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Ashley Scholle, a fourth grade language arts and social studies teacher at Audubon Traditional Elementary School, has been presented with the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher on March 6 during a ceremony at the school.
“Ms. Scholle is a wonderful fourth grade teacher who models integrity, respect, creativity and accountability,” said Audubon Principal Tiffany Marshall. “She is a leader in the building who supports the students inside and outside of the classroom. Students know they have to learn, and are willing to be challenged to reach their potential.”
Scholle dedicates extensive time and energy to her students and school community outside the classroom as well. She has been involved in numerous initiatives, including the Reading Content Specialist Team and Visual and Performing Arts Program Review Committee, teaches Extended Learning and serves as Quick Recall Coach.
“Mrs. Scholle has a passion for teaching and helping students realize their full potential by creating a safe and engaging learning environment that inspires students to work at higher levels,” said Robin Divine, a counselor at Audubon. “She inspires students to participate in her classroom and they always feel safe to ask questions to further their knowledge.”
As part of LG&E and KU’s commitment to supporting education across the communities it serves, Scholle and other ExCEL Award winning teachers each receive a $1,000 instructional grant from the company.
Photo: Louisville Metro Public Health And Wellness
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness continues to work to control an outbreak of acute hepatitis A that has centered in the city’s homeless and among those who use illicit drugs.
On November 21, 2017 the Kentucky Department for Public Health declared an outbreak of acute hepatitis A in several counties throughout the state. To date there have been 142 cases in Kentucky of which 124 have occurred Louisville. Today, the Kentucky Department of Public Health announced the death of a Jefferson County resident with multiple other health issues whose symptoms and lab results met the case definition of acute hepatitis A infection. This is the first death in Kentucky associated with this outbreak.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable, communicable disease of the liver caused by a virus. It is usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water. Most adults with hepatitis A symptoms may experience fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, or jaundice, that usually resolve within 2 months of infection; most children less than 6 years of age do not have symptoms or have an unrecognized infection. Antibodies produced in response to hepatitis A infection last for life and protect against reinfection. The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated.
Since the outbreak was declared in 2017, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness has activated its Incident Command System to coordinate its response to control the outbreak. The department has given nearly 6,000 hepatitis A immunizations at homeless shelters, homeless camps, recovery houses and at agencies such as Family Health Centers’ Phoenix Health Center. It has also provided immunizations at Metro Corrections, both at intake and in the general population. It regularly continues to provide immunizations at its syringe exchange sites, its Specialty Clinic and at the MORE Center.
In addition, the U of L pharmacy has provided immunizations for first responders at agencies such as EMS, Public Works and Louisville Fire. The Department of Public Health and Wellness is also working with Kroger Little Clinics and Walgreen’s to immunize other first responders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has praised Louisville’s response to the hepatitis A outbreak calling it the “gold standard” and a model for other cities to emulate.
“The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get immunized,” said Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director of the Department of Public Health and Wellness. “Certainly those who have hepatitis B or C or who have other types of liver disease should get immunized,” she said. “Among these people hepatitis A can be fatal.”
“Almost everyone knows someone who uses drugs. People who use drugs should be encouraged to get immunized. Those who are homeless and those who work with the homeless should also get vaccinated,” said Dr. Caloia. “Anyone who wants to avoid getting hepatitis A should consult their health care provider to see if a hepatitis A immunization is right for them,” said Dr. Caloia.
To control the outbreak the Department of Public Health and Wellness is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to give free hepatitis A vaccinations to the homeless, those who work with the homeless and those who use illicit drugs. These groups can get free immunizations at the following times and locations.
- Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange
400 E. Gray St.
Mondays & Fridays 11am – 4pm
Tuesday & Wednesday 1pm – 6pm
Thursday 3pm – 6pm
Saturday 11am – 2pm - Family Health Center – Phoenix
712 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Monday – Friday
8am – 4:30 pm
All others wishing hepatitis A vaccination should contact their healthcare provider or contact their local Kroger Little Clinic or Walgreen’s.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends hepatitis A vaccination as follows:
- All children at age 1 year,
- Persons who are at increased risk for infection,
- Persons who are at increased risk for complications from hepatitis A, and
- Any person wishing to obtain immunity (protection).
