Yates takes oath in 25th District

Residents of District 25 will see a new effort at the beginning of 2011 to bring resources and jobs to the area when a new Councilman takes over.

“I want the people of the District to know we are ready to serve,” says David Yates, who took the oath of office on Wednesday night.

25th District Metro Councilman David Yates

Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Yates took the oath at the Southwest Government Center after winning the office in the November 2nd election. It was administrated by Jefferson Circuit Judge David Holton, whom is also a resident of the District 25.

“I want to issue an invitation to the people of District 25 to let us know what your concerns and issues are,” said Yates. “It is time that we work together to move District 25 and all the South-End forward to be an instrumental part of the future of our great city. Also, I want to issue my promise that we will work hard to serve your interests and our neighborhoods.”

Yates has indicated he will have meetings throughout the district as a way to bring government closer to the people of District 25. He is also planning on working with other Council members on a wide range of issues including economic development and public works.

Marty Meyer, former Congressional District Representative, has been hired as Yates’ Legislative Assistant.

Positive news: It ain't all bad

- Rumor Squisher: Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14) has not suffered a stroke and is not paralyzed or incapacitated. Henderson is said to be the victim of an extremely rare but controllable condition that causes some stroke-like symptoms. Bob's office tells us the Councilman is home and resting, but eager to get back to work. Best wishes for a speedy recovery from The Valley Report.

- The PRP High School Student Council has organized a food and gift drive for less fortunate families this Christmas. [CJ]

-  New, single-family homes will replace shoddy, run down multi-family digs in the Cane Run area. [LeoWeekly]

- A suspected dope head was arrested at Southwest Hospital after crashing through the ceiling and landing in the Emergency Room. [Fox41]

- Bring in the brass monkey, it's cold outside.

Hide your kids, hide your wife, 'cause the Tolling Authority is raping everybody out here

The Bridges Authority (Tolling Authority) has run amok, and no one that thinks on these things believes the outcome will be pretty.

The "Authority" is an unelected gang of privileged, overpaid elites that are in charge of deciding how much you will pay in tolls to cross bridges that are already paid for in order to raise money to build more bridges that you will have to pay to go across.

That means tolls to go to Horseshoe Casino. Tolls to go to Salem or Sportsdrome Speedway. Tolls to go to Bass Pro Shops. And tolls to get home.

Make sense?

The Tolling Authority thinks "you people" are stupid and uneducated.

They have massive conflicts of interest.

They hold "public forums" that are poorly advertised and poorly planned..."public forums" at which you are not allowed to speak.

They are arrogant and they are on a path of destruction. Target: Your wallet.

It has been reported that the two bridges project may depend upon $2 billion dollars in toll revenue.

The number of jobs the Authority claims the project will generate is false and misleading.

What is the solution, you ask? Build the east end bridge NOW, without tolls. No tolls on existing bridges. No new downtown bridge. Scale back this project to an affordable one.

Where are all the teabaggers in Louisville on this one?

"Ben Franklin costume in the wash?" - Bill Maher

Cell Phones for Soldiers

An alert reader sent a message to make us aware of a program that provides free pre-paid phone cards and cellphones to our service members.

www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

It is a nation-wide, reputable program with several collection points in Valley Station and Southwest Louisville. Just click the link, select "Find a Drop Off Point" and enter your zip code.

Here's more from the website:

Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to turn old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas in 2008. To do so, Cell Phones for Soldiers expects to collect 50,000 cell phones each month through a network of more than 3,000 collection sites across the country.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.

Santa Land returns to Fairdale this Thursday

Once again, Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and the Fairdale Community Club will spread holiday cheer for children in Southwest Jefferson County when Santa Land makes its return to the Fairdale area next Thursday, December 16th.

“For the last several years, I have been honored to help a devoted group of volunteers make sure that children in our area have a wonderful holiday season,” says Welch. “The Fairdale Community Club truly represents the giving spirit of the holidays and this event is an example of that dedication.”

Santa Land will get underway at the Fairdale Playtorium, 10616 West Manslick Road from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. It is a community Christmas event for children 12 years old and under. Children will have a chance to visit Santa, have their picture taken and receive a small gift along with goodies and candies.

“When I first partnered with the Fairdale Community Club four years ago, this was just one of many ways to help those in need in our community,” says Welch. “I have enjoyed this event every year because it is for children.”

Many local businesses and organization are joining Welch as participants of Santa Land by giving treats to children. Along with Santa, there will be refreshments and entertainment. The Step N Out Dance Studio will perform at 7:00pm. The Hope Life Center will present a Puppet Show throughout the evening.

For more information about Santa Land at the Fairdale Playtorium, call 367-9769 or you can contact Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113.

Another one bites the dust: A&W on Dixie now Kahuna Nui

What LEO Weekly termed as the "last of a dying breed" in 2006 actually died in 2010. The last free-standing A&W Restaurant & Ice Creamery in Louisville, open since the early 1960's on Dixie Highway near Kosmosdale, unceremoniously closed its doors a few months ago.

It has reportedly been reopened as "Kahuna Nui Burger and Fries". The property, located at 14126 Dixie Highway, is owned by Royal Holdings, LLC and has an assessed value of $28,250 according to the Jefferson County PVA office.

2 years and counting: Thank you!

Readers,

I would like to take a moment and recognize some important individuals and organizations (you know who you are) in and around Southwest Louisville that have made our success here at The Valley Report possible.

This site, begun on a whim, recently turned two years old. I have met a great many people and I am amazed and humbled at the site's progress. It has opened doors I never thought possible.

Having a full-time job and other duties make it tough to update the site everyday, and I appreciate your patience. News tips are welcome, and can be sent confidentially via the link under "Contact" or publicly via facebook.

Thank you, dear readers and supporters, for making the last two years of this adventure so rewarding and so much fun. I am looking forward to sharing many more years together as we go forward together, building the community we all want.

Warm Regards,
Brian Tucker