Owensboro Times in Print - Vol 1, Issue 3

Daviess County, Kentucky

THIRD QUARTER 2025

Illuminate Owensboro Organizers aiming for a mind-blowing nighttime experience beyond the drone show

By RYAN RICHARDSON

Forget everything you thought you knew about downtown events. Illuminate Owensboro is not a festival, it’s a full-blown sensory takeover. For three nights this October, downtown will become a living canvas of light, sound, and imagination, with walk-through light tunnels, candlelit concerts, and mind-bending art installations that will leave you stunned.

At least, organizers say that's the plan, and it’s one that’s been in the works for more than six

years. Originally conceived as a creative alternative to the city’s Air Show during pandemicera uncertainty, Illuminate has since evolved into something far more ambitious. Guided by inspiration from international light festivals and immersive art events, City of Owensboro Director of Public Events Tim Ross and his team have spent years researching, curating, and coordinating what they hope will become the city’s next signature experience.

“We wanted something totally different,” Ross said. “This

isn’t a replacement for the Air Show. It’s a reinvention of what a large-scale community event can be. It’s immersive, it’s interactive, and it’s unlike anything we’ve done before.”

A glowing debut

Illuminate, a free event, will run October 3-5 from 6:30-10 p.m. each night. The event features more than a dozen exhibits and experiences placed strategically from the blue bridge to the Owensboro Convention Center and from the riverfront to 3rd Street.

A full interactive map will be released ahead of the event, helping attendees plan their route through the sprawling collection of installations, performances, and pop-up experiences.

“We’ve been very intentional about the layout,” Ross said. “Each exhibit takes up a different amount of space, and some are designed to be walk-throughs while others are things you stop and watch. Some people will want to race through the entire thing in one

20 years later, Taylor reflects on journey from battlefield crash to recovery

By RYAN RICHARDSON

It was 125 degrees in the blistering Iraqi heat on August 12, 2005, when Clay Taylor’s Apache helicopter skimmed just a few dozen feet above the ground near Kirkuk. Circling what was believed to be a roadside bomb, Taylor and his team were performing a familiar task — securing the area until bomb techs could arrive. Then a higher-priority call came in. Troops elsewhere were under fire. As mission lead, Taylor started punching in new coordinates. And that’s the last thing he remembers before the

night, and others might find one piece so captivating that they stay for 30 minutes. It’s all about how you want to experience it.”

The lineup: What you’ll see

Yes, there’s a drone show a twice-nightly, 15-minute drone performance featuring 300 synchronized drones dancing across the night sky, choreographed to music. But if that’s all you think Illuminate is, you’re missing the point.

“Honestly, the drone show is a relatively small piece of the overall budget,” Ross said. “It’s the most recognizable, but the other installations are just as impressive, and in many cases, more immersive. The drones are just one of 13 or 14 exhibits. They’re not the main act, they’re the anchor.”

So what else is there? Here’s what’s been revealed so far, including a few exclusive new an-

nouncements:

LuminiMax, a glowing, inflatable labyrinth created by internationally renowned artist Alan Parkinson. Having toured over 40 countries, this otherworldly installation opens daily at 1 p.m., giving visitors a chance to explore its soft curves and glowing corridors before the evening crowds arrive.

Loophole, by Barcelonabased collective Calidos, uses spiraling metal rings and projected light to create a mesmerizing visual loop. It’s part sculpture, part light show, and entirely unforgettable.

Paraluna features a floating, kinetic sculpture with 17,000 LED lights that shimmer, pulse, and move in time with music. Suspended above the crowd, the piece creates an optical illusion that evolves the longer you stare.

Explore takes guests on a sensory journey through Earth’s most awe-inspiring natural won-

ders — from the Great Barrier Reef to the Northern Lights to rainforests — without ever leaving downtown.

The Candlelight Symphony, performed by a six-piece ensemble from the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, offers a more intimate sensory experience. Surrounded by thousands of flickering candles, the group will perform both classical and modern pieces in a setting designed to stir the soul.

Art Mural is an untitled new permanent piece by Owensboro artist Aaron Kizer. The mural shifts in appearance depending on the light, with subtle details revealed only at night, making it worth visiting more than once.

Shipping Containers Transformed invites you to reimagine industrial spaces as art. Murals by Kizer and Louisville-based artist Kacy Jackson cover the outside of two containers, while the interiors are turned into gallery spaces featuring artwork

from Owensboro and Daviess County public school students.

Every installation is free and open to the public, and while food and novelty vendors will be available, the art is the main attraction.

“We wanted people to look at familiar places and see them in completely new ways,” Ross said. “That’s what Illuminate is all about, reshaping how we experience downtown through art.”

Powered by local partnerships

While the City is spearheading production, Illuminate is far from a solo effort. Local artists, musicians, students, and organizations all play key roles in bringing the event to life.

“We didn’t want this to be something we just put on for the community,” Ross said. “We wanted it to be something the community helps create.”

That vision includes partnerships with the Owensboro Symphony, Musick Studios, and visual artists. It also includes contributions from students, school districts, and community groups. Every night of Illuminate features a mix of professional and local talent.

For organizations like the Symphony or local schools, Illuminate provides a rare opportunity to perform or exhibit in a completely new environment — one that combines art, light, and public space in an unforgettable way.

“They’ve been excited to reimagine how their work can be presented,” Ross said. “It’s not just a concert or an art show, it’s a totally different platform.”

Lighting the way forward

While this year marks the

launch of Illuminate, the city already sees it as part of a longterm vision. The plan is to alternate years between the Air Show and Illuminate, offering the community two major fall events that each have their own vibe — one loud and high-flying, the other immersive and artistic.

“This isn’t just something flashy for the sake of being flashy,” Ross said. “It’s intentional, innovative, and inclusive. We think people are going to walk away from Illuminate inspired, and we can’t wait for them to experience it.”

With its mix of global artistry and local heart, Illuminate promises to deliver something Owensboro has never seen before. And while words and photos can only hint at what’s coming, Ross said the real magic is in the experience.

“People just need to come down and see it for themselves,” he said. “You can’t describe the feeling of standing in the middle of it all. You’ve got to be there to feel it.”

Illuminate Owensboro

Downtown Owensboro

October 3-5 6:30-10 p.m. nightly All installations are free to attend

Scan the QR code below to visit the Illuminate Owensboro Facebook page. There, you can find weekly updates on exhibits and be on the lookout for the full event map dropping in September.

Meet the Staff

John Kirkpatrick

Assistant Editor and Storyteller Extraordinaire

If there’s a local story to be told, chances are John’s already on it. From breaking news to heartwarming features, he’s spent the last few years capturing the people, places, and moments that make our community unique. A former teacher and coach turned journalist, John brings curiosity, heart, and a touch of humor to every assignment.

Former athlete

Ran cross country, played basketball, and ran track at Muhlenberg North.

KWC grad

Fell in love with Daviess County in college and never left.

Reds superfan

Hasn’t given up hope — this is their year (probably).

Ready to play

Keeps pickleball gear, a basketball, golf clubs, a glove, and a football in his trunk — at all times.

Former educator

Spent a decade teaching and coaching before joining the newsroom.

Family guy

Married to Tara; dad to Laney, who goes to St. Mary of the Woods School.

Faith and community

Active member of St. Mary of the Woods Parish.

Whether reporting on the latest developments or capturing the spirit of a community event, John is committed to celebrating the people and stories that make Owensboro and Daviess County special.

Editorial

MANAGING EDITOR

Ryan Richardson

ASSISTANT EDITOR

John Kirkpatrick

SPORTS WRITER

Max Rayman

PUBLISHERS

Jason Tanner

Christy Chaney

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accident that led to his lower left leg being amputated.

His helicopter dug into the scorched dirt and was torn in two.

The impact ripped off Taylor’s Achilles tendon and drove a stick deep into his calf. When the dust settled, the cockpit was nearly gone, and he was lucky to still be alive.

“There was only this much of my seat left,” he said, holding up his hand to show a space no bigger than a license plate. “How I survived is an absolute miracle.”

commission and transitioned from tanks to helicopters. Just before finishing flight school, word came down: his unit was being deployed to Iraq.

It was a new era for the American military. Taylor joined in January 1999, at a time when few U.S. troops had deployed since Vietnam. But everything changed after 9/11.

“When I joined, being deployed wasn’t something you thought about. But by the time I graduated flight school, things had ramped up,” he said. “We trained at Fort Dix for about six months and deployed to Iraq in late 2004.”

From Owensboro to Iraq

Taylor grew up in Owensboro and graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School, where he played soccer. He didn’t initially plan on joining the military. In fact, his first attempt was mostly about paying for school.

“I thought I was done playing soccer after high school,” he said. “I was going to join the National Guard right then. But I had some buddies at Georgetown University playing, so I went and played one more year. After that, I knew for sure I was done, and I needed a way to pay for school.”

That’s when Taylor joined the Owensboro-based National Guard unit, initially serving as a tank driver. He eventually transferred to the University of Kentucky and then to Eastern Kentucky University, where he completed ROTC and earned a military science minor.

In December 2002, Taylor received his

Flying low, living high-risk

Based out of Tikrit — Saddam Hussein’s hometown — Taylor served as a platoon leader and Apache pilot. He was responsible for four aircraft and roughly 10 soldiers.

Most days were a mix of long hours and tense calm. Their primary missions were reconnaissance, convoy security, and supporting ground troops during firefights. Many flights were low-altitude sweeps along desert highways, searching for signs of IEDs.

Some days were quiet. Others were chaotic. But every day carried risk.

“You could go from monotony to sheer intensity in a matter of seconds,” he said. “The heat made everything harder. The air was so thin that flying became much more sensitive — the margin of error was incredibly small.”

By the summer of 2005, Taylor’s unit was preparing to rotate out. Their replacements were on the way. Taylor’s injury came just weeks before they were scheduled to hand over operations.

“That day, we were flying a routine recon over a known trouble spot,” he recalled. “We spotted what looked like a roadside bomb. So, we circled to secure the area. I was punching in new coordinates to respond to another call when we went down.”

The heat, the altitude, and the low flight pattern combined to create a per-

fect storm.

"We think the helicopter just dug in,” he said. “The front ripped off. I was out of it (mentally), but my copilot and the team in the other aircraft pulled me out. I had broken ribs, lacerations, and that stick in my leg. But it was my foot that was worst.”

Crash, survival, and recovery

Taylor was medevacked to a small hospital in Tikrit, then to a larger base. Surgeons amputated just above the ankle. He was sent to Germany, then Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Along the way, doctors realized they needed to take more of the leg.

“They went up another four inches to help with mobility and fitting the prosthetic,” he said. “It actually made things easier down the road.”

