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Articles by Gracie Vanover
Erlanger considers motorized scooter ordinance
Erlanger may soon take its first steps toward regulating motorized scooters, as Councilmember Jennifer Jasper-Lucas called for a discussion on proposed safety guidelines at the city’s upcoming caucus meeting later this month. Jasper-Lucas said during Tuesday’s council meeting concerns have come in over the past year from residents and business owners about users of the motorized scooters riding without helmets, driving them on streets and operating electronics while using said scooters.
Erlanger considers changes to zoning for manufactured homes
New zoning rules are on the horizon in Erlanger after the passage of House Bill 160, which bars local governments from treating manufactured homes differently than traditional single-family homes. During a meeting on July 15, Andy Videkovich, Director of Planning for the Planning and Development Services of Kenton County, discussed the new zoning rules resulting from the passage of House Bill 160 earlier this year.
Erlanger council members debate dollar limit for gifts
The Erlanger City Council discussed changing the dollar limit for gifts that members can accept, with multiple members citing the need to be transparent and uphold public trust during Tuesday’s meeting. Councilwoman Jennifer Jasper-Lucas started the evening with a presentation and said the overall purpose of the limit is to promote transparency, fairness and combat bribery.
The City of Erlanger celebrated the retirement of councilwoman Vicki Kyle for her 28 years of service Tuesday evening. At the council’s caucus meeting Mayor Jessica Fette honored Kyle for her years of service with a proclamation declaring Jan. 22, 2025 Vicki Kyle Day. The proclamation not only celebrated Kyle’s time on council, but also her time as a public servant as an educator of 42 years between Lloyd High School and Saint Henry District High School.
Erlanger honors former councilwoman
The City of Erlanger celebrated outgoing councilwoman Vicki Kyle for her 28 years of service Tuesday evening. At the council’s caucus meeting Mayor Jessica Fette honored Kyle for her years of service with a proclamation declaring Jan. 22, 2025 Vicki Kyle Day. The proclamation not only celebrated Kyle’s time on council, but also her time as a public servant as an educator of 42 years between Lloyd High School and Saint Henry District High School.
Erlanger named Small Business Saturday champion
Erlanger has been named a Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday. American Express founded the program in 2010, which aims to help small businesses during their busiest shopping season. During Tuesday’s council meeting, Director of Economic Development and Assistant City Administrator Mark Collier said the title is awarded to those who showcase dedication to supporting local businesses.
Erlanger City Council
Erlanger City Council (13 candidates, vote for 9) Thomas Cahill – did not respond for comment Christopher Farmer – did not respond for comment Michele Fields Tyson Hermes Jennifer Jasper-Lucas Victoria Kyle Gary Meyer Diana Niceley Rebecca Reckers Renee Skidmore – did not respond for comment Don Skidmore – did not respond for comment Frank A.
Erlanger clash over budget for hillside beautification project
Expenses related to a hillside beautification project, which cost three times the original estimate, were under scrutiny during Tuesday’s Erlanger City Council meeting. The issue of removing trees from powerlines along the hillside at 3315 Alice St. was initially brought to the council in April this year by councilmember Diana Niceley. After she spoke, members of the Niceley family spoke during the public comment period of subsequent meetings, originally citing the problem as a safety concern.
Erlanger to raise tax rates after $49 million error found
After discovering a $49 million error in a personal property tax assessment, Erlanger City Council voted Tuesday to approve a higher tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The new property tax was set at 0.247, and the tangible tax rate at 0.198. During a caucus meeting on Aug. 20, the council discovered that the tax rate given based on numbers from a personal property assessment needed to be revised due to the misclassification of inventory from an unnamed business. How do property taxes work?
Northern Kentucky Area Development District showcases services
Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District Tara Johnson-Noem showcased the organization’s array of services to the Erlanger City Council earlier this month. The organization’s outreach initiative aims to visit each of the 60 cities within its eight-county region, highlight its programs, and explain how they can benefit different communities within its reach.
