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The Kentucky State Fair announces the release of its new mobile app, now available free on both Google Play and the App Store.
The app is designed so that fairgoers can make the most of their experience. From saving money by purchasing advance tickets, to discovering “Tastes of the Fair” favorites, to reminiscing over Fair photos with fun filters, visitors appreciate the app’s benefits before, during and after the Kentucky State Fair.
Highlighted features include:
- Tastes of the Fair: find those once-a-year Fair food favorites
- What’s Hot: see what’s “trending” at the Fair
- My Schedule: create daily schedules of “must-see” music and entertainment
- News: get weather, parking and breaking news updates
- Now and Next: see what’s going on now, and later
- Main Stage: order tickets for I Love the 90s Tour, Alabama and Southern Uprising Tour
- Fun Photo Filters: use filters to create unique Fair photos
- Find Your Fun: check out which entertainers are on stage and what animals are in the stalls
A video introducing the app is available on the Kentucky State Fair’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook page.
Advance tickets and parking for the Kentucky State Fair go on sale July 9 and can be purchased online via the app through 10 p.m. Aug. 16, as well as at participating Kroger locations. During the Fair, full-price tickets and parking can be purchased via the app.
Prices: In Advance/ During the Fair
- Adult/Senior/ Child (6-12) $7/ $10
- Parking $5/ $10
- Children 5 and under are free
The 2017 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 17-27 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org or find the Fair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or its blog.
Building upon their own successes, two of the city’s major players in Louisville’s IT education marketplace have cracked the code of how to strengthen their students’ work-ready skills.
Jefferson Community & Technical College and Code Louisville announced today a collaboration that provides Jefferson students credits for courses completed through the Code Louisville web development program.
“Web development is one of our high-growth, high-demand sectors, providing jobs with a future that you can support a family on,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “In an increasingly competitive job market, this partnership gives Louisville students more accessibility to securing a career in software development.”
The courses Jefferson offers align perfectly with Code Louisville’s classes and will provide a seamless transition to completing a credential.
Each 12-week Code Louisville course is worth three credit hours towards a Jefferson certificate or degree in Computer and Information Technology. This means a student can take one course at Jefferson plus three Code Louisville courses and earn a Programming Certificate or be well on their way to completing the Software Development Specialization sequence as part of an associate’s degree.
“As the community’s college, it is up to us to ensure our community’s employers have the workforce they need to grow their business, and, in turn, grow Louisville’s economy,” said Jefferson president Dr. Ty Handy. “Jefferson is expanding its Computer and Information Technology programs to keep up with the demand and we are eager to break ground on a new IT facility that will foster an exponential increase in developers.”
Jefferson’s plan for a new Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology Center was recently approved by the governor’s Work Ready Skills Committee. The group appropriated more than $15 million for construction and the college is looking to raise several million more. It could open as soon as Spring of 2019.
Code Louisville, a free training program of KentuckianaWorks, was launched in late 2013 to expand the pool of web developers in the region. Students learn web development using the latest technology and practices. Aided by expert mentors and online software, students complete coding projects and build portfolios of their work. More than 500 students have graduated Code Louisville with a quarter of those now in new jobs or advancing with their current employer.
“Virtually every business is now a ‘technology company’ and Code Louisville is designed to quickly provide people the skills that employers are demanding,” said Michael Gritton, executive director of KentuckianaWorks. “Partnering with Jefferson will help individuals launch strong technology careers and help our region’s employers keep pace with their rapidly growing and changing technology needs.”
For more information about Code Louisville, including applying for courses, hiring graduates or mentoring students, visit codelouisville.org. For more information about the IT classes offered at Jefferson, visit www.jefferson.kctcs.edu/academics/programs_of_study/cit.
The Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services announced that it will provide the public the opportunity to review and provide input on operational modifications to the 1115 Kentucky HEALTH demonstration waiver application that is currently pending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Last year, Governor Matt Bevin, Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, and other state health officials introduced a comprehensive plan to help put Kentuckians on a path to better health outcomes and ensure long-term sustainability of the Medicaid program, known as Kentucky HEALTH (Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health). Kentucky HEALTH is an innovative approach that offers opportunities for individuals to take an active role in their health, engage in their communities, and gain skills for long-term independence and success. The demonstration waiver includes innovative delivery system reforms to expand the treatment of substance abuse, and a unique community engagement and employment initiative for Kentucky HEALTH members designed to strengthen Kentucky’s workforce and improve health and well-being.
