Monday January 26, 2026
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
SubscribeThe initial period for students to apply for enrollment in the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District for the 2017-18 school year is now underway. The application period launched October 31 and ends January 6.
Applications should be submitted for the following students:
- All children entering kindergarten
- Elementary school students who wish to apply to an optional/magnet program or school
- Students entering or currently in middle school or high school who wish to apply to an optional/magnet program or school
- Students for whom an application was previously submitted but whose family has since moved, thus creating a need to resubmit using the new address
- Students entering a Jefferson County public school for the first time
Families should register by visiting the JCPS website and clicking Register & Apply on the homepage. Applications can also be submitted at the JCPS Parent Assistance Center at 4309 Bishop Lane.
For the first time, JCPS has also launched a predictability tool for families to use when making their choice among elementary schools within their cluster. Parents can answer a few questions online and receive information on how likely applicants with similar circumstances received their first choice in the past.
Additionally, the JCPS Mobile Registration Bus will hit the road this week in an effort to help students and their families register for the 2017-18 school year.
The bus, which is equipped with laptops and Internet access, will make its first of 16 stops on Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the George Unseld Early Childhood Learning Center (5216 Ilex Ave.). A complete list of JCPS Mobile Registration Bus stops is available online here.
Families also have the opportunity to tour prospective schools during an open house or tour. The schedules for elementary, middle and high schools are available here.
Parents who have questions regarding the school registration process may call the JCPS Parent Assistance Center at 485-6250.
While the North American International Livestock Exposition is packed with competitions, sales and contests, visitors in the know schedule time for the Giant Country Store. The store is located in the North Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center and open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 5-17. The exception is Nov. 11-12, which offers extended hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Giant Country Store features more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space and 200 vendors offering almost anything you can imagine associated with livestock gear and western wear. All the latest products related to showing livestock are available, including specialized vehicle trailers for transporting animals and livestock gear, such as bridles and saddles. Shoppers will also find clothing, belt buckles, cowboy hats, arts and crafts, musical instruments, handcrafted furniture and jewelry. “Cowgirl chic” boutiques with the latest trends in western-style clothing and accessories round out the shopping experience.
When it’s time to take a break from shopping, visitors head to the expansive food court located nearby. From pizza to pork chops – there are tempting treats to fit everyone’s taste buds.
Another popular stop in the North Wing is the Art of Wool showcase, featuring displays and demonstrations by crafters of how wool goes from sheep to shawl. Children can visit the Children’s Barnyard, where they have the opportunity to interact with rabbits, mini horses, lambs, newly-hatched ducklings and other baby animals.
For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
Mayor Greg Fischer and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville announced today the third annual Mayor’s Week of Valor — a week-long series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions of active-duty military, veterans and their families.
Coinciding with Veterans Day, Week of Valor events focus on honoring veterans’ contributions to their country and facilitating their successful transition back to civilian life.
“The willingness of brave people to serve and sacrifice for this country is an essential part of the American character,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I’m encouraging citizens from across the city to attend Week of Valor events and to show support for military members, veterans and their families.
“It’s our goal to make Louisville the most supportive and responsive community in the nation for our veterans.”
The 2016 Week of Valor will feature 14 educational, patriotic, community or civic events in Louisville from Friday through Nov. 13. Citizens are encouraged to recognize, support and honor veterans.
Events include a Veterans Wellness Expo on Saturday and the Run With Our Heroes 5K on Sunday.
On Friday, Nov. 11, the Veterans Day Parade will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Louisville from Third to Sixth streets. The parade welcomes all military personnel and veterans, either in groups or as individuals, to participate. (There is no cost to enter; participants are asked to contact Dell Courtney at (502) 228-5237 to register.)
A full schedule of events is attached or can be found at http://louisvilleky.gov/weekofvalor.
2016 Week of Valor Events
Veterans Thank You Day
- Fri., Nov. 4, 1 – 4 p.m. at Sullivan Campus-3901 Atkinson Square Dr.
- Contact: Deena Madison at (502)-213-8224 or dmadison@sctd.edu | http://SCTD.edu
Veterans Wellness Expo
- Sat., Nov. 5, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Beargrass Christian Church-4100 Shelbyville Rd.
- Contact: Dr. Patricia Weiter at (502)-287-6442 or Rhonda.Parero@va.gov | www.louisville.va.gov
Night of Heroes for Veterans with PTSD
- Sat., Nov. 5, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Louisville Executive Aviation,2700 Gast Blvd. Tickets are $20 each.
- Contact: Freda Chapman or Laura Wright at (502) 245-0404 or middletownchamberofcommerce@yahoo.com
Run With Our Heroes 5K
- Sun., Nov. 6, 12 – 3 p.m., U of L Campus, behind Ernst Hall, 216 Eastern Pkwy.
