http://www.dailyindependent.com en-us Copyright CNHI All Rights Reserved. 5 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:41:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_310164440.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_310164440.html More than two years after enacting a law requiring more coal mine inspections, the state finally is getting the additional inspectors needed to enforce that law. Previously, the state’s continuing revenue woes had made it impossible for the state to hire the additional inspectors.On Tuesday, Gov. Steve Beshear approved an additional 15 new mine inspectors plus 19 new mine permit reviewers, with 16 being permanent positions and three being temporary. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:29:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_309173135.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_309173135.html By making his biggest investment to date in a traditional American industry, Warren Buffett unequivocally expressed his faith in the future of the U.S. economy. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:26:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_309172823.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_309172823.html While Kentuckians watched from the sidelines while voters in Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey and other states went to the polls to vote Tuesday, Kentucky’s once-every-four-years break from constant campaigns ended just hours after the votes had been counted in other states. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:17:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_308161953.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_308161953.html Invariably, every election produces some results that are, to say the least, a bit surprising. Here is one from Tuesday’s vote in neighboring Ohio: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:46:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_307174933.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_307174933.html Did you sleep well last night? Apparently, many Kentuckians would answer that question with a resounding, “No!” according to the first government study to monitor state-by-state differences in sleeplessness. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:07:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_306150727.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_306150727.html Since it was initiated in January of 2008, Project Graduation — a collaborative effort between the Council on Postsecondary Education and the state’s universities — has encouraged 203 former students to return to college and earn their four-year degrees. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:01:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_306150326.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_306150326.html The recent rash of school closings because of the flu has led to legislative proposals to change the way Kentucky calculates the amount of state funds local districts receive. It is an idea that has generated much discussion among legislators for at least 20 years — but no action. Will it be any different in 2010? Don’t bet on it. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:11:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_303170955.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_303170955.html Although architects have just started drawing plans for the new Boyd County High School and the building will not be ready for occupancy until at least the 2013-2014 school year, it is clear than school officials already have put much thought into the building and there is much about which to get excited. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:40:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_303134358.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_303134358.html Help is needed to understand reform GOP opposes a public optionPrivate services can reduce abuse Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:38:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_303133926.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_303133926.html Elected county officials who have expressed shock and dismay over a scathing audit of the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) may soon be joined by elected city officials throughout the state. That’s because the office of Kentucky Auditor Crit Luallen also is auditing the expenditures of the Kentucky League of Cities and that audit is expected to be released before the end of the year. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:34:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_303133644.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_303133644.html Kentucky Auditor Crit Luallen has released her office’s audit of the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) for the period from July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2009, and its findings should enrage county officials throughout the state and taxpayers who have helped support the wasteful spending of the organization that portends to be the voice of the state’s 120 counties in Frankfort. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:48:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_302215053.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_302215053.html For the record, Sunday is the longest day of the year — 25 hours. We gain that extra hour as we “fall back” from daylight saving time to standard time. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:46:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_302214758.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_302214758.html Ashland attorney Ernest M. Pitt Jr. is an excellent choice as the new Area 4 director for the Kentucky Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Pitt knows first hand the essential role National Guard and Reserve units play in today’s military and how the support of civilian employers is critical for both the National Guard and the Reserve to maintain the manpower they need to do their increasingly important jobs. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:15:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_302131851.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_302131851.html Think of Gov. Steve Beshear’s appointment of state Sen. Dan Kelly as circuit court judge for Green, Marion, Taylor and Washington counties as the start of Round 2 of the governor’s effort to regain control of the Kentucky Senate for the Democratic Party. Just how successful the governor will be in this round will depend on whether a Democrat or a Republican wins the Senate seat vacated by Kelly in a special election set for Dec. 8 in the four counties. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000 http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_301165541.html http://www.dailyindependent.com/editorials/local_story_301165541.html Tiny goblins, witches, ghosts and other not-so-scary creatures will be roaming the streets throughout Ashland, Boyd County and most other area communities tonight as young children celebrate Halloween by going trick-or-treating.As we prepare for this annual event, we offer a few words of caution: