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Saturday December 6, 2025
Local Connection
Statewide Tornado Safety Drill Is Feb 23 – 10:07 A.M. EST
Photo: Roland Zumbühl
Governor Matt Bevin has signed a proclamation designating Feb 22 – 28 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kentucky. Severe weather is Kentucky’s most common threat, as evidenced by the four weather-related, federally-declared disasters during 2015.
“As evidenced by the severe weather events in the first two months of this year; preparedness efforts of our county EM partners, local emergency responders and citizen outreach, made a dramatic difference in ensuring no injuries or loss of life occurred during these responses”, said Michael Dossett, Director of Kentucky Emergency Management. Dossett went on to say, “Testing your plan during Awareness Week, whether by family members or with your co-workers, ensures we are all ready for the next weather hazard that may challenge the Commonwealth”.
As part of severe weather awareness activities, a statewide tornado drill will be conducted in conjunction with the proclamation.
At approximately 10:07 a.m. EST, Tuesday, Feb 23, the National Weather Service (NWS), in partnership with Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee and Kentucky Broadcasters Association will issue a test tornado warning message.
Across Kentucky, outdoor warning sirens will sound, weather alert radios will activate, and television and radio stations will broadcast the alert; allowing the public the opportunity to practice tornado safety.
The broadcasted test message will emphasize this is only a test of the alert system. During the test alert all Kentuckians, businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, educators and government agencies are encouraged to participate in the tornado drill and update their emergency plans.
As part of Severe Weather Week activities, Kentucky Education Television (KET) will host the popular live viewer call-in show, “Severe Weather – Staying Safe”. A panel of weather experts field questions from the general public. Callers will be registered to receive one of five NOAA Weather Alert Radios which will be awarded at the end of the show. The show will air live on Monday, Feb 22 at 10:00 p.m. EST. More information is available here.
Being prepared for severe weather starts with identifying threats and risks. The first step for each citizen is to become weather-ready by knowing what types of weather hazards that can affect where they live and work, and how the weather could impact them and their family. Citizens should check local weather forecasts regularly, get a NOAA Weather Radio, and sign up for alerts from local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and emergency planning should consider the possibility all types of local hazards. Continue reading
photo credit: Jamesmac96
After being challenged by the Kentucky Concealed Carry Coalition, or KC3, the blanket ban on weapons at the downtown KFC Yum! Center has been lifted.
Following yesterday’s board meeting, the Louisville Arena Authority had agreed to bring their policy on bringing legally carried weapons, such as firearms, into compliance with state law – which prohibits public agencies from restricting the licensed carry of weapons on their premises.
Although the blanket prohibition on firearms has been lifted, restrictions still remain. For instance, University of Louisville events held at the Yum! center will still be gun-free and promotors will have the option to prohibit weapons at other events for which they have leased the center.
AEG Facilities, the company contracted to manage the Yum! Center, issued a statement saying that “[t]he arena intends to adhere to all federal, state and local regulations” and that it “will allow each event promoter or tour management company who leases the building for an event to determine the venue’s firearms policy on a show-by-show basis.” Although the facilities themselves are operated by a public agency, private lessees of the facilities are able to regulate weapons during the time for which they have leased them under KRS 237.110.
Planning & Zoning – Tuesday, November 10th 1:30pm
This is the regular meeting of the Committee. The agenda is pending.
While items may be on the agenda for this Committee, this does not mean all items will be acted upon or discussed. Please check with the Committee Chair prior to the beginning of the meeting.
Public Works, Bridges, and Transportation – Tuesday, November 10th 3:00pm
The Committee will hear from Jeffrey Brown and Dan O’Dea from Metro Public Works and Assets on the progress for adopting a new road scoring system for paving. The Committee also has on its agenda:
- A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept $44,535 of additional funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for continuation of the design and construction phase for the Portland Elementary Safe Routes to School Project
- An Ordinance regarding parking for veterans who have been issued a Purple Heart license plate
- An Ordinance amending the Metro Code of Ordinances relating to flood plain management
- A Resolution requesting MSD to create a flood plain buyout program.
- An Ordinance amending the Metro Code of Ordinances regarding historical landmarks and preservation districts as it relates to the salvage and preservation of brick pavers removed from streets and alleys
Labor & Economic Development – Tuesday, November 10th 4:00pm
The Committee has the following items under review
- A Resolution encouraging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to pass legislation during the 2016 Legislative Session to increase the minimum wage for the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky consistent with the increases made in Louisville.
- A Resolution involving two parcels of property at the intersection of Muhammad Ali Blvd., 30th Street and West Market Street
Appropriations NDF’s CIF’s – Tuesday, November 10th 5:00pm
The Committee will review grant requests for Neighborhood Development Funds and Capital Infrastructure Funds of the 26 districts of the Louisville Metro Council.
Community Affairs – Wednesday, November 11th 1:30pm
The Committee will hear from Jeana Dunlap for a discussion of vacant and abandoned properties and Metro Housing Issues
Health, Education & Housing – Wednesday, November 11th 2:30pm
The Committee will review a resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant of $271,534 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to be administered by the Department of Public Health and Wellness Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.
Public Safety – Wednesday, November 11th 3:30pm
The Committee will continue its review of an ordinance dealing with Short Term Rentals. The agenda is pending.
Government Accountability & Ethics – Wednesday, November 11th 4:30pm
The Committee will hear from Debbie Fox of EMA and Metro Safe to discuss present and future plans and receive an update on projects and processes.
Committee on Contracts/ Appointments – Thursday, November 12th 3:00pm
The Committee will review pending contracts and appointments to Boards and Commissions of Metro Government.
Budget – Thursday, November 12th 5:00pm
The Committee has three ordinances for review dealing with budget amendments including:
- Transfer of capital cumulative reserve funds to the project titled Zoo Beautification
- Appropriating $260,000 Metro Parks Agency receipts to be received per a Memorandum of Agreement with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy towards the Boone Square Park Renovations Project
- Appropriating $225,000 Metro Parks Agency receipts to be received per a Memorandum of Agreement with the Metropolitan Sewer District to mitigate the impacts of the sanitary sewer project on McNeely Lake Park
Meeting times are subject to change. Agendas are followed at the discretion of the Chair of each Committee. While an item may be listed, it does not mean a committee will act upon all items.
To review all agendas of the committees of the Louisville Metro Council, go to the Metro Council Clerk’s web page at: http://louisvilleky.gov/
All meetings are aired live on Metro TV Insight cable Channel 25 and Channel 99 for UVERSE Subscribers. Meetings are also streamed live on the Metro Council’s website. Go to:http://louisvilleky.gov/
Emergency crews are responding to a report of an explosion that happened shortly after 1:30PM today at LG&E’s coal-fired Mill Creek Generating Station in the 14000 block of Dixie Highway.
MetroSafe has reported that there are multiple burn injuries, although there is currently no word on the severity of their burns.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
Public Works, Bridges and Transportation – Tuesday, October 27th 3:00pm
The Committee has a special discussion item on the installation of wireless cell technology on new poles in our traditional neighborhoods. The committee will hear from Mike Prather of Fibertech and Al Andrews of Metro Public Works.
The Committee also has the following items under review:
- A Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Alvin J. Elmore Sr.
- A Resolution honoring the life and legacy of V.V. Cooke Sr.
- A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept $63,397 of additional funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for continuation of the design phase for the 18th Street and Broadway Alignment Project
- An Ordinance amending the Metro Code of Ordinances relating to flood plain management
- A Resolution requesting MSD to create a flood plain buyout program.
- An Ordinance amending the code of ordinances regarding historical landmarks and preservation districts as it relates to the salvage and preservation of brick pavers removed from streets and alleys
Labor & Economic Development – Tuesday, October 27th 4:00pm
The Committee will hear from Rebecca Matheny on the topic: Economic Improvement Plan for the Louisville Downtown Partnership.
The Committee has the following items on its agenda:
- A Resolution involving three parcels of property at 1300 and 1306 Bardstown Road
- A Resolution involving two parcels of property at the intersection of Muhammad Ali Blvd., 30th Street and West Market Street
Appropriations NDF’s CIF’s – Tuesday, October 27th 5:00pm
The Committee will review grant requests for Neighborhood Development Funds and Capital Infrastructure Funds of the 26 districts of the Louisville Metro Council.
