Episode S2026E08 of Hardin Local Weekly — and the original crew is back together!

⏱️ Jump to any segment:

0:00 – Intro & Announcements

11:14 – Business News with Nate

17:53 – Sandie's Story (Blue Oval SK)

41:44 – Events with Jon O'Brien

Special guest Sandie Yarborough joins Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, and Nate Bryan to share her firsthand account as one of the 1,600 Blue Oval SK workers who lost their jobs when the Hardin County battery plant shut down last December. Sandie was recently featured in The New York Times and opens up about what the shutdown was really like, the UAW vote, what laid-off workers are experiencing now, and how she's rebuilding — including launching her own wellness tea business.

Segments this week:

0:00 – Intro, Announcements & Icebreaker

11:14 – Business News with Nate Bryan: General Pho's coming to Radcliff, Guadalajara replacing Tequila House at Lincoln Center, Fuel Fortress taking over the old Joann's space, Kilwins confirmed for E-Town, Sorting Spoon food truck update

17:53 – Special Guest Sandie Yarborough: The Blue Oval SK story from the factory floor — the excitement, the UAW vote, the shocking shutdown, and life after

41:44 – Local Events with Jon O'Brien: Hall of Fame Gala, Live Pro Wrestling in Upton, Spring Fling Craft Fair, North Hardin HS Seussical Jr., intro to beekeeping, and more

Find the New York Times article and all episode links at HardinLocal.com.

This episode is sponsored by TekTel — local technology solutions for business phone systems, cybersecurity, and practical AI tools for growing companies.

CHAPTERS:

0:00:00 Welcome & Host Introductions

0:02:21 Sponsor Shoutout: TekTel

0:02:57 Election Interview Deadline Extended to Feb 28

0:04:39 Icebreaker: Favorite Super Bowl Ads

0:08:49 Valentine's Week Preview

0:09:42 Local Events: Valentine's Week in Hardin County

0:17:56 Red Brick Cottage Girlfriends Gala Announcement

0:20:20 Housing Market Update with Rachel Brantingham

0:28:24 Business News with Nate Bryan

0:36:45 Experienced Eater: Jack's Wings Review

0:49:31 Shout Outs

0:52:30 Closing & How to Stay Connected

It's Valentine's week in Hardin County, and we've got you covered. Jon O'Brien runs down every event — from the Cupid Shuffle 5K to cocktail classes, parents' night out, and a Mardi Gras party at The Spot. Britten announces the Red Brick Cottage Girlfriends Gala on Friday.

Rachel Brantingham shares the weekly housing market update: 17 homes under contract, first-time buyer funds now available, and why this might be the ideal time to buy.

Nate Bryan brings business news starting with the letter P — a Publix construction update (November 2026 projected opening), Pawsh Pet Salon's second location, Pop's Coin Laundry now open, and Ever After Exchange coming downtown. Kroger is already hiring for their new store.

The Experienced Eaters (Britten & Michele McDowell) review Jack's Wings, a family-owned food truck in Radcliff. Six sauces, 50 wings, one verdict: go find the red trailer.

Plus: favorite Super Bowl ads, Jon's 75 Hard progress, and shout outs to Hardin County schools for getting back in session.

Sponsored by TekTel — local tech solutions in Elizabethtown. Visit HardinLocal.com for all links and details.

Hope Burke, Executive Director of Helping Hand of Hope, joins us to discuss how the organization is responding to Winter Storm Fern and the urgent needs facing our community. The nonprofit is currently out of funding for their Homeless/Transient Program and needs community support.

Also in this episode: Jon O'Brien shares local events including Galentine's celebrations, Rachel Brantingham delivers the weekly Hardin County housing market update (6.2 months inventory, balanced market), and Britten & Michele McDowell review Lee's Famous Recipe in Radcliff.

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

00:02:48 - TekTel Sponsor Message

00:03:30 - Election Interview Announcement

00:04:53 - Icebreaker: Surviving Winter Storm Fern

00:10:52 - Hope Burke Interview: Helping Hand of Hope

00:31:33 - Local Events with Jon O'Brien

00:38:00 - Hardin County Housing Market Update

00:46:11 - The Experienced Eater: Lee's Famous Recipe

00:56:16 - Closing & Shoutouts

Donate to Helping Hand of Hope: helpinghandofhope.org

All Links & Resources: hardinlocal.com