Good morning, Owensboro.

Owensboro food truck owners looked back on their first summer of Friday After Five as weather forced them to shift operations to a parking lot—loyal customers kept them busy even when they ran out of food.

Owners like Jerome Hernandez and Marc McCoy said they learned from these challenges and will be better prepared for next year’s event, welcoming new food trucks like Mangkok Filipino Cuisine and Acme Chicken Bowls.

15-year-old Apollo High student Kassi Hirt was selected to attend the prestigious Four-Star Leadership Program with General Tommy Franks in Oklahoma City this past summer after being initially waitlisted—she now serves as Cadet Major in JROTC and has begun flight training with the Young Eagles program in Hancock County. Hirt aims to attend the Air Force Academy and become a fighter pilot.

Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions won the 2025 Innovation in Business, Trade, and Professional Exchange Award from Sister Cities International for its firefighter exchange program with Olomouc—Czech Republic that improved training and cultural ties.

Two delegations from Owensboro and local fire departments traveled for hands-on training in fire suppression, emergency response, and cancer prevention, and Czech firefighters will visit later this year.

Owensboro Catholic won the Union County Invitational after shooting 299 to beat Madisonville by two strokes—its other squad finished third at 313.

Head coach Bretnea Harvey said all of the top five players broke 80 and promised more strong play as the season goes on.

Owensboro native Dartanyan Tinsley made his NFL debut for the Cleveland Browns on Saturday when he played the second half in a 30-10 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers.

Tinsley said his play felt surreal — he compared it to Christmas morning — and he will work to improve before the team makes final roster cuts later this month.

Owensboro native Altaf Merchant and teammate Steven Deakin won gold at the PPA Bristol Open in Bristol, Tennessee after receiving a first-round bye and winning three straight matches—rallying in the final after falling behind 7-6 to win sets 11-7 and 11-3.

Merchant earned his 38th professional win and will compete in further tournaments as he prepares for a 10-week season.

ERNEST Concert

6:00-8:15 p.m. — Owensboro Sportscenter — Ticketed event — Experience the dynamic sounds of ERNEST and supporting acts featuring a blend of country and Americana vibes.

Josh Merritt Live at RiverPark Center

6-10 p.m. — RiverPark Center — Tickets available — Experience heartfelt bluegrass music from Kentucky's own Josh Merritt.

Josh Merritt at Lock & Keel

7-11 p.m. — Lock & Keel Pub — Cost info not listed — Experience authentic Kentucky bluegrass with heartfelt stories from artist Josh Merritt.

Forever a Difference Maker Gala & Auction

5:30 p.m. — Owensboro Convention Center — Ticket purchase required — An elegant evening featuring auctions, dinner, and honoring local Difference Makers supporting people with disabilities.

Fall Market at Preservation Station

10 AM – 5 PM — Preservation Station — Free entry — Immerse in autumn vibes with local artisans and vintage treasures at this unique market.