July // August - Owensboro Living 2026

My yard is usually a pretty good indicator for how my life is going.

When we built our house seven years ago, everything was new — the neighborhood, the house, the yard.

Freshly laid sod demanded constant attention, but back then, life was a lot simpler. My wife and I had no children, just one crazy dog. Our jobs were less demanding, so we had more time, more energy, and more bandwidth.

The grass was watered and the weeds were pulled, all by my own hands. Everything felt relatively under control. Just like the yard, other aspects of our lives were getting the attention they needed.

Then life happened.

First came a child, then came bigger responsibilities at work. New opportunities, rapid growth — all good things, but each one required more of our time and attention.

For a while, I managed to keep up with it all. I still mowed our yard. I handled the fertilizing, seeding, edging, and everything in between. The lawn looked great. Neighbors would ask who took care of it, and the answer was simple: I did.

Work felt much the same way. I knew every corner of it because I had helped build much of it. If something needed attention, I usually caught it before anyone else. But eventually there comes a point where growth demands something difficult: trust.

As my responsibilities expanded, I couldn’t do everything myself anymore. At home, I hired a lawn care company. At work, I had to rely more on other people.

Neither transition was as smooth as I imagined.

The yard became patchier. Weeds appeared. Some of that was my fault because I didn’t always water when I should have. But some of it came from the reality that nobody cares for your yard quite like you do.

At work, I noticed similar gaps. Some things weren’t done exactly the way I would have done them. Small mistakes appeared. The weeds showed up there, too.

What I eventually realized was that the problem wasn’t necessarily that other people cared less. It was that I hadn’t invested enough time helping them grow, particularly at work.

Just like a yard, people need attention. When I started spending more time training, mentoring and developing our staff, the gaps started filling in. Confidence grew. Ownership increased. The grass got greener.

It wasn’t — and still isn’t — perfect, of course. Every yard gets weeds. Every workplace has mistakes. Every family has busy seasons. But healthy things tend to stay healthy when they’re given consistent care.

This year, I’ve been trying to focus more intentionally on work-life balance. As our team has grown stronger, I’ve found myself with something I hadn’t had in a while: margin.

That means more time with family. More time away from work. And yes, more time in the yard.

So if you happen to notice my yard looking full and green, know that things are probably going pretty well.

And if it’s looking a little rough? Just give me some time. There’s probably a lot going on.

RYAN RICHARDSON, EDITOR // ryan.richardson@blackbox.media

WHAT I’M WATCHING:

The Lincoln Lawyer (TV Series) I’m usually hit or miss on lawyer shows, but The Lincoln Lawyer has been a home run. If you’ve seen the movie, it’s best to treat this as its own thing — a fresh take that stays closer to the books and lets the story breathe over multiple seasons. What hooked me wasn’t the courtroom drama as much as everything happening outside of it. The legal cases matter, but Mickey Haller’s personal and professional struggles are what drive the show. Even better, it’s one of the few legal dramas that consistently keeps you guessing. Yes, you’ll have to suspend disbelief from time to time, but Mickey’s charm makes him easy to root for, even when he’s skating close to the ethical line.

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ryan Richardson

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Christy Chaney

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Christy Chaney

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TRENDING

8 NEWSWORTHY

The real people, places, and events that shape our community, brought to you by the Owensboro Times

CULTURE

12 MUSIC

Josh Merritt bet everything on music, then never looked back

12 IN THE KNOW

Your guide to what’s happening in and around Owensboro

16 ART

From blueprints to fine art: An Owensboro craftsman’s lifelong pursuit of beauty

20 ART

A second life in art: Sarah Higdon’s journey from brain injury to museum recognition

LIFESTYLE

76 TRAVEL

More than a destination: Two decades of traditions along Florida’s 30A

80 SENIOR LIVING

Summer brings opportunities for seniors to stay active, connected, and healthy

FLAVOR

90 RECIPE Summer Salads

93 DISH

Forks up! Top Five Bites

94 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Blue Meridian Dive Center owner Susie Oliver celebrates 25 years of helping others discover the underwater world BY RYAN RICHARDSON

Owensboro’s great summer gathering BY JOHN

KIRKPATRICK

Built on a dream: La Veracruzana a destination for authentic Mexican cuisine

5 things we’re talking about now

New restaurants bring authentic Italian, Mexican flavors to Owensboro

Owensboro’s restaurant scene continues to grow with the recent openings of two locally owned eateries. Gusto Italian has opened in the former Tumbleweed building on Frederica Street, where owner Nick Kamberi is serving authentic Italian dishes inspired by family recipes from his Sicilian roots. The restaurant emphasizes a welcoming, homelike atmosphere, fresh-made meals, and complimentary fresh-baked bread. Meanwhile, Azul Cantina & Grill has opened on East Parrish Avenue, fulfilling owner Javier Cisneros’ longtime dream of owning a restaurant. After finding success with a restaurant in Mount Vernon, Indiana, Cisneros expanded to Owensboro, bringing authentic Mexican cuisine and handcrafted margaritas to the city.

AMR reaches innetwork agreement with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Kentucky Ambulance provider AMR and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky have reached a new innetwork agreement, ending uncertainty for patients who rely on emergency medical transport services. The deal means Anthem members will continue to receive in-network benefits for ambulance services provided by AMR, helping avoid higher out-ofnetwork costs. The agreement follows negotiations that had raised concerns about potential coverage changes. Both organizations said the new arrangement ensures continued access to emergency and non-emergency transportation services while maintaining coverage for Anthem policyholders across Kentucky.

3

Citizens launch committee exploring pro baseball, mixed-use facility for Owensboro

A group of local business and community leaders has formed a committee to study whether Owensboro could support professional baseball and a large mixed-use development anchored by a new stadium. The concept includes attracting an independent league baseball team while creating a broader destination featuring restaurants, retail, housing, hotels, entertainment, and public gathering spaces. Committee members stress the effort is still in the exploratory stage, with no specific site selected and no commitments made. Over the coming months, the group plans to conduct feasibility studies, engage stakeholders, and gauge public interest as it evaluates whether the ambitious project could become a catalyst for economic growth and community development in Owensboro.

Kentucky’s champion sugar maple removed after centuries overlooking Owensboro’s Littlewood neighborhood

4

Future of current Senior Community Center remains undecided as move to new facility approaches

As the new Senior Community Center nears completion on West Second Street, local officials and center leadership say no decisions have been made regarding the future of the organization’s current building on West Second Street. Several possibilities could be considered, ranging from continued community use to redevelopment opportunities, but discussions remain preliminary. Leaders emphasized that the priority remains completing the transition to the new facility, which will provide expanded space and amenities for older adults. Any long-term plans for the existing property are expected to be considered after the move is complete.

A towering sugar maple believed to have stood for nearly 300 years was removed this spring from Owensboro’s Littlewood neighborhood after years of decline. The tree, recognized as Kentucky’s champion sugar maple, had stood for centuries and served as a defining landmark for generations of residents. Arborists determined the tree’s health had deteriorated to the point that removal was necessary for safety reasons. Its loss marks the end of a significant piece of Owensboro’s natural history, though residents continue to share memories and photographs celebrating the tree’s legacy.

by

CULTURE

UPCOMING EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

ALL-AMERICAN FOURTH OF JULY

JULY 3-4 | DOWNTOWN OWENSBORO

Festivities kick off with a free, familyfriendly concert followed by a drone show on Friday. Several free activities will be inside the Convention Center on Saturday. The event ends with the traditional multi-location fireworks show on the 4th.

HOMETOWN FREEDOM FEST

JULY 3 | YELLOW CREEK PARK

Guests can enjoy family-friendly activities, live entertainment from Dan Hall and The Blackford Creek Band, food trucks, and more, capped off by a fireworks show, as the community comes together to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Josh Merritt BET EVERYTHING ON MUSIC, THEN NEVER LOOKED BACK

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON

Photos provided by Josh Merritt

Six months after Josh Merritt quit his job to chase music full time, life handed him a reason to secondguess everything.

The aspiring songwriter had finally taken the plunge, leaving behind a steady career in heating and air conditioning to make a living with a guitar in his hands. Then came unexpected news: he was going to be a father.

For many young musicians, it might have been the moment to abandon the dream.

Instead, it became the reason to work harder. Over the next decade, Merritt built a career that allowed him to do something few independent musicians manage — support a family entirely through

SUMMER SHORTS PLAY FESTIVAL

JULY 10-12, 17-19 | TRINITY CENTRE

Functioning as an international playwriting contest, six scripts are selected from playwrights across the globe. The selected plays range from comedies to dramas, and their world premiere featuring local actors will be at the Trinity Centre.

music. Along the way, he released original albums, toured nationwide, and transformed personal experiences into songs that resonate far beyond Western Kentucky.

Today, the Owensboro-area musician can look back and see that becoming a father wasn’t the obstacle he feared it might be. It became fuel.

“I always told myself if I ever got to where I couldn’t support my daughter or my family, I’d hang it up,” he said. “But really, it put me into overdrive. I think it’s the reason I’ve had the career that I’ve had.”

That drive has carried Merritt to listening rooms, theaters, festivals, and venues across the country. Yet for all the miles he’s traveled, the foundation of his music can still be traced back to a childhood spent in Hancock County, where music wasn’t simply something people listened to. It was part of daily life.

MUSIC RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Long before Merritt wrote songs about heartbreak, addiction, family, and small-town life, he was a little boy running through crowded family jam sessions.

His father, one of 14 children, was a musician. So were many of his aunts and uncles. Family gatherings often turned into bluegrass jam sessions that featured eight or nine relatives playing at once. Those gatherings planted the seeds for everything that

followed.

“We’d always have these big jam-outs at one of my uncle’s houses,” Merritt said. “I can remember running around there while everybody was playing. If you came from my family, you kind of came by it naturally.”

One memory in particular still stands out. Around age 7, Merritt became fascinated by an upright bass his Uncle Curtis played. Instead of simply showing it to him, his uncle offered something unexpected.

“He said, ‘Well, heck, load it up and take it home with you,’” Merritt

said.

The instrument became Merritt’s first real introduction to making music. His father taught him how to play, and for years the upright bass was his primary instrument. Guitar didn’t enter the picture until his teenage years, when he wanted something that would allow him to accompany himself while singing. Even then, the dream had already taken root.

“My momma jokes around all the time,” Merritt said. “She said I used to say when I was five or six years old I wanted to be a country music

SHREK: THE MUSICAL

JULY 24 | RIVERPARK CENTER

Based on the 2001 Oscarwinning film and its sequels, and presented locally by Encore Musicals, Shrek: The Musical is a stage adaptation combining familiar characters from the movies and new songs in a reimagined fairy-tale setting.

5

ARENA WARS FIGHTING SERIES

AUG. 8 | OWENSBORO SPORTSCENTER

The Arena Wars Fighting Series will bring a night of live combat sports entertainment featuring MMA, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, bareknuckle fighting, and submission wrestling, with a lineup of rising competitors throughout the evening.

6

OWENSBORO MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

AUG. 15 | FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

A free event, the Multicultural Festival aims to bring people together to celebrate the diverse cultures that shape the fabric of the community. Attendees can experience global cultures through music, food, art, dance, and educational exhibits.

singer.”

After graduating from Owensboro High School in 2008, Merritt continued playing in bands while pursuing what seemed like a more practical future. He enrolled in college, studied criminal justice, and worked full time as a heating and air technician.

Music remained part of his life, but mostly as a side hustle — weekend gigs, local shows, and opportunities whenever they arose.

A TOUR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

In his early 20s, Merritt was offered an opportunity to join a touring production in the Florida Keys. For two weeks, he experienced

IN THE KNOW

life as a professional musician. There were rehearsals, sound checks, schedules, and nightly performances. When he returned home, he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“I came home and told myself, well, I hate that I got all the way through college, because I’m not gonna be doing that,” he said.

Rather than immediately walking away from his job, Merritt spent the next two years preparing. He paid off debt, created a financial cushion, and worked toward a plan that would give him a realistic chance at making music his full-time profession.

The final push came from an unexpected conversation. One morning, after arriving at work exhausted from balancing late-night gigs and early-morning shifts, a friend pulled him aside.

“You’re burning the candle at both ends,” he remembers being told. “One of these days you’re going to have to pick which one you want to do.”

The message stuck. By the end of that same day, Merritt had decided.

In 2014, he gave his notice and became a full-time musician.

The first several years required a different kind of hustle than many people imagine when they think about a music career. Merritt spent much of that time playing cover gigs, learning how to make a living entertaining crowds while also trying to develop his own artistic voice.

That distinction — entertainer

UPCOMING EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

BOURBON & BAGS FOR BROADWAY

AUG. 20 | RIVERPARK CENTER

This annual fundraiser raises money for arts education initiatives. Guests will have the opportunity to sample premium bourbons, enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, and bid in silent and live auctions featuring rare bourbons, luxury handbags, and other prizes.

