District 22 E-Newsletter - March 17, 2026

d22 banner - councilman bratcher

Councilman Kevin Bratcher
601 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502.574.1122

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

LMPD 7th Division: 574-2133

LMPD Non-emergency: 574- 2111

Fern Creek Fire Dept.: 239-7075

Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000

Metro Animal Services: 473-7387

Metro Codes & Regulations: 574-2508

Metro Public Works: 574-5810

Metro Parks: 574-7275

Louisville Water Company: 583-6610

MSD: 540-6000

LG&E: 589-1444

TARC: 585-1234

South Central Regional Library: 964-3515

In this edition...


First Louisville Zoo’s trivia night - March 18th

The Louisville Zoo invite you to the popular Zoo Trivia Night series for 2026. Zoo Trivia Nights will run from March to December with themed nights including favorites like Disney trivia along with some fun new additions like Zooper Heroes, April Fools, and Star Wars.

“I’m excited for our community to experience another great event at our world-class zoo,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Trivia nights will be a fun way to come together and celebrate a unique date night or host a group of friends at one of our city’s most beloved treasures.”

The trivia fun is exclusively for adults ages 21 and over and is hosted by Louisville Trivia. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.

Trivia is held at the Zoo’s African Outpost with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and trivia starting at 7 p.m. Spots fill up quickly. Guests are encouraged to get their tickets early.

Individuals are $25, teams of four are $80 and teams of eight are $160.

Tickets are available at louisvillezoo.org/trivia.

Trivia themed nights for 2026:

  • March 18, 2026: Zooper Heroes
  • April 15, 2026: April Fools
  • May 6, 2026: Revenge of the Sixth
  • June 17, 2026: Wild World of Disney
  • July 15, 2026: Spicy Summer Reads
  • August 12, 2026: Mystery Flavor
  • September 2, 2026: Wild World of Trivia
  • November 18, 2026: Cozy Caper
  • December 16, 2026: Jungle Bells

Visit louisvillezoo.org/trivia for additional information.


Kentucky Science Center Event - March 20-21

KSC health_and_wellness_2026

On March 20th & 21st, the Kentucky Science Center is hosting Health & Wellness Days, where guests can explore the science of our bodies, brains, and overall well-being.

Meet scientists and community partners, try hands-on activities, and learn more about how we think, feel, and stay healthy.  Afterward, spend time exploring all the exhibits throughout the Science Center. 

All activities are FREE with general admission.

Lead Content Provider: University of Louisville Society of Neuroscience 

For more information, click here.


Rescheduled Cafe Louie - March 21st

2026-03-21 Cafe Louie

Café LOUIE is a free, informal event where community members can meet with their elected officials to discuss important issues. Every year the Foundation invites every currently serving Metro Councilperson, Mayor, state and federal senators and representatives to participate, giving constituents an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and engage in meaningful conversations. Anyone is welcome to attend as a guest to meet officials and join the discussion.


Pop-Up Drop-Off Event - March 21st

Pop Up March 21

2026 Pop-Up Drop-Off Waste Disposal Events

All events are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on a Saturday.

Please do not arrive early. Vehicles waiting cause traffic backups.

March 21 - Sun Valley Park and Ashby Lane Baptist Church, 10401 Lower River Rd/6617 Ashby Ln

April 4 - UofL Shelby Campus, 440 N Whittington Pkwy

May 16 - Shawnee Park, 4501 W Broadway

June 13 - Doss High School (tentative), 7601 St. Andrews Church Rd

July 18 - Metro Fleet Services, 3515 Newburg Rd

August 15 - Fern Creek Elementary and High School, enter at 8815 Ferndale Rd

September 19 - Sun Valley Park and Ashby Lane Baptist Church, 10401 Lower River Rd/6617 Ashby Ln

October 17 - Metro Fleet Services, 3515 Newburg Rd

November 21 - UofL Shelby Campus, 440 N Whittington Pkwy

For more details about what is and isn't accepted please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/pop-drop-waste-disposal-events


Other Waste & Recycling Options

2026 Flyer with front and back_Page_2

Louisville Zoo's March Birthday Bash - Mar 21st

The Louisville Zoo invites families to celebrate some of the Zoo’s most beloved animal residents with March birthdays on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This new “Birthday Bash” event launched in 2026 will be a monthly series of animal birthday celebrations that will continue throughout the year.

Watch as these birthday stars enjoy species-specific custom enrichment treats designed just for them. Plus, the day may include special keeper talks that reveal fascinating animal stories and care insights.

