Wednesday October 15, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
The Metro Council’s Budget Committee has approved $546,791 in an effort to deal with the current homeless problem in Metro Louisville. The funding was found as part of the year-end budget adjustment after the completion of audits of the 2017 -2018 Operating and Capital Budgets.
“This appropriation will help us deal with a shelter system in crisis serving a population in crisis. The new services will serve as a bridge to a more permanent plan to address these needs,” said Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9), who chairs the Committee.
“The Metro Government has enough growth to allow the Metro Council to increase our funding for emergency homeless assistance. This is being done in a bipartisan manner as we recognized this is an issue we must address as a united community,” said Councilman Kevin Kramer (R-11), who is the Committee’s vice chair.
Pending full Council approval, the funding will support several partnerships with nonprofit groups who provide shelter and services for the homeless in Metro Louisville. The initial goal is to temporarily find additional beds and storage lockers for people experiencing homelessness as the city gets ready for another cold winter.
“We recognize these are complicated challenges and we are laser focused on common sense solutions. I am confident the emergency temporary sheltering plan will produce a collective impact. Our goal is to make sure anyone wanting to sleep inside has a place to go. Louisville – TOGETHER, we can do this!” said Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4).
“Let’s be clear. This is not yet a solid plan to address the problem, but rather earmarking and reserving funds for a concept for a plan to address the crisis. I have great faith in Eric Friedlander and the Office of Resilience and Community Services in providing us with this initial plan. We still have much work to do and little time to do it in order to try to make a timely impact to protect this vulnerable portion of our population,” said Councilman Brent Ackerson (D-26).
A longer term goal is to develop a low barrier shelter while expanding beds in existing facilities. A low barrier shelter relaxes some of the rules for those facilities which maintain programs, food and shelter for homeless men, women, and families.
The measure moves on to the full Council for a vote on December 13th.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
The holiday season is underway and President David James is once again hosting a special seasonal event for residents of District 6 when the Light up California Holiday Celebration gets underway beginning at 5:00pm on Friday, December 7th.
“It is always a joy to take the time to come together as a community and praise the true spirit of the season,” says James. “A new year is on the horizon and I am confident that good things lie ahead for one of Metro Louisville’s greatest neighborhoods.”
The fun begins in the festive atmosphere of California Leisure Park at 5:00pm. Santa Claus will be on hand to take the wishes and requests of children back to the North Pole.
The evening’s festivities will include live musical entertainment, free snacks, and refreshments will be available to all those who attend. There will be music, hot apple cider, a bike raffle, and Santa will be there to give out toys.
This year several groups and individuals have joined Councilman James to help spread holiday cheer for children and families in the District. Those sponsors include Kosair Charities, Al Schneider Inc., Play, 7NT Engineering, Henderson’s and Ronaldo Designer Jewelry.
“I want to invite everyone to come out and join this community celebration as a way to embrace the holiday season in a neighborhood that enjoys the togetherness this time of year brings,” says James.
California Leisure Park is located at 963 Dixie Highway.
For more information about the Light up California, please contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
Credit: Louisville Metro Police
President David James (D-6) and officers of the LMPD’s Fourth Division are planning a special celebration of the season when they host the Parkhill Holiday Party at the Parkhill Community Center on Thursday, December 6th.
“I look forward to continuing this community tradition when we give needy children throughout the district a Merry Christmas with holiday fun for the family,” says James. “It will be a wonderful time for anyone who lives in the Parkhill area.”
The Parkhill Holiday Party will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Parkhill Community Center, 1703 South Thirteenth Street.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children ages 1-15 to the event.
There will be music, food and fun for all! Santa Claus will also be on hand to hear Christmas wishes and parents and families can take pictures of their child with the Jolly Old Elf. There will be a toys and bicycle give-a-way!
This year several groups and individuals have joined Councilman James to help spread holiday cheer for children and families in the District. Those sponsors include Kosair Charities, Al Schneider Inc., Play, 7NT Engineering, Henderson’s and Ronaldo Designer Jewelry.
“So I want to encourage everyone in the Parkhill area to come out and join us for some fun as we bring in the holiday season,” says James.
For more information about the Parkhill Holiday Party, contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
President David James (D-6) will officially welcome District 6’s newest business on Thursday, November 29th when Adrienne & Co. opens its newest bakery cafe at 1212 S. 4th Street.
