The H.L. Neblett Community Center will celebrate nine decades of serving Owensboro with its 90th Anniversary Gala on Dec. 4 at the Owensboro Convention Center. The event will highlight the people, programs, partnerships, and community support that have shaped the Center since its founding in 1936, while also looking toward the Center’s future.

The theme is “90 Years. One Community.” The Center has also set a goal of raising $90,000 to support its programs and future work.

“This is a very special milestone for the Neblett Center and for the Owensboro community,” Executive Director Carltez Hampton said. “Since 1936, this Center has been part of the lives of individuals and families in our community. This gala gives us an opportunity to celebrate that history, honor the legacy of those who made it possible, and build support for the future.”

The H.L. Neblett Community Center was founded in 1936 by Hattie and Dr. Reginald Neblett. Over the past 90 years, the organization has provided programs, resources, and other opportunities for individuals and families in the Owensboro area. Current programs include Childcare & Afterschool, Evening Recreation, the Mature Adults Program, Food Distribution Program, and Western Academy at the Neblett.

The Center’s work is supported by community members, businesses, organizations, volunteers, and donors.

“We are grateful for everyone who has been part of the H.L. Neblett Community Center’s journey,” Hampton said. “We invite the community to join us as we celebrate 90 years and build a bright future.”

The 90th Anniversary Gala will be held Friday, Dec. 4, at the Owensboro Convention Center, 501 West 2nd St.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional information are available through the H.L. Neblett Community Center.

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

Retirement & Financial Strategies has spent the past several years helping clients plan for retirement, manage investments, and work toward long-term financial goals.

Jerry Goetz, CFP®, CFS®, CRPC®, founded the Owensboro firm in 2018 after spending 25 years as a financial advisor.

Those credentials stand for Certified Financial Planner, Certified Fund Specialist, and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. 

Goetz serves as company president and works alongside his daughter Emma Goetz and son, Evan Goetz, who both hold CFP® certification and make up the firm’s financial advisor team.

“This team concept allows us to offer what we believe is the highest level of service by combining all of our education and skills,” Goetz said.

He said the structure gives clients the benefit of having three CFP® professionals working on their behalf.

Retirement & Financial Strategies offers investment advice, investment management, retirement planning, and comprehensive financial planning.

The process begins by sitting down with clients to discuss their financial situation, values, and goals.

The firm provides advice and investment management on a fee basis and operates as a fiduciary, with a focus on putting clients’ interests first.

“If we can help our clients manage their finances and investments in a way that allows them the time, resources, and energy to focus on living a happier and more fulfilling life, we have done our job,” Goetz said.

The firm is locally owned and operated, and its advisors and staff all live in the Owensboro area.

Goetz said being part of the community also means finding ways to give back.

“Being from this community, we like to give back by being a part of local organizations and supporting our local charities,” he said. “We have provided service and advice to multiple families for years, and are very grateful for our clients.”

Retirement & Financial Strategies also maintains relationships with nationally recognized companies, giving the firm access to additional resources, technology, investment trading platforms, and research.

Those relationships allow the firm to combine a locally owned approach with resources available through larger companies.

Retirement & Financial Strategies is located at 3402 Frederica Street.

For more information, visit retirementandfinancial.com, find the business on Facebook, or call 270-215-2600.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for more than a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By Morgan Urbanski The Owensboro Times

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari earned several of the top honors in the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, with Splashin’ Safari named the world’s Best Water Park, The Voyage reclaiming the title of Best Wooden Roller Coaster, and the park’s three water coasters sweeping the top three spots for Best Water Park Ride.

The awards, presented by Amusement Today and determined by a panel of experienced voters who visit amusement parks around the world, marked several milestones for the Santa Claus, Indiana, park.

It was Splashin’ Safari’s first time winning Best Water Park, while The Voyage returned to the top of the wooden coaster rankings for the first time in 15 years. Splashin’ Safari also swept the Best Water Park Ride category for the first time, with Mammoth taking first place, Wildebeest second, and Cheetah Chase third.

The water park spans nearly 40 acres of Holiday World’s 125-acre property and includes two wave pools, a lazy river, children’s play areas, and dozens of water slides.

“This is a dream come true,” said Leah Koch-Blumhardt, director of communications and fourth-generation owner. “When our dad, Will Koch, first opened Splashin’ Safari in 1993, he had big dreams of building the best water park in the world. We’ve been ranked #1 on plenty of lists, but now that we hold the Golden Ticket Award, we can truly say he did it. This is a testament to how incredible our maintenance and operations teams are at keeping the rides moving, the walkways clean, and the free soft drinks stocked.”

The Voyage, which is celebrating its 20th season, returned to the top of its category after Holiday World invested about $2.5 million in the ride over the past five years, replacing more than 3,000 feet of track.