At Walter Reed, the severity of Taylor’s injuries became clearer, but so did his good fortune.

“I caught a really bad infection from the stick that was lodged in my shin,” he said. “That was the most dangerous part. It was a close call. They had to scrub the wounds every day. That could’ve taken me out.”

Despite the circumstances, Taylor never let bitterness take hold.

“I was 25. I hadn’t really figured out what I was going to do with life yet,” he said. “So, emotionally, it was easier than it would’ve been for someone with kids or a long career. I’ve always been a guy who just deals with things. You adapt and move forward.”

At Walter Reed, surrounded by others with injuries far worse, he found perspective.

“My roommate had his head nearly blown off and was throwing up every night from vertigo,”

he said. “It’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you see stuff like that. I felt lucky.”

Taylor was up and walking on a prosthetic within weeks. Despite a broken foot on his good leg, he pushed through rehab with determination. By Christmas, just four months after the crash, he felt mostly back to normal.

By April 2006, he was officially discharged.

Life, love, and resilience

What came next was life. He got engaged and then married to his longtime girlfriend Renee, came back to Owensboro, and started figuring out what his civilian future would look like.

“I worked at Texas Gas for a little while, but it just didn’t fit me,” he said. “I had a good relationship with the people at Kurtz Auction & Realty, and I gave a talk at Rotary that led to a conversation. They thought it might be a good fit — and so did I.”

In the two decades since the crash, Taylor has quietly carved out a successful career and an even more meaningful life. He and Renee are now parents to two daughters — Cameron, a senior at Owensboro Catholic High School, and Mazie, a sophomore.

They’ve grown up with a father who has never used his injury as an excuse — a fact he hopes they’ve absorbed, even if he doesn’t talk about it much.

“I’m not a ‘look at me’ kind of guy,” Taylor said. “I try to teach more by action than by talking. I show up, do what I say I’ll do, and take care of the things that matter. That’s what I want them to learn.”

While Taylor doesn’t speak publicly often, he has made exceptions, particularly when he

can talk one-on-one with someone who’s recently suffered an amputation.

“A few times I’ve talked to kids who lost a limb, maybe in a four-wheeler accident or something like that,” he said. “I prefer that setting. I’m not trying to be a motivational speaker. I’m just trying to say, ‘Hey, I’ve lived with this for 20 years. It’s not always

easy, but you can live a full life.’” Those conversations — quiet and honest — mean more to him than any stage or spotlight ever could.

“There’s a fine line between sharing your experience to help someone and making it about yourself,” he said. “I never want to cross that line.”

Taylor’s military service shaped much of who he is today, but it’s the people who surrounded him after the injury that he credits with his recovery.

“My mom was there from the beginning, and Renee never left my side,” he said. “My friends, my family, someone was always there. I probably didn’t realize how much that mattered at the time. But looking back now, as a dad, I see it more clearly.”

His mother passed away four years ago, but her presence still guides him.

“She gave everything she

had to make sure I was OK,” he said. “I’d be wrong not to say that. I wouldn’t have made it through without her, and without all of them.”

Reflecting on the crash 20 years later, Taylor doesn’t focus on what he lost. Instead, he talks about how close he came to losing everything — and how lucky he was that the story didn’t end in that desert.

“Bad stuff happens every day. I’ve never been the kind of guy to dwell on it,” he said. “I had a job to do, I did it, and when things changed, I adapted. That’s just life.”

And in many ways, the military taught him how to handle that.

“In basic training, in flight school, and in Iraq — it all prepared me for that moment and for what came after,” he said. “You just do what you’ve got to do. You don’t complain. You take care of your people and your re-

sponsibilities. That’s the lesson.”

At home in Owensboro, Taylor still lives by those principles. He’s rarely late, never backs out of a commitment, and leads his family the way he led his platoon — with calm confidence and a deep sense of loyalty.

For his daughters, that means showing up. Coaching when he can. Supporting their interests. Modeling what strength and resilience really look like.

For Taylor, it means going to work, loving his family, and quietly helping others when they need him.

“I’ve been blessed,” he said. “It could have been so much worse. But I’ve had 20 years I didn’t have to have. I got married, had kids, built a career. That’s more than enough to be thankful for.”

Forks up! Glazed and Confused: The Owensboro Donut Tour

By CHRISTY CHANEY & CHEF WILL

Photo by Jamie Plain

People have a lot to say about donuts in this town. A lot of it, we suppose, stems from nostalgia. Did you grow up here? Because if you did and you are Gen Xers like us, you got your donut holes from Rolling Pin or that bygone gem, Davis Pastries, whose glazesoaked, oddly shaped donut holes disintegrated in your mouth. It’s a core memory for me. Chef Will was raised in Southern California, and he says the donuts at Winchell’s Donut House were so pretty they looked fake.

Owensboro seems to split into two donut factions. You have the ride-or-die classics, yeast-raised or old-fashioned cake, and then the flashy newcomers: fancy cronuts piled with toppings, drizzles, crumbles, and the occasional fruit trying to pretend it’s healthy. The cronut was born in New York, courtesy of pastry god Dominique Ansel, and yes, I have made the pilgrimage. I’ve stood in the line that wraps around the block like some insane foodie chasing a TikTok

trend, and it was worth it. Now, back to Owensboro.

Davis Pastry opened in 1966 and is now just a distant sugar-dusted memory, but in honor of its historical greatness, we will go in chronological order. That puts Rolling Pin Bakery up first, with a start date of 1947. Nineteen. Forty. Seven. Rolling Pin has been cranking out donuts since before donuts were cool, and honestly, surviving that long in the carb game deserves a standing ovation. Even the keto diet could not end its reign.

Rolling Pin

Pastry Shop

We grabbed a mixed dozen in the tried-and-true white box with the Rolling Pin sticker and the equally classic bag of one dozen donut holes. The glazed is precisely what it should be: soft, pillowy perfection, like biting into a sugar-spun cloud. The glaze is sweet and sticky and leaves a glossy residue on absolutely everything it touches — your fingers, steering wheel, maybe even your soul.

as if they are in some bake sale fever dream, and frankly, that entire experience is why Rolling Pin is a local icon.

Chef Will is an apple fritter guy through and through, and Rolling Pin serves up a giant one worthy of his devotion. Same glaze as the rest of the lineup, but with ribbons of cinnamon swirled through the dough like a treasure map where X marks an apple. Could we use a few more apples? Sure. But this isn’t some perfectly portioned, machinestuffed McDonald’s apple pie. This is a hand-made fritter, which means there’s a natural ebb and flow to the appleto-dough ratio, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.

crackly finish and more of a wet sheen, but the dough was perfectly light like any self-respecting donut should be. Customer service here was a little less than friendly, but Chef Will did roll in later in the morning, so we’ll forgive and forget … or, you know, write about it in a food review and still recommend you go. Just go early if you want the whole, warm-fritter, friendly smile experience.

Gramps Coffee & Donuts

The donut holes? They come in random little clumps of whatever stuck together in the fryer, which makes us think they are not actual “holes” from the donuts. But honestly, who cares? Nobody wants to risk a Saturday morning donut shortage while a line of halfawake people in pajama pants shuffle in to grab their Prairie Farms chocolate milk along with the kiddo they lost the argument to about “who gets to pick the donuts.”

Now, one thing that sets the Rolling Pin apart from other bakeries in our town is their long john icing. They’ve got a whole lineup like most places: the original, the cream-filled, the Bavarian cream-filled, the white icing, the coconut, and so on. But it’s the chocolate frosting that makes them. It’s not a ganache like you would find on an eclair; it is literal cake frosting. As far as I can tell, no one else is standing in their back room with an offset spatula slapping chocolate cake frosting out of a 5-gallon bucket on dozens and dozens of donuts

A couple of other little nuggets you shouldn’t skip are their cake donuts — vanilla, chocolate, and blueberry, or whatever seasonal flavor they’ve got going. If you’re a kid at heart or want to feel some joy before your coffee kicks in, then grab a sprinkle version. They also have multiple flavors of jelly donuts. Now, full disclosure, jelly donuts are not my thing. I could pretend to be nice and say, “maybe I’m wrong,” but let’s be honest, I’m not. But if jelly is your thing, go ahead and let me know all about it in the comments later; I can take it.

Koehler's Bakery

Next up, Koehler's. Started in 1966 by Randy Koehler, who was throwing dough into round shapes before he got into donuts as the manager of the Noble Romans Pizza. Chef Will hit their west side drive-thru to snag a mixed box of greatest hits, mainly to ensure an apple fritter made it into the lineup. He got a little too excited and dove right in, only to discover he was headfirst into a cherry fritter instead. Mild shock, still tasty.

Koehler's fritters are smaller but taller, with a denser bite. Their cake donut gave us full sour cream vibes, and the vanilla-chocolate twist added an actual twist to the classic (yes, I heard it too, and I’m not sorry). The classic glazed was softer and moister than others in town, with less of that

Now, onto the newbies in town, starting with Gramps. A little downtown gem on the corner of 4th and Fred, tucked into an iconic spot that formerly had the adorable Raines Shoe Hospital attached to it. You know the place. These donuts are a whole different league from your standard glaze, so comparing them would be like judging apples against disco balls. Pointless but entertaining.

Behind the counter that day was the owner, Amy Gilmore. I went to high school with her, but that won’t impact this review. We sat next to each other in science class and dissected a pig, so we go way back, which made it extra funny when she handed us a donut called “Back in My Day.” It’s as close as you are going to get to a plain donut in this place, and rumor has it, per a video on Facebook, that the governor himself went for it on his last swing through the ’Boro.

Layers of flaky, buttery dough are the base of all of Gramps' goodies, but it’s the toppings where they shine. The Crème Brûlée has an unctuous, creamy custard and a crackly, smoky top. Or you can go fruity with “Berry Good,” which reminds us of a strawberry shortcake on a warm summer day. We closed out our tasting menu with “Goodness Gracious,” which is covered in a chocolate ganache and cookie crumbles.

Beyond the donuts, Gramps is a vibe. It’s not just a grab-and-go bakery. It’s a gathering spot. Come for the over-the-top pastries, grab

a cup of coffee, and stay to eavesdrop on the downtown gossip or pretend you are working remotely. Shhhh … we won’t tell.

Parlor Doughnuts

Last, but not least, is Parlor Doughnuts. Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Christy, Chef Will...this is a chain.”

And you’re right, it was. But Parlor is now owned by a local family, and that changes things. Not to mention, this boutique franchise got its start right across the river in Evansville, and that’s almost local. We’re suckers for a hometown owner, even if the logo was born in Indiana, so into the lineup they go.

