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The COVID-19 virus and the subsequent Delta variant have ravaged our community resulting in far too many untimely deaths, heartbreak and sorrow. To confront this atrocious pandemic head-on, I believe that a broad community-based approach is necessary. By working together we can avoid the destruction and anguish caused by this variant. Doing more of the same is too costly and devastating.
If we want to continue classroom instruction in schools, keep businesses open and from going bankrupt, reduce unemployment cases, carry on with in-person worship, and hold wait times and crowding in hospitals to a minimum, then we must be committed to confronting this dreadful disease. We’ve already lost over four million lives and been robbed of time with family and loved ones; our economic vitality has been compromised and our sense of safety has waned.
So, what will it take to get people vaccinated?
Until recently, getting COVID-19 didn’t require out-of-pocket expenses for insured people in the United States. If it was medically necessary, COVID-19 testing and vaccine shots were free, as mandated by the federal government. According to a new report from Peterson Center on Healthcare and Kaiser Family Foundation, the grace period is coming to an end. The report finds that 72 percent of the largest insurers in the U.S. are no longer waiving out-of-pocket fees for COVID-19 treatment, with another 10 percent of insurers planning to phase out waivers by the end of October. This development comes as the United States continues to see a spike in COVID-19 Delta variant cases.
I appreciate all those who are doing their part in fighting back against this horrific variant. Let’s all commit to doing more – encourage a friend, neighbor, colleague or loved one to get vaccinated. Yes, getting vaccinated or not is a personal choice; however, if you know of someone who states that their choice doesn’t impact your life, tell them that it’s not true. Hospitals across America are filled with individuals who are being treated for COVID-19 and are not vaccinated. This pressure on our healthcare systems is an indication that an individual’s choice to not get vaccinated could have devastating consequences for others.
Be safe. Wear a mask. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands often. Live and let live!
Cox Park is overdue for a good, thorough cleaning. The Parks Department has been an admirable partner to this point in helping our beloved Cox Park get into shape. Signage has been updated to include park hours, damaged trash cans have been replaced, weeds have been cut, graffiti has been cleaned and driftwood has been collected. Yet, with all that has recently been done, there's still room for improvement.
The Parks Department is stretched thin and has many other parks to maintain. I say we lend them a hand!
On October 16th at 10 a.m., volunteers will meet in the parking lot of District 7's own Cox Park. This community treasure is overdue some much needed District 7 love.
If you want to volunteer, send an email to logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov or call my office at 574-1107. We will keep a running list of who signs up, as supplies will be provided to everyone.
More details will be communicated as we get closer to the date.
RAIN DATE: October 23, 2021.
I receive questions quite often about the VA Hospital, and wanted to provide this most recent update for residents who are wondering where things stand. As you may be aware, funding is secured for this project, and the construction contract has been awarded. The anticipated date of opening is in 2025.
Click here for more information. I will keep you posted on updates as I hear of them.
Guidance for public addresses before the Metro Council Ad Hoc Committee on Redistricting
- The Metro Council Ad Hoc Committee on Redistricting has invited the public to speak on Council Redistricting at their meeting on September 22, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
- The public can speak in person at City Hall (601 W. Jefferson, 6th Street entrance) or virtually via WebEx Events. (See registration information below.)
- Each registered speaker will have three (3) minutes to speak.
Register in Advance
The link to register online will be available on the Metro Council Clerk’s website at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk or by calling the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at 502-574-3902 during office hours, weekdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Registration Period
Friday, September 17th at 8:00 am through September 22nd at 4:00 pm is the registration period. Please register with the name, email address, and phone number you will be using to join the meeting to ensure you are recognized. For those attending virtually, by 4:30 pm on September 22, a message will be sent to the registered email address that includes the information to join the meeting. Do not share the information.
When Joining the Meeting
Speakers will be asked to provide comment in the order of registration, and the speaker must be present when called upon to speak. The Chair will call on each speaker by name, at which point s/he will be given up to three (3) minutes to provide comments. The use of inappropriate language or images will cause the speaker to be immediately removed from the meeting.
Virtual attendees: Each speaker will be muted by default upon entry into the meeting. Each speaker will be able to unmute when called upon to speak, and may also choose to share his/her video at this time.
