Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky will be one of two Republicans to respond to the State of the Union address from Barack Obama, with the other response coming from Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.
While the mainstream media is attempting twist this into a fracture in the Republican Party, the truth is, as far as the Tea Party goes, is both are considered to be favorable future candidates for president.
The last couple of years has found the Republican Party responding in a similar fashion, with one response being "official," and the other a secondary response. Both are listened to carefully and desired by voters.
Paul said his purpose isn't an attempt to upstage Rubio, but is one that is focused on the rising and increasingly important grassroots Tea Party movement.
Other than Ron Paul, the father of Rand Paul, Rubio and Rand Paul are the two most well-known figures associated with the Tea Party movement, although many still consider Ron Paul as more representative of what they stand for.
February 11, 2013
Florence Gets New Police Chief
The Florence Police Department named a new police chief Monday, as current police chief Tom Szurlinhski announced he'll be leaving on April 1.
Replacing Szurlinhski will be Captain John McDermond of the Florence Police Department, a 23-year veteran of the Florence Police Department.
"I am very thankful for this opportunity," McDermond said. "Chief Szurlinski has done a fantastic job leading this department and I feel very fortunate to inherit a police department with such high professional standards."
McDermond graduated from the Southern Police Institute and has a degree in sociology from the University of Georgia.
Replacing Szurlinhski will be Captain John McDermond of the Florence Police Department, a 23-year veteran of the Florence Police Department.
"I am very thankful for this opportunity," McDermond said. "Chief Szurlinski has done a fantastic job leading this department and I feel very fortunate to inherit a police department with such high professional standards."
McDermond graduated from the Southern Police Institute and has a degree in sociology from the University of Georgia.
KY 380 in Hopkinsville to be Closed During Night Hours
Starting Monday, February 11, 2013, KY 380/Country Club Lane in Hopkinsville will be closed during the evening hours while sewers are being replaced.
The closings will be KY 272/Canton Pike and KY 695/Cox Mill Road. Work will be going on between Sherwood Drive and KY 695/Cox Mill Road.
Hours the road will be closed are from approximately 8:00 PM, CST, to about 6:00 AM. The work will probably go on through Friday while a major sewer line is being replaced.
The contractor performing the work said local residents will have access to their homes by being allowed to travel on either side of the point where the roads are closed.
People affected by the work are advised they can go to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2 for traffic advisories.
The closings will be KY 272/Canton Pike and KY 695/Cox Mill Road. Work will be going on between Sherwood Drive and KY 695/Cox Mill Road.
Hours the road will be closed are from approximately 8:00 PM, CST, to about 6:00 AM. The work will probably go on through Friday while a major sewer line is being replaced.
The contractor performing the work said local residents will have access to their homes by being allowed to travel on either side of the point where the roads are closed.
People affected by the work are advised they can go to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2 for traffic advisories.
Radcliff Man Indicted for "Medical Marijuana"
A Radcliff man was arrested and indicted for trafficking in medical marijuana, where it had apparently been imported from the states of California and Colorado, according to those investigating the alleged crime.
Arrested in January by the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force was 35-year-old Henry Butler. Butler was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury.
According to Ron Eckart, who is head of the task force, there had been a discovery of a higher quality of marijuana in the area recently, which many times is related to possible medical usage.
The U.S. Postal Service said they also seized about $14,000 in cash Butler attempted to mail to California. About 2.8 pounds of marijuana was found and confiscated at Butler's home during the search. Also found was a handgun and cash.
Arrested in January by the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force was 35-year-old Henry Butler. Butler was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury.
According to Ron Eckart, who is head of the task force, there had been a discovery of a higher quality of marijuana in the area recently, which many times is related to possible medical usage.
The U.S. Postal Service said they also seized about $14,000 in cash Butler attempted to mail to California. About 2.8 pounds of marijuana was found and confiscated at Butler's home during the search. Also found was a handgun and cash.
Kentucky Gun Sales Soar on Uncertainty
Uncertainty as to what may be attempted to put in place in regard to restrictions on guns has resulted in a surge in gun sales in Kentucky, which already is the top state in the nation in background checks concerning those wanting to buy a gun.
Some gun dealers around the state, and the nation for that matter, have stated that Barack Obama has been the best marketer of guns, as his comments and rhetoric have generated huge guns sales across the state and nation.
Many gun dealers say it's extremely difficult to find a new gun at this time because demand has resulted in wholesalers selling out, causing shortages at the retail level.
Consequently, the price of guns in Kentucky and other states have went up in price as well because of the difficulty in obtaining one.
Some gun buyers have found an outlet in police auctions, where by state law guns confiscated from criminals must be offered for sale to the general public.
Some gun dealers around the state, and the nation for that matter, have stated that Barack Obama has been the best marketer of guns, as his comments and rhetoric have generated huge guns sales across the state and nation.
Many gun dealers say it's extremely difficult to find a new gun at this time because demand has resulted in wholesalers selling out, causing shortages at the retail level.
