Leadership Around Hardin County in 273 Days: February

The Hardin County Leadership team had an outstanding visit on February 6th as they toured the State Capital. During their visit, they were honored to meet Brigadier General (Ret.) Steven P. Bullard, Representatives, Jim DuPlessis (R), Nancy Tate (R), Samara Heavrin (R), and Director of Communications, Kentucky Chamber of commerce, Jacqueline Pitts. The meeting involved many thought-provoking
discussions about exciting opportunities in our commonwealth.

One topic, House Bill 24, went to the floor that very morning. This bill would support plans to build a veterans nursing home in Bowling Green. The legislation would appropriate $2.5 million to compete design and preconstruction work for a 90-bed facility. The following week that bill was passed by the house 95-0 and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. We also heard from General (Ret.) Bullard that the decision to locate V Corps was down to us and 2 other installations. We would find out the next week that our very own Fort Knox was chosen, bringing over 600 soldiers and their families to the area. The session concluded with a visit to the Old State Capital on 300 W. Broadway. Here the group heard fascinating facts about the construction and history of the building, including the account of the 1899 state governor election. On January 30, 1900, Democrat candidate, William Goebel of Covington, KY was assassinated at the capital
on his way to the inauguration. A plaque in his memory is located in front of the building. This capital served as seat of state government for 80 years until the new capital was completed in 1909.

The team is looking forward to their next session in March as they learn about local media.