Sunday December 7, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
Photo: Kentucky Labor Department
Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes visited Raytheon Company in Louisville today to present a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for working 1,384,573 production hours without a lost-time incident.
“Congratulations to Raytheon Company on achieving another Governor’s Health and Safety Award,” said Labor Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey. “Working over 1,000,000 hours without a lost time incident is a great accomplishment and I commend Raytheon on their dedication to keeping their workers safe. On behalf of Governor Bevin and all of us at the Labor Cabinet, thank you for all of your hard work and commitment to workplace safety.”
Raytheon is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 95 years, Raytheon provides electronics, mission systems integration, C5ITM products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon employs 63,000 employees worldwide with their local Louisville branch now employing 330 employees.
“Our entire Raytheon team in Louisville is honored to receive this award,” said Raytheon Louisville Site Executive Ken Gyure. “Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority for us all and we will never become complacent when it comes to keeping our people safe.”
The Kentucky Labor Cabinet presents the Governor’s Safety and Health Award to highlight outstanding safety and health performance in Kentucky’s workplaces. A business may qualify for the award if its employees achieve a required number of hours worked without experiencing a lost time injury or illness. The required number of hours is dependent upon the number of employees.
According to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kentucky employers reported the lowest incident rate for nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the state’s history.
Based on a mathematical calculation that describes the number of recordable incidents per 100 full-time employees, Kentucky’s rate improved from 3.8 in 2014 to 3.7 in 2015 – reflecting the most recent data available. This rate has steadily declined since it was first calculated in 1996, when a rate of 8.4 was reported.
Follow the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.
Photo: Secretary of State website
Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes this week returned from an international trade mission to Taiwan with a delegation from the United States. She is releasing a report with information about the status of the sister-states’ economic relationship.
“This mission to Taiwan affirmed for me that even though the Kentucky-Taiwan economic relationship is strong, there are more ways to enhance our bond for mutually beneficial economic growth,” said Grimes, Kentucky’s chief business official.
Grimes was one of four secretaries of state selected to participate in the trip coordinated and funded by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO). She made a similar visit in 2013, making the trip her second in office.
Grimes met with several businesses with Kentucky ties in Taiwan, including Sunspring America, Inc., and Taihu Brewing. She also met with officials from Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade, Council of Agriculture, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“This trip reinforced for me the need for a Kentucky trade office in Taiwan, which would help facilitate more business relationships that are mutually beneficial to the Commonwealth and Taiwan,” said Grimes. “It’s the key to growing and reinforcing our already strong trading partnership.”
During her tenure, Grimes has called on Kentucky administrations to establish a trade office in Taiwan.
Taiwan and Kentucky have been sister states since 1982 in a partnership formed by former Gov. John Y. Brown, Jr.
Grimes’ Kentucky-Taiwan Report is available here.
Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes on Wednesday marked the 238th birthday of Kentucky bourbon and National Bourbon Day with a visit to Shelby County’s Jeptha Creed Distillery.
Jeptha Creed, a 15,000-square foot, $3-million distillery, opened in November 2016. The owners are mother-daughter team Joyce and Autumn Nethery. Joyce is one of three female master distillers in Kentucky. She, along with her daughter and marketing manager Autumn, designed the distillery from the ground up. The two had taken courses on distilling before deciding to open their own distillery.
“Today is another milestone in the history of Kentucky bourbon. As the bourbon industry continues to experience a tremendous boom, I’m excited Jeptha Creed – a woman-owned small business – is adding to Kentucky’s rich bourbon tradition,” said Grimes, Kentucky’s chief business official.
Jeptha Creed employs 14 people and is as a “farm-to-glass” operation with production using ingredients grown on-site or at nearby farms. The distillery sits on 64 acres of farmland.
“Even though we’re new to the industry, we feel right at home,” said Joyce Nethery. “Our whole family is involved. My son takes care of the bees and my husband is heavily involved and grows all of our corn. We grow everything we can think of to flavor our spirits straight from the Kentucky soil. We’re excited to join Sec. Grimes in celebrating bourbon’s birthday today.”
Jeptha Creed uses the “bloody butcher” corn variety in their products, an heirloom crop they grow and harvest themselves that dates back to 1845. This makes the bourbon mash pink rather than yellow. Current products include vodkas, moonshines, and Bloody Butcher’s Creed, a limited-edition bourbon that previews the distillery’s full roll-out of bourbons in 2019. Jeptha Creed’s products are distributed across Kentucky.
