A great big CONGRATULATIONS goes Summer McNealy for being awarded the Spectrum News 1 Scholar Athlete Scholarship and Award. This young lady is a shining example of what it means to be a student athlete and we wish her continued success in all of her endeavors. Thank you to Ellen Call, Charter Communications, and Spectrum News for allowing me to be a part of this great event and for honoring this outstanding student. 

Information from Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife

Coyotes are generally monogamous and maintain pair bonds that can last for several years. The breeding season runs from late December through March, and pups are born in the early spring. Litter size depends on a variety of factors but typically ranges from four to seven. Coyotes become more aggressive and visible during mating season.

Coyotes, once limited to the prairies of central north America, are now common in suburban and urban areas across the country. neighborhood and city residents not used to being around these animals often have questions about how to deal with them. A basic understanding of the behavior of coyotes – and following some simple guide- lines – can help reduce conflicts with these wild animals.

Coyote sightings increase during certain times of the year. coyotes roam more as breeding season begins in January and February. Their visibility continues into July as they care for their new pups. sightings pick up again in the fall, when juveniles disperse to find their own territories.

Coyotes may be less tolerant of people around their dens while they are raising pups, especially when someone gets too close. Coyotes are adaptable animals that can use a variety of dens. sites can include hollow trees or logs, rock crevices, brush piles, abandoned groundhog burrows, self excavated holes, abandoned buildings or junk piles.

Total eradication of coyotes is not possible. Trapping and removing coyotes will only result in new coyotes moving in to occupy empty territories. Efforts to eradicate coyotes can actually increase their numbers: females may breed at younger ages and give birth to larger litters. The survival rate of pups may increase due to less competition for food.

Fortunately, coyotes typically avoid humans – unless people create situations that attract animals to their homes. communities must work together to maintain the natural fear that coyotes have of humans and create an environment where coyotes and humans can better co-exist.

The number one rule for dealing with coyotes is not to feed them or provide them with a food source. discourage your neighbors from feeding coyotes or leaving food out for feral cats or other wildlife.

Coyotes fed by people may lose their natural fear of humans and become aggressive. nature already provides plenty of food for these omnivorous animals. A coyote’s buffet may include mice, rabbits, frogs, insects, carrion, goose eggs and fruit. A coyote in search of an easy meal may also take advantage of dog food left on the porch, unsecured garbage and garden fruits such as watermelon and strawberries.

Community

• National Farm Machinery Show - Friday/Saturday, February 14 & 15 from 9 am - 6 pm, Kentucky Exposition Center  
• A Wizard's Christmas Event Series - Friday/Saturday, February 14 & 15 at 7 pm, Louisville Zoo 
• National Farm Machinery Show Championship Tractor Pull  - Friday/Saturday, February 14 & 15, times may vary, Kentucky Exposition Center
• Louisville Fairytale Ball - Saturday, February 15 from 9 am - 7 pm, Hyatt Regency Hotel
• Dancing with the Stars: Live! - Saturday, February 15 at 8 pm, Louisville Palace
• Black History Celebration at Shawnee - Saturday, February 15 from 11 am - 1:30 pm, Shawnee Public Library 
• IGNITE 2020 - Tuesday, February 18 from 7 am - 5 pm, Crown Plaza Hotel 
• Louisville Kids Fair Indoor Carnival - Saturday/Sunday, February 22 & 23 from 10 am -8 pm (Sunday until 6 pm), Kentucky Exposition Center

Arts & Culture

• Yoga with Art - Saturday's ($5), February 15, 22 & 29 at 9:30 am, 21c Museum Hotel 
• Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble Presents First Glimpse - Sunday, February 16 at 6 pm, Louisville Ballet (315 E. Main St. 40202) 
• Raphael Saadiq: Jimmy Lee Tour with Jamila Woods & DJ Duggz - Monday, February 17 at 8 pm, Old Forester's Paristown Hall 
• Michter’s Perfect Pairing: A Tasting Experience - Wednesday, February 19 at 7 pm, Frazier History Museum
• Shakespeare in Love 2020 Gala - Saturday, February 22 from 7 - 11 pm, 21c Museum Hotel

Sports & Health

• Valentine's Day Lantern Hike - Friday, February 14 at 7 pm, Louisville Nature Center
• Wilderness First Aid Course - Saturday/Sunday, February 15 & 16 from 7:30 am -7 pm, Louisville Waterfront Park (David K. Karem building) 
• Louisville Women's Basketball vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Sunday, February 16 at 3 pm, KFC Yum! Center 
• Louisville Men's Basketball vs. Syracuse Orange - Wednesday, February 19 at 7 pm, KFC Yum! Center
• Louisville Men's Basketball vs. North Carolina Tar Heels - Saturday, February 22 at 4 pm, KFC Yum! Center

Music, Food & Fun

• Jazz, Blues & Bourbon - Friday, February 14 from 5 - 8 pm, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage 
• Louisville Winter Beer Festival - Friday/Saturday, February 14 & 15 from 7:30 - 11 pm, Kentucky International Convention Center
• The Valentine's Ball feat. Hyryder and Dizgo - Friday, February 14 at 8 pm, Headliners Music Hall 
• Wrapped in Red Gala - Saturday, February 15 at 6 pm, Omni Louisville Hotel
• Botany of Bourbon - Thursday, February 20 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm,  Kentucky Artisan Distillery (6230 Old Lagrange Rd. Crestwood, KY 40014)
• 8th Annual Gravy Cup - Saturday, February 22 from 11 am - 2 pm, Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center
• Diana Ross - Sunday, February 23 at 7:30 pm, Louisville Palace