California’s ongoing wildfires have left a significant mark and recovery work is just beginning. Thank God that Bowling Green is not in that position. Yet, we, as a town, must continue to build, progress, and discover and not stay stagnant or we fail and die as a thriving community. Like California, casualties, damage, and economic losses result and recovery is slow to catch up. As our country is rethinking and tackling challenges, we, too, must do what we need to do to make an impact to elevate our city, our businesses and services, our civic leaders, our buildings around the Square, and connecting our city and neighborhoods.

Thanks to the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments who has awarded Bowling Green with a 100% grant to create a City Comprehensive Plan. A comprehensive plan is a layout for where a city is headed for the future. It spells out priorities, needs, and how to achieve both. Input from citizens as to your priorities and needs is a must because it is your town and not simply a handful of people.

I attended a State Proposition A meeting where this was explained into small segments. If you are a business owner in Bowling Green and you did over $500,000 in business, then you would be subject to the $13.25 per hour mandate for your employees for 2025 and $15.00 per hour in 2026. Paid sick leave would be another aspect of this level in Prop A State law. It sounds good for employees on these hourly wages but every tough on small business owners. If you are not doing $500,000 in business, you do not have to concern yourself with these mandates. This only applies to 40-hour per week employees and not salaried employees.

Aloha in this case means “good-bye” to Gregg and Donna Ellison’s Aloha Pizza which was so very popular with great fire-baked pizzas. We will miss you! However, Aloha in this case means “hello” to Chef Wack’s Smoked BBQ Shack at their same spot. Gregg and Donna really beautified this area across from the Post Office and in front of City Hall at 12 West Church Street. Also, a relatively new business is Handmade Harvest on 220 West Main Street. Check them both out and send me your thoughts. La Margarita is working on the former Ben Franklin building to bring in authentic Mexican food. No date as to when they will open their doors.

A great deal of thanks goes to Bowling Green’s Community State Bank for their recent donation to Pike County Second Chance Coalition. Second Chance will be temporary housing for those stranded or for temporary housing to support those who need a hand up and not an handout.

The 13th Annual Valentine Gala will again be held at St. Clement Knights of Columbus Hall starting at 5:00pm. Formal Dinner starts at 6:30. Contact Home Health and Hospice for ticket information.  Thanks, Bobcats, for an exciting Tournament!