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Thank you to the Louisville Metro Solid Waste Management team for joining us at last week's Chat with Ruhe and sharing helpful information about recycling, large item pickups, waste collection services, and ways residents can help keep our neighborhoods clean.
While attendance was small, we were glad to connect with those who came. These events are held after regular office hours because we want to make ourselves available to residents, and we are happy to show up even if only one constituent has a question or concern.
As always, Councilor Ruhe and D21 office are available by phone, email, or in person to help.
Thank you for reaching out to us and for your patience as we work to help resolve issues and connect you with the resources you need. 💙
 My office is excited to partner with Rutherford Elementary School for this community cleanup tomorrow, August 1.
Small actions can make a big difference, and this is a great opportunity to come together, meet neighbors, and help keep our community clean and welcoming as students prepare to return to school.
Bring the kids, enjoy coffee and cookies, and spend a few hours giving back to the neighborhood.
We hope you'll join us as we work together to make District 21 a cleaner and more connected community.
Please watch our social media pages for any updates, including possible postponement of the event in the event of thunderstorms or severe weather.
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Brightside Foundation, Louisville Metro Public Works, and Louisville-based Sazerac Company have launched a new partnership to reduce litter in Louisville Metro's highest-need areas using Metro311 data to guide cleanup and prevention efforts.
The initiative combines volunteer cleanup events with the installation of more than a dozen new litter bins funded by Sazerac in locations identified through Metro311 complaint data.
During the first five months of 2026, Metro311 received nearly 600 litter complaints, while Louisville Metro Public Works' Clean Collaborative Team collected 65 tons of litter across the city.
The first community cleanup will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. south of the University of Louisville and in Old Louisville. If severe weather occurs, the cleanup will be held Sunday, Aug. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Brightside is inviting Metro employees, businesses, neighborhood groups, and residents to volunteer. Participants will receive a T-shirt, gloves, and cleanup supplies.
Interested in volunteering? Register by clicking the button below!
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 Good news for Louisville drivers: I-65 through downtown has reopened earlier this week, a few days ahead of schedule.
Gov. Andy Beshear joined state and local leaders Tuesday to announce the reopening of the I-65 Central Corridor, restoring two lanes of traffic in each direction after a planned two-month closure to accelerate the replacement of three aging bridges.
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The five-mile stretch of I-65 between the Expressway (I-264) and downtown Louisville (Jefferson Street) reopened early Wednesday morning. The accelerated construction schedule saved at least a year of additional traffic restrictions and delays while allowing crews to make significant progress on the bridge replacements.
During the closure, crews removed the old bridge structures and installed approximately 70 steel beams and more than 200 precast bridge deck panels. Construction on the three bridges will continue through March 2027, but traffic is now able to travel through the corridor.
Although I-65 has reopened, drivers should remember the project is not complete. The interstate remains an active work zone with two lanes of traffic in each direction, a reduced speed limit through much of the corridor, and some ramp closures near active construction areas. Drivers traveling through Louisville are encouraged to continue using the signed I-264 detour when possible to help reduce congestion.
Looking ahead, KYTC will continue planning for the replacement or rehabilitation of six additional bridges between Broadway and Liberty Street, including the Hospital Curve area. More information on the next phase of the project will be shared once construction plans are finalized.
For the latest project updates, traffic information, and detour maps, visit I65CentralCorridor.com. Residents can also sign up for email or text alerts and follow KYTC District 5 on Facebook and X for ongoing updates.
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The New TARC Network launches on August 2, 2026. This will be a historic, once-in-a-lifetime change for our community with new route names and numbers, new bus-stop locations—with a significant number of existing stops being removed to improve reliability—better frequencies of service, and a new Downtown Transit Center!
For more information, Click HERE
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I take date center regulations very seriously. As our public discussion continue, I am working closely with the Planning Commission to ensure your voice leads the way. I work for people.
-Betsy.
 The Office of Planning will host a series of public meetings in which attendees can comment on the regulations. While attendees may attend multiple meetings, each speaker can comment at only one of the meetings and will be limited to three minutes. A speaker will not be required to stay for the remainder of the meeting after commenting.
For more information visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/data-centers.
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Meeting Dates
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Meeting Location
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Monday, July 27, 2026, at 5 p.m.
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JCTC Southwest Campus, Horvath Auditorium in the Administration Building, 1000 Community College Drive
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Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 5 p.m.
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University of Louisville Shelby Campus, Founders Union Ballroom, 450 N. Whittington Parkway
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Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 5 p.m.
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Online meeting. To join, a meeting link will be available on the Upcoming Meetings webpage for August 6.
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Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5 p.m.
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Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard
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Back-to-School help is here!
Neighborhood Place and community partners have teamed up to help families get ready for the new school year with free school supplies. Let's make sure every student starts the school year prepared, confident and ready to succeed!
✅ No registration required
✅ Open to the public
✅ Students must be present to receive supplies
✅ Supplies vary by location and are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Remaining School Supply Giveaway Events:
📍Cane Run Neighborhood Place Saturday, August 1 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 3410 Lees Lane, Louisville, KY 40216
📍Berrytown Park Saturday, August 1 | 1–4 p.m. 1300 Heafer Rd., Louisville, KY 40223
📍First Gethsemane Center for Family Development Sunday, August 2 | 1–3 p.m. 1221 First Gethsemane Ave., Louisville, KY 40208
- Above is the Office of Social Services Updates
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 Exciting news for our Woodlawn Business District!
Please join us in welcoming SWAGS South Louisville to the neighborhood at their ribbon-cutting celebration on August 6 at 12 p.m. This is a great addition to the district, and we hope you'll come out to show your support.
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Louisville Metro Council recently approved an updated ordinance to strengthen enforcement of improperly placed signs in public rights-of-way, including utility poles, medians, sidewalks, traffic signs, and other public infrastructure.
The changes are intended to improve public safety, reduce visual clutter, and hold businesses and individuals accountable for illegal advertising.
Before enforcement begins on January 1, 2027, Louisville Metro will conduct a public education campaign to help businesses, nonprofits, sign companies, and residents understand the new requirements and legal advertising options.
Councilor Ruhe supported this ordinance because it helps keep our neighborhoods safer and cleaner while giving Louisville Metro more effective tools to address improperly placed signs and maintain public spaces.
Residents can continue reporting these signs through Metro311.
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 🟦 National Night Out 2026 Join Councilor Betsy Ruhe and neighbors from District 21 for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4.
District 21 includes areas served by LMPD Divisions 3, 4, 6, and 7, and residents are encouraged to attend the event location most convenient for them.
National Night Out is a nationwide initiative that encourages residents to connect with their neighbors and local law enforcement to create safer, stronger communities. All events are free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
Enjoy family-friendly activities, safety exhibits, community resources, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with first responders and fellow neighbors.
  Support the Louisville Male High School Band at two upcoming fundraisers - see above attached.
The Band Association will host a Car Wash on August 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Male High School (4409 Preston Hwy), with a rain date of August 22.
Community members can also support the band at a Dairy Queen fundraiser on September 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 3221 Poplar Level Rd.
In addition, the band will hold a free community performance on July 31 at 5 p.m. showcasing this season's progress.
 Thursday, August 6, 2026 - Sunday, August 9, 2026 - 2026 NSRA Street Rod Nationals
No Parking Areas (These closures and parking restrictions will directly affect the Fairgrounds area and nearby District 21 residents -- plan accordingly)
All Day
- Phillips Lane from Preston Highway to Crittenden Drive
- Monarch Drive from Phillips Lane to Manning Road
- James Road from Phillips Lane to the end
- Emberson Avenue from Phillips Lane to the end
- Crittenden Drive from Interstate 264 to Interstate 65
Saturday, August 8, 2026 - 2026 Race the Runway 5.02K
8 am - Noon
- Gast Boulevard from Dutchmans Lane to Roger E Schupp Street
- Roger E Schupp Street from Gast Boulevard to the 3300 block of Roger E Schupp Street
No Parking Area
8 am - Noon
- Gast Boulevard from Dutchmans Lane to Roger E Schupp Street
- Roger E Schupp Street from Gast Boulevard to the 3300 block of Roger E Schupp Street
Saturday, August 8, 2026 - 2026 Sky Soul Festival
8 am - Midnight
- Witherspoon Street from Brook Street to Preston Street
- Floyd Street from Witherspoon Street to Washington Street
No Parking Areas
8 am - Midnight
- Witherspoon Street from Brook Street to Preston Street
- Floyd Street from Witherspoon Street to Washington Street
 Earlier this month the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness announced that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were found in monitoring traps in the Wyandotte/Oakdale neighborhoods near Churchill Downs. To help protect the community and reduce mosquitoes, mosquito fogging was scheduled for those neighborhoods.
“This is the time of year when we often start to see mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in many neighborhoods,” said Louisville’s Chief Health Strategist Connie Mendel. “We want everyone to have the information they need to stay safe. Simple steps can help lower the risk of being infected with West Nile virus.”
How to protect yourself from mosquito bites
- Use insect repellent when you are outdoors. Products with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus work well when used as directed.
- When you can, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks. You can also use repellents on clothing for added protection.
- Try to take extra care at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
How to reduce mosquitoes around your home
- Empty standing water regularly from items like buckets, flowerpots, gutters, and birdbaths.
- Change water in pet dishes often.
- Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside.
There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Jefferson County this year. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. Some people may have mild symptoms, such as fever or body aches. Serious illness is rare, affecting less than one percent of people. Older adults and people with certain health conditions may be at higher risk for more serious illness.
More information and support
- Learn more about mosquito fogging and how it works by watching this video.
- Find tips for reducing mosquitoes around your home in this video.
- To see if fogging is planned in your area, visit the department’s website or call the mosquito hotline at 502-574-6641.
- To make a complaint about mosquitos in your neighborhood call Metro311by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.
- To be alerted by text message when mosquito fogging will occur in your neighborhood, as well to be informed about other important events in your community, please sign up for LENSALert.
 Understanding 988 and knowing when to call
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The United States launched 988 in 2022 as an easy‑to‑remember number for anyone experiencing a mental health, emotional, or substance‑use crisis. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365, connecting callers with trained counselors who listen, offer support, and help you stay safe.
You don’t have to be suicidal to call.
Anyone—at any age—can reach out for help, and you can also contact 988 if you’re worried about someone else. Veterans, service members, and their families can be connected with specially trained counselors. Interpretation is available for people who speak languages other than English or Spanish.
Why people contact 988
People reach out for many reasons, including anxiety, depression, substance‑use concerns, stress, trauma, loneliness, or simply needing someone to talk to.
What happens when you call
A trained counselor will:
- Listen without judgment
- Check on your safety
- Talk through what you’re experiencing
- Offer support and local resources
Most people feel calmer and more hopeful after connecting with a counselor.
Privacy and safety
You don’t have to share personal information. Counselors only involve 911 in rare situations when someone is in immediate danger.
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The Louisville Water Company was issued permit PW-REP-26-02501 for a lane & sidewalk closure at Cambridge Dr between S 2nd St & Southside Dr.
*Lead Replacement Program*
Beginning Date: 08/02/2026
End Date:
09/05/2026
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VOISE (Volatile Organic Compound In Home Sampling Exposure Study) IRB# 25.0881
Residents in select areas of Jefferson County may be eligible to participate in a University of Louisville research study examining how indoor and outdoor air quality may be linked to exposure to hazardous and potentially hazardous chemicals.
Eligible households must consist only of adults age 18 or older and have no pets living in the home.
Participation includes:
-Allowing air monitors to be placed inside and outside the home for 24 hours
-Completing surveys about health history, occupation, hobbies, diet, and residence characteristics
-Providing a urine sample from each participating household member
All study activities will take place at participating homes. Please note that qualification is not guaranteed, as homes must undergo an assessment to ensure monitoring equipment can be safely and effectively deployed.
Participants may receive compensation, including:
-$75 per household upon completion of the study
-An additional $25 for the head of household for completing surveys
-$15 for each additional participant who completes surveys and urine collection
-Up to $50 per household to offset utility costs if the study team uses a power source on the property
To learn more or determine eligibility, contact the University of Louisville Envirome Institute at envirome@louisville.edu or (502) 215-5707.
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