First thing to know: these donuts are massive. Like, Ihope-you’re-doing-your-armworkout massive. A dozen donuts will bend that box in half, so get both hands under there unless you want a parking lot sugar disaster. Our guy behind the counter mixed us up a box of standards and seasonals

and sent us on our way to our subsequent sugar coma. I’m not 100% sure of exactly everything we got.

Like Gramps, Parlor deals in layers, flaky ones smothered in toppings. Purists might roll their eyes, but if you like your burger run through the garden, you are going to love your donuts run through the dessert bar. Seasonal flavors were peach cobbler and blueberry lemon cheesecake.

Chef Will, ever the apple fritter loyalist, would have preferred an apple cobbler situation because he tends to settle into a theme. The peach was fresh and tasty, even if I did run out of peach before I ran out of donut. Pro tip: their Plain Jane is sneaky good — less dessert, more breakfast, and far fewer sugar jitters.

Parlor also earns points for catering to the gluten-free and keto peeps, which is practically unheard of in the world of donuts. They even have a donut for your dog. I tried to talk Chef Will into taste test-

ing it for journalistic purposes, but he was not amused.

Between the solid coffee selection, comfy seating, and a drive-thru, Parlor works whether you want to grab and go or park it for a while.

Honorable Mentions

We’ve got three honorable mentions because donuts, like people, come in all shapes and from the most unexpected places.

First up is Niko’s Bakery in Wesleyan Park Plaza, which serves a showstopper of a cruffin. It lands squarely in the layered flaky dough camp and is topped with lemon zest and fresh blueberries. It’s a bright, zippy little number that makes you feel almost classy while stuffing your face. Almost.

Then there’s Windy Hollow, both the original out on KY 81 and the Biscuit House, rounding out a corner of Wesleyan Park Plaza. They have been serving up Hal Miller’s original donut, which first hit the buffet back in 1975. This

basic beauty is a fried biscuit situation, rolled in cinnamon and sugar, best served hot and inhaled by the panful, or, depending on your age, handed straight to you by Hal himself. It may not be a “donut shop” in the traditional sense, but if it quacks like a donut and tastes like childhood happiness, it counts in our book.

And finally, we are going to throw a shout-out to Dunkin’ in here. We know it’s a giant corporate chain, and we know people love it because the line is taking over Frederica Street every morning, and Nita Patel calls Owensboro home, and so do we.

Well, there you have it, east side donuts, west side donuts, downtown donuts, Frederica Street donuts, country donuts, and corporate donuts — we hit them all. After this tour, we are pretty sure our blood type is now glaze. A sugar detox is definitely in order, but the Owensboro donut scene gets a big, sticky, glorious: Forks Up!

Home2 Suites hotel to open midSeptember, project officials say

By RYAN RICHARDSON

The long-awaited Home2 Suites by Hilton in downtown Owensboro is set to open in mid-September, project officials have confirmed to Owensboro Times.

While the hotel’s website notes it is “coming soon” and lists an opening date for reservations as September 5, 2025, OT found that as of August 11, the first available booking date was for the night of October 3. October rates listed at that time ranged from $141 to $377. Only sample room images were shown on the site.

The 144-room hotel is located at 560 West 2nd Street, directly across from the Owensboro Convention Center. Amenities listed online include free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, in-room kitchens, a fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms (with applicable fees). Guests will have a choice of studio suites and mobility studio suites

with king or two queen bed options. Self-parking will cost $10 per night.

Home2 Suites is the first completed phase of the Riverfront Brio development, which also calls for 117 residential units in the Riverfront Brio Apartment homes and a parking garage with more than 400 spaces. The hotel, apartments, and garage will all be housed within the same structure.

“Home2 Suites by Hilton's arrival in downtown Owensboro brings the hospitality industry's leading extendedstay experience to our riverfront community, featuring Hilton's market-leading guest satisfaction standards,” said Fahr Juneja, Partner and Principal Broker at Gulfstream Commercial Services. “As the first phase of our mixed-use Riverfront BRIO development, this hotel represents our commitment to enhancing Owensboro's downtown

core with amenities that serve both business and leisure travelers.”

The project broke ground in 2019, with the hotel initially expected to open in 2021, but construction was delayed for several years.

The City of Owensboro approved $4.6 million in tax incentives to support the project. Instead of receiving that money up front, developers will be reimbursed over time through all Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues tied to the property’s public infrastructure costs. The development group, Riverfront Brio, LLC, is affiliated with Gulfstream Commercial Services, LLC.

Once the hotel is open, work will continue on the apartment portion of the building. The central courtyard will remain closed during that phase of construction.

The bottom floor — just over 10,000 square feet — is

reserved for retail space. Developers said the space will be built out to fit a tenant’s needs. They hope Brio will create a “dynamic live-workplay environment” in the heart of the city and help drive future growth and tourism.

Destination Management at Visit Owensboro is already leveraging the added lodging capacity.

“We have several pieces of business booked with the Home2 Suites starting in September,” said Dave Kirk. “We’ve got the National Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Rally, Glidden Auto Tour, KY Ambulance Association, and the KY League of Cities, just to name some of the bigger pieces of business this September. Having three convention hotels with over 400 rooms in inventory has opened up new doors in our meetings potential portfolio.”

Club One targets summer 2026 debut as focus shifts after mall project announcement

By JOHN KIRKPATRICK

Construction has begun work on Club One — a 90,000-square-foot fitness and wellness destination that developer Dustin Edge says will be unlike anything Owensboro has seen. The project on Owensboro's south side is on pace to open by summer 2026, and thanks to a nearby entertainment center that appears to be in the works, Edge

has retooled his vision for what comes next at Club One.

Located off Southtown Boulevard (behind the former South Central Bank building, and between Walmart and Champion Ford), dirt work began earlier this summer, and the foundation has been poured.

“The building’s already pre-engineered and on its way

from Texas,” Edge said. “Once it’s delivered and we start putting it up, that’s when the ninemonth clock begins.”

Club One will anchor a multi-phase development aimed at transforming the South Frederica corridor.

The first phase will be massive in scope, with more than 90,000 square feet dedicated to health, wellness, and athlet-

ic training. Edge said the facility will also offer an expanded child care program running daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Features include a full-size basketball court, indoor pickleball courts, a three-lane lap pool with a hot tub, saunas, steam rooms, and a recovery spa. The facility will also include more than 20,000 square feet of indoor batting cages and

golf simulators, a turf-based sports performance center, and two floors of cardio and weight equipment.

Additional booth rental spaces will be available for stylists, massage therapists, and other wellness professionals.

Edge said local partners Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Optimize U will move into the facility,

adding to a health and recovery ecosystem designed to serve all ages.

“We’re looking to build a one-stop destination, from youth athletics to Silver Sneakers classes,” Edge said. “This isn’t just a gym, it’s a place where the whole family can come and enjoy something.”

Edge said phase one will create 55-60 jobs, including six to eight full-time positions and numerous part-time roles. He’s also exploring partnerships with independent professionals to lease spaces inside the complex.

Edge originally envisioned future phases of his project to include indoor family entertainment, but he’s pivoting after learning that TS Entertainment LLC received $2 million in state tourism incentives to turn the former Towne Square Mall into a multi-concept entertainment center. That project includes go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, and more. While the City of Owensboro approved a $1.5 million incentive

package in May to bring that project to life, developers have not spoken about their plans since then.

“I was planning to do something similar, but once I saw what they were doing at the mall, I decided to shift our focus,” Edge said. “It’s actually a good thing. We’ll be right next to them, so we can build off each other. I’ll look at what they don’t offer and bring in complementary features.”

Phase two of Club One is now expected to include outdoor batting cages, baseball fields, and possibly a mini golf course, depending on local demand and the community’s response to the TS Entertainment project, Edge said.

He added that the development of those outdoor amenities will be ongoing, with some elements possibly ready between phase one and phase two, since much of the work involves leveling and turfing existing land that lies in the floodplain.

Edge emphasized that

community feedback will guide many of his next steps.

“I always try to reinvest based on what the community wants,” he said. “If it makes sense financially and people want it, I’m all ears.”

That mindset has helped Edge grow his brand over the years. After founding Edge Body Boot Camp, he sold the business during COVID so he

could focus on expanding Owensboro Athletic Club, which is being rebranded as Club One. Edge said that support from members, local partners, and private investors has made the project possible. That backing recently earned him the Preston PreSeed Entrepreneur Award, which he received from the Kentucky SBDC in a ceremony that included remarks

from Gov. Andy Beshear. “They’ve helped me get the numbers and the business plan in place,” Edge said. “I always tell people, no matter what stage your business is in, reach out to the SBDC. Jody and that whole team are incredible.” Pre-sales for Club One memberships are set to begin shortly after vertical construction begins.

Photo by Jamie Plain

State Rep. Suzanne Miles reflects on roots, community, and service

By JOHN KIRKPATRICK

Home has always been western Kentucky for State Rep. Suzanne Miles, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Miles was born and raised in Daviess County and grew up as the youngest of four in a tight-knit farm family. Her father and grandfather started selling seed from their back porch in the late 1950s, eventually building Miles Farm Supply into a longstanding local business.

She said her first job came at age 4, counting quarters from the Pepsi machine at one of the stores. As she got older, she stocked the machine, helped in the office, and pitched in wherever needed.

“I was extremely fortunate to grow up in a family business where all the employees watched over the kids,” Miles said. “We were raised by a village.”

That early exposure to work and community set the tone for her future. While a student at Apollo High School, Miles worked after school and during the summers at her family’s business. She went on to attend Transylvania University, and between her junior and senior years, took out a loan to purchase Town & Countrywear, a women’s clothing store in Owensboro.

The store’s longtime manager, Sue Brown, helped her learn the ropes of running a small business. Brown even passed along a peanut butter ball recipe that Miles still makes each Christmas.

“Retail really prepares you for public service,” Miles said.

She operated the store for nearly 16 years, closing it in 2008 as shopping habits shifted online. The following year, she joined U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie’s staff as a field representative.

Her first week on the job brought the historic 2009 ice storm, an event that underscored the importance of connecting people with the help they need.

“I learned very quickly how important it is to be the eyes, ears, and customer service for the federal government,” she said. “Most people don’t know if it’s federal, state, or local; they just need help.”

In 2013, Miles was nominated by Republican committees in Union, Henderson, and Daviess counties

to run in a special election for the Kentucky House of Representatives. She won by a narrow margin and has been re-elected in each cycle since. With recent redistricting, she now represents only part of Daviess County.

In 2018, her colleagues elected her Majority Caucus Chair, making Miles the first woman to serve in Republican leadership in the Kentucky House. She said Speaker David Osborne has occasionally passed her the gavel to preside over the chamber, dubbing her “the velvet hammer” for her blend of firmness and approachability.

