NEWS ROUND-UP -- FRIDAY 31 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

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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.

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Fire called suspicious: WKRC 

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SEE ALSO: Cincinnati Enquirer & WCPO 

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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 

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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.

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QUICKIES

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Deputy shoots man, then gives him CPR WBKO 

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KY State Police to increase patrols this holiday weekend WKYT 

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

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After national attention, juvenile sex case is made public WDRB 

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

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

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Former UK basketball player becomes firefighter Herald-Leader 

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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 

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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. 

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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

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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 

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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.

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SEE ALSO: Wolf & Company, the Fifth Street lunch spot, gets a great review in Wine Me, Dine Me 
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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 -- THURSDAY 30 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

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SCHOOL BOARD TO MEET FOR FIRST TIME SINCE ELECTION TROUBLES

The Covington School Board has moved its regularly scheduled meeting to Latonia Elementary Thursday at 7:00PM instead of its usual location at the Board of Education on Seventh Street. The message came from Covington Independent Public Schools Wednesday afternoon:

"Due to unforeseen emergency circumstances and special needs accommodation requests, the August 30, 7:00PM Covington Board of Education meeting has been moved to Latonia Elementary School, located at 3901 Huntington, Covington, Kentucky 41015"

This will be the first meeting of the Covington School Board since the election filing deadline passed and the legal battle over the seat vacated by Denise Varney blew up. The River City News will have this meeting covered for you.
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COVINGTON PHILANTHROPIST WRITES MORE ON STATE OF SCHOOLS
From Oakley Farris:

If I may borrow your attention one more time and direct it to the plight of our school children. I would like to share some observations on the recent good news that Harvard University has had for us concerning the state of education in Kentucky. It seems that Harvard has taken test results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress Test (NAEP) and has concluded that Kentucky has shown some impressive progress on the test since 1992. In fact Harvard concluded that Kentucky exceeded the national overall score in reading proficiency. Now I am only interested in what is best for the school kids, so I am encouraged by that news, perhaps our situation is not as grim as the recent ACT and IOWA test scores would seem to indicate. Because my concern is first for the students I like to look just a little closer to ensure that the results are genuine and not being distorted to fit an agenda.
My friends, I wish I could tell you that I was confident in the Harvard study’s conclusions. However I am in possession of an analysis of the Harvard study which was conducted by the Bluegrass Institute. The Bluegrass Institute study brings to light serious flaws in the Harvard study. Now I am not one to get in the middle of a fight between academics over whose study proves what to whom, that is not my concern. My concern is that the data may have been cherry picked in a way that leaves the most vulnerable students in Kentucky, students just like ours here in Covington, open to being overlooked.

Read more from Mr. Farris: Click Here 
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SCHOOL DISTRICT HOSTS DRUG-TESTING FOCUS GROUP
Covington Schools welcomed parents and other concerned citizens Wednesday evening to Holmes High School where the issue of drug-testing students involved in sports and extracurricular activites was explored. There are just two days left to participated in an online survey:

Friday will be the last day to take a survey on possible random drug testing for students in grades 6-12 who are involved in extra curricular activities. The Covington Board of Education is seeking the input of students, parents and community on whether the district should provide random drug testing for students. Wednesday night, 20 parents and community members participated in focus groups at Holmes High School to voice their opinions on random drug testing. The district is collecting information that will be reported to the Board of Education which will make a final decision on random drug testing.

To take the survey, click here.
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POLICE CHIEF TO ADDRESS CRIME ISSUES IN MAINSTRASSE

Residents of Mainstrasse Village are encouraged to attend a meeting Thursday at 6:00PM inside Zola on Main Street. Covington Police Chief Spike Jones will be on hand to discuss recent crime issues in the neighborhood.

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PEASELBURG RESIDENTS CONCERNS ABOUT HOUSING AUTHORITY PROJECT

A message on Facebook indicates that residents of Covington's Peaselburg neighborhood are concerned about plans by the Housing Authority of Covington, under the guise of its Neighborhood Investment Partners group, to turn potentially eleven properties on Emery Drive into public housing. The meeting is scheduled for 5:00PM at the Housing Authority of Covington office at 2300 Madison Avenue.

