Kentucky Farmers Turn Down $26M Data Center Offer

0:00On this March 13th, here's what's making entertainment headlines. A mother and her daughter in Kentucky are turning down massive offers for their family farms. 82-year-old Aida Huddleston rejected deals worth about $4 million for her 71-acre property at $60,000 per acre. Her 54-year-old daughter, Delsea Bear, said no to around $22 million for her 463-acre land at $48,000 per acre. Together, that's over $26 million on the table from developers pushing a big data center project. The buyers remain unnamed, but they're linked to a Fortune 100 tech company eyeing land along Big Pond Pike in Mason County. Local leaders say the facility could bring 400 full-time jobs and over 1,500 construction positions, potentially making it one of the area's top employers. The women aren't swayed, viewing the repeated pitches as harassment since the company won't reveal its identity.

1:00They worry about what it means for their future and for first staying on their land over any payout. Huddleston made it clear she neither wants nor needs the cash. Skeptics like Bear doubt the job promises, predicting far fewer than 50 long-term roles tied to the site. Economic development officials remain optimistic about the growth it could spark. For now, the Mason County Fiscal Court is still reviewing the proposal, but the family stands firm. They're staying put no matter what. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor, a pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.