District 7 E-Newsletter

Councilwoman Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
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Councilwoman 

Paula McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107

 

Click Here to

Email Councilwoman McCraney

 


Visit the District 7 Website


Ben Otten

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Legislative Assistant

Contact Ben:

(502) 574-3454



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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In this Issue...



Message From McCraney

Hello Neighbors and Friends,

For this week's message, I have written several separate paragraphs with subject matter headings to inform you of a few things -  Happy reading, and happy holidays!

Muffins with McCraney Summary Report

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who joined the virtual "Muffins with McCraney" District 7 community meeting on December 12th.  It was a huge success.  According to Tony, Louisville Metro Council's Director of Communications, there were 55 people engaged on Webex during the presentation by Hagan Properties. We reached 527 people on Facebook, with 163 total engagements.

The developers and associates of Hagan Properties were very generous with their time.  They shared a rendition of the proposed 500+ apartment units on Herr Lane and answered a plethora of questions. The development is slated for 2023.

Police Chief Yvette Gentry was also very generous with her time.  She introduced herself and shared a little bit about her background. Constituents enjoyed listening to her and asking pointed questions about LMPD. They delighted in her openness and honesty as she answered questions.

A summary with questions and answers from the meeting is included below under the heading "Muffins with McCraney Meeting Summary."  During the meeting, we also discussed scams, evictions and area ministries and agencies that help with food, shelter, housing, etc. I have included information later in this e-Newsletter that lists some common scams, ministries and agencies. 

Thieves Love to Window Shop

Visibility is a thief's dream.  No, they don't like to be visible, especially when they are doing their dastardly deeds, but they do like it when you leave your valuables visible.  When thieves scope out their opportunities to steal, they do so by identifying things that are easily seen and easy to break into.  In District 7, cars are the most vulnerable. Leaving valuables like laptops, handheld electronic devices, tools or other specialty equipment visible on a car seat, car floorboard  or the bed of a truck is an open invitation to thieves. These ruthless characters want to steal what they can sell for a profit --- and anything they steal is sold at a profit, because they didn't pay a dime for it.  Keep in mind that thieves are not risk takers (I guess one could argue that fact, given that the very nature of what they do is risk taking). Thieves will do everything in their power to avoid the probability of getting caught.  So, if you take the proper measures to remove valuables from your car or truck, or secure them with heavy duty locks or an alarm system, thieves will not want to put in the extra effort to steal your items. The most common form of automotive theft is crime of opportunity.  The old "smash and grab" method of thievery happens quickly if thieves realize they can break into your car, grab what they want, and run without getting caught.  Don't be an easy target. Locking your car doors is responsible, but removing your valuables from your car or hiding them in the trunk of your car while shopping is extremely smart.  Please do your part to minimize the probability of being the victim of a crime. Let's put thieves out of business!

COVID-19 is a Thief!

As most of you know, I was one of the first Louisvillians to be hospitalized  and diagnosed with COVID-19 while battling double pneumonia. That occurred in March. Still today, I have not regained my ability to taste or smell.  Taste and smell are chemical senses. The taste sensing organ sends information to our brain to help us process and perceive our surrounding environment.  When we eat, chemicals from food enter the small bumps on the top of our tongue and reach the taste buds.  Smell occurs when an odor binds to a receptor in our nose, transmitting a signal that detects hazards and plays a role in taste. COVID-19 stole my taste buds and the strongest human sense we have - smell!

Many studies have shown that over 80% of what we perceive as taste in foods is actually due to how the food smells.  Taste and smell go hand in hand with determining what we want and like to eat. 

I mention my loss of taste and smell because I want to pay homage to some of my favorite eateries that have sadly closed due to the dirty rotten scoundrel we've come to know as coronavirus. We have been robbed of the opportunity to smell the great aroma or bask in the wonder of savory flavors of over 20 or more Louisville and Southern Indiana restaurants. 

The following restaurants will live on in my heart, because their flavor combinations still inspire me. As a result of my fond memories of these eating places, I am extremely careful about seasoning food when I cook.  Until I regain my sense of smell and taste, I shall cook to my husband's taste buds, because I can easily and unintentionally add too much seasoning and ruin our food. 

