Here in Hoptown

For more than 70 years, the Pioneers Club of Hopkinsville has quietly and faithfully invested in our community. Established in the early 1950s, this service organization has built a legacy of giving back, supporting local causes, and strengthening the place we call home.

In this episode, three members share what the club does, why service still matters after seven decades, and how others can get involved. It is a conversation about commitment, community, and carrying forward a tradition of generosity in Hopkinsville.

Join Amanda Brunt for a five-minute (or less) update on Hoptown's latest city council meeting news. This episode honors Captain Curtis Nightingale's 22-year career and celebrates several fire department promotions. Safety is a highlight and we also explore growth strategies, including $7,500 rebates for new homes in Legacy neighborhoods. Finally, we address the debate over proposed council pay raises and the upcoming February 18th Town Hall regarding the Bluegrass Splash Water Park.

In this special year-in-review episode, city leadership reflects on key accomplishments, the projects they're most proud of, and how their work is shaping a stronger, more connected Hopkinsville. From progress made in city services to the goals guiding the future, this conversation offers an inside look at how your city is moving forward — together.

What happens when a 4th grader steps into the role of Mayor for a Day? A whole lot of personality, laughter, and Hoptown pride.

Tune in to the latest episode of Here in Hoptown's Take 5, your five-minute recap of City Council highlights. This episode covers major wins from 2025, including a milestone year for public safety, a strong financial outlook, and progress across city departments. We also dive into a thoughtful council discussion on housing programs and how public investments can best serve neighborhoods across Hopkinsville. Listen in, and stay informed!

In this episode we sit down with Elizabeth McCoy, CEO of Planters Bank, to talk about how Hopkinsville became home. Elizabeth shares the path that led her here, the influence of her mother's advice to “bloom where you're planted,” and how she embraced that mindset in both her career and her community. From planting roots to giving back, Elizabeth reflects on what it means to actively invest in the place you call home and help shape a city where families, friends, and neighbors can thrive.

In this episode of Here in Hoptown: Loving Your City, we meet James, a longtime Hopkinsville native who has served the community in many capacities throughout his life. From civic involvement to his current role on the Local Development Corporation (LDC), James shares why investing in people and place matters, and how thoughtful leadership helps shape Hopkinsville's future.

This conversation is a reminder that loving your city is not just about where you live, but how you show up.

Tune in for a meaningful conversation about service, stewardship, and hometown pride.

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we're bringing you the full audio from the annual Legislative Update Breakfast hosted by the Christian County Chamber of Commerce. If you missed the event, this is the perfect way to get caught up on the key conversations shaping the upcoming legislative session.

Senator Craig Richardson, Representative Myron Dossett, and Representative Walker Thomas share insights on major issues expected to take focus in Frankfort — including housing, tax reform, and childcare — and how these topics tie directly into workforce needs across Kentucky.

Tune in for an informative, comm...

Welcome to Here in Hoptown's "Loving Your City," the newest podcast series from the City of Hopkinsville. In each episode, we'll talk with community members about why they've made Hopkinsville their home and what they love most. Our first guest, Mona Sheth, shares her journey of living in various places and why Hopkinsville is the place she's chosen to stay the longest. Join us as we celebrate the stories that make our city a true home.

In this Take 5 episode of Here in Hoptown, Amanda Brunt breaks down the biggest moments from the November 18th City Council meeting — all in five minutes or less. Hear the latest on the city's strong October financial report, major ordinances that passed (including changes to the occupational license tax), and updates on new appointments and upcoming events.

In this episode, we're unpacking the highlights from the November 4th Hopkinsville City Council meeting — a night filled with heartfelt recognition, spirited debate, and impactful decisions. Whether you're a policy watcher or just love keeping up with local issues, this quick recap gives you the inside scoop on the decisions shaping Hopkinsville's future.

Whether you're a policy watcher or just love keeping up with local issues, this quick recap gives you the inside scoop on the decisions shaping Hopkinsville's future.

