Wednesday November 5, 2025
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The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) will award a $25,000 emergency grant for specific tangible items to the Coalition for the Homeless, a Louisville organization working to prevent and end homelessness.
HOKC Commanding General Lynn Ashton said, “Our intent is to get the ball rolling and encourage other non-profit organizations and the Louisville community to join us and partner with the Coalition.”
HOKC Executive Director Sherry Crose added, “We recognize the hard work of Metro Government with the challenge of homelessness in the downtown area, but they cannot do it themselves. This is the home of our headquarters and also where the state’s biggest homeless population exists.”
Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director Natalie Harris said: “We cannot thank Metro Louisville and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels enough for seeing this important community need and leading the way to make change. We can reach the goal of helping those in need by following Metro Government’s lead and the HOKC through gifts from our compassionate community, but only if everyone gives what they can to help our homeless neighbors.
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith added: “I am grateful and not surprised that more organizations and individuals are stepping up to help those experiencing homelessness in our community. Hats off to the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels for leading the way with a major financial donation! It is my hope many more will follow.”
HOKC is a 501(c)(3) supporting Kentucky charities and worthy organizations through its Good Works Program. All donations are given by Colonels appointed by the Governor, who chose to exercise this honor in a meaningful way. For more information go to www.kycolonels.org.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
He served the community of Louisville for more than 40 years as a pastor and an advocate for housing and civil rights for all in the city.
On Saturday, December 15th, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the family and friends of the late Dr. James E. Miller and unveil an honorary sign on Golden Rule Way near the church where he preached.
“Dr. Miller led the Lampton Baptist Church and his impact reached far beyond its sanctuary for many years,” says Sexton Smith. “He was a strong leader involved in the NAACP and the Housing Authority of Louisville where touched the lives of several generations.”
Dr. James Elijah Miller was born on July 2, 1936 in Dallas, Texas. He received degrees from both Butler College and Dallas Theological Seminary. He began preaching as a teenager at Beulah Baptist Church in Texas, and later preached at Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Oklahoma before being called to serve in Louisville.
For 44 years, he was Pastor of Lampton Baptist Church in Louisville for 44 years, and after retirement he joined Christ’s Church of Our Community as an Associate Pastor.
During his life he served the Louisville community for more than 40 years in various ways including the following: hosting the Annual Martin Luther King Memorial Program, was an active member of the NAACP’s State Conference and an integral part of the 1979 NAACP National Convention in Louisville.
Mayor Harvey Sloane appointed him as Board Commissioner of the Housing Authority of Louisville where he served for 10 years and also awarded him with the key to the City of Louisville.
Dr. Miller was married to the late Doris Fay Lyons and had four children, Rev. Joel Miller, Rev. David Miller, JoAnna Harlan, and DeAnna Miller-Wooden. He went to his heavenly reward on September 2, 2018, and leaves behind his children, sisters, and many grandchildren, godchildren and great grandchildren.
Councilwoman Sexton Smith sponsored the Resolution which called for the placement of an honorary street sign Dr. Miller’s service to Louisville Metro is hereby recognized with the placement of honorary street signs on Golden Rule Way at the corners of both 4th Street and 5th Street next to the Immanuel Baptist Church and be designated as “Dr. James E. Miller Way.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 11:00am at the corner of South Fourth Street and Golden Rule Way located next to Immanuel Baptist Church.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Elementary school students at six schools in District 6 will get a special present this year when Councilman David James (D-6) hosts the Winter Wonderland Coat Giveaway on Friday, December 14th.
“Once again, this year we will be able to give warm coats to some students in need to help them stay warm during the winter and achieve great things at school,” says James. “This is the time of year when it is better to give than receive and some great sponsors are helping me achieve that goal.”
On Friday, December 14th, Councilman James will be distributing coats to students who attend Frayser, Englehard, Cochran, McFerran, Wheatly and Brandeis Elementary School at First Gethsemane Center for Family Development, 1221 First Gethsemane Avenue.
The students who have the greatest need were identified through their Jefferson County Public Schools Resource Counselors.
The giveaway was made possible through some very generous sponsors who have helped out at many seasonal District 6 events this year.
Councilman James has partnered with Kosair Charities, AL J Schneider Companies, Toys For Tots and Play Louisville to assist in this year’s program. The Councilman also gives special thanks to UAW Local 862 and Walmart.
“I want to thank all the sponsors who are making sure the children of our area have a nice holiday,” says James. “One of our themes for the Winter Wonderland Coat Giveaway is: The list has been made and checked twice, no naughtiness here, just to be nice!”
The fun begins at 6:00pm on Friday, December 14th.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge will join the Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron (Undergraduate Members of the University of Louisville) Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and the Louisville Kappa League for their annual task on Saturday, December 15th.