“We believe Adrienne’s will find that Old Louisville is ready to welcome Adrienne’s Bakery to become one of the many great businesses that are helping this area of our city grow,” says the President.
The official grand opening is set for 10:30am. President James, the Mayor’s Office, and company representatives will have a ribbon cutting. Following the ceremony, there will be a mini tour and light refreshments.
This is Adrienne & Co.’s fourth location and the first time it has located In Louisville. The Company’s three other locations are in Southern Indiana.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Seasonal festivities continue in Metro Louisville as Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5) joins the Shawnee Neighborhood Association, and area churches would like to invite the community to the first “Light Up Shawnee” at French Plaza at Amy and Market Street.
“One by one neighborhoods all over the city are welcoming the holiday season by throwing the switch to bring the lights of Christmas to glow in the weeks ahead,” says Hamilton. “This new event will be a break from the hustle and bustle of the season and a time for a little seasonal fun for all.”
With the theme, “We Are The Light of The World!” the lights will be turned on at 6:00pm for all to see!
There will be fun for the whole family at the event. Children and families can take pictures with Santa! Also, enjoy free food and hot cocoa, stop by the crafts stations, come here the angelic voices of churches from the Shawnee Neighborhood!
Everyone is welcome to participate in this signature holiday event!
For more information contact Anne Peak at (502) 778-0001.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
An African American pioneer for civil rights in Louisville will be honored with an honorary sign to commemorate her life and legacy.
On Monday November 12th Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the family and friends of the Alberta Odell Jones and unveil an honorary sign at the corner of Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway for her work toward fairness and equality for all in Metro Louisville.
“Alberta Jones was a true champion of civil rights and her legacy is showcased by the many people she helped through the legal system and working to ensure they were defended and counted in our democracy,” says Sexton Smith.
She was born in Louisville to Sadie and Odell Jones and graduated from Central High School. She later attended the Louisville Municipal College for Negroes, which later merged with the University of Louisville during desegregation. After graduating third in her class, she was accepted into the University of Louisville Law School but transferred to Howard University’s School of Law after her first year and while there graduated fourth in her class.
Ms. Jones was also Cassius Clay’s first attorney, and was responsible for having him train in California under Archie Moore.
Her work in the civil rights movement led her to not only participate in the March on Washington and the marches in Louisville, but she also rented voting machines and held classes to teach African Americans how to vote for the candidates of their choice, and later established the Independent Voters Association.
Sadly her dedication to others was cut short when she was murdered in August 1965 and the case remains unsolved to this day.
“We on the Metro Council and as a city are grateful to Ms. Jones for her service and the changes she fought for,” says Sexton Smith. “She left her mark on this city and it is our hope this sign will serve as a reminder that one person can make the world a better place for all.”
Councilwoman Sexton Smith sponsored the Resolution which called for the placement of an honorary street sign on the corner of South Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway in Louisville, Kentucky to be designated “Honorary Alberta Jones Esq. Boulevard.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 1:00pm at the corner of South Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
On Tuesday, November 13th a special ceremony will pay tribute to Officer Bertha Par Whedbee, who in 1922 became the first African American female to join the Louisville Police Department.
“Officer Whedbee served the citizens of Louisville with dignity and honor,” says Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5). “Until now, she has rested in an unmarked grave in the Louisville Cemetery and on Tuesday she will receive recognition that is long overdue.”
Councilwoman Hamilton is encouraging everyone to attend a special ceremony paying tribute to Officer Whedbee beginning at 10:00am. The ceremony will feature the Louisville Metro Police Honor Guard and the Louisville Police Pipe and Drums.
Officer Whedbee was married to Dr. Ellis Whedbee who was one of the founders of the old Red Cross Hospital. Since 1960, she and her husband have rested in an unmarked grave. Active and retired officers of the Louisville Police Community have joined other officers and citizens to erect a monument to their service.
“We owe a special thanks to all men and women who walk our streets to keep us safe. Officer Whedbee, like all the officers who have followed her, is someone to be honored for their duty and service to our community. She was a trailblazer leading the way for others,” says Hamilton.
The Louisville Cemetery is located at 1339 Poplar Level road.
For more information about the tribute to Officer Bertha Par Whedbee, contact Chuck Cooper at 502-744-1704. Cooper is a former 2nd Police Division, now retired, spearheaded the memorial tribute to the late Officer Whedbee.
