" has been? What do you think? 
Welcome to Koran Kountry, y'all!
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/06/19/2230839/smell-of-manure-plagues-gainesway.html#storylink=cpy
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