Senate Candidate Meyer Officially Files for Office.

Democrat Marty Meyer, District Representative for Congressman John Yarmuth, and son of retired State Senator and Louisville Alderman Danny Meyer officially filed as a candidate for Kentucky’s 38th District Senate Seat on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 10:30 AM. Meyer will brings with him a strong fund raising track record and a wealth of endorsements which he has procured from elected officials and local unions. He was joined by friends and family in Frankfort as he filed the necessary paperwork to knock that ogre Dan Seum off his perch and bring new blood to the State Senate.

“For years, the citizens of the 38th Senate District have not had access to the type of responsive government they deserve,” Meyer said, “I look forward to continuing to hear from individuals and families in the community and sharing my commitment to receptive and accessible government.” Incumbent Dan Seum, who was elected as a Democrat, pulled a bait-and-switch on the voters and became a Republican, laid the groundwork for David Williams' embarrassing takeover of the Kentucky Senate.

One of the elected officials strongly backing Marty Meyer’s run for the Senate is Congressman John Yarmuth, whose campaigns and district office Meyer has worked for since January 2006. In a letter of support Congressman Yarmuth praised Meyer saying, “It has been a great honor for me to work alongside Marty for the third Congressional district, and I can attest from personal experience to his dedication, persistence, and commitment to improving the lives of all Kentuckians.”

Marty Meyer is a longtime resident of the 38th District. He has volunteered on political campaigns for much of his life, and currently works as the District Representative for Congressman Yarmuth. Marty Meyer looks forward to serving the constituents of the 38th district.

You can read more about Meyer’s campaign by visiting the campaign’s website at
www.martymeyerforsenate.com

My Only Friend...The End

So, it looks as though most of us made it to the end of another year. And not soon enough. Thank goodness we can finally say Goodbye and Good Riddance to this rotten year of our Lord, 2009. One of the worst in modern history for the United States, 2009 will only be missed by heathens, Southern Republicans, devil dogs and die-hard followers of the Marquis de Sade. The only thing that turned out to be Good in this terrible 12 months was the dramatic reversal of fortune for my University of Kentucky basketball Wildcats, which I have recently fallen back in love with.

I have been extremely busy of late and have neglected you, my faithful readers, while in pursuit of gainful employment and other futile undertakings. I offer my apologies and ask for your patience as I get my affairs in order for my triumphant return to blogging. We have much to cover and there are big elections coming in 2010. Keep your eyes open and send in those tips, rumors and gossip for stories to be published here in the coming months. You will not want to miss it.

And what of health care reform? It is a topic that should be discussed heavily on this level. But a warning: If you receive health care that is paid for by the government, you are not allowed to participate in the discussion by saying the government doesn't belong in health care.

We were sold a load of HOPE in 2009, and most of us bought it. But HOPE don't pay the bills. Let's get something done around here. Merry Christmas, and best wishes for a happy new year.

Holiday Party at Sun Valley

Henderson invites District 14 residents to Holiday Party at Sun Valley Community Center
Event Set for Friday, December 18th beginning at 6:30pm

Louisville -- Now that the holiday season is here, the Sun Valley Community Center is once again ready to roll some seasonal cheer with its Annual Holiday Party on Friday, December 18th.

“This is a fun time for children and the parents but everyone is invited to come out and help Sun Valley enjoy this holiday period,” says Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14). “There should be something for everyone.”

The Party will get underway from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. There will be arts and crafts as well as refreshments and games. The Jolly Old Elf will also make an appearance for the kids. Bring the camera because children will have a chance to have their picture taken with Santa before the event is over.

“This is also a chance for anyone to find out about the programs the Community Center will be offering in 2010,” says Henderson. “If you have never been here, it’s a good opportunity to see how we are improving the Center for everyone.”

The Sun Valley Center is located at 6505 Bethany Lane.
For more information about the Holiday Party , call the Community Center at 937-8802.

Applications For Louisville Firefighters - Open Window

You Can Apply To Become A Firefighter Beginning December 7th!

The position of Firefighter with the Louisville Fire Department will be open for application beginning Monday, December 7, 2009. To be considered for employment, all interested persons must submit an application for employment on or before Friday, January 8, 2010.

Beginning December 7th, applications may be submitted online at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/humanresources/IWantTo/iwantto_apply.htm

Coffee with your Councilman - Saturday, Nov.7th

“Coffee with your Councilman” set for Saturday, November 7th
Blackwell invites residents to come out and talk

Louisville – Councilman Rick Blackwell is once again inviting residents of District 12 to come out for “Coffee with your Councilman” this Saturday, November 7th.
“As the seasons change and the temperature cools, warm coffee and conversation is a good way to pass the time. If you have a concern you would like me to know about then come on out and let’s talk,” says Blackwell.

The event will take place at Sister Beans, 4956 Manslick Road beginning at 10:00am.
“We have found this informal setting works very well for some people. While we still have our District Dialogues, sometimes a Saturday morning works well for those who might be busy during the week,” says Blackwell.

For more information about the November “Coffee with your Councilman”, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.

Heating Assistance Program Information

The Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership (CAP) will begin the Heater Assistance Program, November 2, 2009 through March 31, 2010. This program offers space heaters on loan to individuals and families when their main heating source is in need of repair or replacement. Appointments may be necessary so please call ahead of time. Households that meet income eligibility guidelines can visit one of the following locations to apply for this program:

CAP Central District – 810 Barret Avenue (Urban Government Center); 574-1157

CAP East District – 4810 Exeter Ave (Newburg Community Center); 574-1270

CAP South District – 7219 Dixie Highway (Southwest Government Center); 574-1272

Applicants will also need to bring the following information for eligibility determination:

1. Your most recent heating bills or verification from your landlord that the heating expenses are included in your rent;

2. Social Security Card(s) or official documentation with social security numbers or Permanent Resident Card Number(s) for everyone living in your household;

3. Proof of your household's income for the preceding month or proof of $0 income (Food Stamp Award letter, Termination letter, etc.);

4. Proof of Furnace Malfunction (Landlord letter, Estimate for Repair, etc.)

5. Picture ID


The Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership’s mission is to eliminate poverty and its effects among the residents of Metro Louisville, one family at a time. For more information about CAP visit our website at www.louisvilleky.gov/cap or call 574-1157.

Day Of The Dead

As the sun crawls over the rooftop across the street, its orange glow spreading over and burning away the gentle blanket of frost laid overnight, I climb out of bed and glance at my calendar. November 2nd...Day of the Dead.

El Día de los Muertos, or All Souls' Day, is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints Day which occurs on November 1st, and All Souls Day which occurs on November 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Scholars trace the origins of the modern holiday to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years, and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl.

I was going to take this opportunity to comment on some local political campaigns that could be considered dead, but there are many and time is short. Leave your thoughts and we will discuss.

SW Community Cleanup - Nov. 7, 2009

Southwest Pride Cleanup
Saturday November 7th

Register 8:30am; Cleanup 9am-12pm

7770 Dixie Highway (next to Auto Zone). Join Councilman Blackwell and other civic minded Southwest Louisvillians to make our community a better place. Volunteers will be provided with gloves and garbage bags and will be treated to free coffee and doughnuts. Groups of over 20 will receive $100 for their participation, with the largest group over 20 receiving an additional $100. If you have a suggestion for an area that needs attention, please call Kim Leanhart at 368-3880.

Thanks to Councilman Blackwell for this information!

2009 Southwest Festival - This Saturday!!!

Click the image below for all the information you need on the 2009 Southwest Festival at Sun Valley Park.

Hicks House And Genealogy Report Update

Readers,

I have received an email from a genealogist in Florida that has been hired to research the Hicks family. This is interesting reading. Check it out:

Dear Mr. Tucker:

My name is Robert Aswell and I am a genealogist who has been researching the family of Dr. John Howell Hicks for my client, his granddaughter, Robbie Hicks.

