Good morning, Owensboro.

Families can enjoy fall fun at The Cottage Farm Stand on Hwy 56 in Daviess County, which will host pumpkin painting on October 11th from 8 am to noon, a Pumpkin & Pickle Festival on October 25th and 26th from 9 am to 5 pm with free entry and a $5 parking fee, and Terror in the Corn Maze from October 29th to November 1st at 7pm to 10pm with tickets at $20 per person. Owner Marlene Knight said the events will feature live entertainment—arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, and food vendors for families of all ages.

Reid’s Orchard will host Orchard Music Fest on September 27 from 2–10 p.m. where five stages will feature 10 acts, food vendors, and a beer garden; admission is $20 per carload.

It Takes a Village now has JAX—a 3-year-old boxer mix with a soft coat and gentle nature—available for adoption; the shelter invites local residents to meet this playful pet during scheduled meet-and-greets.

Owensboro Parent is inviting everyone to vote in its annual Family Favorites contest, now in its eighth year, to honor local businesses, schools and organizations that support families.

More than 40 categories are open for votes — winners will be featured in an upcoming issue.

The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office said the westbound lane of the bypass near I-165 and New Hartford Rd is closed after a vehicle accident—first responders and emergency crews are working to clear the roadway within about an hour.

A bicyclist was hit by a car on Thursday at 5:15 a.m. on the 6700 block of US Highway 60 West near Oakford Road and was flown to the hospital in critical condition—roadways were closed for two hours as emergency crews and a reconstruction team responded and charges are expected.

Daviess County Fiscal Court approved lowering the real property tax rate from 12.9 to 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed value for 2025—its biggest drop in over a decade.

The new rate will generate about $10.36 million thanks to rising property values and will nearly match last year’s revenue.

A contractor for Daviess County Public Works demolished the old bridge span on Old Hartford Road at the south fork of Panther Creek—half a mile east of U.S. 231—and cleared the approaches for a new bridge deck.

New beams will arrive on September 10 and work should finish by the end of September if the weather holds.

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.

Jason Carter Band Concert

7-10 p.m. — Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum — $20-25 — Experience the award-winning fiddler from the Del McCoury Band in a night of exceptional bluegrass music.

Jimmie Allen Live Performance

5:00 p.m. — Kentucky Sound Stage — $25 — Experience the incredible talents of Jimmie Allen up close in an unforgettable night of live music.