360 Fireworks Party

Showing posts with label Scott High School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scott High School. Show all posts

Monday, August 27, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- MONDAY MORNING 27 AUGUST

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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READERS SHARE PHOTOS FROM SUNDAY'S FIRE AT L&L DRY CLEANERS
The fire that raged Sunday morning, destroying a business that operated on Covington's Twelfth Street since 1947, cast a thick gray plume of smoke that was visible all across Downtown Covington and Downtown Cincinnati. Here are some photos submitted by readers of The River City News:
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From Rob Sanders (Kenton Co. Commonwealth's Attorney, though he credits the photo as one being shared around on Facebook):
Sanders adds: "Big thanks to Covington Fire Dept. for a valiant effort today. Takes a big set to go after a fire like this with an interior attack. Ultimately went defensive from the looks of what left but this could have taken out 1/2 a city block if they didn't stop the spread. What might not be apparent from this photo is the fact they were actually fighting 2 fires at once because it spread to my building next door and burnt the back of the 3rd floor off. The painful irony is I may be the very first victim of Pumper1 being browned out but I'll save that argument for another day. Right now, I'm just glad no one from CFD was hurt. Say a prayer for the owners of L&L cleaners. It's a father-son business thats served many in Covington, including myself, for years.
p.s. Also thanks to the firefighters from Newport Firefighters, Ft. Mitchell, Taylor Mill, and Ludlow who moved up to cover the entire City of Covington. Some folks don't seem to understand how much mutual aid Covington receives, but I do!
"
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From Katie Woodring:

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From a reader in Helenton:

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From Michael Grabiel in Mainstrasse:
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A blogger in Cincinnati also captured a shot of the heavy smoke that was visible from Smale Park: Cincinnati Blog 
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Jennifer Landrum, daughter of L&L Dry Cleaners owner Paul "Butch" Landrum, weighed in at The River City News Facebook page:
My father owned L&L Dry Cleaners. I want to thank the covington Fire Department, as well as the fire fighters from neighboring areas that showed up to help today. My dad said that everyone was so nice, not just there and treating it as any regular job. I appreciate how well you treated my family and the situation. You truly are everyday heroes.
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DID YOU MISS ANY OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE L&L DRY CLEANERS FIRE? Check out the links below.
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Hear from L&L's third generation owner and the acting fire chief
"Every morning since I graduated high school I got up at 7 o'clock in the morning and I came to work and now, 7 o'clock in the morning I come and sit by work I guess. I don't know. I just don't know." A huge Fire destroys a long-running Covington business Sunday.
Full story: The River City News 
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100 photos from the scene of the fire: The River City News 
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COVINGTON'S WEEK IN REVIEW
What a week... From a contentious meeting at City Hall, a park disappearing from a city neighborhood, news that the Mike Fink aims to reopen in the spring, to the devastating fire Sunday morning, no one covers Covington like The River City News. The proof is at the link in your week in review, The Sunday Edition!
Full story: The Sunday Edition 
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COVINGTON SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY GETS MORE ATTENTION
After several weeks of only The River City News shedding light on the lengthy list of developments that followed the resignation of Denise Varney from the Covington School Board, the Cincinnati Enquirer began to offer coverage Monday morning:
Denise Varney resigned three weeks ago from her board of education seat with Covington Independent Public Schools because she was moving out of the district.
She never imagined it would lead to the turmoil that has erupted.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer/William Croyle  
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The Northern Kentucky tea party has also weighed in:
It appears that Kenton Clerk Gabe Summe and County Attorney Gary Edmondson who are embroiled in several lawsuits over a petition to allow voters to decide the fate of the Northern Kentucky Area Planning are again standing in the way of allowing voters to select a replacement for an open seat on the Covington School Board. The Clerk, who has the sole responsibility to approve the petition to put the NKAPC on the ballot also has the sole responsibility to place the open school board seat on the ballot. A practicing attorney herself, the Clerk appears to be deferring, in both cases, to the County Attorney and an outside law firm for the actual decisions. The following information is provided from Mr. Mark Young, who is apparently the only resident of Covington interested enough in the open school board seat to take the initiative to get involved. Read Mr. Young's description of what the established power brokers are doing to shut him and the voting, taxpaying residents of Covington out to allow them to maintain the status quo.
More: NKY Tea Party 
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YOUR WEEKLY MUGSHOT ROUND-UP FROM KENTON CO. CIRCUIT COURT
Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders calls heroin a plague and says many other crimes in our area are caused by addicts looking for drug money. An interview with Sanders, as well as your weekly mugshot round-up -- at the link.
Full story: The River City News 
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QUICKIES
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NKY leadership focuses on 25 years of growth Tri-Ed 
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Another "creationism attraction" hopes for a home in NKY Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Kentucky civilians working normal jobs in war zones AP 
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US Rep. Brett Guthrie (R) does not rule out a run for KY Governor in 2015 cn|2 
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US Rep. John Yarmuth (D) won't challenge Sen. McConnell in 2014 cn|2 
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Vehicle overturns near Suspension Bridge over the weekend WKRC 
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Man stabbed in Newport park Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Farmers: Local cantaloupe is safe WBKO 
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Though Kenton's was down 19%, county fairs report increased attendance Cincinnati Enquirer 
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For Sale signs pop up at Muhammad Ali's boyhood home Courier-Journal 
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New Mammoth Cave superintendent excited to return to Kentucky WFPL 
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Louisville native wins hot air balloon competition Courier-Journal 
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SEN. PAUL, GOV. BESHEAR DISCUSS NEW BRIDGE FOR NKY
Could we learn from Canada? Via cn|2:

More: cn|2 
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MONDAY MORNING MESSAGE FROM COVINGTON SCHOOLS LEADER
Covington Independent Public Schools Superintendent Lynda Jackson:
It's a phrase often used to describe individuals that have committed their lives to education - unsung heroes.

We know that working in education is not for the faint of heart. The hours can be long and the challenges numerous. Still, the personal fulfillment and satisfaction that come with the job can make it the most satisfying of careers.

As I travel around the district, I continue to be constantly pleased at the work and dedication of all staff. I have been in classrooms everyday this past week and have witnessed the outstanding, caring adults throughout the district who are developing positive relationships with our students. I have watched the bus drivers giving high fives as students get off the bus in the morning, the cafeteria personnel greeting our students and asking about their day, the custodians who are talking to students as they walk down the hall, and the teachers and support staff who are focusing on establishing relationships of respect and care as the necessary foundation for intellectual as well as social development.

Success and fulfillment are often based on the educator's passion for his or her work, along with high expectations for students and a desire to help them succeed.We all know that it will not be standards, technology, curriculum or new programs for schools that will get at the root of the problem, UNLESS they are also accompanied by relationships between adults and students. Thanks for your hard work!
See the list of weekly honors and the upcoming week's schedule here.
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SEE ALSO: Weekly message from Scott High School principal click here 
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RUNNIN' ON THE RIVER!
The new Licking River Greenway & Trails got some action on Saturday as Holmes High School hosted the Licking River Run cross country meet:
Lots more photos: Facebook 
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SPORTS QUICKIES
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Businesses hope for boost from NKU's move to NCAA Division I AP 
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NCAA visited a friend of UK basketball top recruit Nerlens Noel Herald-Leader 
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Terrance Jones may be the most underrated player from the NBA draft Bleacher Report 
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What years did UK basketball (and other traditional powerhouses) truly suck? KSR 
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NBA debate resumes in the Bluegrass Wildcat Blue Nation 
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Sen. McConnell is against bringing the NBA to Louisville KSR 
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1972 US Olympics basketball team(which still refuses to accept its silver medal) reunites in Kentucky WDRB 
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College football: Comparing expectations for the UK/UofL rivalry game Herald-Leader 
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THE GROWING MOVEMENT TO BUILD HOUSES OUT OF HEMP
Mix together hemp, lime, and water and you got yourself some "hempcrete":
Hemp makes a good building material because it's extremely energy-efficient, non-toxic, and resistant to mold, insects, and fire. Plus, it absorbs carbon dioxide, making it good for the environment. Hemp Technologies, a North Carolina-based construction company working on the California project, already has built homes out of hemp in Hawaii, Texas, North Carolina, and Idaho. The North Carolina project, known as "NauHaus," received LEED platinum status.
Full story: GOOD 