I happened upon your website and subsequent articles about the Hicks House on Dixie Highway and, needless to say, am astounded, angry and heartbroken.

For your information, here's a bit of the family history:

Dr. John Howell Hicks, son of Hendrick Hicks and Sarada Carby, was born 24 DEC 1882 in Millerstown, Grayson County, KY and died 7 NOV 1960 in Jefferson County, KY. He married Albennie "Bennie" Embry about 1906 and had two children, one being Stanley W. Hicks (born 1912) whom you mentioned in one of your online articles. I am doing the family research for Stanley W. Hicks' daughter.

Dr. Hicks had two brothers:

Elmer Haden Hicks, born 8 DEC 1886 in Millerstown, Grayson Co., KY
Clydus Cloy Hicks, born 3 MAR 1892 in Big Clifty, Grayson Co., KY

It would be interesting to know which one of them erected the "Jesus Saves" sign. I may be able to find this and much more information for you from my client...

I can supply you with a myriad of tidbits, including a copy of Dr. Hicks' WWI Draft Registration Card (dated 12 SEP 1918), his ancestors' residences from 1850, Leitchfield, Grayson County to their relocation to Louisville circa 1920.

From what I've gathered, the Hicks family residences were as follows:

1900: Millerstown, Grayson Co., KY

1910: 374 Pike Street, Woodburn, Warren Co., KY (Dr. Hicks was a Railroad Station Agent)

1918: Leitchfield, Grayson Co., KY (Physician in Leitchfield)

1920: 524 28th. Street, Louisville (Physician)

1930 - 1937: Residence: 4136 Market Street, Louisville (Dr. Hicks owned this home): Business: 524 28th. Street, Louisville. (from the 1937 Louisville City Directory). Physician.


WWI Draft Registration Card:

Registration Place: Leitchfield, Grayson County, Kentucky
Registration Date: September 12, 1918

NAME: John Howell Hicks

HOME ADDRESS: Leitchfield, Grayson, Kentucky
AGE: 35
DATE OF BIRTH: December 24, 1882
OCCUPATION: Physician (M.D.), Leitchfield, Grayson, Kentucky
NEAREST RELATIVE: Albennie Hicks, Wife

Tall Height, Stout Build, Brown Eyes, Black Hair
_______

If you are interested in any further information please don't hesitate to contact me. I will get in touch with Dr. Hicks' granddaughter shortly and see if she can shed some light on the old Hicks House. I'll keep you posted.

MSD to hold meeting with residents of District 15

MSD to hold meeting with residents of District 15
Butler encourages homeowners to attend October 13th event

Louisville – Councilwoman Marianne Butler is hosting a community meeting with officials from Metropolitan Sewer District to talk with residents about drainage issues and backflow prevention.

“South Louisville has had a history of drainage issues, this is the opportunity for residents to find out MSD plans for the short term and long term to address drainage issues,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15).

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 13th at the Salvation Army located in Wyandotte Park, 1010 Beecher Street beginning at 7:00pm. The meeting will be structured to allow one on one conversations with MSD officials.

MSD will have information on the backflow prevention program which is available to all homeowners free of charge. To learn more about the back flow program call MSD at 540-6000 or go on line to www.msdlouky.org.

For more information about the meeting, contact Councilwoman Butler’s office at 574-1115

Hicks House Set to Burn

Remember the heavily-discussed, historically significant Southwest Louisville home of Dr. Hicks that was profiled and investigated by yours truly on these pages? Well, as I had long feared, the home is set to meet its fate as "practice" for the PRP Fire Department as a controlled burn. The structure, located across from the Target and Value City Furniture department store complex on Dixie Highway, was obviously too dilapidated to be of any value to anyone but history buffs. Another one bites the dust.

It is a shame, really. What say ye?

District 12 Dialogue to discuss Domestic Violence Intake Center

District 12 Dialogue to discuss Domestic Violence Intake Center
Event set for Tuesday, September 15th at 7:00pm

Louisville – Efforts to help the victims of domestic violence in Louisville Metro will be the focus of the next District 12 Dialogue hosted by Councilman Rick Blackwell on Tuesday, September 15th.

“David Nicholson, the Jefferson Circuit Clerk, will be our featured guest and he will talk about the Center which recently received financial support from the Metro Council,” says Blackwell.
The September District 12 Dialogue will get underway at 7:00pm at Hillview Baptist Church, 5319 Dixie Highway.

Nicholson has been leading the effort for the Intake Center. He recently appeared before the Metro Council to ask for additional funding for finalizing the Intake Center’s needs. He received unanimous approval.

He will also discuss his duties as Circuit Clerk in the judicial system in Jefferson County.
“If you have a question about Kentucky’s Circuit and District court system and how it operates, here is your chance,” says Blackwell.

Joining Nicholson at the meeting will be representatives from the Division of Licensing and Permits, Neighborhoods, LMPD and MSD to answer questions about programs or concerns. A representative of Congressman John Yarmuth's office will also be in attendance.

For more information about the September District 12 Dialogue, contact Councilman Blackwell's office at 574-1112.

Happy Labor Day...What the Hell, Make it a Whole Weekend

The following is dedicated to all of those who carry their lunch to work everyday with their heads held high, performing the work that makes America strong and prosperous:

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

Valley Post Office To Remain Open

The good news...the Valley Station post office will remain open.
The bad news...Councilman Doug Hawkins takes credit.

Watch him strain to pat himself on the back:

Valley Station Post Office
Will Remain Open
We Won!

The day after Councilman Doug Hawkins and Brenda Silveria hand delivered petitions with over 2000 signatures to the postmaster, the spokesman for the post office issued a press release announcing that the Valley Station Post Office will continue serving the Valley Station area by keeping the post office open. Hawkins and Silveria appreciate Postmaster Curtsinger accepting the petitions and listening to the community’s request on keeping the post office open at its currently location on Dixie Highway..
“The Valley Station Post Office is no longer on the chopping block,” says Hawkins. On July 31, the post office listed four branches that were going to be considered for “consolidation or closure.” Brenda Silveria led a grassroots effort collecting signatures to let the decision makers know how much the community needs a post office.
Councilman Hawkins wishes to thank everyone who visited the “Call for Action” page at www.DougHawkins.com and signed the on-line petition. Councilman Hawkins also thanks Postmaster Curtsinger for working with him and Ms. Silveria.
Please continue supporting the Valley Station Post Office by using the facility and the many services they offer.

You Creepy Bastards....

Thanks to the ever-watchful Councilman Doug Hawkins (R-25), we are delighted to bring you some information on what a bunch of perverts you guys are. Today in an email blast to his constituents, Hawkins pimps the results of some Google Trends data that says Louisville residents are the most likely in the country to search for "obscene material". Read more....

Louisville Ranked Most Obscene City in the Nation

Google Trends are a way of categorizing what people are searching for most often on the internet. As it turns out, Google has reported the top 10 cities most likely to search for obscene material. Unfortunately, Louisville is ranked number one. Of special concern is the material that deals with small children. Please use the websites below to help keep your children safe. While we just recently sent this information to constituenmts, in light of this new survey, it bears repeating. If you know of any other sites that could be beneficial, please contact my office to help spread the word!

The 10 American Cities Most Likely To Search For Obscene Material:

1. Louisville, KY
2. Rochester, NY
3. Philadelphia, PA
4. Newark, NJ
5. Los Angeles, CA
6. Irvine, CA
7. Pittsburgh, PA
8. Las Vegas, NV
9. Albany, NY
10. Orlando, FL

For more information on this story, check out the article below:
FOX41: Survey calls Louisville "most obscene" city in U.S.

