Friday January 30, 2026
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
The Croghan and Clark families and their friends welcome guests from near and far to Locust Grove for a special one-day only celebration of Christmastide, 1816.
On Saturday, December 2, from 12pm to 7pm, Locust Grove will come alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season as Locust Grove’s corps of First Person Interpreters bring to life the residents of the historic house, as well as their friends and neighbors.
Visitors will have the opportunity to converse with the Croghans about the news of the day—the recent election of James Monroe as the fifth president, the admission of Indiana to the union as the nineteenth state—and learn about life in the 19th century. Guests can join in the dancing and period games, and will have the opportunity to stop in the hearth kitchen to watch meal preparations for the festive occasion.
“Christmastide is a great opportunity to experience Locust Grove as it was alive with friends and family celebrating the season and being together,” says Program Director Brian Cushing. “The craftspeople we have pulled in to show you how the world around them worked in those days really rounds out the experience!”
The Holiday Crafts Market in the Visitors’ Center will feature vendors selling period wares, including soap, leather goods, textiles, stoneware, wax portraits and more 19th century gifts for a 21st century life. A penman will also be on hand to demonstrate18th and 19th century letter-writing techniques as guests enjoy live music, shop in the museum store, and find gift-quality books for a special holiday edition of Locust Grove’s Used Book Sale. Children will have the opportunity to make period holiday cards and orange and clove pomanders.
Christmastide, 1816 will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 12 pm – 7pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children, and free for children 6 and under.
Locust Grove is located at 561 Blankenbaker Lane (between Brownsboro Road and River Road), Louisville, KY 40207. For more information about these events, please contact Hannah Zimmerman, Marketing Coordinator at marketing@locustgrove.org or call 502.897.9845 x108.
Frying a turkey can be a fun and tasty alternative to the traditional baked dishes of the holidays. As many start to plan menus, the Department for Public Health (DPH), within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), wants to remind Kentuckians that fryers – multi-use kettles used for deep frying foods – also can be dangerous when not handled with care. The safety promotion is part of DPH’s ongoing 52 Weeks of Public Health Campaign.
Since 2002, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has tracked more than 168 turkey-fryer related fire, burn, explosion or CO poisoning incidents, including 672 injuries and $8 million in property damage. Hazard scenarios have varied from house fires, ignition of oil used in the fryers themselves, and burn-causing oil splashes.
“Turkey fryers have steadily grown in popularity over the past two decades, but they pose some risk if not used properly,” said Dr. Jeffrey Howard, acting commissioner for DPH. “By following a few guidelines and using precaution, adverse circumstances can be avoided. We want all Kentuckians to have a happy and safe holiday season and we ask that everyone follow some simple safety guidelines when cooking – or frying – your holiday food.”
According to the CPSC, the majority of reported turkey fryer incidents occurred while the oil was being heated, prior to adding turkey. For this reason, it is very important that consumers monitor the temperature of oil closely. If any smoke at all is noticed coming from heating a pot of oil, the burner should be turned off immediately because the oil is overheated.
Consumers who choose to fry turkeys always should remember to keep the fryer in full view while the burner is on and to place the fryer in open area away from walls, fences or other structures. Fryers should be stored outside and never used under a garage, breezeway, carport or any other structure that can catch fire.
To avoid burns, food should be raised and lowered slowly and bare skin should be covered. It’s also important to check the oil temperature frequently. If the oil should begin to smoke, the gas supply should be turned off immediately.
If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. Do not attempt to extinguish fire with water.
Here’s a look at the best way to avoid accidents or injuries from turkey fryers this holiday season:
- Make sure there is at least two feet of space between the propane tank and fryer burner.
- Place the gas tank and fryer so that wind blows heat of the fryer away from tank.
- Center the pot over the burner on the cooker.
- Completely thaw (USDA says 24 hours for every four to five pounds) and dry turkey before cooking. Partially frozen and/or wet turkeys can produce excessive hot oil splatter when added to the oil.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper amount of oil to add. If those are not available:
- Place turkey in pot.
- Fill with water until the turkey is covered by about one-half inch of water.
- Remove and dry turkey.
- Mark the water level. Dump water, dry the pot, and fill with oil to the marked level.
Mayor Greg Fischer joined Metro Council members to announce that construction is scheduled to begin on the $5 million redevelopment of historic Colonial Gardens in south Louisville.
The adaptive reuse project includes renovating the 7,000-square-foot historic Colonial Gardens building, as well as adding three new, one-story buildings for a total of 18,000-square-feet that will share a common patio and garden area.
“Giving new life to historic structures like Colonial Gardens helps give Louisville an authentic quality of place like no other city, and our unique character is one of the things that helps draw millions of tourists to our city every year. And that’s a huge boost to our economy,” said the Mayor. “I would like to thank Underhill Associates, our south Louisville Metro Council members and the Iroquois neighborhood for making this project a go.”
Citizens sought successfully to designate the iconic Colonial Gardens building, located across from Iroquois Park, as a local landmark in 2008. The city purchased the property in 2013 to help foster its commercial redevelopment.
The site’s developer, Underhill Associates, is in talks with local restaurant groups to occupy the four corner spaces of the building, located on the corner of Kenwood Avenue and New Cut Road, and a common beer garden area.
“Underhill Associates is excited to create a venue where the past is honored and new events will be celebrated. We are pleased to partner with the city on the gateway to Iroquois Park where people can meet, eat, have a drink, and play,” said Jeff Underhill, Underhill Associates. “Architect Jeff Rawlins has designed an attractive plan clustering four restaurants welcoming visitors with great views of the park and a beer garden.”
Underhill noted that the venue will be decorated with memorabilia celebrating south Louisville.
Post Construction Company is expected to begin construction on the property in early 2018, with a completion date of spring 2019.
Metro Council comments:
Metro Council President David Yates, District 25: “The decaying building of Colonial Gardens has epitomized south Louisville’s unrequited demand for economic investment for far too long. In the shadow of the majestic Iroquois Amphitheater, the two buildings illustrate the dichotomy of who our community has been and who our community can be. Today, we take another step toward restoring our vibrant, unique South end neighborhood. This public-private partnership will turn a dilapidated eyesore into the gateway of the south. I stand with my colleagues in championing this development and am eager for its success to catalyze further investment into both our economy and people. I thank my colleagues, the Mayor and Louisville Forward who have all stood with me fight after fight to ensure this project’s success. Once complete, Colonial Gardens will be a win-win for our city and the good people of South Louisville.”
Councilwoman Marianne Butler, District 15: “This is one of the largest economic development projects that south Louisville has seen in some time. I thank the Underhills and the administration for coming together to find a partnership that works for all involved. This is a development that will transform this tired corner into a vibrant community spot and show other developers that investing in south Louisville is a win.”
Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch, District 13: “This is a most exciting project for me and my family. We have three generations that danced at the old Colonial Gardens. My hope is that the new Colonial Gardens will provide dining and entertainment for generations to come in the future. Persistence has finally paid off after many years of planning this awesome public-private partnership.”
Councilman Rick Blackwell, District 12: “This public-private partnership will beautify a corner that has been an eyesore far too long. While great for residents of south and southwest Louisville, it will also significantly improve the experiences of those who visit Iroquois Park for the many races, Jack-o-lantern spectacular or shows at the amphitheater.”
Small Business Saturday® has quickly become synonymous with the first Saturday after Thanksgiving as a means to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize local businesses. This national Shop Small® marketing campaign also coincides with holiday events and activities already planned in many Kentucky Main Street (KYMS) communities.
“Small Business Saturday reminds us that during one of the busiest spending times of the year, we need to invest locally with friends and neighbors, ensuring that the dollars being spent are being reinvested locally,” said Kitty Dougoud, KYMS Administrator. “When you shop with a small, independent business, which KYMS promotes throughout the year, you not only celebrate the uniqueness of your community, you also support local jobs and families.”
The Kentucky Main Street Program was created in 1979 by the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office to focus on downtown revitalization and economic development within the context of preserving and reusing historic commercial buildings. KYMS requires local commitment and financial support in exchange for technical and design assistance, on-site visits, access to national consultants, and occasional grant opportunities. Currently the state program supports 37 communities.
Activities planned in KYMS communities this Saturday, Nov. 25, include Paducah Main Street’s Dickens of a Christmas, Bellevue In Vue’s annual Christmas Walk and holiday open house (Friday and Saturday), and Pikeville Main Street’s Storybook Walk. For more holiday events sure to bring cheer to your shopping experience, like and follow Kentucky Main Street on Facebook or visit Kentucky Tourism’s Kentucky Main Street holiday guide.
Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express. According to a consumer insights survey released by the company and the National Federation of Independent Business, total reported spending last year on this one day reached an estimated $15.4 billion at independent retailers and restaurants. Kentucky Main Street can document more than $3.9 billion of investment throughout the Commonwealth over nearly four decades.
Mayor Greg Fischer has named Jeff O’Brien as the new director of Develop Louisville, the city’s real estate and community development arm. O’Brien has been with the city since 2013, first as project manager for Vision Louisville then as Deputy Director of the Office of Advanced Planning. O’Brien was named to the position after Director Deborah Bilitski accepted a position as Deputy Director/Vice President of the Waterfront Development Corporation. Bilitski is succeeding Mike Kimmel, who has served in this role for 28 years and will retire at the end of the year.
Bilitski will remain in her role with Develop Louisville through the end of the year. Jeff O’Brien begins as Director on January 1.
As Deputy Director of the Office of Advanced Planning, O’Brien, who has a background in urban planning, has been integrally involved in the city’s ongoing Comprehensive Plan update, played a leadership role in the production of the MOVE Louisville transportation plan and serves as a Metro representative with the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency’s (KIPDA) transportation planning activities.
Dave Marchal will continue in his role as Develop Louisville Deputy Director with an enhanced portfolio of responsibilities around urban design and historic preservation initiatives.
Brightside and its Director Gina O’Brien will now report directly to the Chief of Louisville Forward, Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, instead of the Director of Develop Louisville.
Develop Louisville is a department within Louisville Forward and includes the Office of Sustainability, Office of Advanced Planning, Vacant & Public Property Administration, Office of Housing & Community Development and Planning & Design Services. Louisville Forward serves as the city’s economic and community development arm, housing the departments of Economic Development, Develop Louisville and Codes & Regulations.
For more information on Develop Louisville, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Marty Pollio and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer cut the ribbon today on a new JCPS satellite office that will better serve students and families in west Louisville communities.
“Creating an office that would provide equitable access to district services and resources for our families in west Louisville was a top priority for me when I became acting superintendent,” Dr. Pollio said. “By taking our services directly to the community, as this new office will do, we can engage with families and promote family involvement in a much greater way.”
The new office, located inside the California Community Center on West Saint Catherine Street, officially opens on January 4, 2018. The office will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The community center is operated by the city of Louisville, which is allowing JCPS to use the space free of charge.
“This is another example of JCPS bringing services directly to its customers – students and their parents – in the neighborhoods where they live,” said Mayor Fischer. “The city is honored to partner with JCPS by offering space in one of our community centers.”
JCPS will provide services to families at the new office through a variety of departments:
- Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs—Staff will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays to connect parents with resources that strengthen educational access and student achievement, which will include out-of-school-time learning opportunities, volunteer recruitment, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) groups, homeless education, and foster care services. The department will also facilitate meetings with families, community stakeholders, and organizations at the satellite office with the purpose of improving student learning.
- Exceptional Child Education (ECE)—Staff will be available on Thursdays to focus on the individual needs of students who are eligible for special education and related services according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The department will help with assessments that determine special education eligibility. ECE staff will schedule student Admissions and Release Committee (ARC) meetings at the satellite office to review progress and develop a new Individual Education Program (IEP). The ECE Service Delivery staff includes one placement specialist as well as a parent liaison assigned on a rotating schedule.
- Student Assignment—Staff will be at the satellite office each Thursday to assist families with applications for students who are entering kindergarten or who have a change of address. They will also help families who wish to submit a student transfer request or learn more about optional and magnet programs in the district.
- Student Relations—Staff will be available on Tuesdays to meet with students and families on Tuesdays who are recommended for choice and alternative school placement. They will work with the case manager, school staff, parents, and students to make appropriate decisions regarding student placement in choice and alternative behavior support schools.
- Title I—Parents will find information provided by the Title I Office on topics that include getting involved at their child’s school and how to find counselling, tutoring or other related services. Parents will also be able to learn more about the topics presented at the monthly Parent Advisory Council meetings. Title 1 will hold some parent meetings at the site.
“Being able to build a bridge from school to home is integral when talking about the success of our students,” Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) Member Diane Porter said. “I appreciate Dr. Pollio and all of the JCPS staff for making this investment of time and resources in west Louisville—our students and their families are worth it.”
Photo: KY Department of Corrections
Kentucky Department of Corrections Interim Commissioner Jim Erwin announced that Stefany Hughes has been named the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) state commander. She assumed this new role Nov. 9.
“Hughes will not only bring many years of experience, but a professionalism and dedication that is so necessary to this role,” said Erwin. “Though we do everything we can to prevent these situations, having a well-trained hostage negotiation team is a critical part of our department, and I believe Hughes is more than up to the task of being the new commander.”
Hughes began her career with the Department of Corrections as a classification and treatment officer at Northpoint Training Center (NTC) in 2006. In addition to her regular duties, she served as a Spanish translator for the parole board and was tasked to develop a dog program for the institution. In 2009, after the disturbance at NTC, she worked in Internal Affairs, interviewing staff and writing and tracking all of the disciplinary reports that arose from the incident. That same year, Hughes was asked to join the Hostage Negotiation Team, and graduated from the first FBI basic academy in the spring of 2010.
Hughes was later promoted to unit administrator I and moved to Blackburn Correctional Complex. While there she served as parole board coordinator and developed a new dog program as well. She was promoted to unit administrator II and returned to NTC in 2012, where she has worked in the restrictive housing unit, served as the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) retaliation monitor, and acted as the HNT regional commander for the central region.