“Since its inception, Kentucky HEALTH has been crafted in an open and transparent manner to create the best path forward for all Kentuckians,” said Secretary Glisson. “Over the course of many months, our team of dedicated state employees has worked tirelessly to plan for the successful implementation of Kentucky HEALTH. Thanks to their expertise and commitment to breaking down silos across government agencies, collaborating with local communities, and cutting through bureaucratic red tape, the Commonwealth has identified operational modifications that would support member success, community engagement growth, and administrative efficiency of the program.”
Glisson continued, “Although these revisions fall within the original waiver’s parameters, we will continue this commitment to transparency by accepting public comment on these operational modifications. We look forward to discussing these proposed changes with stakeholders, and continuing this collaborative process.”
Gov. Bevin introduced the demonstration waiver known as Kentucky HEALTH on June 22, 2016, and offered an extended public comment period, during which three public hearings were held and more than 1,400
comments were collected. This feedback from consumers, providers, advocates, and other stakeholders was reviewed and taken into consideration prior to the final proposal being submitted to CMS.
These proposed program operational modifications are a logical outgrowth of the original waiver application, and are minor revisions resulting from the Commonwealth’s ongoing program development efforts and continued negotiations with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Although these slight modifications do not meet the standard for requiring public input as set forth at 42 CFR 431.408, the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services will voluntarily hold open a 30-day public comment period and two public forums to gather public input on the proposed modifications.
The Commonwealth will be holding two public forums during the concurrent federal and state comment period:
FIRST PUBLIC HEARING:
- WHO: Representatives of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Governor’s Office
- WHAT: Public Forum
- WHEN: Friday, July 14, 2017, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
- WHERE: The Center for Rural Development 2292 South Highway 27 Suite 300 Somerset, KY 42501
- WHY: Opportunity to receive public input on the proposed operational revisions to the Commonwealth’s pending Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver. A complete draft of the Kentucky HEALTH waiver proposal and the proposed operational modifications are available for public review online at http://chfs.ky.gov/kentuckyhealth or for in-person inspection at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Secretary, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.
- Please Note: An interpreter for the deaf will be providing translation services at the hearing. Telephonic capabilities will be made available and posted on the Kentucky HEALTH website.
SECOND PUBLIC HEARING:
- WHO: Representatives of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Governor’s Office
- WHAT: Public Hearing
- WHEN: The Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare and Family Services meets at 10 a.m. EST, on Monday, July 17, 2017. During this meeting, there will be a short presentation explaining the modifications to the waiver. Public comments on the waiver will be taken upon adjournment of the committee meeting.
- WHERE: Kentucky Capitol Annex, room 129 702 Capital Avenue Frankfort, KY 40601
- WHY: Opportunity to receive public input on the proposed operational revisions to the Commonwealth’s pending Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver.
- Please Note: An interpreter for the deaf will be providing translation services at the hearing. Telephonic capabilities will be made available and posted on the Kentucky HEALTH website.
A complete draft of the Kentucky HEALTH waiver proposal and the proposed operational modifications are available for public review online at http://chfs.ky.gov/kentuckyhealth or for in-person inspection at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Secretary, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.
Students attending kindergarten this school year will have the opportunity to receive free dental screenings and school supplies beginning Saturday at Kindergarten ReadyFest.
The annual festival, which is hosted by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and the district’s southwest cluster of Family Resource and Youth Service Centers, will be held from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at Farnsley Middle School (3400 Lees Lane).
ReadyFest kicks off a series of back-to-school events sponsored by JCPS and various community partners, including Neighborhood Place and the Louisville Metro Department of Community Services, that provide free school and health supplies to students.
Kindergarten ReadyFest features music, games and other activities for students and their families. JCPS representatives will be on hand to provide students with free workbooks and supplies, help families complete paperwork for free and reduced school meals, let students take a ride on a school bus and schedule appointments for free uniforms through the Clothing Assistance Program. Students will also be able to receive a free dental screening, which is required for incoming kindergarteners.
Additionally, Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) representatives will be available to sign students up for library cards and share information about LFPL’s summer reading program.
The first day of school for JCPS students is August 16.
2017-18 Back-to-School Events List
The following events are free and open to the public. Students must be accompanied by an adult to receive supplies, and supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Saturday, July 15, Kindergarten ReadyFest at Farnsley Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Located at 3400 Lees Lane. The following schools will also be participating in the festival and will provide information about dress codes and school supplies: Auburndale, Brandeis, Cane Run, Carter, Dixie, Eisenhower, Engelhard, Foster, Frayser, Greenwood, Gutermuth, Hazelwood, Jacob, Johnsontown, Kennedy, Kenwood, Kerrick, Layne, Medora, McFerran, Mill Creek, Rutherford, Sanders, Shacklette, Stonestreet, Trunnell, Watson Lane, Wellington and Wilkerson.
