Sunset Elder Law has opened in Owensboro, offering estate planning and long-term care services aimed at helping families protect their assets. The practice is owned by attorney Kurtis Sunset, who launched the firm earlier this year.

Sunset, originally from McLean County, has practiced law since 2017. He began his career in Florida handling real estate cases before moving into elder law. He said he was drawn to the field because of its focus on protecting families and preserving property.

“I saw how much we could preserve and protect for families, and actually help save them more money than I’m making in a fee type of situation,” Sunset said. “The people are always really great that I get to work with, and the families are in the community.”

Sunset Elder Law offers a range of services including wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and trusts such as Medicaid asset protection trusts. The firm also assists families with Medicaid approval when a loved one enters a nursing home — a process Sunset said can quickly become overwhelming and costly without proper planning.

He noted that nursing home care can cost between $8,000 and $12,000 a month, potentially depleting assets within months. Sunset said he often works with families in two scenarios: pre-planning for long-term care beginning around age 60, and crisis planning when someone already needs care.

A key service Sunset emphasizes is the Medicaid asset protection trust, which shields real estate and farmland from being counted as assets during Medicaid eligibility reviews. Sunset said placing property in such a trust at least five years before care is needed ensures it can be passed down to children rather than being sold during estate recovery.

“Being able to protect people’s real property is really rewarding,” Sunset said. “Sadly, I see so many people that come to me too late, and I have to have the hard conversation that they’ve got to sell the property, even if it’s been in the family for generations.”

In addition to legal work, Sunset Elder Law takes what he calls a “life care planning” approach, guiding clients through decisions about assisted living, financial planning, and long-term care options. He said he hopes to introduce this more holistic model, already common in larger Kentucky cities, to western Kentucky families.

The firm currently has three staff members in addition to Sunset, including a secretary, a community engagement director, and a marketing coordinator. Sunset said he wants his team to be visible and active in local events rather than only offering financial sponsorships.

Free 30-minute consultations are available, and Sunset said education is at the core of his practice. “The more I can educate, the more I can save,” he said.

More information is available at sunsetelderlaw.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 over 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: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Owensboro Public Schools’ Special Education Department is partnering with RiverValley Behavioral Health to give students with special needs hands-on job shadowing experiences across a wide range of careers.

The program officially kicked off this week with an orientation at River Valley’s Walnut Street location. Students received badges, went through human resources training, and learned expectations for workplace conduct — the same onboarding any new employee would experience.

Over the next eight weeks, students will shadow employees in two different departments of their choice. The opportunities span from information technology and maintenance to child care, patient services, and more.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students with special needs to explore potential career paths in fields they are interested in and another example of community partners finding ways to incorporate individuals into their workforce who have unique abilities,” said OPS Public Information Director Jared Revlett.

OPS Director of Special Education Carrie Wedding said the program was designed to prepare students for life beyond graduation.

“Our job in education is really to prepare our kids with all the skills they need when they leave us,” Wedding said. “We don’t just want kids to graduate. We want them to be ready for our community.”

Wedding said RiverValley’s willingness to include every department was key.

“They didn’t want to pigeonhole our kids into certain areas,” she said. “If a child is interested in whatever it is, we want them to have that experience here with us.”

Students will spend about 75 minutes once a week in their chosen placements. Most were assigned to their first choice. After completing the initial eight-week cycle, they will rotate into a second department.

RiverValley Vice President of Operations Cate Gaddis said the idea grew out of conversations between OPS staff and River Valley leaders following last year’s “Educators in the Workplace” program through the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

“Some of the teachers at Owensboro High School wanted to provide students the opportunity to gain some real-world, on-the-job experience,” Gaddis said. “They asked if we would be willing, and we said yes. We’re just really appreciative to be able to collaborate in this way, and we can’t wait to see what else we might be able to do together.”

Gaddis added that the program has long-term potential. Students who enjoy their placements may return for additional experience, and in some cases, the opportunities could even lead to employment after graduation.

Wedding said the partnership is just one step toward expanding options for OPS students.

“We’re always looking for opportunities for all of our kids,” she said. “Our whole job is to give kids opportunity, and that’s exactly what this is. We’re just creating opportunities for kids so they can be the best version of themselves.”

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Since opening in 2022, Your Wax Spot has quickly gained a local following, and owner Tiffany Woodward said she is just getting started.

