Area Communities – and the Opportunities They Ofer – Are Growing and Changing with the Times

BOWLING GREEN/SOUTHCENTRAL KENTUCKY THRIVE A proile of a growing, vibrant community

Foundations Area communities – and the opportunities they ofer – are growing and changing with the times

•Downtowns across southcentral Kentucky are enjoying renaissances. Page 2 •In recent decades, WKU’s campus has undergone a transformation. Page 7 •Bowling Green’s religious diversity fosters a range of perspectives. Page 9

The irst in a four-part series Coming April 16: A look at working in the region. 2 Sunday, April 9, 2017 Thrive Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky

A great American comeback story

By DEBORAH HIGHLAND • [email protected]

nce the heart of small- town America, many downtowns fell out of “I’m sold on the redevelopment of our popularity and into disrepair in the 1970s and 80s downtown area. It’s important to our O but after years of pres- community. It’s where we grew from. We ervation efforts through Main Street programs and other revi- never really left it. But it lost its glitter.” talization initiatives, downtowns are the comeback kids. Ron Murphy Historic theaters, downtown living, shopping, dining and entertain- Bowling Green Downtown Redevelopment Authority director ment venues have all played a part in breathing new life into southcentral Kentucky’s historic downtowns. businesses, and all are wrapped around town Russellville celebrates its histo- “I’m sold on the redevelopment of a large parking structure. ry every year with the Logan County our downtown area,” Bowling Green Across the street is the SOKY Tobacco and Heritage Festival high- Downtown Redevelopment Authority Farmer’s Market and the Southern lighted by the Jesse James bank rob- director Ron Murphy said. “It’s import- Kentucky Performing Arts Center. bery re-enactment on the square. ant to our community. It’s where we Additional apartments are under con- “It’s a very historical town,” said grew from. We never really left it. But struction downtown. Tammy Tinsley, executive director of it lost its glitter.” “That will stimulate more private Logan County Chamber of Commerce. With the revitalization of the Capitol development,” Murphy said of having It has been the subject of debate over Arts Center in 1981, downtown downtown residents. “It’s very import- the years if James was actually pres- Bowling Green began its push to bring ant to have living facilities in this ent during the Nimrod Long Banking back the magic, he said. downtown area.” Company robbery nearly 150 years “It’s an icon,” he said of the old The DRA along with the city helped ago. History is more certain that gang Vaudeville house. “It’s a jewel of plan and develop Circus Square Park members Cole Younger, Frank James, downtown.” and the adjacent property, a former car George Shepherd and Jim Young were Another jewel is the fountain in the dealership that is now home to a florist, participants. middle of Fountain Square Park. La Gala, Peace Presbyterian Church Whatever the case, the bank robbery While the downtown area lost many and Gallery 916. is remembered every year during the large merchants such as Woolworth’s, “We happen to be in a path of tre- festival that draws hundreds into down- Sears and Pushins in the 1970s and mendous growth and I don’t see any town Russellville. 80s, several new boutique stores pop- end to that,” Murphy said. “With our square the way it is, it’s in ulate the storefronts along with restau- Part of that growth is attributed to the walking distance of a lot of different rants, bars and coffee shops. Many of tremendous number of events offered areas,” Tinsley said. the historic buildings offer downtown downtown and throughout Bowling Through the city’s Main Street pro- living spaces above the retail areas. Green that attract tourists. gram, Russellville just completed the In addition to the old and revitalized, Murphy is hopeful that as the U.S. second phase of sidewalk reconstruc- a great deal of new development is also Postal Service works toward moving tion around the square and new light- expanding the offerings in Bowling its downtown post office, it will pick ing. Green. The Bowling Green Ballpark another site to remain downtown. He “The park is just beautiful,” Tinsley just off of the square is home to the believes a downtown postal facility is said of the downtown square park with Hot Rods baseball team, the Class vital to the continued growth trajectory. its fountain. “We have a lot of nice A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Murphy would also like to see an office lighting downtown as well. It’s a home- Surrounding the ballpark is Stadium supply store and drugstore downtown town feel. It’s place where everybody Park Plaza, home to Mariah’s restau- to serve the people who are both living knows they can go to and it’s safe. We rant, 643 sports bar and Starbucks. The and working there. upper levels are leased to a variety of In neighboring Logan County, down- See DOWNTOWNS, 3

ON THE COVER DOWNTOWNS Top photo: Horsemen Top: Southern Kentucky re-enact the 1868 robbery Performing Arts Center of Nimrod Long Banking employee Gerald White Co. during the Logan changes marquee letters County Tobacco and at the Capitol Arts Cen- Heritage Festival in Rus- ter on Fountain Square sellville. Bottom photo: in Bowling Green. Left: Hundreds of people ill Antique cars and trucks downtown Bowling Green line the streets during the for Downtown Lights Up Southern Ky Region An- at Fountain Square Park tique Car Show & Festival on Dec. 2. on the Square in Franklin.

DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky Thrive Sunday, April 9, 2017 3

DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS Above: People enter the Plaza Theatre in downtown Glasgow. Below: A more than decade-long effort helped renovate Scottsville’s Square with the addition of landscaping, pavers, lighting, sidewalks and handrails. From Page 2 DOWNTOWNS have a lot of shops around the square. Shops include a drugstore, home decor store, Lost River Creamery and boutiques. A new ice cream parlor is slated to open in June. The old Fourth Street theater is also partially renovated and used for events like wedding receptions, she said. Downtown Glasgow has also seen significant revitalization particularly with the renovation of the historic Plaza Theatre. Opened in 1934, the atmo- spheric theater with the indoor appear- ance of a European garden was in use until the 1970s and then infrequently until it fell into disrepair in 1990s. The city bought the theater, restored it and reopened it in 2006. City Commissioner Larry Dixon said. city meetings in its downtown City The Plaza has drawn popular acts, Dixon is also the president of Franklin- Hall because the building is not ADA including Charlie Daniels, Jamie Simpson Renaissance. complaint. Phelps believes bringing Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Wynona “We’re excited about using (the the city’s business meetings back into Judd and Travis Tritt. music) around the holidays,” he said. downtown will be a boost to the area. In addition to the Plaza, downtown “It could also be used as a PA system Morgantown is also in the process of Glasgow offers a variety of shopping for a tornado. Renaissance did that. marketing and branding itself to attract and eating establishments. The Bounty That was in January. If you get out and new businesses and visitors. of the Barrens Farmers Market is held listen, you can here soft music paying. “We want people to want to come on the west side of the square from 8 It will recycle about every two hours. here and visit the quality of life in a a.m until noon on Saturdays from April It’s got a lot of different types of music. small area that is still moving forward,” through October. It’s turned on at 8 a.m. and turned off at Phelps said. Not far from the square is the 4:30 p.m. That’s a real nice addition to “We created a downtown develop- Museum of the Barrens South Central downtown.” ment committee just to look at what we Kentucky Cultural Center that offers Renaissance also sponsors con- can do to bring business back to Main changing exhibits and preserves arti- certs on the square between June and Street,” he said. facts from the area. August, he said. The group is considering concerts, About a 30-minute drive away sits Like many other downtowns, special events, markets and festivals. Scottsville, the county seat of Allen Franklin has a historic theater, the Phelps liked the idea of Franklin- County and a place where it seems time Roxy, an art deco period theater that Simpson Renaissance installing speak- has almost stood still. has been reconfigured into a special ers to play soft music downtown. Downtown storefronts are occupied events venue. “We’re going to be ordering new with everything from florists and home “That’s been a real asset to Franklin,” banners for our poles. We’d like to try furnishing businesses to churches, a Dixon said. discount retailer, a funeral parlor and “We work real hard at taking care of to do a trifold handout” to market the new restaurant dubbed The Farmacy. our downtown, making sure it looks city, he said. The city square has been set up to be nice and appealing and pleasing,” Dixon Morgantown recently took over a a walkable area and a pocket park was said. “The cherry blossoms around the three-story downtown building on built just off the square on South Court square will bloom soon. There will be a Main Street. The group is in discus- Street. Cherry Blossom Festival April 15. We sions about what the best use will be Like Scottsville, downtown Franklin have been doing that five or six years. for the building. bustles with business. It’s been well attended. The merchants Morgantown offers a safe, small- Local industry such as under con- are all real proud to see it come because town environment, he said. struction Fritz-Winter plant continues it brings a lot of people.” “It’s that hometown feel,” Phelps to drive growth in this small town that Downtown Franklin does offer a lim- said. “Everybody knows everybody. sits along the Kentucky/Tennessee ited number of apartments to people Your businesses are secure and safe. state line. who want to live above businesses. You get the friendliness of a small Several shops occupy the downtown Dixon thinks upscale apartments in or town. Coming to a small town to open storefronts and there is nowhere else in near downtown would be a nice addi- a business, you think ‘I’m not going the world that can lay claim to being tion. to see all the traffic that I would in the site of the wedding between Johnny Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps Bowling Green.’ You just need to have and June Carter Cash. recently met with a group of commu- the right business to have them walk in Downtown revitalization efforts nity stakeholders to discuss downtown and see you.” in Franklin have included creating revitalization in Butler’s county seat. – Follow Assistant City Editor brick sidewalks all around the court- The city recently sent out bids for an Deborah Highland on Twitter house and adding soft music that plays overhaul of City Hall. @BGDNCrimebeat or visit from speakers placed downtown, Currently, Morgantown can’t hold bgdailynews.com. 4 Sunday, April 9, 2017 Thrive Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky Fountain Square Park still vital to city’s identity Numerous “It’s very important improvements to us to ensure the planned for asthetics of the the coming park is kept intact.” months Brent Belcher Parks and Recreation By WES SWIETEK Department director [email protected] It is the iconic symbol of Bowling applauded the City’s new common, Green – historic Fountain Square calling it an ‘enchanting green Park and its more-than-a-century- gem.’ “ old fountain. The limestone fountain, howev- The park has been the city’s er, did not stand up well to the ele- downtown focal point since the ments and had to be replaced. In 1870s and is now on the city’s radar 1881, the city purchased a 6,000- for some updates. About $600,000 pound precast fountain from the is budgeted this year to replace J.L. Mott Ironworks of New York uneven pavers throughout the park, City for $1,500. perform cosmetic improvements “The new piece was crowned and repair the iconic central foun- by Antonio Canova (the original tain – all efforts to preserve and sculptor) Hebe, the goddess of improve “The most recognizable youth. The old fountain was disas- spot in Bowling Green,” accord- BAC TOTRONG/[email protected] sembled and portions sold at auc- ing to city Parks and Recreation Many people use Fountain Square Park as a backdrop for photographs. Melinda Logic (from left) takes photos of her tion, and the new one was installed Department Director Brent Belcher. daughter Hannah Logic, 13, her niece Paris Carlson, 11, and her son Garrick Logic, 11, all of Bowling Green in 2015 in May 1881,” according to the The park in the heart of down- at the park. website. town Bowling Green is the frequent The statues surrounding the site of concerts, photo shoots, city fountain represent the mytholog- events, protests and other activi- ical figures of Ceres (goddess of ties. An image of the iconic central grain), Pomona (goddess of fruit), fountain is part of the city’s official Melpomene (goddess of tragedy) seal. and Flora (goddess of flowers.) “For over 100 years, Bowling Several features in the park are Green has been known as ‘The Park made from local limestone, includ- City,’ referring to Fountain Square ing the arches on the north and Park,” Bowling Green Mayor south entrances to the park. Bruce Wilkerson said. “Fountain Left: Seasonal lowers mark the Belcher said the city recently Square helped give the city its iden- entrance to Fountain Square Park. completed bid documents to do the tity during that time, and was cen- The park will be receiving upgrades first phase of FSP work, including tral to life in Bowling Green. Plans over the next year. Above: A histori- the new pavers, fixing and repaint- are being formulated to continue cal marker in the park notes Bowling ing the fountain and other cosmetic that central identity, reminding peo- Green’s place in Civil War history. improvements. That effort is slated ple that Bowling Green has a won- PHOTOS BY JOE IMEL/[email protected] to start in late summer. derful quality of life and downtown City officials are also looking at is a place for everyone.” ways to visually tie FSP and Circus Longer-range projects will aim Square Park together, perhaps with to improve walkability, signage ering public input on the future and other public buildings. After who carved one of the Corinthian a consistent paver style on the and parking around the park. One of Fountain Square Park, includ- the Civil War, a new courthouse columns on the new courthouse, existing sidewalks between the two option for added parking and ing at a community open house in was built on 10th Avenue and the was given the contract to build a downtown parks, as well as new improved walkability discussed at January. Addressing parking was an land became available for other two-tiered limestone fountain and signage. a city retreat in January would be issue brought up by several of the uses. reflection pool. ... In March 1872, The new FSP pavers will be to eliminate the inner loop of traffic 20 or so attendees at the forum. “John Cox Underwood, an archi- the sexton from Fairview Cemetery picked to match as much as possi- on College and State streets, which “It is always a goal of ours to tect/engineer and the second mayor was employed to plant trees and ble the look of the pavers at Circus would square off the park and allow incorporate parking as part of an of Bowling Green, drew up a plan shrubs in the park. In April the new Square Park, Belcher said, while crosswalks to be built, as well as the improvement,” Childers said. “It’s for the park in 1870,” according to fountain and four statues represent- also keeping the historic look of the addition of more parking spaces. a win-win.” the city website. “Underwood had ing the four seasons were placed in current park. The city is currently moving Parking was of course not a planned to have the park extend the park, and on April 23 the water “It’s very important to us to ahead with plans to hire an engineer- consideration when the park was from Main Street to the new court- was turned on. In early May 1872 ensure the aesthetics of the park is ing design firm “to see what we are designed decades before the first house (occupying all of present the city’s trustees officially christen kept intact,” Belcher said. able to do,” said city Neighborhood cars began traveling the streets of Frozen Row or Park Row), but the area ‘Fountain Park.’ – Follow city government and Community Services Director Bowling Green. limited funds reduced the grandi- “At the park’s dedication, reporter Wes Swietek on Twitter Brent Childers. The current location of the park ose scheme to the present park site. Henry Watterson, the editor of @BGDNgovtbeat or visit City officials have been gath- was once the site of a courthouse “Charles Ott, a local stone mason the Louisville Courier-Journal, bgdailynews.com. REAL ESTATE

WKU offers three real estate program options to students:

• Qualifying courses for Kentucky licensure; • Certificate; and, • Associate of Arts, (Business with Real Estate Concentration).

These options prepare students for increasing levels of responsibility and a multitude of careers within the field of real estate.

Contact Information:

For more information on the real estate programs at WKU, please contact:

Julie Shadoan [email protected] (270) 780-2539 Tate Page Hall 256 Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky Thrive Sunday, April 9, 2017 5

