Sunday February 1, 2026
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
The Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services announced that it will provide the public the opportunity to review and provide input on operational modifications to the 1115 Kentucky HEALTH demonstration waiver application that is currently pending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Last year, Governor Matt Bevin, Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, and other state health officials introduced a comprehensive plan to help put Kentuckians on a path to better health outcomes and ensure long-term sustainability of the Medicaid program, known as Kentucky HEALTH (Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health). Kentucky HEALTH is an innovative approach that offers opportunities for individuals to take an active role in their health, engage in their communities, and gain skills for long-term independence and success. The demonstration waiver includes innovative delivery system reforms to expand the treatment of substance abuse, and a unique community engagement and employment initiative for Kentucky HEALTH members designed to strengthen Kentucky’s workforce and improve health and well-being.
“Since its inception, Kentucky HEALTH has been crafted in an open and transparent manner to create the best path forward for all Kentuckians,” said Secretary Glisson. “Over the course of many months, our team of dedicated state employees has worked tirelessly to plan for the successful implementation of Kentucky HEALTH. Thanks to their expertise and commitment to breaking down silos across government agencies, collaborating with local communities, and cutting through bureaucratic red tape, the Commonwealth has identified operational modifications that would support member success, community engagement growth, and administrative efficiency of the program.”
Glisson continued, “Although these revisions fall within the original waiver’s parameters, we will continue this commitment to transparency by accepting public comment on these operational modifications. We look forward to discussing these proposed changes with stakeholders, and continuing this collaborative process.”
Gov. Bevin introduced the demonstration waiver known as Kentucky HEALTH on June 22, 2016, and offered an extended public comment period, during which three public hearings were held and more than 1,400
comments were collected. This feedback from consumers, providers, advocates, and other stakeholders was reviewed and taken into consideration prior to the final proposal being submitted to CMS.
These proposed program operational modifications are a logical outgrowth of the original waiver application, and are minor revisions resulting from the Commonwealth’s ongoing program development efforts and continued negotiations with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Although these slight modifications do not meet the standard for requiring public input as set forth at 42 CFR 431.408, the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services will voluntarily hold open a 30-day public comment period and two public forums to gather public input on the proposed modifications.
The Commonwealth will be holding two public forums during the concurrent federal and state comment period:
FIRST PUBLIC HEARING:
- WHO: Representatives of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Governor’s Office
- WHAT: Public Forum
- WHEN: Friday, July 14, 2017, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
- WHERE: The Center for Rural Development 2292 South Highway 27 Suite 300 Somerset, KY 42501
- WHY: Opportunity to receive public input on the proposed operational revisions to the Commonwealth’s pending Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver. A complete draft of the Kentucky HEALTH waiver proposal and the proposed operational modifications are available for public review online at http://chfs.ky.gov/kentuckyhealth or for in-person inspection at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Secretary, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.
- Please Note: An interpreter for the deaf will be providing translation services at the hearing. Telephonic capabilities will be made available and posted on the Kentucky HEALTH website.
SECOND PUBLIC HEARING:
- WHO: Representatives of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Governor’s Office
- WHAT: Public Hearing
- WHEN: The Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare and Family Services meets at 10 a.m. EST, on Monday, July 17, 2017. During this meeting, there will be a short presentation explaining the modifications to the waiver. Public comments on the waiver will be taken upon adjournment of the committee meeting.
- WHERE: Kentucky Capitol Annex, room 129 702 Capital Avenue Frankfort, KY 40601
- WHY: Opportunity to receive public input on the proposed operational revisions to the Commonwealth’s pending Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver.
- Please Note: An interpreter for the deaf will be providing translation services at the hearing. Telephonic capabilities will be made available and posted on the Kentucky HEALTH website.
A complete draft of the Kentucky HEALTH waiver proposal and the proposed operational modifications are available for public review online at http://chfs.ky.gov/kentuckyhealth or for in-person inspection at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Secretary, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.
Students attending kindergarten this school year will have the opportunity to receive free dental screenings and school supplies beginning Saturday at Kindergarten ReadyFest.
The annual festival, which is hosted by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and the district’s southwest cluster of Family Resource and Youth Service Centers, will be held from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at Farnsley Middle School (3400 Lees Lane).
ReadyFest kicks off a series of back-to-school events sponsored by JCPS and various community partners, including Neighborhood Place and the Louisville Metro Department of Community Services, that provide free school and health supplies to students.
Kindergarten ReadyFest features music, games and other activities for students and their families. JCPS representatives will be on hand to provide students with free workbooks and supplies, help families complete paperwork for free and reduced school meals, let students take a ride on a school bus and schedule appointments for free uniforms through the Clothing Assistance Program. Students will also be able to receive a free dental screening, which is required for incoming kindergarteners.
Additionally, Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) representatives will be available to sign students up for library cards and share information about LFPL’s summer reading program.
The first day of school for JCPS students is August 16.
2017-18 Back-to-School Events List
The following events are free and open to the public. Students must be accompanied by an adult to receive supplies, and supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Saturday, July 15, Kindergarten ReadyFest at Farnsley Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Located at 3400 Lees Lane. The following schools will also be participating in the festival and will provide information about dress codes and school supplies: Auburndale, Brandeis, Cane Run, Carter, Dixie, Eisenhower, Engelhard, Foster, Frayser, Greenwood, Gutermuth, Hazelwood, Jacob, Johnsontown, Kennedy, Kenwood, Kerrick, Layne, Medora, McFerran, Mill Creek, Rutherford, Sanders, Shacklette, Stonestreet, Trunnell, Watson Lane, Wellington and Wilkerson.
- Thursday, July 27, Valley High School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Located at 10200 Dixie Highway.
- Saturday, July 29, Emmanuel Assembly of God Church, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Located at 5701 Johnsontown Road.
- Thursday, August 3, Academy @ Shawnee, 1– 4 p.m.
- Located at 4018 West Market Street.
- Friday, August 4, Cochran Elementary, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 500 West Gaulbert Avenue
- Saturday, August 5, Lighthouse Community Center, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 5312 Shepherdsville Road.
- Saturday, August 5, Meyzeek Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 828 South Jackson Street
- Saturday, August 5, Southwick Community Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 3621 Southern Avenue.
- Thursday, August 10, Olmsted Academy North, 1 – 7 p.m.
- Located at 4530 Bellevue Avenue.
- Saturday, August 12, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 4401 Rangeland Road.
- Sunday, August 13, Cane Run Elementary, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 3951 Cane Run Road.
Photo: Louisville Free Public Library
Have you ever worried about your child and drugs? Have you wondered what you can do to stop this problem before it starts? Are you worried that someone you love may be using drugs?
The Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and the Louisville Free Public Library will offer a course Heroin Hurts Louisville: What We Can Do to help parents, grandparents and caregivers with valuable insights as to why adolescents use drugs, how to start the dialogue about the dangers of substance abuse, and how to act quickly if someone they love is at risk of using. The 90-minute class is free. Registration is required. Phone 574-1623 to register.
Initially, two dates have been scheduled for this class. The first is Tuesday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library at 301 York St. If people aren’t able to attend the July class they can sign up for the class to be held on Saturday, August 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Southwest Regional Library at 9725 Dixie Highway. The course is taught by a certified drug and alcohol counselor. It includes educational information, video testimonies from young people and facilitated discussion. Participants will receive a toolkit with information and available resources
“In Louisville, 285 of our neighbors, friends and family members died of a drug overdose in 2016,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental deaths in Louisville and all of Kentucky. These classes represent one step in helping us understand and prevent opioid abuse in our community.”
“Many of our initiatives to battle the opioid epidemic in Louisville have, by necessity, been reacting to the needs of people suffering from the disease of addiction, and protecting our community from infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C,” said Public Health and Wellness Medical Director Dr. Sarah Moyer. “But it’s also important that we take proactive steps to prevent substance abuse in the first place. These classes are a first step. If we get a good response, we expect to add more classes at more locations.”
“We are very happy to be able to provide a place for these important classes,” said James Blanton, Director of the Louisville Free Public Library. “We hope that these classes are well-received and that we are able to hold similar classes in other library locations.”
Attorney General Andy Beshear and his Cyber Crimes Unit today announced an Elizabethtown couple has been arrested and charged for allegedly seeking sex with a minor.
Robert Dean Mitchell, 43, and Stephanie Smith, 30, were arrested in Jefferson County today and each charged with one count of prohibited use of an electronic communication system for the purpose of procuring a minor for a sex offense, a Class D felony.
At the time of arrest, Mitchell and Smith were charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony. Mitchell was charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor, and Smith with possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.
Beshear’s cyber investigators said a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old were with the couple when the arrest was made. The Secret Service assisted Beshear’s office in the arrests.
The work of the Cyber Crimes Unit, a division of the Department of Criminal Investigations in the Office of the Attorney General, is part of Beshear’s core mission to keep sexual predators away from Kentucky’s families and children.
“Protecting Kentucky’s children from sexual abuse is one of my top priorities,” Beshear said. “I appreciate the investigators in my office and the Secret Service for working so hard to keep our children safe.”
The Office of the Attorney General’s work to prevent child abuse in 2016 led to the arrest of more online child predators than any year in the history of the office. The number of arrests, indictments and convictions total more than 80.
Mitchell and Smith are being held in the Jefferson County Detention Center and are scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow morning in Jefferson District Court.
photo credit: Jamesmac96
The undisputed queen of R&B and hip hop Grammy –award winning platinum selling recording artist, Mary J. Blige, will be in concert on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Special guests Grammy nominated JOE and Stokely will perform on her “Strength of a Woman” tour at the KFC Yum! Center.
Mary J. Blige will be performing records from her new album “Strength of a Woman ‘” plus huge repertoire of hip-hop soul anthems that include the hits; You Remind Me, Real Love, I’m Going Down, Mary Jane (All Night Long), Not Gon’ Cry, As, Dance For Me, No More Drama.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, July 14 at noon. Tickets will be available at the KFC Yum! Center Box Office online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
Can a rabbit police officer and a fox con artist work together to figure out what’s going on in a city of animals where certain species are disappearing? That is the premise of “Zootopia” the next Free Summer Movie at Iroquois Amphitheater on Saturday, July 15th.
