Two of Hopkinsville’s most historic buildings were among those taking the worst hit from Friday night’s severe weather, but there is every intent to repair both structures.
The old fire station on Ninth Street is where Hopkinsville’s iconic clock tower stands and the east side of the building lost many bricks leaving a gaping hole. The building is owned by the city and currently houses the Woody Winfree transportation museum, which is operated by the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville.
Official local historian William Turner says that building has stood as it is now for 96 years.
He says the clock tower is one of images that come to mind when you think of Hopkinsville.
Mayor J.R. Knight says while the damage to the building is extensive, but it’s not as bad as it looks.
He says the city has every intention of doing what it takes to repair that building.
Also sustaining severe damage was The Mixer on Sixth Street, which formerly hosted historic Young’s Hardware. Mayor Knight says he met Saturday with Hal McCoy, who owns that building, and he is already working on plans to dry it in and then begin repair and reconstruction efforts.
Over 8,000 HES customers were put in the dark by the weather and there’s hope almost everyone will be back online by Sunday afternoon or early Monday morning.
The mayor says best news is there were no fatlities from the storm and no major injuries.
Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman will be in Hopkinsville Sunday afternoon to tour the damage and meet with local officials.
