[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6514564,"mediaKeyId","5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1","parentId",5028768,"title","Residents urge Owensboro commission to allow backyard chickens","audioSeconds",247,"startMs",5832000,"endMs",6079000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1&start=5832&end=6079","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1/thumbnail_5832000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6514564/Owensboro-City/Daviess-County/Kentucky/Residents-urge-Owensboro-commission-to-allow-backyard-chickens","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514564-9834054a157f2d69ad286d554e485280/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144076&Signature=ZIKHYeuMKjXcGHMEQy5p1WaFk2DNGtsGjSTTwQu26PL5M3bmDtx-~oMgyzkwbHE3-qCYYFB76MyObW64rZIQ1VlavhwndhCdMlN1zTChqE959EDyhK-YQW-49x6yuMxA0XxcNAiPoGt4SPrRfjF09s4WZ47HW-00lEZ9yHW1tdrkf8-98N2ZxzPyoqROiAgBDURthiISGHNlo-oZ6lXYUg5as7qiP6Q7hPQGwlgnGnxy7mJ9YV2c6TmecNdpfbxEDYuc6NwxCyx0hUbNVmRRHzbRmam4MqX0TLUPb6Qk4ijStiHrw-bCWpNbVbc74itGOz9DT~Ol7GroPFfd2n-gVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Owensboro, KY","date","2025-06-18T09:57:31Z","article","During the open public forum at the June 17 Owensboro City Commission meeting several residents asked commissioners to consider allowing backyard chickens within city limits.

Isabelle Burquette, who identified her address and said she lives outside the city limits, told commissioners Owensboro is \"the only city in the state of Kentucky who don't allow backyard chickens\" and asked them to research the issue and consider permitting a small number (she suggested four to six birds). \"This small step helps support the health and gives residents a way to provide fresh, nutritious eggs for the families,\" Burquette said.

Tatiana Rose Burkett, who also gave the address 3537 Cannonade Loop North, echoed the request and asked commissioners to \"please vote to make a change.\"

Abigail Matthews, a homeschool parent at 200 Fremont Drive, said allowing backyard chickens would give children responsibility and educational opportunities. \"We would love for both of us to be able to give our kids the opportunity to grow up with animals of all sorts,\" Matthews said.

Trey Matthews, who also listed 200 Tremont Drive, described hands‑on experience with poultry on family property and said the activity helps children learn where food comes from. \"It gives them an idea of, like, my food doesn't come from the refrigerator,\" he said.

No member of the commission announced a vote, direction to staff or next steps on the topic during the meeting. The public comments concluded and the commission moved to adjourn.

Why it matters: Residents framed the change as low‑cost and educational, and said comparable policies exist in larger Kentucky cities. The commission did not take action during the meeting; further consideration would require a staff report or an ordinance change if commissioners choose to pursue it.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Owensboro Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - June 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During the public forum several residents asked the commission to consider changing city rules to permit a small number of backyard chickens, citing nutrition, education and family benefits. No policy action was taken at the meeting.","taxTitle","Owensboro City, Daviess County, Kentucky","taxId",5709,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514569,"Votes at a glance: Minutes, appointments, FEMA grant application and financial report approved",421,5055000,5476000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1&start=5055&end=5476","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1/thumbnail_5055000.jpg","/articles/6514569/Owensboro-City/Daviess-County/Kentucky/Votes-at-a-glance-Minutes-appointments-FEMA-grant-application-and-financial-report-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514569-95286ccf4ac54978ec353dc67f6e1e34/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144076&Signature=EbvSMMAoCqoGmnSwjqftGgbaR6GiyVCG7kExl9Y0qPcEgt-1PUHuX3ZZbEnhpOTldrXUls~cKb0kB9EepJtrMeHcWJ3XRxVrEat8hwGpqaOwIrgsan92-c2qN7mvZ2bx-E4ocpAqmyIf6pDzS27f2q6jNhMguvfJH02XG8FgMEo0KkojXFfSvyXM-GOi3V6AmoKy~C99Y~APqc7n2DRAlHU6Clria-CyRwDgmQvRnTcMV9Q90dEOWjisRMjFfnI-ynMtj1KQFzgfmHOE-9hH0rUABwshDT3SR7lIzcepJ1Ha6SfVw1Ou8DuRCDy74WIx9tiuQC1QayStMLh-kudMmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Owensboro City Commission at its June 17 meeting approved several routine items by voice vote and motions, and authorized a FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety grant application.

