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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

A BRIDGE TOO FAR: COVINGTON FIGHTS FOR EXITS

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
"This is by far the most important meeting in Covington about the Brent Spence Bridge in several years," said City Manager Larry Klein at the start of a packed public meeting inside City Hall. Covington's elected leaders and administrators hoped to create a unified message from Northern Kentucky's largest city as the region embarks on one of the biggest infrastructure project in its history, a new bridge between Cincinnati and Covington that may eliminate an important exit ramp to the Kentucky riverfront. 
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Fifty percent of the traffic that comes into Covington from northbound Interstate 75 does so at the 5th Street exit which would disappear under the plan recommended by transportation departments from Ohio and Kentucky. Instead, northbound drivers would exit at 12th Street and then use a collector road to get to 5th. Heading south from Cincinnati the issue is of even more concern to Covington as drivers would have to begin to exit near the Museum Center in preparation for an exit at 5th Street in Kentucky. 
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The loss of an exit ramp, while possibly the most significant, is not the only trouble facing Covington as the bridge project moves forward. Important access to Devou Park would be compromised, Goebel Park would lose its basketball court and possibly its swimming pool, and the Lewisburg neighborhood could yet again be gutted in the name of interstate progress. "When the original highway went in it cut Lewisburg off from the rest of the city and this new development only makes that void worse," said Beth Johnson, Covington's historic preservation officer.
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HERE IS A LOOK AT THE ISSUES AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS:
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ACCESS TO DOWNTOWN COVINGTON
Covington wants to ensure that a collector road is guaranteed on the northbound side of the interstate at the 12th Street exit so that traffic can continue on to 5th Street. Also, it wants amplified access to the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge so that traffic can be mitigated during afternoon rush hour traffic on 4th Street allowing drivers to choose the Clay Wade Bailey to access the interstate in Cincinnati. Additionally, Covington's leaders want a direct ramp from I-75 to 9th Street.
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LEWISBURG
Twenty-three properties will be completely removed while twenty properties will be partially affected. Most of the homes being removed are on Crescent Street which would no longer be a through-street and would have double cul-de-sacs. The homes to be removed are indicated in red in these photos:


Suggestions by the city include demolishing noncontributing buildings, emphasizing a facade grant program for the neighborhood since it is an under appreciated gateway into the city, and also the creation of a Charles Zimmer Memorial Path that would be pedestrian and bike oriented in honor of the former hardware store owner who was dubbed Mr. Lewisburg in his day.
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DEVOU PARK
Access to Devou Park from Lewis Street would be closed creating more traffic on Baker Street according to the city which also said the street is not designed or equipped for through traffic. The proposed solution by city staff is to make Monatgue a two-way street with an off-street parking option. 
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GOEBEL PARK
Suggestions for a revamped Goebel Park include a new pool and pool house, a "sprayground", a fruit and vegetable garden, a pond, and new parking. Check out the photo for details: 
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There are two public meetings scheduled on both sides of the river in a couple weeks: Tuesday April 24 at Longworth Hall and Wednesday April 25 at the NKY Convention Center (parking is free that inside the RiverCenter garage). Both meetings are from 5:00 to 8:00PM. The focus of the presentations will be the recommended plan but Covington's alternate suggestions will be display with a "not recommended" label. The public will be able to submit comments through a court reporter who will be present at both meetings. 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON 11 APR

