by Michael Monks
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Good Monday morning! Welcome to your home for Covington news.
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JUMP STARTING NEW BUSINESSES FOR NORTHERN KENTUCKY
The angel investor tax credit, on the agenda for consideration in Frankfort and sponsored by Covington State Rep. Arnold Simpson (D-Old Seminary Square), could make the Commonwealth more competitive:
Start-ups, especially those in high-tech industries, need a significant amount of money to help turn a business concept into reality. But it can be tough to bridge the gap between initial funding, which often comes from family and friends, and the stage where they’ve developed enough to attract substantial investment from venture capitalists. That’s where “angel investors” come in, investing tens of thousands of dollars at a time, usually in exchange for a stake or some other involvement in the company.Read this.
But it’s a high-risk venture, given that roughly half of all start-ups fail. Tax credits help offset that risk, officials say, which often stimulate more investment in technology and other emerging industries.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda VanBenschoten
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GOVERNOR TALKS ABOUT CULTURAL DISTRICTS
In case you missed, Covington was chosen as one of five Kentucky cities to be certified as Cultural Districts. Check out the original story at the link:
The RC News: Covington Chosen as Cultural District
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Last summer, Governor Beshear explained what the program is designed to do:
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Since Covington received certification, there are four elements required and you can read about them by clicking here.
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GATEWAY COLLEGE RECRUITS MORE AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS
The Covington urban center for Gateway Community & Technical College held a recruitment fair Sunday for prospective African-American students at Ninth Street Baptist Church:
“Our congregation is pleased to participate as the host church,” said the Rev. Richard Fowler, pastor of the Ninth Street Baptist Church and vice chair of the Gateway board of directors. “The fair gives us an opportunity to reinforce to all students that a quality education is the best preparation to be able to find a good job.”Gateway
“Studies have shown that most of today’s jobs require at least an associate degree,” said Dr. Hughes. “We want all students to know that, yes, college is within their reach and that a college credential is what will lead them to a high-paying job in a career field that is currently in demand.”
“As vice chair of the Gateway board, I am particularly pleased to welcome the community to the college’s Urban Center, which continues to expand and make college more accessible to urban students,” Rev. Fowler added.
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CINCINNATI CHARTER SCHOOL TO PAY STUDENTS TO ATTEND
That's one way to boost attendance:
The principal at Dohn Community High School tells The Cincinnati Enquirer students who are on time every day, avoid trouble and show they're working in class will get Visa gift cards worth $25 for seniors and $10 for younger students.FOX 19
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FUNDRAISERS SET FOR NKY 9/11 MEMORIAL
When the funds are raised, the memorial will be placed in Crescent Springs.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Nancy Daly
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COVINGTON PARKING SURVEY RESULTS TO BE DISCUSSED WEDNESDAY
What do people want from Covington's parking situation? We may find out on Wednesday. From the Covington Business Council:
The City of Covington is asking for feedback from residents, business and property owners regarding parking in the central business district by way of a parking survey. Survey results and preliminary recommendations will be reviewed/shared at a Public Parking Input Session to be held February 15 at 6:00 pm in the City of Covington Commission Chambers, 638 Madison Avenue, Covington, Kentucky. Click here to take the survey.The River City News will be there.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED...
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Parking was not high on the list of priorities for Downtown Covington stakeholders, according to a report from the developers of the Center City Action Plan. You can read all about that in this exclusive report from The River City News (the only media present for this important presentation on Covington's future).
What does Covington want from its plans for revitalization? The results of a survey gives some surprising clues and also reason to be confident: Covington already has the foundation to succeed. Click the link for this report, which you will not find anywhere else.The RC News: What Covington Wants from its Revitalization Plan
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DID YOU READ THE SUNDAY EDITION?
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Local author Rick Robinson blasts the attacks on JC Penny & Ellen; Two Covington businesses, one old and one new, are profiled by regional media; Plus, why men and women were running through the streets in nothing but pink underwear that read "Heart The Cov". Click the link.
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LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING MAY HIT KY SUPREME COURT THIS WEEK
This is not going away yet:
At the direction of General Assembly leaders, the Legislative Research Commission this week will file an appeal to overturn an injunction against the district maps lawmakers approved last month. In it’s filing, the LRC will also argue that the new districts should be in effect for this year’s elections.WFPL/Kenny Colston
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CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING IN KY DID NOT CHANGE POLITICS
Not very much anyway. In the 4th District:
This could be the most solidly Republican district in the state as a result of the new map. It picks up Shelby and part of Spencer County, as well as the Republican-leaning precincts in eastern Jefferson County while shedding Democratic counties of Fleming, Nicholas, Bath, Elliott Carter and parts of Boyd and Harrison.Much more analysis at the link.
cn|2/Ryan Alessi
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FIRE DAMAGES HOME OF STABBING SUSPECT OVERNIGHT
Something weird happened upriver early this morning as fire damaged the home of a man accused in stabbing a man in the head and chest a couple weeks ago:
Firefighters were called to a home in Dayton, Kentucky this morning owned by a man charged in a brutal stabbing. No one was hurt in the blaze at the home of 43 year old David Vickers.
