Hamburg Journal - Lexington KY May 2024

Leadership Lexington

Applications for the 20242025 Leadership Lexington program are open now. The application window closes Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Leadership Lexington has been operating for more than 40 years. With a competitive application and selection process, the program admits only 50 class members annually.

Leadership Lexington consists of ten, informative day-sessions which are organized and hosted by local leaders. These day sessions help to broaden perspectives and provide an increased understanding of community dynamics, signature industries, and public issues. Each class completes up to four community-based projects during the duration of the program. Projects are pitched and selected by the program participants at an immersive opening retreat.

Baptist Health celebrated the opening of their Hamburg campus with a ribbon cutting.

Central Bank and Doe Anderson Advertising Agency enjoyed a day at the races at Keeneland in April.

Do you smell that?

Kentucky American Water will soon perform the annual flushing of its water distribution system.

“Flushing the water lines in our system assists in helping to clear any buildup of natural mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes,” said Andy Lewis, vice president of operations for Kentucky American Water. “During these procedures, our team also flushes our hydrants to confirm they are operational and to assess fire flows in the system.”

The plants resume using chloramine a short time after the hydrant flushing program is complete.

Treatment plants will temporarily switch disinfectant from chloramine to chlorine on Thursday, April 25. Chloramine disinfection will resume on Tuesday, May 21.

During the flushing process crews open strategically located hydrants throughout the water distribution system to let water flow at a high velocity through pipes for several minutes to remove natural sediment. Crews will de-chlorinate the water as it leaves hydrants in order to remove the disinfecting agent in the water – chlorine – so that any water that enters streams is not harmful to aquatic life.

Before the hydrant flushing program begins, the company’s three water treatment plants temporarily change the disinfectant used in the treatment process from chloramine to chlorine.

Chloramine and chlorine are common disinfectants used in the water treatment process to remove microbial contaminants like bacteria and viruses from water. The amount of chlorine in the water will remain the same, but customers may notice a stronger taste or smell of chlorine in the water. It’s possible that customers may experience a slight discoloration of their water when crews are working in their areas. Should a customer notice discolored water coming from the tap, they should simply run their cold water faucet until the water clears. Customers may want to avoid such activities as washing clothes when crews are flushing in their areas since there is potential for discolored water that could stain clothing.

Fayette County is scheduled for April 29 through May 1, Nighttime hours.

Congratulations to Engine 22, Emergency Care 9, and EMS Supervisor in celebrating these firefighters, their efforts, and their EMS Lifesaver Award.

Lexington council members celebrated a spring day at Keeneland.

Rediscover Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate

Lexington Locals, remember your school trip to this historic gem? It’s time to return and uncover new experiences! Explore the mansion of Henry Clay himself. Immerse in rich history and interactive exhibits. Discover the intriguing stories of those who lived and worked there. Don’t let memories fade –create new ones. Book your visit now!

Something’s Fishy

As part of the Fishing in the Neighborhoods (FINS) program, the lake at Jacobson Park is regularly stocked with catchable-size catfish up to four times annually. Additionally, this lake is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and fall. Largemouth bass and sunfish are regularly sampled and stocked if necessary.

Hours: 8 am to Dark. Boating allowed. No gas motors. Possession or use of live shad for bait is prohibited at all FINs lakes.

Paddleboat Rental: check with Lexington Parks and Recreation for availability.

FRI MAY 10

All About Moms

Celebrate Mother’s Day 2024

What does Mom want for Mother’s Day? The pleasure of your company, of course! In addition to the usual flowers and candy and brunch, consider taking her out for an experience for making memories.

TUE MAY 7

Local Lex is hosting “Because I’m the Mom” shopping on Southland Drive beginning at 2 pm. There will be refreshments, snacks, coffee and tea bar, raffles, local makers, local vendors, self care packages, and stations to build the perfect gift for the special Moms in your life.

Are you a Mom who would love something created by the kids for your special day? What would be better than a customized picture frame designed by the kids? Visit the Hamburg branch of our public library, 3:3p pm to 4:30 pm at the Children’s Program room. Supplies are limited, so don’t be late.

SAT MAY 11

Show your Moms how much you love them with a little impromptu shopping. Try the Hamburg Pop Up in the Regal Cinemas parking lot on Saturday May 11, 10 am to 3 pm. If you feel like a Saturday drive, discover the magic of spring at Wildside Winery’s Spring Market. Pick up Mom and head to Versailles, from noon to 7 for a weekend filled with local artists, crafters, farmers, makers, and food vendors. Does Mom like Music? Look no further than Good Shepherd’s fundraiser Music Gala at Christ Church Cathedral, 7 pm. At the Good Shepherd Music Gala Master of Ceremonies, Winn Stephens, will guide you through a fun evening with tasty hors d’ouvres, a cash bar, auction items, singing by Artist-inResidence Alicia Helm McCorvey and choir members, a buffet meal, and dessert. Tickets are on sale now.

SUN MAY 12

Mayfest Arts

Fair is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition in Lexington. Swing by Gratz Park on either Saturday or Sunday for a juried art fair in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Included are up to 100 Artist Vendors, performances by musicians, dancers, strolling performers, food concession vendors, and family activities. Let Mom pick out her own present from one of the many artists on site.

Indulge in Japanese culture with Ikebana at Kentucky’s only sake distillery. You will be directed on how to make a simple Japanese flower arrangement. All materials will be provided, but please bring flower cutters or scissors. Ikebana goes beyond mere flower arranging as it is rooted in Japanese Shinto and Buddhist philosophy. Collecting and making art with live materials teaches us to slow down and respect the beauty, harmony, rhythms and transient nature of our world. Noon to 1 pm, Void Sake.

Do you and Mom love Bridgerton? Wrap up the day at 6:30 with a three-course Bridgerton-inspired garden party and wine class. You’ll learn to create a garden party spread for the evening. Start your adventure off by making prosciutto wrapped apples, followed by your very own charcuterie tea cup, and lastly mini fruit custard tarts. Each ticket includes a glass of wine from Harkness Edwards Vineyard. Is Mom artistic? At Blossoms and Butterflies on Mother’s Day evening, 2 guests will each sign up and paint 1/2 of the painting on their product. When they are hung together it will make one larger complete painting. 6 pm, Painting with a Twist, Richmond Road. Purchase advance tickets online.

Martha Knows Best

Celebrating ‘Powered by Connection’

May is Older Americans Month and encourages all Americans to build strength in the lives of older adults. The 2024 theme for May’s Older Americans Month is Powered by Connection.

No one exemplifies that spirit more than Martha Duncan, the Aging Services Manager for Recreation at the Lexington Senior Center. After more than three decades of dedicated service, she retired in April, and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton joined in the celebration of Martha Duncan Day.

Martha Duncan’s journey with the City of Lexington began when she was just 18 years old, working as a lifeguard for Lexington Parks & Recreation. Her passion for recreation and serving others quickly propelled her through the ranks, as she worked and left her mark in nearly every area of the division.

Once her twin boys entered elementary school, Martha embarked on her full-time, permanent career with the city in 2003, joining the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) team. In her role with TR, Martha planned programs for individuals of all ages with disabilities. There she created the Thunderpucks, the TR participant floor hockey team. Through her unwavering determination and inventive spirit, she fostered a unique bond between Parks & Recreation staff and TR participants.

For 21 seasons and counting, the Thunderpucks have remained undefeated, a testament to her leadership and the power of unity.

Rumor has it she may even dust off her hockey stick and join the team now that she’ll have some free time.

In 2007, Martha began working exclusively with senior programs at the Lexington Senior Center on Nicholasville Road. As the center prepared to move in 2015 to its new location on Life Lane, Martha transitioned to the Division of Aging & Disability Services within the city’s Department of Social Services.

