Mayfield Kentucky breaking dirt and making big changes after tornado disasters in 2021

MAYFIELD Ky. (KBSI) – Another step toward recovery after nearly three years after a tornado ravaged the town and other parts of Kentucky. 

Now things are changing as Kentucky politicians and community members gather together for the remodeling of the new city hall building in Mayfield. 

Papers are clenched in the hands of community members of Mayfield Kentucky. 

Friends and families and local leaders gather with smiles and high emotions the rebuilding of the new city hall and police department is finally on its way. 

Mayfield Kentucky Police Officers are lined up in a row with caps on their head and their shined shoes on the ground as the American flag hangs high, flapping through the wind. 

These officers are soaking up the ceremony that announces the new city hall and police station being built on 211 E Broadway St. in Mayfield. 

“Absolutely we couldn’t be more excited,” said Kent. 

Police Chief Officer Nathan Kent says he has 29 officers on staff right now have no experienced a smooth running station that didn’t feel like a storage closet. 

He says they are excited to see what this new building has to offer.

It is without purpose built verbally going to be the best police department in western Kentucky. I’m just proud of them that they are going to have such a magnificent building to move into,” said Kent. 

Kent says the officers are standing proud during this ceremony after three years in the making. 

“We’ve never before had our own purpose-built single police building. It’s been almost three years since the tornado and we’re grateful for where we’ve been but it’s not purpose built and so we’re just anxious to break ground and build this magnificent building,” said Kent.

Citizen of Mayfield Kentucky Jennifer Walker says she has been waiting for this day for a long time and it brings her joy with the sun shining and political candidates here with the community talking about the big changes for Mayfield starting today. 

“It’s been a long time coming, but today is a beautiful day to celebrate it,” said Walker.

Walker says she remembers the exact day when the tornado hit she says Mayfield has come a long way. 

“Since December 11 of 2021 the tornado hit on the 10th and on the 11th, we started talking about first we start taking care of the people and then we start rebuilding,” said Walker.

Mayor Kathy O’ Nan could not hide her emotions. 

“It is a day certainly for celebration not yet three years after the tornado tore up all of where we’re standing today. Municipal buildings in the city of Mayfield were destroyed and here we are breaking ground on our final building,” says O’ Nan.

Mayor O’ Nan is expecting the new city hall building and police station to be finished by 2026.