Wednesday November 12, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
A milestone was reached today in the development of a soccer stadium district on about 35 underutilized acres in Butchertown. Financing was secured at a highly competitive rate for Louisville Metro Government’s sole investment in the project, $30 million. The general obligation bond anticipation notes (BANs) were sold to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC with a winning interest bid of 1.96 percent.
The city’s portion of the nearly $200 million soccer stadium district plan includes $25 million to buy and prepare the land, and $5 million to fund brownfield remediation and public infrastructure. Louisville City FC (LCFC) will develop the project, which will be anchored by a $50 million, 10,000-seat stadium. The development will also include retail, a hotel and offices, built by private investment.
In addition, LCFC will pay $14.5 million back to the city over 20 years for the land cost.
“This is a smart opportunity, and when smart opportunities to move our city forward come up, we’re going to take them. Pro soccer is an amenity that helps attract and retain young talent, and our entire city will benefit once this underutilized, highly visible space is reinvented as a bustling, vibrant soccer stadium district,” said Mayor Greg Fischer.
The project will create jobs and eliminate a brownfield currently filled with storage tanks, storage facilities and used cars. It also is expected to spark foot traffic to Butchertown, the Big Four Bridge, and Botanical Gardens. Additionally, it brings the prospect of a Major League Soccer franchise within reach.
A city-commissioned feasibility study confirmed that a soccer-specific stadium is needed to maintain and grow professional soccer in Louisville. The “stadium district,” to include the soccer stadium, Louisville Slugger Field and the Yum! Center, all within blocks of each other in the same line of sight, will build on the momentum downtown, in Nulu and Butchertown.
Louisville printmaker Elizabeth Foley’s work titled “Mandala.” Foley is one of eight Kentucky artists recently adjudicated into the Kentucky Arts Council’s Kentucky Crafted program.
Earlier this year, printmaker Elizabeth Foley retired from a 20-year art teaching career to focus more on her craft. Her new full-time career got a recent boost when she was named among the eight artists added to the Kentucky Arts Council’s Kentucky Crafted program.
Kentucky Crafted is an adjudicated arts marketing assistance program that provides opportunities to Kentucky visual and craft artists through arts business training, networking, sales, exhibit, and promotional opportunities. Adjudicated visual and craft artists are the only eligible Kentucky artists to exhibit at The Kentucky Crafted Market.
Foley, who owns FoleyPrints Studio, worked as a printmaker for about 20 years while she taught and said making the transition from teacher to full-time artist was an adjustment.
“Being associated with Kentucky Crafted will allow me to figure out how to create a business and reach a bigger audience,” said Foley. “I’m looking for this experience to raise my standards and give me a sense of community with other artists.”
Foley said she will also take advantage of the professional development and networking opportunities that come with the Kentucky Crafted brand.
“I’m hoping my work will get seen by communities that might not otherwise see it, and being with this program will push me to the next level to get out there,” Foley said.
The new Kentucky Crafted program artists are:
- John Dixon (Dixon Design), Danville, mixed media
- Elizabeth Foley (FoleyPrints Studio), Louisville, printmaking
- Patricia Grenier (HeartFelt Fleece & Fiber), Cynthiana, fiber
- Brad Holman (Rocky Woodland Forge), Beattyville, metal
- Chao Ma (Three Land Studio), Lexington, painting and graphics
- Gena Mark, Lexington, fiber
- Justine Riley, Mayfield, fiber
- Ted Tarquinio (TLT Photography), Louisville, photography
Applicants to the program must be visual or craft artists who have a well-developed body of work in any medium, full-time residents of Kentucky, and over the age of 18. For more information on the Kentucky Crafted program, contact Dave Blevins at david.blevins@ky.gov or 502-892-3120.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has declared an outbreak of acute hepatitis A with cases in multiple counties in Kentucky.
