President David James (D-6) is sending praise to the community for giving an assist to Solid Waste Management Enforcement Officers as they tracked down an impounded the sixth vehicle of 2019 involved in illegal dumping.

“This latest incident shows the community is ready to help SWMS find those who would try to turn our neighborhoods into their own personal dumping grounds,” said the President. “My thanks also to SWMS officers who continue to make illegal dumping a priority”

One of Metro Public Works surveillance cameras captured photos of the individual dumping debris in an alley in District 6. However, what the camera didn’t capture was the license plate on the truck.

The images were sent out in the Works Weeks newsletter from the department, and within the hour, anonymous tips began to pour in.

Officers located the individual who immediately confessed and stated that he was in the wrong and accepted the consequences of his actions. He was issued a citation that totaled $750, and his truck was impounded. He will have to pay approximately $250 in impound fees.

“I have been told this impound would not have happened without the help of every citizen that called to aid in the search. To our community, keep up the good work,” said James.

On Friday, July 26, 2019 at 10AM, Metro Councilman Stuart Benson (District 20), Kevin Kramer (District 11) and Robin Engel (District 22) will unveil a plaque honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Carl E. Owen. The event will take place at the Charlie Vettiner Golf Course’s clubhouse and is open to the public.

Mr. Owen served as a Head Golf Professional within the Louisville Metro Parks System for 37 years. His leadership over the years led to the growth and development of the Charlie Vettiner Golf Course into one of the best courses in Kentucky as well as helping to grow its youth program into one of the largest in the community.

Mr. Carl E. Owen graduated from Shawnee High School in 1957 where he lettered in both Golf and Basketball. He attended the University of Kentucky on a golf scholarship. Carl turned professional in 1961 and began his career as an assistant golf pro under Fithian Shaw at Owensboro Country Club. His golf career was briefly interrupted in 1962, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  Carl served two years of active duty and four years in the Army Reserve. After he finished his two years of active duty, he was hired as an assistant to Gordon Leishman at Idlehour Country Club in Lexington, KY.  He worked at Idlehour from 1964 to 1967. In May, 1967 he was hired by Charlie Vettiner as the Head Golf Professional of the new 9 hole Chenoweth Golf Course.  Carl remained as the Head PGA Golf Professional for over 37 years until his retirement in 2004.  His dedication to the youth, the golf course, & all who played here was fulfilling & exemplary.

Carl had many accomplishments during his career, but his greatest joy was the development of young juniors that worked for him & the junior golfers in his programs. This is Carl’s lasting legacy.  At one time, Charlie Vettiner had the largest junior program in the Metropolitan area. He taught these youth much more than golf.  He was their teacher, their mentor, and a positive role model.  He was a fill in parent and head cheerleader to them all.  He taught them that love and respect for their families, along with their education, were paramount.  Some of these players went on to play collegiate golf, some won major tournaments, some even became head PGA professionals.

With less than 60 days until the festival opens it doors at 11 AM on Friday, September 20, Bourbon and Beyond aims to please attendees with incredible food, bourbon and music. With the new location, excessive rain will not be an issue this year.

Tickets are still available for purchase as well as many of the VIP options and Thursday night Dinner options with celebrity chefs. Tickets and pricing can be found on the Bourbon and Beyond website.

Saturday, September 14th is the start of three week period where the Kentucky Exposition Center will be flooded with attendees looking for good food, delicious bourbons, and excellent music for entertainment (however, people watching at festivals such as this can often be viewed as entertainment as well).

The lineup for the newest music and bourbon festival has been set and tickets are still available. Tickets should be purchased before attending the show since there are a finite number of tickets.

Be sure to check the website before going to see what items are allowed into the venue and what must be left at home. There will be locker rentals available with cell phone charging stations at the Exposition Center.

