🌱 Time Off for Local News Anchor + Annual BG Wine Fest Makes A Return

Good morning, everybody! It's Friday in Bowling Green and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A stray afternoon t-shower. High: 90 Low: 70.
• Saturday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 87 Low: 68.

Here are the top three stories today in Bowling Green:

1. About 22 exceptional educators in Kentucky have been selected as recipients of the 2024 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Award. The winners are chosen by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and now will make each of them eligible to compete for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award, which is set to be announced later this year. Some of the winning educators include Amber Dwyer from Alvaton Elementary School in Warren County, Brandi Violette from Olmstead Elementary, Abby Lee from Larue County Middle School, and more. (WBKO)
2. WBKO's longtime news anchor Gene Birk recently announced he will be taking a leave of absence from the network to recover from back surgery. According to Bowling Green's ABC station, Birk will be undergoing surgery for a condition known as spinal stenosis, which puts pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves within the spine making it more difficult to walk around. Due to the severity of the surgery, the recovery time will be long, but as soon as Birk gets the all-clear from his doctors, he'll be back on the air. (Adweek.com)
3. On Saturday, Jul. 8, Historic Railpark & Train Museum will be partnering with the Kentucky Wineries Association to welcome the Fifth Annual BG Wine Fest. The festival is expected to bring in large crowds of people all weekend long for a variety of sipping, shopping, and fun. Wineries from across the state will be present as they showcase some of their most beloved flavors produced directly in Kentucky. (WBKO)

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Today and tomorrow in Bowling Green:

Friday, July 7

• Concert in the Park - Fat Box At Circus Square Park (7:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• BG Wine Fest 2023 At Historic Railpark Train Museum (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for ways to stay protected from ticks while out doing yard work this summer? Ticks are one of the most dangerous bugs to encounter, so if you find one and need to know what it is, stop by the extension office in Warren County and they'll be able to help determine which kind it is. (WNKY)
• After celebrating two years in business, Just Love Coffee is reminiscing on its exceptional time serving the Bowling Green community. According to the shop's owners, Don and Sophia Sherman, the last two years have been a whirlwind, but they're always thankful for the regular customers who have continued to stick by their business. (WBKO)
• On Friday, Jul. 7, the American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive in Bowling Green in hopes of improving their critical need for blood donations. According to staff members, the Red Cross is searching for individuals with B-negative and O-negative blood types since they are known as universal donors. (WNKY)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next 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.