While Giving Public Comment
Those attending virtually should mute any other devices being used to watch the Council meeting to avoid audio feedback. Using a headset/earbuds with a microphone, if available, during the virtual meeting can be helpful to prevent feedback. State your name before making comments. Only one person can speak during the 3-minute comment period. Using speaking points can be helpful.
Non-participants can view the meeting in person at City Hall or live on Metro TV (Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or UVERSE Channel 99), or via the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page at http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil.
Kentucky
The data map above shows the incidence rate in Kentucky as of 9/14/2021. The map shows that COVID prevalence is high in almost all counties in the commonwealth. Kentucky is currently third in the nation for new daily COVID-19 cases per capita.
Click here for more information on the map above.
Kentucky currently has 6 counties in the top 10 nationwide for rate of COVID infection. Perry County in eastern Kentucky is the top county in the nation for rate of COVID infection. Jefferson County is not among the 6 in the top 10.
Louisville
Louisville remains in the high incidence rate category. The total confirmed cases dropped last week from the week before, but the overall incidence rate remains high. For more in-depth data on COVID in Louisville click here.
Remember to keep practicing the safety measures we have learned over the past year. Frontline workers in our city are exhausted, and we can take precautionary measures to help ease the load. Please get vaccinated and talk to your family and friends about getting vaccinated. We will get through this.
From Metro Health:
You can do your part in slowing the spread of Delta. To find a vaccine near you visit:
Online: http://vaccines.gov
Text ZIP code to: GETVAX (438829)
LOU Health Helpline at (502)-912-8598
80% of Kentucky school districts are continuing masking requirements amidst the most recent COVID surge. After the state legislature scrapped a statewide mask mandate for public schools, school boards now have power to dictate mask policies in their districts. Jefferson County Public Schools will continue mandating masks in school.
Sometimes people consider the end of summer as the end of many outdoor activities. Pools close, the sun rises later and sets earlier and temperatures begin to cool off. Folks can begin to feel down as cooler weather tends to drive us inside and outdoor activities are harder to find. However, this does not need to be the story this year! There are plenty of opportunities to get out and meet with friends and family, or get a solo workout in.
For example, you can always bring your bike, or rent one from Wheel Fun Rentals and take a pedaling tour of Waterfront Park. Bike pathways wind throughout the park and alongside the waterfront and take you by statues by local sculptors. While summer is ending, this opens up new opportunities to get out see our city without the heat. Take advantage of this by riding a bike or even just walking through Waterfront Park.
Use your recycling cart's capacity wisely! Overflowing waste containers like the ones in the picture lead to more litter on our streets and may damage your cart's lid and hinge.
Recycling tips for conserving space:
- Flatten all cardboard.
- Only recycle what is accepted.
- Do not bag recyclables.
- Crush containers.
The Louisville Water Company Drops of Kindness℠ program is helping people pay their utility bills as the pandemic has upended our lives and caused financial stress for many in our community.
According to the Water Company, in normal times, this program helps around 2,000 households in the Louisville region with utility bills. This year, that number has jumped to as many as 18,000 households receiving assistance from Drops of Kindness℠. Many recipients have lost work during the pandemic or had their hours severely cut at their jobs and are trying to catch up on expenses.
The program also serves seniors and retirees on fixed incomes. As many have had to stay inside this past year to avoid COVID exposure, and as cases have spiked again, many seniors have seen their utility bills increase as they are spending more time in their homes.
To donate to the Drops of Kindness℠ program click here.
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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 5 is upgrading and installing LED lighting in the Cochran Hill Tunnels (mile point 8.4 of I-64). The first of five weekend closures of the tunnels was last week. The eastbound detour took vehicles down Lexington Road to Cannons Lane, and many trucks had a very difficult time making the turn from Lexington to Cannons. The detour is changing this week, with eastbound traffic routed to I-71 and I-264 before rejoining I-64. The roadway closure is scheduled for the following weekends:
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- Friday, September 17 at 9 p.m. and continue through Monday, September 20 at 5 a.m.
- Friday, September 24 at 9 p.m. and continue through Monday, September 27 at 5 a.m.
- Friday, October 1 at 9 p.m. and continue through Monday, October 4 at 5 a.m.
