Good morning, Owensboro.

Veteran Chris Conley, known for his service and aviation photography, was diagnosed with a large brain tumor on Wednesday and will have surgery on June 18—doctors said they might not be able to remove the entire tumor.

Family and close friends are rallying support as a GoFundMe campaign is expected to go live later this week.

Paul Strahan, longtime pastor of First Baptist Church Owensboro, passed away Monday morning at age 67 while surrounded by his family.

He served nearly 20 years, led multiple renovations and mission work, and his legacy lives on through this summer's Vacation Bible School—continuing his commitment to children learning Scripture.

Organizers will hold the first annual St. Jude BBQ Cook-Off in Whitesville on Saturday, July 12th to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—serving will begin at 4 p.m. and a live auction with a drop box ends at 5 p.m.—with fireworks lighting the sky at dusk.

The Cottage Farm Stand Strawberry Festival is scheduled for June 7-8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 6869 KY 56 — the event will feature over 150 vendors, multiple food trucks, a Saturday car show with prizes, and live music each day with admission at $5 per vehicle.

City officials announced that the new playground at York Park is officially open for families with small children—its features include a basketball court, pickleball courts and a picnic area.

Families are invited to join a free gnome scavenger hunt hosted by Owensboro Parks & Recreation at Joe Ford Nature Center on Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m., located at 3870 West Second Street.

Participants will scan QR codes to track gnome finds and fill out a digital form, and anyone who finds the golden gnome may post a selfie on social media—entering a drawing for prizes like a yard gnome, a family pass to the Edge Ice Center, and pool passes.

Dugan Best Recreation Center celebrated its 50th anniversary by unveiling a new mural to replace the old, peeling one — Owensboro native Aaron Kizer led the project with local children painting and signing the artwork.

Owensboro Times and Tanner Publishing Co. have merged under Black Box Media to unite their local news and lifestyle publications—each brand will keep its own identity while sharing roles in photography, design, and ad sales, and the team will soon launch a bundled subscription package. More details on new projects and subscription plans will be announced in the coming months.

Evelyn Miller, owner of Windy Hollow Restaurant, recounted her family's legacy that turned the breakfast nook along Highway 81 into a much-loved spot—local patrons value its rich history.

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.

Backyard Chickens Workshop in Owensboro

9 PM — Owensboro Dugan Best Rec Center — Free entry — Discover the joys of backyard chickens in a serene neighborhood setting.

ROMP Festival Featuring The Dillards

8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. — Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum — Tickets required — Celebrate 22 years of bluegrass music in a picturesque setting at the ROMP Festival.

Daviess County Fireworks Show

Evening hours — Yellow Creek Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display from a new vantage point for better views.