Statement

     Former George Rogers Clark football coach Paul Columbia has retracted a statement he made following his dismissal as coach last week. In a letter sent to The Sun Wednesday, Columbia said he was “stunned” when he received a “reduction of responsibility for coaching duties” by Clark County Schools Superintendent Elaine Farris last Friday. “I asked Superintendent Farris if l could say I resigned,” he said in the letter. “I did not agree with the reasoning given for being fired and I was thinking of making the transition easier for the team.

I was taken aback by the statements made by Bobby Gullette, the attorney of the Nicholasville Planning Commission in the Aug. 23 edition of The Jessamine Journal. His statement, “Their defect is fatal” and “We've got them on the run, and hopefully we can keep them that way,” regarding the concerned citizens of Nicholasville. Apparently he views these citizens as the enemy. My disappointment is rooted in the apparent arrogance of Mr. Gullette or at the very least his lack of ability to think before speaks.

Dear Editor: Recently a letter writer stated that President Bush said the war on terrorism couldn't be won. He failed to mention the rest of Bush's statement. President Bush stated on the Rush Limbaugh show, " ... this is not a conventional war. It is a different kind of war. We're fighting people who have got a dark ideology who use terrorists, terrorism, as a tool. They're trying to shake our conscience. They're trying to shake our will, and so in the short run the strategy has to be to find them where they lurk.

The priest of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Harrodsburg says he is greatly saddened by the events unfolding at the General Convention. "Personally, I am opposed to the election of Gene Robinson as Bishop," says Father Jeff Jones in a written statement hand delivered to The Advocate Messenger on Monday. The rest of the statement reads as follows. "Let me make myself perfectly clear. I do not turn away people from the church or deny them pastoral care based on their lifestyles, but at the same time, I may not condone their behavior.

Dear Editor: Recently Dick Cheney made the utterly ridiculous statement that the "insurgent" movement in Iraq is in its "last throes. " I cannot help but wonder if Mr. Cheney suffers illusions, or if he intended to insult the public intelligence. Or perhaps both. In my opinion, one could perhaps expect such a statement from George W. Bush but I gave Mr. Cheney credit for having some intelligence. However, this statement gives me much cause to wonder. It is abundantly clear that the insurgency in Iraq is not even close to being in its last throes.

Dear Editor: Change in Frankfort is needed for the good of all Kentuckians. What a shame for a past governor and senator, Wendell Ford, to campaign against the Republican candidate with misleading TV and radio ads. Senator Ford is trying to discredit Representative Fletcher by using illogical statements. Illogical statement 1: "Fletcher is a pilot without an airplane. " The Navy does not let its pilots take their airplanes home. Mr. Fletcher has a strong plan for Kentucky that does not include the use of state-owned vehicles.

Boyle County Clerk Denise Curtsinger issued a statement this morning disputing a report Sunday that she suggested that her opponent, write-in candidate Cindy Davidson, a Republican, might not be ready for the duties of the office. "The comment was not said," Curtsinger wrote in her statement. "I said there is more to this office than just elections. The implication that I may degrade anyone in order to win an election is absurd. I have never involved myself in that type of campaign and I will not start now. Every candidate that runs for any office should be taken serious.

Dear Editor, Main Street was a bustling center of arts activity and enthusiasm last Friday during the Gallery Hop Stop, one of the many outstanding events of the Great American Brass Band Festival weekend. In addition to the great artwork exhibited and sold by local artists at shops on and around Main Street, the energy and excitement was contagious, which was displayed by the overflowing crowds buzzing from one stop to the next. As one of the locations along the Hop, the Community Arts Center would like to thank all involved in coordinating this event; Ann Nichols, executive director of the Arts Commission of Danville/Boyle County, The Great American Brass Band Festival, downtown merchants and participating artists.

More than four years after a crash resulting in the deaths of a woman and three children, families of the victims finally heard remorse from Melissa Helton. Helton pleaded guilty for the second time in August to four counts of wanton murder, first-degree wanton endangerment and DUI in the August 2006 wreck on Watts Mill Road that killed Emily Ann Preston, 10, Caleb Hildenbrandt, 11, and Nicholas Helton, 12. Lori Latham, 40, died later from injuries suffered in the crash. Helton’s blood alcohol level, which was taken at the University of Kentucky Hospital at the request of Jessamine County sheriff’s deputies, was .16 percent, double the state limit of .08. Helton appeared in circuit court Thursday morning for formal sentencing.

