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Showing posts with label Creation Museum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creation Museum. Show all posts

Thursday, August 2, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 2 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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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).
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Rendering of 21c Museum Hotel in Cincinnati
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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
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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 
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"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
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QUICKIES
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Senior Services of NKY take over day trip services for seniors from TANK 
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Kings Island offering behind-the-scenes tour of the Beast WXIX 
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Dead flowers in Danville is a curious case WKYT 
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THE WEEKEND IN COVINGTON STARTS TODAY...
What do to Thursday through Sunday:
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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.
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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.
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Goettafest starts Thursday in Newport
Check out this funny video promoting Newport's Goettafest which starts today:

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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.
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SATURDAY
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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.
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Fleeing Felon Obstacle Run
Now this sounds like a good time:
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SUNDAY
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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.
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Summer Sunday for The Welcome House Click Here
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Austinburg Neighborhood meet-n-greet Click Here 

Monday, July 16, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY MORNING 16 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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   PRESIDENT OBAMA VISITS CINCINNATI TODAY
        EXPECT TRAFFIC TIE-UPS ON BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE
PHOTO: President Obama visits Cincinnati
last fall/RCN file photo
President Barack Obama and Air Force One are expected to land at CVG Airport shortly after 11:00AM as his reelection campaign prepares for a town hall meeting at Cincinnati's Music Hall around 2:00PM Monday. Lunchtime traffic could be messy on and around I-75 and the Brent Spence Bridge. 
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SEE ALSO: Kentucky is largely a bystander in the 2012 election Courier-Journal 
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"NON-PARTISAN, EDUCATIONAL, VOTER AWARENESS" GROUP OPENS IN TOWN
Align America has opened its doors in Covington. Here is the organization's announcement:
Align America, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has officially launched its efforts as an educational and informational resource, providing unbiased and non-partisan services focused on improving Americans' political and social comprehension, creating a united vision, aligning businesses and organizations through common goals, and connecting the American people more directly with their elected representatives. 
Align America provides information and tools through AlignAmerica.com and through a volunteer force providing citizens with direct electronic access to their members of congress; educating people of all ages about the operation of government; and providing members of congress with input on issues based on information received from members. 
Retired Covington businessman and longtime community activist Jim Kudera today announced the launch calling it “..a civic education and voter awareness program designed to educate and empower voters while providing connectivity between citizens and their elected members of congress.” Kudera continued, “My wife Helen and I just decided that we had to do something to educate, motivate, and engage people in the political process. The fiscal security of this country is at stake and we are dedicated to making certain our children and grandchildren have the opportunities to succeed in life as we have. This has been a significant undertaking and I am delighted at the support we have received in the community for the concept of making a difference in shaping the dialogue in such as way as to improve the quality of life in the country.” 
Mr. Kudera, who will serve as Chairman of the Board, has engaged the services of Covington businessman Steve Mullin to serve as Executive Director / CEO.
Mr. Mullin said, “I am a firm believer that provided with clear, factual, and unbiased information, the people of the United States will select the best candidates and make good voting decisions.” Mr. Mullin continued, “We have to encourage personal accountability and responsibility and rekindle political participation in this country. Our country has an unrealistic view of the American Dream and our elections are participated in by less than half of registered voters and influenced by thirty-second sound bites. Our mission is to provide civic and political education and connectivity between the people and those elected to represent them. Well informed Americans will make more sound decisions - that’s what we are working toward.” 
Align America is a non-partisan organization focused on education and will not become involved in the endorsement or advocacy of individual candidates. Its goal is to be the bridge between the electorate and the elected by removing the gridlock we see in the political process today. The organization is currently operational, and seeking financial contributions to enable it to provide information to the American people and develop educational materials to reach the youth and expand their awareness of the political process.
Kudera was once the Mayor of Independence and was on the shortlist to become Mayor of Covington (he lives here now) after Denny Bowman's resignation last autumn. Mullin is co-owner of the Merlot Group, along with City Commissioner Shawn Masters. Website: Align America
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COVINGTON/NKY QUICKIES
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Covington woman dies in Florence crash WKRC 
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Body pulled from Banklick Creek WKRC 
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Senour Road intersection at Taylor Mill Road opens early Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Covington Partners hosts golf outing today in Hebron press release via WXIX 
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VAN CRASHES THROUGH UTILITY POLE, DRIVER FLEES SCENE
A van making its way east on Pike Street crashed into a utility pole slicing it in half and knocking out power to the entire block. Then the driver flees on foot, but Covington Police catch up to him. More details and photos at the link!
