NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY 31 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

| 

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

|

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

|

FIRE DAMAGES TWO HOMES IN BOTANY HILLS

The Covington Fire Department was busy overnight battling flames on Lexington Avenue in West Covington where two houses burned.

|
Fire called suspicious: WKRC 

|

SEE ALSO: Cincinnati Enquirer & WCPO 

|

FORECLOSURE IMMINENT ON PEASELBURG PROPERTY

Sign at the foot of the hill that
leads to Emery Drive Apts.

Neighborhood Investment Partners (NIP), established as a private property investment company whose president is also the executive director of the public Housing Authority of Covington (HAC) and whose board of directors includes three members of the Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners, is not related to the Housing Authority of Covington, said director Tony Milburn. A special meeting of NIP's board of directors was called Thursday evening to deal with the imminent foreclosure of the property known as Emery Drive Apartments in Covington's Peaselburg neighborhood. The meeting was held at the Housing Authority of Covington offices.

|

NIP purchased the property five years ago and is now in need of refinancing the loan through the Cincinnati Development Fund to whom the mortgage is due September 1. Aaron Wolfe-Bertling, executive director of HAC and president of NIP, explained that $1.7 million is owed on the property and proposed that a letter be written to the Cincinnati Development Fund extend the due date of a $400,000 payment so that the mortgage can be saved. Wolfe-Bertling blamed the downturn in the economy for the decline in the property's value and the rental rates that have remained flat.
|
He also explained that the National Development Center could help in assisting with other possible financing options. The goal is to pay the $400,000 due reducing the note to $1.3 million and then paying the balance on a cash-flow basis.

|
The mortgage is not the only issue facing the NIP-owned property. More than a dozen Peaselburg residents attended the meeting to voice opposition to one proposal on the table: putting additional HAC subsidized units in the development. They complained of declining property values, increased crime rates, and the eyesore of a shut-down swimming pool on the property. With City Heights just up the hill, Peaselburg has more subsidized housing than any other Covington neighborhood, they said. 

|
Emery Drive is made up of five buildings with twenty-three units. NIP is interested in having HAC fill 11 of those units with subsidized housing for seniors and the handicapped. NIP director John Spence, who is also on the board of commissioners at HAC, said that this option would free up more flexibility in the other four buildings for more market-rate rental opportunities. In order for that to happen, HAC would have to issue a request for proposals from interested property owners that would like to use the subsidized vouchers and NIP would have to apply. 

|
Covington Mayor Chuck Scheper and City Manager Larry Klein were on hand and Scheper suggested that HAC/NIP examine what a group called Cornerstone has done in turning around properties in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. "I don't want to have a black eye that we've defaulted on these loans even though it's not our responsibility," Scheper said. 

|
None of this will matter if the Cincinnati Development Fund rejects NIP's plan and forecloses on the property. The board of directors voted to send a letter to CDF with a request for a delay of 75 days as they work at establishing a plan of action to save Emery Drive.

|

WAR OF WORDS ERUPT AT COVINGTON SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

"We're not going to stay silent any longer, this time we're going to speak back." A war of words erupted at Thursday night's Covington School Board meeting over the vacancy that followed a resignation, and why an election won't be on the ballot.

Full story: The River City News 

|

OTHER NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: 

• The School Board officially adopted the compensating tax rate on Covington properties, instead of taking the full 4% increase. This is the first time in several years that only the compensating rate will be added to property taxes by the Covington School Board.
• Many of the staff members present at Thursday's meeting were there to be recognized for their work on a well-attended and well-received Ethics & Equity Conference at Holmes High School.
• It was noted that enrollment is up at every school save for Latonia Elementary which is down slightly this year. 71 more students at John G Carlisle School resulted in the board approving the creation of a new Kindergarten teacher position and an instructor assistant position.
• Covington Schools will continue to lease space from Gateway College to house its alternative school at a rate of $15 per square foot, which was the same price offered to Gateway when Covington Schools owned the building.
• The district, along with its partners in Strive (Cincinnati Public and Newport Independent), will apply for a $40 million federal Race to the Top grant that would include the benefit of Kindles being placed in the hands of every student, allowing all text books to be accessed digitally.
• According to the Facebook page of the Holmes High School Band, Superintendent Lynda Jackson was named among the administrators of the year by the Kentucky Music Educators Association.