Saturday, August 25, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- SATURDAY 25 AUGUST


THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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FIRE BREAKS OUT IN HELENTOWN APARTMENT
A block on Scott Boulevard had to be shut down late Friday evening after flames broke out inside the first-floor apartment of a 3-unit building. The Covington Fire Department acted quickly to put out the fire. No one was inside the unit at the time and no one was injured. A cause and damage estimate have not been released to the public yet.
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QUICKIES
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Covington teen convicted of murder, robbery Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Kenton County suit against petitioning company dismissed Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Former daycare worker pleads guilty in duct tape incident WKRC 
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All Kentucky courts, including driver's license offices, will be closed as part of a furlough on Tuesday, September 4 press release 
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Rep. Yarmuth: Expanding Medicaid in Kentucky has benefits that outweigh the costs cn|2 
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Sen. McConnell: A GOP Senate could repeal Obamacare Cincinnati Enquirer 
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PHOTOS: NKY Chamber of Commerce welcomes Sen. McConnell in Covington Facebook 
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Kenton County delegates headed to national Party conventions Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Louisville man arrested for trapping, killing squirrels out of season Courier-Journal 
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Kentucky authorities search for possibly armed marijuana dealers State-Journal 
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White House puts signature beer recipe up for grabs The Hill 
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1972 Olympic Basketball Team to reunite in Kentucky WBKO 
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NEW HEADMASTER APPOINTED TO LEAD COVINGTON LATIN
Diocese of Covington Bishop Roger Foys has named Mo Woltering to lead Latin School:
"I am so pleased that Mr. Woltering has agreed to accept the position as Headmaster of our Covington Latin School. The Latin School, from its founding, has provided students with a high quality education that is thoroughly Catholic. Like every Catholic school, our primary purpose is to transmit our Catholic Faith. I have no doubt whatsoever that Mr. Woltering sees and believes this to be our goal at the Latin School. Mr. Woltering brings with him a deep love of the Faith and of the Church which will be a true blessing for the Latin School. I look forward to being more actively involved in Covington Latin School myself as was the intention of Bishop Howard when he established it."
Woltering, a Cincinnati native and a graduate of St. Xavier High School, is coming from northern Virginia, where he held several key positions in Catholic organizations including: Executive Director of the Cardinal Newman Society, Director of Public Policy for the American Life League and, most recently, Academic Dean and Director of Development for Holy Family Academy.
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer 
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ONLY 1 IN 4 HIGH SCHOOL GRADS ARE COLLEGE READY
More dreary news about the state of education in America from the folks at ACT:
Science was by far the worst tested subject (31% met the benchmark), followed by math (46%), reading (52%), and English (67%). Compared with previous scores, the results are nearly identical to those recorded over the last four years, with the composite score average holding steady at or near 21 since 2008.
Full story: Gawker 
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HOLMES HOLDS OFF SCOTT, HOLY CROSS IS THUMPED BY COOPER
It was a beautiful night for some high school football...














