Good morning, Owensboro.

The new senior community center broke ground on June 18 — nearly 20 years in the making — in a first step toward building a permanent facility.

Daniel Southard, a local teacher and coach, recently purchased G&G Monument Sales — now renamed Southard Monument Sales — on JR Miller and East 20th, starting a new chapter in a monument business where stone samples are shown near JD Byrider.

He said he aims to help grieving families during difficult times — his goal is to ease their burden — while balancing teaching and coaching as he grows the business.

Rock Solid Aviation opened its flight school at the Owensboro airport to train new pilots and boost general aviation after more than a year without a local training provider — the school offers daily training, rental services, and plans to add more aircraft as interest grows.

Owensboro set a tourism record last year that brought in nearly $250 million and supported about 2,000 local jobs.

From January through May, hotels and restaurants broke occupancy records and a new hotel and downtown sports complex are under construction—officials credit smart planning and ARPA funds for the growth.

Owensboro Public Schools said the new Kentucky law takes effect on June 27 and will limit digital messages between staff and students to two approved platforms—Talking Points and Google Workspace.

Families can check messages on Talking Points and ask school principals for help with Google account access if needed.

RiverValley Behavioral Health, Owensboro Health and the Green River District Health Department have joined to form the Green River Regional Mental Health Collaborative in western Kentucky to check community needs and fill gaps in mental health services.

They plan to use online tools—such as the free Credible Mind platform—to help link people with care.

RiverValley Behavioral Health announced the winners of its 2025 Youth Mental Health Art Contest (Be Kind to Your Mind) at an awards ceremony on Wednesday.

Division winners from North Hancock Elementary, John Paul II Catholic School, Owensboro High School, and Bellarmine University were honored, and Owensboro Health’s Debbie Zuerner earned the Dianne McFarling Memorial Award.

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.