“We’ve had our sights set on bringing this award home for the last decade,” said Lauren Crosby, director of entertainment and events and fourth-generation owner. “We couldn’t have done it without our roller coaster maintenance teams and outstanding ride operators.”

Splashin’ Safari is currently closed for the season, but Holiday World is open Saturdays and Sundays for Happy Halloween Weekends beginning Sept. 19. Friday Night Live! events will continue from 5-10 p.m. each Friday through Oct. 30.

The park also announced in July that Cannonball!, a water roller coaster, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2027.

By Phoenix Stevens The Owensboro Times

Displaced Pages began as a pop-up bookstore but has since grown into a brick-and-mortar shop where books, vinyl records, and community come together.

Owner Virginia Hardesty started Displaced Pages in 2024, selling books at events, book fairs, and through a booth inside a vendor mall.

In 2025, Hardesty and her brothers decided to expand the business by opening a permanent storefront and adding vinyl records.

“It has been a dream come true,” Hardesty said.

Displaced Pages offers new and used books, audiobooks, ebooks, and new and used vinyl records across a wide variety of genres.

Hardesty also places an emphasis on offering books that represent different backgrounds and experiences, including banned books, LGBTQ+ friendly books, and works from authors of different ethnic backgrounds.

“Representation in literature is of the utmost importance,” she said.

The business has also focused on creating opportunities for people to connect outside of shopping.

Displaced Pages hosts a banned book club, which has been running for about a year, along with a recently launched LGBTQ+ book club.

The store also hosts craft nights, vinyl nights, and other events throughout the month.

“We focus a lot on building community and being an inclusive, safe space,” she said. “I’m always trying to think of more ways we can connect outside of a screen.”

The renewed interest in physical media has also created another opportunity for the business.

“People want to actually own music and books that mean a lot to them,” Hardesty said.

She said books and vinyl can remain part of someone’s personal collection for years without relying on a streaming service.

“I’m really proud that we can help people build their personal collections,” she said.

For Hardesty, operating the business in her hometown has made the experience even more meaningful.

“It means the absolute world to me to be able to live my dream in my hometown and to have the support they have shown me these last couple of years,” Hardesty said.

She added that the support Displaced Pages has received is something she does not take for granted.

“It’s so appreciated, and I’m grateful every day,” she said.

Displaced Pages is located at 1359 East 4th Street and is open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The store is closed Sunday and Monday.

The business regularly posts updates and a monthly calendar of events on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Customers can also purchase books and ebooks through Bookshop.org/shop/displacedpages and audiobooks through Libro.fm/displacedpages.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for more than a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By Morgan Urbanski The Owensboro Times

With nearly 11 years of experience in the construction industry, the team behind H&S Home Improvements turned years of hands-on work into an officially established Owensboro business in 2025.

Before launching the company, they took on home improvement projects for friends and neighbors. As word-of-mouth recommendations brought more work and larger projects, H&S Home Improvements became licensed and insured.

The business is owned by Juana Lopez, while founder and company representative Samuel Vazquez oversees its construction and remodeling projects.

H&S Home Improvements specializes in interior and exterior construction and remodeling, from new construction to full renovations. The company emphasizes clear communication with clients throughout each project, along with safety and quality work.

Vazquez said the team’s hands-on construction experience is an important part of how they approach each project.

“As business owners, we have the advantage of knowing how to perform the work ourselves,” Vazquez said. “We have years of hands-on experience, which allows us to supervise each project with confidence.”

The company also works with clients to find options that fit their budgets while still using quality materials. Vazquez said maintaining personal relationships with customers is something they value as a local business.

“We are deeply connected to our community and close to our clients, not just a cold corporation,” he said.

That connection extends beyond individual projects. Vazquez said being part of the Owensboro community means supporting neighbors and other local businesses while contributing to the area’s continued growth.

“Owensboro is where our families, friends, and customers have built meaningful relationships, and it is truly rewarding to play a small part in helping our community grow and thrive,” he said.

Vazquez also expressed gratitude for being part of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and its network of local businesses.

Those interested in learning more about H&S Home Improvements or viewing recent projects can visit the company’s website or find H&S Home Improvements on Facebook. The company also offers free appointments and consultations, which can be scheduled by calling 270-903-0714.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for more than a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By: Morgan Urbanski The Owensboro Times

Positive First Dog Training has been helping dogs and their owners work through behavioral challenges for more than a decade.

Owner Amanda “Mandy” Miller began training dogs professionally in 2008 before opening Positive First Dog Training in 2010. The business fulfilled a dream she had held since she was 11 years old.

For Miller, one of the most rewarding parts of the work is helping owners recognize what their dogs are capable of.

