May 17, 2013
Neighborhood associations' embarassment
Any association that can't collect a few dollars from residents should just pack it up.
I remember Paeth's comment that he couldn't get people to donate money for projects. Why not?
Why do neighborhood associations have such a hard time getting a few bucks out of people?
What has gotten me on this tantrum is because of what happened in Peaselburg. Vandals destoyed a few flower pots and apparantly the local association is seeking money elsewhere because residents there are not coughing up the bucks.
Comparing it to my place in Florida, my association president there is always knocking on doors for this project and that one and, generally, people will donate. And that is on top of the monthly $500 HOA fee we all pay.
So if these so-called groups in Covington can 't collect sustainable funds from the locals, then it's time for them to pack it up. I swear.
May 16, 2013
Two hours to answer questions
With over 6000 readers, I have become the "go to" person when people have questions about Covington.
It's taking about two hours a day to answer those questions, part of that time is seeking answers for folks.
How did this happen? As I said, Covington News Facebook has a large readership. Plus, the City of Covington no longer has an ombudsperson.
Somebody has to do it, and it turns out ... I'm the one.
May 15, 2013
When the Enquirer misleads
MainStrasse isn't 'bustling' as Enquirer says. Everybody but the paper seems to know that.
The problems in MainStrasse have been written about, quoted by officials about and a simple walk about proves it.
There are a growing number of empty storefronts on its south end. A local restaurant owner says the Village buisnesses are getting 'the snot kicked out' by The Banks and Over-the-Rhine. And I would add, Newport and Bellevue as well.
Crime is on the uptick and people have been complaining about alleged funny business going on in parking lots there.
The street is looking shabby. The decorative lights outlining the buildings have been turned off.
I don't think Enquirer should be doing misleading puff pieces, but it did.
Maybe because the paper is also stressed, trying to operate with a limited amount of staffers.
It seems to be moving into doing more PRish type article because they are easier to do, using press releases as background.
By far, people still depend on the local newspaper. But if this keeps up ...
May 13, 2013
Rumors flying that City Manager will be shown the door
Speculation, highly unconfirmed rumors, just chatter at this point with regard to a change of administration at City Hall.
We know that two commissioners want to fire City Manager Larry Klein for alleged insubordination -- which explains Commissioner Williams angered order for him to, in effect, shut up at the last Commission meeting.
Another Commissioner is sitting on the fence and, if this persistent rumor is true, could tilt in favor of firing Klein at any time.
Anyway, a "special meeting" of the Commission has been called for 4:15 pm on Tuesday. Subject unknown, so stay tuned.
May 10, 2013
Moaning and whining at City Hall
The people at City Hall who thought they were in control continue to moan and complain about Commissioner Williams' brillant manuever to condemn the Sanitation District's rate increase.
It's all rather interesting. Enquirer is working on a story, so stay tuned for another episode of "As the City Hall turns."
May 9, 2013
Don't hold your breath for the press release
Waiting to read about the city's opposition to the Sanitation District 1's proposed rate increase?
Don't hold your breath.
The City Manager controls the release of press notices and he's dead against the resolution, as are the Mayor and Charles Eilerman.
But it is the official position of the city now, thanks to a brillant manuever by Commissoner Williams last Tuesday. Commissioners Rains and Frank agreed with the resolution as well.
The interesting part is the how the city government continues in disarray. Who's in charge is anyone's guess .. and it's all rather pathetic.
May 8, 2013
Commissioner Williams shows her extreme independence
When Michelle Williams was running for Commissioner, there were a few people -- including myself -- concerned about her association with the sleazy politicial operatives.
That association even caused a brief schism between herself and the leadership on the Eastside.
But the now-Commissioner has proven her independence, and you just gotta like it. A couple examples from last night's commission meeting:
(1)Williams exposed an effort from City Manager Klein and Mayor Carran to block the Commissioners from receiving information. In one case, the duo tried to block a resolution by the City of Covington that would oppose the Sanitation District's rate increase.
Commissioner Williams was able to successfully ram it through last night, but not without an angry discussion between herself, Klein and Carran. Even Eilerman -- the Mayor's poodle -- got angry and belittled Commissioner Frank for siding in favor of the resolution.
In the end, the resolution opposing the rate increase passed with Williams, Rains and Frank voting in favor.
(2) Commissioner Williams thinks appointments to city boards need to be broaden and opened to all residents of the city. She implied, as Commissioner Frank did on another matter, that the current appointments are good-old-boy picks.
"I don't know these people, I've never met them," exclaimed Williams.
She was expected to vote for appointments to city boards that didn't even give her the courtesy of an introduction.
So Williams abstained. And we say, good for her. Maybe that crack in the city's Good Old Boy system is about to get wider because of her.
May 7, 2013
Business worries about city's sex workers
An interesting email sent to The Covington News Facebook:
"Now that I have moved down in the city, I am having a real problem with prostitutes soliciting my customers which, in turn, makes them no longer come to see me .
"Today, I had an older gentleman approach one of my customers and tried to solicit her. This guy was an older man with a work badge around his neck pulled up got out of the car walked up to her and asked her if she was working .
"I was totally blown away by his actions. I called the police and they said they can write them tickets but before the ink dries they are out working again.
"My question is what ever happen to the program that went after the people hiring these girls and posted their pic in the newspaper and such?
" I need all the help I can get, keeping the customers I have and with these problems I'm gonna be another closed Covington business."
[ Covington News
Facebook ]
May 6, 2013
Exploring the Ludlow Lagoon
A friend and I decided to see the site of the Ludlow Lagoon for ourselves, so we did.
It's beautiful ... in the sense that the area where the lake was located is now a wetlands and would make a great spot for a nature preserve.
