If you are a registered voter in Jefferson County, go to jeffersoncountyclerk.org. Request to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot application or call 502.574.6100. All voters are eligible to receive a mail-in absentee ballot due to COVID 19.

Mail-in ballots will have to be postmarked by June 23 and be received within three days of Election Day. In-person voting, with the possibility of drive-through voting, will be allowed, in new ways, for those who need to vote in person. Post cards will be sent out to Kentucky voters explaining the changes.

The first step in voting is always registering to vote and that has not changed. Register, change your registration or just check to make sure you are still correctly registered by clicking on the link below:                          https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky

The deadline to register for the June 23 primary is May 26.  Get registered and vote!

Please direct questions to the Jefferson County Elections Center at 574-6100.

Insights will be used to improve plan for the future

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is asking parents, students and teachers to weigh in on how the district’s first Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) program went for them.

“Non-Traditional Instruction has been a completely new way of learning for our entire JCPS family, and I’m proud of the incredible efforts of everyone involved, from students to parents to teachers, to make it work,” JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said.  “We are looking to gain valuable feedback from families about their NTI experience.  In a short period of time, JCPS created a platform with innovative instructional practices and provided resources to our community to ensure learning could continue even when we couldn’t be together.  As a district, we always want to listen to our employees, parents and students about any new measures or initiatives and see how JCPS might improve, especially if we are forced into a similar, unfortunate school-at-home situation in the future.”

The survey opens today, and is available until Friday, June 12.

Paper copies can be picked up beginning Monday at food sites.

To complete an online survey, click on the appropriate link:

• Certified Staff: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCPSNTI_Staff
• Parents: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCPSNTI_Parents
• Students: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCPSNTI_Students

Select facilities will reopen going into the holiday weekend

Parklands are reopening to visitors this Friday, May 22, 2020. This is the first step in a phased reopening that will take place over several weeks and will eventually involve the resumption of in-person park programs and events in accordance with city and state guidelines.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been grateful to keep our trails, lawns and natural areas open for residents to enjoy the outdoors,” said David Morgan, President of The Parklands of Floyds Fork. “We are following developments closely and look forward to reopening additional areas as permitted.”

With nearly 4,000 acres to explore in The Parklands of Floyds Fork, visitors can benefit from being outside while maintaining a safe distance from others. All visitors are encouraged to do their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid in-person social gatherings of more than 10.
• Remain at least six (6) feet apart from strangers and people who are not part of your household.
• Share the trails, and give others space.
• If the trail or area you visit is busy, explore another section of the park.
• When possible, visit in the early morning or late evening (prior to dusk).
• Avoid touching handrails and benches.

A section of trail known as the Boardwalk in the Humana Grand Allee area of Beckley Creek Park is also reopening to the public this Friday, May 22, 2020. Work is wrapping up ahead of schedule, allowing park visitors to enjoy this scenic pathway during the holiday weekend. This was the third wooden bridge to receive upgrades as part of the park system’s “No Deferred Maintenance” commitment made possible thanks to donations from individuals, families and organizations throughout the community.

The Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden in Broad Run Park will reopen on Monday, June 1, 2020.

The following amenities remain closed:

• All portable toilets
• All playgrounds and spraygrounds
• Osage Orange Explorer Trail in Beckley Creek Park
• The PNC Achievement Center for Education & Interpretation in Beckley Creek Park
• Silo Lookout at the Brown-Forman Silo Center in Turkey Run Park
• The Barklands dog park in Beckley Creek Park (Dogs on leashes are permitted on park trails, with the exception of the Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden in Broad Run Park and Silo Center Bike Park in Turkey Run Park.)

Additional dates regarding reopening and in-person programming will be announced in the coming weeks. To view the latest updates, please visit www.theparklands.org.

The CARE line will be operated by professionals from the Academic Support Programs Department and includes school counselors, mental health practitioners, Family Resource Youth Services coordinators, and coordinators from the departments of Early Childhood, Health Services and Community Supports.

CARE operators will be able to offer assistance, resources and referrals for:

• Basic needs, including food, utilities, clothing, public transportation and housing
• Medical services
• Emotional/ behavioral/ mental health
• Domestic violence
• Drug and alcohol addiction support
• Unemployment
• Homelessness

The line will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until May 29.  The district will evaluate the response and determine if there’s a need for it to continue over the summer and into next year.  Families can continue to call 313-HELP for general JCPS-related questions.

In lieu of onsite science education, KSC will provide virtual content called “Do Science at Home” which will be shared on all of their digital channels. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

These fun and educational tutorials are a great way to have a blast with children of all ages. We may not be able to visit the Science Center in person, but that doesn't mean we have to give up all of the exciting opportunities it offers!