- To register, contact: Susan Norsworthy at(502) 589-8600 or snorsworthy@sevencounties.org | http://www.runwithourheroes.org/
2016 Kentucky Veterans of the Year Banquet
- Mon., Nov. 7, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Brown & Williamson Club, 2800 South Floyd St. Tickets are $35 each.
- Contact: John Mustain at (502) 544-5926 or jmustain@efky.org | http://www.kentuckyveteransoftheyear.org
Kentucky Veterans of Vietnam War Film
- Mon., Nov. 7, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Kentucky Science Center, 727 West Main St.
- Contact: Fred Johnson at (803) 741-4540 or fjohnson@ket.org | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be8pueNPwN
Veterans Appreciation Event
- Wed., Nov. 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Hwy.
- Contact: Tracey Pruifoy-Moneypenny at (502) 964-9204 or purifoyt@erau.edu
Veteran TSES Job Fair
- Thurs., Nov. 10, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Robley Rex VA Medical Center, West Entrance, 800 Zorn Ave.
- Contact: Stacy Norris; (502) 287-4162 or stacey.norris@va.gov
Man on TV/Shakespeare with Veterans
- Thurs., Nov. 10, 7 – 8:15 p.m. at Louisville Main Public Library, 301 York St.
- Contact: Rachel Smith at (502) 574-1676 or gshelby3@gmail.com | http://lfpl.org
6th Annual Veterans Day Parade
- Fri., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Main Street, from 3rd to 6th St.
- Contact: Dell Courtney at (502) 228-5237 or dellcourtn@aol.com | http://www.louvetparade.com
Pearl Harbor Commemoration and Exhibit Opening
- Fri, Nov.11, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Frazier History Museum, 829 West Main St.
- For ticket information, contact Andy Treinen at (502)753-1692 or atreinen@fraziermuseum.org
Veteran Charity Walk & Screening of the New Documentary: The USS Indianapolis
- Sat., Nov. 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Rd.
- For registration information, contact Andrew Hagerman at (502) 272-7027 or ahagerman01@bellarmine.edu | http://bellarmine.edu
2016 VA Welcome Home Event
- Sat., Nov. 12, 12 – 2 p.m. at Papa Johns Stadium, 2800 South Floyd St.
- Contact: Crystal Woodard at(502) 287-5606 or crystal.woodard1@va.gov | http://www.louisville.va.gov
Family, Food, & Fellowship Dinner
- Sun., Nov. 13, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at 4019 Dixie Highway
- For registration information, contact Chris Johnson at(502) 222-3477 or csncfj05@aol.com | http://www.mentalhealth.com
The Mayor’s Week of Valor is supported by the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL). VCAL is an initiative launched in 2014 by a group of young professionals participating in Leadership Louisville’s IGNITE program in conjunction with Volunteers of America of Kentucky and Seven Counties Services. Now operating with an advisory board comprised of more than two dozen individuals representing corporate, non-profit, government and civic organizations,VCAL’s mission is to create an integrated network of support for veterans and their families by coordinating services, resources and initiatives to increase communication across organizational lines, enhance quality and delivery of service and promote veteran-friendly community relations in Louisville.
To learn more about Mayor’s Week of Valor events and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville, visit www.vcalouisville.org.
Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes today projected approximately 60 percent of the 3.3 million people registered to vote in Kentucky will turn out for next week’s general election.
“We hope this year will continue to be a record-breaking year in Kentucky,” said Grimes. “Two weeks ago, we made history with the highest number of Kentuckians registered to vote. Now, we hope that will translate to great voter turnout on Election Day.”
Grimes tracks absentee ballot totals as an indicator of final turnout on Election Day. According to current statistics, Grimes projects turnout for the Nov. 8 general election will be on par with the presidential elections of 2008 and 2012 when 64 percent and 60 percent of Kentuckians voted, respectively.
As of Monday, nearly 47,000 voters had voted in person on machines in county clerks’ offices and approximately 39,700 mail-in absentee ballots had been sent to voters who had requested them.
About 20 percent of Kentucky voters cast ballots in the May Primary Election.
Grimes encourages voters to prepare to vote on Nov. 8 by checking their polling places and viewing sample ballots through GoVoteKY.com, Kentucky’s one-stop portal for election resources.
The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), the largest all-breed, purebred livestock expo in the world, returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center November 1-17. The event draws nearly 30,000 entries across 10 livestock divisions, all under one roof. Representing the 48 contiguous states, NAILE exhibitors show cattle, mules and donkeys, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas, sheep and horses, as they compete for nearly $750,000 in premiums and awards. The expo also attracts livestock breeders and agriculture professionals from around the world, contributing an estimated $8 million to the area’s economy.
NAILE strives to prepare the next generation for tomorrow’s breeding challenges, hosting the National Collegiate and 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contests. The exposition’s premier event, the Sale of Champions, benefits young exhibitors who often go on to pursue careers in agriculture. In 2015, the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion auction of steers, hogs and lambs brought in a record-breaking $110,000. Through the years, more than $1.75 million has been raised to promote youth involvement in agribusiness and fund charitable endeavors.
