Many vehicle owners in Jefferson County could soon be faced with a higher tax bill.

The value of used cars increased by as much as 40% during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that means the cost to renew your vehicle's registration could be higher this year than in years past. 

The Jefferson County PVA's office has launched a way for people to appeal their tax bill via an online portal.

Kentucky law allows for appeals to the PVA within 60 days of receiving the notice of renewal. Such notices are typically sent the month before renewal is due, which is usually the owner's birth month. 

Jefferson County PVA Colleen Younger said some reasons for an appeal might be that the car's mileage is higher than the estimated mileage of the assessment or if it has significant damage. 

"All property, according to state law, is valued as it exists on January 1st," Younger said. "So if you have high mileage prior to January 1, you would submit that documentation."

To submit your appeal, click here.

Vehicle owners will be required to provide their name, phone number, mailing address, license plate number, VIN, vehicle year, vehicle make, and vehicle model, according to a news release. Providing a title number and email address are optional. It is up to the owner to substantiate any kind of high mileage, damage or mechanical defect.

VITA and AARP Tax Aide programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers to offer free tax services online or at select drop-off sites. VITA is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2021. AARP Tax-Aide’s mission is to serve any person who comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older. 

January 24 is the first official day for filing tax returns this season. This year, due to the COVID pandemic, several of the VITA sites will prepare in-person free tax filing by appointments only, and most of the sites will provide free tax filing through drop-off services. Individuals can visit getyourrefund.org to have their taxes prepared online.

To schedule an appointment for in-person tax assistance, call 502-305-0005 or visit louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com

The VITA free tax preparation sites are located at:

• Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Drive
• Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
• Oldham County LaGrange Library, 308 Yager, LaGrange
• Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
• Salt and Light CDC/NABA, Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Highway.
• Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
• United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
• Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Hwy.

For more details, including days and hours of drop off services and VITA locations, visit https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/qMTKCERX14Io8OOksPh76f?domain=labcservices.org

We need your help to report potholes:

1. Use an online form by clicking here.
2. Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.

To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov or click here.

Help your child, grandchild or young loved one gain valuable on-the-job experience at a great local businesses this summer!

Register for SummerWorks here: www.summerworks.org

More than 23,000 youth have been placed in jobs by SummerWorks and its Champion Employers. When we invest in young workers, it's far more than an invaluable short-term opportunity - we strengthen the long-term foundation of our economy, and our community.

Early job experiences are also key building blocks for youth which is why SummerWorks has the strong support of donors such as the James Graham Brown Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Diaz Family Foundation and other contributors large and small whose investments provide sponsored job experiences for many of our community's youth who are in greatest need of this life-changing opportunity.  

“We all look forward to being able to get back together, and we are excited to provide these nutritious meals on site to our seniors,” said Marvita Starks, program manager for the city’s Senior Nutrition Program.  “But even more important than the meals, is the social connection and wellbeing this service helps to foster among older residents.”

For updates on the reopening of congregate sites., call 502-574-6325 or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/senior-nutrition-program

The Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens is pleased to announce the completion of the OADC Resources Guide.  The updated resources guide will connect aging and disabled citizens, along with their caregivers, to a variety of service providers, government agencies and non-profit organizations in the city of Louisville. 

The OADC Resources Guide can be found HERE.

Find a rewarding career! Serve the Louisville community!

We have career opportunities in various fields, such as engineer, electrician, performance analyst, heavy equipment operator, sanitation vehicle operator, sanitation worker and solid waste enforcement officer.

Click the link below and apply to be part of the Louisville Metro Public Works & Assets Team!!

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky?department[0]=Public%20Works&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending

The Louisville Parks and Recreation Department is hiring for a wide variety of positions from entry level to management, including part-time, throughout the department.

Of the thirteen community centers, eleven have vacancies. Supervisor positions will be posted soon for California and Beechmont Community Centers. Apply here. 

Link to a list of community centers is here

Metro Arts Center Needs Art Instructors!

The Louisville Zoo is happy to bring back one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation — Wild Lights—returning March 18 through June 5, 2022. Tickets are now on sale at louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.

Wild Lights features a variety of animal lanterns, including mammals, birds, and insects, a 98-foot-long dragon, mythical Chinese creatures and promenade walk-throughs. Guests may also enjoy interactive photos opportunities like illuminated angel wings, color changing swings, a kaleidoscope, and many more.  

The 48-night immersive cultural experience that kicks off the Zoo’s 53rd season will also include unique handcrafted goods available for purchase, nightly cultural performances on the MetaZoo stage, and Asian-fusion cuisine by Service Systems Associates (SSA) – the Zoo’s food and amenity vendor.

For ticket or additional information, visit louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.  through June 5, 2022. Tickets are now on sale at louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.

Guests will see the Zoo in a whole new light with a new lineup of lanterns, including more than 70 larger-than-life illuminated displays made of more than 2,000 silk-covered pieces lit by over 50,000 LED lightbulbs. 

For ticket or additional information, visit louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.

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

Pouring hazardous materials in the drain, flushing them down the toilet, or throwing them in the trash has a negative impact on the environment and can be dangerous. When several products are mixed together, chemical reactions can occur, releasing toxic gases and starting fires. Throwing hazardous waste in the garbage poses health and safety risks to sanitation workers.

Where SHOULD Household Hazardous Waste go? Our Waste Management District funds a FREE household hazardous waste disposal site for Jefferson County residents called Haz Bin. It’s located at 7501 Grade Lane and open year-round Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Holidays may affect hours.) Dispose batteries, lawn/garden chemicals, oil-based paint and varnishes, fluorescent light bulbs, and more! Details at Louisvilleky.gov/HazBin.

Not sure if your items are hazardous? Use the search tool on Louisville’s Recycle Coach app to find out!

Dog of the Week

Don’t miss this sweet adoption deal! All adult dog adoptions are free for approved adopters and include a free dog crate through Feb. 14^th. All of pets are spayed-neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Mahican has handled 100-plus days in the shelter like a champ and during a recent field trip, he proved he’s an awesome dog. He enjoyed a scenic walk through Cherokee Park, after he got out all of his excited energy at the thought of an adventure. Then, it was too Great Flood Brewing where he showed off the crowd and enjoyed a mimosa. Mahican is a very well-behaved dog who loves to be the center of attention. Mahican’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Mahican is approximately two years old and weighs 58lbs. He gets along great with other dogs, so he would love to have a sibling. For more info about Mahican, email LMAS at animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov. To meet or adopt Mahican, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3528 Newburg Road) from 12-6pm daily

Cats of the Week - Lewis & Fizz

Salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly - some things just go together, just like Lewis and Fizz. Together since birth, the farthest apart this brother and sister have ever been is separate rooms in the same house. It can be hard to make heads or tails of major life changes, like finding yourself in the animal shelter - so it's a good thing this bonded pair has each other. Adopt Lewis and Fizz so they can be together furever. Their adoption fees are waived thanks to the Pay It Forward Program.  Lewis and Fizz are four years old. Both are already neutered and spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated. The pair loves cat trees and they're used to regularly having their nails trimmed. To meet or adopt Lewis and Fizz, visit Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road from 12 to 6pm daily. For more info about Lewis and Fizz, call 502-473-PETS.

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

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/

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

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

With an increase of illegal activity from vandalism, vehicle thefts and items stolen from vehicles to gun shots reported. LMPD has several tips that may seem simple but very effective!

Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! 

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!

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/