Louisville Metro Animal Services asks pets owners to take precautions in preparation for the extreme heat forecast for this weekend. Exposure to hot temperatures can cause heatstroke in pets, and even death.  Pet owners can follow these tips to keep their four-legged companions safe in hot weather:

Stay Inside and Limit outdoor time  It’s best to keep pets inside with the air conditioner set to a comfortable temperature. Outdoor time should be limited to prevent heat-related injuries.

Shade and water If a pet must be kept outdoors, make sure they access to fresh, cool water and a shady area away from the sun. Dog houses are not always adequate because they can block air flow. Hanging a tarp between two trees is a better option because it does not block air flow. A haircut can also help your pet cool off in excessive heat. Some dogs have an undercoat which keeps them cool, so check with your Veterinarian or groomer first.

Do not leave pets alone in a parked vehicle The temperature inside the vehicle can reach triple digits in a matter of minutes, even if the windows are left cracked and could result in heatstroke or death. Do not leave a pet in a vehicle parked in the shade because shade moves with the sun. Call 911 immediately to report a pet left alone in a hot vehicle.

Avoid walking dogs in hot weather Do not walk your dog during the hottest part of the day. Take shorter walks in the mornings or evenings to prevent a pet from overheating. Try to avoid pavement, asphalt and sidewalks which could burn your dog’s paws. If you place your hand on the sidewalk for 15 seconds and it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your pet.

Know the signs of Heatstroke Heatstroke can be fatal so it’s important to know the symptoms in pets. Signs include heavy panting or difficulty breathing, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, excessive thirst and seizures. Get to a veterinarian immediately if a pet displays these symptoms. Visit the ASPCA’s website for more hot weather safety tips for pets.

To report an animal within Jefferson County with no protection from the heat or access to fresh water, contact LMAS animal control at 473-PETS.  

Contact 911 immediately to report an animal left alone inside a vehicle.  

Mayor Greg Fischer joined the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Parks and Recreation, President District 6 Councilman David James and Friends of Victory Park to celebrate the completion of the $1.1 Million Revitalization project. The event will take place at Victory Park at 11 a.m.

Victory Park, a four-acre park located at 1051 S 23rd Street, is the site of a $1.1 million revitalization project started in 2017. Thanks to donor support, Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks and Recreation worked closely with the community to create and execute a Master Plan for Victory Park to better serve its residents. The project was divided into two phases:

• Phase one (completed in Spring 2018) relocated the basketball court to the northwest side of the park, creating a larger open area for activities; installed a new walking path (more than a quarter mile in length) and added lighting, benches and 35 trees to the park.
• Phase two, a $640,000 additional park investment, began in Fall 2018 and was completed in July 2019. This included construction of a new playground and sprayground, addition to the lodge to allow a covered picnic area, renovated lodge kitchen, and additional tree planting.

“The Olmsted Parks Conservancy and its donors and partners have made a wise investment in west Louisville and the city as a whole with this transformational project in Victory Park,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I hope it creates a renewed sense of pride in this beautiful Olmsted-designed park, and look forward to see the lodge, the playground and sprayground brimming with activity this summer and in the future.”

“I’m excited to see the work and energy put forward by the community transformed from a vision to reality here at Victory Park,” said David James, District 6 Councilman. “I’m very thankful to Olmsted Parks Conservancy for their efforts and dedication to Victory Park and the California Neighborhood.”

“We are thrilled to continue our investment in Victory Park, one of the Olmsted Park jewels in our community,” expressed Layla George, President of Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “We are grateful for the support from J. Graham Brown Foundation, Kosair Charities, Brown Forman, and GE Appliances who helped fund the new playground, spray ground and renovated kitchen in the lodge. The Friends of Victory Park group has worked tirelessly alongside our staff to care for and program this park. Victory Park looks better than ever and it’s because of the people who live here.”

The project was made possible with support from donors to Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s Campaign for Extraordinary Parks (including Humana Foundation, James Graham Brown Foundation, Kosair Charities and PNC Foundation), Brown Forman Foundation, GE Appliances, Louisville Parks and Recreation, City of Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer and Councilman David James.