Tag Archives: news

The Future of Data Centers: From Opposition to Opportunity

22 Jul

By: Jeff Farmer
eXp Commercial / Action Advisors, LLC- Hardin County Kentucky

Over the past year, I have written extensively about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, the surge in demand for data centers, and the opportunities and challenges this emerging industry presents Kentucky. 

We have explored the investment potential, debated zoning and land-use policies, and examined how data centers compare manufacturing in terms of permanent employment and economic impact. We have also discussed why communities such as Cave City and Meade County have paused to carefully evaluate the long-term implications before moving forward. 

Today, the conversation entered a new phase. 

Across America, citizens are becoming increasingly vocal about proposed data center developments. Communities are asking legitimate questions about electrical demand, water consumption, environmental effects, noise, traffic, land use, and whether these billion-dollar facilities create enough long-term jobs to justify public investment. 

Those concerns deserve thoughtful answers. 

What has impressed me over the past several months is that the data center industry is not standing still. Many of the largest developers have recognized that, if they hope to continue building hyperscale facilities, they must become better neighbors. 

The conversation is gradually shifting from whether data centers should be built to what kinds of data centers communities should be willing to accept. 

Technology Is Beginning to Solve Yesterday’s Problems 

One of the largest criticisms surrounding artificial intelligence infrastructure has been water consumption. 

Many early hyperscale facilities relied on evaporative cooling towers that consumed significant amounts of potable water. That technology is rapidly changing. 

Today, the newest artificial intelligence facilities increasingly use direct-to-chip liquid cooling, in which coolant flows directly across processors rather than cooling entire rooms. Even more impressive are closed-loop cooling systems, in which coolant continuously circulates without evaporating, dramatically reducing freshwater demand. 

Several technology companies are now designing facilities capable of operating with virtually no potable water used for cooling. Others are partnering with municipalities to use reclaimed wastewater instead of drinking water. 

In practical terms, the data center of tomorrow may consume only a fraction of the water that many citizens understandably associate with yesterday’s designs. 

The Electric Grid Is Also Evolving 

Electricity remains another significant concern. A hyperscale artificial intelligence campus may require hundreds of megawatts of power, leading many communities to ask whether residential customers or existing industries will bear the burden. 

Developers are responding by investing in entirely original approaches. 

Many projects now incorporate utility-scale battery storage systems that reduce peak electrical demand while improving grid stability. Others are contracting directly for solar and wind generation. 

Several of the largest technology companies are investing billions of dollars in small modular nuclear reactors, commonly known as SMRs. These reactors have the potential to provide dedicated, carbon-free electricity without placing additional strain on local electric systems. 

Although these technologies are still developing, the direction is clear. Tomorrow’s artificial intelligence campus is increasingly expected to become part of the solution rather than simply another customer competing for limited electrical capacity. 

Artificial Intelligence Is Improving Artificial Intelligence 

The greatest irony is that artificial intelligence itself is helping reduce the amount of energy future artificial intelligence systems will require. 

Modern facilities increasingly use artificial intelligence to optimize airflow, cooling systems, electrical distribution, and equipment utilization in real time. Every percentage point of improved efficiency translates into lower operating costs, reduced electrical demand, and less environmental impact. 

Researchers also continue to advance edge computing, improved semiconductor design, photonic computing, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies that may dramatically improve computational efficiency over the next decade. 

In other words, the industry is not only building larger facilities; it is also building smarter ones. 

Communities Should Continue Asking Tough Questions 

None of these technological improvements means that communities should stop asking tough questions. 

In fact, they should ask even better ones. 

Rather than simply debating whether a data center is good or bad, local officials should insist on understanding the specific proposal before them. 

Important questions may include: 

  • Will the facility use potable water or reclaimed water? 
  • Can it operate with closed-loop cooling technology? 
  • How much electrical infrastructure will be privately funded? 
  • What commitments are being made regarding noise mitigation and landscaping? 
  • How many permanent jobs will be created? 
  • What tax revenues will remain after any incentives expire? 
  • Can the facility adapt as technology evolves over the next 20 years? 

These are responsible economic development questions. 

Kentucky Has an Opportunity to Lead 

Kentucky possesses many of the characteristics that data center developers seek, including central geography, interstate access, available land, expanding fiber infrastructure, and reliable electric utilities. 

Rather than competing solely through incentives, Kentucky has an opportunity to compete on something even more valuable: predictability. 

Communities that establish clear zoning standards, transparent environmental expectations, and well-defined utility requirements may become more attractive than communities that either prohibit every project or approve them without adequate planning. 

Good developers appreciate certainty just as much as good communities do. 

Looking Beyond Opposition 

The recent wave of public opposition should not be dismissed. 

Many concerns raised by citizens are legitimate, and they have encouraged the industry to innovate faster, design better facilities, and become more transparent. 

That may prove beneficial for everyone. 

History often shows that industries facing public scrutiny become more efficient, more accountable, and more sustainable. The automobile industry, manufacturing, and energy production have all followed that path. Artificial intelligence infrastructure appears to be doing the same. 

Closing Thought 

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future technology. It is rapidly becoming part of our everyday economy. 

Healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, defense, finance, education, and agriculture will increasingly depend on the digital infrastructure supporting these technologies. 

The question before Kentucky is no longer whether data centers are coming. The real question is whether we will insist on next-generation facilities that conserve water, strengthen the electrical grid, respect surrounding communities, and create long-term value. 

The goal should never be to stop progress. The goal should be to shape it wisely. 

The communities that ask the best questions today will attract the best projects tomorrow. 

Jeff Farmer 

eXp Commercial / Action Advisors, LLC 

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From Goat Roping to Good Government: Hardin County Plans for Public Safety 

19 Jul

By T.W. Shortt,

Former Radcliff City Councilman and Local Business Owner

The primary purpose of local government, whether at the city or county level, is public safety. It is not the government’s only responsibility, but it is the first. Roads, recreation, economic development, and community events all matter, but none of them should take priority over protecting lives and property. 

In Radcliff, there is often a great deal of attention placed on what I call the four P’s: parties, picnics, parades, and pancakes. There is nothing wrong with community events. They bring people together and help build civic pride. However, those activities should never distract from the community’s basic public safety needs. Considering the level of crime being reported in Radcliff, along with concerns about police staffing, emergency response, and the demands placed on public safety personnel, it may be time to shift the focus. 

At the Hardin County level, public safety must also remain a primary concern. The proposed 2026–2030 Emergency Fire Services Strategic Plan is a move in the right direction. It recognizes growing call volumes, simultaneous emergencies, aging fire equipment, limited staffing, and the pressure created when a small group is expected to serve a large and growing community. 

One of the largest proposals is an estimated $8 million emergency services building in Glendale, with approximately $6.5 million expected to come from state funding. The plan also calls for establishing the Hardin County Fire System, adding paid weekday firefighters in key districts, beginning replacement of fire apparatus in 2028, and creating the county’s first full-time, 24-hour paid fire crew by 2029. 

The planning phase is critical. Without a plan, every incident becomes a shock and a surprise. Government then finds itself reacting from one emergency to the next instead of working from an organized system with clear priorities, staffing goals, equipment schedules, and funding needs. Without that preparation, emergency management can begin to look less like organized county government and more like goat roping—everyone moving at once, but no one certain who is in charge or where the effort is headed. 

Judge-Executive Keith Taul deserves recognition for his leadership in this area. The judge-executive serves as the county’s chief executive officer, comparable to a mayor but on a countywide scale. Working with the members of the Fiscal Court, the judge-executive plays a leading role in planning, setting priorities, coordinating departments, and preparing the county for future needs. 

Fortunately, Judge Taul brings years of professional experience in which planning, organization, and leadership were developed and tested. That background is especially valuable when county governments must look beyond the next meeting or the next emergency and prepare for what Hardin County will need five, ten, or even twenty years from now. Every member of the Fiscal Court is also responsible for studying the plan carefully, asking tough questions, and supporting the necessary public safety improvements. 

This plan is not yet final, but it gives Hardin County direction and provides a standard by which the public can measure progress. Planning does not solve every problem, but it identifies weaknesses before the next crisis exposes them. A serious county government should not wait for an emergency to reveal what it failed to prepare for. It should establish priorities, assign responsibility, and make sure the people, equipment, facilities, and funding are in place. 

Hardin County is growing, and its public-safety services must grow with it. Community events are worthwhile, but the government’s first duty remains the protection of life and property. This strategic plan is an important first step, and Judge Taul and the Fiscal Court should be encouraged to continue advancing it. 

