T-Mobile awards the city a grant for Central Park playground improvement
T-Mobile announced that the City of Henderson has received one of the company’s latest Hometown Grants.
The city will receive $27,620 to replace the playground surface at Central Park with poured-in-place rubber, enhancing safety and providing a welcoming community gathering space, said a release from T-Mobile.
This project was selected from more than 900 applicants this past quarter, and it is one of 11 Hometown Grants T-Mobile has provided across Kentucky since 2021, said the release. The company said those grants total nearly $480,000 statewide.
“Central Park is a one of our most popular recreational areas, so I am thrilled that we are able to make it even better with needed safety upgrades,” said Henderson Mayor Brad Staton. “I extend my gratitude to the team who is spearheading this project and to T-Mobile for the grant that is making it happen. These enhancements help ensure that the park remains a welcoming community gathering space for years to come.”
There was a check presentation this Saturday morning before the Easter Egg Hunt at Newman Park.
According to the release, since 2021, T-Mobile has provided over $21.5 million to 475 communities across 49 states and Puerto Rico, funding that helps drive 2,600-plus new jobs; $122.8 million in matched funding from other organizations; 296,000-plus volunteer hours; 2.8 million lives impacted; and $5.7 million for projects benefiting small business development.
Spring paving has begun in the county
The Henderson County Road Department has begun its spring paving season. On Monday, paving will begin in the Spottsville, Baskett and Reed area, according to a release from Henderson County Government. The roads include Hillside Lane, West Pike, Hossman Newburgh and Highland Road. Portions of the road will be closed while paving is going on, said the release.
HCS names Odom as new director of human resources
Henderson County Schools has named Erika Odom as its new director of human resources.
According to a release from Henderson County Schools, Odom is a graduate of Henderson County High School and brings an experienced background in education and leadership to the role.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Louisville, as well as a Master of Arts in Education (Rank I) from Murray State University. She is certified in elementary education, middle grades science and Instructional Leadership – Principal Level 2, said the release.
Odom has served as principal of East Heights Elementary School since 2017 and is currently leading the school through a major facility renovation project.
“I am honored to be selected to serve in this role for Henderson County Schools. Our students deserve excellence in every classroom and school building, and I am excited to support and serve our greatest resource—our staff—as they make student success possible. I am equally committed to the belief that genuine relationships are the foundation of all we do, guiding how we recruit, support, and retain exceptional people across our district.”
Odom will replace retiring Director of Human Resources Jinger Carter.
Superintendent Bob Lawson said Odom’s experience and leadership will serve the district well in her new role.
“Mrs. Odom has shown great commitment to HCS as well as great leadership at East Heights Elementary,” Lawson said. “She lives out the district’s core values and has a tremendous amount of ownership in HCS. We are excited to welcome her into this position and are confident she will continue to help our district pursue excellence.”
Odom will officially begin her new role with Henderson County Schools on July 1st.
CASA is looking for volunteers during April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
CASA of Midwest Kentucky wants people in Henderson to know that the organization needs more people to become CASA volunteers during April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Local events to be aware of in April include:
- CASA Coffee Sleeves in area coffee shops (decorated by the students at Holy Name of Jesus Christ Catholic School and First Baptist Preschool)
- Proclamations and pinwheel planting at the Henderson County Fiscal Court meeting, 9:30 a.m. April 14
- Wear Blue Day -April 17 – join in, snap a picture and post to our Facebook or Instagram page.
- CASA Champions for Children No Show Breakfast. Can’t attend the breakfast? You can still be a Champion for Children. Go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/casa-champions-for-children-no-show-breakfast
- Blue Sunday – April 26 -Faith-Based Observance of Child Abuse Prevention. Churches can request information packets to share with their congregations.
CASA volunteers, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are everyday people from all walks of life who are recruited and specially trained to advocate for children in foster care and provide a consistent, reliable adult presence for them during a difficult time in their life, said a CASA release.
“CASA volunteers ensure the abused and neglected children they serve have their needs met,” said Daphyne Maddox, Executive Director of CASA OF MIDWEST KENTUCKY. “Foster care is only a temporary solution to the problems at hand. We need to create long-term support networks that work to care for families, make reunification a possibility, and help break the cycle for the next generation. Children’s safety is paramount!”
Locally, 36 children were served in Henderson County in 2025, which means there are still over 265 children who need someone to advocate for them. This April, consider stepping up to make a difference by partnering with CASA by becoming a CASA Volunteer, a monthly donor or a Friend of CASA. Visit the www.midwestcasa.org/volunteer website for more information.
If you want Pinwheels for your office call 270-245-5112 – we have a limited supply to offer.
To register for the Champion for Children’s breakfast, visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/casa-champions-for-children-breakfast]
We are excited about this new opportunity for individuals and businesses to partner with CASA to help us serve more children.
There is always a need for more CASA volunteers,” said Maddox. “By becoming a volunteer, you can take your efforts beyond just awareness, and do your part to help support children and families in crisis right here in our community.”
“We at CASA of Midwest Kentucky always hope for the day when CASA, foster care and a national month dedicated to child abuse prevention are no longer needed because all children are growing up safe, secure and supported with their families,” said Maddox. “Until then, we will continue to seek more members of the community to join our growing movement so that we can provide a CASA volunteer for every child who needs one.”
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. If you see abuse, report it to 1 (800) 252-5400 if a child’s life is in danger, call 911. For more information on CASA, visit midwestcasa.org or call 270-245-5112.
HCC hires Hildreth
Henderson Community College has hired Kaelin Hildreth as its new Events Coordinator.
In this role, Hildreth will plan, organize and execute a wide range of campus and community events, including performances and programs at the Preston Arts Center on HCC’s campus, said an HCC release.
Hildreth brings more than five years of experience in event management and catering, with a strong background in coordinating logistics and delivering high-quality event experiences. He most recently served as Catering Lead for Davian’s Catering in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where he managed event execution, oversaw staff and ensured service for a variety of clients and occasions, said the release.
As Events Coordinator, Hildreth will oversee all aspects of event planning and operations, including scheduling, vendor coordination, budgeting, timelines and on-site execution. He will work closely with faculty, staff, students and external partners to design events that meet client goals while supporting the college’s mission and enhancing community engagement, said the release.
Hildreth, a native of Henderson, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kentucky Wesleyan College.
“We are excited to welcome Kaelin to HCC and the Preston Arts Center,” said Jennifer Preston, Chief Advancement Officer. “His experience in event coordination and commitment to excellence will help us continue to provide outstanding experiences for our campus and community.”
