Owensboro Living - May/June 2022 by Tanner Publishing

Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Trending B E H I N D

THE SCENES

EDITOR’S NOTE

A View of the World from Owensboro You voted, we listened, and now we’re revealing the winners of the 8th annual Best of Owensboro! Some businesses have held on to the top spot in their category for 8 years running, and others are celebrating their first year of recognition from our readers. As I’ve said here before, the “Best of Owensboro” is truly its people. And

EDITORIAL EDITOR

Steven Wilson PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jamie Alexander Jay Fallin Libby Johnson John Kirkpatrick Marlys Mason Danny May Dana Peveler Jacqueline Russell Ashley Wedding Lora Wimsatt

Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to steven@owensboroliving.com

while some of us were born and raised here, we’re also fortunate as a city to

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welcome citizens from around the globe to our community. In this issue, in

ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

addition to the big winners reveal, you’ll read about a new restauranteur who brought his Caribbean roots to Owensboro with Jamaican Yard Vibes, as well as a home-cook from Vietnam who has sparked the interest of Instagram with her unique dishes.

We also introduce you to Hai Soe, a talented

young watercolor artist who came to Owensboro after spending most of his childhood in a refugee camp in Thailand. And readers will get an indepth look into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as told by members of our community with family ties to the war-torn country.

Brock Quinton Robert Williams

Owensboro Living is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses and organizations who advertise. For more information about advertising call 888-304-5416 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY COVER ART

Mark Caneso S TA F F P H O T O G R A P H E R

These immigrants bring fresh flavors, styles, and perspectives to our corner of the Commonwealth, and they’re part of what makes me proud to live in Owensboro.

Jamie Alexander

L AY O U T D E S I G N E R

Andrea Roberson AD DESIGNER

Monica Tapp

DISTRIBUTION STEVEN WILSON, EDITOR steven@owensboroliving.com

W H AT I’ M RE A D IN G Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr Doerr’s first novel, All the Light We Cannot See, is one of my favorites – a fantastic work of historical fiction. With this title, Doerr reaches back into history, but also deftly intertwines stories and characters from 500 years ago with their counterparts in present-day Idaho. From Constantinople to the Korean War to the Midwestern United States, Doerr describes each setting and series of events as if he lived them himself, rendering entire worlds with his words, and connecting readers to the five protagonists in his novel – each of whom is interconnected by their love for the same ancient text.

Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dave Mackey

To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at 888-304-5416.

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Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

Contents

MAY/ JUNE 2022 TRENDING 6 BEHIND

THE SCENES

A note from our editor.

10 N E W S W O R T H Y The real people, places and events that shape our community, brought to you by the Owensboro Times.

CULTURE 14 M U S I C

Marty Stuart Returns to Headline ROMP

16 A R T Art Speaks Every Language

18 I N

THE KNOW

16 events to put on your calendar

LIFESTYLE 88 H O M E

Now’s the Time—sponsored by Ryan Rutman Real Estate Group.

92 S E N I O R

LIVING

A Career Restart after 50

98 A R O U N D

TOWN

The Best Weekend in Owensboro

FLAVOR

110 R E C I P E S Decadent Chocolate Desserts to Treat Yo’ Self!

115 D I S H

FEATURES

22 RODNEY BERRY

Remembering his Lifetime of Service B Y M A R LY S M A S O N

What we’re eating now: Barbecue

30 THE INVASION OF UKRAINE

and It’s Impact on Owensboro B Y J AY F A L L I N

116 R E S TA U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT

Jamaican Yard Vibes: Restaurant Transplants Customers to the Carribbean

118 C H E F Dorsey Slaughter Remains a

26 THE OWENSBORO THOROUGHBREDS

Impacting the Community On and Off the Court B Y J O H N K I R K PAT R I C K

39 BEST OF OWENSBORO LIVING Discover the winners of our 2022 Best of Owensboro Living contest!

Constant at Colby’s

121 S O C I A L Esther Ellis Showcases her Skills on Social Media

125 F A R M - F R E S H Experience the Benefits of FarmFresh Food

M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Trending N E W S W O R T H Y

5 things we’re talking about now

2 Daviess County to Add 2nd Family Court Judge With the passage of House Bill 214, Daviess County will be among the Kentucky counties to add a muchneeded Family Court judge in 2023. The need was identified in a statewide

JOSH KELLY

judicial efficiency study in 2017, and filling the need will

Photo by

go a long way to balance the immense workload previously

Vintage Stripes Barber Academy

shouldered by a single

Downtown Owensboro is now home to Kentucky’s newest barber college, Vintage

Lawmakers hope that

Stripes Barber Academy. With the barber college in Bowling Green closing,

adding a second judge

Vintage Stripes is one of the few options for barbers training in the western part

to Family Court will

of the state. Part-owner Corey Bennett is also incorporating technology into his

decrease wait times for

teaching practices, which he said many other institutions do not do.

hearings and decisions.

Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

Family Court judge.

Brought to you by O W E N S B O R O T I M E S

$1 Million Donation to Habitat for Humanity

Photo by

JOSH KELLY

SparKY Easter Bone Hunt On April 16, Saving Paws Animal Rescue

To honor Executive Director Virginia Braswell, who retired

of Kentucky (SparKY)

from Habitat for Humanity in March, Daviess County Fiscal

hosted its 9th annual

Court made a donation of $1 million to the charity in her

Easter Bone Hunt

honor. With the money that was donated, incoming Executive

at Ben Hawes Park.

Director Stephens said he plans to put every dollar toward the

The event field was

focus that Braswell has set in stone already: ensuring that the

loaded with dog

people who don’t have an opportunity to live in a safe home

toys and treats that

receive it.

people hunted with their canines for $10 per dog. Dream Copy Photography

Girls Inc. Launches “Experience Your Dream” At their annual Athena Awards, Girls Inc. received a $50,000

also offered spring pet photos for $20. All proceeds went to benefit SparKY, a nokill animal rescue.

donation from the Kirkpatrick family to start a new program that will help the girls at the organization learn about future careers and hobbies through unique, hands-on experiences. Those could range from a trip to the zoo or a Broadway musical, with the goal of exposing the participants to experiences that

GET MORE NEWS LIKE THIS ON THE OWENSBORO TIMES APP. DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY ON THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY.

they otherwise may have never had.

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MUSIC: MARTY STUART RETURNS TO HEADLINE ROMP p. 14

ART: ART SPEAKS EVERY LANGUAGE p. 16

IN THE KNOW: 16 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR p. 18

→

Photos by

ALYSSE GAFKJEN

CULTURE

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Culture M U S I C

Marty Stuart Returns to Headline ROMP Written by D A N N Y M AY

Photo by A LY S S E G A F K J E N

2020 COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE MARTY STUART REMEMBERS ROLAND WHITE (KENTUCKY COLONELS, BILL MONROE’S BLUEGRASS BOYS) TAKING TIME TO SHOW HIM SOME MANDOLIN LICKS AT BILL MONROE’S BEAN BLOSSOM BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL IN 1971. WHITE EVEN GAVE THE YOUNG MARTY A MANDOLIN PICK AND ONE OF HIS BLUEGRASS BOYS SCARF TIES TO KEEP AS A SOUVENIR. SO WHEN MARTY LOOKS OUT IN THE CROWD FROM HIS HEADLINING SPOT ON SATURDAY NIGHT AT ROMP, HE CAN’T HELP BUT SEE HIMSELF IN SOME OF THOSE YOUNG, WIDE-EYED FACES AT YELLOW CREEK PARK.

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“From early on at these festivals, it’s been that way,” Stuart explains. “Fans have direct access to the masters, and you could walk up to one of them after a show and say, ‘how did you do that’ and they would show you. Now, when kids come up to me, I feel the same way inside as I did when I was a kid with Roland or Lester Flatt. So now it’s my turn. When that happens to me, it always takes me back for a minute to remember where I came from.” Way before his chart-topping country radio hits in the 90s, Stuart grew up listening to bluegrass music and got his start playing in Lester Flatt’s band as a teenager. A few years later, he was invited to be in Johnny Cash’s touring band, which helped pave the way for Stuart’s solo career. Then, in the midst of the changing landscape of country radio in the early 2000s, Stuart decided to reinvent himself and formed his legacy band, Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives, in 2002. Together, they recorded Stuart’s landmark album, The Pilgrim, and have been touring ever since, including performances at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 2018 and 2020, as well as ROMP in 2016. But for ROMP 2022, they’ll be taking the stage as the headlining act on Saturday night, which Stuart says is an honor. “We’re not a bluegrass band. We play rockin’ country. But what I remember about ROMP is the fans have a very broad taste and the festival has a wide array of bands. I think authenticity is the key word, and when you play from an authentic place, people know.” Part of that authenticity is also the reason Stuart couldn’t give readers a preview of what songs to expect on the set list at ROMP in this interview. He says one of the many talents of The Fabulous Superlatives is they have a vast set list they’re comfortable with so they can approach each show differently. When they get to ROMP in June, they’ll feel it out and decide that day what to play. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives have a busy touring schedule in 2022, with a full spring and summer in the states and a fall tour overseas. But

Stuart says he’s especially looking forward to ROMP and their other festival shows. “That’s what’s so great about the original vision for bluegrass festivals.

First

all,

gave

bluegrass a chance to get out of taverns and mom & pop places and take the music to a wider audience. But festivals also developed a sense of

community

and

fellowship

among musicians and fans, too. I’ve seen pictures of Bill Monroe sitting on a wooden bench at a festival teaching five or six people something

his

mandolin.

That’s where all this came from: just sitting around picking and enjoying the music. Now we have bluegrass bands forming in almost every town. That’s how far we’ve come.” Even though Stuart is best known as a country star, he’s always maintained his bluegrass

“To me, that sense of discovery when you go to festivals is what it’s all about. You hear a song you’ve never heard before or hear music you never knew existed and then you can deep dive once you get home. Festivals (like ROMP) have introduced a lot of people to new artists and new songs.”

roots, and has a good sense of how bluegrass music is evolving. “I used

many of the bluegrass greats over the

M A R T Y ST UA R T CARE E R H I G H L I G H TS :

years. The thing I find encouraging as

Country Music Hall of

I look around these days is I still see so

Fame class of 2020

many young people playing mandolins

Five-time Grammy-

to be a firsthand bluegrass player when I started, and I’ve gotten to play with so

and fiddles alongside guitars and singing bluegrass-style harmonies. I see a new crop of young musicians year after year after year. And that tells me that bluegrass is in a good place at the heart and soul level. Young players are how bluegrass will keep reinventing itself. You now have the McCouries and Ricky

winner Platinum recording artist Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Americana Music Association

(Skaggs) and Rhonda (Vincent) and those

Grand Ole Opry

folks that carry the torch with such fire

Member

and they have that global reach. But then you have Billy Strings out there who is getting some serious box office wherever

LISTEN TO MARTY’S

he goes, and that’s wonderful. Now you

L AT E S T R E C O R D I N G S

have a Sirius XM radio stream and WSM

“SONGS I SING IN THE

radio that does ‘Out of the Blue.’ So I think

DARK” ON YOUTUBE

the state of bluegrass music is really good

O R AT H I S W E B S I T E ,

right now.” OL

M A R T Y S T U A R T. N E T

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Culture A R T

Art Speaks Every Language Written by L I B B Y J O H N S O N

ai Soe, a 25-year-old local artist, says that as a child he was barely aware of art. “I didn’t know - I didn’t see art, I didn’t know it was important,” he recalls. His lack of exposure to art was due primarily to the fact that he spent ten years of his early life living in a refugee camp in Thailand. There, he admits, his perception of art as having “little value” was framed through a lens of living a life that was rooted in survival and necessity rather than extras. “When I was little, I liked art, but there were no

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/ / Photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

materials in the refugee camp to do art. You maybe had maybe a pencil and a sketchbook.” Around the time Hai Soe was 15, he and his family—his parents, four brothers and two sisters—left the refugee camp and moved to Austin, Texas. In Austin, Hai Soe was enrolled at Reagan High School, which had over 2000 students. He spoke no English and says it was very stressful, as he could not communicate with anyone, even the bus driver. Though he made some friends

and improved his English through playing soccer in Austin, it was when he got placed in a general art class that he began to feel at home. “It was better than the other classes, because you didn’t have to speak,” he says. He picked up sketching first and quickly moved to more challenging mediums, such as acrylic and watercolor painting. “The art teacher encouraged me, but I didn’t understand her,” he recalls. “I just kept creating.” After two years in Austin, Hai Soe and his family relocated

to Owensboro, where there was a burgeoning community of Karen refugees. By the time he enrolled at Owensboro High School, he had aged out of KHSAA eligibility and was not able to play soccer for the Red Devils. He counteracted his disappointment with not being able to play soccer, which had helped him feel connected to his peers in Houston, by dedicating himself to art. “Art made me feel happy,” he says. At OHS, he also met Rex Robinson, a well-known local artist who taught high school art for many years. “I was inspired by Mr. Rex and his work,” Hai Soe says, “and I knew I could do art like that, too.” Robinson remembers when he met Hai Soe, “he sat in a corner and never said a word to anybody, but when I showed him things, he understood me and learned very quickly.” After graduating from OHS, where he was very proud to receive the outstanding art award for the class of 2015, Hai Soe found work in the community and managed to obtain an Associates Degree in Fine Art from OCTC. He says he produces “about ten pieces a month” and focuses primarily on watercolor and acrylic painting. Robinson still serves as his mentor, and the two sometimes work together. Hai Soe served as Robinson’s interpreter to the Karen Christian church for a presentation of Robinson’s large

LIKE W H AT YO U S E E ? CONTACT HA I SOE V I A T E XT AT 2 7 0 .24 4 .8 1 5 8

painting “Biblical Truths.” “He sort of adopted me as an American dad,” Robinson says, “He continues to be my student, but he really helps me more than I help him.” “He is a good communicator, and he expresses himself quietly and humbly, but boldly,” Rex says of Hai Soe and his art. “He has a very special ability do commissions - which are gifts of love people give themselves, particularly of people and animals.” “I like to paint people, but it’s the hardest part of art,” Hai Soe admits. Painting while working full-time is a challenge, and though he says he would like to someday have his own

studio or even become an art teacher, he does not currently sell or display his art online consistently. He says he continues to watch YouTube to learn new techniques and loves to visit museums to study art when he travels. For Hai Soe, art remains a way for him to observe life and express himself. He says that art is therapeutic for both the artist and the viewer. Above all, it’s a way to communicate without words. With art, he says, “I can talk with different people and cultures. Of all the ways of communicating, this is the fastest, freshest, and most fun!” OL

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Culture E V E N T S

IN THE KNOW 16 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

5 BAR-B-Q BLOCK PARTY MAY 1 3 -1 4 @ D OWNTOWN OWE NSB OR O This year, the festival will return to its barbecue-focused roots, featuring church cooking teams’ traditional burgoo and barbecue, the Backyard Cooking Competition, and some of Owensboro’s most recognizable barbecue establishments. Live music, a carnival, and midway games will be returning to the festival along Second Street this year, as well as the Owensboro Family YMCA BBQ Fest 5K.

1 DAILEY & VINCENT M AY 6 @ B LU EGR ASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & M U S E U M Five-time Grammy award winners individually, three-time Grammy award nominees collectively, four-time Dove Award Winners, and winners of 35 IBMA Awards altogether (including 3-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award winners and 3-Time Vocal Group of the Year Award winners), Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, backed by one of the best bands on tour today, are some of the most reputable and elite entertainers in American music; bluegrass, traditional country and gospel music.

BABY ANIMAL DAY MAY 7, 1 4 , 2 1 & 2 8 @ TRUNNELL’S FARM E X PE R I E N C E & M AR K ET Bring the family out to meet all our babies in the Animal Barnyard! During this special event, your children will get up close and personal with all our baby animals – chicks, ducklings, bunnies, goats, calves, pigs and more! The children will discover why these animals are important to the farm, how to care for these animals on the farm, and how to feed the baby animals, plus there are 30+ attractions to experience on the farm!

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3 FIRST SATURDAY FOR KIDS MAY 7 @ W EST E R N K E N T U C K Y BOTANICA L G A RD ENS Join your friends at the Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens as they talk about Mason bees and the significance they have on our food supply. You’ll will visit the rose garden and see if the bees are buzzing, then spend time entering findings in your journals. Afterwards, you’ll will build a bee house for Mason bees. For children 6 to 12 years old. The week before our class the Daviess County Public Library will post a required registration link.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH MAY 8 @ C O NVENTIO N C ENTER Treat mom to a delicious brunch buffet! Enjoy comfort foods like buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy, hashbrown casserole, roasted turkey with gravy and stuffing, and assorted desserts! Every mom who attends will receive a complimentary gift to take home and can also register for a chance to win some fun prizes! Tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for children.

6 DAN TYMINSKI BAND M AY 1 4 @ B LU EG R ASS M U SIC HALL O F FA ME & MU SEU M Throughout his 30-plus year career, Dan Tyminski has left his mark in every corner of modern music. Tyminski’s voice famously accompanies George Clooney’s performance of the Stanley Brother’s classic song, “I’m A Man of Constant Sorrow,” in the film, O, Brother Where Art Thou ? and his vocal collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii on the song “Hey, Brother” was a global smash, having been streamed over 1 billion times to date.

DOWNTOWN LIVE

ONE FEIN NIGHT

M AY 13 @ R I V E R PAR K CENTER

MAY 21 @ R IVER PA RK C ENTER

Held at the RiverPark Center beginning May 13, this summer series of entertainment will span 12 Fridays with an exciting variety of themes each week. This 21 and older event will feature multiple bars and entertainment spaces throughout RiverPark Center.

Five-time Grammy nominated and multi-platinum selling pianist and vocalist Michael Feinstein knows how to put on a great live show, and now you have the chance to catch this beloved musician live in concert with Troy Quinn and the Owensboro Symphony. His 200 – plus shows a year have included

8 OWENSBORO THOROUGHBREDS

performances at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, the Hollywood Bowl, as well as the White House and Buckingham Palace.

12 JEFFERSON STARSHIP J U NE 9 @ RIVERPA R K C ENTER Jefferson Starship is one of the most successful arena rock groups of the 1970s and 80s, earning 3 platinum and 8 gold records, as well as numerous Top 40 singles. Currently, the Jefferson Starship lineup features founding

MAY 1 4 @ OW E N S B O RO SPOR TS CE N T E R

member David Freiberg, along with Donny Baldwin, Jude Gold, Cathy

Come cheer on your hometown

Richardson, and Chris Smith. Tickets

Thoroughbreds and enjoy exciting

are available at Ticketmaster starting

professional basketball action

at $19.

up close as the team takes on the Medora Timberjacks. The game tips at 7 p.m. The theme

is Bluegrass, Bourbon & BBQ, meaning the team will be donning special jerseys to showcase some

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

of the staples of our region. A

J U NE 1 1 @ TH E C OT TAG E FA R M STAND

portion of the proceeds from ticket

Games, music, arts & crafts along with all

sales will go to benefit Dream Riders of Kentucky, Inc.

9 FRIDAY AFTER 5 M AY 2 0 @ D OW N TOW N OW ENSBORO It’s City Night at the opening night of Friday After 5! Beginning at 4 p.m., come join the fun with lots of wonderful surprises, food trucks and entertainment. Scheduled musical acts include Platinum 98, the Beatles Rock Band Show, Lillie Mae & Rische Family Circus and Pennyroyal. As always, this event is free to the public!

things strawberry! There will be vendors

11 OWENSBORO THOROUGHBREDS FINAL HOME GAME

present selling all kinds of assorted items. The Strawberry Festival will take place June 11 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and June 12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Cottage Farm Stand on Highway 56.

MAY 27 @ OW E N S B O R O SP ORTSCE NTER Join the Thoroughbreds for their final home game of the 2022 season. Don’t miss your last chance to see the team live this year. Friday, May 27 is Military Appreciation Night, and a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit Amvets.

→ M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Culture E V E N T S Photo by

AP IMAGERY

14 PORCHFEST J U N E 11 @ GR I F F I T H AV ENUE PorchFest OBKY, the free outdoor music festival that stretches a portion of Griffith Avenue, will return this year on June 11. With a fresh lineup, more food vendors & a new charitable beneficiary there’s a lot to look forward to. Last year, the event had 11 stages with more than 30 bands and artists performing down the street for 8,500 attendees.

15 ROMP 2022 J U N E 2 2-2 5 @ YE LLOW CREEK PARK ROMP 2022 kicks off on June 22 for their 19th year of sharing the music, smiles, and the love of a good bluegrass & roots music festival. Join the party at Yellow Creek Park for Punch Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Rhiannon Giddens, Tommy Emmanuel, We Banjo 3, The Gibson Brothers, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, The East Nash Grass, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, and the Kentucky BlueGrass AllStars.

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16 OMG!CON J U NE 24 -2 6 @ OWENSB O RO C O NVENTIO N C EN T E R OMG!Con is an anime and gaming convention held in Owensboro since 2014. Preregistration is currently open, and all pre-registration passes purchased for OMG!Con 2020 and 2021 will be honored for OMG!Con 2022. Visit omgcon.com for more information.

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Features

Rodney Berry REMEMBERING

and His Lifetime of Service Written By M A R LY S M A S O N Photo by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

In late February, Owensboro lost a public service icon, Rodney Berry. Following a brief time at a news station in Evansville, Indiana, after graduating from Western Kentucky University, Rodney returned to Owensboro to begin his life in public service as the first director of Downtown Owensboro, Inc. His son, Joe, said that his father’s desire to work in his hometown stemmed from a strong sense of responsibility that Rodney learned from his parents to leave the world better than he found it. “He spent some time in the private sector and could have had success, but it wasn’t fulfilling for him,” Joe said. During his early years in Owensboro, Rodney became friends with another up-and-coming Owensboro community leader that was heading the Chamber of Commerce at the time, named Dave Adkisson. In 1987, Adkisson was elected the youngest mayor of Owensboro and served two terms. Rodney managed both

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of his mayoral races. In 1992, Rodney served as the first executive director of the RiverPark Center when it opened, but spent the four years prior as the project manager for the performing arts center, which included the design and fundraising for what is now an Owensboro institution. Rodney left the RiverPark Center in 2000 to become the executive director at the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro, an organization that fosters civic engagement on local issues. The foundation was created in 1996 by John and Marjorie Hager to encourage public conversation on issues that are important to the community. The foundation held forums in 2007 and 2011 called “We the People.” These forums, guided by Rodney, were influential in helping the downtown development, including hotels, convention center and the downtown riverfront expansion. Joe said that while revitalizing the downtown was something that came out of the forums, his father’s greatest achievement would be the forums themselves, where 1,100 people from the city and county held in-depth, civil discussions about where they saw Owensboro’s growth. Joe also noted that many public officials still point to these meetings as primary drivers for the work both the city and county put into downtown development and the civic engagement that resulted from it. Later serving as President of the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro, Rodney also served as the editor of the “Public Life Advocate,” the foundation’s publication that focused on public issues. In 2018, the Children’s Art Fund was created at the RiverPark Center in honor of Rodney. The fund provides resources and funding for children based on need. At the ceremony where the fund was unveiled, Joe told the crowd that his dad was proud of the RiverPark’s programming for the community’s

M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Features

“It’s important to try to do the best you can to impact others, and there’s a lot to be said for doing the right thing and doing what’s important and not looking for recognition.”

Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

youth. For most of Rodney’s career, he wrote briefs that were used in town hall meetings and community forums. His love of writing led him to wonder if he could expand his writing to the genre of fiction, and in 2019, after almost 15 years of writing, he published his novel set during the Vietnam War, “Holding on to Hope.” Rodney used a weekend bonding retreat with his fraternity brothers to find the theme of his novel. In a previous interview, Rodney said the book is not just about the Vietnam War, but centers on a group of college students who learn their school’s former basketball star is missing in action. “It is about the bonding, our capacity to change, to grow beyond what we think we could ever accomplish, but in most cases, how

we fall short,” Rodney said. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe was appointed executive director of the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro in 2021. Joe said the foundation has shifted its focus to children and early childhood education in Daviess County. As a sixth-generation Owensboro resident, Joe said his commitment to community service and his career path have stemmed from learning from his father. “He was a quiet, calm and gentle leader; he led by listening,” Joe said. “It’s important to try to do the best you can to impact others, and there’s a lot to be said for doing the right thing and doing what’s important and not looking for recognition,” Joe said. “It was always the work…the impact that matters,” Joe said. OL

M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Features

THE OWENSBORO THOROUGHBREDS

Impacting the Community on and off the Court Written By J O H N K I R K PAT R I C K Photos By W O N D E R B O Y M E D I A

Under owner Chris Allison and head coach Mark Anderson, the Owensboro Thoroughbreds are off to a hot start in the 2022 season. Allison assumed ownership in late 2019, bringing an exciting brand of basketball with him by way of Anderson. The pandemic significantly halted Allison’s many aspirations for his first season at the helm, but the program has bounced back stronger than ever. After going 8-2 to open the season primarily on the road, the Thoroughbreds will return home to the SportsCenter for a long home-game stretch and an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth.

