Good morning, Owensboro.

Dr. Tom Shelton was named United Way of the Bluegrass' President and CEO on Nov.

21 after serving as interim CEO and building experience in Owensboro and Daviess County. He will expand services like the 211 helpline (serving 102 counties) to better connect central Kentucky communities.

A guide by Owensboro Parent magazine lists 16 local spots displaying Christmas lights—ranging from downtown's festive riverfront to drive-through shows—that are open nightly through early January, giving residents a chance to enjoy holiday charm tonight and beyond.

On December 23rd, WBKR hosted five guest DJs from The Opportunity Center (including Steven Shively) who filled in for a co-host and brightened the cloudy holiday broadcast with festive community chatter.

The Owensboro Museum of Science and History will host its annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration on Dec.

31 (9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at 122 East 2nd Street, featuring magic shows by Marcus Duke, carnival games, face painting, and a balloon drop at noon with $5 admission per person and free entry for members.

Brescia University received a $1.8 million gift from Steve and Sandy Hayden to build Hayden Commons, a new housing project for graduate students using seven brownstone homes near campus that will open in fall.

Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 1 in February to lower the state income tax from 4% to 3.5% effective Jan.

1 (boosting paychecks statewide).

Local boys’ basketball games on December 23 saw wins from McLean County, Owensboro Catholic, and Trinity (Whitesville).

McLean County overcame a halftime deficit to beat Webster County 58-52, Owensboro Catholic dominated Wood Memorial 60-34, and Trinity edged Ballard Memorial 38-34 despite missing its top scorer.