S-Squared Automotive may be one of Owensboro’s newest auto shops, but owner Steven Staack has been under the hood for more than a decade. After years as a master technician for a Hyundai dealership, Staack decided to trade corporate life for his own venture — a full-service repair and performance shop located at 4006 Vincent Station Drive.

“We’re starting off as a general repair shop, but I’m not really turning away anything right now,” Staack said. “We’ve got two brand-new lifts, tire and AC machines that can handle even the newest systems — a lot of shops don’t have that equipment yet.”

The business opened on July 14 and already offers nearly everything from oil changes and brake jobs to tire replacements and diagnostics.

Staack grew up in Rockport, Indiana, and said his passion for cars began in a high-school automotive class. He later earned an associate degree in automotive and high-performance technology from the University of Northwestern Ohio, a program known for its hands-on training.

That education and dealership experience helped him develop a reputation for tackling complex electrical and diagnostic issues — a skill set that’s guiding the shop’s niche.

“I’m leaning into the import world because Owensboro hasn’t really had a good shop for those,” Staack said. “People have been driving to Louisville, Evansville, or Nashville for work on Mercedes, Audis, or Porsches. With my background and tools, I can handle that stuff right here.”

While he’s confident servicing traditional vehicles, Staack said he’s also certified to work on hybrids and has experience with electric vehicles. Though full EV repairs aren’t yet a major part of his business, he sees that technology as an area of future growth.

S-Squared is currently a three-person operation — Staack, his wife Megan, and technician Michael — but the couple plans to expand gradually. Megan previously worked as a dog groomer for 14 years and now manages the shop’s front desk, scheduling, and parts ordering.

“We wanted to start slow so everyone could get their footing,” Staack said. “One thing that sets us apart is our digital vehicle inspection system. We send customers photos of any issues we find, so nothing’s hidden. They can make an informed decision about what to fix.”

Community connection is another focus. The Staacks sponsor their son’s Owensboro United soccer team and plan to offer a 10-percent discount for hospital employees, police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel. The shop also intends to provide a pickup-and-drop-off service for workers at nearby Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.

“We’re literally within walking distance of the hospital,” Staack said. “They can drop off their keys before a shift, and we’ll have their car ready when they’re done.”

S-Squared Automotive offers online appointment booking through ssquaredautomotive.com and maintains active Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and promotions.

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

After more than five decades in education and community service, Lydie Boone is stepping away from her role at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, making way for new Executive Assistant Katie Blan.

Boone began teaching in 1973 and spent 28 years as an elementary teacher in Hancock County before retiring in 2001. She later joined Owensboro Public Schools as a classified staff member, working as a library aide and attendance clerk until 2017. That year, Boone accepted a part-time position with the Chamber, where she became a familiar face to members and visitors.

“I like to be in the know, and I like being around people,” Boone said. “There is always something exciting happening at the Chamber, and I love what they have done for the community.”

Boone said she was inspired to apply for the position after running into Chamber President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake at a football game. She said Brake and the Chamber team gave her a sense of purpose in retirement.

“I have so many new friends — the people at the Chamber and the people who are members,” Boone said. “Candance has been a great leader. She inspires people with new ideas all the time.”

As she looks ahead, Boone said it’s simply time to slow down. She plans to spend more time with her husband, granddaughter, and extended family while also traveling back to her hometown of Pittsburgh.

Stepping into her role is Blan, a Lewisport native who has spent the past month training alongside Boone.

“It’s an honor,” Blan said. “I can really feel Lydie’s presence and how she has influenced not only our organization but the community. She has been the best mentor I could ever ask for.”

Blan is a graduate of Hancock County High School and the University of Kentucky, where she earned degrees in Environmental Sustainability and Geography. She is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Eastern Kentucky University.

She said her passion for community development drew her to the Chamber, noting that Brake’s leadership made a lasting impression when they first met during a previous internship.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve the Chamber membership,” Blan said. “Being born and raised in Lewisport, I’ve grown up coming to Owensboro and have made incredible connections. As someone who is passionate about community development and sustainability, I am thrilled to join a team centered around similar values.”

Brake said Blan’s arrival comes at the right time as Boone begins her retirement.

“Our team is so excited to welcome Katie to the Chamber staff,” Brake said. “She brings a breadth of experience in administrative support and community development, and she has the work ethic and innovative spirit that our work requires.”

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce celebrated National Manufacturing Month on Thursday during its October Rooster Booster breakfast, spotlighting the industry’s local impact and hosting Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel as keynote speaker.

The event, sponsored by Owensboro Community and Technical College, was held at the Owensboro Convention Center. A special “Made in Owensboro: The Heart of Manufacturing” showcase highlighted local manufacturers before and after the breakfast program.

“Greater Owensboro’s commercial and economic history has been linked to manufacturing from the beginning. Our regional manufacturers produce goods for customers and consumers nationally and globally,” said Candance Castlen Brake, president and CEO of the Chamber. “The men and women of our community make goods that impact our world. That is reason to celebrate.”

Brake also credited OCTC for preparing the next generation of workers.