Erlanger City Council adjusts tax rates due to tax error
Erlanger City Council discussed Tuesday how it can make tax adjustments after discovering a $49 million error in a personal property tax assessment. While on a call with the Property Value Administration last week, the city found out that their 2023 personal property assessment was inaccurate because an unnamed business misclassified $49 million in inventory as in a warehouse instead of in transit. How do property taxes work? Property taxes are broken down into several categories.
Erlanger's underpass repainting marks a significant milestone
On Tuesday evening, the City of Erlanger celebrated the painting of the underpass adjacent to the Railroad Depot that overlooks Dixie Highway. After years of advocating from many community members and council members, the bridge’s repainting feels like a transformational and philosophical moment 28 years in the making for the city, said Mayor Jessica Fette.
Erlanger council discusses next steps for medicinal cannabis
Erlanger City Attorney Jack Gatlin discussed with the council what steps are next for medicinal cannabis in the city on Tuesday night. Earlier this month, the Erlanger City Council discussed a resolution for a proposed text amendment in the city’s zoning laws regarding medicinal cannabis which, becomes available in the commonwealth in early 2025.
Erlanger City Council approves resolution for medicinal cannabis zoning
At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Erlanger City Council brought forth a resolution for the city’s medicinal cannabis zoning. The proposed text amendment to the Erlanger Zoning Ordinance would add medical cannabis as “a permitted use for cultivation, processing, production, dispensary and safety compliance in all the employment zones, or the old industrial zones,” according to City Attorney Jack Gatlin. It also would place all dispensaries in the commercial zones.
Erlanger's council proposes "Destination Erlanger" for tourism boost
Erlanger’s City Council began the discussion of their proposed budget for 2025 Wednesday evening, where Councilman Tyson Hermes brought forward a project he called “Destination Erlanger.” The idea, Hermes said in a presentation at the meeting, is a set of parks aimed at bringing more tourists and revenue to the city. It could show those people that the city is a place where they can establish businesses and families.
City council discusses family's concerns over hillside
During Tuesday’s meeting, Erlanger City Council discussed what options it could pursue regarding a local family’s complaints about the hillside near 3315 Alice St. Councilwoman Diana Niceley originally brought forth the issue of Duke Energy removing trees from the powerlines, which she deemed a safety matter in the council’s April 16 meeting. Since then, family members Steve and Jeff Niceley have spoken during public comment about the matter and their concern for their safety and that of others.
Erlanger city council discusses medicinal cannabis regulation
On Tuesday evening the Erlanger City Council discussed what steps it would take when regulating medicinal cannabis. Senate Bill 47, which covered the legalization of medicinal cannabis in Kentucky, was signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear in March of last year. The law enables the regulation of medicinal cannabis usage statewide starting on Jan. 1, 2025, as long as the individual has a medical card from a physician.
Erlanger hotels move closer to guest registry requirement
Hotels in Erlanger are one step closer to being required to keep a registry of their guests after City Attorney Jack Gatlin brought the ordinance back to the table at Tuesday’s city council meeting. The ordinance initially discussed last month addresses frequent property offenders, such as those evading warrants and sex offenders. Police Chief Kyle Radar said in the meeting the ordinance would help the city keep track of and build evidence against these tenants in hopes of making the city safer.
Proposed ordinance in Erlanger requires hotel guest registries
Hotels in Erlanger could soon be required to keep a registry of their guests if an ordinance discussed at Tuesday’s city council meeting comes to fruition. City Attorney Jack Gatlin said the proposal would be added to the nuisance ordinance passed just over a year ago that targeted frequent property offenders.
Celebrating Black Pride And Its History In Kentucky: It's Not All Rainbows
Pride Month is a month-long celebration in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising where people in the LGBTQ community fought back against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay club. This moment in history is considered to be a major turning point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Throughout the month of June festivals, pageants, drag shows, and other events are held to bring a queer-safe space to those in cities and towns across the country.
May The Fourth Be With You Louisville! Here Are Four Events To Celebrate
May 4 is well-known, maybe even across galaxies, as a day to celebrate the Star Wars franchise. In the spirit of the event, May the Fourth be with you today as fans everywhere celebrate the joy lightsabers, droids, and, of course, Grogu (known to some as Baby Yoda) have brought them.
