Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 08/12/2022 12:18 PM EDT
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
JOIN US IN-PERSON THIS MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
Councilwoman Shanklin and her District 2 office invite you and your family to the annual Newburg Days Festival, coming August 19-21, 2022 in Petersburg Park! Hope to see you there!
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**Based on a 7-day rolling average; Switched on 10/19/2020 to electronic laboratory reports as the sole source of data for the positivity rate. Learn more about how KDPH determines the Statewide Positivity Rate. Note: Data includes cases of COVID-19 reported to KDPH.
PLEASE NOTE:
IF YOU NEED A COVID VACCINE OR BOOSTER, VISIT: https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-vaccine.
If you need assistance with scheduling an appointment, please call 855-598-2246.
Text your zip code to GETVAX - 438829 to receive three vaccine locations near you. Text VACUNA - 822862 for Spanish.
IF YOU NEED A COVID TEST, VISIT: https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-testing
The websites above will direct you to the nearest testing/vaccine provider based upon your ZIP code. The vaccine site also offers transportation assistance for those needing help getting to their nearest vaccine provider.
Latest News from Mayor Fischer and the City of Louisville
Mayor highlights progress to address vacant and abandoned properties, new property condition survey and changes to the Landbank Authority following racial equity review
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 11, 2022) — Mayor Greg Fischer today joined city leaders, Landbank Authority officials, and developers to celebrate strides made toward tackling vacant and abandoned properties, detail the findings of a new property condition survey, and highlight changes to the Landbank Authority processes.
“Neighbors feel the negative impact of even one vacant or abandoned property on a block, but on some streets in our city, particularly in west Louisville, we have blocks full of these properties, which can attract squatters and criminal activity,” the Mayor said. “Our goal is to revitalize areas with large numbers of vacant and abandoned properties by getting them into the hands of people in the neighborhood to prevent displacement and return them to productive use, and by addressing deteriorating properties, we can help prevent more properties from becoming vacant and abandoned.”
The Landbank Authority is a joint agency of Louisville Metro Government (LMG), the Jefferson County Public School District, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Authority, which is staffed by the Louisville Metro Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) and overseen by a Board of Directors, acquires, manages, and sells distressed properties and vacant unimproved parcels to responsible developers.
Racial Equity Review
In 2020, the Authority began a racial equity review of its policies, programs, and procedures, and this year, the Authority’s board is reviewing program and policy changes that prioritize the sale of Landbank properties for owner occupancy and will result in more equitable practices.
“The Landbank Board and the OHCD team has worked diligently to improve property and home ownership in neighborhoods impacted from vacant and abandoned properties. Over the past few years, we have engaged city officials, as well as community members, to make policies and opportunities fairer and more equitable for local residents looking to build wealth, not only for themselves but for their family’s future,” said Dr. Rev. Jamesetta Ferguson, member of the Landbank Authority Board of Directors. “When sales resume in mid-September, I believe the residents wishing to engage the process will begin to reap more benefits from the new and improved policies put in place.”
The Authority stopped accepting applications to purchase city-owned properties in June to implement the changes and expects to begin accepting applications again on September 15. The proposed changes include:
Collecting demographic data on Landbank buyers;
Creating a $1 million Landbank Homeownership Improvement Fund to assist with the cost of rehabbing Landbank properties for properties going to an owner-occupant;
Eliminating first-come, first-serve options for several Landbank programs to offer more equitable access to properties;
Revising scoring criteria for multiple programs to favor neighborhood residents and homeownership; and
Changing applicant eligibility to its Lot On My Block Program to allow long-term renters to purchase vacant lots on their block.
The Authority now is seeking community input on the proposed changes. Community members can view proposed changes and provide feedback by visiting www.louisvilleky.gov/vacant.
“The highest and best use for these properties is to get them in the hands of residents who live nearby and to use these properties to increase affordable housing in our city and homeownership for our Black residents,” Mayor Fischer said. “Changes to our Landbank programs identified through this racial equity review will help us better meet these goals.”
Through the Authority, LMG has sold more than 700 properties since 2011 to small developers, community-based organizations and individuals for renovations, or use vacant lots as side yards, community gardens, or for new construction.
Property Condition Survey
In 2020, OHCD also hired Dutch GIS company Cyclomedia to conduct a property condition survey throughout Jefferson County by working with the Jefferson County Property Valuation Administration as it conducted its property tax assessments.
Phase I of the survey, which was recently completed, focused on neighborhoods in west and south Louisville, downtown and its edge neighborhoods, and Old Louisville – neighborhoods that historically have had the most vacant and abandoned properties. Phase II, which will include the remainder of Jefferson County, will be completed in 2024.
The survey is only looking at properties with structures on them. Roughly 8 percent of the structures in the Phase I survey area were given a severity ranking, ranging from slightly damaged to presumed abandoned and unlivable. The condition of most of the structures did not warrant a ranking.
Based on the Phase I survey results, LMG found that there are about 1,500 structures deemed unlivable and presumed vacant and abandoned within the survey area. About 2,500 structures were found to have slight damage, and an additional 1,300 properties were identified as having moderate to significant damage.
“In addition to identifying currently vacant and abandoned properties, the survey helps us to identify properties that are not vacant and abandoned yet but are deteriorating, so that we can intervene. Depending on the state of the property and its occupancy and ownership status, this could include providing more resources through the city’s home repair programs for occupied properties or initiating additional foreclosures on unoccupied structures where ownership cannot be established,” said OHCD Director Laura Grabowski.
City efforts to address vacant and abandoned properties
During Mayor Fischer’s administration, the city has successfully lobbied for state-level law changes to help the city deal with vacant and abandoned properties and return them to productive use in a more efficient and timely manner.
These law changes include giving code enforcement liens priority over almost all other liens, which has allowed LMG to initiate over 1,000 foreclosures; making spot condemnation more feasible for local governments, helping move properties into foreclosure and toward repurposing; and allowing local governments to petition courts to appoint conservators over abandoned properties to expedite their rehabilitation. LMG’s conservatorship efforts are focused on preserving historic properties.
In partnership with Metro Council, LMG has made investments in clear boarding and expanding the Department of Codes and Regulations mowing crews so that abandoned properties still look maintained and discourage negative activity. The city also has increased investments in foreclosures of unoccupied, abandoned properties and the demolition of unstable and unsafe structures.
The Landbank Authority property inventory contains more than 600 vacant parcels, mostly lots. Most of the properties deemed vacant and abandoned are not city-owned. LMG works to find the owners or property heirs, if possible, and will initiate a foreclosure on problem properties or seek to demolish unstable structures that pose a danger.
Louisville awarded $20.5 million in federal RAISE grants to fund ReImagine 9th Street, Broadway All the Way
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 11, 2022) — Mayor Greg Fischer today celebrated news that the city of Louisville is receiving $20.5 million in federal RAISE grants to fund two transformational transportation projects that are integral to the revitalization of west Louisville and the continued growth of the city’s downtown and edge neighborhoods.
Louisville received a $15.5 million implementation grant to fund the design finalization and construction of the ReImagine 9th Street project and a $5 million planning grant to fund design work for Broadway all the Way, which will make that project shovel-ready. Both projects will improve connectivity, mobility, safety and aesthetics, while promoting economic development and quality of place.
“Today is a great day for the city of Louisville! These projects are part of a larger strategy to reinvigorate west Louisville, which is already seeing an unprecedented $1.5 billion in investment, and will have ripple effects across our community. After many years of working to break down the physical and invisible 9th Street divide, we are excited to bring ReImagine 9th Street to life, which will complement the ongoing investments in Beecher Terrace and the broader Russell neighborhood,” the Mayor said. “Broadway All the Way will connect neighborhoods from the Highlands in the east to Shawnee in the west, as well as provide an improved transportation experience for everyone who travels this major corridor.
“The RAISE grants will allow us to continue implementing the strategies and goals described in MOVE Louisville, the city’s 20-year multimodal plan, which focuses on modernizing our transportation infrastructure, improving connectivity across our city, and better supporting all modes of transit,” he continued. “I want to thank President Joe Biden and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for these awards, which will bolster the positive trajectory of west Louisville, downtown and its edge neighborhoods to the east.”
The Mayor also thanked Congressman John Yarmuth, who has been a strong supporter of Louisville’s efforts to invest in its neighborhoods and modernize its transportation system.
Congressman Yarmuth stated, “After years of pushing for this vital funding, I’m thrilled to see these two monumental investments being made in our city. These federal dollars will make Louisville safer, more accessible, and will help bridge some of the historic racial and socioeconomic divides we still work hard to overcome today. This is what happens when people come together to build a more fair, more equitable, and more prosperous future. These are once-in-a-generation investments, so to see Louisville’s name appear twice in the list of nationwide recipients is a sign that good things come to those as passionate and hard-working as our people are. This is a great day for our city.”
In addition to providing a letter of support for both RAISE grant applications, Gov. Andy Beshear and State Legislature allocated $500,000 to each of these projects through the State Highway Fund.
Metro Council helped the city attract these grants by dedicating local matching funds to both ReImagine 9th Street and Broadway All the Way. Council President David James, D-6, also was instrumental in providing funding for conversion of Chestnut Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard from one-way to two-way streets, a component of the ReImagine 9th Street plan.
“I’m so very excited that Louisville Metro has received this Grant to change Broadway and 9th Street. This will make our streets safer and more usable for our citizens. I’m honored to have been a part of being able to make this happen,” President James said.
The $24.6 million ReImagine 9th Street plan will transform 9th Street from a six-lane thoroughfare into a complete street with a large pedestrian area, protected bicycle facilities, dedicated bus lanes, green infrastructure, traffic-calming measures and smart signals. Louisville Metro Government worked with internationally renowned designers Gehl Associates and community residents to complete the draft plan.
Work to finalize the designs and construction documents for ReImagine 9th Street will begin in 2023, with opportunities for further community engagement. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2025, with additional funding coming from local and state sources.
