Sunday December 7, 2025
News Sections

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.

Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin is encouraging residents of District 2 and the surrounding area to come out and enjoy a free event in Petersburg Park on Sunday, April 30th.

In partnership with Kentucky Shakespeare, the Councilwoman is sponsoring the “Shakespeare in the Parks” production of Julius Caesar. It’s the classic tale of political intrigue, deception, betrayal and the murder of a political leader

“We have enjoyed bringing these productions to our area for the last few years and this is a free weekend event for everyone,” says Shanklin. “Petersburg Park is a great place for this event, so bring a lawn chair and come join us.”

Shanklin and other Metro Council members are sponsoring this year’s free production tour of Kentucky Shakespeare in various parks throughout Metro Louisville. The tour is now in its fourth year.

Kentucky Shakespeare, a not-for-profit charitable organization, professional theatre company, and the oldest free Shakespeare Festival in the United States has been offering free Shakespeare in Central Park in Old Louisville during the summer.

This year, “Shakespeare in the Parks” is bringing an 85 minute, six actor version of Julius Caesar beginning at 6:00pm at Petersburg Park located at 5008 E Indian Trail. The event will be held rain or shine.

“We look forward to performing for the people of Newburg and we thank Councilwoman Shanklin and our other Metro Council partners for their support,” says Matt Wallace of Kentucky Shakespeare.

“Shakespeare in the Parks” is halfway through its touring schedule of 23 locations in the Metro Louisville area that will end on May 19th.

For more information about Sunday’s “Shakespeare in the Parks” at Petersburg Park, contact Councilwoman Shanklin’s office at 574-1102.

Mayor Fischer cheered today’s news that Google Fiber will soon begin construction in Louisville.

“Many have eagerly waited to hear these words: Google Fiber is coming to Louisville,” Mayor Fischer said. “This next step toward bringing Google Fiber’s super-fast internet network to Louisville demonstrates our city’s commitment to the type of forward-looking innovation that creates opportunities for businesses and families.”

Google Fiber expects to soon file its first permit to building its network in Louisville, the company said today. The network construction will be done in phases, which will allow a more efficient build and reduce disruption. Google Fiber’s initial build out will focus on a handful of communities and neighborhoods.

Google Fiber plans to test innovative new ways to deploy super-fast Internet, such as the microtrenching technique already approved by the city. Google Fiber is also working on advancing wireless capabilities that would connect communities even faster.

The company will release details of its service in Louisville at a later date.

Residents can sign up for notifications about Google Fiber’s progress at http://google.com/fiber/louisville.

Google Fiber today described Mayor Fischer, the Metro Council and the Jefferson County League of Cities as valued partners for its support of Google Fiber’s efforts to come to Louisville, including for the support of the One Touch Make Ready policy.

“Louisville is officially joining a who’s who of cities that are focused on building strong economies for today and for the future,” Mayor Fischer said. “I’m eager to see the positive transformation this brings for our city’s businesses and families for years to come.”

Metro Council President David Yates said: “Google Fiber’s commitment to constructing a gigabit fiber optic network in Louisville is exciting for both our people and businesses. The infrastructure will provide a platform for further economic development and technological investment into our community.  The welcome increase in competition for both television and internet will improve the quality and cost of these services throughout our city, positively impacting every customer in this market. Our city has invested much in bringing Google Fiber from Silicon Valley to the Ohio Valley. We are excited to begin seeing the return on that investment for our citizens.”

Councilman Kevin Kramer added: “I thank Google for making the decision to invest in Louisville. We have worked hard to express our interest as a city, and believe this expansion will aid the many families, businesses, and organizations who yearn for speedy and reliable access to the internet.”

Councilman Bill Hollander said: “High speed internet is a necessity for any growing city and today’s announcement is another step toward more jobs and economic growth. Mayor Fischer’s pursuit of Google Fiber, with the support of Metro Council and our suburban cities, has already led to more competition, which means better service and pricing for our entire community. I look forward to more of both.”

Credit: Louisville Metro Police

Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2) is encouraging young people to make the effort and talk with Officers of the Louisville Metro Police Department at the next LMPD Youth Chat.