The lake area is just to the west of Deverill St./Sleepy Hollow Road, just south of Lake St. If you go ... wear boots!
May 3, 2013
More firefighters, that's the rumor
After being relentlessly persecuted on Facebook for not bringing the fire department up to speed, looks like the City Commission has finally seen the error of its ways.
Rampant rumors that the city will hire up to a dozen new firefighters.
The criticism of the Commission for things like hiring arborists and replacing new bricks on Madison Avenue before restoring the fire department has been constant, so if this rumor is true, it will be a very good thing. Covington will finally be able to move on.
[ Covington News
Facebook ]
May 2, 2013
Bricks issue still getting attention
Looks like the replacement of new bricks on Madison Avenue will continue to be in the spotlight for a while. WXIX gave it some big attention last night.
[ WXIX ]
May 1, 2013
Madison Ave pavers in TV spotlight
A local TV has been working on the story about the multi-color pavers on Madison Avenue being ripped out because someone(s) at City Hall didn't like the colors.
On WXIX, Channel 19, at 6:30 pm and 11 pm today (Wednesday). Maybe tomorrow. I do know the station has been working on it for a while, should be interesting.
April 30, 2013
Streetscape project was bungled from the start
An internal City Hall memo by Assistant City Manager Larissa Sims admits there have been problems with Renaissance Covington's streetscape project from the beginning.
"Let me start off by saying that the frustration you are feeling about this project is shared by staff," wrote Ms. Sims.
"We sort of 'inherited' numerous issues relative to
this project – that began before any of us were here. We have had to go back and fix issues related to drainage and procurement, along with the basement issue.
"It has taken about 4 years to correct these issues and get approval from the state (since this is a grant).
"That said -- we are rounding third, we are
almost done and ultimately it is going to look great.
"I apologize for the length of this email, but think it is appropriate to give all of you the background/detail considering the confusion, and the potential for it to come up tomorrow night," Ms. Sims wrote.
Apparently, the city was concerned that questions would be asked at the City Commission meeting. As you know, Mayor Carran ended up cutting off Charlene Dietz, claiming questions were no longer allowed to be asked during the residents' comments segment.
April 29, 2013
New attraction by unheralded volunteers
I have always loved volunteers who do not seek attention for themselves.
Like the four people who did a recent clean-up of a small section of the riverfront for a day and seemed to have more pictures of themselves than the trash that was picked-up.
Up on the hillsides of Devou Park, volunteers have been doing backbreaking clearing of land to create mountain bike and hiking trails for years. To this day, don't know their names even though I have the city's largest and most influential news site.
And I like that. Volunteering should be focused on the effort, not on self-congratulating.
April 26, 2013
Facebook page in the spotlight after Frank rant
After two obscenity-laced diatribes on Facebook -- one on his own page against the firefighters union, the other at The Covington News Facebook against a West Covington developer -- Commissioner Steve Frank has apologized.
The rant at our Facebook page put it in the spotlight once again. But gosh, folks, I'm worn out about all this stuff going on in Covington, never a dull moment. So click over and see for yourself.
[ Covington News
Facebook ]
April 25, 2013
Commission Frank gone wild
Some interesting words posted last night at Facebook by Commissioner Frank.
I'll just copy and paste his remarks, as written. The first has to do with the firefighters winning their grievance complaint yesterday:
Commissioner Frank wrote:
"OK, I am glad that I am impossibly rich and if Covington actually fails; that said after tonights Union Grevance ;
"... if I was actually somehow a person who depends on the system working right; I think I would leave Covington post haste.
"... Even the Commissioners who were appalled by Local 38 are ashamded of their vote. Even if we are behind a legal 8 ball it was worth the worst downside risk....losing another $10,000 as a worse cased to avoid losing another $100,000 plus thousand a year for years on end to the assholes.
"... Now that Local 38 has won; why should the FOP and ASCME who I've opposed but who have been I must admit, honest and real negotiators given the financial position of Covington anything but pissed off.
"My last words on the subject and yes I've been doing what I do BEST....drinking....Fuck LOCAL 38 AND THE SHIP THEY RODE IN ON.
"LONG LIVE COVINGTON FOP AND ASCME!!!!!!!!!"
Commissioner Frank's second tirade had to do a with a member of a group that wants to develop a West Covington hillside.
Mr. Frank wrote:
"Wes (Bittlinger) is a mini prick. By that I mean, a useless piece of shit. If he had anything worth considering; this would be the last place it should be considered.
" I'll be available any day and twice on Sunday if the little piece of shit would show his face in public."
[ Covington News
Facebook ]
April 24, 2013
I've got nothing
After all this personal ramblings this week, I've got nothing today! See you tomorrow.
[ But Facebook is going strong ]
April 23, 2013
Loaded down by Facebook
The Covington News Facebook page is approaching 6200 likes and, boy, am I feeling loaded down.
Kind of in a good way because I am happy with its success.
Much of my day has to do with leading people to the page. It's a really involved marketing effort but is definitely working. You just can't set up Facebook pages and expect total strangers to flock to it ... unless there's a lot of marketing.
The other reason for that "loaded down" feeling is that people are getting on the page at 6:30 am and start debating. It's great! But it also has to be monitored and that means yours truly is up before the crack of dawn, ready to oversee (and add to) the page.
So, the Covington News Facebook page is my contribution to the community. Others may do a one-day or 2-day project a year, then puff their chests out and shout "look how great I am for volunteering!"
I do it each and every day and try very hard NOT to make it about me. it's about Covington, it's not about me. Which is the way it should be ... for everyone who gets involved.
April 22, 2013
Putting the house up for sale
How long have I've been talking about this? Two years or so?
I think it's time to officially put the house on Russell Street up for sale.
