Local Stories
Tiana Watkins
General Manager, Waters Edge Winery & Bistro “My father has always dreamed of owning a restaurant, and I had recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration but had yet to find a job I loved. We combined his dream with my education with the help of a family friend from Hardin County who knew…
Andrea Haire
Detective, Elizabethtown Police Department “I was born and raised here in Elizabethtown. I attended Western Kentucky University and earned a degree in Criminology. Upon graduation, I was hired as the first Victim Advocate for the Hardin County Attorney’s Office. I worked two years in this position before I decided to join the Elizabethtown Police Department.…
John Lewis
Owner & Bourbon Connoisseur, John O’s Liquor In 2012 John Lewis opened John O’s Liquor when Elizabethtown went wet for the first time. John’s always up for a challenge and started planning early on in the process to be ready to open when Hardin County went wet. His business background experience has a stronghold in…
Todd and Cameron Davis
Owners, Bluegrass Sportsplex and The Assembly Todd Davis’ father, Rick, dreamed of opening an indoor sports facility for over 30 years. His dream came to fruition in 2018 when he and Todd opened Bluegrass Sportsplex together. The business began with an indoor soccer complex that has morphed into the premier indoor sports and events venue…
Jeff Gregory
Mayor, City of Elizabethtown I am a born and raised third-generation Elizabethtown resident. I love Elizabethtown and Hardin County. This community has given so much to me and my extended family, and I can’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else. My career as a Kentucky State Trooper has allowed me to see other communities all…
Greg Milby
Community Storyteller, Kentucky’s Heartland “Every community has a storyteller who always knows about the great things going on around town. You go to them to see what special event is next or to hear a recap of the latest happenings. They seem to be everywhere and are always sharing the good news of others making…
Justin Howard
Insurance Broker, Houchens Insurance Group “I began my insurance career while attending Western Kentucky University; while there, I was in an interim role with Northwestern Mutual and began obtaining my insurance licenses. I have since been in the industry for over 13 years and am celebrating my 10th year as a broker with Houchens Insurance…
Megan Stith
Chief Institutional Advancement Officer, Elizabethtown Community & Technical College “My grandfather was the son of Macedonian immigrants and worked as a repairman while my father continued his education to become a doctor. My dad completely changed the future for our family, and I want to help others achieve their goals through the opportunities ECTC provides.…
Dr. Juston Pate
President & CEO, Elizabethtown Community & Technical College “I wanted to do something with a career that would make a difference, and it became clear that the community college was a way to make that happen. When I left high school, I was not a good student. It wasn’t until I enrolled at Southeast Community…
Janna Clark
Executive Director, Elizabethtown Tourism & Convention Bureau Connecting with people has always been my passion. I grew up in Northeast Arkansas, moved to Central Kentucky for a job after grad school, and never looked back. While Elizabethtown isn’t my hometown, this town has my heart. When speaking to local audiences about my role as the…
In The News
Xtreme Arcade expanding to provide additional experiences
BY BRANDON YOUNG XTREME ARCADE Originally appeared in The News-Enterprise | Feb 27, 2025 Above: Guests to Xtreme Arcade enjoy multiple games available at the Elizabethtown attraction. Left: A large group enjoys mini bowling at Xtreme Arcade in Elizabethtown. Photos by: Xtreme Arcade Xtreme Arcade is a locally owned business that has been in its…
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What tourism means for the economy; how locals benefit
BY JANNA CLARK ELIZABETHTOWN TOURISM & CONVENTION BUREAU Originally appeared in the News-Enterprise | Feb 27, 2025 Friendly. Unique. Special. Story-telling worthy. Generous. So helpful. All smiles. Wonderful suggestions! For sure coming back!” These are just a few highlights from the latest survey of non-residents who have visited Elizabethtown. The impact of tourism on our…
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State Theater cornerstone of Elizabethtown entertainment
BY BETH PYLES THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE Originally appeared in The News-Enterprise | Feb 27, 2025 Opened in 1942 as a state-of-the-art movie theater, the Historic State Theater Complex is the cornerstone of downtown Elizabethtown. After closing in 1982, the State sat vacant for over a decade before being restored and renovated to also stage live performances.…
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Saunders Springs provide outdoor experiences for all
BY REBEKAH KAMMEYER RADCLIFF PARKS AND RECREATION Originally appeared in The News-Enterprise | Feb 27, 2025 Nestled in the heart of Radcliff, Saunders Spring Nature Preserve offers residents and travelers to the area something to do. The preserve is situated in the rolling hill landscape of Central Kentucky, which offers an abundance of recreation activities…
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Military history on display at Patton Museum
By TY REID GEN. GEORGE PATTON MUSEUM OF LEADERSHIP Originally appeared in The News-Enterprise | Feb. 27, 2025 The Gen. George Patton Museum of Leadership has been a national institution and a local legend since opening to the public in 1949. Over the years, the museum’s mission has changed. When opened, it primarily showcased captured…
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Malibu Jack’s Elizabethtown gears up for grand opening
BY ROGER NEWTON MALIBU JACK’S INDOOR THEME PARK Originally appeared in The News-Enterprise | Feb 27, 2025 We at Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Park want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Elizabethtown community for making our recent soft opening such a resounding success. Your warm reception, excitement and patronage have made us feel right…
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History preserved in Hardin County museum
BY KEVIN KRISTEN HARDIN COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM Originally appeared in The News-Enterprise Feb 27, 2025 The Hardin County History Museum in Elizabethtown is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and exhibits showcasing the rich history of Hardin County and the surrounding region. The museum serves as a gateway to the past, providing visitors with an…
Hardin County Playhouse community’s artistic cornerstone for 55 years
By BRANDON STEARSMAN HARDIN COUNTY PLAYHOUSE Originally Appeared in the News-Enterprise Feb 27, 2025 Cast members of the Hardin County Playhouse perform “James and the Giant Peach” as part of its production schedule for 2024. The playhouse is entering its 55th season of providing community entertainment. Photos by Hardin County Playhouse For over half a…
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Experience history through the downtown walking tour
BY TIM ASHER CHARLES W. LOGSDON DOWNTOWN ELIZABETHTOWN HISTORIC WALKING TOUR Originally appeared in The News-Enterprise | Feb 27, 2025 Tony Bishop portrays General Braddock during the Charles W. Logsdon Downtown Elizabethtown Historic Walking Tour. Photos courtesy of Amanda Oliver Have your ever wondered what Elizabethtown was like 150 years ago? Or have you ever…
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Elizabethtown Sports Park dubbed Perfect Place to Play
BY BRANDT PAWLEY ELIZABETHTOWN SPORTS PARK Originally appeared in The News-Enterprise | Feb 27, 2025 Since our opening in 2012, Elizabethtown Sports Park has proven to be more than just a premier athletic facility, but a community corner stone and a destination for top-tier competition. Whether you’re a local athlete looking for a place to…
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