With the city’s COVID-19 positivity rate no longer in the Critical Zone, the Louisville Free Public Library is pleased to announce the expansion of in-person services at all locations.

Following Gov. Andy Beshear’s guidelines and in consultation with Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, the Library will offer in-person “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. Masks and temperature checks are required to enter library facilities, and all patrons (age 5 and older) must properly wear a face covering at all times during their visit. The Library will have masks available for patrons who arrive without them. 

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 be available at all locations. 

LFPL’s popular curbside pick-up of library materials will also continue. For information on LFPL’s curbside service, please visit LFPL.org/curbside, or call (502) 574-1611.

We look forward to welcoming you back into the Library starting March 26. 

New Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps became effective February 26, 2021. The new FEMA maps removed approximately 1,400 properties from floodplain maps and added 1,100 new properties to the maps. Flood insurance requirements will take effect for properties added to the floodplain. Flood insurance is still recommended even if your property is removed from the mapped floodplain, as the flood risk is only reduced, not removed. Check with your insurance agent to determine the right amount of flood coverage needed. Note that your lender still retains the right to require flood insurance if they feel it is necessary.

If you live in an area newly affected by a flood risk map change, review your options with your insurance agent as buildings newly mapped into the floodplain may be eligible for a lower premium during the first 12 months after a map change. Your insurance agent can give you more information on how to save.

To see the new floodplain maps or check your property’s status please visit the website here
(select the layers button to the right and check the boxes for floodplain layers).

For flood insurance questions, contact your insurance agent. MSD Floodplain staff can answer your questions about floodplain mapping. You may contact them at 502.540.6000 or floodpermits@louisvillemsd.org.

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

Thanks to a generous grant from the Louisville Metro Department of Parks & Recreation, TreesLouisville is excited to announce the opening of another round of its Residential Shade Tree Rebate Program!

Did you know? Nearly 70% of available planting space in Jefferson County is privately owned. Planting a tree at home is one of the best and easiest ways you can help expand our community tree canopy and grow a greener, healthier neighborhood.

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.

When: April 20th 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Buechel Woman's Club, 3758 Pulliam Drive

Speakers:

• Dorislee Gilbert, Executive Director of the Mary Byron Project
• Emily Bonistall, Marsy's Law Kentucky Outreach Director
• Councilman Rick Blackwell
• Michelle Holmes, Victim Speaker

Lunch will be served. Due to the pandemic, all COVID regulations will be followed and masks will be required. Seating will be limited and you must RSVP at 502-654-2648 or 502-876-3645.

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. It may take several weeks to get an appointment. After hearing from many people since March 1, my advice is to keep trying.  I wish we had a better, more centralized system but people are getting appointments by continuing to check these websites.    

Norton is creating a waitlist and some individuals on it are being contacted to receive vaccinations at the LouVAX site at Broadbent Arena (shown below).  

Here are the links to sign up:

Employers to Register Essential Workers

Norton Healthcare

Baptist Health

Walgreens

Kroger

CVS

The program that helps prevent low income residents of Jefferson County from being disconnected from utility services began on, Monday, January 4, 2021. The Low Income Home

Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. The LIHEAP Crisis Component will run from Jan. 4 - March 31, or until available funds have been expended, whichever comes first. This year’s Crisis Program will allow residents receiving a current utility bill with a past due amount and residents receiving a disconnect notice to apply for assistance.

To apply, residents must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Applicants must be a resident of Jefferson County with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $3,275.00).  Applicants must also meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Received a disconnect notice from LG&E, or
• Received a current bill with a past due amount, or
• Have a current payment plan with LG&E due to a past-due balance, or 
• Received an eviction notice if utilities are included in the rent, or
• Be within four days of running out of bulk fuel; or
• Be within ten days of running out of pre-paid electric service.

Applicants must provide copies of the following documents.

• Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, or proof of $0 income). Note: Zero Income forms are available at the LIHEAP Drop Box locations or by clicking here.
• Social Security card(s) or (official documentation with Social Security Numbers) or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household; and
• Disconnect notice or a current bill with a past due amount for metered utilities; or
• Eviction notice and copy of lease if heating expenses are included in the rent. or 
• Statement from utility company that shows 10 days or less of service if participating in pre-paid electric service.
• Family Profile Form and Remote Processing Form can be downloaded at louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP or found at the LIHEAP office Drop boxes. 

Individuals who are unable to apply for this program own their own may send an authorized representative to drop off required documentation their behalf with a note including the applicant’s name, address, phone number, and the name of the designated representative. Residents who are homebound and who are unable to designate a representative to drop off documentation on their behalf may call 502/780-7937.

Copies of LIHEAP documentation, along with the downloadable Family Profile form and the Remote Processing form, should be dropped off at the LIHEAP site you select, on the day of your appointment.  Applicants will then be contacted by LIHEAP staff within 72 hours (3 business days) of the appointment time.

There are seven LIHEAP locations with Drop Boxes for the 2021 LIHEAP Crisis program:

• South Central Neighborhood Place located at 4255 Hazelwood Avenue, 40215
• Neighborhood Place Ujima located at 3610 Bohne Avenue, 40211
• Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place located at 1411 Algonquin Parkway, 40210
• Newburg Community Center located at 4810 Exeter Avenue, 40218
• Cane Run Neighborhood Place, located at 3410 Lees Lane, 40216
• Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway, located at 1st floor, 40211
• East End Drop Box, located at 2927 Goose Creek Rd., 40241

All Office of Resilience and Community Services and Neighborhood Place offices remain closed for walk-in clients in an effort to help stem the spread of COVID-19.  Staff are serving clients remotely via phone, secure drop boxes and email communication.

For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, call the automated LIHEAP information line at 991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.  Residents may also visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for more details.

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s On-line Customer Service at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro311, tweet @LouMetro311, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.

LIHEAP is made possible by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is a pass-through block grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which contracts with Community Action Agencies across the state. Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services serves as the administering agency of Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership. For more information about Community Services, visit our website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services or call 574-1157 (TDD available at Metro311– 574-5000); or Community Action Kentucky at 1-800-456-3452.

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.