Saying "officially" because it was casually on the market last year, if someone was looking for a place in Covington with a driveway and garage, etc, the realtor showed it. Indeed, it was nearly sold last December. We'd agreed on a price and an exit date on my part but something went wrong along the way.
Thinking the potential new owners's plan to do an add-on in the back was stymied.
Obviously, the real estate market has improved greatly ... so maybe this time around will be a charm!
Truth is, I am far more active in Florida and Atlanta than up north. Now that I am looking for a place in the mountains, if successful, that would make it even more difficult for me to get back to Covington anyway.
And -- LOL -- it would put an end to my wild weight fluctuations! On every return to the area, I start putting on weight ... and that is not a good thing.
April 19, 2013
Waterfront anti-climatic news
The Waterfront will finally be moved to the foot of Madison Avenue and Jeff Ruby promises an incredble restaurant.
You already know, that is, if you're a regular reader of the Facebook page. The Covington News Facebook has been telling you about the pending move for months now.
The 1000 block of Russell Street got an early wake-up call. Someone's car starting honking this morning on its own ... and honked and honked.
Sure, we knew about the requested zoning change for the old Remke's Warehouse, for a 7-8 story building. The owner says that's not the plan, but he needed that particular ordinance to make leasing the current building easier. We'll see about that. Right now, the zoning request is on hold for three months.
April 18, 2013
Meet and greet tonight
No word if people will be
allowed to ask the Mayor questions.
The City of Covington will have a "meet and greet" tonight. Your chance to meet city officials and department heads. We do not know if Mayor Carran will allow the peasants to ask her questions.
The event will take place this Thursday, April 18 at 6:00 P.M. at the Department of Public Works, 4399 Boron Drive, Covington, KY 41011.
You may recall the brouhaha after Carran told a person at the most recent Commission meeting that residents were not allowed to ask questions, and promptly cut the resident off.
April 17, 2013
Not enough activities for Covington youth
You'll recall the young adult who went to the Commission meeting and noted that kids and young adults do not have much access to recreation in the City of Covington.
He'd noted the now-closed Northern Kentucky Community Center (photo) on Greenup Street.
And at that heartbreaking thread initiated by Mikey Taylor -- the one with over 200 likes -- comments about the need for more recreation facilities and activities as a way to help bored young people from turning to drugs.
There were residents of Latonia who echoed the same at yet another thread here at the CKY, that the Water Park was not enough.
So, what do you think Covington? Are the city's youth overlooked and often forgotten? A lot of comments over at the Facebook page.
[ Facebook ]
April 15, 2013
Why downtown Covington has
so many cigarette butts
We don't think downtown Covington looks that dirty and littered but some folks here at the page do.
Help may be -- or may not be -- on the way.
Two groups, Covington Business Council (CBC) and Urban Partnership, have been trying since last August to get the commercial property owners to agree to a special tax to pay for clean up in the area. >
Pat Frew, executive director of CBC, says 38% of property owners have agreed to the tax. It's the same percentage used a few months ago in an article by the Enquirer.
So things are apparently at a standstill with 62% of the commercial property owners against the tax.
The good news for Mr. Frew is that only 51% of the owners have to eventually go along with it, for the self-tax to go into effect.
But that will be tough. For example, a resolution of support by the City Commission was barely approved this week. Fiscal conservatives Mildred Rains and Michelle Williams aren't sold on the idea. Rains voted against and Williams abstained.
Plus, there is apparently a lawsuit already filed by one property owner to stop the effort.
Obviously, a lot of division from commercial property owners to elected officials inside City Hall.
April 12, 2013
Day 9 of
PaverGate
The Enquirer says it had no idea there was a controversy concerning the pavers on Madison Avenue and nearby streets, thus the "puff piece" yesterday.
"Puff piece" is the term used for PRish type articles which, you may have noticed, are being done more and more by the paper because they're easier to do than investigative stories.
Which also explains the big photo of the multi-color bricks published yesterday at the Enquirer. The writer and the photographer did not know the new multi-color bricks were being changed out because someone(s) at City Hall didn't like them.
The C-Forward executive, who was the focus of the article, did not tell them ... maybe he didn't know himself.
[ Facebook ]
April 11, 2013
Residents not allowed to ask questions
Commissioner Frank was just as surprised as everyone that residents are no longer allowed to ask questions at Commission meetings.
Mayor Carran has claimed that the residents' comments segment of this week's Commission was not a time to be asking questions, although many questions have been asked and answered during previous meetings.
Commissioner Frank wrote at the Facebook page: "No one on (the)
Commission was briefed about any change in policy about comment time being only for comments."
So, when can people ask questions? No wonder people are flocking to my Covington News Facebook page, because there is no other place to ask and vent.
[ Facebook ]
April 10, 2013
Carran cuts off resident asking questions
The Mayor cut off public safety advocate Charlene Dietz's questioning with regard to the pavers that were removed from Madison Avenue after just two years because somebody at City Hall didn't like the colors.
Carran claimed that the residents' comments segment of last night's Commission was not a time to be asking questions, although many questions have been asked and answered during previous meetings.
Most people believe it was Carran who ordered the brickwork replacement, didn't expect anyone to notice.
And, of course, this revelation caused people at our Facebook page to explode.
[ Facebook ]
April 9, 2013
Restaurants and the city's
good old boy network
Getting word that a well-liked restaurant in Covington has been denied a loan from the City of Covington for expansion.
(Would rather not name the restaurant.)
Meanwhile. the city is set to loan a huge amount of money to a "friends of City Hall" couple who want to open a new restaurant in MainStrasse.
Growing opposition to that in the MainStrasse Community.
Meanwhile, Latonia is once again begging for a little attention from City Hall.
Should be a most interesting meeting tonight at City Hall!
