MADISONVILLE Hopkins County
Groundwork to Growth
Find the Care You Need Close to Home
Our Services
In addition to hospital services, we offer:
l ARU
l Audiology/Hearing Aid Services
l Behavioral Health
l Blood Bank
l Cardiology
l Cosmetic Services
l Diabetes/Endocrinology
l Ear, Nose and Throat
l Emergency/SANE Services
l Family Practice/ Residency Physicians
l Gastroenterology
l Home Health
l Imaging/Radiology
l Internal Medicine
l Lab
l LTACH (long term acute care hospital)
l Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center
l Neurology
l OccuCare
l Orthopedics
l Palliative Medicine
l Pediatrics/NICU
l Pharmacy
l Podiatry
l Pulmonary Services
l Seasonal Allergy
l Sleep Medicine
l Sports Medicine
l General, Thoracic, Vascular, and Robotic Surgery Services
l Therapy Services (PT/OT/Speech)
l Urgent Care
l Women’s Care/OB GYN
l Wound Care
ABOUT BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS
MADISONVILLE
The hospital, formerly known as Trover Clinic Foundation, joined Baptist Health in 2012 and is now jointly operated by Baptist Health and Deaconess Health systems with the goal of providing quality healthcare to Western Kentucky with a local focus.
Our Mission
Rooted in a tradition of Christian service, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville expands access to high quality healthcare delivered with a compassionate and nurturing spirit to all.
Our Vision
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville seeks to be the trusted healthcare provider of choice for our region as we provide advanced medical services that focus on the wellness and dignity of the whole patient.
Our Values
C.A.R.E.S.
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Excellence
Safety
Editor & Lead Design
Lisa Miller
Contributing Writers
Laura Harvey
Lori Harrison
Kelly Forbes
Advertising
Caitlyn Dame
Printer
Sprint Print
The Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce Magazine is a publication of the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Meet the 2025 Chamber Chairperson
Katy McGlothlin
15 E. Center Street, Madisonville, KY 270-821-3435
email: office@hopkinschamber.com website: hopkinschamber.com
Katy McGlothlin, born and raised in Hopkins County, is honored to serve as the 2025 Chairman of the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce. With a deep-rooted passion for her community, she encourages local businesses and residents to actively participate in Chamber events to help foster economic growth and strengthen ties across the region.
The Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce is a partnership of businesses and professionals working collaboratively to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life for all. Under Katy’s leadership, the Chamber will continue to support the expansion and development of businesses, regardless of their size, industry, or specialty. The Chamber is committed to being a key partner in the growth, sustainability, and advocacy of every member.
With many years of service as a Chamber Ambassador and recognition as the 2022 Ambassador of the Year, Katy brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role, ensuring that the Chamber remains a driving force in the community’s progress and prosperity.
Katy McGlothlin Board Chairperson
Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce
CONNECTING LEADERS
LCH CLASS “WE CONNECT LEADERS”
Madisonville is in a season of change. Wherever you travel in our city, change continues to take place. From the heart of our historic downtown to the outskirts of our city limits, we see the addition of new businesses, improved infrastructure, and community development. It is exciting to see the support we have garnered from our community for the changes that we’re making and it’s encouraging to know that the citizens of our great city are on board with us. We continue to work together; we are seeing long-lasting effects that we can continue to build on with each passing year. As the results become more apparent, we are getting more and more interest from local and surrounding communities, continuing to see the fruits of our labor, and providing ourselves with an opportunity to come together.
Hopkins County Judge Executive
I have seen more positive changes in Hopkins County in my six years as judge executive than I have ever seen in my lifetime. I am proud of how easily our leaders have come together over the years to make Hopkins County a better place for residents and visitors, and all of us working together has resulted in amazing economic growth. Yet, even with multi-million dollar projects underway and new businesses coming in, Hopkins County remains a safe, neighborly community with a “small town” feel. That’s what makes us unique in our area of western Kentucky. I am confident visitors will find our neck of the woods as pleasant and accommodating as I and so many others do, and hope that one day they too will consider making Hopkins County the place they call home. They certainly are welcome here.
Kevin Cotton, Mayor of Madisonville
Jack Whitfield, Jr.,
#TeamHopkins
Mission: Unite as one team to learn and inspire.
Vision: Preparing today’s students to succeed in tomorrow’s world.
A Note From Stephanie Bowles
I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Board for our Chamber in 2024. There have been so many exciting announcements this year! Our community will reap the economic benefits of these developments for generations to come.
Our Chamber is a CHAMPion for its businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, education programs, and citizens. Annually they plan at least two dozen community events including Evening of Stars, Holiday Open House, ribbon cuttings, and multiple Chamber After Hours events. They have sponsored Leadership Hopkins County for 35 years and their staff represent our business community at more than a dozen events annually to bring back resources and share awareness of the needs of our community.
We welcome the community as a valued part of #TeamHopkins.
HCS has been voted Best Place to Work for the past 5 years.
Hopkins County Future Ready initiative makes sure students have essential skills. Each school has a Mental Health Counselor on staff to provide needed help to kids and a School Resource Officer as part of our emphasis on safety.
Contact us at 270-825-6000 www.hopkins.kyschools.us
It makes me proud to be a citizen of Hopkins County, witnessing the amount of hours and work committed to the success of our community and the collaborative efforts of the Chamber staff and volunteers, county and city officials and employees, and members of the Tourism and Economic Development offices.