Martha’s role in the success of the new center on Life Lane included dedication to seniors, expertise in programming, and skill in building a talented team of professional recreation staff that have contributed significantly to the center’s rapid growth and the success of its programs. Now it’s her turn to enjoy all the programming she helped create.

Martha and her husband Rick have been married for 39 years, and their family includes four amazing children. Martha shares her home with her husband Rick, her father Dave, and their beloved dog Finley. While the decision to retire from her cherished career was difficult, Martha looks forward to spending more quality time with her family, exploring new

Martha Duncan, the Aging Services Manager for Recreation at the Lexington Senior Center, retired in April after more than three decades of dedicated service. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton joined in the celebration of Martha Duncan Day.

adventures in their RV, and maybe even some Beat Drum Boogie (She will not, under any circumstance, help set up anymore though) at the senior center. Martha’s absence will be felt but her legacy will endure. After a lifetime of service and dedication to recreation for others, it is time for Martha to enjoy her well-deserved retirement and experience recreation for herself.

Teachers Environmental Academy

Attention teachers! Registration is OPEN for the Teachers’ Environmental Academy this summer. Get training on environmental curriculum, tour the Recycle Center, learn about environmental issues in Lexington, and meet other teachers who are bringing sustainability into their classrooms.

Applications are due by Monday, May 13.

A $500 stipend is available. This program is open to K-12 educators who teach in public or private schools in Fayette County.

KIDS’ CALENDAR

SAT MAY 18

It’s Take Kids Fishing Day.

This is an opportunity to introduce youngsters to the benefits of fishing and the abundance of public access opportunities.

Each registered youngster will receive a fishing pole that is his or hers to keep. So register the kids, grab your camera, and get ready for a fun day at Jacobson Park. Register via Eventbrite.

Summer Camp

Limited to the first 200 children aged 2-15. All participants must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone.

SAT JUN 1

Blippi is coming to Lexington for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour on June 1 at Rupp Arena.

Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!

SAT JUN 8

At Truck a Palooza, kids will get to sit in the driver’s seat and honk 20+ City trucks! Drivers will be on site with their vehicles to answer questions and perform demonstrations during the event. There will be games and activities – entertainment and educational experiences available for all ages. 10 am, Frederick Douglass High School Campus.

Permission to Participate in Camp Activities

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I understand and certify that my child’s participation in The Cathedral Domain’s activities is completely voluntary and I have familiarized myself with the camp’s program and activities in which my child will be participating. I recognize that certain hazards and dangers are inherent in the Cathedral Domain’s program including, but not limited to, swimming, rock climbing, repelling, hiking and caving. Although The Cathedral Domain has taken safety measures to minimize the risk of injury to camp participants, equipment, premises, and/or activities will not be free of hazards, accidents, and/or injuries.

I further recognize and have instructed my child in the importance of knowing and abiding by the camps rules, regulations, and procedures for the safety of camp participants.

Photo Permission

As the parent or guardian of the camper listed on this application, I give my permission and consent for the use of any photography or video that includes my child’s image.

I further give my permission and consent that any such photographs may be used by The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, The Cathedral Domain, or the American Camp Association to illustrate and promote the camp experience, and/or The Cathedral Domain programs.

Policy on Rooming Requests Rooming requests may be considered, but not guaranteed. Campers may request one cabin mate. The request must appear

Congratulations

Michelle Moore and Aline Sandoval Cano, this year’s recipients of the “Be the Change” scholarships.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton joined Councilmember Whitney Baxter and Executive Director Colby Ernest to unveil the new name and logo for the Lexington Children’s Museum, formerly known as the Explorium.

UK Breaks New Ground

The University of Kentucky broke ground on the new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, located across from UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital on South Limestone. The 550,000-square-foot facility will become the new home to the UK Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as a Comprehensive Spine Center, ambulatory surgery

space, and other outpatient services. The Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building and an adjacent 2,400-space parking structure are slated for completion in 2027.

