KENTUCKY ELECTION-SENATE

Kentucky Democratic primary winner will challenge Rand Paul

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — With his sights set on unseating freshman U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, Lexington's Democratic Mayor Jim Gray gets his first test in Tuesday's primary election.

Facing six underfunded primary opponents, Gray cast himself as a problem-solving leader of Kentucky's second-largest city. He also played up his business pedigree in helping build his family's successful construction company. During the campaign, he looked past his Democratic foes to focus criticism on Paul, Kentucky's Republican junior senator.

Paul juggled dual campaigns for the presidency and Senate until ending his White House bid. He faces two primary challengers — James Gould and Steve Slaughter, neither of whom is regarded as a serious threat.

KENTUCKY ELECTION-CONGRESS

Kentucky congressional primary among top GOP races Tuesday

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's Republican primary in the 1st Congressional District could launch or resurrect a political career.

Four candidates are competing Tuesday for the chance to replace retiring Republican U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield in the only open federal seat on Tuesday's ballot.

James Comer is hoping to revive his political career after a close loss in the 2015 Republican primary for governor. Michael Pape is a longtime aide to retiring U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield who wants to replace his boss in Washington. Jason Batts is the Hickman County attorney who wants voters to take a chance on him. And Miles A. Caughey Jr. says he's paying for his campaign with his VA disability check.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. The winner will face Democrat Samuel Gaskins in the fall.

KENTUCKY ELECTION-STATEHOUSE

Kentucky voters to finalize statehouse slates

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Primary elections Tuesday in Kentucky will finalize the slates of statehouse candidates.

The outcome will set the stage for the next round in the fight between Democrats and Republicans for control of the state House of Representatives.

Democrats have controlled the House for nearly a century and the chamber is their last line of defense against Republicans looking to consolidate political power in Kentucky. Republicans are in solid control of the Kentucky Senate.

The Kentucky House is the last legislative chamber in the South still held by Democrats.

Democrats hold a 53-47 advantage in the House after winning three of four special elections in March. All 100 seats up are for election in November.

STOLEN RV-CHASE

Man leads police on chase through backyards in stolen RV

(Information from: WKYT-TV, http://www.wkyt.com)

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — A man has been arrested after police say he stole an RV and led officials on a chase through Georgetown.

WKYT-TV reports that Monday morning, 30-year-old Jason Judd stole an RV from Northside RV's in Georgetown. That afternoon, a woman who had seen a TV report on the stolen RV called police and said she saw the stolen vehicle.

Georgetown police tracked down the stolen RV and attempted to pull it over. The RV didn't stop, and led police on a chase through downtown and a neighborhood.

Police Lt. Brian Moore says that when the RV reached a dead-end street, it went through a fence and drove through several backyards before coming to a stop.

The driver, later identified as Judd, was arrested on several charges, including fleeing police and wanton endangerment. It's unclear if Judd has an attorney.

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HIGHWAY 192-RATTLESNAKE

Officials rename portion of Highway 192 'The Rattlesnake'

(Information from: WYMT-TV, http://www.wymt.com/)

LONDON, Ky. (AP) — Laurel and Pulaski County officials have named a portion of Kentucky Highway 192 "The Rattlesnake" to encourage motorcyclists from across the country to visit the region.

WYMT-TV reports that the road used to be considered the only road to connect London and Somerset. Since Highway 80 opened, Highway 192 isn't used as much.

Charley Simpson, the owner of Dirty Deeds Bikes & Customs in Somerset, had the idea to rededicate the use of 192 to motorcyclists. The 150 turns within an 11 mile stretch reminded Simpson of "The Dragon's Tail" road in Tennessee.

Pulaski County Judge Executive Steven Kelly says he and other officials hope the Rattlesnake will bring in tourists.

An inaugural ride will be held for motorcyclists on June 11. The event is free of charge.

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FARMERS-PLANTING

Recent rain causes problems for corn, soybean farmers

(Information from: The Gleaner, http://www.thegleaner.com/)

HENDERSON, Ky. (AP) — The wet spring season is causing problems for western Kentucky farmers trying to get corn and soybeans planted.

The Gleaner reports the farmers say they've been hurt by the recent series of thunderstorms and torrential rain which have caused a lot of replanting and washouts.

Henderson County agricultural extension agent Camille Lambert says replanting may not be cost-effective for farmers because most of the time, the money lost by having to replant won't be recovered.

Lambert says the best times for planting corn in western Kentucky range from April 1 to May 1. Historically, May to early June has been the recommended window for planting full-season soybeans in the state.

Farmer Ab Cates says it could take three or four days of sunshine before the fields will dry out.

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Copyright 2016 The Associated Press

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