- Friday, October 8 at 9 p.m. and continue through Monday, October 11 at 5 a.m.
Motorists should follow signed detours:
- I-64 West: take I-264 East to I-71 South, then reconnect with I-64 West downtown
- I-64 East: take I-71 North to I-264 West, then reconnect with I-64 East
This LED upgrade is a continuation of an existing project announced at the end of 2020, which also includes replacing thousands of lower-efficiency roadway fixtures across the commonwealth by early 2022. Altogether, KYTC plans to replace more than 18,000 lights with new LEDs (light-emitting diodes), which last longer and require less energy yet provide greater visibility. Also, as a part of this LED upgrade, KYTC crews will be cleaning the tunnel to ensure proper maintenance.
The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or unforeseen delays occur. Fewer weekends may also be needed for the work. More about the detour change is in this WDRB report.
Visit goky.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5 and twitter.com/KYTCDistrict5.
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From the VA:
On Saturday, September 18, 2021, Robley Rex VA Medical Center is pleased to host a Drive-Thru Open House for Women Veterans. This is the 11th year VAMC has held an Open House to recognize and honor the fastest growing population of Veterans and provide important information about VA healthcare.
This drive-thru event will feature free flu-shots for women veterans, a cheering squad, music, box lunch, giveaways and door prizes. Participants can enjoy all the festivities without leaving the safety of their vehicle.
Women Veterans are invited to attend any time between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2020, at the large white drive-thru hanger, located near the water tower. For additional information, please contact Emily Watts, Women Veterans Program Manager, at 502-287-6050 or Emily.Watts@va.gov
For more information on the services provided by the Robley Rex VA Medical Center, visit our website at www.louisville.va.gov and follow us on Facebook.
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From Beechwood Village:
The Beechwood Village Fall Picnic is back! After a year off, the picnic returns Saturday, October 16, on the grounds of Beechwood Baptist Church, 201 Biltmore Road. The action runs from 12:00PM to 2:00PM.
Enjoy plenty of free food, activities for the kids, and live music from the Thrillers. Entertainment is sponsored by Metro District 7 Councilwoman Paula McCraney. This is our biggest annual village event. It’s a great opportunity to mingle with neighbors and share in our excellent community spirit. Join us for the fun!
Please check for fresh picnic updates on the Nextdoor app, the Beechwood Village Facebook page, or at: www.beechwoodvillage.org
Downs After Dark is back and will take place this Saturday, September 18th at Churchill Downs. Thoroughbred Racing will meet Louisville Cardinal Basketball when Louisville Live, the University of Louisville's annual preseason basketball event, comes to Downs After Dark.
Click here for more information and to get tickets.
This Sunday from 1:00-5:00 pm at the Northeast Library, the Main Room will be filled with donated books that are for sale. There will also be DVDs for sale. If you are looking for a new read or a new movie, check out the book sale at the Northeast Library. It is located at 15 Bellevoir Circle.
The Brightside Bash will be held Wednesday, September 29th from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens. Tickets are $50 each and are now on sale. There will be Wheel of Charice raffle packages with items including a weeklong visit to Nolin Lake, tickets to a Cincinnati Reds home game and tickets to a Lou City or Racing Lou soccer game, among others! This bash serves as a fundraiser for the Brightside Foundation.
Click here for more information.
Head out to the Kentucky Science Center on October 15th from 6:00-9:00 pm! This will be an adults-only evening event that will include food, drink, full access to exhibits and some Maker activity stations. Admission includes drink tickets, hor d'oeuvres and all activities and supplies.
Click here for more information and to get tickets.
The City of Indian Hills Octoberfest has been cancelled.
Make sure to check that events are still happening before making plans to go! Many events are being cancelled due to staffing and COVID concerns.
If not, you can find the answers at the bottom of the newsletter. Enjoy!
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.
NO CRIME REPORTED!
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
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
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc
Click here for more info.
*District 7 Disclaimer: By taking part in District 7 events, you grant Councilwoman Paula McCraney full rights to use the images resulting from photograph/video filming. Councilwoman McCraney will have the right to any reproductions or adaptations of the images for inclusion in her e-Newsletter or other Council publications. This might include, but is not limited to, the right to use them in printed and online materials, social media and news releases.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov prior to event attendance.
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