Here now, are some of the eateries I will miss:  Eddie Merlot's, S. Fourth St.; Craft House, Frankfort Ave.; Uptown Cafe', Bardstown Rd.; Sister's Tea Parlor & Boutique, Buckner; Captain D's, Breckenridge Lane; Desserts by Helen, Frankfort Ave.; Z's Oyster Bar & Steakhouse, Whittington Pkwy; Griff's, Liberty St.; Lilly's Bistro, Bardstown Rd.; Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Southern IN; Steak 'N Shake, Dixie Highway, Fischer Park Dr. and Bardstown Rd.; North End Cafe, Frankfort Ave.; Hopcat, Bardstown Rd.; Hard Rock Café, Fourth Street Live!; Buckhead Mountain Grill, Bardstown Rd. and Jeffersonville, IN; Rye on Market and Dish on Market, Market St. 

In memoriam: If tears could build a stairway, and heartaches make a lane, I'd walk my way to restaurant heaven to bring you back again. I loved your food dearly, and as long as I can remember the smell and taste, I guess I always will, for in my heart you will hold a place I must rely on the surviving restaurants to fill. Farewell...  

Louisville Metro Council's Winter Break

The official winter break of the Louisville Metro Council began Monday, December 14.  With the exception of a few Council committees with loose ends to tie up, Council offices are open with limited activity.  If you have an issue that we can assist with, please don't hesitate to call us.  Someone will be there to answer your call.

The District 7 office will be closed for the holidays on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1, and this is the last e-Newsletter until January 8.  The first Council meeting of the new year is Monday, January 4, 2021. 

My Holiday Message to You:

As 2020 comes to a close, I pause to thank you for your support, encouragement and engagement. It is an absolute honor to serve you, and I'm looking forward to ushering in 2021, and representing you again on the Metro Council.  Together, we will rebuild and make Louisville a better, brighter and blissful place to live, work, play and retire.

May the glorious message of peace and love fill your home and warm your heart during this holiday season, and may the time you spend with family and friends bring you joy that lasts throughout the new year.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Joyous Kwanzaa.  See you next year!



Muffins with McCraney

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Is the Mayor’s budget spending plan proposal available for public view?

The spending plan written up by the Mayor’s office and members of the Louisville Metro Council exist in two separate ordinances. They can be found here and here. The Budget Committee will be discussing this plan in a special committee meeting on December 30.

Questions Regarding the Providence Point Development on Herr Lane:

Is there an option for condos and not just apartments?  

No, because condominium financing is virtually nonexistent. There is a requirement to have almost all of the units pre-sold in order to get financing, and that’s incredibly difficult to do.

Regarding the traffic study conducted for this project: 

Is the traffic study public record? 

Yes, it can be found here. Go to Record Info, click Attachments. The traffic study can be found on page 4 (uploaded on 11/04/2020).

When was the traffic study conducted, were schools in session during the study, and was any consideration given to the impact of traffic with the proposed VA hospital?

The study used traffic counts on August 21, 2019 and was finalized in October of 2020.  Yes, schools were open when the traffic study was conducted, and yes, it does take into consideration traffic from the development of the VA hospital.

Where are the main entrances to the development and how will construction be managed with the building of the VA Hospital? 

The main entrance is directly juxtaposed to the main entrance of Ballard High School on Herr Lane. There will also be a side entrance off Wesboro. There is no coordination with the VA hospital construction mainly because their plan is still very much up in the air.

Where will the four-story building be located? 

There will be 12 four-story buildings built throughout the property.

Will the infrastructure improvements planned for the project be able to handle the extra traffic?  

The plan calls for the addition of a lane on Herr Lane, adding a traffic signal to the front entrance of Ballard, and adding a turn lane onto KY 22. This will greatly help the traffic in the area, especially when school is in session.

What is the setback from Herr Lane? 

It varies. The maximum setback is 25 feet and the minimum is 15 feet.

Do you know if your underground retention ponds affect the aquifers?

The underground detention system does not infiltrate the aquifers.

Has the Louisville Water Company seen and/or approved these plans for grey water/runoff?

The Louisville Water Company does not review storm water plans, but MSD does.  MSD has seen the plans and provided preliminary comments regarding them.  The detention/water quality design meets the specific development plan comments as well as general design practice.  Stormwater (surface water resulting from rain or snow) quality treatment would be provided on this project just as any other project within MSD's jurisdiction. 

