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Saturday December 6, 2025
Local Connection
Gov. Matt Bevin today joined federal, state and local officials in Georgetown to announce $3,471,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for housing rehabilitation projects across the Commonwealth.
These federal funds, allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG), will benefit 45 families in central, north, east and west Kentucky.
“We are excited to announce nearly $3.5 million in CDBG funding that will benefit families here in Georgetown and across the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Bevin. “Increasing safe, affordable housing is vital to strengthening our communities and promoting economic opportunity. We are grateful to our federal, state and local partners who will help us make these projects a reality for homeowners in Campbell, Christian, Hopkins, Perry and Scott counties.”
CDBG awards include:
- $804,000 to the Campbell County Fiscal Court for the rehabilitation of six vacant and dilapidated houses for sale to low- and moderate-income families,
- $791,000 to the City of Hazard (Perry County), for the acquisition and demolition of a shopping center to construct 15 new single-family homes,
- $366,000 to the City of Crofton (Christian County), for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of five homes for low- and moderate-income families,
- $510,000 to the City of Georgetown (Scott County), for the rehabilitation of eight homes in the Boston area, and
- $1,000,000 to the Hopkins County Fiscal Court for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 11 homes for low- and moderate-income families.
Mayor Tom Prather noted the impact of today’s grant announcements, which took place in a ceremony at Georgetown City Hall.
“Georgetown is delighted to host Gov. Bevin for these important announcements! We are excited about efforts to improve our neighborhoods, and grants like the Governor announced today are critical to the success of each community represented,” he said.
Members of the community’s delegation to the General Assembly also celebrated the major CDBG funding awards.
“These critical projects are an excellent illustration of government agencies working together to improve communities in all corners of the Commonwealth,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, of Georgetown. “This investment will have a tremendous impact on the quality of affordable housing in Georgetown and in other communities across Kentucky. I’m grateful to Gov. Bevin and the Department for Local Government for their support of this project.”
“Increasing the available stock of affordable housing and improving our neighborhoods are two very important issues in the City of Georgetown,” said Representative Phillip Pratt, of Georgetown. “These grant awards provide a much-needed opportunity to revitalize our communities, and I’m grateful to Gov. Bevin and DLG Commissioner Sandy Dunahoo for coordinating these grants.”
The CDBG grant program, overseen by HUD, provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. CDBG projects must comply with federal regulations, and funding is determined based upon project needs, reasonable costs, and overall effectiveness.
DLG is an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. To learn more about resources and opportunities available through DLG, visit http://kydlgweb.ky.gov.
Photo: Secretary of State website
The Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame on Tuesday announced its sixth class of inductees in Frankfort. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes joined the organization’s directors, state officials, and the inductees for the announcement in the Capitol Rotunda.
“The members of the Hall of Fame represent the best of Kentucky,” said Grimes. “Each of these individuals demonstrate selflessness and sacrifice not only in the military but back in their communities here in the Commonwealth. These heroes are coaching sports teams, teaching flag etiquette to fifth graders, deacons of their churches, and leading veteran organizations. We are better because of them.”
The Hall of Fame announced that they will induct 25 men and women veterans from across Kentucky. The class represents all branches of the U.S. military and several different conflicts, including World War II. One inductee was a Prisoner of War during WWII and one inductee is a Medal of Honor recipient.
Secretary Grimes has advocated for Kentucky’s military service members and veterans’ right to vote, worked to make it easier to start a business, advocated for access to education and healthcare services. In 2018, Secretary Grimes fulfilled her promise to Kentuckians by announcing that all of Kentucky’s veteran centers will now serve as polling locations, continuing her work in ensuring those who have sacrificed it all, can easily access the ballot box.
“Our organization exists to honor the sacrifice of these men and women who have devoted their lives to community and country,” said H.B. Deatherage, founder and president of the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame. “We are grateful for our veterans and what they have done. This is one way we can show our appreciation to them.”