Public Safety – Wednesday, October 28th 3:30pm
The Committee has the following items on its agenda:
- An Ordinance amending the Metro Code of Ordinances relating to the Metro Animal Services Fee Schedule
- A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant of $50,000 from The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to be administered by Emergency Services Emergency Medical Services
- A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant of $112,200 from The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to be administered by Emergency Services’ Emergency Management Agency
- A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant award of $10,000 from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to be used by Metro Animal Services to support a Mega Match-A-Thon event in conjunction with the Kentucky Humane Society
- An Ordinance dealing with Short Term Rentals
Committee on Contracts/ Appointments – Thursday, October 29th 3:00pm
The Committee will review pending contracts and proposed appointments to the Boards and Commission of Metro Government.
Meeting times are subject to change. Agendas are followed at the discretion of the Chair of each Committee. While an item may be listed, it does not mean all items will be acted upon by a committee.
To review all agendas of the committees of the Louisville Metro Council, go to the Metro Council Clerk’s web page.
All meetings are aired live on Metro TV Insight cable Channel 25 and Channel 99 for UVERSE subscribers.. Meetings are also live streamed on the Metro Council’s website. Go to http://louisvilleky.gov/
For more information contact:
Tony Hyatt 574-4137 / 526-3622
Stephen Haag: 574-1204 / 645-1752
Councilman Steve Magre (D-10) and Patrick Carrico, President of the Bon Air Neighborhood Association have issued the following joint statement after learning of the decision by a State Hearing Officer that the Economy Inn must be re-inspected:
“We are disappointed!
It seems this is a continuation of a cycle that has now lasted almost ten years of inspect, fail, appeal, re –inspect, pass, surprise inspection, fail, appeal and pass. One would think that after all this time; the Economy Inn would have gotten its act together and become a safe place for lodging.
It boggles the mind!
Our disappointment is compounded by the state hearing where it appears the Hearing Officer took the Economy Inn’s owners at their word about repairs being made at the facility. A simple online search recently shows one company that apparently did repairs is no longer operating and there are some serious questions as to whether the repairs were done according to state law. There are also concerns as to whether similar repairs are going on at a Clarksville, Indiana establishment owned by the same people.
It is time to see work orders for these renovations that have been done by certified professionals and inspected and approved according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. If a state inspector could be allowed to enter the facility to check those repairs that issue might be resolved.
We can only say that while our local Health Department has come out again with strong warning words of closing if the facility does not improve, it should be noted the community is serious about this. We must also remember the people who are living at Economy Inn and what they must deal with under this cycle mentioned before.
It is time to do the right thing and fix the continuing problems at the Economy Inn. No more window dressing and no more claims of being victims who are being singled out. The neighborhoods surrounding the Economy Inn deserve better and they are going to make sure the right thing is done if the owners decide not to act.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is ready to move forward with the next phase of asphalt pavement replacement on US 31W/Dixie Highway and Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14) advises drivers to be aware of lane configuration changes as the project moves north.
“This weekend the repaving crews will be moving the work zone north of Bethany Lane to Valley Station Road, so there will be some adjustments for drivers,” says Fowler.
The crews are wrapping up work on Dixie Highway between Stonegate Manor Drive and Bethany Lane which began in mid- August.
According to KYTC, the new lane shifts will begin after 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2nd and the new traffic pattern will be in place by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. This phase of construction is scheduled for completion by mid-November.
Councilwoman Fowler was instrumental in working with State lawmakers to get this $14.5 million contract for pavement replacement on US 31W underway.
“Everyone should understand this is long overdue and drivers need to be patient,” says Fowler. “So far the community has responded well to the changes caused by the repaving work with no major issues, and my hope is that continues as we move the project forward.”
According to KYTC the Project is divided into four phases:
- Stonegate Manor Drive to Bethany Lane (mile points 6.6 to 7.7)
- Bethany Lane to Valley Station Road (mile points 7.7 to 8.6)
- Valley Station Road to West Pages Lane (mile points 8.6 to 10.5)
- West Pages Lane to Greenwood Road (mile points 10.5 to 11.7)
Contract crews are removing the existing asphalt, installing the intermediate layer and repaving the roadway in each section before moving to the next one.
There may be adjustments may depending on weather or any other unforeseen delays. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Motorists can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5 and www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict5
