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While many celebrate with fireworks, parades, cookouts and family gatherings, let's not forget the brave men, our founders, who risked their fortunes and lives to break away from the tyrannical British monarch.
What fascinates me is that each lived prosperous lives under the King and certainly had nothing to gain financially with their actions. God and country. Let us all aspire to those ideals.
Some interesting tidbits about Independence Day:
1) Americans Will Enjoy 150 million (!) Hot dogs on July 4
2) The Declaration of Independence Was Written on a Laptop (not a modern laptop of course), But on a Writing Desk That Could Fit Over One's Lap. In those days, that was referred to as a "laptop."
3) Americans Spend More Than $1 Billion on Fireworks Each Year (much to the chagrin of every dog in the country!).
4) Thomas Jefferson (82) and John Adams (90), Both Died on July 4, 1826, Within Five Hours of Each Other.
5) We Didn't Actually Declare Independence on the 4th of July. The official vote actually took place two days before and the "Declaration" was published in papers on July 4.
I hope all in District 16 will enjoy the day.
It's an honor to serve!
Scott
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Celebrate Independence Day and Civic Season in Kentucky this July 4th!
As a Made By Us Civic Season partner, we’re diving into the many meanings of independence. How did different people across time view freedom, and what did it mean to them?
Explore what it means to be an active citizen and how to make a difference in your community through exciting activities and interactive discussions. Delve into the meaning of independence while reflecting on the history of the Revolutionary War and enslavement at our historic site. Engage with our community partners, enjoy family activities, and learn about the meaning of civic engagement together at Locust Grove.
Each year, Americans gather to celebrate the ideals of independence, freedom, and democracy. At Locust Grove, that celebration takes on a deeper meaning during our FREE annual Independence Day celebration. At the heart of this celebration is a powerful moment: the swearing-in of new US citizens in a public naturalization ceremony.
Immigrants from around the world will take the Oath of Allegiance and formally become American citizens in the Locust Grove pavilion. Their stories add a living chapter to the history of the nation, reminding us the promise of America grows and evolves with each new voice that joins the civic chorus.
But the day
doesn’t stop there!
· Special appearance by Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams & US Representative Morgan McGarvey
· Live music by the Shelby Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Fife & Drum, Louisville Brass Band, and Carolyn Dawson singing our National Anthem
· Reading of the Declaration of Independence
· Could you pass the citizenship test? Step into our 1976-era polling place
· Voter registration by the League of Women Voters
· Historic Flag Display and Flag Retirement Ceremony
· Interactive 18th-century displays including blacksmith, violin maker, store, schoolmaster, and a Revolutionary War encampment
· Independence Bank “Little Patriots” Savings program information
· Bring your own blankets & chairs or swimsuits for the kids - we’ll have lawn games like badminton and sprinklers to beat the heat!
· Hospitality provided by Crowler Catering
· Much, much more!
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Join us at Waterfront Park on Friday, July 4, for a festive celebration of our nation’s birthday, highlighted by the return of “Waterfront’s Most Talented!” This exciting variety show, produced in collaboration with Jou Jou Presents, will showcase over a dozen outstanding local and regional performers.
The event takes place on the Big Four Lawn, offering a comfortable, shaded tree grove and a stunning view of the Big Four Bridge, illuminated in red, white, and blue for the occasion.
Festivities begin at 5:00 PM with family-friendly activities and a live DJ. Opening ceremonies start at 6:45 PM, followed by a performance of the National Anthem by American Idol’s Layla Spring. The evening culminates with a special performance by D’Corey Johnson and a spectacular fireworks display over the Ohio River at 10:00 PM.
A bold, regional campaign to help kids fall in love with the outdoors! This interactive guide is packed with fun, screen-free activities designed to get kids moving, laughing, and connecting with nature—and each other.
Download the guide: ymcalouisville.org/programs/community
 
Join us Downtown at our 2nd annual Downtown Pickleball Street Fest sponsored by Angel's Envy Distillery! This exciting Pickleball extravaganza celebrates the beloved sport of Pickleball and the vibrant culture Downtown Louisville has to offer.
Brought to you by the Louisville Downtown Partnership and Good Bounce Pickleball Yard, E. Main Street will be transformed into an outdoor Pickleball venue featuring 12 Pickleball courts for competitive tournaments and open play opportunities, food trucks, cocktails and beer, and live music. Inside the distillery, from noon – 4pm, there will be yard games and specialty Peach Smash cocktails.
Registration is open now for a multi-division round-robin tournament for players of all skill levels. Medals will be awarded to the top three teams in each division, with all participants receiving a commemorative Pickleball hand towel.
Saturday, July 12 East Main Street between S. Jackson and S. Hancock Streets
Tournament & Open Play | 8:30am – 2pm
Yard Games & Cocktails | noon - 4pm
Celebrity Exhibition Matches
Register Your Team Here
Last Thursday, by a vote of 21-4 The Louisville Metro Council approved the amended FY26 Operations Budget for the Louisville Metro for 2025-2026. The Metro Council later voted 20-4 with one abstention to approve the to the amended FY26 Capital Budget.
On April 24th, Mayor Craig Greenberg presented a budget to the Metro Council that for the first time, fully funded the paving needs of the community and maintained progress made in addressing deferred maintenance within our parks, rights of way, and community assets.
Starting in May, members of the Metro Council held nearly two dozen hearings and negotiations culminating today with final amendments and ultimate passage. The amendments were created with the bipartisan leadership of the Metro Council’s Budget Chair Kevin Kramer (District 11) and Vice-Chair Markus Winkler (District 17) while working with fellow councilmembers and Mayor Greenberg’s administration.
Last night’s budget amendment addressed the following needs, without creating additional debt.
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Public Safety: Amendment increases investment in technology such as flock cameras, traffic feedback signs and sets aside funding for the purchase of property for a future First Responders Training Facility within the County as well as funding to continue work on a new LMPD Headquarters.
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Infrastructure: The budget continues to fund road repairs with $30 million devoted to repaving along with an additional funding being added to address the expanding needs for road enhancements in high growth areas such as Hurstbourne Parkway, Westport Road, Aiken Road, Fisherville/Eastwood Road, Cedar Creek Road, and Clark’s Station Road.
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Safer Streets: The Metro Council allocated nearly $1 million for 18 traffic calming, road enhancement projects that are planned for all corners of the community.
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Parks & Recreation: The Metro Council built on progress from previous years by adding even more funding to support addressing the deferred maintenance needs within our parks. A portion of the funding allocated within the Metro Council’s Budget Amendment will continue to bring more investment to Alberta Jones Park, GG Moore Park, the replacement of restrooms and shelter at Hays-Kennedy Park, replacement of lighting for some ballfields at AB Sawyer Park, Design and Planning documents for a new Gymnasium at the Newburg Community Center as well as planning documents for a new gymnasium and reconstructed pool at the Sun Valley Community Center.
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Non-Profit Assistance: The Metro Council gave financial support to a number of non-profit agencies serving our community. The Bluegrass Center for Autism will receive $500,000 to support the Bluegrass Center for Autism’s capital campaign to expand their campus to serve more persons within our community. The Dare to Care foodbank also received $600,000. Groups like Goodwill, USA Cares and Roots 101 received financial support to assist with serving various persons within our community.
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Housing/Affordable Housing: A total of $24.5 million in funding will be allocated towards addressing the housing needs of people within our community.
District 16 Projects Funded as Part of the FY25 Budget
Greetings District 16 neighbors,
Last Thursday, we concluded our eight-week budget period. The negotiated $1.2 Billion budget will meet the needs of the greater community, featuring further investments in Public Safety and infrastructure funding.
I am VERY happy to report that we secured funding for the following projects in District 16 for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026:
- $550,000 for the construction of a new shelter and restrooms at Hayes Kennedy Park.
- $50,000 in traffic calming measures along Bass Road to help improve everyone’s safety and enjoyment of Hayes Kennedy Park, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods.
Hayes Kennedy Park is one of Metro Park’s hidden gems! In recent budgets, I have invested heavily into restoring this park for all park visitors, including $300,000 in last year’s budget to add pickleball courts, in addition to renovated tennis and basketball courts, as well as $70,000 to restripe the parking lot. This year my goal was to provide a modern shelter and restroom facility which will improve the park experience for all visitors whether you are playing pickleball, cricket, rugby or just enjoying the beautiful scenery. The current Pavilion is horribly outdated, and this new facility is well overdue!
If you have any questions about the contents of the Louisville Metro Budget, please know that a copy will be posted online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/management-budget/approved-budgets-fiscal-year. In addition, my office would be happy to answer any of your questions should you call, email, or see me at one of my upcoming meetings.
I look forward to securing more improvements for District 16 in next year’s budget.
It is an honor to serve!
Scott Reed
Councilman
District 16
New speed limit signs to be placed Tuesday, July 1
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 27, 2025) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of a speed limit reduction on U.S. 42 next week in Jefferson County.
On U.S. 42, the speed limit will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph beginning just West of Del Haven Avenue and extending eastward to just west of River Road. KYTC crews are scheduled to update the speed limit signs on Tuesday, July 1. Motorists should heed signage, use caution, and adhere to the newly posted speed limit.
The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Visit goky.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Public invited to review and comment on preliminary roadway designs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 25, 2025) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will hold a public meeting Wednesday, July 16, to update residents and gather input on preliminary designs for the U.S. 42 improvement project in Jefferson County.
The highway improvement project will enhance safety, improve mobility, and reduce traffic congestion along U.S. 42 from the bridge over Harrods Creek to River Road. The five alternatives currently under consideration include:
- Keep the existing road; eliminate the signals with 3 roundabouts at the intersections and add pedestrian facilities.
- Widening to the south for a 5-lane section throughout; keep the three signals and add pedestrian and multi-use facilities.
- Access Management alternative between Timber Ridge and Fox Harbor.
- Symmetrical widening for a 5-lane section throughout and add pedestrian facilities.
- No build/no changes.
The meeting will be an open house event held from 4 to 7 p.m., with brief presentations at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, 6710 Wolf Pen Branch Road, Louisville, KY 40241. Those who are interested may drop in at any time to review the preliminary designs, receive handouts containing project information, and fill out comment sheets. Representatives from KYTC and the engineering design consultant will be in attendance to answer questions.
Following the public meeting, an online survey will be available through Friday, August 1. After considering public feedback, the final design phase will take through the Winter of 2026.
All written comments will become part of the official meeting record. Once compiled, the meeting record and supporting documentation will be made available for review and copying only after an Open Records Request has been received and approved. All Open Records Requests must be submitted to the Transportation Cabinet, Office of Legal Services, Transportation Office Building (200 Metro St, Frankfort, KY 40622), or via kytc.openrecords@ky.gov.
As a federally funded project, anyone interested in participating as a consulting party will have access to information concerning Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if anyone has a disability and requires accommodations, please notify KYTC no later than Wednesday, July 9. Please call (502) 764-0481 or mail your request to the KYTC District 5 Office, 8310 Westport Road, Louisville, Ky., 40242. Additionally, in compliance with Title VI, translation services are also offered upon request.
We now have a new way for you to map crime around you. Just click here and view our new interactive crime mapping tool for Division 5 & 8 or for each beat in Division 5 & 8. And save it in your favorites to view crime anytime it's updated daily. On the page is a Quickfind tool that allows you to put your address in and subscribe to crime trends, alerts and block watch reports for your police beat. Forward this email to your friends and family!
For further information on Councilman Scott Reed or District 16 please visit www.louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-16
You can also reach out directly by phone at 502.574.1116 or by email at scott.reed@louisvilleky.gov.
601 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
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