Their holiday mission is to deliver Christmas Meal Baskets to needy families throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“This is the time of year to reach out and help families in our community,” says Woolridge. “I am once again happy to join Kappa Alpha Psi, a dedicated organization of caring individuals in our city, on this important project.”
Kappa Alpha Psi began this annual initiative after deciding those in need should not go without food on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Joining Councilwoman Woolridge and the Fraternity in this effort is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 77.
“Part of our mission is to enrich our communities and the families within it. Giving back is one of the most important and valuable things an organization can do, especially during the holidays,” says Eric Stout, President of the Louisville (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. “We have a rich tradition of compassion, community service, and giving – all ingredients to a healthy and blessed holiday spirit. We are thankful to have supporters like the Councilwoman Woolridge, Big Brother Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and FOP Lodge 77, join our efforts year after year.”
Kappa Alpha Psi has already identified the families in need and on Saturday, will deliver Christmas baskets with food to cook a full course meal. Since 1984, over 1,200 baskets have been delivered during the holidays. This equates to over 40,000 pounds of food.
“This program not only provides a benefit to the community but I have to commend Kappa Alpha Psi for using it as a way to show younger members the importance of community service,” says Woolridge. “Caring for those in need is a year round commitment and what better time to begin such a journey.”
Here is Saturday’s Schedule for this year’s Christmas Meal basket Program:
- 8:30 AM Meet at Walmart Neighborhood Market 5360 Dixie Louisville, KY 40216
- 9:00 AM Begin Delivery of Baskets to Families
The Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District is reminding families that the application period for 2019-20 school year enrollment in JCPS ends December 19. All incoming kindergartners, students who are new to JCPS, students who have had a change of address, and any student who wants to be considered for a magnet school or program should register.
Families can register using the JCPS website or by visiting any JCPS school or the JCPS Parent Assistance Center at 4309 Bishop Lane. Parents or guardians should bring a photo ID and any one of the following: utility bill, lease, house contract, paycheck stub or government-issued check.
Parents who have questions regarding school registration may call 485-6250.
Families can learn more about the school choices available in JCPS here.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
For the second year in a row, Councilman David Yates (D-25) is calling upon the community to become part of the spirit of giving. He is collecting NEW coats and jackets to be distributed to children in need throughout our community.
“There are many children in need, that without our help, may not be able to stay warm this winter,” says Yates. “The spirit of giving is throughout our community and I tell anyone who can help us with this cause, now is the time!”
Over the last few months the Councilman has partnered with Shirley’s Way and Khalil’s on Dixie Highway to sponsor coat drives during the Shirley’ Way Queen of Hearts drawing, collecting over 100 New Coats from generous donors throughout our community.
Last year, the effort collected some 300 new coats for children in the Jefferson County School system.
“I encourage all neighbors, neighborhood associations, local businesses, and community organizations to step up and donate,” says Yates.
The Metro Council Coat Drive will culminate during a press conference scheduled Monday, December 17th, at 11:00 AM at City Hall in Council Chambers. During the press conference David would like to recognize all participating businesses and organizations and encourages them to send a representative to speak on their behalf.
South end schools will be present at the press conference collecting coats for students in need specifically identified by school counselors, teachers and staff. All remaining coats will be donated to the Jefferson County Public Schools Clothing Assistance Program to benefit students across the city.
All coats can be dropped off at City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson Street, 40202 or contact Councilman Yates’ office at 574-1125 to request the Councilman’s office pick up your donations.
Kentucky Venues’ guests who are blind or visually impaired will soon have access to an innovative technology that will improve their ability to navigate around large spaces and events.
Kentucky Venues, which operates the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) and the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) recently partnered with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) on their Nearby Explorer mobile app.
The app, developed by APH, gives people who are blind or visually impaired audio cues about the world around them and communicates information with beacons that will be installed at strategic points throughout both KICC and KEC.
The app offers an unmatched level of independence when moving through unfamiliar buildings, especially large ones like KICC or KEC. It provides the equivalent of electronic signage, so the user knows what rooms, stairs, etc. are in the vicinity.
“As a user of the app who is blind, I appreciate knowing the general layout of the venue,” said Larry Skutchan, Director of Technology Product Research at APH.
“This way, I can walk in the correct direction, find rooms, find stairs, etc. Even if walking with another person, it is super helpful to get information about what is around.”
Installation of the beacons is anticipated to be complete at both properties by January 31, 2019.
“Accessibility and innovation have always been important to our organization,” said David S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues.
“We are proud to partner with APH and want to assist all guests so they feel comfortable as they navigate through our facilities.”
The Nearby Explorer app is available for both Apple and Android phones.