And, of course, this revelation caused people at our Facebook page to explode.
[ Facebook ]
April 8, 2013
Request for funds latest controversy
Let me get through this as quick as possible, because it's really getting tiring:
A couple of people who have been deemed "friends of the city" are about to get a huge loan from the City of Covington to open a restaurant.
They did a little booklet on Covington that 99.5% of residents know nothing about because it hasn't been properly marketed.
They want to open a restaurant in MainStrasse and have asked the city for the money to do so. The city seems open to it and why not? They already -- through Center for Great Neighborhoods -- gave them the money to do their little booklet that nobody knows about.
Some of the established restaurants are enraged because they have been denied loans.
MainStrasse community leader Chris Henry is against the loan because he worries that the venture will fail and he's probably right given stats showing a high failure rate for new eateries. He would prefer that the money be used elsewhere.
Rick Trulley is against, but didn't express has reason.
People inside City Hall love the couple because they're kind of "kiss up" folks to the politicians.
Commissioner Frank says if the venture fails, that the city will get the two buildings where the restaurant was housed.
Hey, more real estate for a city that doesn't know what to do with the inventory it already has!
April 5, 2013
Facebook explodes after brickwork revelation
Decorative brickwork along Madison Avenue -- from 4th Street all the way down to City Hall -- is currently being replaced because someone "doesn't like multi-color" bricks.
The multi-color bricks were installed/planted just two years ago. You may recall that quote from public improvements officer Mike Yeager, made last year at a commission meeting.
The proposal to change out the bricks seemed to have been shot down by an incredulous commission, but obviously somebody at City Hall really does not like those multi-color bricks!
And, of course, this revelation caused people at our Facebook page to explode.
[ Facebook ]
April 4, 2013
Good luck with that, he'll need it
So, former Commissioner Shawn Masters has started his own organization to help elect Democrats in Northern Kentucky?
Good luck with that, he'll need it. Afterall, this is the guy who quit in the middle of a campaign for city commission ... and voted to turn the city government over to the Republicans during the last commission.
Me thinks he has a huge credibility problem.
April 3, 2013
Hypocrisy among Covington Dems
Remember how certain Covington Democrats tried to persecute Republican Steve Frank because of his stand with regard to the firefighters?
Now that Democrat "Chuck" Eilerman has hopped into bed with Frank and Carran on the issue ... they're totally silent.
Just amazes me the hypocrisy that abounds within the local Democratic Party. No wonder it's in such disarray, and going nowhere.
April 2, 2013
Gosh, darn it!
Nothing to say/write today.
April 1, 2013
Shawn Masters and strange politics
A political brouhaha last Friday at my Covington News page at Facebook.
Somebody involved in politics has been floating the idea of Shawn Masters running for state representative.
I was amused, because Masters has no chance in hell to be elected to anything.
Seriously, if a politician can't get pass the sleazy political operatives and is forced to quit in the middle of a campaign when people are depending on you ... then you're weak, very weak.
Besides, Arnold Simpson will stay state representative as long as he pleases.
Commissioner Steve Frank wrote at THE COVINGTON NEWS:
"I talked with Arnold," Commissioner Frank wrote.
"He's not upset with the idea of a primary. It was Shawn and I after all that defended Covington from being redistricted into thirds with what is north of 12'th street being gerrymandered into Dennis Keene's district.
"That kept Arnold from being redistricted out of office. The official Democrat(ic) Party turned on Shawn (and Arnold) via your friend the political operative (Groob) and a few others.
"Shawn subsequently decided to form his own chapter of the Democrat Party ... one that would be more in tune with local issues."
Well, Masters may have started a competing Dem organization, but he's going nowhere. And if State Representative Simpson has competition, it ain't going to be Masters. More likely it will be Michelle Williams.
Anyway, Masters ended up denying everything. In respond to the brouhaha at THE COVINGTON NEWS, he posted this at his own Facebook page:
" My official statement: With recent posts regarding a 2014 run for me, I consider Arnold Simpson a dear friend and a wonderful political ally, not just for Covington (which I dearly love) but for our great Commonwealth," Masters wrote at Facebook.
"I chose to leave political office to focus on family and business. I am content in doing just that, as well as working to promote the newly formed Northern Kentucky Democratic League.
"A future political office for me is still up in the air, and will be considered if the time is right and the opportunity arises.
"For the time being, I will focus on building our base in NKY and work along side Arnold and our other Democratic colleagues to build a better Commonwealth."
[ Facebook ]
March 29, 2013
War of words
The firefighters have rejected the latest agreement with the city and the war of words has been renewed.
The union leader told Enquirer that Commissioner Frank's recent comments at "social media" played a role. That social media was, of course, THE COVINGTON NEWS where Mr. Frank told the firefighters -- in particular, Chip Terry -- to "go pound salt."
But Commissioner Frank seems happy with the rejection. "I also want to thank Local 38 for voting down the agreement," he wrote at the Facebook page. So here we go ... once again.
[ Facebook ]
March 27, 2013
Pumper 1 and fire protection
A lot of discussion, impassioned pleas to restore Pumper 1 at the Commission meeting last night.
Former assistant fire chief Chip Terry and public safety advocate Charlene Dietz separately expressed concerns about response time without it.
Chief Terry talked about a possible reorganization of the Fire Department in order to get the Pumper in service, even with only 27 personnel on duty.
From residents on the Eastside, most affected by the engine brown out, came more pleas for its restoration.
Sharon Brown, speaking to the Commission, said "You talk building this and building that, let human life be the most important in this city."
Community leader Bennie Doggett also spoke as did other Eastside residents.
A letter from the Licking Riverside Neighborhood Association's president noted the infrastructure problems in the city and worried about fire plugs not being able to fully work.