Local Puppet Collective Receives Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant
The Mary Shelley Electric Co., a local award-winning puppet collective, will debut their new play “Time & Energy: A Puppet Show About Thermodynamics & Rabbits” on Saturday, May 13 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The play is one of a few national puppet projects chosen for the 2023 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant. This will be the group’s second Jim Henson Foundation award. They previously received a grant for their original production, “CREATURE,” which was a “Frankenstein” puppet adaptation.
Not Today Kentucky! Join Forces To Fight Anti-drag and Anti-trans Legislation
Later this month, Play Louisville will host a benefit show for the ACLU of Kentucky and The Fairness Campaign to fight anti-drag and anti-trans legislation. “Not Today Kentucky! A Benefit for ACLU KY and The Fairness Campaign” will be held on Tuesday, May 16 with RuPaul’s Drag Race season six winner and comedian Bianca Del Rio hosting the event.
Sandbox VR Is Opening Its First Kentucky Location
On Friday, April 28 Oxmoor Center will host the grand opening for its first Kentucky location of Sandbox VR. Sandbox VR is a full-body virtual reality experience that immerses users in whatever game they choose to play. Games include — but are not limited to — “Deadwood Valley,” a zombie apocalypse townscape, and “Curse of Davy Jones,” a battle among the seas during the search for Davy Jones’ treasure.
TUESDAY TRACKLIST: HALSEY, MILEY, LADY GAGA, AND MORE (4/25)
In this new weekly feature, a different LEO staff member will share 7-10 of the songs repeating in their playlists right now. (Songs by Louisville artists are marked with an (*) asterisk.) Got a track that you think we’d like? Let us know at [email protected] or click the author’s name for email. EVIL – Melanie Martinez Since Martinez’ album dropped last month, I’ve had it on loop.
Street Artist Shepard Fairey Coming To Louisville To Discuss New Muhammed Ali Mural
Internationally known street artist Shepard Fairey is coming to Louisville this upcoming week to discuss the design process behind his new 7-story mural of Muhammed Ali Tuesday, April 25, 6-8 p.m. at Louisville Visual Art (1538 Lyndon St). The piece will cover the east side of the Chestnut Street YMCA — just two blocks from Ali’s alma mater, Central High School. Some of Fairey’s most notable works are the OBEY series and previous president Barack Obama’s HOPE poster.
Marc Broussard Presents Benefit Concert for Guitars Over Guns And Keeping The Blues Alive
Bayou soul singer Marc Broussard will bring his rhythm & blues to Louisville Friday, April 21 at 8:00 p.m. in the Bomhard Theater at The Kentucky Center (501 W Main St). Broussard’s newest album S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul will be the highlight of the show with proceeds going to charities like the Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, which is a youth rehabilitation partnership with the non-profit organization Guitars Over Guns.
Mind’s Eye Theatre Company Presents The Spooky And Macabre Musical “The Addams Family”
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky… and they’re coming to a stage near you beginning this weekend. “The Addams Family” musical takes the classic spooky and dark American family and introduces young love between Wednesday Addams and a new kid in town named Lucas. After telling their families during dinner of their desire to marry, everything goes awry. Throughout the show, Lucas’ and Wednesday’s relatives navigate issues involving kinship, love, honesty, and growing up.
KMAC Couture Presents “One for the Books.”
KMAC Contemporary Art Museum (715 W. Main St.), will host its 11th annual KMAC Couture event on Saturday, April 15. The theme for this year’s couture is “One for the Books,” and is inspired by treasured literature. It’s like Louisville’s own mini Met Gala. This year’s event will take place at a new venue in Paristown (731 Brent St).
How To Avoid Scams And Help Victims Of Monday's Mass Shooting In Louisville
On Monday, April 10, Louisville experienced its first mass shooting since Standard Gravure printing plant in 1989, and where nine people died and a dozen were injured. Monday’s shooting at Preston Pointe in downtown Louisville, left six people, including the shooter, dead, with eight other victims being injured, including two Louisville Metro Police Department officers. With this tragedy, Louisville citizens are looking for ways to donate to those affected by the shooting.
