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Kentucky House Majority Caucus — Legislative Update

By Representative Scott Lewis Week in Review: Judiciary, tobacco settlement, technology Lawmakers continued the second week of the 2027 Interim Session with a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee (IJC) on Judiciary and several statutory committee meetings. Statutory committees play…

Kentucky House Majority Caucus — Legislative update

By Representative Scott Lewis Lawmakers begin work for 2027 Regular Session Kentucky lawmakers return to Frankfort as this year’s legislative interim begins on June 1. The interim, the period of time between the adjournment of one regular session until the…

Kentucky House Majority Caucus — Legislative Update

By Representative Scott Lewis Primary Election Day: Vote, volunteer, participate The 2026 Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 19, while in-person, excused absentee voting is open May 6-8 and 11-13, and anyone can vote early May 14-16. In just a…

National Police Week — May 10-16

By Jennifer Wimmer Hancock County law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day in service to their community, a commitment shared by the families who support them. During National Police Week, May 10-16, their work and sacrifice are recognized,…

Local News

Riddle of the Week

Last Week’s Riddle: I ignite to applause on summer nights. A fleeting boom of brilliant lights. I fade to smoke, then disappear, yet mark a time we hold most dear. What am I? Merranda Smith and Chris Sterett guessed it! ANSWER: fireworks. This Week’s Riddle: Penned…

South Hancock Elementary plans home visits before school starts

By Jennifer Wimmer South Hancock Elementary School will take a hands-on approach to welcoming students back for the 2026-27 school year, with staff planning community visits on Aug. 10 aimed at strengthening school-family bonds before classes begin. Principal Jennifer Howe…

North Hancock teachers to ‘Ride the Bus Routes’ in place of home visits

By Jennifer Wimmer Hancock County Schools will once again take learning beyond the classroom in August as educators across the district prepare for a day of community outreach ahead of the new school year. Each of the district’s four schools…

Hancock Board of Education gives superintendent top marks, advances middle school construction with utility work

By Jennifer Wimmer The Hancock County Board of Education met Thursday, June 18, and completed its annual evaluation of Superintendent Robby Asberry. The board again rated Asberry’s performance exemplary for the past school year. The superintendent evaluation covers areas such…

Area Obituaries

Cletus E. Shadwick

Cletus E. Shadwick, 72, of, Owensboro, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.  He was born in Hardinsburg, KY on November 29, 1953 to the late John William “Bill” and Rose Ann Gray Shadwick.  Cletus was of the Catholic faith and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving…

Jo Carol Snyder

Jo Carol Snyder, 80, of Lewisport, Kentucky, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and devotion to family. Born on October 12, 1945, to Edward H. Payne and Laura Ellen Payne, Jo Carol spent her early years as a military child, traveling to many places and experiencing life across the world, including…

Kenneth Oliver Petrie Jr.

Kenneth Oliver Petrie Jr. October 21, 1948 – May 3, 2026 Kenneth Oliver Petrie Jr., 77, passed away on May 3, 2026, in Flagler Beach, Florida. Born on October 21, 1948, he was the son of Kenneth Oliver Petrie Sr. and Nelda Lou Holliday. He was raised in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, with the loving support…

Theresa Joan Payne

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Theresa Joan Payne, 89 years old of Knottsville, Kentucky. She went with the lord on April 25, 2026, surrounded by her family at the Heartford House. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend whose love and strength touched so many lives. She was born…

Leslie Clay Walling

Leslie Clay Walling, 80, of Reynolds Station, KY, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026 at Heartford House in Owensboro. He was born on March 2, 1946 in Irvine, KY to the late Chester and Dorothy Walling. He was a graduate of Hancock County High School, Owensboro Business School, and Owensboro Vocational School’s Electrician Program. He…

Franklin S. Weatherholt

Franklin S. Weatherholt died on April 19, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville. He had celebrated his 90th birthday with his family earlier that weekend. On April 19,1936, he was born to Frank Sherman and Anna (May) Weatherholt in the still existing farmhouse in Tobinsport. As the youngest of four children, he was…

Kenneth Craig Clark

Kenneth Craig Clark, 57, of Lewisport, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at his home.  He was born in Owensboro on July 27, 1968 to Kenneth D. Clark and Beverly “Sue” Covetts.  Kenny attended Central Baptist Church and worked at several places including Dal-Tile and TTMI.  He enjoyed U.K. basketball, playing his guitar, NASCAR…

Martha Imogene Switzer Long

Martha Imogene Switzer Long, 100, of Lewisport, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 surrounded by her family.  She was born on September 28, 1925 to the late Stanley and Frances Switzer.   Martha attended Goose Pond Elementary and graduated from Beechmont High School.  She then went to work at General Electric…