Good morning, Owensboro.

Owensboro native Evan Hampton, named the 2025 Kentucky Gatorade Football Player of the Year, gave a $1,000 grant to the local youth football league (ODC Youth Football League) to update its equipment and field for summer practice.

The Owensboro Convention Center will host the Western Kentucky Outdoor Expo on Feb.

7 from 9 AM to 7 PM and Feb. 8 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Visitors can browse RVs, boats, sporting and hunting gear — plus enjoy a variety of food options at this upcoming event.

The Hatton family announced Tuesday that Owensboro will soon welcome Maui’s Indoor Theme Park, a rebranded family fun center set to be the flagship of the Malibu Jack’s evolution.

Phase one will feature familiar rides & games, with new attractions and dining options planned for future phases.

Stephen Vannatten and Kelly Wheatley sold their barbecue trailer to Rob and Carla Karch, who will serve the same menu as Karch's Smokehouse and More at events in Hardinsburg and local setups; the founders now focus on expanding their sauce business available at Reid's Orchard and Hill View Farms.

The Hatton family announced Owensboro's upcoming family fun center will be rebranded as Maui’s Indoor Theme Park and built at the former Towne Square Mall along Frederica Street (beginning with rides and games in phase one), while more details on attractions and an opening timeline are pending.

Owensboro Farmers Market is expanding its market space with a new commercial kitchen to support local food-based businesses.

Phase three of the project, funded by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture with $45,000, is underway – the kitchen will roll out early spring.

DCHS assistant coach Bradley Payne resigned on Jan.

16 after he admitted texting a prospective student-athlete and violating the no-contact rule; he said he was helping with enrollment & housing logistics, not recruiting. Daviess County Public Schools is investigating the incident as the team moves forward with postseason preparations.

Owensboro Public Schools set tentative graduation dates for the 2026 and 2027 classes.

For 2026, ceremonies at Emerson Academy, Owensboro High School, and Owensboro Innovation Academy will be held from May 14 to 16, with the 2027 events one day earlier — dates are subject to change.

Tax filing begins Monday as the IRS and local tax agencies start accepting federal returns; Kentucky state returns open Jan.26 (refunds begin Feb.2) and Indiana asks taxpayers to wait for wage statements until Jan.31 to avoid delays.

Dial M for Murder

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Trinity Centre — Ticketed event — Watch the gripping tale of jealousy and revenge unfold in this classic thriller.