But a new owner begins a multimillion dollar renovation as 1999 ends, promising to restore western Kentucky's largest hotel and convention center to its glory days. Consolidated Mechanical Inc. and Sterett Crane and Rigging removed several large cooling units from atop the tower, then lowered the estimated 2,200-pound green neon sign assembly that had been the building's signature feature. The work is part of major renovations to the hotel. Goldie's Opryhouse fights to keep its flashing neon marquee. And Friday After 5 summer concerts bring people back downtown to party.
Nightclubs begin to close, citing the effects of tougher laws against drunken driving.
Owensboro native Wendell Ford is elected assistant majority leader of the U.S. Senate. That includes raising the sales tax a penny from 5 cents to 6 cents. Bruce Brubaker buys Harry Holder Ford. The Dismas House, a halfway house for women, opens in Owensboro. And we got Scott.