SCK LaunCh exPerienCe Students explore careers through program

By CHARLES A. MASON [email protected] Eighth-graders in the region have an option to explore careers through a Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce-financed program, SCK Launch Career Immersion, now entering its second year. The chamber developed the program to bring a “growing our own” approach to filling an anticipated 44,775 open positions the next 10 years in the 10-county region of Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Monroe, Metcalfe, Simpson and Warren counties. Of the 44,775 positions, 36,777 are the replacement demand as baby boomer-age workers head to retirement. The larger number also includes a growth of 8,333 jobs in the next decade. The students focus on careers in construction, health care, hospi- tality, manufacturing, professional services and transportation. Those are the sectors where jobs are right now and also where they are expected to be in the future. “Within those sectors we can guarantee there will be positions because those sectors drive our economy,” said Meredith Robinson, chamber chief operat- ing officer. SCK Launch is the next step DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO by the chamber to build upon the Bowling Green Junior High School students tour the medical area during the irst day of SCK Launch on Nov. 9 at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports successful “The Leader in Me” Park. Franklin Covey leadership program that uses the “The 7 Habits erment and career-informed high public schools. Organizers eventu- said SCK Launch is an opportunity a bachelor’s degree receives an of Highly Effective People,” a school graduates. The students ally envision career internships for for them to pursue a path of life- average annual salary of $79,500 program found in all elementa- get to explore “real world” career interested students, career-ready long learning. to $81,900. Students also learn ry schools in the Warren County experiences at a career fair and portfolios developed by those “There are multiple jobs at each that by obtaining an associate Public Schools and the Bowling these efforts support the attainment students and career workshops company, providing multiple ways degree and combining that with Green Independent School District. of nationally portable industry cre- throughout the region. for them to pursue their passion,” on-the-job training, he or she The local chamber raised $1.4 mil- dentials and postsecondary cours- Robinson and Baker envision Robinson said. can qualify as a supervisor of lion to bring The Leader in Me to es. about 1,500 local companies par- SCK Launch is industry-driven, construction or a construction all the county and Bowling Green “The curriculum was the key,” ticipating in SCK Launch and organizers said. and building inspector, earning public schools. Baker said. “The kids had a base- related activities. For example, a student pursuing an average range of $30,000 to Sandra Baker, director of edu- line of knowledge” about careers, “We want to see real intern- a career in the construction indus- $90,000 a year. cation and workforce for the local she said. The idea was to build on ships,” Robinson said. try is taught in the classroom that “I don’t think we, as a business chamber, said a middle school “There has to be a wow factor. construction is one of six career that baseline. community, shared the data with curriculum was needed for mid- It made the SCK Launch Career We want all students to graduate fields in demand in southcentral dle school and junior high school Immersion experience more than with leadership opportunities from Kentucky as identified by the local the kindergarten through 12th students as the next step to The just a field trip to look at different elementary to high school,” Baker chamber, using real-time employ- grade system,” Robinson said. Leader in Me. careers, but also a learning experi- said. “They can showcase them- ment data. There was also an outreach to Three guiding principles are the ence, Baker said. selves and learn about employable While a construction laborer can local educators. basis of SCK Launch, according to SCK Launch is a precursor to skills.” expect to earn a $29,600 average “Sandra and I met with every organizers. They include support- eventual career academies that will There are about 3,500 high annual salary with a high school high school in the area,” Robinson ing student-driven leadership that be developed for students in ninth, school seniors who graduate each diploma, a construction or gener- said. builds self-awareness, empow- 10th and 11th grade in the local year in the region, and Robinson al and operations manager with See CAREERS, 6 6 Sunday, April 9, 2017 Thrive Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky From Page 5 CAREERS

The first program was held Nov. 10-11 at NCM Motorsports Park in Warren County and reached 1,772 students and 120 educators. This year’s fall 2017 program is planned for the arena at Bowling Green High School, organizers said, and it will reach about 3,800 students and involve nearly 200 educators. This year’s program will be assisted by a recently obtained $40,000 in grants. Anna Scates, a local parent, praised the 2016 SCK Launch program on her blog, “The 7 Year Adventure – A Positive Spin on Parenting Teens.” “Luckily for some Southern Kentucky middle school and high school students, the question of what they want to be when they grow up just got a little easier, and A LOT more fun to try to answer,” she wrote. “Seeing the kids explore the fun things to do at the booths was gratifying, inspiring and even entertaining.” At SCK Launch, students per- formed a “stuffectomy” on a dummy, got to sit in large construction equipment or even weld something with a virtual reality welder computer setup. During a “money game,” the students paid the professionals first, then await- ed a spin of a color wheel to see what life event might impact them. The amount of money they initially received for payments was based on the career they might pursue. Eddy Bushelman, principal at Warren Middle School in Warren County said SCK Launch brought a “cultural shift” for students and teachers to what industries are like DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO Bowling Green Junior High School student Isaiah Lightfoot, 14, performs CPR on a dummy in a Greenview Hospital ambulance during the irst day of SCK today, particularly in manufactur- Launch on Nov. 9 at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. ing. It was an “eye-opening” expe- so engaged,” Warder said. “It hit in communications, mathematics, rience for him and others to see on every area of interest. The kids science and technology, accord- how modern manufacturing differs “It is hard to get eighth-grade kids loved it.” ing to its website. The SAWDC from manufacturing Bushelman The local idea evolved from an Worlds of Opportunity is a was familiar with during the years engaged, but the kids were so engaged. examination of best practices in hands-on career expo for eighth- his father worked for Proctor and It hit on every area of interest.” the nation, Robinson and Baker grade students across Southwest Gamble Co. in Cincinnati. agreed during an interview. Alabama’s nine-county footprint, “It’s not hot, dusty and dirty any- Amanda Warder Two years ago, local peo- according to its website. more,” Bushelman said of today’s ple working on the issue vis- The most recent career areas manufacturing. Henry F. Moss Middle School guidance counselor ited the West Florida High explored in the SAWDC Worlds “The reality today is manu- School of Advanced Technology of Opportunity are safety, aero- facturing is highly automated,” in Pensacola, Fla., and the space and aviation, automotive Bushelman said. “The best thing utes. Baker said. Southwest Alabama Workforce technology, communication, about SCK Launch is it creates an “They asked such insightful Amanda Warder, a guidance Development Council Worlds of computer and information tech- awareness of what these industries questions and it was up to us to counselor at Henry F. Moss Middle Opportunity program for about nology and construction, accord- are like in the 21st century. Certain guide them in the direction to find School in Warren County, said the 8,000 eighth-graders in Mobile, ing to a program brochure. skill sets are required.” the answers themselves through first-year SCK Launch was a “phe- Ala., she said. – Follow business reporter Baker said the curriculum is fast reliable sources,” Baker said. nomenal” activity last year. WFHS blends required core Charles A. Mason on moving and changes focus for the “This was not lecture-based. This “It is hard to get eighth-grade academics with technical educa- Twitter @BGDNbusiness students every five to seven min- was not a “sit and get” curriculum,” kids engaged, but the kids were tion, developing students’ skills or visit bgdailynews.com. We ’ ve been making the F am ily Ow ned & Operated place you live, For Over 5 3 years.

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Western Kentucky University transforms campus with various projects By AARON MUDD [email protected] When Bryan Russell attended Western Kentucky University in 1984, campus looked a lot different. After he came back to WKU in 1999 to help renovate some residence halls, he saw how students’ expectations of campus were beginning to change. The project involved removing old-fash- ioned group bathrooms and adding more private facilities shared by every two rooms. “It really added some very nice amenities and more pri- vacy,” Russell said. “That’s really what our students of today are looking for.” Now, after the addition of more than 20 campus dining locations, a 14,000-square- foot addition to the student fitness center and several other projects, WKU’s campus is continuing to evolve to meet the expectations of students, faculty and staff. “Their expectations are different,” Russell said of students. “Faculty and staff expectations are different.” Among those expectations, Russell said, are build- DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS Above: Construction on Ogden College Hall takes place in 2016 at Western Kentucky University. Top: The statue of Henry Hardin Cherry stands watch at WKU’s ings that can be climatized campus. The statue is one of the things that hasn’t changed over the years. and controlled year-round with upgraded heating, ven- building’s system can only with food venues and meet- kilowatts per hour per square more projects.” Leah Hopwood, an arbor- tilation and air conditioning. offer air conditioning or ing spaces. foot,” Russell said. “We’re One of those projects ist for WKU, agreed and “Not all of our build- heating at one time of year. But over the past 10 years, now down to about 11 kilo- includes going coal-free by said the campus acts as an ings are capable of that,” “We’ve got things to do,” Russell said perhaps the big- watts per square foot in a replacing the campus steam environment that’s “inviting, Russell said. “Even though Russell said. gest improvement is some- building. At the same time plant with gas-fired boilers, that enables you to think.” we’ve done a lot at Western However, Russell said thing that people see daily: we’ve actually increased our Russell said. “It does make a student Kentucky University to WKU has made strides in WKU’s energy policy and gross square footage of the The university maintains feel more relaxed in a home make improvements and several other areas. That infrastructure. university by 774,000 gross more than 3,600 trees on environment,” she said, add- totally renovate buildings, I includes improving infra- In 2015, the campus earned square feet.” campus by replacing any ing she also sees joggers and would say we’re only half- structure for pedestrians recognition as one of the U.S. Russell said that’s kept removed tree with two more, dog walkers around campus. way there.” around campus, adding park- Department of Education’s WKU’s utility budget from Russell said, adding that Across campus, Hopwood Buildings like Gordon ing and busing options and Green Ribbon schools for its growing at a rapid pace. WKU has arboretum status. said there are 25 different Wilson Hall, Russell said, completing renovations on sustainability efforts. “At the same time we’ve “It actually makes us a genera of trees, referring to have had trouble keeping the Downing Student Union, “We have been able to been able to use any money destination for visitors to subgroups that contain more cooler indoor temperature which Russell described as really reduce our energy con- that we might not have spent come to our campus and to than one species. with this year’s unusually a “wonderful living room sumption, starting in about in that utility line,” he said. learn about different trees,” warm winter because the for the university,” equipped 2008, from using about 15 “We just put that back into he said. See CHANGES, 8A 8 Sunday, April 9, 2017 Thrive Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky From Page 7 CHANGES Along with standing out to students, Hopwood said it also “proves that the university is trying to be environmental stew- ards.” Perhaps the most visible addition to campus are the additional buildings. “We have 6 million gross square feet on campus if you count all the floors,” Russell said, adding the student quality of life has also improved. Part of that improvement, he said, includes selling a small piece of campus property between Adams and Kentucky streets to add a CVS for students living nearby. “It allows them to go over there and get quick groceries,” medicine and other supplies, he said. The campus also provides regular buses to a Wal-Mart on Morgantown Road for other supplies. As for current projects, the campus is building a new parking garage in a parking lot adjacent to Creason Street. A new project to complete Ogden College Hall, which will total 83,000 gross square feet, will include new science labs for students along with other facilities. The university recently agreed with Aramark on a new 20-year dining services contract that includes renovations for the Garrett Conference Center, a building that dates to the early 1950s. However, a new building for the Gordon Ford College of Business is WKU’s top priority down the road, Russell said. “That’s our No. 1 request” for state funding, Russell said. When asked when that money might come, Russell said he was unsure. – Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.