“Jeptha Creed is the quintessential Kentucky small, family business – mix hard work and bourbon and you have a recipe for success,” said Grimes.
Gov. Matt Bevin today announced the creation of the Kentucky Work Matters Task Force at a press conference with federal and state officials and other special guests in the State Capitol Rotunda.
The new 23-member task force will bring together every department of state government that has a hand in workforce development with members of the private sector. Their mission is to address barriers to employment and promote workforce inclusion among people with disabilities, foster children, disabled veterans, and individuals burdened by substance abuse or criminal records.
“There is dignity that comes from work, and there is a sense of satisfaction and respect—for oneself and for others—that comes from being an engaged part of the community,” said Gov. Bevin. “And there’s nothing more integral than the dignity associated with being part of the fabric of that community through work.”
Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer Sheehy of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy commended Kentucky, which is the first state in the nation to initiate such a task force.
“We realize that the real change and the real work does not happen at the federal level,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Sheehy. “We need to look at what federal policies do work, but also what is happening in states that works—and then support that.”
Gov. Bevin and Deputy Assistant Secretary Sheehy were joined at the press conference by Council of State Governments director/CEO David Adkins, Kentucky Labor Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey, Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner, and Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development executive officer Vivek Sarin.
Also participating in today’s event were Little Caesars Pizza franchisee Mike Michalak, Cincinnati Reds batboy Teddy Kremer, and Spalding University men’s golf coaches Michael Carter and Grant Gupton, who underscored what can be achieved when individuals are given opportunities.
Current statistics show Kentucky’s labor participation rate at 54.7 percent, well below the national average of 62.9 percent. In addition, 15.7 percent of the Commonwealth’s population is classified as “disabled,” compared to only 10.4 percent nationally.
Gov. Bevin strongly believes that citizens with disabilities and Kentuckians facing other obstacles to employment have valuable and unique contributions to lend to our society and our labor force, yet in many cases are underutilized. Employment is the most direct and cost-effective means to empower these individuals to achieve independence, economic self-sufficiency, and a greater sense of dignity and self-worth.
The Kentucky Work Matters Task Force will work closely with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy and their State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED). SEED is a collaborative effort with state intermediary organizations, including the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and The Council of State Governments (CSG), to help state leaders effectively address policy barriers that may hinder the employment of people with disabilities.
Members of the task force include:
- Adam Meier, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Bevin
- Secretary Scott Brinkman, Executive Cabinet
- Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- Secretary John Tilley, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
- Secretary Derrick Ramsey, Labor Cabinet
- Secretary Hal Heiner, Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
- Secretary Tom Stephens, Personnel Cabinet
- Secretary Greg Thomas, Transportation Cabinet
- Vivek Sarin, Cabinet for Economic Development executive officer
- Deputy Commissioner Bryan Hubbard, Division of Income Support
- Buddy Hoskinson, Department for Aging and Independent Living
- Commissioner Beth Kuhn, Department of Workforce Investment
- Commissioner Stephen Pruitt, Department of Education
- President Bob King, Council on Postsecondary Education
- Senator John Schickel
- Senator Robin Webb
- Representative Jim DeCesare
- Representative Arnold Simpson
- Katie Shepherd, Kentucky Supreme Court designee
- Mike Michalak, citizen at-large (Shelbyville)
- Katie Wolf Whaley, citizen at-large (Lexington)
- Beth Davisson, citizen at-large (Louisville)
- Tim McGurk, citizen at-large (Prospect)
The group will present a final report that will include policy recommendations on improving workforce participation rates for individuals with disabilities, as well as other populations with impediments to employment, across the Commonwealth.
Today’s full press conference can be viewed on Gov. Bevin’s Facebook page, and an infographic detailing factors affecting Kentucky’s workforce can be downloaded here.
Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14) has a great way for families and senior citizens to cool off this summer at the Sun Valley Pool beginning on Tuesday, June 13th.
“I am happy to again sponsor FREE Family Swim Nights on Tuesdays and Senior Citizen Swims on Thursday mornings during the summer,” says Fowler. “It’s a great way for everyone to cool off from the summer heat, spend time with your family and enjoy some exercise at one of the greatest pools we have in Metro Louisville.”
This year, the extended swim hours for the Sun Valley Pool will run from June 13th through July 27th.
Here is this year’s schedule:
FAMILY SWIM NIGHTS
- Tuesdays, June 13th – July 25th; 6:00-8:00pm
SENIOR CITIZEN SWIMS
- Thursdays, July 6th – July 27th; 11:00am – 1:00pm
Please Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult all times.
