Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day, and voters across Western and South-Central Kentucky have until 6 p.m. local time to cast a ballot.

Kentucky polls opened at 6 a.m.; anyone in line at closing time will still be allowed to vote.

The Riverport West project in Paducah has received a major funding announcement that could help reshape freight movement and industrial opportunity in western Kentucky.

U.S. Representative James Comer announced a $40 million award from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration for the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority.

The money comes through the Port Infrastructure Development Program, which supports improvements at maritime transportation facilities.

Riverport West is designed to increase the region's ability to handle cargo and strengthen its position in river-based commerce.

Owensboro Downtown Properties proposes a $50 million investment bringing 205 homes downtown.

The plan includes 165 row homes near East Second and Clay streets and 40 riverfront units overlooking Smothers Park.

Rental and owner-occupied housing are envisioned, but prices and a firm completion timeline have not been announced.

WKU gave Bowling Green fans a winning start to the basketball season Monday night, beating Morehead State 83–58 at E.A. Diddle Arena.

The Hilltoppers took a 38–28 lead into halftime and pulled further away after the break.

Bass Pro Shops has announced plans for a new destination store near Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah. The project remains planned, with a final opening date requiring confirmation.

Wonder Whip is recognizing local first responders with a rotating monthly discount at the Owensboro restaurant.

The announced offer is 75% off the menu for on-duty law enforcement during November.

On-duty firefighters are scheduled for the December offer, followed by on-duty EMS personnel in January.

A visiting mobile science center is bringing hands-on agriculture lessons to Daviess County students this week.

At Southern Oaks Elementary School, students explored poultry and soil erosion through interactive activities on Monday, November 2.

The visit brings a science experience to school rather than requiring students to travel to a separate attraction.

Hancock County High School is celebrating a state marching band championship after a standout finish on Saturday, October 31.

The band won Class 1A, giving Western Kentucky students a major achievement to celebrate at the close of the competitive season.

Several nearby programs also brought home strong results.

Henderson has marked a construction milestone for a neighborhood housing project on Letcher Street.

City officials held a groundbreaking for a new home at 102 Letcher Street, moving the H.E.R.O. Project into a new phase.

The project originated during the first year of the city’s Inner City Improvement Plan and was proposed by the 2023 Public Safety Committee.

Graves County’s ninth annual Cram the Cruiser drive is collecting donations throughout November for three local community organizations.

The Sheriff’s Office is rotating a cruiser among participating Dollar General locations so residents can contribute close to home.

Make plans around the 270 for November 5–8.

Featured choices include free McCrack-Con activities in Paducah and Hopkinsville’s Veterans Honor Parade on Saturday.

College basketball in Bowling Green and Owensboro and a free keepsake-and-history program in Hopkinsville round out the options.

A separate looking-ahead note previews Kraftucky on November 13–15.

Marion’s Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum preserves a colorful collection of minerals alongside the tools, photographs, and records of Western Kentucky’s mining past.

Built from decades of collecting, it connects striking fluorite specimens with the people and work behind them.

Find it at 205 North Walker Street and call 270-965-4263 to confirm visiting details.

The museum currently does not offer digging sites.

Medicare open enrollment ends December 7, with coverage changes effective January 1, 2027.

Review your prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, and expected costs before choosing coverage.

Kentucky SHIP offers free counseling and does not sell insurance; call 877-293-7447 to ask for help.

Finding help starts with knowing whom to call.

Kentucky’s Aging and Disability Resource Center provides information and referrals at 877-925-0037.

Regional contacts serve the Purchase, Pennyrile, Green River, Barren River, and Lincoln Trail areas.

Keep your county, main concern, and questions handy when asking about local resources.

Explore Mammoth Cave above ground with a short Heritage Trail outing to Sunset Point.

The approximately 0.6-mile out-and-back walk offers views of the Green River Valley.

Ask at the visitor center about current conditions and reserve separately if you plan to add a cave tour.

Land Between the Lakes offers a flexible November outing along Woodlands Trace and Kentucky Lake Drive.

Choose a scenic drive, a lake overlook, or an optional short walk.

Check current alerts before traveling and observe seasonal wildlife refuge closures, which began November 1.

7 Brew has opened its second Owensboro location at 2622 Frederica Street in Wesleyan Park Plaza.

The drive-thru-only shop has three ordering lanes and a menu that includes coffee, teas, smoothies, shakes, and energy drinks.

For readers planning a first visit, Community Hours continue through Thursday, November 5.

Drivers using U.S. 45/Lone Oak Road near the I-24 Exit 7 interchange should allow for overnight lane restrictions.

A contractor working with Lumos Fiber has scheduled work just south of the interchange, including the night of Tuesday, November 3.