Local News

With Sweet Owen Day right around the corner, the event’s committee is gearing up for what is expected to be another successful festival.
The committee began prepping for this year’s event in the spring and expects 50-plus vendors.
Megan Karsner, an administrative assistant at the Owen County Judge-executive’s Office, has worked to make fliers, invite vendors and line up entertainment.

With a construction company in place and a groundbreaking expected in the near future, plans for the new Owen County Public Library continue to move forward.
The Owen County Public Library Board recently advertised for construction bids and chose the low bidder — Sullivan-Cozart of Louisville.
Owen County Public Library Director Jennifer Nippert said the company is out of Louisville and recently completed construction on the Newburg Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library.

Owen countians can expect a tax bill similar to last year’s after the Owen County Fiscal Court set its 2011 tax rates.
Owen County Judge-executive Carolyn Keith said due to a struggling economy, the court decided to keep the rates the same as last year.
“It just wasn’t realistic to raise taxes at this time,” Keith said. “We will meet our budget and now just isn’t the time to raise taxes on people.”
The real estate rate will remain at 11.8 cents per $100 of assessed value, the tangible or personal property at 14.2, the water craft at 14.8 and motor vehicle at 14.8.

Sixteen years ago, Mandy Holbert was a teenager writing poetry in her bedroom. That love of poetry evolved into passion and talent for writing her own music.
Friday night, all those years of pouring herself out on paper in song resulted in the launch of her first CD, “Jesus Healer.” With all songs featured on “Jesus Healer” being her own original work, she said she was a little apprehensive about sharing her music and lyrics with others.