Sis Got Tea: New LGBTQ-Friendly Tea Business Is Open In Germantown
Sis Got Tea (976 Barrett Ave.), a Black, queer, and woman-owned tea shop that aims to provide a safe and sober gathering place for the LGBTQ community, is open in Germantown. The first brick and mortar location for the business opened Sunday, April 9. After three years of applying for grants and trying to make her dream come true, owner Arielle Clark announced the news on Instagram in early March.
Sis Got Tea: New LGBTQ-Friendly Tea Business Opens In Germantown
Sis Got Tea (976 Barrett Ave.), a Black, queer, and woman-owned tea shop that aims to provide a safe and sober gathering place for the LGBTQ community, is open in Germantown. The first brick and mortar location for the business opened Sunday, April 9. After three years of applying for grants and trying to make her dream come true, owner Arielle Clark announced the news on Instagram in early March.
The Red Cross Wants You To Donate Blood And Get A Snoopy Shirt
The American Red Cross is seeking blood donations. Every two seconds in the United States, someone needs blood. In light of traumatic injuries and other life-threatening conditions, blood donation and supply is often falling short of the demand. To motivate donors, the organization has announced a collaboration with the popular Peanuts cartoon featuring its well-known character, Snoopy.
Louisville Taco Week Returns For Third Year In A Row
Louisville Taco Week will be making its return later this month on Monday, April 17 and will run through Sunday, April 23. Louisville’s most popular taco joints will be offering $2.50 tacos, each with its own unique twist. Taco orders during this event have a three tacos per-order minimum. Participants can also download the Louisville Taco Week app from the app store to keep track of participating restaurants, their specials, and hours of operation.
"RuPaul’s Drag Race" Star Latrice Royale Is Bringing Her Comedy Tour To Louisville
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumna Latrice Royale is bringing her first solo North American tour to Louisville next month. This large and in-charge queen’s “Life Goes On” tour will stop at Headliners on Thursday, May 11, at 7 p.m. The show will feature standup comedy about Royale’s life.
UofL Students To Host Protest Of Kentucky's Senate Bill 150 On Campus, April 6
University of Louisville students are hosting a protest today, April 6 in opposition to Senate Bill 150 regarding transgender youth and gender-affirming care. Besides banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth, the bill also would require schools to craft bathroom policies to enforce transgender students to use the bathroom of their gender assigned at birth and prohibits schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with students of any age.
Louisville's Francis Parker Theater Arts Presents “Romeo and Juliet”
O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Well Juliet, he’s at the Francis Parker School of Louisville. Later this month Francis Parker’s middle school thespians will unveil their spring production of the classic William Shakespeare play “Romeo and Juliet” for a multi-night run. The show will be held in the Goshen Campus’ theater (11000 U.S. Highway 42) directed by Francis Parker Theater Arts Director, Reed Gabhart.
Hard Times Collective Is Bringing A New Spin On Vintage To Butchertown
Hard Times Collective (1008 E. Washington), a new second-hand and handmade retail store, is opening Saturday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Butchertown. Started by vintage vendors Megan Widmer and Chaella Higdon, the store is the pair’s first brick-and-mortar store. The two had previously been vendors at different pop-up events across the Louisville area.
'Losing Sleep' With Elise Trouw Before Her Stop In Louisville On April 5.
Elise Trouw, a young pop singer-songwriter who dabbles in multiple instruments including the drums, piano, and bass guitar, started performing as a kid but really dove into it post-high school. Currently, Trouw is on her “Losing Sleep” tour which stops in Louisville Wednesday, April 5 for an all-ages show at Headliners Music Hall (1386 Lexington Rd.) with Lacey Guthrie. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of show. Tickets are available online.
Bae’s Baekery To Take Over Former Sweet Surrender Cafe Location
Bae’s Baekery is making the move to Clifton to offer more on-premises dining. The bakery will take over the former Sweet Surrender Dessert Cafe location at 1804 Frankfort Avenue, with a tentative opening date in the second week of May. Started by Abigail McGreevy with support from her now-husband, Bae’s Baekery offers a variety of baked goods, including jumbo stuffed cookies, custom wedding cakes, brownies, cake slices, and cinnamon rolls.
