Kroger, which has the largest free-standing grocery in Hopkinsville, would have added 2,000 stores to its holdings nationwide if the merger had been approved.
Scheduled to open in 2027, the facility will add 1 million square feet of capacity while decreasing carbon emissions by 30 percent and water usage by 1.5 million gallons per year.
The vote, previously expected on Dec. 2, will be delayed until later in the month while Jennie Stuart and Deaconess continue negotiating the terms of the agreement, said board chair Leslie Carroll.
New shop owner Crystal Ferreira at Charlotte's on 6th is among the local proprietors gearing up for a day that highlights their importance in the community.