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, Public Information Officer Amanda Brunt sits down with Diane Turner, the liaison between the Small Business Commission and the City of Hopkinsville. Diane shares details about the upcoming Small Business Conference—a one-day event designed to empower local entrepreneurs, connect community leaders, and celebrate the spirit of innovation that drives Hoptown forward.

Tune in to discover how the city and its partners are helping local businesses thrive—one connection at a time.

In this episode of Take 5, we're recapping the Hopkinsville Town Hall, where Kentucky's state legislators—Senator Craig Richardson and Representatives Myron Dossett and Walker Thomas—sat down to talk about the issues shaping Christian County's future. Whether you're concerned about the state budget, the cost of living, or how local investments are shaping Hopkinsville's future, this episode gives you the highlights straight from your representatives.

Tune in for the recap and keep listening for the full meeting or visit our YouTube page @cityofhopkinsvilleky.

From the breaking update on the Blue Streak Building's “Unsafe Building Declaration” to new developments in downtown incentives, tax rate debates, and Hoptown 311, this episode gives you a five-minute snapshot of what's shaping Hopkinsville's future.

Tune in to hear how city leaders are working to balance preservation and progress while keeping our community safe, vibrant, and engaged.

Before we begin, we want to take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Kristina Scott, who recently passed away. Kristina devoted her time and energy to preserving the history and spirit of Hopkinsville's Trail of Tears Commemorative Park.

In this conversation, recorded before her passing, Kristina shared her deep knowledge, passion, and care for this sacred place — ensuring the stories and traditions of those who came before us continue to be heard.

We reair this episode in loving memory of Kristina and in gratitude for her lifelong commitment to remembrance, ed...

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we sit down with City Administrator and Chief of Staff, Troy Body, the author of the city's official blog. Troy shares the inspiration behind his writing, the stories that motivate him, and his vision for the future of Hopkinsville. From leadership to community pride, this inside look offers listeners a deeper understanding of how our city works—and the people shaping its path forward.

Visit our blog: www.hoptown.org/blog

Margaret Prim joins Here in Hoptown to share the story behind Jazz on Stage, a four-part concert series kicking off in October. In this episode, we talk about how the series began, what it takes to bring these shows to life, and why jazz continues to play such an important role in our local arts scene.

We also reference a previous conversation about Jazz on Stage from last year—if you missed it, you can listen here: https://media.podserve.fm/media/episodes/user_14131/9071/Hoptown_Arts_and_Culture_Christian_Tamber_mixdown.mp3

This week, the council pulled a doubleheader — a Special Called meeting and the Committee of the Whole — and we've got the essentials in just five minutes. From setting property tax rates and debating net profits taxes to major sewer rehabilitation projects, downtown development extensions, and exciting updates from the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, this episode is packed.

Listen to the recap, then dive into the full meeting at www.youtube.com/@CityofHopkinsvilleKY!

Hear how the council is weighing the fate of the historic Blue Streak building, the ambitious $8.5 million plan from The Salvation Army, new regulations on recycling and special purpose vehicles, and the city's latest financial snapshot. Catch the highlights here, then watch the full meeting at www.youtube.com/@CityofHopkinsvilleKY!

Join us for a straight-talk session with Kentucky's Secretary for Economic Development, Jeff Noel! He unpacks his "common sense" vision behind Kentucky's record $39 billion investment and 70,000 new jobs. Noel shares insights on building generational companies, tackling workforce housing, future energy needs (including nuclear!), and how every community leader makes a difference. Don't miss his candid take on Kentucky's economic future!

In this episode of Here in Hoptown's Take 5, we're breaking down the key moments from the September 2nd City Council meeting. From celebrating promotions and retirements in our Fire and Police Departments to big discussions on recycling, city finances, and upcoming community events — there's plenty you'll want to know. Stay connected to the conversations shaping Hopkinsville — tune in now!