Holmes 21, Scott 15
Full story: WCPO 
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Cooper 49, Holy Cross 7
Full story: Cincinnati Enquirer 
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CHECK OUT THE HOMES THAT WON COVINGTON BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS
The Friends of Covington handed out its 2012 beautification awards on August 8 (The River City News was there and you can see the full list of winners by clicking here) and have no shared photos of all the houses:
See more: Friends of Covington Facebook 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY MORNING 15 AUGUST


THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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ATTORNEY REACTS TO SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL ELECTION DEMAND
First, check out Tuesday's exclusive coverage of this story: Crowded Field to Seek 3 Seats on Covington School Board 
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Brandon Voleker, the attorney representing Mark Young in his quest to put a special election on November's ballot to fill the vacant seat on the Covington School Board, had this to say about the events:
Mr. Young has retained me to have the Clerk accept his nominating petition for the unexpired term of Denise Varney, who resigned August 2, 2012, mandating a special election this year. I have called County Attorney Garry Edmondson and advised of the clerk's refusal to accept the petition, but Mr. Young did file nonetheless, leaving his petition and filing fee with the clerk. I am unsure why Covington did not advise of the special election for the unexpired term, other than to not allow the electorate to have a vote.
School Board candidate Everett Dameron, who is running in the regularly scheduled election for one of three open seats, also weighed in with a similar charge that the district misled the public:
This entire matter that Mr. Young has brought up is very interesting. I made an inquiry about a special election for the seat vacated by Mrs.Varney by phone to the Kentucky Department of Education legal department and in person at the Kenton County Clerk's office on Thursday August 9th and I was told by both that there would not be a special election. At the school board meeting held that evening, in response to a question regarding the vacant seat by a member of the public (Superintendent) Mrs. (Lynda) Jackson said that the position would be filled by appointment by the Commissioner of Education and there would be a legal ad in the paper on the next day. That ad was run as stated in the Kentucky Enquirer, giving notice that the appointment would be made by the Commissioner of Education and that applications would be accepted until August 24, 2012. Thus I and others were misinformed and denied the opportunity to file for the special election for the vacant seat.
A request for comment from the Covington School Board's attorney, Mary Ann Stewart, has been made.
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CURRENT COMMISSIONER IN ONLINE SCUFFLE WITH FORMER COMMISSIONER

One of the most entertaining websites in all the land is the Facebook page of Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank who enjoys a lengthy comment thread from time to time. Over the weekend, Frank stirred up some heated debate by posting a photo of the fire department's response to a small fire in Wallace Woods. "8 pieces of apparatus, big emergency?," Frank wrote as the caption. Then Covington firefighters and Commissioner Frank engaged in another one of their online back-and-forths, but things took a fresher turn when Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders, a former Covington City Commissioner, weighed in:
Before making judgements about the response, you have to know how the call was dispatched. What it turned out to be is really beside the point. If it was dispatched as a house fire, you need that many trucks to get enough firefighters to the scene since Cov only staffs 1-3 firefighters per truck. Did it turn out to be overkill? Maybe, but the dispatchers control it, not the firefighters. The expenses are in the trucks, which are already purchased, and the firefighters, who are paid by the hour, not per run. Argue budgets all you want but give CFD some credit for being professionals. They were still protecting the rest of the city. I'm sure if another emergency arose all but one truck would leave this call and go to the next. Do we really need them to hurry back to the station to wait for the next call?! If they did that everyone would just complain that they don't do any work and spend all day in the recliners.
Now, the thread continues, four days after it originally started. Frank charged at Sanders:
Rob, we are simply talking past one another. If you had done your job properly while on city Commission, we wouldn't be facing the problems we have. Now the adults have to clean up the mess. Frankly, I do learn by asking pointed questions.Sometimes I even change my mind. Right now, what i am gathering from this and other interactions is that one department in the City can't handle any criticism and resists rather than embraces any change. Well i can tell you that its not just me. Right now its 5-0 for change on the commission.
Sanders replied:
So now you resort to insulting my service on Commission. Not surprised. I'm not the least bit ashamed of my service. Did we fix the whole city? Obviously not. I served one term. How many have you served? Is the city fixed yet?! Obviously not. I guess you're just as big of a failure as I was. So much for "the adults cleaning up the mess."
You can read the whole thread by clicking here.
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DON'T MISS TUESDAY EVENING'S NEWS!
"Until this final word on the bridge redesign, no one we've been talking to would commit to Covington." City officials react to Brent Spence bridge changes; Plus, KY legislators want creationism taught alongside evolution in public schools. Those stories and more at the link!
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ANYBODY UP FOR THIS JOB?
Window washers spotted Tuesday at the RiverCenter Towers.
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QUICKIES
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Missing Kentucky woman possibly found buried in backyard freezer NY Daily News 
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Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati to start hiring WKRC 
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Sen. Rand Paul introduces amendment to abolish the TSA press release 
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Sen. Rand Paul believes the government is preparing for civil unrest LEO Weekly 

