Don’t you wish Christmas was more than just one day! It is a season -A SEASON of joy, giving, caring for others, and sharing gifts to express love. I know this can be a tough time of year also. As my family and maybe yours, as well, have lost loved ones which can change Christmas traditions and the sharing of love with those passed. Some days are better than others during this Christmas time and that’s when our focus really must be on the gift of God which is Jesus Christ, Immanuel. Whether “I” or Emmauel with an “E,” it still means “God is with us” to support and comfort us. For Believers in Jesus, “God is with us” means the promise that we’ll never be alone, whether we face grief, pain, or hardship. May we cling to that truth as we celebrate the gift of Immanuel!

As 2024 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible growth, excitement, and innovation that has come to Bowling Green. This year has been marked by challenges that pushed us to progress, seen the return of past businesses that inspired us, businesses and companies that have been with us for years and have grown and expanded with us. We have a shared commitment to exceed the needs and desires of a thriving community. As we turn the page to 2025, it is time to celebrate how far we’ve come and prepare for the many possibilities and potential ahead. Let’s close out the year on a high note and set the stage for success and progress in the New Year. Navigating the future means staying informed, working together, reaching out to our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and cohesively working to make a stronger, better Bowling Green.  Our schools are strong, your Council persons, Administrator, and Mayor are committed to a bolder vision for housing, infrastructure, streets, internet/broadband, further economic expansion, community cohesiveness, and being the best place to love and enjoy life that Bowling Green can be for the present and the future.

We have lost valuable citizens this past year. Citizens that were engaged in the development and success commitment-wise for Bowling Green. It’s time for new faces to step up and inject themselves into the inner working and meeting the needs of all our citizens. We have lost excellent financial investors in the city’s projects over the last couple of years and it’s time for new stakeholders to invest in the extras needed for a thriving community. We have cultural, artistic, fitness and wellness, and esthetic needs to set Bowling Green apart from other small towns. What does it take to attract new investors, businesses, bring our Bowling Green graduates back to their home town, and/or attract a manufacturer or two for not only Bowling Green but Pike County as well?

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND LET’S MAKE 2025 THE BEST YEAR SO FAR FOR BOWLING GREEN!