Barren County Progress

12/12/2025

Snow day! Have fun and share pics.

Due to hazardous conditions on many of the routes traveled by buses, Barren County Schools will be closed on Friday, December 12. This will be a traditional snow day, and there will be no NTI assignments. Please stay safe, and thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

12/12/2025

Ford to Take Full Control of Glendale Battery Plant After Joint Venture Ends

By Jeff Jobe
Jobe Publishing News Services

GLENDALE, KY — Ford Motor Co. announced Thursday that it will assume full ownership and control of the electric-vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Glendale following the dissolution of its joint venture with South Korean battery maker SK On.

The Glendale plant, part of the massive BlueOval SK development along Interstate 65 in Hardin County, has been one of the largest economic-development projects in Kentucky history. Under the new arrangement, Ford will operate the Kentucky facility independently, while SK On will take control of the partner battery plant in Tennessee.

Ford officials confirmed that battery production at the Glendale facility will continue. The plant has already begun producing batteries used in electric vehicles, including the Ford F-150 Lightning. Company representatives said additional details regarding future operations and employment are expected to be released in the coming days.

State and local leaders reacted cautiously but optimistically to the announcement. Kentucky officials emphasized that Ford’s decision to retain full ownership of the Glendale operation provides stability for the region and reinforces the long-term importance of the site to Kentucky’s manufacturing economy.

The change comes amid shifting conditions in the electric-vehicle market, as automakers nationwide reassess production strategies in response to demand trends, costs, and supply-chain considerations.

The BlueOval SK project was originally announced as a joint venture promising thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment. While the ownership structure has changed, officials stressed that the Glendale plant remains a cornerstone of Kentucky’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Local leaders said they will continue working with Ford to ensure the facility’s long-term success and its role as a major employer in south-central Kentucky.

Promotional Photo courtesy of Barton Malow /
Gray Construction

12/12/2025

Due to hazardous conditions on many of the routes traveled by buses, Barren County Schools will be closed on Friday, December 12. This will be a traditional snow day, and there will be no NTI assignments. Please stay safe, and thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

12/12/2025

📢 Schedule Change Notice

Please note a change to the Caverna Board of Education meeting schedule.

The regular Board meeting originally set for Thursday, December 11, 2025, has been rescheduled to:

🗓 Thursday, December 18, 2025
🕔 5:00 p.m.
📍 Caverna Board of Education Central Office

Please help share the word and plan accordingly.

Caverna High School Caverna Independent Schools

12/12/2025

🚔 Be Safe 🚔

Winter weather is moving through the area, and officers are already seeing slick and icy spots on roads across the county—especially bridges, overpasses, and roads that haven’t been treated yet.

If you’re heading out, please slow it down and give yourself a little extra time. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

❄️ Ease up on your speed and keep extra space between vehicles
❄️ Leave early so you’re not tempted to rush
❄️ Clear all snow and ice from your windows, lights, and roof
❄️ Turn on your headlights so others can see you
❄️ Avoid quick stops or sharp turns that can cause sliding
❄️ Watch closely for emergency vehicles and slowed traffic

We want everyone to get where they’re going safely. Please be patient, stay alert, and look out for one another on the roads.

If you come across dangerous conditions, call 911 for emergencies or local police for other concerns.

Stay safe and take care…

This release has been shared to all county newspaper sites in our region.

12/11/2025

“‘Tis the Season to Subscribe”
2-years for the price of 1 ends at end of December. Valid for all of Barren County, Kentucky.

12/10/2025

Bill Swafford

GLASGOW - Bill Swafford, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 8, 2025, at TJ Samson Community Hospital. Born on May 16, 1948, in Seneca, South Carolina, Bill lived a life filled with dedication to his family and community.

Bill was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church and was a proud member of the U.S. Army, serving his country with honor and commitment. He had a passion for hunting and fishing and was an avid fan of bluegrass music.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Swafford; his son, Billy Joe Swafford (Amy); and his daughters, Marlene Mullins (Kevin), Lora Irwin (Anthony), Amber McMahan (Brandon), and Mary Grimes (Cody). He leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren, Bradley Swafford (Holly), Tristan Alexander (Kayla), Jason Swafford, Dawson Alexander, Chelsea Kise (Corey), Kassidi Lyles (Wyatt), Molly Akers (Myles), Bentley Irwin, Issac Osborne, Steven McMahan, Oliver Grimes, and Branlee McMahan; as well as eleven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Henry Swafford; his mother, Idel Delphia (Wilson) Swafford; his first wife of 37 years, Martha Ann Bryant Swafford; his brothers, Bud Swafford, Roy Swafford, James Swafford, Claude Swafford, and Richard Swafford; and his grandchild, Gregory Roach.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home with burial in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Wednesday, and Thursday morning until time for the service at the funeral home.

Military honors will be provided at the graveside by the Glasgow DAV Chapter #20.