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A New Kentucky Law May Open the Door for Church-Sponsored Senior Housing

14 Jul

By: TW Shortt, CRB 

Kentucky Real Estate Broker  

The Kentucky General Assembly was active during its most recent session, passing many new laws. One of those laws, House Bill 333, stands out as an opportunity for certain churches and religious organizations. 

There could be a reasonable argument that HB 333 was written with a particular project or influential constituent in mind. Whether that is true or not, the law now applies statewide. It may have a practical application here in Hardin County for a church that has considered developing housing for its senior members. 

HB 333 creates a special exception for qualifying religious institutions seeking to develop small affordable housing projects on certain church-owned property. In some cases, the development may be treated as a permitted use instead of going through the usual discretionary zoning process. 

In plain language, this law may help grease the wheels of local approval. 

A Possible Local Opportunity 

Many churches own more land than they currently use. Some have several acres around the church, an unused school building, excess parking areas, or other property that may be suitable for development. 

A church may also have older members who want to remain close to their church family but no longer need or can maintain a larger home. A small senior apartment development could allow those members to live near familiar friends, worship services, transportation, and community support. 

A practical project might include 12 to 24 one-bedroom apartments for income-qualified seniors. It could also include accessible entrances, a community room, laundry facilities, walking areas, and a pickup area for transportation. 

The strongest application of the law would be independent senior apartments rather than a nursing home or a full assisted-living facility. Nursing homes and assisted-living operations are subject to separate healthcare, staffing, safety, and licensing requirements. 

The Law Has Important Limits 

HB 333 does not allow every church to build housing anywhere it chooses. 

The church must be a qualifying tax-exempt religious organization. The property must also meet certain ownership, zoning, location, and development requirements. 

One of the most important limitations is that the church must have purchased the property before January 1, 2026. That means a church buying property now may not qualify for the special treatment. 

The property must also fall into one of the categories covered by the law. This may include commercially zoned property, certain residential property near a state’s primary road, and commercial or industrial land, or a former school building that will be converted into housing. 

The development must be limited in size and must consist entirely of affordable housing. The residents must meet income qualifications, and the affordability restrictions must remain in place for 15 years. 

The church would need a system to verify income, control rents, maintain records, and report compliance. 

Local Rules Do Not Completely Disappear 

The law may reduce the ability of a planning commission or local government to deny the basic land use. However, it does not eliminate building codes, fire-safety requirements, water and sewer rules, stormwater controls, accessibility standards, utility requirements, or emergency vehicle access. 

The project must still be carefully planned, financed, engineered, and constructed. 

Most churches are not experienced housing developers. A church considering this type of project should work with an attorney, an architect, an engineer, an affordable-housing developer, a lender, a real estate professional, and a property-management company. 

Worth a Serious Look 

Church-sponsored senior housing will not be right for every congregation. It creates financial obligations, management responsibilities, and long-term legal requirements. 

However, churches have traditionally helped meet both the spiritual and practical needs of their members. Providing safe, affordable housing for older residents could be a natural extension of that mission. 

HB 333 is an exception specifically designed for churches and religious organizations. For a qualifying church that already owns a large or underused property interest, it may offer a path around some local zoning obstacles. 

It is not automatic approval, but it may make a worthwhile project easier to move forward. 

For churches, developers, community leaders, and real estate professionals in Hardin County, HB 333 is worth looking at. 

This article is for general information only. Any church considering a housing development should obtain legal, tax, zoning, and development advice before acting. 

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Housing Affordability Begins at the Local Level

11 Jul

In her June 26, 2026, The News-Enterprise syndicated column, S.E. Cupp, titled “Who Cares About Housing?” Certainly Not the President” argues that President Trump has failed to address America’s housing challenges by not supporting recently proposed federal housing legislation. 

The column illustrates a common misunderstanding about where the real obstacles to housing affordability lie. 

While federal policies can influence mortgage financing, tax incentives, and lending regulations, the greatest barriers to affordable housing are found much closer to home. Local governments determine whether housing can be built through zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, permitting requirements, infrastructure planning, development fees, density restrictions, and approval processes. These decisions directly affect the cost, quantity, and speed of residential construction. 

Describing America’s housing market as a single, national “housing crisis” oversimplifies a much more complex issue. Housing markets are local. Communities experiencing rapid population growth face different challenges than rural counties or smaller cities. One-size-fits-all federal legislation is unlikely to solve problems that vary significantly from one community to another. 

The recently proposed housing legislation contains provisions that may have merit, but it is difficult to argue that it would increase housing affordability without addressing the local regulatory barriers that often prevent new housing from being built in the first place. It risks becoming another piece of legislation that allows elected officials of both parties to claim progress while producing only modest practical results. 

Real improvements in housing affordability will come when local communities carefully examine their own land-use policies, encourage responsible development, streamline approval processes where appropriate, and create an environment in which builders can deliver more housing at prices that working families can afford. 

Before assigning blame to Washington, we should recognize that many of the most effective solutions begin at city halls, planning commissions, and county fiscal courts across America. 

TW Shortt 
Radcliff, Kentucky 

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When “Why Are You Running?” Is Not Enough 

9 Jul

By T.W. Shortt
Former Radcliff City Council Member

Hardin Local, the local podcast and media platform operated by Phil Taul, did Hardin County voters a real service leading up to the May 19, 2026, primary election. It gave candidates a place to speak directly to the public, on camera, in their own words. Hardin Local reported that it offered candidates in contested races a free interview opportunity and made the candidate videos available to voters. 

That matters. 

In local elections, voters rarely get the benefit of major televised debates, large editorial boards, or wall-to-wall newspaper coverage. More often, citizens are left with yard signs, campaign cards, Facebook posts, and word of mouth. A serious candidate interview gives voters something better: a chance to see how a candidate thinks, speaks, prepares, and responds when asked basic questions about public service. 

One of the most important races in Hardin County is the race for Mayor of Radcliff. The primary narrowed the field to two candidates, Toshie Murrell and Terry Owens. According to Hardin Local’s posted primary results, Murrell received 862 votes, and Owens received 857 votes, a five-vote difference at the top of the field. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. 

That narrow result alone should get every Radcliff voter’s attention. 

During the interview process, the moderator gave the candidates the perfect opening question: tell the audience your “why” for seeking this office. 

That is a good question. It is fair, simple, and open-ended. It gives a candidate room to explain personal motivation, public service, love of community, experience, and vision. It allows voters to hear whether a candidate is running out of ambition, concern, frustration, duty, or a sincere belief that he or she has something useful to offer. 

But here is the problem: there is a difference between a personal “why” and a governing “why.” 

A candidate can love Radcliff and still not explain how Radcliff should be governed. A candidate can have years of city council experience and still owe voters a clear statement of what needs to change, what needs to be protected, and what needs to be improved. Personal affection for the city is commendable. Public service is honorable. Experience matters. But the mayor’s office requires more than good intentions, warm feelings, or a résumé. 

It requires direction. 

For a race this important, the “why” question should not be treated merely as a personal introduction. It should be the doorway into a four-year agenda. 

What has the candidate learned from serving on the city council? What areas of city government need tightening up? Is public safety adequately staffed, supported, and prioritized? Are streets, drainage, code enforcement, housing, business development, and city services moving in the right direction? Is Radcliff doing enough to present itself as a strong, orderly, business-friendly community next door to Fort Knox? 

Those are fair questions. They are not attacked. They are the ordinary questions citizens should ask anyone seeking executive leadership in city government. 

The mayor of Radcliff is not simply a ribbon-cutter or ceremonial figure. The mayor helps set the tone for the city government. The mayor works with the council, represents the city to citizens, speaks to outside investors, and helps shape the public image of Radcliff. The person elected mayor will have influence over how Radcliff is seen, how Radcliff is managed, and how Radcliff moves forward. 

That is why voters need more than “I love the city.” They need more than “this is the next step.” They need more than biographies. They need an agenda. 

Hardin Local may offer another opportunity for candidates to speak to voters before the November general election. If that opportunity comes, both candidates should take full advantage of it. They should come prepared not only to explain why they want the office, but what they intend to do with it. 

There must be some meaningful difference in how these two honorable candidates would govern. If there is no difference, voters are left to choose based on personality, name recognition, or habit. That is not enough for a city to face real decisions about growth, public safety, infrastructure, business development, and quality of life. 

There is no reason for a serious candidate to be afraid to make a clear case for herself. In fact, that is part of leadership. A candidate for mayor should be able to say: here is what I see, here is what I believe, here is what I would focus on, and here is how I would measure progress. 

