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

Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-1107

 

Click Here to

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

Property Valuation Administration: 502-574-6380


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...



MAKE IT MINTY, ALL OF APRIL

Mint Julep Month!

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The Mint Julep is a fine Southern tradition dating back to the 18th Century, as well as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938.

Since 2013, Louisville has designated April as "Mint Julep Month®" celebrating the famous Bourbon cocktail along with the arrival of Spring in Kentucky.

Click here for a list of Mint Julep activities:

MAKE IT MINTY, ALL OF APRIL : GoToLouisville.com Official Travel Source



Message From McCraney

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Yes, that's me, somewhere underneath that gigantic hat. This was Thurby 2017. I had a great time handicapping the races and drinking soft drinks (I'm not a mint julep girl). The atmosphere was lively and everyone was hugging and milling around freely.  Thurby, as you may know, is the new Oaks for us locals - with less the crowd.

While this year may be slightly different, you will still see lots of fabulous fashions, including matching masks. While people gather at Churchill Downs for food, fun and frivolity some (women and men) will sport spring outfits and a more ridiculous hat than mine shown above. Anything goes during Derby season.

I learned a little something about Thurby. It is a portmanteau for Thursday plus Derby, and this name for the Thursday racing in Derby week has been recognized by Churchill Downs since 2014. 

As much as I enjoy writing and wordsmithing, I must admit, the word portmanteau was foreign to me.  After looking up the word, I learned that it stands for a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of two others, for example ‘breakfast’ and ‘lunch’ (Brunch). I love learning new words. This one was fun for me. I spent almost an hour thinking of other portmanteau combinations. Here are some of my favorites:

1. iPod and broadcast = Podcast.

2. Smoke and fog = Smog

3. Medical and care = Medicare.

4. Telephone and marathon = Telethon.

5. Parachute and troops = Paratroops.

What are some of your favorite words or phrases? Send them to me and I will list in our Just 4 Fun section some day.

What are your Derby plans this year? What are some of your Derby traditions? Do you have relatives and friends coming to town? Are you hosting a Derby party at your home? If you dress up for any event this Derby week, please snap a picture and send it to me. I will display your picture in a future issue of the e-Newsletter.  

We love Derby; it is a fun time for our city, as well a very lucrative one. All eyes will be on Louisville this week as we celebrate leading up to "The Most Exciting 2 Minutes in Sports."  I encourage you to enjoy every aspect of Derby week, but urge you to please be careful.  Please continue to social distance, wear a mask, wash your hands often and if you can (or will), please get vaccinated.

I will not be attending any Derby activities this year. I made the decision to sit this one out, but I do plan to watch whatever I can on television. I also plan to dress up for the big race. I hope my husband plays along with me, because we make such a cute couple when we get all dolled up.  

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Have a great Derby week, and let me hear from you!



Council Corner

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As you may have heard, Mayor Fischer presented his budget proposal to the Council on Thursday. A partial press release with details about the proposed budget is listed below under the heading, Update from the Mayor.  

I am looking forward to diving in the deep end of the budget. I love this time of year, because it reminds me of my banking days when I combed through budgets, P&L statements, tax returns, financial reports and balance sheets. Fun times!

As announced after the Mayor's presentation, the Budget Committee, on which I serve, will offer two opportunities for the public to share and voice concerns about the budget on May 13 at 6 p.m. and May 27 at 5 p.m. Click here for more information on signing up to speak.  

To view the 2021 - 2022 Recommended Executive Budget Document in its entirety (Size is 30MB),  Click Here 

To view the 2021 - 2022 Recommended Detail Budget Document (Size is 104MB), Click here.

The Council also approved an ordinance that appropriated $400,000 to fund legal representation for select residents during eviction proceedings. To quality, families must not have annual gross income in excess of 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. 

I voted in favor of the ordinance and spoke on the importance of those in power to help the least, the lost and the left behind. But, before I spoke in favor of the measure, I asked pointed questions to make sure landlords would not be negatively impacted and that the funding would be monitored.  I was satisfied by the answers I received.  

The funding will be monitored, as the ordinance mandates quarterly reports to the Legal Aid Society and annual reports to the Metro Council.  Also, the funding will not guarantee tenants will get to stay in their rental apartment or house, nor does it hurt the landlord.  What it does is give tenants information about their rights and the consequences of receiving a conviction notice. Oftentimes, tenants are not notified properly of an eviction and before they know it, they are forced to vacate with nowhere to go.

Legal representation is a minimum start in helping those who can't help themselves. During the pandemic, the government has funded eviction programs that helped tenants pay their rent. The rent payments were always sent to the landlord.

If you would like to view any of the Council Committee meetings, you may click here to access the Metro Council’s Archived Media page.  Once there, scroll to the Committee you wish to view and then click “Video” and a separate window will appear.



Public Notices

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Modified Conditional Use Permit

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You are invited to attend a review of a MODIFIED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT to allow a continuum of care for independent living cottages operated in conjunction with an existing assisted living facility.

Subject Property: 1704 The Meadow Road
Case Number: 20-MCUP-0016
Case Manager: Rachel Mandell (Rachel.Mandell@louisvilleky.gov)

Application Date: November 23rd, 2020
Meeting Type: Board of Zoning Adjustment
Meeting Date: MONDAY, May 3rd, 2021
Time: Meeting will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until all cases are heard
Location:https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings

If you wish to submit comments on this case, please submit comments (in writing) to the case manager by 5:00 P.M. Friday, April 30th, 2021
or visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design for:
•Meeting agenda and staff report
•User Guides – BOZA-Approved Application Process
•Public comment opportunities

 A list of persons notified of this proposal is available in the case file.


Variance and Waiver Hearing

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You are invited to attend a review for Variances and Waivers.

Subject Property: 4948 US Highway 42

Case Number: 21-VARIANCE-0035 / 20-WAIVER-0043/ 20-WAIVER-0045

Case Manager: Molly Clark (Molly.Cark@louisvilleky.gov)

Meeting Type: Board Of Zoning Adjustment

Meeting Date: Monday, May 3, 2021

Time: Meeting will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until all cases are heard.

Location: Online meeting:

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings

If you do not have internet access please call 502-574-6230 to find out how to connect to the meeting by telephone. 

If you wish to speak please complete a speaker record form or contact the case manager in advance of the meeting. The record form can be found at the website provided above. 

If you wish to submit comments please do so by 5:00 PM Friday, April 30, 2021. 

Visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design for:

  • Meeting agenda and staff report
  • More information on the zoning process
  • Public Comment Opportunities

A list of persons notified of this proposal is available in the case file. 

Persons who desire special accommodations should contact the Planning Commission Office at (502) 574-6230 at least one week prior to the meeting. TDD users please use the RelayService, 1-800-648-6056.



Update From the Mayor

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Mayor's 2021- 2022 Budget

Listed below is a portion of the press release from the Mayor's office about the Budget Proposal for 2021-2022. To read the entire proposal please visit Mayor Fischer's 2021-22 budget address | LouisvilleKY.gov. If you would like to listen to the entire presentation to Metro Council you may watch it here on YouTube.

In his 11th annual budget address to Metro Council, the Mayor focused on accelerating the city’s economic recovery with a greater focus on equity, reimagining public safety and expanding youth development efforts.

Among the highlights:

