March 2024 Newsletter

A Note from the Mayor

We are glad that you have joined our newsletter community and have taken an interest in staying informed! One of the city's top priorities is to provide clear, transparent communication to our tax paying citizens and provide timely updates on important issues in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Mayor Knight

James.Knight@h-ky.us

Hopkinsville continues to implement the Growing Home initiative, and we have made significant strides in public safety, city cleanliness, economic growth, and employee support. Citizens can read more about our progress in our 2023 Year In Review released earlier this year.

Troy Body, City Administrator, and I visited Frankfort, Kentucky for the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) annual City Day and City Night event at the State Capitol. This was a valuable opportunity for us to attend House and Senate committee meetings, and schedule time with local representatives to express needs and concerns on behalf of Hopkinsville and Hopkinsville citizens. We remain focused on the issues at hand, including our increased homeless population, identifying additional state and federal incentives that support business and community growth, and state road improvements, just to name a few. We will continue to tackle community issues and seek out productive solutions that will facilitate growth and prosperity for our hometown of Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Sincerely,

Mayor James, R. Knight, Jr.

City Council Updates

Ward 1:

bell hooks Legacy Day a Success

Ward 3:

Donald Marsh Shares His Vision for Ward 3

Ward 9:

Jamie Lienberger talks progress in Ward 9

Find my Ward

City of Hopkinsville encourages even our youngest citizens to take an interest in local government and share thoughts and concerns with city leadership. Thank you to our young citizens who attended the February 20th City Council Meeting to address community concerns with Hopkinsville City Council members.

Council Meeting Highlights

During the February 20th City Council Meeting, Riley Knight, student at South Christian Elementary School, opened the meeting after serving as "Mayor for a Day".

During the February 20th City Council Meeting, City Council voted to move forward with Bluegrass Splash repairs.

Mayor Knight had the opportunity to swear in new Hopkinsville police officers as well as recognize and facilitate an officer promotion at the March 5th City Council Meeting.

City of Hopkinsville's City Council and leadership met Saturday, March 9th for the annual Hopkinsville City Council Retreat. Discussions included upcoming budgets, department plans, and the overall vision for Hopkinsville, Kentucky for the upcoming year.

Municipal Center Updates

The first quarter of the year has been a busy time for City of Hopkinsville. From releasing the city's first Here in Hoptown podcast to visiting Frankfort advocating for Hopkinsville improvements, to implementing a new system where citizens can pay city taxes online, Hopkinsville is moving forward and progressing on numerous fronts.

Mayor Knight, along with several council members, and many from the community, attended the bell hooks Legacy Day hosted by the bell hooks Legacy Group and City of Hopkinsville Local Government. Thank you to all who made the day a success! We want to give a special shout out to Hopkinsville Public Works Department and Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County for pulling together a quick turnaround after a venue change due to inclement weather!

bell hooks Legacy Day Presentation

The Hopkinsville Small Business Commission presents Feature Fridays where every first Friday of the month the commission highlights a local small business in our community. If you would like to have your small business featured, email

Diane.Turner@h-ky.us.

February 23rd - City of Hopkinsville attends the Ft. Campbell VA Clinic ribbon cutting.

March 28th - Hams for Heroes is Back! Last year SIX HUNDRED & TWENTY HAMS were given to active duty service members and families, veterans, and Gold Star spouses.

January 26th - Hopkinsville released the first Here in Hoptown Podcast. Download the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The City of Hopkinsville has started a new social media campaign called Neighborly & Responsible Hoptown. The campaign is designed to bring awareness to various city ordinances and to encourage ways to build a more neighborly, considerate community.

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!

Hopkinsville Fire Department

Hopkinsville Fire Department has seen several department changes over the last several months. Chief Futrell provided a department update at the February 20th City Council Meeting outlining several department highlights.

February 20th City Council Meeting

On February 12th, Hopkinsville Fire Department, City of Hopkinsville, Alpha Alternative, and Safe Haven Baby box organization presented the city's first Safe Haven Baby Box. Hopkinsville is the home of Baby Box #201 and provides a safe space where mothers can legally surrender their newborn.

Those in crisis can call or text

Safe Haven Baby Boxes at

1-866-99BABY1.

Learn more about Safe Haven Baby Box

Hopkinsville Fire Department formed the Fire Prevention Division encompassing the Fire Marshall’s office and code enforcement. The division will be responsible for all life-safety inspections and nuisance code violations, ensure city safety and cleanliness remains a top priority, and expedite clean-up processes. Citizens can now report nuisance code violations online or call 270-985-1234.

Top 5 Code Violations

At the February 6th City Council Meeting, Engineer Jason Hale was recognized for his recent retirement from the Hopkinsville Fire Department. Engineer Hale served the citizens of Hopkinsville and Christian County for 18 years.

Battalion Chief Chip Renshaw retired the end of February. Battalion Chief Renshaw was well known for knowledge of rescue operations and led the HFD Rope Team for many years. Battalion Chief Chip Renshaw served the Hopkinsville and Christian County community for over 20 years.

Did You Know...

Hopkinsville Fire Department conducts free car seat checks and car seat installations?

Keep your little ones safe on the road and schedule your car seat check today!

270-887-4285

Hopkinsville Police Department

Improving Public Safety

During the February 20th City Council meeting, Chief Jason Newby highlighted significant accomplishments in public safety.