The Fourth of July Celebration scheduled for Lykins Park Tuesday has been canceled because of the extremely dry weather, according to a statement released Thursday afternoon by the committee that plans the event. All of the events at the celebration - the fireworks, concert and military event  - will be rescheduled, according to the Fourth of July Committee statement.

The Jessamine County Fiscal Court has a more than $5 million unencumbered cash balance, according to a financial statement approved at its meeting last Tuesday. The statement, which reflects the court's financial condition as of Feb. 28, 2013, shows the court has brought in more than $18 million in receipts so far for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, including almost $2 million in real property taxes and more than $3.5 million in occupational license fees. The court has paid out more than $12 million in claims, according to the report.

It's very likely that during the holiday season you've been spending a bit of time and money getting gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Why not take a moment and give yourself a holiday gift? We have a suggestion, and while it won't cost you a penny, it could be one of the best (and easiest) financial steps you ever take for your future. Give yourself the gift of your own Social Security statement. You can get yours online at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. The online Social Security statement is simple, easy to use, and provides estimates you can use to plan for your retirement.

I was taken aback by the statements made by Bobby Gullette, the attorney of the Nicholasville Planning Commission in the Aug. 23 edition of The Jessamine Journal. His statement, “Their defect is fatal” and “We've got them on the run, and hopefully we can keep them that way,” regarding the concerned citizens of Nicholasville. Apparently he views these citizens as the enemy. My disappointment is rooted in the apparent arrogance of Mr. Gullette or at the very least his lack of ability to think before speaks.

It was with much delight to read Gail Louis is running again to retain her seat on the Danville City Commission. Gail possesses integrity as well as abundant intelligence, which we need in order for the tough decisions to be made. Gail speaks her mind, then has the ability to back her statement up. Therefore, when you vote please keep in mind we already have an honest lady on the commission who needs your support. Sherry Jo Carey Danville  

The Fourth of July Celebration scheduled for Lykins Park Tuesday has been canceled because of the extremely dry weather, according to a statement released Thursday afternoon by the committee that plans the event. All of the events at the celebration - the fireworks, concert and military event  - will be rescheduled, according to the Fourth of July Committee statement.

Winchester Police announced this morning that Lillie Stanton was charged with two counts of murder for allegedly killing her daughter and granddaughter Sunday afternoon in a double homicide and attempted suicide. Lillie Stanton, 48, of 233 Vaught Road, told police Monday afternoon that she killed 23-year-old Danel Korrey Stanton and 22-month-old Kaydence Ray Miers Sunday at the home they all shared. Police said Lillie Stanton tried to harm herself by cutting her wrists and throat after her daughter and granddaughter died.

I just loved reading one statement in the story about the city of Harrodsburg settling a lawsuit out of court.  The statement was according to the agreement, the case was settled to “reduce the cost of expensive litigation,” and “should not be construed as an admission of liability in any way whatsoever.” Something similar is written on the back of citations but worded just a little differently. It goes something like, “By paying this now, you are admitting that you are guilty.” My question is this: Why is it one way of guilt for the taxpayers of this great country and it does not mean guilty when the city pays for one of its employees?

     Former George Rogers Clark football coach Paul Columbia has retracted a statement he made following his dismissal as coach last week. In a letter sent to The Sun Wednesday, Columbia said he was “stunned” when he received a “reduction of responsibility for coaching duties” by Clark County Schools Superintendent Elaine Farris last Friday. “I asked Superintendent Farris if l could say I resigned,” he said in the letter. “I did not agree with the reasoning given for being fired and I was thinking of making the transition easier for the team.

LEXINGTON — Doron Lamb says he learned when Kentucky played at North Carolina that he must “block out” any talk he hears from Louisville fans Friday when the Wildcats play at the new KFC Yum! Center in Louisville. However, he also knows he’ll hear plenty from Kentucky fans after the game if the Wildcats don’t win this rivalry matchup. “We will get the win, though, so we don’t have to worry about that talk from our fans,” Lamb said Tuesday after Kentucky’s win over Coppin State.

All the fun that a man could need, I’ve got waiting at home for me. — Paul Overstreet I was in Louisville recently and saw Arianna Huffington and Howard Fineman tape a segment of the “Kentucky Authors Series.” Arianna was discussing her book, “Third World America,” and referred to her recent appearance on “The Daily Show” in which Jon Stewart asked her, “Isn’t living a normal, stable life a political statement?” Her answer was that at this point in history, people need to take action.