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“We’re doing well when it comes to the basketball side of things,” Allison said. “We’re first in our division and conference with some big games coming up. We recorded our largest attendance ever for our seasonopener, nearly doubling our previous record.” Allison viewed Owensboro as a prime city and saw the franchise as an excellent opportunity, slightly underestimating the challenges ahead. He knew a complete re-branding was necessary and immediately embarked on some community-involvement efforts. “We came in with many expectations but no realistic opportunities to execute our plan because of the pandemic,” he said. “We came back with the same plan, doing as much as possible in the community, offering free clinics, school mentorships, partnering with nonprofits, theme nights, and more.” As COVID-19 restrictions weakened, Allison and company kicked off last season by hosting the first basketball tournament for youth in the area. He was so passionate about helping kids return to the court that he even invested $20,000 of his own money in the efforts. For the 2022 season, the Thoroughbreds wear different jerseys for every home game that align with their themed nights. The themes typically revolve around their partnerships with nonprofits, donating revenue collected from auctioning off the jerseys, and a portion of the ticket sales. Allison said the franchise had donated more than $75,000 to nonprofit organizations in the area. “We want to engage with the community and offer a great gameday experience with championship-caliber basketball,” he said. “Our organization is solely for the community – we want to be an asset. We’re focused on building the future and developing infrastructure. We’re here to stay, and we’re not going anywhere.” Professional basketball in the city dates back to the Owensboro Bisons and Mavericks. In 2017, the Kentucky Thoroughbreds were formed to participate in the North American Premier Basketball League (NAPB). The NAPB rebranded as The Basketball League (TBL) in 2019. The team converted its name to the Owensboro Thoroughbreds and Allison ushered in a new culture of commitment to long-term development within the community. The TBL has grown exponentially in just four short years, growing from eight teams in year one to a presentday 44. Head coach Mark Anderson considers Owensboro and the Sports Center as prime locations for professional basketball. He said the facility alone ranks them at the league’s top for venues. “I grew up in Indiana, and if you’re going to coach basketball in two states, why not Indiana and Kentucky?” M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Features

Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

Anderson said. “When I had the opportunity to come down here, I jumped at it. It’s a perfect-sized market and a beautiful location. I love unwinding at the riverfront before or after practice.” Darhius Nunn joined the team last season and is grateful for the opportunity to continue to play basketball at a high level. “I’m very thankful. Without this organization, I most likely wouldn’t be playing basketball at this high of a level,” Nunn said. “I’m glad I’m able to play with such a well-respected organization.” Anderson said he’s fortunate to be surrounded by high-character assistant coaches and players. “Our style is up-tempo with discipline,” he said. “We have guys from several mid-major colleges, who are disciplined, possess a high basketball IQ, and are easy to coach. They love living here during the season and fit perfectly into our community outreach mold.” Nunn and his teammates have some lofty expectations for the current season. “The biggest team goal is winning the championship,” he said. “Our team is very talented, and I think a championship is definitely in an arm’s reach.” To learn more about the Thoroughbreds and see the schedule and themes for their upcoming home games, visit their website at owensborothoroughbreds.com. OL

M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Features

THE INVASION OF UKRAINE

AND ITS IMPACT ON OWENSBORO Written By J AY FA L L I N

Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

In the early morning hours of February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a televised address on state media.

In his

remarks, Putin detailed the “Special Military

Operation”

ordered

had

just

Ukraine moments

before. In the months leading up to that fateful morning, a buildup of Russian troops and military vehicles had Ukrainian and Western

the troop movement under the guise

“training

exercises.”

Nevertheless, the Russian invasion of sovereign Ukrainian soil began in the pre-dawn hours of February 24.

RUSS TATE Owensboro

native

Frank

“Russ” Tate, a 2001 graduate of Apollo, is a 10-year Navy veteran. Tate

and

his

Clarksville,

family

now

Tennessee

call

home.

Employing multiple invasion

“On Friday (February 25) I was at

points, Russian troops made their

home watching the news with my

way to just outside The Ukrainian

family when I texted my friend,

Capital of Kyiv in a matter of days.

Josh Martinez, who is a member of Aerial Recovery,” said Tate.

officials on alert. As early as April of

Many in the West feared that

2021, per Reuters, satellite images

Russia would sweep through Kyiv

organization based in Nashville.

revealed

and install a pro-Kremlin puppet

Tate began working with Aerial

buildups

Russian

soldiers, vehicles, aircraft, armor, and heavy weaponry.

Following

a brief respite, in which troop

regime. The Ukrainian military and people, bolstered by the brave and

Aerial Recovery is a non-profit

Recovery after the deadly tornado that

swept

through

western

Kentucky last December, but he’s

numbers were drawn down during

defiant leadership of Zelenskyy, had

the summer of 2021, a second and

no intention of surrendering their

told Josh that whatever logistical

larger buildup of Russian troops

capital city. At the time this article

support they needed stateside, I was

near Ukraine began in earnest in late 2021.

According to The New

York Times, by late January 2022,

was written, Ukrainian military forces were still defending Kyiv

known Martinez for some time. “I

here to help.” The next morning, while Tate and his family were en route to Owensboro to visit family,

over 100,000 Russian troops had

and several other highly-populated

moved into areas bordering Ukraine

cities in Ukraine, despite relentless

called me and asked how long until

on three sides: in Russia to the east,

Russian bombardment. In a matter

I could have a bag packed and be

in Russian ally Belarus to the north, and in Crimea, a former Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia in 2014,

weeks,

Russia’s

increasingly

indiscriminate bombing of civilian worst

family was understandably anxious

of troops and weapons of war, Putin

humanitarian and refugee crisis

a husband and father he felt it was

announced a movement of Russian

in Europe since World War II,

his responsibility to aid stranded

stockpiling of medical supplies by

the

to give me 24 hours.” While Tate’s

to the south. Along with the buildup

US intelligence officials reported

created

ready to go to Ukraine? I told him

areas

naval warships to the area, and

has

he heard back from Martinez. “Josh

according to The Guardian. UNICEF reports that by late March more

about him heading to a warzone, as

orphans. “They initially told us we would depart for Poland on Sunday night (February 27), but we actually

Ukrainian

than 10 million Ukrainian people

officials, along with leaders around

had been forced to leave their

in Rzeszow, Poland on Monday

the world, viewed Putin’s moves as

homes as a result of the conflict.

evening.”

the Russian military.

harbingers of full-scale invasion.

invasion,

Ukrainian

President

Owensboro’s Connections to Ukraine

Volodymyr

Zelenskyy

beseeched

Putin’s unprovoked war has

the

immediately

days

and

preceding

weeks the

world leaders to press Russia to remove the troops and restore calm.

Despite

overwhelming

evidence to the contrary, Putin

left on Monday morning and arrived

resulted

dire

consequences

around the world. In fact, multiple citizens of Owensboro have been

claimed Russia had no intention of

impacted, directly in some cases, by

launching an invasion, defending

the conflict.

Tuesday

morning,

Tate

and Martinez were the first two

Western Ukraine. Through the aid

volunteers with Aerial Recovery to have boots on the ground in of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), Tate and Martinez were able to set up housing and begin stocking a warehouse with supplies. After they set up their headquarters, GEM provided a van and two buses M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Features Iryna Tincher // Photo by

for members of the Aerial Recovery

the intelligence needed to access

90s.

team to head east to provide

the stranded orphans.

