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If a federal judge's ruling goes into effect, businesses that sell liquor in Kentucky may see increased competition — and those businesses are encouraging legislators to act before an appeals  decision comes down.

Judge John Heyburn tossed the laws last year,  saying it was unconstitutional to allow places like drug stores to sell some wine and liquor, but not groceries.

But Heyburn put that ruling on hold to let lawmakers re-write the laws. Since that point, interested groups have been working on solutions to keep a free-for-all for liquor licenses across the state from happening.

State Senate President Robert Stivers says he wants to wait on an appeals ruling in the case  are finished before lawmakers tackle the issue.

But Roger Leasor, the Director of Community Relations with Liquor Barn, a company that owns many liquor stores across Kentucky, says that's a bad idea.

The Senate Republican leader says he's optimistic about Afghanistan and favors a residual U.S. force of about 10, 000 after combat troops leave in 2014.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky spoke with reporters on Monday after completing his seventh trip to the country.  He traveled with Republican Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Deb Fischer of Nebraska.

A western Kentucky city plans to have a panel determine whether it can make things easier for businesses looking to locate or expand in the area.

Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne told the Messenger-Inquirer that he's heard several complaints from the business community and this is an attempt to see if there are problems and, if so, how best to address them.

"Ever since I've been mayor, I've heard complaints about problems with planning and zoning and other requirements, or difficulties dealing with City Hall, and given the amount of business activity we have and what I anticipate will occur, we want to make sure it is as easy as possible to do business," Payne said recently in calling for the appointment of a Commission on Business Development.

He said the group would talk to developers and business owners to see what kind of problems they have when they attempt to open or expand a business and determine whether issues really exist.

Miss Hardin County, Jenna Walters, was crowned Miss Kentucky County Fair 2013 at a Saturday night pageant at the Galt House in Louisville. She beat out 90 other young women, aged 16 to 21 who were all winners of Kentucky county fairs and festivals during the past year. Walters' title brings with it $1,000.

The first runner-up was Miss Hart County Meighan Shumate, followed by Miss Southern Kentucky Fair Lacey Graham. The event was part of the Kentucky Association of Fairs and Horse Shows' 2013 Convention and Trade Show. The contestants were interviewed on Friday, while the swimsuit and evening gown portions of the pageant were held Saturday night.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has issued this updated road closing report. Several roadways in our listening area have been closed due to the high water brought on by weekend rain. Here is the latest, as of Monday at 10:30 am.

Allen County:

KY 585/Old Franklin Road closed between MM 6-7.

KY 1533/Meador Post Oliver Road closed between MM 0-1.

Breckinridge County - KY 261, between 15-16MP - Closed

NOW OPEN - Breckinridge County - KY 2779, between 3-4MP

NOW OPEN - LaRue County - KY 583, between 1-2MP

Butler County:

KY 2713/Dexterville Road closed between MM 0-1.

KY 1153/Dallam Creek Bridge Road closed between MM 5-6.

Reed's Ferry (KY 269) and the Rochester Ferry (KY 369) closed due to high water.

Edmonson County:

KY 655/Segal Road closed between MM 3-4.