In 2019, Metro Government and Gresham Smith, a local engineering, landscape architecture and design practice, began work on Broadway All the Way, which established a vision for the Broadway corridor with an emphasis on premium transit. Since then, they have been gathering feedback from people traveling the corridor, as well as businesses and residents, about improvements they’d like to see along Broadway.
Broadway All the Way will look at implementing Bus Rapid Transit similar to Dixie Highway, and enhancing pedestrian and bus shelters, as well as bike facilities. With the RAISE grant, the city and Gresham Smith will continue planning and design work and host public engagement opportunities to gather more feedback. By the end of 2025, they will complete a draft plan for Broadway All the Way and begin applying for funding for the implementation and construction of the plan.
The grant applications were developed by Louisville Forward and Public Works in conjunction with HDR, Gresham Smith, Gehl Associates, AECOM, WSP and Accelerator for America. Grant narratives can be viewed at www.louisvilleky.gov/aps.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $2.2 billion from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to help urban and rural communities move forward on projects that modernize roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, and intermodal transportation and make our transportation systems safer, more accessible, more affordable, and more sustainable. The RAISE program is one of several ways communities can secure funding for projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s competitive grant programs.
Mayor Fischer announces change in PARC leadership
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 8, 2022) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced impending changes to the leadership at the Parking Authority of River City (PARC).
PARC director Tiffany Peebles will retire from Louisville Metro Government (LMG); her last day will be August 31, 2022.
“Tiffany has been a valued member of Louisville Metro Government for 27 years. Because of her attention to detail and strong desire to remain on the cutting-edge of parking technology and practices, PARC has become a world-class parking organization,” said Mayor Fischer. “While we will miss Tiffany, we wish her all the best.”
During her more than eight years as PARC director, Peebles implemented updated technologies to improve the parking experience, including new mobile parking options and pay stations. In 2019, PARC also was named an Accredited Parking Organization with distinctions, ranking it among the top five percent of parking organizations worldwide. Before being appointed PARC director, Peebles was PARC’s assistant director from 2011 to 2014 and, prior to that, she held positions within LMG as an accountant and business manager.
The Mayor also announced the promotion of PARC Assistant Director Mike Tudor to the director role, effective September 1, 2022.
“Mike has experience at every level of parking, from working a part-time valet job in college to holding operations and leadership positions. His 25 years of experience working for PARC gives him invaluable institutional knowledge that make him the perfect person to step in as director,” Mayor Fischer said. “Congratulations, Mike!”
Prior to becoming assistant director at PARC in 2014, Tudor spent 17 years as PARC’s administrator of operations.
Louisville receives 2022 All-America City Award for early school success, equitable learning work at Beecher Terrace
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 5, 2022) — Mayor Greg Fischer today joined community leaders and Beecher Terrace residents to celebrate the city’s latest recognition, a 2022 All-America City Award.
The award from the National Civic League and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading acknowledges the work of Louisville Metro Housing Authority, Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville Metro Government and national community development nonprofit Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI) to achieve early school success and equitable learning for Beecher Terrace and Russell neighborhoods residents through cross-sector collaboration and in concert with the redevelopment of the public housing complex.
“This work is ensuring that kids don’t start school already behind, that they are positioned to thrive and grow, and to fulfill their human potential. This is how we create a city of lifelong learners,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Thank you to the National Civic League and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading for this recognition and congratulations to Louisville Metro Housing Authority, Jefferson County Public Schools, USI, and the Beecher Terrace and Russell families who’ve done the critical work that warranted this great recognition!”
In March, 20 communities were designated finalists for the award based on robust applications around the year’s theme. After months of preparation, the All-America City finalists each provided a virtual community presentation to a jury panel from July 19-21, which then selected the 10 winners.
"We are happy to designate Louisville as an All-America City. They showed, even in the face a global pandemic, that they can bring people together to help kids and families thrive,” said Doug Linkhart, President of the National Civic League.
In 2015, Louisville Metro Housing Authority received a Choice Neighborhoods planning grant for the Beecher Terrace public housing development and the Russell neighborhood. As part of this grant, the People Plan strives to create equitable opportunities where all Russell neighborhood and Beecher Terrace children and families are stable and thriving; where all voices are acknowledged and promoted; and all systems are positively aligned and equally contributing.
"Louisville is meeting families ‘where they are’ through a 24/7/365/multi-generational set of systems, supports and services. In doing so, the community is working to disrupt generational poverty for young learners and their families,” said Ralph Smith, said Managing Director for Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.
HUD awarded Louisville Metro Housing Authority with two additional Choice Neighborhoods grants in 2016 for the continued revitalization of the Russell neighborhood and redevelopment of the Beecher Terrace housing complex. Three out of four phases of the redevelopment are complete. When finished, the estimated $178 million revitalized community will feature 640 mixed-income rental units in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations.
"The potential for Louisville's selection as an All-America City truly began once LMHA received the Choice Neighborhoods planning grant," LMHA Chairperson Gena Harris said. "LMHA and its partners including Russell neighborhood residents, Urban Strategies Inc., JCPS and Louisville Metro Government launched the Vision Russell plan, which aims to improve educational outcomes and community connectivity for Russell residents. We celebrate this recognition and value our partnerships with the organizations involved in this dynamic effort."
