NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY EVENING 5 JUNE

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

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OMNICARE LANDS TAXPAYER INCENTIVES FROM KENTUCKY

Though the large corporation is bailing on its Covington offices for Cincinnati, Omnicare's Glasgow operation received $600,000 in tax incentives from the Commonwealth of Kentucky for expansion: 

Omnicare in Glasgow, $300,000 to expand its pharmacy-related distribution facility. The company estimates the expansion will cost $15.7 million. It is expected to add 42 jobs that pay an average hourly wage of $18, including benefits. The company also received approval for $300,000 in incentives under a different program. 

Omnicare's move from Covington to Cincinnati is expected to be complete by the end of this month. 
Herald-Leader/Scott Sloan  
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KENTUCKY APPROVES INCENTIVES FOR LOW-COST CARRIER AT CVG
In other incentives news from the Commonwealth: 

Kentucky’s Economic Development Finance Authority voted May 31 to offer up to $270,000 a year for 10 years. The project involves an $8.5 million expansion that would produce 120 new jobs in year one, then grow to 150 within three years, according to state records. The company is considering a 36,000-square-foot lease and plans to spend $1.5 million on equipment, $1.3 million on improvement, $4.5 million in rent and $1.2 million in “start up costs.”
Southern Air’s business ties to DHL are thought to be an advantage for the Northern Kentucky site, since the freight carrier has rapidly expanded at the Hebron airport. 

Business Courier/Dan Monk 
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DID YOU MISS TUESDAY MORNING'S HEADLINES?
An evangelist's criminal trial continues in Covington (but he's not worried... because "the world started to end on May 27"); A Pike Street Building is headed to the auction block; Plus, an NKY Congressional campaign ad is reenacted with Legos! Click it. 

The RC News: Tuesday Morning Round-Up 

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SOUTH COVINGTON ROAD TO CLOSE FOR THIRTY DAYS

From the City of Covington: 

Taylor Mill Road - Southern End - KY 16 (From Sunbrite Drive to Kleete Road) - Construction continues on Taylor Mill Road (KY 16) between Sunbrite Drive and Kleete Road. Traffic patterns have been shifted to temporary alignments, use caution and watch for flaggers and construction traffic entering and leaving the roadway. The speed limit throughout the project is reduced to 30 MPH. A signed detoured is in place for the Oak Ridge Baptist Church to use Clubhouse Drive. Beginning at 7:00 AM on Monday, June 11, 2012, Senour Road (KY 2047) will be closed at its intersection with Taylor Mill Road (KY 16). The closure will last for 30 days. Traffic detours will be posted using Hands Pike (KY 1501) and 3-L Highway (KY 17). 

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QUICKIES
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University of Kentucky begins to lay off employees Herald-Leader 
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Super PAC debate intensifies after Massie win in NKY WHAS 
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Two bills from Sen. Rand Paul aimed at Pakistan over imprisonment The Hill 
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Attorney General Jack Conway announces settlement in another Medicaid program press release 
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Former Ohio politician pleads guilty in a Covington courtroom Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Miners, environmentalists flocks to EPA hearing Herald-Leader 
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Youths steal eleven golf carts from UK, crash them Herald-Leader 
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THE GREENING OF COVINGTON
The "greening" of Covington will be the topic of the next Covington Business Council monthly luncheon: 

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. 

The luncheon is set for June 21. 
Covington Business Council  
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MAINSTRASSE COMMUNITY GARDEN IS ALREADY IN BLOOM
Just a couple weeks after it was launched, this is what the Mainstrasse community garden looks like: 

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PANCAKE EATING CONTEST AT FIRST WATCH FOR LIBRARY'S 5K RACE

Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank was among the gluttonous contestants downing as many pancakes as possible this morning at First Watch. The pancake eating contest was an effort to promote the Kenton County Public Library's 5K race on Saturday which benefits children's literacy. The event featured a few other familiar Covington faces: 

For details on Saturday's 5K race, click here 

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COVINGTON PARTNERS CELEBRATE GOOD MEETING

From the Covington Partners: 

Thank you to over 40 community stakeholders who joined us today at our June Community Coalition Meeting! We heard great success stories from our collaborative teams and saw amazing progress being made to increase student achievement in Covington schools. We'll be sharing those results throughout the next few weeks. 