“As the Free Summer Movies celebrates its tenth year, we have a fun film for everyone. It’s free to the community at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater, a state of the art outdoor facility,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15).
The 2016 animated film from Walt Disney Studios tells the story of a rabbit, Judy Hopps, who fulfills her dream of becoming a police officer in Zootopia. On the beat she comes in contact with Nick Wilde, a fox who is also a con artist. The two become unlikely partners as savage animal behavior starts breaking out though the city.
“Zootopia” features the voices Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J. K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Alan Tudyk, and Shakira.
Joining Councilwoman Butler as sponsors of this year’s Free Summer Movies 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), Stuart Benson (R-20) and James Peden (R-23).
The remaining summer lineup for “Movies Under the Stars” is as follows – all movies begin at 8:00pm:
- August 12 – Sing
Here is the lineup of Free Monday Night Movies for 2017 – all movies begin at 8:00pm:
- July 17 – The Jungle Book
- July 24 – Dial M for Murder
- July 31 – The Wild Life
- August 14 – The Legend of Tarzan
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.iroquoisamphithearter.com or call 502-368-5865.
Photo: Kentucky Department Fish and Wildlife
With every passing season, anglers are building their knowledge base about how to catch saugeye stocked in a handful of central and northern Kentucky lakes.
A saugeye is a fast-growing cross between a walleye and sauger that can reach 15 to 19 inches in its second year. The hybridization is evident in the species’ physical appearance. Saugeye display the faint saddle markings of a sauger and the white fin tips of a walleye. Unlike either, it features black smudges on its dorsal fin.
Three lakes – 317-acre Guist Creek Lake in Shelby County, 148-acre Bullock Pen Lake in Owen County and 175-acre A.J. Jolly Lake in Campbell County – received experimental stockings of the species in 2013 and five have been stocked this year by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Guist Creek Lake received more than 15,000 fingerlings this spring. Anglers have reported good success in recent weeks fishing jigs off mud flats in 4 to 10 feet of water.
Paul Wilkes and Dane Balsman had never tried fishing for saugeye before they visited Guist Creek Lake one day in late June. They spoke with other anglers and studied bottom contour maps available on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov beforehand.
“We were able to identify some flats that we wanted to hit and then went out and graphed some baitfish near the drop-offs of those flats,” said Wilkes, fisheries program coordinator with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “We went out there with a mindset of if we caught one or two we were going to be pumped because this was a new species for us.”
The two reeled in 11 saugeye, including one that weighed 4.5 pounds and two others that weighed better than 3 pounds.
“We went out there and tried it and tried a few different drop-offs we mapped,” Wilkes said. “We stuck to the basics of jigging slowly in the areas we had identified. Strikes were kind of a thud, where you almost thought you were hung up until you really pulled it in. Once we found the fish, it seemed like they were in small schools. You’d catch several.”
Minnow or worm-tipped jigs or small shad-imitating crankbaits are good options for saugeye, as are small suspending jerkbaits or swimbaits in grey and white. Wilkes and Balsman, urban fisheries program coordinator with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, found bladed jig heads with chartreuse bodies worked best for them.
Mike Hardin enjoyed similarly good fortune on Guist Creek Lake this spring fishing a little deeper in 8 to 10 feet of water.
“If you look at the fishing reports from saugeye lakes in Kentucky and Ohio, you see a lot of reports of anglers finding them in shallow water on crankbaits,” said Hardin, assistant Fisheries Division director with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “For a long time, I looked and looked and fished extremely shallow water jigging and picking up the occasional saugeye.
“We pulled off the bank and found wads of baitfish in 8- to 10-feet of water and it was game on. Fish close to the bottom, just like walleye fishing.”
He’s also had caught saugeye on Taylorsville Lake. Fisheries biologists believe good saugeye fishing could be in the cards this fall on Salt River above Taylorsville Lake based on population sampling from last fall.
“It seemed like there was definitely a push up there in the river. There’s going to be crappie and saugeye and bass, a little bit of everything,” said David Baker, Central Fisheries District biologist with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “Honestly, I think we’re going to be getting a lot of phone calls about saugeye in Taylorsville here in the next year or two.”
This year, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources stocked more than 150,000 fingerlings in five lakes with Taylorsville Lake receiving more than 115,000 saugeye fingerlings.
Also receiving saugeye fingerlings were Guist Creek Lake, 92-acre Boltz Lake in Grant County and A.J. Jolly Lake in Campbell County. Lake Carnico, a 114-acre lake in Nicholas County, received its first saugeye stocking this year.
“It was a ton of fun and we were able to get on some really nice fish,” Wilkes said. “It definitely exceeded our expectations.”
For more information about saugeye fishing in Kentucky, including special regulations, consult the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide. It is available online at fw.ky.gov and wherever licenses are sold.
