Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go: Washington

Your Obedient Servant,

Anthony Piagentini

Louisville Metro Council collecting food donations this holiday season for ACM

Donate items between November 17 through December 9, 2025

Back for the third consecutive year, the Louisville Metro Council is hosting its annual food donation drive to benefit the Association of Community Ministries.

Through a city-wide donation initiative, the Council is partnering with the Association of Community Ministries (ACM) to address food insecurity and support families across Louisville.

The donation drive begins on Monday, November 17, and runs through Tuesday, December 9, with donations being distributed to ACM and shared equally among the thirteen community ministries serving the city.

The most urgently needed items are shelf-stable, high protein items including:

• Canned chicken and tuna
• Boxed milk
• Dry milk
• Canned stew, chili, ravioli, and soup
• Ramen
• Pasta and sauce (both meat and vegetarian)
• "Deluxe" Mac n cheese with cheese pouch (does not require milk and butter to make)
• Cereal
• Oatmeal packets
• Rice
• Beans
• Canned Tomatoes
• Cooking oil
• Spices and condiments

“Now in its third year, the Metro Council is excited to once again partner with ACM to provide shelf-stable food for our community this season,” said Councilman Markus Winkler (D-17). “While shopping over the next three weeks, consider adding one or more items from the list to your basket and dropping them off at a convenient location around the city. Every little bit counts, and we truly appreciate your support and care for neighbors in need.”

There are multiple donation drop-off locations throughout the city for added convenience. The sites currently identified include:

• District 1 - Southwick Community Center, 3621 Southern Avenue (40211)
• District 3 - South Louisville Community Center, 2911 Taylor Boulevard (40208)
• District 4 - City Hall’s 1^st Floor Lobby, 601 W. Jefferson Street, Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• District 6 – Logan Street Market, 1001 Logan Street (40204)
• District 8 - Douglas Community Center, 2305 Douglass Boulevard (40205)
• District 9 – United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 S. State Street (40206)
• District 10 – Cyril Allgeier Community Center, 4101 Cadillac Court (40213)
• District 11 – Jeffersontown Branch Library, 10635 Watterson Trail (40299)
• District 13 – Fairdale Playtorium, 10616 W. Manslick Road (40118)
• District 14 – Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane (40272)
• District 15 – Save-A-Lot, 4148 Taylor Boulevard (40215)
• District 16 - Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS, 9514 Featherbell Boulevard (40059)
• District 17 – Berrytown Recreation Center, 1300 Heafer Road (40223)
• District 18 – Club K9, 9316 Taylorsville Road (40229)
• District 19 - Middletown Library, 12556 Shelbyville Road (40243)
• District 20 – Jeffersontown Fire, 10530 Watterson Trail (40229)
• District 21 – The StrEatery, 304 West Woodlawn Avenue (40214)
• District 21 - The Rosewater, 4634 South 3^rdStreet (40214)
• District 21 - Lynnview City Hall, 1241 Gilmore Lane (40213)
• Districts 22 and 23 – Fern Creek Fire & EMS Station 61, 6200 Bardstown Road (40291)
• District 24 – South Central Regional Library, 7300 Jefferson Boulevard (40219)
• District 25 - O'Dolly's, 7800 3rd Street Road (40214)

At the above locations, donations will be accepted during normal business hours. Up-to-date information will be posted on the Council’s website here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/2025-holiday-food-donation-drive.

For those unable to drop off a donation, ACM welcomes online monetary contributions. Donations can be made online at: www.louisvilleministries.org/.

For any questions or more information, please contact Councilman Markus Winkler’s office at (502) 574-1117.

Wild Holidays at the Louisville Zoo - December

The Louisville Zoo is excited to announce a monthlong celebration in December filled with activities for the whole family. From animal-themed holiday enrichment to visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, there's something to amaze the whole family. Plus, discover unique gifts that offer a whole year of fun for the recipient.

Event highlights for December

• Beary Happy Holiday (Weekends: Dec. 6 – 7, 13 – 14, 20 – 21) Join animal friends throughout the Zoo as they enjoy special holiday-themed enrichment activities.
• Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit (Dec. 20 – 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) The beloved couple of the season will make a last-minute stop at the Louisville Zoo to meet and take photos with guests. Families can also enjoy sweet treats (additional fee) during this special weekend.
• 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.

Additional Details

The Zoo is open year-round with cozy indoor spaces. Holiday programming is included with general Zoo admission or membership. Visitors can also take advantage of discounted admission during Wild Winter Days, presented by Kroger, running through February 28, 2026. Guests who bring at least one non-perishable food item per person for Dare to Care Food Bank can purchase tickets at the Zoo for $11 per adult and $8 per child/senior.

For a complete schedule of events and activities, visit louisvillezoo.org/events

Gift Giving Ideas

Memberships: The gift that truly keeps on giving for the recipient — for a full year, in fact — is the Louisville Zoo membership. Purchase between Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 and enjoy $10 off any membership or gift voucher purchased online. The first 1,000 redemptions will receive a free plush animal. After Dec. 1, receive $5 off through Dec. 26 on holiday Zoo memberships. For a full list of memberships visit louisvillezoo.org/members.

Gift shop: Located at the front of the Zoo, the gift shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and no admission is required to shop. The Zoo’s gift shop boasts the largest and most unique variety of plush animals for any animal fan, a curated selection of handmade goods, eco-friendly treasures and wild Zoo apparel. Plus, Louisville Zoo members receive 10 percent off select merchandise. 

Adopts: The Zoo has a perfect gift that supports wildlife. Through the Zoo’s ADOPTS (animals depend on people to survive) guests can symbolically adopt a Zoo animal. See the full list of adoptable animals and benefit levels at louisvillezoo.org/adopts.

