Local leaders highlighted major strides in public safety and economic development as Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield and Mayor Kevin Cotton addressed the community during the State of the Cities and County address Thursday morning at the Ballard Convention Center.
Pennyrile Area Development District Executive Director Jason Vincent moderated the event, beginning with the topic of public safety. Judge Whitfield gave an update on the new Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, which opened to the pubic on January 13th, and stressed the importance of community safety for attracting growth. He also noted the significance of its location off Interstate 69.
click to download audioHe noted that the new facility was built with federal funding and expressed pride in having it open.
click to download audioMayor Cotton highlighted the Western Kentucky Police Training Academy, noting it had been in discussion for over 20 years before coming to fruition in Madisonville, and shared that more than 2,000 students have graduated from the academy
click to download audioIn January, Senator Mitch McConnell announced $2 million in federal funding for equipment at a new cybercrime training facility in Madisonville.
Mayor Cotton said the state-of-the-art lab will serve the region.
click to download audioHe also noted that crime rates have declined over the past several years.
click to download audioWhitfield noted that crime dropped after the sheriff’s office and police department set aside competition and began working together.
Cotton announced that groundbreaking for the new police academy is set for next month, with an estimated total cost of $300 million.
click to download audioJudge Whitfield explained that while many may not see the new police academy as economic development, the influx of students and visitors spending money at local restaurants and businesses will benefit Hopkins County and tie all aspects of growth together.