Miles added that she tries to keep up with members and their families, believing that understanding life outside of work helps colleagues succeed in both. She said one of her greatest accomplishments was championing legislation on human trafficking punishments, healthcare workforce needs, and expungement. She credited one anti-trafficking bill with enabling law enforcement to rescue a young person and secure tougher penalties for the offender.

“Helping one child changes the path for her future,” Miles said. “Many things in life have a ripple effect like a pebble tossed in water.”

Outside of Frankfort, Miles remains deeply connected to her community. She is a member of Panther Creek Baptist Church and has lived in the area her entire life. She said she often gives back in quieter ways, like baking.

“I’m a stress baker,” she said. “If I need to seek refuge from this crazy world, you might find me in the kitchen. Anytime you can make someone feel as if they were the only person with your undivided attention, that is time well spent — one cookie at a time.”

Looking back, Miles said she never set out to be a trailblazer, but simply to show up and do the work. She’s grateful for the opportunities she’s had and the relationships she’s built.

“I’ve loved my community and have had the privilege to do so many unique things,” she said. “My mother’s whole world was our family. My father saw the whole world as family. I’ve been blessed to have the best of both worlds.”

Get to know the new fall coaches Fresh faces and familiar names take the helm for local high school teams

By MAX RAYMAN

After a whirlwind of retirements, resignations, and role changes since last fall, the sidelines and scoreboards across Owensboro-Daviess County will look a little different this year. From first-time leaders eager to shape a program’s culture to familiar faces returning to old stomping grounds, the new school year ushers in a fresh crop of head coaches ready to make their mark on local high school fall sports.

EMILY LYONS

Girls’ Golf

Apollo High School

Following in the footsteps of her father David, Emily Lyons has taken over as the E-Gals’ golf program. (David will continue to coach the boys.) Emily began volunteer coaching two years ago and spent last season as an assistant for both squads.

"It's always kind of high standards to live up to. My father was my coach, and I have been playing since I was in fourth grade and he is as real as they come," Emily said. "Just being able to live up to him and to kind of start a new team for Apollo High School is exciting."

Last year, Apollo had just one girl on the roster. With three newcomers this season, Lyons said she’s excited to build the team’s culture from the ground up.

QUADARIUS

WALLACE

Football

Daviess County High School

Former Daviess County assistant coach Quadarius Wallace has returned to lead the Panthers’ football program. Wallace began his coaching career in 2013 as a position coach at Apollo under Dan Crume. He then joined the offensive staff at Kentucky Wesleyan College before spending nine seasons at Daviess County. He moved to OHS last year before returning to take over the Panthers.

He said while it’s been a lot of work, it’s been fun and he’s grateful for the opportunity.

"It means a lot to return to Daviess County," Wallace said. "I learned how to navigate the ebbs and flows of football here. I developed many relationships, including relationships with all of the players I coached and the parents of the players that I have coached. It also means a lot to return to a program that I helped turn around when we took over."

JAMES LOI

Boys’ Cross Country

Daviess County High School

When Mark Lowe resigned, he recommended assistant coach James Loi to take over the boys program — a move that took Loi by surprise. Loi ran at Kentucky Wesleyan University and later coached there for a year before the program was cut. He then spent more than a year volunteering at Owensboro High School before joining Daviess County’s staff last year. In his first year as a head coach, Loi is looking forward to helping shape the future of the program.

"I have always been in a really good assistant role, but it just means that finally it's my team," Loi said. "I get to be in control of what I do and be in control of how the culture is being built at Daviess County. There are going to be some changes.

DAMARCUS GANAWAY

Football

Owensboro High School

Owensboro High School ushered in a new football era this offseason, naming DaMarcus Ganaway as its 30th head coach following the resignation of longtime leader Jay Fallin.

“I am excited to step into the role of head coach of the Owensboro High School Red Devils,” Ganaway said. “Owensboro’s football program and its tradition of excellence are a legacy I am honored to uphold. I can’t wait to work with the great coaches, talented athletes, and the dedicated community that make Friday nights at Rash Stadium truly special.”

A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Ganaway played at Kentucky Wesleyan College, earning All-American honors before spending a season with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. He later shifted to coaching and co-founded Dynasty Sports Performance, a business aimed at helping young athletes develop and navigate college recruitment.

Most recently, he served as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida.

KEVIN

PEVELER

Girls’ Soccer

Apollo High School

Already serving as Apollo’s swim coach, Kevin Peveler has also taken over the girls’ soccer program. Peveler began coaching youth soccer in 2003 and moved to Owensboro United Soccer Club in 2006, working with multiple boys’ and girls’ age groups. In 2013, he joined Daviess County’s JV staff while also helping the varsity program under David Sandifer. The following year, he became an assistant for the Indiana Fire Junior boys’ team, a role he held for four years.

”I am taking over a program from Coach Akin that was well-positioned,” Peveler said. “The girls made great strides last year, and I am fortunate to come in and work with them. I have already been teaching some of the fundamentals of how to play the game. We will continue to expand upon that and see if we can reproduce the success they had last year, and hope to get back to the region.”

DALE ARMISTEAD Boys’ Soccer

Owensboro High School

The head coaching job for Daviess County boys soccer hadn’t been open in 30 years, but when it became available, former Brescia University head coach Dale Armistead seized the opportunity.

“Some people asked me why I am going from coaching at the college level to the Daviess County Panthers,” Armistead said. “This is a storied program that has a rich tradition and has many alumni who support the program. I felt like that was the place for me to be.”

Armistead was a standout player for Brescia from 1990-1994 before launching his coaching career in 1995. He started at the youth club level, including Owensboro United, before transitioning to the high school ranks as an assistant for Apollo’s girls team in the late 1990s. He later coached at Trinity (Louisville) and Shelby County before returning to Owensboro.

EASTEN HENRY

Girls’ Golf

Owensboro Catholic High School

Easten Henry has joined the Aces as the girls' golf coach, bringing both a love for the game and a family background in education. He began coaching at Catholic three years ago as an assistant for the wrestling team and later assisted Mark Price with the boys' golf team in 2024.

"Without getting emotional about it, it is a big deal to me to become head coach,” he said. “I love it so much, and I really want to impact these young people's lives. I have an opportunity to do that with high school girls’

ADAM HUFF Volleyball Trinity High School

Adam Huff is back at the helm of Trinity’s girls’ volleyball program after a 7-year break while his children competed in athletics. He originally coached the Lady Raiders from 1999-2018, leading them to nine district titles and five All-A region championships during his 19 years in charge.

Huff admitted he was nervous to meet his new team at first, but said the reception has been encouraging.

"It has been refreshing getting back into the gym, to be honest,” he said.

“The girls are still learning from me, and I am still learning to. It is a bit of a challenge, but it will be good. … We are eager to get started and are committed to improving.

MITCHELL JOHNSON

Volleyball

Owensboro High School

After five seasons as an assistant under Melissa Hibbs, Mitchell Johnson now takes the reins of Owensboro’s volleyball program. Under Hibbs, the Lady Devils transformed into a local powerhouse, capped by a 3rd Region championship last year.

“It means a lot. It’s a lot of pressure to pick up where we left off under Melissa, who was an amazing coach for many years,” Johnson said. “For me, it is an opportunity to continue to expand and grow. It is all about the family that we can connect here at Owensboro.”

WILLIE POLIO

Boys’ Cross Country

Owensboro Catholic High School

An Owensboro Catholic alumnus, Willie Polio has taken over the boys' cross country program. His younger brother helped coach the team last year, sparking Polio’s interest in taking over following the retirement of Scott Lowe. Polio acknowledged how special it is for his first head coaching opportunity to come at his old stomping grounds.

"It's fun taking over a team I was able to run for," Polio said. "I am coaching guys whom I ran with their uncles, and my brother ran with their older siblings. Catholic High is a small community,

PAIGE CRISP

Girls’ Soccer

Daviess County High School

A former player and longtime assistant for Daviess County, Paige Crisp was the natural choice to replace David Sandifer after he resigned to become the school’s athletic director.

“I am really excited for this opportunity,” Crisp said. “I have been around Daviess County soccer for a long time as a player and a coach. So, it is always something I have hoped to do in the future, and I am excited to get the chance to continue what Coach Sandifer has done.”

LES ORLOW Girls’ Cross Country Daviess County High School

With 28 years of coaching experience in Illinois and Kentucky, Les Orlow takes over as Daviess County’s girls' cross country coach. Since moving to Kentucky, he has coached at Muhlenberg County High School.

DAVID HICKS Boys’ Golf Owensboro High School

David Hicks is returning to the high school coaching scene as Owensboro’s new boys’ golf coach. Hicks previously coached for one year at McLean County in 2021. He credited former OHS coach Pat Hume for being a steady guide through the transition.

BRETNEA HARVEY

Boys’ Golf

Owensboro Catholic High School

Crisp played for the Lady Panthers from 2007-2010, winning back-toback 3rd Region Championships as a junior and senior. She went on to play collegiately at Kentucky Wesleyan from 2011-2014. Near the end of college, she began coaching at Owensboro United before returning to DC as Sandifer’s assistant and JV coach for the past decade.

“My first goal is to have fun with the kids and be a teacher first,” Orlow said. “Teach team building, how to prepare well in the sport, and have fun doing it. … As a coach, I am trying to be a teacher first and bring some things in that teach the kids. Naturally, it is one of the hardest sports out there, so the first thing we need to do is learn the sport.”

"It has been kind of a passing of the torch because Pat coached for several years and had tons of success," Hicks said. "I wanted him to mentor me and help me because I have had limited experience in the past. He has been great and helpful through this process. …

I wanted to return to coaching because I enjoy youth golf so much and helping kids enjoy playing a game that I enjoy so much. My son plays for the team, and that is a very big bonus."

After stepping away in 2022 to focus on her family, Bretnea Harvey has returned to lead Owensboro Catholic’s boys’ golf team — a position she held for nine years before her daughter was born. Before her first stint at Catholic, Harvey gave private lessons and served as an assistant coach at Apollo. She also taught history for a decade.

"I pursued a career in real estate, and that's actually been such a blessing in disguise because I was so nervous to leave," Harvey said. "Coming back to Owensboro Catholic has been amazing. My exact job opened up right when I needed it to because my daughter starts preschool this year.

Kendall continues legacy at Girls Inc. after once being a member herself

By JOHN KIRKPATRICK

For more than 26 years, Courtney Calhoun Kendall has been helping inspire and mentor young women at Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County, the same organization that shaped her as a child.

Kendall first joined Girls Inc. as a member at age 6 and stayed through age 13, now serving as the campus manager at both of the nonprofit’s locations (2130 East 19th Street and 2818 New Hartford Road). She said the relationships she built then, along with the impact of the programming, made it a natural step to return as a staff member.

