 Councilwoman
Madonna Flood
Administrative Clerk
Andrea Crider Derouen
City Hall
601 W. Jefferson Street
502-574-1124
Welcome to District 24 E-Newsletter! To learn more about events and services in our district, check out our webpage!
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Mayor Craig Greenberg announced details on Thursday for a community meeting to inform neighbors and answer questions about the ongoing hazardous materials investigation on Applegate Lane in Highview. The meeting will be held Monday, August 7, at 6:30 p.m. at Highview Baptist Church at 7711 Fegenbush Lane.
Representatives from each of the agencies involved in the investigation, including Louisville Metro Emergency Services, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), Louisville Fire Department, Fern Creek Fire and EMS, Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness and state and federal partners, will be on hand at the meeting to provide information and answer questions about the next steps in the investigation and the planned and monitored controlled burn of the property.
Due to space concerns, attendance is limited to those who live, work or care for individuals in the immediate surrounding area of Applegate Lane. Attendees are asked to bring a photo ID or piece of mail confirming their address. The meeting will also be streamed live on MetroTV’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/loumetrotv.
Metro Government to Contact Neighbors Door-to-Door
Beginning Thursday evening, Louisville Metro Government personnel and recruits from LMPD, Metro Corrections, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management and Mayor Greenberg himself, along with members of his administration, will begin a door-to-door canvassing operation to notify residents of the meeting. Additionally, community members will be contacted through multiple channels including calls, text alerts and through community partnerships.
“I know that people have a lot of questions about this situation and the process by which we’re trying to resolve it as safely and swiftly as possible,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I want the neighbors that we’ll begin contacting this evening to know that the Metro employees knocking door-to-door are there to help and provide information about this important meeting where we’re going to make sure your questions get answered.”
Safely Disposing Materials
Louisville Metro Emergency Services is coordinating a multi-agency response to this situation. After convening experts in explosives and hazardous chemicals, including from the FBI and other agencies, Mayor Greenberg announced this week a planned, monitored and controlled burn of the facility is the only safe way to dispose of the contents of the home. This was deemed necessary as the chaotic condition of the home, which is heavily strewn with trash and debris, makes safe manual or robotic removal of materials impossible.
The monitored and controlled burn will be meticulously planned and carried out under optimal atmospheric and weather conditions to safely incinerate the contents of the home, including any explosive materials. The home and its contents remain fenced off and protected by LMPD personnel and monitoring equipment.
“Efforts to carry out the monitored and controlled burn of this home are progressing, and I want the community to know the scene remains safe and secure,” said Mayor Greenberg. “We believe the area surrounding the home is safer than it has been in years.”
New Charges for Suspect Also Thursday, investigators announced new charges for 53-year-old Marc Hibel, the suspect in the hazardous materials investigation. Hibel is charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree burglary in addition to the initial charges of wanton endangerment announced last week. Hibel remains incarcerated at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections.
New Webpage Launched Metro Government has also updated the informational webpage Mayor Greenberg announced on Tuesday with details about the investigation and planned next steps for safely eliminating the hazardous materials inside the home. The page now contains a list of common questions Metro Government has been receiving about this situation, and it will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. That webpage can be found at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/emergency-services/applegate-safety.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. For TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
  The FridayFest concert series will return for its eleventh year this summer at Highview Park. This is a series of six concerts offering a variety of music on Fridays, as well as various food vendors and children’s activities.
All shows are free and run from 6pm-10pm at Highview Park, 7201 Outer Loop. Make plans now to attend this year’s shows.
Dates and performers for each night are as follows:
Aug 4 - All That Band with Club House Troubadours (Pop/Rock/County)
 With the end of the federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, flexibilities have ended, and all states are resuming their regular processes for renewing individuals’ Medicaid coverage. Based on data from 28 states and the District of Columbia, Kaiser Family Foundation reports that more than 1.6 million people have been disenrolled from Medicaid as of July 5, 2023. Many of these people may still be eligible for Medicaid but lost coverage because they didn’t return forms (or either they or the state made other mistakes). It is crucial to make sure everyone covered by Medicaid knows:
- Over the next 12 months, everyone with health care coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will need to renew their coverage.
- What they need to do to avoid losing coverage if they are still eligible.
- Other options for coverage if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP (such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace or employer-sponsored coverage), and how to find help navigating them.
Every Medicaid beneficiary needs to receive these important messages:
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UPDATE your contact information with your state Medicaid agency NOW.
