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Thursday, February 26, 2009 Serving the Tri-State community Printed on 100% Recycled Newsprint 12 pages, 50¢ NEWS IN How do you feel about BRIEF Under new Ky.’s increased cigarette tax? management BY SARAH MIRACLE and posed the question. Here are a few of Staff Writer the responses we heard: MIDDLESBORO — The entire coun- try is in a recession. People are struggling to financially make ends meet. How does one overcome this trying economy when it seems like everyday brings another obsta- cle? Current budget shortfalls in Kentucky have sparked several debates. Each argu- Jonathan D. Curry ment questions how to raise revenue in the Regional Commonwealth. Casino gambling, video slot machines at horse tracks and a number news: Missing of other items have been hot topics. State juvenile politicians believe they have an enduring HARLAN, Ky. — Police solution to the state’s budget deficit — an are searching for a missing alcohol/ cigarette tax increase. juvenile who was last seen Kentucky is facing a $456.1 million shortfall for the fiscal year ending June 30. “I’m not a smoker but I don’t agree with on Sunday, February 22. the tax increase. Cigarette prices are If anyone has any infor- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear recently already ridiculous. People are going mation on the whereabouts signed a bill that imposes higher taxes on to start neglecting other things just so of Jonathan D. Curry, age cigarettes and alcohol sold across the state they can afford their cigarettes.” 17 of Cawood, Ky., they to curb the monetary problems. should contact Kentucky Following Beshear’s lead, the Senate — Amanda Edwards State Police Post 10 Harlan passed the bill by a vote of 24-12. Local at 606-573-3131. residents will hardly be affected by the This case is under inves- alcohol tax, as Bell is a ‘dry county’, but tigation by Trooper Jason cigarette taxes are a different story. Young. The bill raises the tax on cigarettes from Stephen Eastin (pictured above) has replaced John 30 cents to 60 cents per pack. The increase Brock as manager of Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Ky.’s top public is expected to generate approximately defender says $81.5 million a year. The bill imposes a six BY STEPHEN WOODWARD Staff Writer office going percent retail sales tax on all alcohol prod- ucts, generating an additional $97.9 million PINEVILLE — Pine Mountain State Resort Park is broke a year. The plan will also transfer $219 under new management. Stephen Eastin replaces former LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) million from the state’s rainy day fund to manager John Brock, who retired at the end of last year. — Kentucky’s top public the general fund. But Eastin said it’s not the last park visitors will see of defender said the state’s indi- Lawmakers say raising the combined Brock. gent defense system will go taxes and shifting other state money should “He’ll still be around playing golf,” said Eastin, who’s broke by late April or early offset the need for deeper cuts in govern- been serving as interim manager since Jan 1. May and have to stop taking ment spending. The new taxes will go into Eastin started his career under state employment at on clients. effect on April 1, 2009. “I’m a smoker and I think it’s really unfair. Everytime the government needs the Warren County Regional Detention Center and then Department of Public The Middlesboro Daily News wants transferred to the Department of Parks in 2002 as the fit- Advocacy chief Ed Monahan money it seems like they target the to know how our readers feel about the smokers.” ness manager at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. He later says the agency needs $4.7 increased cigarette tax. We hit the street became the assistant park manager at Barren River Lake million to continue function- — Kathy Garland State Resort Park in 2006. ing until the 2009-10 budget “I spent a lot of time working with at-risk youth,” said takes effect July 1. Eastin, when he worked at the Detention Center. With a Without the funds, Bachelor’s degree in science and recreation and love for Monahan says, the agency will have to stop represent- fitness and the outdoors, Eastin said it was a natural move ing clients when appointed to start working in the park service. by the courts. “I love golf and love nature,” said Eastin, who was born The Department of Public in Bowling Green, Ky. “If I’m not working out, I’m play- Advocacy is locked in a legal ing golf or hiking the trails.” battle with the state over But his job won’t just be a walk in the park. funding for public defend- Eastin said that his job has many responsibilities. For ers. The public defenders instance, he came in yesterday