“This precision programming is the next level in clinical research that may bring

critical, early diagnosis and individualized care for far better cancer outcomes than we experience today,” said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. “Investing in this project now is investing in the next generation of healthier Kentuckians.” Currently, Markey’s outpatient services are located in six different areas across the UK Chandler Hospital campus. The new facility will bring Markey Cancer Center’s outpatient clinics and oncology support services under one roof – providing convenience for patients and fostering collaboration among Markey clinicians and researchers.

“This facility will enable our talented clinicians and researchers to work together like never before, accelerating innovations that will directly translate into better outcomes for our patients,” said B. Mark Evers, M.D., director of the UK Markey Cancer Center. “In a

state that still holds the highest cancer rates, this building represents our commitment to expanding care, growing our capacity, and ultimately, conquering cancer in the Commonwealth.”

The building will house Markey outpatient clinics including chemotherapy infusion, radiation medicine, multidisciplinary oncology, gynecologic oncology, breast care center and hematology/bone marrow transplant. Designed to provide a streamlined patient experience, the facility will also include a full spectrum of cancer care services including imaging, lab, urgent care, pharmacy, palliative care and rehabilitation.

“The new facility embodies the research-driven, transdisciplinary care that is the hallmark of an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center by providing the infrastructure to expand clinical trials, accelerate discoveries, and ensure our patients have access to the most innovative treatments available,” said Robert S. DiPaola, UK provost and co-executive vice president for health affairs.

The UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building was designed with patient input to ensure a streamlined and supportive experience. Design features include generous green spaces, abundant natural light, and dedicated areas for meditation, dining, and collaboration to promote wellness for patients, families, and staff.

The complex was also designed with shelled space for future growth, reflecting UK HealthCare’s dedication to meeting the ever-evolving needs of cancer patients from Kentucky and across the region.

In the past 10 years, Markey outpatient clinic visits have increased by 57 percent, including more than 120,000 patient visits in fiscal year 2021.

Construction for the project is being funded by UK HealthCare. State and private funds will be used to support Markey programs and services in the new facility. In 2021, UK HealthCare announced a historic $10 million gift from Central Bank – the largest in UK HealthCare history – to help expand patient care. The gift launched a joint campaign with the Markey Cancer Foundation to raise $90 million to improve cancer care in Kentucky.

May celebrates Older Americans Month and encourages all Americans to build strength in the lives of older adults. The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection.

The May 2 Book for Discussion at the Lexington Senior Center is The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Allen. The May 16 discussion is Mathilda by Mary Shelley.

MAY SENIOR CALENDAR

MON MAY 6

AARP’s Safe Driver Course is Monday May 6, 11:30 am to 4 pm. The course is $20 for non-AARP members.

THU MAY 9

The Lexington Senior Center will host a Health Screening Fair from 9 am to Noon. It will include blood pressure checks, fall prevention, benefits check ups, and more.

TUE MAY 14

UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging offers Early Stage Dementia Support Groups, noon to 1 at the Fayette Conservation office.

The Early Stage Support Group is for Early Stage caregivers, care partners and those living with the disease.

Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment or community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.

For questions or to register, contact Sarah Hatch, 859-323-6380 or Meredith Plant, 859-391-1227. Registration is required.

THU MAY 16

The “Embracing the next Best Years of Your Life” conference is scheduled for May 16 at the Clarion Hotel on Newtown, from 8:30 am to 3 pm.

SUN MAY 19

Sayre Christian Village will host Be the Light Night, May 19, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Harrodsburg Road Campus of Southland Christian Church. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy will speak. Call to purchase tickets: 859.271-9000 ext 207. WLEX’s Bill Meck will emcee.

MON MAY 20

The Sanders-Brown Center on Aging hosts the 16th Annual Mind Matters Conference, 10 am to 3 pm at Marriott Griffin Gate.