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RESPOND to the Medicaid renewal form when it comes in the mail. If you don't, you may lose your coverage even if you are still eligible.
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PARENTS should respond even if you are not eligible or are enrolled in other coverage. Your children could still be eligible for coverage.
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CONNECT WITH RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP: If you lose Medicaid coverage and think you may still be eligible, there are programs that may be able to help you appeal the denial of Medicaid coverage or find other insurance. State protection and advocacy systems and legal advocacy organizations funded under the Older Americans Act may be able to help with appeals. Disabled people of all ages can also contact the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) for assistance, and older adults can contact the Eldercare Locator to find local assistance.
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CHECK OTHER OPTIONS: If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you should check to see if you can get coverage through your employer or through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace at healthcare.gov. Older adults and people with disabilities who are eligible for Medicare can also find assistance through their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP is a national program that offers one-on-one assistance, counseling, and education to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages, their families, and caregivers to help them make informed decisions about their care and benefits.
 The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has found mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in surveillance traps in the Iroquois area. To help prevent infection and reduce the mosquito population, mosquito fogging will take place this week in the 40214 ZIP code. So far this year, no confirmed human cases of West Nile have been reported in Jefferson County. In most instances, people infected with West Nile virus either show no symptoms or relatively mild symptoms. However, less than 1% of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Serious illness can occur in people of any age. However, people over 60 years of age are at the greatest risk for severe disease. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants are at greater risk for serious illness.
Avoid mosquito bites
- Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. More information about insect repellents can be found here.
- When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with a repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give you extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to your skin. Do not spray repellents on the skin under your clothing.
- Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours of early morning and dusk. Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
Prevent mosquito breeding grounds
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.
- Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and draining birdbaths on a regular basis.
To check if your area will be fogged, visit the department’s website or call the mosquito hotline, 502-574-6641. To make a complaint about mosquitos in your neighborhood, call Metro311 by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.
 The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services joins with Community Action Agencies across the state to begin accepting applications for the 2023 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy Cooling Component and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). These federally-funded programs are designed to help offset the cost of higher utility bills. Applications will be accepted beginning July 25, 2023, through Sept. 22, 2023, or until funds are depleted.
Applicants for the LIHEAP Summer Subsidy and LIHWAP program must be residents of Jefferson County with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $3,750).
The LIHEAP Summer Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. The benefit amount is paid directly to the electric vendor (i.e. LG&E).
The LIHWAP program also provides a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $100 depending on income levels.
“The LIHEAP and LIHWAP programs are crucial to so many of our neighbors,” said Office of Resilience and Community Services Interim Director Laura Grabowski. “Our office is proud to administer these vital programs, which will help hundreds of people stay cool in the summer heat.”
Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Required documentation includes:
- Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
- Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month. (Ex. Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award Letter, pay stubs, etc. or other proof of $0 income). Note: Zero Income forms are available at the LIHEAP locations or online at www.louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP
- Most current electric bill, water/wastewater bill, or statement from your landlord if electric and/or water/wastewater is included in your rent, or statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program. The account number and name on the electric bill must also be provided.
There are seven LIHEAP locations for the 2023 LIHEAP Summer Subsidy program
- South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 40215
- Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 40211
- Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place,1411 Algonquin Pkwy., 40210
- Newburg Community Center, 4810 Exeter Ave., 40218
- Cane Run Neighborhood Place, 3410 Lees Lane, 40216
- Northwest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 40212
- Charmoli Neighborhood Place, 9100 Marksfield Rd., Ste. 100, 40222
For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP. Residents may also call the automated LIHEAP information line at 502/991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web: louisvilleky.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.
 Employment with Louisville Parks and Recreation is a great opportunity to connect with nature and the community! We have employment opportunities throughout each division (aquatics, recreation, golf, community engagement, Jefferson Memorial forest) for both full-time and part-time positions.
Visit bestparksever.com for more information on employment opportunities!
 Starting from June 15th through September 15th, LMAS will be waiving reclamation fees for owned pets, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the reunification of beloved companions with their families. Recognizing the vital bond between humans and their four-legged friends, LMAS strives to provide compassionate care to both humans and animals. By waiving redemption fees, the shelter is taking concrete action towards addressing inequities and ensuring that pet owners from all walks of life have an equal opportunity to be reunited with their furry friends.