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DON'T MISS WEDNESDAY EVENING'S NEWS!

What's up with this sinkhole on Russell Street?; A meeting is set for next week to determine future food truck events in Covington; Plus, a man charged with kidnapping says he can't get along with his Covington-based attorney.

Full story: The RC News: Wednesday Evening Round-Up 

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QUICKIES

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Coverage of Sen. Mitch McConnell's speech at Republican National Convention The Hill 

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Coverage of Sen. Rand Paul's speech at Republican National Convention Wall Street Journal 

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NKY tax preparer admits to falsifying tax returns Herald-Leader 

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Embattled Campbell Boys Lodge loses license to operate Cincinnati Enquirer 

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Former UK basketball player Michael Porter due in court on sex charges WKYT 

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State employees to get free flu shots WKYT 

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KY Arts Council offers workshop for teachers press release 

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KENTUCKIANS SUE DISTILLERIES OVER BLACK GUNK

You read that right. Kentuckians are suing the makers of whiskey:

In 2007, researchers published a scientific study about Baudoinia, a newly identified type of fungus. Naturally occurring, Baudoinia germinates on ethanol, the colorless alcohol that can evaporate during fermentation, making the area around whiskey-aging warehouses a prime breeding ground.
News of this whiskey fungus soon rippled across spirit-producing communities from Cognac to Canada — a mystery solved, and an opportunity found.
In June, home and business owners in and around Louisville, part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, filed class-action lawsuits in federal and circuit courts against five major distilleries, charging property damage and negligence. In September, with the help of lawyers in Britain, the plaintiffs’ Louisville lawyer, William F. McMurry, plans to bring a similar suit in Scotland, where the fungus is so rampant that it almost seems like part of the architecture.

Full story: The New York Times 
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CITY COMMISSIONER NAMES WINNERS OF HIS $2,000 PRIZES
Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank has revealed the winners of his contest in which he asked citizens to come up with ways to save the City or make the City some money. From the Commissioner:

Here are your winners of the best idea to Save Covington Money and i know 1 if not both are from our Fire Department.Mike Clendenen and Matt Chastain both win $2,000 for their idea of getting more revenue for our EMS runs. Thank you! The city has made some progress in this area, but we will double and triple up our efforts. Recently Mayor Scheper and I have deepened our relations with Mayor Gray in Lexington and Mayor Fisher in Louisville to help form a Bluegrass Triangle to represent urban interests better in Frankfort. Because the overuse of Ambulance EMS services and high amount of Medicaid Ems runs occur in urban environments, I am certain that they are suffering from low reimbursement rates that do not cover costs. We will ask our fellow urban centers to help lobby Frankfort for higher rates. We will also compare third party billing agencies to see if someone is more effective in getting higher pay outs from insured patients than our present methods. The third thing we can do is unilaterally raise rates on those who can pay for services and charge higher for rescues and the like. All in all we received over 50reasonable suggestions. I'll take the next few days and go over all of them and chart what we are doing to implement them or if already worked on, where we are in the process. Thank you all for participating. The whole community of Covington is the real winner in this!

FIREFIGHTERS TO COLLECT CASH THIS WEEKEND FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
From the Covington Fire Department:

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.

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MAINSTRASSE LOOKING FOR CHALK ARTISTS
The chalk art contest will be back on Main Street for this year's Oktoberfest which is a little over a week away. Click the image for details on how to enter...

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 2 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

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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:

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 

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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 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 19 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

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FACEBOOK: The River City News

@theRCnews on Twitter  

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by Michael Monks 

Email Michael

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LIGHTNING & WIND CAUSE DAMAGE TO HOME, CARS, CEMETERY

Wednesday's strong thunderstorm that rolled through the region caused severe damage to trees in a few Covington neighborhoods which in turn harmed homes and cars, and even Linden Grove Cemetery's fence. Some of the trees were clearly struck by lighting while others were uprooted by the abnormally strong winds. Tons of photos of the damage are at the link below.

Wind & Lightning Wreak Havoc in Parts of Covington 

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AN INTERVIEW WITH RETIRING FIRE CHIEF CHUCK NORRIS

He was just 16-years old when he was part of the crews that responded to the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire in 1977. Shortly after, Chuck Norris knew he wanted to be a firefighter for the rest of his professional life. Now, he'll retire this month as Chief of the Covington Fire Department. Interview at the link.