Kentucky also now requires all schoolchildren in kindergarten through twelfth grade to get two doses of hepatitis A vaccine.
While the current hepatitis A outbreak in Louisville has centered in the homeless and those who use illicit drugs, the CDC also lists these groups as being at increased risk for hepatitis A.
Persons traveling to or working in countries that have high or intermediate endemicity of hepatitis A. Persons who travel to developing countries are at high risk for hepatitis A, even those traveling to urban areas, staying in luxury hotels, and those who report maintaining good hand hygiene and being careful about what they drink and eat (see https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/hepatitis-a for more information).
Men who have sex with men. Men who have sex with men should be vaccinated.
Users of injection and non-injection drugs. Persons who use injection and non-injection drugs should be vaccinated.
Persons who have occupational risk for infection. Persons who work with HAV-infected primates or with HAV in a research laboratory setting should be vaccinated. No other groups have been shown to be at increased risk for HAV infection because of occupational exposure.
Persons who have chronic liver disease. Persons with chronic liver disease who have never had hepatitis A should be vaccinated, as they have a higher likelihood of having fulminant hepatitis A (i.e., rapid onset of liver failure, often leading to death). Persons who are either awaiting or have received liver transplants also should be vaccinated.
Persons who have clotting-factor disorders. Persons who have never had hepatitis A and who are administered clotting-factor concentrates, especially solvent detergent-treated preparations, should be vaccinated.
Household members and other close personal contacts of adopted children newly arriving from countries with high or intermediate hepatitis A endemicity. Previously unvaccinated persons who anticipate close personal contact (e.g., household contact or regular babysitting) with an international adoptee from a country of high or intermediate endemicity during the first 60 days following arrival of the adoptee in the United States should be vaccinated. The first dose of the 2-dose hepatitis A vaccine series should be administered as soon as adoption is planned, ideally 2 or more weeks before the arrival of the adoptee. More information is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5836a4.htm.
Persons with direct contact with persons who have hepatitis A. Persons who have been recently exposed to HAV and who have not previously received hepatitis A vaccine should be vaccinated. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5641a3.htm
Other than vaccination, 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.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge (D-3) invites residents of the area to a special meeting of the Hallmark Neighborhood Association on Monday, March 12th to discuss a warehouse demolition project.
“I want everyone in the area to understand what is the latest information involving the demolition project of warehouses at 2349 Millers Lane,” says Woolridge. “My office has been made aware that while this project moves forward with demolition, it is important to be aware of what may be constructed on this property.”
The Councilwoman has invited Robert Kirchdorfer, Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations Director to speak at the meeting. He has been asked to discuss what is known about the project including the demolition and future building permits for the property.
The meeting is set for Southern Star Baptist Church, 2304 Algonquin Parkway in the lower level beginning at 7:00pm.
The company that will be occupying the new warehouse is Advanced Distribution Service. The building is a new warehouse that is 251,317 sq. ft. The estimated cost is $6,700,000; they paid $30,254.12 for the permit. The demolition permit would retain the shell of the building only. Once the tenant gets ready to move in another permit will be issued, then more details will be known about future construction.
“I want to make sure everyone in the area has an understanding of what type of business is proposed for this location,” says Woolridge. “This is an opportunity to ask questions and be updated on the timeline involved with demolition and construction.”
For more information about this special meeting of the Hallmark Neighborhood Association, contact Councilwoman Woolridge’s office at 574-1103.
A stronger pipeline of young talent is critical to Louisville’s future, Mayor Greg Fischer said in launching the SummerWorks youth jobs program for 2018.
“Summer jobs are critical building blocks for young people, and SummerWorks is crucial for the health of the local economy, because it creates a pipeline of future talent,” Mayor Fischer said. “We want Louisville’s business culture to be one where every company, large and small, hires or sponsors summer jobs for youth.”
