By David Blackburn, Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky. Apr. 22--Coal companies are seeking more people to work in mining projects in Ohio and Muhlenberg counties. In Ohio County, Armstrong Coal Co.

By Novotney, Steve WHEELING - Alliance Research Partnership Inc. will hire as many as 300 underground miners in Ohio County within the next year as long as demand for coal remains strong, according to Sen. Andy McKenzie, R-Ohio.

By Keith Lawrence, Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky. Feb. 14--The coal fields of western Kentucky have seen booms and busts for decades. In June 2002, Peabody Coal opened Big Run, an underground mine near Centertown.

By David Blackburn, Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky. Oct. 30--Muhlenberg and Ohio are among the five western Kentucky counties on the short list for Peabody Energy's proposed $3 billion plant to convert coal to synthetic natural gas.

By Novotney, Steve WHEELING - After nearly two hours of debate about implementing public transportation to The Highlands in Ohio County, members of the Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority failed to vote on the issue July 30. Board member T.J.