No drop-offs or unattended children will be permitted.
There will also be a special Summer Bash Pool Party Hosted by Councilwoman Fowler on Tuesday, August 4th as a way to bring summer fun to a close and get ready for a new school year.
“This is a great way to get away from the TV, the IPad or video games to enjoy a summer night, and get caught up on things between parents and their kids,” says Fowler. “You might also find that the Sun Valley Community Center is a great place offering different types of programs all year round.”
The Sun Valley Community Center and Pool is located at 6505 Bethany Lane.
For more information about this summer fun at Sun Valley, contact Councilwoman Fowler’s Office at 574-1114
Photo: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Governor Matt Bevin has approved $24.9 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds for communities across the Commonwealth. TAP and CMAQ programs are federally funded reimbursement programs administered through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Local Programs.
“By updating this year’s priority ranking criteria, we ensured federal dollars will be spent on the greatest community needs,” said Gov. Bevin. “These funds allow investments to be made in local infrastructure that increases connectivity and serves diverse populations, such as the non-driving and disabled communities.”
This year, TAP funding for 34 projects was awarded to 28 counties while 10 CMAQ projects in various municipalities were selected. Furthermore, four ongoing TAP projects received additional funding. Projects in this year’s cycle range from new sidewalks and walk/bike paths to the purchase of new hybrid electric diesel buses that will replace traditional diesel buses.
“These funds support many Cabinet priorities such as improved safety, increased access and more efficient modes of transportation,” said Sec. Greg Thomas. “We’re pleased so many counties across the state will be able to make needed improvements to enhance the quality of life for Kentuckians.”
TAP assists communities in funding transportation improvements, such as safe bicycle and pedestrian pathways and/or facilities, safe routes to schools, scenic turnouts and overlooks and other investments. Projects may be a mix of elements and accessible to the general public or targeted to a broad segment of the general public.
Funding for TAP is authorized as a set-aside of the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding program under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which authorizes federal transportation funding from Fiscal Year 2016-2020.
Both TAP and CMAQ enable local governments to recoup as much as 80 percent of the cost of a project.
CMAQ is a transportation improvement program focused on funding innovative transportation projects or programs that will reduce congestion and improve air quality. Kentucky receives CMAQ funds each year which can only be spent in areas designated as non-attainment or maintenance for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
CMAQ funds are available to state and local government agencies as well as private entities through public-private partnerships. Nonprofit organizations may also apply in partnership with a state or local government agency.
KYTC solicits applications and makes awards annually for these CMAQ/TAP funds. The 2016 application cycle ended on Sept. 30, 2016.
For a list of CMAQ and TAP awards by county, click here.
For more information, please visit http://transportation.ky.gov/Local-Programs.
Design by Emily Keller; photo by Kory Johnson Photography.
A new bourbon tasting experience is coming to Louisville. Sour Mash Tours launched Saturday, May 27, in Nulu.
Each tour features samples of at least nine brands at local bars and restaurants, including Feast BBQ, Galaxie, Rye and Taj. The tours offer an expansive and interactive tasting experience, all while getting guests acquainted with a Louisville neighborhood known for its unique bourbon history.
“With all the excitement surrounding bourbon in Louisville, we realized there wasn’t anything out there that combined the bourbon tasting experience with some of our great bourbon bars,” said co-founder Andy Huenefeld.
Tastings are conducted with a lineup of spirits expertly curated to maximize the experience. For example, guests may taste rye-heavy bourbons at one bar and wheated bourbons at another. Bourbon beginners can use the tour to discover some favorite styles and brands while connoisseurs can further refine their palates by practicing picking out subtle differences and flavor profiles.
“Our goal with Sour Mash Tours is to show folks the best part of the distilleries — the bourbon — while exploring one of Louisville’s most vibrant neighborhoods,” said co-founder Dillon Miles, who used to give tours at Jim Beam Distillery.
The guides focus on the various steps in the distilling process and how they impact the taste of the product. Each tour attendee will receive a tasting booklet for notes and to mark their favorites.
Sour Mash Tours chose Nulu for its great selection of bourbon bars and walkability, but hopes to bring tours to other parts of Louisville in the future.
“There are so many great bourbons and bars in our city to explore,” said Danielle Huenefeld, co-founder and chief marketing officer.
Sour Mash Tours are offered each Saturday starting at 2pm in Nulu. The team also offers happy hours and private event tastings. To book an event, visit www.sourmashtours.com/tour-schedule.