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DESTINATION: GRADUATION PROFILE
Another soon-to-be Holmes graduate is profiled by Covington Independent Public Schools: 

Nicole Lang likes working with her hands, whether it’s painting with watercolors or tinkering with a car engine. She’s left her mark figuratively and literally at Holmes High School. She used her artistic talents to work on sets for several musicals at school, including Beauty and the Beast and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
However, she is seriously considering pursuing a higher-education certification or degree in automotive technology. She likes working on cars and trucks with her father.
“My goal is to become an accomplished automotive technician, possibly with my own business,” she said. 

Read more about Nicole by clicking here. 

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SEE ALSO: A college degree is still worth it GOOD 

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FINAL DAYS TO NOMINATE FOR "FRIENDS OF COVINGTON" AWARDS

From the Friends of Covington:

Only a few days remain to nominate your friends', familys', neighbors' or your own property for FOC's Beautification Award 2012!!! DO IT TODAY!!! DEADLINE = JUNE 8, 2012  

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BOY BELIEVED TO BE REINCARNATION OF REGIONAL KFC MANAGER

Dateline, Louisville. LOL: 

"We watched carefully to see which direction the winds would take the smoke billowing forth from the fryer exhaust fan at the Waycross, GA location," said Orman, whose council set out on a long Midwestern journey after receiving the sign. "We interviewed hundreds of boys born that Jan. 23, but only Brian possessed a preternatural knowledge of the average monthly napkin orders generally needed for the six restaurants he will soon oversee."

"Rejoice, for before us is he who is destined to give guidance and impart wisdom to all who work at KFC locations east of Macon!" Orman added.  

The Onion

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY MORNING 15 MAY

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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HOW TO RUN COVINGTON CITY HALL MORE EFFICIENTLY

The report by Management Consultants commissioned by Covington Mayor Chuck Scheper that is expected to detail how to run City Hall and its departments more efficiently has been received by the Covington City Commission. Commissioner Steve Frank offered this hint on his Facebook page: 

A great report. I believe Covington is in great hands with Chuck Scheper at the helm.

The City Commission does not meet again until May 29. 

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FORMER UK BASKETBALL PLAYER ACCUSED OF SEX WITH TEENS

Michael Porter last suited up for the Wildcats in 2009 leaving as a junior to spend more time with his wife and baby. This morning Porter faces charges that he had sexual contact with two minors, ages 14 and 15:

According to court documents, Michael James Porter, 25, had sexual contact with a 14-year-old and 15-year-old on several occasions. The police reports indicate Porter met the minors when he was serving as a group leader at a church function.
Police charged porter with six counts of sodomy and two counts of sexual abuse, according to the Fayette County Detention Center website. 

WLEX 

Michael Porter

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HOLMES COACH SURVIVED FATAL CARROLLTON CRASH IN 1988

Jason Booher was 13 years old and was one of sixty-seven people on board a bus returning from Kings Island to Radcliff, Kentucky when the vehicle was struck by a drunk driver which killed twenty-seven of them. Booher is now the varsity boys basketball coach at Holmes and shared his story at the school: 

“It used to be tough to talk about, but now I’ve been able to see so many positives that have come from it,” Booher said. “The stiffer drunk driving laws, the safer buses and the many victims that talk about it today and have an impact on people.”
Booher was sitting in the fifth seat from the back, next to the window. He was able to escape the blaze without injury by climbing over the seats and out the back door, then helped pull others out and drag them to the grass in the median.
“We were pulling kids and pulling kids – it seemed like forever,” Booher said. “In 90 seconds, the bus was over 1,500 degrees.” 

Full story at the link. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/William Croyle  
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CANDIDATE BILL ADKINS REMINDS VOTERS THAT A DEMOCRAT IS RUNNING
Kentucky's 4th Congressional District is the talk of Commonwealth political circles because of the brutal primary being waged on the Republican side. But Bill Adkins, a Williamstown attorney, wants Northern Kentucky voters to keep in mind that there is a Democrat in the race, too. He penned this editorial: 

