Good morning, Owensboro.

WBKR’s Christmas Wish closed its 49th season by delivering over 50,000 gifts to 1,912 families and aiding nearly 8,000 children, with 10,000 volunteer hours and support from local businesses at Towne Square North—organizers say the community’s generosity has set the stage for a milestone 50th season.

The Owensboro NAACP chapter will host its annual Freedom Fund Banquet at Kentucky Wesleyan College's Rogers (6 to 8 p.m.) on Saturday, Jan.

24, 2026. The event will raise funds for programs that support local equality initiatives.

Owensboro Racing & Gaming is capping off its first year in business with a New Year's Eve celebration planned for Wednesday, Dec.

31. The event offers locals a chance to join the festive milestone.

Three winning Powerball tickets sold in Kentucky won a total of $200K from the drawing on Dec.

24; two were purchased at lottery retailers and one online ticket using the Power Play doubled its win to $100K — the lottery reset the jackpot to $20M for today's drawing.

At Christmas, Reid Haire got the unusual gift he asked for when Santa delivered a vending machine beside his tree after months of asking his parents.

Bluegrass Vending (via Roger Pharris) helped make the delivery possible by working with Santa on the special surprise.

Students from Owensboro Innovation Academy joined forces with Wendell Foster to modify toys with assistive technology (including 3D-printed switches) for children with disabilities, and the cost-effective project gifted play items chosen by therapists.

The partnership is set to expand next year.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is asking residents to donate real Christmas trees for its annual Christmas for the fishes program at 37 drop-off sites, including the Grimes Avenue Transfer Station in Owensboro, through January 16.

The trees will help support underwater habitats across the commonwealth.

The Owensboro Bridge will reopen Jan.

16 as crews finish a nearly $18 million project that began mid-July to replace the steel decking and repair the Indiana approach. Traffic is detoured on the U.S. 231 William H. Natcher Bridge while work continues.

Owensboro native Logan Weedman had a standout season at Tennessee Tech, earning All-American honors + helping his team set a record, and he will train with former NFL tight end Lee Smith for his NFL Pro Day scheduled in February or March.