Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15) announces the Metro Council’s Budget Public Hearings are scheduled on May 10th and May 16th offering the public two opportunities to comment on the proposed FY 2017- 2018 Capital and Operating Budgets.
“The Committee encourages the public to attend and participate in the budget process;” says Butler. “Over the next two months as we review the proposed budget it is very important to have input and dialogue with not only the departments but the public as well.”
The May 10th public hearing begins at 6:30pm.
The May 16th public hearing begins at 6:00pm.
Both hearings are held in the Council Chambers, 601 West Jefferson Street, 3rd floor.
“Over the next two months the Metro Council plans to have nearly 30 hours of hearings with department directors,” says Kramer. “This is the opportunity for the community to engage with their elected representatives to convey which projects they support or ideas they have for making our budget work better for the people we serve.”
Signups for those wishing to address the Budget Committee begin one hour prior to the start of the hearings on the 3rd floor of City Hall. Speakers are called in order of signup and have up to three minutes to make comments. Written testimony can be turned in during the meeting and occasionally, speakers are asked questions by the Committee members.
The Committee is limiting one designated speaker for each non-profit group per signup. You do not have to be a member of a nonprofit group to speak. The Committee is interested in hearing from anyone in the community on budgetary issues or priorities for Metro Government in the coming Fiscal Year.
Speakers may use the Sixth Street entrance to Historic City Hall.
If you cannot attend but would like to comment on the budget, simply go to the Metro Council webpage at www.louisvilleky.gov and click on the link for the Metro Council Clerk, then click the Contact Us link.
To see the 2017 to 2018 Budget Hearing Schedule click here!

Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Lucasfilms 2016 “Rogue One: a Star Wars Story” will help usher in the tenth year and new season of Free Summer Movies at Iroquois Amphitheater on Saturday, May 13th.
“In 2007, many of us on the Metro Council worked together to bring free entertainment during the summer for families and the community at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15). “This year, we once again welcome everyone to come out and enjoy what has become a summer tradition in a great Metro Louisville Park.”
The movie follows the actions of the Rebel Alliance and its fight against the Empire, when they learn of a new and powerful weapon that threatens everyone in the galaxy: the Deathstar.
Rogue One stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker.
“We’re grateful for the continued support from Metro Council for the free movie series. From movies to festivals and concerts, it’s been critical to have their backing as the number of events and visitors to the Amphitheater has continued to grow. It’s been a great ten years, and it’s going to be another great summer!” says Seve Ghose, Director, Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation.
The attendance from last year’s Free Summer Movies was just at 9,000.
“The support we receive from Metro Council allows us to provide summer-long events which enrich the overall experience of Iroquois Park. The movies are a wonderful way to spend a summer night under the stars at beautiful Iroquois Amphitheatre,” says Michael Hallett, Director of the Iroquois Amphitheater.
Joining Councilwoman Butler as sponsors this year are Council Members Rick Blackwell (D-12) Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Dan Johnson (D-21) President David Yates (D-25), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David James (D-6), Cindi Fowler (D- 14), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5), Angela Leet (R-7), Pat Mulvihill (D-10), Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4), Bill Hollander (D-9), Robin Engel (R-22), Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Madonna Flood (D-24), and James Peden (R-23).
The 2017 lineup for “Movies Under the Stars” is as follows – all movies begin at 8:00pm.
Here is the lineup of Free Monday Night Movies for 2017 – all movies begin at 8:00pm:
The Concession Stand is open for these events selling hotdogs, popcorn, ice cream and sodas.
To see all the great summer entertainment this year at the Iroquois Amphitheater, go to www.iroquoisamphitheater.com or call 502-368-5865.
Iroquois Amphitheater is located at1080 Amphitheater Road in Iroquois Park.

Photo: Actors Theatre of Louisville
Artistic Director Les Waters and Managing Director Kevin E. Moore are thrilled to share that Andrew Hinderaker’s The Magic Play will round out Actors Theatre of Louisville’s 2017 – 2018 Season. Critically acclaimed magician and actor Brett Schneider stars in this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that combines love, loss and world-class magic into an evening of pure heart-warming spectacle. Chicago Sun-Times states, “True to its title, “The Magic Play,” Andrew Hinderaker’s highly original, altogether remarkable new work, is full of sleight-of-hand astonishments.” Directed by Halena Kays, The Magic Play will run from January 23 – February 11, 2018 in the Pamela Brown Auditorium as part of the Brown-Forman Series.