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE MEETING TONIGHT AT COVINGTON CITY HALL
In case you missed this morning's news, the City of Covington wants to hear from the public about its concerns for one of the proposed designs of the new Brent Spence Bridge. More on this at the link.
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Addition headlines from this morning:
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Covington City Commissioner in Facebook tiff with Erlanger's mayor;  The man who killed and dismembered his girlfriend before dumping her body parts in Covington pleads guilty; Plus, students weigh in on the fight at Holmes that landed 5 in jail. Click the link for those stories and more. 
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KENTON COUNTY LEADERS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR WEBB-EDGINGTON
Several elected officials in Kenton County came out in support of GOP Congressional canddiate, State Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington. From the release: 
“While the most important endorsement is that of the voters, the broad coalition of support by these twenty leaders demonstrates that our message of fiscal responsibility, limited government and conservative values is gaining traction across the Fourth District. I am humbled to have the support of so many leaders, and I am grateful that they are willing to stand with me in this race.”
Clyde Middleton, Former State Senator and Former Kenton County Judge/Executive: “I am so proud to support Alecia Webb-Edgington for Congress. Alecia is a public servant who listens, considers the facts and takes action. She is a longtime friend and has proven herself an effective public servant worthy of trust and our vote for U.S. Congress.”
Dick Murgatroyd, Former State Representative and Former Kenton County Judge/Executive: “Alecia Webb-Edgington has distinguished herself as a leader in Frankfort by working to achieve positive results without concern for who gets the credit. We need more public servants and fewer career politicians. Alecia is that leader, and I have no doubt she will represent us well in Congress.”
Charles Korzenborn, Kenton County Sheriff: “We need members of Congress who will do more than pay lip service to defending the rights of law abiding citizens to carry firearms and to fighting the war on illegal immigration. I know Alecia Webb-Edgington; she is the kind of principled conservative we need in Congress.”
Gary Edmondson, Kenton County Attorney: “During the more than 19 years I have been honored to serve as County Attorney I have been an outspoken advocate for the lives of the unborn. Alecia has a proven record of fighting for the unborn in Frankfort and I know she will fight even harder for pro-life rights in Washington. I am proud to support a proven pro-life advocate for Congress, Alecia Webb-Edgington.”
Terry Carl, Kenton County Jailer: “Alecia has been a strong advocate for the needs of local government in the area of corrections. She will be a member of Congress who understands the issues and will be able to speak with authority.”
Kris Knochelmann, Kenton County Commissioner, District 3: “Kenton County has been fortunate to have a strong, determined leader representing us in Congress in Geoff Davis and an equally strong and determined leader fighting for us in the Kentucky General Assembly, Alecia Webb-Edgington. Alecia understands the issues at the federal level and is well prepared to serve us in Congress.”
Beth Sewell, Kenton County Commissioner, District 1: “As a wife, mother, and elected official I know full well the measure of commitment that it takes to run for and hold elective office. Alecia Webb-Edgington has been a leader for conservative women in politics, and I am proud to support her for Congress.”
John Middleton, Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk: “Alecia knows and understands the people of Northern Kentucky and the issues we care about. She is a leader with courage and determination who will represent us well in the halls of Congress.” 
More 4th District leaders offered their endorsements, too. See the full list with statements at the link. 
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NEO-NAZIS TO ASSEMBLE IN FRANKFORT ON APRIL 21
So, this is happening: 

From the clip's description: 
Illegal immigration, crime, the recession, White Civil Rights, and other critical issues facing our Nation will be addressed at this event. Our Nation is in serious decline. It is up to the citizens of this great land to rise up and reclaim our destiny! 
From the Louisville Courant
Callers calling the phone number listed on NSM's flyer will hear a one minute, 20 second recording of White America propaganda. "White America's solution to the problem is the National Socialist Movement."..."We refuse to let our nation become one giant Alamo."

One giant Alamo? SMH. 
Governor Steve Beshear released this statement today: 
“The Constitution affords the right to free speech and free assembly to all, and we will respect those rights, even for this Michigan-based, hate-filled group. This group should know that their ideology is reprehensible to Kentuckians, and that Kentucky is a tolerant, progressive, and welcoming state for all people.” 
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FRANKFORT HEADLINES