Will the photos of the exterior be posted again?  Can we have a copy of this presentation?

Yes.  To see photos of the proposed development and the presentation by Hagan Properties, please click here:  https://bit.ly/3mLSBCO

Questions for Chief Gentry

What are your feelings about the search for the next police chief? What should we think about not being given the names?

Chief Gentry: It is a process I have stayed out of. When the person is chosen, I will stay on for a month to help that person succeed and will be available afterwards as needed. It’s necessary that the names of applicants be kept secret, because the people going through the process who are members of law enforcement elsewhere, may not want their current constituents thinking that they don’t like their current position. There is need for transparency, but I understand the reality of those who are applying for the job while they are in another position.

What do you think will be the future of the changes requested by the Metro Council to allow for implementation of the new Civilian Review Board with an Inspector General when the legislature meets? Is there something we as citizens can do to help convince the legislature to implement requested changes?

Chief Gentry: I am not against civilian oversight as long as people are willing to take some training and have a clear understanding of what really happens in law enforcement.

Note: Councilwoman McCraney stated that subpoena power for the inspector general position must be granted by the General Assembly and encouraged citizens to understand that if the legislature does not approved subpoena power, the Civilian Review and Accountability Board (CR&AB) will still be effective and will reply on the inspector general to investigate to the fullest extent allowed by law. She reiterated that even without the subpoena power, the CR&AB ordinance is still a solid piece of legislation.

Can you talk about the proposed $350,000 for the Group Violence Intervention (GVI)? What is GVI and would the mayor’s current spending plan that includes funding for GVI go to local violence prevention groups already doing work in the community?

Chief Gentry: I’m a fan of GVI. Plenty of resources should be provided to those who want to change their lives and not engage in violence. Oftentimes intervention programs are initiated but resources are not in place that support those who are trying to change behaviors and stay out of trouble. Regarding Shot Spotter, it’s a good tool and before I leave this position, I will propose an expansion of the technology into other areas of the community.

NOTE:  More information about the GVI program is listed near the bottom of this e-Newsletter under the heading: Group Violence Intervention.



COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Vaccine

Per the Director and Chief Health Strategist for the Department of Public Health and Wellness, the federal and state government control what vaccine we get, how much, when we get it and who gets it first.  We are working through the Vaccine Implementation Task Force to plan and ensure an efficient and equitable distribution of the vaccine.  A community Vaccine Communications Task Force has also been meeting to collaborate on collective ways to provide support in alleviating fears, sharing accurate, timely and easy to understand information across the community that will include instructions on where and how to get vaccinated.

Governor Beshear Provides COVID-19 Vaccine Update

"Our goal is to get everyone in long-term care facilities vaccinated by March 1,” said Gov. Beshear. “If we do that, we cut off 66% of the deaths that we have been experiencing. We also reduce hospitalizations and we free up more health care capacity. That means patients who do come in to the hospital get more attention and access and we improve their health outcomes.”

For more information, read the full release. Kentuckians can also view images of the first long-term care residents in Kentucky who were able to receive the vaccine.

The Governor highlighted a Washington Post report that, currently, an American dies from COVID-19 every 33 seconds. The report emphasized the virus’ severity across the United States, but recognized Kentucky’s unique success in one aspect of the fight against it: Kentucky is the only state in the nation where fewer intensive care unit beds are in use today than were in use three months ago.

Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, introduced a new vaccine dashboard on kycovid19.ky.gov where Kentuckians can learn more about the vaccine, its planned distribution stages and progress of its rollout across the state. Eighty hospitals in Kentucky will receive the Moderna vaccine this week.

“This will show the total number of doses that have been shipped to the state; it will show the total number of Kentuckians who have been vaccinated; and it will show the total number of doses remaining to be deployed,” said Dr. Stack. “These numbers do not include the numbers that go to the long-term care facility immunization, at least not currently. Those get assigned over to CVS and Walgreens and show up in a different tracking methodology.”