Multiple All-America City areas of focus align with Louisville’s work, including digital equity, relational supports, transforming non-school places, and parents succeeding in their own journey toward sustainable self-sufficiency.
“It is truly an honor for Louisville to be named as an All-America City. For me, the real reward is collaborating with our partners, especially those at Louisville Metro Government, LMHA, and JCPS, to better the lives of Russell neighborhood and Beecher Terrace residents, young and old,” said Beth Dunn, education specialist at USI. “Thanks to our wonderful partners, Urban Strategies has made great strides in improving digital equity and providing access to free educational programming for our youth.”
About Urban Strategies Inc.
USI is a national nonprofit leader with extensive experience in the design and implementation of people-centered strategies, family supportive services, and community development for families in underserved urban-core residential communities. USI is an organization of color led by people of color seeking equitable results for children and families. For more information www.urbanstrategiesinc.org.
Metro Public Health and Wellness News
Monkeypox cases in Louisville remain low, but keep yourself safe
Late last week, the U.S. government declared monkeypox a public health emergency.
In Louisville the risk of monkeypox to the general public is low. There have been 8 cases. Three individuals are in active isolation. Five individuals have recovered.
The U.S. supply of monkeypox vaccine is extremely limited. The CDC provides vaccines to state health departments who then allocate the vaccines to city and county health departments. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has been allocated 100 doses to vaccinate documented close contacts of someone who has tested positive. As the vaccine supply increases, it will be made available to healthcare providers to offer to patients who meet the eligibility criteria. We have implored our state and federal officials to get more vaccines for our community.
Louisville COVID-19 cases remain at red-alert level
Louisville COVID-19 case counts are holding steady at the red-alert level. Health experts recommend people living in high community-level counties to wear a mask indoors in public, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if experiencing symptoms. Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness
Daily average incidence rate of 49.4 cases per 100,000 population
Weekly incidence rate of 345.63 cases per 100,000 population
2,652 new cases reported over the previous week
16 newly reported deaths
14.9% new hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 in the last seven days
4.9% staffed inpatient beds in use by patients with confirmed COVID-19
5.2% staffed ICU beds are in use by patients with confirmed COVID-19
47.7% of those fully vaccinated have received a booster dose
Need help finding a COVID test or vaccination location? Have you tested positive for COVID, but aren't sure what to do? Call the LOU Health COVID-19 Helpline, 502-912-8598, available Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Language translation services are available.
Louisville provides breastfeeding education and support to families
During National Breastfeeding Month, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is reminding families of the benefits of breastfeeding and support available to help new mothers navigate challenges.
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program at LMPHW offers breastfeeding classes virtually and in person. The classes are open to anyone and led by peer counselors who are moms who have breastfed their children. Click here for a list of upcoming free infant feeding classes.
Pregnant women as well as new moms who are enrolled in WIC also get one-to-one support from peer counselors. The WIC Program helps with breastfeeding, as well as providing access to infant formula.
To learn more about the WIC Program and how to qualify for a free electric breast pump, call 502-574-5978 or visit Louisville WIC at louisvilleky.gov. For breastfeeding support, you can call LMPHW 502-574-6511. You can also find additional resources in Jefferson County on our breastfeeding support page.
Want to open a business? Take steps to get a food service permit
Are you looking to obtain a food service permit in Louisville Metro for the following types of food operations?
Restaurants
Coffee shops
Soda fountains
Bars/taverns
Cocktail lounges
Nightclubs
Catering kitchens
Cafeterias
Tea rooms
Grills
Luncheonettes
Food service at daycares, schools, hospitals, and senior living facilities
Mobile Food Trucks
Whether you are purchasing an existing establishment, constructing a new facility, or planning to operate out of a currently permitted kitchen (catering, shared kitchen, etc.), you'll need to obtain your food service permit. Restaurants, retail establishments, mobile food trucks, and temporary food operations have different equipment requirements and different food safety fee schedules. To learn more please visit our Food Safety Program website at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/welcome-food-safety-program.
100+ Louisville residents in pursuit of their financial goals
Since launching Louisville's Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) on July 11, 2022, 100+ residents have received free, professional, one-on-one, financial counseling to empower them in pursuit of their goals. Focusing on four key areas of financial health: banking, credit, savings, and debt, counselors have been working with residents to address complex financial challenges.
The Louisville FEC is a public service initiative of Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Resilience and Community Services which is provided in partnership with the Louisville Urban League which offers professional, one-on-one financial counseling to Louisville residents. Nearly 20 community agencies are partnering with Louisville FEC to make referrals for their clients and may host a counselor on site.
Meet our Financial Empowerment Center counselors
Our awesome group of financial counselors are trained to tailor every session to the individual. They want to know more about you and your goals. Understanding your financial goals allows our counselors to customize what resources are provided and when they are given.
No financial challenge is too complicated to address. Everyone can use support and guidance on their finances from time to time and having a trusted and caring counselor can make a huge difference.
