NKU PRESIDENT TO STEP DOWN

by Michael Monks
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Dr. James Votruba's fifteenth year as President of Northern Kentucky University will be his last in that role. In announcement today during the Highland Heights school's state of the university address, Votruba informed the campus community of his decision.

When reached late last night by telephone, Dr. Votruba granted a one-on-one interview with the River City News.


Dr. James C. Votruba



"I think the university is in great shape right now for a transition," Votruba said. "One can always stay another year or two but this is timing. Timing on transitions is very important and the timing now could not be better because the university is in a strong position academically and financially, given the times."

Votruba assumed the role of NKU's President in August of 1997 when the school was, as he a described, both a community college and a four-year undergraduate institution. Since then, NKU has increased its admission standards, its number of graduate and doctoral programs and now boasts of 16,000 students on a transformed campus that now includes multiple completed and new construction projects spearheaded by Votruba.

The Bank of Kentucky Center, a new student union and the new College of Informatics building are the latest high-profile, multimillion dollar construction projects that now define the campus as a growing metropolitan university.

"Fourteen years ago the budget was $85 million," Votruba said. "Today it's $210 million. "Ten years ago we had fifty-two undergraduate programs and today we have seventy. We had ten masters programs and today we have forty-nine and two doctoral programs."

Votruba arrived in Highland Heights from East Lansing where he was Vice Provost for university outreach and a professor of higher education at Michigan State University. His Bachelor's degree in political science, his master's in political science and sociology and his doctorate in higher education were all earned at Michigan State, a school that many thought would lure Votruba away a few years ago when its presidency was vacant.

Instead, he stayed at Northern Kentucky where his wife, Rachel, was also on faculty and where his daughter, Emily, graduated.

"We're an NKU family," Votruba said. "I get contacted by headhunters pretty regularly asking if I'm interested."

For Votruba, it's about legacy and impact, though.

"I never saw a place that looked like more fun than NKU, it's about that simple," he said. "I like building. It's more difficult to build at larger schools. This has been a good fit for me and the community has been a good fit. You have to decide if you're going to unpack your bags and leave a legacy."

Votruba will remain in the NKU and Northern Kentucky community. After stepping away as president following the 2011-12 academic year, he'll leave campus for a full year and then return as a facutly member in the education doctoral program.

"I'm a teacher, fundamentally. It's the way I've approached my work here and my entire career and I'm excited about the doctoral program in educational leadership because it's an opportunity to educate the next generation of leaders, not only at a university, but superintendents and principals who have a lot of responsibility," Votruba said.

"I'm also excited about more flexibility in my life for Rachel and me to spend time with our children and our grandchildren."

He and Mrs. Votruba have three children and six grandchildren. Votruba plans, after becoming a professor, to be simply that at NKU, a professor.

"I'm going to stay out of the president's business and give the new president the freedom to move in their own direction," he says.

President Votruba's accomplishments have made the NKU job more attractive and likely more competitive. He says that NKU is a good place to be a president and that Kentucky is a good state in which to be a president. The Board of Regents will likely use a consulting firm to conduct a national search for the school's next leader, Votruba said.

Votruba's are big shoes to fill. "My proudest achievement is the overall coming of age of the university as a full-blown major institution," he said. "Universities look to NKU as an example in community engagement."

The President says that there was not precise moment when he knew it was time to step aside and allow a new leader to come in, explaining that it happened gradually. "It's evolutionary," he says. "You listen to voices inside you, you ask yourself after fifteen years, 'this is a long time, do you want to go out while you're still on top?'"

"My father told me when I was a young man and he was still working, 'I want to know when it's time to go before someone has to tell me'. I think that's good caution."

Asked which building on campus now or in the future he would like to have his name on, he laughed. "How about that old log cabin that sits out by the Honors House," he chuckled.

Friday morning, Greaves Hall on NKU's campus was completely full for Votruba's final fall invocation, according to university spokesman Chris Cole, who also announced that the President will select a NCAA Division I conference in which the athletics teams would compete following the transition from Division II, another testament to the successful presidency of Dr. James C. Votruba.

New Facade Grant Available For Qualifying Homeowners!

The Homeowner Facade Program, funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program, is administered by the City of Covington's Community Development Department. The purpose of this program is to assist homeowners with improvement to facades (visible from the public right-of-way) of qualifying residential properties. The funds are available in two targeted redevelopment areas: Central Core and targeted streets in the Latonia area. Under this program, households which meet income and other requirements may obtain grants to assist with certain exterior improvement.

The facade improvements will be made available to address exterior code violations, which must be addressed prior to undertaking other improvements, on facades visible from the public right-of-way.   Examples of eligible repairs include roof repair/replacement, gutter repair/replacement, repair/repainting of exterior walls and trim, porch repairs, handrails, steps, and walkways. Lighting and security improvements may be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Other improvements may be eligible as funding is available.

Homeowners wishing to participate in the program must submit an application and required documentation to the Community Development Department. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis as funding permits.

