Owensboro Mobile Tire is officially hitting the road, offering customers a convenient way to buy and install new tires without ever stepping foot in a shop.

The new business is a partnership between Scott Norris, a retired Owensboro Police Department officer, and Justin O’Bryan, who also owns Owensboro Mobile Mechanic. After years of juggling full-time law enforcement work and entrepreneurial ventures, Norris said the timing was right to shift gears.

“I was thinking about retiring anyway,” Norris said. “I loved every minute of being a school resource officer, but it took up so much time. Justin had been talking about doing this, and I told him, ‘Give me something to do — I can’t just sit at home.’”

The mobile tire service is designed with customer convenience in mind. From new tire sales to professional mounting and balancing, Owensboro Mobile Tire brings equipment directly to customers at their home, workplace, or even the grocery store parking lot.

“We can do any tire the customer wants — any brand, any price point,” O’Bryan said. “They give us their vehicle and tire size, and we’ll give them options based on their budget. The best part is, we come to them.”

Their service area includes Owensboro, Daviess County, and surrounding areas such as McLean County. While they’re not currently offering roadside assistance, O’Bryan said they may respond to certain situations if the vehicle is in a safe location and their schedule allows.

The idea for a mobile tire service has been in the works for a while, and O’Bryan said they’ve invested heavily in state-of-the-art tools.

“We didn’t cheap out,” he said. “We’ve got some of the best equipment you can get. It’s smart, it’s efficient, and it gets the job done fast — most full sets can be installed in under an hour.”

Norris, who has also helped develop patented construction devices and remains active in other ventures, will primarily handle business development while his daughters manage ordering and scheduling. One technician currently handles installations, and the team plans to scale the service based on demand.

“It’s like DoorDash for your car,” Norris said. “You can binge Netflix while your tires are changed. Why go sit in a shop for hours when we’ll come to you?”

Appointments can be made by calling or messaging the business through their Facebook page. Customers who contact them before 5 p.m. can often be scheduled for installation the next day. For now, operations will run Monday through Friday, with occasional availability on Saturdays.

The service runs rain or shine, and O’Bryan said they’re looking forward to serving the community with a reliable and transparent process.

“People can watch the whole thing start to finish if they want,” he said. “It gives them peace of mind and saves them a ton of time.”

To learn more or schedule a service, visit Owensboro Mobile Tire on Facebook.

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

What began as a side hustle during COVID has evolved into a thriving business for Justin O’Bryan, owner of Owensboro Mobile Mechanic. Now, he’s preparing to launch a sister company that will offer mobile tire services across the area.

O’Bryan first got the idea in 2020 while working at Ragu. A friend asked him to do a quick repair, and rather than hauling the car to his parents’ garage like usual, O’Bryan offered to go to the customer. The convenience clicked.

“I went home, told my wife I was going to start a business,” O’Bryan said. “She goes, ‘You don’t know anything about a business.’ I said, ‘You’re right — but I’ve got to do something for extra money.’”

He already had his tools. So, he bought a trailer, loaded it up, and officially launched Owensboro Mobile Mechanic on Jan. 1, 2021. The timing worked in his favor, with people staying home during the pandemic and needing car repairs brought to them.

Two years after launching, O’Bryan left Ragu to go full time, and the business hasn’t slowed down since.

“We went from a little SUV and trailer to a bigger truck, a bigger trailer, and a full-time guy working with me,” he said. “My wife even quit her job to handle all the scheduling and office stuff.”

The mobile service handles nearly everything short of major engine or transmission overhauls. That includes brakes, alternators, shocks, belts, valve covers, intake gaskets, and more.

“Pretty much anything except timing chains and in-depth motor work,” he said. “We’ll come to your house, your work, or even while you’re at the grocery store.”

O’Bryan said transparency is a key part of their success. He never performs repairs without customer approval and always explains what he’s doing and why.

“I coach them through it,” he said. “If they want to come out and watch, that’s fine. I show them what’s wrong. Nothing is behind closed doors.”

The business has grown largely through word of mouth and online reviews. Owensboro Mobile Mechanic boasts a 4.9-star rating and dozens of testimonials, which help ease the concerns of first-time customers.

“I’ve had people say they were skeptical, but after reading the reviews, they felt better about trying us,” O’Bryan said.

Now entering his third year full time, O’Bryan is preparing for his next expansion. On Aug. 1, he’ll officially launch Owensboro Mobile Tire, a spin-off service that brings tire installation and balancing to customers’ driveways.

Same concept, just with tires.

“You call, we get your tire info, order them, and come to you to mount and balance them,” O’Bryan said. “You don’t have to sit at a shop for hours. We can do it at your house or even your workplace.”

That venture is a partnership with O’Bryan’s father-in-law, who is retiring from the Owensboro Police Department after nearly four decades.

“He’s going to take the reins on the tire side,” O’Bryan said. “We’ve had this in the works for a couple years. It’s going to be really convenient, kind of like DoorDash for tires.”

Both businesses share the same core values: convenience, honesty, and customer-first service.

“What started as a way to make a little extra money has grown into something way bigger than I ever expected,” O’Bryan said. “We’ve made some mistakes along the way, but we’ve learned, and our customers have stuck with us.”

For more information or to book a service appointment, visit OwensboroMobileMechanicKY.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

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the community to shop local this weekend as the summer edition of Shop Owensboro returns Saturday.

Participating Chamber members will offer deals and discounts throughout the day, inviting customers to shop or dine with them and keep their money where their heart is.

Participating businesses include:

• 54 Pizza
• American Patriot Getaways
• Bella Ragazza Boutique
• Boutique 54
• Byron & Barclay
• Champion Ford
• Chicken Salad Chick
• Confetti Boutique
• Crazy Me Gifts & Apparel
• Dispo
• Don Mario
• En Vogue
• Hill View Farms Meats
• Ivy Trellis Floral
• J.J. Fosters
• Kingdom Cords
• Lance & Co Jewelers
• Legends
• Little Explorers’ Play Cafe
• ManCave For Men
• Meadow House Flowers and Gifts
• Mellow Mushroom
• Nick T. Arnold Jewelers
• Owensboro Health Healthpark
• Peacocks & Pearls
• Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant (Frederica)
• Red Wing Shoes
• Reflections By Talea Photography
• Reid’s Orchard
• Robin’s ReSale & Boutique
• Rock N Roll Sushi
• Rowland Family Dentistry
• Shoe Stop
• Something Borrowed Owensboro
• The Earle Men’s Store
• The Golf Emporium
• The New Oasis Tanning Salon
• The Skin Lab
• Willow and Pine Market.

Shop Owensboro: Summer Edition launched in July 2020 during the pandemic shutdowns to help support small businesses, and the Chamber has continued the tradition each year since. The event is sponsored by Independence Bank.

“We’re always excited to encourage Owensboro to shop local during the month of July,” said Kitty Jones, Director of Membership at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “Supporting local businesses is one of the most impactful ways we can invest in our community’s growth. They truly are the heartbeat of Owensboro.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

From a few dinosaur-themed cookies in 2017 to becoming a full-time baking entrepreneur, Azlin Flener has built The Bee’s Knees Bakery into one of Owensboro’s most creative and community-minded home bakeries.

“I grew up loving baking, and when I had my daughter in 2014, I started making her birthday cakes and treats,” said Flener, owner and self-described “cookie magician.” “In 2017, I tried out decorated cookies for the first time for her dinosaur-themed party — and they were a hit.”

That moment sparked something bigger. Friends and family started requesting her cookies, and by 2019, Flener obtained her business license and began taking custom orders while still working full-time. Two years later, she took the leap into full-time baking — and hasn’t looked back.

Flener specializes in custom-decorated sugar cookies that she promises “taste as good as they look.” From weddings to baby showers, holidays to birthdays, she can match any theme with a cookie design that’s both edible and artful. She also bakes cakes, cupcakes, gourmet cookies, brownies, and cake cups.

“It can be overwhelming as the sole employee of a bakery, but I always try to remember that busy is a blessing,” she said.

One of her biggest boosts has come from being a vendor at the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market, where she’s built new connections and introduced her creations to customers across the region.

She’s also invested in her own 3D printer — a game changer that allows her to make custom cookie cutters in-house.

“This has been incredible for my business,” she said. “Now I can truly create any design without worrying about purchasing and waiting on shipping for custom cutters.”

While Flener has dreams of opening a storefront one day, her next goal is to renovate her garage into a commercial kitchen so she can expand her offerings beyond what a licensed home bakery allows.

Outside the kitchen, Flener is a wife and mother who holds a biology degree from Western Kentucky University. Though she originally planned for a career in research, she found her calling in baking — thanks in part to a childhood spent watching Food Network shows and learning from family members.

