Mayor Greg Fischer was joined by Metro Council Budget Chair Bill Hollander and Vice Chair Kevin Kramer to outline proposed priorities for spending the remaining share of federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. The plan for that nearly $340 million focuses on four priority areas – Homelessness and Affordable Housing, Workforce Development and Small Business, Healthy Louisville/Healthy Neighborhoods and Public Safety.

The Mayor noted that data and public input “have been essential drivers of our ARP priorities” – from the city’s Build Back Better Together process, to the over 1,000 responses to online surveys and the comments the public shared in three hearings sponsored by Council. And the priorities also reflect discussions with the Council budget leaders, he said,  “and our agreement that while our city has many needs, these areas reflect the most effective, inclusive, and equitable way to allocate our ARP funds set forth by the federal government.”

In total, Metro Government has been allocated $388 million in ARP Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, approved by Congress to meet the most urgent needs of communities across the country as they rebuild from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The next step is for Metro Council to meet, review and approve the priority areas. After that, the Mayor’s office and council budget leaders will work with community partners on various proposals through an open public Request for Proposals process, which will result in the development of specific appropriations within each of the focus areas. Then, specific projects will be submitted to the full Council approval

On Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order requiring face coverings in all Kentucky schools and child care settings.

The decision comes in the midst of the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases due to a highly contagious and easily transmissible Delta variant and recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevent on mask wearing indoors. 

The following will be required: 

• All individuals – teachers, staff, students and visitors – must cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when indoors in all public and private preschool, Head Start, elementary, middle and high schools in Kentucky (preschool through grade 12) including inside of vehicles used for transportation such as school buses, regardless of vaccination status.
• All staff, visitors and children ages 2 and older who are able to wear a face covering must cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when indoors in all child care settings in Kentucky, regardless of vaccination status.

"We are in the midst of the fastest surge that we have ever seen during COVID right now. This is a united front of saving lives, keeping our kids in school and keeping our economy and workforce going," said Gov. Beshear. 

To view the Governor's Executive Order requiring masks in all Kentucky schools and child care settings CLICK HERE. 

I-65 South (John F. Kennedy Bridge): The three left lanes of the bridge closed for expansion joint repair. These lanes will remain closed until work is complete.

Sherman Minton Bridge: (I-64 & US 150 over the Ohio River between Louisville, KY and New Albany, IN) Find out the latest project updates here: https://shermanmintonrenewal.com/

I-Move Kentucky (I-64 / I-71 / I-265): Find out the latest project updates here: https://i-moveky.com/

I-Move Kentucky: Find out the latest project updates here: https://i-moveky.com/news/

KY 1450 (Blue Lick Road): Weekday lane closures possible between Gene Snyder and Preston Highway for road widening work.

KY 2053 (Mt Washington Road): Nightly lane closures possible from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for resurfacing between KY 61 Preston Highway (mile marker 0) to Washington Green Road (mile marker 1.5). Drivers should heed signage while moving through the work zone.

KY 1450 (Blue Lick Road): Weekday lane closures possible between Gene Snyder and Preston Highway for road widening work.

Jefferson County (Various Locations):  Temporary shoulder closures possible at these locations for an ongoing LED lighting upgrade project:

• I-65 from Exit 133 (University Boulevard) to Exit 136 Brook Street – work will include the East Brandeis Avenue overpass, East Burnett / Railroad overpass, East Oak Street overpass, and East Breckinridge Street overpass
• I-264 and I-65 interchange (including Crittenden Drive and KEC Gate 5)

Drivers should use caution while traveling through the work zone.

Paving Next Week

Below is the list of Louisville Metro Public Works paving projects scheduled for the upcoming week, of August 16.

Note: the schedule is subject to change due to weather and/or operational factors.

• Commerce Crossing Dr. from Preston Hwy. to dead end
• Interchange Dr. from Preston Highway to Commerce Crossing Dr.
• Interchange Way from Interchange Dr. to dead end
• Carbine St. from Commerce Crossing Dr. to dead end
• Kresge Way from Breckenridge Ln. to S Hubbards Ln.
• Speed Humps installed on Goddard Dr. and Ormsby Ave.
• Base failure reconstruction on Meade Ave. and Greenup Rd.

In addition, we plan to perform safety improvements on E. Orell from Dixie Highway to Blevins Gap Rd., Dahl Rd. from Poplar Level Rd. to Guest Ave,, Clark Station from Shelbyville Rd. to Spotswood Ln., Flat Rock Rd. from Shelbyville Rd. to Aiken Rd., and Oak Grove Rd. from Independence School Rd. to Thixton Ln.  These improvements will likely have various lane closures through the duration of the project. 

COVID-19 vaccines are available at more than 100 sites across Louisville. If you have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated, talk with your primary care physician or pharmacist.

Individuals who need assistance scheduling a vaccine appointment or finding a vaccine site can:

• Call the LOU Health Helpline at (502)-912-8598.
• Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccine providers in your area
• Text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) to immediately receive addresses of nearby vaccination centers. 

Here is a list of additional LouVax Mobile pop-up vaccination sites for the weekend: 

Friday, August 13

Hosted by Smoketown Family Wellness Center (Pfizer)

• 760 S. Hancock St. Suite B100
• 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday, August 14

Hosted by Rutherford Elementary School (Pfizer)

• 301 Southland Blvd.
• 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
• Norton Healthcare in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.– Pi Lambda Omega chapter providing COVID-19 vaccines and health screenings.
• Call 502-899-6842 or visit NortonScreengs.com to make an appointment. No appointment necessary for COVID vaccines. Parent or guardian consent required for individuals ages 12-17.

Hosted by Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church (Moderna)

• 443 E. Kentucky St.
• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Hosted by Fraternal order of Eagles (Pfizer)

• 201 Outer Loop
• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hosted by Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (Pfizer)

• 3315 Dixie Hwy
• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Parents must be present for individuals ages 12 and up. Please register at kyvax.wildhealth.com. 

LouVax-Mobile needs volunteers. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to sign up CLICK HERE. For a list of COVID-19 Vaccination sites CLICK HERE

Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) joins with Community Action Agencies across the state today to begin accepting applications for the 2021 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling Program. This federally-funded programs is designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures. Applications will be accepted now through October 31, 2021, or until funds are depleted.

The LIHEAP Summer Cooling Program is separated into two components, Subsidy and Crisis, to assist with electric cost. Eligible households can apply for one or both components and participation in prior LIHEAP programs will not affect a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, with a household income at or below 150% of the Kentucky median income.

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web: loiusvilleky.gov/tell311, or download the free Mobile Louisville Metro 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service

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

Neighborhood Block Watch is a crime prevention program with neighbors watching out for each other. If your neighborhood has them, use them! If not then request more information and start a Neighborhood Watch today! Contact Community Relations Programs at (502) 574-7427 or email LMPD Neighborhood Watch.

Start a Block Watch! Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change. Always lock your vehicle doors. Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside. Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them! Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open. Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. Consider additional lighting around your property. Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle

Make a police report! IT DOES HELP IN GETTING ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS IN OUR DISTRICT!

According to a release from the Department of Public Health and Wellness, mosquitos in four different Louisville ZIP codes have been infected with West Nile virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Most people infected with West Nile virus either show no symptoms or relatively mild symptoms, less than one percent of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

The health department said people over 60 or those who have certain medical conditions, like cancer, diabetes or kidney disease, are at a greatest risk for severe disease. Area codes affected in Louisville include 40205, 40212, 40214, and 40215.

Do you know a hard worker with customer service experience looking for a fun summer & fall job?

The Belle of Louisville Riverboats are hiring for deck hands, bar & concessions staff & ticket sales.

Go to https://belleoflouisville.org to apply!

https://youtu.be/puGGyfrHlug

Registration for the Zoo’s annual Throo the Zoo 5K will begin August 15, 2021. The wildest 5K in town presented by Norton Audubon Hospital is set to occur at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Louisville Zoo. Race proceeds benefit the Louisville Zoo, which is dedicated to its mission of bettering the bond between people and our planet.

Registration for this important Zoo fundraiser starts as low as $30 through September 30 and can be completed online at louisvillezoo.org/throo. Register early before prices increase on October 1 to $35 and again on November 7 to $40. Registration on the morning of the race at the Zoo is $50.

The Louisville Zoo will hold a virtual costume contest. Race participants will be invited to take photos of themselves in costume at the race and share it on the Zoo’s Facebook post (Facebook.com/LouisvilleZoo) on the day of the race, November 13, 2021. The Zoo will share the submissions for voting starting on Monday, November 15.

SWDT is now accepting applications for their Fall 2021 and Spring 2021 cohorts. Applications are open now through Monday, August 30, 2021. Calendars for sessions are listed on their website. http://swdreamteam.org/futuredreamers/

Future Dreamers is a community-centered leadership course that cultivates a network of lifelong advocates and ambassadors for South and Southwest, builds community social capital, and acts as a pipeline to fill leadership roles in the city with members and supporters of South Louisville. Leaders explore Asset-Based Community Development, Neighborhood Development, Local Economies, Local Government, and Arts & Culture.

Now in its third year, the Future Dreamers Civic Leadership Academy has graduated 40 leaders from 13 zip codes.

Hours 

• Tuesday-Friday 10am – 3pm    
• Saturday  11am – 4pm
• 2021 Closed Sunday & Monday -
• Holiday Closures Nov. 25, Dec. 24 & 25

328 Kenwood Hill Rd. Louisville, KY 40214 phone 502-367-4792

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 - Kazuhira

Wanted: A forever home with pool. Kazuhira is a true water dog who prefers to keep things wet when outside. When not taking a dip in the pool, the approximately 3-year-old Labrador Retriever mix enjoys hanging out with other shelter dogs, so he wouldn’t mind having a sibling to keep him company when you’re away from home. Kazuhira can be shy when meeting new people, but warms up quickly. He shows his appreciation by giving kisses. Kazuira mastered the leash while at the shelter and now he looks forward to going for a walk. Adopt Kazuhira for free with an approved application, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Kazuhira weighs 65 lbs. and he’s already spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Kazuhira can be tested with children, other dog, or cats by request. Meet Kazuhira at Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road), open to walk-ins from 12-6pm daily.

For more info about Kazuhira, send an email to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.

Salsarita - Cat of the Week

Spice up your life when you adopt Salsarita. The laidback Salsarita is approximately two-years-old and friendly with everyone. Her favorite things include toys, cat naps, and plenty of pets. Adopt Salsarita for free with an approved application, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Salsarita weighs 10 lbs. She’s already spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations.  To meet or adopt Salsarita, visit Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, from 12-6pm daily. For more info about Salsarita, call 502-473-PETS

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

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.

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window. 

Report the license plate number to 311 to be verified (including a description of the vehicle) through the County Clerk's Office.  The owner of the vehicle will receive a letter saying that someone reported seeing litter being thrown from their vehicle, and reminding the owner that littering is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to a year in jail. An automobile litter bag also will accompany each letter. 

Click here to report Litterers.

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/