Public Safety Highlights

"Public safety remains a top priority for our department." said Chief Newby. "We have effectively utilized the city's investment in public safety, and in 2023, we saw crime rates drop significantly and were well below the national average for homicide."

Mayor for a Day

During his tenure as "Mayor for a Day", Riley Knight had a great time exploring the police department. He was able to take a ride in the BearCat, the Camaro, and ride along with the police department's side

Paw-Trol, Officer Bolo.

See more!

Coffee with a Cop

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Hopkinsville Police Department met at Starbucks for Coffee with a Cop. The Coffee with a Cop event soon turned into coffee served by cops! Bolo even attended the caffeine party!

Hopkinsville Police Officer Featured in Kentucky Law Enforcement Magazine

One of our very own police officers, Officer Malinda Dennison, was featured in the February edition of the Kentucky Law Enforcement magazine. Read her story below.

Read Article

Trouble with Trespassers or loitering at your business?

The Hopkinsville Police Department is cracking down on trespassing and loitering at local businesses in the community. If you have a No Trespassing sign posted, officers have the authority to address trespassing violations committed by the individual.

Public Works

Director Update

Public Works Director, Mike Perry, shared critical updates needed to maintain Hopkinsville's water park, Bluegrass Splash, at a recent council meeting.

Learn More

Appreciation Breakfast

City of Hopkinsville hosted an appreciation breakfast for our Public Works Department this morning to show the city’s appreciation for their service, especially during the winter months. When most of the city was nestled warm inside during the winter weather, this team was out ensuring our roadways were cleared for safe travel. Thank you for all you do to keep our city safe, clean, and running smoothly!

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!

Nighttime WHOP'er Egg Hunt

Don't miss out on this year's unique egg hunt for a chance to win the grand prize of $98.07!

March 29th

7:30 p.m.

Learn more!

Sportsplex Hosts Kentucky Scholastic 3D Archery Tournament

Youth archery enthusiasts from all over the state gathered at the Sportsplex February 16th - 18th to compete in a 3-day archery tournament.

Take a look

Christian County, in partnership with the KY Division of Waste Management is sponsoring the 2024 April Waste Tire Collection Event! Please take advantage of this opportunity to properly dispose of any unwanted tires. Any Kentucky resident is eligible to participate in the program, with the exception of tire retailiers, scrap/salvage yards, or recycle facilities

Agencies/Utilities

Pay Your Bill Online!

As part of HWEA's software upgrade earlier in the year, customers can now pay their bill via the online portal. New web portal accounts can be set up at

www.hwea-ky.com.

Drinking Water Excellence

In February, HWEA received the CDC's Water Fluoridation Quality Award for providing high-quality water fluoridation for CY 2022.

Do you want to know how much electricity you used yesterday or last week? Sign up at www.myusage.com. This free services is available to all HES customers! Once registered, you can view your daily electric usage for the last 30 days!

Learn more!

Hopkinsville Solid Waste would like to remind citizens that you can help keep our streets clean and trash pick-up flowing smoothly by ensuring your Herby trash can lid is completely closed. Closing the lid reduces the danger of attracting neighborhood pets and rodents and ensures your trash stays neatly contained.

Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater Utility recently released information informing citizens that storm drain inlets across Hopkinsville are being labeled with this colorful marker with a pollution prevention message. These labeled inlets are just a portion of the city's stormwater drains. Each inlet represents a potential point for pollution to enter or waterways every time it rains. Water entering these inlets can contain pollutants like motor oil, yard clippings, pet waste, trash lawn chemicals, and other debris or toxins. Without help from our citizens, this polluted water contaminates city waterways or drinking water supplies. These storm drains are not connected to water treatment systems; instead they are discharged directly into the Little River. In addition, trash and sediment clog culverts and pipes leading to local flooding during heavy rains.

CDS recently assisted with the coordination of the Hopkinsville Homeless Panel Discussion facilitated by Randall Gross with Randall Gross/Development Economics (RGDE). This is an important topic in our community as as we work to not only facilitate the needs of our homeless population, but consider the concerns of local residents and business owners as we work through the challenges.

Arts and Culture

Don't miss Cinderella!

March 13-17 Campanile Productions presents Cinderella at the Historic Alhambra Theater. Get your tickets today!

Get your tickets!

What's Happening at the Alhambra?

Hopkinsville's Alhambra Theater has a wide range of programs in the upcoming season! Take a look at what this unique entertainment venue has to offer!

Visit our Website

The Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library offers a wide range of services in our community including numerous book clubs! If you missed out on the latest "Dark Reads" book discussion group, visit their website for more opportunities to participate!

Visit our Website

Cayce Days Coming Soon!

The Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County, Visit Hopkinsville, and Milkweed Health & Harmony Emporium will celebrate the work of psychic Edgar Cayce on

Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Join us downtown for a day full of activities that center around Edgar Cayce’s roots in Christian County and the major impact he continues to make throughout the world.

Learn more!

DYK-Hopkinsville Community College offers performing, literary, and visual arts experiences for everyone in our community?

Learn more.

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

Visit our Website

Hoptown Remembers

Alissa Keller and William Turner discuss historical events and characters in Hopkinsville History! Tune in to hear the stories on Hopkinsville's new podcast, Here In Hoptown-Hoptown Remembers series!