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On Thursday morning, Iroquois High School students will cut the ribbon on a new community amphitheater designed and built by the students.
The amphitheater will provide both Iroquois High School and the surrounding neighborhood with an outdoor space for award presentations, concerts, plays, farmers markets, and spring and fall festivals. Iroquois was able to build the amphitheater after applying for and receiving a $25,000 nationwide grant from Lowe’s last year.
“The community amphitheater project is a perfect example of how JCPS couples classroom education with real-world experiences that prepare our students for postsecondary education and their future careers,” said Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. “The students earned this award through their creativity, hard work and desire to build something that strengthens their school community and the surrounding neighborhood.”
Iroquois is one of the district’s career-theme schools, where students may earn dual college credit, articulated college credit and an industry certification while they are earning their high school diplomas.
Students participating in this project are also involved in the SkillsUSA and Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor programs, and enrolled in the Construction Technology Program at Iroquois. Through the program, students invest time developing marketable skills in high-demand areas such as brick and block masonry, building maintenance, carpentry, architectural drafting, electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning, interior design, plumbing and welding.
Mayor Fischer cheered today’s news that Google Fiber will soon begin construction in Louisville.
“Many have eagerly waited to hear these words: Google Fiber is coming to Louisville,” Mayor Fischer said. “This next step toward bringing Google Fiber’s super-fast internet network to Louisville demonstrates our city’s commitment to the type of forward-looking innovation that creates opportunities for businesses and families.”
Google Fiber expects to soon file its first permit to building its network in Louisville, the company said today. The network construction will be done in phases, which will allow a more efficient build and reduce disruption. Google Fiber’s initial build out will focus on a handful of communities and neighborhoods.
Google Fiber plans to test innovative new ways to deploy super-fast Internet, such as the microtrenching technique already approved by the city. Google Fiber is also working on advancing wireless capabilities that would connect communities even faster.
The company will release details of its service in Louisville at a later date.
Residents can sign up for notifications about Google Fiber’s progress at http://google.com/fiber/louisville.
Google Fiber today described Mayor Fischer, the Metro Council and the Jefferson County League of Cities as valued partners for its support of Google Fiber’s efforts to come to Louisville, including for the support of the One Touch Make Ready policy.
“Louisville is officially joining a who’s who of cities that are focused on building strong economies for today and for the future,” Mayor Fischer said. “I’m eager to see the positive transformation this brings for our city’s businesses and families for years to come.”
Metro Council President David Yates said: “Google Fiber’s commitment to constructing a gigabit fiber optic network in Louisville is exciting for both our people and businesses. The infrastructure will provide a platform for further economic development and technological investment into our community. The welcome increase in competition for both television and internet will improve the quality and cost of these services throughout our city, positively impacting every customer in this market. Our city has invested much in bringing Google Fiber from Silicon Valley to the Ohio Valley. We are excited to begin seeing the return on that investment for our citizens.”
Councilman Kevin Kramer added: “I thank Google for making the decision to invest in Louisville. We have worked hard to express our interest as a city, and believe this expansion will aid the many families, businesses, and organizations who yearn for speedy and reliable access to the internet.”
Councilman Bill Hollander said: “High speed internet is a necessity for any growing city and today’s announcement is another step toward more jobs and economic growth. Mayor Fischer’s pursuit of Google Fiber, with the support of Metro Council and our suburban cities, has already led to more competition, which means better service and pricing for our entire community. I look forward to more of both.”
Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts School (LPAS), a districtwide magnet of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), is celebrating 50 years of history, culture and educating leaders. Rooted in rich tradition and values established in December 1966, LPAS has transformed from an elementary school to become the only public performing arts elementary school in Kentucky.
On April 29, former students, staff and the community are invited to celebrate this milestone anniversary. The celebration, which will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the school at 930 E. Main St., will include games, crafts, tours, student performances and conversations about the school’s history.
Additionally, LPAS families, friends and alumni are encouraged to share their memories of the school ahead of the event. Photos and stories can be submitted here.
