Here is a look at local headlines in partnership with the Bowling Green Daily News...Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Officials expect a 370-space parking lot next to the Bowling Green Ballpark to be completed in the next three to four weeks, just in time for the Bowling Green Hot Rods opening season. Workers also are constructing a water retention basin at the lot, which will catch run-off water from the streets, which some say has become an issue in the downtown area. The parking lot, which, for the time, is replacing a proposed 430-space parking garage, initially will be a gravel lot and will later be paved. Officials believe a parking garage wrapped in retail space still will be developed next to the stadium. Officials say they will seek private developers to take on that project.

While Kentucky has already obligated its $73 million share of American
Recovery Act funding for water and sewer projects, there is still possible funding available.“We have plenty of money in the national office in reserve that communities can apply for,” John Padalino, special assistant for the Rural Utilities Service in Washington, told those gathered Wednesday in Bowling Green for the annual meeting of the Kentucky Rural Water Association. Padalino said in all $3.2 billion is set aside for such projects, including a reserve pool.

A new micro-loan program offered through the Barren River Area Safe Space women’s shelter and the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association is helping area domestic violence survivors avoid predatory payday loans, improve their credit scores and get their lives back on track.