You know how some weeks in a small town feel like absolutely nothing is moving, and then suddenly, everything happens at once? That’s basically been the vibe in Glasgow lately. If you haven't been keeping a close eye on the Barren County courthouse or the local sports scores, you've actually missed a ton of shifting gears. From major infrastructure fixes to a sudden surge in political filings, there is a lot to dig into.
Honestly, the biggest thing on most people's minds right now is the sheer number of folks who want a seat at the table. We just hit a major deadline for the 2026 elections, and the list of candidates is long. Like, really long.
The 2026 Election Rush and Why It Matters
If you thought the next election was a long way off, the Barren County Clerk’s office would beg to differ. The filing deadline just passed on January 9, and the turnout was pretty wild. We’re talking over 45 people filing for various races across the county.
For those living within the city limits, the news in Glasgow KY is centered squarely on the City Council. We have nine seats available. How many people filed? Twenty-three. Because that number blew past the threshold of 18, we are officially headed for a primary on May 19.
It’s not just new faces, either. Incumbents like Joe Trigg, Tommy Burris, Terry Bunnell, and Randy Wilkinson are all in the mix, but they’re facing a massive field of challengers including names like Melinda Overstreet, Jeff Proffitt, and Steven Carroll. On January 15, all these candidates gathered in the Fiscal Court chambers to draw for their ballot positions. It sounds like a small detail, but in a crowded field, being at the top of the list can actually make a difference.
Who’s Running for What?
It isn't just the council getting crowded.
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- Barren County Judge-Executive: Paula Ratliff Pedigo (R) and incumbent Jamie Bewley Byrd are gearing up for a significant run.
- Jailer: We’ve got a real race here with incumbent Aaron Shirley, Larry Poteet, and Hunter Jones all vying for the spot.
- Magistrates: Almost every district has a contest brewing.
This isn't just "politics as usual." It’s a sign that people in Glasgow are feeling particularly engaged—or perhaps a bit restless—about how things are being run.
Roadwork and the Oil Well Road Bridge
If you've tried to drive south toward Austin Tracy lately, you know the struggle. The bridge over Skaggs Creek on Oil Well Road has been a massive headache since it closed on January 5.
But there’s finally some movement. The County Road Department Supervisor, Jamie DeGroft, recently gave a progress report to the transportation committee. They’re planning to pour concrete this coming Wednesday, January 21.
The weather is the big "if" here. If the temperatures stay out of the teens—because nobody wants cracked concrete—the bridge should be back open roughly a week after the pour. Interestingly, they're switching from asphalt to concrete this time around for better durability. The $204,000 project is being fueled by FEMA money, which is a nice win for the local budget.
A Massive Face-lift for Barren River Lake
Let’s talk about the $9.5 million elephant in the room. Governor Andy Beshear recently announced a huge investment for Barren River Lake State Resort Park.
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If you’ve stayed at the lodge recently, you know it’s been showing its age. Well, starting in February, the lodge rooms are shutting down for a total overhaul. We're talking $6 million just for the rooms—flooring, bathrooms, even new mini-fridges. The other $3.5 million is going toward the unsexy but vital stuff like a brand-new HVAC system and chiller.
They’re aiming to have everything wrapped up by Fall 2026. It’s a bit of a bummer for spring and summer travelers who wanted to stay at the lodge, but the long-term goal is to turn the park back into a premier destination for the whole region.
Crime and Courtroom Updates
On a heavier note, the Glasgow Police Department served an indictment warrant this past Thursday night that has people talking. James Anthony Dicken, a 23-year-old from Tompkinsville, has been charged with murder in connection to the death of Scotty Eudy of Cave City.
This stems back to an incident in August 2025 on Sugar Creek Road. It’s a complicated case—initial reports suggested Eudy had entered a residence before an altercation led to the shooting. Dicken is currently being held at the Barren County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond, with an arraignment set for February 19.
Local Sports: A Tale of Two Games
Wednesday night at Glasgow High School was a rollercoaster. The Lady Scotties faced off against Warren East in a District 15 matchup that was tight until the very end. Unfortunately for the home crowd, Warren East pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 58-48.
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But the boys' team? That was a different story entirely. They absolutely dominated, cruising to an 82-54 win over the Raiders. Seeing Landon Minton and Jerrick Martin control the floor like that really shows the potential this team has as they head deeper into the season.
Education Trends: The Caverna Shift
There’s some interesting news in Glasgow KY adjacent areas regarding our schools. Caverna Independent Schools just released data showing an 8.3% decline in enrollment over the last few years.
Superintendent Amanda Abell pointed out a couple of culprits. First, new state laws regarding truancy have actually led some parents to pull their kids for homeschooling rather than dealing with the legal fallout. Second, "school choice" legislation means more students who live in Cave City or Horse Cave are choosing to commute into Glasgow or Barren County schools. It’s a tough spot for a smaller independent district to be in.
Cultural Wins and New Faces
It’s not all hard news and politics. The Southern Kentucky Cultural Center is getting ready for a new exhibit featuring the original Houchens store. If you grew up here, Houchens is more than a grocery store—it’s a piece of the town’s DNA.
Also, the Glasgow Fire Department has a new Assistant Chief, Jason Botts. He’s been a staple in the community for years, so it’s good to see that kind of local expertise moving up the ranks.
Actionable Insights for Glasgow Residents
If you're living in the middle of all this, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve:
- Check Your Commute: If you usually take Oil Well Road, keep an eye on the thermometer. If it stays warm enough for that Wednesday concrete pour, you'll have your route back by the end of the month.
- Register to Vote: With a nonpartisan primary coming up on May 19, every resident within city limits can vote for the City Council, regardless of their party affiliation. Make sure your registration is current.
- Plan Your Summer Differently: If you usually host family at the Barren River Lake Lodge, start looking for alternative rentals now. Those lodge rooms will be strictly off-limits starting in February.
- Support Local Exhibits: When the Houchens exhibit opens at the Cultural Center, go see it. Keeping these local history hubs alive is what prevents Glasgow from becoming just another highway exit.
The city is clearly in a state of transition. Whether it's the physical rebuilding of our parks and bridges or the political reshuffling at City Hall, the choices made in the next few months are going to set the tone for Glasgow for the next decade.