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

Join host Rachel Brantingham and the Hardin Local team for our final episode of 2025! We're celebrating an incredible year with 32 episodes and nearly 5 million Facebook views since our May relaunch.

In this episode:

• Complete guide to New Year's Eve events across Hardin County - from family-friendly Noon Year's celebrations to upscale masquerade galas

• 2025 Year in Review: Phil Taul and Nate Bryan break down the biggest business stories that shaped our community including Club One Fitness/E-Town Swim, the grocery wars (Kroger vs Publix), BlueOval/Glendale developments, and the explosion of food & entertainment businesses

• Housing market update with Rachel Brantingham - December stats, new construction vs resale trends, and what buyers need to know heading into 2026

• Experienced Eaters food review: Little Charlie's Pizza and the legendary Rodrigo Special sandwich

• Upcoming community events: Insights and Impacts 2026 (Jan 14) and RSBA Gala (Jan 31)

Co-hosts: Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, Nathaniel "Nate" Bryan, Britten and Michele (Experienced Eaters)

Sponsored by Tektel - helping local businesses with phone systems, cybersecurity, and AI tools.

Learn more at hardinlocal.com

Chapter Timestamps

0:00 Introduction & Announcements

13:00 New Years Eve Events Segment

26:09 Other Events This Week

30:02 - Hardin County Housing Market Update

34:46 - Business Buzz with Nate (Special End of 2025 Edition with Phil & Nate)

1:01:26 - Event Spotlights - Insights & Impact 2026 - RSBA Gala

1:07:12 - Experienced Eater with Britten & Michele McDowell

1:16:56 - Closing

This week’s Hardin Local Weekly Podcast is a special in-person live episode filmed together at the OG Bourbon Barrel Tavern in downtown Elizabethtown.

We kick things off with a fun icebreaker about why places like Bourbon Barrel still matter in a community like Hardin County, then dive into a massive New Year’s Eve event guide covering family-friendly options, parties, galas, live music, and late-night celebrations across the county.

You’ll also get the latest local business news, including:

• New business openings and expansions

• National recognition for a local whiskey bar

• Fitness, swim, and family-focused partnerships coming to Elizabethtown

• Community updates you need to know heading into 2026

Plus, The Experienced Eaters join us for a live, on-camera food review of Bussin Bites, tasting corn dogs, steak sandwiches, BLTs, and more — with real reactions and honest feedback. We also break exclusive news about a brand-new food truck launching in early 2026: Bussin Pizza, featuring Neapolitan-style, fire-oven pizza made fresh to order.

We wrap up with a full New Year’s Eve rundown, highlighting events at local restaurants, venues, and organizations so you can plan the perfect way to ring in 2026.

🎧 Listen, follow, and stay connected at hardinlocal.com

00:00 – Welcome & Live Setup at Bourbon Barrel Tavern

07:39 – The Experienced Eater

17:21 – Weekly Events & Holiday Activities

23:00 – New Year’s Eve Events Guide (Full Breakdown)

31:00 – Local Business News Updates

40:30 – Bussin Pizza Announcement (New)

47:00 – Final Thoughts, Thank Yous & Sign-Off

Hardin Local Weekly S2025E30

BlueOval/Ford Update with Judge Keith Taul, Holiday Events, Business News & Food Review

This is one of the most important Hardin Local Weekly episodes to date.

• ​Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul joins us for a critical conversation about the BlueOval SK transition and Ford’s plans for the Glendale facility.
• ​We also bring you the complete Hardin County holiday event guide through Christmas, a housing market update, local business news, and a full restaurant review from The Experienced Eater.

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

• ​00:00 Introduction
• 01:17 Follow & podcast platforms
• 03:44 Community dinner announcement
• 05:16 Icebreaker
• 08:59 TekTel sponsor message
• 10:30 Weekly events
• ​17:47 Housing market update
• 21:40 Holiday event guide (Dec 16–22)
• ​31:19 Judge Keith Taul interview – BlueOval/Ford
• ​44:02 Business news
• ​49:30 TekTel business feature
• ​52:18 The Experienced Eater – Duff’s Famous Wings
• ​1:09:03 Community impact discussion
• ​1:13:21 Final wrap-up

JUDGE KEITH TAUL – BLUEOVAL SK UpdateJudge Taul addresses the impact of the BlueOval SK transition, including:

• ​1,600 workers being terminated​
• Ford taking direct control of the Glendale facility
• $2 billion investment in new battery storage products (not EV batteries)
• Approximate 18-month retooling timeline• Worker support resources at the county and state level
• Clarification of rumors and timeline of notification

"With impending layoffs of an announced 1,600 workers, my focus is to do whatever possible to help our impacted citizens have the support and resources they need to find new jobs. We are in communication with Ford, state officials and other stakeholders as additional details become available." -Judge Taul

HOLIDAY EVENT GUIDE (DEC 16–22)

Jon O’Brien and Nate Bryan break down every major Christmas event happening across Hardin County, including a packed Saturday, December 20, plus ongoing holiday attractions like Christmas in the Park, Festival of Trees, and Christmas Village.

HOUSING MARKET UPDATE

Rachel Brantingham provides a weekly snapshot of the Hardin County real estate market, highlighting current inventory levels, days on market, and what it means for buyers and sellers heading into the holidays.

BUSINESS NEWS

Local updates include:

• ​Staybridge Suites hotel development
• ​House on Helm and Mulberry Players partnership
• ​2D’s Tattoos relocating to Glendale
• ​Laker on Dixie opening
• ​National attention on Elizabethtown’s historic cannonball

TEKTEL BUSINESS FEATURE

Phil Taul highlights TekTel’s work with local businesses, including cybersecurity protection, cloud phone systems, and AI-powered call transcription and virtual receptionists.

THE EXPERIENCED EATER

Britten and Michele review Duff’s Famous Wings in Elizabethtown, breaking down wings, sides, sauces, and atmosphere. Final rating: 8 out of 10.

NOW ON PODCAST PLATFORMS

Hardin Local Weekly is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

More info, links, and submissions: https://hardinlocal.com

ABOUT HARDIN LOCAL

Hardin Local is a community-focused podcast covering local news, business, events, housing, and food in Hardin County, Kentucky. Our mission is to inform, engage, and support the community through authentic conversations and reliable local information.

NEXT EPISODE

Tuesday, December 23 at 1:00 PM