April 2024

A Note from the Mayor

The energy in Hopkinsville has been palpable this past quarter, with a flurry of activity in our community. We've proudly honored remarkable citizens whose contributions have left an enduring legacy, immortalizing their impact by renaming several streets in their honor.


During our Hams for Heroes event, we had the privilege of serving our local military families, ensuring they felt cherished during the Easter holiday with a special ham provision.


As Spring approaches and temperatures rise, our dedicated police officers and firefighters are gearing up to engage with the community through a series of events. From essential car seat inspections to the well-known Cookout with a Cop and S.W.A.T. team demonstrations, our first responders are fostering connections in the community and building trust with our citizens.


Meanwhile, Public Works is gearing up for mowing season, alongside their invaluable behind-the-scenes services that keep our city running smoothly. And Parks and Recreation is in full swing, offering a wide-range of exciting events tailored for families across our city.


Hopkinsville is alive with momentum, and as we journey through the year, our commitment to our city and its residents remains unwavering. Together, we are dedicated to Growing Home, making Hopkinsville an even better place to live and raise families.

Mayor Knight

James.Knight@h-ky.us

With gratitude and determination,

Mayor James, R. Knight, Jr.

City Council Updates

Ward 1:

Honoring a local pastor in Ward 1


Ward 3:

Donald Marsh asks, "How may I serve you?"


Ward 4:

Chuck Crabtree sits down with Here in Hoptown


Ward 5:

An Unexpected Journey-An interview with Here in Hoptown


Ward 6:

Coming Home - an interview with Here in Hoptown

Find my Ward

Annie Catron, with the newly formed Bluegrass Youth Racing Foundation, recently spoke with city council about the upcoming Soap Box Derby. Formerly operating under the Hopkinsville Kiwanis Club, the Soap Box Derby will now operate under the Bluegrass Youth Racing Foundation. Click to learn more about the Soap Box Derby!

Soap Box Derby

Council Meeting Highlights

During the March 19th City Council meeting, Chief Futrell introduced firefighters who recently completed the 9-week recruit academy. Mayor Knight swore in the new recruits.

Councilmembers also voted to rename Quarry Street to Pastor C.E. Timberlake Way in honor of Pastor C.E. Timberlake who has served almost 40 years at First Street Baptist Church.

During the April 9th City Council meeting, Sydney Ezell, having recently held the honorary title of Mayor for a Day, had the privilege of officially opening the meeting and leading the Pledge of Allegiance, adding a memorable start to the evening. Furthermore, in a significant move, the City of Hopkinsville proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This important declaration was supported by Sanctuary House reinforcing the community's commitment to supporting survivors and preventing future assaults. It was truly an evening of meaningful actions and civic engagement at Hopkinsville City Council.

Municipal Center Updates

On April 8th, City of Hopkinsville turned its gaze skyward as our our community stepped outside to witness the awe-inspiring solar eclipse!

On March 28, City of Hopkinsville, together with the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee and other community partners, hosted this year's Hams for Heroes! In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, we provided military families with a ham for Easter, celebrating the bravery and sacrifices of our heroes. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.

Hams for Heroes

Are you an adult living or owning a business in Christian County? Join the City's Diplomat Program!


As a Diplomat, you'll unlock exclusive access to the inner workings of municipal operations, gaining invaluable insights into how our city thrives. Plus, you'll foster connections with fellow community members and leaders along the way!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of positive change.

Sign up

Over the next several weeks, join us every Monday and Tuesday for an exclusive peek behind the curtains of public service. Our council members will be opening up about their lives, revealing the driving forces behind their commitment to our community, and sharing their visions and ambitions for the places we call home.

Listen here

The Hopkinsville Small Business Commission has worked to establish plans that will aid small business success in our community. Among the immediate actions put in place, the commission has started producing Feature Friday segments on social media where a new community small business is featured every first Friday of the month. In addition, the Small Business Commission has started a new Facebook page called Hopkinsville Small Business providing a local hub for events, promotions, and resources to help businesses thrive in Hopkinsville, KY.

Your voice matters! Be sure to vote in the upcoming primary election on May 21!

