🌱 Occupational Tax Increase Approved + KY Derby Loser Tries Again

Hello, neighbors! It's Friday in Bowling Green and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: On-and-off rain, some heavy. High: 63 Low: 56.
• Saturday: Warmer with clouds breaking. High: 71 Low: 59.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Bowling Green:

1. A 17-year-old in nearby Scottsville is making a name for herself after being hired as one of the youngest farmers' market managers in the state. Allie Costello, who was offered the position after interning, described the honor as "weird." She's quickly making changes to the popular Allen County Farmers Market, such as changing Thursday's market to an evening event to benefit morning workers and also adding a wholesale buyout program. (WBKO)
2. A Bowling Green horse owner who placed second in last year's Kentucky Derby will be returning to the race this year with a new horse and the hopes of winning it all. Ron Winchell's horse, Disarm, is listed at 17th on the points leader board, with 30-1 odds. Reflecting on last year's loss, Winchell said it was a learning experience. "That one was a little painful, getting beat by the longest shot," Winchell said. "So, you know, maybe we’re learning from that. We’ll go okay, this is how you win the Derby. Saturday, I’m just trying to figure out how to win it basically." (WBKO)
3. Starting in January of next year, Bowling Green business owners will start to see a 0.15 percent occupational tax increase after city commissioners approved the measure for the first time in a decade and a half. The vote was split 3 to 2 in favor of the increase from 1.8 percent to 2 percent. Dissenting commissioners Dana Beasley-Brown and Carlos Bailey suggested rising inflation and the uncertainty ahead is why they would not support the increase. (Bowling Green Daily News)

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Today and tomorrow in Bowling Green:

Friday, May 5

• Shakespeare On The Green Presents "Hamlet" At SoKY Marketplace (5:00 PM)

Saturday, May 6

• Ashtanga Inspired Yoga Class With Hope Hawkins At The Nightingale (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• It's Food Truck Friday and your lunch order could help benefit the Warren County Public Library! If you're hungry, head over to 2727 Russellville Road and consider donating a jump rope, hula hoop, bubbles, or chalk when you visit. (WCPL via Twitter)
• The owners of Anna’s Greek Restaurant were officially honored by the City of Bowling Green and Warren County for going above and beyond after the 2021 tornado outbreak. The restaurant gave away 10,549 meals to people in need between Dec. 17 and Dec. 28 of that year. (City of Bowling Green via Facebook)
• The results of last weekend's Teddy Bear Run to support the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center have been tallied! The event raised over $60,000 and pulled in 1,160 stuffed bears that will be given to children who are victims of child sexual abuse. (WBKO)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.