Chuck Norris Talks About His Retirement from Covington FD 

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HOUSING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES HIS IMPENDING RETIREMENT

Aaron Wolfe-Bertling, executive director of the Housing Authority of Covington, plans to step down in the spring of 2014. At Wednesday's meeting of the HAC Board of Commissioners, it was decided that a subcommittee should be formed to establish the criteria for selecting Wolfe-Bertling's replace and to decide whether that candidate should be hired before his retirement or brought on in a lesser role in the meantime for transitional purposes. The subcommittee will include members of the HAC Board, HAC staff, and a representative from the City, likely assistant city manager Larisa Sims. HAC's assistant director, Tom Schmitz will be retiring at the end of the year.

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Other notes from the HAC Board meeting:

• A resolution will be drafted by HAC's attorney to be approved by the City attorney to formally privatize the streets of City Heights. One issue that could arise would be if the church and store located in the public housing development refuse to agree, at which point the boundaries of the private streets would have to be adjusted
• Covington Police Chief Spike Jones was also present at the meeting and informed the public that changes in the command structure at the police department will go into effect on Sunday. That also includes the dissolution of the department's community relations team, but Jones said not to worry. "It's not going anywhere, it's just getting bigger," Jones said. "It's the responsibility of all of us to do that, to be involved in the community."

Aaron Wolfe-Berling (File photo)

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Update on River's Edge at Eastside Point set for August 1

From the Housing Authority: 

There will be a Rivers Edge at Eastside Pointe Community Update Meeting held on August 1, 2012 at 5:00 pm in the lower level conference room of 2300 Madison Avenue, Covington, Kentucky. Everyone is invited to attend.

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Housing Authority Put Teens to Work Over Summer
From a news release:

The Housing Authority of Covington’s Teen Summer Work Program provided a unique employment opportunity this summer to fifteen young adults living in Covington public housing.

The six week program was designed to offer young workers job training, paid employment, and community involvement throughout the city of Covington. The fifteen Covington youth –ages 16 to 20 years – worked at several non-profit agencies in Covington, Ky. The program started June 11 and ended on July 27, 2012.

Participating employers included the Housing Authority of Covington, Covington Independent Public Schools, Boys & Girls Club, and the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission. 

Job duties included office/clerical work, summer recreational program support, and facilities maintenance. We are grateful to our partners for employing our teen residents and supporting our program this year. “Our goal wasn’t to just place individuals in any jobs. It was to strategically place each resident in a working environment that would teach them transferable skills to equip them for future endeavors.” Jon Adkins, Education Coordinator for the Housing Authority of Covington, said.

In addition to working 20 hours per week at the aforementioned sites, each youth worker participated in a two-day, 10 hour orientation/training program. Each youth was trained on workplace etiquette and employer expectations. In addition, teens received instruction on “soft skills” in the workplace, money management, the importance of secondary education, goal setting, time management & organizational skills.

Thanks to the Housing Authority of Covington’s Teen Summer Work Program, many young adults will take away the knowledge and work skills necessary for continued success.

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COUNTY NEEDS TO KNOW WHICH CITIES ARE JOINING NEW DISPATCH CTR
The Kenton County Fiscal Court wants to know by August 1 which cities will be joining Covington in the new consolidated 911 emergency dispatch center:

“To add three or four other cities we wouldn’t need more dispatchers than we (did when we) added Covington,” said Kenton County Judge-executive Steve Arlinghaus. “The true savings of merging into one dispatch center does not really come about until every city is on board.” More dispatchers will need to be hired and the dispatch building will need to expand if the cities under Erlanger’s 911 center join the county.

Cincinnati Enquirer/Libby Cunningham 
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MAN STABBED AT COVINGTON LANDING OVERNIGHT
Story: WKRC & WCPO 
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GROUND TO BE BROKEN TODAY ON "WORLD CLASS MICRO-BREWERY"
From State Representative Dennis Keene:

Nth Degree Distilling, LLC has announced a groundbreaking ceremony on July 19 at 11:00 AM for a “world class” bourbon micro-distillery that will be located on The Party Source campus. The multi-million dollar construction project will also include an expansion of The Party Source itself, increasing the store’s size by one-third.
The distillery is expected to be a popular tourist attraction, featuring on-site tours and educational programs. Current plans also call for a community space that will serve meetings and private gatherings, including an indoor/oudoor multi-purpose roof garden that can accommodate 150 guests. Construction is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2013. 

