Good morning, Owensboro.

Ellis Park Racing & Gaming and Owensboro Racing & Gaming will host free Kentucky Derby Weekend celebrations on May 1-2, offering live music, drive-up wagering at Ellis Park and a $152,000 Derby Dash promotion for families to enjoy.

Details are set for both sites.

Sierra, an outdoor retailer, is set to open its store at 2452 Calumet Trace beside Old Navy in Gateway Commons on May 30 at 8 a.m.-Grand opening festivities include a ribbon cutting, giveaways, a scavenger hunt, and a $10,000 charity donation while the company starts hiring.

Wile Bros. store — one of the oldest clothing retailers — ended its long run this week as a local fixture.

The historic closure marks a notable transition in a business that served the community for many decades.

Nelly will return to the Beaver Dam Amphitheatre Saturday, Sept.

19 — performing with Twista and DJ Shay to reclaim his 2024 record — with tickets on sale at 9 a.m. CT on May 1 after a presale from April 29 until April 30 for newsletter subscribers.

Beth Hutchinson has been named principal at Highland Elementary, and she will begin her duties on July 1 to lead the school following a thorough selection process by Daviess County Public Schools.

Today, KCTCS announced it raised over $375K in 24 hours from 1,656 gifts by 1,389 donors+faculty, alumni and staff across 16 campuses to support scholarships, food pantries and emergency aid; West Kentucky and Maysville led fundraising challenges showing strong community backing for local students.

Owensboro BBQ & Barrels will take over downtown on May 8 and 9 with live music, VIP tastings, a 50/50 raffle, and an Artisan Craft Show.

The event will feature must-try dishes from the BBQ Blueprint — a plan designed to help visitors savor the best flavors.

Care for the Caregiver Retreat

8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. — Owensboro Convention Center — Cost varies — A rejuvenating three-day retreat designed for caregivers to find support and community.