“It is important that young people understand that our police officers are here to help and protect us,” says Shanklin. “The chats also afford the officers a chance to get to know young people in the area. When everyone sits down and talks, then trust begins to build and we can begin working together.”

The next LMPD Youth Chat is set for the Newburg Community Center on Thursday, April 20th beginning at 6:00pm.

The LMPD Youth Chats are a series of public open-dialogue discussions, so that youth 25 and under can hear from and talk with local law enforcement officials to establish better relationships and mutual understanding While learning about the variety of things Louisville Metro police officers do.

Each session will be co-moderated by local youth. Everyone is invited to come be a part of this unique opportunity. The program is sponsored by the LMPD Sixth Division and Louisville Metro Parks.

The Newburg Community Center is located at 4810 Exeter Ave.

Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton invites the community to attend the next District 5 Advisory Committee Meeting on Monday, April 17th  at 6:00 pm at the Yearlings Club, located at 4309 W. Broadway.

“As we move forward into spring, we have a great program for the month that includes how you can help young people in need and learn more about a special LMPD Division and what they do  to keep our community safe,” says Hamilton.

Councilwoman Hamilton has invited the following guests to make presentations at this month’s meeting:

  • Jeri Swinton CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana
  • Lt. Billy Hibbs of the LMPD 9th Mobile Division
  • Margaret Brosko, Shawnee Neighborhood Clean-up on April 22nd

“So please come join us to find out what else is going on in the district,” says Hamilton.

Any resident of Portland, Russell, Chickasaw or Shawnee is always invited and encouraged to bring their neighborhood concerns to these monthly meetings.

For information about the meeting, contact Councilwoman Hamilton’s office at 574-1105.

Photo: Altitude Trampoline Park

Dixie Highway is undergoing a resurgence of new businesses and the newest addition is a fun entertainment center for all ages. Altitude Trampoline Park held its official grand opening celebration this week with city leaders on hand to welcome the new businesses.

“This is another great day for the new Dixie Highway. We need new exciting businesses like this to show everyone that this area of the city has much to offer,” said President David Yates (D-25).

The President was joined in the grand opening by Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12), Cindi Fowler (D-14) and Marianne Butler (D-15). They were also joined by Shively Mayor Sherry Conner.

The Altitude Trampoline Park is a 41,000 square foot, indoor trampoline park with jumping activities including sports and fitness programs, competitive jumping, and just plain, old-fashioned jumping fun.

The park will include such activities as a foam pit, gymnastics tumble tracks, toddler area, basketball dunking lanes, dodge ball and fitness classes.

“We are excited about another major investment along Dixie Highway. Southwest residents have often asked for more recreational opportunities for our youth and Altitude certainly meets the need in a big way,” said Blackwell

“South Louisville is happy to welcome Altitude to our community.  Another locally owned, thriving business offering a fun night for families.  Welcome – we are glad you are here and encourage others to join you!” said Butler.

“I am excited to see this wonderful new addition to South Louisville! The Altitude Trampoline Park will provide kids and their families a fun, positive space that’s close to home. I am encouraged by this promising economic investment along Dixie Highway, bouncing the Southend to new heights!” said Fowler.

“I want to thank the Council members and the people of the area for their support as we begin this venture,” said Mr. Chuck Hall of Altitude Trampoline Park, “We look forward to being a part of this great community.”

Altitude Louisville is going be a fresh, new entertainment option for groups and individuals to have active fun located at 4420 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216.

To learn more go to: http://www.altitudelouisville.com/altitude-lousiville-trampoline-park.

Councilman Bill Hollander is inviting District 9 residents to come out to the next “Meet with Bill” set for Wednesday, April 19th.

“We are always happy to hear from constituents.  To make meeting with us in person more convenient, we’ll be holding office hours at various places around the district in addition to our regular, evening D9 Community Conversations,” says Hollander.

“Meet with Bill” is set for the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, 201 Reservoir Avenue, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the meeting room.

“Please stop by with any questions or concerns. It is an informal way of telling me what’s on your mind,” says Hollander.

For more information about “Meet with Bill” or any other issue in the district, call 574-1109 or email kyle.ethridge@louisvilleky.gov

Archives