Concerned residents were, in effect, "thrown a bone." Pumper 1 will be put in service when staffing levels at any particular time are above 27 people.
About 10% of the time.
Otherwise, no promises.
Seems as though the vote remains 3-2 with regard to keeping Pumper 1 out of service most of the time.
Commissioners Rains and Williams support more firefighters, the others are apparently against.
Had a majority supported full restoration, surely some kind of action would have been taken tonight.
March 26, 2013
Commissioner Eilerman in the
hot seat
Will Commissioner Eilerman betray the firefighters, too?
The Eastside community has already accused Commissioner "Chuck" Eilerman of betrayal on another matter.
Let's see how he votes tonight on restoring Pumper 1.
Endorsed for election by the firefighters, Eilerman may vote against them. Commissioner Frank says his vote, Eilerman's and the Mayor's vote will be against restoration. Commissioners Willams and Rains are supporting it, both were also endorsed by the firefighters.
March 25, 2013
Another plea for meeting attendance
Commissioner Michelle Williams renewed her call yesterday (Sunday) for residents of Covington to show up at Tuesday's Commission meeting to push for the restoration of the Fire Department's Pumper 1
Former Assistant Fire Chief Chip Terry says keeping Pumper 1 out-of-service is making the city unsafe.
Interestingly, there was background info that the firefighters union and the city reached yet another understanding on fire protection, but details are unknown.
Maybe the agreement collapsed, don't really know in a city known for its secret behind-the-scenes shenanigans.
So, I guess we'll just have to wait until the meeting on Tuesday.
March 22, 2013
Go pound salt
Interesting exchange of comments at my Covington News Facebook page.
Former assistant fire chief Chip Terry says the current brown-out of Pumper 1 is endangering the lives of Covington
residents.
Members of the Eastside community say alleged slow response because of the brownout killed a resident.
The Facebook page has noted Commissioner Williams call for a march on City Hall next Tuesday for the regular meeting.
Everybody is waiting to see if wishy-washy Commissioner Eilerman holds true to the Firefighters, who endorsed him for election. Right now, only 2 votes for restoring the pumper -- Commission Rains and Williams.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Frank has posted several times, including one where he told Mr. Terry to "go pound salt." He claims the city doesn't have the money to restore Pumper 1.
Clearly, Covington News Facebook is ground zero for the debate, as it usually is.
[ Facebook ]
March 20, 2013
March on City Hall coming
Mayor Carran's arborist hiring has created growing anger in Covington.
Some people, like members of the Eastside Neighborhood Asociation, say more firefighters are needed instead and the group plans to march on City Hall next Tuesday for the next Commission meeting.
But Commissioner Steve Frank implies that they are wasting their time. Writing at THE COVIINGTON NEWS, Frank predicted that any effort to hire firefighters will fail by a 3-2 vote.
"It will fail 3 to 2," Commissioner Frank wrote.
"Bottom line, we were spending 40% more for public safety than the median city of comparible size... See the brutal facts in re Chuck Scheper and his 2011 State of the City speech. I will not let the city slide back towards bankruptcy."
[ Facebook ]
March 19, 2013
Major city resignation; Mayor under seige
Tom Logan, the head of the city's public improvements, has resigned according to City Hall insiders who say he was fed up with the politics going on.
Another blow to the new Carran administration which has been under seige by some residents, especially after accusations that the Mayor is retaliating against those who did not vote for her.
[ Facebook ]
March 18, 2013
Meeting on the bridges over train tracks
What do you think should happen to the11th & 15th Street bridges?
There's a public meeting is on March 20, at 6pm, at the Center for Great Neighborhoods, located at 1650 Russell Street. Thought you should know!
[ Facebook ]
March 15, 2013
Festive weekend in Covington
Starting tonight and running through Sunday evening, Covington will be extra festive!
It's St. Patrick's weekend and the bars at Roebling Point and in MainStrasse are ready. Originally, St Patrick's was a solemn Roman Catholic event and just like the others -- Mardi Gras, St Valentine's, Halloween and even St Nick's -- have turned into secular events celebrated by all creeds.
Extra police will be on duty. Have a great time!
March 13, 2013
Stunning power play, retaliation by the mayor
A stunning -- and angry -- revelation during last evening's Covington Commission meeting. A power play -- possibly illegal -- by the City Manager and the Mayor, an elected official who has but one vote, same as the Commissioners. The fact that Mayor Carran has been retaliating against people who didn't vote for her or do not agree with her presents serious ethical questions that may have to be dealt with.
Commissioner Frank was asked this morning at THE COVINGTON NEWS on why some kind of action has not been taken. His response:
"... had we decided to take the reins of government over last night before the public had a chance to see what we were dealing with behind closed doors; we would have looked like the bad guys for picking on a new Mayor. Now that the people are more aware ..."
Needless to say, this is an absolute mess inside City Hall. You'll have to read all the threads at Covington News to understand what's going on.
[ Facebook ]
March 12, 2013
Mayor still pushing for an arborist
Apparently the Mayor still wants to expand the hours of the city's arborist to full-time with a salary of over $40,000 with benefits. That's on the agenda for tonight's Commission meeting.
Steve Frank says at least three commissioners
are trying to restrain "the environmental green types"
inside City Hall.
"As per out of touch, I think that environmental green types do have an inordinate amount of sway over city policy that at least three of us are trying to restrain," Commissioner Frank wrote.
"I want a clean, beautiful town too, but there are more basic services that have to be covered first..... like not bouncing the worker's paychecks. "
[ Facebook ]
March 11, 2013
Newport's Monmouth Street comeback
Covington's Madison Avenue continues to struggle but over in Newport, its main street is hustling and bustling. I would assume one reason things are working there is because competent people have been put in charge of making it happen.
