Meetings focus on protecting forests

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky is getting involved in a federal program that helps protect forests being considered for development.

Meetings will be held this week in three areas of the state to tell people about Forest Legacy areas and to solicit suggestions for areas that should be protected, said Diana Olszowy of the state Division of Forestry.

"The point is to keep them from being turned into parking lots," Ms. Olszowy said.

Twenty-two states already participate in the program through the federal government. They vie for $60 million in federal funds to buy conservation easements in environmentally important forest areas.

The Division of Forestry, along with the Division of Conservation, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is working on an "Assessment of Need" report to get the program started.

That should be completed by next summer, Ms. Olszowy said.

Review committee to evaluate allegations

OWENSBORO, Ky. - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro's sex abuse review committee is not a vigilante group, the chairman of the committee says.

"I can understand why people would be worried the committee would not be objective," William G. Craig Jr., of Owensboro, said.

However, "zero tolerance" of anyone being put at risk from a member of the clergy is "deeply embodied in this group of people," Mr. Craig said.

Mr. Craig is one of 10 people on the new review committee for the diocese, which includes 32 western Kentucky counties. The committee is designed to help the bishop evaluate allegations of sexual abuse against church workers.

The committee includes two priests, a nun, an attorney and at least three mental-health professionals. All but one of the members are Catholic.

The committee formed in response to allegations nationwide that parishioners had been sexually abused by priests or church employees when they were children.

Since the scandal broke, three priests have been removed from ministry as a result of allegations in western Kentucky. None has been laicized, or kicked out of the priesthood, said the Rev. John J. McRaith, bishop of the Owensboro diocese.

The Rev. Mr. McRaith said other cases are still under investigation.

Victorian Christmas planned for Saturday

BEAVER DAM, Ky. - Organizers of a plan to celebrate a downtown Christmas past hope it will benefit the city's present and future.

About two dozen businesses are expected to participate Saturday in "A Time Remembered in Beaver Dam, Kentucky: A Victorian Christmas Celebration."

Most businesses will have open houses with giveaway drawings. Craftsmen have been invited to display and sell their handmade creations in businesses, and employees have been asked to wear clothing from the Victorian era.

"To add to the uniqueness, you have to contribute to the atmosphere," said Kathy Allen, an organizer of the festival.

If the first organized effort is a success, future celebrations could bring in tourists - one reason for planning the event, Ms. Allen said. The county recently has been looking at increasing tourism.

Another goal is to attract holiday shoppers into downtown and away from retail chains and malls, said event creator Arnell Hines.

Ms. Hines said she got the idea for the Victorian Celebration from Bardstown's annual old-fashioned Christmas events.

Beaver Dam was founded in 1798 during the Victorian era.

Model train display open this month

The 57th annual Cinergy/CSX Holiday Model Train Display in the lobby of the Cinergy/CG&E building, Fourth and Main, downtown opened Friday and runs through Dec. 31.

Hours for the free display are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. It will be closed Christmas Day. Cincinnati City Manager Valerie Lemmie will flip a switch at noon today at the official opening ceremony. Information: www.cinergy.com or 287-1500.v

Campers can register easier, but rates rise

INDIANAPOLIS - Campers will find it easier to reserve campsites at Indiana state parks starting this week, and they won't have to pay a $6 reservation fee. But they will find higher fees for campsites, cabins and shelters. A mail-in registration system has been scrapped. Registrations now are accepted online or through a toll-free telephone number.

New fee increases mean it will cost campers more to rent a site. Fees will increase $2 to $9, depending on the type.

Campers in Indiana can make a reservation by calling toll free 1-866-6CAMPIN (1-866-622-6746) Monday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.