Breakfast Express LLC has spent the past year serving fresh, made-to-order breakfast and lunch from its mobile food trailer and will celebrate its first anniversary Aug. 14.

Owned by Robert and Anna Kuhner, Breakfast Express was inspired by Anna Kuhner’s years of experience in the restaurant industry.

“I’ve actually been in the food business forever,” Anna Kuhner said. “I was the manager at Hardee’s on Frederica for years.”

The menu features breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and rotating specials, along with burgers, chicken sandwiches, cheese sticks, poppers, and other lunch favorites. One customer favorite, the protein bowl, was originally introduced as a limited-time special before earning a permanent spot on the menu.

The Kuhners said preparing every meal fresh to order is what sets Breakfast Express apart.

“We cook everything to order, fresh and hot,” Robert Kuhner said. “Nothing’s pre-made. Everything’s fresh.”

That approach also allows the business to accommodate special requests whenever possible, including preparing meals for customers with dietary restrictions.

“Even if it’s not on the menu, if I have the ingredients, I can make it,” Anna Kuhner said.

Breakfast Express regularly serves customers at Glenmore Distillery on Mondays. Anna Kuhner said Glenmore was the first business to reach out after the trailer opened, and the relationship has continued ever since.

“They were the very first people that reached out to us the first weekend we opened,” she said. “They’ve been loyal to us, so we’ve been loyal to them.”

The Kuhners said giving back to the community is an important part of their business. They regularly support local organizations and events through donations and meals.

“We like to give back to the community as much as we can,” Anna Kuhner said. “I love our community.”

Readers can learn more about Breakfast Express LLC by visiting its Facebook page, emailing breakfastexpressllc@yahoo.com, or calling 270-702-6058.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

A delegation of Owensboro-Daviess County business leaders and government officials made the rounds Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to express the community’s priorities to Kentucky’s legislative representatives.

Dave Kirk, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, said he was excited about the response the 19-member delegation received.

“This was my first time as the president of the chamber to get to go on this trip, but from what I gathered from the other attendees who have been before, it’s probably one of the most responsive groups that we’ve met with,” Kirk said. “Everybody was engaged and seemed interested, and we felt like we got our message out there. Now the key is to follow up. So we’ll shoot those emails our for letters of support next week, and then just reminding them of what we talked about.

“But I was incredibly happy. People were engaged and wanted to listen and wanted to know what Owensboro is doing.”

Kirk said the requests presented were determined after meetings with the chamber board and other local leaders who participated in the trip.

Becoming a member of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) was a major topic during the meeting with Sen. Rand Paul. The DRA is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to promote economic development and improve the quality of life in 225 economically distressed counties and parishes across multiple states, including Kentucky.

“We are not in the program, and it takes an act of Congress to be eligible to be in the DRA,” Kirk said. “So we talked to him about that, trying to get some support out of the Senate. Congressman (Brett) Guthrie has been very supportive on the House side, so we figured the more support we can get, the better chance that before the end of the year we could get in that.”

Kirk said the driver for wanting to be designated as a DRA county is the potential funding it provides, with the federal government allocating around $4 million annually to the program.

“If you’re not in that pool of counties, you can’t apply for grant funding,” Kirk said. “A lot of it is workforce development, stuff for the community college. There’s a lot of opportunities that unfortunately we can’t access because we’re not part of it. So we were advocating to get us in there so that it opens a pot of money for a lot of companies and education institutions in Owensboro.”

Kirk said they also discussed HealthForce Kentucky, the collaborative health care workforce initiative that is striving to combat state shortages through immersive training. The initiative partners with nine colleges and universities alongside numerous P-12 school districts across 16 Kentucky counties.

“He’s a physician, optometrist, so we wanted to make sure that he was aware of that,” Kirk said.

Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport’s need for a new terminal was also discussed. The current terminal is about 70 years old.

