STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Two bridges in Barren County are now named in honor of the late businessman and philanthropist Ruel Houchens and fallen sheriff’s deputy Rusty Anderson, following a dedication ceremony at the Barren County Courthouse in Glasgow on Wednesday, May 13.
The bridge named for Houchens will be over Skaggs Creek tributary on U.S. 31-E and the bridge named in honor of Anderson will be over Fallen Timber Creek on Ky. 63. Both bridges are south of Glasgow.
Houchens was known for his connection and leadership of Houchens Industry. He returned to Glasgow after serving as a veteran of the Korean War and began working with Houchens Markets under his uncle, company founder Ervin Houchens.
A sign that will hang on a bridge on U.S. 31-E over Skaggs Creek tributary is pictured. The bridge is being named in honor of late businessman Ruel Houchens. Chris Houchens/Glasgow News 1
Ruel Houchens spent more than 40 years with Houchens Industries, helping expand the business to more than 50 Houchens Markets and 150 Save-A-Lot food stores, and eventually served as president, CEO and chairman of the board.
He was credited as a key figure in establishing the employee stock ownership plan at Houchens Industries, described as one of the largest employee stock ownership plans in the world.
Outside of business, Houchens was known for his philanthropy and community involvement, especially with children.
He helped organize the Glasgow-Barren County Boys & Girls Club, formed in 2006, and continued to play a major role in its support.
Houchens also backed Community Medical Care, receiving the Centurion Award for his support, and contributed through the Ruel and Nell Houchens Charitable Foundation, as well as to the Plaza Theatre.
A sign that will hang on a bridge on Ky. 63 over Falling Timber Creek is pictured. The bridge is being named in honor of the late Rusty Anderson, who was a detective with the Barren County Sheriff’s Office. Chris Houchens/Glasgow News 1
The second bridge is being named for Rusty Anderson, who served as a detective with the Barren County Sheriff’s Office and died after a heart attack while on duty on March 18, 2018, at age 47.
Anderson began his law enforcement career on Dec. 11, 2000, with the Glasgow Police Department, where he served until April 1, 2005.
He then joined the sheriff’s office, where he continued his career until his “end of watch” in 2018.
Key Facts
– Two Barren County bridges have been named for Ruel Houchens and Rusty Anderson.
– A dedication ceremony took place Wednesday, May 13, at the Barren County Courthouse in Glasgow.
– Houchens led Houchens Industries for decades and was known for local philanthropy.
– Anderson was a Barren County sheriff’s detective who died on duty in 2018.
– Both men were widely regarded as influential community members in Barren County.
Comments