Thanks Doug, for calling us out. Were are a filthy and disgusting lot. We are worse than those whores in Las Vegas and those seedy pimps in Albany.

Tandy In For Mayor

Councilman David Tandy has joined the race for metro mayor, becoming the second Democratic candidate to announce his intentions along side Greg Fischer. The Courier Journal has more HERE.

Community Conversation - August

Welch welcomes Mayor’s Community Conversation To Fairdale High School
Event set for Monday, August 17th at 6:30pm

Louisville—Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch and District 13 will play host to the next Mayor’s Community Conversation on Monday, August 17th at Fairdale High School. “I want to encourage residents to come out and talk with Mayor Abramson and myself about any issue of concern,” says Welch. “I and other Council members will be on hand to listen.”
The Mayor’s Community Conversation will take place in the small gymnasium of Fairdale High School, 1001 Fairdale Road beginning at 6:30pm.

Joining Welch for the event will be Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12) and Bob Henderson (D-14).

The Community Conversations bring together representatives of all departments of Metro Government. The Jefferson County Public School System and U.S. Congressman John Yarmuth’s office is also represented. It is held on the third Monday of every month, except December, in different Districts of Metro Louisville.

“I am very happy to be hosting this event in District 13 which is a wonderful opportunity for constituents to access local government in your own neighborhood for one stop shopping with all the government agencies,” says Welch.

For more information about the July ’s Community Conversation call Metro Call at 311 or 574-5000.

Seum is Out of Mayor's Race, As If He Was Ever In....

- WHAS11 is reporting that Dan Seum will not be running for mayor of Louisville. My true and trusty "advisory board" members have been telling me this for a month, and have not squandered the opportunity to say We Told You So. Dan says he wants to stay in the state senate where he can "most effective". Seum will be running against Democratic challenger Marty Meyer for the seat next year.

This particular news item also mentions the really terrible idea of Doug Hawkins running for mayor. One word: Unwinnable.

Stinson Indicted On Second Charge, Pitino Goes Sideways, Flees

Okay, everyone. Two (2) big news items today.

- Yesterday former PRP Football Coach Jason Stinson was indicted by a grand jury for an additional charge of Wanton Endangerment related to the death of player Max Gilpin. The CJ has the story HERE. Stinson is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

- UofL Basketball Coach and part-time "Swordsman" Rick Pitino has laid a huge egg and, according to my personal team of advisers, will not coach another game for the university. Read more HERE. And place your bets.

Latest Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital Update

As most of you are aware, the flash floods that hit Louisville on August 4 caused the need to evacuate Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. Patients were discharged or transferred to other facilities in the city, primarily Jewish Hospital and Norton Audubon Hospital. Since that time, we have been working diligently to reopen services, as we know that Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital plays a vital part in providing access to health care to the south Louisville community.

I am pleased to inform you that our Emergency Department, the second busiest in Louisville seeing nearly 45,000 patients annually, will be reopening tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12 at 8:00 a.m. along with our radiology and lab departments which provide key support to the emergency department. Because of the volume of patients we serve, this has been our top priority in reopening. Also open on the Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital campus is the Women’s Center, Surgery Center (which provides outpatient surgery), Sleep Center, Wound Healing Center, Frazier Rehab, physician offices and Diabetes Education classes.

At this time, we do not have an expected date as to when the hospital will be fully operational. We hope to begin reopening inpatient beds and units in phases as soon as possible. In the interim, as a part of Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare, we are fortunate to be a part of a system that allows us to seamlessly transfer any patients who visit our emergency department needing inpatient care to Jewish Hospital. Many of our Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital team members are located at Jewish Hospital and other JHSMH facilities providing care to these patients.

Continuous updates on the status of operations are being provided at www.jhsmh.org/smehupdates, www.facebook.com/jewishhospital and www.twitter.com/jewishhospital. In addition, a phone line with updates has been developed for community members to call – 502-409-3069.

We appreciate the support shown by the community we serve during this difficult time.

Jeff Polson
Vice President
Marketing/Communications
Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare

Flood Damage Dump Site

My good friend Trevor at The Local Weekly has some information on the dumping of flood damaged debris. Here it is:

Mayor Abramson announced that residents living in areas that suffered the heaviest rainfall this week will have three sites to drop off flood-damaged household goods at no cost. Citizens may also dispose of damaged items at the Waste Management Landfill at 2673 Outer Loop over the next two weekends for $16 per pickup truck load. “It is imperative that people get these wet items out of their basements and living quarters as soon as possible,” Abramson said. “Letting those soaked household goods stay inside the house just invites mold and mildew growth, which can be hazardous to your family’s health.”
Three Neighborhood Drop-off Sites to Open Friday
City officials pored over rainfall maps and corresponding flooding reports to determine where to locate three flood drop-off sites. Most of the heaviest rain and corresponding damage was downtown, toward the city’s western edge, and south toward Shively. Based on that data, the drop-off locations were chosen for ease of access for residents of those flooded areas.
The free drop-off sites will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily, beginning Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 16. Gates will close promptly at 8 p.m. Sites will be staffed 24 hours a day to make sure items are not dumped outside of the scheduled hours. Each site will have several large dumpsters to deposit flood damaged household goods. Residents must unload their own vehicles.
The three sites are:
•Morris-Forman Treatment Plant, 4522 Algonquin Parkway
•Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Green Parking Lot, Floyd Street just south of Central Ave.
•Old Phillip Morris Plant parking lot, 18th and Broadway
Acceptable flood damaged items include:
•Furniture
•Carpeting
•Clothing
•Appliances (there will be a special dumpster for appliances with Freon, such as refrigerators and air conditioning units)
Unacceptable items include:
•Yard waste and tree limbs
•Construction materials
•Tires
•Raw garbage
No contractors will be allowed to dump items at the free drop-off sites. Commercial vehicles, vehicles larger than a pickup truck or those with trailers larger than 8 feet will not be allowed on the sites. License plates will be verified for residency; no out of town vehicles will be allowed to visit these sites.

Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital Update

I have received the following from CM Doug Hawkins' office regarding the condition of STS. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital in Southwest Louisville:

Flooding rains last week caused the Emergency Department at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital to remain closed until further notice. Damage to the infrastructure was substantial, including mechanical systems, electrical systems, phone systems and boilers/chillers. (To put it into perspective, the influx of water moved the fifty-year old boilers weighing over 10 tons off their foundation.)

Progress continues to be made at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital where additional services continue to reopen. The hospital’s main goal is reopening the emergency department, along with the laboratory and radiology departments this week.

Now open:
Physician Offices
SMEH Surgery Center (outpatient surgery) 502-366-9525
Diabetes Education Center at SMEH Plaza I, Suite 202B. – need to have a referral
Sleep Center 502-554-3537 (temporary number)
Wound Healing Center 502-439-7275 (temporary number)
Frazier Rehab Institute at SMEH 502-439-9585 (temporary number)

Opening on Tuesday, August 11:
SMEH Women’s Center at 11 a.m.

Areas that remain closed at this time:
Emergency Department
Hospital inpatient beds

Coffee With Your Councilman - August

“Coffee with your Councilman” set for August 15th
Residents invited to talk with Blackwell on issues

Louisville – Councilman Rick Blackwell is once again issuing an invitation to residents of District 12 to come out and meet with him over coffee on Saturday, August 15th.

“While the city’s budget may be on citizen’s minds, I am happy to talk about any topic of concern,” says Blackwell. “We like to keep the discussion open, no set agendas.”
“Coffee with your Councilman” will take place at Sister Beans, 4956 Manslick Road beginning at 10:00am.