Click for the full meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/-mD2AFKjT3Y?si=37gGpNtqFEq40_Ln

In this episode of Here in Hoptown's Take 5, we recap the August 19th Hopkinsville City Council meeting — and it was a big one. From heartfelt community moments to tough budget realities, this session had it all. Hear a bilingual invocation from a local business owner, disaster loan opportunities for storm victims, and an impassioned plea to save the city's curbside recycling program. We'll also cover key council votes, including the official repeal of recycling, budget amendments, and a cable franchise renewal, plus a look at upcoming community events you won't want to miss. Listen to the full meeting: https://ww...

In this first episode of Here in Hoptown's Take 5 series, we bring you a quick, five-minutes-or-less recap of the August 5th Hopkinsville City Council meeting. Highlights include promotions within the Fire Department, resident concerns about property programs and neighborhood improvements, updates from Mayor Knight, and key council decisions on rezonings, capital investments, recycling, and more. Tune in for a fast and informative look at the discussions shaping our city. Listen in to the full meeting at https://www.youtube.com/live/82e_quVn348?si=UnNgiaoWob6hVjsC.

Flooded streets. Pesky potholes. Overgrown lots. They're the kinds of issues everyone notices — but what does it take to fix them? In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we sit down with Hopkinsville's Public Works team to talk about how they tackle flooding and drainage concerns, keep roads drivable, and address properties that need attention. You'll hear how they partner with the Surface and Stormwater Utility, why some projects take longer than expected, and what residents can do to help keep our city running smoothly.

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we dive into the findings of the newly released Hopkinsville Housing Needs Assessment—a comprehensive report conducted by Bowen National Research that takes a hard look at our city's housing landscape.

City leaders and housing stakeholders joined forces to examine key issues such as housing affordability, residential blight, workforce housing shortages, and the need for new development. You'll hear how community voices, employer surveys, local data, and economic trends were brought together to create a clear picture of where Hopkinsville stands—and where we're headed.

Whether you...

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we're joined by Pam Hale, one of the coordinators behind this year's Blvd Bash—a community celebration bringing energy and excitement back to one of Hopkinsville's key corridors. Now in its second year, the event is gaining momentum thanks to a unique collaboration between one of the Boulevard's oldest businesses and one of its newest.

Tune in to learn how the Bash got started, what's planned for this year's event, and how local businesses are teaming up to bring the community together in a big way.

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we sit down with Kristina Scott—self-described overseer of Hopkinsville's Trail of Tears Commemorative Park. Kristina shares the powerful history behind the park, its cultural significance, and the role it plays in preserving Native American heritage. Learn about the park's amenities, the annual pow wow, and how visitors can respectfully engage with this sacred space. Whether you're a local or a traveler passing through, this episode invites you to connect with history on a deeper level.

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we're joined by Summer Brown from the University of Kentucky to talk about a hands-on STEM opportunity for local students this summer.

UK and the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library have partnered to host a free, three-day STEM camp focused on common Kentucky disasters—from flooding and tornadoes to other earth and weather-related events. Designed for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, the camp gives students the chance to explore how scientists study and prepare for these events using cutting-edge tools like drones, virtual reality, and more.

Held June 24–26 from...

Ever wonder how a city budget comes together? In this episode of Here in Hoptown, City Administrator Troy Body sits down with Chief Financial Officer Melissa Clayton to pull back the curtain on Hopkinsville's finances.

They break down where the city's money comes from, how it gets spent, and the careful planning that goes into balancing services, infrastructure, and long-term priorities. Whether you're a budget nerd or just curious about how your tax dollars work for you, this episode offers a clear and insightful look at the dollars and sense behind city government.

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we sit down with the City of Hopkinsville's new Administrative Budget Officer, Cory Alexander. From what drew him to our community to his favorite local hangout, we get to know the person behind the spreadsheets.

Recorded during EMS Week in May—also recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month—this episode highlights the resilience and dedication of Hopkinsville's EMS professionals. We explore the mental, emotional, and physical challenges of life as a first responder, and how Hopkinsville is working to ensure our teams are supported and prepared for every emergency. One EMT even shares a memorable first-call experience that involved—unexpectedly—rounding up 30 cats after a house fire. It's a powerful and personal conversation about the people behind the sirens.

