Published: January 02, 2009 01:47 am      

Changing face of Somerset is No. 1 local news story of 2008

Local News

Somerset — If anything can be said about 2008, it’s that it was a year of changes. Somerset saw a lot of them. A lot of advances — such as a new library, a new airport terminal, and a new home for the arts — and some not-so-good ones, as factors including a flagging economy forced some businesses to let go of employees or even close altogether.

The roads we drive on look different. Somerset Refinery changed hands again. The country elected a new president in a historic election.

And yes, gas prices also changed a lot — first one day higher than the next, then a marked downturn.

As 2008 comes to a close, the Commonwealth Journal presents the top 10 most prominent news items of the last 12 months, based on votes by the CJ editorial staff, along with this wish: May all your changes be positive ones in the year to come.



1.The Changing Face of Somerset

If you haven’t been in downtown Somerset in a year or two, take a drive down Main Street. You may notice some things look different.

First of all, buildings that stood on South Maple Street and the Fountain Square for many decades — housing everything from Salutsky’s Southern Mercantile to the Pink Bee — have been torn down. The same is true of many structures on the other side of Market Street. This is in preparation for the long-planned Pulaski County Judicial Center, expected to be complete by January of 2010.

The library isn’t where it used to be either — it’s down on South Main Street, a brand new building sitting in place of familiar structures like the old First Christian Church. And hey, what’s this Carnegie Community Arts Center thing? It’s the new one-stop home for the visual and performing arts that’s inhabiting the pillared building on North Main where the library used to exist.

Take a drive out on U.S. 27 and turn onto Kit Cowan Road and there you’ll find a brand new airport terminal, from which Air Azul boards commuter passengers to fly to Nashville. You may pass the site being cleared for a brand new shopping complex by Domo Development near Grand Central Plaza. Or maybe you’re more interested in plans for a new Woodstock Elementary or a park specially designed for skateboarders.

All these cosmetic changes and public developments to the Pulaski landscape have been either made or discussed during the last year. Truly, this is not the same Somerset as when we started 2008. Is it a better Somerset? That’s for you to decide — maybe you miss the old buildings, don’t like paying higher library taxes, or prefer skateboarding in the street. Truly, the beauty of change is in the eye of the beholder.



2. Fuel for Thought

How much does it take to fill up your tank? Here’s hoping that in 2008, you drove a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Back in February, the Commonwealth Journal stated that “this week’s spike in gasoline prices to $3.19 a gallon at most local pumps is as much a crisis to the pocketbook as the early 1970s shortage was to the family car with a four-barrel carburetor.”

Local drivers just thought they had it rough. By July — the July 4 holiday that is, a time when many drivers hit the road on vacation — prices had skyrocketed all the way up to $4.19 in Somerset. As Summer marched on, prices cooled a bit — $3.60 was the price to pay to fill up one’s car near the end of August — but it still nagged at many Pulaski Countians that they were paying more than their neighbors. Many counties and cities surrounding Pulaski paid considerably less — for instance, those in Corbin could get gas for only $3.27 in late August.

Why did Pulaski County get stuck paying more? The answer on everyone’s lips seemed to be two little words — “gas gouging.” Letters were written to the editor complaining about oil companies exhibiting rampant greed, setting prices higher than they needed to be in order to make a hefty profit. The Commonwealth Journal began running a daily “gas gauge,” measuring local fuel prices against those in surrounding communities. Even Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway pledged to look into the matter.

Then, as if an early Christmas present, gas prices started going down — everywhere. The national pain at the pump that everyone was feeling eased as $4 became $3 became $2 finally became $1, plus whatever amount of cents by early November.

Of course, that doesn’t mean gas gouging isn’t still a topic of conversation. Some point out that Pulaski’s prices — currently hovering around a dollar and a half, the lowest seen here in a long, long time — are still greener (as in, more expensive) than on the other side of the county-dividing fence. Nevertheless, the biggest change Pulaski has seen in the last year may well have been in the money saved filling up one’s gas guzzler.



3. Lake Expectations

The waters of Lake Cumberland are the lifeblood of Pulaski County, keeping the flow of tourism dollars coming into the community. But prior to 2008, the concern of a weakened Wolf Creek Dam meant repairs to the massive structure were necessary, and both the lake itself and the county at large felt the ripple effects.