“I know it is summertime and this may be the best time for some people to come out and let me know if there are any concerns they have in the district,” says Blackwell. “We keep it very informal.”

For more information about the June “Coffee with your Councilman”, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.

Butler Basketball Coach Goes Sideways

In an article in today's Courier Journal, Butler High School girls basketball coach Eddy Wilson has been fired for having an inappropriate relationship with a female student and for fleecing students out of cash in exchange for relaxed class requirements.

I suspect we shall hear much more on this later. What say ye?

Dining in Southwest Louisville

There is an interesting article by Marty Rosen in the latest Velocity Magazine that caught my attention this morning. Rosen capably and accurately discusses the local restaurant scene and why he thinks Louisville is a great restaurant town. But we aren't talking the franchised joints like Taco Bell here, boys. This is about the locally based, locally owned places that we need more of, particularly in Southwest Louisville.

There is also a new development over at Consuming Louisville, a local food blog. Author Michelle Jones is looking to go on tour throughout the city, sampling each 'hood's local fare. This is a great idea. HERE is the article at Consuming Louisville. Urge her to stop by Southwest Louisville.

Hits & Misses

- Senator Jim Bunning, 77, turned to wax yesterday and, as expected, dropped out of his re-election race and effectively ended his term as U.S. Senator from Kentucky. Bunning was seen as an embarrassment to the Commonwealth the last several years because of his goofy actions and stupid comments. Bunning blamed his fellow Republicans for his inability to raise funds and for his ridiculous, doddering, old-man antics. The Courier-Journal has more HERE. Kentucky Republican Secretary of State Trey Greyson has announced he will definitely run for the seat.

- There has been much talk in private circles about contenders for Louisville's next Mayor. I have many names. Let me know who you like and why. This will be interesting.

- Movie Alert: If you haven't seen "The Hangover", you should at least try to check it out. It is the funniest movie I have seen in many years.

- Louisville Police Chief Robert White says he may skip town after Jerry Abramson leaves office. WHAS11 has the report HERE.

Greg Fischer Announces Plans for Mayoral Run

FISCHER ANNOUNCES INTENT TO RUN FOR MAYOR
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 20, 2009) – Greg Fischer, a prominent Louisville businessman and former Democratic candidate for the United States Senate, today announced he will file a letter of intent to run for the office of Mayor of Metro Louisville.
“Louisville is at a crossroads as we consider new directions for the twenty-first century,” Fischer said. “Not only are my sights set on creating an open and diverse culture within Metro government, but I feel the time has clearly come to unleash the potential of one of the most unique cities in America. We must find new ways to harness Louisville’s energy.”
Fischer, who has a long history of leadership and public service in the community, entered the 2008 U.S. Senate race a year ago as a relative unknown. In this first effort seeking elected office, Fischer finished second out of seven in the Democratic field, earning a reputation throughout the Commonwealth for approachability, sincerity and energetic campaigning.
Fischer, known for his team building skills and results orientation, made his mark in the business community in a diverse number of roles: as a founder, job creator, investor and chief executive in many well known Louisville area companies including SerVend International, Dant Clayton Corporation, MedVenture Technology, bCatalyst and Vogt Ice.
“I intend to utilize both my business and political experience in serving this city. I will deliver tax efficient, high-quality city services to all our residents in every neighborhood,” Fischer said. “I also understand the critical role Louisville plays as an engine to our state’s economy, and I will be a strong, vocal leader for our community in Frankfort and throughout the Commonwealth.”
Fischer’s community service in Louisville was highlighted during his chairmanship of the Louisville Science Center, where he helped raise more than $20 million to refurbish the Center. Greg also currently serves on the non-profit boards of the Waterfront Development Corporation, Jewish Hospital Board of Trustees and the University of Louisville Board of Overseers.
“Louisville needs a strong CEO. I look forward to applying my decades of management and leadership experience in building business and community partnerships as the mayor of our city.”
Fischer has spent the last several months talking to Louisville citizens about the needs of the community. “With Steve Beshear and Jerry Abramson joining forces for the 2011 gubernatorial campaign, now is the time for a new mayor to shift gears and build on the long record of accomplishment of both the Abramson and David Armstrong administrations, and to lead the community to even greater heights.”
Fischer, 51 and a native of Louisville, is married to Dr. Alexandra Gerassimides, a local physician. The Fischers have four children.
A public announcement and event kicking off the Fischer for Mayor campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit www.gregfischer.com, email info@gregfischer.com or call 502-552-3599.

District 12 Dialogue - July

District 12 Dialogue
Tuesday July 21st 7pm
Rockford Lane Baptist Church, 2006 Rockford Lane
Special Guest: Richard Jett, Historic Preservation Officer
Do you have a small family cemetery in your yard or neighborhood? Join us this month as we discuss guidelines, laws and appropriate care for these historic
locales with Richard Jett, Metro Louisville Historic Preservation Officer.
Mr. Jett will also be able to address questions regarding a request to demolish Colonial Gardens, which will be reviewed Wednesday evening. Also on hand to answer questions and take concerns will be representatives from LMPD, IPL, MSD, Neighborhoods and Congressman John Yarmuth’s office.

I Hate To Say It, But I Told You So....

If you didn't see this coming, you weren't paying attention. The official announcement comes today that will introduce Mayor Jerry Abramson as Governor Steve Beshear's running mate in 2011. The local media love-fest begins today.

HERE is the Courier-Journal's article.

Much, much more on this later. Stay tuned.

Special Guest Commentary

The New Cut corridor has been on a steady decline for the past 50 years. The completion of the widened corridor and the courage and willingness of south Louisville investors offers an exciting to reverse this already deepening spiral. Communities across the nation are looking to gateway roads such as New Cut for creative possibilities.

This proposed development comes at an opportune moment as state and local officials look for regional enhancements that will complement Churchill Downs. Revitalizing New Cut is a strong signal that we're serious about our local small business community, quality neighborhoods and the world know ICON, Churchill Downs

I would argue the land-marking because it is a flawed process to begin with, holds land-marking to less stringent review process thus by-passing legislative approval strangles the community and leaves decision making to an elite few.

Louisville has an opportunity to be bold, be courageous and do what is right for south Louisville neighborhoods, businesses and the community

DEMOLISH THE OLD DANCE HALL

RAY WHITENER
LOUISVILLE, KY

July District 12 Dialogue to Focus on Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation focus of July District 12 Dialogue
Meeting set for Rockford lane Baptist Church on July 21st

Louisville—How important is historic preservation to Metro Louisville in the 21st Century? What are some of the challenges of progress versus remembering the past?
Those questions will be the focus of July’s District 12 Dialogue set for Tuesday, July 21st at the Rockford Lane Baptist Church, 2006 Rockford Lane. The meeting begins at 7:00pm.
“Historic Preservation is something that local government must be aware of when we are talking about zoning or economic development,” says Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12). “However, many may not be aware of what goes into local preservations efforts.”
Richard Jett, who is now Historic Preservation Officer for Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services, will be the featured speaker at the Dialogue. Jett has been involved with historic preservation prior to the merger of the city and county government sin 2003.
“District 12 has many old, small family cemeteries. It is my hope this dialogue will help educate our residents on guidelines and laws concerning them,” says Blackwell.
Joining Jett at the meeting will be representatives from the Division of Licensing and Permits, Neighborhoods LMPD and MSD to answer questions about programs or concerns. A representative of Congressman John Yarmuth's office will also be in attendance.
For more information about the July District 12 Dialogue, contact Councilman Blackwell's office at 574-1112.

Monday Political Roundup

- Marty Meyer, the Democratic candidate for State Senate in Kentucky's 38th District, has raised an impressive $31,500 for his upcoming race against long-time incumbent Dan Seum according to his quarterly report filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. It is becoming clear that this will be a race for those of us in Southwest Louisville to watch closely, as Seum has never faced such a qualified and well-funded opponent.