“Owensboro Community and Technical College is at the table with our premier employers making sure that the existing and future workforce continue to have the skills to grow business right here,” she said.

Noel, who has led the Cabinet since 2022, shared personal connections to Owensboro and praised the community’s hospitality, customer service, and vision. He recalled summers spent working in the region and friendships that helped shape his early career.

“You don’t find these kinds of opportunities, these kinds of people, these kinds of just friendly folks that want you to enjoy your stay in the community that they love,” Noel said.

He told attendees that manufacturing workers and small business owners are “the true heroes in the community,” noting their role in creating jobs and building stronger neighborhoods.

“It’s time we as a country — and as a community — spend more time talking about the heroes in our communities,” Noel said. “That’s different here in Owensboro. You sense it, you feel it. That’s why you’re growing. That’s why you’re on a roll.”

Noel also urged Kentucky to remain competitive in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, including electric vehicle and battery production. He said maintaining that position is crucial to the state’s economic future.

“Winning is an attitude,” Noel said. “As long as you win with integrity, you’re making life better for all Kentuckians in the home, and not just a few.”

He pointed to recent state investments, workforce development initiatives, and Owensboro’s strong site development as proof that Kentucky is poised to continue its growth.

“The proof of success in this community is in this room today,” Noel said. “What you do matters, how you do it is amazing, and the results speak for themselves.”

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Owensboro Community & Technical College’s Capital Bluegrass and Traditional Music Program received a major boost Thursday with a $20,000 contribution to help build a state-of-the-art recording studio on campus.

The funds were presented during a check ceremony at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Rooster Booster breakfast, marking another step in the broader Bluegrass Music Capital initiative backed by state leaders and private donors.

OCTC President Scott Williams said the studio will give students hands-on experience while further cementing Owensboro’s role in the future of bluegrass.

“Because of these individuals and many others in our community, we will soon provide our students and the next generation of bluegrass music industry professionals with a state-of-the-art rehearsal studio where they can learn, grow, and hone their craft,” Williams said.

Williams credited local funders Mike Simpson and Matt Hayden, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and Kentucky’s legislative delegation for championing the initiative through House Bill 1 in the 2024 General Assembly. He noted that House Caucus Chair Rep. Suzanne Miles led the charge to secure the $500,000 state allocation for the Bluegrass Music Capital initiative, with support from Sen. Gary Boswell, Rep. D.J. Johnson, and Rep. Scott Lewis.

Steve Johnson, who helps lead the Bluegrass Music Capital initiative, said the funding represents one of several projects designed to build the infrastructure needed to support Owensboro’s reputation as the “bluegrass capital of the world.”

“It obviously doesn’t cover the cost of the entire project, but it does demonstrate support from the Bluegrass Music Initiative to what they’re doing at OCTC,” Johnson said. “If we’re going to say we’re the bluegrass music capital of the world, you better be able to back that up.”

The $20,000 allocation is part of the larger $500,000 commitment supporting projects from public art to new music programs.

Scott Napier, director of the Capital Bluegrass and Traditional Music Program, said the new studio will be housed in OCTC’s Humanities Building. It will provide students with professional-level recording experiences while doubling as a community resource.

“Students can come through our program and leave with a free album, because they record for free during their classwork and get credit for it,” Napier said. “It creates that professional experience for the students while they’re here, with something tangible they can use.”

Napier said the program has already grown to include two student bands that regularly perform at community events. He hopes the new studio will be completed as early as next summer.

“Owensboro is the perfect place for this program,” Napier said. “The International Bluegrass Music Association started right here, and we have the Hall of Fame, ROMP Festival, and so many national acts that come through. I can’t think of a better town in America to have a program like this.”

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Local artists and students are invited to submit ideas for Phase II of Amped Up Artistry, a public art initiative to turn traffic signal boxes into canvases that celebrate the community’s identity. Submissions are due on October 24.

The project, first launched in 2024, currently features five artist-designed boxes along 2nd Street. The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals (CYP) began Phase II this summer, with five more boxes slated for installation. Artists of all ages, including school students, are encouraged to submit designs that highlight the culture, history, and character of Greater Owensboro.

“Amped Up Artistry celebrates who we are as a community by using art to tell Owensboro’s story,” said Ashtin Warren, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Director of Talent Programs. “We are especially excited to welcome student submissions for Phase II. The talent and creativity of our youth is an important part of the future of our community.”

Submissions may be emailed to cyp@owensboro.com or hand-delivered to the Chamber office at 200 East 3rd Street. Full artist guidelines, including dimensions, are available in the Artist Criteria and Commitment Form.

Phase I designs included themes from bourbon to the Blue Bridge, from Bluegrass music to Kentucky’s natural beauty. CYP Vice-Chair Stephanie Bertram said the project reflects how small contributions can make a lasting impact.

“Amped Up Artistry gives everyone a chance to leave their mark and celebrate what makes Owensboro special to them,” she said.

The project is supported by the City of Owensboro, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, Owensboro Municipal Utilities, and community sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities remain open for those wishing to support the initiative.

By: Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

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