In total, 31 cases of acute (rapid onset with symptoms of illness) Hepatitis A have been reported throughout Kentucky in 2017, a 50 percent increase above the average of 20 cases per year reported over the past 10 years. Jefferson County has had 19 confirmed cases, most of which have occurred since August. Cases have been reported in Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Anderson, Mason, Christian, Madison, Fayette, McCracken, Hopkins, and Leslie counties.
DPH, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW), and other health departments have been working to stop the spread of Hepatitis A in the region. Common risk factors of homelessness or drug use have been identified among 12 of the cases in Jefferson County. No deaths have been attributed to this outbreak.
“Acute hepatitis A is a serious and potentially life-threatening infectious disease,” said Dr. Jonathan Ballard, State Epidemiologist for KDPH. “We are working to identify anyone who has been exposed to cases associated with this outbreak and urging those experiencing symptoms of the illness to contact their healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and medical treatment, if necessary.”
Public Health staff have conducted enhanced surveillance for acute hepatitis A cases, investigated each new case in a county to identify risk factors and close contacts, and recommended postexposure prophylaxis for susceptible close contacts. In addition, laboratory specimens from recently diagnosed cases have been sent for specialized genetic testing of the hepatitis A virus at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
Thus far test results match the genotype associated with an acute Hepatitis A outbreaks in California.
“Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable illness. All children, aged 1 year through 18 years, are recommended to get the Hepatitis A vaccine as well as adults with increased risk factors or certain medical conditions,” said Dr. Ballard. “DPH is working with the LMPHW and other local health departments to develop an emergency vaccine distribution plan for the area most impacted by the outbreak.”
Increased risk factors include homelessness; all forms of substance use disorder; people with direct contact with someone who has Hepatitis A; travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common; men who have sexual contact with men; household members or caregivers of a recent adoptee from countries where hepatitis A is common; people with clotting factor disorders, such as hemophilia.
In addition, DPH is activating the State Health Operations Center (SHOC) to Level 3 to help coordinate the public health response.
Other than age-appropriate vaccinations, the best way to keep from getting Hepatitis A is to wash your hands using warm water and soap, to handle uncooked food appropriately and to fully cook food. Always wash your hands before touching or eating food, after using the toilet and after changing a diaper. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers.
Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark-colored urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and fever. The virus is found in the stool of people infected with Hepatitis A and is usually spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth (even though it might look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person infected with Hepatitis A. It is often transmitted when people do not wash their hands properly or by eating uncooked or undercooked food.
Not everyone with the acute Hepatitis A virus infection will develop symptoms, however, if symptoms do develop, they may include fever, jaundice or yellowing of the skin, vomiting, fatigue, and grey-colored stools. Persons with symptoms should seek medical care for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Additional information about Hepatitis A is available from the CDC.
The 44th annual North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) saw an increase in both exhibitors and rodeo attendance during its 17-day run at the Kentucky Exposition Center. NAILE drew nearly 30,000 entries with competitors, exhibitors and attendees from 49 states and six foreign countries. The event generated an economic impact of $8.3 million to the greater Louisville region.
The Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo, held in conjunction with NAILE, saw the highest attendance in five years with more than 19,000 fans enjoying the three performances in Freedom Hall.
NAILE, the world’s largest purebred livestock show, is held annually at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Included in the event are national collegiate and youth livestock judging contests, competition within ten livestock divisions and livestock sales. The event is owned and produced by Kentucky Venues.
Steve Kelly, Executive Director of Expositions for Kentucky Venues noted that renowned judges and officials from across the country evaluate the livestock and assist with the show, underscoring the event’s prestige. “NAILE serves as the livestock industry’s capstone event. Kentucky showcases its agriculture heritage by hosting the esteemed livestock show each year.”
The Sale of Champions, held the last night of NAILE, raised $64,500, with proceeds distributed to youth exhibitors of market animals (80 percent), charities (10 percent) and promotion (10 percent).