- 25th District Metro Council candidate David Yates officially kicked off his campaign this Saturday with a well-attended and tightly organized fund raiser. It was a huge success for the young and talented Yates, who is seeking his first political office. Residents of the district can expect a strong challenge to the silly partisan rhetoric that currently passes for leadership in the 25th.

- Food For Thought: Governor Steve Beshear was a partner at the law firm of Stites & Harbison. That law firm was recently retained by the Cordish Co., the company that has refused to explain where all the city money ($950,000) went when Cordish remodeled a bowling alley at 4th Street Live. Mayor Abramson, who is said to be a lock for Lt. Governor along side Beshear, has accepted Cordish's explanation of the shady deal. Connect the dots. I'm just saying.....

AFL-CIO to Beshear: Are You Nuts?

Many times in the past here on The Valley Report as well as privately among friends, I have stated my long-held belief that Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson would not seek another term. The reasons were often varied and occasionally complicated, yet I remain confident in my assessment of the situation. I even went as far as to make a large cash wager on the issue and expect to collect a rather handsome amount when this debacle is over.

We have since learned that Governor Beshear, in one of the heaviest and most terrible mistakes of his soon-to-be-over political career, is seeking to add Abramson to his ticket as the candidate for Lt. Governor. Many good people that follow these things closely are upset over the idea. In today's Courier Journal, Joe Gerth reports that Kentucky AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan has gone on record opposing the addition of Abramson as a running mate.

In the article, Londrigan said, "Mayor Abramson has established a long record of antipathy towards organized labor, both during his tenure as Mayor of Louisville as well as the merged Metro Government." Truer words were never spoken. Naturally, one of the mayor's spokespersons squawked about how Jerry is a friend of the working man and how he hadn't made any decisions about his future. Those are two lies told right in a row.

Not only is this likely to destroy the Democrats' chance of retaining the Governor's Mansion in 2011, it also appears to be a foregone conclusion. People in the know in and around Frankfort have stated the Beshear/Abramson team is a "done deal".

Let me know what you think about a Beshear/Abramson ticket. I really want to hear what people have to say about this.

Midgets Rise Up, Raise Hell

When I was a kid, the word "crippled" was used to describe the handicapped, "Oriental" meant Asian and Latinos were called "Chicanos" . The word "Midget" was followed by "Dwarf" and is now currently "Little People". A group of "Little People", after allowing themselves to be totally exploited by the bums that run the tawdry and desperate reality-TV business, have now seen fit to appeal to the FCC, calling for a ban on the word "midget" after Joan Rivers said something about it on "Celebrity Apprentice", a show virtually no one in the world watches.

Read the story HERE. And, as always, let me know what you think. Is this a BIG deal or SMALL time nonsense? Are these people getting the SHORT end of the stick?

The Next Mayor

- The Courier Journal's political writer Joe Gerth penned a brief but excellent article yesterday in which he laid out possible candidates for Louisville's 2010 race for mayor. Gerth says that by 2010 Abramson may have turned his attention toward the Lt. Governor's position, leaving the mayoral race wide open. I believe Abramson will avoid a statewide race and return to the private sector, where he will reap the rewards of over 20 years of nest-feathering. Either way, Jerry is on his way out of office. So with that behind us, I give you my early pick for Louisville Mayor 2010.

Back in March, I wrote about Tyler Allen of 8664. Even if you don't agree with him (I do), you are forced to admit he has quite a grand vision for all of Louisville. He's upbeat in a realistic way. He's personable. He's a natural leader. He's tough and true to the things he believes in. These are the reasons I was pleased to see Allen's name mentioned in Gerth's CJ article as a *possible* candidate. I hope Tyler Allen gets in the ring. Our city will be better for it.

- Reminder: The 9 year old Prairie Village All Star Team will begin playing districts soon. You can help support them by eating dinner at Beef O'Brady's on Valley Station Road Monday July 6 from 4PM to 8PM. Rick Totten, the restaurant owner, says that he wants to help the players who will be representing our community. The restaurant will donate a percentage of all sales from 4PM to 8PM to the 9 year old All-Star Team. All proceeds will help offset the costs associated with the All-Star Games.

Enjoy Your Independence Day Celebration

In Congress, July 4, 1776.
A Declaration
By the Representatives of the
United states of America,
In general Congress assembled.

When in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness—-That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the Present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their Operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the Accommodation of large Districts of People; unless those People would relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants only.

He has called together Legislative Bodies at Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the Depository of their public Records, for the sole Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with his Measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People.

He has refused for a long Time, after such Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from without, and Convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither, and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and Amount and Payment of their Salaries.

He has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harass our People, and eat out their Substance.

He has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the consent of our Legislature.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all Parts of the World:

For imposing taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended Offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an arbitrary Government, and enlarging its Boundaries, so as to render it at once an Example and fit Instrument for introducing the same absolute Rule in these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with Powers to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People.

He is, at this Time, transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the Works of Death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the Executioners of their Friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic Insurrections among us, and has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an undistinguished Destruction, of all Ages, Sexes and Conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a free People.

Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to our British Brethren. We have warned them from Time to Time of Attempts by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our Connections and Correspondence. They too have been deaf to the Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of the divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Signed by Order and in Behalf of the Congress,
John Hancock, President.

Attest.
Charles Thomson, Secretary.

Southwest Ambassador Program

I have received some information on an exciting new Ambassador program developed by the folks at the Southwest Dream Team I would like to share with you. Read on:

Recently, many new businesses have opened in Southwest Louisville. They have determined that our area is in fact, a great place to live, work and do business! This is cause for celebration! As new businesses continue to locate in Southwest Louisville we need to be ready to welcome them.

The SWDT is looking for individuals who will voluntarily serve as Ambassadors for Southwest Louisville. Ambassadors will gather at grand openings, ribbon cuttings or open houses for the purpose of celebrating our mutual success! Ambassadors will wear a colorful SWDT logo’d name badge that will designate them as an official ambassador. Ambassadors may also be asked to participate and lead in community events. Ambassadors will receive an email with proper lead time and details ahead of the event.

Jodie Benson, Director of Sales of the Holiday Inn Southwest will coordinate the Ambassador Program. She can be reached by calling 448-2020 or emailing her at Jodie.benson@archonhospitality.com Please contact Jodie at your earliest convenience to be included in this worthwhile program.

Tuesday Blues

- The Courier Journal is reporting JCPS will hold a news conference tomorrow morning at 10AM to release its long-awaited, drawn out, overdue and secret report on the death of student Max Gilpin. Click HERE for more.

- The 9 year old Prairie Village All Star Team will begin playing districts soon. You can help support them by eating dinner at Beef O'Brady's on Valley Station Road Monday July 6 from 4PM to 8PM. Rick Totten, the restaurant owner, says that he wants to help the players who will be representing our community. The restaurant will donate a percentage of all sales from 4PM to 8PM to the 9 year old All-Star Team. All proceeds will help offset the costs associated with the All-Star Games.

- I have received word that Don Mitchell has passed away. Anyone that worked for Ford Motor Company at the Louisville Assembly Plant would have known him. Donnie was the UAW Building Chairman when I was hired and had a distinguished career as a union official. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements are as follows:

Funeral: 12:00pm Friday at Fairdale-McDaniel Funeral Home.
Visitation: 1:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday and 10:00am – 12:00pm Friday

Fairdale-McDaniel Funeral Home
411 Fairdale Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
(502) 361-1688

Hawkins Panders While Southwest Suffers

Words cannot properly describe my frustration when it comes to this nonsense. Check this out:
Doug Hawkins "interviews" Pastor Ken Pagano of New Bethel Church regarding the upcoming Open Carry Celebration:

Louisville Loop Discussion

This Saturday, June 27, the public is invited to be briefed on plans for the Louisville Loop. The mayor and Metro Parks staff will be on hand from 10am to 1pm at Riverside, The Farnsley-Moreman Landing. About 23 miles are complete of the proposed 100 mile loop around Jefferson County. HERE is more information.