“I like to tell people that every girl has a story, and I need to find out what happens at the end,” Kendall said.

“If I go tomorrow and a new girl starts, I’ve got to see what happens with her.”

Girls Inc. has served the community since 1969 and is the only chapter remaining in Kentucky. The organization offers after-school and summer programs for girls ages 6 to 18, focusing on academic

enrichment, healthy living, and life skills.

Kendall said the program has evolved significantly since her time as a member. It has grown from one location to two and expanded its offerings to include gender-specific, research-based curriculum provided by the national headquarters. Programming ranges from economic and media literacy to self-defense and STEM.

“Our mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold,” Kendall said. “We may have some girls who start off shy and unsure of themselves, but after participating, it’s a whole new world for them. They’re confident, they’re taking risks, and they’re comfortable being who they are.”

The organization supplements its curriculum with field trips, community partnerships, and mentoring opportunities. Partnerships have included visits to local businesses and special programs such as Southern Star’s Women in Natural Gas initiative,

which introduces girls to career paths where women are underrepresented.

Kendall credits the organization’s success to strong leadership from CEO Tish Correa Osborne, support from the community, and a staff that believes in the mission.

Osborne similarly said Kendall has been instrumental to Girls Inc. through the years, holding positions from preschool teacher and program facilitator to volunteer/operations manager and now campus manager.

Courtney loves her. I sure do.”

“She takes great pride in her work and in the impact she has personally had on girls' lives, as she should,” Osborne said. “She has seen generations come through our doors and remembers the names of the girls, their moms, dads, grandparents, etc. She has a real gift for that, and it is one of the many reasons why she is so loved. We can’t thank her enough for all the skills and experiences she has helped make possible for the girls. … Everyone who knows

Kendall said one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing former participants succeed — whether they’ve become business owners, earned advanced degrees, or taken on leadership roles. Some return to speak with current members, creating a network of mentorship and encouragement.

“We like to say, once a Girls Inc. member, always a Girls Inc. member,” Kendall said. “We’re always going to be there to support them. When you believe in it, it’s just a whole new world. That’s probably the reason why I’m still here — because I do believe in it.”

Transparency matters

How Owensboro Times will cover the 2026 election cycle

At Owensboro Times, we take seriously the responsibility of providing fair, transparent, and thorough election coverage for our community. As we approach the 2026 election season, we want to be clear with our readers — and with those seeking public office — about how we plan to cover campaign announcements, appearances, debates, and Election Day itself.

Whether you're a voter wanting to stay informed or a candidate preparing to run, here’s what you can expect from OT this election cycle.

Equal campaign coverage for all candidates

Our election coverage will begin as soon as candidates publicly begin to announce their intentions to run. Starting immediately, Owensboro Times will offer campaign announcement stories for any local candidate running for office.

These stories will:

Be approximately 750 words in length.

• Be published outside of the paywall to ensure free and equal access for all.

Be based on interviews conducted by our staff, using questions focused on a candidate’s background, reasons for running, and platform.

Include a professional headshot taken by our team.

• We’ll work directly with candidates to schedule interviews and photo sessions.

Candidates may request that we hold publication of their story until they are ready to officially announce their campaign. See the breakout box for how to coordinate with us.

How we will cover campaign events

We understand that public appearances and speeches are a critical part of how candidates connect with vot-

ers. Beginning when the official filing window opens on November 5, 2025, we will provide news coverage of official candidate speeches or appearances that are open to the public and do not require paid entry.

We will not cover speeches delivered at private fundraisers, donor events, or any venue that restricts general access through ticketing or invitation-only policies. Likewise, we will not provide coverage of town halls or forums hosted by other organizations, but we will be hosting our own.

OT will host our own Primary Town Hall

In the lead-up to the May 2026 primary, Owensboro Times will host a public Town Hall event to give voters the opportunity to hear directly from local candidates. Every individual running in a contested primary will be invited to participate. This event will

be organized by our editorial team and moderated by a third party. We’ll release further details, including the date, location, and format, in the coming months.

Comprehensive election guide coming

To ensure voters have what they need before they cast a ballot, our second-quarter 2026 print edition will include a dedicated election guide.

This special section will feature:

A sample ballot.

Equal-length bios for every local candidate running in the primary election.

Headshots of each candidate.

Answers to a standardized set of questions, designed to give voters a side-by-side view of where candidates stand.

Information on where and when to vote.

Candidates will be contacted in advance to provide the required materials and answer the standard set of questions. We strongly encourage all candidates to participate so voters have a complete picture before heading to the polls.

Election night: Real-time coverage and live reactions

On Primary Night (May 19, 2026), OT will provide live, up-to-the-minute coverage across our platforms.

Our election night plans include:

A live video stream featuring real-time results as they are reported.

Phone call-ins from winning candidates, giving them a chance to briefly address our audience.

Photography of winners in top-tier races, such as county and city offices, when available.

Immediate stories posted online the night of the election, with expanded coverage published the following day.

This is one of the most anticipated parts of our election coverage, and we aim to deliver the most comprehensive and accurate results coverage in the region.

Editorial independence and ethical boundaries

We are committed to providing unbiased, nonpartisan coverage throughout the election season. To maintain that standard, we are implementing the following internal policy:

Any member of the Owensboro Times team who is involved in, employed by, or volunteering for a political campaign — or who has made campaign contributions — will not have any involvement in reporting on or shaping our

coverage of that race. They also may not act as a liaison between OT and the candidate. We believe this policy protects the integrity of our newsroom and upholds the trust our readers place in us to report the facts fairly and without influence.

Why this matters

Elections shape every level of our community — from school boards to city commissions to state legislatures. Our goal is simple: empower every voter with the information they need to make informed decisions and ensure every candidate has a fair opportunity to be heard.

Whether you're a first-time or long-time voter, whether you're running for office or just researching your options, we’re committed to being the most reliable, transparent, and accessible source for election coverage in Owensboro and Daviess County.

Are you a candidate?

Here’s how to be featured.

If you’re planning to run for office in 2026, we want to hear from you. Here’s how to get your campaign story started: Email us at info@owensborotimes.com.

Once we hear from you, we’ll: Schedule an interview with one of our reporters. Set up a time for a professional headshot at our studio.

Write a 750-word story and coordinate the publication with your official campaign launch.

There’s no cost to be included. We believe voters deserve equal access to candidate information, and that begins with giving you space to share your vision.

18 under 18 celebrates youth excellence

14

Owensboro Parent, part of Black Box Media, spotlights local students excelling in leadership, service, and talent Alyssa

Owensboro Parent’s second annual “18 Under 18” honors local youth making their mark in academics, arts, athletics, entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, service, and resilience. Chosen from more than 50 nominations, this year’s honorees include a rising country musician eyeing a Grand Ole Opry debut, a teen launching a mental health nonprofit, and a newcomer mastering English while tutoring peers. Others have earned national arts recognition, led in agriculture, or shined in sports with humility and teamwork.

Together, they showcase the community’s deep well of talent, drive, and compassion — and the inspiring potential of the next generation. Published by Owensboro Parent, part of Black Box Media, the parent company of Owensboro Times, this feature celebrates the brightest young leaders in the region.

Scan the QR code to see full profiles of all 18 honorees.

17 Apollo High School Isreal Epison

14

Back to school!

Here's a few photos we captured of local students on their first day of school!

Cold Case:

The ‘handless, footless case’ — 35 years later, still few answers

All information for this story was compiled during interviews with Kentucky State Police Trooper Corey King, Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman, DCSO Criminal Investigations Commander Jeff Payne, former Daviess County Coroner Bob Howe, and current Daviess County Coroner Jeff Jones.

By RYAN RICHARDSON

and dumped just beyond the tree line off Pleasant Valley Road. His hands and feet had been cut off, his face beaten beyond recognition, and he’d been shot multiple times. A few branches had been tossed on top of the body. It was January 7, 1990.

Two rabbit hunters stumbled upon the grisly scene in rural Daviess County. For more than three decades, that’s all investigators had: a brutalized, anonymous corpse with no fingertips, no dental records, and no name.

It was literally referred to as the “Handless, Footless Case.”

Now, thanks to advances in DNA technology, the Kentucky State Police have identified the man as 27-year-old William Dennis Mathews of Louisville. But the murder remains unsolved, and the details are still scarce.

“This was not random. It was personal. Whoever did this wanted him to disappear,” said KSP Trooper Corey King, the lead spokesperson on the case. “And they went to extraordinary lengths to make sure of it.”

Daviess County deputies were the first to respond to the shocking scene.

“I had just finished breakfast when I got the call,” recalled Bob Howe, who was Daviess County Coroner at the time. “When I arrived, he was covered in brush. But as soon as we removed it, you could see what had been done to him. No hands, no feet, face crushed, multiple gunshot wounds.”

The case quickly escalated to the Kentucky State Police due to the brutality and complexity of the crime.

“In the early 1990s, even for one of Kentucky’s larger communities such as Owensboro-Daviess County, a crime like this would quickly exceed the capabilities of a local agency,” Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman said. “KSP would be the next step up, so it makes sense that they would take over this investigation. At that time in Kentucky, they had the best resources.”

The body had been dumped roughly 40 feet into the woods near a ditch along Pleasant Valley Road, just a half-mile from the South Hampton Road intersection. There was no blood at the scene — no signs that the murder had

“He had tan lines in January,” said DCSO Detective Jeff Payne, noting how unusual that was for someone supposedly from the area. “So the early theory was maybe he was an immigrant laborer, someone brought here and dumped. But that didn’t lead anywhere.”

The victim’s injuries were methodical, deliberate, and gruesome. His hands were severed at the wrists, his feet at the ankles. Most of his teeth had been knocked out or removed. At least six gunshot wounds peppered his body, including one to the head, Howe said.

“It wasn’t surgical precision, but it wasn’t just someone hacking away either,” Payne said. “Whoever did this had a plan. They had the right tools. They knew what they were doing.”

And they likely knew how investigators identify bodies.

“There was a lot of speculation early on,” Payne said. “Could be someone with a background in law enforcement, or maybe studying criminology. The way the hands, feet, and teeth were removed — they were clearly trying to prevent us from identifying him.”

Despite an autopsy conducted

by renowned state pathologist

Dr. George Nichols, and a public sketch created from a reconstruction of the victim’s skull, the case stalled. Dozens of tips came in, many from people wondering if the victim might be a missing loved one, but none led to a name.

For years, the skull itself was kept in Howe’s office at the Daviess County Courthouse, reconstructed in wax by a forensic artist.

“We tried everything we could,” Howe said. “But it didn’t really help us get an ID. Not back then.”

