Wednesday November 12, 2025
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Louisville Metro Councilman Robin Engel (District 22) is pleased to announce Parker Abma is the winner of the Bates Elementary “Name Our Street” Essay Contest. Parker, now a 6th grader at Jefferson Co. Traditional Middle School, was awarded $500 to be invested for future education expenses in recognition of his impressive best street name: “Leaders Lane.” The contest and prize is sponsored by Barrister Commercial Group, LLC, which owns and is constructing the new retail development SouthPointe Commons, situated near the school. Parker was recognized during a special assembly at Bates Elementary this afternoon.
Parker selected the name “Leaders Lane” because he wants the Bates Elementary Motto “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow” to also be reflected in the new street which is to be constructed as a connector road behind the school. Parker explains that students and parents will be inspired each time they see the name “Leaders Lane”. He hopes students are reminded of the importance of learning and excelling as leaders.
Open to all fourth and fifth grade students at Bates Elementary, the essay contest attracted approximately 160 participants. The purpose of the contest was to challenge the students to think about and be involved with the infrastructure changes taking place right outside their school door and to gain a better understanding of how those changes impact their daily lives.
“Parker’s essay is very well-written and I congratulate him on a job well-done,” stated Councilman Robin Engel. “I want to thank all the students who participated in the essay contest and encourage them to take pride in their school and remain actively involved in projects as they will become the community’s next generation of leaders.” – Councilman Robin Engel
The SouthPointe Commons Lifestyle Center will be one of the largest new shopping centers in southeastern Jefferson County. The center, which is located adjacent to Bates Elementary, is expected to have approximately 383,000 sq. feet of shopping and entertainment. SouthPointe Commons is expected to have its first stores open by November 2018.
Metro Councilmembers Bill Hollander (D-9) and Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5) applauded the bipartisan 20 to 3 vote approving a Louisville Metro Public Tree Ordinance. When the ordinance is signed by the Mayor, Louisville Metro will finally join other jurisdictions that have had a tree protection ordinance for years.
Adoption of such an ordinance was the very first of 41 recommendations in the 2015 Louisville Urban Tree Canopy Assessment. It was also recommended by the Louisville Metro Tree Advisory Commission, after a lengthy review of ordinances in dozens of other cities, including several in Kentucky.
Councilmembers Hollander and Hamilton introduced the ordinance last December and had multiple meetings with citizens and other interested parties about it. The final version approved tonight reflected changes which Hollander and Hamilton said improved the proposal.
“Adoption of a Public Tree Ordinance has been recommended in Louisville for decades, most recently as part of the tree canopy and urban heat island studies,” Councilman Hollander said. “Since it was filed in December, we have met with many citizens and interested parties and had numerous public meetings. Many concerns and questions have been addressed. The ordinance will help focus attention on the loss of tree canopy in Louisville, protect the trees we have, and reduce the possibility of more losses. It recognizes that trees are important to quality of life and to our health”.
“Our community needs more trees, desperately. Studies have shown that it makes a difference and it will reduce the temperature in the City,” said Councilwoman Hamilton. “We need to do a better job of getting people to connect the dots between our environment and our health and this ordinance will help. The no-net-loss provision for trees in the right-of-way is a really important provision of the ordinance.”
The proposed ordinance covers “public trees”, which includes trees located on Metro Government owned or controlled land or in public rights-of-way controlled by Louisville Metro, except for parks and parkways under the jurisdiction of Louisville Metro Parks.
It consolidates Louisville’s tree efforts into the Metro Division of Community Forestry, to provide oversight and comprehensive coordination for tree and forestation issues. A new, broadly-representative Louisville Metro Tree Advisory Committee — appointed by the Mayor and approved by Metro Council — would make recommendations about those efforts.
The ordinance also establishes policies and standards for public trees, clarifying and replacing the provisions of several existing ordinances. For example, routine pruning of public trees is allowed without a permit, while the current ordinance requires a permit for any trimming.
Currently required tree removal permits for trees in the rights-of-way would be conditioned on replacement of the public tree, unless a waiver is granted. Trees removed by Louisville Metro are also required to be replaced. Those provisions effectively create a no-net-loss policy for public trees.
The ordinance also creates a Community Forestry Escrow Fund, to help defray the cost of mandated tree removal and planting of rights-of-way trees by abutting property owners with demonstrated financial need. The fund would receive appropriations from Metro Government and private contributions. Trees Louisville, a non-profit working on improving the tree canopy in Louisville, has agreed to contribute to the fund.
Hollander and Hamilton noted that the ordinance is just part of the effort to increase Louisville Metro’s tree canopy. Metro Council has also made changes in the Land Development Code which protect trees in proposed Conservation Subdivisions. Other changes in the Land Development Code are also under consideration and will be pursued through the Planning Commission, as state law requires.
The Judicial Nominating Commission, led by Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr., announced nominees to fill an upcoming vacancy in Jefferson Family Court.
The three nominees for the Family Court judgeship are attorneys Brendan Russell Daugherty of Louisville, Bryan Daniel Gatewood of Fisherville and Lauren Adams Ogden of Louisville.
Daugherty has his own law practice in which he handles civil and criminal cases. He has also handled family law cases involving dependency, neglect and abuse in Jefferson Family Court. He previously served as an associate attorney at Boehl Stopher & Graves and as a staff attorney in the Louisville Metro Public Defender’s Office. He received his juris doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Gatewood is a solo practitioner who handles civil cases, including family law cases. He has served as a guardian ad litem in Jefferson Family Court for approximately 17 years. He received his juris doctor from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.
Ogden is a partner in the law firm of Ogden & Ogden, where she primarily handles family law cases. She is a licensed family law mediator and has served as a guardian ad litem. She received her juris doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School.
The Family Court judicial seat will become vacant when Judge Dolly W. Berry retires Jan. 2, 2018. Jefferson County is the 30th Judicial Circuit and the vacancy will be in the circuit’s 4th Division.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio announced the hiring of a director of school choice and diversity hiring specialist.
“JCPS will continue aggressively pursuing the goals outlined in Vision 2020, and these positions will allow us to strategically prepare and plan for the future,” Dr. Pollio said.
Cassiopia Blausey will join the district as the director of school choice. She will be responsible for supporting the Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) in its role as a charter school authorizer. Her role will also include providing administrative leadership, management, and implementation of district processes and procedures as they relate to charter school authorization.
Blausey is currently a policy advisor for the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Office of Continuous Improvement and Support. She is a former teacher in Nevada, assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Jefferson County, and research analyst for the state’s Office of Education and Accountability. Blausey is a graduate of Centre College and earned her master’s in education from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and legal degree from the University of Louisville.
Ashley Duncan will join the district as the diversity hiring specialist, providing support and guidance for minority recruitment and retention in the hiring of JCPS employees. She will collaborate with human resources, recruitment, principals, and hiring supervisors to ensure a fair, inclusive, and equitable hiring process. Duncan will implement practices designed to widen and diversify the pool of candidates considered for employment openings, including vacancies in upper-level management.
She joins JCPS from Transit Authority of River City (TARC). During her career at TARC, Duncan served as a director of diversity and inclusion, civil rights program manager, an equal employment opportunity manager, and ombudsman. She also serves the community through volunteerism, contributing to several local boards. Duncan is a JCPS graduate and earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Spalding University.
“We are proud to welcome our new team members, who appreciate the opportunity to build something special here at JCPS,” Dr. Pollio said. “Every day, we are focusing on improving culture and climate, increasing student learning, and providing organizational coherence. These two additions to our staff help move us even closer to our goals.”
Blausey and Duncan will begin their positions on January 2.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Louisville Parks and Recreation is accepting team registrations for its adult men’s winter basketball leagues. Games will be played Sunday afternoons at the Cyril Allgeier Community Center, 4101 Cadillac Court, beginning January 21, with game times of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m.
The fee is $450 per team, and participants must be 18 or older. Deadline to register is January 12, or until leagues are filled.
For more information on how to register, please click here. Payments can be made by credit card over the phone @ 502/574-4515. You may also pay by cash or check at the Parks and Recreation athletics office located at the Cyril Allgeier Center, 4101 Cadillac Ct., 40213.
Payment must be made in full at the time of registration in order to reserve your place for the season. Registrations received after deadline will be subject to $35 processing late fee.
All information concerning league offerings, rules, and team roster sheets can be found here. For more information, please contact Michael Wade at Michael.Wade@louisvilleky.gov or call 502/574-4515.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners join in holiday celebrations at the Park DuValle Holiday Festival in early December and a Kwanzaa reception later in the month. A variety of workshops and events will also be offered throughout December including an Energy Management class, a conversation with youth regarding the impact of violence, a Healthy Living Club and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Dec. 2, Park DuValle Holiday Festival in the Park DuValle Neighborhood, 2 – 5 p.m.
Call 775-7000 for more information. The Park DuValle neighborhood is reviving its Holiday Festival and adding some new events including a holiday stroll, visits with Santa, a holiday concert and a tree-lighting celebration. Ujima Neighborhood Place will also host a cookie decorating station, holiday Bingo, and face painting at the Duvalle Education Center located at 3610 Bohne Ave.
Mondays and Wednesdays, Free Professional Financial Coaching
Call Rosie Wright at 612-0819 to schedule an appointment. Free, one-on-one financial coaching will be offered to provide individuals with support, accountability and tools to help make informed decisions. Hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- Mondays, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Wednesdays, Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, 1411 Algonquin Pkwy, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
Dec. 5, Energy Management Workshop at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 1 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for registration. Project Warm’s free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn “do-it-yourself” energy-saving tips. Free supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as clear plastic/tape for windows, caulk to seal openings around windows and sealing foam.
Dec. 5 and 14, Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
RSVP is required to Mendy Mason at 341-5400 or mmason@sevencounties.org. Join us at to explore the do’s and don’ts of a healthy pregnancy in a free, fun setting. Seven Counties and KIDSNow Plus will host an educational baby shower to share information on how to care for yourself and your baby while being pregnant. Pregnant attendees receive a baby tote filled with baby items and a gas/gift card, with more chances to win prizes like gift/layette set(s), bottle sets and more. Fathers are welcome but must be registered..
- Dec. 5, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- Dec. 14, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 1 – 3 p.m.
Dec. 5, Car Seat Fitting Station at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 629-7358 for an appointment. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat at this car seat fitting station offered by Norton’s Children’s Hospital. Find out if it’s time for a change.
Dec. 12, Fall Youth Conversation with Students at the Academy at Shawnee, 5 – 7 p.m.
Located at the Academy at Shawnee, 4001 Herman St. Call 313.4892 for more information. All youth are invited to join in a candid and engaging conversation entitled, A View from Shawnee Students: Violence Impact In Our Schools, Community and Family. This event will be moderated by Derrick Mitchell with the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods. A community family dinner will be served and an opportunity for family photos will be available. Collaboratively sponsored by the Academy at Shawnee Youth Service Center, JCPS Student Support Services and the NorthWest Neighborhood Place.
Dec. 12, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Dec. 12, Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
Dec. 12, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Call 3631483 for more information. Classes are open to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge to live and better and more fulfilling life. Monthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight. This month, a representative from Family Health Center will discuss “Getting Through the Holidays in One Peace.” Come and join the fun and fellowship.
Dec. 14, Grandparents Group: Kitchen Table Conversations at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. Call 313-4909 for more information. This popular resource support group for relatives raising grandchildren meets the second Thursday of each month. A monthly guest speaker helps this group focus on the unique issues that caregivers may have raising younger children. Aunts, uncles or anyone raising their grandchildren are welcome to attend. Lunch is provided free of charge.
Dec. 19, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Dec. 20, Community Dental Care Information Sessions
Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs.
- South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley Location, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 1:30 – 3 a.m.
Dec. 28, Celebrating Ujima – a Kwanzaa Reception at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. In honor of Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa meaning collective work and responsibility, community members are invited to gather for networking opportunities and to explore ideas for community collaborations.
Jan. 4, American Red Cross Blood Drive at Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Located at 200 Juneau Drive, Suite 200. Please register online at Access your online scheduling account or contact Jessica Strader at Jessica.Strader@redcross.org. Walk-ins are also welcome the day of the drive.
From the Kentucky Derby Museum:
We were honored to be a 2017 recipient of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award in the Large Non-Profit Organization category.
BBB Torch Award Winners and Finalists Announced
Honoring Ethical Businesses and Non- Profit Organizations in our Community
Better Business Bureau serving Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky is proud to announce the winners and finalists of the 2017 BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics. The winners and finalists were honored at the BBB Torch Awards luncheon on November 1st.
BBB President/CEO, Reanna Smith-Hamblin says, “Torch Awards go to businesses and non-profits that are committed to marketplace trust and conducting their business practices in an ethical manner. No award could mean more to a business or organization’s reputation than a BBB Torch Award!”
Here is the list of winners and finalists of the 2017 Torch Awards:
Very Small Business Category:
Safety NET (Winner)
Steurer & Jacoby Crafted by The Firebird Group (Finalist)
Small Business Category:
Our House Restoration (Winner)
Large Business Category:
Mortenson Dental Partners (Winner)
MCM CPAs & Advisors (Finalist)
Small Non-Profit Organization
Center for Nonprofit Excellence (Winner)
Louisville Metro Police Foundation (Finalist)
Large Non-Profit Organization
Kentucky Derby Museum (Winner)
Gilda’s Club Louisville (Finalist)
Congratulations to these businesses and non-profit organizations!