Councilwoman
Paula McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107
Email Councilwoman McCraney
Visit the District 7 Website
Phone Numbers
of Interest
Air Pollution: 574-6000
Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318
Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)
Brightside: 574-2613
Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700
Legal Aid: 584-1254
Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000
Metro Parks: 574-7275
Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111
Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111
MSD: 587-0603
PARC: 569-6222
Poison Control: 589-8222
Public Works: 574-5810
Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571
TARC: 585-1234
Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447
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Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. It is celebrated May 15th of each year. The event is sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police and is implemented by the FOP Memorial Committee.
Pictured: The Patriots Peace Memorial, located next to Thurman-Hutchins Park on River Road, east of Zorn Avenue. A District 7 jewel!
3742 Upper River Road, 40207, off I-71, Zorn Avenue Exit
NOTE: After much consideration, to include future projections of the spread of COVID-19 within our community, the Board of Directors of the Patriots Peace Memorial Committee, Inc. is in unanimous agreement that the annual Memorial Day ceremony, scheduled for May 25, 2020, be canceled. Hopefully, annual ceremonies will resume next Memorial Day (May 31, 2021), with an enshrinement and dedication of a beautiful tulip poplar tree on the memorial grounds, to the memories of David and Betty Jones, benevolent supporters of the Patriots Peace Memorial since its conception.
DISCLAIMER: As in some of the other e-Newsletter issues, my message today is a bit long winded. This one tops them all. I know that e-Newsletters are best designed as brief tidbits of information. I apologize if the length of my message annoys you. My only recommendation would be to skip it and scroll down beneath it to view the other information, or treat it like a short story and read at your leisure. In my opinion, the message is informational, heartfelt and necessary (and was therapeutic for me!).
I look forward to your comments regarding the message, and urge you to share and/or debate the issue with others.
Bon Appetit! :-)
Dear Neighbor and Friend,
This was a busy week for Metro Councilmembers. But perhaps I should speak for myself…
On any given week these days, I spend my time responding to emails, returning phone calls, researching issues, contacting the correct Louisville Metro department to handle existing problems, reviewing documents to prepare for committee meetings, listening to agency heads or nonprofit groups regarding their budget requirements and writing this e-Newsletter.
I am in no way complaining; I signed up for this when I ran for office. All of that comes with the territory. In fact, I quite enjoy the responsibilities. But, little did I know there would be a week quite like this one – a week filled with the ordinary routines but sprinkled with a heavy dose of acrimony.
My colleagues and I received hundreds of phone calls and emails regarding two subjects that are under national scrutiny. These phone calls were about the killing of a young black female Louisville resident named Breonna Taylor. The calls were passionate and pointed. The emails were from citizens who feel their constitutional rights are being violated. They, too, were passionate and pointed. However, the emails also came across as defensive, defiant, demanding, and with an incisive tone. Regardless of the volume of calls and emails or the tone of them, I take each one seriously and respect the citizens who took the time to express themselves.
In the case of Breonna Taylor, I offer these remarks: My heart is heavy, and I am saddened by the news of Ms. Taylor’s death. I pray for her family’s healing and their search for the truth. I stand with Congressman Yarmuth, Governor Beshear, Mayor Fischer and Metro Council President David James and the entire Metro Council who call for a swift and thorough investigation of the case and actions of the officers. I expect nothing less than the truth and justice to prevail.
As for the chain emails, I start by sharing what was in the subject line and first two sentences when I opened them. I give a short commentary, and then respond to the email in detail, while pointing out a few of the issues.
Subject: I do not consent to unlawful quarantining, "contact tracing" or threatened mandatory vaccinations
First sentence: The discussions about unlawful quarantining, “contact tracing” surveillance, "social distancing" and other measures associated with the lockdown, have unparalleled importance since what is at stake is whether Americans will retain unalienable Constitutional rights – or if those rights will be exchanged for “privileges”.
Second sentence: Various unprecedented “pandemic" measures are being discussed and or implemented by federal, state and municipal governments. The "lockdowns" are increasingly seen by Americans as clearly unfitting and causing untold harm – and must be ended immediately.
