Top 10 news stories in Christian County: Code violations, interstate study, Buc-ee’s, county audit and more

Catch up on top local news you may have missed from this week in Hopkinsville and Christian County.

By Christian County Now May 16, 2026 9:58 am

Christian County Now

HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Here’s a look at the top local news stories from Christian County Now this week.

1. 2 Hopkinsville homes face demolition due to safety concerns, poor living conditions: A landlord with a history of code violations and another property owner are facing fines as Hopkinsville Code Enforcement moves forward with the demolition of two properties.

2. KYTC study suggests widening Christian County interstate to 6 lanes: A massive $3 billion proposal to widen I-24 through Christian County aims to provide relief to traffic throughout Kentucky.

3. Buc-ee’s development in Oak Grove includes flood mitigation plan: Before construction can move forward at Buc-ee’s in Oak Grove, Kentucky, a plan to create stormwater basins has to be approved to prevent flooding in the future.

4. Gilliam addresses Christian County audit concerns, no fraud or misappropriation reported: Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam invited in the public to hear about what led to four findings on the 2025 audit of the Christian County Fiscal Court.

5. Things to know for Spring Into Summer Festival: Brett Young concert, parachuters, carnival rides: Oak Grove’s big festival to kick off summer is coming up May 23-24, with a free concert and carnival rides along with more entertainment.

6. Local BBQ masters wanted for this year’s Squealin’ on the Square in Hopkinsville: Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation is recruiting a dozen teams for a barbeque battle on June 12 downtown.

7. Funding delay puts strain on Hopkinsville Salvation Army, community support needed: During National Salvation Army Week, Hopkinsville’s location is reminding the public of ways to give to support their local operations.

8. Hopkinsville library to bury time capsule for 10 years, community invited to contribute: Community members are invited to contribute items related to current life in Hopkinsville and Christian County.

9. New principal named for Indian Hills Elementary next school year: After serving as assistant principal for almost a decade, Matt Francies will be the new principal of Indian Hill Elementary School.

10. What should be done with vacant, abandoned buildings in Hopkinsville? | POLL: With a lot of Hopkinsville residents holding onto the city’s history, the demolition vs. restoration debate always pops up with historic buildings.