  • The budget funds the new Civilian Review and Accountability Board and Office of Inspector General and efforts to diversify hiring in public safety agencies. It also quadruples the city’s investment in violence prevention and capacity-building programs, from $5 million to $19 million, presenting a new “whole of government” approach to public safety (see attached flyer). That includes nearly $5 million in new deflection and diversion programs, “because some situations should have a social service response, rather than law enforcement, particularly when dealing with people who are struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges or substance use,” the Mayor said.
  • The budget invests $2.7 million in Small Business Assistance, $1.5 million in the METCO loan program, and $350,000 in the Future of Work Initiative with Microsoft.
  • The city will provide the first $5 million in seed funding for the new West End Louisville Partnership, and, if $10 million is raised from private sources, Metro will provide up to an additional $5 million on June 30, 2022, to trigger a state match of $10 million. The Partnership is a 20-year Tax Increment Financing District that will allow West Louisville residents to control a new source of funding for neighborhood projects.
  • The budget invests $10 million in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and $3 million in down payment assistance, to help address income and wealth gaps between majority and minority communities by helping more Louisville families become homeowners.
  • Through the Office of Resilience & Community Services, the budget invests $5.9 million in housing and support services, including External Agency and Emergency Solutions Grant funds. It also invests around $1 million to house homeless people struggling with AIDS, and another $200,000 for Housing Connection funding to Neighborhood Place for helping our homeless. That’s in addition to the $1.7 million directed toward Homeless and Housing Services as part of the midyear budget adjustment in January, and $11 million from the S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program that the city will use to create even more affordable housing options and services for people who are homeless or at risk.
  • The budget includes $3 million for Evolve502, and $1 million for SummerWorks, which, along with the Future of Work initiative, are meant to provide “more pathways to opportunity, especially for our youth, who lack hope in the future and who are coming of age at a time of more rapid global, technological and societal change than any generation in human history.”
  • And there is $20 million in paving, $2 million for sidewalk repairs, and funds to expand efforts like Clean Collaborative, which is helping revitalize city roadways and neighborhoods, along with graffiti removal and the upkeep of vacant lots.
  • The Mayor also announced that with this budget, the Louisville Free Public Library will stop collecting fines for overdue books and materials, citing research that shows young people and communities of color are hurt the most by the fines, left unable to utilize a critical resource. 

Creating economic opportunities for all

The Mayor noted that “while we have no shortage of challenges,” the city’s financial picture is regaining the strength it had before the COVID-19 pandemic, partly because its core business sectors, including logistics and wellness and aging care, have continued to do well even during the downturn, and other industries have held steady or are starting to recover. 

He also credited the federal government’s assistance, including $156.7 million in COVID-related federal aid that Metro Government has received since last year, mostly through the CARES Act. And he noted that the budget presented today was crafted with the knowledge that the city will receive more than $430 million through the American Rescue Plan, or ARP.

That funding is not part of the budget, the Mayor said, because guidelines on eligible expenses by the U.S. Treasury Department will not be set until mid-May. But, he said, those funds represent a highly unique opportunity “to take ideas we once reserved for someday and turn them into reality now.” He announced the city is working with Accelerator for America to set up the Louisville Accelerator Team, which will convene conversations with business, non-profit, foundation, faith and other leaders “to ensure our priorities and our resources are aligned” in spending the one-time influx of federal funding.

Public safety at a crossroads in Louisville and the nation

“Public safety in general and policing in particular are at a critical crossroads in Louisville and America,” the Mayor said, noting that we must “think more broadly about how to create a safe city with fewer arrests and less incarceration for non-violent offenses.”

“This is work we approach with the urgency inspired by the racial justice protests we’ve seen in our city and around the country,” he said, before describing the investments in deflection and diversion, as well as increased funding for intervention, prevention, community mobilization, organizational change, and re-entry.

The budget includes $550,000 for the Group Violence Intervention initiative, launched late last year to divert people from the path of gun violence, incarceration and tragedy, as well as $500,000 for Reimage, a collaboration with KentuckianaWorks that’s helping to break the cycle of incarceration and recidivism by connecting justice-involved youth to education, training and careers in key fields such as IT, manufacturing, construction and more. More than 800 young people have enrolled in Reimage, and their recidivism rate is under ten percent.

This budget reflects the fact that producing safety requires a “whole of government” and “whole of city” approach – not just investments in law enforcement, the Mayor said.

In closing, Mayor Fischer noted that “if the last year has taught us anything, it’s that while we can’t predict the future, we must prepare. We must plan and adapt while we cultivate in our community the timeless qualities that will help guide our future: resilience, innovation, equity and compassion.”



Update from the Governor

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Governor, First Lady Unveil 2021 Derby Poster

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Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear joined the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Derby Festival and the 2021 Derby Festival Royal Court for the official unveiling of the 2021 Governor’s Derby Celebration Poster.

