Good morning, Owensboro.

Local groups in Owensboro are preparing for the national Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 13 by working to secure enough wreaths to honor every veteran.

Memorial Gardens needs about 1,200 more wreaths for its 1,700 veteran plots—Resurrection Cemetery will lay wreaths on at least 600 of its 1,100 graves while Country Heights Elementary students raised funds for 70 sponsorships.

Owensboro Municipal Utilities is inviting local customers to enter its Holiday Lighting Contest by 4 p.m. on December 4th to show off creative holiday displays.

Entries will be judged on light, color, design, movement, and originality—winners earn a $250 gift certificate, a lighted yard sign, and recognition from city and utility commissions.

The Owensboro Convention Center’s Energy On Ice rink opened yesterday behind the Kentucky Legend Pier and will host skating sessions on select weekends in December including Dec.

5—6, Dec. 12—13, Dec. 19—20, and Dec. 26—27. Admission is $5 per person—which covers skate rental—with group discounts available, and skating hours are Fridays from 5—9 p.m. and Saturdays from 4—9 p.m.

Owensboro’s Mark Calitri co-authored a leadership book based on baseball legend Pete Rose’s story that is now available on Amazon and through IngramSpark Publishing.

The book blends lessons from sports and business with real ideas like the 51% Mentality—giving more than you take—from conversations that began after Rose’s sold-out show at RiverPark Center.

The Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club will launch its pilot bourbon release 'Top Cat Bourbon' on December 1 at 10 a.m. as the first entry in its 10-year Owensboro Greats Collection honoring basketball legend Cliff Hagan.

Distilled by Casey Jones Distillery — aged four years — the Kentucky Straight Bourbon will be sold at Barrel Heads Liquor Market and Tasting Bar in Owensboro, with only 100 bottles available at $120 each and a limit of five per customer while all proceeds benefit the Mike Horn Unit.

Antoinette Johnson runs the family food truck J’s Good Grub in Owensboro and manages orders, staff, finances, and community events that keep the business thriving.

She has worked behind the scenes for over a decade to grow a popular meal spot — her efforts build trust and a strong local following.

Shoppers supported local small businesses as they arrived at 9 a.m. Saturday at Independence Bank on Frederica Street to pick up a free official Shop token — the event highlighted community efforts to boost local commerce.

The Cadillac Restaurant was torn down nearly one year after it was heavily damaged by a fire on December 15th, 2024 at 1315 West 2nd Street — the nearby motel was not affected by the incident.

A beloved Owensboro tradition returned Friday at Stonegate with the Lashbrook family's 25th annual Christmas Lights display showing more than 300,000 lights arranged in classic scenes.

The free event runs nightly through the season—visitors see set hours on weekdays and extended times on weekends.

RiverPark Center has reimagined its holiday pop-up bar as Peppermint’s Lodge to offer a cozy lodge-inspired space with Christmas-themed cocktails and treats for families and visitors of upcoming events like The Nutcracker and Owensboro Symphony shows.

The lodge will be open on public nights—Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.—with $10 general admission and may add a special December brunch while offering private weekday rentals.

Owensboro will open a White Flag warming shelter at the Daniel Pitino Shelter at 501 Walnut Street from December 1 to December 5 due to freezing temperatures expected next week.

The shelter will operate from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. and offer meals plus free transit on weekdays — riders must tell drivers they are headed there.

The Green River Area Development District is offering free Medicare Part D plan comparisons with certified SHIP counselors during open enrollment through Dec.

7. Beneficiaries can call the Aging & Disability Resource Center (1-800-928-9094) and should bring their Medicare card, current list of medications, active email, and cell phone.

On a bitterly cold Friday night at Rash Stadium, Owensboro beat Woodford County 49–6 in the Class 5A semifinals to secure a state championship spot and improve its record to 12–2 overall and 9–0 in 5A.

Owensboro will face Pulaski County at 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Lexington — the win featured an explosive 266-yard, four-touchdown performance by Evan Hampton and strong play by the defense.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas

7-9 p.m. — Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Christmas with Ricky Skaggs and his band's heartwarming acoustic renditions of holiday classics.

11th Annual 5K Reindeer Run/Walk

8 a.m. — Smothers Park — $30-$40 registration — A festive 5K run/walk with fundraising opportunities, holiday fun, and a special race for kids.

Voice’s of Anderson’s: A Christmas Bazaar

6:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Owensboro Museum of Science and History — $5 admission — Experience holiday cheer with local vendors, theatrical vignettes, and festive treats.