|

QUICKIES

|

Deputy shoots man, then gives him CPR WBKO 

|

KY State Police to increase patrols this holiday weekend WKYT 

|

Gov. Beshear implements measures to increase integrity, safety of horse racing press release 

|

After national attention, juvenile sex case is made public WDRB 

|

It's not Auburn VS Alabama, but UK-UofL football rivalry has its own spice Herald-Leader 

|

UK women's basketball coach buys Rick Pitino's old house Herald-Leader 

|

Former UK basketball player becomes firefighter Herald-Leader 

|

EDITORIAL: PRESUMPTION OF GUILT IN PILL ABUSE

From the State-Journal in Frankfort:

Politicians in Frankfort who still believe that government edicts can somehow or other deliver the commonwealth from the scourge of prescription drug abuse are once again approaching the issue with a butcher knife instead of a scalpel.

Full story: State-Journal 

|

DOWNTOWN COVINGTON NIGHTSPOT CLOSES FOR GOOD

The Avenue Lounge and Patio is no more, celebrating its final night in operation Thursday. No reason was offered publicly, but Facebook lit up late last night as fans of the lounge expressed their sadness over its closing. 

|

COVINGTON BUSINESS COUNCIL MAKES NEW HIRE

Congratulations to the CBC's Elizabeth Fricke who has been hired as the organization's administrative manager. She will also serve in that role for the Urban Partnership. Fricke is a graduate student at Northern Kentucky University in the Public Administration program and also serves as a Kenton Vale city council member. She is a graduate of Thomas More College. 

Elizabeth Fricke

|

THIS WEEKEND IN COVINGTON!
NOTE: The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra concert scheduled for 7:30PM in Devou Park has been moved to the NKY Convention Center. Details on possible free parking are being finalized at City Hall.

A lot of fun is planned in and around the City this weekend. Covington Ombudsman Suzanne Gettys has put together a list with additional information you may need to know. Road closings for the fireworks? What's new at the Farmers Market? A concert at the Devou Park band shell and an exhibit at the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Click the link below for all the details.

Click Here 

|

ALSO THIS WEEKEND:

This weekend the Covington Firefighters will be stationed throughout the city collecting for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 100% of the money collected will go to support research and those affected by muscular diseases. Please take a moment and watch this emotional video of Shaun Probert, a Shaker Heights Fireman, Local 516, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2010. He is the new MDA spokesperson, replacing Kelly Crush, an IAFF Firefighter from Wichita Falls, TX Local 432 who died in March from ALS. Help us help our "Brother" who is now "on the other side of the boot" in helping the children who suffer from Muscular Dystrophy.

|
SEE ALSO: Wolf & Company, the Fifth Street lunch spot, gets a great review in Wine Me, Dine Me 
|
SMALL KENTUCKY TOWN IS CENTER FOR ECLIPSE CHASERS
Hopkinsville is chosen by the Heavens:

This southwestern Kentucky town has hit the astronomical jackpot. When a total eclipse of the sun darkens skies on Aug. 21, 2017, the show will last longer in a stretch of bucolic hill country near Hopkinsville than any place on the planet. It will last two minutes and 40 seconds, not much longer than the Kentucky Derby.

Full story: Huffington Post 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY MORNING 22 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

| 

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

|

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

|

CITY COMMISSION RECAP: PART ONE

"The commission is not authorized to consider this." A reporter from the Cincinnati Enquirer took exception to an item on Tuesday night's city commission agenda and took his case to the podium. One commissioner threatened to have him removed from the meeting. What went down, and what the agenda item was about, at the link.

Full story: The River City News 

|

CITY COMMISSION RECAP: PART TWO

Twelve Covington dispatchers will be offered employment in the new consolidated dispatch center; The community development department will lose its second top manager in the past two months; All the dollars set aside for rehabbing upper floors of Downtown buildings are claimed; Your full Covington Commission recap -- at the link.

Full story: The River City News 

|

GOVERNING BODY OF NEW DISPATCH CENTER HOLDS FIRST MEETING

More on the consolidated dispatch center that will soon begin covering Covington:

“When we’re bringing two different cultures together, two different environments, obviously we’ve got to learn to work together and just get to know each other,” said Ed Butler, who’ll direct the Kenton County Emergency Communications Center. “But from a public safety standpoint, the public shouldn’t notice any differences.”
Butler made his comments after the initial meeting of the Kenton County Emergency Communications Board, which will serve as the governing body for the new dispatch entity.
The switch to the new consolidated dispatch center is planned for Sept. 30, Butler said. Initially, the new entity will dispatch police, fire and emergency medical services for unincorporated Kenton county and the cities of Covington, Taylor Mill, Independence, Ryland Heights, Fairview and Kenton Vale.

Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Cindy Schroeder

|

PROPERTY OWNERS TO PROTEST FUNDING FOR DISPATCH CENTER

Local attorney and radio personality Eric Deters shared this note from a woman named Denise Moore via Facebook:

I found out Friday August 17, 2012 this ordinance was passed on August 14, 2012. I am going to the Fiscal Court meeting on August 28, 2012 at 303 Court Street, Old Courthouse, Covington, at 7 PM on the third floor to speak out against the fee “tax.” If you get on kentoncounty.org and click on 911 fee, you can read the entire ordinance.
What this means is that if you have more than one parcel of property, even a vacant lot, you will pay for each one, each year, $85.00. If you own a condo and a garage separate, you will pay $85.00 each year for each of them. However, if you own a rental complex, no matter how many renters in a building and if there are several buildings on one parcel, the owner only pays the $85.00 one time each year.
Only Property Owners are paying the $85.00 fee tax. No one who rents has to pay the fee “tax.”
I want to make it clear that I am not against paying a fee for the 911 service. I just feel that everyone in Kenton County should have to pay and not just the property owners.

Please come to the Fiscal Court meeting on August 28, 2012 as I will be speaking out against this tax that only the property owners have to pay. Otherwise, you will get the bill for the “fee” sent to you on your October property tax bill.

Read the full note: Facebook 

|

WHAT IS THE NEW D-TEAM IN THE COVINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT?

Part of the reorganization plan within the Covington Police Department as presented Tuesday night by Chief Spike Jones is the creation of something called the D-Team. What is it? The D-Team will consist of: 2 federal task force officers (DEA and FBI) that work with federal law enforcement agencies during large scale investigations in the local area; 2 officers assigned to the Housing Authority of Covington who will work during peak hours of activity around Covington housing projects like City Heights; 3 officers assigned as street corner officers, dressed in plain clothes; 2 officers assigned as narcotics/vice investigators; and 2 officers assigned as fusion officers who will serve as a bridge between the patrol shifts, neighborhood associations, block watches, and code enforcement ensuring communication and assisting with quality of life issues.

|

COVINGTON SCHOOLS SEEK DRUG TESTING SURVEY PARTICIPATION

From Covington Independent Public Schools:

Many schools have random student drug testing programs in place. These programs randomly test students who participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs, as well as students who drive to school. Court decisions have upheld the test of these categories of students. The purpose of the program is to serve as a detterent. The Covington Board of Education is currently exploring the possibility of implementing a program for students in grades 6-12. Please take a few moments to answer the following questions. Thank you for your participation.

To take the survey, click here.

|

DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION APPLAUDS COVINGTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

"We applaud Covington. This is why you keep getting checks from us, you have such great projects going on," said Rhonda Whitaker, executive director of the Duke Energy Foundation. The organization presented a $10,000 check to the Covington Business Council for its Clean & Safe program at Tuesday night's city commission meeting. "Covington is really stepping out to improve economic development in the region."

|
"We appreciate it and look forward to bigger checks in the future," Mayor Chuck Scheper quipped.

Pat Frew of the CBC and Rhonda Whitaker

|

IN GLOBAL ECONOMY, ALL JOB CREATION IS LOCAL

Interesting:

About half of the jobs created between 1990 and 2008 (before our current downturn) were created in education, health care, and government. What do those sectors have in common? They're all local. You can't send them to Korea. As Michael Spence has explained, corporations have gotten so good at "creating and managing global supply chains" that large companies no longer grow much in the United States. They expand abroad. As a result, the vast majority (more than 97 percent, Spence says!) of job creation now happens in so-called non-tradable sectors -- those that exist outside of the global supply chain -- that are often low-profit-margin businesses, like a hospital, or else not even businesses at all, like a school or mayor's office.