Key votes and outcomes

- Minutes: The commission approved the minutes dated June 2025 by voice vote.

- Board appointments: The commission reappointed Woody Maglinger and Anita Jones to two‑year terms ending June 2027; a motion to approve carried by voice vote.

- Municipal Order 13‑2025 (FEMA FP&S grant): The commission authorized the mayor to execute an application for a fiscal year 2024 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant through FEMA in an approximate amount of $72,000. The city is required to provide a 5 percent match of up to $3,600. A motion to approve passed by voice vote.

- Financial report: Staff presented the May financial report showing month and fiscal year‑to‑date revenues and expenditures; the commission voted to accept the report for the period ending May 31, 2025.

- Personnel appointments: The commission approved the following regular full‑time non civil service appointments effective as stated: Jeffrey Hall, firefighter, effective May 30, 2025; Stacy Allen, occupational revenue clerk with the finance department, effective June 17, 2025; and Misty Royal, bus driver with Public Works Transit, effective June 17, 2025.

Motion details: For several items the meeting record reflects a motion and second followed by voice approval. Where roll call votes were recorded elsewhere on the agenda (for example, Ordinance 09/2025), those are noted in the separate senior center coverage.

Why it matters: The FEMA grant application, if funded, would supply training equipment for the fire department and requires a modest city match; the appointments and report are part of routine municipal operations and staffing.

What comes next: Staff will proceed with the FEMA grant application and follow normal onboarding for the personnel approved by the commission.","At the June 17 Owensboro City Commission meeting the commission approved routine minutes, reappointed board members, approved an application for a FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety grant and accepted the May financial report and several personnel appointments.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514574,"Commission approves Davis County contribution for Owensboro senior center; groundbreaking set for June 18",0,5095000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1&start=5095&end=5095","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1/thumbnail_5095000.jpg","/articles/6514574/Owensboro-City/Daviess-County/Kentucky/Commission-approves-Davis-County-contribution-for-Owensboro-senior-center-groundbreaking-set-for-June-18","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514574-d80dea43e1223a0cdf58b3ba7dac749e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144076&Signature=M19kRqnll7pgrS9uN2UXYmsngLnpzIrXyS6NhKAm5vtdaCVBfgNrPKD4awwJaKuLw2nkpw19SNGAHhcySu65m6eF4JStga80lRqRyoH900o64lFa4UR1gBjafP1ditYrl43u5pZ5MeD-JdG8fwYJNIttY8quE7dPPW4XhTZ4CpZ62TK~RJrm1sUU0PjDwcR8fYAXoDp0DBN1XnW3BxTOiR6chEE68vOpvsEclTXegEImzlAX-6PW5TjYhIBG~VPdyKqMDGi1iwSmiIX4V-OD7Ge1Vl6xtG~FlMgv5FYRwNvLgths8-49~zAJhFFGxdmNTzihaG5YxvITS39Y2CgAnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Owensboro City Commission unanimously approved Ordinance 09/2025 on second reading on June 17, amending the city's fiscal 2024–2025 budget to accept and appropriate Davis County fiscal court funds for construction of a new senior center.

City Manager Nate Pagan summarized the ordinance as a second reading that concerns a single budget item: the receipt and expenditure of the county's contribution toward the new senior center. The roll‑call vote recorded Commissioners Sanford, Neesmith, Mayor Watson and Commissioner Maglinger voting yes.

Pagan also noted a city event tied to the project: a groundbreaking for the new senior center is scheduled for 1 p.m. on June 18 on the site at the corner of Second Street and Carter Road adjacent to the Botanical Garden and in front of Thompson Berry Park. Pagan advised attendees to wear old shoes or boots because the site may be muddy.

Action details: The ordinance was read on second reading and a motion to approve was made and seconded; a roll call followed and the motion passed. The commission did not include additional ordinance details in the meeting minutes beyond the description that the amendment provides for receipt of county funds toward senior center construction.

Why it matters: The ordinance authorizes city acceptance and appropriation of county funds specifically for the senior center construction; the project advances to a visible construction milestone with the scheduled groundbreaking.