The expo kicks off with the North American Quarter Horse Show in Broadbent Arena November 1-9. Consistently ranked as a top five show by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), this competition features events such as halter, reining, cutting and team penning. The North American Championship Rodeo is also held in conjunction with NAILE, November 10-12 in Freedom Hall. Top cowboys and cowgirls compete for $80,000 in prize money and the title of Regional Champion in events ranging from bull riding to steer wrestling and women’s barrel racing to team roping. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each night and tickets range from $25-$32 for adults and $5-$10 for children, depending on the evening.
The Giant Country Store draws shoppers interested in browsing the latest in western wear, livestock gear, musical instruments, handcrafted furniture, art, jewelry and more. The Farm City Luncheon is also a NAILE tradition. Produced by Louisville’s Agribusiness Industry Network, the program includes the presentation of the “Agribusiness of the Year” award and “Wing Tip Rodeo.” Ticket order forms are available at www.agribusinesslouisville.com/farm-city-luncheon.html.
Prices for NAILE admission and parking are:
- Children (ages 2-12) $3
- Adults $6 Seniors (age 55 and older) $3
- Parking (per day) $8 Admission passes and parking passes valid throughout the expo can be purchased for $25 each.
For more information about NAILE, the North American Quarter Horse Show and the North American Championship Rodeo, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
Citing a suicide rate that is higher than the national average, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, the city’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods and several community partners announced a suicide prevention summit on Nov. 9-10 that aims to champion “Zero Suicide” as a community goal, while educating citizens and community leaders, and arming them with the tools and resources necessary to reach that goal.
“The number of suicides in our community is tragic and unacceptable,” Mayor Fischer said. “Our Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods is working closely with the Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness and other members of the Louisville Health Advisory Board to get at root causes and find solutions to avoid such senseless losses.”
The first day of the summit includes keynote conversations with suicide survivor Kevin Hines, and activist Becky Stoll. Hines will share his compelling story and talk how community transformation can truly be the difference between life and death (http://www.kevinhinesstory.com ). Stoll, part of the national Zero Suicide initiative (http://zerosuicide.sprc.org/), will engage attendees in a conversation about achieving this bold goal in Louisville.
The summit’s second day includes Mental Health First Aid Training for 250 adults to create an army of people able to intervene on behalf of adults and youth in our community. This nationally recognized eight-hour course helps those trained to identify, understand and respond to signs of addiction, mental illness and suicidal ideation.
Organizers hope to engage 250 community leaders in the discussion, including clinicians, educators, social service providers, non-profits, faith-based organizations and anyone concerned with the health and well-being of our residents.
“One suicide is too many. Embracing the goal of Zero Suicide is another visible step in continuing to make Louisville the most compassionate city,” said Kelley Gannon, COO of Seven Counties Services and co-chair of the Suicide Summit steering committee.
Organizers are seeking donations and sponsorships for the Summit so attendance can remain free. Various investment opportunities are available; please contact Kelley Gannon at (502) 589-8615 ext1305 or via email kgannon@sevencounties.org for sponsorship information.
The Bold Moves Against Suicide Summit will take place at Spalding University November 9 and 10. To register: Click Here
In preparation for the Brightside Community-Wide Planting Day on November 5, Brightside will be partnering with several local garden centers to host plant sales in support of Brightside programs and initiatives.
“Keeping our city clean and green is truly a community-wide effort,” Brightside Director Gina O’Brien said. “We are grateful to these local nurseries for their partnership and ask Louisville residents to support these local businesses so Louisville can add more green to their yards while supporting Brightside at the same time.”
Portions of sale proceeds will be donated to Brightside to support their clean and green initiatives. Participating nurseries and sale details are as follows:
- Plant Kingdom (4101 Westport Road): 20% of tree sales from October 26 through November 9
- St. Matthews Feed & Seed (225 Chenoweth Lane): 10% of all sales on October 29 & 30, November 5 & 6
- Tower View Farms & Nursery (12523 Taylorsville Road): 20% of all tree sales on October 29 & 30, November 5 & 6
- Ken Mulch (2708 Outer Loop): 10 % of all sales on October 29 and November 5
- Frank Otte Nursery and Garden Center (12902 Shelbyville Road): 20% of all plant and plant material sales on October 29 & 30, November 5 & 6
- Frank Otte Nursery and Garden Center (2930 Bardstown Road): 10% of all sales on October 29 & 30, November 5 & 6
- Idlewild Butterfly Farm (1100 Logan Street): 10% of all sales on October 29 and November 5
For more information on the Fall Plant Sale, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/brightside/fall-plant-sale
To sign up as a volunteer for the Community-Wide Planting Day event in Parkland on November 5, please visit https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/brightside-volunteer-interest-form/