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

Judge Executive Keith Taul joins us LIVE to discuss Hardin County's response to Winter Storm Fern - road conditions, crew efforts, salt supplies, and what residents need to know.

Plus:

- Little Charlie's Pizza named #1 in Kentucky by viral reviewer Luke Foods

- New businesses coming: Cranky's Automotive & The Sorting Spoon food truck

- Hardin County housing market update with Rachel Brantingham

- Local events for the week

- Experienced Eater reviews StrEAT Kitchen's smash burgers

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:05:00 - Judge Keith Taul Interview - Winter Storm Update

00:32:16 - Local Events with Jon O'Brien

00:39:42 - Housing Market Update with Rachel Brantingham

00:45:00 - Business News with Nate Bryan

00:51:50 - Experienced Eater: StrEAT Kitchen Review

01:01:40 - Closing & Shoutouts

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

- Hardin County Road Department Snow Response Video: hardinlocal.com (top link)

- StrEAT Kitchen at Social Food Hall

- Little Charlie's Pizza

- Cranky's Automotive: crankysautomotive@yahoo.com

- The Sorting Spoon (coming 2026)

CONNECT WITH US:

Website LinkTree: hardinlocal.com

Join us for Insights & Impacts 2026, a community panel discussion about where Hardin County has been, where we're headed, and how we can work together to build a stronger future.

🎤 PANELISTS:

• Keith Taul – Hardin County Judge Executive

• Phil Taul – Founder, Hardin Local

• Scott Lucas – Community Organizer

• Dustin Kiser – Young Professionals Representative

🎙️ HOST: Rachel Brantingham

📍 RECORDED LIVE: January 14, 2026 at Tequila House, Elizabethtown, KY

This event was presented in partnership with Central Kentucky Community Foundation's Project Giveback initiative, supporting scholarships for non-traditional students.

⏱️ CHAPTERS:

0:00 Welcome to Insights & Impacts 2026

2:02 Meet the Panelists

3:23 About Project Giveback & Tonight's Cause

5:19 Panel Discussion Begins

5:34 Reflecting on 2025: Achievements & Challenges

12:28 How Collaboration Drives Community Impact

17:35 Young Professionals & Hardin County's Future

21:39 Audience Questions Begin

21:46 Ford/Blue Oval Update & Job Fair Announcement

25:09 Can Our Economy Absorb Displaced Workers?

26:53 Current State of the Local Economy

30:38 Housing Market Reality Check

35:01 Fort Knox: Our Economic Anchor

37:28 VA Clinic Development Update

40:59 General Dion on Fort Knox's Strong Future

47:23 AI & Technology in Our Community

48:28 New Developments Coming to Hardin County

52:33 Why People Choose to Stay Here

54:44 Balancing Growth with Small-Town Feel

55:58 Closing Remarks

📌 KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Blue Oval SK/Ford plant transition and upcoming job fair

• Local economy health and housing market trends

• Fort Knox's economic impact and future missions

• New VA Clinic development progress

• Attracting and retaining young professionals

• Community collaboration strategies

🔗 CONNECT WITH HARDIN LOCAL:

Facebook: @HardinLocal

YouTube: Hardin Local

TikTok: @HardinLocal

#HardinCounty #Elizabethtown #HardinLocal #CommunityPanel #LocalNews #FortKnox #BlueOval #Kentucky

Boot Barn and Nothing Bundt Cakes are officially coming to Elizabethtown! This week on Hardin Local Weekly, Nate Bryan breaks down all the latest business news, Rachel Brantingham shares her weekly housing market update, Jon O'Brien covers local events, and Britten & Michele return with their Experienced Eater review of Capri's Italian Restaurant.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
• 00:02:50 - Insights & Impacts 2026 Recap + Announcements
• 00:05:41 - Icebreaker: Staying Warm in 11° Weather
• 00:10:43 - Local Events with Jon O'Brien
• 00:20:42 - Hardin County Housing Market Update
• 00:26:13 - Business News with Nate Bryan
• 00:38:42 - Experienced Eater: Capri's Italian Restaurant Review
• 00:52:24 - Closing & Shoutouts

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Boot Barn confirmed for former Gabe's location
• Nothing Bundt Cakes taking over former Homemade Pie spot
• Shogun officially closed
• New Salon Suites proposed on Leitchfield Road
• Riders Market returning to Upton
• Housing Market: 6.4 months inventory, rates at 5.99% conventional / 5.75% VA
• Events: JD Shelburne at Cosmic Golf, Family Skate Party, ELO Tribute at State Theater
• Capri's Italian Restaurant earns a B rating from our Experienced Eaters

RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN HARDIN COUNTY?

Sign up for our election interviews before January 31st at HardinLocal.com

CONNECT WITH US:

🔗 All Links: HardinLocal.com

📱 Facebook: @HardinLocal

🎧 Podcast: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music

💼 LinkedIn: Hardin Local

Episode sponsored by TekTel - Local technology solutions for Elizabethtown businesses.

#HardinCounty #Elizabethtown #LocalNews #KentuckyBusiness #BootBarn #NothingBundtCakes #HardinLocal

Join Rachel Brantingham and co-hosts Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, and Nate Bryan for the latest from Hardin County! We dive into upcoming local events, a positive housing market update, and business news including new restaurant openings. Plus, special announcements on community networking and election interviews. Sponsored by TekTel.

Subscribe and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Visit HardinLocal.com for more links and resources.

Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome & Introductions00:01:37 - How to Stay Connected (Call to Action)00:03:11 - Special Announcements: Insights & Impacts 202600:04:40 - Hardin County Government Episode Reminder00:05:05 - Election Interviews Signup Reminder00:06:37 - Episode Sponsor: TekTel00:06:50 - Icebreaker: Winter Survival Strategies in Kentucky00:10:15 - Hardin County Local Events (Jan 13-18)00:21:30 - Housing Market Update00:31:45 - Business News: Capri Opening & Straight and Narrow Details00:38:20 - More Biz Updates & Cosmic Golf Menu00:45:53 - No Experienced Eater Segment This Week00:46:21 - Closing Comments & Shoutouts00:47:08 - Final Reminders & Sign-Off

Hardin Local Weekly kicks off 2026 with your complete guide to what's happening in Hardin County, Kentucky!

Video Chapters:

0:00 Introduction & Shoutouts

9:19 Events With Jon O'Brien

18:57 Hardin County Housing Market Update

28:33 Business Buzz Update With Nate Bryan

40:48 Announcements & Closing

Hosted by Rachel Brantingham with Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, and Nate Bryan.

THIS WEEK:

🏠 Housing Market Update - Rachel analyzes December-January real estate trends, average days on market (95 days), and what the Blue Oval news means for Hardin County home prices

🏢 Business News - Club 1 Fitness grand opening, Straight and Narrow's new downtown location, Capri Italian fine dining, and Luke Foods' spotlight on Little Charlies Pizza

🎉 Local Events - Cosmic Golf league kickoffs, Revival Vintage Spirits historic bourbon pour (1962 Old Grand-Dad!), Cousins Maine Lobster, and community happenings

UPCOMING:

• Insights & Impacts 2026 - January 14th (YPN Partnership Event with matching donor!)

• Sheriff Ward Livestream - Friday, January 10th

Sponsored by TekTel - Business technology solutions in Elizabethtown, KY

Find full show notes, links, and event details at HardinLocal.com