Tuesday Tracklist: MARINA, Madonna, Dirt Poor Robins, And More (3/21)
In this new weekly feature, a different LEO staff member will share 7-10 of the songs they’ve got on repeat right now. (Songs by Louisville artists are marked with an asterisk.) Got a track that you think we’d like? Let us know at [email protected] or at the author’s email below. This week’s tracklist comes from intern Gracie Vanover.
New Comedy Club Coming To Fourth Street Live! This Spring
Louisville is getting another venue for live comedy. Laugh Louisville, a new comedy club on the upper level of Fourth Street Live!, will have its grand opening on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, with headliner Ryan Hamilton (“Happy Face,” Netflix.) The venue will soft-open next Friday, March 24, with the Laugh Louisville Showcase. The original theater was renovated to hold a larger stage and expand its seating capacity to 330 guests, according to a press release.
"Drag Is Not A Crime" Town Hall To Address SB 115 Tonight
Tonight, local drag performers, leaders of local LGBTQ nonprofits, and other speakers will present a live informational talk and Q&A on the anti-drag bill making its way through the Kentucky legislature. Drag Daddy Productions will be hosting Drag Is Not A Crime: A Community Town Hall at Art Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m., followed by a drag show at 9 p.m. The event is 21+, and all participants must show ID.
Derby Soundstage 2023 To Feature T.I., Jeezy, And Trina
Derby Soundstage, a hip-hop and R&B show in Louisville, is returning to Freedom Hall this year on Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m. This year’s performers are rappers T.I., Jeezy, and Trina. The show will be hosted by Grammy winner DJ Drama, who has worked with Louisville’s own Jack Harlow. Tickets are $65-$200 and are available now. Previous Derby Soundstages have brought other artists like Lil Wayne, 2Chainz, and K. Michelle.
Louisville Built A Reputation For Drag And Its LGBTQ Scene. Kentucky Senate Bill 115 Could Kill That.
Editor’s Note: This story was written about the original version of SB 115. On Thursday, soon after this story was published, a significantly overhauled version of the bill was introduced. A copy of the new version seen by LEO Weekly carries criminal charges for drag performers who perform “sexually explicit” shows on public property or in other places where minors could see them.
Louisville Philharmonia To Present “Winter Into Spring” Concert
Photo courtesy of the Louisville Philharmonia The Louisville Philharmonia, a volunteer-run group of local classical musicians, will present a free, no-ticket concert, “Winter Into Spring,” at Beargrass Christian Church next Thursday, Feb. 23, to transition listeners from the gloomy feelings of winter to the hopeful feelings of spring.
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Announces 2023 Season
As warmer temperatures make a return, so do many activities that fill up our calendars long before summer nights arrive. Well, make space in your summer calendar for the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, which recently announced the lineup for its 63rd season.
To Lower Kentucky’s Youth Detention Population, Beshear Calls On Legislature To Amend Laws
LEO’s Thorns and Roses for the Best And Worst of Local News — Week of Feb. 1, 2023 In a recent ad, Republican gubernatorial candidate (and wife of a coal magnate) Kelly Craft talked about how families across the Commonwealth had an empty place at their dinner table because “fentanyl and other dangerous drugs have stolen our loved ones away.” She said that as a mother, she had experienced that empty chair at her table.
IU Alumna Returns to Claim Title of Next Chancellor
An Indiana University alumna and longtime college executive with Kentuckiana roots has been tapped as the next IUS chancellor. Deborah Ford, who has held the top job at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside since 2009, officially joins IUS on July 1, pending approval from the IU Board of Trustees. “The vision for IU Southeast is compelling,” said Ford. “I am honored to join the learning community as chancellor.
To Lower Kentucky’s Youth Detention Population, Beshear Calls On Legislature To Amend Laws
On Thursday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called on the legislature to enact statutory changes aimed at lowering the number of youth detained by the troubled Department of Juvenile Justice. Beshear said he hopes lawmakers will amend KRS 610.190 to allow juvenile offenders to qualify for bail as set by their detaining court, as adults can. He is also asking the legislature to remove status offenders and youth charged with Class B misdemeanors from detention.
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