Covington Mayor Kim Carter will give a State of the City address at 5 p.m. Thursday at Turner Lake Complex, 6185 Turner Lake Road.

The theme of the speech will be: "Cherishing the Past, Embracing the Present and Creating the Future." Carter is giving the speech to update the residents about the city's past accomplishments as well as its future plans.

After her address, residents will be able to ask questions of the mayor, council members and city staff.

Covington will also have a Black History Month celebration at 3 p.m. March 5 on the square. Councilwoman Janet Goodman is organizing the event along with Main Street Covington.

Carter said the square was chosen because it was a prominent location during the civil rights movement. She said the ceremony will be lively and uplifting and will be likely be followed by a reception at Town House Café at 1145 Washington St. S.W., which was also a prominent gathering place for activists.

In other downtown news, City Manager Steve Horton said the city and Main Street are continuing to look for possible locations for public restrooms. He said the city may budget for that expense in the upcoming fiscal year.

"That is an issue because everybody doesn't want you to just come into their stores," Horton said, noting that Main Street Director Josephine Kelly is taking suggestions. "I think we've reached that point where we need to take action."