Ukrainian

assistance to orphans fleeing war-

Martinez traveled against the flow

tough, jobs were hard to find,

torn parts of the country.

Tate

of people, directly into the heart

the crime rate was very high, life

described the scene that unfolded

of the conflict. Their mission was

was difficult. But slowly, over the

to evacuate orphans abandoned

years, life in Ukraine improved,”

only way I can really describe it to

in harm’s way.

she said.

someone who has never witnessed

Recovery first arrived in Ukraine,

Tincher

something like this is as a scene

we’ve helped 500 orphans, most

vacationing

right out of The Walking Dead. Due

of them from Kyiv, get to safety in

in Crimea in the summers and

to the war effort, Ukrainians were

western Ukraine, far away from the

enjoying

limited to 20 liters of fuel per day,

conflict.

There, we’re providing

of liberty in Ukraine during her

so the highways were full of cars

them with shelter, food, clothing,

adolescence and early adulthood.

that simply ran out of fuel and

medical

“We were not like Russia or some

stalled as they headed west, forcing

comforts like blankets and toys.”

Ukrainian

highways:

“The

Tate and

“Since Aerial

supplies,

and

extra

refugees to abandon their cars and start walking.

Every hotel and

Airbnb was full, and gas stations

“The early days (following independence)

fondly with

the

were

recalls

her

family

newfound

sense

of the other former USSR states like Belarus where the citizens

IRYNA TINCHER Owensboro

cannot speak freely for fear of Iryna

arrest. In Ukraine, if we do not like

from

something we say it, and we are

225,000

allowed to. If we really don’t like

residents in western Ukraine, just

something we will fight against it.”

had lines of hundreds of cars.

Tincher

Literally thousands of people were

Ternopil,

walking west on the highways.” Contacts within the Ukrainian

JAMIE ALEXANDER

resident

originally a

city

hails of

70 miles from the Polish border. earliest

still

feels

deep

Department of Defense provided

Though

memories

sense of pride in her Ukrainian

Aerial Recovery team members

involve living with her mother and

heritage, recently returning from

with humanitarian passes that

father in the former Soviet Union,

a trip to visit friends and family in

allowed them to pass blockades,

Tincher came of age in the newly

her homeland in mid-February.

and experts from other non-profits

liberated Ukraine following the

Shortly after returning, Tincher

within the area provided them with

dissolution of the USSR in the early

called a friend in Belarus, who

Owensboro Living M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2

her

Tincher

warned her of the impending attack. “My friend told me Russia is going to invade Ukraine and it is going to happen soon.

I told her that wasn’t right; Putin

has said that the soldiers are only there for training purposes.” However, her friend went on to tell her that she had never seen such a buildup of troops and weapons in Belarus. Put on alert by the conversation, Tincher began paying closer attention in the days immediately preceding the attack.

“One night I was scrolling

through social media, and many of my friends, especially in eastern Ukraine, posted that they were hearing lots of planes in the air. Then, Ukrainian intelligence agencies reported that frontline Russian soldiers were instructed to turn off their phones, and that is exactly how it happened in 2014 (Russian annexation of Crimea),” said Tincher. Then, on the evening of February 23, when the attack commenced, she attempted to contact her friends in Ukraine, especially in Kyiv. “At 10:31 local time, I called my friend in Kyiv, where it was early in the morning on the 24th. He told me that he had not yet heard bombs, although his friends in other parts of the town had.” The next few days were a blur, constantly trying to stay in touch with friends in Ukraine, using WhatsApp and Telegram to talk to her loved ones and see how they were doing. According to Tincher, some of her friends and family back home were staying put, taking shelter in basements when bomb sirens would sound, while others were fleeing the country as refugees. Tincher denounces the Russian armies’ tactics, describing the scene her friends are witnessing in Mariupol, one of the hardest hit cities in Ukraine: “Mariupol is 90% gone, and the Russians won’t establish a corridor for refugees to escape the bombs. People are starving to death and many thousands have been forced into Russia.”

Despite the situation and heartbreaking

scenes Tincher describes, she remains confident the Ukrainian people will persevere: “To live under a Kremlin-backed regime would be worse than to die, Ukraine can and will endure.”

VIKA LAWSON Vika Lawson came to America from Ukraine at 8 years of age when she and one of her older sisters were adopted. Lawson, now 25 years old and a graduate of Daviess County High School, calls Owensboro

M AY / / J U N E 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

Features home. Though she has been in the

of constantly being afraid, they just

of it is accurate, but a lot of it isn’t.

US for nearly 20 years, her ties to

want a peaceful ending.”

Everyone needs to make sure they

Ukraine are still strong. Lawson’s

This war and the constant sense

are getting their news from sources

biological mother, 3 siblings, and

of fear and anxiety it has caused

a niece all reside in Chernihiv, a

for Lawson’s family is nothing

that are actually in Ukraine.” Above

city of nearly 300,000 in Northern

new; “Because they are so close to

Ukraine.

Belarus, they have had to live in fear

Located just miles from

the Belarusian border, Chernihiv

of a Russian invasion since 2014.”

all,

Lawson

beseeches

people

everywhere to continue to provide support to and pray for the people of Ukraine as well as Zelenskyy and

has been hit hard by the conflict.

Despite the incredibly difficult

Russian forces laid siege to the city

situation, Lawson says her family

his government. “We just want a

on February 25, and bombing has

has found a new sense of hope

peaceful ending.

persisted since then. “I talk to my

and inspiration in recent weeks:

wants to be able to live in peace.”

sisters and brother and my niece

Ukrainian

almost every day using Facebook

Zelenskyy.

Messenger,” Lawson said.

“Daily

bombing and shelling has become

They love him. He is a hero to the

a constant part of life for them. It

Ukrainian People.”

Russia, but evidence of war crimes

goes on almost non-stop.

My family just

Volodymyr

At the time this article was

“My family has the

written, preliminary peace talks

utmost faith in President Zelenskyy.

were underway between Ukraine and

President

Areas

When asked what message she

very near their home have been

would love to give to the people of

struck.”

Owensboro, Lawson stressed the

committed were being alleged by residents of the suburbs of Kyiv, and fighting raged on all over the country. Years will pass before the

Lawson says she finds herself

need for being skeptical regarding

thinking of little else than her

the 24-hour news that pours in from

world truly knows the toll of Putin’s

family, constantly worrying for

her homeland: “There is so much

invasion in Ukraine. However, even

their health and safety. “They just

information coming in, on social

in Owensboro it is evident that the

want the war to end, they’re tired

media, the news, everywhere. Some

effects will be far-reaching. OL

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Old Hickory Bar-B-Que

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Niko’s Bakery & Cafe is an all scratch made full-scale Bakery featuring European and traditional baked goods, sandwiches, salads, Desserts, bread, pastries, croissants, and take and bake dinner entrées – to name a few. Located in Wesleyan Plaza. Open Monday through Friday 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 7 AM to 2 PM.

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You can never go wrong

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Kentucky Skin Cancer Center

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GOLD W INNER

Dr. Artis P. Truett

Respected dermatologist Robert Skaggs, MD, FAAD, encourages patients to do regular self screenings at home, in addition to comprehensive skin cancer screenings at the Kentucky Skin Cancer Center. Book your appointment online or over the phone.

Dr. Artis P. Truett, III, board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology, proudly serves patients at Owensboro Dermatology. Dr. Truett has served Owensboro since 1996 and is committed to learning from handson training sessions with new tools and treatment techniques, completion of continuing education courses, and participation in clinical trials.

BEST URGENT CARE PL ATINU M WINNER

Gateway Urgent Care Gateway Urgent Care says they’ve been so blessed to have

BEST DENTAL OFFICE P L AT INUM W INNER

Dental Designs Dental Designs believes that family dentistry is about more than fixing teeth. They are committed to treating each individual client as a member of their own family, while maintaining the highest standards for comprehensive dental care.

GOLD W INNER

Bluegrass Dental Bluegrass Dental’s mission is to serve the Owensboro

served the Owensboro community for the past 10 years. Despite the chaos of a pandemic, they kept their office open and smiles on their faces for all of their patients (even if you couldn’t see them underneath the masks!). They thank you for continuing to choose Gateway Urgent Care as your favorite Urgent Care in Owensboro. They hope to diligently serve you and your families for many more years to come. Please come see us anytime MondaySaturday, 7am-7pm or visit MERCYURGENTCARE.COM.

