As we continue with WFMW’s News Edge top stories of 2025, here’s a look back at the standout moments in the second quarter, April to June.
In April, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado hit northwest Hopkins County, damaging the Hopkins County Humane Society’s roof without injuring any animals. The Storm Survey Team said the tornado then moved northeast, causing scattered tree damage and damaging a roof and gutters of a home as it crossed Interstate 69 and paralleled Highway 281.
At the same time, severe storms triggered historic flooding in the county, including Dawson Springs, leading to widespread road and street closures.
Dawson Springs Mayor Jenny Sewell said the town received over 20 inches of rain, causing the river to overflow and impacting roads, businesses, homes, and Riverside Park.
click to download audioHopkins County Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey reported two water rescues during the flooding event.
click to download audioBill Rudd announced in an April Fiscal Court meeting that he was stepping down as the president of the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation.
click to download audioAfter his announcement, the Madisonville-Hopkins Economic Development Corporation announced that the Board of Directors unanimously appointed Wade Williams as the new president.
Williams also serves as the District 4 state representative.
In a landmark moment for the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency and the City of Madisonville, local officials and community members broke ground on Madisonville’s $180 million Energy Central I project, a new power plant set to provide 75 megawatts with advanced reciprocating engine technology.
Mayor Kevin Cotton expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the project, which he said will provide generational energy to the community.
click to download audioThe facility is expected to be operational by Summer 2027, and the plant is projected to operate for at least 30 years, contributing to Kentucky’s energy landscape for decades.
Mayor Jenny Sewell announced a significant development for Dawson Springs, revealing plans for a new 50,000 square foot industrial building to be constructed in the West Hopkins Industrial Park.
click to download audioIn May, Hopkins County Schools officials announced Assistant Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming was selected as the next superintendent, succeeding Amy Smith, who retired. Dr. Fleming had served as the district’s assistant superintendent since 2021.
In May, Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Mayor Jenny Sewell, and community members gathered in Dawson Springs to dedicate four new homes built by the Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders—a special day as four families received keys to their new residences.
click to download audioThe West Kentucky Film Commission launched in May at the Glema Mahr Center in Madisonville, with Governor Andy Beshear and regional leaders highlighting growth in the film industry. Mayor Kevin Cotton credited email inquiries from Co-Commissioners Kristi Kilday and Jeremy Winton for helping to spur local film projects, with two movies already making progress in the area.
click to download audioIn mid-May, Hopkins County Central High School’s marching band was selected by the Kentucky Music Educators Association to perform in the National 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2026—one of just 40 bands chosen nationwide.
In June, Kelly Forbes, Executive Director of Communications and Operations for the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation, was named to Southern Business & Development’s “50 Under 50 to Watch” list, recognizing young leaders across the South for their expertise and contributions to job growth and community investment.
In June, Governor Andy Beshear announced that Canadian company E. Hofmann Packaging will open its first U.S. facility in Hopkins County, investing over $40 million in a 100,000-square-foot plant and creating more than 160 jobs.
Coming up on Wednesday, we’ll take a look back at WFMW’s top stories from the third quarter of 2025.
