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