March Birthday Bash schedule (subject to change):

10 a.m.            Sumatran tiger Jingga (16)                             Islands

10:15 a.m.       Lemurs: Hermes (15), Hawthorn (14) and Cedar (14)     Lemur Mountain

10:30 a.m.       Masai giraffe Josie (3)                                    Giraffe/Africa

11 a.m.            African lions: Amali (13), Sunny (13) and Siyanda (11)    Lion/Africa           

11:30 a.m.       Western lowland gorillas: Kindi (10) and Kicho (29)    Gorilla Forest/Africa

11:30 a.m.       Hartmann’s mountain zebra Athena (8)          Zebra/Africa

11:45 a.m.       Amur tiger Viktoria (4)                                    Tiger Taiga

NOON              Colobus monkey Sheldon (13)                     Colobus Crossings

1 p.m.              Little penguins: Clarkie (11), Derwent (8), Goose (8), Hashbrown (1) and Lilo (2)      Islands

1:30 p.m.         American bald eagle Brooks (11)                   Cats of America

2 p.m.              Lemur Ivan (35)                                             Lemur Mountain

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.  From March 21 to September 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guests exiting by 6 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.


JCSO's 2026 Drug Take Back Pop-Up - Mar 21st

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Announces 2026 Drug Take Back Events

Safe. Simple. No questions asked.

Clearing out your medicine cabinet just got easier.  The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), in partnership with the Louisville Waste Management District, is announcing several Drug Take Back events scheduled throughout 2026, giving residents multiple opportunities to safely and responsibly dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted prescription medications.

These pop-up events are designed to help prevent prescription drug misuse, protect children and pets and keep harmful substances out of our waterways — all while offering a fast, free and anonymous way to do the right thing.

“Unused medications sitting at home can quickly become a public safety issue,” said Major Matt Salsman, Director of JCSO’s Criminal Interdiction Division. “These events make it easy for people to take action and remove that risk.”

All events are expected to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and no appointment is necessary. Residents can simply drive up, drop off medications and drive away.

Tentative 2026 Drug Take Back Dates & Locations:

• March 21 — Sun Valley

• April 11 — UofL Shelby Campus

• May 16 — Shawnee Park

• June 13 — Doss High School

• July 18 — Fern Creek High School

• August 22 — Metro Fleet

• September 19 — Sun Valley

• October 17 — Metro Fleet

• November 14 — UofL Shelby Campus

Please note: dates and locations are subject to change as permits are finalized. Additional pop-up events may be added throughout the year.

Residents are encouraged to follow the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on social media and visit www.jcsoky.org for the latest updates, reminders and event details as each date approaches.

Together, we can reduce misuse, protect our community and keep Jefferson County safe — one drop-off at a time.


Drive-Thru Microchip Clinic - March 22nd

March22MicrochipClinic

South Central Community Forum - March 25th

2026 South Central Comm Forum

Jefferson Memorial Forest - March/April

Jefferson Memorial Forest is offering a full lineup of spring programs this March and April, with activities for all ages at both the welcome center and Horine Reservation. Visitors can enjoy beginner birding, map‑and‑compass skills, a seasonal rhythm retreat, climate conversations, archery, and more! More details are on the flyer below and at wildernesslouisville.org.

JMF1

Native Plant Landscaping Opportunities

The Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District is excited to announce several spring opportunities to educate our community about growing a native plant landscape AND to provide Jefferson County residents with a cost-share reimbursement program for purchasing native plants and/or seeds. (See 3 flyers below.)

Native Plant 1

Native Plant 2

Native Plant 3

Rally to End Child Abuse - Apr 2nd

2026 Rally to End Child Abuse  FCP Open House

Please join us on for the 2026 Rally to End Child Abuse: Thursday, April 2, 11AM, at Family & Children’s Place, 525 Zane Street, Louisville, KY 40203.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and this annual event provides an opportunity for the community to share their support in addressing child abuse and learn more about prevention and resources.

Immediately following the rally, from 12PM-2PM, please join us for an open house on services at Family & Children’s Place, tours of the Child Advocacy Center, information on prevention, and a partner appreciation lunch.

This event is free and open to the public.

Please RSVP if you are able to join us and if you have any questions.