BLUEGRASS LEGENDS EXPERIENCE IV

AUG. 21-23 | MORELAND PARK

Held across Moreland Park and inside the Owensboro Sportscenter, the event features a multi-style vehicle show, live music, vendors, food trucks, a “swap meet” area, and off-site cruises. Funds raised help support St. Jude Research Hospital.

versus artist — became one of the most important lessons of his career.

“You can go out and make great money being a cover artist,” he said. “But the lanes that you have to take to be an original artist are totally different.”

The challenge wasn’t learning how to perform. It was figuring out how to balance paying the bills while creating opportunities to share original music.

Eventually, those original songs became the foundation of his recording career.

ORIGINAL MUSIC THAT RESONATED

Merritt’s first full-length album, Reynolds Station, took years to complete and was ultimately released in 2020. Named after the Hancock County community where he grew up, the 10-song project drew heavily from his childhood experiences.

The album explored themes of addiction, family struggles, and rural life — subjects Merritt knew firsthand.

“When I was a young child, my mom’s family, they were caught up in a lot of the epidemic that was going on with drugs,” he said. “A lot of my childhood was kind of composed from that.”

The stories proved deeply relatable to listeners.

“I think that’s why I had the little bit of success that it had,” Merritt said. “It resonated with people that

CONCERT ON THE LAWN

AUG. 22 | KWC FRONT LAWN

The free event signals the start of another Owensboro Symphony season with an evening of music, fellowship, and fun under the open sky. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets. Several local food trucks will be on-site.

probably grew up the same way.”

Musically, the record occupied a space somewhere between country, folk, and Americana.

A few years later came 206, another deeply personal project. While sorting through old songs after a difficult breakup, Merritt realized he had unknowingly documented an entire relationship through his songwriting.

“There was a song from when we first got together. There was a song from when things weren’t going so great. There was a song from when it was falling apart,” he said.

The result became a concept album tracing the rise and fall of a relationship — another collection of songs rooted in lived experience. That commitment to authenticity remains at the center of everything he creates.

Earlier this year, Merritt released a live acoustic record featuring stripped-down versions of songs

from throughout his catalog. After years of touring nationally as a solo acoustic performer, he wanted listeners to hear the music the way he most often performs it.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I’ve had a lot of people come back and say, ‘I’d love to get to hear that side of it,’” he said.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

For the first time in years, however, Merritt isn’t racing toward a specific project. The live album completed a long-term creative roadmap he had been following, and now he’s allowing himself space to decide what comes next.

“I’m in a really great spot right now,” he said. “I’ve got a whole bucket of songs I want to go make a record with, but I think right now I’ve got the space to sit and think what kind of record I want to make.”

Whatever direction that next

chapter takes, Merritt knows the people who will remain at the center of it.

Now engaged and raising a family, he rejects the notion that musicians must choose between artistic ambition and personal stability. In fact, he believes his family is the reason he’s been able to sustain a career that many thought impossible.

“I think there’s nothing that drives me more to be a good musician than my family does,” Merritt said. “I’ve got a really good supportive family behind me. Half of what I do is for them.”

For the boy who once carried home an upright bass from a family jam session and declared he wanted to be a country singer, that support has helped turn a childhood dream into a life.

And more than a decade after taking that leap of faith, he’s still writing the next verse. OL

From blueprints to fine art

AN OWENSBORO CRAFTSMAN’S LIFELONG PURSUIT OF BEAUTY

Written by MEGHANN RICHARDSON

For some, retirement is a season for rest. For Owensboro artist and craftsman Jim Barr, it is simply the next phase of a lifelong calling to build.

After stepping away from a decades-long career in construction and woodworking in 2019, the former president of the Owensboro Art Guild found a new way to channel a lifetime of experience. Today, Barr merges traditional craftsmanship with cuttingedge technology to create intricate wood relief sculptures, a process that serves as the latest chapter in a unique journey blending art, theology, and construction.

“Someone once asked me for a word that captures what I am; the word I chose was builder,” Barr said. “In every role, my instinct has been the same: gather the skills, the materials, and the methods needed for the task and join them together in a way that is appropriate for the task. Joinery has always been the heart of the work.”

Raised in a family of homebuilders,

Barr was working alongside his father by age 11. Despite this deep immersion in labor, a creative spark wasn’t truly ignited until he enrolled at Brescia University. An advisor placed Barr, who at the time had not declared a major, into a Design 101 class, a pivotal moment that altered his perspective forever.

“That class changed me forever,” he recalled. “It made me think differently about what my eyes saw and awakened a creative instinct that I had not fully recognized.”

At Brescia, two faculty mentors recognized the student’s unique background. Rather than forcing a conventional approach to traditional mediums like ceramics or drawing, they encouraged the burgeoning artist to create using the structural skills that came most naturally.

This foundation in design eventually intersected with faith. Raised Catholic, Barr later earned a master’s degree in theology and spent five years in pastoral ministry before returning to the

construction industry. His theological studies deeply influenced his worldview, shaping how he viewed the act of making.

“My own study of theology has strengthened my conviction that creation is not a completed act. God is never finished,” Barr said. “Creativity is not the privilege of the religious; it is the signature of being alive. I view every creative act as a participation in God’s will that we continue to create and recreate our world.”

Throughout a career building everything from custom cabinetry to liturgical furnishings for churches, the boundary between labor and fine art naturally blurred. Design 101 had taught that proportion, color, and composition were tangible disciplines. Woodworking proved that the execution of those elements carried profound meaning.

“Good joinery doesn’t just bind materials; it binds ideas, and sometimes even binds people,” Barr said. “When it’s done well, there is beauty and integrity. When it’s done poorly, there is collapse. That realization, that the quality of the making shapes the meaning of

“I VIEW EVERY CREATIVE ACT AS A PARTICIPATION IN GOD’S WILL THAT WE CONTINUE TO CREATE AND RECREATE OUR WORLD.”

the thing, is when craftsmanship became, for me, a form of art.”

Faced with physical limitations that come with age, retirement prompted a transition from building largescale structures to creating smaller, detailed art. With a shop full of traditional woodworking tools, Barr decided to tackle a new challenge: sculpting software and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery.

While traditional relief sculpture dates back at least three millennia, Barr uses the tools of the modern era. The process begins on a computer, utilizing software to design a three-dimensional model. From there, another program generates the complex code required to operate a CNC router, which moves a cutting bit along precise width, depth, and height coordinates.

The process is grueling. A single medium-sized relief sculpture can require up to 4 million lines of code and take more than 12 hours for the machine to carve. But the technology is only a starting point. Barr then spends subsequent hours handcarving hard-to-reach areas, sanding, applying color, sealing, and framing. A single piece often takes several months to complete.

The final products frequently explore human emotion, particularly through faces and forms, which invite viewers to project their own stories onto the work. Over the years, Barr’s creations have ranged from personal family pieces, such as a 25-year-old kitchen table

bearing a sentimental acetone blemish left by a daughter, to a massive, custom-built library centerpiece for a former graduate professor in New Orleans, featuring elegant “tabernacle” doors designed to house sacred texts.

As a prominent figure in the local arts scene, Barr recently wrapped up a third year as president of the Owensboro Art Guild. The organization, which recently celebrated its longevity with the Governor’s Award for Community Service, works in tandem with the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art to foster a thriving local culture.

“I believe that any community that is thriving and growing will honor and treasure the arts community,” Barr said, pointing to Owensboro’s public art installations, growing museum, and vibrant music festivals.

For younger generations trying to find their creative voice, Barr echoes advice from Owensboro Museum of Fine Art Director Jason Hayden, reminding them that everything from clothing to architecture bears the mark of a creative mind. The key, he says, is to master skills across multiple mediums.

As for his own legacy, Barr remains content letting the quality of the work speak for itself, leaving the deeper interpretations to the viewer.

“Having been a craftsman all my life, I am happy if they notice an excellence in my craftsmanship,” he said. “Anything else is grace.” OL

A SECOND LIFE IN ART

SARAH HIGDON’S JOURNEY FROM BRAIN INJURY TO MUSEUM RECOGNITION

Written by MEGHANN RICHARDSON

Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

For years, Sarah Higdon refused to call herself an artist. She had no formal training, no gallery representation, and no accolades. Art was simply a lifelong habit, a quiet rhythm of drawing with pencils and experimenting with paint.

Then came 2018. Out of nowhere, Higdon suffered a sudden seizure and a traumatic brain injury that left her in a three-day coma.

When she finally woke up, the world looked different. And when she

eventually picked up a paintbrush again, something fundamental had shifted.

“My family even made the comment that my art improved after my incident,” Higdon said. “A lot of things changed. The way I lived my life, the way I perceived the world. It was like I was given a new life, and it showed through my art.”

That profound awakening sparked a rapid evolution. By 2020, Higdon was painting large-scale

public murals and illustrating a poetry book, A War Within, for her friend Nick Catinna, a project completed during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. She stepped into leadership roles, serving two years as vice president and another two years as president of the Owensboro Art Guild (OAG).

Yet, despite her growing prominence, a bout of creative block eventually stalled her momentum. Searching for inspiration, she turned to Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way and decided to experiment with an entirely new medium: pyrography, the art of wood-burning.

“I felt like I had found my calling,” Higdon said. “It was mainly drawing, but instead of a pencil, you’re using a hot metal tip and burning onto wood. It was like falling in love with drawing all over again.”

What began with an inexpensive burner and basic line work reached a turning point when Higdon’s husband gifted her a professionalgrade wood burner for Christmas. Featuring temperature controls and interchangeable tips, the new tool allowed her to merge her background in drawing and painting into highly detailed, deeply shaded wooden canvases.

ART GROWN FROM NATURE

For an artist deeply tied to the outdoors, pyrography provided Higdon with the perfect organic canvas. She frequently hikes, gardens, and explores the woods on her property, often accompanied by her daughter on what they call “treasure hunts” for wildlife photos and natural artifacts.

“What I love most about pyrography is that my canvas is made straight from nature,” Higdon said. “I get to create art and leave less of a footprint behind ... It’s like bringing the energy from the forest into your home.”

Higdon’s creative process relies

heavily on patience and intuition, a concept she describes as “Spiritled.” When a particular natural motif repeatedly appears in her daily life, she views it as a prompt to begin a new piece.

“I think as a society we have become disconnected,” she said. “We’ve drifted away from authenticity and the joy of simplicity. My art can represent many things; the peace and healing affect nature has, our connection to all things, or merely God revealing himself. I hope my work inspires others to be childlike again and rediscover the magic that’s in our back yards and not on a phone.”

The physical execution, however, is grueling. After prepping and sanding the wood, she sketches the design in pencil before using the burning pen.

“It’s definitely not something you can whip out super fast,” Higdon explained. “You have to move slow, but not too slow, or you’ll get a burn spot you don’t want. You also have to consider what type of wood you’re working with, as all wood burns differently.”

Birds are her favorite subject, a choice Higdon attributes to the diverse species surrounding her home and a favorite biblical passage from the Book of Job: “But ask the animals and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky and they will tell you.”

FROM SCHOOL WALLS TO MUSEUM COLLECTIONS

Higdon’s creative footprint is visible throughout the region. One of her earliest and most physically challenging projects was a 36-foot mural across the library walls of Morganfield Elementary School, the very school she attended as a child. To paint the massive, lifelike books, she had to balance on top of actual library bookshelves.

“Being back there as an adult

creating art for the students was kind of a full-circle moment,” Higdon said.

More recently, she completed a mural at the Joe Ford Nature Center, a local destination she considers a hidden gem. The project allowed her to bring an existing painting to life while celebrating her love for the environment.

“To have the opportunity to bring people together, not just to view art but to slow down time in a world that rushes past beauty, gives me great joy,” Higdon said.

Higdon’s artistic journey reached a historic milestone at the Owensboro Art Guild’s 64th Annual Juried Exhibition. Entering a pyrography piece for the first time, she won the prestigious Carol Colburn Purchase Award. The honor secures her work a permanent place in the collection of the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Kentucky’s second-largest art museum.

The award carries deep personal significance for an artist who spent years doubting her own credentials. Established by the Colburn family, the award specifically honors female artists within the OAG to help

them achieve permanent museum placement.

“To me, it feels like the beginning of a new journey,” Higdon said. “I let the lie of ‘not being an artist’ and comparing my work to others hold me back for a long time. I hope to inspire other female artists to invest in themselves and put their art out there.”

A GROWING LOCAL SCENE

Now joining the board of directors for the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art to represent the OAG, Higdon remains highly optimistic about the region’s cultural trajectory. She points to a surge in local organizations incorporating art into outreach programs, and recently volunteered at a local youth art camp.

For emerging creators who feel intimidated by the public eye, Higdon’s advice is rooted in her own experience of overcoming selfdoubt.

“Don’t compare your work or knowledge to anyone else,” Higdon said, encouraging local artists to utilize resources like the Owensboro Art Guild, which meets on the second Thursday of every month. “Everyone has to start somewhere.”

