The 2025 calendar year had plenty of highlights for the News Edge Listening area, and the first quarter was no exception.
January was marked by major legal resolutions, infrastructure investments, community advocacy, and extreme winter impacts across western Kentucky.
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Jonathan McCoy Plea Deal: Jonathan McCoy pleaded guilty to amended charges of complicity to murder, second-degree arson, and first-degree burglary in the 2020 death of Trigg County resident Thelma “Ileen” Barnett, accepting a recommended 50-year sentence consecutive to a prior Lyon County arson conviction.
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Keisha Stewart Plea Agreement: Co-defendant Keisha Stewart pleaded guilty to reduced facilitation charges tied to the same case, with a recommended five-year concurrent sentence contingent upon cooperation and truthful testimony.
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Barkley Lake Water Line Project: Barkley Lake Water District began replacing aging water lines in northwest Trigg County as part of a multi-phase project funded by a $2.5 million grant and district matching funds.
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“Wildcats on Wheels” Early Learning Bus: Trigg County Schools unveiled a mobile early-learning bus funded through state grants to expand educational outreach to young children across the county.
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DECA Accessibility Presentation: Trigg County High School DECA students, including the Kosak family, presented findings on accessibility barriers across campus, highlighting ADA compliance concerns and proposing solutions.
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TVA Sets Winter Power Demand Record: Extreme cold pushed TVA to a new all-time peak power demand of more than 35,000 megawatts, with officials citing recent infrastructure investments as key to system stability.
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MLK Day Observance at HCC: Hopkinsville Community College hosted a Martin Luther King Jr. Day program emphasizing the continued pursuit of justice, freedom, and nonviolence.
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New Senior Citizens Bus: Trigg County Senior Citizens Center unveiled a new fully accessible bus to improve transportation options for seniors and those with mobility challenges.
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Hopkinsville Rotary Auction Announcement: The Hopkinsville Rotary Club announced its upcoming 75th Annual Radio Auction, continuing a decades-long tradition of youth and education support.
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Lake Barkley State Resort Park Renovation: State officials announced a planned $17 million renovation of Lake Barkley State Resort Park, including lodge, pool, and exterior upgrades.
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Eddyville Sewer System Failure: A catastrophic mechanical failure at Eddyville’s sewer treatment plant prompted emergency response and long-term planning for repairs.
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Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser: A Cadiz Methodist Church fundraiser raised more than $30,700 to support the family of two-year-old Bea Armentrout, who was awaiting a heart transplant.
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Widespread Power Outages: More than 4,000 Pennyrile Rural Electric customers lost power following an arctic blast that caused ice-related damage across multiple counties.
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Western Kentucky Police Training Campus Opens: Hopkins County officials welcomed the inaugural class at the new Western Kentucky Law Enforcement Training Campus in Madisonville.
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Kendall Spikes Guilty Plea: Kendall Spikes pleaded guilty to amended charges related to the 2021 murders of Candace Marcel and Stanley Bussell, agreeing to testify against his father, Bobby Spikes.
February focused on regional growth, philanthropy, culture, and severe weather impacts.
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United Way Campaign Success: United Way of the Pennyrile exceeded its fundraising goal, raising more than $704,000 during its annual campaign.
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Sen. Mitch McConnell Retirement Announcement: Senator Mitch McConnell announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, ending his historic Senate career.
- Regional Flooding Emergency: Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, travel disruptions, and prompted a state of emergency declaration ahead of additional storms.
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Veterinary School Debate: Discussion continued around the proposed Murray State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with leaders outlining benefits, concerns, and timelines.
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Cherokee Language & Native Art Showcase: Princeton’s Jannette Parent participated in a traveling exhibit highlighting Native American art and the preservation of the Cherokee language.
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West Cadiz Park Playground Opens: The newly renovated West Cadiz Park playground officially opened, featuring modern equipment and safer surfacing.
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Countywide Broadband Update: Pennyrile Electric officials provided updates on long-term efforts to expand fiber broadband access throughout Trigg County.
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Passing of Gay Nell Rittenberry: Hopkinsville mourned the death of longtime educator, business leader, and community advocate Gay Nell Rittenberry.
March was defined by remembrance, public safety, healthcare transformation, and civic pride.
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Fort Campbell Crash Memorial Unveiled: Families and local leaders in south western Kentucky unveiled a permanent memorial near Vinson Cemetery, honoring the nine Fort Campbell soldiers killed in a 2023 Trigg County helicopter crash.
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School Board Public Concerns: Parents raised concerns at a Trigg County Board of Education meeting regarding a board member’s social media post and playground incident.
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Rotary Auction Historical Reflection: The Hopkinsville Rotary Club reflected on its legacy as it prepared for its 75th Annual Radio Auction.
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Sister-City Exchange with France: A delegation from Carentan, France strengthened ties with Christian County, sharing historical D-Day artifacts and a kinship with the 101st Airborne Division.
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Harry Todd Hall of Fame Selection: Earlington native and retired Command Sergeant Major Harry Todd was named to the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
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Deputy Shooting Investigation: Trigg County Sgt. Zach White continued recovering after being shot during a multi-county pursuit; the suspect was killed, and KSP investigated.
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Jennie Stuart–Deaconess Agreement: Jennie Stuart Health announced a definitive agreement to join Deaconess Health Systems in Evansville, Indiana, bringing major investment and service expansion to the region.
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Save Jennie Stuart Lawsuit Dismissed: A lawsuit seeking to halt the hospital agreement was dismissed in Christian County Circuit Court.
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Recreation Complex Renovation Approved: Trigg County approved construction of a new restroom and concession facility at the Recreation Complex, funded in part by a federal grant.
