Kentucky News Now – October 26th 2015

I-69 TRANSITION

Pennyrile Parkway transitioning to I-69

(Information in the following story is from: The Paducah Sun, http://www.paducahsun.com)

MADISONVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky transportation officials say contractors have begun changing exit numbers along the Pennyrile Parkway in western Kentucky as the roadway makes the transition to Interstate 69.

Kevin McClearn, who is the chief engineer for District 2 of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, told The Paducah Sun that state officials have asked crews to make the transition as quickly as possible to reduce possible confusion by travelers. He said there could be instances when the exit number on the panel sign doesn't match the number at the end of the ramp.

Currently, I-69 ends at the Pennyrile Parkway and Western Kentucky Parkway near Nortonville.

McClearn said signs along the Pennyrile Parkway will be changed over the next month, though the official transition to I-69 is still weeks away.

POLICE SHOOTINGS

Search on for man accused of shooting at police in 2 states

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Police say they are searching for a man accused of shooting and injuring a Tennessee deputy, and then firing at troopers in Kentucky.

Kentucky State Police spokesman Billy Gregory said several law enforcement agencies are searching for Floyd Ray Cook, who fled into the countryside along the border of the two states.

Putnam County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Beth Nelson said a deputy pulled Cook over near Allgood, Tennessee, on Saturday. When he asked Cook to show his hands, the suspect shot him. Nelson said the deputy was wearing a bulletproof vest, which saved his life.

Gregory said Kentucky troopers later found a vehicle near Burksville, Kentucky, matching the description in the Tennessee shooting and pulled it over. A man inside shot at troopers. The troopers weren't injured.

KENTUCKY GOVERNOR-BUDGET

Bevin, Conway run on experience managing budgets

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's next governor will have just two months to come up with a plan on how to spend about $10 billion in state tax revenue.

Yet the two major-party candidates vying to be the state's chief executive will rely on dramatically different experiences to tackle that challenge.

Democrat Jack Conway has spent most of his career in public office. He started out working for former Gov. Paul Patton and for the past eight years has been Kentucky's attorney general.

Republican Matt Bevin started an investment firm in his basement that grew from $9.3 million in assets to more than $3 billion in assets in just eight years.

Both candidates say they have the experience to shepherd Kentucky's annual $10 billion state budget.

BLUEGRASS MUSEUM

Bluegrass museum in works to feature items from Bill Monroe

(Information in the following story is from: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, http://www.messenger-inquirer.com)

HARTFORD, Ky. (AP) — An official in western Kentucky says construction is expected to begin next spring on a bluegrass museum featuring memorabilia from Bill Monroe.

Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston told the Messenger-Inquirer that officials plan to build a 15,000-square-foot museum in Rosine. The community was the hometown of Bill Monroe, who was known as the father of bluegrass music.

The county spent $250,000 in 1999 for several items including a car, a mandolin, furniture and clothing that belonged to Monroe, who died in 1996. The items are being kept in storage until they can be placed into the museum, which is expected to cost about $500,000.

Ohio County Economic Development Alliance Director Chase Vincent says the items that belonged to Monroe are dusty but otherwise still in good shape.

GAY MARRIAGE-KENTUCKY WEDDING

Couple who sued Kentucky clerk Kim Davis marry

MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky couple, whose lawsuit against defiant clerk Kim Davis led to her five-day stint in jail, celebrated their wedding Saturday night.

April Miller and Karen Roberts were the first couple refused by Davis, who stopped issuing marriage licenses after the Supreme Court effectively legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Miller and Roberts, along with three other couples, sued her. She continued to refuse, despite a series of federal court orders, and spent five days in jail for contempt last month.

The couple received a license while she was behind bars.

They gathered 125 friends and family members in Morehead on Saturday night to celebrate their nuptials.

The couple asked their guests to avoid talk of Davis and the legal saga and described their months-long fight to marry as "an amazing journey."

BREEDERS' CUP

La Verdad heads to Breeders' Cup on short rest

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — La Verdad will return on short rest for the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint on Saturday at Keeneland.

Trainer Linda Rice decided Sunday to wheel the 5-year-old back into action only one week after her 3 3/4-length win against New York breds in the $150,000 Iroquois Stakes at Belmont Park.

La Verdad, 6 for 6 this year, is slated for retirement as a broodmare at the end of the season — a factor in the Breeders' Cup decision.

"She's going to move on to her new career soon," Rice said. "Any way you look at it, there's not a lot to lose. It's all upside. The only thing she is missing is a Grade 1 victory, and we're going to give her a chance."