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Saturday December 6, 2025
Local Connection
Dr. Mark Jorrisch, a long-time practitioner in the field of addiction medicine, recently gave a presentation on the basics of opioid addiction. Dr. Jorrisch is the medical director for the Louisville Metro Methadone Opiate Rehabilitation Center (MORE) and the BHG Clinic in Lexington, KY.
We are well into summer 2016 and the weather has been, for the most part, wonderful. School is ready to start back up, pools are filled, barbecues are lit, bike paths are bustling, and vacations are being planned – but you do not need to go on vacation to get away from it all.
The Louisville Metro Parks department affords outdoor enthusiasts from across the region many great opportunities to get out and enjoy nature on the various hiking trails in the area. No matter where you are in Kentuckiana, the opportunity to connect with nature is not far away.
Jefferson Memorial Forest contains dozens of miles of hiking trails with trailheads at Horine Reservation, Tom Wallace Recreation Area, Paul Yost Recreation Area, and Scott’s Gap. Other scenic nature hiking trails are available at Waverly Park, Beargrass Creek, Kapertown Swamp, Fairmount Falls, and Kulmer Reserve. Note that some of the trails in Jefferson Memorial Forest can be quite strenuous and details about the trail should be researched before heading out.
If you prefer a more leisurely stroll to climbing the wooded hills of Jefferson Memorial, other area parks such as The Parklands – which has already reached 1 million visits for the year – offer easier trails. To find a park near you, visit the Metro Parks website.
When hiking area trails, a few basic rules should be followed:
- Stay on trails walking single file and do not shortcut corners.
- Dispose of waste properly by carrying out litter.
- Practice “negative trace” by picking up trash left by others when possible.
- Respect wildlife – Do not try to attract or approach wildlife and never feed human food to animals.
- Keep pets on a leash at all times and clean up after them.
- “Leave nature in nature” – Avoid moving rocks, picking plants, and disturbing cultural/historical artifacts. “Take only photos, leave only footprints.”
- Carry a trail map with you. Maps are available at the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center and the park website.
- Carry water, snacks, and a small first aid kit to stay hydrated, ensure that you have plenty of energy, and can tend to small cuts and scrapes.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Mosquitoes found in a south Louisville location have tested positive for West Nile virus.
Mosquito samples were collected in a trap as part of surveillance by the Department of Public Health and Wellness and tested by its laboratory. The mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile were collected in the 40214 ZIP code.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus this year in Louisville. In 2015 there were three human cases.
But, “This is an indication that the West Nile virus is present again this year in Louisville,” said Dr. Joann Schulte, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. “West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with West Nile virus by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.”
Fewer than 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus will develop serious disease. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Less than 1 percent of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at increased risk for serious disease from West Nile virus.
The Department of Public Health and Wellness advises people to take the following precautions: Continue reading
Softball, flag football, volleyball, dodgeball and kickball
Metro Parks has begun accepting team registrations for Fall Athletic Leagues – softball, kickball, flag football, volleyball and dodgeball. Games begin the week of September 12.
Participants must be 18 or older. Registration deadline is September 2 or until leagues are filled. Team registrations typically cost between $375 and $400.
For league schedules, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/athletics
“We’re widening our offerings this fall and encourage the community to form a team, get some exercise and have some fun,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Metro Parks and Recreation. “Whether it’s with family or friends, or your church, place of business or neighborhood group, our leagues always offer an opportunity for fellowship and competition.”
To register for an Athletic League, participants can pre-register online here
Payment can be made by credit card over the phone. You may also pay by cash or check at the Metro Parks Athletics Office located inside Cyril Allgeier Community Center 4101 Cadillac Court, 40213.
Payment must be made in full at the time of registration in order to reserve team’s place for the season. Registrations after the deadline will be subject to a $35 late registration processing fee.
As part of a “visioning” exercise, Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation will host 12 public meetings during the months of September, October and November to receive feedback on future park amenities including dog parks, skate parks and walking/hiking trails.