The Governor’s Office on Interagency Services, which had helped mitigate the damage done by the dam crisis, closed shop in late January after it issued a report praising local efforts to control the problem.

Grouting was finally completed, save for a few minor touches, and then things really started moving forward — a $341.4 million contract was awarded in July to Treviicos Soletanche JV, a construction firm with roots in Europe, to install a concrete barrier wall at the dam to effectively cut off seepage through the limestone, and a notice to proceed with the work was given in the fall.

Hopes were high early in the year that the lake level might be raised from its current level of 680 feet above sea level, though it didn’t come in time for tourism season. False too were rumors that the lake might need to be lowered even further, which would result in a number of problems for those facilities utilizing the waters.

An article in Popular Mechanics last spring had everyone in a tizzy, suggesting things weren’t going too well with progress on the dam repair. That report was soon clarified with a statement that no harm was intended by the article.

The Corps of Engineers paid a visit and painted an optimistic picture of the lake’s fate. Also keeping a positive outlook were local tourism officials. Even though one report suggested local marinas saw a 10 percent drop in use this year, those guiding Pulaski’s tourism economy reminded everyone that there’s plenty of lake left to enjoy, and Labor Day was described as “packed.”

On the lake’s shores, the Burnside State Lodge appears to be a totally dead idea after interest spiked again briefly, but a revamped golf course on Burnside Island opened to swinging success.



4. Controversy in Burnside

In late August, Burnside Mayor Chuck Fourman was pulled over by local police, with his arm found to be injured. What was supposed to be a trip to the hospital turned into a pursuit by law enforcement into Russell County before Fourman was finally stopped and arrested, charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police and two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment.

Further complicating the matter was the presence of blood discovered at Burnside City Hall shortly after the incident. Though local law enforcement quickly got a grasp on the situation and assured the public that there was no foul play, that didn’t stop a wild rumor mill from flying out of control.

Though Burnside was preparing to move on without Fourman — who could have taken a leave of absence or even been replaced — the mayor was a surprise show at the following Burnside City Council meeting, where he read an emotional statement apologizing for his actions after having attributed his problems to stress.

Things have gone on much like normal in Burnside following this controversy, with Fourman continuing on in his familiar role, save for a round of letters to the editor that take issue with policies at Burnside City Hall, while other readers have defended the government of the self-proclaimed “only town on Lake Cumberland.”



5. County Chaos

Past years have seen lots of controversy within the Somerset City Government, but it was the county’s leaders who stole the spotlight in 2008.

Judge-Executive Barty Bullock lost both of his top two advisors — Deputy Judge Donnie Girdler stepped down in July, and administrative assistant Lorie Hines resigned to take another job in September. Neither happened before the pair sued the county government after having their salaries lowered by a Pulaski County Fiscal Court vote.

Girdler’s problems didn’t stop there: His son-in-law, Steven Johnson, the former county road supervisor, also filed suit against Pulaski County and the fiscal court members after he was suspended last year amid allegations that he misused county inmates on a work release program by taking them to his farm-based home to work. Johnson walked away with a $20,000 settlement.

Plenty of other issues plagued the magistrates while doing business in the courthouse. The local People for Ethical Government group challenged magistrate Kenny Isaacs for putting tile on state roads. Red flags were raised after an examination of a budget that was subject to a strict tightening. The animal shelter continued to draw criticism, and the Ten Commandments case continued to wind through the court system, while overcrowding at the jail became a problem. Oh yes — and citizens were upset that they couldn’t speak whenever they wanted to during meetings. Seems like it was one thing after another in this year’s fiscal court.



6. As the Economy Turns

If there’s one thing all Americans talked about in 2008, it would be the economy — and the sorry state it’s in. The government’s $700 billion bailout of the nation’s financial institutions — shortly before the word “bailout” became tied to the big automakers instead — made plenty of headlines, in Pulaski County and across the country.

Pulaskians felt the crunch as well — in particular, some local institutions and favorite businesses. Dawahare’s went out of business, and so did the short-lived Starbucks. Some others had bankruptcy issues, but haven’t disappeared from the landscape. Others in industry had to lay off workers or at least put them on furlough, such as major local employer TTAI.

The news wasn’t all bad, however. In June, insurance provider SafeAuto announced plans to come to the area, bringing along over 260 new jobs. The Enterprise Center came to Valley Oak Technology Park in April, with the promise of housing six companies, including Progeny Systems and M2 Technologies. Air Azul, a Florida-based company, agreed to provide scheduled flights from Lake Cumberland Regional Airport at a time when many other communities are losing local air service. Several new businesses opened up in the community, and as mentioned above, a new commercial complex is being built right now along south U.S. 27. Just as the stock market goes up and down, so is news of the economy in Pulaski County — if something bad happens, just wait a while for something better to come along.



7. The Road Ahead

If the face of Somerset is changing, then so are the roads on which local citizens travel. The southwestern bypass became just as well traveled as the other, more easterly portion of Ky. 914. In December, the section connecting the bypass from the Oak Hill area to Ky. 80 at Saline came to fruition. Eventually, it will connect with the Cumberland Parkway.

Plenty more roadwork is also in progress, with estimates putting the money value of major highway projects under construction or nearing completion around $157 million. North U.S. 27 around Science Hill underwent a further facelift as the new section from Norwood Road to Ky. 452 opened in July. Four-laning should continue up to Eubank later this year.

In the same northern Pulaski area is an interchange with Somerset’s long-awaited I-66 northern bypass. In November came news that the development of I-66 would mean radical changes for the Cumberland Parkway — drivers will no longer have a straight route from the west into Somerset, as a stretch from Fishing Creek hill to North Hart Road will be closed permanently and abandoned. Motorists will have to head to Pleasant Hill, then go south to get to Somerset.

In Burnside, work continues on the partial cloverleaf intersection of Ky. 1247, U.S. 27, and Ky. 90. There’s also the four-laning of Ky. 1247 from the southeastern bypass to Bend of the Lakes Road.

Of course, there was a scare when Gov. Steve Beshear vetoed a big-money state transportation plan in Monday, but Pulaski learned that wouldn’t affect the big projects. They were put under review again in August by Beshear, and it was learned some construction efforts could be delayed to help save state dollars. Still, the major road makeovers are rolling right along.



8. Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire

Nothing seems to get Pulaski Countains riled up quite like the issue of smoking bans — whether they’re “fer it or agin’ it.” The Pulaski County Smoke Free Coalition made a substantial push to put a public smoking ban in place, and many entities opted to take up the policy on their own — most notably Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, which went smoke-free on its campus at the beginning of the year.

The Pulaski County Fiscal Court considered an ordinance promoted by the coalition that would prevent smoking in public places, including private businesses. It didn’t fly, however, with some magistrates noting that their constituents didn’t believe their ability to light up should be in the governmental body’s hands. Somerset City Council also heard the case of the anti-smoking activists, going so far as to offer an opportunity for the public to speak out on the matter. However, no legislative action has been taken in the city either. Additionally, in June, the Lake Cumberland District Health Department shot down a resolution supporting anti-smoking initiatives.

Forums and panels were held to discuss the health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke on the populace, including one in April and another in August. But the biggest public forum seemed to be on the “Opinion” page of the newspaper, where the war of words was waged for months. Back and forth went those who championed smoking bans in the interest of public health, and those arguing in the name of individual and property rights. The only conclusion that seemed to be reached is that the two sides aren’t coming together any time soon, meaning this remains a hot topic heading into 2009.



9. Pulaski at the Polls

While 2008 wasn’t a significant year for changing the face of Pulaski’s elected officials, the face of the White House changed considerably. Democrat Barack Obama defeated Republican John McCain to become the first black president in U.S. history, riding a groundswell of support to claim a hefty 365 electoral votes against McCain’s 173.

Anyone who might at some point attach a “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for McCain” bumper sticker to their car may very well be from Pulaski County, however, because nobody here seemed to have much use for Obama at the polls. About 77 percent of Pulaski voters opted for McCain, and also helped the GOP Senator Mitch McConnell win a tight race with challenger Bruce Lunsford by voting 68 percent in his favor — McConnell only got 52 percent of the vote statewide. And U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers took on independent Jim Holbert with ease, winning to the tune of 85 percent, both here and elsewhere in Rogers’ congressional district.

