Columns

 Subtracting one lane from downtown’s main thoroughfare didn’t seem to add up.

Transportation engineers said it would work. More than once, studies commissioned to address downtown redevelopment or traffic flow in Elizabethtown promoted the less-is-more idea.

After a month of experience, the Dixie Diet is working.

Like any change, it required adjustments. But from personal experience and observation, traffic appears to be moving smoothly and motorists have adapted.

This year’s Memorial Day commemoration comes during a period of questioning — about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the affordability of our government services and which of those services were made in the nation’s best interest.

I submit that we, as a nation, have no more binding and sacred commitment than to those who wear our uniform and fight in our wars. Their selfless sacrifice on the field of battle has been a distinct hallmark, and saving grace, of this nation since before the Revolutionary War.

By Marcheta Sparrow

Kentucky’s tourism industry is gearing up for summer travel season. As someone who has worked in the industry for more than 30 years, I believe we have many good reasons to be optimistic about 2012.

Recently, during National Travel and Tourism Week, our cabinet announced the tourism industry had an economic impact of almost $11.7 billion in Kentucky during 2011 – an increase from the previous year. Tourism also supported about 170,000 jobs in the state and generated more than $2.6 billion in wages.

In the newspaper business, the journalist’s job is to chronicle events and actions of interest. Today, however, I’ll take a stab at predicting the future.

But first, let’s revisit a statement from last week.

Some Elizabethtown officials and downtown restoration advocates took issue with county government’s possible new government office complex.