Nth Degree Distilling Owner/President, Mollie Lewis, sees the distillery as a way to connect to the time-honored traditions that bourbon represents across the state of Kentucky. “The new distillery will allow us to celebrate in our state’s heritage, while producing a world-class product and visitor experience that will only enhance the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region as a travel destination. We’ve done everything possible to ensure that our distillery will be top-notch, from the hiring of Glaserworks as the architects of the distillery, to the securing of industry veteran Larry Ebersold as our master distiller.” 

Ebersold, who previously managed distillery operations at the Pernod Ricard USA distillery Lawrenceburg, is equally as enthused about the potential that Nth Degree Distilling represents to the region. “I’ve been fortunate to have had experience with many world-renown spirit brands, but I’m most excited and honored by the opportunity to bring to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky a new bourbon and distillery that will stand equal to all others in the industry.” 

The distillery construction follows the recently-completed first phase of the project, which involved the removal of the earthen levee on the west side of the store’s parking lot. In its place a more space-efficient concrete flood wall was erected, allowing land to be reclaimed for both construction projects. While the current store is located in Bellevue, all of the new development, including the distillery, will actually sit on the Newport side of the city boundary that borders the store. 

“This Party Source project is going to be a great addition to our city,” said Newport City Manager Thomas Fromme at the start of the levee’s removal last December. “It’s going to generate investment and jobs by reclaiming land that was otherwise unusable. For a city that doesn’t have a lot of undeveloped land available, this is a special opportunity to not only take full advantage of a limited resource, but to also be a part of an exciting project that will enhance our community.” 

The Party Source’s expansion will make it one of the largest off-premise beverage alcohol retail stores in the country, Party Source President Ken Lewis reports. “The additional space will provide much needed room for dramatically expanding our artisan distilled spirits selection, particularly bourbon and rye, as well as craft beer. The expanded store will house a micro-brewery and craft beer bar with 40 taps, as well as a “library bar” of 400+ bourbons and ryes to educate the public.”

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QUICKIES
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Kentucky and federal law enforcement are looking for an "armed & dangerous" ex-Army ranger who fled his rape trial The Los Angeles Times 
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Convicted Kentucky killer who faked death an re-emerged on YouTube is caught in Indiana WKRC 
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Memorial fund for pregnant woman killed in I-471 crash is dried up due to bank error Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Instant racing case goes to Kentucky Supreme Court WFPL 
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Local teacher accused of sex with student speaks out on the Today Show WLWT 
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Report: Region ranks high in metro areas for economic output Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Indiana smokers could be fined $10,000 for flinging cigarettes out of their cars WKRC 
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Field of marijuana found, burned in Logan Co WKYT 
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Did the landlord force a long-time Ft. Thomas jeweler to move his shop to another city? Fort Thomas Matters 
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Electronic medical records education comes to NKU 
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Kentucky rain helps soybeans, but too late for corn Courier-Journal 
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KROGER MAY CHARGE CUSTOMERS MORE FOR USING CREDIT CARDS
Via WKRC:

It could save you money to have cash in your pocket when you go grocery shopping. The New York Times reports Kroger is considering charging you a lower price when you pay with cash or a check, and a higher one if you use a credit card.

From The New York Times:

Under the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, banks had to reduce “swipe fees” that they collect from merchants each time a customer makes a purchase with a debit card. Under the credit-card settlement on Friday, worked out over months of negotiations, merchants can charge higher prices to consumers who decide to pay for their purchases with credit cards.
A customer, for example, who buys a $100 item with a credit card might be charged an additional $2.50. A judge still needs to approve the settlement.
Until now, the card companies banned merchants from adding such a surcharge, although gas stations and other retailers sometimes offered a discount for customers who paid in cash.

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WILL SECRETS AT DUKE ENERGY UNDERCUT EXPECTED CUSTOMER SAVINGS?

That's what a utility regulator in North Carolina wants to know

North Carolina utilities regulators are shedding a rare light on whether secret decisions at Duke Energy might undercut expected consumer savings from its takeover of Progress Energy. The North Carolina Utilities Commission holds a hearing Thursday featuring the Duke Energy CEO ousted within hours of becoming the top executive of the country's largest electric company.

AP via Herald-Leader 
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KENTUCKY TEEN BEAT UP IN WHAT FAMILY CALLS A HATE CRIME
A possible anti-gay attack on a teenage girl in Louisville:

A teen girl is recovering at home after being injured in an attack by a group of adults.  Her family said after talking with police, they believe she's a victim of a hate crime.
It happened early Tuesday morning on Taylor Boulevard near Wyandotte Park.
The girl, who suffered several injuries including a broken jaw was with two younger boys when the attack happened. They said the adults yelled anti-gay slurs at the girl before she was beaten.
"Her jaw is broken in several places and she has to have a plate put in her jaw," said family friend Brenda Hickerson. "She continued describing the 17-year old girl's injuries, "She has teeth knocked out of her mouth and she has scrapes and bruises."

Photos of her injuries as well as a video report are at the link.
WAVE  
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SEE ALSO: More than 100 rally in support of fairness ordinance in Richmond, KY Herald-Leader 

More photos from the event: The Fairness Campaign 

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POSITIVE & NEGATIVE REPORTS ON EDUCATION IN KENTUCKY

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First, the bad news:

Kentucky received an F in one area of higher education on a national report card to the surprise and disappointment of some state education leaders who questioned the results of the analysis. A member of the United States Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday presented its “Leaders and Laggards” report, a state-by-state analysis of the best and worst performers in postsecondary education. The report doled out grades in areas including: student access and success, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, meeting labor market demand and transparency and accountability. Kentucky’s four-year universities scored on the low end of all the categories while its grades for two-year colleges were around the national average.

Full story: cn|2 
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And now the good news:

The improvement of Kentucky students in assessments of reading, math and science in the past 20 years has placed the state in a tie for fifth place in a report from Harvard University.

Full story: WKYT 
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NEW PRINCIPAL NAMED AT NINTH DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Scott Shepherd

From Covington Independent Public Schools:

Scott Shepherd has been named principal at Ninth District Elementary School. He comes to Covington from Newport schools where he served as assistant principal at the Intermediate School.

Shepherd also worked in Covington schools at the alternative program. “Covington is an ideal place to come back to,” Mr. Shepherd said. “I wanted to come back to Covington Schools because of the community, the students and the staff.”

Two community events to welcome the new principal will take place on July 24, City Heights, from 5 to 7 p.m., and July 31, Latonia Terrace (Barb Cook Park), 5 to 7 p.m. Residents will not only have the opportunity to meet Shepherd, but they will also learn about opportunities for children, families and residents at Ninth District for the upcoming school year.

“My goal is to get Ninth District back to the top,” Shepherd said. “I plan to establish a culture of universal achievement where all students find success in the classroom and in life.”

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GOODFELLAS PIZZERIA PROFILED IN METROMIX
The new pizza place in Mainstrasse Village gets some buzz:

Huge pizza pies bubbled from behind their glass case and movie stills stared at us from the burnt umber walls while someone from behind the counter took our order.
They have three sizes of pizza, but be forewarned – they’re huge. We ordered a “small” 12-inch pizza for two people, but it was more like a medium. I’m guessing the 22-inch large could’ve fed Marlon Brando alone.
The seven specialty pizzas have cute, gangster names like The Boss, Fuhgetaboutit (with everything on it) and The Immigrant, but you can also do a build-your-own pizza and get pizza by the slice.

Metromix 

Goodfellas Pizzeria (RCN file photo)

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LOL: CVG FOR SALE FOR SAME PRICE AS ONE-WAY TICKET TO NEWARK

Have a laugh:

The Greater Cincinnati International Airport is reportedly for sale, and the price is rumored to be approximately the same as the cost of a one-way ticket from CVG to Newark, NJ. Although the asking price is firm, officials the airport can be purchased for one third of the asking price by simply driving to Louisville.

Read it all at the link: Derf Magazine (Satire)