Hardin County Daily Brief: August 13, 2026

A new school year opens across Hardin County, plus a Cecilia mom's fight over long bus routes, a bank CEO exit and Etown's new trail-town title.

Top of the morning

A new school year opens in Elizabethtown. Students headed back to class this week as Elizabethtown Independent Schools kicked off the 2026-27 year. (News-Enterprise)

A Cecilia mom is pushing back on long bus routes. A family off North Long Grove Road says their son faces a four to seven mile trip just to reach the nearest stop for West Hardin Middle, reviving questions about rural route coverage. (News-Enterprise)

Around the county

WKU leaders point to deepening Hardin County ties. University president Timothy Caboni told the Hardin County Chamber that enrollment, degree offerings and the ECTC partnership keep expanding locally. (News-Enterprise)

Elizabethtown named Kentucky's first "Urban Trail Town." The statewide tourism designation recognizes the city's trail network and outdoor-recreation push. (Singletracks)

Magnolia Bank's president and CEO is stepping away from banking. The Hodgenville-based bank, with a major Hardin County presence, is set for a leadership change. (PMG-KY2)

Data center vote fallout: residents worry about power bills. Kentuckians are voicing concern that the AI data center approved earlier this month could push electric bills past $1,000, a follow-up to HL's Aug. 10 coverage. (NewsBreak)

One more thing

A quilting trio keeps spreading comfort around town. The Caring Thread team, Julia Millsap, Gladys Williams and Debbie Bryan, is still stitching quilts for neighbors in need. (News-Enterprise)

1 item held for editorial review.

The Daily Brief is curated links to reporting by local and regional outlets, credited on every item. Spot an error? Email [email protected].

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