FREEDOM. TO

oxygen

• No heavy oxygen tanks • Ultra quiet operation • Lightweight and easy to use • Safe for car and air travel • Full range of options and accessories • FAA approved and clinically validated

FRI MAY 3

Calendar

Kick off this year’s Bike Month with the First Friday Social Ride. The FFSR, by Social Cycling Lexington, is a family friendly 5 to 8 mile bike ride around downtown Lexington ending at a local brewery. 6:30 pm Gratz Park.

SAT MAY 4

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby right here in town at Keeneland. Derby Day is a community celebration in the Bluegrass, and Keeneland will mark the 2024 Run for the Roses with enhanced programming campus-wide including live music, food trucks, family activities and more for guests to enjoy. Gates open at 10 am. Kentucky Derby post time is 6:57 pm.

FRI MAY 10

SAT MAY 11

StreetFest celebrates streets as shared, public spaces. The event, sponsored by the Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, is modeled on the Second Sunday events that took place a decade ago. The event promotes health and wellness. Nearly 200 people attended the 2022 event, 9 a.m –noon, Oliver Lewis Way between High St. and South Broadway.

SUN MAY 12

Mayfest Arts Fair wraps up on Sunday in historic Gratz Park Mayfest is a juried art fair with a focus on a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Included are up to 100 Artist Vendors, performances by musicians, dancers, strolling performers, food concession vendors, and family activities. Attendance at the two-day event averages 25,000.

FRI MAY 17

At Taste of the Bluegrass, guests will enjoy treats from local restaurants and refreshing drinks from wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The night will feature the fanfavorite bourbon pull, a silent auction, and friendly competition. Kentucky Horse Park, benefiting God’s Pantry.

Jerry Seinfeld takes the stage at the Louisville Palace at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:00pm. No cameras, Audio or Video Recording of any kind is permitted.

SAT MAY 18

Hooked on knitting and fiber arts in general? Spend the weekend at the Kentucky Sheep & Fiber Festival, an Annual Festival that promotes sheep, goats and other fiber-producing animals. Masterson Station, Saturday and Sunday.

Comedian Nate Bargatze brings his Be Funny Tour to Rupp Arena, 7 pm.

WED MAY 22

FEAST is a fundraiser geared towards impacting food insecurity, showcasing culinary delights from the kitchens of some of the leading female chefs in the United States. The goal is to bring about positive and long-lasting change for children, families, and individuals battling food insecurity. This year’s FEAST is Wednesday, May 22 at Fasig-Tipton, featuring more than two dozen acclaimed national and local chefs.

SUN MAY 26

Join Kentucky Ballet Theatre for “Peter Pan” on May 25th or 26th, 2024 for an unforgettable ballet adventure to Neverland. This storybook ballet has it all, from Pirates to Indians, Lost Boys, and Woodland Fairies. Tag along with Wendy, John and Michael Darling, Tiger Lily, Tinker Bell, and of course Peter Pan as he searches for his lost shadow. 2 pm Lexington Opera House.

MON MAY 27 HAVE

COMING SOON

JUN 8 Truck-A-Palooza

JUN 15 Tim McGraw, Rupp Arena

JUN 22 Lavender Festival, Mom Mom’s Lavender Farm

Say Cheese.

Winchester welcomes Beer Cheese Food Week!

BY CHAD WALKER

“It’s the cheesiest week of the year!” is the familiar battle cry of Winchester Chamber of Commerce Director Cindy Banks. She is, of course, referring to the upcoming Winchester Beer Cheese Food Week, an annual May event that precedes the world-famous Beer Cheese Festival in June.

Every June, culinary aficionados, cheese enthusiasts and festival go-ers descend on downtown Winchester for the Annual Beer Cheese Festival. While this citywide festival may be the main event for Kentucky’s favorite snack, locals know the real treat is Beer Cheese Food Week. Local restaurants and stores feature oneof-a-kind limited Beer Cheese dishes for a single week each year. If you miss it, you have to wait until next year to satisfy your Beer Cheese cravings.