“I’m always in the kitchen creating new flavors and testing out recipes,” she said. “Most of what I’ve learned has been through experimentation.”

Her tagline — Sweets That Tell Your Story — reflects her passion for celebrating life’s biggest moments.

“I’ve worked with customers from wedding showers to baby showers, first birthdays, and all the holidays in between,” she said. “It really is an honor to be a small part of someone’s favorite day and celebrations.”

Flener encourages others to follow their dreams, no matter how unlikely they may seem.

“It’s not always easy, and there is a significant amount of hard work that goes into it, but I truly believe that God gives us our passions for a reason,” she said.

To learn more or place an order, visit thebeeskneesbakeryandgoods.com, or find her on Facebook and Instagram. You can also sample her creations at the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market.

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

Anyone involved in the local music ecosystem is being asked to share their experiences, challenges, and dreams for the future through the Music Census, launched today by the Greater Owensboro Music Commission. The effort aims to strengthen the local music scene and shape future investments in tourism, economic development, and cultural planning.

The census will remain open through August 1 at greaterowensboromusic.org. Respondents must be 18 or older.

The effort is open to musicians, venue owners, educators, promoters, engineers, students, and anyone else involved in the industry, whether full-time, part-time, or unpaid.

The census covers the entire Greater Owensboro Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Daviess, Hancock, and McLean counties. However, anyone involved in the region’s music community is encouraged to participate, regardless of where they live.

“This isn’t just a survey, it’s a chance to build something together,” said Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “Music connects every generation and every corner of our region. By listening to our community, we can create new opportunities and ensure Owensboro and its neighbors are placed firmly on the music map.”

The census is being conducted in partnership with Sound Music Cities, a national leader in music ecosystem research that has worked with more than 30 cities, including Nashville, New Orleans, and Chattanooga. Results will be published later this year and are expected to guide decisions around economic development, venue access, music tourism, youth engagement, and cultural planning.

“Owensboro has a real chance to capitalize on the power of music tourism and create something that sets us apart,” said Mark Calitri, President of Visit Owensboro. “It’s a unique opportunity to build identity, drive visitors, and energize our community.”

Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen noted the region’s musical roots — from bluegrass to symphonic and everything in between — and said the census could help preserve that legacy.

“Our Daviess County community has a rich and storied music history,” Castlen said. “The Census will offer valuable information that will assist us in preserving, maintaining, and growing the cultural life in our community.”

Mayor Tom Watson echoed the importance of investing in Owensboro’s creative economy.

“This is a deeply musical city, but too often we don’t think of ourselves that way,” Watson said. “As mayor and lifelong supporter of music and the arts, I want to see our creative economy thrive. But for that to happen, we need to understand the human dimensions of our music scene.”

To complete the survey or learn more, visit greaterowensboromusic.org. Community organizations and leaders are encouraged to share the survey within their networks.

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEVV) — The Greater Owensboro Music Commission has launched the Greater Owensboro Music Census to support and understand the local music scene.

The Census, available until August 1st, is open to anyone 18 and older working in the music industry in Owensboro, regardless of compensation.

“This isn’t just a survey, it’s a chance to build something together,” said Candance Castlen Brake, President & CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

The initiative is in partnership with Sound Music Cities and follows successful models from cities like Nashville and New Orleans.

Mayor Tom Watson emphasized the importance of understanding Owensboro’s music scene. “I want to see our creative economy thrive,” Watson said.

The results will influence local strategies for music tourism, economic development, and cultural planning.

By Ben Thomas 44News

This story is sponsored by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

After years of artistic exploration in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, Owensboro native Colt Walker returned home to pursue a passion rooted in his childhood — auto detailing. Now, one year into officially operating his business, Kangen Detailing, Walker said he’s found success by offering meticulous service with an artist’s eye.

“I started my company about a year ago, but I’ve been detailing cars for over a decade,” Walker said. “My dad does body work, and I was always the one cleaning the cars afterward. Over time, people would say, ‘Wow, this looks amazing,’ and it just kind of clicked for me.”

Walker’s work is influenced by more than just elbow grease. As a creative professional who has worked as a photographer and model — shooting for artists like Nelly and working in major fashion markets — he sees detailing as another form of artistry.

“Detailing is kind of an art, so it makes sense for me to be an artist who makes cars look clean, glossy, and new again,” he said.