City Council Debates

Job Opportunities

Want to work for City of Hopkinsville? Visit our website and learn how you can become a part of our incredible team!


Learn More!


On April 18th at 1:00 p.m., City of Hopkinsville will have a street renaming ceremony for Bill Flynn renaming 21st Street to Bill Flynn Blvd. The ceremony will take place at the corner of 21st Street and Ft. Campbell Blvd.

Hopkinsville Fire Department

Hear the story firsthand

Hopkinsville Fire Department recently met with Courtney Kearns and family to celebrate life! One year ago, in April, Courtney was on the brink of death after suffering a devastating house fire. Firefighters Anthony Richardson and Kyle Graves remember pulling her lifeless body from the fire and detail their account as they proceeded to take life-saving action. Her determination and her fight to survive is an inspiration to us all, and has left a mark on each of the lives involved.

As the weather heats up, so does the craving for BBQs! But before you fire up those grills, let's review some essential safety tips to ensure a sizzling, but safe experience:


Location, location, location! Set up your grill outdoors, away from any structures, overhanging branches, or flammable materials.


Keep a watchful eye! Never leave your grill unattended while it's in use. Safety first, burgers second!


Keep it clean! Regularly remove grease buildup and debris from your grill to prevent flare-ups. A clean grill is a safe grill!


Gas grill? Check for leaks! Before lighting, make sure all connections are secure and there are no gas leaks.


Personal space matters! Ensure your grill is at least 10 feet away from your home or any outdoor structures. Especially don't cook under overhangs or on balconies

Did you catch the solar eclipse?

Battalion 1, Station 2 taking in the sights!

Students will have access to proven high-quality instructors, and tons of hands-on learning opportunities.


  • 5 Month Course
  • At Fire and EMS Headquarters
  • Cost is $1,200 (not including books and associated fees)
Learn more

Hopkinsville Fire Department officially welcomed the Hopkinsville Fire Recruit Class 24-1. Chief Futrell introduced each member of the class, and as they took their oath, they were presented with their service badges.

Battalion Chief Renshaw Honored

Battalion Chief Renshaw was celebrated for his recent retirement from the Hopkinsville Fire Department. With 21 years of dedicated service, BC Renshaw has tirelessly served the citizens of Hopkinsville and Christian County.


Fire Chief for a Day

Von Gaide was "on fire" serving as "Fire Chief for a Day" keeping our guys on their toes!

Car Seat Inspections


Hopkinsville Fire Department hosted a Car Seat Clinic on Saturday, April 13th, offering complimentary inspections and installations. At Station 4, concerned citizens ensured their little passengers' safety by ensuring secure car seat fittings.

Hopkinsville Police Department


Honoring Those We Have Lost


On March 28th, fellow officers, community members, Mayor Knight, and family members met at the graveside of Officer Phillip Meacham to remember and celebrate his life and his service in our community.


Thank you to all of our first responders who, every day, put your life on the line serving others.

Mayor for a Day


Sydney Ezell served as Mayor for a Day and was excited to tour the Hopkinsville Police Department, ride in some pretty intense machinery, and of course, meet the infamous Bolo!

See more

Celebrating April Service Anniversaries

Thank you for your service!

Wear Blue!


HPD took part in #WearBlueDay for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month!

The Pennyrile Children's Advocacy Center stopped by to help HPD plant their blue pinwheels around the department.

Cookout with the K9s


Cookout With The K9's was a success! It was a great day for a grill out and hang out! All the furry friends were in attendance Thanks to everybody that came out!


See more from Cookout with the K9s

Public Works

Playground Facelift


The playground at Trail of Tears park got an upgrade! If you noticed the playground was missing during the winter months this is why. We are excited park goers can start the spring season off with a brand new playground at this location.

See More

Keeping it Clean!

We appreciate it when our crew's efforts are recognized by the community!

Read more


Trash for Cash

Hopkinsville Beautification is looking for Trash for Cash groups for April and May! If your non-profit organization is looking to participate in our Trash for Cash program this year, give us a call at

270-890-0703, or email Heather.Braun@h-ky.us!

