In a display of community spirit and collaboration, the 4th quarter of 2024 saw the residents of Caldwell County come together to celebrate a series of significant local developments, alongside educational initiatives and technological advancements.
In October, local leaders, city council members, and community residents celebrated the grand opening of Princeton’s first dog park, Big Springs Bark Park.
Mayor Brock Thomas stated that the city used funds from its General Fund to finance the dog park project.
click to download audioThe Big Springs Bark Park is located at 102 Edwards Street in Princeton.
In October, the community also came together to celebrate the grand opening of Legacy Center Food Pantry. Food Pantry Director Missy Gill said that their relocation to the former Times-Leader Building, which opened on January 3, allowed them to engage more closely with their families.
click to download audioThe Legacy Center Food Pantry is located at 607 West Washington Street in Princeton.
The Caldwell County FFA Farm to Plate program was held in October and gives 3rd graders an opportunity to learn where their food comes from and how it’s produced and processed.
FFA President Daniel Laurent expressed that he believes the program is an excellent opportunity to educate young students about the agriculture industry.
click to download audioIn October, the City of Princeton introduced a free Wi-Fi service at select locations in town, with Mayor Brock Thomas expressing his enthusiasm for the project.
Mayor Thomas also presented Chris George with a key to the city for his work on the project.
click to download audioIn November, the November General Election was held where 62.11% of the county’s registered voters cast their ballots for the U.S. presidential, state, and local races.
In the Princeton City Council race, incumbents Jim Joiner, Shelia Gates, Carl Copeland, Brian Conger, and Pat George secured the top five spots, while Rick Blackburn won the sixth seat, defeating Ty’Quan Bumphus, following Morgan Rousseau’s decision not to seek reelection.
In the Fredonia City Council race, six write-in candidates filled the six available seats: Bro Presley Lamm, former school board member Stephanie Feagan, Mark Bell, Teresa Travis, Kent Wilcox, and Crystal Moore.
In uncontested local races, Carrie Ovey-Wiggins won Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 56th Circuit, and Christie Storm became Caldwell County Circuit Court Clerk. School board seats went to Josh Ramage (1st District), Stacy Brantley (4th District), and Anna Ray (5th District)
In November, Princeton Mayor Brock Thomas spoke at the Veterans Day program on the Caldwell County Courthouse steps, emphasizing the day as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces.
click to download audioThe Fredonia community gathered at the Fredonia Veterans Memorial Park to honor local veterans, with Pam Faughn welcoming attendees to the ceremony.
click to download audioIn December, Dawson Springs, Fredonia, and Princeton concluded the year with their annual Christmas parades. Feagan’s Furniture was the grand marshal in Fredonia, while former judge-executive Larry Curling and his wife, Sherry, both long-time educators, led the Princeton parade.
Dawson Springs successfully hosted its inaugural horse-drawn Christmas parade alongside its traditional parade.
