Things I’d like to see happen in 2023

As we start a new year, here are some of the things I would like to see happen this year. Realistically I know much of what I want will not happen, but let’s dream.

Don Estep is publisher of the News Journal.

First, I want the General Assembly to change the border of Whitley County. It should extend beyond exit 29 of I-75 and circle to Knox County to include Ohler Road and the Industrial Park.

Many years ago Corbin officials constructed infrastructure and brought in the American Greeting plant in the north Corbin area. That area has developed mostly because of dollars generated from this accomplishment.

The developments in Knox County, like the Trademart Shopping Center and other businesses, are mostly supported by people living in Whitley County and Corbin. Add to this the Industrial Park and the racing facilities that are being constructed, both of which probably wouldn’t be here without the efforts of local officials, but both are in Knox County.

Although three new car dealerships are basically located in Corbin, Whitley County does not have a new car dealership and that means when you buy a new vehicle from them and you live in Whitley County, if you don’t request that you want it licensed in Whitley County, the tax money goes to the other counties.

Obviously, the border of Whitley County will never change, but you can see how much revenue generated from Whitley County goes to its neighbors.

Along with this I would like for the City of London to work with the City of Corbin about the property at exit 29. It is still tied up in court and probably will be for many years to come but be fair and this could be settled.

Hopefully, Miller Park in Corbin will be finished this year. It is about a year overdue.

I would like to see rules and regulations enforced on garbage collection. First of all, a rule should be made for a limit on how much trash you can have for the established price. I see people with four or five big cans running over every week and they pay the same rate as those who have one can. New rule… You pay if you go over the limit!

It won’t happen in my lifetime, but the water park and Mint in Williamsburg, plus the other developments there, are the start of Kentucky’s best vacation spot. A new motel is on the way, but if some time in the future a new golf course and amusement park could be added, that is worth dreaming about.

Perhaps this year we will see the Cumberlands racing facility open in Corbin. This will be exciting. We’ve waited a long time for this.

Here is something that can be done this year. How about a gigantic 100th anniversary celebration of Corbin football? It is happening this year and with the new facilities that are being built, what a time for a party!

I made a long list things I’d like to see happen, but space will only permit a few. Included however is your support of this newspaper. We need you and the community needs a newspaper.