Congress is deeply divided and in many ways, dysfunctional. The typical hardworking, middle class family today is caught in a political power struggle that threatens to dismantle every safety net we have in place for our senior citizens and for those who have lost their jobs, are trying to get an education or training, and those who need health care services they can afford.
There are solutions, but only if we put aside our partisan difference and work in the best interests of all citizens, not just those with the ability to hire expensive lobbyists. The Republican budget plans of deep cuts and austerity without investment will not work. Trickle down economics does not work. Only a plan that includes reforms to our tax system, controlled spending and investment in technology, infrastructure, education and in our small business, will our economy experience true recovery and growth.
We are stronger if we work together and look for solutions that empower Americans not blame them for needing a government that works. I’ve never believed that dependence on government should be a lifestyle, but neither do I believe that the truly needy in this country should be cast aside.
I am proud of the Democratic values I was raised with – hard work, fairness, honor and duty to serve our communities and our country, and true compassion for those less fortunate. Democrats do matter in this upcoming election on May 22 nd and I hope thatvoters in the 20 counties of the 4th Congressional District exercise their vote for a better future for Kentucky. 

SEE ALSO: Adkins, other candidates speak at Kentucky Farm Bureau forum  Bill Adkins 
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QUICKIES
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CVG Airport prepares to open Concourse A Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Ethics filed against former tourism chief in Kentucky (remember the "roadkill bingo" that was being used to promote Kentucky in the United Kingdom?) Bluegrass Politics 
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State agency for the blind facing cuts WFPL 
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Tobacco may hold the key to Parkinson's disease help Courier-Journal 
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COVINGTON'S MONDAY AFTERNOON HEADLINES
In case you missed Monday afternoon's headlines... 
The quest for a cancer cure right here in Covington is delayed; A device is counting the cars that travel down Main Street; Plus, another Holmes student lands an athletic scholarship. Those stories and much more at the link! 

The RC News: Monday Afternoon Round-Up 

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LEXINGTON DIOCESE SUPPORTS THE BAN ON SAME-SEX COUPLES FROM PROM

A young lesbian couple was barred from entering the prom at Lexington Catholic High School last weekend and the school is being supported by the diocese: 

The Diocese's statement said the school's decision to prohibit the admittance of the same-sex couple was "consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church."
"The Church empathizes with those who struggle with same-sex attraction, but, at the same time, the Church and its institutions, like Lexington Catholic, cannot condone or promote actions which normalize homosexual tendencies," the statement says in part. "This in no way detracts from the value and dignity of the students involved. In light of Catholic teaching, the actions of the Lexington Catholic High School administration were a corrective invitation to the students involved to embrace their truest human dignity as children of God." 

Herald-Leader  
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NEWPORT RESTAURANT FINDS MOB MONEY HIDDEN INSIDE
Only in Newport: 

“The very first day I bought the place, two guys came in with hammers in their hands and they wanted to knock the tops off all my banisters,” said Cunningham.
The two men, who Cunningham said were in their 80s or 90s, claimed to have worked in the building during the mafia’s heyday in Newport. Cunningham said the men had belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles on the third floor, which was known to house an illegal gambling operation. 

A TV crew showed up to help search a few weeks ago and they did not end up empty handed. What did they find? Click the link. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Sarah Gadzala  
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BE SURE TO "LIKE" MAINSTRASSE'S NEW SANDWICH SHOP ON FACEBOOK
DJ's Sandwich Shop hopes to be open in June in the building that most recently contained a baseball card and sports memorabilia shop. Click here to follow the progress on Facebook. 

KENTUCKY CHOSEN AS TEST MARKET FOR NEW COCA-COLA PRODUCT

Why not? Even a Pepsi is known as a coke in Kentucky: 

The Atlanta-based company says it will test a "Sprite Select" and "Fanta Select" this summer that will have about half the calories of regular. The drinks will be made with a blend of sugar and other sweeteners, including Truvia and erythritol. The tests will take place in a limited number of stores in Atlanta, Detroit, Louisville, Ky. and Memphis, Tenn.  

Associated Press  
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CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO SHOT AROUND COVINGTON TO PROMOTE THE UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF "AVENUE Q" WHICH OPENS AT THE CARNEGIE ON JUNE 1
Click Here 
(The River City News is a media partner)

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/05/14/2187518/diocese-issues-statement-about.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY AFTERNOON 30 APR

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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TEEN MURDER SUSPECT TO PLEAD GUILTY

He is one of the youngest people ever to face a murder charge in Kenton County and Tromonte Rice, 15, is expected to plead guilty today to killing 16-year old Dre'Shawn Hammond: 

Hammond’s grandmother, Brenda McFall, didn’t attend the hearing, but when reached by telephone, said prosecutors have kept her abreast of the details. She said Rice will plead guilty to manslaughter and robbery in exchange for prosecutors recommending a sentence of 15 years to 20 years.
Rice will also have to testify against co-defendant Mikael R. Crumes, 17, also of Covington, said lawyer Rick Scott, who is assisting lawyer Brad Fox in defending Crumes. 