As the emails mounted, it became clear that I would not be able to address each one personally. The emails contained 944 words, 4,958 characters, 23 paragraphs and 72 lines, not including the name, address and phone number often listed at the bottom. They came to us from all over the community. Since they were chain emails, I decided to respond only to those from District 7. I quickly discovered that responding to just those was overwhelming. The thought occurred to me to write one message and put it in the e-Newsletter.
In order to address these emails properly it was important to start with the meaning of the Constitution. Through the years, amendments to the Constitution have been added because it is a living document that changes as society moves forward. My subsequent response concentrates on the First Amendment to the Constitution, which is part of the Bill of Rights.
My response to the hundreds of chain emails:
The Constitution of the United States contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured and how it operates. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (office of the President,) and Judicial (Federal court system). A system of checks and balances prevents any one of these separate powers from becoming dominant. Articles four through seven describe the relationship of the states to the Federal Government, establish the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and define the amendment and ratification processes.
The Bill of Rights gives us many freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of the press. These constitutional rights protect the lives of individuals from government interference. If you will, allow me to focus my remarks on the freedom of speech and the right of the people to peacefully assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.
First, I must get this out of the way. In paragraph seven of the email, you state, “I will expect a response in writing (email) with your answer within 10 days. If I do not hear back from you, or you fail to respond, it will be clear to me that you do NOT deserve my vote in the next election; and that my understanding, as stated here, is correct.”
I am a self-proclaimed constitutional scholar. I love to read the Constitution, recite the preamble, and hold our government accountable to it. I believe wholeheartedly that our constitutional rights are irrevocable, that when the Constitution was created by the Founding Fathers (Framers) and ultimately ratified by the States, it was absolute and binding. I will go to bat for anyone speaking out against tyranny and believe strongly in fighting for human and civil rights.
People who know me will say that I will go down fighting for what I feel is just. People may also say that I am responsive to my constituents and take great pride in returning calls and replying to emails in a timely manner. I support people’s right to protest, share opinions, and yes, their right to make a complaint to, or seek assistance of government (which includes your Metro Council member), without fear of punishment or reprisals. I’m covered by the Constitution, too. I enjoy the freedom of expressing myself, and hope that others would respect my right to do so, because the First Amendment gives me this inalienable right. So, let’s dispense with the idle threats.
Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, on to responding to your email.
Thomas Jefferson wrote that a bill of rights was “what the people are entitled to against every government on earth,” and James Madison once declared that no government can be perfect, and “that which is the least imperfect is therefore the best government.”
You state in your email that your “rights are being harmed by agendas implemented by oath-sworn elected officials and others by limiting your rights to speak, travel, do commerce, work, assemble and be free of surveillance without warrant; threat of medical procedures, testing or experimentation without consent; and threats of punitive detention, violence and harm for non-compliance.” I totally understand why you may feel the measures taken by our government officials, particularly at the state level, may infringe on your rights. These unprecedented times lend credence to our suspicions, fears and frustrations, and many of us are becoming anxious (or downright fed up!).
As a result of the novel coronavirus that's plaguing our nation, the Governor of Kentucky issued executive orders that, according to health officials, have helped to stop the spread of the deadly virus and in fact, saved lives. The Governor has not issued orders prohibiting protests, freedom of speech, or anyone’s right to complain or seek answers or assistance from the government. And nowhere in the Constitution is there a prohibition on States protecting the health and welfare of citizens.
Regarding your non-consent to wear a mask, know this – the governor stated that while wearing a mask is not a requirement, it is something he’s strongly recommending. You certainly have an option to wear a mask or not. I will point out, however, that in order to begin safely opening the economy, Kentucky’s governor is requiring employees at essential businesses to wear a face mask. This may be part of our new normal for a while. Wearing a mask prevents a person from spreading germs to you. Reciprocity on your behalf would be courteous and caring.
Officials and business owners say masks not only provide an extra layer of safety for everyone but are also a tool for flattening the curve. “By not wearing a mask, it can send a signal that we’re thinking more of the I and the me," Merritt Bates-Thomas with the Green River District Health Department said. "And by wearing a mask, it says we’re thinking more of the we and that we’re all in this together, and that we’re going to get through this together.” Gov. Beshear says while store managers and employees are required to wear face masks, they also have the option to ask shoppers to leave if they aren’t wearing one.
