Opinion

LEXINGTON - After the harvest season, November is usually the time we celebrate and give thanks. It is also time for producers and landowners to consider planning for the next growing season.

Each fiscal year, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) sets dates for program application ranking. Although dates may vary from one program to another, landowners may sign-up at any time for all conservation programs.

This holiday season, BBB wants to remind consumers to know their rights before making a purchase.

“Each year BBB receives calls after the holidays from upset consumers who are stuck with items they can’t return,” says

Reanna Smith-Hamblin, Communications Director for the BBB in Louisville. “Consumers should familiarize themselves with the seller’s return policy before making a purchase to prevent any confusion in the event the item they purchased needs to be returned.”

FRANKFORT - The fall forest fire hazard season officially ended Dec. 15, but officials with the Kentucky Division of Forestry continue to urge caution when conducting any kind of outdoor burning.  “Kentucky’s forests have weathered serious storms over the past few years and the increase in dead and fallen trees are of particular concern to fire suppression efforts,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry.

As a very tough 2009 comes to a close, it is time for our community to come together like it always does in a time of need.

The economy has been tough and unemployment has risen above 10 percent for the past year. Many others who are employed have experienced reduced hours or pay freezes.

During this holiday season, many more will be seeking a little bit of assistance. It is time for all of us who have dug so deep in the past to dig a little deeper.

SHEPHERDSVILLE - Bullitt Countians have found themselves in one smorgasbord of a mess pertaining to this year’s Thanksgiving holiday festivities.

In recent weeks fears of the H1N1 Swine Flu virus have dominated headlines. In the past few days, however, reports surfaced about a possible return of the Bullitt County Turkey flu.

In 2005 an original Turkey Flu scare hit the area. Jake Turkey, official spokesturkey for the organization Turkeys United For Freedom (TUFF), claimed that scare along with the recent scare were both hoaxes.

Few things are as clear-cut or urgent as the need to get Kentucky’s children off to a healthy start in life.

One, whether you’re a parent or a politician, it’s a moral obligation. I firmly believe that.

Two, Kentucky’s future depends on our ability to create a talented, inquisitive and productive work force.       

One year ago, my administration launched an aggressive plan to tackle head on one of the biggest hurdles to our children’s and our state’s future: Lack of health insurance.

There is no doubt that many in our community and many in the country are suffering.

Jobs have been lost. Hours have been cut. Wages are going down.

The war continues to be waged. The county’s support in the president and the Congress has waned.

Gas prices fell but have now risen. Unemployment numbers are up.

Despite all the nay-saying, this is still the best country in the world to reside.

Housing starts are up. The stock market is rebounding. Roadways and other projects are being built under the stimulus funding.