A litter-abatement message from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to Metro residents:

"KYTC contractors completed a full litter clean-up cycle on I-65 in February, shortly after the last snow event. Interstate sweeping work began earlier this month and is continuing. Additional litter cycles on all interstates within Jefferson County are expected to begin in the next several weeks."

Blue Lick Road Widening Project

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of the beginning of a project to widen a portion Blue Lick Road (KY 1450) in Jefferson County. Work is scheduled to start during the week of March 15. As part of the project, the road will be widened from Gene Snyder North (mile marker 1.9) to Preston Highway (mile marker 3.5). The new configuration will have one lane of traffic in each direction with a continuous center turning lane. New sidewalks and drainage will also be added as part of the project.  

 Pothole Blitz 2021    Here's how you can report a pothole:

Louisville Metro Public Works crews announce the official launch of the city’s annual Pothole Blitz. Last year, Public Works crews filled 40,000 potholes. The Mayor asks people to assist their efforts by reporting potholes they encounter through 311, online, or on Twitter using #502pothole.

• On Twitter use the hashtag #502pothole. Just include the address or intersection where the pothole is located along with the hashtag in a tweet
• Report a pothole online, click here, select “pothole” and continue with the required information
• Contact Metro311 in one of these ways:
• Call them at 311 or 574-5000
• Download the “Louisville Metro 311” app on your smartphone and use it to report a pothole
• Email them at metro.311@louisvilleky.gov

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

• You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
• You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
• Go to the website for complete guidelines

As of Monday, March 15, people in Tier 1C (individuals ages 16-59 who have qualifying medical conditions and essential employees) are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in Louisville. LouVax, the vaccination site at Broadbent Arena, will continue prioritization of individuals ages 60 and up.

Essential employers who would like to help their employees receive vaccinations can submit a form through Metro Public Health and Wellness. The form should only be completed by human resource managers or senior leaders and not by individual employees.

Below are links to websites for waitlists, information and appointments. Due to available supply, appointments are limited.

• Norton Healthcare (call 502-861-4499 for assistance)
• U of L Health
• Baptist Health
• Walgreens
• Kroger

To stay informed on vaccine efforts in Louisville, please sign up now for weekly Covid-19 updates.

The Court Eviction Diversion Program is made possible because of a partnership with the Legal Aid Society.

Those facing possible eviction are encouraged to visit StopMyEviction.org to connect to assistance, or call (502) 308-3344 or visit louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoodplace to schedule an appointment at a Neighborhood Place location. Renters with a pending court case should call 502-574-1707. The Legal Aid Society can be reached at (502) 584-1254 and www.yourlegalaid.org

Kentucky State website: kycovid19.ky.gov is the best way to keep up with the latest news about the novel coronavirus.

Louisville Metro website with updated information about COVID-19 -CLICK HERE-

Residents who have questions related to COVID-19 call the recently launched helpline at (502) 912-8598 or to seek information at louisvilleky.gov/covid19.

The federal and state government control what vaccine Metro receives, how much, when they get it and who gets it first. Metro is working through the Vaccine Implementation Task Force to plan and ensure an efficient and equitable distribution of the vaccine. Metro's 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. Any questions call the Kentucky COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-722-5725 or go to StayStrongLouisville.com to get important COVID-19 information and resources in English and Spanish.

Metro COVID-19 Relief funds are available now for Jefferson County residents with a past due Louisville Water/MSD account. Customers can apply for the credit at the Metro Relief Portal on our website or call 502.583.6610. The one-time credit is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply now -- don't delay!

To qualify for a credit up to $500, customers must meet the following criteria: 

• Live in Jefferson County and have a Louisville Water/MSD residential account 
• Have an unpaid balance on their water/wastewater bill that occurred between March 16 and December 31, 2020 
• Identify a COVID-19 based financial hardship that resulted in the past-due balance 

Customers can apply for the credit at LouisvilleWater.com/MetroReliefPortal or call 502.583.6610.

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is partnering with Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness and Sphere to provide free, voluntary COVID-19 rapid testing at select school sites. 

Testing at the drive-thru sites will be available by appointment beginning March 15 to any JCPS student, employee, and parent/guardian who feels they may have been exposed to COVID-19, including those who are asymptomatic.  A limited number of unscheduled walk-up/drive-ups will be accommodated as available.

