Tuesday January 27, 2026
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
SubscribeFor the first time in Kentucky, some child protection cases will be open to the public under a four-year pilot project that will take place 2018-2021. The Supreme Court of Kentucky issued an order March 13 authorizing the Open Court Pilot Project. In 2018, Family Courts will be open from March 19-May 31 in Hopkins and Jefferson counties and the four-county judicial circuit of Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton and Robertson. Although child protection cases are normally closed due to confidentiality, the pilot project will provide an opportunity to look at whether it’s beneficial to open some cases for the public to observe. The public and media will be able to attend proceedings in cases involving child dependency, neglect and abuse, and termination of parental rights. Judges in the first six counties to participate in the pilot project volunteered to open their courts for a two-month observation/evaluation period. The 2016 Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation asking the Supreme Court to institute a pilot project to study open courts. The project is covered in KRS 21A.190-192. “I’ve long been in favor of opening courts when there are benefits to be gained in accountability and transparency,” Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. said. “Kentucky has been discussing opening child protection cases for several years, and I look forward to seeing what we learn from this pilot project. I appreciate the judges in the pilot counties, who are as invested as I am in determining how to balance the public’s need to know with the child’s need for privacy.” Parents and other parties and professionals involved in the proceedings, such as attorneys and social workers, will be asked to complete a survey about their experience with open court. Reporters will also have the opportunity to take a survey. Signs outside the Family Court Courtrooms will give the public information about the pilot project and the rules for participating. Those who attend proceedings are prohibited from recording audio or video and taking photos, taking notes with the name or personal information of any minor child who is a party or witness unless the name/information was obtained outside of court, getting copies of any documents or court recordings, and sharing the name or personal information of any party or witness unless they are discussing it with another party or witness in the case or unless they obtained the information outside of court. Media outlets must adhere to the same rules as the public. The media may report on cases that take place in open court but may not record audio or video or take photos, take notes with the name or personal information of any minor child who is a party or witness unless the name/information was obtained outside of court, get copies of any documents or court recordings or share the name or personal information of any party or witness unless they are discussing with another party or witness in the case or unless they obtained the information outside of court. In the context of the pilot project, the definition of party includes the child, the child’s parents and/or custodian and the social service worker. A judge may close proceedings if it is determined to be in the best interest of the child or for other good cause. The procedure for closing a case during the pilot project is described in KRS 21A.190(2). All cases involving sexual abuse will be closed. The Department of Family and Juvenile Services at the Administrative Office of the Courts is administering the pilot project. Court staff will attend court proceedings to observe and will conduct focus groups with family members and professionals involved in the cases. They will also provide surveys to participants. The AOC will report to the legislature annually on the project. Family Court Case Schedule The schedules for Family Courts participating in the Open Court Pilot Project are:
-
Jefferson County – 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Jefferson County Judicial Center, 700 W. Jefferson St., Louisville -
Hopkins County – 9 a.m. CT Tuesday, Hopkins County Justice Center, 120 E. Center St., Madisonville Harrison County – 1:30 p.m. ET on the first and third Wednesday of the month, Harrison County Justice Center, 115 Court St., Cynthiana
-
Nicholas County – 1 p.m. ET on the first and third Tuesday of the month, Nicholas County Courthouse, 125 E. Main St., Carlisle -
Pendleton County – 10 a.m. ET on the first and third Tuesday of the month, Pendleton County Judicial Center, 120 Ridgeway Ave., Falmouth -
Robertson County – 10 a.m. ET on the first and third Tuesday of the month, Robertson County Judicial Center, 127 E. Walnut St., Mount Olivet
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilman David Yates (D-25) will be on hand for the unveiling of the newest Kentucky Historical Marker which tells the history of a road that is well travelled in Southwestern Louisville.
“St. Andrews Church Road is well known to those of us who live in the area but many may not know the reason why it was named in the first place,” says Yates. “We should always honor the history of the area and the people who came before us.”
Kentucky Historical marker #2551 will be located at Doss High School, 7601 St. Andrews Church Road. The marker will provide the history of St. Andrews Church Road as well as the Wiser family who owned much of the property in the area.
The text of the historical marker is:
ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH ROAD
Intersection with Dixie Hwy once had post office, hotel, and train
depot. Ella Murphy was depot agent for many years. Doss HS and
Trunnel Elem opened 1967. Thomas Harry Doss was Jefferson Co.
School Board Chairman. Bertha Trunnel was long-time educator.
Now called Pleasure Ridge Park, formerly known as Wisertown.
Sponsored by Wiser descendants
WISERTOWN
Area once known as Wisertown. Descendants and extended family
of John (1793-1877) and Luzanna Wiser (1804-1873) lived here,
including Gagels, Arnolds, and Webers. John came here 1817,
married Luzanna 1821, bought farm 1838. They built St. Andrew’s
Church and Cemetery then gave to Catholic Church. Wiser farm now
site of Doss HS and Trunnel Elem.
The unveiling ceremony will take place at Doss High School beginning at 4:00pm on Sunday, March 18th.
The Democratic Leadership of the Louisville Metro Council is calling on the people of Metro Louisville to contact lawmakers in Frankfort and let them know the importance of passing Senate Bill 66.
The proposed legislation deals with pension funding obligations by local city and county governments. Failure to pass the bill could have devastating effects for Metro Louisville.
The Leadership has released the following statement:
“There are less than two weeks left in the current legislative session in Frankfort. As this session draws to a close, there is word that SB66 may not be called for a vote.
There is great debate on how to fund the state’s obligations to the pension system for the coming years. Every year Kentucky’s cities and counties meet their financial pension obligations to their employees. Now these local governments are faced with a major financial crisis if SB 66 is not passed.
Louisville Metro Government is looking at a $38 million dollar increase in pension funding on top of the $76 million it already annually pays. If Louisville is forced to pay this increase, there could be devastating cuts in services covering all areas of government including public safety and laying off employees.
SB 66 would allow local governments to phase in increases up to 12% per year over a period of ten years. It is a realistic approach. It would allow Metro Louisville to work within its means to provide government services while keeping its commitment to our employees.
The time has come for the people of Louisville to let Frankfort know they support giving city and county governments the leeway needed to continue pension obligations by passing SB 66.
This is not an issue that should be dealt with in a special session. Right now, the Mayor and the Metro Council are putting together the Fiscal Year 2018 to 2019 Operating and Capital Budgets. A special session on SB66 is simply kicking the can down the road, while Metro Louisville and other cities are put in limbo.
Lawmakers should realize that if SB 66 is not passed, the proposed pension costs along with cuts in the budget proposed by Governor Bevin will have a major negative impact on the people of Metro Louisville. It will increase a possible budget deficit from $38 to $50 million.
Louisville is the chief economic engine that drives the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Now is not the time to stop our progress. The people of Louisville are asking the General Assembly to do what is right.”
Thirteen seniors from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) have been awarded the 2018 Vogt Educational & Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes the students for their academic achievements and leadership in and out of the classroom. The students will be celebrated for their accomplishments during the annual awards luncheon, being held at noon on Monday, March 19 at The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Ave.
Prior to his death in 1999, Henry V. Heuser Sr. established the endowed scholarship fund at the Community Foundation of Louisville to provide $10,000 college scholarships annually to remarkable JCPS high school seniors. This special award honors exceptional students throughout Jefferson County who have demonstrated high standards of scholarship, leadership, character and citizenship. Including this year, more than $2.9 million has been awarded to 291 students.
Henry V. Heuser Jr. will host the annual awards luncheon to present the scholarships. He will be joined by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS principals, more than 100 business and community leaders, and several university and college presidents from the region who have contributed additional scholarship incentives if the awardees attend their colleges.
Student winners are selected based on SAT/ACT scores and cumulative GPAs, as well as demonstrated community and campus leadership, participation in extracurricular activities, and recommendations from principals and community leaders.
The 2018 Vogt Educational & Leadership Scholarship recipients are:
- Franklin Alongi, Atherton High School
- Brian Knapp, Ballard High School
- Randi House, Butler Traditional High School
- Nora Alshimary, Brown School
- Madison Sneve, DuPont Manual High School
- Jovita Devasia, Eastern High School
- Patrick Ryan, Fern Creek High School
- David Do, Fairdale High School
- Rachel Roberts, Jeffersontown High School
- Kaylee Coleman, Louisville Male High School
- Madison Shely, Marion C. Moore School
- Ryan Finley, Southern High School
- Oliver Kratholm, Waggener High School
After extensive community engagement, Develop Louisville staff will present the update of Louisville Metro’s Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission on April 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Jail auditorium (514 W. Liberty Street).
The Comprehensive Plan is a guide for the community’s growth and development over the next 20 years. This update builds on the current Comprehensive Plan, Cornerstone 2020, and will be in effect until 2040.
Kentucky Revised Statutes requires a Comprehensive Plan for communities with zoning ordinances. The plan was updated using five key principles: connectivity, health, authenticity, sustainability and equity. The plan includes elements focused on land use, transportation, community facilities, livability, housing and economic development.
Extensive research and community engagement was conducted to draft the update. Examples of such engagement methods include an Advisory Committee, six work groups with open membership, nine community forums, a scientific survey, a public opinion survey and presentations at various community events and meetings. In total, over 6,000 Louisville residents participated in over 160 meetings and events to provide their thoughts on this update.
When the Planning Commission completes its review of the updated plan, the document will be presented to Metro Council as well as 12 local municipalities with zoning authority for formal adoption. Those 12 local municipalities are: Anchorage, Douglass Hills, Graymoor-Devondale, Hurstbourne, Indian Hills, Jeffersontown, Lyndon, Middletown, Prospect, Shively, St. Matthews and St. Regis Park.
A public comment period is now open and will remain so until the Planning Commission recommends approval. To view the draft Comprehensive Plan update document and as well as a public comment form, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design/comprehensive-plan. Comments may also be provided to Develop Louisville Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as by mail sent to 444 S. 5th Street, Louisville, KY, 40202, Suite 300, RE: Comprehensive Plan.
Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes on Thursday recognized educators and community leaders for their work to promote civic education and engagement in Kentucky. She held a ceremony at Rupp Arena during the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 and honored an individual from each KHSAA region and a statewide recipient.
“Right now, teachers and educators are routinely being disrespected by the Governor and members of the General Assembly,” said Grimes. “And while the men and women who make positive impacts in the lives of our young people and inspire their growth are being insulted, at the same time, resources are being cut from education. Today, I expressed to these leaders that they are valued and the work they do is crucial to the future of our Commonwealth. They pour their energy into the success of Kentucky’s youth and deserve not only respect but accolades. Our Civic Education Leadership Award honors their outstanding work.”
The Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award program recognizes teachers, school administrators, legislators and community leaders who have made notable contributions toward promoting or implementing civic learning to prepare students to be active and engaged in their communities.
Eric Sexton of Edmonton (Region 4) received the 2018 award. He organizes leadership government sessions for local middle and high school students, which provides them first-hand experience with state government in Frankfort and meetings with their state legislators. Sexton regularly helps organize high school voter registration and education drives. As a career/college coordinator in Metcalfe County, Sexton oversaw a 20 percent increase in college-bound graduates. He received a $1,000 award to be used toward resources for his civic programs.
The 16 regional finalists are:
- Region 1 – Michael Robinson
- Region 2 – Joseph Riley
- Region 6 – Jonathan Joseph
- Region 7 – Jan Helson
- Region 10 – Sara Wells
- Region 11 – Josh Mers
- Region 12 – Jeff Moss
- Region 13 – Jeff Phillips
- Region 14 – Vivian Carter
- Region 15 – Fran Booth
- Region 16 – Lea Ann Reeves-Gollihue
Each regional finalist received a $250 award for their civic education programs.
The Secretary of State’s office’s partners with Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, which judges the nominations, and Kentucky Department of Education to present this award annually.
Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes on Thursday recognized four Kentucky high school students for winning her office’s 29th annual essay contest. She held a ceremony at Rupp Arena during the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament.
The winners in their respective grades are:
- 9th Grade – Nevaeh Hope Dearmond (Logan County High School, Russellville)
- 10th Grade – Chloe Morgan Watkins (Logan County High School, Russellville)
- 11th Grade – Anna Frances Baskin (Henry Clay High School, Lexington)
- 12th Grade – Victoria Kelly Brunson (Craft Academy at Morehead State University)
“Just yesterday, I stood hand in hand with students as they let their voices be heard about gun violence and safety in schools. Everywhere you turn, young people are driving engagement in their schools, their communities, and in Kentucky,” said Grimes. “These four young women are incredible representatives of all the young people who getting up, getting out, and getting loud right now. I know Kentucky’s future is very bright.”
Created in 1988, the Secretary of State’s essay contest serves to inspire students to be active and informed citizens, with particular emphasis on election-related issues. High school students are invited to write essays regarding the First Amendment and elections. Entries were judged on research and understanding of voting and the First Amendment, idea development, organization, language and correctness. The University of Kentucky Scripps Howard First Amendment Center judges the anonymous contest entries.
Each winner received a $1,000 cash scholarship made possible by the Office of Secretary of State and its partners, KEA and KEA Retired, the University of Kentucky Scripps Howard First Amendment Center and the Kentucky Department of Education.
Winners of the slogan contest, which is open to students in grades 6 through 8, will be announced separately.
