Good morning, Owensboro.

At the Owensboro Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony held Thursday night at the Walter Freeman Fire Training Center, Battalion Chief Jason Pickrell received the Vanguard Award for his leadership in program development.

Several other firefighters were honored for their commitment to health, safety and service.

Today, Southern Star Cares awarded over $139,000 in grants to seven local nonprofits to support youth services, health care, housing, and community outreach — the grant cycle will continue in 2026 with additional details to be announced.

The Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation brightened Christmas for two Owensboro families Friday afternoon by providing special holiday gifts that lifted local spirits.

The event brought an extra dose of joy to the community.

A longtime Owensboro accounting firm will merge with Riney Hancock CPAs effective December 31, bringing Michael Wurth on as consultant and Juli Wurth Stewart as senior manager to boost tax operations at its office—located at 2900 Veach Road, Suite 2.

Late Charles Cobb left over $4M in gifts to support local colleges, youth services and homelessness programs.

Kentucky Wesleyan College received more than $2.3M for scholarships, while Brescia University and several nonprofits, including the Green River Area Community Foundation, received significant funds — his legacy continues to impact our community.

Trinity High School is seeking a qualified head bass fishing coach to lead its competitive team and mentor student-athletes.

The job, which offers a coaching stipend and tuition discount, requires experience in competitive bass fishing and strong leadership (access to a fishing boat is preferred).

Enhanced ACA subsidies will end Jan.

1, leaving 100,000 Kentuckians and 350,000 Hoosiers to face higher insurance premiums in 2026; health experts advise clients to compare plans (some may see increases from $80 to over $100 monthly) to help reduce cost pressures.

Actor Nick Searcy visited the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center on Thursday + donated blood while running errands in Owensboro.

Staff gathered for photos as he said the act felt right.

The Owensboro Times announced its 2025 Boys’ Cross Country All-OT Team and Runner of the Year finalists from local high schools based on coaches’ nominations.

Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony in May 2026.

Owensboro High School running back Evan Hampton will join Wonder Whip at its Frederica Street location Monday from 1-4 p.m. in a one-day NIL deal that doubles as a fundraiser for athletics — the store will offer a special $5 'Twisted Devil' soft-serve cone with proceeds benefiting the athletic department.

The American Cornhole Organization will kick off the new year with the ACO Super Major tournament at the Convention Center from January 1-3—offering events from the professional series to junior amateur and point chances for the World Championships—and invite players to compete in a range of divisions.

Owensboro Times has announced its 2025 Girls’ Soccer All-OT Team and Soccer of the Year finalists, selected from local high schools by coach nominations.

The finalists will attend an awards ceremony in May 2026 — more details will follow.