Full story: The Atlantic Cities 
|
FUTURE PLANS FOR THE MIKE FINK MAY BE PRESENTED TONIGHT
At tonight's meeting of the Historic Licking Riverside Civic Association, Jimmy Bernstein will discuss the Mike Fink floating restaurant which has long been dormant on the City's Ohio River shoreline. The meeting starts at 7:00PM and The River City News will have it covered for you.
|

|

SECOND FOOD TRUCK INVASION SLATED FOR THURSDAY

The food trucks will return to Covington Thursday (tomorrow) from 11:00AM to 2:00PM, this time at Covington Landing. Mobile food vendors, as they are more formally known, recently won approval for operation in Covington from the city commission. A previous event in July was met with great enthusiasm from attendees and some reservations from local restaurant owners. Thursday's event promises to host even more vendors, not all of which are food trucks, including Covington-based Gomez Salsa, as well as Street Pops, Cafe de Wheels, C'est Cheese, PizzaBomba, EAT! Mobile Dining, and New Orleans To Go. 

|

QUICKIES

|

Man gets life in prison for killing Ohio woman and dumping parts of her body in Covington WLWT 

|

Iraqi men plead guilty in Kentucky terrorism case AP 

|

Sens. Paul, McConnell join forces to assail health care reform cn|2 

|

At tea party rally, Sen. McConnell viewed with mixed results Bluegrass Politics 

|

Sen. Paul promises to repeal Obamacare, but also promises health care for everyone WFPL 

|

Lawmakers look for action on Kentucky's pension problems WKYT 

|

KY employers, workers groups differ on pension issue Courier-Journal 

|

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce offers advice to tax reform commission Chamber 

|

Democrat Bill Adkins endorsed by Kentucky Hemp Initiative in race to represent NKY in Congress click here 

|

Fifth Third Bank faces class action suit over payday loans Business Courier 

|

Why counting every horse in Kentucky is important Herald-Leader 

|

Get your whooping cough vaccine! NKY Health Dept 

|

Film explores life of Kentucky civil rights leader AP 

|

Kentucky cloggers represent USA in Ireland Herald-Leader 

|

Anthony Davis's unibrow artwork is for sale KSR 

|

THIS WEEKEND, CASH MOB IN COVINGTON!

Cash Mob NKY won't say where yet, but a posting on Facebook indicates an effort to flood a local business or endeavor with money:

It has come to my attention that our post outlining the Cash Mob for this Saturday may not have gone out to everyone. For those that did not receive it, please note that we are planning on meeting in Covington at 10:45 am for an 11:00 mobbing. More info to follow as to the specific meeting location. Once there we will share our beneficiary and walk to the location. Please remember to bring at least $20 in cash to spend. Also bring along family and friends who wish to support local businesses and make a difference in this economy. Please comment on this post if you plan to attend and how many others you will bring along. We will be visiting a locally owned eatery afterward for lunch. I can't wait to meet you all.

Will let you know when more is known, or follow NKY Cash Mob on Facebook. 

|

DONNA SALYERS: "WE'RE IN THE MIDST OF A FAUX FUR REVOLUTION!"

Donna Salyers, owner of Fabulous Furs and Fabulous Bridal in Downtown Covington (among other things), is profiled in Cincy Chic:

"We're in the midst of a faux fur revolution" says Donna Salyers, founder of Donna Salyers' Fabulous-Furs. As queen of the faux fur fashion industry, Salyers is ready to meet that revolution head on and en vogue.

Salyers didn't just wake up one day at the top of the industry, but fashion has always been a part of her life. "Fashion is in my DNA," Salyers says. "Even at the age of seven, I was compelled to sew clothes that my mother actually let me wear in public." Growing up, she learned the technical side of sewing from a grandmother who worked in alterations in Cincinnati's finest stores. "She taught me a great deal, and at the age of about 29, I wrote a letter to the Cincinnati Enquirer editor advising even I could write a sewing column superior to what they published each week."

Full story: Cincy Chic/Amanda Stout 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 4 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

| 

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

|

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

|

FOOD TRUCKS TOP CITY COMMISSION AGENDA FOR TUESDAY

Whether or not food trucks will be given the green light to operate in Covington is one of many items on Tuesday night's agenda for the Covington City Commission meeting. Eight days ago the mobile food vendors were given a celebrated trial run during an event called the Food Truck Invasion. Held at the parking lot adjacent to the Artisan Enterprise Center on West Seventh Street Downtown, the event was met with great fanfare by those who attended and some vocal opposition from those who did not (See The River City News editorial on the issue: Food Fight: Shut The Truck Up). The issue will be taken up as part of several zoning ordinances on the agenda. Here is a breakdown of what's on Tuesday's schedule:

• Zoning Issues The City Commission will vote on the issues of allowing food trucks to operate inside the City, allowing community gardens in residential areas, permitting fences to be installed around vacant properties, permitting the operation of micro-distilleries, allowing retail operations in residential neighborhoods with certain conditions, and approving the operation of second-hand and vintage clothing stores in the central business district.
• Another retirement from the Fire Department Battalion Chief Ronald Stolz will be the seventh member of the fire department to retire in the past two weeks. Additionally, the city commission will approve the salary for acting Fire Chief Dan Mathew. 
• Employment is expected to be approved for a new assistant city solicitor
• There is a vague item titled "settlement agreement" with no further explanation
• The City and Covington Independent Public Schools will co-present on the success of the Summer Youth Program

Many other items will be discussed and you will find the most comprehensive coverage of Covington City Hall, as always, right here at The River City News.

|

Don't forget: Today you are encouraged to spend some cash on West Pike Street, particularly at Bread & Spice Bakery & Cafe, Charley Maxwell's Malt Shop, and/or the Pike Street Lounge to show that Covington supports brick-&-mortar restaurants as well as popular urban amenities like food trucks. For details, click here.

|

EFFORT TO KEEP COVINGTON CLEAN HIGHLIGHTED IN VIDEO

At Thursday night's annual banquet for the Covington Business Council, this video premiered (see how many faces you recognize):

Great job!

|

BABY SAVED BY COVINGTON OFFICER DOING FINE AS ONE-YEAR OLD

Little Jase Mitchell was not breathing and had no pulse when Covington Police Officer Matt Hugenberg was dispatched to the baby's Latonia home. Hugenberg's heroism saved the premature baby's life and now the boy is celebrating his first birthday. Lots of photos that will surely brighten your day -- at the link!

Full story with more photos: The River City News 

|

QUICKIES

|

Northern Kentucky is still a home buyer's market Business Courier 

|

TANK bus involved in a crash with injuries in Downtown Cincinnati WXIX 

|

July jobs report is a glimmer of hope for the economy NPR 

|

Repairs should bring down gas prices WLWT 

|

Our Chick-fil-A economy Salon 

|

READ THIS: Lost driver in Kentucky asks for directions and is then arrested on a murder charge WKYT 

|

SRSLY: A Kentucky woman is arrested, accused of stealing from a principal during her kid's school open house WKYT 

|

Kentucky environmental attorney rejects award from federal government WFPL 

|

Senator Rand Paul endorses a reindeer farmer in Michigan Congressional race (the candidate is also being supported by the Super PAC behind Republican NKY Congressional candidate Thomas Massie) Mother Jones 

|

Bear near Kentucky hospital euthanized WKRC 

|

Maysville store manager uses video cameras to finally catch his arch-nemesis vending machine thieves WKRC 

|

DON'T MISS FRIDAY'S NEWS!

"I tell you why, it is because he never dropped her off in Covington." The mother of a missing teen continues to speak out at RCN; Plus, Covington Landing as an outdoor music venue? It's happening tonight. Those stories and more at the link.

The RC News: Friday Round-Up 

|

TWO SENT TO PRISON FOR COVINGTON SHOOTING THAT FOLLOWED FIGHT

A fist fight between girls on the Eastside ended with a man shot last summer. Now two people are headed to prison. Full story at the link.

Full story: The River City News 

|

CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP

Who else is going to prison? Who got probation? Who's still on the loose? All the highlights from a busy week in Kenton County Circuit Court are at the link!

The River City News 

|

KENTON CO COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY SUMMONED TO JURY DUTY

Woops. Guess no one is immune from possibly serving on a jury around these parts, even the man responsible for arguing against accused criminals in front of one. Prosecutor Rob Sanders sent out this message via Twitter Friday:

Just got summonsed to jury duty in Kenton Circuit Court! This should make trials interesting... Or easier if I don't get struck!

It is certainly one way to help secure a conviction!

|

UFO ENTHUSIASTS LAND IN COVINGTON

Feast your eyes on the Northern Kentucky Convention Center this weekend and you'll see lots of people feasting their eyes on the sky:

“Oh, I absolutely believe there is something out there,” MacDonald said. “It would be seriously limiting to think we are the only ones.” 