See you there.

Friday News & Nuttiness

- The repulsive ogre that is State Senate President David Williams has "predicted" the slots bill will fail. I don't know what Williams has against the Commonwealth's signature industry but he obviously has a problem with seeing it prosper along side slot machines. The Courier-Journal has more HERE.

- Speaking of horses, there's some big-time night racing happening tonight. Go be a part of history. And be sure to buy a few $6 cups of warm beer. HERE's more.

- A judge has ordered JCPS to turn over a portion of the files related to the school system's "investigation" of the Max Gilpin matter to the commonwealth attorney's office. This is good news. HERE is the article.

- This is an interesting story: A Louisville woman was arrested on meth charges after she allegedly attempted to buy, among other items, 3000 boxes of matches at a local Kroger store. WHAS11 has a short report HERE.

Southwest Farmers Market

The following news on the Southwest Farmers Market comes to you via The Local Weekly.

This Saturday, June 20th , the Southwest Farmers Market will hold a Summer Solstice Festival to welcome the wonderful summer we are all going to enjoy. The location is Valley High School parking lot, 10200 Dixie Highway. Times are 9 am to 1 pm. Please note that to be fair to all customers and allow our vendors the opportunity to set up their stands, we will not sell before our advertised time of 9 am. We appreciate your understanding about this.

Kate Sanders and Paul Whitley of Down to Earth will be playing wonderful folk music with the dulcimer and other instruments. There will be free lemonade and a drawing. O’s Cool Ice Cream is scheduled to be there making “Homemade Old School Flavor” ice cream.

Our vendors:
Pendleton Farms, Louisville (farm fresh eggs, vegetables)
Gagel Truck Farms/Gallrein Farms, Louisville (flowers, vegetables, fruits)
Faith Chapel General Baptist Church, Louisville (baked goods)
Louis Cox, Louisville (vegetables)
Mr. Lou’s Catering, Louisville (breakfast, lunch)
Argyle Acres, Shepherdsville (vegetables)
Diane and Joe Kyle, Louisville (crafts, vegetables) [also our resident roadside chicken]
Becky Bivins, Louisville (herbs, vegetables, Webb’s Butcher Block jerky and smoked sausages)
Bob White, Louisville (honey)
Misty Meadows Farm, Payneville (farm fresh “free-range” eggs, beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, fruits)
O’s Cool Ice Cream, Louisville (homemade ice cream)
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, see Becky Bivins or Ron Mercer for an application.

Metro District 25 Race Is ON

With the launch of his campaign website, Metro Council District 25 candidate David Yates is already running full-tilt. You may remember his name being mentioned here. David is a bright young attorney with some fresh, new, rock-solid ideas that would be beneficial to and improve the life of residents in the 25th district. At the very least, Yates would bring instant credibility to the Southwest Louisville district and would serve citizens well on the council. Yates seems content to run on ideas, and that is fine with me. I wish him the best of luck and hope he gets a clean race from the incumbent.

Check him out and give him a shot. What do you have to lose?

Wednesday Update

- The owners of the nearly-new Comfort Inn near I-264 on Dixie Highway have filed for bankruptcy protection. The massive, out of place hotel has been open less than one year after several years of construction delays. Read more HERE.

- Reminder: The Auburndale Neighborhood Group meets June 23 at Auburndale Baptist Church, 5590 Bruce Ave. in the Fellowship Hall. Check HERE for more info.

- Councilman Doug Hawkins is offering non-paid student internship positions during the summer semesters to undergraduate and graduate students. Students will be given an opportunity to work in Councilman Hawkins’ office located in City Hall. The mission of the Internship Program is to give students an opportunity to explore career choices within Louisville Metro Government while gaining real life experiences working with an elected official.

Internship applications are now being accepted for summer positions. The deadline to apply is June 24, 2009. Please email Scott.Harrington@louisvilleky.gov and an application will be sent to you.

Another Company Leaving Louisville: Traughber Says "See Ya"

A company that has been in Louisville for 121 years looks to be moving to Jeffersonville, IN. soon. Cook Compression's 110 union workers manufacture piston rings and oil field equipment at 8th and Breckenridge downtown. Bruce Traughber, the "economic development" guy for the city says Cook has been talking about moving for 10 years, so Traughber seems indifferent to the situation. HERE is the story in the Courier-Journal.

Question: Exactly what type of jobs are these "economic development" people looking to attract or to keep in Louisville? High-paying manufacturing jobs certainly don't seem to fit on their list.

Mayor's Conversation Tonight

Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson will have his monthly "Community Conversation" at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 15, at the Ramsey Middle School gymnasium, 6409 Gellhaus Lane. HERE is a map.

Kenwood Drive-In Theater Closed

I have received word that the Kenwood Drive-In will not reopen under the current ownership. Here's the email from Ray Whitener:

For those of you who have not heard, the last of Louisville's drive-in theaters, the Kenwood is no more and will not be reopened under current ownership.

Drive-ins are being refurbished and can survive.

There has got to be a way!

I have provided links at the top of the Auburndale page that retells many fond memories and those fighting to prevent this bit of Americana from disappearing from the South Louisville landscape.

http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/louisville/auburndale/genpage/999907261.html

The Auburndale Neighborhood Group will be discussing this and other issues on June 23rd at 7pm. Details and location can be found by clicking HERE.

End Of Line For Valley Post Office?

The Ville Voice is reporting on rumors surrounding the closure of the Valley Station Post Office. Here's an excerpt:

Bob Henderson, the District 14 Metro Councilman, confirmed that there had been rumors coming from within the branch that a move to the Pleasure Ridge Park branch might be in the works.

In addition, we had multiple sources advise us that workers at the Valley Station branch had been ordered to keep news of any impending changes from the media and that they weren’t to discuss the matter publicly. Citizens say the branch is always busy.

The location is always busy, especially after the stamp vending machines were removed from the lobby last year. An individual that wants to buy stamps must wait in line with people mailing packages. Area residents had placed a new post office near the top of their "wants list" for the neighborhood, and are sure to be disappointed in this development.

The permanent closure of a post office is more than a business decision. To some it represents progress. Others see it as the death of the community; a post office puts you "on the map" they say. The local post office is part of the community's identity. There was one hell of a fight to get a post office in Valley Station. There should be one hell of a fight to keep it.

June District 12 Dialogue to Feature KY Lawmakers

Kentucky lawmakers to attend June District 12 Dialogue
Ormsby Heights Baptist Church to host Tuesday, June 16th event

Louisville – Councilman Rick Blackwell has invited members of Jefferson County’s Legislative Delegation to the next District 12 Dialogue on Tuesday, June 16th at the Ormsby Heights Baptist Church.
“Our State Representatives and Senators will have just begun a special session on the budget to deal with the current economic crisis,” says Blackwell. “This will be a chance to learn what kind of options are on the table in Frankfort in dealing with shortfalls that could affect Metro Louisville.”
Senator Perry Clark as well as Representatives Tim Firkins, Joni Jenkins, Dennis Horlander, Charlie Miller and Ron Weston will be among the lawmakers to discuss issues and answer questions from the group.
Joining state lawmakers at the meeting will be representatives from Louisville Metro Police, the Division of Licensing and Permits, Neighborhoods and MSD to answer questions about programs or concerns. A representative of Congressman John Yarmuth's office will also be in attendance.
“You do not have to have a question about the state budget to attend,” says Blackwell. “Our delegation is also helpful in many projects around the area that deal with safety and economic development, so I encourage you to come and meet them.”
Ormsby Heights Baptist Church is located at 2120 Lower Hunters Trace.
For more information about the June District 12 Dialogue, contact Councilman Blackwell's office at 574-1112.