[ Enquirer ]
March 8, 2013
Time change this weekend
Time changes this Sunday morning, to Daylight Savings Time. Don't forget to spring forward! That's it for this week at the Russell Street News, see at the Facebook page all weekend!
March 7, 2013
Lights out in MainStrasse
Most of those beautiful lights that outline the buildings in MainStrasse have been off for a few years now.
Promoters and public relations people understand the value of lighting displays, but for MainStrasse ... it's lights out.
After an inquiry, the local association says it has plans to restore the display and we'll get into that later today. But why did it let an important part of any entertainment district fall into this state in the first place while others like Fountain Square, Newport Levee and the casino move ahead?
March 6, 2013
MainStrasse believes it can overcome loss of customers to The Banks
Its association thinks it's just temporary.
"Often when new entertainment venues open, businesses within a close proximity will experience a decrease as patrons want to go try something new.
"The Banks have opened lots of entertainment and dining options (several of which are now having financial difficulties), as well as the new Horseshoe Casino," notes the MainStrasse Village Association director.
"However, the historic buildings, old world charm and locally-owned shops, restaurants and bars have a unique quality that keep patrons coming back to MainStrasse Village.
"MSVA will continue to assist the City of Covington in promoting MainStrasse Village with our marketing, capital improvements and special events. We have several new, exciting businesses that will be opening in the Village over the next several months."
March 5, 2013
First 'fowl' meeting this Thursday
Covington resident Louis Cornelius is forming a group for folks interested in raising chickens and other fowl in the city.
First meeting is this Thursday, March 7th at 5PM. All are invited.
The get-together will be held at the new Monkey Brew Coffeehouse at 402 Bakewell (4th and Bakewell), at 5 pm. The commission recently approved the raising of poultry in the city
[ Covington News
@ Facebook ]
March 4, 2013
Congrats Holmes!
One of those days when there's nothing to say but ... Congratulations to Holmes boys basketball for winning the district championship Sunday evening!
The Facebook page has been all abuzz.
[ Covington News
@ Facebook ]
March 1, 2013
Bouquet could save MainStrasse
Recent kudos for Bouquet Restaurant by the mainstream media has hopefully given besieged MainStrasse a shot in the arm, especially after Cock & Bull owner Chris Penn told the world that The Banks in Cincinnati is "kicking the snot out of us."
Still, no plans to counter the competition across the river, as far as we know, from the MainStrasse Village Association.
And it better hurry because we're hearing that merchants are beginning to withdraw from the group in frustration ... so get going!
That's it for this week here, but The Covington News is always on ... including weekends.
February 27, 2013
Key MainStrasse tavern: We're getting the snot kicked out of us
Chris Penn, owner of the Cock 'n Bull restaurant/tavern in MainStrasse says "we are getting the snot kicked out of us" by The Banks in Cincinnati.
Says something has to be done to counter the competition. Mr. Penn's admission was made at last night's Commission meeting.
February 26, 2013
People freaking out about Bishop's House
After posting a photo of the historic Bishop's House ending up as rubble, people at the Facebook page really freaked out.
[ Covington News
@ Facebook ]
February 25, 2013
Miracle on Madison Avenue
It's a miracle! Two months after taking office, the city has finally posted a photo of the new mayor and the commissioners at its website.
[ Take a look! ]
February 22, 2013
That's it for this week! Don't forget that Covington News at Facebook is always on ... see you there this weekend.
February 21, 2013
Free pizza! That's a way to bring in business!
A very good PR promotion for a new pizza joint in downtown Covington.
PizzaBomba will give away 1000 slices beginning at 11 am on Tuesday, February 26th at its new location at 14 E. Fifth Street.
February 20, 2013
Don't need a
new bridge
How much more of this drumbeat for a new bridge? Commissioner Frank seems to be correct ... if I-71 traffic is diverted to I-471, there would be no need for a new bridge.
February 19, 2013
Covington losing part of its quaintness
Those carriage horses that trot down Russell Street from time to time are no more, says Elegant Carriages.
"Our building was sold to Gateway so we are currently working from our barn in Over-the-Rhine but hoping to find another building in Covington because we really love it there," wrote at Kimberly Lightner.
Apparently, the city -- which now has a business retention office -- hasn't helped. Unless someone offers a place to stable the horses, then one more piece of the city's quaintness will be gone.
February 18, 2013
Facebook page growing by leaps and bounds
Remember when Groob and Paeth were running around telling people not to access my Facebook pages?
Well, they are losers once again because The Covington News Facebook picked up 800 new likers over the past month, making the grand total 5,540 + likers.
Paeth would have been a commissioner today had it not been for The Covington News. Must have been karma biting him in the you know what.
Or maybe his associates and even people who consider him a friend are right in describing the former candidate as an asshole (amazed how many used that slur about him) -- and the voters knew it, too.
[ Covington News ]
February 15, 2013
Commissioner Frank doubts toll price estimate
"They are saying that tolls won't be over $2," Commissioner Steve Frank wrote.
"Well here is the toll on every toll bridge in the USA built on an interstate highway. "No such bridge built since 2008 has a toll under $3 with most being $4 to $5."
[ Covington News ]
That's it for this week at Russell Street News. Don't forget, it may be the weekend but the Facebook page is always on!
February 14, 2013
Kids putting on cute Dalmations show at Holmes
The Disney Kids musical version of "101 Dalmatians" and will focus on the evil Cruella DeVil as she tries to capture the adorable Dalmatian puppies is tonight and Friday evening at Holmes High School, 7 pm.
Elementary and middle school student will perform in this show, produced by Holmes High School Creative and Performing Arts Career Cluster students.