Most of the symposium attendees are mainly interested in checking things out. They think it is reasonable to investigate UFO sightings, knowing that most lights in the night sky will be explained fairly easily. There are T-shirts for sale, declaring: “MUFON: Doing the Air Force’s job since 1969.” Another says: “Others talk, we investigate.” 

As a group, folks at the symposium Friday were more skeptical of the American government than of the idea of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. The notion of a widespread government cover-up was prevalent.

Full story with event details: Cincinnati Enquirer/John Faherty  | OLD TIMERS REUNION KICKS OFF ON COVINGTON'S EASTSIDE The twenty-sixth annual Old Timers picnic & reunion kicked off in Covington's Eastside neighborhood Friday evening. Check out the photos and video of a street performance by the Kingsmen at the link below!

Photos & Video: The River City News 

| SEE ALSO: There is a fun event scheduled there today. Michelle Williams of OASIS Inc, and also a candidate for city commission, has organized a race that will feature several other candidates running in high heels. Williams tells The River City News that both mayoral candidates, City Commissioners Sherry Carran and Steve Casper, City Commissioner Steve Frank, and city commission candidates Chuck Eilerman, Ed Faulkner, Greg Paeth, and Williams herself, will be participating. Check it out at 9:00AM on Robbins Street in the Eastside. The River City News will be there -- look for photos right here afterwards!

UPDATE: Tuns out none of the commission candidates participated in the high heel event (something about the potential for serious ankle injuries!), though a couple raced in the flip-flop event. Look for photos in The Sunday Edition tomorrow.

|  BACK-TO-SCHOOL KICK-OFF TODAY AT HOLMES HIGH SCHOOL Don't miss this event:

Covington Independent School Public Schools is hosting its first "Back-to-School Kickoff," 9:00 am - 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 4, in the Holmes High School Campus. This event replaces the readi-fests that were held at each of our schools. By combining the readi-fests, our district will be able to offer families a one stop event to take care of all their children's back to school needs. Parents and their children will be able to enroll, pick up free school supplies and learn about community services. We are reaching out to Covington's neighborhood associations and other organizations because we need your help with school supplies. While many of us have fond memories of back to school shopping, choosing our supplies and new clothing for the year, this is not the reality for all children. Your donation helps ensure that all our children come back to school ready to learn. If your group would like to participate, the items listed are what we need most: 1) pencils 2) one subject notebooks 3) 2-pocket folders 4) crayons 5) pencil cases Of course, all supplies will happily be accepted. Please call Kay McConnell at 392-3182 to make arrangements for drop off or call Tricia Dorman at (859)912-4007 for further questions.

| 

VISIT THE COVINGTON FARMERS MARKET TODAY 

This message comes from the Covington Farmers Market (located near the Kenton County Building at the foot of the Suspension Bridge):

Did you know that the Covington Farmers Market Is helping NKY get healthy! Together with Health Dept. and the Department of Agriculture we are proud to boast that our Farmers Market WIC program has provided $400.00 worth of fresh produce to 25 different local families! This program is unique and the result of hard work and forward thinking, the likes of which our communities need. So spread the word! and come support our market as we enjoy peak produce season! We're growing!

| 

MORE QUICKIES 

| 

Hooters undergoing makeover to attract women WLWT  

| 

NKU's Victor E. Viking is voted Most Valuable Mascot in the Atlantic Sun Conference  

| 

Kyle Wiltjer will be key to UK Basketball's success next season Bleacher Report  

| 

YOUR MOMENT OF AWWW... 

Baby cheetah loving on a dog at the Cincinnati Zoo:

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 2 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

| 

FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

|

by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

|

FIRST RESIDENTS OF RIVER'S EDGE TO MOVE IN NEXT SPRING

The ambitious housing development known as River's Edge at Eastside Pointe will see its first tenants move in mid-April of 2013. The mixed income, partially subsidized complex will be built on the site that formerly housed the Jacob Price housing project. The Housing Authority of Covington hosted an update on the development at its offices Wednesday afternoon where it was announced that the final building still standing from the Jacob Price days will be torn down next week. The Commonwealth's historic preservation office officially released the site last month after conducting an excavation of the land (SEE: Clues to Covington's Past Uncovered at Jacob Price Site).
|

Two of the eleven buildings are expected to be move-in ready next April, three more in May, two in June, two in July, and two in August when construction will be completed. Construction begins in October. Additional plans for the area include the hoped-for acquisition of several City-owned properties adjacent to River's Edge that would be sold as market-rate housing with negotiations currently underway with the Center for Great Neighborhoods which would serve as the general contractor.

|
Some revisions to the design plans were introduced Wednesday, likely for budgetary concerns including a reduction in size of the sidewalks from a five-feet minimum width to four-feet (sidewalks will range in size from four to eight feed in width), cabinet manufacturer information was revised to include other vendors meeting LEED and KCMA certifications, door lockset grades and manufacturers were revised to be more in line with apartment grade finish hardware, and the resilient flooring was revised to show luxury vinyl plank instead of linoleum sheet flooring.