Beshear signs unemployment insurance bill:
Governor Steve Beshear today signed House Bill 495, a measure that provides the resources to pay interest owed on the state’s federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) loan and that will save Kentucky employers $600 million in federal tax penalties.
Sponsored by Rep. Larry Clark of Louisville, HB 495 preserves unemployment insurance benefits for the state’s out-of-work families and protects a $600 million federal tax credit for businesses by approving a plan to pay interest on Kentucky’s debt to the federal government. 
Read more here: press release 
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Bill allowing reflective tape on slow-moving vehicles becomes law WFPL 
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WHAT CINCINNATI'S STREETCARS WILL LOOK LIKE
CAF USA is a subsidiary of CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.) in Spain. The company has offices in Washington, D.C., and a factory in Elmira, N.Y. It has produced streetcars and vehicles for high speed rail, light rail and commuter rail, for clients around the world. 

QUICKIES
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Mary Middleton to receive posthumous honor from NKU Cincinnati Enquirer 

Radio DJ Jim LaBarbra injured in scooter crash Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Grant could bring in $60 million for primary care in Cincinnati/NKY region Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Audition for MTV at Gateway's Edgewood campus:
Make a change in your life and don’t forget to register for the MTV “MADE” casting call! TOMORROW, April 12th from 3-8 p.m., MTV Producers will be at the Edgewood SSC (790 Thomas More Parkway, Edgewood, KY 41017) to interview young people for their upcoming season. Interested? Stop by Edgewood SSC-Room E104 to register, or contact Sydney Stauter at 859-442-1199 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or at Sydney.Stauter@kctcs.edu 

RABBIT HASH AMONG 'FUNNIEST TOWN NAMES' BY TRAVEL MAGAZINE
From Smarter Traveler: 
Countless origin theories abound, but this Ohio River town's name is said to have originated when the flood of 1847 swept away most everything but the general store and the prolific rabbit population. (Insert your multiplying-like-rabbits joke here.) Driven to higher ground, the cottontails ended up becoming a staple ingredient in hash. It must've been about as appetizing as it sounds: There aren't any restaurants in Rabbit Hash serving the dish. 
Read more about it at the link. 
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CLINTON MEETS MEN WHO CREATED HILARIOUS "TEXTS FROM HILLARY"
The latest internet meme sensation Texts from Hillary, inspired by a sharp photo of the Secretary of State, finally came full circle when Hillary Clinton got in on the joke after a series of posts like this
Clinton then submitted her own entry taking aim at the site's creators: 
The men spoke with DC's Metro Weekly
"It was sort of unbelievable. Her staff had emailed us yesterday, said that they liked the site and that the Secretary wanted to meet us. They asked if we could come over to the State Department, and we of course said, 'Sure, we'd love to!'"
Lambe tells Metro Weekly, "Because the initial outreach came through email, I think both of us were in disbelief that it was even real. We Googled the name, asked if it was real. I was like, 'Is this a really bad version of Punk'd?'
"It was very surprising to get any kind of outreach from her office, let alone a submission -- which they definitely had to tell us a few times, 'Hey, that really is from her,'" he says. 
The guys decided today to end their short-lived website, but it's still online so go check it out and have a good laugh. Hillary did. 
Texts From Hillary 