- Thursday, July 27, Valley High School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Located at 10200 Dixie Highway.
- Saturday, July 29, Emmanuel Assembly of God Church, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Located at 5701 Johnsontown Road.
- Thursday, August 3, Academy @ Shawnee, 1– 4 p.m.
- Located at 4018 West Market Street.
- Friday, August 4, Cochran Elementary, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 500 West Gaulbert Avenue
- Saturday, August 5, Lighthouse Community Center, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 5312 Shepherdsville Road.
- Saturday, August 5, Meyzeek Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 828 South Jackson Street
- Saturday, August 5, Southwick Community Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 3621 Southern Avenue.
- Thursday, August 10, Olmsted Academy North, 1 – 7 p.m.
- Located at 4530 Bellevue Avenue.
- Saturday, August 12, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 4401 Rangeland Road.
- Sunday, August 13, Cane Run Elementary, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 3951 Cane Run Road.
Photo: Louisville Free Public Library
Have you ever worried about your child and drugs? Have you wondered what you can do to stop this problem before it starts? Are you worried that someone you love may be using drugs?
The Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and the Louisville Free Public Library will offer a course Heroin Hurts Louisville: What We Can Do to help parents, grandparents and caregivers with valuable insights as to why adolescents use drugs, how to start the dialogue about the dangers of substance abuse, and how to act quickly if someone they love is at risk of using. The 90-minute class is free. Registration is required. Phone 574-1623 to register.
Initially, two dates have been scheduled for this class. The first is Tuesday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library at 301 York St. If people aren’t able to attend the July class they can sign up for the class to be held on Saturday, August 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Southwest Regional Library at 9725 Dixie Highway. The course is taught by a certified drug and alcohol counselor. It includes educational information, video testimonies from young people and facilitated discussion. Participants will receive a toolkit with information and available resources
“In Louisville, 285 of our neighbors, friends and family members died of a drug overdose in 2016,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental deaths in Louisville and all of Kentucky. These classes represent one step in helping us understand and prevent opioid abuse in our community.”
“Many of our initiatives to battle the opioid epidemic in Louisville have, by necessity, been reacting to the needs of people suffering from the disease of addiction, and protecting our community from infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C,” said Public Health and Wellness Medical Director Dr. Sarah Moyer. “But it’s also important that we take proactive steps to prevent substance abuse in the first place. These classes are a first step. If we get a good response, we expect to add more classes at more locations.”
“We are very happy to be able to provide a place for these important classes,” said James Blanton, Director of the Louisville Free Public Library. “We hope that these classes are well-received and that we are able to hold similar classes in other library locations.”
Attorney General Andy Beshear and his Cyber Crimes Unit today announced an Elizabethtown couple has been arrested and charged for allegedly seeking sex with a minor.
Robert Dean Mitchell, 43, and Stephanie Smith, 30, were arrested in Jefferson County today and each charged with one count of prohibited use of an electronic communication system for the purpose of procuring a minor for a sex offense, a Class D felony.
At the time of arrest, Mitchell and Smith were charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony. Mitchell was charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor, and Smith with possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.
Beshear’s cyber investigators said a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old were with the couple when the arrest was made. The Secret Service assisted Beshear’s office in the arrests.
The work of the Cyber Crimes Unit, a division of the Department of Criminal Investigations in the Office of the Attorney General, is part of Beshear’s core mission to keep sexual predators away from Kentucky’s families and children.
“Protecting Kentucky’s children from sexual abuse is one of my top priorities,” Beshear said. “I appreciate the investigators in my office and the Secret Service for working so hard to keep our children safe.”
The Office of the Attorney General’s work to prevent child abuse in 2016 led to the arrest of more online child predators than any year in the history of the office. The number of arrests, indictments and convictions total more than 80.
Mitchell and Smith are being held in the Jefferson County Detention Center and are scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow morning in Jefferson District Court.
photo credit: Jamesmac96
The undisputed queen of R&B and hip hop Grammy –award winning platinum selling recording artist, Mary J. Blige, will be in concert on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Special guests Grammy nominated JOE and Stokely will perform on her “Strength of a Woman” tour at the KFC Yum! Center.
Mary J. Blige will be performing records from her new album “Strength of a Woman ‘” plus huge repertoire of hip-hop soul anthems that include the hits; You Remind Me, Real Love, I’m Going Down, Mary Jane (All Night Long), Not Gon’ Cry, As, Dance For Me, No More Drama.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, July 14 at noon. Tickets will be available at the KFC Yum! Center Box Office online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