Woodward first began offering waxing services in the back room of GG’s in August 2022. She later moved to Savi Salons in March 2023, then Bella Vita in July 2024. This past May, she opened her own location, where she plans to stay for at least the next 5 years.

“I knew I always wanted to be my own boss. I just never believed I could find a career where I could make that happen,” Woodward said.

Your Wax Spot is a full-body waxing studio with a specialty in Brazilian waxes.

“But we do it all, from the face to the toes,” Woodward said, noting that men’s facial waxing is not included. She also retails aftercare products, which she said are essential to ensuring the best results.

Business has been steady since the beginning, something Woodward credits to word-of-mouth.

“I’m fortunate in the fact that my clients love to tell everyone they know about Your Wax Spot, so I stay booked and busy,” she said. “It has always been the plan to open a storefront location and hire a team. Now it’s time for me to start that process.”

Woodward graduated from The Salon Professional Academy of Evansville in 2021. She worked at a waxing franchise in Bowling Green before deciding to branch out on her own. She said she originally thought she would be a makeup artist but discovered her passion during the waxing portion of her training.

“I love everything about waxing, from the client interaction to the fast pace of it to the before and after of a wax. There is nothing more satisfying than a good pull,” Woodward said.

Her favorite part of the job, she added, is the confidence she sees in her clients.

“What I find most rewarding is when my clients tell me how comfortable Your Wax Spot makes them feel. Waxing, especially a Brazilian wax, is a very intimidating thing, and I never want to make someone feel uncomfortable when they come in,” she said.

Woodward also wants to clear up misconceptions.

“Waxing is not that painful, I swear,” she said. “If it were, people wouldn’t keep doing it. However, the first one is the worst one — but it’s still not that bad.”

Your Wax Spot can be found on Instagram and Facebook, and appointments can be booked online at yourwaxspot.glossgenius.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 over 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: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Malone Workforce Solutions says its Owensboro operation continues to grow even as the broader staffing industry has softened in recent years. 

The company’s local roots trace back to about 2003, when founder Joe Malone helped place more than 250 employees with a manufacturer moving to Owensboro — momentum that led to opening a brick-and-mortar office.

Headquartered in Louisville and backed by more than 50 years of experience, Malone provides staffing and workforce management for manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, and administrative sectors. Core offerings include commercial staffing for light industrial and manufacturing roles; professional staffing for IT, engineering, finance, logistics, and administrative positions; healthcare staffing for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, MAs, and allied health professionals; and recruitment process outsourcing for end-to-end hiring support.

While national trends showed a slight decline in staffing the past couple of years, Malone reports moving in the opposite direction. 

“Our focus remains on providing the right talent, at the right time, with a personalized approach that keeps us ahead in a competitive market,” Malone’s Kailey Hiland said. 

She added that the company has doubled the number of recruiters on its Professional team to meet rising client demand, while investing in training and technology to better support employees and partners.

Malone’s history dates to 1971, when Joe Malone launched the firm in Louisville to help close gaps in employment services. The company’s guiding slogan — “Improving Your Future Is Our Business,” — continues to shape operations. In the 1990s, Joe’s sons, Terry and Tim Malone, joined the company and broadened services beyond direct-hire recruiting to include commercial, professional, and healthcare staffing along with recruitment process outsourcing, positioning Malone as a comprehensive workforce partner.

Hiland said the most rewarding part of the work is seeing the direct impact on people and the community. The team connects individuals with meaningful jobs and helps businesses find the right talent to grow. That mission, she said, reflects Malone’s long-standing goal of “taking care of business by taking care of people.”

For more about Malone Workforce Solutions, visit malonesolutions.com or find the company on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

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 over 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: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is calling on middle school students in the region to participate in the 2026 National Civics Bee, an annual competition aimed at inspiring young people to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

As a Regional Partner for the event, the Chamber encourages 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in public, private, charter, and homeschool settings to submit an essay on a civics-related topic. The four-question essay prompt is available at nationalcivicsbee.org, with a submission deadline of Feb. 3, 2026.

Finalists from the essay round will compete in a live, quiz-style competition hosted by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce in the spring of 2026. Regional winners will then advance to the Kentucky State Competition in summer 2026, and ultimately, a National Championship in Washington, D.C., in the fall of 2026.

“This is more than just a competition,” said Ashtin Warren, director of talent programs for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an opportunity for our youth to deepen their civics knowledge, enhance their writing and public speaking skills, and gain confidence to make a difference in their community. We are excited to bring this opportunity to Owensboro.”

Students who wish to compete must submit a four-paragraph essay by Feb. 3, 2026. Resources for participants, teachers, and mentors are available online at civics.uschamberfoundation.org/resources/.

Prizes for finalists include cash awards, recognition, a $5,000 donation to the Kentucky State Champion’s school, and a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan for the National Champion. The competition not only rewards academic achievement but also aims to build connections and foster civic responsibility among the next generation of leaders.

“The National Civics Bee gives us the chance to ignite a passion for civic engagement early, helping students understand that their voices matter,” Warren said. “Strong communities are built when citizens are informed, engaged, and willing to lead.”

For more information about the National Civics Bee Regional Competition or to register, contact Ashtin Warren at awarren@owensboro.com or 270-926-1860.

By: Messenger-Inquirer Staff Report Messenger Inquirer

From essays to a live quiz-style showdown, local middle schoolers will soon get the chance to showcase their knowledge of civics and compete for top honors in the 2026 National Civics Bee, with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce serving as the regional host.

Students in grades 6–8 can enter by responding to a four-question essay prompt available at nationalcivicsbee.org. The submission deadline is February 3, 2026. Finalists from the essay round will advance to a live, quiz-style competition hosted by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce in spring 2026. Winners will then move on to the state competition in summer 2026, with the national championship scheduled for fall in Washington, D.C.

“The National Civics Bee is more than a competition,” said Ashtin Warren, Director of Talent Programs for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a chance for our youth to strengthen their civics knowledge, sharpen their writing and public speaking skills, and gain the confidence to contribute to their community. We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to our region.”

Entries must be four paragraphs and submitted by the February deadline to qualify. Resources for students, teachers, and mentors are available here.

Prizes include cash awards, recognition, and contributions to education funds: $5,000 for the Kentucky state champion’s school and a $100,000 529 plan contribution for the national champion.

“We know that strong communities are built when citizens are engaged, informed, and willing to lead,” Warren said. “The National Civics Bee gives us the opportunity to spark that passion early, helping our students understand that their voices matter and preparing them to be the civically involved leaders of tomorrow.”

Participation is free and open to public, private, charter, and homeschool students across the region.

By: Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

The Leadership Owensboro Class of 2026 has been announced, comprising individuals from various organizations across the community who will participate in a year-long program designed to foster professional development and provide new perspectives on Greater Owensboro.

“Leadership Owensboro continues its tradition as the Chamber’s proven talent development program,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber president and CEO. “For more than four decades, this experience has challenged its participants to step forward as leaders who help shape the future of our community.”

The program runs from September through June, with monthly day-long sessions covering topics such as economy and innovation, education, healthcare, local government, justice, human needs and services, arts and culture, and philanthropy.

“This program gives class members a front-row seat to our community’s most pressing issues and its greatest strengths,” said Ashtin Warren, director of talent programs. “They gain knowledge, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and explore community challenges alongside classmates, local leaders, business owners, and community advocates. Along the way, they also build lasting relationships and learn how to collaborate across industries to serve, to lead, and to inspire others long after the program ends.”

The Class of 2026 includes: Rhonda Bergstrom, Kyle Best, Sgt. Joni Bocianoski, Jake Boswell, Morgan Brown, Nico Bustamante Aguirre, Capt. Alex Coomes, Emily Davis, Robyn Edgell, Tara Estes, Kyler Fannon, Drew Frey, Zach Gilles, Katy Hart, Richard Hayden, Mandie Hicks, Logan Johnson, Nick Jones, Julia Kimbrell Brooks, Bryan Kennedy, Lisa Knott, Jarrod McCarty, Grant Miller, Lakeia Nard, Michelle Nobles, Todd Palmer, Jacqueline Russell, Khaibar Shafaq, Cory Smith, Nina Solis, Samantha Taylor-Kaai, Carsten Tindle, Brigette Wayne, and Lt. Courtney Yerington.

Leadership Owensboro has more than 1,000 alumni and selects each class through a competitive application process. The program is designed to enhance leadership skills while encouraging civic engagement and collaboration.

