District 2 Newsletter (November 21, 2024)

Barbara Shanklin

COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN


(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202

Dr. Barbara Shanklin
District 2 Councilwoman
601 West Jefferson Street
City Hall, 1st Floor
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-1102
Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov


Caleb Howard
Legislative Assistant
Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov


On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.

JOIN US IN-PERSON NEXT MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN'S OFFICE AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)


Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us

STAY CONNECTED:

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CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP

LMPD Crime Tips logo
Light Up Newburg 2024

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311 logo

Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community?  Contact 311!

Metro311 Service Request Information

  • Submit a Service Request in the online system.
  • Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the system.  If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
  • To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue.
  • Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
  • The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
  • If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro 311 at 311. 

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Greenburg

News from Mayor Greenberg and the City of Louisville

Mayor Greenberg Provides Weekly Update

LOUISVILLE, KY – (November 20, 2024) As part of his weekly update Wednesday, Mayor Craig Greenberg shared details on the return of one of the city’s most beloved events, Light Up Louisville, the dazzling Lights on Main exhibit at the Frazier History Museum in partnership with I Would Rather be Reading (IWRBR) and a Louisvillian Doing Good, DuPont Manual High School student, Ashley Nevison.

Light Up Louisville

The city of Louisville is set to shine bright this holiday season with the annual Light Up Louisville powered by LG&E, the official kick-off of the holiday season in the heart of Downtown Louisville at Jefferson Square and Metro Hall. The event will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 3pm – 9pm, a new day of the week, Saturday, to make this event even more accessible to all Louisvillians and visitors far and wide. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature live entertainment at 527 West Jefferson Street.

Some of the event highlights are the Lots of Lights Parade from 6pm - 7pm, watch the dazzling parade travel from Jefferson east to 4th, south to Liberty, and west to 8th. Santa’s Arrival and Light Up Moment at 8pm. Santa will make his grand entrance, starting at 4th & Jefferson and heading to the Main Stage near 6th & Jefferson on the Metro Hall west lawn. The official Light Up Moment will follow at approximately 8:14pm.

 There are many new features to this event including a Video Mapping Show on Metro Hall (10-minute show), a Drone Show over Metro Hall (13-minute show), Mistletoe Market with 30 local vendors, and Frosty’s Food Court with 14 local food & beverage vendors. Other Light Up Louisville traditions will continue on, such as the Light Up Louisville Parade featuring the REAL Santa Claus, Main Stage & Jingle Stage with live entertainment, free trackless train rides (3pm-6pm), free holiday inflatable slide, free photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Cindy Lou Who, and the Grinch at Santa's House, free craft stations for kids, including holiday photo frame making, letters to Santa, and face painting, and the Active Heroes Holiday card station for Veterans presented by Humana Military.

This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of LG&E, Bank of America, FORD, Humana Military, iHeart Media (100.5 FM, 840 WHAS, & 98.9 KISS FM), WLKY-32, Outfront Media, Peterman Brothers, AT&T, and Louisville Downtown Partnership.

Lights on Main at the Frazier History Museum

The Frazier Museum in partnership with I Would Rather be Reading (IWRBR) will host Lights on Main. This is an opportunity to experience art, history and community in a new light. The indoor exhibit runs from November 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, and visitors are invited to step into a magical winter wonderland and experience the enchantment of the season.

The Frazier Museum will be transformed into an enchanted holiday forest, featuring three floors of beautifully decorated trees by local schools, organizations, families, and individuals. This year’s exhibition promises to be more spectacular than ever, with extensive programming, extended hours, and a variety of holiday events and activities.

Louisvillian Doing Good

DuPont Manual High School senior Ashley Nevison, 17, is spearheading the "No Soldier Left Behind" project through her nonprofit organization, Sargeant’s Army. Founded in 2018 when Ashley was just 11 years old, Sargeant’s Army is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to spreading hope, kindness, and compassion.

Ashley’s journey with Giving Tuesday began in 2020 with the "Small Acts Add Up Outerwear Drive," which mobilized youth across the USA to donate outerwear to local organizations. Over four years, this initiative saw participation from over 1,000 youths in all 50 states and nine countries, resulting in the donation of more than 21,000 outerwear items.

For her fifth year participating in Giving Tuesday, Ashley aimed to create a special project to honor veterans. The "No Soldier Left Behind" project was born from her desire to provide outerwear kits to homeless veterans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Thanks to generous corporate donations, her vision has become a reality. A total of 820 outerwear kits, each containing a jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, two pairs of socks, and a thank you card, will be distributed nationwide. Additionally, hygiene kits and dog kits will be sent to every state.

Throughout the year, Sargeant’s Army continues its mission by providing hygiene Hope Bags to domestic violence shelters, foster care homes, homeless outreach organizations, schools, churches, and blessing boxes. To date, over 31,000 hygiene Hope Bags have been donated across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and all 120 counties in Kentucky.

Ashley firmly believes in the power of youth to change the world and make it a kinder place. Through Sargeant’s Army, she organizes volunteer events for people of all ages, including Hope Bag packing parties, dog and cat toy creation events, Kindness Card creation, and scarf-making parties for corporations, schools, and youth groups.


louisville metro council

Louisville Metro Council News

The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

MetroTV

Health & Wellness Logo

Louisville Metro Health and Wellness News

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Tips help you to prep your body and mind for the dark days of winter

As the days get shorter and there is less daylight, you may start to feel sad. While many people experience the “winter blues,” some people may have a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The first step is to determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

Do you have mild symptoms that have lasted less than two weeks?

  • Feeling down but still able to take care of yourself and others
  • Having some trouble sleeping
  • Having less energy than usual but still able to do your job, schoolwork, or housework

These activities can make you feel better

  • Doing something you enjoy
  • Going outside in the sunlight
  • Spending time with family and friends
  • Eating healthy and avoiding foods with lots of sugar

If these activities do not help or your symptoms are getting worse, talk to a health care provider.

Do you have more severe symptoms that have lasted more than two weeks?

  • Social withdrawal
  • Oversleeping
  • Gaining weight
  • Craving foods with lots of sugar like cakes, candies, and cookies

Seek professional help

  • Light therapy
  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
  • Medications
  • Vitamin D supplements

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also visit our Community Mental Health Services webpage for a listing of mental health resources.

Are you looking for a wellness provider? Visit Mental Health Lou for a listing of local professionals.

-- Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health

SAD 2024

Office of Resilience and Community Services logo

Office of Resilience and Community Services News

 

LIHEAP FALL SUBSIDY ENROLLMENT BEGAN NOVEMBER 5

One-time home heating assistance available to low-income households

LOUISVILLE, KY (November 4, 2024) – Starting November 5, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Fall Subsidy enrollment is available through Kentucky’s Community Action Network for eligible Kentucky households. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through December 20, 2024, or until designated funds have been expended.

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy provides households with a one-time benefit depending on housing category, fuel type used for heating, and income level. The benefit can be applied towards home heating cost for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil.

Benefits are paid directly to the household's energy vendor. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not impact a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

In Jefferson County, LIHEAP Fall Subsidy is available through the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. Appointments are required in advance to apply. Eligible households can apply for one or both LIHEAP Subsidy and MSD’s EWRAP with one single appointment. 

MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP)

Through our partnership with Louisville MSD, eligible residents will have the opportunity to apply for MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP).

EWRAP can provide eligible residents in Jefferson County a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge. Eligibility includes households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, with proof of an active utility account with the Louisville Water Company and MSD. This enrollment period is for new and renewing MSD discount program clients.

MSD clients who are 65 years of age or older with a gross household income of $35,000 or less per year may be eligible for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program. It is recommended you submit your MSD bill with your LIHEAP documentation to see if you qualify for a MSD discount program. For more details about the MSD Discount Programs, visit https://louisvillemsd.org/paymybill.

How to Apply

Our toll-free automated appointment system is now available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to schedule an in-person appointment at one of seven locations. The automated scheduler will provide details about these locations as well as eligibility and required documentation.

Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com

Eligibility

  • Jefferson County households within 150% of 2024-25 federal poverty guidelines
  • Must be responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs if utilities are included as an undesignated portion of rent.
  • LIHEAP Subsidy is a one-time benefit. You do not need to have a past-due balance or disconnect notice to be eligible.

Documentation

  • Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, etc. or proof of $0 income). Note: Zero Income forms are available at the Resilience and Community Services office at 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Suite 201 as well as the seven LIHEAP locations listed here
  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Most current heating bill; or statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent; or statement from your utility company if you participate in a pre-pay electric program. Please bring the account number and name on the account for all heating fuel sources and electricity. 
  • For MSD’s EWRAP program, you will need proof of an active utility account with Louisville Water Company and MSD. (i.e. named customers with MSD, receiving metered water service for a property used solely for residential purposes, and owned or leased by the customer as principal residence).

For more information about this process on how to apply for LIHEAP or the MSD discount programs, please contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or 574-5000, email metro.call@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s Online Customer Service or Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website. 

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about LIHEAP, including contact information for all local Community Action agencies, please visit the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.


rental registry update nov 2024

Codes and Regulations News

Department of Codes & Regulations launches new software for Rental Registry

Rental property owners will be able to utilize the new, user-friendly program to register their long-term rental properties

LOUISVILLE, KY (November 4, 2024) – The Department of Codes & Regulations has introduced a new software, Slate, to improve user experience and simplify the management process for property owners to register their long-term rentals. The Rental Registry program, created by Metro Council in 2022, aims to enhance transparency across rental properties in the city and improve the well-being of tenants.

The Slate program, created by Tolemi, has achieved considerable success in various other cities such as Monterey, CA, and Lakewood, WA. The platform is well-regarded for its intuitive interface and its effectiveness in ensuring adherence to rental regulations. This new software will enable property owners to register their properties swiftly and effortlessly.

"We believe this new initiative will help rental property owners and enhance the quality of life for their tenants," said Richard Price, Director of Codes & Regulations. "This marks a major step forward in our mission to uphold high standards in rental properties and streamline the registration process."

Detailed step-by-step guides for property registration, payments, deregistration, and updating a property registration through Slate are now accessible on the Codes & Regulations website. Property owners can find these resources by visiting the Rental Registry webpage.

Beginning December 1, 2024, long-term rental property owners will also be required to join the Lead-Safe Housing Registry through Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness. The Lead-Safe Housing Registry works to prevent lead poisoning by removing lead hazards in rental properties. More information on what property owners can do now to prepare for the Lead Safe Housing Registry can be found on the Lead Hazard Reduction Program webpage.

To access Slate and start the rental registration process, visit https://slate.tolemi.com/c/louisville-ky. For further assistance, property owners can contact the Department of Codes & Regulations at 502-574-2508.

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About the Department of Codes & Regulations:
The Department of Codes & Regulations is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of the citizens of Louisville. We are dedicated to upholding standards of health and safety in our community. Through our divisions of Property Maintenance Code Enforcement, Construction Review, Vacant Lots Abatement, and Zoning Enforcement, we aim to foster a clean and thriving environment conducive to sustainable growth. Keeping public education a priority, our aim is for residents to be informed and empowered to contribute to the betterment of our city.


Transportation Improvement Projects Dashboard

Transportation Improvement Projects Dashboard

The Transportation Improvement Projects Dashboard is a tool to provide insight into projects that improve the transportation network throughout Louisville Metro.

This dashboard shows two different types of projects:

  1. Current Projects that have received funding and are working towards construction.
  2. Future Projects that are not yet funded but are serious contenders to apply for future funding opportunities.

Public Works built this database to increase transparency, track data, measure progress towards meeting goals, and aid future decision-making. This data will inform which transportation projects are submitted for future funding opportunities, including federal grants. As priorities change over time, projects will be added, removed, or modified. Public Works greatly values the opinions of Metro Council members and their constituents, so feedback is important to ensure that we are addressing their needs. Currently this dashboard only shows federally funded projects, but work continues to add more information on various funding sources, project types, and data analysis.

To provide feedback on the tool itself or to request a change to the projects listed, please contact Amanda Deatherage, Transportation Planner Supervisor, Amanda.Deatherage@LouisvilleKY.gov.


GVI screenshot 2024

dumping

Waste Management News

The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Help Stop Illegal Dumping!

  • To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
  • If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
  • Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for! 
  • Don't contribute to the problem!
    • If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.) 
    • Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information. 
  • Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
    • Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
    • Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping. 
    • Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.

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  • Choose not to litter. Make a commitment to always dispose of your trash properly and set an example for others.
  • Report litter concerns to Metro311. Report online, call 311 or 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, or tweet @LouMetro311.
  • Understand litter laws in Louisville Metro. Share this information with others.
  • If you see litter, pick it up! People tend to litter more in already littered areas.
  • Report a litterer online now.
  • Organize a neighborhood cleanup. Brightside offers resources for your group. 
  • Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
  • Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it. 
  • Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
  • If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form
  • If you hire someone to dispose waste for you, ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
  • Only set out large items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
  • Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.

Solid waste web pages of note:

www.Louisvilleky.gov/Recycling or www.Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleMore (both go to Recycling page)

www.Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleCoach (Recycle Coach web app)

www.Louisvilleky.gov/IllegalDumping

www.Louisvilleky.gov/BulkyWaste

www.Louisvilleky.gov/YardWaste

www.Louisvilleky.gov/HazBin

www.Louisvilleky.gov/WRC (Waste Reduction Center)

www.Louisvilleky.gov/Electronics

www.Louisvilleky.gov/Garbage

www.Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleMap (map of recycling drop-off locations)

Leaf Drop-off sites nov 2024

Street Light

Report Street Light Outages to LG&E

If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.


LMPD logo

LMPD News

Sign up for the LMPD 6th Division Newsletter!

The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to communicate with our community partners about events and provide information you may find beneficial to have and share with your neighbors. Our monthly letter will provide you with an overview of crime trends within the division and highlight the work our talented women and men do each day serving our community. We will also provide any information that could impact our neighborhoods and travel such as construction and festivals. Please feel free and share this newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors. Signing up will ensure they receive the newsletter as soon as it is published.

LMPD reminder:  Please secure your property and stay vigilant!

The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year.  Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!

Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS.  This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!

- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them!
- Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open.
- Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.

Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!

LMPD flyer Nov 2024

Louisville Metro Seal

Metro Emergency Repair Program

Eligibility criteria:

  •    Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
  •    Not available on rental property.
  •    Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
  •    May receive assistance once in a five year period.
  •    Louisville-Jefferson County only.

Types of repairs:

  • Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
  • A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
  • Electrical repairs/upgrades.
  • Water line repairs/replacement.
  • Sewer line repairs/replacement.
  • Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).   
  • Gas line leaks.

For further information contact Office of Housing at 574-5850 or homerepair@louisvilleky.gov.


Food Pantry

'Dare to Care' Food Pantries open in District 2

  • Peace Presbyterian Church (4210 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213)

Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm

  • Forest Baptist Church (4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218)

                                     Open every 1st Thursday of the month -- 4pm - 6pm

Information about both pantries:

  • Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
  • First Come, First Served Basis
  • Picture ID & proof of residency required!

LouieConnect

LouieConnect

Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more.  Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.


Louisville Metro Seal

***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***

  • Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
  • Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
  • Brightside: (502) 574-2613
  • Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
  • Congressman Morgan McGarvey: (502) 582-5129
  • IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
  • Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
  • LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
  • LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
  • LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
  • LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
  • LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
  • Louisville Forward/Economic Development: (502) 574-4140
  • Master Commissioner Jefferson Circuit Court (Foreclosure Sales): (502) 753-4888
  • Mayor Craig Greenberg: (502) 574-2003
  • Metro311: 311 or (502) 574-5000
  • Metro Parks: (502) 456-8100
  • Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD): (502) 540-6000
  • MetroSafe: (502) 572-3460 or (502) 574-7111
  • PARC: (502) 569-6222
  • Planning & Design Services: (502) 574-6230
  • Property Valuation Administrator (PVA): (502) 574-6380
  • Public Works: (502) 574-5810
  • Solid Waste Management (SWMS): (502) 574-3571
  • TARC: (502) 585-1234
  • United States Senator Rand Paul: (270) 782-8303
  • Vacant & Public Property Administration: (502) 574-4016
  • Your State Representative or State Senatorhttp://www.lrc.ky.gov 

District 2 Archived Newsletter PageClick here


fork

Don't know what to make for dinner?  Try our semimonthly recipe suggestion!

Today's recipe comes from allrecipes.com and can be found here.

Pumpkin Soup

Prep/Cook: 1 hr. 10 mins.

Yield:  6 servings

Ingredient Checklist

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 2 cups chopped yellow onion

- 10 whole black peppercorns

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

- 3 cups pumpkin puree

- 4 cups chicken stock

- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (Optional)

- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (Optional)

- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (Optional)

- ½ cup heavy whipping cream

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions Checklist

- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is browned and softened, about 10 minutes. Add peppercorns, garlic, and thyme, and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly browned, about 2 minutes.

- Stir in pumpkin puree; cook, stirring occasionally, until puree turns a few shades darker, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken stock, maple syrup, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, and stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and flavors meld, about 30 minutes.

- Transfer soup to a blender in batches; secure lid on blender and remove center piece to allow steam to escape. Place a clean towel over opening; blend until smooth, about 30 seconds per batch. Return soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Cook over medium until heated through, about 4 minutes.

- Return soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Cook over medium until heated through, about 4 minutes.

- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.