Cincinnati Enquirer/Jim Hannah  
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MAN ACCUSED IN FATAL COVINGTON CRASH FACES MORE TRAFFIC CHARGES
Already facing two counts of reckless homicide charges, Richard Michael Beers, 20, of Independence, was pulled over again last month: 

Beers’ headlights were “miss-aimed to blind oncoming traffic,” according to the report. The officer then discovered that Beers was not wearing a seat belt and did not have his driver’s license with him.
(snip)
Beers has now been pulled over 14 times in five years. 

The reckless homicide charges were brought following a fatal crash on 3-L Highway near Richardson Road. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Brenna Kelly  
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INVESTIGATION: CVG AIRPORT IS A HUB FOR INTERNATIONAL SMUGGLERS
WCPO's I-Team will present its investigation into smuggling at the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport during its 6 o'clock news tonight: 

Customs officers are intercepting drugs every night. In the last six months, they've seized more than 1 ton of illegal narcotics in Northern Kentucky. Here are the numbers on what they've found:Cocaine - 90 poundsHeroin - 176 poundsMethamphetamines - 61 poundsMarijuana - 516 poundsSynthetic narcotics - 593 poundsOpium - 626 pounds 

WCPO  
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SCATHING AUDIT REVEALS MANY IMPROPRIETIES BY RICHIE FARMER
Twenty years ago Richie Farmer solidified his standing as an "unforgettable" Kentuckian as part of the 1992 UK men's basketball team that lost in the NCAA East Regional Finals to eventual champion Duke in what many call the greatest college basketball game ever played. That team's trip to the tournament ended several years of dark clouds over UK's program that included a losing season, the firing of head coach Eddie Sutton, and a ban from post-season play. Now, Richie Farmer has brought some dark clouds of his own over the Commonwealth as revealed today by Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen that detailed many improprieties in the Department of Agriculture during Farmer's two terms as commissioner: 

In addition to the basketball court, Edelen said Farmer had state employees take him hunting and shopping, mow his yard and chauffeur his dog — all while on state time.
"He showered himself with gifts and office equipment and rewarded friends with jobs," Edelen said. "These are just some of the documented abuses that should outrage every Kentuckian." 

Herald-Leader/Janet Patton
It is a damning audit full of details that will disappoint Farmer's former fans. It was just six months ago that Farmer could have been elected the state's Lieutenant Governor, running with Senate President David Williams in a bid to unseat Governor Steve Beshear. 

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READ THE FULL AUDIT: Click Here 

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Meanwhile, Farmer's attorney responds: 

“My response is I think in a lot of ways we’re going to find that the audit itself is a very political and self-serving audit. It’s pretty much what we expected,” True said in his Frankfort office. 

WFPL 
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REP. DAVIS: FRANKFORT DROPPED THE BALL ON BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE
In his weekly column, NKY's United States Representative Geoff Davis expressed his frustration with delays in Frankfort in regards to the Brent Spence Bridge project: 

Lawmakers in Frankfort just concluded work on Kentucky’s transportation budget and Road Plan for the next two years. Unfortunately, they failed to prioritize sufficient funds to keep the Brent Spence Bridge project moving forward without delay.
Many may rightfully wonder why a bridge carrying an interstate highway across the Ohio River is an issue for Kentucky’s General Assembly. Kentucky’s Road Plan for the next two years determines which projects will get funding. This transportation budget spends $4.5 billion — including about $2.4 billion in federal funds — to pay for the projects detailed in the Road Plan. These dollars are the primary funding source for a project like the Brent Spence Bridge.
I support quick passage of a fiscally responsible, long-term federal highway bill. However, due to the congressional ban on earmarking, State governments will decide what projects are funded by the money provided in the federal bill.
Simply put, the ball is in Frankfort’s court. And while replacement of the Brent Spence Bridge is one the Commonwealth’s most pressing transportation needs, the General Assembly and the Governor have adopted a strategy of delay.
Absent from the tumultuous debate over the recently passed two-year Road Plan (HB 267) was a modest allocation of additional funds to keep the Brent Spence project on schedule. Governor Beshear’s budget request for fiscal years 2012-2013 for the project was $43.78 million, which was $24.22 million short of the $68 million needed by this July. 