Congratulations to both candidates for advancing the general election. That is an achievement. 

Now comes the harder part. 

Give the voters something solid to hang their hat on. 

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“Spooked Buyer Gets Boo-nanza: Haunted House Sale Nullified by Court!”

8 Jul

The Case of Stambovsky v. Ackley (1991): A Landmark in Real Estate Disclosure Decisions.  

The 1991 case of Stambovsky v. Ackley is a pivotal legal precedent in real estate law, particularly regarding sellers’ duty to disclose non-physical defects. The case, often called the “Ghostbusters ruling,” highlights the importance of transparency and full disclosure in real estate transactions. 

The case began when Jeffrey Stambovsky, a resident of New York City, purchased a Victorian house in Nyack, New York, from Helen Ackley. Unbeknownst to Stambovsky, Ackley had widely publicized the house as haunted. This reputation was well-known locally and featured in publications such as Reader’s Digest. Ackley, however, did not disclose this information to Stambovsky during the sale. 

Upon learning of the house’s haunted status, Stambovsky sought to rescind the purchase agreement. He argued that Ackley’s failure to disclose the house’s reputation for being haunted materially affected the property’s value. The lower court initially dismissed Stambovsky’s claim, adhering to the doctrine of caveat emptor, or “buyer beware.” This doctrine traditionally places the onus on the buyer to find any defects. 

However, upon appeal, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, ruled in favor of Stambovsky. The court held that Ackley deliberately promoted the house’s haunted reputation, creating a material defect that should have been disclosed. The ruling was groundbreaking because it recognized that non-physical defects, such as a property’s reputation, could significantly impact its value and should be disclosed to potential buyers. 

Judge Israel Rubin famously wrote for the majority, “As a matter of law, the house is haunted.” This statement underscored the court’s recognition that Ackley’s actions had legally established the house’s haunted status. The ruling allowed Stambovsky to rescind the contract and recover his deposit. 

The Stambovsky v. Ackley case set an important precedent in real estate law by expanding the scope of what constitutes a material defect. It underscored that sellers must disclose physical defects and conditions affecting a property’s value or desirability. This includes non-physical factors, such as a widely known reputation, even if they are based on superstition or local folklore. 

For real estate sellers, the case underscores the importance of full disclosure in selling property.  Sellers should disclose all relevant information to ensure buyers can make informed decisions. This ruling has influenced disclosure laws across the United States, promoting greater fairness and integrity in the real estate market. 

In conclusion, the Stambovsky v. Ackley case is a landmark in real estate disclosure law. The court held that a seller must disclose a condition affecting the property’s value even if a reasonable inspection would not discover it. (ChatGPT, personal communication, July 29, 2024). 

By TW Shortt,CRB 

Real Estate Broker, Kentucky  

Legal Disclaimer: 
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice for any specific situation. Laws and legal procedures may vary depending on the facts and circumstances. Anyone facing a legal issue should consult a licensed attorney for advice regarding their individual situation. 

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Southern Hospitality Has Limits: How to Boot Out a House Guest Who Thinks They Own the Place!

5 Jul

Having a house guest overstay their welcome is as upsetting as running out of bourbon on Derby Day. While Kentuckians are famous for their Southern hospitality, even the warmest host has limits. When your visitor transforms into a “permanent couch goblin,” it’s time to reclaim your home with tact and firmness.

Assessing the Situation: Guest or Squatter?

Under Kentucky law, an invited house guest doesn’t have the rights of a tenant. However, if your guest stays long enough to start receiving mail, paying utilities, or referring to your home as “our place,” they might attempt to claim tenant rights. Consider the cautionary tale from Toma v. Davis and Sencuk (2024). In that case, Louisville homeowner Daniel Toma extended temporary help to his friends, Amy Davis and Tyler Sencuk, by letting them stay in his garage while they dealt with car troubles. Instead of leaving, they changed the locks, settled in, and even filed a protective order against Toma. Their actions turned a friendly favor into a legal quagmire, proving it’s far easier to prevent guests from settling in than to evict them later.

Steps to Reclaim Your Home

  1. Communicate Clearly
    Begin with a straightforward, in-person discussion. Explain that their stay was always meant to be temporary and set a clear deadline for departure. Offering assistance with finding other accommodations might ease the transition. A firm yet courteous conversation can often resolve the situation before it escalates.
  2. Provide Written Notice
    If the verbal warning isn’t heeded, follow up with a written notice specifying the date by which they must leave. Although Kentucky law doesn’t mandate a specific notice period for house guests, a 3- to 7-day deadline is generally considered reasonable. This documentation is crucial should the matter require legal intervention later.
  3. Involve Law Enforcement if Necessary
    Should the guest ignore your written notice and continue occupying your home, it may be time to involve law enforcement. Under KRS 511.060, if someone refuses to leave after being asked, they can be charged with criminal trespassing. A visit from the police can serve as the final push needed to secure your home.
  4. Avoid Self-Help Evictions
    It might be tempting to change the locks or remove your guest’s belongings, but self-help evictions are illegal and can lead to significant legal troubles for you. It’s best to let the legal system handle the eviction process to ensure everything is above board.

When Your Guest Claims Tenant Rights

If a guest has been residing with you for more than 30 days, receives mail at your address, or contributes financially, they might claim tenant rights. In such situations, you may be required to initiate a formal eviction through the district court. The typical process includes:

  • Serving a Written Notice: Provide a 30-day notice to vacate.
  • Filing an Eviction Complaint: If the guest doesn’t leave, file a Forcible Detainer Complaint in court.
  • Attending a Court Hearing: A judge will determine if the guest must vacate.
  • Obtaining a Writ of Possession: With a court ruling, law enforcement can remove the guest from your property.

Final Thoughts

If a guest refuses to leave, swift and decisive action is essential. Start with polite yet firm communication, escalate to a written notice, and, if necessary, involve the police or initiate formal eviction proceedings. The saga of Daniel Toma’s experience teaches an invaluable lesson: never underestimate the potential for a temporary favor to spiral into a legal nightmare. Above all, always consult an attorney rather than relying on informal advice. Southern charm can only go so far—knowing your rights is the key to protecting your home.

By TW Shortt

Kentucky Real Estate Broker

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An Early Warning That Saved Hardin County Millions

5 Jul

More than a year ago—before contracts were signed and before large checks were written—concerns were raised about committing Hardin County to a redundant mass transit system based on growth assumptions that had not yet been proven. That early warning turned out to matter more than many realized at the time. 

Fourteen months ago, I wrote a letter to the editor questioning a proposed expansion of public transit being discussed in and around Hardin County. The proposal was justified by one central assumption: that the BlueOval SK project would deliver rapid, large-scale growth on a short timeline. That assumption drove discussions about vanpool pilots, mass transit studies, buses, shelters, staffing, and long-term operating subsidies—all costs that would fall on Hardin County taxpayers. 
(Source: Letter to the Editor, October 2024) 

As that narrative gained traction, some advocates on the political left used the opportunity to push for a broader, countywide public transportation system, arguing that veterans, soldiers, the elderly, and the disabled were in dire need of expanded transit. Those groups absolutely deserve support—but the implication that they were unserved was misleading. 

Hardin County already has targeted transportation programs in place serving seniors, veterans, students, and residents with medical or financial limitations—programs designed specifically for those populations rather than the general public. 
(Sources: Lincoln Trail Area Development District public materials; local agency transit programs reported in The News-Enterprise) 

Using the needs of vulnerable populations to justify a universal, fare-free mass transit system blurred an important distinction: targeted assistance versus permanent countywide systems. The latter would have required long-term subsidies and ongoing tax support regardless of actual ridership. 

At the time, questioning this framing was not especially welcome. Growth was the prevailing narrative. BlueOval SK was treated as a certainty rather than a projection. Raising concerns about timing, scale, or fiscal exposure was often characterized as resistance to progress rather than prudent financial stewardship. 

Today, the facts are clearer. 

The BlueOval SK project, at least in its original form, collapsed early in its life cycle. Large-scale EV battery production never materialized. Thousands of projected jobs did not arrive. The joint venture dissolved. Ford pivoted. Layoffs followed. Production timelines were pushed years into the future, with only a fraction of the original capacity now planned. 
(Sources: WDRB News reporting; Wall Street Journal; public statements by Ford Motor Company, 2024–2025) 

That shift fundamentally altered the cost-benefit analysis used to justify major public investments—especially mass transit in a car-dependent county. 

