Today's Features

As a little girl, Emily West often rode past the Historic State Theater with her family. From the back seat of the car, she told her parents she wanted the former theater to reopen so she could work there someday.

That wish is now a reality. In 2011, West became executive director of the State Theater, a movie house that closed the year she was born, 1982, and reopened in 2009.

A Hardin County native, West takes pride in the theater and experiences from her youth shaped her business style.

Think of summer food, and garden goodies might be the first thing to come to mind. But dishes served cold are among the season’s favorites, too. At the end of the day, when I’m driving a steaming stretch of asphalt that leads to my home, the last thing I want to think about is firing up the oven. Putting something fresh and cold on the table is a much more appetizing idea.

I am 53 years old, love my wife, love my children and grandchildren, but it wasn’t until I heard the voice, that I was reminded that there are plenty of things that I want to do before I, well, you know, am not here any longer.

It came while I was sweating to the oldies a few times last summer, while mowing the grass and listening to some of the best music these ears have ever heard: from the 1970s and a few country hits sprinkled in, of course.

Driving around his family’s Cecilia farm in a golf cart with his dog, Dakota, at his side, Jon Taul talked about his family, rural influences and country music.

Fields, barns and antique Oliver tractors he helped his grandfather refurbish all contribute to the roots of Taul’s music.

Home educated, Taul spent a lot of his spare time on the farm. His first job, at age 17, was with the family business, Taul Equipment.