and the laundry room was say their caseloads are too flooded. “Every day is different,” said Eastin. ”I’ve got high and their office is short visitors from Frankfort yesterday, I’ve started to work on on funds. The state has said the budget for 2010, personnel are constantly coming and the agency is getting all the going.” money that can be expended. Eastin said his duties also include operational problem solving and taking care of his staff, as well as managing Opponents “I think it’s unfair. Smokers don’t have a the daily park operations, like the restaurant, kitchen, rec- “While not a smoker myself, I don’t like reation, golf course, and maintenance departments. protest anti-gay chance. Our politicians shouldn’t have it when the state or federal government the rights to put taxes on a particular tries to legislate against bad habits.” But he‘s thankful he doesn’t have to do it all himself. “I adoption bill group of people. It’s a choice for people have very qualified supervisors who oversee these depart- FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) to smoke but we don’t get to choose the — Josh Eldridge ments,” he said. “Without the supervisors, it would be too — A measure that would bar price of our habit.” much for me.” gay and lesbian couples from Eastin said that there were adopting children is sparking — Kathy Caldwell • See PARK, page 3 protests in Frankfort. Opponents gathered in the Capitol on Wednesday to call on lawmakers to defeat the legislation. Their calls for Economic slump hits two more “fairness” echoed through the marble hallways. Louisville civil rights group The Fairness local businesses Campaign organized the SARAH MIRACLE/ Middlesboro Daily News rally against legislation that The local economic atmosphere is reflective of the reces- would bar gay, lesbian and sion that the entire country is in. Within the last year, the unmarried heterosexual cou- Tri-State area has experienced a profound loss of local busi- ples from adopting children nesses, including two that just recently announced their or providing foster care. closings. The measure would allow Goody’s Family Clothing Store is gone. The Shoe Department children to be placed only is no longer in business. China Buffet is just an empty build- in adoptive or foster homes ing. And now, Sterchi’s Furniture Store (pictured at right) with people who “are not is selling their last few items of furniture in a ‘going out of cohabiting outside of a mar- business’ sale. As of Tuesday, officials had not set a closing riage that is legally valid in date, but furniture is selling quickly at discounted prices. Kentucky.” The Middlesboro Mall continues to feel the sting of this Chris Hartman, head of economic downfall. Despite extensive efforts, mall officials The Fairness Campaign, said stood by as Steve & Barry’s Sportswear, a major anchor the legislation unjustly rules store, filed bankruptcy and closed its doors. Kay-Bee Toys, Dawahares and Underground Attitude have also out potentially good parents closed within the last several months. Now, the mall is just because they’re not mar- losing another tenant. ried in the traditional sense. Bear Bottom Coffee (doorway pictured at bottom, left) ——— is going out of business. According to Mall Manager The legislation is Senate Charles Burchfield, when the novel coffee shop’s lease Bill 68. expired, owners weren’t interested in renewing another agreement. Burchfield said mall officials maintain their optimism on new business and the mall’s longevity. www.middlesborodailynews.com Page 2 THE DAILY NEWS | THURSDAY |FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Today's Weather TODAY IN BRIEF Local 5-Day Forecast — National Headlines — Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Marine accused of setting warned chimp owner Sandra Herold of the dan- 2/26 2/27 2/28 3/1 3/2 gers of keeping the animal in her home after it Camp Pendleton fire escaped in 2003. CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.— A Marine The chimp attacked and critically injured has been charged with recklessly setting one of 55-year-old Charla Nash last week as she tried the two wildfires that threatened homes in and to help lure him into a house. Police shot and around Camp Pendleton north of San Diego last killed the animal. 64/51 53/35 48/30 45/29 41/31 October. Truitt says she pleaded with Herold to con- Base officials said in a statement Wednesday sider placing the chimp in a sanctuary. She says Cloudy. Highs in the Chance of showers. Few showers. Highs Partly cloudy. Highs Mix of sun and mid 60s and lows in Highs in the low 50s in the upper 40s and in the mid 40s and clouds. Highs in the that Lance Cpl. Nason G. Lamb faces military Herold replied: “You don’t know my Travis.” the low 50s.