Tuesday January 27, 2026
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Gov. Matt Bevin today joined local officials and company executives from Maxim Crane Works LP, a nationwide crane rental and lifting services provider, to open a $4.71 million office that consolidates the company’s operations into Kentucky and is creating 100 full-time jobs.
“Maxim Crane Works has been a steady corporate partner in Kentucky for more than 80 years, and this latest investment showcases even further commitment to the commonwealth,” Gov. Bevin said. “Maxim Crane is a powerful name within its industry, and we are proud the company continues to strengthen its presence in our state. Congratulations to the company, the community of Wilder and the Northern Kentucky region on this incredible new endeavor.”
Before the ribbon cutting, Maxim executives toured guests through the new 17,000-square-foot office. The building brings together Maxim’s operations and leadership functions in Campbell County, where the company has operated a regional headquarters since 1937. Maxim bases about 400 cranes in Wilder for quick deployment to customers across the Eastern US. Its growth projections – including organic and via acquisition – helped bring the project to fruition.
“This is a project that clearly demonstrates the benefits of a pro-business government working together with the private sector to generate jobs and economic growth at a record pace,” said Frank Bardonaro, COO for Maxim. “We appreciate the support of the Governor and local leaders to provide Maxim the opportunity to bring more jobs and opportunity to the local community as a result of this tremendous joint effort.”
“I am honored to be able to present our employees, customers and the next generation of Maxim employees with this state-of-the-art facility,” added Bryan Carlisle, the company’s CEO. “We are extremely grateful to our employees for providing us with this opportunity to continue what started a few miles away in 1937 and has grown into the largest and most successful Crane Rental company in the USA.”
Maxim is a coast-to-coast provider of crane rental and lifting services. With over 50 locations across the country, Maxim provides services in every state and has consolidated more than 30 crane-rental companies.
Sen. Wil Schroder, of Wilder, noted the company’s prominence within its industry.
“On behalf of the citizens in the 24th Senatorial District, I’d like to welcome the nation’s largest provider of crane rental and lifting services, Maxim Crane Works,” Sen. Schroder said. “This $4.71 million investment and the creation of 100 jobs is yet another testament to Campbell County’s workforce. The 24th Senatorial District continues to be a leader of economic development in the commonwealth and I am proud to welcome this business to our region.”
Rep. Dennis Keene, of Wilder, said the local workforce has the skillset to meet any need and expressed gratitude for the company’s investment in the region.
“This announcement is just further proof that Wilder is a great place to do business and that its workforce is second-to-none,” Rep. Keene said. “I want to thank the leaders of Maxim Crane Works for being such an integral part of our corporate community for more than 80 years and for deciding to invest nearly $5 million more as it consolidates its in-state operations here. I also appreciate what our local and state economic development leaders have done to make today’s ribbon cutting possible.”
Wilder Mayor Stanley Turner commended the company on its steady growth.
“Congratulations to Maxim Crane on the completion of this expansion,” Mayor Turner said. “The City of Wilder is very proud to be the location chosen to support the continued growth of Maxim Crane’s corporate operations in our region.”
Kenton County Judge-Executive and Northern Kentucky Tri-ED Board Chair Kris Knochelmann noted the company’s strong standing within the community.
“Maxim Crane is an excellent community partner in Northern Kentucky and we appreciate their ongoing investment into their facilities, employees and operations here,” Judge-Executive Knochelmann said. “We look forward to continued partnership in the years to come.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) a year ago preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $2 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
Maxim Crane also can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for more than 120,000 Kentuckians and 5,700 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on Maxim Crane Works, visit www.cranerental.com.
Photo: Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District
A new survey from the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District is asking the public to weigh in on the District’s efforts to engage with and inform the community on air quality and the environment.
The District will use the information collected in the online survey to develop a series of community workshops.
The goal of the workshop series, slated to begin this spring, is to give the public a better understanding of the District’s work, while also offering a space where the community can discuss ways to continue improving Louisville’s air.
“Informed communities are more likely to support programs and policies that improve air quality,” said Michelle King, APCD Director of Program Planning. “And informed individuals are more likely to change behaviors to reduce their own emissions and exposure to poor air quality.”
The survey is online now, and will stay online until April 30.
Survey link: https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/the-apcd-wants-to-hear-from-you/
APCD Environmental Coordinator Torend Collins is overseeing the development of the workshop series.
“Community engagement is an important part of the work we do at the APCD,” Collins said. “So the results will not only assist with developing workshops, but will also help us better understand what the community knows about our agency.”
The Public Safety Committee of the Louisville Metro Council will hear a presentation that led to a Resolution requesting the Kentucky Attorney General to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate Former Louisville Police Department Officer Mark Handy.
“I believe it is important for the Committee to have a better understanding of this situation and we do not take the purpose of this Resolution lightly,” says Councilwoman Jessica Green (D-1), who chairs the Committee. “The public needs to have confidence in those who protect us and after this presentation we will decide what should be done regarding this request.”
The Committee will hear from Denny Butler, Louisville Police Detective, Retired and Mr. Edwin Chandler, the man wrongfully convicted for a crime he didn’t committee who was later exonerated.
Media reports in the last several weeks have indicated Handy was at the center of several homicide cases which resulted in convictions overturned.
To see the Resolution on line: Click Here!
The Public Safety Committee meets at 3:30pm in Council Chambers, Historic City Hall, 601 West Jefferson Street.The meeting is carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. All meetings of the Metro Council are streamed live. Go to the Metro Council Home page at www.Louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil and click on the Metro Council Agendas link.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio tonight announced a new task force to reimagine and reshape the district’s alternative school programs.
“It’s time to rethink how we deliver services to our most at-risk students—ensuring that we’re providing them a quality education, relevant and career-focused opportunities and the comprehensive support services they need to thrive both in school and at home,” Dr. Pollio said.
The new model would establish separate programs and facilities for middle and high school students. Additionally, it would focus on providing career-focused opportunities to students by linking them to Academies of Louisville programming and providing a more personalized learning experience. This would allow students to make progress at the appropriate pace, instead of being confined by the restraints of a particular schedule structure.
“Currently, they’re all on traditional schedules, which is particularly challenging for students in an alternative-school setting, who are often behind,” said assistant superintendent Dr. Katy Zeitz, who oversees alternative schools and will serve as the task force chair. “Our goal is to reconnect and provide support to some of our most disenfranchised students. The task force will brainstorm and consider options, think through research-based programming and best practice strategies that work best for at-risk students and help vet new programs for JCPS.”
Dr. Zeitz is working closely with the JCPS Office of Diversity, Equity and Poverty Programs (DEP) to identify and select individuals within the district and community who can provide expertise and insight into relevant practices with at-risk and court-involved youth.
“Our task is: how do we build a situation that is safe and relevant, but also meets the social and emotional needs of students who have experienced the kinds of violence and trauma that some of our kids have seen?” Dr. Zeitz said. “We want to provide more wrap-around and therapeutic supports to students, and collaborate and partner with other city efforts around response to trauma, violence prevention and safe and healthy neighborhoods.”
The group will convene for the first time this spring. Pending any needed approvals from the Jefferson County Board of Education, changes to the district’s alternative school programs would be effective with the 2019-20 school year.
Photo: Louisville Metro Housing Authority
Mayor Greg Fischer today named Lisa Osanka as the Interim Director of the Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA).
“Our Metro Housing Authority is a national leader in neighborhood revitalization and housing development,” the Mayor said. “Lisa brings an activist’s passion and expertise in community engagement that will enhance an already remarkable team. We appreciate her commitment to the city and its residents.”
Osanka currently serves as the Director of Leased Housing for LMHA and has more than 26 years of experience in housing and community development
As the Interim Director, Osanka will partner with staff and LMHA’s Board of Directors to carry out the current and future goals of the agency, including the $30 million HUD CHOICE Neighborhoods grant for the revitalization of the Russell neighborhood.
“At the early age of 14, I learned that not every child had a safe place to call home and since then, I have committed myself to securing affordable housing for all,” said Osanka. “I appreciate the support of Mayor Fischer in appointing me, and I welcome the continued opportunity to serve the Louisville Metro community, especially the over 14,000 families we at LMHA serve every day.”
Prior to joining LMHA, Osanka held positions at Local Initiatives Support Corporation in Washington D.C., Louisville Tenants Association, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and Habitat for Humanity International.
Osanka earned her Juris Doctor from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville and earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Valparaiso University.
Osanka replaces long-time LMHA Director Tim Barry, who is retiring in the spring. She will begin her new role April 21.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilman Rick Blackwell announces the next “Coffee with your Councilman” is set for Saturday, March 17th. It is an opportunity for District 12 residents to meet with their Councilman.
It will take place at Panera Bread at 6900 Dixie Highway beginning at 10:00am to 12:00 pm.
There is no formal program and no need to sign up, just stop by and talk with the Councilman about any issue or concern you may have for District 12 or Southwest Louisville.
For more information about this “Coffee with your Councilman,” contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.
Mayor Greg Fischer joined with U of L Football Coach Bobby Petrino to announce plans for a special flood relief fund to help aid families who have been hit hard by the flooding.
The fund was created with a $100,000 donation from Bobby and Becky Petrino and the Petrino Family Foundation, as part of its #LoveLouisville campaign, and will go to families displaced by the flood, as well as to help people cover some of their clean-up and recovery costs.
Households that meet income eligibility requirements and other criteria can get up to $1000 to cover emergency expenses caused by the flooding.
This program will be coordinated through the Neighborhood Place system, which is administered by the city’s Office for Resilience and Community Services.
In order to qualify, applicants must be Jefferson residents with a household income at or below 80 percent of Area Media Income (AMI) and must have been living in their home as a primary residence at the time of the flood.
The funds can be used to cover the first month’s rent and deposits up to $1,000 for displaced families who are in need of a new or temporary residence. Funds may also be used to purchase cleaning, household or other emergency supplies.
Residents who want to apply can contact MetroCall 311 by simply dialing 311 or 574-5000, email metro.call@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s On Line Customer Service or Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, tweet @LouMetro311, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website.
Be prepared to leave your name, address, phone number, email address and what type of assistance is needed.
Within 48-72 hours, a staff person with Neighborhood Place will contact all applicants. Applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
“After experiencing the worst flood Louisville has seen in more 20 years, our citizens have once again stepped up to help fellow neighbors bounce back,” said Fischer. “The generous donation from Coach Petrino and his family is a shining example of what a compassionate and caring city looks like.”
“The #LoveLouisville campaign was started as our way to attempt to speed more love and unity around the city of Louisville. Acknowledging that one of the ways to do that is by extending a helping hand to those in need, and after seeing some of the devastation caused by the recent flooding, we knew we needed to do something. By working directly with City leaders, I believe we have come up with a plan that will help those most affected by the flooding feel some of that love we are trying to spread,” said Kelsey Petrino Scott, Executive Director, The Petrino Family Foundation. Coach Petrino added: “Both Becky and myself felt it was important to help with the flood relief after so many unexpected people and families were affected in our home community. The plan my daughters and the City have come up is great, and one I believe will go a long way for many people. Louisville is our home, and it’s hard to see so many families in our home community who have lost so much. We are happy to be a part of the effort to help get them back on their feet.”
Mayor Fischer also reminded residents who would like to volunteer to aid stricken residents and help with general community cleanup to contact Metro United Way 2-1-1 for a placement. And anyone who would like to request help from volunteers can contact Metro Call at 311. Read more at https://louisvilleky.gov/news/mayor-fischer-announces-assistance-those-n… The city has also applied for assistance from the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency to help recoup the millions of dollars in damages and response and recovery costs.