G O L D WINNER

Springs Urgent Care

community in a courteous, kind, and professional manner.

Springs Urgent Care is your hometown medical team.

They strive to develop long term relationships with their

They take the time to get to know their patients while also

patients through preventative, comprehensive, and

being expeditious. They offer an on-site lab and x-ray

definitive care.

capabilities, as well as complete wound care.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S BEST PHARMACY PL ATINU M WINNER

Nation's Medicine Highway 54 Nation’s Medicines Highway 54 is independently owned and operated by Kim and Carl P Lewis. For over 19 years, they have been committed to the health and wellbeing of this great community. Their services include free delivery, vaccinations, drug compounding, CBD products, and med sync to help patients fill all their medications at the same time each month. They are proud to be your number one hometown pharmacy.

G O L D WINNER

Poole's Pharmacy Care A special thanks to everyone who voted for Poole’s Pharmacy Care. Genuine customer service is how they’ve built their business reputation over their 31-year history. They would like to be everyone’s pharmacy of choice by continuing to offer the superior prescription and clinical services their current patients enjoy.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S BEST AESTHETICS PRACTICE P L AT INUM W INNER

Advanced Aesthetics Advanced Aesthetics, Owensboro Dermatology’s medical spa, provides advanced procedures and products for beautifully smooth, healthy skin. Board Certified Dermatologists, Drs. Crowe and Truett, along with their team of skin-care professionals, believe that beauty is more than skin-deep.

G O LD W INNER

Premier Aesthetics Premier Aesthetics is a medical spa where the beauty of your skin is taken care of by licensed medical professionals. Some of their services include administering Botox and Juvederm; microneedling; chemical peels; Dermaplaning; and facials.

BEST PHYSICIAN P L AT INUM W INNER

BEST CHIROPRACTOR PL ATINU M WINNER

Dr. Brian Tinius Dr. Brian Tinius is a second-generation Chiropractor and has been taking care of patients in Owensboro for close to 20 years. Dr. Tinius provides comprehensive care to families and individuals of all ages.

G O L D WINNER

Dr. Brett Stallings

Dr. Andrea Moore

Dr. Brett has been practicing here in Owensboro for 36 years. The

Find expert, compassionate care for your women’s

help people eliminate pain and improve their overall health in a

health needs from Dr. Andrea Moore, MD, FACOG,

welcoming atmosphere.

chiropractors and all the staff at Stallings Chiropractic strive to

at The Women’s Pavilion PSC in Owensboro.

G O LD W INNER

Kishor Vora, MD Interventional cardiologist Kishor Vora, MD, FACC, FSCAI, CCDS, has been practicing in Owensboro since 1992. Passionate about technological advancements in healthcare, Dr. Vora is a pioneer in bringing and offering several cardiovascular interventional procedures to Owensboro, at the hospital as well as his local

BEST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE PL ATINU M WINNER

Stallings Chiropractic Center The chiropractors and all the staff at Stallings Chiropractic strive to help people eliminate pain and improve their overall health in a welcoming atmosphere.

practice. What once started as a cardiovascular

G O L D WINNER

practice today encapsulates over 14 clinics including in-house Medical Lab & Diagnostics,

Tinius Chiropractic Center

Sleep center, Neurology Clinic, Vein & PAD clinic,

Tinius Chiropractic Center, through two generations, has been

Wound Care Center, an Office-based Cath Lab and

taking care of patients in Owensboro for more than 40 years. Dr.

remote clinics in McLean county, Muhlenberg

Brian Tinius and Dr. Larry Tinius provide comprehensive care to

county, Henderson and Madisonville.

families and individuals of all ages.

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BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER/PHYSICIANS ASSISTANT P L AT INUM W INNER

Sylvia Sweatt, APRN Open since 2012, they will continue to strive to provide excellent health care to our community. They are grateful to have navigated through the small business stress from the pandemic year. They look forward to being able to partner with their clients to make this year the best ever! If you are looking for a change on your life and looking for a primary care provider, please call today for your consultation.

GOLD W INNER

Linda Boarman FNP PLLC Local and accessible, Linda Boarman FNP PLLC provides comprehensive and high quality primary care. They help you manage your health following evidence based practice to personalize patient care.

BEST RETIREMENT FACILITY/ASSISTED LIVING P L AT INUM W INNER

Hermitage Care & Rehabilitation Center Hermitage Care and Rehab and Signature Healthcare are grateful to serve the Owensboro community. They want to thank all who voted for them! They are committed to providing the highest quality of care to Owensboro and its surrounding communities.

GOLD W INNER

Carmel Home As a leading nursing home care provider for families throughout the greater Owensboro region, Carmel Home is proud to be able to make a difference. They provide exceptional and reliable care services to their residents.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S BEST PET STORE PL ATINU M WINNER

PetSmart Located at 5241 Frederica Street, this chain store provides a full range of pet supplies, including food, toys and other services.

G O L D WINNER

The Pet Manny The Pet Manny LLC is dedicated to bringing the highest quality service and care to your pups. Find them at 4028A Frederica St for your pups’ grooming and to spoil them with toys and treats.

BEST PET GROOMER PL ATINU M WINNER

The Dapper Dog The Dapper Dog is a unique grooming salon with over 20 years F U RRY F RIE N D S

BEST VETERINARIAN P L ATINUM W INNER

Wills Animal Hospital Wills Animal Hospital provides quality small

of experience dedicated to meeting the needs of your special pet.

G O L D WINNER

The Pet Manny The Pet Manny LLC is dedicated to bringing the highest quality service and care to your pups. Find them at 4028A Frederica St for your pups grooming and to spoil them with toys and treats.

animal veterinary care through education and innovation. Their doctors and staff are animal lovers just like you and will treat your pet with the kindness and respect they deserve.

G OLD W INNER

Kentuckiana Animal Clinic Established in 1958, Kentuckiana Animal

BEST PET DAYCARE/BOARDING PL ATINU M WINNER

Paws Town Owensboro’s premier safe and fun place for your pet to stay and play. They offer turfed outdoor play, and temperature controlled indoor play, all monitored by our wonderful trained staff!

Clinic is a full-service, small animal

G O L D WINNER

veterinary hospital serving pet owners and

Towne Square Pet Resort

pets in the greater Daviess County area. It is their daily privilege to provide quality veterinary care to their patients and excellent customer service to their clientele.

Towne Square Pet Resort not only provides multiple ways for you to pamper your pet, they are also a safe place for your pet to stay while you are away. Their services include grooming, hot oil massages, premium diets, daycare and playtime sessions.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S BEST INSURANCE AGENCY PL ATINU M WINNER

Kentucky Farm Bureau Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company has been serving its members of Kentucky Farm Bureau since 1943 and is now the #1 property and casualty insurance provider in the state. Having four offices spread out in Owensboro and Daviess County makes it easy for the members of this community to access all the membership benefits, Insurance being the most prominent. Kentucky Farm Bureau is “Big on Commitment.

G O L D WINNER

State Farm State Farm is the largest provider of auto and home insurance in the United States. For 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been, and continues to be, to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Its more than 19,400 agents and approximately 53,400 employees serve over 87 million policies and accounts – which includes auto, fire, life, health, commercial M IN D YO U R B U S IN ESS

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY P L ATINUM W INNER

Liberty Financial Whether you’re in the market to purchase, build, or refinance, Liberty Financial has the mortgage program that is right for you. Find the right loan at a great rate by contacting them for a free consultation about home financing.

policies and financial services accounts.

BEST REALTY COMPANY PL ATINU M WINNER

RE/MAX Professional Realty Group RE/MAX Professional Realty Group has been serving Owensboro, Henderson, and the surrounding areas since 2007. They have 23 agents that pride themselves on service to our clients and our community.

GOLD W INNER

Ruoff Mortgage Ruoff Mortgage is located in Downtown Owensboro for 3 years with 10 loan officers committed to give everyone the possibility and potential in the homeownership experience. At Ruoff, they know the way home. They’ll walk there with you.

