Tue, 05 May 2026 00:10:20 +0000

West Kentucky’s Leading Light Vanishes—Is West Paducah Paying the Price? In October 2023, a troubling chapter closed for West Kentucky as one of its community pillars dimmed: the iconic Leading Light tower in Paducah officially vanished after decades of lighting the way across the Mississippi River. For nearly half a century, this striking beacon symbolized hope, safety, and progress for West Kentucky. But with its sudden disappearance, many are asking: Is West Paducah facing unforeseen consequences? ### The Legacy of West Kentucky’s Guiding Light The Leading Light, standing tall above the Ohio River, has been more than just a functional light source. Commissioned in 1966, this 150-foot tower served as a critical navigational aid for riverboats and a symbol of West Kentucky’s resilience and forward movement. Over the years, it became a fixture in local pride—displaying changing colors during holidays, emergencies, and civic celebrations, reminding residents of community strength and connection.