A Celebration of Life
SUMMER 2026
Cover art by Amanda Locke
Sweet Owen
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OWEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY
© 2022-2026, Owen County Tourism Commission Volume llll, Issue 19 Summer 2026
Morgan Thomas Editor
Cassie Hamilton, Ed.D. Copy Editor
Owen County Tourism Commission
Holly Bowling, Director
Shadoe Aldridge, Chairperson
Mike Haines, Treasurer
Lindsey Tirey, Secretary
Emma Engelman, Member
Darla House-Webb, Member
Sean O’Daniel, Member
Contributors
Lyndsi McNally, Teresa Swigert, Morgan Thomas
For advertising information, email editor@sweetowenmag.com
To submit an event, letter to the editor, photograhs, or suggest story ideas, email editor@sweetowenmag.com
Submission deadlines:
4 p.m., Friday, July 31, for Fall 2026
4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, for Winter 2026
Published quarterly by the Owen County Tourism Commission “...find yourself here” www.visitowencountyky.org
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
There’s something about summer in Owen County that feels a little slower, but in the best way.
The hills are alive again, rolling out in every shade of green you can imagine, stretching farther than you remember and reminding you just how lucky we are to call this place home. It’s the season where front porches stay busy, evenings last a little longer, and time spent with good company feels like it matters just a bit more.
Around the county, there’s a familiar hum of life that returns this time of year. The OC Farm and Craft Market is back, bringing with it the joy of local vendors, handmade goods, and the simple pleasure of neighbors showing up to support one another. Out at the fairgrounds, there is a renewed energy, walkers making their laps around the track, kids back in motion at practice, and the park and skate park filled with laughter, movement, and summer memories in the making.
And then there are the little things, the steady sound of mowers in the distance, birds chirping overhead, the smell of fresh cut grass hanging in the air, and those perfectly striped mow lines that somehow make everything feel just a little more put together. A well deserved nod to our Owen County Public Works crew for the care and pride they pour into keeping these spaces beautiful for all of us.
This time of year can also bring a lot of noise. Endless opinions, busy schedules, and the constant pull of social media can make it easy to forget what really matters. But maybe this summer is a good reminder to step away from the screens once in a while, sit on the porch a little longer, catch up with an old friend, support a local event, and reconnect face to face with the people around us. Community was never meant to be built through comment sections.
At the end of the day, we are all neighbors first. The small moments, shared conversations, and simple acts of kindness are what truly shape a town like ours. Those are the things worth holding onto.
So wherever this season finds you, I hope you take a second to pause, breathe it in, and appreciate the people around you and the place you call home.
Swimming Safely
WATER & ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX
Locate and label the power switches to your pool, hot tub, and spa equipment and lighting. Make sure your pool/hot tub/spa equipment is located at least 25 feet from power lines.
Pools, hot tubs, and spas should be inspected annually.
Inspections and any wiring or repairs should be performed by a licensed electrician.
Install GFCI outlets on all receptacles within 20 feet of the water's edge. These can help prevent electrocution.
150 Years on the Hill The Story of Cedar Hill Baptist Church
By Teresa Swigert Sweet Owen Contributor
The Baptist Church of Christ at Cedar Hill was the name recorded in the 1891 minutes, the church’s earliest records. Later, the 1924 minutes listed the name as it remains today: Cedar Hill Baptist Church.
Regardless of the name, I am thankful that in 1876 Mussel Shoals Baptist Church felt led by the Holy Spirit to establish a mission church at Cedar Hill. My heritage began there, but more importantly, my faith today was shaped by those early Christians who formed this church 150 years ago.
I love Cedar Hill Baptist Church. As a trustee, I help care for this old building, which has been expanded at least three — and possibly four — times over the years. However, it is not the building that keeps me attending. It is the body of believers who worship and serve at 3930 Highway 127 South.
I have deep admiration and respect for both current and former members. Like most
church congregations, there have been differences of opinion and hurt feelings through the years, but this small church has remained a God-fearing, Bible-believing congregation. The people are loving, caring, forgiving, giving — and welcoming.
Visitors are welcomed warmly, not singled out. They are greeted with handshakes, smiles and phrases such as “Glad you came” and “Join us again.”
One member recalls how warmly she was welcomed at her first Fall Festival. She said the church’s strong sense of family was unique. Because the church is located on one of the busiest highways in Owen County, travelers occasionally have stopped in over the years.