“We’ve had some support from the state and local government, and we wanted to make sure that they’re aware that we’d really like to get in the FAA budget,” Kirk said.

Discussions also centered around an infrastructure project at the Owensboro Riverport Authority, as well as the erosion issue on the Ohio River riverbank.

“(Owensboro City Manager) Nate Pagan did a fantastic job of illustrating there is still a need to sure up the bank where the water just hits it so hard there,” Kirk said. “That was well received.”

In addition to Paul and Guthrie, the delegation met with Reps. James Comer, Morgan McGarvey and Andy Barr — the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat held by Mitch McConnell. They also met with McConnell staffers.

“We had a packed schedule, and we wanted to make sure to get the word out for Owensboro,” Kirk said. “It was definitely worth getting up there and making sure we were heard.”

By Scott Hagerman Messanger-Inquirer

Since opening in June 2022, Commonwealth Connections has helped individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build meaningful, independent lives through person-centered services across the Owensboro area.

Founder Sarah Roby launched the organization after working as a special education teacher and privately contracted behavior specialist. Those experiences gave her firsthand insight into both the strengths of the individuals she served and the gaps that existed within the support system.

“I knew there was an opportunity to create something different — an organization that prioritized relationships, dignity, and truly person-centered care,” Roby said.

What began as a small organization has grown into a comprehensive provider of services throughout the community.

Commonwealth Connections provides services through Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver programs, including the Michelle P. and Supports for Community Living waivers. Its offerings include adult day training, staffed residential homes, Family Home Provider homes, behavior support services, community access, personal assistance, community living supports, and respite care.

Rather than expecting individuals to fit into a predetermined program, Roby said the organization builds supports around each person’s unique goals and needs.

“We don’t believe our job is simply to provide care,” she said. “We believe it’s to create opportunities for growth, independence, connection, and purpose.”

Roby said Commonwealth Connections’ culture is what sets the organization apart.

“Our mission is simple: Everyone is loved. Everyone is valued. Everyone is welcome. Everyone has purpose,” she said. “Those aren’t just words — they guide every decision we make.”

She said her background in education and behavior support has shaped an approach focused on understanding each individual, recognizing their strengths, and creating supports that help them succeed rather than simply managing challenges.

Roby also said Commonwealth Connections invests heavily in its employees because exceptional care begins with exceptional people.

“When our employees feel supported and valued, they’re able to provide the same level of compassion and dedication to the individuals we serve,” she said.

Community partnerships have also helped create opportunities for the individuals Commonwealth Connections serves.

“Every partnership creates another opportunity for someone to build confidence, develop relationships, volunteer, enjoy local events, or simply feel like they belong,” Roby said.

For more information about Commonwealth Connections, visit commonwealthconnections.org, stop by the office at 1700 Parrish Plaza Drive, or call 270-929-9293.

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 John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Baird Wealth Management celebrated its new Owensboro office Tuesday with a ribbon cutting and open house held in partnership with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

The event also served as a Chamber After Hours gathering, welcoming community members, clients, and local business leaders for tours of the new office, networking, and refreshments.

Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dave Kirk recognized Baird’s longstanding presence in the community, noting the firm has been a chamber member since 1980.

“This space will allow you guys the room and the space to do fantastic business, as you’ve done for so many years,” Kirk said.

Branch Manager Shannon Raines thanked those in attendance and said the new office represents Baird’s continued investment in its employees, clients, and the Owensboro community.

“We are so grateful to share this moment with our friends, our clients, our family, and our community,” Raines said. “We’re proud of this space, and we’re excited to share it with you.”

Raines recognized the firm’s 32 Owensboro associates, many of whom have spent much or all of their careers with Baird, and said their dedication has helped build lasting relationships with clients throughout the region.

“Our goal has always been simple: We want to help people make smart choices about money so that they can have more confidence, more peace of mind, and the freedom to have the life that they’ve worked so hard to build,” she said.

