Locker room thefts

Three Western football players reported a total of $195 stolen Thursday from the home team locker room in Smith Stadium.

The money was taken from the players’ wallets that were left in the locker room during practice.

Campus police Capt. Eugene Hoofer said police are investigating the incident but have no suspects.

Murray freshman Joe Dolchan, a defensive lineman for the Hilltoppers, said he left his wallet in the locker room at about 3:30 p.m. It was gone when he returned two hours later.

The wallet was later found in a trash can without the $20 he had left inside, he said.

Two other players, including senior quarterback Jason Michael, also reported money missing after their wallets were found in the same trash can. Michael reported $150 stolen from his wallet.

Athletics facilities director Brad Pittman said the athletics department has taken steps to protect property left in the stadium during games.

About $825 in cash and property were stolen from Kentucky State University football players during their Sept. 7 game against Western.

Hoofer said he did not know if the two incidents were related.

Joseph Lord

Mall gets new tenant

Western finalized a lease Friday with Backyard Burger for a parcel of land at Campbell Lane and Nashville Road.

The lease will help finance the new Western Kentucky Center for Research and Development at the old Bowling Green mall.

There is no time line for the restaurant’s opening.

Bryan Snead