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY MORNING 11 APR

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
MIXED INFORMATION EMERGES AFTER FIGHT AT HOLMES LEADS TO ARRESTS
An early report said three students were arrested but by late Tuesday morning Covington Police confirmed that five had been taken to jail following a fight at Holmes High School. Two television stations are now reporting that six more students were cited and released to their parents but Covington Police have not yet confirmed that with The River City News. Read the latest from The River City News and see the list of students arrested at the link below. 
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SOME COMMENTS FROM THE ABOVE LINK: 
The Comments Posted From Other People On This Web Page Makes Me Sick ; ! As A Holmes High School Student I Can Honestly Say That Us Student's Do Not Fight Just To Keep Things Interesting ! We Have Alot Of Good Classes & Programs To Interest Us ! & Yes These Boys Fought & I Know Most Of Them Personaly They Are Good Guys Who Have Amazing Personalities & Great Goals In Life & I Can Tell You Now They All Must Of Had A Good Reason To Do What They Did Or They Wouldn't Have Done It ! & It Really Makes Me Mad That You All Are Judging These Boys For Their Actions ! Your Adults Grow Up ! Holmes Is Not A Bad School ! & They Put Us Students In A Lockdown For A Reason ; They Had Us Protected ! & If It Was Bad Enough To Where The School Thought We Were In Risk Of Our Lives Then Of Course Our Parents Would Be Called ; ! We Were In No Danger ! Trust Me I Was At School That Day !
And:
As a senior of holmes I'm glad to call it my school. We have had problems but what schools don't at holmes I've had great memories and are still making them. We are people just like everyone else so why do they always choose holmes to make look negative, it happens everywhere..
And: 
Holmes is not a bad school, it is what the students make of it just as all schools. This could happen anywhere. 
And: 
And yet the administration felt no need to notify parents of the lock down or the potential danger their children faced. At the same time the CIS BOE claims they want parents to be more connected and involved with what goes on.
And:
Holmes High School has barely functioned as a school for a long time. Fights break out in classrooms on a regular basis, too. It's just something the students do to keep things interesting.
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As soon as the police department, the school district, and/or the school board respond to additional requests for comment, an update will be posted here.
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COVINGTON TO STATE CONCERNS WITH NEW BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE PLANS
The City of Covington wants its citizens at City Hall today for a meeting about the Brent Spence Bridge and its potential effect on Covington. Some concerns expressed by city leaders include the possible loss of a 5th Street exit, potentially more limited access to Devou Park, and the possibility of removing Goebel Park's swimming pool. Read about those issues at the link: 
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THE MEETING IS TONIGHT AT 6:00PM INSIDE COMMISSION CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL
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SEE ALSO: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has scheduled public meetings for the Brent Spence Bridge project for Tuesday April 24 at Longworth Hall in Cincinnati and Wednesday April 25 at the NKY Convention Center in Covington. Both meetings run from 5:00-8:00PM. 
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MEANWHILE, THERE IS STILL MONEY FOR THE NEW BRIDGE:
The project schedule calls for detailed design to begin in September, but neither Kentucky nor Ohio has enough funds to complete the phase – and it’s unclear whether they’ll get it this year. Ohio needs $52.2 million and Kentucky needs $68 million to complete detailed design of the new bridge and the related overhaul of a 7.8-mile stretch of Interstate 75. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda Van Benschoten 
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Rep. Geoff Davis tweeted this about the funding
If on nothing else, can't the Ky. House and Senate agree to devote $24 mil of FEDERAL money to the Brent Spence Bridge? 
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BUT BRENT SPENCE/I-75 CHANGES MAY BE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR AND COULD HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON COVINGTON:
Randy Gearding, owner of Riverfront Pizza and Sports Bar on W. 3rd Street, Covington, is concerned proposals for a new Brent Spence Bridge will alter access to 5th street and negatively impact his business.
(snip)
“A lot of the concerns of Covington have been taken into account,” Policinski said. “Now we just have to figure out how we get the ball advanced the last five yards so we all score a touchdown.” 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Amanda Van Benschoten 

