Hardin County Fairgrounds Hit Hard by Thursday Evening Storms

(Machinery Building)

Strong storms rolled through Hardin County starting around 8 Thursday evening.

High winds resulted in downed power lines and trees throughout the county. 

Hardin County Sheriff Keith Everhart stated motorists should continue to be vigilant for all possible roadway obstructions. 

A hard-hit area in Kenton was the Hardin County Fairgrounds.

Extensive damage occurred to the Poultry and Rabbit Building and Merchants Building.

(Poultry and Rabbit Building)

Hardin County Fair Marketing and Communications Director Kolt Buchenroth said crews are assessing the extent of the damage and determining the next steps, and he is asking everyone to avoid the fairgrounds.

Buchenroth said the office is closed today.

There has been a change of venue for the 2026 Hardin County Beef Banquet that was scheduled tomorrow evening at the fairgrounds.

Due to the storm damage, it will now be held at the Ridgemont School, 560 West Taylor Street in Mt. Victory, with doors opening at 6 Saturday evening.

Thursday evening’s storms brought damaging wind, hail, heavy rain and dangerous lightening, and storm chaser video captured power flashes, which sometimes indicate a tornado.

Some county residents claimed that there was a tornado, and while the area was under a Tornado Watch, the National Weather Service never issued a warning.

(Railroad Street in Kenton)

WKTN Radio has reached out to the National Weather Service for clarification, but so far they have not responded.

AEP Ohio crews are busy restoring power in some areas of the county.

As of around 10 this morning, scattered outages remain.