“The Magic Play is theatrical wonder at its very best,” says Artistic Director Les Waters. “Not only is it world-class magic that everyone will enjoy, but also a moving human drama of loss and love. I am excited to share this play with our community and think Andrew Hinderaker’s brilliance will be a perfect complement to the other wildly entertaining stories in our 2017 – 2018 Season.”
Presenting the finalized 2017 – 2018 Season at Actors Theatre of Louisville:
Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches
Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika
By Tony Kushner
Directed by Meredith McDonough
August 29 – October 14, 2017
Fifth Third Bank’s Dracula
Originally dramatized by John L. Balderston and Hamilton Deane
From Bram Stoker’s world-famous novel, Dracula
As adapted and directed by William McNulty
September 6 – October 31, 2017
Skeleton Crew
By Dominique Morisseau
Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III
November 14 – December 10, 2017
Fifth Third Bank’s A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Barbara Field
Directed by Drew Fracher
November 21 – December 23, 2017
The Santaland Diaries
By David Sedaris
Adapted by Joe Mantello
Directed by Meredith McDonough
December 1 – 23, 2017
Little Bunny Foo Foo
By Anne Washburn
Directed by Les Waters
January 9 – February 4, 2018
The Magic Play
By Andrew Hinderaker
Directed by Halena Kays
Featuring magician Brett Schneider
January 23 – February 11, 2018
42nd Humana Festival of New American Plays
February 28 – April 8, 2018
The 2017-2018 Season is generously supported by Brown-Forman, the official season sponsor, with additional support from Fund for the Arts, the Kentucky Arts Council and Yum! Brands, which supports the student matinee series.
For more information on the 2017-2018 Season, including play descriptions and ticketing availability, please visit ActorsTheatre.org.
It’s an opportunity to clean out the garage, the attic, and the basement of those things that have been collecting dust over the years and get them to a place where someone else might be able to use them, or where they can be safely disposed.
Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9) announces the Annual Responsible Recycling Event set for Saturday May 13th between 9:30am and 12:30pm at the Louisville Water Tower Park, 3005 River Road.
“This is a great way to remove those things in your home that could find new life by being recycled,” says Hollander. “Any Louisville Metro resident can help the environment and a variety of non-profits by simply bringing to one location what you no longer want or use and dropping it off for free.”
The Free Responsible Recycling Event is open to all Louisville Metro residents. It is easy to participate. Just gather what you would like to recycle, then drive up and drop your items off at the appropriate vendor. Businesses will not be allowed to participate at this event. A multitude of items will be accepted for recycling or reuse, including paper for shredding. New this year all items collected at Haz Bin will be accepted, and LMPD officers will be on-site to collect old expired and unused medications.
The following items will also be accepted:
For a complete list of accepted items, please visit louisvilleky.gov/district9. On the event page is a flyer with 7 attachments with detailed lists of accepted items from each organization.
If you have electronic items that are not accepted during this event, please review “electronics recycling” information on the flyer attachment. Residents may take electronics, including non-working older TVs, to the Louisville Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue. These will NOT be accepted at the May 13 event.
“We have made it easy to get rid of things people no longer use, with no cost to bring in these items that will benefit others,” says Hollander. “If you have tried to find a way to dispose of those things you have around the house, then I encourage you to take advantage of this event.”
Among the vendors on hand: All-Shred, Commonwealth e-Waste, Habitat for Humanity, Louisville Metro Public Works, Supplies Overseas, and WaterStep.
Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/district9 for more information, or contact Councilman Hollander’s office at 574-1109.

Credit: Louisville Metro Police
The Louisville Metro Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a special meeting on Monday. May 8th to receive an update to from hear from LMPD Chief Steve Conrad on reorganization effort announced in 2016 to fight violent crime in Metro Louisville.
“We have now passed the six month mark since those changes were announced and the Committee is committed to staying on top of all efforts to secure reduce violent crime,” says Councilman David James (D-6), who chairs the Committee. “We are asking the Chief to give us an idea of what is or what isn’t working.”