Beer Cheese Food Week 2024

Enjoy the 2024 Beer Cheese Food Week at these participating Winchester locations!

Local Winchester Restaurants will make a dish featuring beer cheese as an ingredient. The public votes for their favorite.

The celebration is scheduled for May 20-26, 2024.

• Amy’s Asian Kitchen

• Bell on Wheels

• DJ’s

• Engine House

• Full Circle Market

• Hall’s on the River

• JayK’s

• La Trattoria

• Loma’s

• South Main Grocery

• Smokin’ Howards

• Tacos Luna y Mas

• The View

• Woody’s

“We started this event during the Pandemic as a sort of boost for businesses that were hit the hardest.” The event features 12 restaurants and while the main ingredient is beer cheese, creativity is a close secondary ingredient. “It’s just so much fun to see the crazy creations these places come up with,” said Banks. “They really outdo one another each year, with more interesting combinations and funny names. It’s just a blast!”

Participating establishments go head-to-head in a digital duke-out, where restaurant goers can vote for their favorite dish, via a QR code, assisting in crowning the Cheesy-Champion for 2024. Past winners were Hall’s on the River (2020 Champion), The Engine House Pub and Pizza Parlour (2021) Woody’s (2022) and JayK’s @ Forest Grove (2023). The only set parameter is that the dish offered must contain Beer Cheese and must cost $12.99. Recent offerings have included a Beer Cheese Burger from Loma’s, Beer Cheese Pulled Pork Waffle Fries served at Smokin’ Howards BBQ and Bell on Wheels Beer Cheese Smoked Brat.

“We look forward to participating in Beer Cheese Food Week every year. It’s a chance to really get creative with dishes and incorporate beer cheese. It’s a great warm up heading into Beer Cheese Festival. And it’s nice to have a little

friendly competition with our fellow restaurant owners,” said Jill Walker, Co-Owner of The Engine House. “The Chamber makes this event fun, and it gives us a chance to see everyone out before the festival really gets going.”

“You wouldn’t believe some of the dishes we have come up with that didn’t make it to the Beer Cheese Food Week,” said Stacey Lisle, Owner of Woody’s. “I mean, my staff is a little nuts. If they had an idea, we’d try it. Some would be too spicy; some wouldn’t be spicy enough. Some were just a little too weird. Then we would land on one, and we’re like, that’s the one!”

The “week of cheese” was originally created by former Chamber President Lauren Mink, whose idea came during a tough time for restaurants. “During the pandemic, we were looking for a way to help local Chamber restaurants. So, we came up with the idea of a Beer Cheese Food Week. Each restaurant could come up with their own unique twist on how to incorporate beer cheese into a featured plate.”

She goes on to explain how this event may have even swayed her to the level of cheesefanatic. “Even though I am not a beer cheese fan —I’m aware I’m in the minority here —I thought this would be such a fun way to drive patrons to the restaurants, encourage some fun competition for restaurants, all while promoting what Winchester is famous for: Beer Cheese! I

tried every dish and they were all amazing — turns out I do like Beer Cheese! I documented trying each dish to promote each restaurant on social media. This was such a successful event that attracted not only Winchester residents, but people from all over Kentucky.”

All the dishes can be viewed via the Chamber’s website and on social media, so a “flight plan” is advised by veterans of the event. “Order the menu item ‘as is.’ The chefs curate each item with the best ingredients for the outcome,” says City Commissioner Hanna Toole with sage advice for the event. Toole also highlights the charm of the event. “The city is filled with rich history and stunning architecture, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene. Its picturesque downtown area is lined with local shops, restaurants, and our newest art gallery, inviting visitors to explore and discover. Come see for yourself!”