SEE PREVIOUSLY:

River's Edge to Help Transform Eastside Community 

Consultant Recommends Reopening Bid Process for River's Edge 

River's Edge Will Proceed as Planned 

Groundbreaking: River's Edge at Eastside Pointe 

|

WANTED FELON FROM COVINGTON CAPTURED IN TAYLOR MILL COVINGTON
Note: An earlier version of this story indicated that Miller was arrested in Taylor Mill, but he was arrested on Greenup Street in Covington by Taylor Mill Police. 

Kenton Co. Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders sent out the following information via Twitter (modified from Twitter lingo):

"Ronnie Smith, 26, of Covington, was arrested (Wednesday night) by Taylor Mill Police, Kenton County Sheriff's Deputies, and detectives from the Commonwealth's Attorney Office. Miller was wanted for absconding parole and escaping a halfway house and is also charged with receiving stolen property (in an amount worth under $10,000) in connection with a July 17 burglary in Taylor Mill. Miller is the second wanted felon captured in the past three days."

Miller is expected to appear in court Thursday morning.
|
COULD COVINGTON SUPPORT A BOUTIQUE HOTEL?
At Thursday night's annual dinner hosted by the Covington Business Council, the topic of boutique hotels will be explored:

Craig Pishotti, Managing Director of 21c Museum Hotels, will serve as the keynote presenter for the 2012 Covington Business Council Foundation/Urban Partnership Annual Dinner, Thursday, August 2 at the Madison Events Center, 700 Madison Avenue.

With 21c opening the second hotel of its iconic brand in downtown Cincinnati this fall, it provides a timely opportunity for Pishotti to tell Annual Dinner attendees what it is that attracted 21C to the region. CBC guests will hear Mr. Pischotti speak first hand of the successes of the hotel, how it aided in the revitalization of downtown Louisville and what it means to our region. He will also talk about how the initiatives the Urban Partnership has launched and will launch can bring innovative companies like 21C to Covington itself.

21c Museum Hotel is more than just a place to spend the night – it's a 90-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, award-winning restaurant and cultural civic center nestled in the heart of Museum Row in historic downtown Louisville. With over 5000 square feet of art-filled meeting and event space, 21c guests enjoy authentic Southern hospitality and accessible luxury while exploring the work of contemporary artists in America's only museum dedicated solely to art of the 21st Century. Whether you are visiting Bourbon Country, spending a day at Churchill Downs, or hosting a lavish Southern wedding, 21c is a modern epicenter for culture, activity, and artistic expression. Applauded by Travel & Leisure Magazine as "one of the most ambitious unions of art and hospitality ever undertaken," and hailed by The New York Times as "an innovative concept with strong execution and prompt and enthusiastic service," the hotel is known for its infamous Red Penguins.

The dinner is tonight at the Madison Event Center with cocktail reception starting at 5:15PM with the dinner and program to run from 6:30PM to 7:45PM. For ticket and contact info, click here.
|

Rendering of 21c Museum Hotel in Cincinnati

|

STATE SENATOR OPEN TO TRYING AGAIN FOR CASINOS IN KENTUCKY

State Senator Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown, who represents Southern Kenton County including South Covington) says he is open to trying again for casinos after the effort failed in this year's session of the General Assembly:

The bill’s language, specifically the provision that barred casinos from being built within 60 miles of a horse racetrack. “I like that idea, but the fact of the matter is that there’s a significant constitutional problem with a protection like that. And it cost us a couple of votes,” Thayer said.

