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Starting January 1, 2025, all Kentuckians must undergo a vision screening to renew their driver’s license. Multiple states have adopted mandatory vision screenings to ensure drivers have the visual acuity required to operate a vehicle safely.
This new requirement, enacted during the 2021 General Assembly, aims to promote highway safety by ensuring that all drivers maintain good vision throughout their driving career. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is responsible for administering the vision requirement law for drivers seeking to renew their license. Drivers have two options for vision screenings when renewing their license. Click on the link below for additional details. https://drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Documents/KCTC_fact%20sheet_public_.pdf
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (December 19, 2024) – School is almost out for winter break and the Louisville Free Public Library is ready to help keep families engaged and entertained, without putting a dent in your budget. All LFPL branches offer free activities for children, teens, and caregivers throughout the winter break (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day), including a variety of craft and maker workshops, dance parties, hands-on learning, movie screenings, teen challenges, and more!
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Vie for the title of puzzle master at a Teen Jigsaw Puzzle Race (Dec. 21, 2-3:30 p.m. @ Main), or try to escape not one, but three rooms at Northeast’s Teen Escape Room Challenge (Jan. 2, 1-5 p.m. @ Northeast Regional Library)
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The whole family can relax and create together at special Mindfulness Storytimes at Western Library (Dec. 23 & 30, 6 p.m., for kids ages 0-10 and their families), or drop-in to make winter crafts over hot cocoa at Shively Library (Jan. 2, 2:30-4:30 p.m., ages 0-10).
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Dress to get messy at a Slime Party at Main (Dec. 30, 2 p.m.), or get creative with glue and paint at Crescent Hill’s Winter Crafts & Games (Dec. 23, 2-4 p.m., ages 4-10).
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Young book fans can read to a dog (Jan. 2, 3 p.m. @ St. Matthews Library, ages 5-10 & Jan. 4, 2-3:30 p.m. @ Northeast Regional Library), get cozy with snacks and a good book at Silent Book Club (Dec. 28, 2 p.m. @ South Central Regional Library, ages 8-12), and meet new friends at the Little Bookworms Book Club (Jan. 2, 1:30 p.m. @ Iroquois, ages 6-11.
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Celebrate New Year’s Eve early with a NYE Storytime (Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m. @ Northeast Regional Library), NYE Dance Party (Dec. 31, 11 a.m. @ Iroquois Library), NYE Around the World (Dec. 31, 2 p.m. @ Main Library), and a Noon Year’s Eve Party (Dec. 31, 11 a.m. @ South Central Regional Library).
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Our youngest patrons are invited to try out percussion instruments while their parents chat at a Musical Baby Play Group (Jan. 4, 10:30am @ Middletown Library, ages 0-2), or take in a storytime at any Library branch.
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Kids & teens are invited to the Shawnee Library to learn the basics of cooking (Jan. 2, 3 p.m.) and discover their green thumb at an indoor plant session (Jan. 3, 3 p.m.).
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Learn how to play loteria in both Spanish and English / Acompáñenos a jugar lotería Vamos a jugar de forma bilingüe Española e Ingles. (Jan. 2, 6 p.m. @ Iroquois Library)
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Teens can get out of the house and meet up at an indoor snowball fight (Jan. 2, 2-3:30 p.m. @ Main Library), or grab snacks and a movie at a teens-only Holiday Party (Dec. 23, 2-4 p.m. @ Shawnee).
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READ! There is always a good book to check out at your local library branch.
These are just a few of the many free activities hosted by your Louisville Free Public Library. In addition, we offer a wide selection of books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, and streaming videos to keep kids and teens reading and entertained during the break—all for free! For a full list of activities and registration information, go to www.LFPL.org/winterbreak, or call (502) 574-1611.
When a Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your tree. Below are a number of tips on caring for your tree:
- Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
- To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
- Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
- Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don’t cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
- Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does NOT improve water uptake.
- Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
- The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
- Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
- Keep trees away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
- Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
- Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
- Do not overload electrical circuits.
- Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
- Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is very dry, remove it from the house.
- Visit the Tree Recycling page to find a recycling program near you.
- Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Prepared by Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Eric Hinesley; edited by the National Christmas Tree Association
 When it's time to take down your holiday decorations, be sure to compost any live greenery or trees!
Metro Solid Waste will provide curbside pickup of Christmas trees within the Urban Services District after the holiday. Residents with city yard waste collection may set their Christmas trees and greenery out on their regular collection day. Trees may not be in plastic bags and all decorations must be removed.
Residents normally serviced by private waste haulers should check with those companies to see if and when tree pickup is available.
Starting Thursday, December 26, Christmas tree drop-off sites will be available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at three locations. The Hubbards Lane site will also instantly recycle Christmas trees into mulch that will be offered back to citizens for home use. Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. All lights and ornaments should be removed from trees before they are dropped off. Christmas tree vendors may recycle their unsold trees on Thursday, December 26 only, and only at the Hubbards Lane site.
HOURS & LOCATIONS
December 26 - January 25
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Waste Reduction Center closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays)
All locations will be closed on New Year's Day and Saturday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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East District Recycling Center, 595 N. Hubbards Lane
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Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
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Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue
  Get creative with cardboard, then flatten and recycle at the curb or one of our free recycling drop-off locations!
 The Louisville Zoo is spreading holiday cheer this December with a month-long lineup of festive activities for the whole family. From animal-themed holiday enrichment to a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.
Key Highlights for December:
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Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday (Weekends: Dec. 7–8, 14–15, 21–22) Join Qannik, the Zoo’s beloved polar bear, and her animal companions as they enjoy special holiday-themed enrichment activities. Sponsored by Great Clips, this festive event runs select weekends in December.
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Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit (Dec. 21–22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) The power couple of the season will make a stop at the Louisville Zoo for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with guests. Families can also enjoy sweet treats like cookie decorating and s’mores during this special weekend.
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Holiday Scavenger Hunt (All Month) Guests can embark on a Zoo-wide scavenger hunt for all ages. Scan the QR code at the Zoo entrance to join the adventure and complete challenges for a chance to win Zoo-themed prizes.
Learn More at: louisvillezoo.org
 Are you interested in improving the health and wellness of all residents of our city? If the answer is yes, we invite you to be a part of a dedicated team. Visit our Metro jobs center page to learn more about various career opportunities in public health.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
 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!
Job Opportunities
Misleading Social Media Ads: As you scroll through your social media feed, you often see products advertised. Always research before you buy. BBB Scam Tracker receives daily reports of people paying for items that they never receive, getting charged monthly for a free trial they never signed up for, or receiving an item that is counterfeit or much different from the one advertised.
Social Media Gift Exchanges: Each holiday season this scheme pops back up. Newer versions of this scam revolve around exchanging bottles of wine or bourbon; another suggests purchasing $10 gifts online. In all these versions, participants unwittingly share their personal information, along with those of their family members and friends, and are further tricked into buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals. It's also an illegal pyramid scheme. Stick to buying your friends gifts from trustworthy businesses, and check BBB.org before you buy.
Holiday Apps: Apple's App Store and Google Play list dozens of holiday-themed apps where children can video chat live with Santa, light the menorah, watch Santa feed live reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve, or relay their holiday wish lists. Review privacy policies to see what information will be collected. Be wary of free apps, as they can sometimes contain more advertising than apps that require a nominal fee. Free apps can also contain malware.
Fake Toll Collection Texts: watch out for fake road toll collection texts, which have been on the rise this year. In this con, scammers impersonate a state road tollway collection service and text you saying you owe a road toll fee and provide a link to click to make your payment. If you receive at text, don’t click the link. Instead, if you think you may owe road tolls, verify your outstanding balance with the legitimate agency.
Free Gift Cards: Scammers have been known to send bulk phishing emails requesting personal information to receive free gift cards. In some of these emails, scammers impersonate legitimate companies and promise gift cards to reward their loyal customers. They may also use pop-up ads or send text messages with links saying you were randomly selected as the winner of a prize. If you have received an unsolicited email with gift card offers, do not open it. Instead, mark it as spam or junk and delete it. However, if you opened the email, do not click on any links.