New Bethel "Open Carry" Commentary

When this story about carrying guns in church floated to the top of the water, my phone rang incessantly. I tried to ignore the hype. I was on vacation, you know. At first I thought it was some organized practical joke effort by my professional and highly-trusted Advisory Board. I figured there was no way a church in my neighborhood would put on this half-cocked craziness. Naturally, I was wrong.

They are having a raffle at New Bethel Church on Gun Day, June 27. You can win a handgun. On this day you can also take part in the "false idol" worship of the almighty handgun, an activity that seems to be on the rise in "churches" across America. There, I said it. It is false idol worship.

People picnicking and going to church while strapped with "unloaded" handguns is odd in the worst way. It is like seeing pictures of children at a Klan rally dressed in miniature robes. It is indoctrination of the worst kind into a world of paranoia and fear. This is not a church service. It is a political rally, and it should be exposed as such. The website that explains the service is located HERE. I don't see anything about God or Jesus or peace or love or faith on that page.

This is just the latest embarrassment for Southwest Louisville and Valley Station. Is there hope for us? Let me know. Fire away in the comments section.

SW Farmers Market

Fresh fruits and vegetables made a return to the parking lot of Valley High School this past weekend when the Southwest Farmers Market began its second year on Saturday.

“Because of last year’s success, the Southwest Farmers Market is back in business again,” says Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14). “This is a great way to help local farmers and at the same time help our local economy.”

This year the Farmers Market will be open for business from 9:00am to 1:00pm. It will run every Saturday through the month of October. Valley High School is located at 10200 Dixie Highway.

“This is truly a community oriented Farmers Market, it needs our help to be successful,” says Henderson. “There are a great many people who have worked hard to bring these kinds of fresh produce to us out in the Southwest.”

If you would like more information about the Southwest Farmers Market you can go online to: www.southwestfarmersmarket.org . If you would like to be a vendor you can call 935-0310, ext 239 or send an email to jkyle@southwestfarmersmarket.org.

Gone Fishin'

I will be on vacation next week, so I won't be posting much unless something large appears on the horizon. This will be an open thread for you to discuss anything you like until I get back.

Until then, thanks for reading The Valley Report @ southwestlouisville.com.

Southwest Dream Team News

The Southwest Dream Team will meet at the Holiday Inn Southwest in Shively on Friday, June 5th from 10:00-11:30. There will be presentations and updates from the committees.

Also from the Dream Team:

Dixie Business Fair
Opening Doors to promote, network your business and find new places to do business!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 9 – 2 PM
Holy Cross High School - Gymnasium
5144 Dixie Highway

Promote your business on Live Radio Show
Big Talk on Small Business
With Steve & Kelly Kuersi
10 – 12 Noon

Booth Space available to display your products and services
$50.00 rental includes (1 Individual) 6’ Table and 2 chairs!

For more information or booth rental contact
Faye Simpson – Mary Kay Cosmetics 502-368-5103 or
Marykayfay@bellsouth.net
Booth fee is required upon registration, checks payable to PRPABA,
Mark ‘Dixie Business Fair or pay online at www.prpaba.org
(click Meetings/Events June 11, 2009)

This event is sponsored by
Pleasure Ridge Park Area Business Association


Food Service provided by Shively Area Ministries

Free CPR Training @ SW Gov't Center

Folks, I have been thinking about obtaining CPR certification for a while, and I have put it off for too long. Now there is no excuse. Thanks to CM Hawkins and the Red Cross for putting this class together. I will be there. You should be too.

Two free classes are being offered:

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 from 5:30 PM to 9:00PM

Southwest Government Center
7219 Dixie Highway

Councilman Doug Hawkins is partnering with the American Red Cross to offer two CPR-Adult classes. After successful completion of the training, the American Red Cross will issue you a card certifying you in CPR for one year.

Seats are limited so you must register to attend the class.

The registration number is 561-3605

Please mention that you are interested in attending one of the classes being held
at the Southwest Government Center sponsored by Councilman Hawkins.

CPR-Adult Course Information:

Purpose
Train lay responders to overcome any reluctance to act in emergency situations and to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults.

Prerequisites
None

Learning Objectives:
Describe how to recognize and respond to an emergency.
Describe the purpose of the Good Samaritan Laws.
Describe the difference between consent and implied consent.
Describe the three emergency action steps.
Identify when and how to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
Explain when and how to move a person from a dangerous scene.
Identify how to minimize the risk of disease transmission when giving care.
Demonstrate how to minimize the risk of disease transmission when giving care.
Demonstrate how to check an unconscious person for life-threatening and nonlife-threatening conditions.
Demonstrate how to check a conscious person for life-threatening and nonlife-threatening conditions.
Identify the signals of shock and describe how to minimize its effects.
Recognize the signals of a breathing emergency.
Demonstrate how to care for a person who is choking.
Demonstrate how to recognize and care for a person who is not breathing.
Recognize the signals of a cardiac emergency.
Identify the links in the Cardiac Chain of Survival.
Describe how to care for a heart attack.
Demonstrate how to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Identify prevention strategies to decrease the risk of breathing emergencies.
Explain what defibrillation is and how it works.
Explain the role of CPR in cardiac arrest.

Certification is good for one year.

Volunteers Needed for Stream Clean Up

Councilwoman Ward-Pugh seeks volunteers for Louisville Xstream Clean-up
15 Sites in Metro areas targets for Saturday, May 30th event

Louisville –On Saturday morning, volunteers in Kentucky and Indiana will get to work cleaning up local waterways for a healthier and safer community. That’s when the Louisville Xstream Clean-up will get underway as part of a nationwide effort spearheaded by Living Lands & Waters.
“This is something every community should focus on,” said Ward-Pugh. “It is a chance to renew our concern about our environment and at the same time restore our waterways as beautiful piece of land and not a garbage dump.”
The Louisville Xstream Cleanup will get underway from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday, May 30th. Volunteers of all ages are needed to assist with the cleanup effort.
At many sites, there will be a clean –up by removing trash such as tires and junk that may have been dumped. Volunteers will also clear out invasive species of plants as well as put in native species.

Sites locations in the Metro Louisville area:

• Falls of the Ohio
• Portland Wharf Park
• Eva Bandman Park
• Butchertown Greenway
• Lexington & Payne
• Bluegrass Trail
• Cherokee Park –Willow Pond
• Cherokee Park – Big Rock
• Louisville Nature Center
• Greasy Ditch
• Wilson Creek, Fairdale Road & National Turnpike
• Salt River- Fort Hill Park in West Point Ky

Joining as co sponsors of the event with Living Lands & Waters are the Metropolitan Sewer District, Brightside, Metro Parks, American Commercial Lines, Natural Resource Conservation District, Salt River Water Watch, Jefferson County, Jefferson County Soil Conservation Science, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Nature Centre.
“If we are serious about being good stewards of the environment, then this event is one way to show our commitment,” said Ward-Pugh. “I hope everyone will get involved.”
To learn more about the Louisville Xstream Clean-up, you can go on line to:
www.livinglandsandwaters.org/XStreamLouisville/default.htm. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as all sites have a volunteer limit and can fill up quickly.
For specific questions, please contact Shanon Reineke, Louisville Xstream Cleanup Coordinator, at 309-236-5627 or at shanon@livinglandsandwaters.org.

