OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver moved to the area in 1994 and has made it her home ever since.

After retiring from the restaurant business, she spent her time in the community. “I spent a lot of time at the community center, and just helping out,” Oliver said. Then she decided to become part of City Council because she wanted to see positive changes in the area.

After six years on the council, she ran for mayor in 2022. “I decided I would be a better mayor than City Council person,” Oliver said.

When Jackie first ran for mayor, she had a lot of goals, including economic development, and bridging the gap between the community of Oak Grove and Hopkinsville. “Since I got here in 1994, there has always been a riff between Hopkinsville and us,” Oliver said. “There was always talk that Hopkinsville was going to take over Oak Grove, and all this other foolishness.”

Now, the two communities are a team, explains Oliver. “I met with mayor J.R Knight, and just talked and was myself.”

Oliver also had goals of having a full-time fire department and developing a school in the area. “We are still working on the fire department,” Oliver said. “Right now, we don’t have the money for full time.” With a well-known fiery personality, Oliver says, the school board knows her by name and all she can do is ask. “They know who I am, I keep on them.”

In the future, Oliver hopes to develop more housing and retail in Oak Grove. “There is not enough housing in the area,” Oliver said. “Fort Campbell needs a lot of housing.”

Oliver also plans to remain transparent and honest with the community. “That is one of my biggest accomplishments,” Oliver said. “I can talk to anyone that comes in.” Within the past year, that approach has gained her a lot of goodwill. “I am out there, and I want people to know who I am,” Oliver said. “If someone has the guts to ask something, even if its personal, I have the guts to answer it.”

The city of Oak Grove is hosting its first-ever Christmas decorating contest. Residents can submit a photo of their house or a neighbor’s house that is decorated for Christmas. Submissions can be emailed to jackie.oliver@oakgroveky.org or ann.spencer@oakgroveky.org. Oliver has selected a group of children to pick the first, second and third place winners. “Kids are brutally honest, it will be great,” Oliver said.

Outside of serving the community and planning events, Jackie loves to garden, cook and spend time with her grandkids.