G O L D WINNER

L. Steve Castlen Realtors Providing high quality, innovative, and exceptional real estate service to Owensboro and surrounding areas for over 50 years! Call Castlen for residential, commercial, and relocations.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S BEST INSURANCE AGENT PL ATINU M WINNER

Gavin Roberts Gavin Roberts has been an agent with Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company for 21 years, and is a Master Agent, the highest honor bestowed on the agency force. Gavin and his TEAM strive to meet the needs of their members by bringing security, value and peace of mind with quality insurance products and claims service backed by the number one insurance carrier in Kentucky! By doing so they make every effort to be the most preferred and referred source for insurance services in Owensboro and Daviess County. He and his TEAM invite you to come see what they can do for your family or business today!

G O L D WINNER

Drew Cunningham BEST ATTORNEY P L AT INUM W INNER

As your hometown agent, Drew and his team are thrilled to be included in the 2022 Best of Owensboro Living Magazine. Everyone at Drew Cunningham State Farm is incredibly

Chris Rhoads

thankful for their customers and the people of this community

Chris has been practicing law for 25 years,

this community for many more years to come.

providing representation in serious injury

entrusting their agency. They are excited and grateful to serve

and wrongful death cases in Owensboro and throughout Kentucky. He and his team pride themselves on exceeding expectations and getting the very best results for their clients. Chris feels the hallmark of success is not only getting the best settlements or verdicts possible, but to do so while exercising the highest degree of integrity and

BEST FUNERAL HOME PL ATINU M WINNER

Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory

commitment.

Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve all

GOLD W INNER

along with a wide range of highly personalized traditional and

Jennifer Hendricks

fully committed to providing exceptional care for you and your

Jennifer L. Hendricks with Hendricks Law Offices, PLLC is committed to providing personalized service to the residents of Owensboro and surrounding counties. Hendricks Law Offices strives to ensure every case is handled with utmost care, compassion, and individualized attention.

area families with thoughtful and flexible prearrangement contemporary funeral and cremation services. Their team is family.

G O L D WINNER

James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory

Hendricks Law Offices provides a range of legal

An Owensboro tradition since 1913, James H. Davis Funeral

services regarding divorce, child support, custody,

Home and Crematory is family and locally owned with a full-

parenting time rights, grandparent rights,

time staff of trained licensed funeral directors. With a wide

adoption, criminal matters and other areas to fit

variety of service options and a professionally-trained staff, you

your legal needs. 2225 Frederica Street.

can rest assured that the arrangements you make will be correct

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in every detail.

BEST LAW FIRM P L ATINUM W INNER

Rhoads & Rhoads Injury Lawyers For over 45 years, Rhoads and Rhoads attorneys have been fighting for injury and disability victims in Owensboro and western Kentucky. They handle serious injury, wrongful death, and Social Security Disability claims throughout the state. Their attorneys and team have a strong commitment to their clients and a unique passion for the work they do.

GOLD W INNER

Foreman-WatsonHoltrey, LLP Foreman Watson Holtrey is known as an excellent personal injury law firm. They have established a representation of taking an aggressive and thought-out approach in every single case. With roots here in Owensboro, they prioritize giving back to the community. They are not only awardwinning attorneys, they are dedicated to their clients and committed to justice.

BEST REALTOR P L ATINUM W INNER

Tyler Shookman Tyler Shookman has been honored as the Top Producing Agent at L. Steve Castlen, REALTORS® year after year, all while serving his community through his charity work. He is the current Aid the Homeless President and was the 2019 Realtor of the Year. Tyler prides himself on his creative, innovative marketing techniques and the care and enthusiasm he puts into every transaction. Talk to Tyler!

GOLD W INNER

Ryan Rutman Ryan Rutman has been serving Owensboro for nearly 14 years. His team, the Ryan Rutman Group, has a new office located at 316 Booth Avenue—right nect to Starbucks. Ryan has been voted as one of Owensboro’s Best Realtors for six years. For him, it’s not about the houses. It’s about the relationships he builds.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR PL ATINU M WINNER

Drew Watson Drew Watson, CFP®, Private Wealth Advisor, and CEO of Align Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC., has been serving the financial needs of Owensboro for more than 25 years. Watson and his team at Align Wealth Management focus intently on fostering lasting relationships with clients and offering unmatched client experience, showcased with their winning of the 2020 and 2021 Ameriprise Client Experience Award.

G O L D WINNER

Mitch Settle BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM P L AT INUM W INNER

ATA Their experts, Partner Kris Kemp, CPA, CVA and

Mitch Settle is a Managing Director at Baird. Mitch and his team focus on building strong, long-term relationships to carry over to future generations, while providing integrity, commitment and trust to every client experience.

Principal Vernon Wathen, CPA, provide context to Owensboro’s business environment and have the answers to solve clients’ needs. ATA will guide you through our full-stack business solutions so you can thrive. Recognized as an IPA Top 150 regional accounting firm, it provides a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies and international corporations. Go to www.atacpa.net to see how they can partner today to achieve your professional and financial goals.

GOLD W INNER

Riney Hancock CPAs

BEST IT COMPANY PL ATINU M WINNER

Fastek Services Fastek provides enterprise-level IT support and consulting services to businesses of all sizes. Our team of experts will keep your technology protected and running smoothly so you can focus on your business.

G O L D WINNER

BlueGrass Technology BlueGrass Technology is a Veteran-owned and operated IT consulting and technology services

Since 1973, Riney Hancock CPAs PSC has

company. As experts in cyber-security, customer

successfully served the accounting and business

service, telephone systems, cloud technology and

consulting needs of individuals and businesses in

backup solutions for any budget, they keep your

western Kentucky and southern Indiana with one

information secure and your business thriving.

goal: To be their clients’ most trusted and valued

They welcome the opportunity to become a part of

financial advisors.

your team!

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BEST BANK P L AT INUM W INNER

Independence Bank

BEST CREDIT UNION PL ATINU M WINNER

to be chosen as Owensboro’s Best Bank. They appreciate this

Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union

award, and the people who voted to make it possible. They are

Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union offers

Independence Bank considers it an honor and huge compliment

allowed to support the community where they live, because it

personalized banking with services such as checking

supports them. They realize they could not continue to grow,

and savings accounts, auto loans and online banking.

give back, and be here for good if it was not for those who have

They have two locations in Owensboro to meet all their

relentlessly supported the Revolution.

customers’ banking needs.

GOLD W INNER

G O L D WINNER

German American Bank of the Ohio Valley Region, is dedicated to helping individuals,

Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit Union

families and businesses achieve greater prosperity and quality

DCTFCU offers competitive rates, free checking, and a

German American Bank, which was founded in 1910 in the heart

of life. Their commitment is customer service excellence from

convenient, remote, hassle-free banking experience.

a team of local financial professionals who believe in helping

Take ownership in your local financial institution and

Owensboro thrive so its people can prosper.

join them today! Let them show you the difference.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S

H O M E SW E E T H O M E

BEST LAWN CARE P L ATINUM W INNER

Weed Man For more than 50 years, Weed Man Lawn Care has created outdoor yards and landscapes that their customers are proud to call home. From lawn fertilization to weed control, integrated pest management and everything in between, Weed Man has a lawn care program for every lawn.

GOLD W INNER

Perfection Lawn Care Perfection Lawn Care has all your lawn needs covered - from mowing and maintenance to landscape and irrigation installation.

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BEST GARDEN CENTER PL ATINU M WINNER

Integrity Nursery and Outdoor Living Family owned & operated, Integrity has been growing along with Owensboro since 2002! They have become Owensboro’s premier outdoor living store, specializing in patio furniture, fountains, containers & urns, and home & garden décor… as well as trees & shrubs, greenhouse plants & flowers, and bulk materials!

G O L D WINNER

Watkins Nursery Visit Watkins Nursery at 1224 Goetz Drive for all of your landscaping needs. From potted plants and trees to perennials and annuals, they have everything you need to keep your yard looking great.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S BEST REMODELER P L ATINUM W INNER

JMJ Custom Homes JMJ Custom Homes is a family owned and operated

BEST HOME BUILDER PL ATINU M WINNER

Jagoe Homes Since beginning in 1939, award-winning Jagoe

business with more than 30 years of experience. This

Homes has built over 7,000 homes throughout

Western Kentucky Home Builder performs all levels

Newburgh, Evansville and Huntingburg, Indiana

of home building and renovation.

and in Bowling Green, Henderson, Louisville, and

GOLD W INNER

Owensboro-based builder is co-owned by brothers

Owensboro, Kentucky. The third-generation,

J&R Construction J&R Construction is Central Kentucky’s most award winning remodeling company. They are a designbuild remodeling company, which means they have professional interior designers on staff to show you what your home remodeling project will look like

Scott and Bill Jagoe. In 2010, Jagoe Homes surpassed more than 119,000 homebuilders nationwide when named National Builder of the Year by Professional Builder magazine. This accolade, a lifetime achievement award, is presented only once in a builder’s career.