The show is sponsored by generous grants from Covington Independent Public Schools, Children, Inc. , Bulldogs Give Back, and Learn & Serve America.
This service learning project features over 70 actors age 3-13 & high school directors age 14 - 18 teaching the younger children. Over 400 saw the show opening night Wed. The show lasts approximately 30 minutes and is free and open to the public.
Bring the family and enjoy a great show at Holmes. High school seniors Josh Ramos & Trevor Rhodes are producing & directing the show. Rex Sholar is the artistic director at Holmes and is the sponsor for the show.
It's free, but promoters won't refuse a donation.
February 12, 2013
Commission expected to talk about riverfront, trailer park
The city may discuss Riverfront plans today at the Commission meeting.
One commissioner promises action on the unbelievable and heartless situation the City of Covington created over at the Austinburg travel park. Meeting begins at 6 pm, open to the public.
February 11, 2013
City of Covington officials now
promise to help trailer park residents
Covington Trailer Park resident Chris Fry said the Mayor and a Commissioner told them they did not realize the treatment allegedly being carried out by the landowner. Said the city -- which is taking over the property and will convert it into green space -- will make things right.
Promised the city will offer more assistance in finding housing and residents do not have to vacate the property in Austinburg, as ordered by the current property owner, that residents can stay longer until housing is found.
Promised that the residents will not be forced out with no home this winter.
The property owner ordered the residents out by March 15 with allegedly little or no financial assistance. Residents asked the current property owner if the final month's rent could be waived to use the funds for a deposit on housing elsewhere, the landowner allegedly refused and allegedly said they would be immediately evicted if the rent was not paid.
Just Friday, a city representative coldly told the residents to seek federal assistance if they were having trouble with moving expenses.
Talk that a prominent Covington attorney was preparing to sue the pants off the city on behalf of the residents.
Mr Fry said the residents contacted THE COVINGTON NEWS as a last resort, in frustration.
February 8, 2013
Safety tips for those
attending MardiGras
If you're going to Mardi Gras, be careful because of crime wave:
(1) Park your car in a lighted location, best that it has attendants on duty until the wee hours. (2) Make sure to empty the contents inside the car (3) Travel as a group (4) Put your wallet in a front pants pocket
(5) Do not use your smartphone, it can be grabbed quickly by thieves (6) Note security personnel locations. (7) And, oh yeah, have a great time!
That's it for this week. Of course, Covington News Facebook is always on, see you there.
February 6, 2013
City wants to hear from residents, special event Thursday
City of Covington residents and stakeholders are invited to have their voices heard on the needs of the community.
A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 7 at 6pm at City Hall Commission Chambers.
[ WXIX ]
February 5, 2013
Bottle manufacturer to move to Covington
This is the good economic news I was trying to tell you about yesterday:
A glass bottle manufacturer plans to move to Covington, and the company has received preliminary approval for up to $1.5 million in state and local tax incentives over the next 10 years.
[ Enquirer ]
February 4, 2013
More jobs for Covington
Gov. Steve Beshear will be here today, Monday, to announce a new economic development project for the area. Likely has to do with Westpack LLC opening a factory in Covington.
Westpack LLC is a glass packaging company and will add 63 jobs to Covington. It is a spin-off of the Russian-based glass bottling company, Unipak.
[ Covington News ]
UPDATE: The governor's announcement will be made in Erlanger, so maybe it isn't about Westpack ... or the company decided to open in Erlanger instead. We'll see.
February 1, 2013
A lot of Facebook
So much going on at the Facebook page, that I don't have time to comment today. But head on over to Facebook, cause there's never a dull moment!
A reminder that Russell Street News takes weekends off, see you on Monday!
[ Covington News ]
January 31, 2013
11th Street Bridge permanently closing
City Hall has just received news from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) that they will be closing and barricading the 11th Street bridge over the railroad very soon due to the "serious condition of the steel superstructure".
An exact date was not given, but it is likely to occur this week. Residents should prepare to find alternative vehicular routes in preparation for this change.
The City has been working with KYTC regarding the potential closure or replacement of both the 11th and 15th Street bridges. The 15th Street bridge has also been closed to vehicular traffic for some time.
The City's Transportation Task Force has held public meetings, in conjunction with KYTC, to discuss the future of both bridges and possible options.
City Staff is still working with KYTC to analyze the possibilities of a final solution for the bridges; this current measure is only to address the immediate safety concerns.
January 30, 2013
Latonia computer company restoring Johnny's Toys castle
Laura and Andy Blair are moving their computer store to the old Johnny's Toys location in Latonia, promising to restore the castle and will pass out commemorative keys.
January 29, 2013
Whiners in the neighborhood
Great event that brought hundreds of people into Covington over the weekend, as has been noted by CKY.
Barbell Blitz at Crossfit, Eighth and Russell Sts, drew as many as 400 athletes into town.
There were some spoiled residents in the area who, of course, complained that their parking spaces were blocked. The event was only for a few hours, stop your whining.
January 28, 2013
MainStrasse suffering business closings,
property sales
Three restaurants have closed in the MainStrasse area, among them are Fatty Patty's Pizza and Lime. A least two bars have been put on the market for sale.
January 25, 2013
Covington man arrested hours after leaving jail
Maybe Willie just wanted to go back to jail?
Willie Rowlett, 23, of Covington and Andrew Graham, 27, who is homeless, had just been released from the jail earlier in the day, at 5:22 a.m., after Cincinnati police charged Rowlett with receiving stolen property and picked up Graham on minor outstanding warrants.
[ Enquirer ]
Anyway, that's it for this week. Russell Street News always takes the weekend off ... but The Covington News at Facebook is always on, just in case you need a news fix this weekend! C U here Monday.