As for your contempt for COVID-19 testing, here’s the skinny on that – There are two types of tests for COVID-19 – Viral tests (tell you if you have a current infection), and Antibody tests (tell you if you've been previously infected). Not everyone needs to be tested for coronavirus, according to the CDC, and to my knowledge, Governor Beshear has not required universal testing for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It is advised that people call their doctor for advice if you they think they’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms. Beshear also said they will test anyone who wants a test, “we are able now to open testing to the general public.” The Governor said staying vigilant and following guidelines will be important as the commonwealth returns to work, but he has not mandated testing for Kentucky.
You mention a disdain for contact tracing and referenced the H.R. 6666 Trace bill. Well, here’s what I’ve learned about contact tracing: Dr. Crystal Watson, lead author of a recent report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, says that contract tracing is essential to reopening the country: In order to save lives, reduce COVID-19’s burden on our healthcare system, ease strict social distancing measures, and confidently make progress toward returning to work and school, the United States must implement a robust and comprehensive system to identify all COVID-19 cases and trace all close contacts of each identified case.
Misunderstanding and misinformation by some may have alarmed citizens regarding Illinois U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush’s proposed a $100 billion grant program (the H.R. 6666 TRACE bill). The bill was deemed by protestors as unconstitutional. Rush introduced the H.R. 6666 TRACE Act (formally known as the COVID-19 Testing, Reaching and Contracting Everyone Act) on May 1. The Act would create grants for health care, school-based, academic and nonprofit entities to run mobile testing sites and hire staff to test.
The bill says, in part: The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may award grants to eligible entities to conduct diagnostic testing for COVID–19, to trace and monitor the contacts of infected individuals, and to support the quarantine of such contacts, through—(1) mobile health units; and (2) as necessary, testing individuals and providing individuals with services related to testing and quarantine at their residences.
Read the full bill here. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Co-sponsors of Rush’s bill include Representatives Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Steve Cohen of Tennessee. One Republican, Representative Jefferson Van Drew of New Jersey, signed on as a co-sponsor.
You also state that you do not consent to “being mandated an allowable proximity to others.” That’s social distancing. Why practice social distancing? COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths, noses or eyes of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sunlight, humidity, and the type of surface. Social distancing helps limit opportunities to come in contact with contaminated surfaces and infected people outside the home.
Like the other suggestions by the CDC, social distancing is recommended. Governor Beshear has urged Kentuckians to follow the rules of social distancing. I’ve heard of several people in other states who have been arrested for not adhering to social distancing standards, and in Kentucky, several people have been placed under house arrest with ankle monitors after they refused to stay home despite coming in contact with coronavirus, thus endangering others. But I can’t think of anyone in Kentucky who has been locked up for standing too close to someone else. Look no further than the Kentucky state Capitol where protestors stormed the steps and rallied for reopening Kentucky while carrying rifles and guns, waving confederate flags, donning maga hats and ignoring social distancing guidelines, and you’ll know that social distancing is not mandated or enforced by law in Kentucky. There were a couple of church pastors who rebelled and defied the state ban on mass gatherings; but again, no one has been arrested in Kentucky for standing or sitting less than 6 feet from someone else. So, there's no need to feel that you're being made to social distance against your will; it too, is only strongly suggested --- not to harm you, but to protect others. Law enforcement may not harm you for violating the social distancing norms, but the person you stand too close to just might.
Here's the deal. You may not want to wear a mask, participate in contact tracing, get tested or practice social distancing, but can you consider doing those things for others --- perhaps your elderly neighbor or aging parents, your grandparents, citizens with compromised immune systems, frontline workers? It’s all about being selfless. As true American patriots, it's our duty to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Reflect on these quotes, “Real living is living for others,” Bruce Lee. “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them,” Dalai Lama XIV. “Happiness doesn’t come through selfishness but through selflessness,” Anonymous. “You do not lose inalienable rights guaranteed by the Constitution when you adhere to the recommendations and orders of one’s government, when one’s government makes the recommendations and hands down orders to save the lives of its citizens. It’s about thinking of others before thinking only of yourself,” Paula McCraney.
Perhaps you don’t know, but I was a victim of COVID-19, as was my husband, who may have contracted it from me. We were both hospitalized – my husband for four days, and I, for five. I faced death on several occasions when I couldn’t breathe, had to be assisted nonstop by oxygen for four weeks, and I’m still looking forward to regaining my sense of smell and taste. I don’t know how or where I contracted the virus, or who coughed or sneezed on me. But, out of respect for my family, friends and colleagues, I shared as many names with hospital staff that I could think of who I may have been around in the previous two weeks. Thousands of dollars later and with hospital bills arriving daily, I remain conscientious, watchful and alert. I also remain convinced that social distancing is important and wearing a mask is prudent. I have since been retested for the virus, and the results were negative. I feel blessed to be alive, and I no longer take things for granted. So, pardon me if I come across a wee bit annoyed by your protest of the very things that have served to flatten the coronavirus curve and save lives.
I understand firsthand the importance of hand washing, wearing a mask, getting tested, identifying those I may have infected and social distancing. I really didn’t need to get sick to embrace the concepts and recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and other healthcare professionals around the world. They had me at the words NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (new virus!). Since the virus is new and there is no current vaccine for it, the least I can do is listen to the professionals whose intentions (in my opinion) are to keep me safe.
Yes, I agree with your assessment that the professionals have gotten some things wrong. From time to time I’ve second guessed them because things kept changing almost daily. But, again, the virus is NOVEL, and we’re all learning together. According to those in the know, and my own observations, the recommendations from healthcare professionals are working to flatten the curve.
If your complaint was about the timing and strategy for reopening the economy, then we could have a compelling conversation. I believe we (most of us) have done a great job of abiding by the orders and recommendations of state and local government, therefore, we have flattened the curve, and in some way, gotten in front of COVID-19. Although one death to the novel coronavirus is one death too many, and I weep for those who have lost loved ones to this horrific disease, opening the economy back up is not an unreasonable thing to expect at this juncture. But I have to say, had we not been as obedient as we’ve been to date, our mortality rate would be much greater.
Because we’ve been so obedient, it is time to start opening businesses, parks and recreation, etc. We could use some normalcy in our lives right now, and with as few restrictions as possible. The thing is, we can’t stop being obedient. As the economy opens and government begins relaxing some of the recommendations and orders, I hope and pray we’ll continue being responsible and vigilant citizens. We must continue to wash our hands diligently, keep at least 6 feet apart, wear a mask in public places when social distancing is not possible; and yes, if you know you’ve exposed your illness to others, it’s imperative that they be contacted.
While citizens enjoy the blessings of liberty (the rights of people to have liberty preserved for themselves and future generations), there is no such thing as absolute liberty because the liberties enjoyed by most citizens are not unlimited. In other words, the Preamble to the Constitution protects the blessings of liberty (our rights and freedoms from a tyrannical government), but it doesn’t give us the freedom to do whatever we please, be it for good or for evil.
No one can attest more to the fact that civil disobedience has its place in society. I am here, in essence, as a result of many protests and civil disobedience marches. Civil disobedience was the catalyst for strengthening justice in America. It has made governments more accountable and changed laws to reflect what my ancestors deemed morally correct. I'm all in for orderly civil disobedience when - and only when - there's high probability that doing so will produce positive change and doesn't expose our society to the risk of harm.
We are bound by laws. Any decision by a citizen not to follow the law he or she considers unconstitutional is in and of itself a constitutional problem. Both Jefferson and Madison were correct - we the people are entitled to a bill of rights, and no government can be perfect. So, the only entity I know that can declare a law unconstitutional is the judiciary. If a citizen disagrees with a law or feels his or her rights under the Constitution are violated, the legal system is the proper way to handle the disagreement. Ignoring or disobeying the law is not an option, nor is threatening your local elected official.
It’s been said that obedience is better than sacrifice. This, too, was once said: “No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it.” President Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States of America
Look, I get it. No one wants to be cooped up in the house forever, and no one wants to sit around and watch the economy tank. No one. Period. We want to shop at the malls, jog along the beach, attend a birthday party, bury our loved ones according to tradition, host graduations, travel during the summer and go back to work to earn a living. Children want to go back to school, and parents want them back in school. Dogs need to be groomed, fingernails need to be manicured and hair must be done. Life as we once knew it must be restored. But, until then, and because of the gravity of the pandemic and the uncertainty of this moment in time, I am hopeful that the truth shall be comforting, patience will emerge as our virtue and selflessness will rule the day.
God bless you, and God bless these United States of America.
To read about key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration, click here: governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov
To visit the Governor’s official social media accounts, go here: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
To read Governor Beshear’s economy reopening plan, click here: https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=167
To see the full list of Healthy at Work guidelines, go to govstatus.egov.com/ky-healthy-at-work-faq
For detailed information about the novel coronavirus, visit www.coronavirus.gov.
To track coronavirus numbers by country and state in real time, click here: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
To view all of Mayor Fischer’s press briefing videos, click here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-covid-19-resource-center#news
To review the White House’s guidelines for reopening America, click here: White House’s Guidelines for Reopening America.
For information on how to register for testing at more than 70 sites throughout the commonwealth can be found at kycovid19.ky.gov.
Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and daily summaries of the Governor’s news conference at tinyurl.com/kygovespanol (Spanish) and tinyurl.com/kygovtranslations (more than 20 additional languages).
At the Metro Council meeting Thursday evening, we passed an emergency ordinance to temporarily suspend certain planning and zoning requirements to allow:
- Restaurants to setup outdoor seating on private property or in a parking lot without additional parking, landscaping or other requirements normally required
- Restaurants that are in compliance with the Land Development Code and that already have a liquor license to serve alcohol outdoors from their existing indoor bar
Restaurants will still need to apply for a permit online. To obtain a permit, the business will need to provide proof of insurance. If you have questions about the permit, please call Public Works at (502) 574-5810.
To review the ordinance on outdoor dining on private property and sidewalk/right of way dining, click here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/build-back-better-together/temporary-regulatory-relief-restaurants
Depending on individual circumstances, restaurants may need to update their liquor license with state and local ABC officials if adding an additional bar is planned. For more information, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/government/build-back-better-together/temporary-regulatory-relief-restaurants.
Restaurant owners and staff can submit innovative ideas about how to set up acceptable social distances areas by clicking here: www.louisvilleky.gov/government/build-back-better-together/temporary-regulatory-relief-restaurants.
On Wednesday evening at the second and last public meeting on the budget, several Louisville nonprofits and city agencies made their pitch to Metro Council for funding from a tight budget as Mayor Greg Fischer said the city should brace for major financial challenges and cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Council’s Budget Committee, on which I serve, gave the groups the chance to explain why the funding that’s been cut in Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s proposed budget should be restored.
Also on Wednesday, Louisville Metro Government departments and agencies fought for their funding. They included Youth Transportation Services, which primarily transports youth from detention centers to court hearings, and the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, which focuses on reducing youth violence. The budget hearings came as Mayor Fischer said major cuts to public safety could be possible if the city doesn’t get more help from the federal government.
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Mayor Fischer is urging all Louisvillians to contact their legislators in Congress and tell them to support more direct federal aid to cities struggling with the fallout from the COVID-19 shutdown. With millions of Americans staying home to prevent the virus from spreading, cities like Louisville are seeing a steep drop in revenues, such as payroll, net profits, gross receipts, restaurant, and transient room taxes, due to the disruption of economic activity. Revenue limited cities are deeply dependent on these forms of income to fund essential services. It is vital that Congress provide direct federal support to address this looming crisis and ensure communities do not suffer additional losses.
In his budget presentation late last month, the Mayor said Louisville is facing a $115 million revenue shortfall. Louisville has already been forced to furlough 380 Metro employees due to the unprecedented economic impact the COVID-19 crisis is having on the local economy and the city budget. Going forward, we face having to lay off about 1,000 Metro employees over the next couple of years – or over 20 percent of our workforce.
Congress passed several coronavirus relief measures, and the President signed them into law. The Acts provided aid for businesses and hospitals, but they did not address the financial strain of local governments. Dedicated and flexible funding for local governments is key to protecting public health and empowering economic recovery!
You are urged to contact Kentucky’s federal delegation to ask them to SUPPORT direct financial support for cities of all sizes!
CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMAN OR SENATOR:
Email Senator Mitch McConnell at: www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactform
Call his Washington, DC office at (202) 224-2541
Email Senator Rand Paul at: www.paul.senate.gov/connect/email-rand
Call his Washington, DC office at (202) 224-4343
Email Congressman John Yarmuth at: www.yarmuth.house.gov
Call his Washington, DC office at (202) 225-5776 or his Louisville office at (502) 582-5129
Verify your current U.S. Congressman at: https://www.house.gov/representative/find-your-representative
Councilwoman McCraney will host her first virtual “Muffins with McCraney" on May 23, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Grab a muffin from your pantry, fix yourself a bowl of cereal or prepare a full breakfast; brew some coffee, get comfortable and tune in to ZOOM to ask questions, make comments and share your thoughts about your local government or anything else of interest to you.
(You can even serve yourself pastries and call it Pastries with Paula. The decision is yours --- just be sure to tune in!)
The ZOOM invitation will be included in next week's e-Newsletter, or a special e-blast will be sent to you with log-on information.
This is staying together - apart - at its finest. Social distancing works! Stay tuned for more information.
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Churchill Downs' 2020 Spring Meet will begin Saturday, May 16, without spectators in the stands. According to a news release from track officials, racing will be held Thursdays through Sundays and on Memorial Day -- Monday, May 25. Spring races will remain spectator-less "until government officials approve fans returning." "Only authorized racetrack employees and (Kentucky Horse Racing Commission) license holders who are providing support for a horse stabled at the facility will be permitted on property," track officials said in the release. "This specifically includes only trainers with horses stabled or racing on the facility grounds and those who are responsible for the care of the horses (veterinarians, grooms, exercise riders and farriers)."
https://www.wdrb.com/news/churchill-downs-2020-spring-meet-to-begin-without-spectators-may-16/article_6e21206a-8b32-11ea-9dc5-9b4273f21369.html
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Gift cards galore from all your favorite businesses! Help your locals get through the crisis and look forward to spending when they reopen. RSVP now to our Facebook event and you're entered to win money to spend! And on event day, more special prizes will be drawn throughout. Special thanks to our Virtual Buy Local Fair Sponsors!
The St. Matthews Farmers Market opened for the 14th season on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 4124 Shelbyville Road, two doors down from the original location. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Farmers markets are essential businesses and are vital to food access for consumers and the livelihoods of farmers.
This season, farmers markets are transitioning from community gathering spaces to transaction-based markets, or IN & OUT markets. They have made operational and procedural changes to protect customers, farmers, and staff / volunteers and to mitigate the spread of disease, including following all guidance provided by the Kentucky Cabinet for Public Health (KCPH).
In addition to integrating the KCPH, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and Metro Louisville Department of Health and Wellness guidance, they are requiring that our farmers, food vendors, and other market partners adhere to best practices as outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the exposure and spread of coronavirus COVID-19.
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The market will be held at 4124 Shelbyville Road, adjacent to the original location, as the Beargrass Christian Church campus is closed until at least June 1, 2020. This location is the site of the former St. Matthews Woman’s Club and is behind Owens Medical Plaza. Mercedes-Benz Louisville is allowing use of its space.
Enter the market at the stoplight at Shelbyville Road and Thierman Lane. Parking is available at Owens Medical Plaza.
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Federal, State & Local Tax Deadlines Have Been Extended to July 15th
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For details on the extension of your 2019 filing please click the following links below.
In accordance with guidance from Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, the LMRC will no longer take walk-in appointments. Anyone with questions can contact LMRC staff at (502) 574-4860 or taxhelp@metrorevenue.org.
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In accordance with guidance from Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission (LMRC) will no longer take walk-in appointments. Anyone with questions can contact LMRC staff at (502) 574-4860 or taxhelp@metrorevenue.org.
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While library facilities remained closed, LFPL’s digital resources, including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, streaming movies and music, are still available at www.LFPL.org. All late fees on materials borrowed prior to the closure are suspended at this time and all book returns are locked. Please do not return library materials until the buildings reopen. For more information, or to apply for a library card, visit www.LFPL.org or call 502-574-1611, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If you have information to share or questions about Friends of the Louisville Free Public Library, please contact the president, Deja B. Jackson, at 270-779-5828 or deja.brennan.jackson@gmail.com.
While most of Louisville’s 120 attractions are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some options for diversion at this time. From virtual tours at select attractions to parks and outdoors, see below for a curated list for you and your family to enjoy – all at an appropriate social distance.
For a full list of virtual events going on in Louisville, click here.
With more customers working from and spending time at home, it’s likely your dog may be spending more time outdoors during the day. Unfortunately, dog bites are a leading cause of injury to LG&E meter readers and field technicians.
We all love our pets and want to keep them safe, but even the friendliest dogs can become startled or upset – maybe even aggressive - when a stranger comes onto its owner's property. LG&E trains employees on how to prevent dog attacks, but you can help LG&E keep their employees – and your pet – safe. Contain your dog away from the meter on reading days, or when work is scheduled on your property. You can find your scheduled meter reading dates in the top section of your monthly LG&E bill or when you sign in to your online LG&E account.
Learn more at: https://lge-ku.com/safety/keeping-our-employees-safe
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After receiving guidance from Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky’s Interim Education Commissioner, JCPS will not have in-person classes for the remainder of the school year. This means students will complete the rest of their coursework for this school year through Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI).
Here are some other items of interest regarding your child:
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The last day of school for JCPS students is now scheduled for May 27th. The Jefferson County Board of Education approved the change from June 3rd to May 27th at its meeting last night. Students will complete the remainder of the school year through NTI. We will likely see many smaller school districts and private and parochial schools finish school before JCPS. Most began at-home schooling March 16th while JCPS needed two weeks to build its NTI system and make sure every student had access to a computer, a hurdle most other districts didn’t have to cross. We believe it was time well spent, providing an equitable education experience for ALL of our students.
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Packets of Educational Materials: The packets with hard copies of educational materials will no longer be available at every Emergency Food Distribution site. Beginning Friday, April 24th the packets will be available at 14 sites: Blue Lick, Brandeis, Chancey, Crums Lane, Engelhard, Fern Creek, Frayser, Indian Trail, McFerran, St. Matthews and Wheatley Elementary Schools; Carrithers Middle School; and Valley High School and Americana Community Center. We have begun mailing more packets directly to students reducing the need for as many pick-up sites.
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Show off Your Child: Please show us how your child is doing NTI at home. You can post short videos or photos on social media and include the hashtags #ThisIsHowINTI and #WeAreJCPSAtHome or you can send them to us at jcps.communications@jefferson.kyschools.us.
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Grading: At the elementary and middle school level, student progress will be recorded as Met or Not Yet Met curriculum standards. If a student has “not yet met” a standard, the teacher and family will work together to establish a plan to help the student meet their goals. In high school (and middle school courses offered for high school credit), students will receive letter grades. Participation in NTI can help improve a grade while non-participation will lead to an Incomplete. There will be plans for high school students to make-up work if they receive an “incomplete” in a course.
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Staying in Touch: There are still some students with which JCPS are struggling to get in touch. If you receive a call from a 313 number, that may be JCPS trying to reach out. And, if you know of families that are struggling to access our information or need to update their contact information, please have them call or email their teacher(s) or call 313-HELP.
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Knock knock. Who's there? Hawaii. Hawaii who? I'm fine, Hawaii you?
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Knock knock. Who's there? Voodoo. Voodoo who? Voodoo you think you are, asking me so many questions?
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Knock knock. Who's there? Nana. Nana who? Nana your business.
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Knock knock. Who's there? Hatch. Hatch who? God bless you.
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Knock knock. Who's there? Mustache. Mustache who? Mustache you a question, but I'll shave it for later
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Knock knock. Who's there? Amish. Amish who? Really? You don't look like a shoe.
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Knock knock. Who's there? Gorilla. Gorilla who? Gorilla me a hamburger.
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Knock knock. Who's there? Tank. Tank who? You're welcome.
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Knock knock. Who's there? Turnip. Turnip who? Turnip the volume, I love this song!
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Knock knock. Who's there? Adore. Adore who? Adore is between us. Open up!
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Knock knock. Who's there? Candice. Candice who? Candice door open, or am I stuck out here?
- Knock! Knock! Who's there? Says. Says who? Says me, that's who!
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Did you hear about the auto body shop that just opened? It comes highly wreck-a-mended.
The machine at the coin factory just suddenly stopped working, with no explanation. It doesn't make any cents!
I was going to make myself a belt made out of watches, but then I realized it would be a waist of time.
What do you call a bee that can't make up its mind? A Maybe
Becoming a vegetarian is a big missed steak.
NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99.
The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk. Click on the“Watch Meetings Online” button.
Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
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