A pair of glasses was found near the body, and investigators even exhumed the grave years later to confirm the skull was from the same victim. Nothing moved the case forward.

DNA changes everything

Not long after the body was found, a foot and two hands were discovered in Columbia, Kentucky. However, between different agencies working the cases and the lack of advanced DNA testing, it was years before authorities realized they belonged

to the same person.

“At the time, it just wasn’t connected,” said KSP Trooper Corey King. “It wasn’t until years later, with better collaboration between agencies, that we matched the recovered body parts to the victim in Daviess County.”

So for nearly three decades, the man had no name.

In the 1990s, forensic DNA technology was still in its infancy. At best, investigators could try to match blood types. But a full DNA profile? That was years away.

Today, it’s one of law enforcement’s most powerful tools, especially in cold cases.

KSP eventually partnered with TransDoe Task Force, a nonprofit that helps solve unidentified person cases using forensic genealogy. It was through this method that a breakthrough finally came: a familial match linked the remains to William Dennis Mathews, a Louisville man who had been missing since around the time the body was found.

“We worked with outside groups to get access to databases and conduct genealogical matching,” King said. “It’s expen-

sive and time-consuming, but it opened a door we thought was long closed.”

Matthews had not been officially reported missing in any traditional sense. His family hadn’t seen him in years and believed he was simply living off the grid. Because the body had been misidentified early on — once believed to be a man who had actually run away to join the carnival — there was no formal missing persons link connecting Matthews to the brutalized corpse in Daviess County.

Many questions remain

When Matthews’ name was finally attached to the case in April 2024, more than 34 years after he was killed, it offered at least some closure for his family. But it also raised more questions.

Why was Matthews killed in such a gruesome way? Why were his remains scattered across counties? And who could have done something so methodical, so violent?

“It seems like it was someone he knew,” King said. “This wasn’t random. It was personal.

The way he was beaten and disfigured — that doesn’t happen unless there’s some sort of close connection.”

Identifying the victim didn’t solve the case — but it fundamentally changed its course. After decades of working with a nameless corpse, investigators finally had a place to start: a name, a hometown, and a family.

“Putting a name with the victim is a critical component to any investigation,” said Jeff Jones, current Daviess County Coroner and a longtime member of the Sheriff’s Office. “It opens the door to understanding who they were, where they came from, and who might have wanted to harm them.”

For investigators, the hope was that Matthews’ name would unlock a memory, some detail from 1990 that now made sense in hindsight. So far, that moment hasn’t come.

King is careful not to speculate too far without hard evidence. But he believes the extent of the planning suggests premeditation, and possibly multiple people involved.

“You don’t just wake up and do something like this,” he said. “Someone had a plan. They had

the tools. They had a vehicle. They knew where to dump the body and where to take the hands and feet. This was someone thinking ahead.”

Today, Matthews’ death remains an open homicide case. And after 35 years, the trail grows colder by the day.

“Time is the biggest hurdle now,” King said. “People forget. People die. Tips dry up. We’re still hoping someone out there remembers something, even a little thing. Because that might be what breaks it.”

Youngman said that while KSP has carried the case, it is still one that DCSO follows closely.

“Any information we receive or have received is forwarded to KSP in the hopes that the case is solved,” he said. “It’s very important to us that these cases aren’t forgotten. We owe it to the victim, his family, and the people of Daviess County to close this case and bring the killers to justice.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Kentucky State Police Post 16 at 270826-3312. Callers can remain anonymous.

The biggest local stories you may have missed since June

Owensboro has seen no shortage of noteworthy headlines over the past couple of months. Whether it was a beloved local institution closing its doors, a first-year sports program making an impressive run, or new ventures bringing fresh energy to town, these stories captured the attention of residents and highlighted the people, places, and events shaping our community. If you’ve been away for the summer — or just missed a few updates — here’s a quick roundup of the biggest local stories since June to help you get caught up.

As always, you can stay connected every day on our website and social media, and you get stories delivered directly to your inbox with our free daily email newsletter.

DCSO investigates two animal cruelty cases; dozens of cats, dogs seized

Daviess County deputies seized about 50 cats and 22 dogs in two animal cruelty and neglect cases; both investigations are ongoing and charges are pending.

Fogle continues homeless outreach after ‘Tent City’ cleared from private land

David Fogle’s outreach group, Just People, continues supporting those who are homeless after a makeshift “Tent City” off Ewing Road — on privately owned property — was cleared.

Get groovy: New dance studio aims to bring fresh moves, energy to Owensboro

The Groove Lab — founded by local dance talents Steffan Clark and Ellis Birkhead — will open this fall, offering hip-hop, funk, and commercial dance classes for all ages in a positive, community-focused studio.

Poppy Alan Book Boutique brings mobile bookstore to Owensboro

Owensboro teacher Kayla Altman transformed a renovated trailer into Poppy Alan Book Boutique, a mobile bookstore offering curated books and gifts at farmers’ markets and local events.

Downtown

revitalization includes new restaurant, possible

housing projects

Owensboro native John Ross Martin is reviving downtown by converting 210 Allen Street into a restaurant-and-event venue and transforming 105 West 3rd Street into flexible mercantile space.

End of an era: Swan Cleaners to close after nearly 80 years in Owensboro

After nearly 80 years, beloved local establishment Swan Cleaners is closing by the end of August due to rising costs, new regulations, and outdated equipment, ending a long-standing Owensboro tradition.

Dutch Bros Coffee officially coming to Owensboro

After months of speculation, Dutch Bros Coffee confirmed its making its way to Owensboro. It will be located at The Shoppes at Frederica, though no opening date has been announced.

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine restaurant coming this fall

A family-run Vietnamese eatery — I Love Pho and Sandwiches — is slated to open this October, offering fresh, authentic pho, bánh mì, and other staple dishes in Owensboro.

Daviess County 12U softball fall has great success in inaugural season

In its inaugural season, Daviess County’s 12U fastpitch softball team captured district and state titles, falling one win shy of reaching the Little League Softball World Series.

4 students awarded scholarships at Dust Bowl in honor of Chick Owen

Four students received $500 scholarships during the Dust Bowl thanks to an initiative started by OT in honor of founder Chick Owen, highlighting community support for education and local legacy.

Local family discovers undetonated WWII grenade on Normandy beach

A family honoring a WWII veteran on a Normandy visit experienced a powerful moment when their children discovered an undetonated German grenade, deepening their appreciation for sacrifice and freedom.

Owensboro angler helps team win prestigious Mahi Championship

Owensboro’s Chris Reid helped his five-man team win the 2025 Mahi Championship — landing the top combined catch and securing a cash prize in their first attempt at the offshore tournament.

Owensboro Health working to be an Age-Friendly Health System

Owensboro Health is working to become an Age-Friendly Health System — a designation that honors our commitment to high quality care for older adults. Much of the work to earn that title is complete: 23 of our 25 facilities have earned the “Committed to Care Excellence” designation from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and the final two are expected by this autumn.

That designation signals more than a box checked. It means each of these facilities has adopted evidence-based practices that support aging with dignity, independence, and better health outcomes. Together, they helped Owensboro Health join a national movement to reimagine how older adults receive care.

The 4Ms: A proven approach to better aging

To earn the Age-Friendly title, each facility implemented a framework known as the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. These four elements guide care that is safe, effective, and focused on the whole person. At every touchpoint, care teams ask what matters most to the patient. They ensure medications are reviewed and used only when necessary. They screen for signs of memory loss or depression. They help patients stay active, mobile, and engaged in their daily lives.

These steps lead to fewer hospitalizations, better communication, and stronger relationships between patients and providers.

By reaching this goal, these locations have not only improved the care they provide but also helped Owensboro Health move closer to systemwide recognition as an AgeFriendly Health System.

A closer look: Family Medicine in Breckinridge leads by example

Owensboro Health Family Medicine Breckenridge was one of the first clinics to receive the designation. Their team started with one important change — asking every older adult what mattered most to them.

The impact was immediate

A patient shared that her goal was to keep gardening. Another wanted to attend

his granddaughter’s wedding without a walker. These simple conversations helped guide decisions about medications, therapy, and other services that supported those personal goals.

“We started hearing stories,” said Christy Embry, director of the clinic. “That helped us shape their care.”

That approach is now part of daily life at the clinic — and at every Owensboro Health facility working to improve care for older adults.

A system built for every age

As the number of older adults grows across the region, the need for thoughtful, age-friendly care becomes more urgent. Owensboro Health is proud to be part of a

national movement that puts patients’ values, safety, and independence first.

The age-friendly designation isn’t the end of the journey. It’s a step forward in building a health system that supports every person, at every stage of life. And it reflects something Owensboro Health has always believed — good care starts with listening.

To learn more about the Age-Friendly initiative, visit OwensboroHealth.org/AgeFriendly.

Dr. Madhura Myla: Calm in the heart of the storm

When Dr. Madhura Myla walks into a patient’s room, she sees a person and not just a diagnosis. She sees someone’s parent, child, or spouse. She takes a seat, holds their hand, and listens. The medical plan comes later — but that human connection always comes first.

As an Owensboro Health interventional and structural cardiologist, Dr. Myla is often called in at life’s most urgent moments — inserting stents, performing complex heart procedures,

and saving lives. But who she is outside the cath lab is just as important to understanding the impact she makes.

“I grew up in a small town in India,” she says, “smaller than Owensboro.”

There was one hospital and a handful of schools. It was a simple life but rich in values like humility, service and resilience.

Her father once gave his savings to help a stranger get a kidney transplant, which showed her what selflessness looked like.

Her career path began, not with a dramatic emergency, but with a quiet story told at the kitchen table by her mother, whose dream of becoming a doctor went unfulfilled.

“My mom didn’t want to be a doctor for money or pride,” Dr. Myla says. “She wanted to serve people. That stayed with me.”

Today, Dr. Myla brings that same mindset to Owensboro — a community she chose with intention.

“I saw a need here,” she says.

“I wanted to bring advanced heart procedures to a place where they could truly make a difference.”

She’s done just that, building a structural heart program that matches the caliber of much larger institutions but keeps its roots in personal care.

Cardiology is a wide field, but Dr. Myla specializes in procedures that fix the heart. As an interventional cardiologist, she uses small catheters, inserted through blood vessels, to treat heart attacks, open blocked arteries, or place stents. There’s no large incision, and recovery is often fast.

Structural cardiology focuses on repairing the heart’s valves and walls without open-heart surgery. That includes advanced procedures like TAVR (replacing the aortic valve), MitraClip (repairing the mitral valve), closing congenital holes in the heart, and placing the Watchman device for atrial fibrillation patients to help take them off blood thinners. These treatments used to require long travel to major centers. Now, thanks to Dr. Myla, they’re available right here in Owensboro.

