This week, WPKY’s News Edge revisits the most impactful stories of 2024 in Caldwell and Lyon counties, highlighting community milestones, notable losses, and local achievements that shaped the year.
In early 2024, Princeton grieved the passing of Mike Cherry, a Princeton native and former District 4 State Representative. Cherry, who served as a Captain in the U.S. Navy, played a pivotal role in revitalizing downtown Princeton after his retirement, renovating six storefronts, opening the Big Springs Antique Mall, and reviving the former Capital Cinema Theater.
Cherry was first elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1998, representing the 4th District, which includes Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston, and part of McCracken counties, until his retirement in 2012. Throughout his tenure, he served on numerous state and local committees.
Cherry, who also previously worked at WPKY, passed away in February at the age of 81.
In January 2024, the Frank P. Giannini Senior Citizen Center was revitalized by a local couple, Gary and Teresa Jackson, who introduced entertainment and fun to the community. They spearheaded efforts to offer live country music and dancing for area residents. These events are scheduled from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on the 2nd and 4th Saturday nights of each month.
In February, Jenny Clark from Princeton Economic Development announced that a national fast-food sandwich chain, Arby’s, would be opening a restaurant next to T-Mobile on US 62 West. She expressed excitement about the opportunity to welcome another new business to the community and the prospect of creating more jobs.
A Princeton man was indicted in March by the Caldwell County Grand Jury in the January death of his wife.
Byron Black is accused of fatally shooting Kelly Black in the back of the head. Her body was discovered by Princeton Police during a welfare check at a home on Center Street on January 28. Shortly after, an Amber Alert was issued when law enforcement was unable to locate their 5-year-old daughter, who was believed to be with her father, Byron.
During the investigation, Princeton Police discovered Black’s pickup truck at a hotel in Princeton, where he was arrested, and their daughter was found safe.
Black faces charges of murder and abuse of a corpse and is currently proceeding through the judicial process in Caldwell Circuit Court.
In January, Jennifer Griggs was honored as McDonald’s Educator of the Year for the multi-state area. A graduate of Caldwell County Public Schools, she has dedicated 30 years to teaching in the district.
Chris McEnaney from the local McEnaney McDonald’s explained that Griggs was nominated by her students and selected from a large pool of candidates.
click to download audioGriggs teaches business at the high school and is the yearbook sponsor. She and her husband Eric own and operate Treasures Remembered Florist in Princeton.
In March, Luke Burchett, a senior and basketball player from Lyon County, was recognized as one of six students statewide to receive the 2024 Kentucky High School Athletic Association-Kentucky Department of Agriculture Athletes of the Year Award, presented by Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.
He received the $1,000 scholarship at midcourt during the Sweet 16. The six scholarships are funded by the “Ag Tag” Fund, which is supported by voluntary donations from Kentucky drivers when they purchase or renew their farm vehicle license plates.
Also in the first quarter of 2024, Jannette Parent of Princeton was among 25 artists added to the Kentucky Crafted program.
The program offers arts marketing assistance, providing visual and craft artists with business training, networking, sales, exhibits, and promotional opportunities.
Parent’s painting craft was chosen to be part of the Kentucky Crafted program.