The Public Safety Committee will meet in Council Chambers, 601 West Jefferson Street beginning at 3:30pm. All meetings are aired live on Metro TV Spectrum Cable Channel 25 and Channel 99 for UVERSE subscribers.
Meetings are streamed live on the Metro Council’s website. Go to http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” icon.
Mayor Greg Fischer and Ocala (Florida) Mayor Kent Guinn today made their annual wager on the Kentucky Derby, placing a new Louisville bourbon and Ocala brandy on the line.
This is the fourth year for the friendly wager between the mayors of the two cities, both steeped in thoroughbred tradition.
Mayor Fischer chose J Boys Echo, trained by Louisvillian Dale Romans, as his winning horse. “It’s time for this Louisvillian to get into the Derby Winner’s Circle,” the Mayor said.
Mayor Guinn is predicting favorite Classic Empire will emerge victorious in the Derby. Classic Empire, son of Pioneer of the Nile, has traditional Florida bloodlines of Unbridled, Fappiano, Dr. Fager and In Reality. But mostly, Mayor Guinn said he chose him because he is a big fan of trainer Mark Casse, who grew up in Ocala.
“With Mark’s hometown roots and farm in Ocala, I hope he brings the Kentucky Derby trophy home,” Mayor Guinn said. “The first Florida winner, Needles, has had his trophy prominently displayed in the city for a long time, so it is only fitting that the latest winner’s award also be on display so residents here in Horse Capital of the World can celebrate the honor.”
Last year, Mayor Guinn’s pick, Gun Runner, finished third, and Mayor Fischer’s selection, Brody’s Cause, finished seventh. So no spirits were exchanged.
Mayor Fischer’s bet this year is a bottle of the new Old Forester Statesman from Louisville’s Brown-Forman Corp. The company announced earlier this week that Old Forester Statesman will debut in acclaimed filmmaker Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming 20th Century Fox film, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” and will available for film fans and bourbon aficionados to enjoy in August.
Mayor Guinn again bet Marion Black 106 —the Spirit of Florida Tangerine Brandy, distilled by Fishhawk Spirits of Ocala.
“We love our traditions in Louisville, and nothing is more traditional than Derby and bourbon,” Mayor Fischer said. “This bet with Ocala has become fun annual wager – and yet another tradition!”
Hollywood has a new character – he’s bold and daring with a rustic, yet smooth approach. America’s first bottled bourbon, Old Forester, is known for being full of character. But this time, Old Forester is introducing a new type of character – a straight bourbon whiskey – named Old Forester Statesman that will debut in acclaimed filmmaker Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming 20th Century Fox film “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” and available for film fans and bourbon aficionados to enjoy August 2017.
In “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”, our heroes face a new challenge when their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage. Their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. The Statesman, based in Louisville, Kentucky, act as Master Distillers to hide their true identity. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy. The sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kingsman: The Golden Circle is directed by Matthew Vaughn and stars original cast members Colin Firth, Taron Egerton and Mark Strong, and introduces new cast members Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry and Julianne Moore.
“Bourbon is an American tradition that Old Forester has celebrated for five generations, and we’re proud to reinforce the authenticity of the characters, The Statesman, as bourbon distillers,” said Campbell Brown, President of Brown-Forman.
When choosing partners for the Kingsman brand i look for excellence, integrity and taste. Old Forester is my first partner who takes the taste requirement to the next level,” said Matthew Vaughn.
Old Forester chose a unique taste profile when selecting the Statesman bourbon specifically for the film. Taking inspiration from the dynamic characters, Old Forester Statesman offers bold flavor blended to a smooth 95 proof, resulting in an exceptional balance of heat and spice.
Celebrating the film’s inclusion of Louisville, Kentucky as home of the Statesman, Louisville’s Mayor, Greg Fischer, declared the premiere date of September 22 as Statesman Day in the city.
An exclusive sneak peek of the film which highlights Old Forester’s Statesman bourbon and Kentucky will debut to fans at the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. Jeff Bridges, lead Statesman as “Champ” in the film will be in attendance at this year’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and attendees at the track will be the first people in the world able to sample this new product.
“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” will be in theaters on September 22, and Statesman will be available for purchase in the U.S. in August. For more information, please visit www.oldforester.com