Hello BG Neighbors 👋

Bowling Green keeps growing — and this week feels like one of those “take it all in” moments.
From a major grocery chain officially planting roots here, to one of our largest institutions celebrating 100 years of service, there’s a lot happening that speaks to where this city has been — and where it’s headed. Add in a packed events calendar and a few important local updates, and it’s a full week in BG.
Here’s what you need to know.
🩺 Med Center Health Celebrates 100 Years of Service in Bowling Green

Source: Med Center Health
This year marks a major milestone for one of Bowling Green’s most significant institutions: Med Center Health is celebrating its 100th anniversary. What began in 1926 as a modest community hospital has grown into a comprehensive, not-for-profit health system serving Southcentral Kentucky with a flagship hospital in Bowling Green, multiple satellite facilities, and deep ties to medical education and workforce development.
Hospital leadership and community partners say this centennial is more than a historical marker — it underscores a century of evolving care, expanding services, and investment in local health outcomes. Along the way, Med Center Health has helped shape the regional workforce by partnering with institutions like Western Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s Bowling Green campus, training nurses, doctors, and specialists who often stay to serve locally.
Reaching 100 years also highlights how the health system has adapted to changing needs, from expanding specialty care to implementing new technologies like the 2026 rollout of an Epic electronic health record system designed to improve efficiency and patient experience. Officials say the anniversary isn’t just about looking back — it’s about continuing to meet the community’s needs and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure that supports families throughout the region.
📣 City & Community Notes
🛞 City OKs First Reading of Towing Fee Changes
Bowling Green’s City Commission voted this week to approve the first reading of proposed towing ordinance changes that would lower certain fees and eliminate after-hours charges. Supporters say the move increases consumer protections, while opponents argue the city may be overstepping and have filed legal action. A second reading is required before the changes become official. 👉 Read More
📚 Leadership Changes at Warren County Public Library
Warren County Public Library announced recent leadership changes following the resignation of its co-directors earlier this month. Alex Love has been named acting director as the transition moves forward. Library officials say services and programming will continue without disruption. 👉 Read More
🚗 Temporary Downtown Parking Lot Approved
Warren County magistrates voted to move forward with creating a temporary public parking lot near the courthouse to help ease downtown congestion. The gravel lot will provide short-term relief while longer-term redevelopment plans are considered. Officials say improvements could begin soon. 👉 Read More
🏛️ County Jailers Support State Reimbursement Bill
Warren County jail officials are backing a proposed state bill that would increase reimbursement rates for housing state inmates. Local leaders say the change could reduce financial strain on county taxpayers by covering costs earlier in the legal process. The bill remains under consideration in Frankfort. 👉 Read More
📰 Allen County Teen Charged in Double Murder
Authorities in Allen County arrested a teenager this week following the deaths of a woman and a 12-year-old boy. The investigation remains ongoing as officials gather evidence and prepare for court proceedings. 👉 Read More
🗓️ This Week in BG — Events & Happenings
If you’re looking for something to enjoy this week, we’ve got you covered👇
🎶 Live Music & Performing Arts
🎵 Equal Temperament
⏰ Tue, Feb 25 • 7:30 PM
📍 SKyPAC — 601 College St, Bowling Green
A live performance at SKyPAC featuring Equal Temperament, bringing a blend of classical precision and contemporary style to the stage.
👉 Learn More
🎶 Sugar Lime Blue @ White Squirrel Brewery
⏰ Sat, Feb 29 • 6:00 PM
📍 White Squirrel Brewery — 302 State St, Bowling Green
Acoustic duo Sugar Lime Blue brings upbeat live music to White Squirrel for a laid-back Saturday night downtown.
👉 Learn More
🎵 The Dark Side of the Moon: 50 Years in a Heartbeat
⏰ Fri, Feb 28 • 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM
📍 Hardin Planetarium (WKU) — 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green
A full-dome planetarium experience celebrating Pink Floyd’s iconic album with immersive visuals and surround sound.
👉 Learn More
🎨 Arts & Exhibits
🎨 Abound Credit Union Celebration of the Arts (Exhibit)
⏰ Feb 28 – Apr 17 • Museum Hours
📍 Kentucky Museum — 1472 Kentucky St, Bowling Green
The full exhibit remains open following the reception, highlighting local and regional visual arts.
👉 Learn More
🎨 Sip & Paint: “Space Cadet”
⏰ Mon, Feb 24 • 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 White Squirrel Brewery — 302 State St, Bowling Green
A guided paint night at White Squirrel Brewery featuring the “Space Cadet” design — no experience needed, just show up and create.
👉 Learn More
🎬 Movies & Talks
🎬 Free Movie @ The Capitol: Malcolm X
⏰ Wed, Feb 25 • 6:30 PM
📍 The Capitol — 416 E Main Ave, Bowling Green
A free screening of the acclaimed film Malcolm X as part of The Capitol’s community film series.
👉 Learn More
🎤 Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz @ The Capitol
⏰ Wed, Feb 26 • 7:00 PM
📍 The Capitol — 416 E Main Ave, Bowling Green
Author and activist Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz shares insights and reflections in this special speaking engagement.
👉 Learn More
🏀 Sports & Recreation
🏀 Mid-South Conference Men’s & Women’s Basketball Championships
⏰ Feb 27 – Mar 2 • Times vary
📍 Studle Financial Arena — Bowling Green High School
Regional teams compete in championship play with multiple games across the weekend.
👉 Learn More
🏁 2026 Season Opening Day Test & Tune!
⏰ Sat, Mar 1 • Gates Open (Time Varies)
📍 Beech Bend Raceway — 798 Beech Bend Rd, Bowling Green
Drivers hit the track for preseason testing ahead of the upcoming racing season.
👉 Learn More
🏭 Tours & Experiences
🏭 GM Assembly Plant Tours
⏰ Select Dates • Reservation Required
📍 GM Corvette Assembly Plant — 6001 Corvette Blvd, Bowling Green
Take a guided tour through the Corvette assembly plant and see the production process firsthand.
👉 Learn More
❤️ New Business: Publix is coming to BG
We love spotlighting local businesses doing cool things or new businesses on there way to BG — this one is worth knowing about.
Publix is coming to Bowling Green.

