🌱 Commissioners Split On Tax Vote + Veterans Center Renamed

Hello, Bowling Green! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 66 Low: 37.

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Here are the top three stories in Bowling Green today:

1. The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners voted 2-2 on a proposal to increase occupational taxes in the city. The proposal would increase the tax from 1.85 percent to two percent, a change that would return the tax rate to 2007 levels. City Manager Jeff Meisel said the increase would bring in an additional $5 million in annual revenue for the city. Meisel cited a reduction in the state income tax to support the proposed occupational tax increase. Commissioners Carlos Bailey and Dana Beasley-Brown voted against the tax increase. Commissioner Bailey explained that he wants to focus on filling job openings in order to increase revenue through employment taxes. (Subscription: Bowling Green Daily News)
2. The new Bowling Green Veterans Center is set to be named after the late Col. Robert E. "Bob" Spiller. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Spiller made it his mission to drive veterans to appointments at the VA facility in Nashville. He was a tireless advocate for a facility to be built in Bowling Green. The Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center is slated to be completed in 2024 and will be located in the Kentucky Transpark. (Kentucky Today)
3. A Bowling Green man has been arrested for burglary and evading police. On Wednesday, Warren County deputies responded to a hit-and-run incident. Once there, they discovered a wrecked vehicle that had previously been reported stolen. Deputies witnessed 21-year-old Adi Trstenjak on a four-wheeler and after making contact, identified him as a suspect based on a picture taken by the victim of the stolen vehicle. The suspect then fled on foot and was arrested shortly after. (WBKO)

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Today in Bowling Green:

• Tequila N' Tacos - Bowling Green Ballpark (11:00 AM)
• Record Store Day - Hard Copies Records & CDs (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• This weekend, the inaugural White Squirrel Arts Fest is taking place in Circus Square Park. This event includes arts activities, local vendors, and the grand re-opening of White Squirrel Brewery. Visit the link for event details. (VisitBGKY.com)
• There's still time to sign up for a Lifeguard Certification Course! Participants must be 15 years old. The course will include CPR training, standard first aid, and lifeguard training. To register or learn more, click here. (City of Bowling Green, KY - Municipal Government via Facebook)
• On Saturday (Apr. 22), Community Farmers Market BG is hosting an Earth Day Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include local nonprofit organizations, businesses, plants, and art activities. (Community Farmers Market BG via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.