The title of the song is not Dreaming of an ‘Ice’ Christmas…

We made it! The freezing temperatures and the snow and ice put a damper on this year’s Christmas. But we are here and warmer weather is on its way for the New Year.

Don Estep is publisher of the News Journal.

Because our family could not gather together due to the weather, and because I was ill from a recent surgery, our Christmas gathering will be held this weekend.

Now to catch up on a couple of things. First, how nice of the state highway department to offer to change Roy Kidd Avenue to one-way on a portion of the street and strip angled parking for an additional 17 vehicles.

Thanks, but no thanks. For one, we do not need the additional parking spaces. I have had an office for over 35 years a block away, and behind it is a parking lot. Other than for special events like Nibroc, I have never had a problem finding a parking place in that lot.

Yes, there have been a few accidents at the intersection of Main St. and Roy Kidd, but there have been far more up on Gordon Hill. My point is that accidents can and will happen, no matter what. Making the block one-way would be an inconvenience. One-way is not needed!

If the state is so interested in helping us, then why have they let Kentucky Street get in such bad shape? And why did they end the blacktopping short of finishing it all the way to the end of the new sidewalk on Gordon Hill? State officials, we care about the aesthetics.

Moving on, London has been the Christmas showplace with its decorations. Driving from any of the area towns is worth the trip.

The most often complaint I have heard is , “Why can’t Corbin do something like that?” The answer is simple, MONEY.

You see, Corbin was the first area town to vote in the three percent restaurant tax. It was necessary because it was the only way the town could finish constructing the Arena.

The Tourism Commission, of which I was the Chairman, voted to give 75 percent of the restaurant tax income to pay for the construction of the Arena.

London, Williamsburg, every town now has a restaurant tax. Williamsburg has used its tax to build a water park. I’m not sure what London is doing with its pot of gold, but the lighting is part of it.

Every time you eat at an establishment in one of these towns you are paying for these improvements.

Corbin’s Arena will be paid off in about ten years and then Corbin tourism will have its pot of gold.