Thanks for letting us show up in your inbox again. Between city plans for 2026 and a packed week of local events, there’s a lot happening around Bowling Green right now. As always, we’ve rounded up the updates, people, and moments that actually matter — so you don’t have to dig for them.

Let’s get into it..

Bowling Green didn’t guess on its 2026 priorities — nearly 8,000 residents told the city what they want, and leaders say this year’s plans reflect that feedback.

Here’s what’s coming:

🚧 Roads & infrastructure
Infrastructure was the top concern for residents, and the city says that’s where much of the focus will be. Planned projects include road expansions and improvements along corridors like 31W, Nashville Road, and Smallhouse Road.

🚌 Better bus stops
If you ride public transit, this is a noticeable upgrade. The city plans to add bus shelters and improved stops so riders aren’t waiting in the rain or extreme heat.

🎨 More public art
Bowling Green is partnering with SKYPAC to expand public art across the city — murals, installations, and exhibits designed to add character to shared spaces.

📊 Growth guided by residents
About 80% of survey respondents said infrastructure should be a top priority. City leaders say this plan is about keeping up with growth while improving day-to-day quality of life.

What this means for you:
More road work this year, better transit stops, and more visible changes around town — all shaped by resident input.

Bowling Green is growing, but this plan is about making sure it grows with intention.

The City of Bowling Green is accepting applications for the Spring cycle of the Strategic Neighborhood Grant Funds — offering up to $6,000 to support community-led projects like beautification, block parties, and neighborhood improvements. Applications are open now through February 1, 2026. (Learn More)

Work continues on phase one of Riverfront Park, part of the long-planned redevelopment along the Barren River. Construction equipment is in place and the city expects the first phase, including a new boat ramp and pedestrian plaza, to be completed by early summer 2026. (Learn More)

The Bowling Green City Commission held a working session on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, discussing goals for park connectivity, nature access, and long-term recreational space planning across the city. (Learn More)

Med Center Health has officially kicked off its yearlong centennial celebration in 2026. The milestone year will include community events, stories highlighting local healthcare history, and initiatives that give back through service and outreach. (Learn More)

Local organizations are increasing outreach during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, working alongside efforts from nonprofits and law enforcement to educate the public and provide resources for prevention and support. (Learn More)

If you’re looking for something festive, free, or family-friendly this week, we’ve got you covered 👇

🎨 Kids’ Art Lab @ Kirby
⏰ Tue, Jan 13 • 10:00–10:30 AM
📍 Bob Kirby Branch — 1001 Cunningham Ave
Hands-on art activities for kids (Pre-K through 5th grade).
Learn More

📖 Preschool Storytime @ Kirby
⏰ Tue, Jan 13 • 10:00–10:30 AM
📍 Bob Kirby Branch — 1001 Cunningham Ave
Stories, songs, and fun for preschoolers.
Learn More

🎵 Elementary Music Lab @ Rice Library
⏰ Tue, Jan 13 • 4:30–5:00 PM
📍 Lisa Rice Library — 1225 State St
Music, rhythm, and movement for kids ages 6–11.
Learn More

🧸 Preschool Yoga @ SoKY Center
⏰ Thu, Jan 15 • 10:00–10:30 AM
📍 SoKY Center — 636 Center St
A playful yoga session designed just for little ones.
Learn More

🌌 Planetarium Show: “Invisible Universe”
⏰ Fri, Jan 16 • 7:00 PM & Sun, Jan 18 • 2:00 PM
📍 Hardin Planetarium — WKU Campus
A free, family-friendly space show exploring the unseen universe.
Learn More

🎭 Laughin’ at the Library: Improv Night
⏰ Tue, Jan 13 • 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Lisa Rice Library — 1225 State St
An interactive improv night — no experience needed.
Learn More

📚 Protect Warren Waters Community Read-Along
⏰ Tue, Jan 13 • 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Lisa Rice Library — 1225 State St
Community discussion focused on environmental awareness.
Learn More

🥗 Cookbook Club: Healthy Eats
⏰ Tue, Jan 13 • 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Bob Kirby Branch — 1001 Cunningham Ave
A casual cookbook club sharing healthy recipes and ideas.
Learn More