Consequently, the price of guns in Kentucky and other states have went up in price as well because of the difficulty in obtaining one.
Some gun buyers have found an outlet in police auctions, where by state law guns confiscated from criminals must be offered for sale to the general public.
February 8, 2013
Special Olympics Kentucky Files Suit against Louisville Metro Council
After the Louisville Metro Council passed an ordinance in December 2012 declaring charities using donation bins must be 50 feet or closer to the front door of building the bins are located, while charging owners of the bins $300 in registration fees for each bin, along with a $200 annual renewal fee, Special Olympics Kentucky sued the Council in federal court, saying the new ordinance is illegal.
The ordinance was put in place after there were some complaints that bins weren't being emptied in a timely manner.
Another part of the ordinance, which doesn't make much sense, is if a business is maintaining the charitable bins, then signs must be put in place that assert the contributions aren't tax deductible. That's not true, so it's unlikely that that part of the ordinance will survive a challenge.
A major concern is the rule that a bin must be placed at least 50 feet or closer to the front door of a building allowing them on the property. Some businesses would probably stop allowing the placement of bins if the rule remains in place.
The registration fee cost per bin is also prohibitive, essentially put in place to apparently stop this source of revenue for charities.
Special Olympics Kentucky attorney Ken Handmaker, said if the ordinance is allowed to go into effect in two weeks, which it is scheduled to do, it would end the ability of Special Olympics Kentucky to raise fund this way.
Trish Mazzoni, president of Special Olympics Kentucky, said it'll be difficult to replace the revenue source if the ordinance isn' rescinded. Since 2011, when the bins were first used by Special Olympics Kentucky, it has $150,000 across the state. Louisville has 90 of the approximate 450 bins used by the charity in Kentucky.
The ordinance was put in place after there were some complaints that bins weren't being emptied in a timely manner.
Another part of the ordinance, which doesn't make much sense, is if a business is maintaining the charitable bins, then signs must be put in place that assert the contributions aren't tax deductible. That's not true, so it's unlikely that that part of the ordinance will survive a challenge.
A major concern is the rule that a bin must be placed at least 50 feet or closer to the front door of a building allowing them on the property. Some businesses would probably stop allowing the placement of bins if the rule remains in place.
The registration fee cost per bin is also prohibitive, essentially put in place to apparently stop this source of revenue for charities.
Special Olympics Kentucky attorney Ken Handmaker, said if the ordinance is allowed to go into effect in two weeks, which it is scheduled to do, it would end the ability of Special Olympics Kentucky to raise fund this way.
Trish Mazzoni, president of Special Olympics Kentucky, said it'll be difficult to replace the revenue source if the ordinance isn' rescinded. Since 2011, when the bins were first used by Special Olympics Kentucky, it has $150,000 across the state. Louisville has 90 of the approximate 450 bins used by the charity in Kentucky.
Kentucky Newspaper Wins Battle for Records
A 9-month battle between the Glasgow Daily times, a newspaper based in southern Kentucky, and County officials is over, as Barren circuit Court ordered records sought by the newspaper concerning a jail investigation to be handed over to the media outlet.
The Court stated the copy being sought by the newspaper must be an unredacted one, and it must be handed over immediately.
According to officials representing the county, they rejected the original request because the records were available at the time. The newspaper responded to that assertion, saying the reason they didn't have possession was because officials voted to not take possession on purpose for the very reason of not having to hand it over the the press.
What that resulted in is the report consequently wouldn't be considered part of the public record, and so the County wouldn't have to comply with the request.
The Court stated the copy being sought by the newspaper must be an unredacted one, and it must be handed over immediately.
According to officials representing the county, they rejected the original request because the records were available at the time. The newspaper responded to that assertion, saying the reason they didn't have possession was because officials voted to not take possession on purpose for the very reason of not having to hand it over the the press.
What that resulted in is the report consequently wouldn't be considered part of the public record, and so the County wouldn't have to comply with the request.
Kentucky Lawmakers Refuse to Fix Pension System
The alleged attempts to fix the government pension system of Kentucky remain anemic, to say the least, as there have been no attempts to deal with the real problem, which is overpaid and overcompensated government workers.
All that is being done so far is to put a retirement plan in place that is somewhat like a 401(K) for new employees, and cap the cost-of-living increases for government workers already drawing benefits.
With the deficit already at $33 billion and growing, these types of band aid fixes are a joke, and it does nothing to deal with the real problem, which is government workers are paid and compensated far beyond what the productive private sector can pay for, and that wages and benefits need to be slashed to market rates, while government workers begin to bear the major brunt of the outrageous benefits they get by paying more for their own unsustainable plans.
It worked fantastic in Wisconsin, and it should work well here too. It only took a fairly short time after workers were asked to contribute a little bit more to their plans that the situation righted itself. That is what should be done in Kentucky as well.
The problem is the lawmakers are cowards in that they refuse to take these needed steps, and instead are looking to throw this burden on the already heavily taxed private sector by, of course, looking to raise taxes to solve the problem.