“My favorite part of my job is showing someone how amazing their dog really is,” she said. “The hope that is in the owners’ eyes at the end of the lesson, compared to the desperation at the start.”

Before opening the business, Miller spent years fostering shelter dogs. That experience exposed her to common issues including excessive barking, marking in the house, aggression between dogs, and anxiety in rescue dogs.

She used those experiences to develop training programs addressing many of the issues she encountered while fostering.

Positive First originally opened in Grants Pass, Oregon, before relocating to Owensboro in 2019. Miller expanded into service dog training in 2012.

Today, the business offers puppy training, behavior modification, aggression and fear training, potty training, assistance with rescue and foster dog issues, and canine sports.

Positive First also trains service dogs for a variety of needs, including PTSD, POTS, mobility assistance, medical alerts, narcolepsy, and blood pressure-related conditions.

The name Positive First reflects Miller’s approach to training. She said she begins with minimally aversive techniques before using other available tools as needed to reach the desired result.

“It is amazing what consistency and mindful reinforcement zones can accomplish,” she said.

For more information about Positive First Dog Training or to inquire about training services, call or text 270-702-7392 or email positivefirst@gmail.com.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for more than a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By Morgan Urbanski The Owensboro Times

The Opportunity Center of Owensboro is helping middle school, high school, and college students with disabilities prepare for their future careers. Through their free vocational program, the Opportunity Center aims to empower individuals with disabilities to discover their potential, develop meaningful skills, and pursue successful futures.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to explore careers, build confidence, and become an active, contributing member of our community,” Training & Employment Specialist Tiffany Vinson said. “Through pre-ETS and [pre-vocational], we’re helping make that happen. One student, one opportunity, and one success story at a time.”

The program focuses on hands-on learning, getting kids ages 14-21 actively involved with learning and honing in on the skills they’ll need for whatever career they want to pursue. They’ve even taken tours to OCTC, HealthForce Kentucky, Daviess County Fiscal Court, and Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Bowling Green to learn about the different programs and potential careers the students could pursue.

“It’s just to help them build skills, get confidence, and get experience with different career paths that they may be interested in,” Director of Vocational Services Nick Tallent said. “We can also help them with looking into college if that’s something that they might be interested in going into later. We can help them with doing their FAFSA, doing whatever they may need when they get to college.”

Many students in the Daviess County area are eligible for the program, but organization leaders say just as many aren’t even aware of the program’s existence. They said the range of people with disabilities that would qualify for the program is much wider than you might initially expect.

“What we are finding is that a lot of students and parents don’t know that this service exists,” Tallent said. “Some of the schools in Daviess County — both county and city schools — are providing the service, but I think overall, parents don’t know that this service is available to their students. Then, the ones who do know that it is available think that it has to be like an intellectual disability. They don’t realize that there are so many more students that could be approved for this service that are eligible.”

Others who meet eligibility requirements include students with autism, ADHD, physical limitations or impairments, vision and/or hearing impairments, anxiety, depression and/or bipolar disorders. Even if a child or young adult struggles with a particular area — math, for example — they could be eligible.

An application process is involved, but leaders say the Opportunity Center has done its best to make that as simple and straightforward as possible.

“Students can be referred by the school,” Tallent said. “Parents or guardians can do the application. Guidance counselors [can help]. They can go to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation over on Fairview Drive. Healthcare providers can do the application, or they can just come here to the Opportunity Center or contact us, and we’ll help them with the application.”

She added, “It’s very simple. It’s only two pages. Very minimal information, and we can help them get everything submitted. Along with the application, they will also need to have either a 504 plan at school, an IEP (individualized education plan) with the school, or they will need to have some sort of documentation from a doctor/provider with their diagnosis on it. So, the application and that paperwork is what needs to be submitted for them to be approved.”

There is no cost for applying for the program.

Representatives from the Opportunity Center will be at the WBKR Yard Party on Aug. 28 from 10-2, and on Sept. 16, a health fair at the Opportunity Center from 10-1 will allow people to learn about the different services that the center provides.

“A lot of our pre-employment transition students that are in our program will actually be down there [at the WBKR Yard Party] helping serve the burgers and getting some real-life experience, which is a very cool thing for them,” Tallent said.

By Phoenix Stevens The Owensboro Times

Palmer and Lisa Dempsey have turned the unusual experience of a dance floor filled with people listening to different songs into a regional entertainment business serving schools, churches, festivals, fundraisers, and private events across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Western KY Silent Disco launched its first event at the start of 2022. The business initially focused on public events in Owensboro and nearby communities before expanding to serve schools, youth groups, and private clients throughout the region.

Today, the company hosts nearly 50 private events each year, along with fundraisers and public events spanning from Paducah to Cincinnati.