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Eviction Moratorium Information

Eviction Moratorium:

  • This came from the federal level, specifically from the CDC. They issued a temporary halt on residential evictions (from September 4 to December 31) to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. I have linked the official document in the Federal Register here.
  • It is important to note that this moratorium has not been automatic. A tenant must fulfill certain qualifications and fill out a declaration form. Some of these qualifications include signing that you will make less than $99,000 in 2020, are unable to make rent/housing payments due to substantial loss of income, and understand you will have to pay rent in full once the moratorium is up. All qualifications are noted in the declaration form.
  • The Kentucky Equal Justice Center has made a handy tool to help KY residents fill out this declaration form if they wish.
  • It is important to note that the amount of rent people pay has not gone away. Once the eviction moratorium is up, all back pay of rent will be owed.
  • Governor Beshear had an eviction moratorium back in the summer but it was lifted August 24. In its place (in addition to the federal eviction moratorium mentioned above), he put forth another executive order. It does the following:
    • Landlords must give tenants 30 day-notice with their intent to evict for nonpayment of rent
    • No penalties, late fees, or interest can be charged relating to the nonpayment of rent from March 6 through December 31.
  • While there is a Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund for the state, it does not apply to Jefferson County. We have our own fund, set up with CARES funding. More info below!

Eviction Assistance in the City:

  • As mentioned above, Louisville Metro has its own pool of money (funded by the CARES Act) to assist both tenants and property owners/landlords during this crisis. So far, Eviction Prevention program has helped over 3,800 residents and given out $5,161,318.53. It is important to note that funding for this program ends December 30.
  • Additional utility assistance will be available in early to mid-January which can help with both Louisville Water Company and LG&E bills. More information will be listed on the Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) website after January 2.
  • If you cannot pay your LWC or LG&E bill in full, it is recommended you contact them directly to set up a payment plan. If you are in need of financial assistance, you may be interested in checking with your local Community Ministry. You can find your closest ministry here or call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 to seek further assistance.

On January 4, the Crisis Component of LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) will begin operations. This programs helps residents with heating costs only. RCS will begin issuing appointments for this program on (or around) December 30. Appointments can be made via phone at 502-991-8391 or online.

Federal Eviction Moratorium Extended

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UPDATE: on the evening of Monday, December 21, Congress passed a pandemic aid bill, which included the extension of the federal eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021.  

Thank you for making your voice heard! While this was a critical, life-saving action and we are relieved that many tenants will have more time, we are frustrated at how long it took to pass this legislation, and are still very concerned about the loopholes which have allowed hundreds of Louisvillians to be evicted this year—much less the fact that tenants only have an additional 30 days, which is not enough time.

We will need President Biden and the new Congress to act swiftly to forgive rent and mortgages, send more stimulus funding to Americans, and extend and strengthen the eviction moratorium.

Mayor Fischer and Governor Beshear still have a role to play, too. They can make the right choice to close loopholes and strengthen protections for tenants.

We stand by our sentiment that no one should be evicted during a pandemic. This is a critical matter of public health. Join us in taking action on local and state levels to establish an eviction moratorium.

Take Local Action.

Send the Mayor an email now asking that he establish a robust local eviction moratorium.


Your Input is Needed!

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Help us shape the future of PlayWorks at Waterfront Park!

We are soliciting community input for PlayWorks at Waterfront Park, the first major component of the Waterfront Park 22.5-acre Phase IV expansion. 

Please visit our informational website and provide your feedback by January 29, 2021.

PlayWorks is a 1.5 acre outdoor experiential learning area created in collaboration with the Kentucky Science Center and celebrates our waterfront’s history by using authentic objects as a catalyst for families and kids to “Make Play Out of Work.” Visitors will have the opportunity to play and explore around real river and industrial artifacts, including turning a towboat propeller, moving a conveyor belt, and role playing as an excavator operator.

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Radon Testing Kits Available - Order Yours Today!

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The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is offering free radon test kits while the supply lasts. You can request a kit by visiting this link or by calling 502-574-6650. The test kits come with an instruction sheet and postage to send back to the lab for it to be analyzed free of charge.  The only way to know a building has radon and if you are being exposed is to test.

Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless chemical radioactive gas. It forms naturally when uranium, radium and thorium break down in rocks, soil and groundwater. Radon attaches to dust or tobacco smoke and gets carried into the lungs. Prolonged exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes in through cracks and gaps in homes and other buildings.

The entire state of Kentucky is at high risk for radon exposure with about 40 percent of homes estimated to have unsafe levels.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 20,000 cases of lung cancer occur each year from radon exposure, making it the second leading cause of the disease in the United States behind smoking and leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year.