“We look forward to hearing from citizens across Louisville about what they’d like to see in their parks,” said Director Seve Ghose. “With 12 meetings and a public comment period that will last into December, we hope everyone takes advantage of the opportunity to share their hopes and dreams for the future.”
Ghose said the meetings will take place once each week for 12 weeks at four sites: the East Government Center in Middletown; Sun Valley Community Center in southwest Louisville; the Portland Community Center in the Portland neighborhood in west Louisville; and the Cyril Allgeier Community Center in the Camp Taylor neighborhood just off the Watterson Expressway.
The meetings in September will feature a discussion about dog parks; October’s meetings will address skate parks; and November’s meetings will focus on walking/hiking trails. All meetings will last from 6-7:30 p.m.
“This is our and the community’s opportunity to discuss how best to enhance the system to best serve the growing community and disparate needs while improving the quality of life of all residents,” Ghose said.
Ghose said those who would like to attend a meeting but can’t are still encouraged to send comments about these topics and others to parks@louisvilleky.gov. Continue reading
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and its community partners are offering free stop smoking classes using the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking (FFS) program. The 8-session program includes weekly support group meetings combined with the use of nicotine replacement products such as patches and gum. Participants receive free supplies of nicotine replacement products.
Advance registration for Freedom From Smoking classes is required. There are several ways to register: by phone 574 – STOP (574-7867), email StopSmoking@louisvilleky.gov or online.
Below is a list of upcoming classes in July and August.
August 3 – September 14, Wednesdays, 12:00 -1:00pm, Norton Healthcare, 1206 Spring St., Jeffersonville IN
August 17 – September 28, Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Norton Healthcare, 7430 Jefferson Blvd.
August 24 – October 5, Wednesdays, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Family Health Centers – Portland, 2215 Portland Ave.
August 30 – October 11, Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Seven Counties Services, 708 W. Magazine St.
August 31 – October 12, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Family Health Center Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Pl.
September 7 – October 19, Wednesdays, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Norton Healthcare, 438 Adam Shepherd Pkwy., Shepherdsville KY
September 12 – October 24, Mondays, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Sullivan University College of Pharmacy, 2100 Gardner Ln.
September 14 – October 26, Wednesdays, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., Park DuValle Community Health Center, 3015 Wilson Ave.
September 14 – October 26, Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Park DuValle Community Health Center, 3015 Wilson Ave.
September 19 – October 31, Mondays, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Family Health Centers – East Broadway, 834 E. Broadway
September 20 – November 1, Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Family Health Centers – East Broadway, 834 E. Broadway
September 21 – November 2, Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Highway
September 27 – November 8, Tuesdays,11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Family Health Centers – East Broadway, 834 E. Broadway
Weekend-Long Festival Features Dozens of Headline Acts
Louisville heavy metal fans rejoice: the Louder Than Life Festival brings big rock names to Louisville this October 1st and 2nd – including acts such as Slayer, Avenged Sevenfold, Anthrax, Disturbed, Korn, Slipknot, Clutch, and many more.
Gates open at 11AM daily for the all-day performances and the event will be held rain or shine. Single-day tickets are currently available starting at $80 while weekend tickets currently start at $110 with prices increasing as the event draws closer. VIP packages and ticket/hotel packages are also available.
The two-day outdoor music festival will take place at Champion’s Park at 2050 River Road. The venue features several stages, food and drink vendors, music related attractions, and camping facilities. Camping accommodations are available for car/tent camping as well as RV camping.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival includes other entertainment opportunities such as the mobile Jack Daniels museum, the Monster Energy viewing deck, The Music Experience – where fans can meet band members, check out equipment, and win equipment and swag, and the Keep Golf Metal mini-golf course.
On top of all that, the event also gives back by hosting a number of altruistic outlets such as the Dyin 2 Live wish-granting organization, which works to enrich the lives of those fighting cancer through inspiration and entertainment, and Take Me Home, which works to save the lives of homeless animals.