Had Hardin County fully committed to the growth model being promoted in 2023 and early 2024, taxpayers could have been locked into: 

  • A new mass transit system duplicating existing services 
  • Long-term operating subsidies with uncertain ridership 
  • Staffing, maintenance, and capital replacement costs last for decades 
  • Debt service justified by population growth that never arrived 

Those obligations do not disappear when projections fall short. 

To the credit of local and regional leaders, many of these decisions were slowed, studied, or deferred rather than rushed. Transit proposals remained for pilots and studies—not permanent systems. Major spending commitments were not universally fast-tracked on unproven assumptions. 

That restraint spared Hardin County residents millions of dollars. 

This is not an argument against helping veterans, seniors, or the disabled. It is an argument for honest justification and proportional solutions. Targeted programs can be strengthened without using vulnerable populations as a blanket rationale for expensive systems the county does not need. 

Recognizing risk early was not obstruction—it was stewardship. 

Preventing waste rarely makes headlines. 
But for Hardin County, it may be one of the most important public finance outcomes of the past two years. 

— TW Shortt 
Focus on Finance 

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Accountability Is Not Division 

4 Jul

Public accountability is not a division; it is a cornerstone of democratic government. 

In his Feb. 7, 2026, letter to the editor, Some Seem to Fan Flames of Division and Blatant Hatred, Kevin Russell criticized the filing of an ethics complaint against the Radcliff mayor, describing it as “another example of mischaracterization” and suggesting it fanned “division and blatant hatred,” while acknowledging he had not reviewed the complaint or spoken with the complainant.  

Our constitutional tradition has a different view. In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964), the United States Supreme Court held that debate about public officials must remain “uninhibited, robust, and wide-open.” The Court recognized that self-government depends on citizens’ freedom to question and criticize those in authority without fear of reprisal. That landmark decision became a pillar of modern First Amendment protection and strengthened the broader civil rights movement by safeguarding open public discourse. 

Filing a formal ethics complaint is not an act of division. It is a lawful, structured process designed precisely to remove personal animus from public disputes and to place allegations before an independent body for review. The right to question the government is a civil right that belongs to every citizen. It is not a franchise, a brand, or a prerogative reserved for any single organization. 

Ethics boards exist so concerns can be examined transparently and impartially, rather than filtered through informal conversations, personal loyalties, or political alliances. When citizens utilize established legal procedures, they participate in the system as it was designed to function. 

Leaders of advocacy organizations carry added responsibility when speaking publicly on behalf of their members. Exercising restraint until the facts are known preserves institutional credibility and protects the integrity of the process itself. 

Government accountability is not a division. It is the practical expression of constitutional self-government — a partnership between citizens and the institutions that serve them. Open scrutiny, conducted lawfully and respectfully, strengthens a community rather than weakens it. 

TW Shortt 
Radcliff 

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Is the lack of public transport in Hardin County a legitimate issue?

4 Jul

Many people received the recent online transportation survey published by The Lincoln Trail Area District; LTADD is ideally suited to conduct the research and, if appropriate, eventually propose a solution. But is public transit an issue? Do community members need transportation to join the workforce? Are there elderly people who lack transportation to medical appointments? Are there residents struggling to get to a grocery store due to transportation issues? Let’s look closer.  

Hardin County is a community of kind people. We would not stand for conditions where the elderly, handicapped individuals, and people who wanted to work could not do so. While there is no government solution for everything that ails us, many communities have found that implementing a public transit system works for them. Some implemented systems were at a net monetary loss.  

The study is designed to gather the facts. Most people I spoke to about this issue agree that a community of our size needs a public transit system. They usually quote an anecdotal story about someone they know who needs transportation and is detrimentally affected by the lack thereof. To get the facts, we do not have to look far.  

One of those facts is that we already have a public transit system in Hardin County called the Transit Authority of Central Kentucky (TACK). These folks offer three categories of service: Fort Knox, Medicaid Services, and Public Services. I see TACK’s brightly lettered vans all over the community, yet I still run into people who have never heard of them or the service.  If this was not enough, at the risk of getting on a soapbox, what about the two hundred churches in Hardin County with a 12-passenger van parked behind them six days a week? Could an interdenominational leader come to the table with a solution?  

In conclusion, our tendency to turn to the government to solve every challenge is coming to an end. Every aspect of American worker production is now taxed, so it is time to find different solutions.  

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