Temporary Holiday Jobs: Retailers typically hire seasonal workers to help meet the demands of holiday shoppers. Shippers and delivery services are top holiday employers because of the increase in online orders that need to be delivered before Christmas. Job seekers need to be wary of employment scams aimed at stealing money and personal information from job applicants.
Imposter Scams: Impostor scams can take many forms, especially during the holiday season when you may be purchasing and returning gifts. When shopping online, be on the lookout for fake, look-alike websites created by scammers to trick people into downloading malware, making dead-end purchases, and sharing private information. If you’re reaching out to a business on social media for customer support, watch out for fake social media accounts pretending to be a customer service representative for a business. When in doubt, go to the business’s website and find their official social media handles, or use the information on the site to reach out.
Fake Charities: Avoid impromptu donation decisions to unfamiliar organizations. Responsible organizations will welcome a gift tomorrow as much as they do today. Verify a charity at BBB's Give.org or on the Canada Revenue Agency website. Where possible, donate to the charity through their website and use a credit card.
Fake Shipping Notifications: More consumers making online purchases during the holidays leads to an increase in the number of notifications about shipping details from retailers and carriers. Scammers use this surge to send phishing emails and texts about package deliveries with links enclosed that may allow unwanted access to your private information or download malware onto your device. Never click a link in a text or email that you’re not expecting. If you want to track a package, find the original email or text confirmation you received directly from the store and use that link.
Advent Calendars: In past years, BBB received reports to Scam Tracker about advent calendar ads on social media not delivering as promised. Some were not received, and others received inferior products or incomplete orders. Consumers should research before they buy, read reviews and look up the company on BBB.org before purchasing. BBB also has a shopper's guide to help you purchase that niche advent calendar.
Holiday Wish List Items: Low-priced luxury goods, jewelry, designer clothing, and electronics are almost always cheap counterfeits and knockoffs. The same applies to popular toys. This year, the Ms.Rachel Speak & Sing Doll, Barbies, Bluey toys, and brain teasers and puzzles are some of the items in high demand. Be very cautious when considering purchasing popular toys from resellers on Facebook Marketplace and other platforms.
Puppy Scams: Many families may be considering adding a furry friend to their household this year. However, be on the lookout for scams. Many would-be pet owners turn to the internet to find their future cat or dog, but experts say a shocking 80% of sponsored pet advertisements may be fake. Be sure to see the pet in person before making a purchase.
New items or changes in project status are shown in bold
| JEFFERSON COUNTY |
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| I-64 / I-71 / I-265 (I-MoveKY) |
Find the latest project updates here: https://i-moveky.com/.
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| Sherman Minton Bridge |
I-64 & U.S. 150 over the Ohio River between Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN.
* As final construction activities wind down, all three lanes on both decks of the Sherman Minton bridge are now open to traffic during daytime hours. Remaining construction activities requiring lane restrictions will take place during weekend or overnight hours as the project nears completion in late November.
Latest project updates here: https://shermanmintonrenewal.com/.
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| KY 864 (Logan Street/Shelby Street) |
Traffic Impacts: Sidewalk and lane closures are possible.
Date/Time: Daily.
Project Limits: Between Goss Avenue and East Gray Street.
Type of Work: One-way to two-way conversion.
Other Details: Work is underway ahead of asphalt resurfacing and the two-way conversion of the roadway.
*https://transportation.ky.gov/DistrictFive/Pages/Jefferson-County-KY-864-Shelby-Street-and-Logan-Street-One-way-to-Two-way-Conversion.aspx
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| KY 1819 (Billtown Road) |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures and delays are possible.
Date/Time: Daily – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Project Limits: Three sections of KY 1819/Billtown Road (Easum Road through Mary Dell Lane, Michael Edward Drive through Fairground Road, and Shady Acres Lane through Colonnades Place).
