Features Home Page Features Archives Event Photos

Jody Richards Honored With Plaque Presentation by Arts of Southern Kentucky
Monday, August 9, 2021


On Thursday, June 24th, Arts of Southern Kentucky honored former Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives Jody Richards with a plaque presentation and reception on behalf of the citizens of Southern Kentucky in recognition of his role in securing funding for the construction of the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC).

Arts of Southern Kentucky President and CEO Jeff Reed said, “Acknowledging Jody Richards’ role in obtaining significant funding for SKyPAC’s construction is long overdue. It is not an overstatement to say that the building would not exist, but for Jody’s leadership. The plaque is a small way to show our community’s gratitude, but I hope that it will serve as a timeless reminder of the impact one man made on the arts in our region.”

In 2012, after 11 years, SKyPAC became a reality through a bipartisan effort initiated by Jody Richards, Democrat Representative and Republican Michael Buchanon, Warren County’s Judge-Executive. In 2000, a major financial hurdle was overcome with a $6.77 million appropriation from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, paving the way for SKyPAC’s planning and design. Subsequent legislative efforts led by Representative Richards helped to create economic development incentives and initiatives that gave local city and county governments a state partner and the financing tools necessary to begin the redevelopment of Bowling Green’s center.

“Without Jody Richards’ interest in the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC), it would have been very difficult for the arts center to get its start,” said Rick McCue, past board president and executive director of the SKyPAC Foundation. “In the early stages of planning, those of us on the Board took great pains to use [the] seed money wisely because we knew that Jody had worked so diligently to secure it. This community has benefited greatly from Jody’s highly respected leadership across the state. He is truly a man of his word and action.”

“The commemorative plaque to be attached to SKyPAC is an honor which I deeply appreciate. Warmest thanks are extended to ASK President & CEO Jeff Reed and the ASK Board of Directors for the plaque and for their thoughtfulness,” said Jody Richards. “Also, my deepest gratitude is extended to Warren County JudgeExecutive Mike Buchanan and to the Warren Fiscal Court for their invaluable role in the establishment and operation of the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center.”

Having previously served on the Board of Directors for Orchestra Kentucky, Richards is now serving on the board of the merged organization, Arts of Southern Kentucky.

For more information, visit www.theskypac.com or call (270) 904-5000. For tickets call (270) 904-1880.

More Stories

  • Editor's Letter

    April has arrived and that means it is officially Derby Season in the Bluegrass! We kicked off Derby-themed parties this month and have more leading up to the big day on May 4th, and our local boutiques have everything to get you ready for all of the upcoming events. Check out our Derby Fashion section to see all of the perfectly curated outfits that our local shops have put together. Read More

  • Southern Living Once Again Lists BG As One of the "South's Best Cities On The Rise"

    Southern Living announced the results of their annual, reader-selected listicle for the “South’s Best Cities on the Rise 2024” where Bowling Green placed seventh out of 25 cities. This is the second time Bowling Green has made headlines as a “South’s Best Cities on the Rise” with Southern Living, a leading regional media outlet specializing in southern culture, traditions and stories. Read More

  • Rev Up for the 150th Derby with a Different Kind of Horsepower

    The National Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports Park located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, will serve as the pace car for Derby fun starting on April 22nd with the introduction of their “Horsepower Experience.” On select dates in April and May, the derby-themed experience will provide Derbygoers a type of racing with more of a throaty growl, and can be enjoyed before or after the Derby’s Sesquicentennial. Read More

  • New Charity Aims to Help Families Keep Pets Amid Financial Woes

    High inflation has brought about staggering increases in the general cost of living – rent, utilities, food, clothing – all going up, up, up. And along with that, the costs associated with owning a pet.

    A recent survey conducted by Vetrinarians.org found that 24% of respondents have considered rehoming or surrendering their pet to a shelter or rescue in the last 12 months due to increased costs caused by inflation.

    Read More