Louisville Zoo Bunny Hop and More

Bunny Hop

The Louisville Zoo is pleased to announce that the Bunny Hop is returning this month as part of the Meet Me at the Zoo series. Guests can meet the Easter Bunny, snap seasonal photos, and participate in the Safari EGGventure virtual scavenger hunt. Guests can take their own photos, free of charge, with the Easter Bunny or may opt to purchase a photo package offered on-site. The Bunny Hop takes place March 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free with Zoo admission.

Safari EGGventure

Guests may choose to join in a scavenger hunt to find zoo-themed eggs, answer trivia questions and compete in some EGGstra special challenges while they are exploring the Zoo. This free-to-play, app-based game can be played from March 14 to April 12. Guests can choose to play for fun or compete for prizes by obtaining a minimum score.

To learn how to play, and to see a full list of rules and prizes, visit louisvillezoo.org/series/safari-eggventure.

Ticket information

The Bunny Hop and Safari EGGventure are free with Zoo admission or Louisville Zoo membership.

Meet me at the Zoo: Bunny Hop is presented by Norton Children’s.


LMPD's 7thDiv Highview Park Egg Hunt - Apr 4th

Highview Easter 2026

Fern Creek Woman's Club Event - April 24th

FCWC1

Fern Creek Operation Brightside Event - Apr 25th

Join us for this Saturday morning clean up effort!  To volunteer, or for more information, please call Jean with the Fern Creek Chamber of Commerce at 502-239-7550.

2026-04-25 Operation Brightside

FCHUM WINSDAY at Churchill Downs - Apr 29th

Join Fern Creek Highview United Ministries (FCHUM) at Churchill Downs on April 29th for their WINSDAY day at the track. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and you can stay as long as you like. You can scan the code on the attached flyer to purchase your tickets. For every ticket sold, the ministry receives $5 in support. So, grab your tickets and get ready to enjoy the nostalgia of the track and the excitement of the horses running!

Purchase Winsday Tickets Today

Shakespeare in the Parks - May 10th / 23rd

Broad Run Park KYS 2026 Tempest IG-FB

Highview KYS 2026 Tempest IG-FB

FCHUM: Trivia Night Fundraiser - May 16th

Fern Creek Highview United Ministries (FCHUM) is excited for their upcoming Trivia Night Fundraiser on May 16, 2026, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church from 5:30–9:00 p.m.

Are YOU ready? Gather your team of eight and take on the challenge! It’s a friendly competition that will test your knowledge as you race to be the first team with the correct answers. It’s always a fun‑filled evening with plenty of laughter and brain‑stretching moments — something we can all enjoy!

Flyer Trivia

Sponsor or Donate for FCHUM Trivia Night

A message from Fern Creek Highview United Ministries:

Our major fundraising event of the year, Trivia Night, is set for Saturday, May 16We would greatly appreciate your consideration of a donation for our auction to help us with our fundraising efforts to support our Adult Day Care Health Center and the Individual & Family Assistance Center. We hope we can count on your support again this year.  It is generous people like you that make this event, our major fundraiser of the year, a success.

 As you may know, Fern Creek/Highview United Ministries (FC/HUM), supported in part by twenty-two​​ churches representing eleven denominations, is a not-for-profit (501C3) charitable organization (Federal ID #61-1148234) that seeks to meet the needs of people in our community.  Community support last year helped us provide:

     * Over 23,000 hours of service to frail older adults at our Adult Day Center

     *Assisted over 7,500 families through our Individual & Family Assistance Center: which includes Holiday food baskets for families and Christmas gifts for children

     * Provided over $240,000 in housing and utilities assistance in 2025

     * All of our programs stretch limited resources to meet the needs of our community. 

Again, our major fundraising event is the Trivia Night scheduled for Saturday, May 16.  Each year we are in need of items to include in our auction, and monetary support in the form of sponsorships.  Sponsorship information is provided below.  Your gift, along with those of other individuals and businesses will go a long way in helping us in our mission of serving people in need living in our community.

We are currently collecting both donations and sponsorships.  We hope to have all donations by April 1st. Please call if you have any questions at (502) 762-9608 or e-mail: execdir@fchum.org or visit our website, www.FCHUM.org.  Thanks so very much for your continued support of Fern Creek/Highview United Ministries.

P.S.  If possible, could you include us each year for a donation from your company to help our fundraising efforts?   You will be put on our mailing list to receive our newsletter and a letter requesting a donation.  Thank you again for your consideration.

FCHUM Sponsorship Agreement 2026

Un-Written.org 5K Fundraising Event - June 14th

Make your plans to sponsor or participate in this great event at Broad Run Park benefitting Un-Written.org.  Event and sponsorship information provided below.