Click Here For Guidelines 

Click Here For Map Showing Eligible Areas 

Questions?  Contact Jeremy Wallace, CDBG/HOME Program Coordinator, Community Development Department, at 292-2163 or jwallace@covingtonky.gov

"TIME TO MOVE ON," regarding Commissioner's DUI; "OUR LAST CHANCE," to save Downtown Covington; TV'S KIT ANDREWS speaks at Commission meeting

by Michael Monks
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CITY HALL - A packed commission chambers Tuesday night was mainly the result of concern over whether to change a portion of Latonia's Church Street near Holy Cross High School to a one-way. But the issues at hand ran deeper than that, including the approval of yet another plan to revitalize downtown Covington and an outpouring of support for Commissioner Steve Frank from his fellow commissioners, following his arrest and guilty plea for DUI.

SUPPORT FOR STEVE FRANK
"I would have done the same for any one of us up here on Commission," said Commissioner Steve Casper, explaining why he elected to pick up Frank from the Kenton County Jail and attended Frank's court appearance.

"I don't condone nor do I condemn," Casper continued. "I am one for moving on so we can make Covington a better place to live and work."

"I admire (Frank) for the way he admitted what he had done and offering his apologies," said Commissioner Sherry Carran.

"Sensationalizing this in the media is counterproductive and it's time to move on," offered Commissioner Shawn Masters.

Explaining that it would be the last time that he apologizes publicly over the issue, Commissioner Frank repeated his apology and remorse. "I'm sorry I caused attention to the city when doesn't need it," Frank said. "We need to be focusing on economic development." Frank added that he hopes that his example reminds people to take a cab home after drinking alcohol.

Mayor Denny Bowman did not comment on the issue.

THE PLAN OF PLANS!

Community Development Director Jackson Kinney explained the Center City Action Plan (CCCAP), the latest in a long list of plans to revitalize Downtown Covington. This new plan, the result of a federal grant worth $359,000 for consulting purposes, is slated to bring together the other 19 plans initiated by the city since 2000. Kinney says CCCAP creates a broad based strategy to guide revitalization efforts.

"We need a big project to happen quickly," said Mayor Bowman. "This might be our last opportunity."

"We have plans sitting on shelves," added Carran. "With this group on board we'll take the best part of these plans and put them together. It's gonna energize all of us to work together."

"We have one last chance to get this right," said Frank.

CHURCH STREET
The nearly three hour-long meeting started with the Church Street issue, in which a portion from East Southern Avenue and 36th Street would be rerouted as a one-way, an important issue to neighbors and families with children that attend Holy Cross.

Local TV news anchor Kit Andrews, of Edgewood, spoke before the commission saying that her kids attend Holy Cross and that she is a regular customer at the Latonia Kroger because of that. Andrews believes that a one-way street is not the answer to traffic and pedestrian problems, instead suggesting a turnaround and speedbumps. "When people stop using Holy Cross, you're gonna lose business," Andrews said.

A representative from the City explained that speedbumps cost $15,000 apiece, are also difficult to deal with during snow plowing and may even inspire young drivers to speed up to become airborne.

Mayor Bowman supports closing the street during school hours to all traffic. A vote is expected at the next commission meeting in two weeks.

Questions? Comments? Contact!

FRANK PLEADS GUILTY, PAYS FINE; CRUISER CAM LOCKED UP BY JUDGE

by Michael Monks
mmonks@deanmproductions.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-River-City-News/244172412265645

Commissioner Steve Frank pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle under the influence and disregarding a stop sign in an early morning off-docket appearance at the Kenton County Justice Center. The first term Commissioner paid a fine of $784.00 and will be on nonsupervised probation, meaning that if another offense is committed over the next two years, Frank, 55, could serve seven days in jail. Frank's license is suspended for sixty days (a request for "hardship" can be made after thirty days) and he will also attend alcohol treatment classes.

Frank was arrested early Saturday morning after a Covington police officer claimed to have seen him run a stop sign, prompting a stop. The Commissioner spent eight hours in the Kenton County Jail before being released.

Crusier cam video of that arrest will not be released following an order by the presiding judge who honored a request to keep the video sealed. A clerk at the courthouse did not know who made the request. The judge describes the video as "confidential" and has ordered the Covington Police Department never to release the footage regardless of the request, unless used in a confidential, official manner.

SEE COMMISSIONER FRANK'S STATEMENT BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW

COVINGTON'S RON EINHAUS HONORED WITH STREET NAME

David Street in Botany Hills is now officially "Ron Einhaus Way", named for one of Covington's most active citizens who died late last year. About thirty people gathered Sunday morning outside St. John Congregational Church for the unveiling of the new street sign.

"He was a tremendous man, he loved Kentucky, he loved Covington, his neighborhood, this church and his family," said Ray Kingsbury of Botany Hills. "Above all, he loved a celebration. Today we celebrate the life of Ron Einhaus and the dedication of Ron Einhaus Way."

Mayor Denny Bowman brought to the ceremony multiple photographs taken by Einhaus over the years and discussed them briefly before the crowd. Einhaus's photography was well known within the community and he could be seen all over town, particularly during events, capturing shots of his beloved Covington.

