Good morning, Owensboro.

Runner Steven Smith, who is running from California to Virginia, passed through Owensboro this week while pushing a decorated stroller on U.S. 60 and reconnecting with local friends who cheered him on.

He plans to visit Project Rise as part of a week-long stretch across Kentucky.

Downtown Owensboro is hosting a multi-day Derby celebration from today through Saturday that brings together local restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Second Street will be closed Thursday and Friday evenings for outdoor vendors while businesses offer extended hours, themed food and drink specials, and a prize card promotion with donated prizes.

The Owensboro Catholic League dedicated its new playground Tuesday evening behind St. Pius X Catholic Church, adding slides, swings, climbing structures + picnic tables to boost the youth baseball and softball complex.

League officials said the upgrade now draws dozens of children nightly.

PorchFest OBKY will take place Saturday, June 13 on Griffith Avenue—featuring 36 musical acts and 16 food trucks on 12 porch stages, free to attend.

The event is presented by Furniture Warehouse and organized by VASS to bring live music and local flavors to the community.

Independence Bank marked 25 years by awarding $173,026 to 67 students at its Frederica Street reception Tuesday — the scholarship program has now given over $2 million over its lifetime.

More than 60 high school seniors in Owensboro are set to receive $173K in scholarships after Independence Bank hosted its 25th annual Scholarship Reception Tuesday evening at its Frederica Street location.

The program has now awarded over $2 million in scholarships in 25 years.

Daviess County Public Schools Police Department added a K9 dog named Tompe to help detect drugs at school facilities.

Chief Gary Mattingly and Tompe completed training in Houston and will continue training locally to boost safety.

Hines Assets sold the Hines Center (5555 Wellness Drive, Philpot) for $1.85M on April 13 as part of a broader property transfer, and it completed an $8.5M deal at MidAmerica Airpark on April 14.

Yesterday, Owensboro Catholic student-athletes Mayme Powell and Cam James signed college letters in front of a packed Soenneker Hall crowd; Powell will play volleyball at Midway University and study biology while James will join Lindsey Wilson University's football team and pursue a nursing degree.

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.

Panthers after Dark: Full Moon Hike

8-10 p.m. — Panther Creek Park — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly, leisurely hike under the moonlight with well-behaved dogs and kids welcome.

Partners in Hope Cancer Benefit Concert

12-6 p.m. — Windy Hollow Speedway — Entry fee to support patients — Enjoy a day of music, poker runs, and family fun for a great cause.