The 2019 Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Capt. James J. Bayne, Boone
- Sgt. Denny Belcher, Bath
- Csm. Gregory Bethards, Jefferson
- Sgt. E4 James M. Cartwright, Franklin
- Ssg. Carey T. Christie, Hardin
- Air 1st Class Benny B. Clary, Kenton
- Technical Sgt. Chester E. Elkin, Madison
- Capt. Cletis S. Evans, Jr., Jefferson
- Sfc. Gary W. Finnell, Woodford
- Petty Officer June Forbes, Jessamine
- Staff Sgt. Lawrence Gronefeld, Kenton
- Col. Robert F. Greene, Boone
- Maj. Dean C. Hammond, Jr., Fayette
- Lt. Commander Larry A. Huber, Jefferson
- Col. Micki King, Fayette
- Spc. William L. Krebs, Boone
- MSgt. Emerson R. McAfee, Madison
- Spc. William C. Smith, Franklin
- Col. John M. Shotwell, Fayette
- Cpl. Charles H. Stallard, Jefferson
- Ltc. Dick E. Stoops, Woodford
- Maj. Charles M. Tirone, Kenton
- Machinist Mate 3rd Class Robert L. Webster, Boone
Secretary Grimes has been involved with the organization and has helped to induct each class since it began in 2014. The Hall of Fame plaques proudly hang outside of the Secretary of State’s Office in the State Capitol.
For more information and to nominate a Kentucky veteran to the Hall of Fame, visit kyveterans.org.
Photo: Secretary of State website
Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes on Friday in Lexington took part in her 95th naturalization ceremony since taking office, welcoming 37 new citizens from 21 countries. The ceremony was held at the United States District Courthouse, Eastern District of Kentucky.
The ceremony included the administration of the oath of citizenship required to become Americans at the federal courthouse. Grimes spoke to the new citizens and their families about the duties of civic engagement, voter participation, and commitment to improving Kentucky, continuing her historic voter registration efforts.
“Today marks 95 times I have witnessed new citizens take the oath of citizenship. Just like the first time, it still stirs pride in my heart. Like all the thousands I have met before you, I am so proud to call each of you fellow Americans,” said Grimes. “The most precious right you have gained today is the right to vote – a voice in this democracy. We need you to use your voice and vote.”
The Honorable U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew A. Stinnett presided over the ceremony.
“Immigration is the driver of this democratic experience,” said Judge Stinnett. “All of us are called to live up to the same oath — to pursue what’s right, not what’s convenient. It’s an honor and a privilege to preside over today’s ceremony.”
The Secretary of State’s staff attend each naturalization ceremony held in Kentucky to greet new citizens and answer questions regarding voting and registration.
Grimes told the citizens they have a responsibility to participate in the betterment of society and register to vote at GoVoteKY.com.
“I am urging you today to go online and register to vote. And then cast your vote in every election. A minority of people are usually determining who we send to city hall, county government, to Frankfort and to Washington, D.C. That’s unacceptable, and you can help change it. Our future is made by people who vote,” said Grimes.
By Laura Mullaney
Actors Theatre’s Board of Directors and committee co-chairs Wendy Sirchio and Stewart Lussky announce the annual fundraiser Lobster Feast 2019: It’s Showtime! at the Louisville Marriott Downtown (280 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202) on Saturday, January 26, 2019 beginning at 6 p.m. For the third consecutive year, Old Forester is the presenting sponsor. Supporting sponsorship is provided by White Clay, Republic National Distributing Company, Brown-Forman, Fifth Third Bank, The Voice-Tribune and The Glenview Trust Company. Valet sponsors will be Volvo of Louisville, BMW of Louisville and Courtesy Cadillac.
This year’s event is themed It’s Showtime!, a night to celebrate why #LouisvilleLovesTheatre. The night will take patrons on a behind-the-scenes tour of the experience of bringing a show to life. Don’t miss your chance to be featured in the spotlight! Consistently rated as one of Louisville’s “best parties” (The Voice-Tribune), Lobster Feast features all-you-can-eat lobster and a locally-sourced dinner buffet, Old Forester cocktails and open bar, live and silent auctions, and a dance floor for celebrating all night.
For this year’s event, Community leader and Board member Barbara Juckett and our volunteers have put together an exciting line-up of live auction items. Select items include Wimbledon and Tuscany trips, private dinners at The Hermitage with Chef Susan Hershberg of Wiltshire Pantry and a private dinner in your home with Chef Josh Moore of Volare Italian Ristorante. Live auction items are now available for preview: Bidpal.net/LobsterFeast
Lobster Feast is Actors Theatre’s largest annual fundraising event, generating significant support toward the theatre’s annual fundraising goal of more than $4 million. From a season of celebrated works and the internationally-acclaimed Humana Festival of New American Plays, to education workshops and residencies in our schools, the funds raised ensure that Actors Theatre continues to provide quality arts experiences for this community.
Tickets are on sale now at $300 per person and $3,000 for a table of ten. $5,000 VIP tables in the Inner Circle and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Order tickets at LobsterFeast.org or contact Matthew Brown, Development Coordinator, at mbrown@actorstheatre.org or 502.584.1265 x3085.
Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville Metro Council members and other elected officials will be sworn in for new terms of office during a special inaugural ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 at Louisville Metro Hall.
As part of the Inaugural festivities, there will be a celebration of Louisville’s music and faith communities at the Cathedral of the Assumption at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. A small reception and community gathering will take place afterward in the Cathedral undercroft.
“We want to invite residents from throughout the community to join us at these events, as we look to the future of our community with new terms of public service,” Mayor Fischer said.
The Jan. 7 swearing-in ceremony will take place in the second-floor Rotunda at Metro Hall. There will be limited seating, by invitation only, but the event will be live-streamed.
In addition to the Mayor and members of the Metro Council, other officials elected on November 6, 2018 will participate in the event including: County Attorney, Commonwealth Attorney, County Clerk, Sheriff, Circuit Court Clerk, County Judge-Executive, Property Valuation Administrator and Coroner.
Metro Public Works will provide curbside pickup of Christmas Trees within the Urban Services District (the old City of Louisville boundaries) after the holiday. Beginning Wednesday, December 26, residents with City curbside yard waste pickup may set their Christmas trees and greenery out on their regular collection day. Trees must not be in plastic bags, and all decorations must be removed.
Drop-off sites will also be available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at three locations. Two of the three drop-off sites will also instantly recycle trees in to 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. Trees picked up from curbside will also be recycled but not offered as mulch. All lights and ornaments should be removed from trees before they are set out or dropped off.
Residents normally serviced by private waste haulers should check with those companies to see whether and when tree pickup is available.
Christmas tree vendors may recycle their unsold trees on Wednesday, December 26 only, and only at the Hubbard’s Lane site.
DROP OFF LOCATIONS
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- East District Recycling Center
- 595 N. Hubbards Lane
- December 26 – 29, January 2
- Southwest Government Center
- 7219 Dixie Highway
- December 26 – 29, January 2
- Waste Reduction Center
- 636 Meriwether Avenue (Drop-off only. Mulch is not available.)
- Through January 31
Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that Louisville is joining cities across the globe by setting a goal of an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In May 2016, Mayor Fischer signed the Global Covenant of Mayors, an agreement signed by leaders of more than 9,000 cities across the world committing to inventory and develop a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, cities play a major role in these efforts, as 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from cities.
Greenhouse gases get trapped in the atmosphere, which causes warming and leads to climate change. These gases are emitted when we drive, turn on the lights in our homes and buildings, and when waste breaks down in the landfill, among other sources.
The city’s Global Covenant commitment is a three-step process: conducting the inventory, setting a reduction target and creating a strategy to meet that target.
Louisville inventoried its greenhouse gas emissions in 2017, releasing a draft report indicating emissions had been reduced by 16.9 percent between 2010 and 2016. Further review, including additional information regarding Louisville’s energy use, clarified that the actual community-wide decrease in emissions was 10.1 percent.
“Clearly, there is work to be done,” Mayor Fischer said. “But this is about protecting the future of our planet. Many of our city’s largest businesses already have adopted corporate practices and goals that will help us move the needle, and we urge individuals to do their part as well. It will take all of us to achieve this very ambitious goal.”
Cities across the country, such as Cincinnati, Atlanta, Cleveland, Denver and Philadelphia, are also setting a reduction goal of 80 percent, which aligns with the scientific consensus of what is required to avoid the most damaging effects of climate change.
For Louisville, the next step is to develop a strategy on how we as a community will achieve the goal in a way that supports our goals for creating a more resilient, equitable and environmentally just city.
The city has created a survey to gauge public interest and support for potential options, such as planting more trees, conserving energy or using automobiles less.
Copies of the survey will be shared at upcoming community meetings, and an online survey is available at the city’s website, www.louisvilleky.gov, and at Louisville Free Public Library branches.
The next phase of the city’s Global Covenant of Mayors commitment is to begin climate adaptation planning, which will be conducted in alignment with the city’s Louisville Resilience program.
Staff from the Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability will meet with community groups in coming months to gather feedback and further elaborate on next steps. The first of those meetings will be with the Rubbertown Community Advisory Council on Jan. 10 and the 100 Resilient Cities Work Group on Jan. 28. If you would like for staff to attend your neighborhood association, board or city council meeting, please call 574-6285 or email sustainability@louisvilleky.gov
For more information on Louisville’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability/greenhouse-gas-inventory
