HCTC develops plan for state budget reduction

Hazard Community and Technical College has developed a plan for the implementation of a budget reduction, in response to Governor Steve Beshear’s three-percent mid-year budget cut request which was designed to address the state’s revenue shortfall. The plan affects all of HCTC’s campuses, including the Lees College Campus in Jackson. The college’s administration decided the college should postone overdue deferred maintenance that had been scheduled for this year, postpone the purchase of instructional equipment, and postpone larger renovation projects. HCTC’s President-CEO, Dr. Allen Goben, noted he is monitoring further development of the 2008-2010 biennial budget, along with Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) leaders. “We work to be good stewards of our dollars and will continue to do what we do best - educate our students. We are keeping what’s best for our students foremost in our minds.” Dr. Goben, along with KCTCS, are awaiting the Governor’s budget proposal release on January 29th in Frankfort.

Congressman Rogers to run for re-election

As expected, 5th District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers has filed to run for re-election for his seat in the U. S. House of Representatives. He filed with the Secretary of State’s Office in Frankfort on January 4th. A native of Somerset, the incumbent was first elected to Congress in 1980, and is seeking his 15th term representating Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky. Congressman Rogers is the longest serving Kentucky Republican ever elected to federal office. At present, no one else has filed to run against him on either the Republican or Democratic ticket.

“Halfway to Hazard” to headline Black Gold Fest

Jackson’s Chad Warrix and Knott County’s David Tolliver - the two who make up the Country duo “Halfway to Hazard” - will play in Hazard this fall, at the 2008 Black Gold Festival. Details aren’t finalized with the Black Gold Festival Committee yet, but their concert is tentatively set for Saturday, September 20th at 9 p.m. in Downtown Hazard. The duo have been on a tear over the last year, touring with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, as well as performing at one of the Inaugural Balls in Frankfort last month, and at Heritage Hall of Rupp Arena in Lexington on New Year’s Eve.