Top right: People tour Western Kentucky University’s newly renovated Downing Student Union in 2014. Bottom right: Laney Brager (right), 16, and Caleb Stickney, 16, both students at The Gatton Acad- emy of Mathematics and Science, walk in 2016 among Japanese cherry trees at WKU. DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS Celebrating 70 Years of bringing News/T alk Radio to South Centr al Kentucky ...to TALK 104.1 From 930am

Sure, we’ve seen some changes since 1947. Prices are skyrocketing. No more “pony prizes” or free water. Modern radio technology seems like science fiction when compared to then. And the days of bringing live bears into crowded studios are long gone! But one thing remains the same. WKCT’s commitment to bringing you up-to-date news, sports and weather every day of the year...from 1947 to the present and into the future.

th ear our 57 Y elebrating C dio to Talk Ra ain nd Entert , Inform a Enlighten 93WKCT Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky Thrive Sunday, April 9, 2017 9

Bowling Green offers religious diversity for Christians, Muslims, others By AARON MUDD [email protected] When Connie Embry started worshipping with a group of Messianic Jews at Hope in Messiah, she felt like she was coming home. After off-and-on visits and joining in celebrations, Embry felt the melding of Jewish and Christian faiths was giving her a deeper understanding of both. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Jewish or Christian,” she said. “We have the same roots.” Messianic Jews accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah while also honoring Jewish traditions. Embry, who lives in Morgantown, was among worshippers who celebrat- ed the Jewish festival of Purim at Hope in Messiah on March 11. The festival celebrates a story from the Book of Esther in which Haman’s plot to massacre the Jews was thwarted. While some in the group acted out the story in a play, others sent up boos each time Haman’s name was mentioned and waved noisemakers called gragers. Embry joined in later, danc- ing around the room with others to celebrate Haman’s DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS defeat. Above: Children laugh during a celebration at the Islamic Cen- Embry, like many in ter of Bowling Green. Right: Children play during the recreation Bowling Green, finds sol- period at State Street Baptist Church’s vacation Bible school. idarity and community through her faith. Between first started holding monthly Brown said. Bowling Green’s Christian, services at Bowling Green A fire gutted the church Muslim and other faith Baptist Church, now called in 1889. Old photographs groups, experiences and per- First Baptist Church. in the church show only the spectives range widely. The group officially start- walls standing. The building ed its own church in 1838 burned again in 2000 just STATE STREET but continued worshipping at after completing a renova- BAPTIST CHURCH Bowling Green Baptist until tion, Brown said. Despite two fires and a it sold the group some prop- Before the fire, Brown said flood, State Street Baptist erty for a church on Short he dreamed three times about Church has endured as a Avenue. At the time, the a time of renewal for the place of community for group called itself African church that he initially didn’t local African-American Baptist Church, Brown said. understand but later interpret- Christians. In 1873, the group moved ed as a sign from God. The Rev. Freddie Brown to its current location and “The dream was a new of State Street Baptist changed its name again to building, a new spirit, but Church said the church is the First Colored Baptist the same people,” he said. in its 179th year. However, Church and renamed itself “The day of the fire, when its congregation dates back a final time to State Street even further to 1836 when it Baptist Church around 1884, See BLESSED, 10

S p e c i a l Holy W eek A c tivities Rockfield United Methodist Church 682 Richpond Rockfield Rd 270-842-7788

Palm Sunday , April 9, 11:00 AM - Easter Egg Hunt Maundy Thursday Love Fest , April 13, 6:00 PM Easter Sunday Sunrise Service , April 16, 6:00 AM (Followed by Country Breakfast) Easter Sunday Worship - 10:00 AM W e Hope You W i ll Jo i n U S! 10 Sunday, April 9, 2017 Thrive Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky when Bosnian refugees From Page 9 resettling in Bowling Green in the late 1990s began look- BLESSED ing for places to worship we knelt down in prayer, it publicly. Before they found was like something touched a place to rent, Agic said, me on the shoulder and they met privately in homes revealed that dream to me to hold worship services, and the third time.” later, in 2005, the Islamic Brown said he used that Center officially opened. idea to encourage his con- While Agic said local gregation through a difficult Muslims practice their reli- rebuilding process. gious life daily, they still “I believe deeply that God have to juggle work and their saw that we (were) trying lives. While some attend to do that right thing so that daily prayers offered morn- our church could be the kind ing and night at the mosque, of church (God) desired us others only have time to pray to be,” he said, adding the at home and visit weekly, fire made room for internal such as on Fridays, which development of the church. are holy days. Stephanie Jewell, the Where Muslims often church’s receptionist and struggle, Agic said, is mak- financial secretary, has been ing their voices heard against going to State Street Baptist misconceptions about what since she was born. they believe is perpetuated She’s 55 now. in society by the media and “It’s a safe place for me,” other powerful influences. she said. “It’s kind of like Muslims have to con- home.” front misinterpretations of Although the community’s the Quran and being stereo- younger people move out typed as potential terrorists, of the area and the focus is he said. now on rejuvenating down- “It’s hard when you’re DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS town Bowling Green, Jewell judged by your religion,” Left: Sedin Agic is imam at the Islamic Center of Bowling Green. Right: A couple hold cups of grape juice during a celebration at said it still endures through he said, encouraging others Hope in Messiah. to learn from the Islamic its church. “We’re still here,” The Rev. Peter Connolly point out common ground may be something challeng- Center and talk to imams. on Sunday mornings. The she said. of the Unitarian Universalist between religious traditions “When you go to the core ing.” church has also earned a while also highlighting dif- The church has contem- and learn the basics of Islam Church said his group special status as a welcom- ISLAMIC CENTER doesn’t hold to any one ferences in a nonjudgmental plative services at 9 a.m. ing congregation through a Other faith groups, such you will see that Islam is a every Sunday, according peaceful religion.” belief system and is instead way. workshop process to learn as the Islamic Center of guided by general principles, The church’s openness to its website. Typical ser- about LGBT experiences. Bowling Green, draw from However, Agic said the vices might include readings center feels blessed by the such as respect for human hasn’t spared it from some “If you’re someone who diversity in the communi- from the Bible, though not believes in the worth and openness of other people in dignity and a “free and negative misconceptions, ty. Sedin Agic, the Islamic responsible search for truth Connolly said. Perhaps the always, and include hymns dignity of all persons and Center’s imam, said the cen- Bowling Green. “When they and sermons, Connolly said. believes that each of us has hear something on the news and meaning.” biggest one is that the group ter serves about 25 national- “Each person is charged is seen as a cult by some in The church’s eclectic style a responsibility to discover ities speaking many different they are coming to ask ‘Is this with investigating for them- is reflected in its sanctu- for ourselves what’s true and what your religion is about the community. languages. selves what is true and what “I think we’re actually the ary, which features stained- meaning and if you would “It is diverse,” he said of or not,’ ” Agic said. “That’s provides meaning, which opposite of a cult,” he said. glass window hangings of feel supported by a com- Bowling Green’s Muslim what we really appreciate.” may be different for different “A cult generally has a set symbols from the world’s munity of others with those community. “That’s one of While it may be harder to people,” he said. “It’s more of beliefs that you have to six major religions, such as same beliefs, this would be the good things for us, for be an open Muslim in other of a worldview than it is a subscribe to without devia- Islam and Christianity. a welcoming place for you,” Bowling Green, to have a lot places, Agic said Bowling belief system, I would say.” tion and it’s kind of a focus The church has histori- he said. of nationalities, but still we Green has been welcom- Connolly said the church’s on loyalty. We just don’t cally been a place for peo- Despite their differences, see the city is united in love ing and cited a recent Unity congregants come from have anything like that at ple who feel unwelcome what Bowling Green’s reli- and respect and that is what Walk that showed communi- many different walks of life all. We’re 180 degrees away by other faiths, including gious groups have in com- we need.” ty support for diversity. and religious backgrounds, from that.” lesbians, gays, bisexual and mon is that they provide a Between Sunni and Shia, “Our community is real- including people identify- Another misconception transgender people, he said. sense of togetherness for the two main branches of ly beautiful and we are just ing as agnostics, human- is that its members can “This church has had a their members. Islam, the mosque is primar- blessed,” he said. ists, Pagan and Neopagans, choose to believe whatever history of attracting people Jonathan Sacks, congre- ily Sunni but does have some Christians and Jews. they want, he said. While who did not feel welcome,” gational leader of Hope in Shia members. However, UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST “We’re open to religious Connolly said that’s true of in churches with more lit- Messiah, said that’s often Agic said that doesn’t get in CHURCH insights from all traditions, every faith, it’s more about eral biblical interpretations, what people are seeking the way of worshipping as a While some faith groups including Hinduism, includ- what people are convinced he said. “So people whose when they show up to ser- community. provide solidarity for those ing Islam,” Connolly said, of. sexuality was out of the vices interested in the Jewish “We don’t care about that,” with shared beliefs, others adding that at least one “It’s not what you want mainstream and people who connections to Christianity. he said. “As long as every- focus on helping their mem- member holds some Hindu to believe,” he said. “It’s could not find traditional “They want to get the body’s coming to pray to bers find their own truth and beliefs. what makes sense to you in teachings believable.” foundation,” he said. God that’s our main (issue). meaning. “It’s a challenge to preach a belief system, which may Connolly said the church – Follow education Who belongs to each group Among those groups is to a congregation with such not be something that you specifically welcomes those reporter Aaron Mudd on is not important at all.” the Unitarian Universalist a diverse set of beliefs,” he want to believe. It may not who identify as LGBT Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or Agic said the center began Church of Bowling Green. said, adding that he tries to be something comfortable it before starting its services visit bgdailynews.com. Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky Thrive Sunday, April 9, 2017 11

COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT

BRADD ofers culture of help to those in need

By CHARLES A. MASON for local, state and national issues. officials in the 10 counties. uals, or relief for the ones who help [email protected] The National Association of For example, BRADD assists care for them,” Hines said. Development Organizations web- developmentally disabled individu- Home care financed by federal The Barren River Area site defines a regional development als and the elderly who seek indepen- Title 3 funds provides services to Development District based in organization as part of the national dent living so they can stay in their about 600 people while another 200 Bowling Green helps many people network of 540 multi-jurisdictional homes and not have to move to nurs- people who are disabled are assisted who can’t help themselves. regional planning and development ing homes. through Consumer Directed Options Its staff develops the nuts and bolts organizations. “We allow them to live in their and waiver programs. that eventually become a regional BRADD is governed by majori- homes as long as possible,” said “We have expanded the home and framework of projects and services ty control of local elected officials, BRADD Aging Director Michelle community-based program,” said in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, along with representatives from the Hines. “These are frail and isolated Alecia Johnson, BRADD Aging Hart, Metcalfe, Monroe, Logan, business community, education- individuals.” Planner/Homecare Coordinator. Simpson and Warren counties. al institutions, the nonprofit sec- Hines said BRADD staff networks Hines foresees a growing need for “We provide technical assistance tor and the general public. The full with the senior centers throughout the aging services. to cities and counties and we bring BRADD board meets once a month region and with the Aging Council. “There are concerns with the grow- our many diverse counties together in Bowling Green. “Our programs allow these indi- ing need for Aging Services, as the to look at problems and address them There are 15 area development dis- viduals to receive the most essential Baby Boomers continue to age into on a regional basis,” said BRADD tricts in Kentucky covering all 120 services, including a hot meal, a bath our programs, which is coupled Interim Executive Director Gene counties and 435 cities. or someone to help clean their home, with stagnant funding levels or even Becker during an interview. BRADD has 35 to 40 full- and as well as many other programs to Becker said BRADD can advocate part-time employees to work with provide assistance to needy individ- See BRADD, 12

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GUARANTEE +Product Price - Actual retail prices are set by dealer and may vary. Taxes, freight, setup and handling charges may be additional and may vary. Models subject to limited warranty. 12 Sunday, April 9, 2017 Thrive Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky His knowledge of federal From Page 11 and state projects and their requirements continues to BRADD grow through the staff sem- budget cuts,” Hines said. inars and informational pro- “This is a concern that needs grams held by the BRADD. to be brought to the attention “We pick up a lot of of our legislators as budget knowledge listening to the decisions are made on state speakers at the BRADD and federal levels. meetings,” he said. “BRADD and the Area BRADD has deep roots in Agency on Aging and the region. Independent Living has In the summer of 1967, expanded our services local leaders began orga- further into the field of nizing area development Medicaid waiver programs, councils as a response to as we have expanded our GENE BECKER ALECIA JOHNSON SUSAN ORLOWSKI MICHELLE HINES federal legislation, accord- case management capabil- ing to the BRADD website. ities, which has allowed us The purpose was to encour- to serve a wider range of age multi-county cooper- Medicaid recipients,” Hines ation for more effective said. use of domestic program “The Medicaid waiver funds. The Upper Barren programs assist those with River Area Development physical and mental disabil- Council included Barren, ities achieve greater inde- Hart, Metcalfe and Monroe pendence in their homes and counties. Allen, Butler, communities, while avoid- Edmonson, Logan, Simpson ing the need for Long Term and Warren counties formed Care placement,” Hines said. the Lower Barren River “We see the services Area Development Council. offered through BRADD/ Both Councils were incorpo- AAAIL continue to grow rated as non-profit agencies and evolve in the future. The in February of 1968. need for elderly services will On April 9, 1968, the continue to increase as the two councils met together Baby Boomers age and have and agreed to a joint steer- a need for these programs,” ing committee. The Barren Hines said. “The programs River Development District will evolve to accommodate was incorporated with J. the needs of these individ- Ewing Stuart, a Russellville uals, and we see a trend in businessman elected chair- the increase of client-direct- man and Fountain Run ed services, where clients Mayor Robert Eaton named have more authority when vice chairman, the BRADD it comes to how their care website noted. needs will be met.” BRADD, according to a Hines said the programs tion, assistance to firefight- their communities. the end of its workforce mis- and the project is moving recent accounting, submitted funded by state and federal ers, rural development, rec- Becker said the agency sion last year, is evaluating along, Fields said. $13.2 million in federal and funds are very complicated reational trails, community is reaching out to the com- programs and staffing. “We would have never state grants in 2016 and saw and BRADD serves as an development block grants, munities it serves to devel- Butler County Judge- gotten that (CDBG) by our- funding for $6.7 million. In information center to con- economic development op a vision for the future Executive David Fields said selves,” he said. 2015, BRADD submitted sumers seeking information assistance, land and water and there are plans to host the expertise of BRADD is Fields has learned over $4.3 million in grant appli- on how to enroll, through the and the federal Appalachian meetings throughout the invaluable to his small coun- the years that navigating the cations and received funding establishment of an aging Regional Commission. BRADD’s communities ty. federal and state grant land- for $2.5 million. and disability resource cen- Orlowski said BRADD to examine and develop “I couldn’t afford to have scape is tricky. The 43 grants applied for ter at 177 Graham Ave. staff sit down with local offi- BRADD’s future mission. all the people on staff,” he Several years ago, the need in 2016 reflected a diver- Susan Orlowski, of cials to identify grant oppor- Becker said Kentucky’s said. arose to replace the Reed’s sity of needs, including $1 BRADD’s community and tunities and help them fill area development districts BRADD staff have worked Ferry deck that crosses the million for the Fort Webb economic development staff, out applications. are some of the strongest in with Butler County on the Green River. Butler County elderly housing develop- serving as public adminis- Additionally, BRADD the nation. establishment of a Trail pursued a grant and found ment in Warren County, $1 tration specialist, said there hosts training workshops for He said the future of Town and also involvement itself having to respond to million for the film produc- are at least 11 grant oppor- officials and their staffs on BRADD will depend in part with the Blueway scheduled the “shovel-ready” require- tion studio in Hart County, tunities for communities and the public administration of on the viewpoints and pri- for along the Green River. ments of the federal govern- and $1 million in the city of counties in the BRADD ser- city and county annual bud- orities of the new adminis- BRADD also has worked ment, where the project had Bonnieville water system vice area. gets, tax calculations and tration of President Donald with Butler County officials to basically be completely improvements, also in Hart “There’s a lot of paper- insight on new or existing Trump. on a $500,000 application planned in order to obtain County. The fate of those work involved,” Orlowski state laws. “It depends on the feder- for a federal Community funding. applications was not yet said. Grants are available BRADD also assists coun- al and state budget process,” Development Block grant to Through technical assis- known. from the Kentucky Office ty judge-executives attempt- Becker said. bring a new senior center to tance from the Kentucky – Follow business reporter of Homeland Security, for ing to understand the myriad The BRADD board has the county. Transportation Cabinet, Charles A. Mason on Twitter pre-disaster mitigation, haz- Kentucky and federal regu- taken steps to hire a new The money has been Fields was able to get the @BGDNbusiness or visit ard mitigation, flood mitiga- lations for grants to improve executive director and with awarded to Butler County project done, he recalled. bgdailynews.com. COMING COMING SOON SOON