✈️ Sim Saturday @ Aviation Heritage Park
⏰ Saturday, Dec 13 • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Aviation Heritage Park — 1825 Three Springs Rd, Bowling Green, KY Step inside the cockpit and experience flight simulators at Aviation Heritage Park. Learn More

🧘‍♂️ Spanish Yoga @ SoKY Center
⏰ Tue, Jan 13 • 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 SoKY Center — 636 Center St
Gentle yoga led in Spanish, open to all skill levels.
Learn More

🌿 Teen Yoga & Mindfulness
⏰ Tue, Jan 13 • 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 SoKY Center — 636 Center St
Relaxing movement and mindfulness designed for teens.
Learn More

💃 Zumba @ SoKY Center
⏰ Wed, Jan 14 • 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 SoKY Center — 636 Center St
High-energy dance fitness class — no experience needed.
Learn More

🧘 Soul Sculpt Yoga
⏰ Thu, Jan 15 • 4:30–5:30 PM
📍 SoKY Center — 636 Center St
A strength-focused yoga class blending movement and balance.
Learn More

🏀 WKU Men’s Basketball vs. Kennesaw State
⏰ Sat, Jan 17 • 2:00 PM
📍 E.A. Diddle Arena — WKU Campus
Catch the Hilltoppers in conference action at home.
Learn More

🐴 Southern Kentucky Team Penning
⏰ Sat, Jan 17 • 10:30 AM
📍 L.D. Brown Agricultural Expo Center
A competitive ranch event featuring horses, cattle, and teamwork.
Learn More

📖 Library Programs & Clubs (Multiple Locations)
📍 Warren County Public Library branches
Storytimes, clubs, and activities happening daily — check times online.
Learn More

🔭 Free Planetarium Public Shows
📍 Hardin Planetarium — WKU Campus
Weekly free shows throughout the semester.
Learn More

We love spotlighting new local businesses here in BG or local businesses doing cool things — and this one is worth knowing about.

Here are some quick updates:

City leaders are reflecting on a strong 2025 and preparing new initiatives for 2026, including early planning for phase two of the long-planned Riverfront Park project and continued downtown development partnerships with Warren County officials. 👉 Learn More

Western Kentucky University’s women’s basketball team picked up a victory at home against UTEP, 68-59, in a Conference USA matchup this past weekend. The win highlights a competitive stretch for WKU athletics as the season progresses. 👉 Learn More

Friday Night Hoops Week 1 wrapped up with action from local high school basketball — showcasing scores and standout plays from teams across the region as the 2026 season kicks off. 👉 Learn More

• A man with an outstanding warrant was located and arrested after allegedly fleeing from police during a traffic stop. (Learn More)
• Med Center Health’s Wellness Expo offered free health screenings and community resources over the weekend. (Learn More)
• Kentucky lawmakers filed hundreds of bills in the first week of the 2026 legislative session, including proposals that could affect licensing and state policy. (Learn More)

This week we’re putting the spotlight on a group that’s quietly shaped Bowling Green for generations.

The Bowling Green-Warren County Jaycees are celebrating their 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of community service, leadership development, and local impact.

Started back in 1946, the Jaycees originally focused on helping young adults build professional skills and confidence. Over time, they’ve grown into a diverse organization that welcomes both men and women and helps people from all walks of life learn, serve, and give back.

Their work touches a lot of what makes BG special — from organizing big events like the annual Jaycees Christmas Parade and partnering on community fairs, to stepping up with help when neighbors needed support during tornado recovery efforts.

“What we do isn’t just about one project,” said a Jaycees leader. “It’s about building leadership, serving others, and making Bowling Green a better place to live.”

Whether you’ve met them at a local event or just benefited from the spaces they help create, the Jaycees are a big part of our community fabric — and 80 years is something worth celebrating. ❤️

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Thanks for being here and letting us be a small part of your week. If this helped you find something fun, useful, or just new — that’s exactly why we do this.
Have a blessed week — see you next Tuesday! ❤️

HelloBG Team