As for her next project, the seeds have already been planted by the changing seasons. After weeks of noticing blooming tulip poplars on her property and repeatedly encountering a male cardinal at her window feeder, Higdon discovered through a quick research session that the tulip poplar is Kentucky’s state tree and the cardinal is its state bird.

The serendipitous connection was all the inspiration she needed. Her next piece is already underway.

“Not sure how long it will take to finish, whether I will enter it in a show, or what it will lead to,” Higdon said. “But I do know one thing: whatever will be, will be.” OL

8723 CUMMINGS ROAD OWENSBORO

MEET THE BUILDER

JRJ Construction is a third-generation, family-owned and operated company that has been serving the region for more than 35 years. Specializing in custom build-to-suit homes, the company takes pride in guiding homeowners through every stage of the construction process with a single lead contractor overseeing the project from start to finish. JRJ offers a true one-stop-shop approach, with services including in-house cabinetry and granite or quartz countertops, along with coordination of every aspect of the build. Known for its hands-on service and personalized approach, the company focuses on creating homes tailored to each client’s lifestyle, preferences, and vision while maintaining a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

JRJ Construction specializes in custom homes designed around the needs of each homeowner, whether building on companyowned property or on a customer’s existing lot. With an emphasis on country living and flexibility, homeowners can choose customized floor plans and features without the restrictions often associated with planned developments or homeowners’ associations. From initial design concepts to a fully completed turnkey home, JRJ works closely with clients to create a residence that reflects their individual needs while providing the space, freedom, and functionality they desire.

MEET THE BUILDER

Dan Thomas Custom Homes brings more than 40 years of experience in residential construction to every project. Drawing on a background as a skilled carpenter, Dan Thomas has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. That hands-on experience continues to influence every stage of the building process, ensuring that each home is constructed with care, precision, and a commitment to lasting quality. Over the years, the company has developed strong relationships with trusted subcontractors and trade partners, allowing projects to be completed with a high level of consistency and professionalism. Through a focus on craftsmanship, collaboration, and personalized service, Dan Thomas Custom Homes works to create homes that meet the unique needs and expectations of each homeowner.

AMENITIES:

›› Brand new plan

›› 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, all on one floor

›› Large covered front and back porches

›› Gas fireplace with custom mantle and built-in cabinets

›› Gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry

›› Private lot backs up to empty farmland

›› Available and move-in ready

MEET THE BUILDER

Ballard Construction has been building custom homes in the Owensboro area since 1983. With decades of experience, the company is known for exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to quality that starts at the top. Owner Brent Ballard has built a reputation as a meticulous builder who pays special attention to the details. Brent’s hands-on approach ensures that every project receives the personal attention it deserves, making the home-building process straightforward and stress-free for clients.

Currently building in Woodland Ridge on the west side of Owensboro, Ballard Construction offers homes in a quiet country setting just minutes from the bypass and Audubon Parkway. Woodland Ridge features all-brick homes ranging from $375,000 to over $800.000, combining peaceful living with easy access to town. The neighborhood’s cul-desacs, large lots, and timeless designs create a welcoming environment ideal for families, retirees, or anyone seeking space and style.

›› Large, connected living space on the first floor

›› Dining area with direct access to the covered patio

›› Primary Suite located on the main level

›› Expanded loft space great for home office, playroom, or media space

›› Secondary bedrooms all feature walk-in closets for added storage

MEET THE BUILDER

Jagoe Homes is an award-winning, family-owned builder with decades of experience across Kentucky and Indiana. Known for blending craftsmanship, innovation, and customer-first service, Jagoe delivers homes that exceed modern expectations. Their EnergySmart and TechSmart programs ensure each home is built to high-performance standards — saving homeowners money while adding everyday convenience. Whether you’re building from scratch or selecting a designer-curated move-inready home, Jagoe offers a personalized experience with online customization tools and expert guidance in their in-house Design Studio. Their commitment to customer care continues long after closing through a dedicated warranty and homeowner support team.

Jagoe builds in thoughtfully designed communities that offer a range of home styles and amenities for every lifestyle. Bentley Point is located minutes from downtown Henderson, connected to the Merrill Trail, and offers home sites with lake views available. Heatherstone is conveniently located off of U.S. 60 and features walking trails, a community garden, and a 25-acre passive park. Pebble Wood provides convenient east-side living just off of Old Hartford Road, with new home sites available. With over 30 floor plans and flexible options, Jagoe Homes makes it easy to build your dream home — your way.

MODEL: The Eisenhower II

AMENITIES:

›› 11-foot foyer welcomes guests entering the home

›› Customer floor-toceiling fireplace

›› Elevated kitchen design

›› All bedrooms located on the main level

›› 3-car garage

›› Luxury downtown condominium with custom finishes

›› Private balcony overlooking downtown Owensboro

›› Open-concept floor plan with spacious living areas

›› Walkable access to dining, entertainment, and events

›› Dedicated resident parking

CR Contracting has been building luxury custom homes for more than 17 years, earning a reputation as one of the region’s premier custom homebuilders. The company prides itself on working closely with clients from concept to completion, creating homes that reflect each homeowner’s unique vision. With an experienced team, a commitment to

MEET

craftsmanship, and a handson approach, CR Contracting consistently delivers highquality results tailored to the client’s needs and preferences. Whether you come with a fully developed plan or just a dream and a wish list, CR Contracting is dedicated to making your ideal home a reality.

In addition to building some of the area’s most stunning new homes, CR Contracting has revitalized several of Owensboro’s iconic older properties and led a number of successful commercial builds —

THE BUILDER

including an extensive portfolio of medical office spaces. Their commitment to quality, transparency, and efficient project management carries across all residential and commercial work. CR Contracting is currently building in The Preserve, an exclusive east-side neighborhood with 41 custom home sites, where homeowners can enjoy a peaceful setting just minutes from the city’s top shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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MEET THE

BUILDER

At Thompson Homes, building a house is more than construction — it’s about creating a place where life happens. The company’s philosophy centers on designing homes that reflect the individuality and lifestyle of each homeowner. With a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Thompson Homes emphasizes thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. Their team works to exceed expectations at every stage of the process, from planning to final walkthrough. According to President Nick Thompson, your home should be your haven — a place that feels like you and makes life easier. This customer-first mindset ensures each home is not only beautifully built but also highly functional.

One of the most appealing qualities of Fiddlesticks is its sense of privacy and seclusion. Tucked away from the bustle of everyday life, the community offers a quiet, comfortable setting that feels removed from the city while remaining close to many of Owensboro’s most popular amenities. Residents are less than two minutes from the Owensboro Country Club and only a short drive from the Frederica Street corridor, providing convenient access to shopping, dining, recreation, and major transportation routes. The result is a neighborhood that combines a peaceful atmosphere with the convenience of a prime south-side location.

MEET THE BUILDER

Martin Custom Building is a family-owned and operated company built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and treating every customer like family. Backed by generations of experience, craftsmanship, and a strong work ethic, the company has developed a reputation for quality construction, attention to detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. The team is also committed to investing in communities where families can live, work, and raise families. Much of the company’s business comes from referrals and repeat clients, reflecting the trust and long-term relationships it has built throughout the region.

Hunters Ridge Estates offers spacious homesites of one acre or more, providing homeowners with room to enjoy outdoor living and create a private retreat. The neighborhood features wooded lots with mature trees, natural scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere that is increasingly rare in new construction developments. Homesites are thoughtfully arranged to maximize privacy while preserving the area’s natural character. Located in a desirable area with convenient access to shopping, dining, schools, and other amenities, Hunters Ridge Estates combines a quiet, country-like setting with the conveniences of modern living. Walking trails and green spaces throughout the community offer additional opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

AMENITIES

›› Formal dining space welcomes guests upon entry

›› Eat-in kitchen and large family room designed for entertaining

›› Covered patio located off the breakfast nook

›› Bedrooms located on the second floor, perfect for growing families

›› Flexible loft space provides an area for home office, playroom, or media space

AMENITIES

›› Home for sale in The Preserve, east side location

›› 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,738 square feet

›› Spacious master suite, office, butler’s pantry, and more

›› Pella casement windows and 16’ sliding glass door

›› Outdoor living with private backyard on 0.7-acre lot

jmj@jmjhomes.net jmjhomes.net 270-683-7100

AMENITIES

›› Open Concept Design – 2,818 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths

›› Luxury Primary Suite – Spa-inspired bath with oversized shower/tub combo and direct laundry access

›› Custom Bedroom Features – Built-in cabinetry and designer accent walls in every bedroom

›› Indoor-Outdoor Living – 12’ sliding door opening to a covered outdoor space with masonry fireplace, custom turf feature, and New England brand fencing

›› Premium Craftsmanship Throughout –Custom cabinetry, Pella windows, and high-end finishes throughout the home

MEET THE BUILDER

Founded more than 30 years ago by Rick Bivins, JMJ Custom Homes is a family-owned and operated builder serving Owensboro and the surrounding region. Built on family-rooted values of honesty, hard work, and fair pricing, the company takes its name from the Holy Family — Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Rick remains personally involved throughout every stage of the building process, from initial consultations and design discussions to the final walkthrough. Specializing in truly custom homes, JMJ works closely with each client to create a residence tailored to their lifestyle, needs, and vision. The company places a strong emphasis on communication, trust, and lasting relationships, with a commitment to delivering quality craftsmanship and personalized service long after move-in day.

JMJ Custom Homes is currently building in The Preserve, one of Owensboro’s newest residential communities. Conveniently located off KY 54 on the city’s east side, the development offers easy access to shopping, dining, schools, and other everyday amenities while maintaining a peaceful, natural setting. The neighborhood features 41 homesites ranging from 0.5 to 3 acres, providing homeowners with both space and privacy. Designed to blend open space with thoughtful planning, The Preserve offers an ideal setting for those looking to create a fully custom home tailored to their lifestyle.

MODEL: The Magnolia Plus with Bonus AMENITIES

›› Granite countertops throughout

›› All brick and stone exterior

›› Fenced in backyard

›› 12x12 covered back porch

›› Soft close cabinetry

MEET THE

BUILDER

KSB Living is a family-owned and operated homebuilder focused on combining luxury features with everyday value. The company’s philosophy is to make many sought-after upgrades standard in every home rather than optional add-ons. KSB Living also offers a variety of open-concept floor plans and customization options, allowing homeowners to select or create a design that best fits their family’s needs and lifestyle. Throughout the building process, the company emphasizes quality craftsmanship, functionality, and attention to detail.

Park Haven is an all-brick-and-stone community located adjacent to Yellow Creek Park on Owensboro’s east side. Homes include features such as soft-close cabinetry, granite countertops, tiled kitchen backsplashes, stainless steel appliances, covered rear porches, fenced backyards, smooth ceilings, and extendeddepth garages. Residents also enjoy direct access to Yellow Creek Park, providing convenient opportunities to explore walking trails, playgrounds, and other recreational amenities. Combined with upgraded home features and a desirable location, Park Haven offers homeowners a balance of comfort, convenience, and outdoor living.

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MEET THE BUILDER

CTR Homes, founded in 2020 and based in Lewisport, Kentucky, is a growing residential builder focused on high-quality craftsmanship and personalized service. Owner Ricky Johnson is personally involved in every project from the first consultation to final walkthrough ensuring consistency, trust, and client satisfaction throughout the build. CTR’s mission is rooted in honesty, reliability, and community building, with a strong emphasis on creating lasting relationships through a smooth, hands-on construction process. Whether building on your lot or in one of their growing subdivisions, CTR Homes is committed to turning your vision into a reality.

Hancock Park is a quiet neighborhood offering a rural feel with a strong sense of community. CTR Homes is nearing completion of its expansion in the subdivision, where only four of the original 18 quarter-acre lots remain. The neighborhood features welcoming streetscapes and is ideal for families or retirees seeking peaceful surroundings. For buyers with their own land in the region, CTR also builds custom homes outside of subdivisions. Looking ahead, their new development Bourbon Hill in Hawesville will offer 22 additional lots, expanding their footprint while continuing their commitment to quality and community.

›› Large, connected living space on the first floor

›› Dining area with direct access to the covered patio

›› Primary Suite located on the main level

›› Expanded loft space great for home office, playroom, or media space

›› Secondary bedrooms all feature walk-in closets for added storage

›› Spacious luxury suites with walk-in closets and tiled showers

›› Modern kitchen features include a large island and quality countertops

›› Covered front porch extends the home’s usable living area

›› Open layout that creates a seamless flow between kitchen, dining, and living areas

›› Energy-efficient windows, HVAC, insulation, and appliances

MODEL:

The Emerson

AMENITIES

›› Spacious luxury suites with walkin closets and tiled showers

›› Modern kitchen features include a large island and quality countertops

›› Covered front porch extends the home’s usable living area

›› Open layout that creates a seamless flow between kitchen, dining, and living areas

›› Energy-efficient windows, HVAC, insulation, and appliances

MEET THE BUILDER

Founded in 2016 by Jeff and Kourtney Casebolt, JK Forever Homes is a Tell City, Indiana-based builder focused on creating a personalized homebuilding experience from concept to completion. The company works closely with clients to understand their vision and lifestyle needs, offering both thoughtfully designed in-house floor plans and fully custom home options. Through attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, and the use of highquality materials, JK Forever Homes strives to build homes designed for long-term comfort and durability. The company also places an emphasis on community involvement and helping families establish lasting connections to the places they call home.