The rumors are true — Publix is coming to Bowling Green.
The Florida-based grocery chain has officially executed a lease for a new store at the northeast corner of Nashville Road and Dillard Road, marking the company’s first confirmed step toward opening in Warren County. According to local reporting, the planned store will be approximately 50,325 square feet and will include an adjacent Publix Liquors location. The project is expected to bring around 150 jobs to the area once operational.
While an official opening date has not yet been announced, the lease confirmation moves the project beyond speculation and into active development planning. The site has previously gone through zoning and planning approvals as part of a larger mixed-use development, paving the way for a full-size grocery anchor at that intersection.
For Bowling Green residents, this represents more than just another grocery option. Publix is known for its customer service model, bakery and deli offerings, and strong regional following across the Southeast. Its arrival will add new competition to the local grocery market and further signal continued residential and commercial growth along the Nashville Road corridor.
Construction timelines and opening dates are still to be determined, but this much is clear: Publix is no longer just a rumor — it’s on its way.
📰 Local News Roundup
Here are some quick updates:
🧠 Warren County District Drug Court Earns State Certification
Warren County’s District Drug Court has received official certification for its use of evidence-based practices designed to support participant success. Judges and court staff say the designation reflects years of work to improve outcomes for people with misdemeanor cases and reduce recidivism through structured support rather than jail time. 👉 Learn More
🛝 Playground Renovation Underway at Roland Bland Park
A section of the Roland Bland Park playground in Bowling Green is closing for renovations, with crews replacing aging mulch play equipment with new structures designed for preschool-aged children. Parks & Recreation says the rest of the park will remain open during construction, which is expected to last about two to three weeks. 👉 Learn More
🚗 Downtown Bowling Green Offers 1,200+ Free Parking Spaces
City officials are reminding locals and visitors that more than 1,200 free public parking spaces are available throughout downtown Bowling Green. From public garages to convenient surface lots, the announcement aims to ease parking concerns and support local businesses by making downtown more accessible. 👉 Learn More
👮 Police Investigate WKU Campus Area Shooting (Crime)
Bowling Green Police are investigating an early-morning shooting near Western Kentucky University that left one male injured and transported to a Nashville hospital. Authorities say there’s no ongoing threat to the campus community, but nearby roadways were briefly closed during the initial response. 👉 Learn More
🍽️ Local Organization Highlights Eating Disorder Awareness
This week marks National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and a local nonprofit spoke with WBKO about the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals affected by eating disorders. Officials emphasized that these conditions can impact people of all ages and backgrounds and stressed the need for community awareness and support resources. 👉 Learn More
❤️ Community Spotlight: Bowling Green Trailblazers to Honor Local Leaders

Source: WNKY
This Sunday, March 1, the 29th annual Bowling Green Trailblazers event will bring the community together to celebrate local changemakers who’ve made a difference. From Judge Ralph Bailey’s service in the judiciary to Lamario Moore’s work mentoring youth, this year’s six honorees reflect decades of leadership, service, and care for this region.
What makes Trailblazers special isn’t just the awards — it’s the way the event highlights folks who often lead without fanfare. These are neighbors who teach, advocate, build bridges, and show up for others. Organizers say honoring them helps inspire the next generation of community leaders right here in Bowling Green.
The celebration — hosted at Mount Zion Baptist Church — will wrap up Black History Month on a high note, reminding us that every community thrives because of people who give of themselves. That’s the kind of story we love ending on.
Quick Question Before You Go 👇
That’s it for this week, BG.
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Have a blessed week — see you next Tuesday! ❤️
HelloBG Team
