NEWPORT - Mayor Tom Guidugli, sworn in Mondaynight along with the four city commissioners, said housing and education are going to make the most difference in this river city in the coming years.

        “We must leave a legacy to the citizens of Newport of a community with a vibrant downtown and excellent schools,” the mayor said in addressing a reception following the City Commission meeting.

        It was a veteran commission that took the oath from Campbell District Court Judge Karen Thomas, with some 54 years of city government experience among them. Jan Knepshield is in his eighth term, Jerry Peluso his seventh, and Ken Rechtin and Beth Fennell both in their third.

        Mr. Rechtin, who announced that this would be his last term on City Commission, challenged the citizens of Newport “to get involved in the city, not just in civic activities but politically. It's time for some new people to step up.”

        In his remarks, Mr. Rechtin challenged the city staff to start the Monmouth Street streetscape project that has been on the drawing board for five years. The project includes removal of all poles and overhead wires, new sidewalks and curbs, and new landscaping.

        Mr. Guidugli also said the city must take the initiative to help “a downtown business district that continues to struggle from its past his tory. We must have a comprehensive plan for the revitalization of the downtown business district. That includes the streetscape project and making Monmouth Street traffic two-way to give the downtown more of a hometown feeling.”

        Kentucky Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, who attended the inauguration ceremonies with his wife, former Miss America Heather French Henry, congratulated the city for the many advancements in development and rehabilitation that have taken place in the last 10 years.

        “We are very proud in Frankfort of how well Newport is doing, and we brag about it all over the state,” Mr. Henry said. “I can't think of another community taking the lead like Newport in using state tourism initiatives for development. It's truly innovative.”

        Newport was the first city in Kentucky to use the tourism bill passed by the General Assembly four years ago to obtain state funds and tax credits to help build the Newport Aquarium and Newport on the Levee entertainment complex.

        The mayor presented Newport Independent Schools and Newport Central Catholic High School each with checks for $50,000 from Heinz Pet Foods division, which formerly had its headquarters in Newport, for scholarship endowments.

        And another $100,000 from Heinz was given to Newport schools to fund a mayor's education study to develop a five-year plan to improve the school system.

Shuttlesworth receives Presidential Medal
Mariemont woman has a role in 'Mole'
Supreme court ends killer's appeal
N.Ky. Mardi Gras moves indoors
Bush group gives Lindner back $100K
College-bound learn about financial aid
Cost of degree ahead of inflation
Minister, 78, on mend after street shooting
PULFER: Officially speaking is free
Teen Reach complaints going nowhere
How Teen Reach came to Harveysburg
Murder of UC student detailed
Ohio purges Web site of drug, violence data
City debates more funds for Carthage housing
County OKs payment for stadium overruns
Ex-official indicted in theft case
Family grateful to 'heroes'
Math teachers squaring divisions
Prosecution may have conflict in Craven case
Charges filed in case of fake cop
Democrats revive fund club
Newport officials outline priorities
Republican senator proposes central anti-litter program
St. Patrick's parade set for March 17
Big-name concert at Deer Park
Boat would be time machine to 1804 journey
Contractor chosen for Butler road
Crash kills Independence woman
Dog to help collar crooks
House committee chairman stands in way of increased speed limits
Kentucky Digest
Lebanon residents should boil water
Local Digest
Madeira names new councilman
No charges half-year after death from club drug
Parents ask for return of teacher
Reading police chief served community well
Two men charged in pipe bomb explosion