Everyone is talking about the lack of a revenue source. There is no lack of a revenue source, there is a lack of will to make those receiving these ridiculous benefit packages to pay more for their own way.
After all, why should us in the private sector have to pay for government workers who get far more pay and benefits than we do? The answer is we shouldn't, and the only long-term solution is to make the government workers pay more for their own way. How hard is that to understand and implement?
All that is being done so far is to put a retirement plan in place that is somewhat like a 401(K) for new employees, and cap the cost-of-living increases for government workers already drawing benefits.
With the deficit already at $33 billion and growing, these types of band aid fixes are a joke, and it does nothing to deal with the real problem, which is government workers are paid and compensated far beyond what the productive private sector can pay for, and that wages and benefits need to be slashed to market rates, while government workers begin to bear the major brunt of the outrageous benefits they get by paying more for their own unsustainable plans.
It worked fantastic in Wisconsin, and it should work well here too. It only took a fairly short time after workers were asked to contribute a little bit more to their plans that the situation righted itself. That is what should be done in Kentucky as well.
The problem is the lawmakers are cowards in that they refuse to take these needed steps, and instead are looking to throw this burden on the already heavily taxed private sector by, of course, looking to raise taxes to solve the problem.
Everyone is talking about the lack of a revenue source. There is no lack of a revenue source, there is a lack of will to make those receiving these ridiculous benefit packages to pay more for their own way.
After all, why should us in the private sector have to pay for government workers who get far more pay and benefits than we do? The answer is we shouldn't, and the only long-term solution is to make the government workers pay more for their own way. How hard is that to understand and implement?
Kentucky House Passes Bill to Audit Districts
After a bill to boost oversight of the over 1,200 local taxing district overwhelmingly by a 96-1 vote in the House, it now goes on to the Senate.
What the legislation entails is putting a system together for auditing the various tax districts around the state of Kentucky. Together they spend approximately $2.7 billion for running the local libraries, airports, fire departments and sanitation.
Once it's set up, taxpayers could then go on the Internet to check out the financial reports from each individual district.
The funding is the result of taxes and fees, along with government grants and donations from private sources.
What the legislation entails is putting a system together for auditing the various tax districts around the state of Kentucky. Together they spend approximately $2.7 billion for running the local libraries, airports, fire departments and sanitation.
Once it's set up, taxpayers could then go on the Internet to check out the financial reports from each individual district.
The funding is the result of taxes and fees, along with government grants and donations from private sources.
February 7, 2013
Valentine's Day Printable Coloring Pages
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a few printable coloring pages to empower children and adults to color in some cute illustrations to give to someone they love in their lives.
Included below are one showing love towards Jesus, another of bears, and a third of Micky and Minnie Mouse.
Children will be thrilled to have the opportunity to color them in, and will be delighted when the thank you and praise for their work and thoughtfulness.
While this focus on Valentine's Day, these types of printable coloring pages can be used at any time to express the love someone has for another.
And especially with children, it really helps them to focus because they know how much it will mean to the recipient.
Included below are one showing love towards Jesus, another of bears, and a third of Micky and Minnie Mouse.
Children will be thrilled to have the opportunity to color them in, and will be delighted when the thank you and praise for their work and thoughtfulness.
While this focus on Valentine's Day, these types of printable coloring pages can be used at any time to express the love someone has for another.
And especially with children, it really helps them to focus because they know how much it will mean to the recipient.
Couple Recognized as 'Longest Married' by Worldwide Marriage Encounter
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| Family Photo |
John and Ann Betar of Fairfield, Connecticut have been recognized by Worldwide Marriage Encounter as the couple in the United States that have been married the longest. The two that have become one were married on November 25, 1932.
On that day in 2013, they will have been married for 81 years. The organization recognizing them realizes there could actually be another married couple that has been married longer, but the Betars are representative of those that have been specifically nominated for the recognition.
John Betar is now 101 years old, while his younger bride, Ann, has reached the age of 97.
As for family, they have five children, 14 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
In a romantic twist to the story, the Ann had had a marriage arranged for her by her parents, but her and John eloped and went against the wishes of her parents. That may not seem as big a deal today, but back in the 1930s that was a very bold step to take.
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| Photo: David Gunn |
In other words, they didn't live a stressful life together. Now those are words we all need to take into account.
Kentucky Dog with Human Face Gets Reprieve
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| Photo:petfinder.com |
After seeing his unique resemblance to a human face, the Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Group in Mishawaka, Indiana decided to takes steps to save Tonik and find him a home.
Petfinder.com says this in advertising for a home for Tonik:
He is great with other dogs. He is not dangerous, but should not be placed with young children because he will get too overwhelmed.
He will need a home with lots of patience & good energy.
The wildly recognizable dog is micro-chipped and has been examined and declared totally healthy. The adoption fee for Tonik is $250.
While this is a nice gesture, I think it would be just too weird to have a dog looking like that gazing at me day-to-day.
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