The name Kangen, which means “return to origin” in Japanese, was inspired both by his personal journey and one of his favorite anime shows. Walker said he wanted a name that felt meaningful and memorable — and after scrapping a fully developed brand identity, the word Kangen came to him in prayer.

Walker offers a range of services, from basic wash packages starting at $59.99 to advanced detailing jobs that can climb into the thousands. Though trained in paint work, he said repainting is still his father’s domain. The two often work together, offering customers a one-stop shop for everything from paint correction to collision repair.

“We can do body work, repaint, paint repair — all of it,” Walker said. “It really depends on what the customer needs.”

Business has been booming — so much so that Walker said he’s had to rely on occasional help to keep up with demand.

“Business has been great, a little too much to handle on my own sometimes,” he said. “But I can’t complain. I’m very blessed and excited to see what the future holds.”

Looking ahead, Walker is exploring ways to combine his background in photography and creative direction with the detailing side of his business. Though he’s not ready to reveal full plans, he hinted that some exciting projects are on the horizon.

Walker said his impact on the community might not be flashy, but it’s practical and appreciated.

“I’ve been able to help busy professionals who want to keep their vehicles looking sharp but don’t have the time to do it themselves,” he said. “Your home and your car are usually your biggest investments, and I want to help people retain that value.”

He’s also working on partnerships with local businesses — particularly in transportation, landscaping, and construction — to keep fleet vehicles clean and professional-looking.

“When your employees show up to a job, their truck is a reflection of your business,” Walker said. “You want it to look the part.”

While he doesn’t claim to be the best in the area, Walker said he takes pride in his work and is committed to delivering results customers can be proud of.

“I just know my value,” he said. “I want everyone to feel like they can succeed in this, too. I used to look at other detailers and wonder how I’d ever get to that point. I want others to know it’s possible.”

Kangen Detailing can be reached at 270-313-2255 or through Facebook and Instagram at @kangendetailing. For more information, visit kangendetailing.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

This story is sponsored by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

What started as a grassroots idea for a community basketball event in 1974 has grown into one of Owensboro’s most iconic summer traditions. Now entering its 52nd year, the Dust Bowl continues to thrive under the leadership of William “Rippo” Hinton, who’s been part of the tournament since its inception.

“The Dust Bowl started in Chautauqua,” Hinton said. “It was just good basketball. We came up with the idea to hold it at Kendall-Perkins Park — and here we are, 52 years later.”

For Hinton, the Dust Bowl is more than basketball. It’s about bringing people together across neighborhoods, races, and generations. It’s also a deeply personal mission to uplift youth, something inspired by watching his own mother work with children as the longtime director of the West End Access Center.

“I try to give back to the community, especially to kids, because I was a kid who needed direction,” he said. “That’s where my passion comes from.”

The Dust Bowl, which spans 10 days, has grown into a full community festival with basketball at its heart. This year’s event begins Friday, July 18, with Beverly’s Hearty Slice expected to draw a crowd of over 600 on opening night. Other nightly highlights include a gospel program on Sunday, Owensboro Health outreach on Monday, and Mental Health Night on Tuesday.

“Wednesday is Kids Day — that’s my favorite,” Hinton said. “We’ll have inflatables, a game trailer with computers, and food for all the kids. It’s a big deal.”

Each day features games, food vendors, and events, including a three-point contest and a motorcycle night. Local neighborhoods such as Mechanicsville, Dugan Best, and Baptist Town will be represented on the court. Community involvement remains central, with assistance from the City of Owensboro’s police, fire, and sanitation departments, as well as local sponsors and a 15-person volunteer board that helps keep the event running smoothly.

“We don’t get paid. We do it for free,” Hinton said. “The community, the vendors, the fans — that’s why we’re still here. They’re more excited than we are.”

Hinton’s impact on youth sports extends far beyond the Dust Bowl. He has coached for more than four decades, accumulating roughly 40 championships, and has sponsored teams for decades through McDonald’s. He said his emphasis has always been on respect and mentoring.

“My thing with coaching: I never cussed a kid. They’re only 18 or 19 years old — they’re still babies,” he said. “Coaches today need to uplift, not tear down.”

He’s now working to bring in a third and fourth-grade girls division to the Dust Bowl and has been inspired to see his own son following in his footsteps, coaching and mentoring kids in the same way.

“I look forward to this — families coming together, not only the Black community, but the white community too. This is for everyone,” Hinton said.

For the full schedule and event updates, visit owensborodustbowl.org.

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