News Briefs 02.06.2003
A game of chicken
By a 2-1 published decision, the Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the power of the Cumberland County Fiscal Court to enact an ordinance under its “home rule” powers to control and operation of poultry facilities.
In light of the action by the 2002 Kentucky General Assembly in which Division of Water regulations had imposed setbacks and other controls on concentrated animal feeding operations, the Court of Appeals’ affirmation of the authority of counties to impose such setbacks as a matter of “home rule” authority is particularly important. Residents of counties in which uncontrolled development of intensive poultry and livestock operations is a concern, and their local governments, can look to this decision for support in local efforts to enact ordinances to fill the gap in landowner and natural resource protection left by the General Assembly’s summary rejection of the Cabinet’s modest Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation regulation.
I propose
Programs benefiting youth in Lexington are able to apply for funding from Partners in Youth. The coalition was formed to help out grassroots youth programs in Lexington. Proposals must be submitted by way Request for Proposal Forms, which can be downloaded at www.lfucg.com, or by calling 258-3135. Applications must be returned to the Partners in Youth office by 5 pm on Monday, February 10th. The office is located at 166 N. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Suite 200. Recipient announcements will be made in April.
Ban this
On Monday, February 10th 2003, the Board of Health and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will hold a meeting to discuss the public health implications of second-hand smoke in public places. Local debate continues on an ordinance that would ban smoking in public places. The issue will be revisited at a Feb 20 council meeting.
Animal advocates
On Thursday, February 13 2003 , at 12:30 p.m., a rally will be held in the Capitol Rotunda in support of pending legislation in the Kentucky General Assembly. A statewide coalition of veterinarians, animal control officers, humane organizations, law enforcement professionals, and protective services advocates will be present at a press conference and rally to support Senate Bill 24, House Bill 243 and House Bill 214-bills which elevate intentional and severe cases of animal abuse from a misdemeanor to a felony. Scheduled speakers will range from Senator Tom Buford (R -Jessamine) to Representative Joni Jenkins (D-Jefferson), to Dr. Jim Webber, president of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and other dignitaries.
Enactment of this legislation will add Kentucky to the list of 37 states in the nation who have already passed felony cruelty legislation.
Prior to the rally, four Kentucky pets coalition members will also be hosting a hospitality room for the legislators in Room 111 in the Capitol Annex from 8 – 11 a.m.
Ace’s Bluegrass Bachelor Auction later that evening will benefit an organization, Woodstock Animal Foundation, dedicated to animal welfare and advocacy.
Quit it
Kentuckians who want to quit smoking, chewing, or dipping can seek the help they need plus a chance to win a grand prize of $2,500 by entering Kentucky Quit and Win 2003.
Visit the Quit and Win website (www.quitandwin.org) or call 859/288-7515 for a registration form. Any Kentucky adult (age 18 or older) in the state who would like to become a nonsmoker or former user can participate in the 2003 program. To be eligible for the cash prizes ($2,500 first prize & five $500 runner-up prizes) participants must remain tobacco-free from February 14, 2003 to March 15, 2003 (30 days).
