The Cincinnati Post reports that gaming advocates will try again in the 2007 General Assembly to win approval for casinos in Kentucky.

But a Northern Kentucky legislator who backs the change said he doubts it will be approved because House and Senate leaders don't favor it.

Rep. Jon Draud, R-Edgewood, said he believes Kentucky eventually will have casino gambling.

"But I don't think anything is going to happen with casino gambling in the 2007 legislative session because it doesn't have the support of Senate or House leadership," Draud said.

"You can't get things done if leadership doesn't support it."

However, Draud said he expects things to change in late 2007 and 2008. The next governor's race will be in the fall of 2007, and by the time the 2008 General Assembly begins a new governor could be in office.

"I think casino gambling will become a major issue in the governor's race, and it could get on the ballot in 2008," he said.

"I think we eventually will have casino gambling in the state. That's why I think the issue needs to be kept before the public. I think it should be a business decision instead of a morality issue. So much of our money in Northern Kentucky goes over to casinos in Indiana."

Round-the-clock eatery eyeing the area

Huddle House, an Atlanta family restaurant chain known for its large menu of traditional fare sold around the clock, is looking for franchisees so it can expand into Cincinnati.

The 40-year-old company wants to open five locations in the market and is targeting Batavia, Fairfield, Wilmington, Lebanon and Lawrenceburg.

"We chose the Cincinnati area for new franchise locations because it's a perfect match for Huddle House's criteria in terms of population size and the lifestyle of area residents," Philip Greifeld, CEO of Huddle House, said in a press release.

The chain, which operates 410 locations in 16 states in the Southeast, Missouri and mid-Atlantic, posted 2005 sales of $230 million. It is entering Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas and Oklahoma as part of its growth plan.

Development program flourishes in new location

The Purdue Student newspaper (The Exponent) reports on the opening of the new TAPS office in Rising Sun saying:

The Purdue Technical Assistance Program has continued its expansion across the state with a new office opening in Rising Sun, Ind.

The program works on economic development in Indiana with businesses and hospitals by improving quality, lowering costs and helping businesses become more competitive, said David McKinnis, director of the program.

The Rising Sun office is expected to open by November, making it the fourth new office this year, joining locations in Merrillville, Fort Wayne and Anderson, he said.

"These retail offices are primarily involved in serving the local manufacturing factor. Indiana is a large manufacturing state," said McKinnis. "There are clusters of companies throughout the state. One exception is Rising Sun, which today does not have a lot of manufacturing, but that is going to change soon because a Honda plant is being built in that region of the state."

TAP is under high demand; throughout the state, businesses, hospitals and high-tech companies are seeking input and assistance from Purdue University. The program has a very positive impact on jobs and wages throughout Indiana, McKinnis said.

Chad Sweeney, chief financial officer and counsel of Indiana Economic Development Corporation, said the new offices give better coverage for a manufacturing-dependent state.

"There's obvious holes there (South Bend and Southern Indiana)."

He said he hopes the program will continue to open new locations, reach more clients and become a valuable resource.

Ohio Valley River Cats Catfish Tournament

The Ohio Valley River Cats Catfish Club will hold an open team catfish tournament on Saturday September 9th from 8 am to 4 pm at the Rising Sun City Boat ramp. First place will receive $1,000, Second $500.00, Third $250.00 and $500.00 will awarded for biggest fish. The prize money is guaranteed and the event is sponsored by the City of Rising Sun's Mayor's Office. Call Frank for information at 812 438-3771 or 812 584-2135.

'It'll feel better when it quits hurting'

The Lexington Hearld-Leader reports on the funeral of Rising Sun native, Larry Turner saying:

White linen handkerchiefs were placed in the chairs of Larry Turner's wife, two daughters and son before his funeral, because at times like these people forget the things they'll need the most.

They were placed there by Rebecca Hatton, guest services director at Southland Christian Church. She then put 75 individual mini-packs of Kleenex in the chairs set aside for the rest of Larry Turner's extended family. "Do you know how I knew how to do that?" Hatton said. "Because somebody did it for me when my mom passed away."

Over the weekend, she will do the same thing at least twice for the families of victims of Flight 5191. Over the next week, three or four more victims will be mourned at Lexington's largest church.

Last Sunday, we were a state in shock. We are now a state in mourning.

Yesterday, (Friday) a slow caravan left Southland Christian for the long ride to Larry Turner's Indiana hometown and the place he learned to farm with his father, Roy. It's a town called Rising Sun.

Wayne Turner, speaking at his brother's service, said Roy often told his sons that there is always hope if you keep your eyes on the horizon.

His father's words will have special resonance all week in the Bluegrass.

Said Roy many times: "It'll feel better when it quits hurting."

That may be a while. As Judge Tim Philpot, who eulogized Turner, told the gathering of 1,200: "We've lost 49 people. We're weeping for our own friend, Larry, but we are weeping for Lexington. We are weeping for Kentucky."