Good morning, Owensboro.

United Way of the Ohio Valley awarded $425,773 to 15 longtime nonprofit partners Friday to recognize organizations providing essential services, including funding expansion for infant childcare at the Family YMCA in Owensboro.

The awards event at Big Rivers Electric Corp. was part of the annual Legacy Partner grant cycle.

The annual Fireworks in the Park event is postponed due to weather and will be held on Friday, July 10 at Whitesville Community Park.

Families can enjoy live music + food vendors and games + a fireworks display at dusk.

Officials celebrated the planned opening of Freedom House—located in the common use area on the second floor of the Volunteers of America Mid-States facility—that will serve local community needs.

Dancing With Our Stars returns to RiverPark Center on Saturday, Aug.

8 with local leaders, professionals & personalities competing to support Boulware Mission programs. A new Talent Division will allow guests to vote for their favorite performance.

Local fireworks stores are gearing up for busy Fourth of July sales as customers shop early and extended hours start; Mark's Fireworks, Marvina's Fireworks, and BOGO Fireworks are offering special promotions (including buy-one-get-one deals and product previews) to help shoppers beat the holiday rush.

Garden & Gun magazine named Owensboro one of the South's best live music destinations by highlighting local attractions such as Friday After 5.

Executive Director Kirk Kirkpatrick said the free outdoor series now in its 30th season draws thousands of fans each summer and showcases the city’s vibrant riverfront culture.

Owensboro High School seniors Molly Sandefer and Raelee Tutt earned spots in top dance programs — Sandefer will study ballet at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music while Tutt pursues jazz at Point Park University.

They trained under Joy Johnson and Ashley Ayer Martin at a local studio.

Children in the DCPL summer reading program can earn a free Happy Meal when they complete a Happy McReaders punch card by reading 10 books; cards are available at participating libraries (while supplies last) through Aug.

31 and can be redeemed at local McDonald’s restaurants.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife spokesperson John Hast said wandering bears in local neighborhoods are acting normally during breeding season.

Residents are advised to secure food sources — lock garbage and store pet food — to discourage bears, which are expected to return to the mountains by fall.

Volunteers of America Mid-States opened Freedom House in Owensboro on Friday — a new recovery center for mothers battling substance use disorder.

Located at 1201 Frederica Street, the facility will help up to 30 families and begin admitting residents Aug. 1.

A local Special Olympics flag football team returned home with a bronze medal from the USA Games in Minnesota + the team from Daviess, Hancock and Muhlenberg counties clinched the podium spot with a 39 to 24 win over Pennsylvania in the medal game.

2026 Heritage Hills Quarterback Club Golf Scramble

7 a.m. – 7 p.m. — The Pearl Club — $400/foursome — Enjoy a day of golf while supporting the local football program with prizes and a provided lunch.