Read the full column here. 

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DO WEALTHY SCHOOL DISTRICTS PERFORM BETTER?

The Cincinnati Business Courier is not sure: 

Readers perusing this week’s “Wealthiest Tri-State School Districts” list won’t see any clear answers. The perennial No. 1-ranked Indian Hill Exempt Village school district, for example, has an assessed per-pupil property valuation of more than $1.8 million, way ahead of No. 2 district Sycamore Community City at $940,000. Indian Hill also pays the highest average teacher salary, at about $74,500. And it spends the second-highest amount per student, at $15,207, just behind third-placer Princeton City Schools’ $15,269. 

Business Courier  
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QUICKIES
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Cincinnati dumps Duke Energy Huffington Post
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Sen. Mitch McConnell bulldozing any possible primary opponent WFPL 
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Beshear announces 600 new jobs in Louisville as Cafe Press moves its headquarters there press release 
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Kentucky extends concussion training for coaches to middle school level WFPL 
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Lexington Fire Department's hiring practices under federal investigation Herald-Leader
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Ohio lags Kentucky, other neighbors in tourism dollars Columbus Dispatch 
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NKU's Griffin Hall (home of the much lauded College of Informatics) is honored for its technology press release 
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After years of work, ambassadors in Over-the-Rhine are a reality Urban Cincy
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Husband of Ben-Gal cheerleader that is accused of sex with teen student will appear on Inside Edition tonight Cincinnati Enquirer
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SAME-SEX INSURANCE COVERAGE COULD COST CITY $543,000
The city is Cincinnati, however: 

Offering medical, dental and vision to city employees and their same-sex partners could cost about $348,000 if 44 partners took part in the insurance plan, or up to $543,000 if 77 did. Those are just estimates based on guesses about how many people might enroll and about how many would enroll children also. 

Covington City Commissioners Shawn Masters and Steve Frank said last fall during a gay pride celebration that Covington would also offer same-sex benefits. Not much has been made of that pledge since. 
Cincinnati Enquirer
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MONDAY MORNING HEADLINES
Did you miss this morning's report? A Covington City Commissioner appointed to area youth board to help combat school bullying; Retired Covington Police officer reflects on Erpenbeck scandal; Plus, is the UK-Indiana basketball rivalry really coming to an end? More Covington News Than Any Other Source at the link! 
The RC News: Monday Morning Round-Up 
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CONGRATULATIONS TO HOLMES STAR DONTEL RICE!
The standout basketball player has committed to play college ball at Gulf Coast Community College in Florida according to NKY Sports Blog which quotes Enquirer contributor Richard Skinner's Twitter feed:

At 6-5, Rice’s game is currently that of a combo-forward. He has tremendous bounce and athleticism that he uses to finish at the rim and rebound. He lacks the true size and back to the basket game to be a post player though, but his skill level has continued to improve over the last two years. He may very well end up becoming more of a wing, as his skills continue to improve, which will elevate his stock as a college recruit by the time he’s finished with his associate’s degree.

NKY Sports Blog
This video of a Rice dunk from this past season never gets old: 

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/30/2169892/auditor-details-spending-by-richie.html#storylink=cpy

NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY MORNING 27 APR

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter 

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SCHOOL BOARD APOLOGIZES FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS AT PREVIOUS MEETING

The Covington School Board apologizes for allowing a lengthy personal attack on a volunteer and vocal critic of the district to be delivered during public comments; Plus, Superintendent Lynda Jackson thanks Covington Police for breaking up a large fight at Holmes. Details at the link. 

The River City News 

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MORE NOTES FROM THURSDAY'S SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: 

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Continued upgrades coming to Holmes

The Board approved upgrades at Holmes High School that will include the relocation and renovation of the band room, the replacement of exterior conrete panels on the gym/science building, asbestos abatement on the ground floor of the gym lobby and stairs, and architectural and lighting upgrades in the gym lobby and stairs. The estimated project cost is $1,165,409.98. The funding source is a bond sale. The Board also entered in a consultant contract with Covington-based PCA Architecture which will serve as the prime consultant for the upgrades. That contract is worth $77,600.

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CIPS approves partnership with City for summer youth program

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The Board approved a memorandum of understanding between the school district and the City of Covington for the 2012 summer youth program. The district approved a budget of $20,000 for additional costs and transportation. The program is five weeks long (June 18 - July 27, but will not include the first week of July) and will be hosted at each of the district's schools for students in grades K through 4. College students are already applying for the popular positions and applications are available at the Board of Education, City Hall, and soon, online. 

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Monthly attendance report

Latonia Elementary 96.26%

Glenn O. Swing 95.28%

Sixth District 95.27%

Ninth District 95.27%

John G. Carlisle 95.49%

Holmes Middle School 94.04%

Holmes High School 91.13%

Holmes Alternative 83.13%

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Computer printer supplies contract awarded

Two companies bid on the district's request for computer printer supplies and the contract was awarded to MRO Express, LLC of West Chester, Ohio.

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Custodial supplies contract awarded

Twelve companies responded to this bid request and the contract was awarded to Pyramid, Greko, Acorn, and Phillips Custodial Supplies.

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Fitness assessment evaluator contract awarded

CIPS will enter into a contract with Dr. Bradley R. A. Wilson who will serve as the primary evaluator for the required fitness assessments under the Carol M. White physical education grant in an amount not to exceed $14,000.

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Holmes students to visit Washington, DC

The five day trip's sample itinerary includes visits to Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, the Pentagon, the International Spy Museum, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the US Capitol, the White House, the American History Museum, the the Natural History Museum, the Baltimore Aquarium, Ford's Theater/Peterson House, the Holocaust Museum, the Air & Space Museum, and the Newseum. The cost is $500 per person and students must have a solid attendance and discipline report in addition to good grades, and a teacher recommendation.

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COVINGTON POLICE INVESTIGATE DEATH OF BABY IN MAINSTRASSE

A newborn was found dead inside a home on Lockwood Street in Mainstrasse Village Wednesday morning. Covington police are currently investigating, though no charges have arisen yet. That story and more, including: Covington mayoral candidate Dara McDowell continues her morality debate on Facebook. Click the link.

The RC News: Thursday Afternoon Round-Up 

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NATIONAL GAY BLOG PICKS UP DARA MCDOWELL STORY

Back2Stonewall, a nationally-oriented gay news blog based in Covington had this to say about mayoral candidate Dara McDowell: 

Ex-Gays are like ex-smokers. They still want to have some but since they won;t they have to make life miserable for everyone else that still does. 

Back2Stonewall  
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FRANK: THERE WILL BE NO NEW BRIDGE WITHOUT COVINGTON'S CHANGES
City Commissioner Steve Frank posted online that the Commonwealth of Kentucky would not match any funds for the Brent Spence Bridge project without Covington's requested changes being included: 

Well here is the deal. The State of KY has many uses for what highway money it has and if we do not get a bridge design that meets our needs in Covington; I have it better than on good authority that there will be no required state match to build the bridge. The Highway Department first was promoting plan "E" which would have eliminated the 4'thand 5'th street exits into KY and I and some of my associates successfully moved them to endorse Plan I...though until this week Plan E was still an option. There isn't an ounce of compromise on maintaining Plan I with its 4'th and 5'th street exits. There is always room to compromise on other things but we feel we are within our rights to be asking for what we believe is in the best interests of the citizens of Covington. Yes federal rules for safety are paramount; but the collector distributor road that we want so that our Northbound traffic to fifth street can arrive unimpeded (as it currently is now) rather than hit three stop lights is both cost effective and safe. The Clay Wade Bailey exits exist in Plan I and they will stay in Plan I or there will be no bridge. Cincinnati's objections that our having a new access point to the Interstate via the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge is because it would prevent their streetcar from coming to Covington. To which I say if it was so important to Cincinnati that their toy trains come to Covington, you would think that they might have picked up a phone to call us before now (we are still waiting). 

Read more here. 
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DID YOU MISS COVERAGE OF THE MASSIVE COVINGTON MEETING ABOUT THE BRIDGE PROJECT? Nearly every Covintonian that spoke worried that the bridge plans would kill our city. For the most comprehensive report from that important meeting, click the link below. 
The RC News: Covington Raises Voice in Bridge Battle 

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2012 PRESERVATION AWARD TO GO TO CHUCK EILERMAN
Local real estate agent and Covington City Commission candidate Chuck Eilerman will be presented with the 2012 River Cities Preservation Award - Karen and Peter Rafuse Memorial Award in May, the City of Covington announced this week. 

This award was created to honor and celebrate individual  dedication to the preservation of  Covington's architectural and cultural heritage.  Through your work on saving the Grant House, expanding the Licking Riverside  National Register Historic District, serving as a member and president on the Renaissance Board, serving on the original Urban Design Review Board, and on  various.other cOlIllT).ittees wi~ha focus on preserving Covington' s  Landmarks you have helped establish and further historic preservation in Covington. Further, you promotion of  Covington through you job as a Real Estate Agent and through your photographs have helped people appreciate the beauty of  the built environment here in Covington.  

Read the full announcement here (PDF). 
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QUICKIES
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An exclusive look at the new Concourse A at CVG Airport Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Kentucky gets $1 million for tornado clean-up efforts press release 
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KFC sandwich causes Australian girl brain damage, company to pay $8.3 million Business First 
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Americans put to shame by immigrants on civics test Cincinnati Enquirer
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19 Kentucky nonprofits in running for award from Toyota, including one from NKY Kentucky Forward 
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Kentucky woman wins $63,000 on a ten-cent bet State-Journal 
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COVINGTON ANNOUNCES WEEKEND ROAD CLOSURES
The 1100 block of High Street in Botany Hills will be closed by the Sanitation District for sewer main repair all weekend. (The 5 houses affected are 1108 to 1120 High St. and the residents have been notified.)

West 8th Street from Main to ½ block east to the alley has been closed by the City's Department of Public Improvements.

Questions? Please contact Mike Yeager, Engineering Division, at 292-2112. 
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POLITICS
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GOP CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES DEBATED THIS WEEK
All seven Republicans seeking the GOP nomination for the race to represent NKY in Congress met for a debate in Oldham County. Lots of analysis and videos here: cn|2 
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The liberal Louisville newspaper LEO Weekly offered this analysis: 

LEO Weekly was at Oldham County High School last night for the 4th congressional District Republican candidate forum, where a packed auditorium heard about the evils of Obama, Obamacare and everything the president touches. The winner of next month’s primary will be Kentucky’s new representative in D.C., baring a miraculous Democratic victory this fall in the very conservative district.

LEO Weekly 
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SEE ALSO: NKY Super PAC defends itself Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Geoff Davis introduces legislation to incentivize "clean coal" press release  
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Rep. Yarmuth vows to vote against student loan bill WFPL
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Governor Beshear urges Congress to keep student loans affordable press release 
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Senators McConnell and Paul vote against Violence Against Women Act LEO Weekly 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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DESTINATION: GRADUATION PROFILE FROM HOLMES HIGH SCHOOL

From CIPS: 

Kayla Mitchell, 18, is a serious person. She spends most of her time studying and preparing for college. She is a quiet leader. “I’ve made it possible for myself to go on to college,” said a soft spoken and articulate Kayla. “I have a $40,000 scholarship from UK.”
At Holmes Kayla is enrolled in the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma program, where she takes university-level courses. Her grade point average is 4.911. She is ranked second in her class. She plans to become a nurse and then possibly pursue a degree in dentistry. She will be attending the University of Kentucky and will room with her friend and classmate, Rani Davis.
An important lesson that Kayla learned at Holmes is that anything is possible if you try. “School is what you make of it,” Kayla said. “Good things happen at Holmes.” 

Read more here. 
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THURSDAY'S "WHERE IN COVINGTON AM I?" PHOTO
Are you playing along yet at The River City News Facebook page? 

The answer to this photo's location is Annie Hargraves Park in Old Seminary Square. Background on the park from a 1997 Cincinnati Enquirer article:  

A teacher at the Lincoln-Grant School, superintendent of the St. James AME Church Sunday School and director of the park at West Robbins and Chesapeake, Mrs. Hargraves was a woman who helped calm some of the racial strife in Covington during the 1960s and 1970s.
''She was so instrumental in that transition,'' said Ken Shields, basketball coach at Northern Kentucky University. He worked for the Covington Recreation Department the same time Mrs. Hargraves did.
When not teaching, Mrs. Hargraves spent her time in the park, organizing softball and basketball games, checker tournaments and parties for the neighborhood children. 

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2012 National champs have stiff competition for "best UK team ever" Herald-Leader 
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Tonight is NKU Night at the Cincinnati Reds game NKU 
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A very cool bike tour is taking place this weekend through Newport Barons & Bike Tour