Although the event is still relatively new with just four years under its belt, the Beer Cheese Festival, occurring two weeks after the Beer Cheese Food Week, is in its fourteenth year. Whether you’re coming to town to sample beer cheese poppers, delicious cheeseburgers, bacon beer cheese chicken sandwich or drunken turkey pizza, the Beer Cheese Food Week is an event uniquely Winchester.

HG CALENDAR

MAY 7

Noon to 1 pm, Downtown Library. Solar 101. Attend a free workshop to find out if solar panels are right for your home.

The City of Lexington has partnered with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society to launch Solarize Lexington. The program helps households reduce their reliance on the electric grid by making it easier to install solar photovoltaics (PV). Solarize Lexington will:

• Connect participants to a vetted solar installer, Solar Energy Solutions.

• Provide a step-by-step walk-through of the solar installation process.

• Give households access to discounted wholesale rates.

The program is open to all homeowners in Lexington-Fayette County. Other property owners (non-profits, small businesses, places of worship) are also welcome to apply. Participants are responsible for the (discounted) cost of solar panels and installation.

Please register only once per household. Each person does NOT need their own registration.

SAT MAY 11

The city’s next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 8:30 am – 3 pm. Products that contain corrosive, toxic or flammable ingredients are household hazardous wastes (HHW). These materials include common household items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides. Improper disposal can pollute air, water or soil and pose a threat to human health. During these events, Fayette County residents can drop off the hazardous materials that have accumulated in their homes. The city will properly dispose of them, free of charge. This event is held at 1631 Old Frankfort Pike (enter via Jimmy Campbell Dr.)

SAT MAY 11

The Bluegrass Iris Society will host their Annual Iris Show on Saturday, May 11, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at the lower level of Lexington Green.

PROPERTIES RECENTLY SOLD IN LEXINGTON

From Lexington’s PVA Administrator

About one fourth of Lexington homeowners recently received new property tax assessment notices and have expressed concern about the size of the increases. I also have serious concerns about the state of the housing market from an affordability standpoint in terms of not only buying and financing a home, but also renting and budgeting for taxes and other expenses. Therefore, I want you to have more information to help explain the process and the economic factors at play.

“Since 2014, Lexington home prices have exactly doubled, an average increase of 10 percent per year, every year.”

We are now four years into a period of rapidly escalating home prices in a housing market that was already robust. Home values are a direct reflection of local, current sale prices, which I have attached here in the form of a monthly, ten-year snapshot. Note the March column, the most recent data we have. Since 2014, Lexington home prices have exactly doubled, an average increase of 10 percent per year, every year.

The industry standard for determining a home’s value, whether for taxes, appraising for bank loans, or determining a listing price with a real estate agent is through the analysis of comparable sales. You identify a few sales, preferably in the immediate area, of similar size and style homes with adjustments to the sale price

for differences between the home being valued and the homes that sold for things like square footage, number of bathrooms, basements, garages, etc.

The Kentucky Constitution requires property be assessed at 100% fair cash value (what the property would bring in a sale between a willing seller and a willing buyer). And, while the KY department of revenue provides guidance for assessing property once every four years, due to government and industry shutdowns in 2020 and 2021, most homes since 2022 are being reassessed for the first time in five or six years, and this will also be the case in 2025.

Since prices are increasing at 10 percent and higher per year, reassessing every four years will commonly result in increases in assessments of 30% - 50%, which can be understandably surprising and concerning.

It is important for homeowners to understand the assessment process. I perform “mass assessing” not individual home appraisals. There are 114,000 properties in Fayette County and we only perform a “windshield inspection” of the property once every four years. The assessment you receive in the mail reflects our best, educated and technology-backed estimate of your home’s value. But that is not the end of the process. Carefully read the information contained within your assessment notice and utilize the protest process to share additional information that may result in a more accurate assessment. We have moved the protest process almost entirely online and it has never been easier for you to participate in the assessment process — so please do so.”

—David O’Neill is Fayette County’s Property Valuation Administrator