The effort to launch this website began two years ago when local citizens gathered to discuss the possible closure of Superior IGA, one of Berea's last independently owned grocery stores.
That night citizens voiced their concerns about the need to protect small businesses like Superior against retail giants. The only problem was that the eloquent words of those citizens were never heard beyond the walls of Berea City Hall, because none of the local newspapers covered the event.
Sometimes that happens. Reporters are otherwise committed, or a story comes too late to meet a print deadline. Still, the lack of coverage sparked an idea. Why not create a new news source? Superior did close after all, but the Web site, so far, has continued.
With newspapers and radio stations already covering the region, many may ask the question: What's left for KYNews.org to cover? There are some stories mainstream media sources may have missed:
Angry alums from Eastern Kentucky University expressed outrage that a campus statue of Daniel Boone was dressed in ladies lingerie for Halloween. The offended party said the display was in bad taste. I have to agree. The lavender bustier Boone was wearing is so last year.
In Washington, D.C., Chemical Weapons Working Group Director Craig Williams was lauded by the majority whip of the United States Senate. I suppose I can see why local media took a pass on the story. After all, the guy has helped facilitate the safe destruction of 500 tons of deadly nerve gas, but what has he done for us lately?
In baseball, there's an axiom concerning the art of hitting: Hit 'em where they ain't. In the news business, that means finding stories and publishing commentary that readers might otherwise not see. That will be the mission of KYNEWS.ORG – to provide alternate news and opinions and maybe along the way, help foster a discussion of the issues that face our community.
Thanks for stopping by.
Andy McDonald