(even in 3-D), guide you in selections, and hand hold

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you throughout the project. They also have project

JMJ Custom Homes

managers, lead carpenters, quality craftsmen and trade partners to build and remodel your dream. J&R

Our full-service residential construction company is

Construction has been in business for 19 years and

committed to designing a home that exceeds clients’

has completed hundreds of remodeling projects in

expectations, while ensuring each home is built with

that time.

top contractors and quality materials. Founded by Rick Bivins, JMJ Custom Homes is a welcome change for many home buyers looking for a more personal

BEST HOME APPLIANCE STORE P L AT INUM W INNER

Murphy Appliance

experience in the custom home building process.

BEST FURNITURE STORE PL ATINU M WINNER

of Kentucky, Murphy’s showcases a large variety

Mudd's Furniture

of appliances. They carry major brands such as

A family owned business for over seventy years

Hotpoint, GE, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Speed Queen,

Mudd’s Furniture Inc has been privileged to serve

Located in Owensboro, and proudly serving the state

Maytag, Danby, Haier and more.

Owensboro and the surrounding area with living room bedroom and bedding along with kitchen and

GOLD W INNER

Green River Appliance Serving Owensboro for decades, Green River

other products.

G O L D WINNER

Tom Blue Furniture Since 1938, this family-owned business has been

Appliance offers quality appliances and much

making reproductions of traditional American

more, paired with friendly and knowledgeable local

furniture. Their showroom at 2737 Veach Road also

salespeople. Visit them at 1130 J.R. Miller Blvd. or

offers fine furniture from other manufacturers like

online at go-greenriver.com.

Leathercraft and Bernhardt.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S BEST HEATING & AIR COMPANY P L ATINUM W INNER

Schwartz Heating & Cooling Schwartz Heating & Cooling is a customer service-driven and owner-supervised company that delivers unparalleled quality in installing, servicing, and maintaining all types of heating and air conditioning comfort systems.

GOLD W INNER

Scott Baird Plumbing and Heating Co. Inc. Since 1972, the team at Scott Baird Plumbing and Heating Co. Inc. has provided professional HVAC services for all clients throughout Owensboro. They pride ourselves on offering the most upto-date and efficient cooling and heating system technologies.

BEST PLUMBER P L AT INUM W INNER

BEST HOME DECOR STORE

Scott Baird Plumbing and Heating Co. Inc.

Willow & Pine Market

Have trouble with clogged drains? Call the

gatherings with friends and family special. Every

PL ATINU M WINNER

Located on the corner of Second and St. Ann, Willow & Pine Market is passionate about making your

plumbing professionals at Scott Baird Plumbing

beautiful plate, bowl, and serving piece they offer

& Heating Co., Inc. They cater to all plumbing

has been hand-picked especially for you and for your

projects, including new construction, preventative

table!

maintenance, plumbing repairs, and new installations.

GOLD W INNER

Henry's Plumbing

G O L D WINNER

Julep Home & Gift Julep Home and Gift, located in Wesleyan Park Plaza, offers beautiful gifts for everyone on your list. Owners

For residential and commercial plumbing needs,

Elizabeth and Sharon Wilson carefully curate items

call Henry’s Plumbing. When you need plumbing

well-known for quality and durability. Julep hosts

installation or repair services, rely on Henry’s Plumbing Incorporated Heating and Air.

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wedding registries, offers free gift wrapping and in-town delivery.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S I N ST Y LE

BEST FLORIST PL ATINU M WINNER

Welborn Floral Welborn Floral is a full-service florist and gift shop providing floral arrangements, delivery, and rentals for weddings and corporate events. They have been family owned business providing service to Owensboro since 1958 and are honored to serve the Owensboro community for generations to come.

G O L D WINNER

Gary's Fleur-De-Lis Gary’s Fleur-De-Lis has brought quality and TRACY BURCH

unique floral designs to Owensboro since 1989. Visit them at 2219 Frederica street for a special

Photo by

occasion or a stunning home decorating piece.

BEST HAIR SALON P L ATINUM W INNER

All About You Salon & Spa Located on Salem Drive in Owensboro, All About You Salon & Spa offers a wide variety of services to revive, restore and replenish your natural beauty. Services include hair styles, extensions, smoothing techniques, color and more; and a full service spa offering facial, massage, permanent makeup and nail services and so much more.

GOLD W INNER

Swank Style & Boutique

BEST BARBER SHOP PL ATINU M WINNER

Klutch Klutch would like to thank Owensboro for voting them Best Barbershop for the 6th straight year! They’re thriving more than ever in their new location at 3800 Frederica St, in front of the old Texas Gas building. Book your appointment using the Booksy app and come see why Klutch is the BEST!

G O L D WINNER

Swank Style & Boutique have new owners who are so excited to

2.0 Barber Studio

expand on the services that have been offered in the past. They’ve

For a cut, fade, or bread trim, 2.0 Barber

added a boutique, so that in addition to your hair care needs, their

Studio is the place to go. Luxurious service

salon is a one stop destination for you! They have jewelry, purses

at an affordable price! Book your appoint

and clothing for a night out on the town or staying around the house.

with the booksy app.

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Best of Owensboro Living W I N N E R S

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE P L AT I NUM W INNER

The Earle The Earle is Owensboro’s headquarters for men’s fashion. Whether you need clothes for the office or a night on the town, the Earle will help you find the right look.

G O LD W INNER

Byron & Barclay Byron & Barclay is celebrating their 6th year in business! Along with their amazing brands of men’s clothing, they also offer suit rentals and women’s clothing. Stop in to see them in downtown Owensboro or shop byronandbarclay.com for free shipping or front porch delivery.

BEST BOUTIQUE P L AT INUM W INNER

Bella Ragazza Bella Ragazza Boutique is a fun, friendly shopping experience where you can find everyday style at affordable prices. You can find new arrivals daily in store and on their website BellaBabe.com where can choose to pick up in store, curbside or shipped to directly to you for FREE! Watch them Live on Instagram and Facebook for virtual shopping at home!

GOLD W INNER

Barr Bones Barr Bones is a women’s boutique located at 2410 Frederica, next to Starbucks. They offer dresses, outerwear, accessories, shoes, and more! Find them on Instagram @shop.barrbones.

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BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP PL ATINU M WINNER

Robin's ReSale & Boutique

Robin’s ReSale & Boutique offers consignment for the entire family, plus a trendy new boutique with clothes for women sizes small through 3X. You’ll find gently used clothing as well as formal wear, and they are now offering embroidery and new graphic tees.

G O L D WINNER

EnVogue EnVogue is a resale boutique which specializes in men’s, women’s and children’s apparel along with a large selection of home furnishings. Locally owned since 2007.

BEST SHOE STORE P L AT I NUM W INNER

Shoe Stop

BEST JEWELER PL ATINU M WINNER

Lance & Co.

Proudly serving Owensboro since

Family owned and operated. Lance has been a Master Bench

1999. We are very thankful for all our

Jeweler for over 40 years, and loves every relationship he has with

customers putting their trust in us

his customers. Lance & Co. offers many great In-Store Services

over the last 23 years.

such as: Repairs, Sizings, Appraisals, and even Custom Designing.

G O LD W INNER

Shoe Carnival Their unique approach to shoe sales combines advertised deals

Shop in-store at the Wesleyan Park Plaza or online any time at www.LanceCoJewelers.com

G O L D WINNER

Nick T. Arnold

along with additional big savings

Nick T. Arnold Jewelers strives to provide personal service along

announced over the microphone.

with a wide variety of fine jewelry from top brands like Pandora,

Plus, spin the wheel and save even

LeVian, Fossil, Seiko, Bulova, and repairs for jewelry, watches and

Owensboro Living - May/June 2022

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