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WHAT CONSULTANTS RECOMMEND TO MAKE COVINGTON MORE EFFICIENT
The City of Covington released to the public the findings of Management Partners, the Cincinnati-based consulting firm contracted to review each department at City Hall. Their recommendations will continue to be vetted and discussed in the coming weeks and months, and possibly, years. Check out the links below for the full story.
UNHAPPINESS AT POLICE DEPARTMENT REFLECTED IN SURVEY
A survey of employees within the Covington Police Department finds a majority that believe politics play a too big a role in decision-making and that morale is, for the most part, low. Full details at the link.
The River City News 
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CONSULTANTS: COMBINE 2 FIREHOUSE, PRIVATIZE AMBULANCES
Shutting down the firehouse in South Covington is worth looking into, according to a consulting firm. Trouble is, even they conclude that response time would be greatly increased by using services from Taylor Mill or Independence. Management Partners' suggested changes for Covington's Fire Department, at the link.
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REPORT: REDEVELOPING COVINGTON WILL TAKE PUBLIC/PRIVATE WORK
"The City government does not have the personnel and financial resources to develop the City; private/public partnership is essential." Plans to redevelop Downtown Covington cannot be done by the City alone according to an outside consulting firm. Click the link for the full story.
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REPORT: CREATE HOUSING STRATEGY, CHANGE CODE ENFORCEMENT
If the City and the Housing Authority cannot improve their working relationship, the Housing Authority should go away, according to a consulting firm. Also, regarding code enforcement, "No one wants to develop in a rundown area," the report says. Click the link for the full story.
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DON'T MISS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF COVINGTON'S WEEK
It was another busy week of news in the Cov. A police officer saves the day during a fire; Firefighters blame budget cuts for slower response time; Racist flyers emerge in City Heights; And more... Take a look back at the week that was and a look ahead to the week that will be, inside The Sunday Edition at the link!
The RC News: The Sunday Edition 
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CONVICTED: MUGSHOT ROUND-UP
Who's waking up this Monday morning in jail? Click the link to see who was convicted and sent to prison or put on probation last week in Kenton County Circuit Court.
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KY LAWMAKERS DIVERT MILLIONS FROM STUDENT AID, EVEN AS POOR STUDENTS ARE TURNED AWAY
Feel like being angry on this Monday? Then read this:
The General Assembly routinely raids funds from the Kentucky Lottery that are supposed to be used for student financial aid. Kentuckians approved the lottery in 1989 on the understanding that 100 percent of its proceeds would go to education. Instead, legislators suspend the law that directs lottery money to education and use it for other programs — to the tune of $90 million since 2006.
In addition, funding for financial aid is based on estimates of lottery proceeds rather than actual lottery sales. Since 2006, the lottery has produced $78 million more than was estimated, but the extra money went into the state's General Fund budget instead of paying for financial aid.
Unbelievable. Or maybe not "unbelievable", which makes the story even more enraging. Read the whole thing: Herald-Leader/Linda Blackford 
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Meanwhile... Kentucky's education commissioner warns of "devastating federal funding impact":
Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday warned school district superintendents of the negative consequences of an upcoming federal spending reduction process that includes sequestration, or the cancellation of budgetary resources.
“These spending reductions will have a devastating effect on Kentucky’s public school budgets,” said Holliday. “Without any federal legislative action to address the cuts, they will begin as early as January 2013 and continue through 2021. They will have a direct impact on jobs, students and the abilities of districts to provide services through federal programs.
“We are reviewing the timing of the reductions and will provide support and assistance to school district leaders,” Holliday said. “Meanwhile, I encourage school officials to monitor the situation closely, plan and conservatively budget. They also may wish to reach out to their U.S. Congressional delegations.”
According to calculations from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), federal funding for Kentucky’s public schools will be reduced up to $61 million per year for the next 10 years, affecting more than 1,350 jobs and nearly 130,000 students. The CBO predicts 7.8 percent cuts, and the CBPP predicts 8.4 percent cuts. These reductions will impact funding for Fiscal Year 2013, which begins Oct. 1, 2012.