Sign up today!
Our FEC counselors want to help you achieve your financial goals and can help with: finding safe and affordable banking; establishing/increasing credit scores; managing and paying off debt; and building savings for emergencies and peace of mind.Call (502) 585-4622 (Ext. 6) to request to meet virtually or in-person at the Louisville Urban League, or at one of our several partner locations.
The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) would like to invite you to be a part of the next One Love Louisville Ambassador Training! This is an opportunity for citizens to help us create a safer Louisville through information and hands-on learning provided by experts in Stop the Bleed, Conflict Resolution, Mental Health 101, Domestic Violence Awareness, The Public Health Approach to Violence, and Community Organizing.
Join us on Saturday August 20, 2022 at the Louisville Free Public Library's Main Branch. This will be an in-person event, and food and refreshments will be served!
Please join us for the upcoming Louisville Trauma Resilient Community Project Resilience Academy on August 30th and 31st. This two-day training event is being offered at no charge. The project's overarching goal is to enhance coordination and alignment of the city in Trauma-Informed Care and promote healing and recovery from race-based trauma, community violence, and unrest in West and South Louisville. As a participant, you will receive foundational training in the Trauma Resilient Community (TRC) Model. The only requirement to be considered for this opportunity is that participants must work for an organization that serves the communities of West and South Louisville.
YouthBuild Now Enrolling
YouthBuild Louisville assists young people in meeting significant life goals. This includes preparing for college and careers by providing services in education, vocational training, community service, case management, placement, and post-graduation support.
YouthBuild is now recruiting for their next class. You must be between the ages of 18-24 and still need your GED to qualify. Participants will receive a weekly stipend while they work toward their career and educational goals. Program completion also makes select graduates eligible for college scholarships and job placement services. Submit your application today!
Free Firearm Safety and Stop the Bleed Classes EVERY Tuesday
This two hour training meets every Tuesday from 5:30pm-7:30pm located at 3900 West Broadway. Participants will learn the basics to firearm training including safe handling, storage, and local laws. Participants will also learn Stop the Bleed basics including packing a gunshot wound and using a tourniquet. Participants will receive a free gun lock.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is Seeking Mentors
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana (BBBSKY) is recruiting Bigs to serve as mentors for children in all of Louisville’s neighborhoods! You have a BIG opportunity in front of you— to not only impact a child’s life today— but to transform their potential for tomorrow.
IT TAKES TWO! 2 people- the mentor and the child, 1 year commitment, 2 outings per month, 2 total hours per month! This is a powerful way to make a difference in a young person's life that will affect them for years to come!
For more information on how to become a Big, click here.
'We do it for y’all': Newburg wins Dirt Bowl's 2022 championship
The summer basketball staple closed out its 2022 season with some big names in attendance on Sunday
Author: CJ Daniels, WHAS11 Staff -- Original article can be found here. Photo credit: Jessica Farley/WHAS-TV
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 7, 2022) — This year’s Dirt Bowl has crowned its kings of the court.
Newburg defeated their competition and is taking home the trophy for a third consecutive year.
The summer classic basketball tournament, held in the Shawnee neighborhood, brought out a who’s who of Louisville including UofL Coaches Kenny Payne and Scott Satterfield. Mayor Greg Fischer and former Cardinals were all in attendance to watch the championship game.
For the players who took to the court in the scorching heat, the game means so much more than who wins.
“It means a lot to us. It brings us together as brothers and we just love playing in it,” player Patrick McGee said. “We do it for y’all, so thanks for coming out and supporting us.”
The Dirt Bowl is a seven-week tournament that dates back to the 1960s and it’s become a tradition where families, friends and players all come together to share a game of basketball and community.
For Newburg Coach Timothy Greer, the tournament is an opportunity to give back to the next generation.
“It’s a chance to do something that I probably wanted to do earlier in life, but I made the wrong choices. Sometimes you have to give back when you make a change. That’s what I’m trying to do it with – with the younger fellows and younger men in the community.”
Greer said since the team won, he’s planning a special outing for them.
KYTC road work around District 2
U.S. 31E (Buechel Bypass): Right lane of the bridge closed over the Norfolk Southern Railroad (mile point 10.4) due to findings from a routine inspection in 2021. It’s not an active construction zone, and the affected area isn’t visible while driving over the bridge. KYTC has signed an agreement with the railroad, and a contract has been awarded to perform repairs.
Interested in serving on a board or commission?
Louisville Metro has approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.
Kentucky is opening Driver Licensing Regional Offices across the state to make new REAL ID-compliant driving and identity credentials (as well as standard credentials) available to Kentuckians who prefer to use them for air travel and federal access benefits once enforcement begins May 3, 2023. Other federally approved documents, like a valid passport or passport card, are accepted for U.S. air travel.
- Online and mail-in license renewal are now available. Visit our compare my options tool to determine which option best fits your needs.
- Popup Driver Licensing Program locations will be available in select counties statewide throughout 2022. This traveling service brings all the services offered in Driver Licensing Regional Offices to local communities that don't have a regional office. Applicants must schedule an appointment below. Click here to learn more about the program.