Type of Work: Reconstruction of KY 1819 (Billtown Road) from north of Colonnades Place to south of Easum Road with new traffic signals, signal optimization, turn lanes, storage lanes, etc. (varying by intersection based on existing conditions and future traffic projections for the location).
Other Details: The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.
*https://transportation.ky.gov/DistrictFive/Pages/KY-1819-Billtown-Road-Reconstruction---Project-05-8203.aspx
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| BULLITT COUNTY |
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| I-65 North & South |
Traffic Impacts: Rolling roadblocks.
Date/Time: Nightly – 7 p.m. to midnight beginning Monday, Dec. 16 through Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Project Limits: I-65 North and South from mile marker 110 to mile marker 118 (near the KY 61 bridge over I-65).
Type of Work: These roadblocks are necessary for the University of Kentucky's Transportation Research Center to conduct core testing.
Other Details: Vehicles equipped with core testing technology will move at slow speeds with frequent stops throughout the night, and drivers should anticipate possible delays. Motorists will be able to pass the testing equipment by using adjacent lanes when available.
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| KY 480 (Cedar Grove Road) |
Traffic Impacts: Changing traffic patterns, lane shifts, and closures are possible.
Date/Time: Daily/nightly.
Project Limits: On KY 480 (between I-65) from mile point 0.6 to mile point 1.4.
Type of Work: Construction of a Double Crossover Diamond interchange.
Other Details: The project is expected to be completed by fall 2025.
*https://transportation.ky.gov/DistrictFive/Pages/I-65-at-KY-480-interchange-improvements-in-Bullitt-County.aspx
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| *Various Exit Ramps |
Project Limits: Various interchange Exit ramps on I-65.
Type of Work: Upgrade and install wrong-way pavement markings and signs.
Other Details: The Highway Safety Improvement Project will install and enhance wrong-way signs and pavement markings on interstate exit ramps to discourage wrong-way driving. Motorists should reduce speeds and obey traffic control while workers are present. This project is set to be completed by the fall of 2025.
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| FRANKLIN COUNTY |
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U.S. 60X
(Singing Bridge) |
Traffic Impacts: Closure.
Other Details: As a precaution to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, the Singing Bridge will be closed until further notice.
The recent routine inspection of the 130-year-old bridge found significant structural deterioration that affects the bridge's weight-carrying capacity, prompting state engineers to close the bridge immediately to vehicles and pedestrians.
Further assessments and evaluations are needed to determine the next steps. There is no estimated timeframe for the bridge's reopening.
*Press release.
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| I-64/U.S. 127 Interchange |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures and traffic shifts are possible.
Date/Time: Nightly.
Project Limits: I-64/U.S. 127 interchange.
Type of Work: The realigning of the I-64 West off-ramp to U.S. 127 North and the I-64 West on-ramp from U.S. 127. Other improvements include the installation of a new signalized intersection on U.S. 127 to provide access to development entrances, which will be activated following project completion. Additionally, the intersection of Westridge Drive and Leonardwood Drive will be reconstructed to accommodate dual left turns onto Westridge Drive from U.S. 127.
Other Details: *Traffic is now in its final configuration.
U.S. 127 features two through travel lanes and U.S. 127 northbound features three through travel lanes, allowing drivers in the third lane from the I-64 westbound off-ramp to remain in their designated lane. Final surfacing is expected for the spring of 2025.
*Project press release.
This project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.
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| U.S. 421 (Bald Knob Road) |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures and delays are possible.
Date/Time: Daily.
Project Limits: North of Clifty Drive at mile point 5.315 to Dry Ridge Road at mile point 11.132.
Type of Work: Improvements to the asphalt pavement, shoulder repairs, guardrail repairs/installations, and the construction of a retaining wall at mile point 9.46 (adjacent to Stoney Creek) for slope stabilization.
Other Details: Alternating one-way traffic will be maintained through project completion, and motorists will be directed through the work zone via temporary signals.