Her field is intense. Interventional cardiology often means middle-of-the-night emergencies and lives on the line. But Dr. Myla doesn’t rattle easily.

“The more hemodynamically unstable the patient, the calmer I get,” she says. “When I step into the room, I already know the next ten steps.”

It’s not bravado. It’s focus and discipline — traits that stood out even in training. During her fellowship, she had the opportunity to work with one of the highly skilled structural cardiologists, who became her mentor.

“He told me, ‘I’m going to make you the best female structuralist in the country,’” she recalls. “And I said, ‘I don’t want to be the best female. I want to be

the best.’”

Fewer than 4% of structural cardiologists in the U.S. are women.

“Too many women are told this field is too intense,” she says, “that they won’t be able to have a family or a balanced life. But it’s not true.”

Her mindset has never been about fitting into a box. It’s about refusing to believe one exists.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Myla paints abstracts and landscapes and practices yoga. She plays virtual reality games, skydives to push her boundaries, and is a stats-savvy superfan of the Golden State Warriors. And when she needs to recharge, she turns to brunch, meditation, and stand-up comedy.

“I don’t need a lot to be happy,” she says. “Just good people and something to laugh about.”

She defines work-life balance on her own terms, sharing that some days might look like 90% work and 10% personal for her, and that’s OK in this stage of life, although it may change in the future. She gets the most she can out of that personal time through connecting with family and friends, like calling her parents every day on her drive to and from the hospital. Her vision of wellness includes creativity, presence, and connection — and maybe one day, an art gallery and yoga studio she dreams of opening in retirement.

Dr. Myla may not have grown up here, but Owensboro reminds her of home — in the way neighbors care for each other, in the warmth of the community and in the way people are generally friendly.

She’s not here just to do procedures. She’s here to lead with purpose, push boundaries, and hold a hand when it matters most.

Learn more at OwensboroHealth.org/Myla.

NICU Reunion welcomes Owensboro’s tiniest graduates

Families of former NICU patients are invited to reconnect and celebrate at the 2025 Owensboro Health NICU Reunion on Sunday, September 28. Hosted at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, the event runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the Café and MOB Meeting Rooms. This cherished reunion welcomes hundreds of NICU graduates and their families for an afternoon of food, games and fun. Hospital staff also look forward to seeing these little fighters thriving. Scan the QR code to learn more about the NICU.

Where to go when it can’t wait: Choosing between Urgent

Care and the Emergency Department

A fever that won’t break. A fall that sends you to the floor. Chest pain. A broken wrist. A child who suddenly can’t breathe well. These are the moments when people stop everything and ask, “Where do I go?”

At Owensboro Health, we’re proud to offer expert care both in our Emergency Department at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital and at our Urgent Care clinic in the Ford Medical Building. But the experience — and the purpose — of each is very different.

Knowing where to go can save you time, money and even your life.

The right place for the right need

Both Urgent Care and the Emergency Department treat patients with injuries and illnesses. But they’re built for different types of care.

Urgent Care is designed for medical problems that need attention today, but aren’t lifethreatening. Think minor infections, sore throats, sprains, small cuts, earaches, or the flu. Emergency care is for serious conditions — those that could cause lasting harm if not treated quickly. That includes chest pain, breathing trouble, stroke symptoms, serious wounds, broken bones poking through the skin, or anything that makes you feel like something is very wrong.

Here’s a helpful rule of thumb: If you’d drive yourself, go to Urgent Care. If you’d call 911, go to the Emergency Department.

Our emergency department: prepared for anything, every day

At Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, our Emergency Department is built to respond to life-threatening moments with speed and skill. We serve more than 60,000 patients every year, making us one of the busiest emergency care providers in the region.

An average of 40 ambulances roll through our doors every day. Behind the scenes, this means a well-practiced team of emergency medicine doctors, nurses, techs, and specialists is ready the moment a patient arrives. They’re trained to respond to everything from heart attacks to severe trauma.

We’ve also invested in leadingedge systems that help us care for patients faster and smarter.

Our EMS pre-arrival technology allows first responders to send patient data directly to our emergency team while en route. That means by the time the ambulance arrives, we already know your condition and are prepped to act — especially vital during time-sensitive emergencies like stroke or cardiac arrest.

Our commitment to ex-

pert care includes people, too — like Child Life Specialists trained to comfort and guide young patients. Whether a child comes in with a broken arm or a high fever, this team helps kids feel safe and supported. It’s one reason we’ve earned the Pediatric Ready Certification, recognizing our readiness to care for children at all levels of emergency.

For those facing unthinkable trauma, we offer another critical program: our SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) program. These specially trained nurses provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual violence. They conduct exams with privacy and sensitivity while preserving evidence, helping patients through an experience no one should face alone.

Urgent care: Care that fits your life

Sometimes you’re sick or hurting, but the Emergency Department isn’t the right fit. That’s when Owensboro Health’s Urgent Care steps in. Located at the Ford Medical Building on Mayfair Drive, Urgent Care is open seven days a week and offers extended hours so you can get care when you need it most.

We know time matters. That’s why we created “On My Way,” a simple online check-in tool that lets you claim your

spot before leaving home. It reduces time in the waiting room and helps us prepare for your visit.

Our Urgent Care also holds an Age-Friendly Health designation. That means our team has been trained to deliver care with older adults in mind. We focus on what matters to each person, reduce unnecessary medications, and make sure each patient feels seen, heard and safe.

Whether it’s a grandparent with a fever or a child with a sprained ankle, Urgent Care is a place where you can get trusted care.

Different roles. One mission.

Both the Emergency Department and Urgent Care exist for the same reason: to help you when life doesn’t go as planned.

If your condition is serious or life-threatening, always go straight to the Emergency Department at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital at 1201 Pleasant Valley Road.

If you need help fast but it’s not an emergency, come to Urgent Care at the Ford Medical Building, 2211 Mayfair Drive. We’ll get you in, get you treated and get you home. Because no matter which door you walk through, Owensboro Health is here. Ready when it matters most.

Back-toSchool bugs?

Urgent Care can help

With school starting, sniffles, and sore throats aren’t far behind.

Owensboro Health Urgent Care is a great first stop for:

Ear infections

Coughs, colds, and sore throats

Pink eye or mild rashes

Minor sprains or sports injuries

Rapid strep and flu testing

No appointment needed — just walk in. Open seven days a week at the Ford Medical Building, right next to Owensboro Health Healthpark.

Located at 2211 Mayfair Drive, Suite 101. Open daily: Monday-Friday

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekends 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at OwensboroHealth.org/ UrgentCare.

Be a hero in the fight against cancer

Grab your cape and join Owensboro Health Foundation’s Superhero 5K, Kids Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, September 27, at Owensboro Health Healthpark. Events kick off at 8 a.m. with a 5K run, followed by the Kids Fun Run at 9:15 a.m. and the Superhero Walk and Survivor Parade at 10 a.m. Cancer survivors walk free and will be recognized in opening ceremonies. All participants will receive a T-shirt, children receive race medals, and all will enjoy food, music, and family-friendly activities. Proceeds benefit patients at Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, every step shows support. Sign up or donate by scanning the QR code.

Owensboro Health helps patients achieve healthier weight, better outcomes

Owensboro Health is a leader in weight management care, helping patients achieve long-term weight loss and improve their overall health. The program offers a comprehensive approach that combines medical, surgical, and lifestyle support for individuals seeking lasting results.

Weight affects more than appearance. It can impact sleep, energy, and seri-

ous health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

The care teams at Owensboro Health understand this. They treat the whole person — not just the number on the scale.

“Successful weight loss can lead to dramatic health improvements,” said Dr. Ravi Alapati, board-certified bariatric surgeon at Owensboro Health.

“Our goal is to help patients

feel better, live longer and regain quality of life.”

Owensboro Health Weight Management provides personalized care, starting with a full medical evaluation. From there, patients receive an individualized plan based on their needs, lifestyle, and goals. That plan may include nutrition support, behavioral health counseling, weight loss medication, or surgery.

The program recently renewed its accreditation as a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) Center, a mark of excellence granted by the American College of Surgeons. This national recognition reflects the program’s high standards in patient care, safety, and longterm success.

To earn this accreditation, the program had to meet rigorous requirements for staffing, training, facilities, and clinical outcomes.

“This means patients can trust the quality of care they’ll receive before, during, and after surgery,” said Dr. Alapati.

Accredited programs must undergo an in-depth site visit and data review every three years. Owensboro Health first earned this status in 2021 and was re-accredited in 2024. This continued recognition confirms the system’s com-

Tucker’s Treehouse gives grieving kids a place to heal

mitment to quality care and continuous improvement.

The program is based at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, where patients have access to advanced surgical options, including minimally invasive techniques. But weight loss surgery is just one part of a broader solution. For many, medical weight management and lifestyle coaching are the right fit. Patients don’t need a referral to get started.

The team’s experience and compassion set the program apart. Providers take time to understand each patient’s challenges and goals. They support people at every stage, from early education through follow-up care after surgery.

“This is a lifelong journey. We’re here for the long haul,” Dr. Alapati said.

For those who have struggled with weight and related health issues, Owensboro Health offers real solutions and a fresh start.

To learn more about weight management services or schedule a consultation, visit OwensboroHealth.org/ LiveWell.

Thanks in part to a community grant from Owensboro Health, Tucker’s Treehouse is transforming grief care for kids across western Kentucky. Named after a therapy dog, the new nonprofit provides free peer groups, art therapy, and play-based support for children ages 6-17 navigating loss. Located inside Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, the center was created after research revealed Kentucky has some of the nation’s highest rates of childhood bereavement. “We want kids to know they’re not alone,” said founder Caleb Potter. Tucker’s Treehouse also offers volunteer opportunities and will host its first 5K fundraiser on September 13. Owensboro Health is proud to support great initiatives like this one. For more information about the grant process, scan the QR code.

Owensboro-based 323 Staffing marks decade of growth and service

323 Staffing Solutions, an Owensboro-based staffing agency, is proud to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. Owned and operated by the Buckman family, 323 Staffing Solutions has grown from a single location in Owensboro to multiple locations serving Evansville, Louisville, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, Elizabethtown, and the Greater Orlando area. The company’s corporate headquarters are in Owensboro. No matter what community they are in, the vision remains the same: “Treat people with love and respect and place them in jobs that can help change their lives forever.”

In 2024, 323 Staffing Solutions was able to connect 2,700 people with gainful employment opportunities. 323 Staffing Solutions' services include tempto-hire, temporary, contract staffing, directhire staffing services, and managed payroll services. Simply put, 323 Staffing Solutions helps connect talent of all skill levels with great employment opportunities.

“

While we are a faith-based company, we want people to do business with us because of our excellent customer service history.