Full story: Education Commissioner 
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QUICKIES
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A must-read follow-up to the scandal at the Campbell Lodge boys' home Cincinnati Enquirer 
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KY columnist: Maybe class warfare is what we need right now Herald-Leader 
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Municipal bankruptcies in California not seen as a trend The New York Times 
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Sen. Mitch McConnell's re-election war chest grows Business First 
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KY Dept. of Fish & Wildlife wants you to report any diseased deer you may come across WKYT 
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Days of tax-free online shopping may be coming to a close WPSD 
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KY mine inspectors were lax in Harlan Courier-Journal 
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Massey coal company's settlement couldn't pay enough for son Courier-Journal 
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Pikeville woman wins Miss Kentucky pageant Herald-Leader 
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KY high school basketball hall of fame is as iconic as it gets Herald-Leader 
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UK basketball fans upset over weak schedule Courier-Journal 
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WHAT IS REALLY BEHIND THE TV BLACKOUTS? STALLING PROFITS
Insight/Time Warner dumps WLWT/Channel 5 and Direct TV dumps Viacom in disputes. Why?
Media companies such as Viacom and Disney have become steadily more profitable since the gloom of the recession lifted in early 2010. But the cable and satellite providers that pay to carry their channels have seen profitability virtually stagnate as they fight each other for subscribers.
The squeeze has prompted distributors such as Dish and DirecTV to revolt against higher programming costs. Consumers are left in the crossfire.
DirecTV subscribers haven't been able to view Viacom channels such as Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1 since Tuesday, when the two companies failed to reach a contract agreement over content fees. The companies are still negotiating, but the channel blackout for consumers has continued through the weekend.
The industry's cost pressures mean such fights are likely to continue.
AP via WXIX 
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CINCINNATI'S LIGHT IS SHINING
After the smashing success of the World Choir Games, Cincinnati leaders are looking toward the City's next act:
Whatever comes to town next will see a changed city.
“Fifty years from now,” said Nick Vehr, the Games’ managing director, “people will look back and reflect on what happened here in the last seven to 10 years. They will see the development of the riverfront, the revitalization of Downtown and Over-the-Rhine, and the impact of the World Choir Games. And, they will see that something changed in the psyche of Cincinnati.”
That change is for the better. And it cannot be denied.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Cliff Radel 
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Covington's own Brotherhood Singers perform at the Games:
Eric Riley of The Brotherhood Singers singing "It's Alright" during the World Choir Games Friendship Concert at the Shilitos Loft on July 12. We were honored to share the floor with the Rocky Harmonists from Alexander, Germany and a young Children's Choir from Russia.
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BOONE CO. IS BIRTHPLACE OF PALEONTOLOGY
The world had never seen the likes of the fossils pulled from the ground at Big Bone Lick:
The Boone County bones even led to a debate that touched on America’s national pride: Given that mammoths and mastodons were extinct, could it be that North American soils or climates were inferior to those of the Old World, as French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon suggested?
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/Mike Rutledge 
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Meanwhile...
Click to enlarge
That image poking fun of Boone County's Creation Museum went viral last week.
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HENDERSON POLICE OFFICER RESUSCITATES NOT ONE, BUT TWO KITTIES!
Hero officer:
The Henderson Police Department 11-year veteran officer was fostering some kittens this spring for New Hope Animal Rescue Center when one of the kittens was apparently inadvertently smothered by the others. On that March day, Blanford's daughter, Keely, came running out of the house, bringing the limp kitten to the pasture where Leslie was working. Seeing that the kitten nicknamed Runt wasn't breathing, Blanford decided that her only hope was to perform mouth-to-mouth on the tiny kitty. "I covered her little nose and blew in her mouth. I saw a little life in her eyes, so I kept giving it to her," Blanford said.
Evansville Courier-Press 

Monday, July 9, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY MORNING 9 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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COVINGTON SHOWS BEST SIDES FOR WORLD CHOIR GAMES
Cincinnati's landing of the 2012 World Choir Games has been beneficial to Covington, too. The city hosted four friendship concerts associated with the games over the weekend, each one in a setting perfect to introduce Covington to an international audience. Devou Park, Mainstrasse Village, and Mother of God Church are certainly highlights for any visitor, with beauty to match the quality of the international choirs visiting the region. The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption also hosted a paid concert last week as the Games were first starting. It doesn't get any better than singing there. 
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PHOTOS from Friendship Concert in Mainstrasse Village: 
This concert featured choirs from Colombia (Crescendo Arte Children's Choir), Germany (Sangerkreis Hildburghausen), and the US (Kolping Sangerchor).





PHOTOS from concert at Mother of God Church:
This concert was so crowded that people were turned away -- including Covington Mayor Chuck Scheper, City Commissioner Steve Casper, and several parents of the performers. The show featured four choirs representing Australia (Bendigo Youth Choir), Czech Republic (Zvonky Prhaha), USA (Kings Korale), and Venezuela (Coro Polifonico Rafel Suarez).





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CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE CONCERTS IN DEVOU PARK: Click Here 
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Here's a great video of the first week of the World Choir Games:

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COVINGTON STATE REP SEEKS TO REPEAL BAN OF ELECTION DAY LIQUOR
Kentucky and South Carolina are the only states in the Union that still ban the sales of alcohol on election days until after the polls close. State Rep. Arnold Simpson, a Democrat from Covington's Old Seminary Square neighborhood, wants that to change:
Simpson plans on introducing the bill in the 2013 session. It will include a local option for counties and cities to outlaw local liquor sales if they choose. Otherwise, the bill would repeal the election day alcohol ban in all wet counties. Simpson will speak before the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing and Occupations at 10 a.m. Friday in the state Capitol. The bill has died in committee each of the previous four sessions. Simpson said he thinks the state shouldn’t ignore the issue. “The statute does not serve a legitimate state interest,” Simpson said. “It is not the most important thing in Frankfort by any means, but it is something we can do to remove hurdles for businesses to prosper, particularly in Northern Kentucky.”
More comments from Simpson, and the owner of Chez Nora, at the link.
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PLAYGROUND FIRE TO BE DISCUSSED IN AUSTINBURG NEIGHBORHOOD
The fire that destroyed a playground at Sixth District Elementary School will be discussed Monday evening during the Austinburg Neighborhood Association. Catch the meeting at the Oakland Avenue Baptist Church at 6:30PM.
Click here for more photos of the playground after the fire.
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STUDY: PLANNERS MISCALCULATE BENEFITS OF NEW ROADS
The in-progress expansion of Taylor Mill Road (KY-16) may fall into this trap. A study out of Denmark shows that traffic congestion often actually increases when a road is expanded because drivers that had previously avoided the road because of congestion will now flock to it:
According to the study, completed by researchers at the Institute of Transport Economics and a Danish university, this leads to skewed cost-benefit analyses that call for new highways and road widenings of dubious benefit to the public. Researchers reported that perceived time savings make up the largest portion — sometimes 85 percent — of the economic benefits assigned to prospective highway projects. But an unanticipated boost in traffic volume can turn many projects that would theoretically pass analytical muster into economic losers. Unless transportation agencies are carefully accounting for these effects, however, many of these projects get built anyway.
Read the full study here 
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COVINGTON POLICE HOST BLOOD DRIVE MONDAY
From the Police:
Covington Police Department, in cooperation with Hoxworth Blood Center, is sponsoring their annual summer blood drive on Monday, July 9, 2012. The Donor Bus will be at Police Headquarters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on 7/9/2012. During the summer months, there tends to be a shortage of blood donations and a higher amount of usage. Covington Police is once again partnering with Hoxworth in the hope of helping them achieve their goal of increasing the amount of blood donated during the summer months. Hoxworth’s blood donations are given to local area hospitals to save lives. And this year, as a special thank you to our donors: Every person who donates will receive a Hoxworth summer t-shirt! To schedule an appointment to donate, please contact Michelle Robinson-Wilson at 859-292-2241. Requirements to donate:1. Bring a photo ID.2. Eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before and after donating.3. You must be 17 years of age (16 with signed parental consent).4. You must weigh at least 110 pounds.5. To check additional eligibility guidelines (medical, RX, travel, piercing/tattoo restrictions), please call Hoxworth at 513-558-1304.
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FAST & FURIOUS CASE IN DC GETS LOCAL FLAVOR FROM RICK ROBINSON 
Local author Rick Robinson (have you bought his new book yet? Do it! It's awesome with lots of scenes in Covington/NKY. Click Here) writes a regular column for the conservative blog The Daily Caller. This time he focuses on the "Fast & Furious" case being discussed in Congress and involving the Attorney General, but before delving into that shares an interesting story about a local artist:
In the winter of 1972-73, Larry Womack hated his job as an insurance salesman so badly that he spent most of his evenings teaching himself sculpture. Womack, then a 29-year-old honorably discharged veteran, was very politically aware. He knew that President Richard Nixon, who had just won a second term in office, was facing the potential of a Senate investigation into his administration’s involvement in a second-rate break-in at the Democratic Party’s Watergate headquarters in Washington, D.C. As a teaching tool for his art, Womack began sculpting a chess set of caricatures that pitted the Nixon White House against the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities (a.k.a. the Watergate Committee). The likenesses were brilliant. On the White House side of the board, a defiant king, Richard Nixon, was joined by Attorney General John Mitchell, Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman (complete with buzz cut and his ever-present briefcase) and John Ehrlichman. As the Watergate hearings progressed, Womack sculpted John Dean as the rook because the piece could move from side to side as well as forward and backward. The pawns for the White House were reel-to-reel tape recorders. Senator and frumpy country-lawyer Sam Ervin (D-NC) was the king of the Senate pieces, and copies of the United States Constitution were the pawns. Committee members and fellow senators Howard Baker (R-TN), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Herman Talmadge (D-GA) and Lowell Weicker Jr. (R-CT) joined Senator Erwin’s team.
