The Hopkins County Humane Society’s shelter and the economic impact of the Kentucky Sports Factory were among topics discussed last week at the State of the Cities and County event, hosted by the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield shared that the Hopkins County Humane Society has relocated to a temporary shelter on Dulin Street, following significant damage to its previous facility on Laffoon Trail by a tornado in April 2025.
click to download audioHe noted that the temporary shelter on Dulin Street is now open to the public.
The conversation then moved to the Kentucky Sports Factory, which celebrated its grand opening in March 2025. Judge Whitfield highlighted the noticeable impact of the facility, describing it as a successful partnership between the county and the city.
click to download audioHe emphasized that the Kentucky Sports Factory would not have become a reality without the collaboration between the city and county—a partnership he noted is rare in other communities. Mayor Kevin Cotton added that working together allowed city council and fiscal court to move beyond discussion and take real action to bring the project to life.
According to Mayor Cotton, the Kentucky Sports Factory only operated a partial year in 2025, and the approximate economic impact was over $3 million to the community, attracting more than 120,000 visitors to the facility.
click to download audioJudge Whitfield and Mayor Cotton also addressed industry recruitment and retail development during the State of the Cities and County event. WFMW’s News Edge will have more information on these topics in the days ahead.