JK Forever Homes is currently building in Hoosier Heights, a growing subdivision in Tell City with 29 available lots and move-inready options, including the Emersyn and Mason floor plans. Located near schools, shopping, and local amenities, the neighborhood offers convenient access to everyday necessities while meeting the demand for modern housing in the area. Homes in Hoosier Heights feature many of today’s sought-after amenities, energy-efficient designs, and low-maintenance living options aimed at providing long-term value for homeowners.

FINDING A DEEPER PURPOSE

BLUE MERIDIAN DIVE CENTER

OWNER SUSIE OLIVER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF HELPING OTHERS

DISCOVER THE UNDERWATER WORLD

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Looking at pictures of coral reefs, tropical fish, and shipwrecks pale in comparison to being close enough to a seahorse to watch it blink. For 25 years, Owensboro’s Susie Oliver has dedicated her life to helping others experience such once-in-a-lifetime moments through Blue Meridian Dive Center.

If you ask Oliver how she ended up owning a scuba diving business in the middle of rural Daviess County, she’ll tell you she never saw it coming. What began as a favor to her father eventually became not just a career, but a calling that may have been exactly where she was supposed to be all along.

“Funny how God pushes you where you’re supposed to be,” she said. “You don’t see it, and you don’t always understand His plan, but I believe He has one for all of us.”

A FAMILY OF DIVERS

Scuba diving has been part of Oliver’s family history for generations. Her father and grandfather both worked as divers for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, performing lock repairs along the Ohio and Green rivers. In Blue Meridian’s classroom sits an old Mark V diving helmet that both men used during their

careers — a tangible reminder of the family legacy that eventually shaped Oliver’s future.

When her father became scuba certified, he wanted his children to learn as well.

“My mom wasn’t going to do it,” Oliver laughed. “So he wanted me, my brother, and my sister all to get certified so he’d have dive buddies.”

At the time, Oliver was attending Kentucky Wesleyan College and had plenty of other interests competing for her attention. She agreed largely because her father asked her to. Then something unexpected happened.

“I fell in love with it,” she said.

After graduating from Apollo High School and Kentucky Wesleyan, Oliver built a successful career in information technology and programming. She worked for Citizens State Bank, the City of Owensboro, Daramic, and eventually Swedish Match. Along the way, she also taught scuba part-time at Dolphin Dive Center, the local dive shop where she first gained instructional experience.

Then life changed quickly.

The devastating tornadoes of 2000 damaged her parents’ home. Her father became seriously ill and spent significant time in Louisville receiving medical treatment. Faced with a choice between work responsibilities and family obligations, Oliver chose family.

“I picked my dad,” she said simply.

At the time, losing her job felt devastating.

“I thought that was the end of the world for me,” she said. “But it wasn’t really what I was supposed to be doing. I just didn’t know it yet.”

OPENING HER OWN BUSINESS

With Dolphin Dive Center preparing to close, an opportunity emerged. Oliver began laying the groundwork for her own business, eventually opening Blue Meridian

Dive Center in a building that once housed her mother’s ceramics studio. Today, that same building remains home to Blue Meridian, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

For Oliver, scuba diving has always been about freedom.

“I just love the freedom of it, how it feels to be underwater,” she said. “To be able to see all those beautiful things down there that most people will never see.”

She recalls encounters with seahorses, colorful reefs, and marine life across the globe — experiences that photographs simply cannot replicate.

“To actually see a seahorse up close and personal and see it blink its eyes, a picture doesn’t capture that,” she said.

Students begin with classroom instruction and pool training before completing open-water certification dives at Mermet Springs, a flooded quarry near Paducah. The process typically takes two weekends, after which divers earn certification recognized around the world.

While some newcomers worry about breathing underwater or

encountering sharks, Oliver spends much of her time helping people overcome those fears.

“A lot of people worry about the unknown,” she said.

To help ease apprehension, Blue Meridian offers free Discover Scuba experiences that allow people to try diving in a controlled environment before committing to certification.

Most fears disappear quickly.

“We put them in the pool with one of our dive staff, and usually any apprehension is gone,” Oliver said.

Sharks, she noted, are one of the most common concerns.

“For us, seeing a shark is actually a thrill because it’s so rare,” she said. “They’re not down there with a bib and a knife and fork waiting on you.”

That approachable attitude has helped make scuba diving accessible to people who may never have considered it. Blue Meridian now certifies divers ranging from age 10 to well into retirement.

“I don’t believe you’re ever too old to do it,” Oliver said.

CREATING LASTING MEMORIES

One of the most rewarding aspects of the business has been

watching generations of families discover diving together. Many families choose to earn certification together, creating opportunities for shared adventures and lifelong memories.

“I am certifying grandchildren of people I certified when I was in my 20s,” she said. “I certified their kids, and now we’re certifying their grandkids.”

While the business serves customers from throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and beyond, much of its growth has come through simple word-of-mouth recommendations.

The dive center also keeps divers engaged through group travel opportunities around the world. Over the years, Blue Meridian groups have explored destinations including the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands and Fiji.

“Every place has something unique about it,” Oliver said.

One recent surprise came when Blue Meridian organized its first trip to Fiji. Oliver worried the destination might be too ambitious or expensive. Instead, 52 people signed up.

“I never thought I could sell a trip like Fiji,” she said. “I underestimated what the store was capable of doing.”

Beyond diving instruction and travel, community service has become a central part of Blue Meridian’s identity.

IMPACT OUT OF THE WATER

After her father’s death, Oliver established the Carl H. Oliver Scuba for Charity Foundation in his honor.

The foundation raises money through creative underwater events. Underwater Monopoly, or Diveopoly, includes a weighted board and game pieces so the game can be played at the bottom of the pool. Oliver said one game lasted 48 hours as participants took turns diving.

The annual underwater treasure

hunt attracts roughly 150 participants each year. Divers search for numbered golf balls hidden underwater, with each number corresponding to a prize. Blue Meridian also hosts an underwater pumpkin carving contest every fall, giving divers one final opportunity to gather before the season winds down.

The proceeds support numerous local and national charities, including Dream Riders of Kentucky, Two Rivers Buddy Ball, Hospice of Western Kentucky, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals, Wounded Warrior Project, and Tunnel to Towers.

“Nobody who works for me takes any money or salary from the charity,” Oliver said. “All the money goes back out to different organizations.”

TREASURING A HIDDEN GEM

As Blue Meridian marks its silver anniversary, Oliver remains most

energized by introducing new people to the underwater world. Many instructors prefer advanced courses and experienced divers. Oliver feels differently.

“I love the open-water students,” she said.

She especially enjoys the moment when a beginner realizes everything is going to be okay.

“If I put you in the water and you’re breathing off your regulator and you realize it’s all good, the expression on your face underwater — I love that,” she said. “It’s excitement. It’s exhilaration.”

After 25 years, countless certifications, dozens of group trips, and thousands of hours underwater, that feeling still hasn’t gotten old. Neither has the sense of family she feels with her staff, some of whom have been with her since the beginning.

“I couldn’t do it without them,” Oliver said. “And to be quite honest, I wouldn’t want to do it without them.”

In a community far removed from tropical coastlines and coral reefs, Blue Meridian has spent a quarter-century proving that adventure doesn’t have to begin at the ocean.

Sometimes it starts in a quiet building outside Owensboro, in the middle of a cornfield, where one woman followed a path she never expected and discovered exactly where she belonged. OL

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

CLEMENTS HELPING CHANGE LIVES ACROSS THE WORLD

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON // Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

In a brick kiln in Pakistan, a family had spent nearly two decades paying off a debt that began with a $100 loan. Nineteen years later, they still owed $2,100. They couldn’t leave. Their children couldn’t attend school. Every day was spent making mud bricks under a system designed to keep them exactly where they were.

Freedom seemed impossible. Then a U.S.-based humanitarian group, including Owensboro’s Paul Clements, showed up to free them. What Clements encountered in Pakistan was something many Americans assume no longer exists: modern-day slavery.

Since 2024, Clements and his ministry partners have helped free 125 families — more than 700 people — from Pakistan’s brickyard slavery system. They’ve helped former slaves find housing, jobs and church communities, and they’re now building churches and schools for families beginning life again.

One of those projects carries an unexpected Owensboro connection. A church and school under construction in Pakistan are being built in honor of Army Specialist Brandon Mullins, an Owensboro soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2011.

For Clements, the work has always been about promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loving people rather than just projects.

“You see the look in their eyes, and they’re just hopeless,” he said. “They’ve got no chance, they’ve got no shot. They have no opportunities. They’re just trying to survive today.”

Those faces first during mission trips in the Amazon jungle and later through the work in Pakistan — changed the course of his life.

FINDING PURPOSE IN PERU

Long before he found himself helping free families from slavery on the other side of the world, Clements was simply a Kentucky man with a job, a family, and a growing faith. His introduction to mission work came through his father-in-law, who had spent years serving with Amazon Outreach, a ministry that supports churches, Bible schools, water wells, medical clinics and children’s ministries throughout South America.

In 2011, Clements agreed to make his first trip to Peru, and the experience left him shaken.

By that point, Clements had been a Christian for years. He had given his life to Christ at age 23 and believed he understood what it meant to serve others. But seeing poverty firsthand challenged nearly everything he thought he knew.

“I just cried every night,” he said. “I realized, holy moly, Paul, you’re pitiful. You’re so far from where you should be. Your eyes are open to what the rest of the world has and how much you have.”

The trip altered his perspective in a way that has never left him. While many Americans worry about the next promotion, a bigger house or the next vacation,

Clements encountered families whose daily concerns were far more basic. They wondered whether they would have enough food to eat that day. Whether they could find clean water. Whether they could afford medical treatment if someone became sick.

What began as a single mission trip became a calling. Over the next several years, Clements returned repeatedly to South America, helping support church construction, Bible schools, medical clinics, water wells and outreach programs in communities throughout Peru, Brazil and Colombia.

The work was meaningful, but nothing prepared him for Pakistan.

HEARTBREAK AT THE BRICK YARDS

When another missionary returned from Pakistan and urged him to visit, Clements resisted.

“I understand Spanish,” he said. “I speak it a little bit. I’m comfortable with South America.”

Pakistan felt entirely different. The language was unfamiliar. The culture was unfamiliar. The risks were unfamiliar. For months he pushed the idea aside. Eventually, he agreed to go.

In 2024, he stepped into a world unlike anything he had ever experienced. The poverty was staggering. The challenges seemed overwhelming. And then he learned about the brick yards.

Clements said many of the people trapped there start with what appeared to be a manageable loan covering anything from a medical emergency to a family crisis to an unexpected expense. Without social programs or access to traditional financial resources, they borrowed money from wealthy lenders who promised a way out.

Instead, the loans became a trap. Families are sent to work in brick yards making thousands of mud bricks by hand, Clements said. If quotas aren’t met, penalties are

added. If a child becomes sick, the expense is added to the debt. If clothing or food is needed, it is added to the debt. The balances grow faster than they can ever be repaid.

Children often work alongside their parents rather than attending school. Entire families remain trapped for years or even decades.

One couple had borrowed approximately $100 nearly 20 years earlier.

“They worked there 19 years,” Clements said. “Their debt was $2,100 when we freed them.”

The solution was obvious: build more churches.

Clements and his partners helped relocate the family to another city, helped them secure housing, provided a food cart so they could earn an income, and connected them with a local church that could help them rebuild their lives.

Others in Pakistan suffered even greater abuse. Clements recalled a story of a man who confronted a slave owner after his wife had been assaulted.

“They held him down and they chopped his fingers off,” he said. “His quota didn’t change.”

Clements acknowledged the story is almost impossible to comprehend, yet said it illustrates the brutality of a system that continues to exist in parts of the world today.

UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES OF FREEDOM

As more people were rescued and connected with local congregations, attendance exploded. Some churches became so crowded that people stood outside windows trying to listen to services because there was no room inside.

“They said, ‘We’re packed in here like sardines. ‘We’ve got to do something,’”” Clements recalled.

Fundraising began, land was purchased, plans were drawn, and construction started. Then another need emerged.

Many of the rescued families had children who needed an education. Because the church project would eventually serve hundreds of people, local ministry leaders estimated that roughly 150 children would need a school as well.

That’s when the story unexpectedly looped back to Owensboro.