Last year, more than 160 companies and organizations hired SummerWorks youth. And already, momentum is building for this summer, with many employers hiring youth through the program for the first time, including Hilliard Lyons, Kelley Construction, Kentuckiana Comfort Center, iQor, Louisville Bats and Spectrum. Other companies, including Kentucky Kingdom and Thorntons, are increasing the number of young people they hire.
Today’s program kickoff was at GE Appliances, where 13 SummerWorks participants have gone on to full-time work in the past two years.
“GE Appliances was one of the first Louisville companies to sign up for the SummerWorks program because we saw a critical need to build a pipeline of young talent who want a good career in manufacturing,” said GE Appliances Vice President of Manufacturing Bill Good. “Working with SummerWorks has been a great experience, and I look forward to seeing the program grow as other companies begin to participate. It has been an excellent way to recruit motivated, energetic youth who have brought fresh thinking to our manufacturing operations.”
Additional businesses where program participants have transitioned to full employment include the Hyatt Hotel, Humana, Kentucky Kingdom, Norton Healthcare and UPS.
Starting this year, SummerWorks will play an increasing role in creating more young talent through its alignment with the new Academies of Louisville initiative being rolled out at JCPS high schools. The goal is for every student to have had a summer job experience by the time they graduate their Academy high school.
“The SummerWorks program offers our students a unique opportunity to gain relevant and hands-on experience in the working world, which aligns perfectly with the Academies of Louisville structure,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS Superintendent. “And the benefits go both ways. This summer experience not only builds on the classroom instruction, giving our students a real-world application to what they’ve learned, but because of the practical experience they’ve gained in the academies programs, they are sharper and more proficient employees for the SummerWorks business partners.”
Companies and organizations that aren’t able to directly hire youth this summer can instead sponsor jobs. A donation of $2,500 funds a summer job at a non-profit organization or city agency.
SummerWorks will continue creating job experiences that build entrepreneurial skills in young people by providing mini-grants to five local organizations: Empowered, Inc., Food Literacy Project at Oxmoor Farm, Jefferson Memorial Forest, New Roots and Pride Leadership Academy. The grants will fund work experiences for youth ranging from helping provide fresh produce in West Louisville, to developing fish hatchery tanks, to creating a business plan and website for a small business. Additional grants will fund job training and career exploration hosted at five local non-profit and public agencies.
SummerWorks is overseen by KentuckianaWorks, the workforce development agency for the Louisville area, in partnership with Louisville YouthBuild, which adds expertise in working with at-risk youth and provides mentoring and job-coaching. The goal is to provide even stronger long-term outcomes for young people involved in the program.
In 2014, SummerWorks was recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors as one of the nation’s best summer jobs programs for young people.
The Mayor launched SummerWorks after taking office in 2011, in response to the elimination of federal funding for summer jobs. In that first year, the effort placed 200 young people in jobs. Last summer, more than 5,200 youth found summer work directly through the program and at its champion employers.
Other businesses that have committed to hiring SummerWorks youth this year include 4th Street Live, Dare to Care, GlowTouch Technologies, Interapt, Kindred Healthcare, Kroger, Louisville Zoo, Oxmoor Auto Group, Speedway and YMCA of Greater Louisville.
Employers and youth participants can sign up for the program at www.summerworks.org.
Photo: KFC Yum! Center
The KFC Yum! Center is expanding its Thunder festivities with an event created specifically to enable members of the Louisville business community to connect, expand their professional network and discuss opportunities for collaboration. The event will take place in the arena’s Woodford Reserve Lounge, which overlooks the Ohio River and provides premium viewing opportunities for the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks and air shows on Saturday, April 21, 2018.
The all-day event is presented by KFC Yum! Center in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc., Louisville Business First and Leadership Louisville.