A video of this very-good interview is at the link: cn|2
|
SEE ALSO: Thayer also appears to be open to a change in leadership in the state senate after Sen. David Williams (R-Burkesville) may have overplayed his hand during the casinos debate. For that portion of the interview: cn|2 
|

"ARK PARK" DELAYED AS TOLD THROUGH TRIP TO CREATION MUSEUM
Read this:

“Did Arthur kill any dragons with that sword?”
“I’m not sure if he did,” he replies, “but Beowulf killed three dragons.”
The boy describes the final dragon as being able to fly and breathe fire, saying it “was probably a Pterosaur,” the flying reptile that went extinct about 65 million years before “Beowulf” was written.
When asked if those are just fictional stories, the boy says they’re real, as tales of dragons are actually documented history of humans’ interactions with dinosaurs.
Children believing such fantasies as scientific and historical fact is the mission of the man Phelps and I are here to see speak: Ken Ham, CEO of Answers in Genesis ministry. Ham’s “museum” and merchandise empire view dinosaurs as “missionary lizards” that will help entice young people to overcome the influence of a secular and Godless culture, pulling them back to a belief that every word of the Bible is true, the Earth is 6,000 years old, and the scientific consensus of Earth’s history over billions of years is the world’s most elaborate conspiracy of fraud.
Those kid-friendly lizards also make him a lot of money.

Full story: LEO Weekly/Joe Sonka
|
QUICKIES
|
Senior Services of NKY take over day trip services for seniors from TANK 
|
Kings Island offering behind-the-scenes tour of the Beast WXIX 
|
Dead flowers in Danville is a curious case WKYT 
|
THE WEEKEND IN COVINGTON STARTS TODAY...
What do to Thursday through Sunday:
|
THURSDAY

The World's Longest Yard Sale settles in for its annual trip to Mainstrasse Village. Come on down any time between 8:00AM and 4:00PM Thursday through Sunday.

|

Show some love for West Pike Street!

Be sure to stop in this week and spend a little cash at Bread & Spice, Charley Maxwell's, and the Pike Street Lounge. For details on "Love West Pike Street Week" click here.

|

Goettafest starts Thursday in Newport

Check out this funny video promoting Newport's Goettafest which starts today:

| FRIDAY

|

Old Timers return to Covington's Eastside

The 26th annual Old Timers Picnic kicks off Friday at 6:00PM in Randolph Park with Mayor Chuck Scheper offering a city proclamation. The event runs all weekend with basketball and baseball tournaments, entertainment, games, and voter registration. Times: Friday 6:00PM - 11:00PM, Saturday 9:00AM - 11:00PM, Sunday 1:00PM - 9:00PM.

|

SATURDAY

|

Back to School Kickoff!

Yes, it is already time to go back to school and you can help get Covington kids back in the groove:

Covington Independent School Public Schools is hosting its first "Back-to-School Kickoff," 9:00 am - 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 4, in the Holmes High School Campus. This event replaces the readi-fests that were held at each of our schools. By combining the readi-fests, our district will be able to offer families a one stop event to take care of all their children's back to school needs. Parents and their children will be able to enroll, pick up free school supplies and learn about community services. We are reaching out to Covington's neighborhood associations and other organizations because we need your help with school supplies. While many of us have fond memories of back to school shopping, choosing our supplies and new clothing for the year, this is not the reality for all children. Your donation helps ensure that all our children come back to school ready to learn. If your group would like to participate, the items listed are what we need most: 1) pencils 2) one subject notebooks 3) 2-pocket folders 4) crayons 5) pencil cases Of course, all supplies will happily be accepted. We can pick up your donations or you can take them to the Instructional Support Center, 212 Levassor Place, behind Holmes High School by July 31. The center is not always staffed so please contact us prior to drop off so we can meet you. Please call Kay McConnell at 392-3182 to make arrangements for drop off or call Tricia Dorman at (859)912-4007 for further questions. We appreciate the support and help you give to our students.

| 

Fleeing Felon Obstacle Run

Now this sounds like a good time:

|

SUNDAY

|

Mother of God Church collects school supplies

From the church:

We will collect school supplies for Prince of Peace School. The items that are especially needed are glue sticks (not the kind for glue guns), Elmer’s glue, washable wide markers, #2 pencils, band aids, wide ruled filler paper, red pens, pink wide chunk type erasers, pencil top erasers, solid color folders with clasps and without clasps, rubber bands and safety pins. There will be bins in the back of church and at the side doors. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please put it in an envelope marked Prince of Peace and drop it in the collection basket. Thank you.

|

Summer Sunday for The Welcome House Click Here

|

Austinburg Neighborhood meet-n-greet Click Here