What the city said next: Staff encouraged attendance at the groundbreaking and noted standard weather‑ and site‑related contingencies. No changes to the ordinance text were recorded during the meeting.","The commission approved Ordinance 09/2025, a second‑reading budget amendment to accept Davis County fiscal court funds for the new senior center. City staff announced a groundbreaking scheduled for 1 p.m. June 18 at Second Street and Carter Road.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514579,"City unveils Monarch NRSA plan to address housing repairs, rental affordability",588,4368000,4956000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1&start=4368&end=4956","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1/thumbnail_4368000.jpg","/articles/6514579/Owensboro-City/Daviess-County/Kentucky/City-unveils-Monarch-NRSA-plan-to-address-housing-repairs-rental-affordability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514579-992b84400af30573eaf31bf226bcc918/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144076&Signature=Kj5kCAkvLVDcSBbHfj-5PK~PNs92bqD~5qysrV2mvDNReEvvWU9pb~jCtytYFhPofJZkV4uDYExmsScqj6uWDiBOydwQayeegCSoTuTnuMRiyAdY5yWV2wz1eKfUGOt9PcEg~Rq12FLD1FGUCc6fR7Pk1q06bGf0B221F4RdRRLVetFW-kS14oQtsaXsV-knbBiZqWC04hlbURgtePftAQkqsT6o1q8v4SI~GMsIg6LtXs2Yf8zKNFK~I2yDwppWs8nTB8IljNdw331zsePhkitHeT42~gA6fT51~7yc8VHhcxv3lt5xLkN-LDNJqMSdCqwu7SmOXDERXSv2bz2iwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sabby Shelton, community development director, presented the proposed Monarch Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) to the Owensboro City Commission on June 17, laying out needs assessments, planned programs and a funding plan that pairs federal CDBG and HOME funds with private and local matches.

Shelton said the Monarch NRSA boundary would extend to Clay Street on the west, Ninth Street on the south, the city limits on the north and Dixie on the east. The presentation followed a five‑year Riverview NRSA that, Shelton said, delivered about 317 projects and roughly $12.6 million in combined public and private investment.

The Monarch market analysis identified concentrated low‑ and moderate‑income households and substantial rehabilitation needs: Shelton said 60.3 percent of residents in the proposed area qualify as low to moderate income and the median household income in the area is $36,525. She said property reviews show more than 72 percent of parcels require some level of rehabilitation to address structural or safety concerns.

Shelton described the principal housing needs the plan would target: a citywide shortage she quantified as roughly 224 rental units needed and high cost burdens among renters — the presentation said about 62 percent of renters exceed the 30 percent‑of‑income threshold for housing cost burden and 47 percent were spending more than 50 percent of income on housing.

To respond, the city proposed programs eligible for CDBG and HOME funding including exterior and single‑family rehabilitation, single‑family and single‑family rental new builds, commercial facade grants, a down‑payment assistance program, a demolition program (50/50 cost share up to $10,000) and a public‑facilities project to connect approximately 15 homes from septic to the combined sewer system. Shelton said the city will partner with Habitat for Humanity for new single‑family builds rather than acting as developer.

Shelton outlined a draft federal/local funding picture presented to the commission: approximately $3.1 million in federal funds, about $3.8 million in private match, and a $500,000 local community catalyst grant that the commission has budgeted to leverage. Per‑unit and per‑square‑foot caps discussed in the presentation included single‑family new build up to $35 per square foot, single‑family rehab up to $25 per square foot, and a single‑family rental rehab program offering up to $4,000 for landlords with 100 percent matching requirements.

Shelton said the NRSA was developed through a two‑year public engagement process including interviews, a citizen advisory committee and a market assessment, and she noted the consolidated plan submitted to HUD will be data driven and tied to HUD income limits.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions; Shelton said outcomes tracked to HUD reporting will include increased homeownership, business development and improved community safety and sustainability. No final action was taken by the commission at the June 17 meeting; Shelton closed by asking for questions and thanking staff for their work.

Why it matters: The NRSA identifies concentrated housing need, intervention targets and a funding framework that will guide federal HUD program investments and local matching funds in a defined neighborhood. If funded and implemented, projects could affect homeownership rates, rental affordability and neighborhood conditions in the Monarch area.","The community development department presented the Monarch Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area, proposing exterior rehab, utility upgrades, down‑payment assistance, demolition and rental rehab programs funded through CDBG, HOME and local matching dollars.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6514584,"Public Life Foundation unveils 'Checkmarks' early‑learning initiative in Owensboro",1022,3340000,4362000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1&start=3340&end=4362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5028768-3c7ccd5e0b91b08270ff725281512ef1/thumbnail_3340000.jpg","/articles/6514584/Owensboro-City/Daviess-County/Kentucky/Public-Life-Foundation-unveils-Checkmarks-earlylearning-initiative-in-Owensboro","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6514584-cae47b711fe44d56f6526f39c8601078/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144076&Signature=JdoY5G2ExKd1bAO62K7y~7wbbVcHRZXtKLWDFpBhOJLoZAPDNJ3dHWqd14ZyTLGSGlAh4R08pvhT4HgAPdTtFoIf0~mDi7yIKGyBbI4TAtYan6PMlZg82T9-WwITSTiCJIzxvBdN9sm~UIAPd8nzBz4S1Upxc4DmsHyxlXbhhj7qidv6JnkrpRcjY5yMtLEKyBthfbOzrxWgd9VVaJF8P12IxHF-dx8JBTvafjsLgj-WicVl8D3CKkM-39dVd5ou9o0CuMzXYE942qNl7OnZgJh-0ON38FOiWlBsWb4BiaoZJgeIaaiPVMZ5tG8eIa~oTgljTze92Y6S9~ar7q2h-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Public Life Foundation on June 17 told the Owensboro City Commission it has launched Checkmarks, a grassroots family‑engagement program meant to improve kindergarten readiness by embedding low‑barrier learning activities in parks, libraries and other community spaces.

The program, presented by Joe Berry, executive director of the Public Life Foundation, and Emmy Looseley, Checkmates program coordinator, aims to give parents simple activities and tools to foster early learning from birth through age 5 and to encourage community partners to integrate the materials into existing services and sites.

\"If we can improve kindergarten readiness outcomes, we know that children are gonna perform better, throughout their schoolwork and, and ultimately become more, better citizens, better members of the workforce,\" Joe Berry said. He told the commission the foundation developed the initiative with partners across business, education and social services and is emphasizing sites with universal access such as parks.

Looseley described current and planned elements: a text‑message service called Parent Powered with three texts per week (tips, facts and small growth challenges), a storybook walk, expanded baby book bundles at library and satellite sites, activity signs on park walking routes, and an \"I‑spy\" mural and sign at the Moreland Park tennis wall designed to prompt caregivers to ask questions and practice sight words with children.

\"We currently have 250 families in our community that signed up for that,\" Looseley said of the Parent Powered texts, which the presentation said are available in multiple languages keyed to local needs identified with the International Center.

Speakers and staff framed the work as responding to local learning gaps. The presentation cited two statistics discussed to the commission: about half of Owensboro students arrive at kindergarten unprepared, and roughly 47 percent of Owensboro students had not reached expected third‑grade reading levels. Commissioner Sanford asked why Owensboro lags; Berry answered that the causes are multiple but pointed to limited access to high‑quality childcare slots, high out‑of‑pocket childcare costs and workforce and funding imbalances. \"The system itself has some some real structural imbalances, in terms of costs and in terms of attracting the quality workforce,\" he said.

The presenters said the foundation is emphasizing partnerships rather than building standalone programs: the library provided a model for the storybook walk; the parks department agreed to host murals and activity trails; and other community partners will help expand home‑book bundles and outreach. No funding request to the commission was made during the presentation.

The commission did not take formal action on Checkmarks during the meeting. Berry and Looseley thanked city staff and the parks department for their assistance and said they will continue community outreach and partner expansion.

Why it matters: Early‑learning measures such as kindergarten readiness and third‑grade reading are commonly used by educators and policymakers as predictors of long‑term academic outcomes. The presenters tied Checkmarks to both education and workforce goals, saying improved early learning can support future labor participation and local competitiveness.

For follow up: Public Life Foundation materials and partnerships with the Davis County Public Library and Owensboro parks were noted by the presenters; the program's web link was made available via a QR code during the presentation.","Public Life Foundation presented 'Checkmarks,' a family‑engagement program aimed at improving kindergarten readiness by placing learning prompts and materials in parks, libraries and other community sites. Foundation and partners cited local readiness and third‑grade reading gaps as motivation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge Owensboro commission to allow backyard chickens

Votes at a glance: Minutes, appointments, FEMA grant application and financial report approved

Commission approves Davis County contribution for Owensboro senior center; groundbreaking set for June 18

City unveils Monarch NRSA plan to address housing repairs, rental affordability

Public Life Foundation unveils 'Checkmarks' early‑learning initiative in Owensboro