Womack's work is often on display at the new Village Wine Gallery.
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DON'T MISS COVINGTON'S BEST WEEK IN REVIEW
A comprehensive review of the previous week in Covington and a look ahead to the next one. It's all inside The Sunday Edition -- at the link!
The RC News: The Sunday Edition 
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QUICKIES
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Drought endangers food crops, could raise food prices WFPL 
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Kentucky, Ohio among states fighting "tourists" trafficking drugs Herald-Leader 
| State pension system fights exits of mental health boards Herald-Leader 
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Sen. McConnell: No regrets on Chief Justice confirmation The Hill 
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Hamilton County could be key to Obama victory WVXU |
Historic building burns in McCreary County WKYT 
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West Liberty doughboy statue in repairs after tornado damage Herald-Leader 
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Cincinnati's decades-long population loss may be stabilizing Urban Cincy 
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Kentucky town vies for best small town in America Herald-Leader 
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Kentucky sees payback from Hatfields & McCoys miniseries Herald-Leader 
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Anthony Davis in legal battle to trademark his uni-brow WXIX 
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INDEPENDENCE FIREWORKS PHOTOS
Some great photos from the Independence Fourt of July celebration, including this one that appears to show a happy couple agreeing to marry:
More photos at the link from the City of Independence.
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WHERE PEOPLE "TWEET" ABOUT BEER MORE THAN CHURCH
Some new data indicates that folks in Kenton and Campbell Counties spend more time on Twitter talking about beer than they do talking about church. Much more. Boone County and Cincinnati's Hamilton County tweet more about church. Check it out:
You can either click on that image to enlarge it, or fine on at this link that appears to be the largest available: Click Here 
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Full story: The Guardian 
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CREATION MUSEUM'S ARK ENCOUNTER A BIG FRAUD?
One columnist in Louisville thinks so:
Yahoo! News visited the Creation “Museum” this summer to behold the glory of a 600-year-old man riding vegan dragons onto a giant boat a few thousand years ago. In their report — besides the obvious gawking at the freak show — they give us the latest update on the “groundbreaking” for Ark Encounter, Gov. Steve Beshear’s answer to unemployment and dignity in Grant County. As we began suspecting last year — due to horrid fundraising, groundbreakings pushed back over and over again, and the lack of a refund policy on their website — “Ark Encounter” might never actually be built, or at least nothing resembling their original $175 million plan, while Ken Ham & Co. take what they’ve raised and invest it in their Creation Museum.
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FORMER STATE TREASURER WINS BIG AT POKER TOURNAMENT
Jonathan Miller, who was once the Treasurer of this great Commonwealth, went to Vegas and scored, finishing eighth overall in the World Series of Poker:
"The idea I would ever be at the final table was preposterous," Miller said Sunday. Playing in the World Series of Poker was a goal he said he deferred while in public office. "When you're a politician in Kentucky, it is not a real good public relations move going to a gambling tournament in Las Vegas," Miller said. Miller was guaranteed at least $53,846 in winnings by making it into the final nine. He said that he planned to give part of his prize money to his temple and that a good portion of the rest probably would go into his daughters' college funds. 
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/07/07/2251651/former-state-treasurer-jonathan.html#storylink=cpy
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FANCY HOT DOGS COME TO COVINGTON -- AT TWO LOCATIONS!
Somebody must have sent out the memo that Covington was in dire need of adding fancy hot dogs to its expansive list of culinary choices, because now we have two!
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Kelly's Pub (at the Radisson Riverfront)
Check out Kelly's new hot dog menu:
DJ's Sandwich Shop opens Tuesday, features hot dogs
But only Wednesdays, which will be known as "Weiner Wednesdays". Check out the menu here.