Individual tickets are $160, discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Admission includes:
- Access to KFC Yum! Center Woodford Reserve Lounge
- Networking opportunities
- 2-3 business oriented speaking sessions
- Evening meal + 2 drink tickets
- Access to private restrooms
- DJ and live music
Louisville businessman and philanthropist Dr. Mark Lynn, owner of Visionworks, will speak at the event. Lynn is the current Chairman of the Kentucky State Fair Board, is active on the University of Louisville Foundation and Finance Committee and is a Trustee for Sacred Heart Schools. He and his family believe in giving back through involvement and development of the communities they serve. Additional speakers will be announced at a later date.
For more information and to order tickets, please visit kfcyumcenter.com.
Photo: Kentucky Derby Museum
The Kentucky Derby Museum’s multi-million dollar expansion project is officially underway after a groundbreaking ceremony today in the Museum’s garden terrace. The project will add over 11,000 square feet of brand new space to the Museum. It also includes the renovation of 5,000 square feet of existing space. It will be the largest expansion of the Museum’s footprint since the building was constructed in 1985 and one of the largest renovations since a major refurbishing project following damaging flooding in 2009.
The expansion will provide a greater visitor experience for guests with an emphasis on new exhibit space, featuring the collection of legendary trainer, D. Wayne Lukas. It also creates space to display key pieces of the Bill Shoemaker collection, which has been housed in the Museum’s archives for many years. The expanded second floor will also include additional meeting and rental space. The Museum will build an entirely new third floor within the expansion footprint to house administrative offices, a large conference room and storage areas.
On the ground level, a new stable will house the Museum’s resident Thoroughbred and companion horse. The area will include seating for educational programming. It also features more than 7,400 square feet of covered space that can be set for various events, including outdoor weddings, dinners, parties and more. With the addition of the new rental space, the Museum will be able to accommodate much larger groups for special events.
Construction will begin this month and will include the demolition of the stable, the relocation of the Finish Line pole and the removal of more than 3,000 square feet of pavers. Major construction work inside the Museum will get underway following Kentucky Derby 144.
“We’ve seen the number of visitors coming through our doors growing consistently, reaching 230,000 in 2017. Building off that momentum, we wanted to create something that would take the Museum to the next level and offer a truly outstanding experience to our guests as we showcase the extraordinary event that is the Kentucky Derby, “Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO Patrick Armstrong said.
The Museum will remain open to visitors during the entire duration of the project. The expansion will be completed by November, in time for the 2018 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs Racetrack. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, Kentucky Derby Museum employees gave Winston, the Museum’s miniature horse for 22 years, a fond farewell as he headed off into retirement at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. With a final victory lap through the Museum, Winston made his way out the Museum’s front doors for the last time as employees and well-wishers cheered him on his way!
Winston came to the Kentucky Derby Museum at two years old, in the fall of 1995. He’s been the companion horse to more than 30 resident Thoroughbreds, including three horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby, Perfect Drift, Phantom on Tour and Twinspired, as well as Kentucky Derby 135 winner, Mine that Bird.
He’s also thrown out the first pitch at the Louisville Bats game, helped Churchill Downs pick the Derby winner ahead of the race, supported many charitable organizations around town and performed more than ten marriage proposals with his “Will You Marry Me?” blanket!
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilman Vitalis Lanshima is inviting residents of District 21 to a special community meeting tonight, March 5th to discuss speeding concerns in various areas of the district.
“I believe it is important for everyone to know how to deal with speeding for the safety of everyone on our streets in the community,” says Lanshima. “This is an informational meeting for those who feel that speed bumps might decrease speeding in these areas.”
The Councilman has asked representatives of Louisville Metro Police and the Department of Public Works to discuss the speeding concerns in neighborhoods and explain the process of requesting and installing speed bumps/humps, along with the costs involved.
“Our goal is to make our streets safer. While we will be discussing the recent challenges faced by the residents of Meridale Avenue, our hope is that we can share our concerns and identify ways to keep our community safe,” says Lanshima.
The meeting will get underway at 6:00pm tonight at the Beechmont Community Center, 205 W. Wellington Avenue.
For more information, contact Councilman Lanshima’s Office at 574-1121.
