Before we jump in — a quick thank you. In just a short amount of time, this little newsletter has grown to 1,600 subscribers, and that’s because of you. Every read, share, and forward means more than you probably realize.

This week’s edition has a little bit of everything: a new Kentucky program that could truly make a difference for local families, a rundown of what’s happening around town, and a few city and community updates worth knowing as we head into the new year.

As always, our goal is simple — keep you informed, save you some time, and highlight the people and stories that make Bowling Green feel like home.

Alright, let’s get into it.

A new statewide program launched this week is offering a different approach to addiction — one focused on help, not punishment.

The Kentucky State Police Angel Initiative allows individuals struggling with substance use to walk into a participating law enforcement office and ask for help — without fear of arrest or charges. Instead, officers work to connect them with treatment resources and recovery services.

Officials say the goal is simple: remove barriers that often keep people from seeking help. Many people delay treatment because they’re afraid of legal consequences or don’t know where to turn. The Angel Initiative is designed to change that.

Under the program, people who voluntarily ask for help are connected with local treatment providers, peer support groups, and recovery services. Participation is confidential, and the focus remains on long-term support rather than short-term intervention.

Law enforcement leaders say addiction impacts every corner of Kentucky — including Bowling Green — and that this program gives families another option when they’re unsure where to go next.

For residents, it’s an important reminder: help is available, and asking for it doesn’t have to come with fear.

🏘️ Neighborhood Grant Funding Available
The City of Bowling Green is accepting applications for its Strategic Neighborhood Grant Funds program. Neighborhood groups can apply for up to $6,000 to support projects like beautification, safety improvements, and community events. Applications are open now through early February. (Learn More)

🌊 Riverfront Park Project Moves Forward
City officials have approved phase one of the long-planned Riverfront Park along the Barren River. The project aims to add new outdoor gathering spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas — another step toward expanding downtown green space. (Learn More)

🏭 New Manufacturing Jobs Coming to BG
AKFA Aluminum Solutions has announced plans to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility at the Kentucky Transpark. The project is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs to the area and continue Bowling Green’s growth as a manufacturing hub. (Learn More)

🎓 WKU Housing Changes on the Horizon
WKU’s Board of Regents has approved early steps toward a multi-year student housing transformation project. Officials say the goal is to modernize housing options and improve the overall campus experience as enrollment continues to grow. (Learn More)

💼 Local Businesses Receive Tech Funding
Two Bowling Green companies were recently awarded state matching grants to support technology development and innovation. Programs like these are designed to help local businesses grow while creating long-term job opportunities in the region. (Learn More)

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

🎤 Jamey Johnson – Live in Concert
⏰ Sat, Jan 10 • 7:00 PM
📍 Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center — 601 College St., Bowling Green, KY
Country superstar Jamey Johnson performs hits in a night of live music and energy. 👉 Learn More

🎉 Harlem Globetrotters: The 100 Year Tour
⏰ Mon, Jan 12 • 7:00 PM
📍 E. A. Diddle Arena — 1526 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, KY
Watch these world-famous ball-handlers celebrate a century of unforgettable basketball fun. 👉 Learn More

🎟️ WKU Women’s Basketball vs. New Mexico State
⏰ Thu, Jan 8 • 1:00 PM
📍 E. A. Diddle Arena — 1526 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, KY
Cheer on the Lady Toppers as they face New Mexico State in an early conference matchup. 👉 Learn More

🏀 WKU Women’s Basketball vs. UTEP
⏰ Sat, Jan 10 • 1:00 PM
📍 E. A. Diddle Arena — 1526 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, KY
Another home game for WKU women’s hoops — great for families and student fans alike. 👉 Learn More

🎬 “The French Connection” @ The Capitol
⏰ Wed, Jan 7 • 6:30 PM
📍 416 E Main Ave., Bowling Green, KY 42101
Classic crime thriller + Best Picture winner (1971).
👉 Learn More

🐷 “Babe: Pig in the City” — Craft Movie @ The Capitol
⏰ Sun, Jan 11 • 2:00 PM
📍 416 E Main Ave., Bowling Green, KY 42101
Family-friendly movie with dimmed lights so you can bring a craft and work while you watch.
👉 Learn More

🤸 Health & Wellness Expo 2026
⏰ Sat, Jan 10 • All Day (check main schedule)
📍 Sloan Convention Center — 1021 Wilkinson Trace, Bowling Green, KY
Free exhibits, local health vendors, demos, screenings, and resources — perfect for resolutions! 👉 Learn More

⛸ SoKY Ice Rink (Winter Skating)
📍 SoKY Ice Rink — 636 Center St., Bowling Green, KY
⏰ Daily through winter; hours vary
Skating under the lights downtown — bring gloves and warm socks! 👉 Learn More

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

Here are some quick updates:

🏗️ Multiple New Developments Advance in BG
City leaders are reviewing multiple development proposals, including new residential and mixed-use projects aimed at supporting Bowling Green’s continued growth. Planning officials say infrastructure impact and traffic flow remain top priorities as discussions continue. (Learn More)

🏫 WKU Spring Semester Preparations Underway
Western Kentucky University is gearing up for the upcoming spring semester, with housing move-ins, campus services, and academic programs preparing for an influx of students returning to Bowling Green. Local businesses typically see increased activity during this time.

🚧 Road Work Continues Across Major Corridors
Ongoing road improvements are causing intermittent delays on several key routes, including Scottsville Road and surrounding connectors. City officials encourage drivers to allow extra travel time during peak hours.

💼 Workforce & Economic Development Updates
South Central Kentucky continues to see investment in manufacturing and technology sectors, with regional leaders highlighting job growth, workforce training initiatives, and partnerships with local institutions to support long-term economic stability.

🌿 Environmental & Community Programs Expand
Local and state agencies are expanding environmental programs in the region, including sustainability initiatives, recycling efforts, and conservation projects aimed at improving long-term quality of life across Warren County.

This week, we want to highlight a moment that shows what Bowling Green does best — showing up when it matters.

Over the weekend, hundreds of locals participated in the Annual Frozen Four Run, an event that drew record turnout as the community rallied around a Franklin-Simpson high school student recovering from serious injuries. What started as a small race years ago has grown into something much bigger — a way for neighbors, families, and local runners to support someone in need.

More than just a run, the event became a show of encouragement and solidarity. People of all ages came out — not just to compete, but to help lift up a local family during a difficult season.

It’s moments like this that remind us why Bowling Green feels different. When someone here needs help, people don’t hesitate — they lace up their shoes, show up, and get involved.

Community events like the Frozen Four are a great example of how small efforts, multiplied by a lot of good people, can make a real impact.

💬 Help us make Hello BG better
We’re building this for the community — and your input matters.
Hit reply and tell us what you liked, what we missed, or what you want more of — we read every message (we read every message).

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