Vickers is still in jail.
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KENTUCKY MOM GETS STRANGE PHONE CALL ABOUT MISSING SON
Terrible story:
The last McCarthy heard about her son was a troubling voicemail message left on her cellphone last summer: "We have found Michael Metz in a trash can," the anonymous caller said.But the body in the trash can was not her son. Read the chilling story at the link.
Herald-Leader/Josh Kegley
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MAN WHO BROKE STORY ABOUT POLITICIAN LIVES IN COVINGTON
The TV reporter credited with breaking the news about the Kenton County hooker-for-drugs scandal that will land Clermont County Republican Archie Wilson behind bars, lives in Covington:
Dave Culbreth, part of WXIX-TV’s news startup (1993-96), last week broke the stories about troubled former Clermont County commissioner Archie Wilson and Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga’s alleged downtown bar fight. Culbreth, 50, returned to TV last month after 16 years as a private investigator. “I worked for a whole bunch of lawyers. All the contacts I had over the years helps out,” he said. “I missed the news business and wanted to get back into it. I always enjoyed journalism and breaking stories.”Cincinnati Enquirer/John Kiesewetter
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SEE ALSO: Presidential candidate Rick Santorum will be in nearby Warren & Brown Counties across the river this week. FOX 19
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HORSE PARK SEEKS STATE FUNDS TO BALANCE BOOKS
The horse industry's struggles spread beyond race tracks:
The park received only a flat fee of $500,000 for the equestrian games, but the state invested millions in construction of new facilities at the park, according to the report. Already hit by declining attendance from the recession, the park was closed to many regular visitors and events before and during the games in 2010.Business First
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KENTUCKY TEENS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW
Covington dog lovers, be sure to be on the lookout for these kids:
Siblings Tanner and Sarah Congleton of Versailles; Kristin Lawless, 16, of Nicholasville; and Chloe Tilford, 14, of Louisville will be in the ring. Like all of the 2,500 entries in the show, the teens and their canine charges qualified to compete in what is widely considered the Super Bowl of dog contests.Herald-Leader/Mary Meehan
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LOL:
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GET MARRIED AT THE KENTON COUNTY LIBRARY ON VALENTINE'S DAY
Romantic?
“We have several couples who have booked spots but many more are still available,” said Katie Shumate, one of two Kenton County Magistrates/Justices of the Peace who will be performing the weddings. The other is Mary Lou Blount.NKY Spot
On Feb. 14 only, from 11:00 a.m. until 7 p.m., they will be performing weddings at the library for a special price of $80 – $20 off the normal price for a wedding performed by a Justice of the Peace. Couples will need to bring along a marriage license, which can be purchased from any clerk of court office in Kentucky on Feb. 14. There is no waiting period to get one.
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BOBBY BROWN IN CINCINNATI TUESDAY, DAYS AFTER WHITNEY'S DEATH
Awkward concert alert:
Whitney Houston's ex-husband, Bobby Brown, is scheduled to perform in Cincinnati on Tuesday with his band New Edition. The band is scheduled to perform at U.S. Bank Arena with K-Ci & JoJo.FOX 19
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SEE ALSO: Kentucky fans remember Whitney Houston's 1987 concert at Rupp Arena. LEX 18
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ARE GLEN CAMPBELL AND DENNY CRUM THE SAME PERSON?
Last night's Grammy performance by the country-pop legend piqued my curiosity and paranoia, and now I am convinced that Glen Campbell and former Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum are the same person.
Have you ever seen them together? Me neither.
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Oh, but if you're feeling extra Kentuckily today, check out this great Glen Campbell tune about our state:
If you can't listen, read the amazing lyrics by clicking here.
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SPEAKING OF MUSIC -- HERE'S AN AMAZING INVENTION
You know when you get a song in your head and it won't leave? Now there's a website to help you get rid of it. It's called Unhear It and its motto is "Get that damn song out of your head". Check it out.
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SPORTS
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HIGHLANDS STAR COMMITS TO UK FOOTBALL
This offseason is creating a lot of excitement for UK football. Check out Fort Thomas Matters for the latest UK commit, Ozzy Sheehan.
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SEE ALSO: UC radio station also has connection to Fort Thomas.
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TEAGUE RUNNING UK BASKETBALL TEAM TO COACH CAL'S LIKING
This team is so good:
"He's running the team," Calipari said of Teague. "He's defending, making good decisions. ... And the kid is 19, 18 years old.Herald-Leader/Jerry Tipton
"I've been really pleased. But it took a while to get where he is right now."
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NOT ONLY IS UK WINNING IN RUPP, BUT RUPP IS WINNING ONLINE
Rupp Arena ranks fifth in an venue industry publication for social media engagement. This is so Kentucky's year.
