A million dollar lottery ticket was sold in Frankfort. Probably to some dirtbag legislator who will use it to buy more hookers and coke. [H-L]

Steve Beshear says the gambling amendment is a done deal. Princess Damon Thayer says it’s merely close. [C-J/AKN]

Alison Lundergan Grimes has some sort of slogan contest poll thing going on. Don’t pick something stupid. [SoS]

Sam Sifton, national editor for the New York Times will be at Bellarmine on the 9th to discuss presidential campaign coverage. [Press Release]

Get a grip, bar owners, and quit it with the racist crap. You may not be a racist but what you do and say can most certainly be racist. [Curt Morrison]

On top of the earlier story about 27 people getting indicted in Franklin county, 15 were arrested in Lee County. The pill problem isn’t going away like Jack Conway says it is. [H-L]

State House Democrats say the Congressional redistricting map is very close. Which means more cat fights are on the way. [CN|2]

Senate Bill 21 was okayed today. It’s maybe a good move. Would allow school districts to stay open on election days if no schools are being used as polling locations. [Deep Senate Thoughts]

You know these new stem cell research developments are going to drive the mouth-breathers so insane they can’t stand it. [The Economist]

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is soliciting nominations for the Governor’s Volunteer Awards. [Click the Clicky]

Are fewer people seeking unemployment aid because the job market is improving or because their benefits are running out and they have to stop looking for work? [WKYT]

So what better time for a caption contest?

Wonder who he’s texting, there!

Keep it clean and funny, folks.

So it’s time for a Kim King caption contest!

ALL GAY MEN HAVE TRACK LIGHTIN’

You know what to do.

You know both of those are ripe for hilarity.

Kind of illustrates the state of affairs in Frankfort today, eh? Jeff looking timid, Greg looking down at him.

Have at it.

Be sure to click here to take a look at this year’s winning posters.

“In a society where the future is all that we as people can depend on, children are immensely important. Education for those children is equally essential, and I believe school and general knowledge should be the most important factor in every child’s life. To move Kentucky forward to a better and brighter future as a 14-year-old, I can do my best to meet my own expectations.”

Her essay is called “Moving Kentucky Forward.”

“We are thrilled that our middle school students could learn about the inauguration and the needs of Kentucky as part of the official ceremonies to begin Gov. Beshear’s second term,” Mrs. Beshear said. “Education and its role in the future of Kentucky will continue to be a priority for the Governor as he, like many of the students who wrote essays, looks to move Kentucky forward.”

Here’s Watson’s essay:

Mollie Watson
11/25/2011

Moving Kentucky Forward

“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way,” Whitney Houston once preached through song lyrics, and I agree.

In a society where the future is all that we as people can depend on, children are immensely important. Education for those children is equally essential, and I believe school and general knowledge should be the most important factor in every child’s life. To move Kentucky foward to a better and brighter future as a fourteen year old, I can do my best to meet my own expectations. I can put my education first, take pride in my accomplishments, and of course share this plan with others

Read the rest after the jump…

With better education, our state would be more appealing than other areas of the USA. More people would desire to live and work in the beautiful state of Kentucky, possibly bringing new inventions, better industry, and even cures for diseases. Educated individuals bring the promise of a better state with a brighter future for all citizens.

Without education, our world would be nothing: No jobs, no money, no hope. The future would be bleak. One of the most important things I can do to help avoid this is to encourage others to follow my lead in caring about education. As one teenager, most people don’t believe I can do much to help an entire state. But, if I can persuade my friends and others at my school to truly care about receiving a good education, those people may just change their minds.

With more than 2,400 students entering the annual contest, it’s kind of a big deal with art students around the Commonwealth.

Here are the winners:

Ages 6 to 8

1. Megan Huff – Strode Station Elementary, Clark Co
2. Brett Adams – St. Cecilia School, Kenton Co
3. Hanna Ron Li Fyffe – Liberty Elementary, Fayette Co

Ages 9 to 11

1. Loeyis Ramirez Jordi – Whitney Young Elementary, Jefferson Co
2. Darcirius Young – Whitney Young Elementary, Jefferson Co
3. Ellen Hamilton – Southside Elementary, Shelby Co

Ages 12 to 14

1. Jodi Nishijima – Warren Central High School, Warren Co
2. Dalton Allen – Monroe County Middle School, Monroe Co
3. Brooklyn Wainscott – Williamstown Independent Schools, Grant Co

Ages 15 to 17

1. Jessica Dunham – Randall K. Cooper High School, Boone Co
2. Dino Ferizovic – Warren Central High School, Warren Co
3. Morgan Shields – Williamstown Independent Schools, Grant Co

“The purpose of the contest is to increase environmental awareness among children,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “We hope to educate our young people about the damaging effects of litter, and to change attitudes and behaviors about littering.”

Congratulations to all the winners.

See larger images of the posters after the jump…

Megan Huff:

Loeyis Ramirez Jordi:

Jodi Nishijima:

Jessica Dunham:

You know what to do.

The highlights are back.

Please keep it funny, not too personal and relevant to Jack’s re-election bid.

(Yes, we actually give away prizes for these)