I look forward to seeing what new opportunities stem from the developments already coming in 2025!
Stephanie Bowles 2024 Chamber Board Chair Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Stephanie Townsell Connect With Us
Benefits of being a Chamber Member ( a CHAMP)
C H A M P
Connections
Advocacy Marketing Products Heart
Connection -The chamber hosts a variety of networking opportunities including the Ambassador program, Chamber After Hours, ribbon cuttings, educational events, and it’s popular golf tournament. It offers visibility to members so they can stand out and get noticed as an active member of our community!
Heart- serving as the heart of the business community, the HUB for business. Acting as a unifying force that helps businesses to thrive. Promotes the importance of supporting local.
Advocacy- representing the collective concerns and needs of the business community each year. An advocate for its members on a local, regional, and national level. A collective voice when it comes to relevant policy issues; including workforce, housing, education, and childcare.
Marketing-helping to market member businesses through social media, weekly newsletters, our online directory, and through various targeted campaigns (such as the small business season). We refer business to our members. As the chamber grows its membership, the larger audience it reaches with information. The annual membership investment for a small business can be less than 1 newspaper ad or 10 radio spots.
Products- offering products like Clearpath Specialty with a discount for workmans’ compensation insurance, Chamber Advantage, an affordable insurance plan that can lead to savings for small businesses. Opportunity to participate in BluMine Health, an efficient way to offer primary and wellness care for employees and 401K, a cost-effective and easy way to implement a turnkey 401(K) employee program, member to member discounts including radio and newspaper advertising for new members, and member discounts to attend chamber events.
Champion for Business
“The Kentucky Sports Factory is the largest indoor facility in the area and will draw visitors from hundreds of miles away”, Judge Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr.
The most anticipated local development of the century is finally a reality, proving that collaboration among like-minded individuals is priceless when everyone is on the same page.
Or, in our case, playing on the same field.
The local government has had plans to build a multi-million dollar athletic complex in Madisonville since the dawn of Y2K, but changes in the economy, financial capabilities, and the shifting of priorities over the years made the project virtually impossible for one municipality to take on alone. However, everything changed in recent years when the Hopkins County Fiscal Court and City of Madisonville joined forces and agreed to share the cost of the $15 million project -- thus the Kentucky Sports Factory was born.
Construction began on Midtown Boulevard in the center of Midtown Commons in late 2022.
Now, the collaboration has paid off in dividends and the Kentucky Sports Factory is ready for play.
“This would not even be remotely possible if it hadn’t been for the county and city making it happen,” said Mayor Kevin Cotton. “Recognizing that the city and county have the vision to invest in our community and future generations of our community is huge.”
The 95,000 square-foot multisport complex features one indoor soccer field, six indoor basketball courts that can be converted into 12 volleyball courts, 22 pickleball courts and party and meeting rooms, just for starters. All designated courts and fields are built to convert, so they can accommodate virtually
all other sports, which gives plenty of opportunity for cheerleading, gymnastics, wrestling or karate competitions. The Kentucky Sports Factory was specifically designed with inclusion in mind.
The venue is managed by Sports Facilities Company, an organization that helps plan and oversee recreational centers. SFC manages more than 40 sports facilities across the United States, including two in Kentucky -- the Elizabethtown Sports Park and Paducah Sports Park.
“Their level of expertise on the management of sports facilities will attract tournaments from all over,” Cotton said.
“The Kentucky Sports Factory is the largest indoor facility in the area and will draw visitors from hundreds of miles away,” said Judge Executive
Jack Whitfield, Jr. “I am convinced that there will be a huge increase in out-of-town visitors which will be great for our local restaurants and other retail facilities. I truly believe the increased traffic count will continue to draw new businesses to the area. I am excited for the future of Hopkins County and cannot wait to see the growth this complex brings.”
As well as all sports inclusion, the Kentucky Sports Factory is also designed for future growth. Not only is there potential to one day develop the outdoor section of the grounds into football or soccer fields, roadwork is planned to extend Midtown Boulevard to the north. This extension will give visitors and locals alike two easy-toaccess entryways into the park, and connect Midtown Commons to the new Madisonville Town Center, the construction of which began in 2023.
“Because the city and county made the decision to partner together and put the sports complex in the middle of city, we were able to get all of the utilities through Midtown Boulevard and connect it with Kentucky Avenue. That has set the infrastructure,” said Cotton. “Additional hotels and establishments come into play, because now the utilities are already on-site, it enhances recruitment.”
Since the announcement of the sportsplex’s construction, several
major national retailers have announced plans to, and/or begun building and operating in Hopkins County. The city, in response, has put a laser focus on retail recruitment, with a guarantee of
further retail expansion yet to come.
For more information about the Kentucky Sports Factory and upcoming tournaments, visit madisonvillesportsplex.com.
FROM GROUNDWORK TO GROWTH
Preparing the 41A Industrial Site for Future Investment
In today’s competitive global economy, simply having a prime location is no longer enough. Businesses looking for new sites now prioritize locations that offer more than just geographic advantages—they need sites fully prepared and ready for immediate development. Madisonville-Hopkins County is taking proactive steps to meet this demand by working toward Build-Ready certification for our 16.8-acre site on US 41A, ensuring our community remains a strong contender in attracting future business investments.
What Does Build-Ready Mean?
A Build-Ready site is more than just a piece of land—it represents a commitment to progress. To earn this certification, a site must
be equipped with a pad large enough for a 50,000 square foot building, with the capacity to expand to 100,000 square feet or more. Utilities must already be in place, and the necessary permits, preliminary building plans, cost estimates, and project timelines must be ready to go. This level of preparation means that when a company is ready to build, there’s no waiting around—construction can begin almost immediately.
Kentucky proudly hosts 23 BuildReady sites, with several more in the pipeline, including our own US 41A property. The success of this program speaks for itself: 12 former Build-Ready sites in the state have already been selected by companies for new projects, bringing jobs and economic growth to those communities.
Why It Matters
Time is money, especially when it comes to site selection. For companies looking to expand or relocate, the ability to move quickly is crucial. That’s where Build-Ready sites excel—they take the guesswork out of the equation. With environmental and geotechnical studies already completed and infrastructure in place, businesses can fast-
track their development plans, reducing both risk and lead time. This makes our US 41A site, soon to be certified, particularly attractive to investors who value speed and certainty. Build Ready minimizes the time it takes to go from project announcement to ribbon cutting.
Progress on US 41A and Its Impact on Our Local Economy
We are making steady progress toward securing Build-Ready certification for our US 41A site and preparing the 100,000 square foot pad by December 2024. With all key surveys— boundary, topographic, environmental, archaeological, and geotechnical—now complete, the site is primed for immediate development once certification is achieved. This certification will significantly enhance Madisonville and Hopkins County’s appeal as a prime location for new business
investments, and it will pave the way for new industries to bring jobs and economic vitality to our area.
A Vision for the Future
As we move closer to achieving Build-Ready certification, we are not just preparing a site— we are preparing our community for growth, opportunity, and success. This certification builds on the strong foundation laid by our existing industries, many of which have thrived and expanded here over the past 30 years. By combining new investments with the enduring success of our established businesses, Madisonville-Hopkins County is poised for a future of sustained growth and prosperity.
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE
BHDM Provides Key Ingredient for a Happy Workforce
Healthy employees make happy employees, and maintaining a happy staff is a surefire way to build your best company.
Baptist Health Deaconess
Madisonville Occupational Medicine specializes in keeping employees happy -- by ensuring employees maintain a healthy body and lifestyle, and by preventing and treating injuries that happen in the workplace. When companies utilize occupational medicine, they not only decrease lost work time, but they make an incredible investment in their name.
As Dr. Peter E. Clemens, MD puts it, it is a priceless investment in the company brand.
“The company is there to prosper, make a product and money, and the way to do that is by retaining your employees and keeping
them healthy and happy,” he explained. “Employees know if they get injured, their company has a protocol to get them back to work as soon as possible. Being out of work is not only physically
disabling, but mentally as well. We create the environment that keeps the job portion safe, which reduces insurance premiums and people become more invested in your business.
“Bottom line, in this day and age, you are representing a brand, and your brand is taking care of your employees,” he added.
Baptist Health Deaconess
Madisonville Occupational Medicine covers the entire gamut of workplace health satisfaction, including a work injury clinic for direct care of injuries, medical surveillance for the treatment and prevention of metabolic disorders like diabetes or hypertension, physical evaluations, drug and alcohol testing, hearing conservation and immunization. It also offers contractual nursing services for industries with numerous employees and
completes site-visits to ensure Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance. If area employers have voiced a need for a specific care or program, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville has found a way to provide it for them.
“A lot of our employees are in factories,” Clemens said. “You’ve got forklifts running around, heavy machinery is being used, as we are here for that person’s safety and the safety of everybody else around them. But that is only one part of it -- you’ve got the physical things that can happen, but there is also the hearing portion of it from being constantly exposed to loud noise. Through our hearing conservation program, we help the
boots on the ground leaders learn what they can be doing in their environments to reduce the noise levels, even changing equipment if needed.”
The reach of Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville extends far beyond the factory, as it maintains the reputation of being the go-to facility for small businesses to manage random drug testing, for Hopkins County Schools applicants to complete pre-employment physicals, all local Department of Transportation screenings, Mine Safety and Health Administration screenings, and vaccinations for Madisonville Community College students.
atmosphere for both patient and provider, and often develop a trusted friendly relationship with patients through palpable, gentle and understanding care.
Thanks to the facility’s residency program, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville can also assist potential employees who are between jobs, uninsured or underinsured get the screenings and resources they need to get back into the workforce as soon as possible. Depending on the
“Investing in your employees and doing all you can to keep them productive, happy and engaged in the work is a sage type of investment.
“Some employees have been working 30-35 years. A company would love to have this type of employee with a symbiotic relationship instead of turnover,” he added. “I can guarantee you the money they are investing in
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville professionals take a human approach with each individual, creating a pleasant
STRIKING WHILE THE IRON’S HOT
College Prepared for Healthcare Bounceback
Though college admissions plummeted across America during the pandemic, encouraging statistics are showing that students are ready to hit the books again. While Madisonville Community College was no exception to the national trend, it is pouncing on the opportunity to prepare a new, willing generation to fill some of today’s most in-demand and well-paying professions.
The MCC Health Sciences Campus, located conveniently next door to Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, specializes in several allied health fields from EMS/ paramedic, nursing, medical laboratory technician, occupational therapy assistant to respiratory care to surgical first assistant and technology -- jobs that saw a significant drop in 2020 by both workers and students seeking those positions. Yet this loss is now Madisonville’s gain, as student enrollment by fall 2024 had risen back to pre-pandemic numbers, and the healthcare job market is plentiful and eager for these students to graduate. Through its partnership with Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, MCC’s Health Sciences Campus offers students a unique and realistic learning experience just next door at the hospital. One feature of the college’s high-tech Interprofessional Simulation Program is the Simulation Hospital, where students can practice in a real hospital setting with animatronic patients who bleed, sick up, and quite frequently talk back. Adjacent to the campus is the college’s Simulation Home, a fully-furnished house that offers students such as EMS the chance to practice navigating equipment through both a spacious living environment, and a home that is more compact with challenging hallways.
All of MCC’s healthcare programs
works through the Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville clinical facility. In fact, administrators from both facilities meet monthly to discuss the healthcare landscape and work to fill, if any, current or expected gaps. It is a partnership Associate Dean of Health Sciences and Professor, Marsha Woodall DNP, MBA, RN says has been a blessing to maintain as the benefits have proven themselves across the entire field.
“Hospitals in the area say that if an applicant went to one school or MCC, they’re going to hire MCC. We’ve heard that for years,” she said. “We have a very healthy advisory board. We make sure they have a voice an input in the program, and we are fully-staffed as far as faculty, which
has been a challenge for other schools. I have always prided MCC because we have always had nursing faculty and a lot of schools are going in three to four short. I also take pride in that I have former students I saw go on to get experience, get their degrees and now they are coming back here to teach.
“Respiratory care is another hot career now, and we have a full class for the first time since the pandemic,” she continued. “There is definitely a need for respiratory care therapists, and we started a consortium with Murray State University where students can go from us to get their bachelor’s. We are back up in enrollment for radiography and occupational therapy assistant. There are so many good fields. People come from all over to come here
because other schools don’t have all the programs we have. That is unique to us.”
What’s more, MCC has eliminated many of the common roadblocks students face when seeking higher education, namely tuition fees. Madisonville Community College offers an abundance of scholarship opportunities, namely the Kentucky Work Ready Scholarship Program, which offers free tuition in areas of high demand, including allied health. There are absolutely no income requirements, too low nor too high.
Certified Public Accountants
Theresa A. Jones, CPA
Jacqueline L. Nance, CPA
Megan R. Moore, CPA
Graham T. Moore, CPA
“What I love about all this, is that you hear people ask if college is worth it,” said Vice President of Administration Jay Parrent. “You step right out of our building and into your job. I hear that all of the time and I think there are some things out there that are absolutely worth it -- an unbelievably affordable price that will give you a fantastic career. These are not careers you can outsource. You can Telehealth a few things, but you have to be in the room at the end of the day doing something with somebody. That will never go away.
“If you have a robot, you still need somebody to operate that robot,” he added. “You can never get rid of the human piece of it.”
Student life at MCC stays true to Parrent’s motto. The human piece of higher education in our growing, small town includes a competitive selection process, but quality mentorship that nurtures the student throughout their two-year study. Many faculty members grew up here, some came
to study and enthusiastically chose to stay, but all have one goal in mind -- keeping Madisonville thriving.
“I tell every entry student this, and this has been my motto for years,” Woodall said.
“Your success is our success. The more successful you are, the more
we shine. Our faculty, from student support services to financial aid, everyone is working toward the same goal of having a successful graduate and successful employee in the healthcare field.
“The main hurdle for our students is life. They are here because academically, it was a selective admission process and they met all criteria but life just happened. The good thing is, we strive to support the student as much as possible.”
For more information on MCC’s Health Sciences Campus programs, visit madisonville.kctcs.edu.
SETTING THE STAGE
Now in its 34th season, the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts is set to entertain audiences yet again with a star-studded lineup of both national and local talent.
It also has a new director with a fine-tuned mission of educating our youth and bringing our community together.
Toby Roberts has been a staple at the Glema Center for more than eight years, serving most recently as assistant director and box office manager. Now as director of programs, Roberts is sure that this year’s lineup will attract audiences into Madisonville’s chief entertainment venue, which can often be a feat in a post-pandemic, digital age.
“Our challenge bringing people back,
Glema Center Marks 34 Years of Music, Theater and Entertainment
and we have done a good job with that,” he said. “We have 20 ticketed events here this year, and more than before are community-oriented.”
Two of the Glema’s most popular attractions take advantage of the Anne P. Baker Gallery that is located conveniently at the entrance of the building. Not only are the works of our talented hometown artists proudly displayed for everyday viewing, but the Glema also hosts an area all-student art show that has consistently brought in hundreds of visitors annually for the past few decades. The annual quilt show, held in conjunction with the Piecemakers Quilt Club of Hopkins County, is equally as pleasing to the eye and has attracted more than 600 patrons on opening night for the past two years.
Keeping in tune with his vision of civic pride, Roberts is proud to announce the Glema will host the Hopkins County Schools band and choir programs this year, as well as the joint high school productions of Annie and The Little Mermaid as part of the First United Bank and Trust Proud Partnership.
“Our mission is to make the arts accessible to everyone and cultivate a place for people to come out and see our programming,” he said. “I especially love the collaboration between the schools. At this time of division, we are providing a place where people can come, be together and enjoy the arts in a neutral, safe place. Building a community this way is very valuable, I think even more valuable now than in the past.” Ordinary townsfolk will get their chance to take the stage with the community theater productions of Blithe Spirit and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Sound of Music. Both shows are open to the public for audition, and The Glema’s community theater is always a hit with both local theater enthusiasts and dabblers.
For those whose talents are of a more musical fare, the MCC Singers is always open for membership and will be performing “A Community Christmas” with Director Dr. Bill
Thomas and “Rutters Requiem” this year, the latter to be performed along with the Madisonville Community Chorus and Madisonville-North Hopkins High School Chamber Choir.
“The MCC Singers is a group of people from all walks of life,” Roberts said. “Some are professors, and some can’t properly read music. [Thomas] didn’t just create the MCC Singers, last year he also created an ensemble that he called, ‘The Winds of Christmas’ which were all local players, just people dusting off their instruments and coming out to play. It was very professional.”
As for its ticketed events, the Glema’s Center has a little something for everyone this year, notably 7 Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience who Rolling Stone magazine deemed, “the best Eagles tribute band on Earth,” and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, a country-rock/electric bluegrass group in the Center Stage Series.
Returning for yet another year is the popular Evelyn and David Smart Coffeehouse Series and Glema Mahr Chamber Music Series, where audience members sit onstage with the artist for an up close and personal, intimate evening with the performer. This season’s series
includes songster Dom Lemons, jazz group The Third Wheels, Grammywinner Jason Vieaux and the Eykamp String Quartet.
The US Bank Family Series will see the return of The Children’s Nutcracker presented by the Children’s Center for Dance Education, and iLuminate: The Tour, a fusion of innovative technology and dance that has been dazzling audiences for more than a decade.
Thanks to Roberts’ multiple partnerships with local sponsors and donors, Glema Center shows remain affordable for the entire family. No minimum admission for any show is more than $32 this year, and many ticket prices are sold at an incredible discount for students kindergarten through college -- all in the name of nurturing a love for the arts from a young age and beyond.
“The educational aspect of the arts is part of our mission, but something we have done for the past two years and I hope to see continue, is offering free student tickets for the Chamber Music Series,” Roberts said. “These are world class musicians and it is picking up steam as people become aware of it. We had a table full of high schoolers at our last one and I was so excited to see them.
“That is our lifeblood,” he added. “They are not going to wake up when they’re 30 years old and decide to be a patron of the arts. Getting them in, educating them and exposing them to the arts has kept us alive, and part of our task is to keep working to make that possible.”
The Glema Mahr Center for Arts is located on the Madisonville Community College campus at 2000 College Drive in Madisonville. For ticket information on individual shows, visit glemacenter.org or
bigspringinnky@gmail.com
Be A Trailblazer
Family-friendly activities are just a bite, sip, or bargain away thanks to the neverending efforts of the Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission.
Whether you’re a foodie, a dabbler in libations, a heavy or a casual shopper, our tourism commission has guaranteed a full calendar of attractions that will pique every interest -- even that of the grumpiest of grinches.
Merch and Merriment
The Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission spearheads two of the largest yearly vendor events in the area. Perhaps the most notable is the Mistletoe Art Stroll, which officially kicks off the holiday season in Hopkins County. Held in conjunction with the annual city and county Christmas Tree Lighting and the Madisonville Noon Kiwanis Christmas Parade, the Mistletoe Art stroll is an evening event that transforms Madisonville’s downtown area into a festive winter wonderland that rivals any Hallmark movie.
Participating downtown businesses stay open late and each hosts a local artisan right within their walls. More than 40 artisans can be seen along the route, and shoppers can peruse a variety of wares including locally-poured candles, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, leather items, paintings and custom home decor, making the Mistletoe Art Stroll the perfect “one-stop shop” to find a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone. Add an abundance of Christmas lights, the classical sound of a brass ensemble, balloon twisting and face painting for the kids, and free horse-drawn carriage rides, its no wonder Kentucky Living magazine rated Madisonville as one of the “Most Christmassy Towns” in the Commonwealth in 2021.
“There are a lot of things that excite me about the art stroll, but seeing all the people downtown, and seeing our sidewalks full of people, that is
what excites me,” said tourism director Tricia Noel.
After your trip to the stroll, feel free to take advantage of the City of Madisonville’s annual “Deck the Park” event held every Thanksgiving through New Years Day, just 1.5 miles away at the Madisonville City Park. Visitors can drive straight from the stroll and into a dazzling light display at the park, ride kid-friendly amusement rides, and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Santa House.
For those who prefer their temperatures above 80 degrees, the West Kentucky Antique and Vintage Market will be right up
their summer shopping alley. This event is held in conjunction with the annual Highway 41 Yard Sale held every last weekend in June, where literally anyone who lives, works or loves any location on or near U.S. Highway 41 holds their own yard sale along with their neighbors, the West Kentucky Antique and Vintage Market is held just a mere five-minute drive from U.S. 41 at the West Kentucky Archery Complex on Grapevine Road. This event has been so popular -- doubling its number of vendors in the second year -- the 18,000 square-foot building has proven itself the perfect location to beat the heat shopping along U.S. 41, and visit several area dealers in one convenient, airconditioned location.
In 2024, the West Kentucky Antique and Vintage Market hosted dealers from 18 cities spanning from Indiana to Tennessee, and welcomed visitors from 28 Kentucky municipalities, seven Indiana cities, and a few eagle-eyed bargain hunters from Illinois and Ohio.
Western Kentucky Trail Mix
Better than a good trail mix, local sites along Kentucky’s culinary trails will have your
whistles whet and hunger sated in no time at all. Where to start, is all up to you.
For the tangiest, smokiest, fall-off-the bone barbecue, lace up your proverbial flavor sneakers and make a “pit stop” at our eateries along the West Kentucky BBQ Belt. Hopkins County boasts two of the 40+ prime locations showcased across the belt, from Swaggy P’s Country Market in Hanson, which is famous for its old-time country store, hickory smoked barbecue, baked potatoes, quesadillas and burritos, to Brothers Bar-
B-Que in Madisonville. The family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, and an array of sides for more than 40 years. Brother’s Bar-B-Que was voted best BBQ in KY by Prep Magazine, and for eight consecutive years has been voted Best BBQ – Reader’s Choice by The Messenger newspaper.
What better to wash down all that barbecue than an ice cold brewski? Plan a trip to Tradewater Brewery in downtown Madisonville, and you will find yourself at Hopkins County’s treasured stop along the West Kentucky Brewery Hop. Newly opened in 2023, Tradewater Brewery has exploded in popularity among locals and regional connoisseurs,
making it one of the tastiest craft breweries along the 13-stop hop. Expect to find a number of creations by owner Ted Webb, including light and dark ales, American IPAs, and local twists on traditional European favorites. Ted has more than 100 awards from various regional competitions under his belt, and he is still making new masterpieces. Be sure to visit often to try the newest creations.
Tradewater Brewery is also open to everyone, so feel free to bring the whole family. The brewery hosts outdoor food trucks and a large indoor hall with plenty of seating and games like beanbag toss, oversized Connect Four and Jenga.
In 2024, the Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission launched “A Slice of Hopkins County,” our very own pizza trail. The self-guided tour takes hungry travelers along 18 pizza shops across Hopkins County. Eleven of the stops are within Madisonville city limits, including tried and true national chains, and hometown favorites like Hobo Mickey’s Pizza House with their famous taco pizza, Scores Pizza buffet and entertainment, and Tommy
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D’s Classic Diner. Expanding outward into the county, diners will find hidden gems like Pizza Express in Earlington, which is locally owned and operated, and has been serving up the same delicious, mouth-watering recipe for nearly 40 years.
Now, don’t fret about the calories. Madisonville is also home to two stops along the West Kentucky Disc Golf Trail. Get your steps in and grab a great view at Mahr Park Arboretum, which hosts a ninehole course appropriate for all ages and skill levels. The Madisonville City Park has an 18-hole course suitable for all players, but challenging enough for the average player. Golfers who scan a QR code and complete each course along the entire eight-town trail will earn a T-shirt for finishing the challenge.
Get two trails in one when you visit Mahr Park Arboretum, as
the park is the newest addition to the Kentucky Garden Trail, a beautiful voyage of 12 gardens spread across nine counties in the Commonwealth. The 265-acre leisure park is full of green space, walking trails, trees and gardens. Kayak and pedal boat rentals are available, a well as guided hikes, classes and seminars. Most of Mahr Park Arboretum walking and hiking trails are on easy to moderate terrain, with just a few challenging hills that will really get your heart pumping from the exercise -- and the gorgeous views.
Madisonville and Hopkins County offers variety of experiences,. whether they be food, sports, or good, old fashioned family entertainment. The Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission has information about and directions to the all local attractions, in addition to those mentioned here, available at visitmadisonvilleky.com.
DEEPER LEARNING INITIATIVE BUILDS FUTURE READY GRADUATES
Fifth-graders at Pride Elementary dressed in colonial attire to simulate a school day from long ago and created a cookbook filled with their own family recipes. Art students at Jesse Stuart Elementary learned about self-portraits through history and then created one, doing it “their own way.” Agri-biology students at Madisonville North Hopkins High plan science and agriculture lessons for second-graders at the
annual Fall on the Farm event.
“The purpose of Deeper Learning is to ensure students acquire not only basic academic knowledge but also develop critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills,” said Wendy Mitchell, district director of elementary education. “This initiative seeks to prepare the whole child for success in college, careers, and life by fostering not just an understanding of content, but applying knowledge in the real world.”
In fall 2022, HCS partnered with Western Kentucky Educational Cooperative to integrate Deeper Learning into classrooms, explained Alaina Lancaster, district director of secondary education. A group of teachers were selected to form the district Deeper Learning Team. This effort is now expanding, with original team members training other teachers in the schools.
“Deeper Learning is now a cornerstone of our educational strategy, as we shape Future Ready Graduates – our vision of Portrait of a Learner,” Lancaster said. “By prioritizing these skills, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to be future ready.”
Heather Gordon, who teaches at Pride Elementary, uses Deeper Learning methods to design nontraditional lessons expanding on topics she is already teaching. The Colonial era lessons “provide authentic, real-world connections and experiences that go beyond a worksheet format,” she said.
This fall, her students conducted a mock election to choose a grade-level president. “Though not able to vote yet,” Gordon said, “they will have a better understanding of the election process, an appreciation of watching current events as history unfolds, and develop a more meaningful insight into being a responsible citizen knowing participation matters.”
The Hopkins County Deeper Learning program asks teachers and students “to create learning experiences that stick,” said Melanie Hofmann, art teacher at Jesse Stuart Elementary. “Think back to when you were in school. Picture your favorite projects you completed
as a child. I would bet none of you are thinking about that amazing worksheet you completed that one Tuesday afternoon. You’re picturing the projects you invested your time, your interests and your heart into.”
In the “Self-Portraits, My Way” project in her classroom, students can choose to create a traditional self-portrait or take a different path, such as designing a “Lego” character that looks like them, drawing a picture about themselves, or making a clay sculpture that shows something about themselves. The most popular choice is to write a song about themselves. They write lyrics and select the genre.
“We get to dance and sing to each other’s very non-traditional selfportraits,” Hofmann said. “This is
learning that sticks.”
The Deeper Learning initiative ties directly with the Future Ready Graduate program. The six Future Ready characteristics of successful graduates were developed in partnership with local business leaders and public officials. These characteristics are Connecting and Collaborating, Effective Communicator, Responsible and Accountable, Innovator, Contributing Citizen, and Lifelong Learner.
“These are six very meaningful traits we need people to have so they – and Hopkins County – can be successful,” said MNHHS agriculture teacher Brian Welch.
“Deeper Learning forces students to reflect and make those needed connections to things that are important to them,” he said.
“Additionally, we as teachers can guide students to apply specific soft skills to what we do in the classroom as part of our district Future Ready program.”
For example, at Jesse Stuart, when kids draw cards for the Veterans Center, the class discusses being Contributing Citizens. Similarly, when students take care of supplies, the discussion covers being Responsible and Accountable.
“I eagerly anticipate witnessing the students of Hopkins County thrive through this Deeper Learning initiative, growing into more effective citizens who are both responsible and accountable,” Hofmann said. “They will grow to become individuals who connect, collaborate, communicate with ease, and can tackle difficult challenges
with innovation. As a county, I hope we all embrace and support our students in this journey.”
A WEALTH OF KNOWLEGE... EXPANDED
The secret has been out for decades, but one of Hopkins County’s most popular amenities is busting out in a big way in 2025. The Hopkins County Cooperative Extension Service, which has resided on Cornwall Road for more than 30 years, is finding a new home at Mahr Park Arboretum this year.
An extension service, which is commonly defined as an agriculture resource for farmers, or in our case, free educational opportunities through the University of Kentucky, offers so much more for the thousands of residents who utilize its services each day. It can more aptly be described as, “Google in a building,” and Hopkins County has six experts on hand who can answer virtually any question you throw their way. As Jeremy McGill puts it, “it’s more than just cows and corn.”
McGill is the office agent for agricul-
ture and natural resources. He’s the fellow to turn to for advice on farming, wildlife management, new farm equipment or pesticide training. McGill, who has 18 years of extension experience as an industry educator, is new to Hopkins County this year and has hit the ground running, which makes him one of the most in-demand agents in the county.
Got a question about food preparation during your first stint as the family Thanksgiving chef? Perhaps you’ve decided to give canning a whirl but have no clue where to start. Those questions, along with others related to homemaking and financial planning, can be handled by Family and Consumer Science Agent Amanda Dame, or Melissa Webb, NEP program assistant senior. Dame, who has 11 years of experience under her belt, not only fields calls about cooking and food
preservation, but also leads several ongoing community classes like grandparents raising grandchildren, kindergarten readiness, financial planning, etiquette and soft skills. Webb, who is also a resident culinary expert, hosts a popular monthly Facebook Live where she teaches viewers how to prepare delicious, wholesome recipes straight from the extension office kitchen right into your living room or work cubicle.
Erika Wood is your go-to for everything gardening related. She is one of only 25 agents in the Commonwealth who is entirely devoted to horticulture, and she has been doing it in Hopkins County for over nine years. Like her colleague McGill, Wood can assist with soil testing, pest and wildlife control, but she can also help residents diagnose plant and tree diseases, and identify weeds and how to control them. Wood is happy to make at-home visits, and in true extension form, charges no fee for the pleasure of helping her fellow gardeners.
As our local 4-H Agent and Youth Development, Connor Cooper is extremely well known in Hopkins County schools. Cooper heads all in- and after-school 4-H programming and functions, including the Achievement Program, monthly business meetings, field trips and community service groups. Sherri Friend, 4-H Program Assistant also does programs with youth. Works in schools and has after school clubs.
“As an outsider looking in, Hopkins County is growing faster than any
other county around,” said McGill, who hails from Muhlenberg County. “If they have children, that is always something of concern -- What is here for my kids to do? I’ve traveled all over the southeast and I have heard that constantly. Now, with two 4-H agents, there is always something for kids to do here.”
Thanks to the Cooperative Extension Service, there is always something for people of all ages to do. In addition to 4-H after school activities, the extension service also hosts the Pennyroyal Master Gardeners club, advises the local Homemakers volunteer group, and holds an abundance of hobby, outdoor, health and family classes. All you need to do, is show up.
However, all of this excitement is a lot to pack inside a meager 6,600 square-foot building on Cornwall Drive. For more than a decade, plans have been in motion to move the
extension service to a larger building capable of housing all of its current amenities with room to spare. When plans to transform the former Merle and Glema Mahr black angus farm into a 265-acre leisure park, it naturally followed that a new, 26,000 square-foot Hopkins County’s Cooperative Extension Service should be built on the property.
After all, many extension activities, including fitness groups, fishing clubs, disc golf and the Junior Naturalists – just to name a few – already utilize Mahr Park Arboretum as a home base. What’s more, the Hopkins County Farmer’s Market is now literally right in the service’s own back yard, which brings fresh, locally-grown produce right onto our dinner plates.
This is an exciting upgrade for Dame and Webb, who had limited demonstration space on Cornwall Drive and had to lead singular classes several times a week to accommodate all participants. The new demo kitchen is all-inclusive, and hosts six work stations for participants to cook along in real time with their instructors.
4-H, agriculture and horticulture now have designated space to hold specific programs, including a project room for 4-H groups, arts and crafts and sewing classes.
The new central meeting hall holds three rooms that can be combined into one large space, offering a new opportunity to host meetings, trade shows and training classes. Gone are the days McGill held trainings
half outdoors and half in – the new extension building is large enough to accommodate an array of farm equipment indoors, and now courses can all be held on-site despite the weather forecast.
“At one time, Cornwall Drive was the building. It was the place the regional meetings were held,” McGill said. “I’ve got a feeling Hopkins County is going to be utilized more and more. We’re going to be hosting everything here.”
In fact, Independence Bank has already scheduled to host its annual Farm to Fork Dinner at the new office this year.
“I know this is going to be an asset to us,” Dame added. “With all of our new businesses, our new hotels and tourism, we will utilize Mahr Park and we hope they and everyone else utilizes us too.”
For a full list of Hopkins County Cooperative Extension services and programs, visit https://hopkins. ca.uky.edu/.
Retail Rennaisance
The landscape of Madisonville has definitely changed over the past few years, but no change has been as explosive as the enormous retail boom we are experiencing at this very moment.
In August 2023, the City of Madisonville and Brewer Development made one of the biggest local economic announcements of our lives -- the construction of Madisonville Town Center, a $30 million investment that will transform a substantial portion of the Madisonville’s north side to an extensive retail area. The results are already here. By 2024, Phase I brought the town’s first freestanding Starbucks and Aspen Dental into operation at the intersection of Whittington Drive and Island Ford Road.
In September, just a few miles away on South Main Street, the city’s first Dunkin’ Donuts opened its doors -- and its drive-thru -- to dozens of eagerly waiting vehicles on Opening Day.
Phase II of the Madisonville Town Center project is currently underway.
Construction of a 155,000 square-foot shopping center just south of Phase I took off in 2024 and with it came even more major retail announcements: Aldi Grocery Stores, Hobby Lobby, Marshall’s department store, Ulta Beauty, Five Below, Rack Room Shoes and Zaxby’s restaurant have all chosen Madisonville as the home of their newest stores.
Most exciting, even more good news is on the way. We still have Phase III of the project to look forward to, and the prospect of more eateries, additional shops and new lodging accommodations as they are announced.
It is no wonder Madisonville has suddenly become a development hotspot in Western Kentucky. Our abundant employment, healthcare, educational, business and entertainment opportunities attract scores of visitors as well as residents. On any given day, the daytime population of Madisonville alone is about 64,000 people -- which is more than the entire population of Hopkins County. In addition, the opening of the new Kentucky Sports Factory has created yet another golden opportunity to welcome visitors from across the Commonwealth and beyond.
And investors are watching.
“We advocate for Madisonville and Hopkins County as a whole, but as the City of Madisonville, we advocate for retailers to hear our story,” said Mayor Kevin Cotton. “The challenge is, we’ve always expected people to come to us, and that doesn’t always happen. We have to go to them, we have to invite them to come into our community and we have to tell the story that they can’t see only on social media or Google. The daytime population matters, the traffic counts matter, and we’re telling the story of what we have to offer, including quality of life.”
For the past few years, city leaders have hit the road and taken Madisonville “on tour,” visiting large retail events including the largest retail development trade show in the nation, the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference. At these events, city administrators put a laser focus on the quality of Hopkins County life and all the amenities our little corner of Western Kentucky has to offer, including our proximity to Interstate 69, healthcare availability, educational opportunities, parks and recreation.
Not only has our fair city been introduced to thousands of retailers and investors over the years, our reputation is so strong, retailers are beginning to recognize us by name.
“When we first started, we had to seek [investors] out, but now they come to us,” Cotton said. “Not only are they coming to us, but other cities around us are coming to us to ask what we are doing and how they can get involved. Our goal for next year is to regionalize so we can help other communities be successful in retail recruitment, because together we are more. Those regional efforts have shown to be fruitful already, with one example being Zaxby’s.”
Further business expansion elsewhere in town may be in store as the MadisonvilleHopkins County Economic Development Cooperation is working to achieve Build-Ready certification to a 16.8 acre site on U.S. 41A. If and when successful, the site would give a potential investor a pad capable for constructing a 50,000 square-foot building with the capacity for expansion, with all utilities and permits ready to go. According to MHCEDC President Bill Rudd, Build-Ready sites are a fast track to project completion, which is an attractive benefit to any potential investor.
As the landscape of Madisonville continues to evolve, one thing is for certain: the sky is the limit. For more information on City of Madisonville development and to receive news about new retail announcements, visit www. madisonvilleliving.com or follow the City of Madisonville, KY on Facebook.
KCCE Excellence Awards recognized the important efforts of local chambers and chamber professionals across Kentucky! The Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce was the 2024 winner of the Excellence in Innovation award. The Chamber’s Retail Recruitment committee was praised for their partnerships with the City of Madisonville, Hopkins County Government and Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission and for their successful recruitment of new retail development to Madisonville.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) is a partner organization with the Kentucky Chamber that provides local chamber executives opportunities for professional development, organizational excellence, and grassroots advocacy.
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