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDERING, DISMEMBERING GIRLFRIEND
The man who stabbed and suffocated his girlfriend to death before dismembering her body and dropping parts of it in South Covington, pleaded guilty by reason of insanity in Champaign County, Ohio:
Champaign County Common Pleas Court Judge Roger Wilson ordered the evaluations and said a hearing would be scheduled once results were received. Ellis declined to comment on his client’s defense until then.
Police believe (Matt) Puccio called four friends after he killed Sacco to help cut off her limbs and dispose of them in northern Kentucky before going to stay with a friend in Hamilton.
The four others involved in the case also entered not guilty pleas. 
Hamilton Journal-News
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SEE: AN INTERVIEW WITH MATT PUCCIO AT THE LINK AS HE CONFESSES TO THE MURDER WHIO 
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CITY COMMISSIONER STEVE FRANK'S EXCHANGE WITH ERLANGER MAYOR
Erlanger Mayor Matt Rouse caught the ire of Covington City Commissioner Steve Frank who posted this to Facebook Tuesday night: 
 Guess what, Mayor Rouse of Erlanger has made an impassioned plea for all the other cities of Kenton County-Kentucky to not join the combined dispatch services with Kenton County because Covington has agreed to let the County run our dispatch. I can understand Mayor Rouse wanting to hold on to Erlanger's system even though I find his reasons venal and insulting and a risk to the public's safety. What I find unfathomable was his calling the meeting without informing either the County or Covington that there was such a meeting and calling it in such a way that the individual cities who came thought they were meeting one on one with Erlanger to talk about their relationship with Erlanger Dispatch and not in a general session. Cat's out of the bag bit@h. 
Mayor Rouse responded: 
What? Check your sources. 
Frank: 
Regionalism is the best answer for everyone concerned with safety. I won't mince words or back down. Farnkly I was getting texts from your meeting and many in your own audience was put off and shocked by what you had to say. ... Let's just say Mayor Rouse is about be feel very isolated come morning.
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MALLORY ENVISIONS 5 STREETCAR PHASES, ENTERING INTO NKY
During Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory's state of the city speech last night, Enquirer reporter Jane Prendergast tweeted:  
 envisions 5 streetcar phases including to NKy, light rail along interstates
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From Prendergast's article: 
Mallory highlighted: the restaurant and bar options now open at The Banks; his financial literacy program that steers people toward banks rather than check-cashing places; and the streetcar, which he hopes will stretch into neighborhoods and eventually connect to a light rail system. He did mention the loss of 270 Chiquita jobs, but said Nielsen's overcoming that by bringing in 600.
"And you all know," he said, "that I could not let you get out of here tonight without talking about the streetcar."
Nielsen. Thanks for opening up old wounds, Mayor.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Jane Prendergast
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TEEN GIRL STILL MISSING FROM KENTON COUNTY
Click image to enlarge:
Call Kenton County Police Dispatch at 859.356.3191.
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FRANKFORT QUICKIES
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Lawmakers still without an agreement on important roads plan Cincinnati Enquirer 
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Governor Beshear hopes to avoid a special legislative session and urges the passage of the roads bill: 
More than any other time in our state’s history, our state’s economic lifeblood depends on a safe and reliable road system, and jeopardizing the passage of the road plan would threaten both the safety of our roads and the ability of our businesses to function efficiently.
The last thing the citizens of Kentucky need is another special session for the legislature to approve regular pieces of business like the Transportation budget and six-year road plan. The House has done its work. It’s now time that the Senate do the same. 
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House Speaker Stumbo urges lawmakers to get behind prescription drug abuse bill Herald-Leader 

Beshear calls for cooperation at drug summit press release 

Business leaders support the "pill mill bill" Courier-Journal 

State tax reform commission gets history lesson from the graveyard of studies past cn|2 

Read highlights from the tax commission's meeting here

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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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A RARE LOOK INSIDE THE CARROLL CHIMES BELL TOWER
The River City News got to go inside the tower during a Friends of Covington event Tuesday in Goebel Park. 

