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As the news broke this week of Ford Motor Company’s decision to end operations at BlueOval SK and replace it with a battery energy storage systems operation, area officials offered their reactions.

“With impending layoffs of an announced 1,600 co-workers, Judge Taul has announced his main focus is to do whatever is possible to help the impacted citizens have the support and resources they need to find new jobs,” said Hardin County Government Communications Officer Brian Walker. “The county is in communication with Ford, state officials, and other stakeholders as additional details become available.”

Walker said Judge/Executive Keith Taul is optimistic about Ford’s decision to maintain a presence in Glendale along with investments in other facilities.

“Their long-standing presence in Louisville and the announced retooling of that factory has historically shown their dedication to remain in the Commonwealth,” Walker said. “We’re here to support long-term job opportunities, economic stability, and responsible growth that will serve Hardin County and surrounding areas and its residents now and in the future.”

Kentucky Tenth District State Senator Matt Deneen said in a statement: “As Ford moves through an organizational and ownership transition, there will be short-term challenges associated with that process. However, Ford’s $2 billion commitment to the Glendale facilities, coupled with its expansion of energy-storage battery production to serve a broad range of industrial and utility needs, underscores the company’s long-term commitment to this community. The company’s presence and employment in the region will continue as planned.”

Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation President and COO Andy Games said in a release: “While the Glendale site will transition from the original joint venture structure, it remains clear that this project has already delivered significant investment and economic impact to our community and will continue to deliver in the future.”

The Lincoln Trail Area Development District said their Rapid Response team, which is part of the Kentucky Career Center, is prepared to assist BlueOval SK employees facing layoffs.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College recognized the accomplishments of students during commencement ceremonies for the Summer and Fall semester.

About 200 students walked across the stage before hundreds of guests Tuesday as the college hosted commencement at Severns Valley Baptist Church.

According to ECTC, two ceremonies were held Tuesday to honor students who completed their academic programs in the summer and fall. The college expects to award graduates approximately 500 degrees and diplomas along with more than 1,400 certificates. Credentials awarded include Associate in Applied Science degrees to help support students heading into careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and trades, along with Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees for students looking to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

ECTC President and CEO Dr. Juston Pate said: “We are so proud of our new alumni and look forward to seeing the class of 2025 become part of the next generation of leaders in our region. Whether they are entering the workforce and starting a high-demand career or moving on to successfully complete a Bachelor’s degree, the time they spent at ECTC has prepared them for the next step in their journey.”

ECTC is currently enrolling students for the Spring 2026 semester, and the application for financial aid opportunities is open. Visit the ECTC website or contact the Admissions office for more information.

If you decorate your home with a live Christmas tree, you can close out the holiday season by giving Kentucky Fish and Wildlife a gift this year.

You can give your used Christmas tree another life after the holiday season and donate it to the KFW “Christmas for the Fishes” tree recycling program, through which donated evergreens are used to create underwater habitats that help fish thrive.

KFW says the donated trees are put to work in local lakes and reservoirs, where they are arranged in clusters to create dense branches and small pockets for young fish to hide. These structures attract sportfish as they offer opportunistic feeding opportunities. The donated trees help restore woody structures that have previously decayed in lakes.

The donated trees are anchored to environmentally-friendly weights and submerged at various depths in lakes and reservoirs across the commonwealth. The new habitats support local fish populations, which in turn benefits anglers heading out to fish on Kentucky waterways.

KFW will accept evergreen trees from December 26 through January 16 at 37 drop-off locations across the state. The trees must be real and should be free of lights, garland, and decorations. Visit the program page on fw.ky.gov for more information.