In this special Police Week edition of Here in Hoptown, we sit down with Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby and Public Information Officer Royale Marfil for an honest, insightful, and surprisingly lighthearted conversation about policing in our community.

From department achievements and future goals to everyday moments that remind them why they serve, this episode offers a personal look at the people behind the badge. ‍♂️

You'll hear stories, laughs, and messages of unity from two leaders who truly love Hopkinsville—and who believe that building strong community relationships is just as important as enforcing the law.

Senator Craig Richardson, Representative Myron Dossett, and Representative Walker Thomas recap the 2025 General Assembly, highlight key takeaways, and answer real community questions. Hear how state decisions impact Hopkinsville and Christian County—and how you can stay involved.

Reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Craig.Richardson@kylegislature.gov

Myron.Dossett@kylegislature.gov

Walker.Thomas@kylegislature.gov

This April, Here in Hoptown continues our focus on Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month by welcoming back members of The Network, a local group providing vital support to foster families in Western Kentucky.

In this episode, we explore what foster care looks like in our community, the challenges and rewards for families who say "yes," and how The Network steps in to provide encouragement, connection, and critical resources.

Whether you're a current foster parent, considering fostering, or simply want to help vulnerable children thrive—this conversation offers insight and inspiration.

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month with a meaningful conversation featuring the Pennyrile & Purchase Regional Network Coordinator for PACS/Community Collaboration for Children. She shares how her team works directly with families through in-home support services, the impact of prevention-focused community programs, and the importance of engaging fathers through a new regional conference just for dads.

This episode is all about support, collaboration, and the little things we can each do to make a big difference for children and families in our community. And new this episode, we...

In our latest Here in Hoptown episode, we continue our series introducing Hopkinsville's newest city council members! This time, we're talking with Elizabeth Draude of Ward 12—originally from Texas, but now a proud and self-proclaimed “successful transplant” to Hopkinsville.

Elizabeth shares what led her to run for office, her goals for Ward 12, and what she hopes to bring to the table as a city council member. From community engagement to future development, she's ready to serve and make a difference.

Get to know your local leaders—tune in now!

In this special Women's History Month episode of Here in Hoptown, DeeAnna Sova from the Small Business Commission sits down with three remarkable women who are shaping Hopkinsville's business landscape. We get an inside look at a beloved local eatery, a trendy boutique, and a stunning formal dress shop—all owned and operated by women.

Listen in as these entrepreneurs share their journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the successes they've achieved. Whether you're a small business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who loves supporting local, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.

In honor of Women's History Month, we're spotlighting local women making an impact in their industries. On this episode of Here in Hoptown, we sit down with Theresa Nichol, a dedicated agricultural entrepreneur and proud owner of a cow farm right here in the county. Theresa shares her journey into farming, the evolution of the agricultural industry, and the challenges and rewards of running a farm. From business insights to hands-on experiences, she gives us a glimpse into the world of modern farming and what it takes to succeed in this vital profession. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about...

In this episode of Here in Hoptown, we continue our series of interviews with Hopkinsville City Council members, sitting down with Ward 9 representative, Brittanie Bogard. A dedicated leader and advocate for her community, Brittanie shares how her personal and professional experiences have shaped her leadership style and equipped her to serve in this role. She discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Hopkinsville, her aspirations for the city's growth, and the impact she hopes to make during her time on the council. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the future of Hopkinsville.

We're continuing our Here in Hoptown podcast series featuring conversations with our newly elected city council members. In this episode, we sit down with Vance Smith, the representative for Ward 1, to discuss his vision for both his ward and the broader Hopkinsville community.

Councilmember Smith shares his priorities, insights, and hopes for the future, touching on key issues that matter to Ward 1 residents. From community development and public safety to economic growth and neighborhood engagement, he provides a candid look at what drives his leadership and how he plans to serve.

Tune in...