By: John KirkPatrick The Owensboro Times

One of Kentucky’s higher education leaders told local business and community members Thursday that building a stronger workforce depends on continued investment in postsecondary education, as well as local leaders helping shift public opinion about its value.

Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, spoke during the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Rooster Booster breakfast at the Owensboro Convention Center. The breakfast was sponsored by Brescia University.

Thompson outlined both the state’s progress and the challenges ahead, urging the audience to become advocates for higher education.

“Our job is building the economy of the state through a highly educated workforce,” Thompson said. “Higher education has to be the driver of that process.”

Thompson said that data shows Kentucky now exceeds the national average in retention, persistence, and completion rates. Educational attainment has climbed to 56.2%, leaving the state just shy of its “60×30” goal of 60% attainment by 2030, he said. He also noted progress in reducing student debt, with fewer graduates borrowing and average debt levels dropping by one-third.

Still, he cautioned that confidence in higher education has declined nationally, from 56% in 2015 to 36% in 2023, according to Gallup polling. Among young adults ages 18 to 34, confidence fell 18 percentage points.

“That’s the fact, that many of our K-12 students — only about half of them — are going on to college,” Thompson said. “If public opinion tells us that higher education doesn’t matter, then it’s your job in this room, and my job, to be part of the choir telling people it does.”

Thompson said higher education in Kentucky includes a full spectrum of credentials, from technical certificates to graduate degrees, all of which he said will be needed in the coming years. By 2030, he said, about 63% of jobs will require some form of postsecondary education.

He added that Kentucky campuses are working to align programs with workforce and industry needs, strengthen graduate employability, expand need-based aid, and provide more holistic student support services.

“Not everybody needs a four-year degree, but they will need some postsecondary,” Thompson said. “We’re going to need a little bit of everything to get where we’re going.”

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Owensboro program is beginning its 44th year of cultivating leaders in the community.

Candance Castlen Brake, chamber president, said, “Leadership Owensboro continues its tradition as the chamber’s proven talent development program. For more than four decades, this experience has challenged its participants to step forward as leaders who help shape the future of our community.”

The program runs from September through June with full day sessions each month covering key topics including economy and innovation, education, healthcare, local government, justice, human needs and services, arts and culture and philanthropy.

“This program gives class members a front-row seat to our community’s most pressing issues and its greatest strengths,” Ashtin Warren, director of talent programs, said of Leadership Owensboro.

She said, “They gain knowledge, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and explore community challenges alongside classmates, local leaders, business owners and community advocates. Along the way, they also build lasting relationships and learn how to collaborate across industries to serve, to lead, and to inspire others long after the program ends.

The Leadership Owensboro Class of 2026 includes Rhonda Bergstrom, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital; Kyle Best, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline; Sgt. Joni Bocianoski, Daviess County Detention Center; Jake Boswell, Independence Bank; Morgan Brown, Regional Water Resource Agency; Nico Bustamante Aguirre, Old National Bank; Capt. Alex Coomes, Daviess County Sheriff’s Office; Sheila Crowe, Pinky’s Snow Cones.

Emily Davis, Owensboro Municipal Utilities; Robyn Edgell, Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service; Tara Estes, Baird Trust Co (The Settles Group); Kyler Fannon, Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport; Drew Frey, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital; Zach Gilles, Alltech Inc.; Katy Hart, Valor Oil; Richard Hayden, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital; Mandie Hicks, Kentucky Farm Bureau.

Logan Johnson, Owensboro Public Schools; Nick Jones, Owensboro Health HealthPark; Julia Kimbrell Brooks, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce; Bryan Kennedy, Green River Area District Development; Lisa Knott, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital; Jarrod McCarty, Daviess County Public Library; Grant Miller, RiverValley Behavioral Health; Lakeia Nard, Melanin Children Matter, Inc.

Michelle Nobles, RiverValley Behavioral Health, Todd Palmer, Brescia University; Jacqueline Russell, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital; Khaibar Shafaq, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro; Cory Smith, Morley; Nina Solis, RiverValley Behavioral Health; Samantha Taylor-Kaai, Audubon Area Community Services; Carsten Tindle, Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County; Brigette Wayne, Owensboro Municipal Utilities; Kristi Winkler, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.; and Lt. Courtney Yerington, Owensboro Police Department.

By: Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer