Tips for avoiding respiratory viruses

Although data shows we are moving past the peak of the respiratory illness wave this season, many people in Jefferson County – and nationwide -- are still getting sick from viruses like flu, COVID and RSV. 

“Keep in mind, schools were closed for the holidays and then closed again for severe winter weather and so some experts think the downward trend in cases may be related to people staying at home. We will have to see what happens to the numbers when we are back to our normal schedules,” said Dr. Kris Bryant, associate medical director at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) and pediatric infectious disease specialist at Norton Children’s.

LMPHW’s influenza surveillance dashboard shows more than 4,800 cases of the flu have been reported in Jefferson County since the end of September, along with four flu-related deaths. The individuals who died ranged in ages from the late 30s to 70s.

“The best way to protect yourself from influenza is to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines can prevent many cases of severe flu, including many influenza-related deaths,” said Dr. Bryant. “A flu vaccine is recommended for all people six months and older, and it is not too late to get a flu vaccine.”

COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended for those six months and older. 

To find vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov. For more information about flu, COVID and RSV visit our respiratory viruses page on Louisvilleky.gov. You can also check out the CDC’s respiratory virus guidance.

Public Works is hiring! 

Serve the Louisville community through a rewarding public service career! The Department of Metro Public Works & Assets is currently hiring.

The link below is for all of Metro jobs currently open. To learn about career opportunities specifically in Public Works, once you've clicked the link, click the filter tab, click Departments, then click Public Works on the dropdown menu. 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky

Sammy Moore Memorial League 

Registration is now open for the annual Sammy Moore Memorial League! Tournament dates are February 15 through March 29 with games on Saturdays. Registration ends February 8. Participants must be 10 to 12 years old, (may not turn 13 before April 1). Register at community centers. 

Louisville Parks and Recreation now hiring

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! 

Last call for Christmas tree pickup and drop-off

Metro Solid Waste provides curbside pickup of Christmas trees within the Urban Services District through January 25 on their regular yard waste collection day. Trees may not be in plastic bags and all decorations must be removed. 

Christmas tree drop-off sites are available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at three locations: Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue, Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane) and East District Recycling Center, 595 N. Hubbards Lane. 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.

Drop-off sites are open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Waste Reduction Center closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays). 

District 10 residents with kids 0 to 8 years old, please fill out this short survey about your childcare experiences, hopes and needs

Louisville Metro Government is partnering with IQS Research to understand how Louisville families navigate child care options and the challenges they encounter.

Please share your family's childcare experiences, hopes and needs through this survey. The main goal of this project is to gain a deeper understanding of the types of childcare that families currently use and, crucially, what kind of childcare they would prefer if high quality options were available to them at no cost.

By completing a short survey about your child care experiences, you'll help ensure that overall results indeed reflect the experiences of families across Jefferson County. Ultimately, survey findings will inform meaningful improvements in childcare services that meet the needs of families.

Will the responses be confidential? Yes, responses to this survey will be reported in aggregate. Only those on the research team will see individual responses. There will be an opportunity for participants to be considered for Phase 2 of the study which requires their contact information, but that question is optional.

How does someone take the survey? District 10 residents, use this link to respond: https://surveys.iqsresearch.com/s3/jjeu.

Who does this study want to hear from? Parents or guardians of a child or children 0-8 years old in Jefferson County.

When does the survey close? The 2024 Childcare Demand Study will close on February 14.

How long will the survey take to complete? The survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Is the survey available in multiple languages? Yes, it is available in English, Arabic, French, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili.

Who is IQS Research? IQS Research is a custom market research and data analytics firm based in Louisville. You can learn more at iqsresearch.com.

Additional questions? Contact Vincent Singer, Research Study Coordinator at IQS Research: vsinger@iqsresearch.com or 244-6600.

LIHEAP Winter Crisis enrollment is open

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis enrollment is now available through Kentucky’s Community Action Network for eligible Kentucky households. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through March 31, or until designated funds have been expended. LIHEAP Winter Crisis provides households with a 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 Winter Crisis 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 Winter Crisis and MSD’s EWRAP (Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program) with one single appointment.  How to Apply Our toll-free automated appointment system is 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 991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com 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.

Remember the Camp Taylor Elementary School pantry as you shop

The Family Resource Center can always use food donations to the school pantry at Camp Taylor Elementary School. The FRC feeds students and their families at Camp Taylor and Audubon Traditional Elementary Schools, and maintain a food pantry in front of the school to feed the community. 

Donations can be sent to: Camp Taylor Elementary School, The Kid Connection FRC, 1446 Belmar Drive, Louisville, KY, 40213. 

Monthly Food Pantry at St Agnes Parish in partnership with Dare to Care

The monthly Food Pantry at St. Agnes Parish, in partnership with Dare to Care, distributes food to approximately 150 guest families the fourth Saturday of each month. The pantry operates from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and is open to all Louisville residents. Guests are served via a drive-through format.

District 10 events

January 25 - The Wildest Job Fair in Town at the Louisville Zoo

On Saturday, January 25, the Louisville Zoo will host its annual  job fair in the Islands Pavilion Gheens Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Zoo is seeking outgoing, highly motivated individuals who enjoy working with the public to fill seasonal positions in various departments. Positions are available in admissions, animal departments, education, front desk, guest services, horticulture, marketing (website management), membership and rides & attractions. Candidates will receive training in their area. Animal, marketing and education departments require additional experience.

The compensation for seasonal positions starts at $16.65 per hour. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to work a variable schedule that includes nights and weekends from March through November. Some positions require applicants to be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. For positions requiring CPR/First Aid Certification, the Zoo will provide training.

Seasonal positions in the Zoo’s animal departments require one year of college with a declared major in biology or a closely related field, as well as one year of working with animals in an institutional setting.

To apply for seasonal positions in the education department, candidates must have completed one year of college seeking a degree in elementary or secondary education, have one year of experience working with children in a formal or informal teaching setting (school, day camp, zoo or other cultural attraction), and have background knowledge of biology, ecology or related fields.

For those applying for a seasonal position in the marketing department, candidates must have experience working in WordPress creating and editing pages, posts and menus. Basic HTML, CSS and SEO knowledge is preferred, as well as experience in content management and familiarity with Adobe graphic design software.

In addition to working in a unique environment, seasonal Zoo employees receive free Zoo admission and parking for the duration of their employment term as well as discounts in Zoo gift shops and food concession locations with Zoo ID.

The Zoo has full and part-time positions available in various areas. 

Celebrate Punch's 55th birthday with Red Hat style at the Zoo

Punch’s 55th will be a “Red Hat Society” birthday to celebrate “Fun, Fitness and Friendship at 55!”  Zookeepers will create special enrichment themed after the iconic red hats. The Zoo also encourages guests to wear their own red hats in honor of Punch’s final birthday at the Zoo before she goes on her new adventure.

Red is a fitting color for Punch as Asian elephants are considered endangered on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species with population estimates ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 in the wild, with continued decline mainly caused by habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and poaching. 

Bring a can, save on admission during Wild Winter Days at the Louisville Zoo and support Dare to Care and local conservation efforts

During Wild Winter Days, through February 28, you can enjoy discounted admission when you bring a non-perishable food item for the Dare to Care Food Bank to the Louisville Zoo. 

Guests who bring at least one non-perishable food item per person may purchase discounted tickets at the Zoo ticket windows. Details are at the Zoo website. 

Dare to Care Food Bank’s most needed items include canned meats like tuna and chicken, as well as canned fruit and vegetables, beans, peanut butter, soup, rice, cereal, fruit juice, and pasta. Please no expired goods, opened or damaged packaging or any glass containers. More details on items of need are available at daretocare.org

Events at Highlands-Shelby Park Library

Café LOUIE: Highlands-Shelby Park, Saturday, January 25, 9 to 10 a.m. Café LOUIE is an informal gathering of civic minded individuals interested in meeting with their elected officials to discuss local issues. Teen Chess Club, Monday, January 27, 3 to 5 p.m. Never played? A tournament veteran? A casual player? All skill levels are welcome. We'll teach you the basics of the game, general strategy, popular moves, advanced rules, and how to record your games. And we'll play lots of chess! Ages 10-19.  Kid's Club, Tuesday, January 28, 3:30 to 5:30.  Drop in every Tuesday between 3:30 and 5:30 for some afternoon fun. Perfect for grades K-6 and their families. Each week of the month has its own theme. Celebrate African American History Month with us at Kid's Club on February 11 and 25!  Teen Post Up, Tuesday, January 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Join us at the Outpost for a weekly night of board games, video games, and snacks!  Teen Art Club, Wednesday, January 29, 3 to 5 p.m. Join us as we envision and create! Different mediums will be explored every month, including painting, collaging, clay sculpting, and more! Ages 10-19.  Baby Storytime, Thursday, January 30, 10:15 to 11 a.m. A storytime for developing pre-literacy skills and a love of reading through books, songs, movement and activities. Ages 0-24 months. Combined Storytime, Thursday, January 30, 11:15 to noon. A storytime for developing pre-literacy skills and a love of reading through books, songs, movement and activities. Ages 2-4. Teen Movie Matinee, Thursday, January 30, 3 to 5 p.m. Join us in the Teen Outpost every Thursday afternoon from for a movie screening—complete with popcorn and refreshments! You’ll also get to cast your vote for the featured movie the following week. Ages 10-19.

Events at Bon Air Library

Teen Activity Kits, Monday, January 27, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Let your imagination flow with our teen activity kits! Whether you want to collaborate with a friend or create your own masterpiece, we have a diverse range of materials for you to choose from. Ages 12-18. 

Combined Storytime, Monday, January 27, 7 to 7:30 p.m. Storytime is an opportunity for families to bond over shared stories and songs, as well as engaging in creative activities that reinforce a lifelong love of learning. Ages 0-6.

English for Speakers of Other Languages, Tuesday, January 28, 10 to 11 a.m. English for Speakers of Other Languages offers guided English practice led by a library staff member. The ESOL Instructor leads students through grammar exercises every week. Students have the opportunity to practice their English and ask questions in a supportive environment. Ages 18+.

Louisville Nature Center 

Whooo loves Summer Camp?

Early summer camp registration opens to LNC members on Monday, February 3 at 10 a.m. Members on the Family level will also receive $25 off each camp registration. See which membership level best fits you and your family.

Camp registration will then open to potential members on Tuesday, February 18 at 10 a.m. Summer camp has sold out quickly the past few years, and we expect this year to be the same. Learn more about day camp and see our 2025 camp themes. Scroll to the bottom of the page to read about each camp theme.

Not sure if your membership is current or expired? Give us a call at 458-1328. We are counting down the weeks until another fun summer full of adventure!

LNC is hiring for summer camps

Do you love spending time in nature and exploring alongside children as they discover the great outdoors? Consider joining the LNC Summer Camp team this year! As a Camp Educator, you will spend your day hiking, crafting, and exploring Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve with youth, ages 4-10.

This position provides valuable professional experience for college students interested in becoming an early childhood educator, an elementary or middle school teacher, naturalist, or educator at  a nonprofit organization, aquarium, or zoo. Monday-Friday, approximately 35 hours/week, May 27 to August 1. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to Summer Camp Director, Olivia Kaiser, at olivia@louisvillenaturecenter.org.

This is your chance to win a Lakeside Swim Club sponsorship!

The Louisville Nature Center is again raffling off a Lakeside Swim Club Sponsorship! Only 100 tickets will be sold, so your chances of winning are 1 in 100! $100 tickets, 100% of proceeds go to the Louisville Nature Center, and we will then donate half to Wild Ones Louisville.

Purchase your ticket soon,.the raffle ends Thursday, February 13 at 2 p.m.

Upcoming Programs at Louisville Nature Center

Valentine's Candlelit Hike, February 13, 14, and 15. $30 Let candles light your way as you stroll underneath the stars this Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day.  Hike at your leisure, either on the candlelit short trail (about 3/4 mile), or the unlit longer trail (1 3/4 mile). Warm up around the fire afterward, or head indoors, where you can visit our reptiles and enjoy snacks and drinks. Participants must be 21 and over. The hikes will be 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Register online

Great Backyard Bird Count Hike, February 16, 9 to 11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. $15.

Join the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, eBird. eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance. More than 100 million bird sightings are contributed each year by eBirders around the world

The Great Backyard Bird Count runs for four days in February. Over these four days people spend time in their favorite places watching, counting and reporting their observations, which are used to help scientists better understand global bird populations! You can learn more about it here: https://www.birdcount.org/

On this guided hike, our experienced naturalist and birdwatcher will help participants to identify some of Louisville’s beautiful birds and log their findings into eBird. Participants will learn ID tips such as field marks, behavior, habitat, vocalizations and more. This is for all skill levels of birding, ages 12 and up. Grab your binoculars and smart phones to join the worlds largest biodiversity-related citizen science project!

Salamander Seekers: Kid Friendly, March 1, 10 a.m. to noon, $15.  The streamside salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) is endemic to the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. One of their few remaining strongholds is in the wetlands of the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve! Led by our naturalist, Luke, participants on this hike will venture into the wetlands of the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve to search for salamanders. Discover what makes these important habitats so special, and maybe get a little muddy while you’re at it! Salamander Seekers, March 8, 6 to 8 p.m. $15. The streamside salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) is endemic to the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. One of their few remaining strongholds is in the wetlands of the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve! Led by our naturalist, Luke, participants on this hike will venture into the wetlands of the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve to search for salamanders. Discover what makes these important habitats so special, and maybe get a little muddy while you’re at it! This program requires the ability to walk off trail, and is for Salamander Seekers 12 and older. Full Moon Hike, March 14, 8 to 10 p.m. $15. Sold out.  Register for Louisville Nature Center events. LNC members, watch your email for discounts on registration.

Joe Creason parkrun walk and run every Saturday at 9 a.m. 

The Joe Creason parkrun is free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Meet at Joe Creason Park at 9 a.m. Saturdays. More information can be found at parkrun.us/joecreason.

Louisville Metro events

January 26 - Community Day at the Speed Art Museum

Community Day is Sunday, January 26, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Speed Art Museum, 2035 South Third Street. .

Every month, the Speed Art Museum hosts a community day that's free, family-friendly, and open to the public! January kickstarts the Lunar New Year celebration. Join us at the Museum to see the Dragon Dance and explore Asian arts!

January 28 - reimagine the Belvedere: share your ideas

Louisville, we want to hear from you. Join us to reimagine the Belvedere with Mayor Craig Greenberg and Louisville Metro Government. Share your ideas to help shape its future as a vibrant destination for generations. Make your voice heard: 

• January 28 at St. Matthews Eline Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue, noon to 1 p.m. 

Scan the code on the above image for more information. 

January 28 - Louisville Local Business Expo

The Louisville Local Business Expo is Tuesday, January 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Avenue, Van Gogh Building. Free entry. 

This event spotlights LIBA's “B-to-B” (Business to Business) members who are often behind the scenes but contribute just as much to our local economy as our better-known retailers.

This B2B Expo features 50-plus local businesses, reusable bags for the first 250 attendees, personalized “Quick Learns” and lots of prizes - all in a fun, festival atmosphere. Attendees can expect to go home with new connections and new tools for their business. Shifting our purchasing habits towards local, independent businesses can have big effects on our local economy, keeping more dollars circulating locally. This applies to both our personal AND business purchases. Make it your business to buy local! Find out more at KeepLouisvilleWeird.com/Expo.

February 6 - University of Louisville Digital Literacy Train the Trainer information session

Are you interested in learning more about technology, sharing what you learn with the community, AND earning a $500 stipend? Learn more about the UofL Digital Literacy Train the Trainer program, funded by Metro Council! Join us at one of our FREE information sessions: 

• February 6 at 6:30 pm.. Join the meeting now 

• February 15 at noon Join the meeting now 

We hope to see you soon! 

This online initiative provides free training for community trainers and learners seeking to enhance their digital skills in virtual collaboration tools, conversational AI, data analytics, and form data collection. The program empowers individuals to elevate their digital literacy and equips them with the tools to train others.

Whether you're embarking on a career change, pursuing a promotion, or seeking personal growth, our course is tailored to help you achieve your aspirations while earning $500. With guidance from expert instructors, peer feedback, and the opportunity to earn valuable microcredentials, our program ensures a dynamic and interactive learning experience. As we strive to create a digitally competent community across all 26 Metro Louisville Districts, the DTC's Digital Literacy Train the Trainer program is positioned to upskill 100+ community trainers across all 26 districts.

February 8 - next "Once Upon An Orchestra” event, providing free musical storytelling performances for families at Louisville libraries

The Louisville Free Public Library and the Louisville Orchestra's “Once Upon An Orchestra” public performances continue at LFPL locations through March. 

Presented free, various unique family programs weave music and storytelling together in an interactive experience. Louisville Orchestra musicians perform original music created around familiar and beloved children’s books. The hour-long experiences include a 30-minute small ensemble performance preceded by a hands-on activity to build a musical instrument from recycled materials, so everyone can play along.

“Once Upon An Orchestra” is funded with support from Louisville Metro Government. For more information, contact your local LFPL branch, or call the Louisville Orchestra at 587-8681.

• Saturday, February 8, 2 p.m., St. Matthews Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Saturday, February 15, 2 p.m., South Central Regional Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Thursday, February 20, 6 p.m., Shawnee Library, Llama Destroys the World
• Wednesday, March 19, 11 a.m., Southwest Regional Library, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
• Tuesday, March 25, 10:30 a.m., Crescent Hill Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Saturday, March 29, 10:30 a.m., Jeffersontown Library, Bunny's Book Club

February 20 - African American Veterans Breakfast

Congressman Morgan McGarvey's African American Veterans Breakfast in celebration of Black History Month will be Thursday, February 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. The Center is at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard. 

Space is limited, so please RSVP no later than Friday, February 14. RSVP here or call 502-582-5129. 

Louisville Metro news

Assistance

The Jefferson County Legal Help Center offers hours Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jefferson County Public Law Library, 514 West Liberty Street, Suite 240. Residents may meet with volunteer attorneys, get help filling out court forms, get help navigating the court system, plus online guided interviews on various legal topics. More information is here, or call 574-5943. 

The Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens' OADC Resource Guide connects aging and disabled citizens, along with their caregivers, to a variety of service providers, government agencies and non-profit organizations in the city of Louisville. View or print the resource guide. 

The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) helps employers meaningfully  contribute financial assistance directly to employee child care costs by matching their contribution up to 100 percent, potentially doubling the value of their employer-provided benefit. All funds from the employer and the state are paid directly to eligible child care providers. Various program restrictions apply. Learn more at the Kentucky Chamber's ECCAP resource page, Kentucky's ECCAP program page, or by email.

Help with prescription medication copays may be possible through the Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program. Call 1-800-633-8100, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Louisville Metro Down Payment Assistance Program provides low- to moderate-income homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance for purchasing a home in the Louisville Metro area. Available funding has been exhausted so no new applications are currently being accepted. Check for updates at the above link. 

The Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund is a program that can help homeowners impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure. Qualifying homeowners can apply for assistance to help with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s and/or flood insurance, homeowners association fees and utility costs. 

If you're 65 years old, own and occupy your primary residence, you may qualify to exempt the first $49,100 of your home value from property taxes through the The Homestead Exemption. Vets with service connected disabilities and totally/permanently disabled civilians may also qualify.

Locate Dare to Care food assistance locations, which include St. Stephen Martyr at 3015 Greenup Road, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Please call before visiting sites to verify hours of operation.

Meals on Wheels is available to qualified seniors in Jefferson County, 60 years or older, who are homebound with no one available to help prepare meals. Call 574-6325 to begin the qualification process.  For information on the senior congregate sites for more active seniors, 60 and older, call the number above or sign up at the RCS page. Sites require a one-day advance reservation. See the updated list of open congregate sites. The Senior Nutrition Program seeks volunteers all year long to help in a variety of capacities. For more information, call 574-6420.

It's okay to ask for help with your mental health - stop the stigma

Mental health experts recommend connecting with others and talking about how you're feeling. Don’t isolate yourself. Dial 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Text “LOU” to 741741 Crisis Text Line Community Wellness Hub Mental Health Lou 502-414-4380 The Black Counseling & Consulting Collective 502-589-4313 Seven Counties 24/7 Adult Crisis Line 502-589-8070 Seven Counties 24/7 Child Crisis Line 502-583-3951 Seven Counties 24/7 Addiction Help Line 502-792-7011 Collective Care Center at Spalding University 502-588-2008 NAMI Louisville 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-888-843-4564 LGBT National Help Center  Trauma-trained mental health specialists are available at all eight Louisville Neighborhood Place locations for immediate and free assistance for any Louisville resident dealing with violence or other trauma. Appointments and walk-ins are accepted. The city has also set up a trauma hotline that is free to call: 901-0100.

Contacting the Louisville Metro Police Department

The most efficient way to report crime and/or request to speak to an officer is to call Metrosafe Dispatch at 574-2111 (5).  Furthermore, if the efforts of the officer were not reasonably adequate to address the concern or issue, a citizen can immediately call Metrosafe back and request for an LMPD supervisor to contact them.  For non-emergencies, dial 574-2111 (5)  for non-violent crimes, non-injury auto accidents, or to report a crime that has already occurred.  For emergencies, dial 911 for violent crime in progress, serious injury auto accidents, or immediate threat to human life.

LMPD Public Review of Policy

From the Louisville Metro Police Department: The LMPD is committed to engaging the public when revising our policies. The LMPD seeks feedback from the public. Below is the process the Department has implemented to ensure a deliberate and thoughtful process when revising policies.

Process

• Policies that have been revised each quarter will be posted for review and public comment.
• Changes that have been made to the previous policy will be highlighted.
• Comments will be reviewed and considered by appropriate personnel and leadership during the next policy review process.

Policy/Standard Operating Procedure updates: 

General Order #24-006 - SOP 12.30 Handle with Care Program

General Order #24-007 - December 2024 SOP Updates

Links to updates and online comment forms: 

https://www.louisville-police.org/882/LMPD-Public-Review-of-Policy

Zoning updates

ABC ad run for 1022 Clarks Lane 

An Alcoholic Beverage Control ad ran January 16 for Angelica Pizzonia Dirty Bird, LLC, 1022 Clarks Lane for a NQ2 Retail Drink License Special Sunday Retail Drink License license.  Any person, association, corporation, or body politic, may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 500 Mero St 2NE33, Frankfort, KY, 40601, within thirty (30) days of the date of legal publication (February 15). 

Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services District 10 cases

Note: short term rental is the general term used to describe vacation rentals including AirBNB, VRBO, and Tripping. 

Recent application to Planning and Design Services

25-CUPPA-0013, 1021 Greenleaf Road, a Conditional Use Permit pre-application for a non owner occupied Short Term Rental on 0.11 acres in the R5 zoning district.

25-DDP-0004, 1821 Taylor Avenue, a Revised District Development plan application to bring site into compliance on 1.1 acres in the CM zoning district.

24-CAT2-0033, 1225 Gardiner Lane, category 2B application for the construction of a gas station on 5.6159 acres in the M2 and OR1 zoning districts. Revisions submitted. 

24-MCUP-0019, 1800 Newburg Road, a Modified Conditional Use Permit for a private religious/learning institution on 203.97 acres in the R5, R7 and R1 zoning districts.

January 27 - Public hearing regarding 1800 Newburg Road

24-MCUP-0019, 1800 Newburg Road, a Modified Conditional Use Permit for a private religious/learning institution on 203.97 acres in the R5, R7 and R1 zoning districts.

1225 Gardiner Lane:

24-CAT2-0033, 1225 Gardiner Lane, category 2B application for the construction of a gas station on 5.6159 acres in the M2 and OR1 zoning districts. Revisions submitted. 

24-WAIVER-0130, 1225 Gardiner Lane, A waiver application from section 5.6.1.C.1. to have less than 50% of the street facing facade without clear windows and doors. Accepted.

24-WAIVER-0131, 1225 Gardiner Lane, a landscape waiver from section 10.2.4.B.1 to encroach into the landscape buffer area in the northwest corner of Poplar Level Road. Accepted.

24-PARKWAIVER-0013, 1225 Gardiner Lane, a parking waiver to increase the maximum parking allowed from 24 spaces to 32 spaces. Accepted.

24-CUP-0063, 6500 Six Mile Lane, a Conditional Use Permit to construct a gym and building addition for a private institutional use on 7.1 acres in the R4 zoning district. NUR Islamic School. Revisions required.

4730 Champions Trace Lane

19-DDP-0077, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a Revised District Development Plan for a medical office and dialysis center on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. Revisions required.

19-VARIANCE-0076, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a variance from section 4.8.1 of the Land Development Code to allow the proposed pavement to encroach into the middle and outer 100-foot stream buffer for a medical office on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. Public meeting.

24-DDP-0076, 4642 Jennings Lane, a revised district development plan for transitional housing on .48 acres in the C2 zoning district. Pathways to Hope. Accepted

1800 Newburg Road

24-LANDSCAPE-0159, 1800 Newburg Road, a revised landscape and tree preservation application on 6.104 acres in the R1, R5, and R7 zoning districts. St. Agnes Catholic School. Accepted.

24-MCUP-0019, 1800 Newburg Road, a Modified Conditional Use Permit for a private religious/learning institution on 203.97 acres in the R5, R7 and R1 zoning districts.

24-LANDSCAPE-0175, 6400 Six Mile Lane, a landscape and tree preservation application for multi-family residential use on 1.1877 acres. Six Mile Homes. Revisions required. 

24-LANDSCAPE-0160, 6718 Six Mile Lane, a clearing and grading application to remove trees and stumps on 0.9656 acres in the R4 zoning district. Agency review. 

2230 Buechel Avenue

24-MPLAT-0129, 2230 Buechel Avenue, a Minor Subdivision Plat to dedicate right-of-way.  Buechel Train Depot. Revisions required.

2814 Newburg Road

19-WAIVER-0112, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver for the sidewalk requirement along Newburg Road. Agency review.

19-WAIVER-0113, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver to allow detached houses to abut a private street. Agency review.

1300 Belmar Drive

24-WAIVER-0165, 1300 Belmar Drive, an application for a Landscape Waiver from section 10.2.3 to waive the required landscape buffer between CM and M2 zoning districts on 0.2798 acres. Dean's Classic Auto Sales. Accepted.

24-ZONE-0080, 1300 Belmar Drive, application for a Change in Zoning from M2 to CM/M2 to permit auto sales on 0.2798 acres. Dean's Classic Auto Sales. Application accepted. 

24-ZONEPA-0153, 4217 East Indian Trail, application for a change in zoning pre-application from from R-4 to M-2 to allow the existing building to remain as a contractor's shop with proposed outdoor storage and contractor lay-down yard on 2.8123 acres. 

Short Term Rental cases

24-CUP-0244, 2902 Klondike Lane, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on .2 acres in the R5 zoning district. Approved.

LIC-STA-24-00735, 3018 Louisa Avenue, Waiver of 115.516 (D) (1) of Metro Code of Ordinances to allow the registration of a Short Term Rental within 12 months of being issued a citation. Denied.

23-CUPPA-0062, 3709 Willmar Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit Pre-Application for a non-primary residence Short Term Rental on 0.2602 acres in the R-4 zoning district. Completed.

22-CUP-0066, 1607 Orchard Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on .14 acres in the R5 zoning district. Accepted.

20-CUP-0147 1500 Lincoln Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a short term rental at a non primary residence on 0.18 acres in the R5 zoning district. Public meeting. 

Check on Planning and Design Services cases

Locate legal Short Term Rentals with Metro's interactive map

Short term rental enforcement continues in large part to be complaint-driven, based on public reporting of alleged violations to administrators.

An interactive map tool contains all of the registered short term rentals in Louisville having an active permit to rent their property out to paying customers on STR websites like Airbnb.

If you believe someone is using a property as a short term rental but it does not show up on this registry, or if the registry indicates a non-owner occupied property does not have a CUP, then please report the issue here (select “Zoning and Business Concerns,” “Zoning Concern,” “Short Term Rental,” complete the form and submit). Or contact our office

News you can use

Information on driver licensing regional offices and REAL ID

More information is available at drive.ky.gov. 

How to: 

• Find out where Louisville Water is working: The Louisville Water website offers an easy way to find out. An interactive map shows not only construction locations but also details on the projects, including the status, type, and even the project manager's phone number. The map shows all planned projects but currently does not display repairs on water main breaks. 
• Be informed about crimes: The Louisville Metro Police Department uses a Crime Mapping website to display crime on a map of Jefferson County. Zoom in to see crimes in an area, or enter an address to search. You may sign up for auto email alerts for crime around an address. Reports are made available to the public after a process of internal review, often in the same day as the report taken. Due to the nature of some crimes, reports are made available to public upon the completion of a thorough investigation and will be made available as soon as practical.
  • These LMPD divisions serve sections of District 10:
    • Link to LMPD Fourth Division 
    • Link to LMPD Fifth Division
    • Link to LMPD Sixth Division

• Recognize the signs of human trafficking: You could save a life if you know the indicators of human trafficking. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-373-7888 to speak with a specially trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. Support is provided in more than 200 languages. Advocates are here to listen and connect you with the help you need to stay safe. Callers can dial 711 to access the Hotline using TTY. Or text at 233733. Message and data rates may apply. You can also email at help@humantraffickinghotline.org  or submit a tip online here. 
• Find confidential crisis help for veterans: Some offices and VA hospitals offer a "Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program" that includes treatment methods including acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation instead of opioids, and they work with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) to provide support and treatment for PTSD and depression, the leading cause of suicide for veterans. Or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255. Additional references for VA material and assistance or 1-877-WAR-VETS. Lifestyle changes for better health, or sexual trauma.
• Learn about how to support LGBTQ+ children and adolescents as parents. Support makes all the difference, and the Embrace the Journey website is designed to educate the parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents about how to give children the emotional support they need. 
• Report a streetlight out: Please report non-working streetlights to LG&E. 
• Report a pothole: Report online, send the location of the hole via X to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole, or call Metro311 or 574-5000. 
• Report a hazard on a state road or highway, such as non-working highway lighting or potholes. 
• Report a litterer: call Metro311 or 574-5000.
• Help stop wire theft along Kentucky's highways: Report to the KYTC Office of Inspector General (OIG) Office at 502-330-7506. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for a $5,000 reward. Report active crimes or suspicious activity to local law enforcement, and report dark intersections to the KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC.
• Serve on one of Louisville Metro's Boards or Commissions: from the board of the Louisville Water Company to Metro Parks to the Louisville Planning Commission, Metro has more than 70 boards, most of which are voluntary-based and are not paid but the reward of serving pays big dividends to our community. Complete an application

What's happening in your community?

If you know of a community event you'd like to be considered for inclusion on the District 10 enews, let us know. Please email our office: sara.feltner@louisvilleky.gov or call 574-1110.

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