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State officials teach proper treatment of HIV/AIDS WKYT 

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Kentucky firefighters on way to Idaho to help WKYT 
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NKU grad students help at-risk teens NKU 
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Richmond City Council hears from others on its proposed fairness ordinance Herald-Leader 
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Anti-bullying program begins in Harlan Schools WKYT 

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Pat Barry returns to WLWT, at least temporarily Cincinnati Enquirer 
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LEXINGTON BOY WITH RARE AGING DISEASE TO START KINDERGARTEN

A 5-year old in Lexington afflicted by the rare rapid-aging disease progeria is slated to start school:
When Zach removes his hat, one student looks at him, puzzled. "What is that on his head?" he asks, looking at the prominent network of veins. But since heads vary on most people anyway, he quickly forgets the matter and runs off to play. The first weeks of school, Martin said, will include lessons on how each student is special.
Full story with photos and video at the link: Herald-Leader 
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WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL KENTON COUNTY STUDENTS!
A special welcome back to the kids at Taylor Mill Elementary, Woodland Middle School, and Scott High School who are all back in the classroom today.
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AND IT LOOKS LIKE THESE KIDS WILL HAVE A PRETTY GOOD LUNCH:

Via WKRC:


Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/08/14/2299020/lexington-child-with-rare-aging.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cp

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COVINGTON INDEPENDENT RETURNS TO SCHOOL NEXT WEDNESDAY...
Via CIPS Facebook page:
The first day of school for Covington Independent Public Schools is Wednesday, August 22. For school supply lists, dress codes, school lunch menus, transportation schedules and forms for transportation and lunch, click here.
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MEET THE TEACHERS TONIGHT AT SIXTH DISTRICT & LATONIA
According to the Sixth District Facebook page the event is from 4:30PM - 6:30PM:
Come by and sign up for our school's wonderfully active PTA, register your child for the district's after-school Fitness Rocks program, and then visit with your child's teacher in their classroom. We're inviting students with last names A-M from 4:30pm-5:30pm, and students with last names N-Z from 5:30pm-6:30pm. However, if those times are not convenient for you, then you may come anytime between 4:30pm and 6:30pm.
The CIPS website also indicates that Latonia Elementary's open house is today, also from 4:30PM - 6:30PM.
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SEE ALSO: Kentucky spending little to none on textbooks WLEX 
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TWO SURVEYS FOR FOLKS IN LATONIA

First, the West Latonia Neighborhood Association:
It has been 5 years since the West Latonia Neighborhood Association (WLNA) was established and at that time attendees to the meetings were asked to complete two (2) questionnaires describing what they felt were 1) Issues and/or Problems in the neighborhood; and 2) list Goals or Positive Ideas/Items for or about the neighborhood. This was done to help guide the initial activities of the association in order to be effective and represent the concerns of the residents. At this 5-year point, we felt that it would be appropriate to ask our neighbors to complete this process again to make sure that we were proceeding the way that West Latonia residents felt would best serve their needs and interests.
The Executive Committee of the West Latonia Neighborhood Association would appreciate it if you would consider taking a few minutes to either complete this process for the first time or repeat it if you were among those who helped us get started 5 years ago. Some additional questions are asked in this survey in order that we may try to be more purposeful in our efforts.
For the survey, click here.
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The Latonia Business Association also has some questions:
Please complete this survey to help us know your favorite places in Latonia! The top winner in each of the three categories will receive a prize. The survey will be open through September 7. Winners will be chosen after the close of the survey and announced at the September 19th Latonia Business Association meeting.
For that survey, click here.
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ENJOYING THE FALL-LIKE WEATHER? WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?
With autumn mercifully approaching, let's check in with Jerod Theobald, owner of flow - a shop for men on Scott Boulevard, to see what's hot as the temperatures cool:
Bright and bold colors are in this season. Brick red, steel blue, and deep plum are the heavy hitters this fall and should be paired accordingly with classic shades of camel, brown, charcoal, and black. For those of you not brave enough to wear a patterned sweater or solid chinos in a bold color, follow the trend by adding a pocket square or polka dot tie in a bright shade. Still too much? Throw on a pair of patterned or striped socks from Richer Poorer and flash some color only when you feel the urge to do so.
Read more from Jerod and then get down to his shop to get your autumn look: Cincinnati Profile 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