“The Kentucky Derby will have some fans in-person this year. This is what is possible through our successful rollout of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. The more Kentuckians who get their shot of hope, the more we can gather safely and ease restrictions,” Gov. Beshear said. “Thoroughbred horse racing is many things in Kentucky: it’s sport, culture, business and heritage. It’s also art, and today I couldn’t be happier to be taking part in this time-honored tradition of presenting a Governor’s Celebration Derby Poster. This year’s poster exemplifies the excitement and enthusiasm that surrounds the greatest two minutes in sports. It also serves as a wonderfully vibrant and cherished memento of the race for the public.”

To celebrate the 147th Kentucky Derby, Lexington artist Lennon Michalski designed this year’s Governor’s Derby Celebration Poster to portray the commonwealth’s long-standing history of horseracing. Michalski’s inspiration for the poster came from a time when he once attended the races with his young son. The excitement of watching from the rail and holding a winning ticket were his inspiration for the 2021 poster.

“Growing up in Kentucky, the horse industry and the Derby have always been a big part of our culture,” said Michalski. “I wanted to capture the electric atmosphere of both the Kentucky Derby and the times we are living in today.”

To see the complete press release from the Governors office click here



Vaccine Updates

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Gov. Andy Beshear encouraged all Kentuckians 16 and older to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment so the commonwealth can reach its 2.5 million vaccine Team Kentucky Vaccination Challenge aimed at lowering infections, saving lives and ending this pandemic.

When the 2.5 million vaccine goal is reached, the state will lift most capacity restrictions on many Kentucky businesses.

More Information
To see all vaccination sites and free transportation options to and from vaccination appointments, visit vaccine.ky.gov. To see a list of vaccination sites that have openings this week, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov. If Kentuckians have questions, they should call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians).



Covid-19 Updates

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The Healthy At Work minimum requirements have been simplified and apply to all businesses announced Governor Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack on Monday, April 19th.  

“We have fought really hard to get where we are – a much better place than in the fall and winter – allowing us to streamline some of our guidance,” said Gov. Beshear. “I hope people are able to enjoy some of these capacity increases. We can do so safely if we continue to wear our masks.”

The minimum requirements list include specifications for:

  • physical distancing;
  • facial coverings;
  • hand washing and sanitizing;
  • ventilation;
  • Telework;
  • common areas; and 
  • daily temperature and health checks. 

Events with 1000 or fewer people in a single space are limited to 60%capacity, or the maximum number of people that allow for physical distancing. Events with 1000 or more participants are limited to 50% , or the maximum number of people that allows for physical distancing.


State COVID-19 Statistics

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

Kentuckians vaccinated (have received at least one dose): 1,682,774

New cases : 785
New deaths: 7
New audit deaths: 6
Positivity rate: 3.39%
Total deaths: 6,373
Currently hospitalized: 417
Currently in ICU: 113
Currently on ventilator: 52

Top counties with the most positive cases are: Jefferson, Fayette, Boone and Warren. Each county reported at least 34 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus  click here.

To view the full daily reportincidence rate map, information on testing locationsvaccinescontact tracingschool reports and guidanceguidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.



News You Can Use

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Visit Westport Village

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Westport Village has updated its soft seating area with umbrellas from Summer Classics Louisville  --- located in the heart of District 7.  Stop by this week and shop for Derby with merchants in the shopping center.


Utility Assistance Program

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Youth Photo Contest

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New photo contest encourages youth to explore water in Louisville

To mark Earth Month 2021, the Louisville Free Public Library, together with the Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, University of Louisville College of Education, Louisville Water Company, Waterfront Park, and River City Paddle Sports, is launching a photo contest for K-12 students in the Louisville area on the theme of water.

Ripple Effects: Exploring Water in Louisville  invites youth in the Louisville area to capture images of what water means to them. What is most beautiful about water in our community? What water-related problems do we need to address? How do we use, recreate, and interact with water?

Cash prizes for 1st ($200), 2nd ($100), 3rd ($50), and honorable mention ($25) will be awarded for the best photographs in four age categories. The winning entries will also be featured in an exhibit this fall as part of the Louisville Photo Biennial.