See a lot more photos and learn how the tower came to be built at the link. 
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SEE ALSO: Incidentally, the company that built and maintains the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower was in the news for another reason Tuesday. The company will be casting a bell for the Marine Corps:
Rasgorshek, who recently returned from active duty in Afghanistan, will come to Cincinnati to participate in an April 26 bell-casting ceremony celebrating 100 years of Marine aviation.
Cincinnati’s Verdin Co., known for its creation and restoration of bells and clocks, will cast a 250-pound bell in its mobile bell foundry at Verdin’s Bell Event Centre in Over-the-Rhine. The bell will be placed in a 30-foot-high memorial tower the company will build at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla. 
Cincinnati Enquirer/Steve Kemme 
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NKY CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN COMES TO COVINGTON TONIGHT
Democratic Williamstown attorney Bill Adkins brings his "True Blue" campaign to the Pike Street Lounge tonight: 
MEANWHILE... ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE...
Alecia Webb-Edgington is now being targeted by a Cincinnati-based anti-tax organization:
In an email blast, it criticized Webb-Edgington for missing 58 votes in the state House between March 28 and March 30, including final approval of the $19 billion state budget.
“This is unacceptable and on behalf of the Kentucky taxpayer, we would like to provide Rep. Webb-Edgingtonan opportunity to return her salary valued at these three days missed to the Kentucky taxpayer and hold herself to the same standard she calls for from Washington,” the COAST email said.
Webb-Edgington missed the votes to attend campaign-related meetings in Washington, D.C. and a fundraiser in Shelbyville. But she has campaigned on a platform that includes urging members of Congress to pass a budget or forego their pay. 
cn|2 
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POLITICS QUICKIES
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Rep. Yarmuth accuses Sen. McConnell of misleading the public on health care reform WFPL 
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President Clinton to speak in Lexington April 23 cn|2 
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NJ Gov. Chris Christie headlines Kentucky Republican dinner Bluegrass Politics 
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PHOTOS: President Obama's Kentucky campaign headquarters Facebook 

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LETTER: HISTORIC PRESERVATION IS NOT ANTI-BUSINESS
The Louisville Courier-Journal publishes a letter that should resonate in Covington as well: 
Without a doubt, there have been times in my career that I have been frustrated by certain requirements I have faced in historic renovation projects, but that does not mean we should gut the process which has paid dividends in our community for decades.
The preservation of historic buildings presents unique challenges and obligations. There are, however, many benefits that flow from our protection and reuse of these community assets. 
Read it all at the link. 
Courier-Journal 
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QUICKIES
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Glenn O. Swing students love their pets Cincinnati Enquirer 
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CVG will get a low cost airline "soon" Business Courier 
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Kentucky's job gains among nation's best Business First 
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Cincinnati in the midst of a contemporary golden age? Urban Cincy 
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NKCAC PINWHEELS SIGNIFY NUMBER OF ABUSED CHILDREN
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the NKY Community Action Commission wants you to remember: 
See more photos here
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HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES OF NKY CONTINUES WORK IN COVINGTON, LUDLOW
From HONK: 
St. Tim's, one our faithful volunteer groups, is hard at work in Covington and Ludlow today.
More photos here.
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NKU STUDENTS SET WORLD TEETER TOTTER RECORD
Go Norse!
Photo: NKY Spot, shared with permission
See more photos from the event at NKY Spot 
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ATTY GEN CONWAY WARNS ABOUT FACEBOOK POSTINGS DURING SPRING BREAK
From Jack Conway's office: 
"Remember to 'think before you post,' said General Conway. "When you post vacation plans or upload pictures while on vacation, you are letting the world, and a potential home intruder, know that your home is vacant."
General Conway also reminds teens that what they post online can jeopardize both their safety and their future.
"The words and images that you post on the Internet can affect admission to a college, future employment or even personal relationships with friends and family," said General Conway. "Before you post, ask yourself 'would I want my parents, principal, employer or a predator to see this?'" 
press release 
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  WHO'S COMING TO PLAY FOR THE WILDCATS NOW?
The two highest profile recruits in America will make their college decision known tonight on ESPN and Kentucky is in the running to land both. 
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Nerlens Noel and Shabazz Muhammad to announce plans tonight Herald-Leader 
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UK has shot at 1-2 recruiting punch Courier-Journal
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UK's 2012-13 recruiting targets Herald-Leader 
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All's quiet for UK on NCAA's draft deadline day Herald-Leader 
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Bob Huggins is happy to see John Calipari win the title The DA Online 
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Dear Coach Cal,
I appreciate your statewide trophy tour giving fans across the Commonwealth a chance to take a picture with the NCAA championship trophy. However, it is not really a statewide tour if you skip Northern Kentucky where you have plenty of rabid fans, also. Please consider adding an NKY date if possible.
Sincerely,
Michael Monks
Publisher, The River City News
SEE TOUR DATES: Coach Cal  
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MORE SPORTS
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Lawsuit over Derby tickets reinstated by Appeals Court Courier-Journal 
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Bluegrass Stakes gaining prestige and praise Kansas City Star 
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REVEALED: THE SIMPSONS LIVE IN SPRINGFIELD, OREGON!
The internet went crazy Tuesday night when Simpsons creator Matt Groening said that the Springfield in his aging animated series was based on Springfield, Oregon. Though, once one reads the article the "revelation" is less than clear: 
OK, why do the Simpsons live in a town called Springfield? Isn’t that a little generic?
Springfield was named after Springfield, Oregon. The only reason is that when I was a kid, the TV show “Father Knows Best” took place in the town of Springfield, and I was thrilled because I imagined that it was the town next to Portland, my hometown. When I grew up, I realized it was just a fictitious name. I also figured out that Springfield was one of the most common names for a city in the U.S. In anticipation of the success of the show, I thought, “This will be cool; everyone will think it’s their Springfield.” And they do.
You’ve never said it was named after Springfield, Oregon, before, have you?I don’t want to ruin it for people, you know? Whenever people say it’s Springfield, Ohio, or Springfield, Massachusetts, or Springfield, wherever, I always go, “Yup, that’s right.” 
The Smithsonian Magazine 
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REMEMBER IN 2000 WHEN THE SIMPSONS WERE REFERRED TO AS A "NORTHERN KENTUCKY FAMILY"?
It happened in a classic episode titled Behind the Laughter:


In the first airing of this episode, the narrator gives Springfield's location as northern Kentucky. For the second and some later airings, this changed to Southern Missouri.
However, this episode is not canon. It portrays the show not as a cartoon created by Matt Groening, but as a live-action sitcom originally written by Homer and starring his own family. None of what happens is part of the main Simpsons continuity... exactly like any Halloween Special. 
The Simpsons Archive 

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

PHOTOS: INSIDE THE CARROLL CHIMES BELL TOWER

by Michael Monks 
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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CORRECTIONOn Tuesday, The River City News posted photos from a this tour of the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower and cited the tour as part of a "Friends of Covington" event. That was an error. The event was part of "Covington After Hours" and was sponsored by the Mainstrasse Village Association which alternates organizational responsibilities for After Hours with the Center for Great Neighborhoods, the Latonia Business Association, and the Friends of Covington. The River City News regrets the error.
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ORIGINAL STORY:
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Covington After Hours offered a rare look inside the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower in Mainstrasse. The Covington After Hours event at one of Covington's signature structures was highlighted by a quick guided tour to the top of the tower and remarks by Suzanne Sizer, marketing director at the Verdin Company, the Cincinnati business that built the landmark in 1980. "One of those best and worst places to live lists came out and somehow Covington made the worst list," Sizer said. "Governor (Julian) Carroll didn't like this fact so he got involved in this project."
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The Verdin Company was sent to Germany to find a suitable glockenspiel to inspire the design of one back in Covington. A Munich glockenspiel that featured The Pied Piper of Hamelin was selected. Construction began in Goebel Park and seven months later the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower was completed. Its version of the pied piper story features motorized figurines cast in clay made in fiber glass, and covered by polyurethane. Forty-three bells fill the top. When the tower first opened to tourist during a time in which Covington first hoped to turn Mainstrasse into a tourist destination (although with an original intent of a German-themed community like Frankenmuth, Michigan), the bells were played manually by a performer at a piano. They are electronically programmed now, though at Tuesday's event Latonia businessman Marvin Wischer tickled the ivories for the crowd.
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LOTS MORE PHOTOS BELOW, JUST CLICK THE LINK!
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