NEWS ROUND-UP -- TUESDAY MORNING 24 JULY

THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks 
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BUSY, IMPORTANT COVINGTON CITY COMMISSION MEETING TONIGHT
On Tuesday night the Covington City Commission will meet for what will likely be a lengthy, important session. Here are the details:

  • Lots of retirements and one resignation on the agenda. From the Fire Department: Chief Chuck Norris, Asst. Chief Alan Terry, Battalion Chief Bill Shelton, Lt. Chuck Spenlau, Engineer Todd Ryder, and EMT/Paramedic Marty Finan. From the Police Department: Sgt. Steve Sweeney. From the Devou Park Rangers: Karl Fry (listed as a resignation, not a retirement).
  • EMS Director Dan Mathew will be appointed acting fire chief
  • Another part of the Center City Action Plan (CCAP) will be presented for the first time as retail consultant Mike Berne comes back to town to discuss "retail positioning and strategy".
  • The City's efforts to relax zoning restrictions on various types of businesses, as recommended in the CCAP, will have a first reading. For a review of what those zoning restrictions are, click here.
  • A contract will likely be approved for the installation of 115 LED light fixtures in Mainstrasse Village and Riverside Drive at a cost of $105,000
  • A contract for new destination signage for Devou Park will likely be approved at a cost of $36,000 (payable from Drees Pavilion allocation funds)
  • The City will likely shift some of its federal housing funds to the Center for Great Neighborhoods as the organization moves to renovate three vacant properties on the 300 block of Orchard Street (which were purchased from the City earlier this year for one dollar). $74,000+ from the City's community development block grant funds and $44,000+ from the City's home "HOME" funds are being sought for assistance with this project.
  • The Covington Neighborhood Collaborative will also present at the meeting, led by its President, Bill Wells
The River City News will have the most comprehensive coverage after Tuesday night's meeting here at this site, on Facebook, and Twitter.
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ARLINGHAUS: DISPATCH MERGER WILL BE ECONOMICAL
Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus pens an op-ed in the Cincinnati Enquirer touting what he sees as the economic benefits of a merged emergency dispatch center that serve the whole county:
For the past year and a half, we have met with staff of Covington and Erlanger to discuss what would be necessary to merge the centers into one efficient operation. We all agree the single most important reason for doing this is to enhance the safety of the residents and the first responders throughout the county. The second most important factor is the long-term cost savings.
Without a doubt, the main reason for creating a single dispatch center is enhancing public safety. Increased cellphone use is a major strain on the operations of any communication center. There are numerous documented cases of calls being directed to the wrong center based on tower locations. When using a cellphone to call 911, your call may “hit” the closest tower to your phone, which may very well cause your call to be directed to the wrong dispatch center. This will cause you to be contacting the wrong center, and you will need to be transferred.
Read the full editorial: Cincinnati Enquirer
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Arlinghaus and the Kenton County Commissioners will take up the issue of a $6 fee imposed on utility bills to pay for the merged center at tonight's fiscal court meeting. To see the agenda, click here.
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PROSECUTOR: STATE POLICE CRIME REPORT "ERRONEOUS"
The River City News shared highlights from the annual report by the Kentucky State Police that painted a bad picture of Covington:
Our City is close to the top in several categories of crime across the state, including burglary, robbery, prostitution, arson, and more. (Thank goodness for Lexington!) A full breakdown of a year in crime in Covington and Kentucky -- at the link.
Full story: Covington ranks poorly in state crime report
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Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders responded to the report via Twitter: 
Those numbers are so obviously erroneous that I'd place little value on the report. The stats have no comparison value because the data out is only as good as the data in. See also: 0 burglaries in Newport in 2011. Those stats also don't give a true pic of crime in Cov b/c they only represent reports, not outcome. Many BS reports filed. They do give a good idea of what Cov Police are dealing with. AKA Not the time to be cutting police positions.