For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Convention returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center January 6-7, 2018. The event builds on LEGO’s popularity and ingenuity with awesome attractions centered around everybody’s favorite plastic building blocks.
At past events, thousands of LEGO fans have enjoyed live LEGO builds, galleries of life-sized LEGO models, and a Building Zone with a myriad of LEGO bricks for attendees to build with.
Professional LEGO artist Jonathan Lopes of San Diego, California will showcase over 30 of his select LEGO displays and will be at the convention all weekend. He will also talk to attendees about his life as a professional LEGO artist and how they can become LEGO master builders.
Additionally, Chicago-based LEGO artist Rocco Buttliere will bring over 50 LEGO models of world famous landmarks. Attendees can see the largest skyscraper in the world, Burj Khalifa, the full Westminster Palace in London, and other famous landmarks built from LEGO bricks.
The Fan Zone at BrickUniverse features fan-built LEGO creations by the world’s best LEGO Fan builders, including some from Kentucky. Fan models include LEGO cities, towns, trains, castles, and more.
Other attractions include:
- LEGO Friends Building Area
- Big Brick Building – For those who are 5 and under, build with our thousands of LEGO DUPLO bricks in Big Brick Building.
- LEGO Retail
- BIONICLE Warrior Building – Construct the ultimate warrior in the LEGO BIONICLE play stations
- Star Wars Zone
- The Challenge Zone – Timed brick challenges that will test your building and speed skills. This area is great for families and individuals of all ages.
The opens at 10 AM each day and tickets are available for advance purchase online for $15 per day.
For more information, visit https://www.brickuniverse.com/louisville.
Romantic Valentine evenings await on February 13 and 14 at Jefferson Memorial Forest. For only $35, couples will be treated to a romantic candle-lit hike that ends with a view of Louisville’s lights from the scenic Manor House, where couples will enjoy hot beverages, rich hors d’ouvres and desserts, and the cozy warmth of a hearth.
“The natural beauty of Jefferson Memorial Forest is a great fit with Valentine’s Day,” said Rebecca Minnick, Program Manager at Jefferson Memorial Forest. “Couples can have a romantic evening by taking a stroll through the woods, then relaxing in front of the fire. We have many couples who have made this part of their Valentine tradition.”
Jefferson Memorial Forest is located near Fairdale, just 15 minutes from downtown Louisville. The evening begins at 7:00 p.m. and is expected to wind up by 10 p.m. The hike is on flat terrain, but closed-toe shoes with tread are recommended. Couples are also invited to bring flashlights to the hike for added visibility along the trails. Hikes meet in the Horine Reservation main parking lot at 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road, Fairdale KY.
Reservations must be made by Tuesday, February 7th. To register, call (502) 368-5404 or email the Forest at forest@louisvilleky.gov. In case of inclement weather, those registered should call the (502) 368-5404 number for cancellation information.
The 55th Annual National Recreation Vehicle Trade Show returns to Louisville Nov. 27-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. This industry-only event draws approximately 8,000 industry professionals and is expected to generate $6.9 million in economic impact.
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) hosts the event, which is the largest concentration of RV manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and campground managers in the world. More than 300 booths will pack 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space with motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, RV parts and accessories.
The four-day show provides attendees the opportunity to:
- Discover new products and innovations
- Attend training sessions
- Engage with key stakeholders and leaders
- Network with colleagues
This year features new awards:
- the RV Industry Awards
- the RV Industry 40 under 40.
Other new additions include a dealer sales boot camp, top tech challenge, and outdoor lifestyle pavilion.
Today, a record 9 million recreation vehicles travel U.S. roads representing a substantial increase in ownership over the past decade. The RV industry has seen seven consecutive years of growth.
RVIA is the national trade association for RV manufacturers and their component parts suppliers that together build more than 98 percent of all recreational vehicles produced in the United States.
The National RV Trade Show is closed to the public. For more information, visit www.rviashow.org.
