Louisville Metro leaf drop-off service, originally scheduled to end December 1, has been extended by three weeks. Metro residents not mulching autumn leaves into their lawns or using curbside collection have the option to dispose of them at one of three drop-off sites through December 22. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.
Leaf drop off sites:
Public Works Yard
10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
Thursday – Saturday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Public Works East District Operations Center
595 Hubbards Lane
Thursday – Saturday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Public Works Waste Reduction Center
636 Meriwether Avenue
Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m

As the weather gets colder, it becomes increasingly dangerous for those who are homeless. Several constituents have reached out wanting to help, but don't know the best way to do so.
There are many outreach organizations who are checking on homeless individuals and distributing needed supplies. If you can, please consider donating the following items:
- Coats
- Socks
- Hats
- Blankets
Check out the Coalition for the Homeless’ website to see some of the member agencies that are working to provide these supplies to those who need it most.

The drug toss event is set for Saturday, December 8th at the Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop from 9:00am to 1:00pm. It is hosted by the officers of the Louisville Metro Police 7th Division. It is a safe, fast way to dispose unused medications. These events are designed to prevent unintentional and accidental poisoning and potential fatal overdoses. Just drive up and hand the medication to an officer, then be on your way.

Proper disposal by the LMPD helps protect the environment by keeping medications residue from leaking into waterways and threatening wildlife and drinking water.

The LIHEAP Program that helps low income residents of Jefferson County with their utility bills begins on Nov. 5, 2018. LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federally funded, income-based program that provides financial help to low-income households in meeting the costs of heating their home. The LIHEAP Subsidy Component is a one-time assistance benefit, which is paid directly to the heating vendor. The LIHEAP Subsidy Component begins Monday, Nov. 5 and will operate through Dec. 14, 2018, or until funding is depleted, whichever comes first.
Residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. The appointment system is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
Applicants must be Louisville Metro/Jefferson County residents with a household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For the Subsidy Component of LIHEAP, residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. Applicants must also provide the following documentation.
Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, etc. or proof of $0 income. Note: Zero Income forms are available at the Office of Resilience and Community Services office at 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Suite 201 or by clicking here.
Proof of Social Security number for each member of the household.
Most current heating bill; or statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent; or statement from your utility company if you participate in a pre-pay electric program. Please bring the account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric.
LIHEAP applications will be completed at the time of the appointment at:
Southwest Government Center/Dixie Highway location. 7219 Dixie Highway, 40258
Individuals who are unable to apply for this program in person may send a representative on their behalf with a note including the applicant’s signature and phone number. Residents who are homebound and who are unable to send a representative may call 502/780-7937.

The Holiday Open House is returning with exciting new additions including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus:
When: Saturday, December 15 from 10am-2pm
Where: Jefferson Memorial Forest
Enjoy free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies by the fire, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and shop for unique gifts in the Welcome Center Gift Shop. Event features self-guided winter scavenger hunts to search for natural materials to make ornaments. Guests will receive a special tree cookie from the Forest to take home along with craft supplies and instructions to make a unique Forest-inspired ornament (while supplies last).

Event is Free and open to the public. Call 502-368-5404 for more details

57 Signs for 24 Locations

Our Signs & Markings unit is wrapping up the process of putting up new warning signs for motorists alerting them to potential flooding in low lying areas. Following a survey of roads around the city, twenty-four locations--mostly railroad and highway underpasses--were selected for the new signage. Wording on the new signs has been changed to reflect the latest national standard based on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

The words ROAD MAY FLOOD have replaced DO NOT ENTER WHEN FLOODED as the up to date way to focus the attention of drivers on the hazards of flood prone areas. Signs were installed at ten locations that previously had no sign. Four locations required only replacements with the new wording, and ten others got additional signs along with replacements for old ones.

Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase. KYTC encourages motorists to prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:
Tips prepared by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
-Stock vehicles with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and first aid kit.
-Winterize vehicles. Have your car battery, tire pressure and brakes checked. Make sure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly.
-When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you’re in. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in adverse weather conditions, so break early and slowly.
-Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level.
-Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. -These are all candidates for developing black ice—a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
-Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment. Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
-Allow more time to travel for routine commutes.
-Know before you go. Download the free Waze app or visit goky.ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel.
Get the latest alerts @LouPubWorks and @KYTC

Take a look at BBB’s hot topics for 2018!
1. Beware of fake shopping websites this holiday season. Some may sell counterfeit merchandise, while others mimic reputable retailers.
2. Give wisely this year! Make sure your donations to charitable organizations are going to the right place, and not into a scammer’s pocket.
3. Watch out for travel deal scams. A local consumer saw a Facebook advertisement for a vacation in a 5-star hotel at a low price. After inquiring, she was asked to deposit money into an account to begin the process. Don’t fall for it!
4. Don’t fall for fake Amazon emails. These messages say there’s an issue with your order and provide a link to fix it. Unfortunately, you are sent to a phishing site which captures your Amazon account information.
5. Be wary of calls from Medicare imposters! These scammers are asking people for personal information or payment before they send out your new cards. Just remember the new Medicare cards are automatically sent to you – no verification or payment necessary.
6. Have you won a prize from America’s Sweepstakes? A Louisville consumer told BBB he received a call from America’s Sweepstakes saying he had won millions of dollars. All he had to do was send some money upfront to cover taxes before he could receive his winnings. This is a scam!
7. Don’t fall for a family emergency scam. Consumers are receiving phone calls from “loved ones” claiming to need money wired to an account for a medical emergency or to post bail since they are out of town. Don’t fall for this crafty con!
8. If you are selling items through Craigslist or other sites, be wary of a check overpayment scam. Scammers are sending fraudulent checks for more than the cost of the item and then ask the seller to wire the overage back to them.
9. Business owners: Beware of a fake email using BBB’s name! This email is targeted towards businesses and provides a link for companies to respond to an outstanding BBB complaint.
10. Scammers are calling local consumers saying they have won the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. All they have to do is pay a small up-front fee for processing or taxes before they can receive the winnings. If you get one of these calls, hang up!

Maintenance of public trees alongside private property Louisville is the responsibility of the abutting property owners under the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances. A 2017 update to LMCO Chapter 102 requires a permit from the Division of Community Forestry within the Office of Sustainability/Develop Louisville before pruning, removing, or replacing these public trees. There is no charge for the permits, but the proposed activities must conform to policies established by the Division.

The removal of a Public Tree must also include a replacement. Permits are not required for routine watering, mulching or the pruning of limbs (based on Division standards) narrower than four inches in diameter and less than seven feet above the ground that are obstructing pedestrian traffic.

Additional information about the Division’s public tree standards and permitting process can be found on the Division’s webpage. You may also contact the Division of Community Forestry at 574-3927.

I get calls every week about speeding on our D14 streets - and with good reason. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that most people who are speeding through residential areas actually live in the neighborhood! You might be eager to come home after work, but that’s no excuse if a child is hit and injured. Quite literally, speed kills: If you hit a pedestrian at 20 mph, 5% will die. If you hit a pedestrian at 30 mph, 45% will die. At 40 mph, 85% will die. 

Driver behavior is crucial to safety in residential neighborhoods.  When you’re driving, go slow enough to see and respond to every new circumstance. Look under parked cars, and you may see children’s feet from the sidewalk, though you can’t see them otherwise. If it’s dark, take another 10 mph off your speed, just in case. In short, take every precaution necessary to avoid bringing tragedy to your own neighborhood.

Please use good judgment when you are driving and remember that, in most cases, traffic behind you will be forced to slow down if you do.

We all know that illegal dumping--putting waste on property that is not licensed as a disposal facility--is an eyesore that is expensive to clean up, diminishes quality of life, discourages economic development and even sends plastic debris into our waterways.

That's why people caught dumping along our city's alleys, sidewalks, fields and roadsides are subject to fines and impoundment of any vehicle used in the dumping. That's where citizens can help with the problem. If you witness illegal dumping while it's happening, report it.

We've developed a new online form you can use to tell us where it happened, describe the vehicle(s) involved, preferably with license plate number(s), and even upload pictures. Of course you can always call Metro Call 311 or 574-5000. For more information about illegal dumping, including a link to the reporting form, visit our illegal dumping webpage.

Dec 7: Polar Express Pajama Party @ 6:00 P.M. - Experience some holiday magic as the Polar Express pulls into the station. Kids can come dressed in their pajamas and enjoy free games, crafts, and activities for the whole family. Mrs. Claus will read the story of The Polar Express, followed by a screening of the movie. 

Dec 11: Nutcracker Family Story Time with the Louisville Ballet @ 6:30 P.M. - A FREE all ages story time featuring a Louisville Ballet dancer reading the classic holiday story The Nutcracker, followed by crafts and activities.

Click the link below to be directed to the Southwest Library events located on Dixie Highway!

http://www.lfpl.org/events/