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861 861 FairviewFairview Avenue,Avenue, BowlingBowling Green,Green, KYKY 4210142101 •• 270-715-5111270-715-5111 Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky Thrive Sunday, April 9, 2017 13

BAC TOTRONG/[email protected] A GO bg Transit bus is seen at Compton Orthodontics along the transit system’s Pink Line. The Pink Line offers round trips from Greenwood Mall to Lovers Lane, with many stops along the route.

Agencies point people toward the help they need By ALYSSA HARVEY Kentucky Mental Health group and family therapy, ment facilities. For women of attorney and bankruptcy, We have satellite offices,” she [email protected] Center,” he said. “In 1971, case management, psychi- with children, there is a facil- according to organization said. “We field about 1,000 we merged to form the Barren atric services, peer support ity at 1500 Parkside Drive. Executive Director Amanda calls a month requesting ser- As Bowling Green has River Mental Health and services, supported employ- For women, there is a facil- Young. vices from all the counties.” grown, so has the need for Mental Retardation Board. ment, supported housing, ity at 499 Hillview Drive in “The mission of Kentucky Applicants should call social and civil services. We eventually changed crisis services, therapeutic Scottsville. For men, there is Legal Aid is to assist and 270-782-5740 to apply for There are lots that are our name to LifeSkills (in foster care and outpatient a facility at 822 Woodway St. enable low-income families, services and be prepared available. Here are just a few: 1989) and started provid- and residential addiction ser- “We’re evaluating our pro- as well as the elderly, dis- to answer a few questions ing more and more services. vices,” Gregory said. cesses and procedures to see abled and other vulnerable about household income and LIFESKILLS We increased the program, People can call 270- if we can better serve the individuals in southcentral assets to determine eligibil- LifeSkills has been in increased the number of 901-5000 and schedule an individuals of the communi- and western Kentucky, to ity. Initial advice and case existence since 1966, but not people we were seeing and appointment or visit one of ty,” Gregory said. resolve legal problems that evaluation are provided over in its current form, accord- increased the staff.” the two crisis centers – one at For more information, are barriers to self-sufficien- the phone. Follow-up in-per- ing to Robin Gregory, clin- LifeSkills provides a 501 Chestnut St. for children visit lifeskills.com. cy and to provide these indi- son appointments are sched- ical director of children’s wide range of behavioral and one at 822 Woodway St. viduals an opportunity for uled if additional assistance services. health services. It also pro- for adults. KENTUCKY LEGAL AID an improved quality of life,” is required. “We were put in place by vides developmental ser- Beginning in January, Kentucky Legal Aid start- Young said in an email. John F. Kennedy when he vices for anyone who has a LifeSkills started new pro- ed in 1997 through a grant Kentucky Legal Aid pro- UNITED WAY provided federal grants to developmental or intellec- grams. One is iHope, which designed to assist low-in- vides free services in 35 OF SOUTHERN KENTUCKY establish community men- tual disability. Last year, it is for people experiencing come families with civil legal counties, Young said. United Way of Kentucky tal health centers. At that served 10,600 people in its their first episode of psycho- matters such as divorces, “Our main offices are in has existed for more than time it was Mammoth Cave 10-county service area. sis. There are also two new custody cases, wills, benefit Bowling Green, Owensboro, Mental Health and Southern “We have individual, residential addiction treat- cases, expungement, powers Madisonville and Paducah. See AGENCIES, 14 14 Sunday, April 9, 2017 Thrive Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky their kids to get them ready From Page 13 for kindergarten. They need to unplug from technology,” AGENCIES she said. “Kids were not 60 years. There are 1,800 having the dexterity to hold United Way agencies across a pencil because they were the globe, and each serve the used to (swiping).” specific needs of their com- The United Way web- munities, said Mandy Hicks, site, mychildisready.com, United Way senior director has articles, tips, milestones of marketing and commu- and benchmarks. “By 2020 nications. Locally, 7,500 we want to see 75 percent donors give $2.1 million ready,” she said. “We’re annually on average. going to put it out there.” “A group of people got The Southern Kentucky together and said we need 211 Call Center will be cel- a smarter way of investing ebrating its first anniversary dollars into the nonprofit July 18. The center provides sector of the community,” referrals for food, housing, she said. “Over time, we as rent/utility aid, emergency an organization knew what shelter, clothing, transpor- was going on in the commu- tation assistance, substance nity. We as an organization abuse, child care options, had our pulse on the com- senior issues, medical and munity, so now we can see dental care, immigration, how those (nonprofits) all prescriptions, mental health intertwine and affect each and home repair. Trained other.” community referral special- United Way has sever- ists are multilingual. The al programs. One is Feed service is free and confiden- the Need, an annual food tial. drive that collects food to “More than 4,000 calls Above: Sue Fields (from right) fill regional food pantries, have come in,” Hicks said. and her husband Nyle Fields, Hicks said. People can get “We hope to have 24/7 (ser- both of Bowling Green, drop off involved in two ways – by vice) and the ability to do it groceries March 17 with volun- collecting within a business by text.” teer Heather Hale at Kroger or by buying food at select- The contact center is fund- on U.S. 31-W By-Pass. Left: ed stores on a specified day ed by the Laura Goad Turner Eli Morgan (left) and Jimmy and helping to fill a cart. It is Charitable Foundation, the White, both of Bowling Green, now in its ninth year. Community Foundation of read their new books handed “If a kid is hungry it could South Central Kentucky, out by Wendy’s of Bowling impact their education. If the Laura Turner Dugas Green on June 1 at the Fam- they don’t do well in school Foundation, the Kentucky ily Enrichment Center’s Wee they may want to drop out. Social Welfare Foundation Care Nursery. They could more likely have and the Kenan Foundation, substance abuse issues and which put up the startup DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOS end up in jail,” she said. funds. “They could struggle to Southern Kentucky 211 Routes 1-4 connect at the provide food for their fam- is working toward Alliance transit base at 304 E. 11th ilies, and guess what: their of Information and Referral Ave. kids are hungry, too, and the Services Accreditation. This The Red Line runs from cycle continues.” certification is the recog- 7:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. week- Day of Caring, also in its nized standard for informa- days. The Blue Line runs ninth year, is a way people tion and referral services at from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. week- can volunteer, Hicks said. the state and national levels. days. The Green Line runs “What we found was that Included in this process are from 6:20 a.m. to 6:04 p.m. people wanted to volunteer. 