The lung cancer risk factors of tobacco smoke and radon are related. More radon-related lung cancers occur in individuals with a history of exposure to tobacco smoke. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Here are a few tips to help prevent radon in your home:

  • Stop smoking and discourage smoking in your home. Smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer from radon.
  • Second hand smoking in the home is also a leading cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Increase air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air.
  • Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other mate­rials designed for this purpose.
  • Seek a qualified contractor to help remove the radon from your home.

Mitigation costs generally range from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on the size and foundation of the home.  Consult the Kentucky Association of Radon Professionals.


Altered Schedule for Solid Waste Services

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Solid waste services will be altered under the following schedule for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday weeks. 

Garbage/Yard Waste/Recycling

There will be no residential waste collection on Friday, December 25 or Friday, January 1 within the Urban Services District (former Louisville city limits). Residents who usually have garbage/recycling collection on Friday will have service instead on Saturday, December 26 and Saturday, January 2. (Thursday and Friday yard waste will still be collected on those Saturdays as previously announced.) Use the Recycle Coach app to stay informed about holiday changes!

Residents normally serviced by private waste haulers should check with those companies for holiday collection schedules.

Staffed Drop-off Locations The full-service recycling locations, along with the Waste Reduction Center and Haz Bin, will be closing early at 1 p.m. on December 24 and December 31. They will be closed all day on December 25 and January 1. 

  • East District Public Works Yard, 595 N. Hubbards Lane
  • Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway
  • Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue
  • Haz Bin, Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 7501 Grade Lane

Christmas Tree Drop-Off Sites

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Starting Saturday, December 26, drop-off sites will be available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at four locations. The Hubbards Lane site will also instantly recycle Christmas trees into mulch that will be offered back to citizens for home use. Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. All lights and ornaments should be removed from trees before they are dropped off or set out for collection. Christmas tree vendors may recycle their unsold trees on Saturday, December 26 only, and only at the Hubbards Lane site.

HOURS & LOCATIONS

Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Waste Reduction Center closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays)

December 26 - January 30

All locations will close at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 31 and will be closed Friday, January 1 and Saturday, January 16. 

  • East District Recycling Center, 595 N. Hubbards Lane
  • Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
  • Shawnee Park, 4501 W. Broadway (by Little League baseball field in rear of park)
  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue 

Metro Public Works will also provide curbside pickup of Christmas trees within the Urban Services District (the old City of Louisville boundaries) after the holiday. Residents with City curbside yard waste pickup may set their Christmas trees and greenery out on their regular collection day. Trees must not be in plastic bags, and all decorations must be removed. 

Residents normally serviced by private waste haulers should check with those companies to see whether and when tree pickup is available.


Junk and Bulk Disposal

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Large Household Items

Curbside Collection / Sign up for notifications

Remodeling? Read this first.

Truckloads of debris

Pop-Up Drop-Off Events

Large Household Items

Jefferson County residents may drop off up to three large household items at the Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue for FREE. (Examples: appliance, mattress, sofa, etc.) Hours: Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Curbside Collection

Curbside Collection

Large items are collected 3 times a year in the Urban Services DistrictWhat can I set out? Find your set out dates and sign up for reminders on the Recycle Coach app!


Beware of Scams!!!

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Better Business Bureau December Hot Topics:

  1. Don’t fall for the 5G scam! Scammers pretend to be your cell phone service provider, saying you need to pay $500 to upgrade to the new 5G standard, or you will lose your service. In reality, you need a 5G-compatible phone to use the service, but there's currently no requirement to switch to 5G.
  2. Did you receive a random email, text, or social media message that includes Zoom’s logo and a message saying you, “missed a meeting, click here to see the details and reschedule?” It could be a scam. Don’t click on the link. It could download malware on your computer or lead you to a page where you are prompted to fill out personal information.
  3. By the time you read this, there may or may not be word of a new economic stimulus payment. Whether there is or not, beware of a fake IRS email asking for your bank account details so they can send money to you. That's not how the IRS operates. They'll either have your bank details already from previous filings or send you a check.
  4. There’s a new version of the "hitman" scam, which demands protection money from targets to avoid being injured or killed. Scammers are sending victims – by text or email - information about them and family members, which has actually been gathered from online records. They may also add personal "victim" photos. The scammer wants payment via wire, gift cards, or cyber currency.
  5. Chase customers - beware of a sneaky phishing trick masquerading as a notification from Chase about new authentication procedures. It looks like the real thing, but a "Get started" link is a dead giveaway. If you click the link, you’ll be taken to a fake sign-on page. Banks simply don't send security emails like this.
  6. While the Facebook “Secret Sister Gift Exchange” may sound like fun, this is actually illegal! This is a modernized version of a chain letter, simply buy one $10 gift, add your name to a list, and receive up to 36 gifts in the mail. Don’t fall for it!
  7. Watch out for fake shipping emails from “UPS” and “FedEx” saying your package was not delivered. If you click on these links, you could be giving away personal information to a scammer or downloading a computer virus!
  8. Local holiday events, like popup holiday markets and craft fairs are moving online due to the pandemic. You search online to find the event, but scammers are creating phony copycat events that charge admission and steal your credit card information. Don’t fall for it!
  9. Apple's App Store and Google Play list dozens of holiday-themed apps. Children can video chat live with Santa himself, light the menorah, watch Santa feed live reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve, or relay their Christmas wish-lists. Before allowing a child to download any app, be sure what data its collecting and set permission requirements. 
  10. Don’t fall for holiday hot toy scams! They are sold out at every store, but a quick online search takes you to a page that miraculously has the toy in stock. The site may look professional and may even offer the product at discounted prices, claiming a “last-minute deal” or “flash sale.” Unfortunately, it could be fake and your credit card could be compromised.

Scam Warning from Governor Beshear

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As Kentucky families continue to battle COVID-19 and Thanksgiving and Christmas draw near, Governor Andy Beshear is warning families to watch out for scammers who try to take advantage of generous Kentuckians.

The Governor is taking action to help protect Team Kentucky by publishing a Charitable Giving Guide that advises how to verify legitimate charities and avoid charity scams, which can increase during the Christmas season and as the tax season draws to an end.

To sign up for alerts from the Governor’s office visit, https://governor.ky.gov.

For more information about charity scams, or to report charity fraud, call 1-888-432-9257, or

visit https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/AttorneyGeneral/ScamReport


COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

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*US Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General https://oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus/fraud-alert-covid19.asp

This program is supported by a subaward from Equal Justice Works as part of an original grant 2019-V3-GX-K033, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this communication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice or Equal Justice Works.


Area Outreach Ministries

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Here is a listing of area ministries. They all rely on the generosity of others in order to assist those in need and in crisis.  If you wish to get involved with a ministry, please contact one directly.  Click here to view list of ministries:

http://www.louisvilleministries.org/directory/

Here is a breakdown of ministries by zip code: http://www.louisvilleministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ACM-Zip-Code-Listing.pdf

These ministries serve in/near District 7:  Eastern Area Community Ministries, St. Matthews Area Ministries, United Crescent Hill Ministries.

Also, here is a link to 30 agencies that are a part of the Homeless Coalition.  Click here  to view listing:  Some of these organizations include the Center for Women & Families, Home of the Innocents, St. John Center for Homeless Men, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.


How to Dispose of Unused Medicines

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Group Violence Intervention

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Group Violence Intervention (GVI), a partnership between Louisville Metro Government and the US Attorney’s Office.

This info came from the Louisville website and here is a summary of how the system works:

  • This is an approach to policing that involves the collaboration of law enforcement, social service providers, and community members.
  • Violent street group members on parole or probation or who have been identified as subject to additional enforcement are called into meetings as a condition of their continued release. There, they are met with three sets of participants.
  • The first group they meet with includes law enforcement officials, including prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Commonwealth and County Attorney’s Offices. That group explains the violence being committed is enough to result in federal and local prosecution.
  • Second, they meet with social service providers who describe what services are available to them, as part of an acknowledgement that these offenders are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and we have not done enough to protect and support them. Often, group members are traumatized and scared of becoming a victim of violent crime themselves; traditional social services have been inadequate to meet their needs.
  • The key component making the model unique and effective is the third group who meets with those called in – residents of the street group members’ own communities – clergy, ex-offenders and families of victims of violent crime. These residents describe the real and graphic consequences of violence in their own neighborhood and insist that the street group members stop the violence.

The idea for this model comes at a time when the city has experienced record numbers in both fatal and non-fatal shootings. The goal is to prevent violence via transparency and clarity. And also to focus efforts on those most susceptible to violent crime, rather than possibly over-policing communities who already do not have good relationships with law enforcement.



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Court Ruling on Topgolf

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Kentucky Court of Appeals issues ruling on Topgolf Louisville: Development approved properly

The Kentucky Court of Appeals has sided with Topgolf for its plan to construct a facility in Louisville's East End.

Click here to read More »


Winter Woods Spectacular @ Iroquois Park

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In what has become the must-see event of the holiday season, Winter Woods Spectacular, is returning for a second year to South Louisville’s Iroquois Park, where the woods will be transformed into a winter wonderland from Friday, November 27 – Saturday, January 2.

Winter Woods Spectacular will feature scores of beautiful stained-glass windows as part of several holiday scenes and themes. Guests will weave their way through the woods with vignettes set to music. Some of the highlights of this ½ mile drive through the majestic woods of Iroquois Park include a magical ice castle, Santa’s workshop, a holiday garden, and a penguin choir.  There is something for everyone, regardless of how you celebrate this time of year.

Event Details:

  • The event will be open from 6-10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
  • The event is held rain or shine. No refunds will be given, but tickets purchased in advance may be exchanged for another day.
  • Tickets are $35 per car/SUV/minivan/truck, $50 per passenger van/RV/limousine, and $100 per tourbus/limobus. Proceeds from the event benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation, and the 120+ public parks in Louisville. Purchasing tickets at winterwoodsspectacular.org in advance is strongly encouraged.


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When You Just Can't be Bothered to Put in the Effort

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"I Didn't Do It!"

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Can You Solve the Puzzle Below?

Example:  5d is - Search high and low

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team ky

Update from the Governor

capitol

To view the Governor’s recent executive orders, click here:    https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=475


COVID-19 Information

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Metro 311

Have an Issue Government Should Solve?

3-1-1

LENS Alert

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In August 2016 Louisville Metro Emergency Services teamed up with Bullitt County, Oldham County, and Washington County to create a regional emergency notification system – Louisville Emergency Notification System (LENSAlert).  Its enhanced capabilities include using all communications modes to send alerts – mobile phones, landlines, email, text, social media, IPAWS-OPEN.  Take another step in being prepared for disasters and sign up for LENSAlert today.


SMART 911.com

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In addition to receiving notifications, individuals can create a Safety Profile for themselves and their household that can include any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. When individuals make an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right responders to the right location with the right information. Information about medical history, allergies to medication, number of residents in a home and even a picture of the family dog can all be added to a Safety Profile.

Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions About Smart911


Dial 2-1-1 for Assistance with Food

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Buying and Selling Safety Zones

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Are you looking for a public place to exchange items you've sold online? Do you share custody of a child and are looking for somewhere to exchange custody?

The Louisville Metro Police Department is providing MetroSWAP Zones outside of some Division offices.

There is 24 hour video surveillance. LMPD recommends:

  • Agree to meet the person ONLY at a MetroSWAP station.
  • Meet only during daylight hours.
  • Tell someone you trust where you are meeting and at what time.
  • Meet in the parking lot at two designate areas of each location.
  • Make the interaction brief and to the point.

MetroSWAP Zones are at:


Sign Up to Receive Crime Alerts

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Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/Patrol+Divisions/ to sign up to receive the LMPD’s new crime alert update for your neighborhood. Simply select your LMPD division number and click "Subscribe to Crime Alerts by Beat" to begin receiving the update.

  • Division 5, please call dispatch at 502-574-7111
  • Division 8, please call dispatch at 502-574-2111

Fifth Division - This division covers the area including the Highlands, Clifton and Cherokee and Seneca Parks.

Eighth Division - This division covers the area including Middletown, Lyndon, Oxmoor and the Ford Truck Plant.

Interactive Crime Mapping

You can now map crime in Louisville using the interactive mapping tool


Lock Your Car!

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Tune in to View Metro Council Meetings

city hall

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 here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)  

OR access prior or current meetings here:

http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.

TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE

Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:

http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2


State Government Website Information

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Click Here for State Government Website

Click Here to:  View All Agencies


Kentucky General Assembly

general assembly

Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc

Click here for more info.