Over the past decade, 323 Staffing Solutions has built a reputation for providing excellent customer service and meeting customers’ needs. 323’s unique staffing approach is directed by a management team with over 100 years of combined experience across human resources, manufacturing management, insurance, IT, and finance. While 323’s unique staffing approach puts people at the front and center, they also understand the crucial role that technology plays with modern day HR functions. 323 has dedicated and certified cybersecurity staff ensuring customer and employee data is protected amidst the world climate of frequent cyber security attacks.

“All credit for our success goes

to God,” said Kenny Buckman, owner of 323 Staffing Solutions. “It is truly amazing to see what God has done with our humble staffing company. He has provided the core foundation for our business: the customers, the finances, and most importantly, the people. Without God, 323 would only have one employee: me! Because of God’s grace, we hired 2,700 people last year. His grace is also why we are fortunate enough to be in eight cities, four states, and 12 offices (if we include on-site locations). While we are a faith-based company, we want people to do business with us because of our excellent customer service history. Like Chick-Fil-A (a faith-based company), people buy Chick-Fil-A because they sell good chicken and have excellent service, not necessarily because they are a faith-based company. We want to use our decade of proven and successful staffing experience to help your business find great employees.”

323 Staffing Solutions, along with its sister company Purus Clean, is going to work with the city regarding development plans for two buildings recently acquired on Frederica Street and will announce plans for these buildings in the near future. 323 is excited to share upcoming announcements about new ventures and services that will operate under the 323 brand. These announcements will include news about these ventures and services that center around one thing: people. Blessed to be a part of the Owensboro community, 323 Staffing Solutions wants to help your business hire employees! Please visit 323’s website at 323staffingsolutions.com or call them at 270-240-1010 for more information.

What’s going on?

Owensboro’s can’t-miss events this fall!

From summer’s final notes to the first signs of fall, Owensboro’s calendar is packed with music, theater, festivals, and family fun. Here’s a look at some of the biggest upcoming events you won’t want to miss — whether you’re in the mood for a free outdoor concert, spooky-season fun, or a unique community tradition.

AUG. 23

Concert on the Lawn

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE

LAWN

The Owensboro Symphony’s 38th annual Concert on the Lawn will feature Hollywood soundtrack favorites in a free, family-friendly setting at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Guests can enjoy live music, local food trucks, and a festive table decorating contest.

SEPT. 6

Kickoff to Halloween

GHOSTLY PRODUCTIONS

For fans of Halloween and the horror genre, Ghostly Productions is once again hosting an event to kick off the spooky season early. This year’s celebration will include a meetand-greet with Douglas Tait, who played the Michael Myers stunt double in Halloween Kills.

SEPT. 13-14

Vette City Presents Almost Home Roller Derby

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

The Roller Derby is coming back to Owensboro, offering fans a chance to witness highenergy action at the Convention Center. Vette City Roller Derby and Vette City Junior Roller Derby are hosting two days of bouts and skater clinics for all ages.

SEPT. 20

Groovin’ on the Green

OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

The Northwest Neighborhood Alliance is set to bring the rhythm back downtown as the 4th annual Groovin’

on the Green returns on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center. The event includes food trucks, familyfriendly activities, and live performances by local and regional artists.

SEPT. 26-28

Anne of Green Gables

JACK WELLS ACTIVITY CENTER

Encore Musicals will round out its 2025 season with a production of Anne of Green Gables. The stage adaptation tells the endearing tale of Anne Shirley, a lively orphan who was inadvertently sent to a family who requested a boy. The musical celebrates themes of belonging, resiliency, friendships, and maturation.

OCT. 4-5

Harvest Festival

LIONS CLUB FAIRGROUNDS

The Harvest Festival will make its return to the Daviess County Lions Club Fairgrounds for its third year since moving from

Reid’s Orchard and changing its name from the Apple Festival. The event includes carnival rides, food booths, craft vendors, live music, a petting zoo, and more.

OCT. 10-12

Owensboro Tattoo Expo

CONVENTION CENTER

Whether you’re itching for new ink, wanting to complete a sleeve, or looking for some design inspiration, the second annual Owensboro Tattoo Expo will feature dozens of artists available to meet every customer’s wish, with both walk-ups and appointments available.

OCT.

25

GRADSA Buddy Walk

SMOTHERS PARK

The Green River Area Down Syndrome Association’s annual Buddy Walk will return to the Owensboro riverfront. The community-driven event, which is GRADSA’s only fundraiser, aims to advance accep-

tance, advocacy, and inclusion.

OCT. 28

Treats on the Tarmac

OWB AIRPORT

Families will have a chance to trick-or-treat in a unique setting this fall, collecting candy while walking among static aircraft during inaugural “Treats on the Tarmac.” The format will be a walk-through event where kids and families can visit aircraft, meet the owners, and collect candy.

OCT. 30 Trail of Treats

DOWNTOWN OWENSBORO

There will be candy and costumes galore downtown with the return of the City’s Trail of Treats. In addition to filling their buckets and bags with candy, families can also enjoy music and meet-and-greets with some favorite characters. Booths will be set up along West 2nd Street and Veterans Boulevard.

ACROSS

1. A, in OPD speak

5. A good Daviess County town to be kickin' it?

10. Pandemic stimulus funds

OWB received 14. Common structure in Owensboro's skyline

15. Natcher Bridge is being repaired so its cables don't do this

16. ____ Box Derby races are held at Ben Hawes

17. Cold weather machine rarely needed in Owensboro

19. What Owensboro Crime

Stoppers might pay you for

20. Something that may be cut at the Sportscenter

21. Respiratory illness tracked by GRDHD

22. The "Big E" briefly operated under this brand

24. CEO whose company is considering Superchargers in Owensboro

25. Owensboro claim about BBQ and Bluegrass

26. Interfaith org for local leaders

29. Personal care home that experienced a fire in May

31. US org GRADD may receive funds from

32. Many OT readers ____ __ enjoy the challenging crossword puzzle clues

33. Scientific reason for auroras in our area lately

35. Not county's?

36. Our state laws, for short

37. Who Western KY Saber Guild Sith may channel

40. Abbr: US Customs lists Owensboro Riverport as one of these

41. Who Western KY Saber Guild Jedi may channel

42. Label Pentatonix and Kevin Olusola previously signed with

45. Blocktoberfest greeting?

47. Who Holiday World was originally named after

48. Owensboro family known for monuments

50. Short video OT may post to FB or IG

52. Symptoms Dr. Brauer or Dr. Clore might treat?

53. The E of Midwest ENT

54. Famous Louisvillian painted on the walls of Azzip and OHS

57. Everyone, in Kentucky

58. Rhyming gas station name

62. Small change a proofreader may make to this puzzle

63. Drink found at Libertalia or Kahawa Java

64. ____ and Diagnosis Murder writer, Lee Goldberg, has featured Owensboro in his works The Chase and Bumsicle

65. Kelly ____: Former Whitesville Cafe

66. OPD deputy chief rank

67. Four-letter term many Kentuckians use to address the governor

DOWN

1. Abbr: Homeowners group like in the Heartland or Lake Forest

2. Eat, say at The Miller House

3. Amount of glass used in the downtown KY mirror mosaic, informally

4. 52-across may be triggered when you do this outside task

5. Big greeting on the pink polka dotted food truck

6. Like the path of the bypass

7. Former roof ornament on the Baker's Rack car

8. Chemical suffix found in OMU water quality reports

9. Personal care home overlooking the river: Fern _______

10. A response to "I'm struggling with 8-down on the OT puzzle" perhaps?

11. What the art across from the bluegrass museum will do over time?

12. Another element of the page you're looking at right now

13. OMFA's latest 'Art From the Heart' exhibit celebrates this region

18. A sharps equivalent, like at ROMP?

23. Address Moonlite uses to serve those serving

24. Tanner+West has won several of these regional awards for their work in television

25. Home of Vikings taking a postsecondary scenic route?

26. Wienermobile operator who skipped a 2020 Owensboro stop due to PETA protest plans

27. Evansville rival team: Mater ___

28. KWC offers training for this electrocardiography credential

30. Audubon or Thoroughbred

34. Officially a lagoon, some referred to Chautauqua Park's former water feature as one of these

36. Online database for locating Kentucky inmates

37. Not to be confused with a similarly spelled sweet treat, northwest Owensboro has been described as a "food ______"

38. Former Owensboro mayor's name

39. Pre-weekend hashtag found in the History of Owensboro Facebook group

40. Like some purchases on owensborotickets.com

43. Insect whose brood impacts Daviess County periodically

44. Homophone name for a furniture store off Highway 54

45. I Love ___: New Vietnamese restaurant opening on Mount Moriah Ave

46. Italian city neighboring Brescia's namesake

49. Kangen Detailing owner along with Cowboy Capone singer?

51. Support for Aaron Kizer's speed painting?

54. 2024 OT headline about Marjorie Swope: Faith, family, food, and ____

55. What Independence Bank and DCPL both do

56. Hoosier + Bluegrass ship name?

59. This is 21 percent standard or 12 percent reduced in Owensboro's sister city, Olomouc

60. New Daviess St. boutique (or shop, or store, and so on)

61. Jeremy Smith was recently named director of this service

OT Kids Korner!

OT Kids Word Search — Back to School

Find all 12 words. Words may run right, down, or diagonally.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL WORD SEARCH

Find all 12 words. Words may run right, down, or diagonally.

Words to Find:

Words to find: BACKPACK

BACKPACK

CLASSROOM

CLASSROOM

ERASER

ERASER

HOMEWORK

HOMEWORK

LUNCHBOX

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Family Fun Finder

Hey kids, Have you ever made a paper fortune teller? If not, ask your parents — they used to be all the rage. We’re putting a twist on the classic game with the Owensboro Family Fun Finder — a handson way to help pick your next family outing.

How to make:

1. Cut out the pattern along the dotted outline.

2. With the colors facing down, fold in half diagonally (red to yellow), then unfold. Now fold the other diagonal (blue to green) and unfold again.

3. With the colors still facing down, fold each corner in so the colored points meet in the center.

4. Flip it over (colors should be facing down again) and repeat, folding the numbered points into the center.

5. With the numbers facing up, fold in half horizontally, unfold, then fold in half vertically.

6. With the fun finder folded (colors on the outside), slip your thumbs and forefingers under the colored flaps (one finger per flap).

7. You’re ready to play!

How to use:

1. With the fun finder closed, ask someone to pick a color. Open the fun finder back and forth, spelling out the color one letter at a time.

2. Now four numbers can be seen. Have the person pick a number, then open/close the fun finder that many times.

3. Four numbers can again be seen. Pick a final number, lift that flap, and reveal the activity.

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