Coal companies tell shareholders outlook is good

Lu-Ann Farrar - Online Content Manager

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The Charleston Gazette reports that most major Appalachian coal producers are telling their shareholders that increased federal environmental reviews are not likely to disrupt production or cause layoffs anytime soon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a close look at 79 pending Clean Water Act permits for mining operations and the Obama administration has announced plans to reduce the environmental impacts from mountaintop removal coal mining.

Some local farmers in Ashland recently battled thousands of blackbirds, starlings and grackles as they descended on their corn crops, according to a story in the Daily Independent. The farmers tried to scare the birds away, but eventually gave up and tried to harvest whatever corn was left in the fields where the birds were eating. One farmer estimates he has lost at least 25 percent of his remaining corn crop.

The St. Petersburg Times reports on the underwater cave where a Richmond, Ky., man drowned Tuesday. Gregory S. Snowden and James D.Woodall were diving at Eagle Nest Sink in North Florida when Woodall began having trouble with his underwater breathing apparatus. At least six divers have died at Eagle Nest since 1981.

Loretta Lynn is profiled in the Muncie Star Press. Lynn's explanation for her timeless appeal: "You got to be real. That's all you need to do. That's what I'm doing — keeping it real." Lynn told the newspaper she is putting the finishing touches on a religious album and has another country album in the works that will include some special guests. She was scheduled to perform in Muncie tonight, but became too ill. The show has been rescheduled for February 19.