Henry’s Dashboard Dialogues

Episode 17: Sip, Shop & Stroll

This episode takes a peek into the much-anticipated Sip, Shop, and Stroll event on April 20th. Sponsored by the Downtown Business Association, it's a day filled with shopping, interactive vendor stalls, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
We are joined by Sherry Williams, an active organizer of this grand event, which has seen the participation grow each year. With over 148 vendors and 12 food trucks lined up, the offerings are vast and varied. Attendees can look forward to a collection of homemade, handmade treasures such as candles, boutique clothes, crocheted items, and delightful dog treats. It's a paradise of locally crafted items that add to the charm of this delightful day.
Sherry encourages all to visit the Glasgow Downtown Business Association Facebook page to get a glimpse of the event's map. The event is now expanded beyond the city square, luring visitors to stroll down Washington and Main streets. The Facebook page will also host updates on vendors, band performances scheduled for the day, and more such engaging information.
The Sip, Shop, and Stroll event also brings excellent opportunities for vendors to establish and maintain valuable customer relationships. Not just shopping, the event has something for everyone, including face painting for the young attendees, magic shows, and craft activities facilitated by the Y.M.C.A.
This event coincides with the 'Homegrown 5K Run' organized by Sustainable Glasgow giving it a lively, bustling atmosphere right from 7:30 in the morning. The event steps up the excitement, offering a glimpse of the city's transformation over the years; local restaurants serving up enticing menus and the first Bounty of the Barrens farmer's market set up of the year.
Be a part of this festive day, and be ready to sip, shop, and stroll in Glasgow city's beautiful Downtown. Don't miss to mark your calendar for April 20th!

Episode 16: Glasgow’s New Aquatic Center

In this episode of Henry's Dashboard Dialogues, we welcome a very special guest, Pat Hoagland, vice president of Branstetter Carroll Architects and Designers. He provides an in-depth discussion about the highly-anticipated new aquatic center in Glasgow, a project expected to significantly revitalize the city’s recreational amenities.
Pat explains the meticulous planning process that started in 2008, involving multiple stakeholders and public meetings. Through this, they identified residents' top priorities, which prominently included the creation of a family aquatic center. He highlights the center will not be a typical rectangular pool. Instead, it promises to offer a modern, family-friendly space with a multitude of amenities.
Apart from the aquatic center, the first phase also includes the addition of pickleball courts and walking tracks. Future phases promise the creation of a small dog park, a large picnic shelter, an outdoor fitness area, and a basketball court, aiming to make the park a comprehensive hub for recreation.
The discussion also touches on the need for keeping the pool closed during the construction phase for safety reasons. The demolition process will start as early as April this year, and the new center aims to open its doors by the summer of 2025.

Episide 15: An Insight into Cleanup Week with Wes Billingsley

Our conversation with guest speaker, Wes Billingsley, the superintendent for the City of Glasgow Street Department, gives a comprehensive rundown on all you need to know about the city's Cleanup Week.
We discuss the services provided by the city that allow residents to contribute towards keeping Glasgow clean. Wes shares about the city's plan for picking up junk, small to big, during Cleanup Week and how to participate effectively.
We review the pickup schedule, items that can be left for pickup, and how disposed items are managed. This episode also delves into the importance of managing waste appropriately and resources the city offers for disposing of items unsuitable for regular pickup.
Tune in to learn how Glasgow residents can contribute positively towards a brighter and cleaner city through the annual Cleanup Week initiative.

Episode 14: Glasgow's Occupational Tax with Special Guest, Nick Hurt

Welcome to another edition of Henry's Dashboard Dialogues, your go-to podcast for all things related to Glasgow. Join Mayor Henry Royse as he discusses recent crucial tax changes with our guest, the Occupational Tax Administrator, Nick Hurt.
In this episode, we delve deep into the proposed changes to Glasgow's insurance premium fees that have remained unchanged since 1966. Nick Hurt provides context and explains the need for reevaluating these rates, aimed at aligning Glasgow with the surrounding areas. We discuss the differential fee rates on insurance categories, and why Nick believes those related to life and health insurance need a little revamping.
In true spirit of transparency, the discussion also explores the financial impact of these proposed changes. The revised tax structure, projecting to offer an additional revenue of around $200,000, doesn't massively burden our residents but rather leads to a small, proportional contribution towards the city's financial strength.

Episode 13: A Dialogue with Dr. Andy Joe Moore on FFA Week

In this episode of Henry's Dashboard Dialogues, we dive into the world of local agriculture, particularly focusing on how it has uniquely shaped our community.
Our special guest, Dr. Andy Joe Moore, Director of Agriculture at Barren County High School, joins us to commemorate the National FFA week. He shares his insights on being part of the eighth generation on his family's farm and nurturing the growth of Barren County High School's FFA chapter that has had a profound impact on students and the community alike. He also provides an overview of the agriculture curriculum at the school, including some numbers and details on how the FFA connects closely with it.
During the discussion, we highlight the notable achievements of local FFA chapter president Molly Webb and her plans to further her agriculture studies at Oklahoma State University. Lastly, Dr. Moore shares more about his personal journey in agricultural education through his PhD and how it informs his work with the students at Barren County High School.
 