Raines said the new office will provide additional space for collaboration, client meetings, and community events while supporting Baird’s continued growth in Owensboro.

“We’re proud to call Owensboro home,” she said. “This office is more than a building. It is an investment in our people and in our community.”

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting celebrating Baird Wealth Management’s new Owensboro office.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Dispo Smoke was founded with a mission to educate customers about cannabis while creating a welcoming environment that challenges traditional perceptions of smoke shops.

Owner Madison Burris said he and part-owner Richard Beeler had worked together for many years and shared a passion for helping others before opening the business. As Kentucky’s cannabis laws evolved, they saw an opportunity to bring Farm Bill-compliant cannabis products to Owensboro while helping educate the community.

“Our goal is to help Owensboro understand that cannabis isn’t the ‘boogeyman’ we were all taught it was growing up,” Burris said.

Dispo Smoke exclusively carries products that comply with the 2018 Farm Bill and offers gummies, disposable vape products, tinctures, beverages, and mushrooms. Burris said new inventory arrives weekly, and the business also offers local delivery and personalized recommendations.

Every product sold in the store has been personally vetted by the team, allowing employees to confidently answer customers’ questions and help customers find products that fit their needs.

“Educating our guests is a massive priority for us — a natural carry-over from my previous career as an educator,” he said.

Burris said the business was intentionally designed to create a different experience than what many people expect from a smoke shop. The bright, clean interior features a mural painted by employee Shelby Barr, helping create a welcoming atmosphere.

“We purposefully designed our space to stand apart from the typical ‘smoke shop’ stereotype,” Burris said.

Community involvement has been a priority since the business opened. Burris said the business joined the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce as part of its commitment to becoming an active member of the Owensboro community.

In addition to serving customers, the business sponsors local sports teams and plans to continue supporting community organizations and events.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of the Owensboro community,” Burris said. “We want to be as involved in the community as Owensboro will allow.”

Dispo Smoke is located at 1000 E. Fourth St., across from Welborn’s Florist. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.disposmoke.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 John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Financial Freedom Partners has spent more than 20 years helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate their financial futures through independent, comprehensive wealth management services.

Founded in 2004 by two financial advisors, the Owensboro-based firm has grown steadily while maintaining its commitment to personalized financial guidance. Today, Financial Freedom Partners includes four advisors and six additional full-time team members, reflecting both the firm’s growth and its continued focus on serving clients through long-term relationships.

Financial Freedom Partners provides a full range of wealth management services, including retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, and estate and legacy planning. Rather than treating those services separately, the firm develops strategies based on each client’s complete financial picture.

The firm operates on a fee-based model with no commissions, and its advisors serve as fiduciaries.

“All the advisors are fiduciaries, meaning we are legally and ethically obligated to always act in our clients’ best interests — not to sell products, not to hit quotas, but to give advice we’d give a member of our own family,” Brycen Moore said.

Moore said the firm’s independence allows its advisors to make recommendations without being influenced by product sales. He said Financial Freedom Partners also takes a holistic approach to wealth management by considering each client’s broader financial situation rather than focusing solely on investments.

“Because we’re locally rooted in Owensboro, we bring a level of personal relationship and community context that a large national firm simply can’t replicate,” Moore said.

The Owensboro community has remained central to Financial Freedom Partners since the firm’s founding.

“Owensboro isn’t just where we do business — it’s home,” he said. “Our team has deep roots here, and we’ve had the privilege of serving families and business owners in this community for years.”

In addition to serving clients, Moore said the firm supports local organizations, sponsorships, and causes throughout the region because it believes investing in the community goes hand in hand with helping clients achieve long-term financial success.

For more information about Financial Freedom Partners, visit ffponline.net, stop by the office at 2703 Breckenridge St., or call 270-240-4752.

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

Local businesses grow stronger together.

That is something we see every day through the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

With over 1,000 Members, the Chamber represents a wide range of businesses, industries, organizations, and community leaders. Each one has its own mission, goals, challenges, and story. But when those Members connect with one another, something bigger begins to happen.

