🌱 WKU Increases Fiscal Budget + Police Dept. Celebrates 200 Years

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Monday started off right with a quick review of the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A stray afternoon t-shower. High: 90 Low: 59.
• Tuesday: Variable cloudiness. High: 89 Low: 63.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Bowling Green Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Bowling Green Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories today in Bowling Green:

1. On Friday, Jun. 2, a $389.9 million budget for the 2024 fiscal year has been approved by Western Kentucky University's Board of Regents. This year's budget took a $6.5 million increase and will go towards rewarding faculty and staff with a 2 percent increase to their salary pool, as well as opening up around $5 million to use for their scholarship budget. However, due to the increase in funding, tuition for resident students will go up by about 3 percent per semester. (WBKO)
2. This weekend, the Bowling Green Police Department held a proclamation that celebrated the department's 200 years of service. Some of the City Commission, as well as Rep. Kevin Jackson and Mayor Todd Alcott, spoke alongside members of the police department honoring the commitment and sacrifices these officers made. Overall, the department has been around since the 1790s but wasn't hiring any part-time officers until the late 1890s. (WNKY)
3. After an investigation that followed a variety of sexual offense charges, the Kentucky State Police has indicted a former employee of the Warren County Regional Jail. On Wednesday, May 24, an indictment warrant for 28-year-old Aaron Bommarito was issued after a complaint of inappropriate sexual conduct was filed. According to legal records, the original incident took place back in September 2021 and Bommarito has left his employment position after three months at the jail. (WNKY)

Business owners and marketers in Bowling Green: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in Bowling Green:

Monday, June 5

• Official Dual Proclamation Ceremony At National Corvette Museum (3:30 PM)

Tuesday, June 6

• Bowling Green Farmers' Market At 1751 Scottsville Road (7:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• According to the National Weather Service, the next few days in Bowling Green will be hot with temperatures reaching the 90s. However, as the week continues, a cold front will roll in around Tuesday morning and keep temperatures in the lower 80s on both Wednesday and Thursday. There is a chance of showers later in the week, but conditions will become nice again heading into next weekend. (WBKO)
• The state of Kentucky held its first day of early in-person voting on Thursday, Jun. 1. Many voters across the state had the opportunity to cast their ballads before Tuesday and avoid some of the lines that come along with Election Day. However, you must be registered as a Republican or Democrat in order to participate in this year's primary election. (WBKO)
• Looking for a new furry friend to bring home just in time for summer? The Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society is spotlighting its 4-year-old husky mix Bleu who's still looking to find his forever home. He's sponsored, so his adoption fee is only $25, and he's the most friendly and playful pup you'll find! (Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. See you all soon for 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.