HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A bridge in Hopkinsville will be renamed in honor of former Christian County Judge Executive Steve Tribble. The Hopkinsville City Council approved a resolution to initiate the change during the April 21 meeting, while sharing Tribble’s impact on the community.
Judge John Atkins read the resolution at the beginning of the meeting, recognizing Tribble’s years of service as Christian County Judge Executive from 1994 through 2023. Atkins stated that he dedicated nearly 30 years of his life to the betterment of Christian County and the City of Hopkinsville.
The resolution says in part, “During his tenure, Judge Tribble championed economic development, fostering the recruitment of major employers to the region, creating hundreds of jobs and strengthening the economy…Judge Tribble’s leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment to community collaboration earned public trust, resulting in widespread respect among peers.”
Atkins went on to read about Tribble’s bipartisan solutions in the county and his legacy of progress in the community. The bridge will act as a lasting symbol of his commitment and dedication.
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Tribble’s reaction to resolution approval, additional comments
Tribble was in attendance during the meeting and was met with a standing ovation after the resolution was read. Mayor James R. Knight presented a version of the sign that will be erected on the West Seventh Street Bridge, which will now be named the Steve Tribble West Side Bridge.
“You don’t know how much it means to me, because west side means everything to me,” said an emotional Tribble during the meeting. “I’m proud to be from west side…the person I am, I learned to be that person on west side, and I’ve walked across that bridge many times.”
During public comments later in the meeting, Councilmember Clayton Sumner chose to address the city council as a citizen, leaving his Ward 7 seat to approach the podium. During his comments he called out county officials for not taking the initiative with recognition for Tribble.
“I’m a little embarrassed that there weren’t more of that county government representation,” said Sumner. He credited this lack of county involvement to the upcoming primary election.
A public dedication ceremony will be held at the bridge once the signs are posted. The date has not been announced at this time.
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