This Week's Southwest Events

- There will be a meeting of the Auburndale Neighborhood Group at 7PM this Tuesday in the Kenwood Elementary School cafeteria, 7420 Justan Ave. Topics: bylaws, election of officers and board of directors, and a speaker from the Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Department on mosquito control.

- Check out the "Indoor Yard and Bake Sale", Saturday, May 30, 2009, starting at 9AM at Lees Lane Baptist Church, 3309 Lees Lane. Breakfast and Lunch Available: Sausage Biscuits, Biscuits and Gravy, Chili, Hot Dogs, BBQ Sandwiches

- The Olmsted Parks Conservancy invites you to come and enjoy a walk in one of our historic parks. Walk in the Woods @ Iroquois Park (Meet at the Amphitheater) May 30, 10am-12pm. Be prepared, this is a moderate to difficult hike. For more information: 432.2677 or www.olmsteadparks.org/events

- Visit the Valley Masonic Lodge #511 Fish Fry, 9619 Dixie Highway. Every Friday from 11:00 A.M. - 8:30 P.M. Call-in orders are welcome (502) 937-3978. It's GOOOOD!

Thanks to Trevor @ The Local Weekly for some of this information. Check out the site and pick up Southwest Louisville's only paper at a local retailer near you.

"Shovel-Ready" Projects for SW Louisville

The following is a partial list of "shovel-ready" stimulus projects for Southwest Louisville listed in a .pdf file on the Louisville Metro Government website:

Valley High School:Phase 1 Renovation & construction of a new auditorium with gymnasium: HVAC replacement or upgrade, roofing, ceiling & lights in corridors & classrooms, windows, painting, paving, floor tile replacement, office renovation, and lock conversion JCPS Priority Project.

Greenwood Elementary: Removal of portables, classroom conversion of existing media center, roofing, ceiling & lights in corridors & classrooms, windows, paving, painting, floor tile replacement, & lock conversion; Purchasing of a new elevator.

Johnsontown Road Elementary: Removal of portables, classroom conversion of existing media center, roofing, ceiling & lights in corridors & classrooms, windows, paving, painting, floor tile replacement, and lock conversion.

Mill Creek Elementary: Removal of portables, classroom conversion and expansion of existing media center, roofing, ceiling & lights in corridors & classrooms, windows, paving, painting, floor tile replacement, and lock conversion.

Wilkerson Tradition Elementary: Removal of portables, classroom conversion of existing media center, roofing, ceiling & lights in corridors & classrooms, windows, paving, painting, floor tile replacement, and lock conversion.

Southern HS Phase 1 Renovation: HVAC replacement or upgrade, roofing, ceiling & lights in corridors & classrooms, windows, lock conversion.

Louisville Clean Energy - this project would clean up, stop methane gas leakage and turn waste into a renewable energy source, at the Lees Lane landfill. The organic material would be converted into a renewable energy source, using a technology that would yield zero emissions. The lack of organic material in the landfill would alleviate any methane gas byproduct.

Riverview Park (restaurant and adventure playground) – Extensive site preparation to replace the current playground at Riverview Park has been completed. The replacement play area would be finished with this project. Additionally, site preparation for an adjacent restaurant would be completed, a much sought amenity in southwest part of Louisville Metro. Once a restaurant is located on the site, a positive cash flow of $100,000 – $140,000, going directly to park maintenance, would be realized.

Penile Road Bridge Replacement (1113)

Blevins Gap Bridge Replacement (4410)

Blevins Gap Bridge Replacement (4021)

Blevins Gap Bridge Replacement (2700)

Bearcamp Road Bridge Replacement (10803)

Bearcamp Road Bridge Replacement (10911)

Bearcamp Road Bridge Replacement (11200)

Bearcamp Road Bridge Replacement (11417)

Mill Creek shared use path – A portion of the Louisville Loop - 24,000 linear feet between Sylvania Park and Sun Valley Park

Ohio River Levee Trail – A portion of the Louisville Loop - 13,000 linear feet between Riverside Historic Site and Mill Creek generating station.

West County Waste Water and Treatment Plant Pump Station Improvements and Additions: The scope will provide modifications to the Raw Sewage Pump Station (RSPS), a new Screening Facility, a new Wet Weather Pump Station (WWPS), and the Short-Term Detention Basins and related electrical and instrumentation equipment. Upgrading the sewer system to better accommodate the additional flow into the sewer system will result in a significant amount of wet weather flow conveyed to the WCWTP.

South Louisville Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation & Replacement Project: Significant rehabilitation of existing sewer lines and manholes along with replacement of pipes.

Shively Interceptor Project: The Shively Interceptor Project will install approximately 19,000 linear feet of gravity sewer pipe ranging in size from 10 inches to 27 inches in diameter.

Farnsley-Kaufman House: Restoration of a historic home to enhance the educational experience of middle school students

Riverside Landing: Water Supply, Electric Supply, Septic System, and Paving

Riverside Landing: Water Supply, Electric Supply, Septic System, and Paving - Construction of remaining utilities; sewers, electricity, telephone, and cable. Construction of roads, parking areas, walks, fire service access areas, site lighting and landscaping. Renovation and addition of two historic buildings as Green buildings.

SW Government Center: Geothermal HVAC Replace the existing energy inefficient and unreliable HVAC system with a new geothermal heat pump system; thus lowering the heating bills for the building up to 50 percent and lowering cooling bills up to 30 percent for this 30,000 s.f. facility

Fairdale Health Center: Geothermal HVAC and Playtorium – Replace the existing energy inefficient and unreliable HVAC systems with new geothermal heat pump systems, thus lowering the heating bills for the building up to 50% & lowering cooling bills up to 30% for a 7,000 s.f. facility and another 10,000 s.f. facility.

You can view the entire document and all projects Metro-wide by clicking HERE.

Memorializing Manufacturing

It is Memorial Day weekend, and in the spirit of remembering those people who gave their lives for our country, we should also remember the things that made America great. With that, I offer to you the following obituary I wrote while waiting to pick up my son from school today. Enjoy:

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING IN THE UNITED STATES, 130, died early in the first quarter of 2009 after a wonderfully productive life. Between 1870 and 1900 and lasting for decades afterward, the United States became the world's foremost industrial nation, emerging as the leader in meatpacking, timber and steel production as well as in mining and automobile production. The nation experienced a stunning growth in the scale and pace of industrial production, which transformed business, the environment, the workplace, the home, and everyday life. The workers responsible for the creation of massive wealth did well themselves, and led to the formation of a group of millions of citizens known popularly as the "Middle Class"; A class with modest means, nice homes, health insurance, retirement benefits and the ability to properly educate their children. Manufacturing created the awesome, mind-boggling power of the United States Armed Forces, enabling the country to not only defend itself , but to liberate hundreds of countries from enemies all over the world. Later in life, American Manufacturing was shunned and fell from favor among the wealthy and the "upper class", seeking to keep more for itself, began the practice of manufacturing important goods in foreign countries at substandard wages and working conditions. Thus began the famed "race to the bottom", and after such a proud history of enriching citizens from every social class, American Manufacturing ended up a bare-bones operation and a shadow of its former glory. The people who once depended on American Manufacturing are now unknowingly supporting the notion of low-wage slave workers in foreign factories by shopping endlessly at places like Wal*Mart. American Manufacturing passed away unceremoniously with relatively few people noticing after battling a years-long illness and conspicuous neglect.

Industrial Manufacturing in America leaves behind millions of workers who depended on it for jobs, an honest living and the dignity that comes with working a 40+ hour week. It will one day be sorely missed and fondly remembered by the wealthy nation that turned its back on hard work and instead focused on greed. Just like the Romans.

Condolences, expressions of sympathy and memorial gifts may be sent to your local unemployment office.