The first phase of the Bourbon District – an initiative that pays homage to Downtown Louisville’s rich bourbon history and recognizes the city’s current bourbon industry boom – was unveiled today on Main Street in front of the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
Featuring Historic Site signs, Destination signs, banners and a pop-up “event scape,” the Bourbon District is a collaborative effort led by the Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP), Louisville Metro Government and the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau, in cooperation with Downtown’s Bourbon industry community.
At one time, Main Street was a hub of activity for the bourbon industry due to its proximity to the river.
“Main Street is truly the home of Louisville’s bourbon industry, both historically and in its current resurgence,” said Rebecca Matheny, Executive Director of the Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP).
“Today, ‘Bourbonism®’ is thriving in Downtown Louisville, with four distillery experiences already open and three more planned, as well as a number of additional bourbon attractions slated to open within the next few years,” said Mayor Greg Fischer, who unveiled the first historical marker on Main Street.
The Bourbon District will use the public right of way to create an engaging and educational aesthetic for pedestrians while supporting the ongoing development of the bourbon industry in Downtown Louisville.
The renaissance of bourbon has sparked tourism and development in Downtown Louisville.
“While Louisville’s bourbon story goes back to the late 1700’s, it’s only been in the last decade that bourbon tourism has become a defining point of our city’s authenticity. We are thrilled to be part of sharing this cultural heritage with locals and visitors and think it will enhance their appreciation of Louisville’s unique destination experience,” said Karen Williams, President and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
When complete, the Bourbon District will be concentrated along Main Street from Jackson Street to 10th Street, and along Fourth Street from Main Street to Broadway.
Solid Light, a local Louisville company nationally recognized for designing and building extraordinary visitor experiences, created the Bourbon District to be a walkable experience.
“When visitors come to the Bourbon District, they will have an authentic experience learning about Louisville’s bourbon heritage and experiencing its resurgence,” said Solid Light Owner/President Cynthia Torp. “Working with the Louisville Downtown Partnership to create the Bourbon District was especially meaningful for us because our roots are here, so we are dedicated to keeping the history of our community alive. With every piece of history we uncovered and historical marker we designed, our passion for the project and for sharing Louisville’s bourbon story grew.”
Phase I, unveiled today, is concentrated on Main Street between Fourth and Sixth streets and will highlight the four active bourbon attractions. Plans for Phase II, which will be located on the southwest corner of Fourth and Main streets, include a grand sculptural element as part of a Story Hub, an informational and interactive center of the Bourbon District. Phase III will include at least eight more Historic Site signs and Destination Signs for the upcoming bourbon experiences.
Phase IV will include further activations to make the corners of Fourth and Main Streets distinctive pedestrian areas. “Bourbon is such a significant part of Downtown Louisville’s history, and the Bourbon District will help us tell that story to locals and visitors from all across the globe,” Matheny added.
LDP drives economic growth in Downtown and adjacent central-city neighborhoods for the benefit of the entire region, as well as oversees multiple on-street enhancements that help establish Downtown Louisville’s distinctive character and widespread appeal. LDP believes the economic engine of any great city starts with a strong Downtown.
For more information, go to: www.louisvilledowntown.org. LDP can be contacted at 556 S. Fourth Street; Louisville, KY 40202; (502)584-6000.
Photo: Kentucky Governor’s page
First Lady Glenna Bevin today attended the Women’s Auxiliary Spring Luncheon held at the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville. Mrs. Bevin spoke in front of an audience of 300 women, where she shared how her personal experiences have influenced her passion for children and those in the Kentucky foster care system. After being involved in the Southern Baptist Seminary for many years, the Bevins established the Bevin Center for Mission Mobilization in memory of their oldest daughter, Brittiney, who had an incredible passion for children and mission work.
“I have raised my children to be the hands and feet of Christ,” said Mrs. Bevin. “We have children here in Kentucky who are going to bed hungry, abused, and that don’t know Jesus loves them. That shatters everything inside me.”
Mrs. Bevin stated that there were many reasons her husband decided to run for governor, but one in particular was to correct Kentucky’s broken foster care system. Prior to adopting four children from Ethiopia, Gov. and Mrs. Bevin attempted to adopt an 11-year-old girl in Kentucky. However, their application was denied due to the many unnecessary regulations in the state’s foster care system.