- Avoid a repeat trip by arriving prepared. Learn what documents you need to bring by taking the IDocument Guide quiz or review a list of acceptable documents.
- Masks must be worn while inside a Driver Licensing Regional Office, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your assistance. Documented medical conditions that prohibit an individual from wearing a mask will be granted an exception.
- Driver Licensing Regional Offices are open to in-person visits from any Kentucky resident.
- Appointments are highly suggested, as limited space for walk-ins differs from site to site.
Louisville - Nia Center 2900 W. Broadway Louisville, KY 40211
502-564-1257
Louisville Vacant and Abandoned Property News
Have you ever thought about buying a vacant or abandoned property in Louisville?
The city has many vacant or abandoned lots and buildings for sale at all times. If you’re a contractor or fixer-upper, you might consider buying an abandoned home to rehab. Once you fix it up, you could live in it or sell it for a profit. Or you may want to buy a vacant lot or a property in need of demolition, and build a new home. Other properties are suitable for starting a community garden or other agricultural project.
To manage the sale of vacant or abandoned properties, the city has a program called The Landbank Authority. The program’s goal is to put these properties back into productive use. The Landbank currently has about 500 properties available for sale and some are available for as little as $1. But in order to purchase properties, you must be able to prove to the Landbank that you can pay to refurbish or demolish the property, and you must complete the project within a set deadline. To see what’s available, visit the Landbank website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-development/purchase-vacant-property-landbank. You’ll see two links, one for Lots and one for Structures. Choose Lots to view empty lots for sale and an explanation of the types of programs, including “Adjacent Side Yard”; “Cut It, Keep It”; “New Construction”; and “Agricultural Projects”. Choose Structures to see a list of vacant houses and other buildings for sale. Landbank has two categories for the sale of structures: “Save the Structure” and “Demo for Deed”. To save a structure, you must prove you have funds to rehab it and you must complete renovations within six months for exterior and 18 months for interior renovations. To buy a "Demo for Deed," you must simply prove you have funds to demolish the property.
Both the Lots and Structures pages have links and instructions to apply for purchase when you’re ready. Speaking of funds, that’s where we come in. At LHOME, we can’t help you purchase a property but we can help you renovate one. Qualified property owners can borrow up to $30,000 for 12 months, paying only interest on the loan. After the year is up, you can sell your renovated property or refinance it.
To learn more, please visit lhomeky.org or give us a call at 502-882-8091. One last tip: The city has a great tool called Lojic (lojic.org). Lojic lets you search by address for a specific property you want to know more about. Just type the address in the search bar and you’ll get reports about the property owner, the assessed value, zoning, voting district and more. Happy hunting!
Waste Management News
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for!
Don't contribute to the problem!
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.)
Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping.
Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.
Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it.
Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form.
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you, ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
Only set out large items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.
Louisville Free Public Library now offers online tutoring service for students, free with a library card
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 11, 2022) – It’s back to school season and the Louisville Free Public Library is excited to announce another free resource to help students in our community succeed! Brainfuse HelpNow is an online tutoring service offering access to virtual one-on-one tutoring in a range of subjects for K-12 students seven days a week. Students can chat with tutors in real-time (2-11 p.m.), get help with math problems, have papers reviewed using Brainfuse’s Writing Lab, discuss practice test results, and more. HelpNow even offers live FAFSA help and online practice tests.
Brainfuse employs more than 3,000 tutors—most are retired teachers or graduate students and all have a minimum of a 4-year degree (97% have masters degrees). To access HelpNow, simply visitLFPL.org/HomeworkHelpNow.
Need access to a computer or internet? Stop by any of our 17 area library locations today.
HelpNow and all of the Library’s Homework Help resources are free with a valid library card. To learn more, click on Homework Help on the teens or kids pages of LFPL.org. For more information, call (502) 574-1611.
Join us at Against the Grain Brewing on Sunday, Sept. 11th from 11:30 A.M. to 1P.M. for our following cleanup. Bring your friends, family, and colleagues to enjoy the cooler weather and help us clean up the downtown area. Don't forget to stay for the refreshing brews!
Location: 401 E. Main Street (40202)
Give For Good
Hosted by the Community Foundation of Louisville, Give for Good Louisville is an unprecedented day of unity in the name of philanthropy. Communities from across Kentucky and Southern Indiana join forces to give vital support to 500+ participating organizations creating positive change for thousands of individuals in need. The Community Foundation invites everyone to unite for good when this year's giving day returns on Thursday, September 15, 2022! Please consider donating to Brightside during this wonderful day of giving.
Community-Wide Cleanup
Our next Community-Wide Cleanup is happening Saturday, October 22nd! Be a part of this city-wide event to keep Louisville looking bright and beautiful by signing up here. Registration goes live September 5th.
We encourage all residents make a difference by taking part in our Community-Wide Cleanup-- it is a great service opportunity for boy/girl scouts, sports teams, faith groups, community organizations, and corporate teams.