The rapid/antigen testing will be available at the following school sites Mondays-Thursdays from 3-7 p.m.:

• Academy @ Shawnee, 4001 Herman St.
• Ballard High School, 6000 Brownsboro Rd.
• Central High School, 1130 W Chestnut St.
• Fairdale High School, 1001 Fairdale Rd.
• Iroquois High School, 4615 Taylor Blvd.
• Marion C. Moore School, 6415 Outer Loop
• Seneca High School, 3510 Goldsmith Ln.
• Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1501 Rangeland Rd.
• Waggener High School, 330 S Hubbards Ln.
• Western Middle School, 2201 W Main St.
• Western High School, 2501 Rockford Ln.
• Valley High School, 10200 Dixie Hwy.

Appointments can be scheduled at spheredx.sphere.health/covid.  Adults are asked to bring a photo ID. 

All JCPS schools will be provided with rapid COVID-19 testing kits for students or staff who arrive at school with symptoms of illness. The tests will be administered by nursing staff.  The drive-thru sites are for those within the JCPS family who are asymptomatic, may choose to get tested regularly, and/or have been referred for testing as part of contact tracing efforts.

School Meals - Pick Up Schedule for Spring Break

• Students who attend school in-person will receive free breakfast and lunch.
• Families of in-person and virtual students can receive curbside meal pickup on Wednesday March 24 with pickup available at most middle and high schools. Families will receive eight days’ worth of meals and snacks for each child. 
• After Spring Break, curbside meal service will move to Saturdays from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. at the following sites, beginning Saturday, April 10 and continuing through May 22, with the exception of Derby Day, on May 1. In lieu of that, sites will be open Oaks Day, Friday, April 30. 
• Finally, while this is NOT a JCPS program, the American Rescue Plan Act has extended P-EBT payments for free/reduced price meal eligible families to purchase meals they would have otherwise receive at school. That federal program will be administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

The scholarship, which launched Oct. 1, allows eligible students in the Class of 2021 to begin postsecondary studies tuition-free at any Kentucky Community and Technical College school, including Jefferson Community and Technical College, or Simmons College of Kentucky to pursue an associate degree or career credential, or take 60 hours of credit. The Evolve502 scholarship is a last dollar scholarship, meaning Evolve502 will fund the difference between federal and state financial aid and college tuition.

The application takes about five minutes to complete online at evolve502.org/scholarship. Once applications are submitted and reviewed, applicants will receive a follow-up email with next steps including completing the federal financial aid form and applying to eligible colleges.

Free federal and state income tax preparation for eligible residents is now available. The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA and AARP programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers to offer free tax services via online or at select drop-off sites. The service is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2020. Learn more.

The VITA free tax preparation sites are located at:

• Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
• Bates Community Development Corporation, 1228 Jackson St.
• Eastern Area Community Ministries, 9104 Westport Rd. 
• Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
• Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
• Salt and Light Community Development, 3025 Gerald Dr.
• Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
• United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
• Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Hwy.

The other service, AARP Tax-Aide, has a mission to serve any person who comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older.  AARP select drop-off sites in Louisville will open Feb. 15.

For future updates including online filing options AARP Tax Aide plan to offer, visit http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org

This year, partners at LHOME will also be assisting our community throughout the tax filing season through their Financial Navigators program. Financial Navigators can help residents address their financial concerns, answer common tax questions, and provide structured guidance and referrals to other services regarding their financial needs.  Schedule a free telephone session by visiting https://finnav.org/lou; email navigator@lhomeky.org; or call 502/657-6624.

Louisville Metro Police Dept. Also Recruiting

is in need of competent, respectful, and responsible men and women who have a strong desire to help others and set a good example within their community. The department is in need of good recruits. 

The current hiring period has expired however it may be extended in order to gain more applicants. Another hiring period will opening up in the spring. 

 Be the change that you want to see by applying today.” Contact (502) 574-7864 for more information or visit the link https://louisville-police.org/256/Become-an-Officer

Join us through Zoom to get connected to a job!

• March 17 at 1 p.m. (register by March 15 at 11:59 p.m.)
• March 31 at 12 p.m. (register by March 29 at 11:59 p.m.)

As a qualified candidate you will have the exclusive opportunity to speak with an Amazon hiring representative. You will also be able to participate in a guided Q&A session. This is the opportunity for a real-time connection to your new career.  CLICK to Register

All sites have a minimum pay rate of $15 and increase to $17.90 on some shifts!

Shepherdsville – 376 Blvd Shepherdsville KY 40165

• Customer Returns and PIT (require getting trained on a forklift and cherry picker)
• Mostly full-time positions, days and nights, 4 days a week, flexible schedule
• Night shift pays .60 extra an hour

Jeffersonville – 900 Patrol Rd, Jeffersonville, IN 47130

• Pick or Pack
• Full-time only, nights and days, 4 days a week
• Night shift pays .60 extra on the hour

Louisville – South and East Louisville

• Pick or Pack
• Part-time and full-time shifts, flexible schedules

Amazon employment requirements:

• High school or equivalent diploma
• Must be 18 years or older
• Ability to understand and adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations
• Must be willing to submit to a background check and drug screening

Almost 100 employers in Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Retail, Business Services, Tech, and other sectors are hiring now in the Louisville area.

You can see which companies are hiring and how you can apply at our online COVID-19 Job Board, run in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. and WorkOne Southern Indiana.

CLICK HERE  To view job Listing   

• Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services: COVID-19 Updates
• Louisville Metro Government: Daily Updates on COVID-19
• Kentucky Unemployment Insurance website
• COVID-19 Pandemic Response Loans for Individuals and Small Businesses

More resources for Small Businesses

Louisville Metro Government is loosening its restrictions on special events, and is now accepting permit requests for events that adhere to state and local Health Department guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19, based on CDC recommendations.

Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation also is accepting permit applications for organized public events in the parks, under the same COVID-19 restrictions, the Mayor said, and is moving ahead with plans to host summer sports leagues for youth and adults beginning this spring.

Louisville Parks and Recreation is seeking feedback on the future plans for the loop road (Rundill Road) at Iroquois Park. The road has been closed to vehicular traffic since April to provide additional space for social distancing and recreational use during the height of COVID.

The surveys can be found at bestparksever.com and will be open until 5 p.m. this Friday, March 19, 2021. Nearly 5,000 residents have already completed the two surveys.

Parks and Recreation will announce plans on the future use of the loops in spring.

Access the survey here.

SUN VALLEY SATURDAY MORNING GOLF LEAGUE

FREE ROUND (GREEN FEE & CART)

Any Golfer who plays round on April 3 becomes eligible to receive a free round voucher from PGA  Contractor Grant Hummel.  

H.U.G.S. - HELP US GET STARTED; GOLFERS NEEDED

If you can be a H.U.G.S. short-term team, please call Sun Valley Golf Course or signup at the clubhouse as soon as possible. League competition begins Saturday, April 3, 2021.

Mail completed membership form and check or pay in person at Sun Valley Golf Course 6505 Bethany Lane, Louisville, Ky. 

Send questions to grantsunvalley@gmail.com.

With the city’s COVID-19 positivity rate no longer in the Critical Zone, Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that the Louisville Free Public Library is expanding in-person services at all of its locations.

Following Gov. Andy Beshear’s guidelines and in consultation with Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, Library officials will offer “Grab and Go” access to library materials starting Friday, March 26.

Patrons will be encouraged to browse and pick up library materials and check out using self-check kiosks. Building capacity will be limited to ensure social distancing, and visits will be limited to no more than 90 minutes.

Study rooms and meeting spaces are not available for use at this time. However, as it has since August, computer access, printing and free faxing services will still be available at the libraries. More information can be found online at LFPL.org/Appointment.

The League of Women Voters of Louisville (LWVL) invites individual volunteers and organizations to submit nominees for its 2021 The Presidents’ Citizen Award to be presented at the League’s annual meeting in June to a volunteer individual or organization for an exceptional contribution in terms of community service, significant impact, and/or demonstrated leadership within the Greater Louisville Geographic Area.  See attached nomination packet here.

The deadline to submit an application is April 1.  If you have questions, please contact the LWVL office by calling 502-895-5218 or email: lwvlouisville@gmail.com

Need help paying your MSD bill?

Drops of Kindness is an effort by MSD and Louisville Water to help customers with unpaid bills. Whether you are a resident or business owner, Drops of Kindness offers a customizable approach to manage through difficult times and reduce future financial obligations.

Learn more about Drops of Kindness. 

LouisvilleWater.com/DropsofKindness 

• Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program LouisvilleMSD.org/ewrap or call 502.540.6000 This program provides a temporary 10 percent discount on MSD wastewater charges for qualified low-income households. 
• Senior Citizen Discount LouisvilleMSD.org/PayMyBill or call 502.540.6000 Senior citizens who are age 65 or older and have a gross annual household income of $35,000 or less may request an application for a 30%  discount on wastewater charges and the EPA surcharge

TreesLouisville's Community Canopy Program is back thanks to a generous donation from The LG&E and KU Foundation! We have partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide Louisville residents with more than 650 FREE one-gallon trees. There are a variety of large and small species to choose from depending on the space you have available, but don’t wait to register, these trees won’t last long! Register online at www.arborday.org/treeslouisville; your tree will be delivered straight to your home between March and May 2021. 

To participate, purchase and plant an eligible shade tree on your residential property and apply to receive $30 back on up to three trees. This program is open to residents of Jefferson County, KY on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds have been claimed. For full eligibility requirements or to apply, visit treeslouisville.org/rebate or find a brochure at your local garden center.

Dog of the Week - Frisco

If Frisco had a theme song if would be ‘Walking on Sunshine.’ The happy, excited and very friendly one-year-old is only serious about one thing, playtime. Frisco loves his toys and playing outside. Thanks to the Pay It Forward Program, it’s always free for approved adopters to adopt adult Pit Bulls like Frisco. Neuter, microchip, and vaccinations are included. Frisco weighs 58lbs. He needs an active home and daily walks to be his best self.  Frisco can be tested with other dogs by request.  To meet or adopt Frisco, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road), open from 12-6pm daily.

For more info abut Frisco, email animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov

Cat of the Week - Go Fish

Looking for a feline companion who’s mature, friendly, and affectionate? Go Fish! The approximately 4-year-old beauty with the majestic mane needs someone who doesn’t mind brushing her daily, so she always looks her best. Go Fish’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Go Fish is spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. She weighs 9 lbs. To meet or adopt Go Fish, visit Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, open 12-6pm daily. For more info about Go Fish, call 502-473-PETS

To see all of the adoptable animals available at Louisville Metro Animal Services, visit their website here

COVID-19 ADVISORY:  LMAS remains open for adoptions, stray pet surrenders, fosters, lost and found services, microchipping services, pet licensing purchases/renewals, and penalty or violation payments,

Monday-Saturday from 12-6pm. For more info, click here.

Want to help? Donations Welcome

KHS welcomes pet food donations – especially cat food – for the COVID-19 Pet Food Bank through Amazon or from local pet supply stores. View our overall Wish List and our Amazon wish list at http://tinyurl.com/wishlistkhs (items are not in order on Amazon, so please scroll to find dry cat and dog food options). Deliveries are accepted at 241 Steedly Drive, Louisville KY 40214.

People who are interested in fostering will need to fill out the Foster Application(PDF) and either email, fax to 502-473-2634, or bring the completed application to the LMAS Animal Care Center, located at 3705 Manslick Rd.

For more information on our foster care program, please contact Stephanie Jackson at stephanie.jackson@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 574-6978

Louisville Metro Police Department

Sign up for crime alerts from LMPD by clicking HERE

Sign up for Emergency Alerts by clicking HERE

Metro Police:

(Non Emergency)574-7111 or 574-2111

3rd Division: 574-2135

Anonymous Tipline:

574-LMPD (5673)

Metro Safe: 572-3460 or 574-7111

The Louisville Metro Council is now livestreaming all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.

The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99.  Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.

• To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
• If you would like to see the agenda for any of the Metro Council’s Committee meetings click here

In Louisville Metro, it is the responsibility of the person living in a home to keep the front and rear of the property clean. This area extends from the middle of the street out front to the middle of any alleyways to the rear or side of the property. This applies to litter as well as plants and trees that could impede the alleyway or street. Inspections, Permits and Licenses (IPL) could cite and possibly impose a fine if you've got a lot of debris and plant overgrowth. Thank you for adhering to the local property maintenance codes and keeping a clean neighborhood. 

Report:

• where it happened
• describe the vehicle(s) involved
• include license plate number(s) if available
• upload pictures if available

For more information about illegal dumping, including a link to the reporting form visit our illegal dumping webpage.

Dare to Care Food Bank

First Baptist Church Fairdale 413 Fairdale Road 
Wednesdays - 3:30 to 6:00 pm
Phone:  368-9053
Website: https://daretocare.org/contact-us/