Collaboration is one of the most valuable parts of Chamber Membership.

Sometimes collaboration looks simple.

It may be a local market carrying bread from a local bakery, giving that bakery another place to reach customers while also helping the market offer something unique and homegrown.

Sometimes it looks like service providers in the nonprofit realm coming together to bring awareness to an issue, support a shared mission, or better serve individuals and families in our community.

Other times, it looks like a business gaining access to a platform they may not have had otherwise. Through Chamber events, Ribbon Cuttings, Member of the Week features, networking opportunities, sponsorships, and community conversations, Members are given a voice and a place to share who they are, what they do, and why their work matters.

Those connections are important.

In a community like Owensboro, relationships matter. People want to do business with people they know and trust. They want to support businesses that show up, invest locally, and care about the place we all call home. The Chamber helps open the door for new relationships and conversations that may not have happened otherwise.

Each of these connections add to the momentum we see across Owensboro.

When Member businesses support one another, the impact reaches far beyond a single transaction. It strengthens our local economy, creates opportunity, encourages innovation, and builds a stronger sense of community pride. It also reminds us that no business, organization, or leader must do this work alone.

The Chamber is proud to serve as a connector. We are here to help open doors, create visibility, encourage partnerships, and provide opportunities for our members to engage with one another and with the broader community.

But the true strength of the Chamber is found in our Members.

It is found in the business owners who show up to support a ribbon cutting. It is found in the companies that choose local vendors. It is found in the nonprofits that partner instead of working in silos. It is found in the leaders who refer, encourage, sponsor, mentor, and collaborate.

Owensboro is fortunate to have a business community that understands the value of working together. The more we continue to build those connections, the stronger our community becomes.

Local businesses grow stronger together, and through the Chamber, those connections continue to shape the future of Owensboro.

By Kitty Jones For the Messenger-Inquirer

Supreme Dream Realty, LLC is continuing to grow its presence across Owensboro, surrounding counties, and southern Indiana while maintaining a client-focused approach built on integrity, communication, and personalized service.

Founded in 2018 by Owner/Broker Vickie Boarman Ballard, the brokerage was originally established as Owensboro and Kentucky Dream Realty. As the company expanded its reach and services throughout the region, it rebranded as Supreme Dream Realty LLC to better reflect its growing footprint.

Today, the locally owned and operated brokerage serves buyers, sellers, and investors with a range of real estate services, including residential, commercial, land, investment, and new construction properties.

With a growing team of experienced Realtors, Supreme Dream Realty is committed to helping clients navigate every stage of the real estate process.

“What separates Supreme Dream Realty from many other real estate companies is its commitment to putting clients first,” Ballard said.

The brokerage combines a client-focused culture with innovative marketing strategies, technology, strong communication, and personalized service designed to help clients achieve their real estate goals.

Ballard said clients benefit from professional photography, aerial imagery, video marketing, digital advertising, and extensive online exposure that helps properties stand out in today’s competitive market.

“Most importantly, we believe in building lasting relationships and treating every client like family — not just another transaction,” she said.

Supreme Dream Realty has built its reputation on trust, professionalism, and results while remaining committed to serving the communities where its agents live and work.

Owensboro has played a significant role in the company’s growth since its founding.

“Owensboro is more than the place where we do business. It is home,” Ballard said. “It is where our family has built a life, where lifelong friendships have formed, and where neighbors genuinely care about one another.”

The company also supports community organizations throughout the region and strives to make a positive impact both in and out of real estate.

“At Supreme Dream Realty, we are not just invested in real estate,” Ballard said. “We are invested in people, relationships, and the future of the community we are proud to call home.”

Since opening in 2018, Supreme Dream Realty has continued to grow while remaining focused on exceptional service, innovation, and helping clients successfully navigate one of life’s most important investments.