12/10/2025

Kathy Lorraine Holley

GLASGOW - Kathy Lorraine Holley, 57, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Jerry P. Walden and Norma Jean Wilson Walden. She was a retired Barren County School special needs teacher.

She is survived by her loving husband, Herbert “Harry” Holley; two daughters, Ashley Dawn Claxton and Cessaley Ann Holley; three grandchildren, Lucas Holley, Tyleigh Bray, and Kadin Lee; three sisters, Loretta Walden, Martha Neal (Eli), and Barbara Stilts; one uncle, Joe David Walden; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two aunts, Shirley Braden and Claire Thomas; two uncles, James Wilson and Carlos Wilson; two special nephews, Chris Walden and Orrie Junior Walden.

Funeral will be 12:00 noon Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home with burial in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Friday and after 9:00 am on Saturday until time for services.

12/09/2025

Bonnie Lou Jackson

GLASGOW - Bonnie Lou Jackson, a cherished Mary Kay Consultant and beloved community member, passed away on December 8, 2025, at TJ Samson Community Hospital. Born on August 31, 1935, in Glasgow, Kentucky, Bonnie's life was marked by an unwavering dedication to her family and the fulfillment of her career.

For an impressive 68 years, Bonnie shared a profound bond with her husband, Clifton R. Jackson, who preceded her in death. Their journey together was filled with love, laughter, and remarkable memories, including their adventurous ride on a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon during their 50th wedding anniversary.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Barry Jackson (Kim), and her daughter, Sherry Lawhorn; her grandchildren, Lee Jackson, Carl Jackson, Brandi D**e, and Joe De Larios; Additionally, she is survived by her nephew, Michael Huffman.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until time for the service at the funeral home. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and celebrate her life.

12/09/2025

Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse told the Barren County Progress after the meeting, “It goes without saying, we would like to help any local builder…”

City of Glasgow Kentucky Municipal Government Beautify Barren County Barren County, Kentucky Glasgow Downtown Business Association

Glasgow Approves Financial Incentives for Property Developer By Editor | December 9, 2025 | 0 Kerry Pulliam, standing, speaks to the Glasgow City Council on December 8 about the development of residential units in Glasgow. Seated, also with Little T, LLC, is Mark Harris. Jeff Jobe/BCP Photo By Allys...

12/08/2025

Candidate Filings Begin Taking Shape in Barren County for 2026 Elections

By Jeff Jobe, Community Publisher

Barren County’s 2026 election cycle is already taking shape as candidates continue to file for county and city offices ahead of the January 9, 2026, deadline. Several key races have drawn early interest, including sheriff, magistrate positions, and the nonpartisan race for Glasgow mayor.

According to the latest publicly reported filings, the following candidates have officially entered local races for the 2026 ballot:

COUNTYWIDE OFFICES
County Judge/Executive:
Jamie Bewley Byrd (R), incumbent

County Clerk:
Helena Chase Birdwell (R), incumbent

County Attorney:
Mike Richardson (R), incumbent

Coroner:
Timothy O. Gibson (R)

Sheriff:
Adam Bow (R)
Freddie Joe Wilkerson (R)
Steve Garrison (R)

Jailer:
Aaron Shirley (R), incumbent

Property Valuation Administrator (PVA):
Kimberly D. Shipley (R), incumbent

MAGISTRATE FILINGS
District 2:
Derek Pedigo (R)

District 3:
Charley Bunch (R)
Tim Durham (R)

District 4:
Tim Coomer (R)

District 5:
Marty Kinslow (R)
Steven Hernandez (R)

District 6:
Ronnie Lynn Stinson (D)
Steven Gibson (R)

District 7:
Brad Groce (R)

CONSTABLE FILINGS
District 4:
Wayne Pedigo (R)

CITY OF GLASGOW FILINGS

Mayor of Glasgow (Nonpartisan):
Bob R. Miller
Henry Royse, Incumbent

Glasgow City Council (Nonpartisan):
Cathy Thomas
Elizabeth Dale Shoemaker
Emberlyn Miller
Jamie Read Fancher
Korbin Thomas Miller
Marna Kirkpatrick, Incumbent
Vernon Randall Cundiff

Mayor of Park City (Nonpartisan):
Donna Scavo

MORE FILINGS EXPECTED

With more than a month remaining before the filing deadline, additional candidates are expected to enter various races. Kentucky’s statewide filing window for local offices closes January 9, 2026, after which final ballot positions will be set.

Jobe Publishing will continue tracking filings and will provide updates in print and online for all counties we serve.

For candidate announcements or campaign submissions, contact Jeff Jobe at 270-590-6625 or [email protected].

12/08/2025

Be sure to tune into the Jennifer Hudson show on WNKY 40 at 2:00 p.m. today to see Mr. Johnson and Jackson discuss the creation of Jackson's 3D printed hand!