LMAS’ thanks their non-profit partners, Friends of Metro Animal Services (FOMAS) for providing the necessary funding to make the three-month redemption period possible. “FOMAS believes that having a beloved pet makes one rich and the lack of money and possessions should not impede one’s ability to be reunited with their four-legged family member,” said Katrina Hutchins, FOMAS Executive Director. “FOMAS is proud to support such a worthy initiative that helps LMAS to re-connect families within our community.”
June 15th through September 15th, owners can reclaim their lost pets without incurring the usual reclamation fees, including boarding charges, vaccinations, and microchipping. The aim is to alleviate the burden on individuals and families who may be facing financial hardship, ensuring that no pet remains separated from its rightful home due to economic disparities. • Redemption fees will only be waived for pet owners with no previous violations, and cover microchipping, licensing, and vaccination fees. • Court fees will not be waived. • LMAS will not keep a pet impounded due to its owner’s inability to pay and will work with owners who have outstanding balances and want to reclaim their pet.
Redemption fees are set by the Louisville Animal Ordinance. Local animal laws also require pets to be licensed, microchipped, and spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. To view the animal ordinance and a list of redemption fees, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/animal-services
Louisville Metro Animal Services encourages pet owners to visit the shelter to reclaim their companion animals, located at 3528 Newburg Rd during regular business hours, Monday-Saturday 12pm-6pm. The shelter's dedicated staff members will be available to guide owners through the reclamation process, providing support and assistance every step of the way.
Friends of Metro Animal Services (FOMAS) supports LMAS and its many life-saving initiatives through fundraising. If you would like to donate to help citizens in need of financial assistance when reclaiming their pet from the LMAS Shelter, visit www.fomaslou.org.
 As the 85th Iroquois Amphitheater season continues, Louisville Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that 12 additional free movie nights will be added to this year’s calendar.
“From a campy John Waters classic to a coming-of-age baseball flick to a giant lizard kaiju film, I'm so excited about this year's summer movie lineup at Iroquois Amphitheater,” said District 15 Metro Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell. “Whether you're ready to travel into space, caravan through a post-apocalyptic Australia, or visit the Mushroom Kingdom, get there without even leaving Louisville! I'm excited to help make Summer Movies at Iroquois Amphitheater a reality and look forward to seeing you under the stars!”
The Free Summer Movie Season includes the following titles and dates
- August 9: Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (R) 8:30 p.m.
- August 16: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) 8:30 p.m.
- August 23: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) 8:30 p.m.
- August 31: Goldfinger (PG) 8 p.m.
- September 6: Star Trek: Into Darkness (PG-13) 8 p.m.
- September 13: Pokémon: The First Movie-Mewtwo Strikes Back (G) 8 p.m.
- September 20: Godzilla (NR) 7:30 p.m.
- September 27: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R) 7:30 p.m.
For a full list of movies that will be shown, visit iroquoisamphitheater.com.
 
Energy from under the earth could be a key to Louisville’s clean energy future. A virtual event in August will explore how geothermal power is already at work in the city and its potential for much greater expansion by businesses as well as homeowners.
On August 23 an event titled “REAL Good News” will hold its 11th in a series of quarterly public Zoom meetings aimed at making sure Louisville implements its green energy goals. In 2020 the Metro Council passed a resolution to move the city’s operations to 100% clean renewable electricity by 2030. That resolution also sets a goal of 100% clean energy for the entire Louisville community by 2040.
August’s event will feature a discussion by an expert panel on how geothermal energy can improve the bottom line for any heating and cooling system, how homeowners can use geothermal energy, and how the expansion of geothermal can reduce the world’s emissions of greenhouse gases.
Speakers will include Brian Sinnwell with the Louisville Regional Airport Authority; Sarah Lynn Cunningham with the Louisville Climate Action Network; and Ben Reno-Weber, Metro Council Representative for District 8. Music by Louisville musician and activist John Gage will open and close the event.
The REAL Good News event will run from 7 to 8:30 August 23. The three sponsoring organizations are 100%REAL, Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light, and the Christian Action group of St. Paul United Methodist Church. The event is free but registration is required. Here’s the url for the Zoom link to register: https://tinyurl.com/4ymxsx5b More information is available at the 100%REAL website: https://renewableenergylouisville.org/events.html.
The Louisville Youth Orchestra (LYO) is kicking off its 65th season of working with student musicians from across the community. The LYO serves over 250 students through 8 ensembles that serve a wide range of skill levels from beginner to advanced and nearly everything in between. If you know a student that is interested in music, we have a home for them in one of our orchestras.
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