All American Soap Box Derby begins tonight in Hopkinsville

The All American Soap Box Derby begins tonight in downtown Hopkinsville and area residents are encouraged to witness all the young drivers make their way down Bethel Street.

This year marks the 8^th annual derby, which is sponsored by the Hopkinsville-Christian County Kiwanis Club.

Derby Co-Chair, Chuck Cummins offers more details about tonight’s race and Saturday’s line up.

The soap box derby is free and open to the public with prizes to be given away to attendees during Saturday’s race.
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(06/14/2013/MF)

Hopkinsville Police arrest 3 for recent burglary

Hopkinsville Police say they have arrested several people in connection to a recent residential burglary.

Police charged 21-year old Manuel Louie Garcia of Hopkinsville with Receiving Stolen Property Under $10,000 and Receiving Stolen Property Under $1500, 38-year old Lorie Dillard of Hopkinsville is charged with Receiving Stolen Property Under $500 and Theft By Deception Including Cold Checks Under $500 and 29-year old Damien Purcel of Hopkinsville is charged with Receiving Stolen Property Under $10,000.

According to Garcia’s arrest warrant, sometime between Wednesday, May 22^nd and Wednesday, May 29^th he unlawfully broke into the residence at 311 Crestview Drive and removed several items.

Police say after conducting an online search for the stolen items, it was determined that the stolen property was pawned by Dillard and during questioning, she stated Garcia was with her when she pawned the stolen items for cash and did so at his direction.

Police add that during a search warrant of Pursel’s apartment on Thursday at 1800 Denzil Drive, stolen items were recovered that were taken during a burglary that happened Friday, May 31^st at 2736 Green Lane, Hopkinsville.

Police say additional charges and more arrests are pending in this investigation.
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(06/14/2013/MF)

CPD to aggressively patrol Tiny Town Road

Clarksville Police wants the public to be aware that there will be an increased presence of police vehicles on Tiny Town Road during the week of June 17^th through June 21^st.

Police say the increased presence on Tiny Town is a pro-active approach in reducing the number of traffic accidents, which have resulted in several fatal wrecks.

Police say since 2009 there have been 6 fatal wrecks and in order to change driving habits on Tiny Town Road the police department will have additional officers in the area between 7 a.m. and 9 pm, where they will be concentrating on speeding and other violations that have contributed to the crashes in this area.
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(06/14/2013/MF)

Hopkinsville Police investigating several burglaries

The Hopkinsville Police Department is currently investigating several burglaries, which have occurred over the last couple of weeks throughout the city.

Police say these crimes are being investigated diligently by detectives and patrol officers.
Police also say that officers will be out in the community conducting various details, including foot and bicycle patrols and will be highly visible in an effort to catch those responsible for the crimes.

Police say while officers are increasing their patrol efforts in these areas, residents are encouraged to contact 911 to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

Police are reminding residents to use security lighting around their homes, lock al windows and doors and document the serial numbers on all valuable items or mark them for easy identification.
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(06/14/2013/MF)

Todd Fiscal court passes budget, hires Dispatch DIrector

Friday morning featured a busy meeting for Todd Fiscal Court, which passed final reading of a budget, hired a Dispatch Director and purchased a new van for the jail.

The 6.4 million dollar spending plan passed unanimously on second reading and Judge-Executive Daryl Greenfield says it's one he feels good about.

The cost of living raise for county employees is a little less than two percent and Judge Greenfield says he doesn't anticipate any tax increases from county government.

Meanwhile, former Dispatch Director Donna Ruby recently submitted her resignation to take another job. Magistrates unanimously approved the promotion of Karen Stratton to fill that post at a salary of about $28,000 annually. Former Hopkinsville-Christian County ECC Director Judy Toombs was hired by Todd Fiscal Court to be a consultant during the transition at a contracted cost of $15 hourly.

Jailer Greg Allen asked for and received permission to purchase a used van to transport inmates at a cost of $11,000. Magistrate Brent Spurlin cast the only “no” vote over concerns about sagging revenues from fewer state inmates.

County Attorney Mac Johns reminded residents to contact his office to set up a payment plan if they haven't paid their property taxes and said there are still several accounts that need some work.

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06/14/2013/am