January 24, 2013
A reminder about the
city's Meet & Greet tonight
In support of the City's goal to be accessible to our residents and businesses, the City of Covington now offers Meet & Greet events. These sessions will begin Thursday, January 24, at 6:00 pm in the City Commission Chambers. This will be the first of a series of events that are planned to occur on a quarterly basis.
January 22, 2013
What to do about those wild cats
Not the ones down there in Lexington, the other ones. In downtown Covington. Feral cats taking over there.
Capture them, neuter them ... perhaps kill them? I don't know. What makes it all the more difficult is the city no longer has an animal control division.
[ The Covington News ]
January 21, 2013
Commissioner Frank: Get
your money out
of Fifth / Third
Reacting to reports that Fifth/Third Bank is backing tolls for the new bridge, Commission Frank says people should "pull your money from (the bank) to protest."
Nice suggestion, but it's not going to fly. Yes, people should go elsewhere because it charges the highest fees in the country ... but folks aren't going to do that either. People are creatures of habit. Change, even when it's for the good, is hard for many to do.
[ The Covington News ]
January 18, 2013
Holmes lifts city's depressed spirits
In a depressed city that really needs a pick me up, comes Holmes basketball.
Senior forward Chris Englemon hit a free throw with 3.6 seconds remaining as Holmes extended its winning streak to 20 by edging Scott, 60-59 on Thursday.
The team remains undefeated.
[ KY Post ]
January 17, 2013
Yup, go nothing to say today ... as shocking as that may be. :-) But there's always The Covington News!
[ Covington News ]
January 16, 2013
Forgetting to do Russell Street News
Actually forgot to update Russell Street News morning.
Guess I better start doing a checklist of all my Covington adventures. The latest is a new series called "Awesome Collections of Covington Cools," which will be, well, an awesome collection of some of coolest things in the city that most people do not know about.
First two items out of the box of coolest: Funky Farny Park and the train tunnel which was a playground for kids many years ago.
The awesome collection will take time, but it will be fun to do ... and hopefully fun for people to read.
January 14, 2013
New Commission held secret meeting Monday
The Commission will meet in special closed session on Monday to discuss the city's real estate dealings, talk about pending/current lawsuits and collective bargaining with city employees.
Which reminded me of the last election and the candidates who won and lost:
I am absolutely certain that Greg Paeth lost because of The Covington News. The News wrote nothing about Paeth -- rather good or bad -- which kept his name out of the spotlight online. He'd only lost by a few votes, a few mentions at The News would have made all the difference.
My news site did talk about Mildred Rains a lot ... thus sealing her victory.
And the Covington News persecuted Chuck Eilerman just enough that he almost lost the election, which shocked many. Backed off the comments on Eilerman going into the final weeks of election, but had The News continued its drumbeat, he surely would have lost. And Paeth, ironically, would be a Commissioner today.
Glad that I'd backed off Eilerman.
January 11, 2013
Carry a shotgun around?
Not really. But I have noticed an increase in crime in Covington, even in Old Seminary Square where there was a robbery the other day.
The info provided by the Covington Police shows reported crime incidences in the greater Main Strasse area nearly doubled in December. And that poor, poor convenience store on 12th Street at Banklick has been hit for the third time.
When will it end? Never. Chief Jones says the biggest -- and still growing problem -- is heroin and its related crimes to get money for it.
January 10, 2013
Tolls have been around in Covington
The new bridge crossing the Ohio River and the Brent Spence Bridge will probably charge tolls. Here's a look at some of the toll roads and bridges from our area's past.
[ Covington News ]
January 8, 2013
Frank says bridge jobs figure is flawed
Commissioner Steve Frank says the study done by Northern Kentucky University that claims the new bridge will create 24,000 jobs is flawed.
"The software they use isn't reliable. It can be tweaked to provide any results ...", Commissioner Frank wrote at The Covington News. "The software NKU used was developed to manage forests not plan financial commerce."
Well, Mr. Frank does have a point about studies like this being flawed. They always are.
[ Covington News ]
January 7, 2013
Crime worsening in MainStrasse area
Crime increased throughout the City of Covington in December and nearly doubled in the greater MainStrasse area.
[ Covington News ]
January 4, 2013
Prostitutes, cats and friendly people
Larry Gross writes about life in downtown Covington at his regular CityBeat column called, "Living Out Loud."
[ CityBeat ]
January 3, 2013
Arnold Simpson fights for leadership job
Rep. Johnny Bell, D-Glasgow, is running for Majority Whip against Rep. Tommy Turner, D-Owensboro, and Rep. Arnold Simpson, D-Covington, will challenge Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Okolona.
Simpson says his campaign isn't about personalities or personal ambition. He wants a change in style and direction in the way party leaders deal with the Democratic caucus.
He said the Kentucky House is "one of the last stands" for Democrats in southern state legislatures which have steadily gone Republican over the past 15 years.
"Unless we change our direction, I sense we could lose our majority in the next election or so," Simpson said.
[ News report ]
January 2, 2013
Street cleaning program shuts down
Monday was the last day for Urban Partnership's street cleaning program after it failed to get financial backing from businesses.
Its executive director, Pat Frew, had high hopes a year and a half ago. "We really think that cleaning up the urban core and residential units will spur investment and business to Covington," said Frew told SoapBox Media in May 2011.
"A priority for us is to increase middle income market rate housing because we have very high income and also very low income housing in the area. If you bring a new business to the community, you must have middle income range housing in order for the business to sustain growth, and that's where we're really lacking."
Frew, in conjunction with the City of Covington, had hoped to create a Business Improvement District (BID) thanks to a collaborative private/public partnership that includes the city of Covington, philanthropic foundations, and the Urban Partnership of Covington.
But less than 35% of downtown Covington businesses agreed to participate.
December 28, 2012
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