*A 9-foot-wide lane will be maintained for traffic through project completion, scheduled for fall 2024.*
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| HENRY COUNTY |
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| U.S. 421 (Campbellsburg Road) |
Traffic Impacts: Closure.
Date/Time: Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Project Limits: U.S. 421 (Campbellsburg Road) from mile point 24.710 (Fallen Timber Road) to mile point 24.973 (Webb Lane).
Type of Work: Cross drain replacement ahead of upcoming asphalt resurfacing project.
Other Details: No thru traffic will be permitted.
*Semi trucks will need to detour by taking I-71 South to Exit 28, then take KY 153 to U.S. 42 back to Bedford.
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| OLDHAM COUNTY |
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| I-71 North & South |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures, traffic shifts, and delays are possible.
Date/Time: Daily/nightly, including weekends.
Project Limits: Between mile marker 18 (near KY 393) and mile marker 22 (near South First Avenue).
Type of Work: The I-71 rehabilitation project includes milling and removing the existing asphalt pavement and replacing it with new pavement. Other remaining improvements to the corridor include guardrail repairs/installations.
Other Details: Motorists should heed restrictions, proceed cautiously through the work zone, or seek an alternate route. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2024. More details here.
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| KY 329 |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures, traffic shifts, and traffic delays are possible as construction progresses.
Date/Time: Daily/nightly.
Project Limits: KY 329 and KY 329 bypass (Veterans Memorial Parkway) intersection, just south of Interstate 71.
Type of Work: Major realigning and widening of the roadway.
Other Details: The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.
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| KY 329 |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures, traffic shifts, and delays are possible.
Date/Time: Daily – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Project Limits: KY 329 from mile point 7.370 at KY 329B extending east to mile point 8.754 at KY 22.
Type of Work: Asphalt resurfacing.
Other Details: Motorists should be observant of all road work signage and provide plenty of space for slowed vehicles while moving through the work zone.
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| KY 362 (Central Avenue) |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures, traffic shifts, and delays are possible.
Date/Time: Daily – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Project Limits: KY 326 (Central Avenue) from mile point 0.698 at Rosswoods Drive extending south to mile point 0.966 near KY 146.
Type of Work: Asphalt resurfacing.
Other Details: Motorists should be observant of all road work signage and provide plenty of space for slowed vehicles while moving through the work zone.
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| KY 1694 (Gum Street) |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures, traffic shifts, and delays are possible.
Date/Time: Daily – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Project Limits: KY 1694 (Gum Street) from mile point 3.149 at KY 329 extending north towards Mason Lane at mile point 5.007.
Type of Work: Asphalt resurfacing.
Other Details: Motorists should be observant of all road work signage and provide plenty of space for slowed vehicles while moving through the work zone.
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| KY 3084 (Old Henry Road) |
Traffic Impacts: Lane closures are possible.
Date/Time: Daily/nightly.
Project Limits: From Twin Creek Road to Woodmont Branch.
Type of Work: Major roadway construction.
Other Details: *The new route connecting KY 3084 (Old Henry Road) and KY 362 (Ash Avenue) is now open. Work to complete some final details of the project is still underway, and intermittent lane closures are possible. The project began in October 2022 and was completed ahead of schedule.
*This work is part of the KY 3084/KY 362 construction project.
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| SHELBY COUNTY |
Routine maintenance* |
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| SPENCER COUNTY |
Routine maintenance* |
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| TRIMBLE COUNTY |
Routine maintenance* |
We now have a new way for you to map crime around you. Just click here and view our new interactive crime mapping tool for Division 5 & 8 or for each beat in Division 5 & 8. And save it in your favorites to view crime anytime it's updated daily. On the page is a Quickfind tool that allows you to put your address in and subscribe to crime trends, alerts and block watch reports for your police beat. Forward this email to your friends and family!
For further information on Councilman Scott Reed or District 16 please visit www.louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-16
You can also reach out directly by phone at 502.574.1116 or by email at scott.reed@louisvilleky.gov.
601 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
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