Tommy and Cathy Mullins, whom Clements had known for years through Workman for Christ Cowboy Church, invited Clements and his wife to dinner. They wanted to hear more about the work happening in Pakistan and the projects taking shape there.

During the conversation, Clements described both the church and the need for a school. A few days later, the Mullins family made a gift in memory of their son, Brandon. On Memorial Day, it was announced the school was being named in honor of Brandon.

Today, construction continues on both buildings. The church is expected to serve approximately 450

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worshippers, while the school will educate about 150 children. Many of the workers constructing the church and school are people who were once enslaved themselves.

“Here they were slaves, now they’re free, now we’re paying them to build their church and build their school,” Clements said. “It’s an incredible blessing to be a part of.”

For Clements, the project has become one of the most meaningful efforts he has ever been involved in. Part of that stems from the Owensboro connection, part from the lives being changed, and part from the timing.

If construction continues on

schedule, a dedication ceremony is expected to take place in August. The date would coincide with the 15th anniversary of Brandon Mullins’ death.

“It was just God setting it all up,” Clements said.

THE WORK IS WORTH THE DANGER

During one trip to northern Pakistan, Clements participated in a conference attended by approximately 900 pastors and church leaders. On the final night, hundreds of people gathered to hear the gospel message.

After the event ended, he and his team left for the airport. About an

hour later, Clements said, a Taliban bombing struck a train station one block away from where they had been meeting. Three people who had attended the conference were killed.

“It’s an incredibly dangerous place,” Clements said.

Throughout much of the country, churches rely on armed security. Visitors pass through multiple checkpoints. Hotels employ extensive screening procedures. Threats against Christian communities remain a constant concern.

Yet Clements continues to return.

He doesn’t claim to have all

A LEGACY WITHOUT BORDERS

Brandon Mullins’ name shaping futures across the world

Army Specialist Brandon Mullins was 21 years old when he was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Fifteen years later, his name is being carried into a place he never saw, among people he never met.

In Pakistan, a church and school under construction for families rescued from slavery will bear the Owensboro soldier’s name — a tribute that his parents say connects his life, his sacrifice, and his legacy in ways they never expected.

For Tommy and Cathy Mullins, it’s the latest chapter in a story they never could have imagined after they lost their son. Just days before their interview with Owensboro Living, Tommy received a message from a soldier who had gone through basic training and deployed to Afghanistan alongside Brandon.

“He said from the time they met, Brandon helped him get through so much stuff on a daily basis,” Tommy said. “When they got to Afghanistan, he said Brandon had my back. He said,

‘I still hear his laugh today.’”

Brandon was the middle child of Tommy and Cathy. Their oldest son, Shaun, served in the Army, and their daughter, Bethany, married a soldier. In 2011, all three of their children were connected to the military at the same time.

Photo provided by Paul Clements

the answers. He doesn’t believe he can solve every problem facing the world. What he can do, however, is help one family at a time.

For him, the memories that linger aren’t the buildings or the fundraising milestones.

They’re the faces: the father who finally walks away from a brick yard after decades of captivity, the mother who no longer has to wonder whether her children will spend their lives trapped by someone else’s debt, the child who gets to attend school for the first time.

For hundreds of people in Pakistan, today looks different than it once did. A debt has been paid. A family has been freed. A church is being built. A school is rising from the ground.

And thousands of miles from Owensboro, hope is taking root where hopelessness once lived.

For more information about how to help Amazon Outreach, you can reach Clements at pclementsao24@gmail. com. OL

It was also one of the deadliest periods of the war in Afghanistan.

Three months after deploying, Brandon was killed by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province. The years since have been marked by grief, but also by gratitude.

“We were showered with love from the veterans community and from the community at large,” Cathy said.

The support inspired the family to find ways to keep Brandon’s memory alive. Through the Specialist Brandon Mullins Memorial Foundation, scholarships were established at Apollo High School and within local youth hockey programs. Memorial events and other efforts followed, all with the goal of ensuring that Brandon’s life would continue making a difference.

But while Brandon’s military service is often remembered, his parents hope people also remember the person behind the uniform.

Tommy described Brandon as fiercely loyal, someone who would stand by a friend no matter the circumstances.

“He was the type of kid that would give you the shirt off his back,” he said.

Cathy remembers a young man who seemed to make friends everywhere he went.

One of her favorite memories is a short video taken while Brandon was working at Red Lobster before joining the Army. In the clip, he’s dancing around in the kitchen freezer, making coworkers laugh.

“It’s only about 10 seconds long, but it’s so funny,” Cathy said. “It shows you his personality.”

Those stories have become precious over the years. So have the reminders that Brandon’s influence continues long after his death.

The opportunity to be part of a project in Pakistan began through Workman for Christ Cowboy Church, where Tommy and Cathy serve as worship leaders. Through the church, they learned about the work being done by Owensboro missionary Paul Clements and his ministry partners, who have helped free more than 700 people from slavery in Pakistan and are now building churches and schools to serve those families.

During a dinner conversation, Clements shared details about a church project that was already underway and explained that a school was needed for approximately 150

children connected to the growing congregation.

Today, both the church and school are under construction, roughly 65 miles from where Brandon lost his life. For Tommy, the project carries a powerful symbolism. Many of the children who will attend the school and many of the families who will worship at the church were once trapped in slavery.

“They’re going to be able to see what the cost of freedom is,” he said. There is another layer of meaning as well.

Tommy’s father, the Rev. Thomas C. Mullins, built a community center in eastern Kentucky years ago. Today, another building dedicated to serving children and families will carry the Mullins name — this time thousands of miles away.

“It’s just amazing,” Cathy said. If construction continues on schedule, the church dedication is expected to take place Aug. 25 — the 15th anniversary of Brandon’s death. The date wasn’t selected with that connection in mind. It simply worked out that way. For the Mullins family, however, it feels fitting. After all, Brandon’s story has never really ended. OL

DUST BOWL Owensboro’s great summer gathering

Written by JOHN KIRKPATRICK

Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

For more than five decades, the sounds of bouncing basketballs, the smells of barbecue, laughter, music, and neighborhood conversation have echoed through KendallPerkins Park.

Every July, as the summer heat settles over Owensboro’s west side, generations gather around an asphalt court that has become one of the city’s most enduring traditions. Grandparents who once played in the tournament sit beside children making their first trip to the Dust Bowl. Former champions return to watch the next generation chase the same dream.

And after more than 50 years, its organizers believe the tournament’s best days may still be ahead.

A SIMPLE IDEA BECOMES A TRADITION

The Dust Bowl traces its roots to 1974, when three men — Jerry Davenport, Gus Johnson, and Felix Thruston — began discussing a problem they saw in Owensboro’s Black community.

There were few organized recreational opportunities for young people on the city’s west side.

The Owensboro Dust Bowl has never been just a basketball tournament. It is a reunion, a neighborhood celebration, a living piece of Owensboro history.

Johnson had recently graduated from Kentucky State University and was working through the city’s summer jobs program. Davenport worked for Owensboro Parks and Recreation. The group began talking about ways to create something meaningful.

“We were just sitting around one afternoon talking about the fact that there wasn’t much to do,” Johnson recalled.

At the time, basketball enthusiasts across Kentucky were familiar with Louisville’s famous Dirt Bowl tournament at Shawnee Park. The trio wondered why Owensboro couldn’t create something similar.

The idea was ambitious. They had no budget, no equipment, no insurance, and little experience running a large tournament. What they did have were relationships.

The group approached David Kelly, Owensboro’s first African-American executive in City Hall, who helped them pitch the concept to then-Mayor C. Waitman Taylor. The city resurfaced the court at Kendall-Perkins Park, and organizers borrowed equipment, secured basketballs and scorebooks, and started recruiting players.

Word spread the old-fashioned way. Organizers traveled throughout western Kentucky and southern Indiana, stopping in places like Central City, Madisonville, Henderson, and Evansville to tell people about the new tournament. The response exceeded expectations.

“Owensboro is a basketball town,” Johnson said. “Historically, people love basketball. The local basketball players are local heroes.”

What started as a neighborhood project quickly became something much larger.

BASKETBALL BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

Those involved in the tournament’s earliest years often point to one factor behind its success.

Basketball had a unique ability to unite people who otherwise might not interact.

“Basketball was about the only thing that brought everybody together,” Johnson said. “There were different neighborhoods; that was just the way it was. But basketball transcended all of that.”

That spirit remains one of the tournament’s defining characteristics.

Over the years, Dust Bowl games have attracted people from every corner of Owensboro and beyond. Families bring lawn chairs. Friends reconnect. Children run around the park while adults reminisce about past tournaments.

Former tournament director Byron Owen said the event has always belonged to the community.

“Only you can make it happen,” Owen wrote in a farewell letter after stepping away from leadership. “I want to thank my family, friends, classmates, supporters, advertisers, fans, players, coaches, officials, staff, vendors, volunteers, and committee and board members.”

Othello Millan, who played in the inaugural tournament before becoming a coach and volunteer, said the community’s ownership of the event is what has sustained it.

“It’s more or less the people in the community,” Millan said.

“It’s something to get everybody together.”

Larry Owen, another longtime organizer and volunteer, believes few events in Owensboro rival the Dust Bowl’s ability to connect people.

“It brings people together,” he said. “It’s one of the most diverse events in our city. You get to meet people you don’t see every day in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.”

WHERE LEGENDS PLAYED

While community has always been the heart of the Dust Bowl, elite basketball talent has helped fuel its reputation.

Winning a Dust Bowl championship has never come easily.

Over the years, the tournament has featured future NBA players, Kentucky Mr. Basketball winners, collegiate stars, and some of the best playground players in the region.

Among the most recognizable names to compete at Kendall-

Photo by LAUREN HOWE

Perkins Park are former NBA players Rex Chapman, Darrell Griffith, Milt Wagner, Chris Whitney, and several others who went on to successful collegiate and professional careers.

Larry Owen remembers helping connect a young Chapman with organized basketball opportunities before the future Kentucky Wildcats star became a household name.

“A lot of times, Wayne would just drop Rex at our house, and we would walk over to Dugan Best for practice,” Owen said. “That’s how he started playing with these guys.”

The Dust Bowl also became known for assembling star-studded teams. Former Owensboro High School standout Marcus Robinson still remembers one powerhouse roster assembled by Byron Owen during the 1980s.

“(Byron) put a super team together,” Robinson said. “It was Avery Taylor, Rex Chapman, David Hogg, Maurice White, Scott Johnson, Orlando Stuart, Anthony Leachman, Jay Woodard, James Douglas, Bobby Higgs. He had the best talent to come through here

in years.”

Yet some of the tournament’s most memorable stories involve local teams that never won championships. Larry Owen still remembers a group of players from Whitesville who routinely made the trip into Owensboro to compete. Research points to the Mattingly brothers leading teams largely made up of Trinity Raiders players.

“They never won it, but the little Whitesville community would show up in droves,” Owen said. “No matter who they played, they gave them fits.”

That same spirit remains visible today.

A HOMECOMING UNLIKE ANY OTHER

For many players, the Dust Bowl becomes even more meaningful after they leave Owensboro.

Former Apollo standout Michael James played high-level basketball across the country and around the world. Yet he says few experiences compare to returning home for the Dust Bowl.

“It’s your family, your peers, the atmosphere, the music, the smell, the fact that you’re home and the lights are bright,” James said. “You’re at Kendall-Perkins Park, and the lights come on, and you see your mom, brother, dad, and little kids sitting on the sideline.”

James describes the tournament as a yearly homecoming. No matter where life takes players, many find themselves returning to the same court where they first built their reputations.

One of James’ favorite moments came during a championship game when Lamar Owen stood at the free-throw line with less than a second remaining and his team trailing by two.

James told him to intentionally miss left. The rebound bounced

perfectly. James tipped it in at the buzzer. The game went to overtime. They won the championship.

Those moments have become part of Dust Bowl folklore.

ADAPTING FOR A NEW GENERATION

Like many longstanding community traditions, the Dust Bowl faced challenges in recent years.

Participation dipped following the COVID-19 pandemic, and leadership transitions created uncertainty about the tournament’s future.

But organizers responded by embracing change.

Former president Rippo Hinton introduced new contests, expanded programming, increased outreach, and worked to attract more sponsors and community partners.

The tournament added events such as men’s dunk contests and high school 3-point competitions while continuing fan favorites like the Fire Department vs. Police Department game, Baptown vs. Mechanicsville rivalry matchup, and Special Olympics showcases.

“We’re trying to maintain the legacy while bringing in fresh ideas,” Hinton said.

Current tournament director Ray Wimsatt believes those efforts are paying off. Following the 2025 tournament, Wimsatt said attendance and community involvement continued trending upward.

“A few years ago, after the COVID pandemic, we were down a little bit,” Wimsatt said. “Everything has been coming back. The kids and neighborhoods are returning.”

Organizers have also made physical improvements to the atmosphere around the court. Bleachers were moved closer to the

playing surface, bringing spectators nearer to the action and recreating the intimate environment that longtime fans remember.

MORE THAN BASKETBALL

Today, the Dust Bowl includes food vendors, music, contests, youth divisions, adult divisions, community events, and neighborhood rivalries. But at its core, the tournament remains remarkably similar to what Johnson, Davenport, and Thruston envisioned in 1974.

It is still about creating opportunities. It is still about bringing people together. It is still about giving young players a place to dream.

Every summer, children arrive wearing the latest basketball shoes, hoping to make a name for themselves on the same court where generations before them did the same.

The footwear may have changed from Chuck Taylors to LeBrons. The court has been resurfaced. The tournament has evolved. But the feeling remains familiar.

As barbecue smoke drifts through Kendall-Perkins Park and music fills the summer air, the Dust Bowl continues serving as one of Owensboro’s great equalizers — a place where age, background, neighborhood, and circumstance matter far less than a shared love of basketball and community.

More than 50 years after three men sat around discussing how to give young people something positive to do, the answer still arrives every July under the lights at Kendall-Perkins Park.

And Owensboro keeps showing up. OL

FINDING THE RHYTHM INSIDE THE RAPID RISE OF THE GROOVE LAB

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON // Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

When Steffan Clark and Ellis Birkhead opened The Groove Lab last fall, they called it an experiment. The name fit. Owensboro had never had a dance studio dedicated to hip hop, funk, and commercial choreography. There was no roadmap for how many students would sign up, whether adults would embrace the concept, or how quickly the community would respond.

Nine months later, the lab is buzzing with activity.

More than 100 students have enrolled. Adult classes have become one of the studio’s biggest success stories. The Groove Lab’s first showcase drew a packed audience, and plans that Clark and Birkhead once thought were years away are already being accelerated.

The success looks much different than where the journey began.

FROM SHED TO STUDIO

Long before there was a studio at 4325 Gateway Drive, Clark and Birkhead were teaching dance in sheds, garages, parking lots, and wherever else they could find space. Summer meant unbearable heat. Winter meant freezing temperatures. Yet they kept showing up, creating choreography, filming videos, and building a following that stretched far beyond Owensboro.

Today, that journey has led them to a thriving studio of their own — one filled with children discovering confidence, adults trying dance for the first time, and a community that has embraced something new.

“We knew there was a need for this studio in Owensboro,” Clark said. “But I never try to make assumptions. You can have people expressing interest, but until people actually walk through the doors, you don’t know.”

Those doors officially opened in September, just weeks after Clark and Birkhead signed a lease on the former

retail space. In roughly three weeks, they transformed a mostly empty building into a fully functioning dance studio. Today, visitors are greeted by a lobby filled with energy and personality, a founders’ wall covered with signatures from supporters who helped launch the business, and a spacious main dance room featuring more than 1,100 square feet of spring flooring designed to absorb impact and protect dancers’ bodies.

Even the studio’s design pays tribute to where it all started. Many of the rustic colors and textures incorporated throughout The Groove Lab are intentional nods to the old days inside a shed.

“We wanted it to have a modern feel, but also have a Southern feel,” Clark said. “We’re Kentucky. We wanted it to feel like that.”

A second studio space is already under construction and will allow the business to expand classes, rehearsals, and specialty programming. The room is expected to have a dramatically different aesthetic, embracing the studio’s laboratory theme with brighter colors and a more experimental feel. The expansion is another sign of how quickly things have progressed.

FINDING QUICK SUCCESS

While Clark and Birkhead expected interest from children, they weren’t sure what kind of response they would receive from adults. That uncertainty didn’t stop them from building adult classes into their schedule from the very beginning.

“We knew we could get kid dancers,” Birkhead said. “Where the hope was, we were putting all these adult classes on the schedule hoping we could get adults to show up.”

One of the studio’s most popular offerings has become its beginner adult classes, drawing a wide variety of people who never imagined they would find themselves learning hip hop choreography. Construction workers arrive after work. Parents carve out an hour of personal time each week. Former dancers rediscover a passion they thought they had left behind years ago.

“We’ve got moms with three kids at home,” Birkhead said. “It’s their one hour a week. They’re telling their husband, ‘I’m going to go have me time.’”

Clark and Birkhead recognized Owensboro has long offered strong dance opportunities, particularly for children. But options for adults — especially those interested in hip hop, funk, and commercial choreography have been limited. The Groove Lab was designed to fill that gap.

Rather than trying to offer every dance style imaginable, the studio has focused on what Clark and Birkhead know best.

“Finding a niche and being really good at your niche

can take you farther than trying to be a jack of all trades,” Birkhead said.

That focus is also attracting people who previously believed dance simply wasn’t for them. One of the most common things Clark hears is some variation of the same statement: “I don’t have rhythm.”

His response is always similar.

“If you can clap on beat, you have rhythm,” Clark said. “The rest is coordination, and coordination can be developed.”

The results are visible every day inside the studio. Children who arrive shy and hesitant gradually become confident performers. Adults who begin in introductory classes start moving into intermediate levels. Students who once stood in the back of the room eventually make their way to the front.

“The students that are the most shy and timid when they walk in here, three or four sessions in, they’re the most vocal,” Birkhead said. “They go from standing in the back to standing all the way up front.”

Those transformations became especially visible during The Groove Lab’s first showcase in May.

THE FIRST SHOWCASE

Known as “Origin: The Experiment Begins,” the production served as a major milestone for the young studio. Clark and Birkhead have spent years performing in shows and productions, but directing and producing their own showcase

as studio owners was a completely different challenge. Preparation began months in advance as students rehearsed routines, choreography evolved, and the pieces slowly came together.

The result was a high-energy, hour-long performance featuring dancers of all ages and experience levels.

“We wanted performance opportunities for our dancers,” Clark said. “We wanted them to showcase what they’ve learned. We also wanted to give Owensboro something fun to watch.”

The response exceeded expectations. One of the biggest compliments the studio received afterward had nothing to do with choreography. Clark said rather than dragging on for several hours, the showcase ended while the energy was still high. People wanted more. Students immediately began asking about the next show.

For Clark and Birkhead, it was one of the first moments when they truly stepped back and realized what they had built.

“When people started telling us we’re going to need a bigger space, I thought that was a pretty good sign,” Clark said with a laugh.

MORE THAN DANCE

The showcase also reinforced something they have believed from the beginning: dance is about more than dance. It builds confidence,

creates friendships, and gives people a place to belong. Birkhead said some students have told them the studio has changed their lives — a statement that still catches him off guard.

“People will come up and say, ‘You have no idea. This changed my life,’” he said. “And we’re thinking, ‘You only come here one hour a week.’”

As The Groove Lab approaches its first anniversary, the founders say the vision itself remains largely unchanged. The timeline, however, has accelerated.

Goals they expected to pursue three or four years down the road are arriving much sooner than anticipated. Plans for competition teams are already moving forward. Additional programming is being developed. The second studio space is underway.

“The vision hasn’t really changed,” Birkhead said. “I think the timeline has sped up.”

For Clark, that’s a reflection of the foundation they worked to build from day one. They didn’t set out simply to open a dance studio. They wanted to create something memorable, something impactful, and something people would be excited to be part of.

Less than a year in, the results suggest they may be well on their way.The sheds and garages that once served as their classrooms are now part of the origin story.

The experiment, however, is just getting started. OL

LIFESTYLE →

More than a destination TWO DECADES OF TRADITIONS ALONG FLORIDA’S 30A

CRAVING A CHANGE OF SCENERY? IN EACH ISSUE OF OWENSBORO LIVING, WE’RE SETTING OUR SIGHTS BEYOND CITY LIMITS AND INVITING YOU TO COME ALONG. WHETHER IT’S A CHARMING SMALL TOWN A FEW HOURS AWAY OR A SCENIC DESTINATION ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THINK OF THIS TRAVEL SECTION AS A ROAD TRIP WITH A FRIEND WHO SHARES YOUR LOVE FOR GOOD FOOD, UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS, AND UNIQUE LOCAL FLAVOR — JUST LIKE WE DO HERE AT HOME.

Written by CHRISTY CHANEY

“Good Morning! And in case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!”

For most people, that’s the line they remember from The Truman Show. For me, it’s also a reminder of one of my favorite places in the world.

The Truman Show was filmed in Seaside, Florida, one of the picture-perfect communities along Scenic Highway 30A. With pastel cottages, white picket fences, and streets designed for bicycles instead of traffic jams, Seaside feels a little like a movie set even today. In fact, one of my favorite traditions is simply wandering through the neighborhoods, reading the names painted on the houses. One is called Biscuits. The tiny guest house tucked behind it is called Gravy. That’s the kind of place 30A is.

For more than 20 years, our family has made the annual pilgrimage to this stretch of Florida coastline. I arrived here for the very first time with my parents. Before The Truman Show, before Spring Break, when it was a small beach town with a few brightly colored houses, and Bud and Alley’s was just a local restaurant named after a dachshund and a cat. Long before my kids

were old enough to drive golf carts, before they were packing for college, and before family vacations became increasingly difficult to coordinate, we were loading up cars and heading south with the mass exodus of Owensboro headed for Spring Break.

Over the years, we have stayed all along 30A. Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Seagrove, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Dune Allen. Each community has its own personality.

Rosemary Beach is polished and charming. Every trip includes stops at Sugar Shak for nostalgic candy, Pish Posh Patchouli for custom scents, and Cowgirl Kitchen for smoked tuna dip. Somewhere along the way, a Rosemary Beach T-shirt usually finds its way into a shopping bag.

Alys Beach feels like stepping into another world. The striking white architecture, palm-lined streets, and iconic butteries create one of the most beautiful communities on the Gulf Coast. The top hits of this area are Fonville Press for coffee and George’s at Alys Beach for that hit of fine dining, should you decide to get out of your bathing suit. We like to hold our breath as a family as we drive from one end of Alys to the

other. It’s a quick trip; no one has ever passed out!

Seacrest and Seagrove have always felt like the sweet spot to me. Close enough to everything, but without quite as much hustle and bustle. A slice of quiche from The Perfect Pig, pizza from Pizza by the Sea, and a bag full of fresh Royal Reds steamed by the team at Buddy’s Seafood have become staples of our trips.

Then there is Seaside, the center of the 30A universe.

Every evening, teenagers seem to descend upon the town square in waves. The food trucks stay busy, kids line up at Pickle’s, families crowd into Ducky’s for toys, and all the moms stand in line to get this year’s Seaside T-shirt color. I hit Modica Market for everything from specialty groceries to giant slices of cake. Let’s be honest, I am there for the cake!

Just down the road, WaterColor slows the pace again. People linger over a glass of wine at The Wine Bar, before dinner at Fish Out of Water in The Water Color Inn. You will notice a theme now as you duck into The WaterColor Store and pick up your favorite T-shirt of the season.

On the western end of 30A, the atmosphere becomes a little more relaxed, a little more local, and a lot more seafood-focused. Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and Dune Allen are home to some of our favorite traditions, including visits to The Red Bar (Iconic T-shirt!), Shunk Gulley, and Stinky’s Fish Camp. We know we’ll probably wait for a table at Stinky’s, but we’ve learned to embrace it. A deck of cards and a little patience have become part of the ritual. A Styrofoam cup of frozen Stink Juice helps.

As much as I love the restaurants, the shops, and the beaches, that’s not really why we keep going back.

What draws me back year after year are the traditions. Ryland must

have smoked tuna dip, Stone must go to Sugar Shack, Bre needs a new Seaside Shirt, and Lucy Jagoe has no option but to stand in line at Pickle’s with her friends! And Travis needs a nap. I must have a dozen oysters with an obscene amount of cocktail sauce, fresh lemon, and saltine crackers. There is no question that these things will be done before the prerequisite photos on the beach during sunset. To be clear, we have never worn white shirts with the khaki pants.

It’s watching kids who once needed floaties now drive golf carts. It’s bike rides to get donuts in the morning. It’s knowing exactly where to find your favorite meal and still discovering something new every trip.

The beaches are beautiful. The water is spectacular. The communities are charming.

But after more than two decades, 30A has become something more than a vacation destination for our family. It’s part of our history.

And every year, when the car turns onto Scenic Highway 30A, it feels a little like coming home. OL

Restoring ‘functional freedom’ with Dr. Behringer AN OWENSBORO

HEALTH APPROACH TO MODERN, WHOLE-PERSON CARE

For many patients, pain isn’t just a symptom; it’s a barrier. It limits how they move, how they work and how they show up for the people and activities they love. Dr. Christopher Behringer, a physician practicing in Owensboro, has built his care model around breaking down that barrier, helping patients reclaim what he calls “functional freedom.”

That philosophy is reflected in the words of a recent patient, Michele McHenry, who describes him as “extremely knowledgeable and highly skilled,” noting his ability to combine acupuncture, muscle manipulation and corrective exercise to deliver consistent relief. Just as important as the results, Michele highlights his compassionate, unhurried and engaging approach. “He takes the time to address all of my concerns,” she shared, adding that she “consistently leaves feeling better than when she arrived.”

A PHYSICIAN WITH A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE

One misconception Dr. Behringer is quick to correct is that his work falls outside traditional medicine. In fact, he is a fully licensed physician with certifications in Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and Lifestyle Medicine. He also completed acupuncture training at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, serves as an adjunct medical school professor and is pursuing a master’s degree in medical education through the University of Cardiff.

“I often joke that I’m the ‘everything but a pill’ doctor,” he says. “My goal is to see how much we can accomplish using your own body through movement, nutrition and targeted treatment.”

A COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED APPROACH

Rather than relying on one method, Dr. Behringer combines three complementary therapies into a cohesive care plan.

Lifestyle Medicine focuses on daily habits such as nutrition, physical activity,

sleep and stress. It is especially helpful for patients with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, or for those wanting to prevent them. Patients receive structured, realistic plans designed to improve measurable outcomes such as energy, weight and lab values while building long-term habits.

Acupuncture uses very fine needles placed at specific points to help manage pain and support overall well-being. It may benefit patients with back or neck pain, headaches or chronic musculoskeletal discomfort, especially those seeking a non-medication option.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

(OMT) is a hands-on therapy used to improve motion and reduce tension in muscles and joints. It can help patients experiencing stiffness, restricted movement or posture-related pain by supporting the body’s natural ability to function.

TREATING THE WHOLE PATIENT

For musculoskeletal issues such as low back or neck pain, Dr. Behringer often combines these approaches into a single plan. Visits begin with a focused review of history, imaging and functional limitations. Treatment may include OMT, acupuncture or both, followed by corrective exercises and nutritional guidance to support recovery.

Follow-up visits track not just pain levels but real-life improvements such

as increased mobility, better endurance and the ability to return to meaningful activities.

“Patients don’t come to the doctor just because they’re in pain,” he explains. “They come because the pain is getting in the way of their life. We focus on what they want to get back to and build from there.”

A PATIENT-FIRST EXPERIENCE

Patients also point to the welcoming environment as a key part of their experience. From the front desk to the exam room, staff members are described as kind, knowledgeable and professional. Visits are never rushed, and patients are encouraged to take an active role in their care.

That collaborative approach can be especially valuable for those who feel stuck or overwhelmed by conflicting health advice. Whether managing chronic pain or working toward better long-term health, patients receive both guidance and support.

THE GOAL: INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT

At its core, Dr. Behringer’s work focuses on helping patients regain independence physically, mentally and functionally. By combining traditional medical training with non-pharmacologic therapies, he bridges the gap between symptom relief and long-term wellness.

For patients seeking care that prioritizes both results and relationships, his approach offers a different path forward. As Michele put it, “I am very satisfied with the treatment I have received and highly recommend him to anyone experiencing pain or other health concerns.”

In a healthcare landscape that can often feel rushed or impersonal, that kind of experience stands out.

To learn more about Dr. Behringer’s approach to Lifestyle Medicine and whole-person care, or to explore whether this model is right for you, visit OwensboroHealth.org/Lifestyle. OL

Summer brings opportunities for seniors to stay active, connected, and healthy

Written by DR. DAVID TUCKER , Executive Director of the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County

As the days grow longer and the sunshine brightens our community, summer offers a wonderful opportunity for older adults to enjoy activities that promote health, happiness, and social connection. At the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County, we encourage seniors to make the most of the season while staying safe and engaged.

Summer is a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s taking a morning walk, tending a garden, attending community events, or simply relaxing with friends on a shaded patio, spending time outside can improve mood, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. Regular physical activity, even in small amounts, can help maintain strength, flexibility, and independence.

The season also provides countless opportunities to connect with others. Social engagement plays a vital role in healthy aging, and summer gatherings offer a chance to

strengthen friendships and build new relationships. From group lunches and educational programs to games, fitness classes, arts and crafts, and special events, the Senior Community Center offers activities designed to keep seniors active and involved throughout the summer months. These programs are made possible through the generosity of our community. As a nonprofit organization, the Senior Community Center relies on donations to provide meaningful programming that enriches the lives of older adults throughout Owensboro and Daviess County. Every contribution helps us offer educational workshops, wellness activities, recreational opportunities, and social events that combat isolation and promote healthy aging.

We invite individuals, families, businesses, and civic organizations to consider making a gift to support our programming efforts. Your donation helps ensure that local seniors have

access to opportunities that keep them engaged, active, and connected to the community they call home. Together, we can continue creating experiences that inspire friendship, lifelong learning, and improved quality of life.

While enjoying the warmer weather, it’s important to remember a few safety tips. Seniors should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, and avoid prolonged outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses can also help protect against harmful UV rays.

At the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County, we are proud to serve as a gathering place where older adults can thrive. This summer, we invite you not only to participate in our programs but also to invest in their future through your charitable support. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of seniors across our community.

To support the programs and services that enrich the lives of older adults throughout our community, donations may be made in person or by mail to:

Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County 1650 West Second Street Owensboro, KY 42301

Donations can also be made online by visiting our website at seniorcenterodc.com. Every gift, regardless of size, helps provide educational programs, fitness classes, social activities, wellness initiatives, and other opportunities that keep seniors active, engaged, and connected.

For more information, call 270687-4640 or visit our website. Thank you for helping us continue our mission for the seniors of Owensboro and Daviess County. Membership is free for anyone age 60 and over. Come see us in our new facility at 3001 West 2nd Street in September. OL

From seasonal decorating to commercial renovations NELSON HOME & COMPANY MARKS RAPID FIRST YEAR OF GROWTH

When Josh and Will Nelson launched Nelson Home & Company last fall, the vision was relatively straightforward: offer refined interior design services, seasonal decorating, and eventually home staging throughout the tri-state region.

Less than a year later, the Owensboro-based company has evolved into a full-service design and remodeling firm handling residential and commercial projects across the region.

Approaching its first anniversary on Labor Day, Nelson Home & Company now manages full-home remodels, new construction projects, outdoor living spaces, and commercial renovations. The company’s latest project is a complete renovation of Bluegrass Eye Care’s office on Frederica Street, with construction scheduled to begin in October.

“We’ve worked on projects as small as single-bedroom refreshes all the way up to whole-home remodels and new construction,” Josh Nelson said. “Stepping into the commercial space is something we’re really excited about.”

The growth has been rewarding for Nelson, who moved from Florida to Kentucky before launching the business with his husband, Will. Prior to entering the design industry, he spent years building brands, leading sales teams, and creating luxury client experiences.

“That background taught me how important relationships, trust, and attention to detail truly are,” he said.

Those principles have become the foundation of Nelson Home & Company’s approach. Rather than simply helping clients select furniture and finishes, the firm manages projects from concept to completion, coordinating contractors, sourcing materials, overseeing installations, and handling day-to-day details.

“One of the biggest things that sets us apart is that we offer a true

full-service experience,” Nelson said. “Our clients are busy. They don’t want to manage 10 vendors, source materials, coordinate deliveries, and make hundreds of design decisions alone. That’s where we come in.”

The company works with a network of local contractors, craftsmen, electricians, landscapers, and specialty trades, allowing homeowners and business owners to work through a single point of contact.

“We don’t just furnish homes,” Nelson said. “We manage projects, oversee installations, coordinate trades, source materials, and bring together every layer needed to create a cohesive final result.”

At the heart of the business is a design philosophy centered on creating spaces that reflect the people who live in them.

“We believe homes should reflect the people living in them, not just the latest trends,” Nelson said. “Timeless design will always outlast trendy design.”

He describes the firm’s style as warm, layered, classic, and approachable, with an emphasis on comfort and functionality.

“Beautiful homes should never sacrifice practicality,” he said. “Good design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about flow, comfort, lighting, functionality, and creating spaces that work well for everyday living.”

Nelson said many clients come to the company feeling overwhelmed by the number of decisions involved in a renovation or building project.

“A lot of our clients come to us because they don’t know where to start,” he said. “There are endless decisions involved in creating or renovating a home, and our role is to simplify that process.”

That client-first approach often leads to lasting relationships.

“Our clients aren’t hiring us just for paint colors and furniture selections,” Nelson said. “They’re hiring us for peace of mind.”

Through months-long projects, Nelson often gets to know entire families and the ways they live in their homes. Sometimes that even includes designing with pets in mind.

“My favorite part of a project is when I can accommodate a family pet just as much as the family themselves,” he said. “I’ve matched sofa fabrics to blend with a dog’s fur and selected rugs that work well with cats.”

As Owensboro continues to grow, Nelson said he is proud that the company has been able to grow alongside it while partnering with local contractors and vendors whenever possible.

“It’s exciting to be part of helping shape beautiful homes and businesses throughout the area,” he said.

Looking ahead, Nelson hopes to continue expanding throughout Kentucky while maintaining the personalized service that fueled the company’s early success.

“Our goal is to continue building a recognizable design brand rooted in trust, elevated design, and meaningful relationships,” he said. “At the end of the day, we simply want to create homes that make people feel proud, comfortable, and inspired every time they walk through the door.”

Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

Why Choose Triple G Custom Painting & Drywall

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a contractor who values honesty, craftsmanship, and customer relationships can feel rare. That’s what makes Triple G Custom Painting & Drywall LLC stand out. Built on family values and a commitment to excellence, this small family-owned business has earned a reputation for delivering highquality painting and drywall services with integrity, communication, and care at the center of every project.

At Triple G Custom Painting & Drywall LLC, quality is more than just a goal — it is the foundation of the company. Every wall repaired, every room painted, and every finishing detail is completed with precision and pride. The team understands that a home or business is one of the most important investments a person can make, and they treat every project as if it were their own. From preparation to final walkthrough, attention to detail remains a top priority to ensure beautiful, lasting results.

What truly separates Triple G from larger companies is their dedication to integrity. As a family-owned business, they believe trust is earned through honesty, reliability, and hard work. Customers are never treated like just another number. Instead, clients experience a personal approach where transparency and accountability matter. The company takes pride in showing up on time, following through on promises, and maintaining professionalism throughout every stage of the project.

Communication is another core value that drives the success of Triple G Custom Painting & Drywall LLC. Home improvement projects can often feel stressful or overwhelming, but the team works hard to create a smooth and stress-free experience for every customer. By keeping open lines of communication, listening carefully to client needs, and providing clear updates throughout the process, they help homeowners and business owners

feel confident and informed from start to finish.

Being a small family business also means building genuine relationships within the community. Triple G understands the importance of treating customers like neighbors because, in many cases, they are. Their goal is not simply to complete one project, but to build lasting trust and long-term relationships through dependable service and exceptional workmanship. Whether it’s transforming a room with fresh paint, repairing damaged drywall, or completing a custom finishing project, Triple G Custom Painting & Drywall LLC continues to prove that quality work and strong values still matter. Their dedication to craftsmanship, trustworthy service, and customer satisfaction reflects the heart of what a family-owned business should be — reliable, hardworking, and committed to doing the job right the first time. OL

Ashley Boehmann

REMAX

To Ashley Boehmann, real estate is about so much more than buying and selling homes — it’s about helping families build the life they’ve always envisioned. As a devoted mother of three, she understands firsthand how important it is to find a home that truly fits your family’s needs, lifestyle, and future goals.

Balancing motherhood, marriage, and a successful real estate career has taught Ashley the value of hard work, patience, organization, and genuine care for others. Those same qualities guide every client relationship. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, selling a property you’ve loved for years, upgrading to accommodate a growing family, downsizing for a new chapter, or investing to build long-term wealth, Ashley is committed to making the process as smooth and rewarding as possible.

Ashley believes every client deserves honest communication, dependable guidance, and an advocate who always puts their best interests first. She takes the time to truly listen, understand each client’s unique goals, and develop a strategy tailored to their needs.

Ashley is passionate about serving the families and individuals who call this area home. She believes that strong relationships are built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to going above and beyond — values that have become the foundation of her business.

When she’s not helping clients achieve their real estate dreams, you’ll likely find Ashley spending time with her children and husband, making memories outdoors, or supporting local businesses and community events.

For Ashley, every transaction represents more than a sale — it’s an opportunity to help someone take the next step. She would be honored to help you make your next move with confidence.

Buy with Boehmann — Where Every Move Matters.

Robin Osborne

BHG REALTY

Real estate is about more than buying and selling homes; it’s about relationships, creating opportunities, building wealth, and finding the perfect place to call home. As a lifelong Owensboro resident, I love helping clients navigate one of the biggest investments of their lives while making the process as enjoyable and stressfree as possible.

After graduating from Western Kentucky University, I spent nearly 20 years in healthcare, where I learned the value of listening, problem-solving, and putting people first. Today, I bring that same client-focused approach to my role as a Realtor with BHG Realty.

Whether you’re searching for your dream home, preparing to sell, relocating, or exploring investment opportunities, I am dedicated to providing expert guidance, local market knowledge, and personalized service from start to finish!

When I’m not helping clients achieve their real estate goals, you’ll find me spending time with my husband, Bradley, and our three daughters. I am grateful to serve the community that has always been home and to help others find their place in it!

270-313-8960 // ROBIN@THEBHGREALTY.COM

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FLAVOR

Summer Salads

Recipes and photos by JAMIE PLAIN

If you’ve ever gone to the farmers’ market for one thing and somehow come home with two bags of produce, this month’s recipes are for you. Summer is when fruits and vegetables are at their absolute best, and I can’t resist finding new ways to pile them onto a plate. This collection includes a fresh farmers market salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette, a burrata and fruit salad that feels a little fancy with very little effort, and a crispy smashed potato salad that’s hearty enough to convert even the most dedicated salad skeptic. They’re colorful, packed with summer flavor, and perfect for those days when it’s simply too hot to turn on the oven.

Farmers’ Market Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

LEMON HERB VINAIGRETTE:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 small garlic clove, grated

2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, dill, chives, or a combination)

Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Whisk everything together until emulsified.

FARMERS’ MARKET SALAD:

Choose a green, a crunchy vegetable, a seasonal fruit, a creamy addition, a crunchy topping, and a handful of fresh herbs.

Greens: Mixed greens, arugula, butter lettuce, baby kale

Vegetables: Cucumbers, radishes, sugar snap peas, bell peppers, carrots

Fruit: Peaches, strawberries, blueberries, cherry tomatoes

Creamy: Goat cheese, feta, burrata, avocado

Crunchy: Pistachios, pecans, sunflower seeds, pepitas, croutons

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

CRISPY POTATOES:

1.5 lbs baby gold potatoes

2–3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

CREAMY HERB DRESSING:

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, finely grated

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Herbs: Basil, dill, parsley, chives, mint

INSTRUCTIONS:

Chop your ingredients, toss it with the vinaigrette, and serve immediately.

OPTIONAL MIX-INS:

1/4 cup finely diced red onion

1/2 cup diced cucumber

1/3 cup pickle chunks or chopped dill pickles

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15–20 minutes.

2. Drain potatoes and let them dry for a few minutes. Spread onto a baking sheet and gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass or jar.

3. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

4. Bake at 425°F for 35–45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until deeply golden and crispy around the edges.

5. While the potatoes cook, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon, garlic, lemon juice, chives, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.

6. Let potatoes cool slightly so they stay crispy. Toss gently with the dressing and any optional mix-ins you like.

7. Top with extra herbs, cracked pepper, or a little flaky salt if you’re feeling fancy. Best served slightly warm or room temp.

Summer Burrata Salad

INGREDIENTS:

5 oz arugula

2 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

2 balls burrata

2-3 tbsp balsamic pearls

¼ cup toasted pistachios, roughly chopped

Fresh basil leaves

Flaky sea salt

Fresh cracked black pepper

ASSEMBLY:

1. Spread the arugula across a large board or platter.

2. Arrange peach slices and cherries in loose clusters. Tear open the burrata and nestle it among the fruit. Scatter pistachios and basil leaves over everything.

3. Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze (or balsamic pearls).

4. Finish with flaky salt and black pepper right before serving.

Optional Additions: Hot honey, fresh mint, candied pecans, pickled red onion, lemon zest, prosciutto, drizzle of olive oil. OL

TOP FIVE BITES

Photos & article by CHRISTY CHANEY

Eating is a lifestyle for me. I chase local moments, travel gems, and any trendy bite I can find. My whole family knows the camera eats first. Welcome to Top Five Bites, where we take giant, delicious bites out of life right here in Owensboro, plus anywhere we find ourselves along the way.

Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market

STRAWBERRIES

Different seasons at the farmers’ market bring different treats from the ground. Recently, strawberries were the star of the show. Sold in berry baskets that make you feel like you picked them fresh from the field, they are one of summer’s simplest pleasures, even if all you really did was Venmo someone and become part of a community tradition. You should probably take them home, wash them, and do all the safe things. But one warm, field-fresh strawberry eaten while standing in the middle of the market is an experience worth having.

Hillbilly’s BBQ

PULLED PORK NACHOS

Lil Amigo Food Truck

QUESA BIRRIA

I am not a chicken, cheese, and rice fan. I absolutely will order birria in any form if it appears on a menu. Lil Amigo hits all my favorite high notes with three corn tortillas stained that glorious red color that says, “I just took a dip in the river of flavor.” Stuffed with cheese and melted to perfection, they’re best finished with a sprinkle of raw onion, a squeeze of lime, and then dipped and double-dipped into the rich consommé. Unfortunately, I am a victim of OR6A2, so cilantro tastes like soap to me. Thankfully, this dish doesn’t need it. The only thing better than the food was the personality of the owner.

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Ole South Barbecue

FRIED CHICKEN

Sometimes nothing will do but a piece of really good fried chicken, and when that craving takes hold, I am headed to Ole South. I prefer a leg and a thigh. I prefer it fresh and crispy. I do not want a tender, ranch dressing or Nashville-level spice. What I want is a side of cool coleslaw to balance the grease. You know those little nuggets where the breading piles up thick on the edge of the chicken? The ones you can snap off and crunch into, only to have them disintegrate into nostalgia and childhood memories? That’s my favorite bite. Ole South gives me those moments sometimes, and I thank them for the trip down memory lane. 1 2

A Burger Week winner, a barbecue food truck, and home to these pulled pork nachos? Talk about a jack of all trades. Hillbilly’s does many things well, but this is my repeat order. Smoky, sweet pulled pork piled high over chips and topped with cold, crispy mayo-based slaw and pickled red onions. Added to the menu by the owner’s daughter, this family affair deserves your attention.

Women’s Guild Spring Luncheon

CHEESE WAFERS

The 86th Annual Women’s Guild of Owensboro Spring Luncheon was held this year at Moore Farm in Maceo. While the home that is toured changes each year, very little changes on the iconic plate of food, right down to the four blueberries placed on every serving. The chicken salad is made exclusively with Duke’s Mayo, the Parker House roll recipe remains a time-honored tradition, and Grace’s Iced Tea is sweet enough to send your blood sugar soaring. But every year, for me, it’s the cheese wafer. They’re like a cheese-flavored shortbread cookie, and I could eat ten hundred dozen of them. Although they are all made from the same recipe, I know whose are the best and yes, I can absolutely tell the difference. She knows who she is. OL

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La Veracruzana a destination for authentic Mexican cuisine

Written by JOHN KIRKPATRICK

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Once a small Hispanic grocery store, La Veracruzana grown into one of Owensboro’s most recognizable destinations for authentic Mexican cuisine, drawing customers from across western Kentucky and beyond.

La Veracruzana, located at 2229 New Hartford Road in Owensboro, traces its roots back to 2008 when founder Antonio Diaz opened a grocery store in Beaver Dam. Four years later, he expanded into Owensboro, bringing with him a vision of providing products and foods that were difficult to find locally at the time.

Today, the business includes both a grocery store and a restaurant, operated by Diaz’s sons, Antonio Diaz Jr. and Richard Diaz, who grew up helping in the family business and now help manage its day-to-day operations.

When the Owensboro location first opened in 2012, it functioned primarily as a grocery store serving the area’s Hispanic community. The family later added the restaurant, which helped broaden its customer base.

“Our main demographic used to mostly be Hispanic,” Antonio Diaz Jr. said. “Then we kind of realized there’s more to it than just serving one group. The restaurant brought in people for the food, and eventually they started looking more at the store

as well, and it just kind of bloomed from there.”

Over the years, La Veracruzana expanded both physically and operationally. The business added additional retail space around 2019, converting what had once been storage space into an expanded grocery area. More recently, the family renovated the restaurant and created a dedicated dining room separate from the store.

The grocery side of the business offers traditional Hispanic products,

fresh produce, spices, condiments, baked goods, religious items, cookware, and a full-service butcher shop featuring cuts and products often difficult to find elsewhere.

The restaurant has built a reputation around authentic Mexican cuisine rather than Tex-Mex fare, according to the brothers.

“What separates our place from most Mexican restaurants around here is that we serve authentic Mexican food,” Antonio Diaz Jr. said. “Most places around here are usually BUILT

Tex-Mex. We try to serve more authentic tacos, gorditas, tortas, sopes, tamales, and traditional meats.”

Many of the products served in the restaurant are prepared in-house, including seasonings, chorizo, sauces, and specialty meats. The restaurant also offers traditional weekend specialties, including menudo, seafood soup, beef stew, fresh tamales, and house-made chicharrones.

Richard Diaz said watching the business grow has been especially meaningful because it fulfills a dream his father carried with him after immigrating to the United States.

“It just makes me proud of my dad because it was always his dream to have his own business,” Richard Diaz said. “He came to the United States in 1998 and started working in restaurants as a dishwasher. Then he worked his way up and became a chef.”

Richard Diaz believes the business helped introduce a style of Mexican dining that was uncommon in the area at the time.

“There wasn’t really a taqueria around here,” he said. “My dad said, ‘I’m going to make a taqueria,’ and eventually more places opened. But I think we were kind of pioneers.”

The restaurant now serves customers from a wide range of backgrounds. The brothers said regular customers travel from cities including Evansville, Henderson, and Hopkinsville, while others have discovered the restaurant through social media and wordof-mouth recommendations.

The restaurant has also earned praise from local chefs and food enthusiasts for its authenticity and homemade approach.

While the business remains family-owned and relatively small, employing about seven people total, the Diaz family has managed to maintain long-term relationships with employees. Some staff members have been with the business for a decade or more.

The brothers credit much of the restaurant’s growth to customer loyalty and community support.

“It’s not something that happened overnight,” Antonio Diaz Jr. said. “It took a long period of time to get where it is. We’re glad we can say we have the customers that we have. Everyone really appreciates what we do, and we’re always trying to get bigger and better.”

Despite its growth, the family has stayed committed to closing on Sundays, a decision rooted in their father’s desire to spend time with family and attend church together.

Looking ahead, the brothers said they would like to continue expanding the business and have discussed the possibility of a larger grocery concept someday. For now, their focus remains on serving customers, improving the current location, and maintaining the authenticity that helped establish La Veracruzana’s reputation.

“We welcome everybody,” Antonio Diaz Jr. said. “Sometimes people get intimidated coming in, but we’re always here to help. If anyone has questions, we’re glad to help with whatever they need.” OL

HOMES, FURNITURE, AND GROCERIES

The cost of living in 1926

Written by LORA WIMSATT

Oh, to have a 2026 income and 1926 prices!

Owensboro newspapers of a century ago featured advertisements of homes for sale or rent at prices that seem almost unbelievable to us today. Just check out these offerings featuring homes in local neighborhoods:

“Two nice cottages. Each has four rooms, front and back porches, water and lights in the house. Price $1,500 each.”

“Two good three-room houses, $650 each; also two good four-room houses in the eastern part of the city, both for $1,000.”

“Good house of four rooms, front porch, large lot. Price only $1,500.”

“Five room bungalow — new modern, up-to-date house. … $3,300.”

“For rent — House with large garden, $20. Four room cottages, $14. Two- and three-room houses, $6 and $8.”

And if you’re going to have a new house, you might as well decorate it with new furnishings. The Home Furniture Co. store

advertised eight-piece dining room sets with a “real walnut surface” for only $79.50. An iron bedframe, springs, and mattress could be had for $14.75.

Kitchen cabinets — solid oak, lined with white enamel and featuring a flour bin and storage compartments — were on sale for only $29; while cedar chests could be had for the bargain price of $9.75.

And what about “This fine three-piece bedroom suite, bow end bed, vanity dresser with genuine French plate mirrors and chifferobe, all real walnut surfaced, nicely finished inside. Just a good dependable suite of furniture — sale price $79.50.”

If the buyer did not have cash on hand, not to worry. “Now that automobiles, radios, furniture etc., are mostly bought on convenient terms, why not get right in step with the times and take advantage of our convenient credit plan? Share in the sale opportunities now — pay as you earn!”

With that in mind, those dining room or bedroom sets could

be paid in weekly installments of only $2.

Not to be outdone, the Ideal Furniture Co., located at 209 Allen St. (rear of Kresge’s), advertised sale prices on used furniture, including dressers ranging from $4 to $8; rockers from $1.50 to $4; and folding beds from $12 to $17.50.

But Home Furniture came back with another innovative incentive for shoppers in November 1926: “Mr. Payne, the manager, conceived the idea of giving to each purchaser a week’s supply of groceries free. … The packages are all full size, no samples. There are eighty items of standard groceries, including peaches, sweet corn, apple butter, syrup and flour, at no additional cost to the purchaser.”

Response to this offer was reported to be “gratifying.”

If those 1926 shoppers could have only known what 2026 grocery prices would be, they would have been even more eager to take advantage of that bargain! OL