Western KY Silent Disco offers wireless three-channel headphones that allow guests to switch between different music options, creating an experience that appeals to a variety of ages and musical tastes. In addition to DJ services, the business rents headphones and equipment for customers who want to host their own events.

“Our wireless three-channel headphones make it possible for every demographic to be included at any event,” Palmer Dempsey said. “With the ability to freely change between the three channels, everyone can always find something they like.”

Dempsey said the business works with each client to customize events while offering options for a variety of budgets.

“What sets Western KY Silent Disco apart from other entertainment companies and DJs is how unique our events become,” he said. “We listen to each client and come up with a custom plan for every event.”

Whether providing full-service DJ entertainment or equipment rentals, Dempsey said the company’s goal is to make the planning process as simple as possible while creating an event everyone can enjoy.

“We have fun everywhere we go and try to make every event the best it can be,” he said. “It is all about having a good time, so we make it as easy as possible from start to finish.”

As a mobile business, Western KY Silent Disco can bring its equipment to nearly any location, from event venues and backyards to unique settings such as caves.

Dempsey said giving back to the Owensboro community has also remained an important part of the business. The company regularly donates its time and equipment for community events, including the Estes Bulldogs Art Camp and the Owensboro Museum of Science and History’s Illuminate event.

“Our community works hard at putting together events for everyone, and it is an amazing feeling when we are asked to be a part of it,” Dempsey said.

For more information, visit WKYSilentDisco.com, call or text 270-925-1382, or follow Western KY Silent Disco on Facebook. The business also provides free quotes through its website.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for more than a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

What started as a family-owned window treatment business has quickly expanded to serve homeowners, businesses, and builders across the region through a mobile showroom that brings products directly to customers.

Owned by Sean and Maddie Simmonds, the company opened in July 2025 after Sean spent several years working in the window treatment industry. Since then, the business has expanded beyond interior window treatments to include exterior shades, awnings, and commercial projects.

Recent projects have included the new Ohio County Board of Education, Hopkins County Board of Education, and short-term rental units on Frederica Street that were featured in this year’s Parade of Homes.

Rather than operating a traditional showroom, Simmonds Blinds and Drapes brings its products directly to customers’ homes, allowing them to view samples in their own spaces before making a decision.

The business offers a range of products, including blinds, home-automated shades, exterior shades, and awnings, with long-term warranties designed to give customers confidence in their investment.

Sean Simmonds said the business’ family-owned approach is what sets it apart.

“Being a family-owned and operated business, you will always have the same people come out to your house, from consultation to installation and beyond,” Simmonds said. “This allows us to ensure that you will always receive high-quality customer service, high-quality products, and competitive pricing.”

Simmonds said the business is truly a family effort. While he attends every appointment, customers will often see his wife Maddie, one of their three children, or the family’s foreign exchange student as part of the business’ day-to-day activities.

The business has also built relationships with several local interior designers and builders while continuing to grow throughout the Owensboro and Bowling Green areas.

“My wife and I were both raised in Owensboro, and we look forward to giving back to the community that we grew up in,” he said.

For more information, visit SimmondsBlinds.com, follow Simmonds Blinds and Drapes on Facebook, or call 270-775-2964.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for more than a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By Morgan Urbanski The Owensboro Times

For more than two decades, attorney Russell Duty has operated a full-service law practice in Owensboro, helping individuals and business owners navigate a wide range of legal matters from a single office.

Duty opened his solo practice in 2004 after serving in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, working for the Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Board, and practicing with local law firms. 

Those experiences allowed him to build a practice that spans numerous areas of law, including personal injury, workers’ compensation, bankruptcy, criminal defense, disability law, wills and estates, domestic law, real estate, civil litigation, and appellate work.

“My office is truly a full-service law firm,” Duty said.

Duty said the breadth of his experience is what sets his practice apart from many others.

“Most law firms specialize in one thing or the other,” he said. “This office has the ability to provide all those services while other offices may not. As a result, I can truly take care of most of my clients’ needs. This is extremely rare in the legal market today.”

Whether assisting someone after an automobile accident, helping a client through bankruptcy, or handling other legal matters, Duty said his goal is to provide comprehensive legal services without requiring clients to seek multiple attorneys.

Duty said his connection to Owensboro has also grown over the past three decades.

“It has been a blessing to be a part of the Owensboro community for 33 years,” he said. “Not having grown up here, I feel I have a deeper appreciation for the benefits Owensboro offers.”

He said his family’s experiences in the local school system, parks, healthcare, and community have reinforced why they chose to make Owensboro home.

“Owensboro really has what you need with a small-town feeling,” Duty said. “My wife and I are so proud to be members of this community.”

For more information, visit RussellDuty.com, call 270-685-0033, email wrduty@juno.com, or stop by the office at 1324 Frederica Street.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for more than a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By Morgan Urbanski The Owensboro Times