🌱 Sports Betting Bill + Extension Of Bluegrass Farms Boulevard

Hey, neighbors. It's Friday in Bowling Green and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 71 Low: 61.
• Saturday: Windy; a stray morning shower. High: 71 Low: 42.

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Here are the top three stories in and around Bowling Green today:

1. House Bill 551 could legalize sports betting in Kentucky and allow sports books to be placed in gaming halls across the state. The bill has passed through a Senate Committee but still needs 23 votes to be delivered to Gov. Andy Beshear's desk. If legalized, sports betting could draw more people into gaming halls and disincentivize them from betting on offshore websites or driving to neighboring states where it is already legal. (WYMT)
2. Bowling Green police are seeking information on a woman who allegedly concealed multiple items of merchandise in a bag she was carrying without making any attempt to pay for them. The suspect is described as a white female with brown hair, wearing a black jacket, white shirt, and blue jeans and drives a light-colored Chevrolet Impala. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact South Central Kentucky Crime Stoppers for a chance to earn up to $1,000 for an anonymous tip. (WBKO)
3. The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Arnold Consulting Engineering Services Inc. to design a mile-long extension of Bluegrass Farms Boulevard, connecting Plano Road back into the boulevard. There is already a potential business looking at the property behind Camping World, and the road extension is expected to attract more activity in the area, including housing and mixed-use properties. The project has received support from various parties, including the developer, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. (Bowling Green Daily News)

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Today and tomorrow in Bowling Green:

Friday, March 24

• SOKY Book Fest At Knicely Conference Center (9:00 AM)

Saturday, March 25

• New Works Festival At Lab Theatre, Gordon Wilson Hall (2:00 PM)
• Live Music – Funk N Blues At Spillway Bar And Grill (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Warren County Public Works is holding its first Hazardous Waste Day for 2023, encouraging the community to dispose of items that are not safe to put in the garbage such as mercury thermometers and paint thinner. The event will take place on Saturday, Mar. 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 999 Lauren Avery Drive. (WNKY)
• Lost River Cave is hiring for 15 seasonal summer jobs, including boat tour guide, which offers on-the-job training and the opportunity to interact with the public and share the cave's history and unique geological features. The starting pay is $12 per hour plus tips, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. (WBKO)
• The Family Enrichment Center in Bowling Green is hosting events to raise awareness and funds for child abuse prevention programs during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The events include a run/walk for children, a pasta party, a Children's Expo, a 100-yard dash, and a National Child Abuse Prevention Month Kickoff. Dates and times for events can be found on the Family Enrichment Center website. (WBKO)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you soon with another 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.