Cleanups are an integral part of Brightside's mission and without the help of volunteer groups, and many other volunteers throughout the year, Brightside could not achieve our goals of a cleaner, greener Louisville.
Neighborhoods can hold their own cleanups at any point throughout the year and we can provide gloves and bags for each Neighborhood Cleanup. We will work with Solid Waste Management to have the collected litter bags picked up. Give us a call at (502) 574-2613 or register online about two weeks prior to your event to schedule your cleanup and for information about getting supplies.
BrightSites Update
Over the last 2 years Brightside has undergone several changes and dealt with challenges we couldn’t have foreseen. In the 2019 Louisville Metro budget cycle, Brightside was faced with a budget cut that eliminated two of our staff members as of July of that year. These two staff members were our Horticulture Manager and Landscape Assistant. We were able to pivot and adjust the workload of our remaining staff to keep the landscape work and BrightSite program up to par with the help of work-release inmate volunteers from DISMAS charities. Then in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. We were unable to continue our work with DISMAS Charities and were faced with even more staffing and labor challenges.
As a direct result of these circumstances, the BrightSite program was not held to the standard of quality previously expected and maintained. We recently completed a full inventory and assessment of all 24 of our BrightSite locations throughout Jefferson County. Recommendations for improvements were made to utilize the currently existing plant materials, then going one step further to add new species of reblooming and perennial plants, increasing ground cover thus nearly, and in some sites entirely, removing the need for mulch, as well as replacing some of the plants no longer thriving. Additionally, we are replacing all the BrightSite signage to update the logos and give a fresh face to these beautiful improvements. The cost of these refurbishments has been entirely underwritten by the Brightside Foundation to honor our commitment to our sponsors and community members to maintain these green oases throughout our community as points of civic pride and beauty.
This work was started in May 2022 and successfully completed in July. We hope you will enjoy these newly refurbished green spaces as we know that the BrightSites are points of pride for your community members. Thank you for your continued patience and support!
Hildegard House Volunteer Opportunities
Join our community of compassionate volunteers at Hildegard House. We provide a home and compassionate care for individuals at the end of life who have no home or loved ones to care for them so that they may die with dignity and access hospice care. We are the family for our residents and care for them just like family members. Compassionate Companions commit to a weekly 5-hour shift. The next volunteer training is September 9 and 10. To learn more about volunteering and register at www.hildegardhouse.org or call Volunteer Coordinator Jana McNally at (502) 581-8267.
Report Street Light Outages to LG&E
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
LMPD News
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property and stay vigilant!
The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year. Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!
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! Make a police report!
- 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. - Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. - Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!
Metro Emergency Repair Program
Eligibility criteria:
Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
Not available on rental property.
Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
May receive assistance once in a five year period.
Louisville-Jefferson County only.
Types of repairs:
Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
Electrical repairs/upgrades.
Water line repairs/replacement.
Sewer line repairs/replacement.
Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).
Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
First Come, First Served Basis
Picture ID & proof of residency required!
Sponsored By:
Peace Presbyterian Church
4210 East Indian Trail
Louisville, KY 40213
Parks for All needs your input!
Parks For All will collect new data, listen to new voices, share new information, and create a roadmap for equitable and transparent investment in our public parks.Public parks are powerful tools that strengthen the fabric of communities, positively impact health and the environment, and spur economic growth. Yet, The Trust for Public Land's ParkScore®, which measures park access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity, ranks Louisville 90th in the nation.
We must do better! The Parks Alliance of Louisville partnered with Metro Council and are currently gathering community feedback that will inform an action strategy for our public parks. Our goal is to ensure the parks AND neighborhoods with the greatest need are prioritized for the earliest investment.
Enjoy a movie under the stars at the wildest theater in town. Watch A Bug's Life on the Zoo's giant inflatable screen!
Enjoy the quiet sights and sounds as the animals settle in for the night, then in the field at 8 p.m. get settled in for this family-favorite film. Snacks and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Don’t forget to pack your blanket or lawn chairs! Don’t forget to visit the Great Clips table in front of the Zoo for some cool swag!
Movie nights are FREE to Zoo members and admission is only $5 after 5 p.m. for non-members (plus parking fee). Ticket purchase and movie night entrance until 8 p.m.
Hymns for the Holler part 2 will take place at the Kentucky Performing Arts Center in the Bomhard Theater for a flood relief concert to benefit Appalshop. For half a century, Appalshop has made vital work to celebrate the distinct and beautiful culture, people, and places of Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia. A nonprofit multi-disciplinary arts and education center in the heart of Appalachia - Appalshop - produces original films, video, theater, music and spoken-word recordings, radio, photography, multimedia, and books.
Hymns for the Holler features performances by Joan Shelley, Ben Sollee, Daniel Martin Moore, Joe Manning & Lacey Guthrie, Heather Summers, and Affrilachian Poets Asha French, Frank X Walker, Jeremy Paden, and Makalani Bandele.
Tickets are $25, all proceeds to benefit Appalshop, providing assistance to those impacted by the flooding in Eastern Kentucky. Purchase tickets here.