"Ron Einhaus will be taking aerial photos today," added Kingsbury.


David Street is now Ron Einhaus Way in Botany Hills


Dustin Einhaus spoke of his father on behalf of the family. "His name will be remembered for generations to come and we hope it inspires more people to become involved in their communities," Einhaus said. "He didn't like pomp and circumstance, he preferred a supporting role, but he would take the lead on important issues."

Visit www.roneinhaus.com for some of Ron Einhaus' photography and more. More photos from Sunday's street name unveiling courtesy of Barry Johnson are available by clicking the  "Click here for the rest of the story" link below.

COMMISSIONER FRANK ARRESTED; "I WILL ACCEPT WHATEVER JUDGMENT"

by Michael Monks
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Commissioner Steve Frank was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Saturday morning near his home in Covington's RiverCenter. An officer spotted Frank allegedly run two stop signs, prompting the stop.

Frank, 55, refused a breathalyzer at the scene and was transported to Kenton County Jail where he was released in the early afternoon after approximately eight hours behind bars.

Frank released this statement on the incident upon release:

A Farewell to Covington's Retiring Employees (& Other Notes From Tuesday Night)

by Michael Monks
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In his first full Covington City Commission meeting since officially assuming his new job as fire chief, Chuck Norris was met with the difficult task of announcing that eleven members of the department would be leaving.
"This is 241 years of experience," Norris said, choking up when referencing the retiring Dale Brown whom the chief described as the brother he never had, and who was also the only one of the eleven absent.

The announcement comes after months of bitter back and forth between the fire department's union, Local 38, and city administration/commission. When a projected $4.0 million budget deficit led the city administrators and the four commissioners to demand concessions in health care benefits for public employees, Local 38 was the most visible and outspoken union.



http://www.theavenuelounge.com/

  Mike Holtman, as president of the union was often its most public face and was also among the eleven firefighters retiring. He served the City for eighteen years. Others from the fire department to retire (with years served in paranetheses): Captain Todd Whitaker (24), Lieutenant Dale Brown (25), Lieutenant Paul Fangman (21), Lieutenant John Glueck (27), Lieutenat Paul Ober (16), Lieutenant Donald Studer (22), Engineer James Wagner (25), Engineer David Winterman (23), Lieutenant/Paramedic Chris Van Meter (20) and EMT David Hodge (20).

LONG LIST OF GOODBYES: Death, Layoffs, Mass Retirements At City Hall

by Michael Monks
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From the moment Commissioner Sherry Carran wept during the opening prayer, it was clear that Tuesday night would be no ordinary Covington City Commission meeting. Once all the shuffling of employment situations, including retirements, layoffs, eliminations, a demotion, a termination, a resignation and an unexpected death, the meeting lived up to that unordinary expectation.

Eleven members of the fire department, three members of the police force, two employees from the finance department, and two from public improvement announced their retirements. All were accepted unanimously save for the two longer serving employees from public works, whom Mayor Denny Bowman did not vote to accept their resignation.


International Style on Covington's Main Street
Ottoman Imports - Click Here


"This is not Tom's choice to retire," Bowman said, referring to Tom Overbay, who's served the City since 1973. "You weren't ready yet," the Mayor continued, addressing Charlie Menke, who's been with the public improvement department since 1972. Bowman indicated that he believed both men were forced to retire because of a budget deficit that the Mayor still believes could have been avoided.

OKAY, COVINGTON, WE'VE AIRED OUR DIRTY LAUNDRY. NOW, LET'S WASH IT.

by Michael Monks
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http://www.stevebeshear.com/



Finally, this divisive budget battle in Covington is over and we can all start to -

Wait, what's that? It's not over? What's that? We're going to court now?

Oh, for the love of William Goebel! You're killing me, smalls!

Has there ever been an issue more difficult to understand than the one our City has spent the past six months debating? There are Michener novels less challenging to follow.
I've gone to the Commission meetings. I even sat in on almost every line-by-line budget analysis in which I was convinced that Gateway College's urban campus had already opened, inside City Hall, and the commissioners and administrators were the wide-eyed freshmen filing in for Accounting 101 praying to God that Professor Bob Due wouldn't call on them.



I've talked to union members facing health care and worse, job cuts. I've listened to their confusion over how the people who patrol, respond to and improve our streets found themselves as the villains in this overwrought play.
I've done all of this for months now.
AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN MY HOMETOWN!

AS HEAT INDEX PUSHES 110, EMERGENCY SHELTER'S A/C BROKEN

by Michael Monks
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UPDATE Monday July 25: Per community activist and volunteer Candance Witte, Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus has taken swift action. Shelter administrator Rachel Winters confirms that a new air conditioning unit will be installed immediately on the roof of the Scott Boulevard building.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Northern Kentucky Emergency Cold Shelter keeps its guests warm in the winter, but very hot in this brutal week of summer. The Kenton County-owned building's air conditioning unit broke down last summer and has been since using a portable one.