Honorary gift ideas: Honor someone meaningful this holiday season with a personalized Louisville Stoneware plaque installed in Irvin and Alice’s Garden near the sloth habitat. Installation timelines vary based on production and weather. A card will be provided to notify the gift recipient. Visit louisvillezoo.org/support for information or to order.

Gifts for Zoo animals: Help animals at your Zoo thrive! Donate enrichment items that encourage natural behaviors, stimulate curiosity, and support overall well-being. Browse the online wish list and give a gift directly to the animals this season at louisvillezoo.org/wishlist.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.

Eastern Area Community Ministries - Personal Items Needed

Stay Informed - Planning & Design Department

Public Meetings/Notices

Click the dates below to view the Weekly Activity Report for that week.

• IARC Report 111125.pdf
• IARC Report 111825.pdf

• IARC Report 112625.pdf

View upcoming Upcoming Hearing for Design and/or Zoning Cases by clicking the link below. 

• Planning Commission Participation Guide_2025.pdf
• 25-DDP-0084_DRCNotice.pdf
• 25-DDP-0084_DRCNotice.pdf

• An Detailed District Development Plan application to a 14,500 SF Retail Center with a 5,000 SF office and parking area was filed with the department of Louisville Metro Office of Planning on October 17, 2025.

  • 25-DDP-0083_EarlyNotice_111125.pdf

New Requirement to Renew Driver's License in Kentucky

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

New Kentucky Drivers License Info

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are 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.

To learn more about applications, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/boards-commissions-and-committees 

Report Potholes

We need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below:

1. Use an online form by clicking here.
2. Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
4. You can also call my office at 574-1119 or email chanelle.smith@louisvilleky.gov and we'll turn it in on your behalf.

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

New Process for Extreme Weather Shelters

Please see this message from the Louisville Metro Office of Planning:

Following adoption of the amendments to the Land Development Code for Homeless and Crisis Shelters, I am writing to let you know that we have established a process for review, approval, and inspection of Extreme Weather Shelters. We need your help informing the community before another weather event arrives as there is work that must be done in advance. I have attached a 1-pager, along with the permit application. This is NOT a full building permit review but there are Life Safety requirements that must be met to ensure that those seeking shelter are safe within these spaces and known to emergency responders.

A website is available to assist and provide more information than what is contained in the 1-pager: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/extreme-weather-shelters .

Below is a general overview of the process:

• Review available information on website or 1-pager to determine if an Extreme Weather Shelter is a good fit for the space available or your organization
• Apply for permit, including a life safety floor plan. Permit issued. Permit required annually. No license is required.
• Have the area where sheltering will occur inspected
• Watch for expected extreme weather events
• Set-up shelter for expected event
• Contact Local fire division having authority and have the shelter re-inspected
• Provide shelter
• Take down shelter and wait for next expected event – a permit has already been issued and covers all events this winter

Any questions should be directed to my attention or the Office of Planning. If we are out of our depth with life safety requirements we will defer to a member of the Construction Review Division or fire division having authority.

Thanks,

Joel P. Dock, AICP,   Planning Manager

Office of Planning, Louisville Metro Government

444 S. Fifth St. #300, Louisville, KY 40202     502-574-5860

Message from LMPD

Over the past month, the 8th Division has experienced a concerning increase in thefts from vehicles and auto thefts, particularly in our residential areas. In response, our dedicated officers and detectives, in collaboration with various units across the Louisville Metro Police Department, have worked tirelessly to address and combat this criminal activity. Their diligent efforts have led to several arrests, and investigations continue as we identify additional suspects. Although we have seen a decrease in these incidents, they remain a top priority for our patrols and enforcement actions. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your property. Most of the recent car break-ins involved unlocked vehicles, and the stolen vehicles had keys left inside them. Additionally, several incidents involved open garages resulting in thefts from vehicles and auto thefts. By taking simple preventative measures, we can significantly reduce the attractiveness of our neighborhoods to criminals. Please consider the following prevention tips to greatly reduce your chances of being victimized: ·        REMOVE KEYS FROM INSIDE VEHICLES ·        LOCK VEHICLE DOORS ·        CLOSE GARAGES ·        REMOVE GARAGE DOOR OPENERS FROM VEHICLES ·        REMOVE ANY VALUABLES FROM INSIDE VEHICLES Your cooperation is essential in making our neighborhoods safer and less appealing to potential thieves. By locking your vehicles and ensuring keys and garage door openers are not left inside, we can collectively deter criminal activity. In addition to our enforcement efforts, the 8th Division has hosted several community events over the past month, with more planned in the near future. These events provide an excellent opportunity for you to engage with our officers, ask questions, and learn more about our efforts to keep our community safe. Below are some pictures from our recent events, as well as a schedule of upcoming events. We warmly invite you to attend and participate.

Report a Litterer

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window.

LMPD Nextdoor

The Louisville Metro Police Department is now on Nextdoor to engage with residents of Metro Louisville. Detective Sergeant Roderick Beasley is active on the platform representing the 8^th Division. He is sharing information with residents of the 8^th Division about current crime trends, crime tips, and community events for your neighborhoods. To join us on Nextdoor use the link below.

Link to LMPD on nextdoor

Guidelines for Calling the Police

Find the Latest Crime & Safety Info from LMPD

Crime Trends from Louisville Metro Police  Click here and view our interactive crime mapping tool. Save it in your favorites, it's updated daily. Forward this email to your friends and family!  Or use the crime mapping iPhone app: Crime Mapping | Louisville Metro PD, KY (louisville-police.org) If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related help or to find a towed vehicle. Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips.

Call Before You Dig