This year’s event takes place on Friday, August 12th from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, August 13th from Noon to Midnight. Come out to this free, family-friendly event and support St. Joe’s by playing carnival & casino games, enjoying the delicious food & drinks, and bidding on raffle items.
There will be free parking available onsite. Overflow parking with free shuttle service is also available on Saturday at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Parking Lot off Grinstead Drive. Friday night includes a live performance by The Crashers. Live music on Saturday by Rearview Mirror.
Save time by pre-purchasing your food and beverage tickets online!
The St. Matthews neighborhood welcomes Fox Fest to the Fox Den this Saturday! The event features three stages of music (Fox Rocks Parking Lot Stage, Fox Dome Deck, and Indoor Maker’s Stage), the Maker’s Mark Lounge, Miller Lite Beer Truck, Food Trucks and of course live entertainment!
Performers include Wildwood Farewell Reunion (Last Show), Born Cross Eyed, Elephant Room with special guest Ipcus Pinecone, Signal the Revolution, Sleep Aura, Grafenburg, Bryan Fox Band, Lyndsey Henken Music with Neon Troubadours, Shovelhead and Bourbon Straights.
Tickets are $5 presale or $10 day-of can be purchased at the venue. A portion of proceeds will go to Apron Inc.
Outside is all ages until 9 p.m., then 21 and older only.
Join the German-American Club for the August Biergarten happening this Saturday! Live music will be played from 6 to 10 p.m. with German dinner and plenty of German beers on tap.
Alright stop, collaborate and listen! The I Love the 90's Bash Bar Crawl is coming, so prepare to lace up our high tops, put on your fanny packs and get jiggy with it to the best music of the 90's!
Here's what's included with your ticket: I Love the 90s color changing stadium cup for all your drinks, slap bracelet, no cover with ticket at participating bars, photographers to capture your moments, DJ's spinning 90's music at most bars, discounts on drinks/food specials and more!
Water Lantern Festival is an incredible experience where thousands of family, friends and strangers celebrate life together. Water Lantern Festival brings together individuals from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to join in one emotional and memorable night. You’ll cherish these moments as you witness the beauty of thousands of lanterns and the lights reflecting upon the water.
EVENT SCHEDULE 5:30 p.m.: Gates Open
5:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Enjoy Food Trucks / Music / Fun
8 p.m.: Design your Lantern
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Lantern Launch
9:30 p.m.: Event Ends
Tickets include a wristband for entry into the festival area with access to food trucks, one floating lantern kit, marker, drawstring bag, and scavenger hunt giveaway entry. Youth and other ticket options available. Purchase your tickets here.
Join Joe's Palm Room for Soul Sunday featuring the Walnut Street Blues Band!
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m. $10 gets you in the door to listen to this incredible local group perform! Food and drink will be available for purchase inside Joe's.
The Women's Cup is coming to Louisville! Watch as our own Racing Louisville FC team competes to take the trophy!
Match Day #1 takes place Sunday, August 14th with the Quarterfinals: AC Milan vs Tokyo: 4 p.m. Tottenham vs America (Mex.): 7 p.m.
Match Day #2 takes place Wednesday, August 17th with the Semifinals: 5th Place Match: Loser of Tottenham/America vs Loser of Tokyo/AC Milan, 2 p.m. Semi 1: OL Reign vs Winner of America/Tottenham, 5 p.m. Semi 2: Racing Louisville vs Tokyo/AC Milan, 8 p.m.
Match Day #3 takes place Saturday, August 20th with the Championship Game! Will Racing Louisville repeat?
Don't miss any of the excitement as these teams compete for the title! Get tickets to the game here.
Created in 2014, Toast the Trees is Angel’s Envy’s philanthropic program created to give back to the whiskey world during National Bourbon Heritage Month each September. During the dinner, you will learn more about the program and how you can help ensure that there will always be enough white oak trees for future generations of bourbon drinkers.
Join Angel's Envy and Bourbons Bistro for a 4-course dinner, complete with a welcome cocktail, guest speaker Lydia Jackson, and a flight featuring:
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels Angel’s Envy Rye Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks Angel’s Envy Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels.
Beyond Van Gogh is a new, truly immersive experience. While other shows use virtual reality or still images, Beyond Van Gogh breaks barriers by incorporating both still and moving art. Masterpieces, now freed from frames, come alive, appear and disappear, and flow across multi-surfaces.
Enjoy over 300 pieces of art over a 30,000 square foot area, including the iconic classics "The Starry Night", "Sunflowers", and "Café Terrace at Night". The show is accompanied with a beautiful score and many other surprises!
Each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. experience Food Truck Wednesdays at 4th Street between Jefferson and Market Streets! Louisville Downtown Partnership has curated many amazing food trucks to serve lunchtime patrons each Wednesday through October!
The street will be closed off to foot traffic only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each week. Food trucks will serve food from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come on over to 4th Street and eat some delicious, local food!
S. 4th Street between Jefferson and Market, Louisville, KY
⚜ This summer, make sure to check out all the great Farmers' Markets we have to offer in Louisville! ⚜
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman John Yarmuth: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
