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Jennifer P. Brown

Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation’s board.

Hopkinsville groups see increased need amid federal government shutdown

Aaron McNeil House, the Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army, Hopkinsville Brewing Co. and others are preparing to feed people affected by the disruption in SNAP benefits.
By Jennifer P. Brown
grocery aisle food

Magistrate Russ Guffey to challenge incumbent James R. Knight Jr. for Hopkinsville mayor

The candidates, both local business owners and Hopkinsville natives, will face off in the May 19 primary.
By Jennifer P. Brown
Russ Guffey announcing his candidacy for Hopkinsville mayor in a video. (Facebook screenshot)

Mayor breaks Hopkinsville City Council tie to back a business tax rate reduction

Mayor James R. Knight Jr.'s decision surprised council members who heard him caution against a tax cut two months ago.
By Jennifer P. Brown
Mayor James R. Knight Jr. gives his budget address on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Hopkinsville City Council Chambers. (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)

Ahead of big local election year, Hopkinsville forum examines voter education and apathy

Several community groups, led by Focus 21st Century Minority Leadership and Pennyrile Resources Conservation and Development Council, organized the forum.
By Jennifer P. Brown
Lillian Burcham, a senior at University Heights Academy, poses a question during the voter forum Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the Pioneers Complex. She asked how voters can be informed about their choices in elections. (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)

A big need: Dinner church prepares to feed more than 500 on Thanksgiving

Pastor Donna Williams and her team are preparing hundreds of turkey dinners for Hopkinsville families this Thanksgiving — and they’re asking for a little help to make it happen.
By Jennifer P. Brown
woman hands another a meal

‘Passing the baton’: Hip-hop artist brings lessons of leadership to Hopkinsville students

Local middle and high school students heard this message Wednesday at the Alhambra Theatre, where hip-hop artist and motivational speaker Shaun Boothe deliver his "Unauthorized Biography Series" for the Pennyroyal Arts Council.
By Jennifer P. Brown
Professional tennis player Serena Williams is one of the iconic figures featured in “Unauthorized Biographer Series” by hip-hop artist and motivational speaker Shaun Boothe. Her performed the show Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at the Alhambra Theatre for middle and high school students attending the Pennyroyal Arts Council’s smARTS program. (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)

Hopkinsville City Council OKs demolition of Blue Streak Printers building

After a structural engineer said the building was in imminent danger of collapsing, the council approved an emergency declaration that includes a $58,564 demolition contract.
By Jennifer P. Brown
The Blue Streak Printers building on East Ninth Street, cordoned off with caution tape following an inspection that said the structure was in "imminent danger of collapse." (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)

New inspection report could spell end of Blue Streak building

After a second inspection declared the Blue Streak building unsafe, Hopkinsville City Council will meet Tuesday to decide whether to order its demolition. The report has sparked public outcry and renewed debate over how to balance safety and preservation downtown.
By Jennifer P. Brown
blue streak building with orange cones and caution tape out front

Weaving traditions: A Scottish blessing, close to home

Hopkinsville’s First Presbyterian Church brought a touch of Scotland to Main Street with its Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan service.
By Jennifer P. Brown
tartan plaid socks peaking out from between pants and heeled boots

Kentucky Historical Society marker to Peter Postell dedicated

Postell was enslaved in Christian County when he fled during the Civil War to join the Union Army, then returned after the war and became a wealthy business owner.
By Jennifer P. Brown
Downtown Renaissance Director Holly Boggess (on step ladder) helps pull a cover from the Kentucky Historical Society's Peter Postell marker on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)

Human Rights Commission’s Unity Breakfast speaker: ‘Love your neighbor’

Christian Circuit Judge Andrew Self, who gave the keynote address for the Human Rights Commission, shared the message from the Parable of the Good Samaritan as community members honored several civic leaders for their good works.
By Jennifer P. Brown
Christian Circuit Judge Andrew Self, speaking about the parable of the Good Samaritan, gives the keynote address for the 51st annual Unity Breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at the James E. Bruce Convention Center. (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)

First Presbyterian invites community to a Scottish-American service on Oct. 26

The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan service, a Scottish-American tradition with bagpipe music, begins at 11 a.m. at the Hopkinsville church.
By Jennifer P. Brown
Kat and Bob Sholly stand in front of some of the tartans prepared for a procession on Sunday, Oct. 26, at First Presbyterian Church. (Church photo by Janet Bravard)
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