Photo submissions are due by June 10 (one photo per student) and the winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on June 21 at Waterfront Park.

For more info or to register, click here.


Gardening for Nature and Us

Thursday, April 29, 6 p.m., Live on Facebook and LFPL.org/MyLibraryU
Presented by Dr. Mary Carreiro, Professor Emerita of Biology at the University of Louisville

The class is free for adults, but registration is requested - click here.

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National Pet ID Week


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Does your pet have a ticket home? April 18-24 is National Pet ID week. The best chances of being reunited with a lost pet are a microchip and a pet license. LMAS offers microchipping services for just $25 and your pet doesn’t need an appointment. Most veterinary offices also offer microchipping services.  

If your pet is already microchipped, make sure your contact information on the chip is up-to-date. Jefferson County residents are required by law to license dogs, cats and ferrets. A one-year pet license is just $10 and can be purchased online, by mail, in-person or at a participating veterinary office. If your pet is picked up by animal control, an officer can bring them home instead of to the shelter because your contact information will be up-to-date.

Pets are an important part of our lives. To have your pet microchipped or to purchase/renew pet licensing, visit the LMAS Shelter located at 3528 Newburg Road, from 12-6pm daily, Monday-Saturday. For more info about pet licensing and how to check or update a microchip, click here.   (https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services/services/license-your-pet)


JCPS Outlines Supplemental School Year Program

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Jefferson County public high school students will be allowed to request to use the 2021-2022 school year as a supplemental school year, to retake and supplement coursework already completed thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 128.

JCPS announced the following guidelines:

  • Any student from Kindergarten through 12th grade may make a request.
  • A retaken course does not count towards graduation unless the student previously failed the class.
  • The decision affects student athletics as well; the supplemental school program will allow high school students to have one additional year of eligibility if accepted, but students 19 years old before Aug. 1 won’t be eligible.
  • Deadline to apply is May 1, 2021.

Eviction Prevention Assistance

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For more information visit evictionprevention.itfrontdesk.com.


Real ID Deadline - October 1, 2021

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For more information go to: 


Saving The Earth One Fill-Up At A Time

Louisville Water Company Logo

For many locals, drinking Louisville pure tap® is an easy choice. It is award-winning water that undergoes rigorous daily testing to make sure it exceeds industry standards and is always safe for your family. Plus, it’s affordable – an adult drinking 80 ounces of water per day will spend only about $0.82 a year when choosing pure tap. But beyond these benefits, the environmental impact of choosing tap water over single-use bottled water may be one of the most important, with an effect that reaches far beyond our individual families and communities.

In the United States, 1,500 plastic water bottles are consumed(link is external) every second. That’s more than 250,000 bottles in just the amount of time it takes you read this article. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 9 to 30 percent of these bottles are successfully recycled. So, what happens to the remaining billions of plastic bottles discarded every year? Many end up in landfills, where they will take over 450 years to breakdown. When they do eventually begin to breakdown, these plastics never really leave our environment. Instead, they break into smaller and smaller pieces called ‘micro-plastics(link is external)’ – tiny particles that can pollute our soil and water.

Most plastic waste doesn’t even make it to landfills-- it ends up in storm drains, rivers, and eventually makes its way to oceans. Miles long ‘trash vortexes’ can be found in all the earth’s major oceans, where currents have collected these non-biodegradable materials in one giant mass, negatively impacting the ocean’s ecosystem and the creatures that call it home. And with the rate of plastic production rising, the volume of plastic materials in the ocean(link is external) is projected to exceed that of fish by 2050.

So what can our community do to help? Let’s talk about the “Three Rs” – reduce, reuse, and recycle. You hear the most about the third of the Three Rs – Recycling. But as mentioned, recycling is rarely an effective solution in managing our plastic consumption. Certainly, recycling is preferred over throwing plastics into the garbage – or worse, littering – but it is the third “R” for a reason. Reducing your overall plastic consumption by choosing not to purchase single-use plastic items whenever possible and reusing the plastic containers you already have will make the most significant impact on the health of our planet, and on your wallet!

That’s where Louisville Water and pure tap are here to help! Having a safe, reliable, and great-tasting water supply makes it easy for Louisvillians to stay hydrated in an environmentally sustainable and affordable way. The nation’s best water is coming directly from your faucet, making it easy to fill up a reusable container and limit your consumption of single-use plastics. We can even provide our customers with reusable bottles to make it easy.

Here are a few other tips to help you ditch single-use plastic bottles:

  • Bring a reusable bottle when you’re on the go! Many Louisville area businesses and venues have bottle-filling stations on site, serving up refreshing pure tap whenever your thirst strikes.
  • Planning a road trip? Non-insulated reusable bottles make great ice packs for coolers when frozen, and you can drink them when they thaw!
  • Did you know that you can also bring an empty reusable bottle through airport security? Muhammad Ali International Airport has several pure tap hydration stations throughout their terminals, so you can fill up before you hit the skies!
  • Finally, make pure tap your beverage of choice and encourage friends and family to do the same. Let’s help save the planet and get #backtothetap!

Public Works Facility Closures for Oaks and Derby

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The following Metro Louisville  Public Works Facilities will be closed at 1 PM on Friday, April 30 and all day Saturday, May 1 for Oaks and Derby.

  • Staffed recycling locations
    • Southwest Government Center 7219 Dixie Highway
    • Central Government Center 7201 Outer Loop
    • East District Public Works  595 N. Hubbards Lane
  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue
  • HAZ BIN, the hazardous waste drop-off facility, 7501 Grade Lane

Call For Advisory Board Members

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For more information go to tinyurl.com/tresk4kn


Seasonal Jobs

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Louisville Parks & Recreation is looking for part-time help at two of the city’s municipal golf courses -- Cherokee & Bobby Nichols. A perfect job for a retiree, college student or someone who has retail experience & enjoys being around the game of golf.  Click here for more information


Going to Derby? Things You Need To Know

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Fans will be in the stands for Oaks and Derby for the first time since 2019.  Due to COVID-19 precautions things will look a little different.  

Attendance

There are 15,000 fans allowed in the infield this year but they must have purchased their tickets in advance.  In addition to those in the stands the total attendance will be around 45,000. If you would like to buy tickets click here to be taken to the Kentucky Derby Website.

Parking

Onsite parking at Churchill Downs is by reservation only and cars must have a pass to park.

Guest parking will also be available at The Kentucky Exposition Center at 937 Phillips Lane all three days. There will be shuttles available to transport attendees from the Center. 

There will be additional parking at Cardinal Stadium (2800 S Floyd St), purple lot A, Friday and Saturday. No shuttles are provided from that location. It is a 10 minute walk to Churchill Downs.

Road Closures around Churchill Downs

Central Avenue will be closed to traffic from Taylor Boulevard to Third Street beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, traffic on that same Central Avenue stretch will be closed beginning at 8 AM, along with a closure on Oakdale Avenue from Southern Parkway to Central Avenue.

Food And Drink 

Reserved tickets will be "all inclusive" for food and beverages". Attendees will be issued a wrist bracelet in their seating area to indicate they have an all inclusive ticket.  

Infield attendees will have the option of buying from concession stands or bringing their own boxed lunches. or food items. These must be in clear plastic bags or containers that do not exceed the maximum size of 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Boxed lunches or food items must fit in the guest's bag or one-gallon clear  storage bag. No trash bags will be allowed. Guests will be restricted to one bag only. Additional bags with food will not be permitted. 

CDC Guidelines For Covid-19 Will Be Followed

Masks must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking. Social  distancing markers will be set up at concessions stands and in the general foot traffic areas.  Sanitation areas with sanitizer will also be set up throughout the venue. 

For more information click here or visit Kentuckyderby.com.

Virtual Betting At The Track 

Download the Churchill Downs Racing App and enhance your day at the track.

  • View race entries & bet from your phone
  • Get turn-by-turn directions to the track & save your parking location
  • Locate your seats, nearby restrooms, concession stands, ATMs
  • Buy, manage & scan mobile tickets
  • Access the latest Kentucky Derby News

Want more information? Go to Kentucky.com

Planning To Have A Party At Home?

Check out Kentuckyderby.com for party planning ideas, Derby Kits, Menus, Drink Recipes, crafts for kids, DIY fascinators, and instructions on how to bet virtually and so much more.   

Learn how to place your bets virtually through the Twin Spires App here.



Calendar of Events

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Puppy Palooza

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Puppy Palooza Pup-Date!

The weather is looking {RUFF} for Saturday, so we have moved Puppy Palooza to this Sunday, April 25th, from 2-5pm!

Join us for free pup portraits, caricature art, a variety of dog-friendly vendors, swag bags, giveaways and more - benefiting Kentucky Humane Society!

Donate $1 to Kentucky Humane Society for a Puppy Palooza bandana, pictured above!

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For more details, click here: westportvillage.com

WEBSITE: bit.ly/PuppyPalooza2021


Churchill Downs is in Business!

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VIEW CALENDAR

 

RACING & WAGERING

 

EXPLORE TICKETS

         

April 29th is Thurby!!

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Kentucky Derby week is one of the best times to experience live racing at Churchill Downs. Be a part of the excitement at Thurby as racing returns under the Twin Spires and Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders visit the Paddock to take a look around before the big day.

Thursday, April 29th, 2021

 

Presented by Old Forester

Gates Open: 11:30AM

Kentucky Derby week is one of the best times to experience live racing at Churchill Downs. Be a part of the excitement at Thurby, celebrating the best of Kentucky including culture, fare and racing. 

NEW - For the 2021 Thurby, all tickets will include food and non-alcoholic beverages.   Click Here to Learn More.  


It's Time for Kentucky Derby 147

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It's finally here! Make your plans to participate your way!

"Kentucky Oaks"
Friday, April 30th
Gates Open: 9:30 A.M.
1st Race: 10:30 A.M.

"147th Kentucky Derby"
Saturday, May 1st
Gates Open: 9:30 A.M.
1st Race: 10:30 A.M.

See our story on the Derby to find out more about tickets, COVID-19 guidelines, food, and drink under "News You Can Use" or visit  kentuckyderby.com.

Here are the most recent street and highway closure information for Derby as well. Go to RESTRICTED STREETS (ONLY AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ALLOWED ON ROUTE): (govdelivery.com)


Globetrotting with Dinosaurs at Dino Safari

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Grab a prehistoric passport and join over 40 giant moving dinosaurs on a globetrotting expedition at Dino Safari, a completely drive-thru Dinosaur adventure for the whole family. Get up-close-and-personal with the most fascinating prehistoric creatures from the mighty T-Rex of North America to the giant amphibious Spinosaurus from Africa. Along your journey learn how dinosaurs evolved over time, where on earth they lived, and the discoveries paleontologists have made about how they ate, moved, and behaved.

Along the journey beware as earthquakes might erupt, dinosaurs could battle, and your family might just have to help save a baby dinosaur’s life! So, buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime in this completely COVID-safe experience!  For more information about the event and information on tickets visit  Dino Safari | Louisville Mega Cavern. Let the adventure begin!.

The Safari is open Monday through Sunday from 10AM to 9PM daily. 


Mother's Day Event!

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Just 4 Fun!

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Can You Solve This Rebus Puzzle?

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A German rebus, circa 1620. A rebus (/ˈriːbəs/) is a puzzle which combines the use of illustrated pictures with individual letters to depict words and/or phrases. Can you solve this one?

Answer can be found at the bottom of the newsletter. 



LMPD Crime Reports- District 7

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No Crime Report Received this Week!

Interactive Crime Map Available

Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page.  Click here to try it out:.Interactive Map to Track Crime.



GOVERNMENT & POLITICS INFORMATION

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team ky

Updates from the Governor

capitol

To view the Governors most recent updates on click here: https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=641


COVID-19 INFORMATION

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Keep your personal information off the internet as much as possible and regularly check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com for unfamiliar accounts opened in your name. 

Metro 311

HAVE AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS SOLVING?

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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SAFETY ZONES FOR BUYING AND SELLING

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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

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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.

Answer to Rebus Puzzle: Bird's Eye View