Owensboro, Kentucky Development News
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Published: Jul 14, 2026
July Declared Parks and Recreation Month in Owensboro, Free Activities Announced
The City of Owensboro proclaimed July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month. The proclamation highlighted the integral role of parks and recreation in promoting health and wellness, encouraging physical activity, supporting childhood development through programming, and contributing to environmental well-being. The city encourages citizens to celebrate by visiting parks and enjoying an active lifestyle. In honor of this month, the Parks and Recreation Department announced a free activity day on July 17th, including free greens fees at Ben Hall's Par III course, free ice skating at the Edge Ice Center, free pool admission at Combest and Cravens, and a mini tennis experience at Smothers Park. The department also thanked its partners, including Public Works teams, for maintaining park facilities.
Owensboro Secures $1.1 Million in State Funds for Street Resurfacing
The city approved a municipal order authorizing an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways, for local assistance road program funding. This agreement provides an additional $1,119,000 for street resurfacing projects. The funded sections include Allen Street, Davis Street, East Second Street, West Second Street, East 19th Street, and Churchill Drive, totaling nearly three miles of resurfacing. The program requires a 20% match, which can be covered by existing resurfacing funds, meaning no additional funding is needed from the city.
Owensboro Recognizes Retirements and Approves Personnel Appointments
The Owensboro Police Department recognized the retirement of Detective Andrew Boggs, Detective J.D. Faith, and Major Mike Staples. The Owensboro Fire Department recognized the retirement of Driver Engineer Joshua Bryan and Lieutenant Jacob Seton. The Sanitation Department recognized Brian Poole for his service. The Parks and Recreation Department recognized Amber Schrecker for her service. The HR department recognized Elaine Timble for her service. The city also ratified probationary, full-time, non-civil service appointments for various positions including refuse truck driver, bus driver, firefighters, police officers, a secretary, a recreation facilities manager, and a mechanic. Several regular full-time non-civil service appointments for police officers, a recreation specialist, and a mechanic were also approved. The appointments are largely replacements for vacancies, with some filling positions previously held by retirees.
Owensboro Fire Department Adopts New Policy for Promotional Eligibility of Lateral Hires
The city discussed Ordinance 14-2026 on second reading, which revises employee handbook policy 112 concerning promotional procedures for the Owensboro Fire and Police Departments. The revision specifically allows for laterally hired firefighters to receive credit for prior qualifying service with comparable agencies for promotional eligibility, provided they maintain at least two years of service with the OFD before promotion. This change aims to enhance recruitment and development of experienced personnel. No changes were made to the police department's promotional process.
West Parrish Avenue Property Rezoned to Light Industrial for Economic Development
The city considered Ordinance 15-2026 on second reading, which amends the Owensboro zoning ordinance to include property located in the 3501 to 4301 blocks of West Parrish Avenue, containing approximately 121.605 acres, within the I-1 Light Industrial Zone. This rezoning is necessary because the Massey property, acquired by the city in August 2025, was partially zoned agricultural (56%) and partially I-1 (44%). Manufacturing facilities cannot be located on agriculturally zoned property. The city had initially sought an I-2 (heavy industrial) zoning, but the Planning Commission voted against it. The current ordinance rezones the entire 122-acre property to I-1 Light Industrial, which is deemed sufficient to accommodate potential tenants and allow for its intended economic development purpose.
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The Owensboro News archive
Downtown Summer Jam is almost here! Join us this Saturday evening (July 18) for a fun night of live music...
Downtown Summer Jam is almost here! Join us this Saturday evening (July 18) for a fun night of live music...
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Owensboro Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting - July 14, 2026
Live from City Hall
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