“My reasons for being here are not to tell you my story. My reasons are very, very, selfish,” said Mrs. Bevin. “I am here to call on you to be my foot soldiers in this battle for Kentucky’s children. We have to take advantage of our programs and educate ourselves on the issues that Kentucky kids face today. Step out of your comfort zone, rethink your plans, your missions, and to pray for God’s guidance in making Kentucky your mission field.”
This call to action follows the Gov. and First Lady’s Open Hearts/Open Homes summit held in March. This was a collaboration between the Governor’s Office and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. There, state officials called on communities to take action and provided inspiring, but sobering education as to the current situation within Kentucky’s foster care and adoption systems.
The Worksite Wellness Council of Louisville, a Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement partner, will host its annual worksite wellness conference on Thursday, May 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Gheens Foundation Lodge at Beckley Creek Park in the beautiful Parklands of Floyds Fork. For conference registration, sponsorship or vendor information, or to apply for an award, visit http://bit.ly/2nn4fGU.
Businesses with worksite wellness programs are encouraged to apply for an award. Awards will be presented at the conference. The deadline to apply is this Friday, April 28. The Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement has been recognizing businesses committed to fostering employee health and wellness for 11 years. The awards are based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Worksite Health ScoreCard criteria, in recognition of policies, programs and strategies proven to work. Four levels of winners will be awarded based on ScoreCard results: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. In addition, several “Fleur de Lis” awards will be presented to honor businesses with exemplary or unique worksite wellness programs or initiatives. Businesses can apply at https://www.stateofwellness.org/louisville/.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Plug into Wellness to Light Up your Community.” Attendees will hear from guest speakers on topics such as how to connect with all sectors of the community to improve employee and community health and how workplace wellness programs serve as a foundation for changing and improving business.
“We welcome any and all businesses who want to learn more about creating healthier workplaces to attend the conference,” said Allison Ledford, chair, Worksite Wellness Council of Louisville. “It’s a great way to learn about best practices in improving employee health whether it’s through our speakers or through networking and sharing.”
The cost to attend the conference is $75 if registration is completed by April 30. The cost is $95 after May 1 or the day of the conference. Online registration and additional information regarding vendor booths and sponsorships is available at http://bit.ly/2nn4fGU. Sponsors include Norton Healthcare, Humana, Musselman Hotels, Anthem, and the Louisville chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.
The Worksite Wellness Council of Louisville assists area employers to establish worksite wellness by providing training seminars and conferences throughout the year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), worksite wellness programs enhance worker productivity, reduce absences, reduce health care costs and help to shift the health care paradigm from treatment to prevention.
Attorney General Andy Beshear today joined with other state attorneys general to send a letter to federal officials expressing concern over the withdrawal of critical student loan servicing reforms.
The multistate letter – co-sponsored by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and joined by 19 attorneys general and the Office of Consumer Protection of Hawaii – was sent today to the U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in opposition to the Department’s recent rollback of guidance intended to reform the student loan servicing industry.
“Federal student loan default rates continue to rise across the country and many face crushing loan debt and credit score ruin,” said Beshear. “The Department has abandoned its responsibility to millions of student loan borrowers and their families across the country. Borrowers are now left more susceptible to poor practices and abuses that the servicing reforms were intended to thwart.”
The guidance, issued by the Department of Education last year, centered on helping borrowers get accurate information about their loans and repayment options, ensuring the consistency of service provided by student loan servicers, increasing servicer accountability, and enhancing transparency.
The reforms also aimed to improve borrowers’ access to affordable loan repayment plans designed to help borrowers in distress avoid default and curtail loan servicer misconduct.
Beshear said the letter provides a voice for those borrowers who regularly file complaints with the attorneys general about not receiving the necessary guidance from their loan servicers to make sound decisions about repayment.
According to the letter, borrowers struggle under the weight of their student loan debt. In 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimated that more than 25 percent of student loan borrowers were delinquent or in default on a student loan.
“Many such borrowers would benefit greatly from entering income-driven repayment plans but are prevented from doing so by student loan servicer misconduct and misinformation,” the letter states.
Joining today’s letter with Attorney General Beshear are the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Illinois, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia, as well as the Executive Director of the Office of Consumer Protection of Hawaii.