Hopkinsville Beautification is starting this year's Yard of the Month program! If you see a great yard in Hopkinsville, let us know! You can enter by calling

270-890-0703, by emailing heather.braun@h-ky.us, or on our Facebook page!


We will be recognizing three houses this month. Nominate a house by March 27th at 3:30 to enter! We look forward to seeing all of your beautiful homes!

WHOP'er of an Egg Hunt

The 2024 WHOP'er of an Egg Hunt was a success! Thank you to all of our community partners who helped make this a memorable event!

                      See more                    

Christmas in July! 2024

Craft and Vendor Fair


It is that time of year again! Registration for our summer craft and vendor fair is now open. Christmas in July this year will be on July 13th from 9 AM to 3 PM. Booths are available from a base price of $50.


Registration is available here!

Agencies/Utilities

Clean Water Excellence


The Hopkinsville Clean Water Plant project is expected to be complete by the fall of 2024 !!

The project will expand our treatment capacity from 6 MGD to 9 MGD and will serve the City of Hopkinsville by producing outstanding clean water in order to protect our rivers and lakes for many generations to come!


        Learn more        

City of Hopkinsville, in conjunction with Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater Utility, is in the process of acquiring and demolishing 18 properties to help with flooding throughout the community! For more information, watch the March 2024 City Council Committee of the Whole.

     Watch here     

Stay up-to-date on upcoming meetings and information from Hopkinsville Solid Waste by following their Facebook page!

      Follow us     

On March 19th, CDS assisted with hosting the Money Sense for Graduates equipping 450 high school students with financial literacy educational programming.

Arts and Culture

As summer gets closer, don't forget to register for Camp Campanile before the deadlines in RED.


Young Artist Performance (Willy Wonka Kids and 13 Jr)-- registration closes April 11th. Pre-registration is required to audition, audition link provided upon registration completion. No post-audition registration permitted for these.


ALL OTHER CAMPS--

Price increase for all camps on May 3rd, and all registrations close ONE WEEK before camp start.

        Register        

What's Happening at the Alhambra?

It's that time again! Missoula Children's Theatre is back this summer to put on Jack and the Beanstalk.

        Register        

We need your help stocking our Little Seed Library! Make a seed donation April 11-30 at the HCCPL Front Desk to be entered in our Seed Library Raffle. We will raffle off a mystery prize May 1.


For more information, call

270-887-4262.

Donate

Want to see what all Hopkinsville has to offer in the realm of arts and culture?

Visit our Website

Spring Stroll

Led by Museum Director Alissa Keller, this walking tour will discuss historic architecture - exploring some of downtown’s most interesting architecture while sharing stories of the people, businesses, and events that have shaped the historic heart of our town.

The tour will start at the Pennyroyal Area Museum and will last approximately 90 minutes. Registration is encouraged. Tickets are $10 per person and $5 for Museum Members. Purchase tickets online through our Shopify Store or in person at the Pennyroyal Area Museum.


Saturday, April 27, 2024

10:30 - 12:00

Learn more

The Museums of Hopkinsville will be holding two AP preparation workshops the week before national AP exams start. Our Learning Coordinator Brett Pritchett, a fifteen year teacher of AP History, will be sharing some information regarding test formats, test-taking strategies, and essay writing tips.


Preregistration for these workshops is required. Cost is $5 per student and space is limited, so sign up today!

Learn more

Hoptown Remembers


Originally named Elizabeth, the village of Hopkinsville was incorporated in 1804, but it wasn't until 1893 that Hopkinsville elected its first mayor. Prior to then, the city was governed by a Board of Trustees. In 1893, Hopkinsville became a city of the Fourth Class, retained a board of seven councilmembers each representing a ward of the city, and was authorized for the council to elect a mayor.

 

Meet Hopkinsville's first mayor: Francis Winston "Frank" Dabney, Sr. Dabney, who had served as a councilmember since 1888, was elected by a shocking 4-3 vote from the council. A tobacconist by trade, Dabney served two terms for a total of eight years and saw Hopkinsville through the turn of the 20th century. The Princeton native died in 1925 and is buried at Riverside Cemetery.

Photo Credit: The collection of William T. Turner provided by the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County.

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