Dixon’s Bourland Park to get new ball field

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Dixon Little League Commissioner Steve Sowder was at last week’s Dixon Commission meeting to request approval from the city to construct a new ball field.

Sowder told the commission the second field would be used for younger players, and asked the Commissioner to consider purchasing a backstop and a power pole for lighting. The total cost for the City was estimated at about $2,100 for the backstop, plus the cost of the power pole.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the project, and then followed up by agreeing to purchase the requested equipment.

Both Bourland and Baker Parks officially reopen in March as soccer, baseball and softball programs get underway. These leagues will last through July.

Mayor Linda Frederick presented the Commission with a copy of the recently completed audit on behalf of City Auditor Mike Overby, who was unable to attend the meeting due to a family illness.  Frederick said Overby reported to her that the audit was a good report, and suggested the Commission review the report at their convenience. 

Frederick added that Overby offered to come to a future meeting to discuss his findings, or to meet with the commissioners individually.

Water Operator Jamie Harkins told the commission that a driveway recently torn up during a waterline repair would also have to be repaired. It was noted that a sidewalk grant the city has recently received cannot be used in this instance. 

Commissioners also reviewed a letter sent to a resident concerning a dangerous situation. Apparently there is an open pit located on the property on Highway 132 West. Commissioner Royster suggested giving the resident time to come up with a solution for fixing the problem before the city take sany action.

Rep. Jim Gooch appointed to Southern States Energy Board

State Rep. Jim Gooch, the longtime leader of the House’s Natural Resources and Environment Committee, has been named to the Southern States Energy Board, a key position that will help him better promote Kentucky’s energy resources.

“This is a prestigious group, and its recommendations carry a considerable amount of weight when it comes to issues tied to energy and the environment,” said Rep. Gooch, D-Providence.  “I’m honored to now be a part of this and look forward to taking what I learn and implementing it here at home.”

 Rep. Gooch will serve on the board with Governor Beshear; Dr. Len Peters, the secretary of the state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet; and several other state legislators, including Rep. Rocky Adkins, who serves as the board’s vice chairman.

 The Southern States Energy Board was formed by governors and legislators throughout the South in 1960, in an effort to improve economic development and quality of life through innovations in environmental and energy programs.

Rep. Gooch noted that the board plays a major role in amplifying Kentucky’s energy goals.  Last fall, for example, it put its support behind a resolution that calls on the EPA to recognize different greenhouse standards for coal- and natural-gas power plants. 

 “Resolutions like this give Kentucky’s arguments a much stronger voice, which is more important than ever as we take on federal regulations that seem determined to reduce the positive impact coal can and should play in meeting our country’s energy needs,” Rep. Gooch said.