Episode 12: Journey into the Life and Impact of Kentucky’s First Black Mayor

In this episode, we explore the rich heritage of Glasgow by delving into the remarkable life of Luska J. Twyman - the first Black Mayor in Kentucky, and one of the first in the US.
Our special guest for the day is none other than Mr. William Twyman, an accomplished educator, and cousin to Luska Twyman. William shares about Luska’s significant contributions as an educator, leader, and community unifier. Together we explore the impact Twyman had on desegregating Glasgow's schools and recognizing the legacy as a pioneering figure during the Black History Month.
Luska was known for his unique ability to bring people together, despite the differences and created a harmonious community that the city of Glasgow is truly proud of. We look back at some memorable moments with Luska, from family reunions to his term as Mayor, and how his influence still lingers to this day.
Join us in honoring and reliving the inspiring journey of Luska Twyman; a man whose life stands as a beacon of tolerance, unity, and progress.

Episode 11: The Morris Building Restoration Project

In this episode of Dashboard Dialogues, we head to the heart of downtown Glasgow to explore the city's evolving architecture, focusing a building that us undergoing major improvements. Our guest for today's dialogue is Mike Darnell, a man who’s undertaken the task of rejuvenating one of Glasgow's most recognized buildings—the Morris Building.
In this episode, we dive into the history of the Morris Building, a structure that holds a rich narrative from the second half of the 19th century. Mike explains that the building, which is known by locals for its changing string of businesses, was founded originally by German immigrant, Emmanuel Morris. Emmanuel initially started a dry goods store which later evolved into the largest retail business in the county.
Despite weathering various challenges, not least including structural damage due to a fire and potential condemnation, the Morris Building stands strong today. As Mike notes, this can be attributed to the craftsmanship of brickmakers and constructors from over a century ago, whose handiwork gives the building its unique character.
Interestingly, elements of the Morris Building are being carefully preserved during the restoration process. This includes a metal cast iron front made by George Mesker, an architectural mastermind based in Evansville, Indiana. As Mike explains, these customizable storefronts were widely popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, adding aesthetic value and providing a signature look to buildings.
Mike and his family company, Zatt Properties, aspire to repurpose and conserve as much of the original structure as possible to maintain the building's historical integrity. Preserving this historical site not only ties us back to our roots, but it also serves as a quality of life enhancement and draws in both locals and tourists, creating an improved sense of community for Glasgow. Join us for this intriguing conversation, as we discover what it takes to breathe new life into old buildings, yet keep their narratives intact.

Episode 10 - Everybody Loves Schelly: Glasgow's Beloved Public Safety Officer

Welcome back to "Henry's Dashboard Dialogues"! In this episode, we feature our charming and dedicated Public Safety Officer of Glasgow, Kentucky, Schelly Vance, in a heartwarming discussion that peels off the layers behind her everyday tasks and responsibilities.
Schelly shares her journey that began in 2011 as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, eventually transitioning to her current role as a Public Safety Officer. She takes us behind the scenes of the work involved in maintaining the safety of Glasgow's vibrant community, handling over 19,423 calls annually as well as managing school traffic.
Schelly looks beyond crunching numbers and juggling tedious tasks and expounds on her key roles in downtown events such as the Sip Shop and Stroll and local car shows. She doesn't shy away from sharing about the thorough coordination that leaves our city safe and flourishing.
Her light shines the brightest as she shares about her interaction with the kids in the community. Teaching drug awareness at local schools, mentoring at the local Boys and Girls Club, and simply being the friendly face they recognize in the crowd, Schelly Vance proves that making a difference starts with heartfelt interactions.
Join us for an insightful discussion on our latest journey with the phenomenal Schelly Vance because everybody loves Shelly. 
 
Learn more about Dashboard Dialogues and Henry Royse.

Episode 9: Better In The Barrens

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Henry's Dashboard Dialogues"! In this episode your host, Henry, sits down with the remarkable MacLean Lessenberry, the Executive Director at Glasgow-Barren County Tourism. Join them as they dive into a spirited conversation about all the incredible things happening in Glasgow, Kentucky.
MacLean shares her insights into the rich cultural heritage, vibrant community spirit, and the diverse range of activities that make Glasgow truly special. From historical landmarks to community events, they explore why Glasgow is "Better in the Barrens." MacLean sheds light on the dynamic initiatives and tourism attractions that contribute to the city's unique charm.
Whether you're a local looking to learn more about our hometown or a visitor eager to explore the heart of Glasgow, join Henry and MacLean for an engaging conversation that will leave you inspired to experience all that Glasgow has to offer and why life is truly "Better in the Barrens"!

Episode 8: PLAY BALL!

Glasgow Parks & Recreation Director Eddie Furlong joins us as we chat about upcoming construction to Richardson Field in preparation for the season's first home game. 
 
Photo by: 104TheScore