I remember one Sunday evening when a weary truck driver joined us for worship. It can be difficult to walk into a place where you know no one. I am grateful he felt welcomed, and I hope
he also felt the love of Jesus.
The road in front of the church likely always has been busy, though not nearly as fast-paced as today. In 1876, travel was primarily by horse and buggy or on foot. For that reason, I am amazed to read in an earlier church history that Cedar Hill Baptist Church began with 75 members.
Although I do not have a list of charter members, the following names appear in the 1891 and 1892 minutes: Agee, Bourn, Brissy, Clifton, Cubbage, Eddington, Fowler, Hensley,
Below is a photograph of Cedar Hill Baptist Church believed to be taken in the mid 1930s. (Take notice of the two front doors.)
Herndon, Holbrook, Hyatt, Jacob, Jackson, Johnson, Kemper, Kenney, Leak, Lewis, McNeer, Mostgun, Oliver, Roberts, Scott, Smith, Stamper, Stringfellow, Swigert, Thomas, Wingate and Wood.
Many of these names also appear near the church on the 1883 Atlas of Owen County.
Like many small churches in Owen County, Cedar Hill Baptist Church was established to serve residents in its surrounding community. The Cedar Hill community needed a place to worship.
I once imagined Cedar Hill in 1876 as primitive, but accounts suggest otherwise. It reportedly developed into a small community. In addition to a school across from the church, there was a general store nearby. Communities also existed along Severn Creek.
Even more surprising, a distillery and grocery store once stood where the dam at Elmer Davis Lake is now located. A mill also operated farther down the creek.
People walked up the hills from Severn Creek and from farms along the highway to hear the Word of God preached at Cedar Hill Baptist Church.
The two front doors allowed women to enter and sit on one side of the sanctuary while men entered and sat on the other.
According to current member Fadana Bramblett, that practice ended in 1948 when her parents,
Lawrence and Ann Riddle, began attending with their 10 children. Bramblett joked that her mother needed help keeping the children behaved.
In addition to the separate front doors, a wire once stretched across the sanctuary to hang curtains dividing Sunday school classes. Two potbellied stoves heated the sanctuary.
During the summer months, the four windows on each side of the church were raised for airflow and so the countryside could hear the congregation’s singing.
Today, the church has two HVAC systems to keep worshippers comfortable. Gospel groups occasionally still fill the sanctuary with loud music that vibrates the windows.
Other improvements include media equipment to enhance worship services, though hymnals and Bibles remain available in every pew. The church now has a baptistry, eliminating the need to travel to Severn Creek or borrow another church’s facility for baptisms.
Outdoor privies are long gone. The church now has four restrooms, including two that are handicap accessible — one upstairs and one downstairs.
I wish some of our departed members could have enjoyed these improvements.
The trees in front of the church were removed to create parking spaces. One tree, however, was removed because it housed bees.
A former pastor reportedly said, “Either the bees go, or I go.”
There is still beautiful timber behind the church. I doubt the current trustee could make similar demands about the walnut trees. Besides, they provide shade and beauty to the church grounds — though visitors should watch their step during fall and winter.
While the 1950’s and 1960’s saw some improvements to the inside, the 1970’s saw the biggest difference to the front of the church building. This picture taken in the ‘50s shows that those two separate doors are now gone.
I previously mentioned that my heritage began when this church was formed. My ancestors and relatives have appeared on church membership rolls from the beginning.
My maternal grandparents were married in their car beside the church by Bro. Levi Kemper in 1933. Apparently, they were shy, and Bro. Levi was accommodating.
My parents met at this church around 1949. Both had attended occasionally as children because tenant farming families often moved frequently.
Although they were not married at the church, R.C. and Mary (Hammond) Swigert have attended for many years and are now the oldest couple still attending.
While my heritage was established here, my faith in Christ grew through hearing God’s Word preached and taught by loving and faithful church members over the years. Some of those members still help ground me in my faith, even though many have no ancestral connection to Cedar Hill Baptist Church. They simply chose to make this church their home.
Fellowship with the body of Christ is rooted in Scripture. Hebrews 10:25 says:
“You should not stay away from the church ... but you should meet together and encourage each other.”
Today, many attend for fellowship, encouragement, prayer, worship and opportunities to serve God.
One remarkable couple, Larry and Sherry Ayres, moved to the community in 1973. Both were originally from Owen County, though from different areas.
Larry shared that one of his carpool companions to Frankfort was Lou Ann Wainscott, now deceased. She attended Cedar Hill Baptist Church and told him about David and Juanita Doughtery, who recently had lost their only son, Mark, in a drowning accident at Elk Lake.
Despite their tragedy, Lou
Ann described the couple’s remarkable faith and joy. Larry said he wanted to be part of a church like that.
A few months later, after visiting other churches in the area, Larry and Sherry joined Cedar Hill Baptist Church and have remained members ever since.
Over the years, they came to know and love faithful members such as the Doughterys and eventually became role models themselves.
Cedar Hill Baptist Church, which began as a mission church, has long supported mission work.
In 1925, the church maintained a preaching station on North Severn Creek, where about 20 families lived. In the 1930s, Sunday school services were held at the Kenny School House on Old Monterey Road.
The church continues to support women participating in Women’s Mission Union, first organized there in 1940.
Cedar Hill Baptist Church continues to support local, state, North American and international missions. The church has also been a member of the Owen County Baptist Association since hosting its first meeting in 1925.
According to the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Cedar Hill began Cooperative Program giving with a $19 contribution in 1928. In 2025, the church contributed $13,270.
Since 1928, Cedar Hill has contributed approximately
$458,000 to the Cooperative Program to support international missionaries, ministry training, church planting and other ministries.
The church also has supported individual youth participating in mission trips.
Youth and children’s ministries have always been important at Cedar Hill. It is likely the church has not missed a year of Vacation Bible School since the first one in 1938.
In 1986 alone, 152 people participated in Vacation Bible School.
The church began its van ministry in 1988 and consistently has reached children through Wednesday night programs.
Currently, WOW — “Worship on Wednesdays” — gives children opportunities to learn about Jesus through music, fellowship and fun.
Over the years, church events have included Fall Festivals, homecomings, revivals, two Wildlife Showcases and concerts.
We invite you to celebrate God’s faithfulness with us during our 150th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Perhaps you once attended Cedar Hill Baptist Church or are a descendant of one of its early members. If so, we invite you to share your memories and history with us. Make plans now to join us.
Owenton leans into smalltown nostalgia each summer, and this year’s Mayberry Day is set to continue a tradition that has quietly grown into one of the community’s most anticipated events.
Inspired by the charm and simplicity of The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry Day will return to downtown Owenton on
June 20, 2026, transforming Courthouse Square into a scene reminiscent of a bygone era. The event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 North Thomas St., invites visitors of all ages to step into a version of “Mayberry” right in the heart of Owen County.
The idea began more than 15 years ago with local business owner Richard Greene, a State Farm agent who has served Owen County for more than 40 years, who saw potential in Owenton’s historic downtown. With its walkable streets and close-knit feel, Greene believed the town naturally mirrored the fictional Mayberry made famous on television. His goal was simple: create an event that offered something for
everyone while supporting local businesses.
Greene, has worked alongside his son, Alan Greene, to grow the event year after year. Aside from a three-year pause due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mayberry Day has steadily expanded, drawing visitors not only from across Kentucky but also from neighboring states like Tennessee, Indiana and Illinois.
A key feature of the event is its immersive downtown experience. Local shops and restaurants temporarily take on names inspired by the show, giving visitors the chance to stroll through familiar-sounding spots like Aunt Bee’s Boutique, H. Goss, Tailor, and Lukin’s
Store. Dining options follow suit, with themed stops such as the Bluebird Diner, Walkers Drugstore for coffee and soda, a traditional fish fry, and the Mayberry Diner.
Entertainment throughout the day keeps the atmosphere lively. This year’s lineup includes a car show, music from DJ “The Iceman,” and live performances by Garrick “Pudding” Howell, John McHugh, Dudley Roberts & Steve Gullette, and No Tools Alone.
Families will find plenty to enjoy as well, with inflatables for children and interactive contests that encourage community participation. The Aunt Bee’s Baking Contest will kick off at 10 a.m. at the Owenton I.O.O.F. Hall,
located at 139 West Seminary Street, with judging beginning at 10:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their best cakes, pies, cookies or even pickles for a chance to take home a ribbon. A dress-alike contest will also add to the day’s fun, inviting attendees to channel their favorite Mayberry characters.
What began as a simple idea rooted in nostalgia has grown into a regional draw, but its heart remains the same. Mayberry Day continues to celebrate
community, creativity and the enduring appeal of small-town life, something Owenton knows well.
OWEN COUNTY
Kentucky
From cozy cabins to charming country escapes, Owen County offers the perfect place to unwind and feel at home.
Relax. Recharge. Explore.
MAY - SEPTEMBER | FRIDAYS 10 AM – 1 PM
430 ROLAND AVE, OWENTON
JUNE 19TH with discounts and specials!
followuson facebook! receive $15 market voucher for additional information reach out to ocfacm@gmail.com
JUNE 26TH
$5 booth fee, 10 spots available! Kid’s under 14 get free market tokens kid’s entrepreneur day celebrating fathers
*select market vendors will be at food truck Friday!
the date!
seeking one volunteer per market to greet guests at our welcome table! farm to table dinner september 12th
MONDAY, JUNE 1
10 a.m., Stretch & Strengthen at the Owen County Public Library
Join the weekly class to gain better balance and strength. Flowing, gentle exercises for all abilities. Repeats every Monday.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
5:30 p.m., Crafting for Self-Care at the Owen County Extension office
Come make a mosaic steppingstone and learn the importance of self-care. Call 502484-5703 to register.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
11 a.m., Walk Away the Pounds at the Owen County Public Library
Today is the day! Join others for motivation to walk for thirty minutes. We follow a video and the time passes quickly. Walk your way to better health. What are you waiting for? Repeats every Thursday.
4:30 p.m., Bookmobile @ Monterey Dollar General
All dates/times subject to change due to inclement weather; see Owen County Public Library website and Facebook page for updates.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
2 p.m., Books @ Noon at the Owen County Public Library
We meet on the first Friday of each month and welcome all. Join us!
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
3:30 p.m., Bookmobile at the Lighthouse Church
5:30 p.m., Knitting and Crocheting with Leah
In a ball of yarn is the potential to make a dream come true. Join us on the second Tuesday of each month and make new friends with others who love yarn work. All yarn lovers are welcome.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
3:30 p.m., Bookmobile @ New Liberty
5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Splash’s Summer Bash
Free family event celebrating 10 years of prevention in Owen County at the Owen County Fairgrounds Including food trucks, touch a truck, games and group activities, family giveaways and interactive booths!
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Celebrating Fathers at the Owen County Farm & Craft Market
Celebrating fathers with discounts and specials.
2 p.m., Mystery Book Club at the Owen County Public Library
If you like mystery an suspense, this is the book club for you!
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Mayberry Day at the Owen County Courthouse Square
Returning to downtown Owenton, bringing a full day of family-friendly fun inspired by the charm of smalltown. The event features live music, classic cars, local vendors, food and activities for all ages, celebrating community spirit and the nostalgia of simpler times.
10 a.m. Owen County Historical Society hosts colonial dancers at the Courthouse! The Historical Society Museum becomes the Rimshaw House for the day! Come for a tour of the museum or just to watch an episode of the Andy Griffith Show!
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
6 p.m., Painting 101 at the Owen County Public Library
Learn basic painting and composition techniques every third Tuesday of the month. Can start anytime. Beginners welcome! Register at 502-484-3450.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Kids Entrepreneur Day at the Owen County Farm & Craft Market
Each cild receives $2 in tokens. 14 and under. Register to have a booth for $5 vendor fee. 10 spots available. No food or abeverage items. Handmade items only. Email ocfacm@gmail.com to reserve spot by June 19th.
6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Food Truck Friday at Courthouse Square Twist of Fate will be the entertainment. Follow Owenton Food Truck Friday for food truck details! Sponsored by German American Bank. Select Farmers
Market vendors will be in attendance.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m., Kentucky Reptile Zoo at the Owen County Public Library
Join us in learning abou the reptiles of Kentucky!
FRIDAY, JULY 3
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
TUES-SAT, JULY 3-11
Owen County Fair comes to town! Follow Owen County KY on Facebook for more info! 355 Ellis Rd, Owenton
FRIDAY, JULY 10
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
First Responder Appreciation Day specials and discounts. Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Kentucky River Day at the Owen County Historical Society Games, prizes, stories, and special music celebrating the Kentucky River and its significance to our county! 206 N Main Street.
FRIDAY, JULY 17
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Celebrating Christmas in July. Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
8 p.m. Wide Open No Fear Rodeo
Returning July 24-25 to the Owen County Fairgrounds. Follow Wide
Open No Fear on Facebook for updates and ticket info.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Kid’s Day Summer Blast with Owen County Fire Department. Hands on demonstrations with a fire truck on site. Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
Food Truck Friday at Courthouse Square
Select Farmers Market vendors will be in attendance.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6-8
127 YARD SALE
August marks the return of the 127 Yard Sale, where bargain hunting meets bumper-to-bumper browsing. So bring your curiosity and a bit of extra travel time/patience!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
NO Owen County Farm & Craft Market due to 127-yard sale weekend.
10 a.m., Summer Preschool Dat at the Owen County Extension Office Join us for kindergarten readiness learning activities, crafts, story time, snack, and more! For ages 3-5. An adult must attend with the
preschooler. Call 502-484-5703 to register.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Frontier Kids Day at the Owen County Historical Society.
Kids learn to light a fire with flint and steel, make candles, and a pinched tin decoration, limit 25. 206 N Main Street.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Senior Citizens Day. Specials for seniors 60 and over.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
Food Truck Friday
Select Farmers Market vendors will be in attendance.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ancient Artifact Day hosted by the Owen County Historical Society at the Odd Fellows Lodge
Explore Ancient Artifacts of Kentucky and have intriguing conversations with their collectors!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market.
Located behind Farm Bureau under the pavilion.
OC
Sweet Owen is proud to showcase the creativity and talent of students in our community. Featured on this page is a poem written by Kaitlyn Cunningham, a student at Owen County Middle School, as part of an assignment in Mrs. Amanda Anderson-Matthews’ English class, alongside artwork created by Kaylei VonWeller in Mr. Sunda’s 7th grade art class. Mr. Sunda describes the piece as a watercolor silhouette painting, the students were required to feature an outdoor scene or landscape design.
Never Give Up
By Kaitlyn Cunningham
When the path is steep and shadows fall, Stand your ground and stand up tall. Though the winds of doubt may start to blow, Keep the fire in your heart aglow. The road is long and the climb is hard, But don’t let your spirit become scarred For every stumble and every fall Is just a chance to conquer it all.
The dawn will break with a golden light, Ending the struggle of the longest night. With steady feet and a vision true, The strength you need is within you.
FEATURE
WHY A REVOLUTIONARY WAR MONUMENT? Honoring Owen County Patriots
By Teresa Swigert
Sweet Owen Contributor
“Why a Revolutionary War monument?” The simple answer is: “Because there isn’t one.”
There is no monument in Owen County, Kentucky, honoring the brave and determined patriots who fought for America’s freedom during the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783. A few individual grave markers are located throughout the county, but a single monument recognizing all of these patriots would provide a meaningful tribute.
The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is requesting community support to erect a monument at IOOF Cemetery in Owenton. The chapter has already purchased a double plot and raised $3,272 toward its $15,000 goal.
The monument will memorialize approximately 47 patriots who settled in the area now known as Owen County after serving in the Revolutionary War. That number reflects those who applied for war pensions or whose
pensions, and documentation of their wartime contributions may not exist.
According to research notes compiled by the late Doris Shell Gill, a professional genealogist and former Owen County resident:
“The total number of pensions granted nationwide to soldiers of the Revolution and their widows was 62,069. Kentuckians account for more than 3,000 of this number.
Taking into consideration the large number of soldiers who had not served long enough to become entitled to a pension, those who refused to apply and those who died before pensions became available, it is apparent that there must have been, by moderate estimation, at least three Revolutionary soldiers who never received a pension for every one who did.”
Although some Owen County patriots may not be included on the monument, their service and sacrifice still deserve recognition.
making a donation? Every dollar helps and is greatly appreciated.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Checks should be made payable to John Guill–Polly Hawkins Craig Chapter DAR. Please write “Monument” in the memo line.
Mail donations to:
Kitty Cammack, Treasurer 1820 Jonesville Road Owenton, KY 40359-8251
Donations may also be given to any chapter member.
Local chapter officers are Sandra Bush, regent; Carol Shelton, chaplain; and Peggy Trinkle, registrar.
Additional opportunities to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial locally include attending programs hosted by the Owen County Historical Society. This year, the society has already presented several Revolutionary Warthemed programs.
In March, Dallas Stafford presented “Fort Boonesborough During the Revolutionary War.” In April, Bonnie Strassell presented “Kentucky Women in the Revolutionary War.” In May, Tom Strassell and James French presented “Defending the Kentucky Frontier,” featuring a display of Kentucky weapons used to defend the frontier during the Revolutionary War.
On Oct. 10 at 10 a.m., costumed interpreters will lead visitors through IOOF Cemetery on a journey honoring Owen County Revolutionary War patriots.
Only a few patriots currently have markers in Owenton, but a monument honoring all would serve as a lasting tribute to their legacy.
The following list is not allinclusive, but you may recognize one of your ancestors:
James Ball, Richard Bennett, John Berry, John Bond, Samuel Boone, Andrew Bourne, Robert Burke, Henry Carter, James Chandler, Samuel Cobb, Hugh Conway, William Dahoney, Isaac Ellis, John Garnett,
Job Garvey, John Guill, John Hammon, Jacob Heddleston, Benjamin Holiday, Lawrence Hoover, Jacob Hunter, John Jamison, Edward Jennings, Solomon Jennings, Joseph Jones, Edward D. Kenny, John Kugel, William Lawrence, William Ligon, Sherwood Maddox, Alexander Major, James Mason, Alexander McClellan, Hugh
McCormick, Joseph Minor, Thomas Parsley, Minus Radcliff, Benjamin Robinson, John Sanders, John Searcy, Henry Sparks, Jacob Stamper, Robert Stewart, Edward Stivers, John Thomas, Henry Toon, Louis Vallandingham, John Wade and John Wilhite.
PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST CONTEST
Hi! I’m Lyndsi — an Owen County native, wife to Lucas, and mom to Maximus and Miles. During the height of COVID-19, while working as a contact tracer for the health department, I found myself craving something positive in a world that felt divided. One day I shared a dinner photo online, and to my surprise, people connected over it. That simple post turned into a daily habit of “Cook. Post. Repeat.” and eventually led me to Sweet Owen Magazine.
These recipes may not be revolutionary, but they’ve brought people together — and honestly, having local little old ladies make my recipes is the ultimate Millennial dream.
Triple Tomato Pasta
• 1 lb of your favorite pasta (Carbs are the foundation of happiness).
• 1 jar of “I trust this brand” pasta sauce
• 1 pint of grape tomatoes (The “Fresh” factor).
• 1/2 an onion, chopped
• Fresh garlic, as much as your soul (or your date) allows.
• The Spice Cabinet: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fennel seed
• Shaved Parmesan: For the finishing touch
1. In a large skillet, heat a glug of olive oil mixed with a generous splash of the oil from the sundried tomato jar. Toss in your onion and fresh garlic.
2. Saute until the neighbors start wondering what smells so good.
3. Add your grape tomatoes and as many sundried tomatoes as your heart desires (measure this with your spirit, not a spoon).
4. Let them sizzle and get acquainted for about 5 minutes until the fresh ones start to look a little stressed and blistered.
5. Pour in that jar of sauce.
6. Shake in your herbs and spices.
7. Let this simmer on low, allowing the flavors to get to know each other.
8. Meanwhile, boil your pasta according to the box directions, or until it’s al dente (which is Italian for “don’t overcook it into mush”).
9. Once the pasta is ready, ditch the water and toss those noodles directly into the sauce pan.
10. Give it a good swirl so every strand is coated in that triple-threat tomato goodness.
11. Top with a mountain of shaved Parmesan.
12. Serve it up hot, pair it with a glass of something cold, and pretend you spent hours on this. We won’t tell.
From Your Kitchen to Our Pages!
Got a recipe everyone asks you for? Unless it’s a secret family recipe you’d have to put us in the will to get, we want it!
Sweet Owen Magazine is now accepting reader-submitted recipes to be featured in upcoming isues!
These Summer Storms
By: Sarah Maclean
384 pages
After the death of her wealthy, manipulative father, Alice Storm returns to her family’s private island for the funeral—only to become trapped in a weeklong inheritance game designed to expose secrets and stir chaos among the dysfunctional Storm siblings. Filled with family drama, romance, and sharp humor, this novel explores grief, love, and the complicated ties that bind families together.
First Published: July 8, 2025
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Goodreads Rating: 3.76
ATMOSPHERE
By: Taylor Jenkins Reid
337 pages
Set against the early days of NASA’s space shuttle program, this novel follows Joan Goodwin, a quiet astronomy professor selected to train as one of the first female astronauts in 1980. As she forms deep friendships and discovers unexpected love, Joan’s life—and understanding of herself—changes forever before one pivotal mission alters everything.
First Published: June 3, 2025
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance Goodreads Rating: 4.32
368 pages
Set in Louisiana, this novel follows lifelong friends Vernice and Annie, two motherless girls whose lives take very different paths. While Vernice finds stability, success, and sisterhood through college and marriage, Annie embarks on a difficult journey searching for the mother who abandoned her— leading her through hardship, danger, love, and ultimately a fight for survival.
First Published: February 24, 2026
Genres: Historical Fiction Rating: 4.28
KIN
By: Tayari Jones
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