Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of May.
Good morning, Owensboro.
After a successful debut last year, Knottsville Porch Fest returns Saturday with live music and food on five local porches starting at 4:30 p.m.—attendees can enjoy diverse acts from gospel to country, free admission, and designated parking in Knottsville.
The Junior League of Owensboro works to empower local women and strengthen the community through volunteer projects and leadership training—efforts that include local events and direct partnerships—designed to meet Owensboro's needs.
Daviess County Coroner Jeff Jones said 34-year-old Owensboro resident Ashley Stark died in a car crash when her vehicle went nearly 30 feet off Highway 60 (striking a broken power pole Saturday morning) and officials have not yet found the cause (further investigation is underway).
Jimmy Kidd from Tranquility Lighting Design in Owensboro won the 2025 Award of Excellence in Feature-Focused Lighting for his work at VFW Post 696—his design transformed the riverfront and received national recognition from the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals.
Willow & Pine Market in downtown Owensboro marks five years since its opening, with owner Anne Higgins crediting local support for growing the gift shop into a neighborhood favorite.
The business will join the Downtown Owensboro Small Biz Crawl today to showcase its expanded offerings and plans for future growth.
Owensboro's history includes three long-defunct luxury hotels: the Motor Inn built in 1926 and closed in 1990, Gabe’s Tower from 1963, and the Executive Inn Rivermont which opened in 1977—each hotel served as a downtown landmark remembered for its unique charm.
The Phantom Regiment, a renowned traveling drum and bugle corps, began rehearsals on campus at Kentucky Wesleyan on May 19 and will work through hot days and nights until the end of June before leaving for tour.
The group is also hosting summer camps for musicians including one in Evansville from June 22 to 25 and may offer free public dress rehearsal concerts again.
Owensboro Parks & Recreation is offering summer swim lessons for children with Pre-School Aquatics for ages 3 to 4 at Cravens Pool on the week of June 16th where registration ends on June 6th and again on the week of July 17th, while Learn-to-Swim classes for children aged 5 and above will be held on weeks starting June 9th, June 23rd, July 7th and July 21st with a May 30th deadline and a $70 fee per child—additionally, a free Water Safety Day will be held at Combest Pool on Monday, June 16th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. featuring free lessons, water safety tips and giveaways.
Daviess County firefighters are training at Owensboro Health Healthpark for ice and water rescues—Battalion Chief Jake Cox simulated a 911 call for two adults who fell into a frozen lake and firefighters are practicing to deploy an inflatable NRS Rescue Boat to pull them to safety.
Owensboro is considering increasing its funding to $500,000 for the Green River Community Food Warehouse project (a new 20,000-square-foot facility that will store donated produce and meats for local food pantries).
The project is expected to provide an additional 215,000 meals and help 2,400 food-insecure residents each year.
Gene Watson Live Concert
7-9 PM — Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum — Tickets from $43 — Experience masterful country music with the legendary Gene Watson.
Over The Top Wrestling Event
7-11 p.m. — Owensboro Sportscenter — $10-$45 — Experience a night of high-energy professional wrestling with meet and greets featuring wrestling legends.
Athelite Memorial Day Challenge
May 24-25 — Owensboro Convention Center — Team registration fees apply — A competitive youth sports event featuring teams from over 10 states in basketball.
Neighborhood Sale - Locust Hill / Krystal Lane
12 PM — Owensboro Dugan Best Rec Center — Free entry — Discover neighborhood treasures at this community sale event.
Firefly Festival: Know & Glow
6:00-8:30 p.m. — Western Kentucky Botanical Garden — Free entry — Learn about fireflies and enjoy crafts and activities for all ages while savoring delicious food from local vendors.
River City Bike Expo
Manufacturer Displays — All day — Owensboro Convention Center — Varies — A thrilling weekend for bike enthusiasts featuring shows, competitions, and a tattoo expo.
Strawberry Festival
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Cottage Farm Stand — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly day of live entertainment, 150+ vendors, and delicious fresh strawberries.
Youth Basketball Camp By Breakthrough Basketball
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Owensboro Convention Center — Check website for registration cost — Focus on skills like scoring moves and ball handling in a fun camp setting.
Youth Basketball Camp by Breakthrough Basketball
9 AM – 3 PM — Owensboro Convention Center — Registration required — Improve your basketball skills with focused training and personalized coaching in a fun environment.
Strides4CMV - Running for Ruth
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Joe Ford Nature Center — Registration fee applies — Participate in a meaningful run honoring Ruth and raising awareness for congenital CMV.
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