29 national standards and weekdays. The Orange We wanted to make it easy. more than 200 operational Line runs from 6:50 a.m. to They can do something on components, including best 5:35 p.m. weekdays. this one day,” she said. “I practices for average speed The Purple Line has think southern Kentucky is calls are answered, average Parrish said. nity services Community Community Action gives two routes. One runs from one of the best places to live handle time, quality assur- “It helps people with par- Action provides, including two scholarships – one for 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., and because people are so car- ance scores, customer satis- enting skills,” she said. low-income energy assis- traditional and another for the other runs from 7 a.m. to ing. One year we had over faction and an onsite assess- For seniors, there are cen- tance, emergency food and nontraditional students – 1 p.m. weekdays. The Pink 1,200 people. What’s the ment. ters in all 10 counties for shelter program for people each year. There is also the Line runs from 7:41 a.m. to smartest way you can invest The center is open from ages 60 and up, Parrish said. who have had an economic refugee program that helps 4:41 p.m. weekdays. your time? It’s the intersec- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Meals are served at all cen- crisis and supported hous- them find employment and tion of people who need and ters. There are also home-de- ing, Parrish said. works with them on employ- BOWLING GREEN those who want to.” COMMUNITY ACTION livered meals for those who “If someone is living on ment skills. Community HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SOUTHERN KENTUCKY The Dolly Parton qualify through the Barren the street or in an emergen- Action helps with the The Bowling Green Imagination Library start- Community Action of River Area Development cy shelter, we can pay their Kentucky Health Benefit Human Rights Commission ed in 2010 as a way to push Southern Kentucky started in District. utility deposit with support- Exchange and with weath- was established by city early childhood education, 1965 through the Economic “We have telephone reas- ed housing money,” she said. erization to help people be ordinance Aug. 1, 1966, There is also the New Day Hicks said. Opportunity Act of 1964 surance, transportation to safe and energy efficient. Executive Director Alice housing program. “Any kid under 5 can sign when all the Community and from the center and In the garden program, Gatewood Waddell said. “It’s a new program that up for free. They get a book Actions started, said Charity nutrition and health educa- Community Action gives “Our primary mission is to focuses on helping single with their name on it mailed Parrish, director of planning, tion,” she said. out vouchers for seeds, promote fair treatment and programming development mothers who are homeless, to their house until they are 5 There are also volunteer plants and fertilizers. opportunity regardless of and communications. especially those getting out years old,” she said. “We had opportunities for seniors. “It has to be vegetables. A race, color, religion, nation- more than 115,000 books to “We help in four areas – who were incarcerated. We The RSVP program pairs person can start a vegetable al origin, age 40-plus, sex, 6,000 children.” children’s services, senior seniors with other volun- did it as a pilot program with garden and in the summer The United Way is also services, community ser- one person,” Parrish said. “It disability and familial sta- teer agencies. There is also we can go check on them,” tus,” she said. “Complaints working to get children vices and transportation,” the Foster Grandparents takes a community to help Parrish said. “We work we address are in housing, ready for kindergarten by she said. Program, which is more them not go back to the way with the (Warren County focusing on four key points For children, there are well-known. it was before. We have no employment and public Cooperative) Extension accommodation.” – read, play, count and log Head Start programs in all “They work with pre- designated funding for it. It Office and do cooking and off, Hicks said. Fifty per- 10 counties, child care in school, elementary and mid- has a positive effect. We’re The Human Rights canning classes to make the Commission looks over the cent of local children aren’t Metcalfe and Warren coun- dle school children,” she a bridge between the person most out of the gardens.” ready. ties and preschool in Allen said. “They help kids be and the landlord. We’ve been issues to determine if dis- Community Action also crimination has taken place “There are four key actions County. There is also the school ready and successful.” using it in configuration with offers interview and resume parents are not doing with Family Nurturing program, There are several commu- supportive housing.” and if not, it gets them to the writing assistance as well as right place, Waddell said. volunteer income tax assis- “We can make referrals to tance, Parrish said. other agencies that can assist “Most of the time we try them like Legal Aid,” she to be a good referral for all said. “It may be something the community,” she said. they need a lawyer for.” “We’re in the 211 (Call Sometimes the Human Center). That has really Rights Commission will helped us.” get the parties together to For transportation, there see if their problem can be is GO bg Transit. The ser- resolved without a hearing, vice is growing and thriving, Parrish said. Waddell said. “With the new routes, it’s “We’re gathering facts to going to make it a whole lot see if they need to be inves- better,” she said. tigated,” she said. “We’re The changes started with a quick fix locally if they the Pink Line-Route 6, stand to lose their home or which in November began their job.” serving the Lovers Lane Sometimes, the Human area. LifeSkills and the Rights Commission Department of Community- will bring in the Equal Based Services are there, Employment Opportunity and Fairview Community Commission or the Health Center will move Kentucky Commission on there. Human Rights to resolve a The other new stops case. include Industrial Drive, “They represent the whole Dishman Lane and on the state. That’s where we have bridge across Interstate 65 trained staff to look at com- to Doug’s Motor City Bar & plaints. They have attorneys Grill, where there are nearby and trained investigators,” apartments. There are also she said. “They have the stops along Nashville Road. staff to do that. The EEOC The Pink Line connects at can handle employment Sears to Green Line-Route issues and that can get com- 3 and Purple Line-Route 5. plicated at times.” That gives a connection to Education and outreach, Greenwood Mall, and three particularly with civil different routes stop there rights and the Fair Housing each hour. Act, make up a large part The Orange Line-Route of the Human Rights 4, which used to be the Commission’s services with Yellow Line, runs down- hopes of eliminating dis- town to Western Kentucky crimination, Waddell said. University, Southern “By understanding dif- Kentucky Community and ferent people’s cultures and Technical College and the by bringing people together, Russellville Road corridor. we can eliminate biases and The Red Line-Route 1 prejudice,” she said. “We runs the U.S. 31-W By-Pass, participate in other commu- Old Louisville Road, down- nity events. We do work- town and the Housing shops as far as fair housing Authority of Bowling Green for landlords and tenants.” area. – Follow features reporter The Blue Line-Route 2 is Alyssa Harvey on Twitter the Delafield, Forest Park @bgdnfeatures or visit and Morgantown Road area. bgdailynews.com. Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky Thrive Sunday, April 9, 2017 15 Reaching area oicials FEDERAL LEGISLATORS district covers Warren County: 502-564- ALLEN COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS •Edmonson County Coroner Michael •U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: 8100 ext. 717, twitter.com/mikewilson2010 •Allen County Judge-Executive Johnny Alexander: 270-597-2819 Bowling Green Office: Federal Building, Hobdy: 270-237-3631 •Edmonson County Jailer Hank Vincent: 241 E. Main Ave., Room 102, 270-781- WARREN COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS •Allen County Sheriff Jeff Cooke: 270- 270-597-3410 1673 •Warren County Judge-Executive Mike 237-3210 •Brownsville Mayor Jerry Meredith: 270- Website: www.mcconnell.senate.gov Buchanon: 270-843-4146 •Allen County Clerk Elaine Williams: 597-3814 •U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.: Bowling •Warren County Sheriff Jerry “Peanuts” 270-237-3706, [email protected] Green Office: 1029 State St., 270-782-8303 Gaines: 270-842-1633 •Allen County Attorney Cynthia HART COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS Website: www.paul.senate.gov Hagenbuch: 270-237-3117 •Warren County Attorney Amy Milliken: •Hart County Judge-Executive Terry •U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling •Allen County Coroner Darren Davis: 270-782-2760 Martin: 270-524-5219, [email protected] Green (2nd District): Bowling Green Office: •Warren County Jailer Stephen Harmon: 270-237-5432 996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite B2, 270-842- •Hart County Sheriff Boston Hensley: 270-843-4606 •Allen County Jailer Larry Piper: 270- 9896 237-3226 270-524-2341 •Warren County Coroner Kevin Kirby: Website: www.guthrie.house.gov •Scottsville Mayor Rob Cline: 270-237- •Hart County Clerk Lisa Hensley Sanders: 270-843-3111 •U.S. Rep. James Comer, 3238 270-524-2751, [email protected] R-Tompkinsville (1st District): •Warren County Clerk Lynette Yates: 270- •Hart County Attorney Mike Nichols: 842-9416 Tompkinsville Office: 67 N. Main St., BARREN COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS 270-524-2547 •Warren County Magistrate District 1 •Hart County Coroner Reggie Pettit: 270- Tompkinsville, KY 270-487-9509 •Barren County Judge-Executive Micheal Website: www.comer.house.gov Doug Gorman: 270-535-7668 524-2400 •Warren County Magistrate District 2 Hale: 270-651-3338, mhale@glasgow-ky. com •Hart County Jailer Israel Bergenson: 270- STATE LEGISLATORS Tom Lawrence: 270-535-0354 524-2571 •Warren County Magistrate District 3 •Barren County Sheriff Kent Keen: 270- •Kentucky General Assembly: 502- 564- •Munfordville Mayor John Freeman: 270- Tony Payne: 270-843-4965 651-2771 8100, www.lrc.ky.gov •Barren County Clerk Joanne London: 524-5701 •Rep. Steve Riley, (R-Glasgow), district •Warren County Magistrate District 4 Rex •Horse Cave Mayor Randall Curry: 270- McWhorter: 270-779-2463 270-651-5200, [email protected] covers Barren County and part of Warren •Barren County Attorney Jeff Sharp: 270- 786-2680 County: 502-564-8100, ext. 680, 270-646- •Warren County Magistrate District 5 Mark Young: 270-777-3221 651-8766, [email protected] 6821 •Barren County Coroner Tim Gibson: LOGAN COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS •Warren County Magistrate District 6 •Rep. Jim DeCesare, (R-Rockfield), 270-651-8266, [email protected] •Logan County Judge-Executive Logan district covers Butler County and part of Darrell Traughber: 270-784-0960 •Barren County Jailer Tracy Bellamy: •Warren County Public Valuation Chick: 270-726-3116, logancounty@ Warren County: 270-792-5779, 502-564- 270-651-8806 bellsouth.net 8100, ext. 640, [email protected], twitter. Administrator Bob Branstetter: 270-843- •Glasgow Mayor Dick Doty: 270-651- 3268 •Logan County Sheriff Wallace Whittaker: com/ RepJimDeCesare, Jim.DeCesare@lrc. 1777, [email protected] 270-726-2244 ky.gov •Warren County Surveyor Barry •Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher: 270- Claypool: 270-781-8990 •Logan County Clerk Scottie Harper: 270- •Rep. Jason Petrie (R-Elkton), district 773-2188 726-6061, [email protected] covers Logan and Todd counties and part •Warren County Circuit Court Clerk •Park City Mayor Shannon Crumpton: •Logan County Attorney Joe Ross: 270- of Warren County: 502-564-8100 ext. 618, Brandi Duvall: 270-746-7400 270-749-5695, [email protected] Twitter – @kypetrie •Warren County Commonwealth’s 726-8999 •Logan County Coroner Mary Givens: •Rep. Michael Meredith (R-Brownsville), Attorney Chris Cohron: 270-746-7485 BUTLER COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS district covers Edmonson County and part •Warren County District Court Judge John 270-755-2175 or 270-772-0814 of Warren County: 270-597-6049, 502-564- Brown: 270-746-7223 •Butler County Judge-Executive David •Logan County Jailer Phil Gregory: 270- 8100 ext. 719, twitter.com/Kyrepmeredith •Warren County District Court Judge Fields: 270-526-3433, dfields@butlercoky. 726-3696 com •Rep. Jody Richards, (D-Bowling Green), Brent Potter: 270-746-7060 •Russellville Mayor Mark Stratton: 270- •Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward: 270- district covers part of Warren County: 502- •Warren County District Court Judge Sam 726-5000 564-8100, ext. 672, Jody.Richards@lrc. 526-3676, [email protected] •Auburn Mayor Mike Hughes: 270-542- Potter: 270-746-7028 •Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson: ky.gov, twitter.com/SpeakerRichards •Warren Count Circuit Court Judge John 4149 •Rep. Wilson Stone (D-Scottsville), 270-526-5676, [email protected] •Adairville Mayor Donna Blake: 270-539- Grise: 270-746-7408 •Butler County Attorney Dick Deye: 270- district covers Allen and Simpson counties •Warren County Circuit Court Judge 6731 and part of Warren County: 502-564-5565, 526-3316, [email protected] •Lewisburg Mayor Bert Adler: 270-755- Steve Wilson: 270-746-7412 •Butler County Coroner Marty Jones: 270-622-5054 •Warren County Family Court Judge 4828 •Sen. C.B. Embry Jr. (R-Morgantown), 270-526-3342, mjones@jonesfuneralchapel. Catherine Holderfield: 270-746-7190 com district covers Butler, Hopkins, Muhlenberg •Warren County Family Court Judge SIMPSON COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS and Ohio counties: 502-564-8100 ext. 710, •Butler County Jailer Rocky Tyree: 270- David Lanphear: 270-746-7144 526-3505 •Simpson County Judge-Executive 270-526-6237 •Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Kelly Jim Henderson: 270-586-7184, judge@ •Sen. Stephen Meredith (R-Leitchfield), •Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps: 270- Thompson: 270-746-7218 simpsoncounty.us district covers Breckinridge, Edmonson, 526-3557, [email protected] Grayson, Hart, Larue and Meade counties, •Simpson County Sheriff Jere Hopson: BOWLING GREEN ELECTED OFFICIALS 502-564-8100 ext. 644, 270-287-9849 EDMONSON COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS 270-586-7425 •Sen. David Givens (R-Greensburg), •Mayor Bruce Wilkerson: 270-392-0817, •Edmonson County Judge-Executive Wil •Simpson County Clerk Jolene Thurman.: district covers Allen, Barren, Green, [email protected] Cannon: 270-597-2819, wilcannon103@ 270-586-8161, [email protected] Metcalfe, Monroe and Simpson counties: •City Commissioner Joe Denning: 270- gmail.com •Simpson County Attorney Sam Phillips: 502-564-3120, twitter.com/kydavidgivens 782-1048, [email protected] •Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle: 270-586-3830 •Sen. Whitney Westerfield •City Commissioner Brian “Slim” Nash: 270-597-2157 •Simpson County Coroner Gary Crafton: (R-Hopkinsville), district covers Christian, 270-392-0776, [email protected] •Edmonson County Clerk Kevin 270-776-1236, [email protected] Logan and Todd counties: •City Commissioner Sue Parrigin: 270- Alexander: 270-597-2624, kevin. •Simpson County Jailer Eric Vaughn: 270- 502-564-8100 ext. 622, 270-885-7671, 792-1428, [email protected] [email protected] 586-5351 twitter.com/KyWhitney •City Commissioner Rick Williams: 270- •Edmonson County Attorney Greg •Franklin Mayor Ronnie Clark: 270-586- •Sen. Mike Wilson (R-Bowling Green), 991-0715, [email protected] Vincent: 270-597-9609 4497

We are now online!

Bowling Green Parks and Recreation has implemented Web Trac to offer online registration for select activities or leagues, reservations for park shelters, and bill pay on outstanding balances. Check out https://playbgpr.bgky.org for more information.

Current registration taking place: Spring Adult Softball - Ends April 14 Spring Outdoor Adult Volleyball - Ends April 21 Adult Kickball - Ends June 2

Healthy Choices for Everyone Youth Tennis Camp Adult Tennis Camp

Upcoming registration: Camp Happy Days - Begins April 10 @ 8 a.m. FO Moxley Summer Fun Camp - Begins April 10 @ 10 a.m. Camp Out/Camp In - Begins April 17 @ 10 a.m. PBCC Summer Camp - Begins April 24 @ 9 a.m.

If you are already a BGPR patron, please contact our office at 270-393-3549 for your account information. 16A Sunday, April 9, 2017 Thrive Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky

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