5K Event 2026Spring Into Recovery 5K Sponsorship Levels

Training Program for Adults (18+) with Autism

2026 BCA Training Program

Lead Hazard Inspections Information

2026 Lead Hazard Inspections Information

Please Report Unauthorized Donation Bins

Louisville is cracking down on illegal, unlicensed donation bins that create safety risks, block private property, and redirect donations away from where they're needed.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious bins and donate directly to trusted organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Unauthorized

Report a Pothole

Pothole

Four snow events this season, repeated freezing and thawing, and winter road treatments have taken a toll on Louisville Metro streets. These harsh conditions weaken pavement and lead to potholes.

In 2025 alone, Louisville Metro's Department of Transportation filled more than 48,860 potholes.

Reporting potholes helps crews respond more quickly, keeping roads safer and smoother for everyone throughout the winter months.

You can report potholes by:

Calling Metro311 or 502-574-5000 to report potholes or other service issues


Become a CASA Volunteer

CASA

Give a Child a Voice – Become a CASA Volunteer! CASA of the River Region trains volunteers to advocate for children in Family Court. Each volunteer is assigned to a case and ensures the child’s voice is heard and their safety is prioritized. With the new streamlined training, you can become a CASA volunteer in just 2½ weeks.

Give a child a voice. Give a child hope. Be a CASA volunteer advocate. Learn more by clicking: www.casarr.org/volunteer


Election Officers Needed

Election Officers Needed

UofL Research Opportunities

UofL Research Opportunities

Metro Parks - Youth Golf Opportunities

2026 Youth on Course Golf Passes only $5!

Louisville Parks and Recreation has partnered with Youth on Course to make golf more accessible than ever. With a YOC pass, kids can play a round for just $5 at all ten Louisville Parks golf courses. It’s the perfect opportunity for young golfers to learn the game, build skills, and enjoy time on the course. Get your pass here.

Youth On Course

Change of Use Permit

Change of Use Permit

What is a Change of Use permit?

A change of use permit is required in Louisville whenever a property’s use shifts from one type to another – like converting a retail space into a restaurant or a warehouse into offices – even if no construction is planned. These permits are issued by Construction Review, a division of the Department of Codes and Regulations. 

Why is it needed?

  • Different uses have different safety, building code, and zoning requirements.
  • Examples: Turning a house into a short-term rental, a warehouse into a gym, or a church into an event venue.

How to apply?

Apply online through Louisville Metro’s Accela Citizen Access portal. City staff will review for code, zoning, and safety compliance before approval. If you are not a licensed contractor with Louisville Metro, please visit the Construction Review office at 444 S. 5th Street to apply. Questions? Visit LouisvilleKY.gov/Construction or call (502) 574-3321.


Louisville Home Repair Hotline

Louisville Home Repair Hotline

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

VITA1

VITA2

Option 1 - Volunteer-Supported Tax Preparation

  • Income Limit: $66,000 or less
  • What We Offer: Free, volunteer-supported tax preparation and e-filing
  • Required Documents:
    • Picture ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
    • Social Security cards for all individuals on your return
  • When: Year-round by appointment
  • Locations & Hours: Find a location

Option 2 - Self-Filing through MyFreeTaxes

  • No Income Limit: Open to everyone, but best for simple returns
  • What We Offer: Free e-filing through H&R Block & United Way's MyFreeTaxes
  • How to Use: Follow a guided process to e-file your federal and state returns
  • Start Here: Click here to Begin

Planning & Zoning Updates

8803-8805 Old Bardstown Road (26-DDP-0005) - A neighborhood meeting was held on March 9th.  This meeting presented updated information about a proposed Revised Detailed District Development Plan (RDDDP) to allow two 15,057 sf buildings on approximately 4.1 acres (previously approved for 3 office buildings) next to the recently-approved Goodwill store.  For more information about the nature of this proposal, next steps in the process, and how to participate or comment for the public record, contact Case Manager Sydney Fawcett (sydney.fawcett@louisvilleky.gov or 502-574-4488).   

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6422 & 6808 Billtown Road.  A second neighborhood meeting was held on December 22, 2025 to share details of a revision of "Tract 4 to allow a 240-unit apartment community on approximately 13.9 acres."  The original neighborhood meeting was on September 10, 2024.  That "general plan", including the tract for apartments, was approved by the Planning Commission on April 24, 2025.  According to the applicant, "The site has not significantly changed from what was originally presented.  The site still has 10 apartment buildings with a clubhouse and 240 units."   If you have questions about comparing the original and updated plans, contact Kaitlin Dever, case manager with the Office of Planning, at 502-574-5542 or kaitlin.dever@louisvilleky.gov.

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7800,7902, 7916, 8000 & 8014 Bardstown Road, 10501 & 10541 Ichabod Drive and 9809 Hillock Drive.  A Neighborhood Meeting to discuss a zoning change proposal affecting these locations was held on December 3rd.  Representative(s) for the applicant shared a proposed change in zoning from R-4 & R-5A to C-1 & C-2 and a Revised Detailed District Development Plan to allow a multi-tenant commercial development to be located at the addresses listed above.  The applicant is proposing a grocery store, three retail stores, a retail strip center with a restaurant, a convenience gas station store, two banks, a credit union, a coffee shop, four restaurants, each with a drive thru, and work around a future restaurant.  Next, the applicant may submit a formal proposal for agency review.

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10100 Black Iron Road, 10200 Glenmary Farm Drive and an unaddressed parcel on Long Home Road (assigned Parcel ID Number (2527-000C-0000) (Case 25-CUPPA-0185) - A neighborhood meeting was held on Wednesday, November 12th.  The Owners/Applicants, pursuant to Land Development Code Section 4.2.8 - Athletic Facilities, desire to locate and operate a Disc/Soccer Golf Course Facility on the Property which was previously used as the Glenmary Golf Course (the "Proposal").  The Property totals over 70.2229 acres, but the Owner/Applicant requests only 45.9 acres to be considered for the Conditional Use Permit.  The Proposal includes 18 soccer/disc holes, a clubhouse and parking.  The Proposal includes a new 11,000 square foot clubhouse as the central location for disc and soccer golf players to meet up with other players and pay for their respective rounds of disc or soccer golf prior to playing.  The new clubhouse would be conveniently accessed from Glenmary Farm Drive, a local neighborhood roadway that directly connects to Bardstown Road, an arterial level roadway.  Parking adjacent to the new clubhouse is proposed.  

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Property at the end of Justice Way in the City of Heritage Creek (Parcel Number 0008602130000) - A neighborhood meeting was held on October 15th.  Leisure Development is requesting approval of a Major Preliminary Subdivision Plan with Development Potential Transfer in the property at the end of Justice Way.  For more information about the nature of this proposal, next steps in the process, and how to participate or comment for the public record, contact Case Manager Rachel Casey (rachel.casey@louisvilleky.gov or 502-574-6230). 

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REMINDER: One beneficial and convenient way for you to share your thoughts on a case (to be part of the public record) is to use this form.


Zoning Matters - Conversation with a City Planner

Have a question about zoning in your neighborhood? Wondering how developments get approved? Louisville Metro’s Office of Planning is hosting open Q&A sessions at library branches on select Tuesday afternoons. These sessions are free and open to the public – no RSVP required. Planning impacts how our neighborhoods grow, what the future of Louisville looks like, and where we live. The goal of these conversations is simple: to make the planning process clearer and easier to understand.

Zoning Matters 2026

Network of Assistance across Louisville Metro

Association of Community Ministries 1

Do you know people who need assistance (whether in District 22 or in other parts of Louisville Metro)? 

Click here for information on the Association of Community Ministries. 

On this site, click on "Find Your Ministry" to explore the local community help available for any Jefferson County address.


FCHUM Needs List

FCHUM Needs List

For further information about District 22...

For further information about District 22

or to contact Councilman Kevin Bratcher or Legislative Assistant Jon Bingham,

please visit:

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-22


Pet(s) of the Week: Metro Animal Services

Theory

Crime Maps

 

Always Remember to

Lock Your Car and

Remove All Valuables.

It's the Easiest Way to

Prevent Crime.

Crime Maps logo

Click Here to view LMPD's interactive crime mapping tool.   

 If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Call 911 for emergencies.  Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related assistance.

Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips.


988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is open and accessible 24/7. This free and confidential service connects individuals with trained crisis counselors who can provide support, guidance, and resources.

  • 📞 Dial 988 to reach the Lifeline
  • 🌐 Available in English and Spanish
  • 🕒 Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If You Suspect a Natural Gas Leak...

Gas Leak

Call 811 Before You Dig!

811

Join a Board or Commission

Apply to Serve

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.

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.

To learn more please visit Boards and Commissions.