Local races weren’t so hot, which may explain why only 62 percent of the county’s registered voters showed up at polling places, disappointing expectations of record-setting numbers. Burnside City Council gained a couple of new members, while some of the favorites barely squeaked back into their seats. The Somerset City Council race held a pair of interesting developments — an upset by former councilor Jerry Wheeldon over incumbent Jimmy Eastham, and Mike New, son of deceased councilor Charlie New, squeaking past incumbent David Childers in a heated race. Those wishing to choose a new mayor or judge-executive will have to wait until 2010 — and both former Somerset mayor JP Wiles and judge Darrell BeShears have suggested they’ll be back in the hunt, giving local political pundits something to salivate over.



10. Two Issues — Early Prisoner Release, Refinery Sale — But Only One Spot on the List

Two big news items clashed for the final spot in the top 10, so closely that both deserve a mention in this spot.

Members of the local legal community may have a new judicial center to look forward to, but whether the halls will be big enough for all of them remains to be seen after plenty of bickering in 2008. Chief among the consternation was an initiative passed by lawmakers in June that would grant early release to certain prisoners who received “street time” on parole as a cost-cutting measure. Commonwealth’s Attorney Eddy Montgomery brought suit against the measure, and it also drew criticism from Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, deemed unconstitutional and dangerous.

Pulaski Circuit Court Judge David A. Tapp agreed, stopping the release of prisoners in the 28th Circuit. Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd denied a statewide injunction, and both cases went before appeals courts, though Conway’s was denied. Montgomery’s lawsuit is still awaiting its fate.

As far as list item 10-A, the saga of once-proud Somerset Refinery got a little darker before a bright spot came on the horizon on the form of an out-of-town real estate power.

After William Spears took possession of the oil refinery in 2007 and then declared bankruptcy, the company was put up for auction, and purchased by Sonoma Capital Partners — owned by Spears. The sale fell through and a U.S. judge ruled Sonoma to be in default of the agreement to purchase the foundering refinery, which sold again in September to New York real estate mogul Michael Grunberg — though EPA regulations almost strangled the deal. Grunberg has expressed big plans for the local oil refinery, saying it’s his goal to restore the institution as one of the area’s key employers.



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Top 10 stories

1. The Changing Face of Somerset

A new judicial center is on the way and a brand new Pulaski County Public Library is already in place. 2008 marked the year of great change in Downtown Somerset.



2. Fuel for Thought

Gasoline prices kept Pulaski Countians fuming in 2008. Prices at the pump soared to over $4 per gallon — and prices seemed to be a tad higher in Somerset than in most area locales.



3. Lake Expectations

Pulaski and surrounding counties continued to cope with low lake levels as the Corps of Engineers made significant progress in the repair of Wolf Creek Dam.



4. Controversy in Burnside

It’s a great mystery — some people in Burnside still want to know what happened at City Hall that led to a bloodied Mayor Chuck Fourman’s arrest for fleeing or evading police in late August. Despite the controversy, Fourman retained his reigns as Burnside’s leader.



5. County Chaos

Pulaski County Judge-executive Barty Bullock lost deputy judge Donnie Girdler, who resigned in July, and administrative assistant Lorie Hines, who resigned in September. Both had their salaries cut and sued fiscal court.



6. As the Economy Turns

Some local institutions and favorite businesses disappeared — Dawahare’s went out of business, and so did the short-lived Starbucks. Some others had bankruptcy issues, but haven’t disappeared from the landscape. Others in industry had to lay off workers or at least put them on furlough, such as major local employer TTAI.



7. The Road Ahead

If the face of Somerset is changing, then so are the roads on which local citizens travel. The southwestern bypass became just as well traveled as the other, more easterly portion of Ky. 914. In December, the section connecting the bypass from the Oak Hill area to Ky. 80 at Saline came to fruition. Eventually, it will connect with the Cumberland Parkway.



8. Smoking Issue

The debate on a countywide smoking ban for public buildings raged on.



9. Pulaski at the Polls

Although John McCain carried Pulaski County, it was Democrat Barack Obama who was elected president.



10a. Refinery Sale

New York real estate mogul Michael Grunberg purchased the local refinery and promised brighter days.



10b. Early Prisoner Release

Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway joined forces with Commonwealth’s Attorney Eddy Montgomery and Pulaski circuit Judge David A. Tapp to battle a measure that called for the early release of prisoners as a cost-cutting ploy.