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STATE PENSION TASK FORCE TO MEET IN FRANKFORT TODAY
This message comes from State Senator Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) who represents part of Covington:
2nd meeting of the Pension Task Force (Tuesday) at 10 am in Frankfort at the Capitol Annex, open to the public. I will be chairing the meeting, the Pew Center will be testifying.
Thayer is unsure if the meeting will be broadcast or streamed, but if it is, check for it on KET. The Pew Center will be testifying after writing a report that demonstrated that Kentucky is close to the bottom on being prepared to deal with its pension obligations.
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QUICKIES
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Kentucky Right to Life endorses Republican Thomas Massie in his race against Democrat Bill Adkins to represent NKY in Congress  WKYT
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Poverty rate is highest since 1965 with southeast Kentucky being hit the hardest WKYT
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Lawmakers are open to making changes in new law that aims to crack down on prescription drug abuse Bluegrass Politics 
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Study: Horses are more relaxed around nervous humans The Blood-Horse 
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"Wet" state parks report high alcohol sales Herald-Leader
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Episode of History Detectives shot in Kentucky will air tonight press release
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UK, John Calipari have claws in six top uncommitted recruits Herald-Leader 
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DON'T MISS MONDAY EVENING'S NEWS
What happened in 1875 when Covington's baseball team challenged the mighty Cincinnati Reds?; More cities intend to join the consolidated Kenton Co Dispatch Center; Plus, a vehicle damaged in a Covington parking lot during last week's storm shows up on Craigslist. Click it.
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FORMER UK STAR, NBA PLAYER TAYSHAUN PRINCE IN TOWN
From Kicks for Kids:
Olympic and NBA Champion Tayshaun Prince, a former Kentucky Wildcat and current starter for the Detroit Pistons, will partner with Kicks For Kids to host a Basketball Camp July 24th-26th. The three-day clinic is intended to provide quality basketball instruction and be a fun and positive experience for kids entering the 4th, 5th or 6th grades in the 2012-2013 school year.Date: July 24 - 26, 2012 (Tuesday-Thursday)Location: Scott High School  all 3 days Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Tuesday Registration: 8:00 - 9:00 AM)The camp will be capped at 125 participants, with reservations being given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Kicks For Kids at ted.kluemper@kicksforkids.org or 859-331-8484, for registration, questions or more information.
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ARTISTS COMPLETING WORK ON LICKING RIVER GREENWAY MURALS
Artists are in the final stages of completing the series of eight murals being painted on pump stations along the Licking River as part of the Licking River Greenway and Trails network in Covington. The murals are a joint project for Vision 2015 and ArtWorks. "There are six artists who designed the murals and we are reproducing their work. I designed one of the murals and the apprentices designed one mural," said lead artist Kyle Pennuri in a release. "The work is logistically challenging. We have separate murals in a location that we cannot use scaffolding. Also, each artist's work is completely different so in a short amount of time we have to learn how to paint like the artists and recreate their work."
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The Licking River Master Plan, commissioned by Vision 2015 in 2008, proposes to establish a continuous green corridor in the Licking River valley adjacent to the communities of Newport, Covington, Wilder, and Taylor Mill, Kentucky. The Greenway plan calls for the stabilization of the riverbanks, the removal of invasive species and the restoration of native plants, trees, and wildlife in the riparian corridor.
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In addition to the Greenway, the 5-mile corridor, between the confluence with the Ohio River and the I-275 overpass, includes plans for establishing a multi-level trail system that connects neighborhoods with historical, educational, and cultural institutions and recreational facilities. The proposed trail system provides for nature trails, paved trails and water trails.
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PHOTOS:


KENTUCKY COMPANY WRITES THE NICEST CEASE-&-DESIST LETTER
Brown-Forman, famous for its whiskeys which now include Jack Daniels, thought the cover photo on an author's new book looked a little too much like the Tennessee whiskey's label. So, they asked him to change it -- but went above and beyond to be helpful:
“It starts out very stern and legal and lawyerly, but as it keeps going they refer to me as their ‘Louisville neighbor,’ and I stopped worrying quite as much,” says Wensink. “They’re being very nice, and at the end they offered to pay for new cover art, which is unheard of in the publishing world as far as I know. I’m not an expert, but I can’t imagine any other company offering to pay for new cover art when you violate their trademark.”
Read the full story: WFPL
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You can also read the full letter: Click Here 
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KENTUCKY RETURNS WAR MEMORIAL FAVOR TO MICHIGAN
The Commonwealth of Kentucky has placed a memorial at the site of a Central Kentucky Civil War battlefield to honor the Michigan solders that fought there:
The conflict happened in August 1862 as more experienced Confederate troops marched toward Union troops who were raw and outnumbered. The Michigan Artillery tried to turn back the Rebel forces, but Union soldiers ended up losing the battle.
Full story: WKYT 
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BUT DID YOU KNOW...
The State of Michigan honors troops from Kentucky for their role in another losing battle, only this one happened in the War of 1812 in Frenchtown, Michigan along the River Raisin. The Kentuckians were caught off guard in what became known as the River Raisin Massacre:
General Winchester was awakened by the roar of artillery fire and rushed to the battlefield, but was captured by Indians on the way. Chief Roundhead stripped him of his uniform before handing him to the British, which led to the legend that he was captured in his nightshirt. The American were scattered and not in any position to fight. The 17 U.S. Infantry, consisting mostly of green recruits, was caught in the open: it broke and fled. Its colonel, William Allen, was shot dead and scalped. Dozens tried to surrender and laid down their weapons, only to be shot or tomahawked by the Indians. Members of other units also tried to flee, but most were chased down and killed. A few removed their shoes and ran through the snow in their stockings to leave footprints that looked like moccasin and thus managed to escape. The British commanders were occupied a large barn, which was set on fire by William Orlando Butler, who forced them from their shelter.
The Kentucky Rifle Regiment continued to hold in the town. They had killed many of British artillerymen and infantry, but they were finally running out of ammunition. Winchester was urged by Procter to order his remaining men to surrender; otherwise they would all be killed and Frenchtown burned down. Procter demanded an unconditional surrender and refused Winchester's counter-proposals since Winchester was already his prisoner. Major George Madison, an American officer still on the battlefield, persuaded Procter to accept a surrender on the condition that all would be protected as prisoners of war.
Source: Wikipedia 
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The massacre led to the War of 1812 rally cry, "Remember the River Raisin!" Kentucky Counties Allen, Ballard, Edmonson, Graves, Hart, Hickman, McCracken, Meade, and Simpson were all named for Kentucky officers that fought in the battle. Only Ballard survived. 
Monument in honor of KY soldiers in Downtown
Monroe, Michigan
But don't worry folks! Kentuckians weren't always on the losing end of a battle. In fact, in the famed Battle of New Orleans (after the War of 1812 had officially ended), a Kentucky regimen is often credited with boosting Andrew Jackson's victory. The events inspired this kick-ass song about Kentucky: