As we continue with WFMW’s News Edge top stories of the year, here’s a look back at the standout moments between July and September.
July began in Madisonville with the annual 4th Fest and Praise in the Park at the City Park, a three-day event that Public Relations Director Jennifer Daves reported drew a record crowd of over 32,000 visitors from Kentucky and 12 other states, including Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Florida.
Hopkins County farmer Mark Metcalfe was named as a finalist for the 2025 Kentucky Farmer of the Year Award. Mark and his wife, Penny, run Metcalfe Florist and Pleasant View Greenhouse on 100 acres in Madisonville.
Metcalfe and the other finalists, Mike Wilson of Anderson County and Scott Porter of Mason County, were recognized at the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Ham Breakfast during the Kentucky State Fair in August. The award was later presented to Scott Porter at the organization’s annual meeting in October.
The Dawson Springs Community Center held its 77th Annual BBQ fundraiser in July, which Kathy Nichols explained was the Center’s largest fundraising event of the year.
click to download audioMadisonville City Council welcomed the new Kentucky Sports Factory General Manager, Drew Harrington, who shared his excitement about stepping into the role.
click to download audioGovernor Andy Beshear visited Madisonville in July for two major events. The first event was the groundbreaking ceremony for E. Hofmann Packaging, marking the company’s first operation in the United States and a $43 million investment that will create 164 new jobs.
At the ceremony held at the U.S. 41A Industrial Site, Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development President and 4th District State Representative Wade Williams called the project a game-changer for Hopkins County and a turning point that will benefit the entire community.
click to download audioAt a second event that day, Governor Beshear joined school officials and the community at Hopkins County Central High School to open the new auxiliary gym and storm shelter, stating that the new shelters at both county high schools will provide peace of mind and enhance safety for students and the community.
click to download audioIn August, Hopkins County Schools celebrated the opening of new Paxton Patterson Career Labs at all four district middle schools with a ribbon-cutting at James Madison Middle School, marking an initiative that will impact over 1,500 students districtwide.
Madisonville officials announced that stores in the new $30 million retail center on Whittington Drive saw first-week sales two to three times higher than expected. This success, officials said, reduced retail leakage, boosted tax revenue, and attracted more customers to local restaurants, shops, and services.
Hopkins County native Danny Renshaw was remembered for his contributions to both the automotive industry and his community. Renshaw, who passed away on August 16 after a long battle with lung cancer, built the Renshaw Automotive Group with eight dealerships across Kentucky and served on several boards.
Madisonville and Hopkinsville also mourned the passing of Thomas “Brown” Badgett, Jr. at age 75. A generous philanthropist, Badgett supported many organizations and helped establish the Badgett Regional Center for Enhancement at Madisonville Community College and more.
In August, three-time U.S. Olympian and Evansville native Lilly King joined local leaders and the community to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the new Badgett Family Aquatics Center at the Hopkins County YMCA in Madisonville.
click to download audioIn September, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting at the new Hopkins County Extension Office, where Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield said planning for the building began long before he came into office.
click to download audioMadisonville Salutes was held at the Madsionville City Park, a day-long event, Public Relations Director Jennifer Daves said was a patriotic celebration.
click to download audioMadisonville’s First United Bank presented the Kentucky Sports Factory with a $250,000 donation, making the facility’s first founding partner. Bank President Jason Hawkins explained the work that has gone into the sports facility.
click to download audio4th Judicial Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Kathryn Senter announced that Dennis Stone of Madisonville was sentenced to life in prison in Hopkins Circuit Court after pleading guilty in the August 2020 murder of Nichole Merrill at a gas station in Earlington.
In September, Mayor Kevin Cotton was named the 2025 Elected City Official of the Year by the Kentucky League of Cities.
KLC officials noted that Mayor Cotton’s leadership has been marked by bold ideas, genuine concern for residents, and a strong dedication to improving the City of Madisonville.
