Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Hardin Local respects your privacy. This page explains what data we collect when you visit hardinlocal.com, why we collect it, who else sees it, and how to control it. We've written this in plain English; if anything is unclear, let us know.

Who We Are

Hardin Local is a community-focused podcast and local-news platform covering Hardin County, Kentucky. The website at hardinlocal.com is operated by Hardin Local, a DBA of PT Holding, LLC. For questions about this policy, contact [email protected].

What Data We Collect

1. First-party site analytics (Tinybird)

We collect basic anonymous information about visits to hardinlocal.com so we know which stories and pages are useful to our audience. This includes the page URL, referrer (where you came from), approximate country, device type, screen size, and a session identifier. No cookies are set by this first-party tracking, and we don't try to identify you personally.

2. Google Analytics 4

We use Google Analytics 4 (measurement ID G-8TJ3X67830) to better understand audience demographics, traffic sources, and content performance. GA4 may set cookies and collect: anonymized IP address, browser and device info, pages visited, referrer, approximate location (country/region), and a randomized user identifier. Data is processed by Google. See Google's privacy policy.

3. Meta Pixel (Facebook)

We use the Meta Pixel (ID 923362031141396) so that future Facebook and Instagram advertising can reach people who've visited the site. Meta collects: anonymized IP address, browser info, page URL, and a randomized identifier. If you're logged into Facebook in the same browser, Meta may also associate the visit with your Facebook account. Data is processed by Meta. See Meta's data policy.

4. Newsletter and member sign-ups

If you sign up for our newsletter or become a free or paid member, we collect your email address and, optionally, your name. We use this to send you the newsletter, member content, and account-related messages (e.g., billing). We use Mailgun to deliver email; their privacy policy is here. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any email.

5. Comments

If you leave a comment on a post (members only), we store the comment text and associate it with your account. Comments are publicly visible.

6. Sponsorship inquiries and contact forms

When you contact us through our Contact page or sponsor inquiry form, we collect whatever information you send (name, email, message). We use it only to reply to you.

7. Server logs

Our hosting provider (Hetzner) and our CDN (Cloudflare) keep short-term server logs containing IP addresses and request URLs. We use these only for security and troubleshooting; they are retained for a limited time and not used for advertising.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

The website uses cookies and similar technologies for the following:

  • Essential cookies for member sign-in and basic site function (Ghost platform).
  • Analytics cookies from Google Analytics 4 (loaded via Google Tag Manager).
  • Advertising cookies from Meta Pixel (loaded via Google Tag Manager).

Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. Doing so won't break the site but will reduce the accuracy of analytics. You can also opt out of GA4 ad-personalization at adssettings.google.com and manage Meta ad preferences in your Facebook account settings.

Who We Share Data With

We don't sell your personal data. We share it only with the third-party services described above, which act as data processors for us:

  • Tinybird — first-party analytics storage
  • Google — analytics (GA4) and tag delivery (GTM)
  • Meta — advertising pixel
  • Mailgun — email delivery
  • Stripe — payment processing for paid members (if applicable)
  • Hetzner — website hosting (Ashburn, Virginia datacenter)
  • Cloudflare — content delivery network and security

We may disclose information if required by law (e.g., valid subpoena) or to protect against fraud or abuse of the service.

How Long We Keep Data

  • Site analytics: rolling 14 months (Tinybird, GA4 default).
  • Newsletter and member data: for as long as you remain subscribed/a member, plus a short grace period after cancellation. You can request deletion at any time.
  • Comments: retained as long as the post is published, unless you ask us to delete yours.
  • Contact form submissions: retained for up to 24 months for our reference.

Your Rights

You can:

  • Ask us what information we have about you.
  • Ask us to correct or delete it.
  • Unsubscribe from emails at any time using the link in any email footer.
  • Cancel your membership through your account page.
  • Opt out of analytics by using your browser's "Do Not Track" or by blocking cookies.

Send any privacy request to [email protected]. We'll respond within 30 days.

Children's Privacy

Hardin Local is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have, we'll delete it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be noted at the top of this page with an updated date. We encourage you to check back periodically.

Contact

Questions about this privacy policy? Email [email protected] or use our Contact page.