For more information about Supreme Dream Realty LLC, visit SupremeDreamRealty.com or call 270-315-5916.

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

Maui’s Indoor Theme Park is bringing a new destination for family entertainment to Owensboro, offering attractions for guests of all ages to play, celebrate, and spend time together.

Located at 5000 Frederica St., Maui’s opened in 2026 with a goal of creating a year-round entertainment venue where families can have fun together regardless of the weather.

Tom Cardiff, regional manager for Jester FEC, said the park was inspired by the success of Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Parks and was designed to bring a similar entertainment experience to Owensboro while adding its own tropical island atmosphere.

“Maui’s was built to bring people together,” Cardiff said. “In a world where everyone is busy and often glued to their screens, we wanted to create a place where families and friends can laugh, compete, celebrate, and simply enjoy spending time with one another.”

The facility offers a wide range of attractions, including indoor go-karts, laser tag, tropical mini golf, duckpin bowling, a large arcade, and a soft play area for younger children.

In addition to its entertainment offerings, Maui’s hosts birthday parties, school events, church gatherings, corporate outings, group events, and other special occasions.

Cardiff said the business was drawn to Owensboro because of its growing community and strong focus on families.

“Owensboro felt like the perfect fit for Maui’s,” he said. “We saw an opportunity to bring something unique to the area.”

One of the park’s goals is to provide a variety of activities in a single location, allowing families to spend an entire day together without traveling between multiple venues.

“We wanted to create a place where families didn’t have to choose between activities,” Cardiff said. “Instead of going to one place for bowling and another for arcade games, you can spend the entire day together under one roof having fun.”

Cardiff said the combination of attractions available at Maui’s helps distinguish the business from other entertainment options.

Guests can race go-karts, compete in laser tag, bowl, play arcade games, and enjoy mini golf during the same visit.

The business also emphasizes creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and enjoy themselves.

“From the tropical theme to our team members, we want every guest to walk in and feel like they’ve escaped on a mini vacation for a few hours,” he said.

As Maui’s continues to establish itself in Owensboro, Cardiff said the business hopes to become more than just an entertainment venue.

“We want to be a place where families celebrate birthdays, sports teams gather after games, schools hold events, and friends make memories together,” Cardiff said. 

That mission has been reinforced by the response Maui’s has received from the community since opening.

“The support we’ve received from Owensboro has been incredible,” he said. “We’re excited to continue building relationships with local families, businesses, schools, and community organizations.”

For more information about Maui’s Indoor Theme Park, visit mauisowensboro.com or follow the business on Facebook and Instagram.

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 Morgan Urbanski The Owensboro Times

DAVIESS CO., Ky. (WFIE) – Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the new location of Highland Elementary School.

As we previously reported, school board members approved the construction of a new location for the school back in August of 2025.

The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

The school is being built behind Davis County Middle School.

School board members, including board chair Tom Payne, approved the construction of a new location in August 2025.

“Four years ago, we stood here in this same spot to welcome a brand-new Davis County middle school. We’re proud today to be standing here for another beautiful school that will last for many many years,” Payne said.

Construction is expected to be completed in 16 months.

“To me it starts right today, we expect the dirt movers to be here immediately, you know were looking at sixteen months,” Payne said.

Payne has grandchildren who attend the school.

“We’ve been a part of this community for many many years … we know that is going to continue because that’s the spirit and the essence of Highland Elementary,” Payne said.

The current elementary school has about 535 students all on one floor.

The new school will have room for 600 students across two stories, along with a slide for students to go down when they meet incentives and goals.

“It’s gonna be state of the art, so all of the technology, the rooms will be very conducive to learning, hands on activities, we have a lot of community spaces in this new school, where our kids can come together to celebrate our growth,” said Beth Hutchinson, Highland Elementary School principal.

Hutchinson said she attended Highland when she was a child and is excited to welcome in the next generation to Highland.

By Madelyn Hanes and Aaron Weeks 14 News