Friday updates: District 25 news, Metro Arts Center

- "Talk with David" planned for Tuesday, October 4. Connect with Councilman David Yates on Tuesday, October 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Jewish Hospital Medical Center Southwest, 9700 Stonestreet Road. Meet with your Councilman plus representatives from MSD, LMPD and code enforcement.

- The Metro Arts Center, 8360 Dixie Highway, has released the facility's fall schedule [.pdf]. The Metro Arts Center offers classes for children and adults in the fine and applied arts. If you’re looking to acquire or refine a particular artistic skill from guitar playing and cartooning to pottery and silversmithing - the Metro Arts Center has a fun, affordable class for you. Visit the website for program information and samples of work created at the Metro Arts Center.

- INTERN WANTED:  District 25 is seeking non-paid interns to work at the City Hall and SW Regional offices. Responsibilities include special project assignments, monitoring constituent issues and social media/community outreach. Opportunity is designed to provide first-hand experience of maintaining constituent relationships, witness to the local legislative process and valuable professional connections. Hours are flexible. Parking is paid. And, we promise, the staff and Councilman are fun to work with. Submit resumes to Nicole Candler.

- ‘One Hundred Years on the Ohio’; A Living Timeline of Louisville’s First Century featuring re-enactors representing each period in Louisville’s history from 1765 ~ 1865.

Come enjoy the atmosphere surrounding the festivities this weekend. You will find the following activities available for you to explore: Period clothing, tools, weaponry, period craft demonstrations, children’s games, camp tours, military parades, special speakers, meet Mr. Lincoln and of course, Farnsley- Moremen House Tours.

Riverside, the Farnsley~Moremen Landing, 7410 Moorman Road. 935-6809

September 17th and 18th, 10am - 5pm

Admission: $6 for Adults, $5 for Seniors, $3 for children ages 6-12, $15 Family rate (2 adults and up to 3 children)

Back To Business

"Life's a voyage that's homeward bound."  - Herman Melville

The Valley Report is back after a much-needed vacation. I will soon be filing a report on my trip, which unexpectedly turned into a fact-finding mission on transportation in big and small cities located throughout the Old South. Of particular interest: Three bridges with tolls in an area with high unemployment, still-climbing home foreclosures and virtually no public transport options. Oh, and the local government is broke, too.

But lets get to the local news:

- Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch was among 16 people honored by the National Association of School Resource Officers last week for her work with two District 13 schools and Louisville Metro Police. [Metro Press Release]

- As is the usual custom, Councilman Rick Blackwell will host the monthly "Coffee With Your Councilman" on Saturday August 14th. Come on out to Sister Beans, 4956 Manslick Road beginning at 10:00am. There is no formal program, just stop by and talk with the Councilman. There is also no agenda, just a chance for you to interact with your representative and support a home-grown, local business in Southwest Louisville.

- While I was out: Councilman Doug Hawkins held a fundraiser for his re-election campaign in the Bashford Manor area. For those of you keeping score, that is not in District 25.

- Via The Local Weekly: A career fair will be held at the Sun Valley Community Center at 6505 Bethany Lane on Monday, August 23, from 10 am to 3 pm. The fair is being hosted by The Lifesong and is being supported by the Louisville Urban League, JOB News and OET (Office of Employment and Training). If you are interested in finding a new job you should bring your resume. You will also have the chance to meet and greet representatives from over 35 companies, colleges and universities. This will be your chance to discuss your strengths and skills which could lead to a new job or career.

Among the companies and schools scheduled to participate are: AFLAC, AutoZone, Avon, Bellarmine University, Crowne Plaza, Jefferson Community & Technical College, Physicians Mutual, and UPS. For a complete list as well as information on the free TARC Job Hunter Bus, go to thelifesong.org and click on Career Fair.

The Downward Spiral of Dumbness

- The Jefferson County School Board meets tonight to discuss Superintendent Sheldon Berman's stupid plan to close Frost Middle School. [CJ] 
HOT UPDATE: Berman does about-face, changes mind. [WFPL]

- Starting January 2011, you won't be allowed to send text messages while driving. You could receive a fine. So to avoid fines, just tell them you were dialing a phone number, which is still legal to do while driving. [WHAS11]

- I received an email from Doug Hawkins last week. It included an "endorsement" from his neighbor in Windsor Forest, Mrs. Kentucky 2001 Rachel Ford. Yes, that says "Mrs." Kentucky. She calls Hawkins a "True American Patriot". I think this is going a little too far, even for Hawkins. It also states Doug has never voted for a tax, rate or fee increase. This is incorrect. In 2003, Hawkins voted YES on an ordinance that set fees for alcoholic beverage licenses at old city of Louisville levels. This raised the cost (fees) of doing business for owners of businesses selling alcoholic beverages in the former county jurisdiction. In 2005, Hawkins voted YES allowing taxis to place surcharges on fares to offset high gasoline prices. This equals higher fares for cab rides.

The email also states Hawkins has never missed a council meeting. While perfect attendance is a great thing, it is, after all, what he is paid to do. This does not mean, however, he has been present for every vote on the council. He hasn't.

The facts are clear. Just look around you. People are still dissatisfied with metro government. They see no measurable improvement. It is time we sent someone to City Hall from District 25 that is interested in building relationships with others to bring home city dollars and improvements to Southwest Louisville.

Where Were You When We Needed You, Mr. Roboto?

- 89.3 WFPL's Gabe Bullard reports on the 25th District council race HERE The blogger he interviews is awesome. The robo-calling Councilman Hawkins is urged by all to give up the auto-dialer. More to come...

- The Local Weekly says the previous owner of Valley Skate Zone in Valley Station has begun renovating the vacant Salvation Army Thrift Store building at 7846 Dixie Highway. The new rink will be 21,000 square feet of fun and will be named PRP Skate Zone. The old rink was demolished to make way for the new Kroger store.

- Our Southwest Library is featuring the works of some local artists through March 31. The library has an agreement to showcase the work with the Metro Arts Center, 8360 Dixie Highway. Stop in today and support your local artists.

Yates Getting Serious in Bid for 25th

25th District Metro Council candidate David Yates is bringing out the big guns as he officially files for office tomorrow. Yates has scheduled a fundraiser to be hosted by Kentucky Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo on Wednesday, January 27th at 5:30pm. The event is being held at Makespace Media Studio located at 1236 S. Shelby St.

The South Louisville Democrat will face the winner of the Republican primary this May between Dr. Robert Thrasher and incumbent Doug Hawkins.  Click HERE for a map of the 25th District.

Here's more on Yates:

David Yates, born and raised in the South end of Louisville, is a graduate of Holy Cross High School, earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Louisville and the degree of Juris Doctor from Northern Kentucky, Chase College of Law. David has worked for the Legislative Research Commission and clerked with the United States District Court before working with the Commonwealths Attorney’s Office. David served as a Kentucky Assistant Attorney General where he represented the Commonwealth before the Kentucky Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. David was later retained by the UAW Legal Plan where he practiced primarily in consumer protection litigation. He is now the sole owner of a general practice law firm, teaches part-time at JCC Southwest Campus, and supports, volunteers, and participates in numerous events throughout the community.

Thrasher Responds to Yesterday's Commentary

I received a quick response from Dr. Thrasher on last night's commentary regarding what I perceived to be his "anti-gambling" tone. Yes. The author of "The Impact of Gender and Varsity Athletic Participation on Gambling Attitudes and Subjective Norms of College Students", "The Efficacy of the Theory of Reasoned Action to Explain Gambling Behavior" and "The Efficacy of a Modified Theory of Reasoned Action to Explain Gambling Behavior in College Students", a man who has participated at the National Conference on Gambling and Addiction in Las Vegas and who offered a submission to the 2010 National Council on Problem Gambling Conference wrote to tell me he was not anti-gambling.

Fair enough.

The following is a copy of his clarification. Thank you, Dr. Thrasher, for replying and good luck.

I want to first say that the comments you made about my own personal views were totally wrong. I am not anti-gambling as you would like to feel. I owned and trained thoroughbred race horse for over twenty years. I know the business of horse racing from the breeding, to the sales, to the racing, and finally to the end of racing. Let me say that our prized industry will not be saved by slot money allow. Let me give you some examples of what I think has to be changed to save the industry:
1. The U.S. government changed the tax laws years ago that allowed the owners of racing businesses to claim the losses incurred on their taxes. This must change.
2. The industry has priced itself out of business like the automotive industry did. The price of wages, equipment, etc. have become to high for the same man to keep involved in the business.
3. There is no development in the younger generation for a love of the industry.
4. The jobs available in the industry have been gobbled up by illegal immigrants across America.
5. The few and very few owners of the large horse farms, only make it because of the value of their property. Their property sits in prime locations and banks are eager to lend them money against the property in hopes of failure and therefore the bank will get control of the property.
6. The major racetracks will continue to make money even though they say they don't. Sure a few of the smaller operations will have to merge or face elimination.
7. Slot money is a quick fix. In West Virginia, the racino started and it brought great improvements to all of the horse people in that area. However now the area has seen an influx of new owners and trainers from other states who have come in to claim the increased monies and leave the state's industry in the same trouble as before the slots came.
8 There has to be a compromise in the legislature between Republicans and Democrats before this issue can be settled. As I recall the lottery bill passed by our state in the late 1980's stated the monies earned from the sale of lottery tickets would go to education. If you check now I believe all of the money is diverted to the general fund of the Commonwealth.

These are just a few of the issues facing the horse industry. All of us as Kentuckians owe it to the horse to be sure the game goes on. God gave us this beautiful animal to cherish and not abuse. The horse has a heralded history in the establishment of country. But it has to be done right.
Thanks for letting me answer your comments.

Dr. Robert G. Thrasher

Doctor Thrasher to Challenge Hawkins in 25th

Lifelong Valley Station resident Dr. Robert G. Thrasher of 4620 Palma Road in Southwest Louisville's 25th district has officially filed to run against reactionary incumbent Doug Hawkins, triggering a Republican primary this coming May. It should be a lively contest. I, personally, cannot wait for the battle to begin.

The following appears courtesy of my friends at The Local Weekly:

Dr. Thrasher is a graduate of Valley High School (1970) and holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Louisville in Education Leadership and Development. He has recently taught at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He is currently on a sabbatical from the university. His past accomplishments include coaching the Girls Softball team at Valley High School (2004), the Boys Baseball team (2005), both Men’s and Women’s Basketball at Lindsey Wilson College (1980-1982), along with starting the Baseball Program at Lindsey Wilson College in 1980. He is a member of the Virginia Avenue United Methodist Church located on Stonestreet Road. He devotes countless hours at his church while serving on several committees there. He also is a board member of the Valley High School Alumni Association. You can find him usually at the school on nights of football and basketball games running the official score clock.

Dr. Thrasher believes in term limits for all political offices including Metro Council. He also supports the National Republican Party platform. He feels he can make a difference in Southwest Jefferson County in particular, Valley Station.

Currently, Dr. Thrasher is writing a book entitled "After the Lights Went Out", an autobiography of his four years of undergraduate work at the University of Louisville and the school's sports programs. He also is working on several research articles dealing with college student-athlete gambling habits. He has published two of his articles to date, "The Impact of Gender and Varsity Athletic Participation on Gambling Attitudes and Subjective Norms of College Students", Journal of Contemporary Athletics and "The Efficacy of the Theory of Reasoned Action to Explain Gambling Behavior", College Student Affairs Journal. His third article, "The Efficacy of a Modified Theory of Reasoned Action to explain gambling behavior in college students" has been submitted to the Journal of Gambling Studies.

Dr. Thrasher has also presented peer-reviewed presentations at the International Conference of Sport and Entertainment Business at South Carolina University, Sport Management Conference at Florida State University, and the 2006 North American Society for Sport Management in Kansas City, the National Conference on Gambling and Addiction in Las Vegas, and the Troy University Southern Sport Management Conference. He currently has submissions to the 2010 University of North Carolina Scholarly Conference on College Sport and the 2010 National Council on Problem Gambling Conference.

While impressive, there is nothing here to suggest Thrasher has any political experience whatsoever. Besides his "support" for the Republican National Platform, there is only one policy position listed ... his obsessive, conspicuous hatred for the games of chance. It always strikes me as odd when one hails from and aspires to political office smack dab in the middle of the home of the world's most famous horse race carrying the "anti-gambling" banner. It's like running a temperance movement from inside a brewery.

I would encourage and hope for a clean, fair primary from these two candidates. Let the fun begin. The winner will face Democrat David Yates in November.

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.....

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?

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.

Big Election, Soon Come

It is only March, and already there are rumblings about the next round of elections. The Rumor Mill is cranked up to full speed around here, and it looks as though we in Southwest Louisville will be treated to two (2) high-profile, high energy races as Metro Councilman Doug Hawkins and State Senator Dan Seum are up for re-election. I'm hearing some names, and they are serious challengers. The rumored candidates are well equipped and would be well financed, and would represent a total change in the way Southwest Louisville is represented at the Metro and State level.

It should be a spirited campaign season, to say the least.

More information soon.

Update: Southwest Community Association of Neighborhoods (SCAN)

**UPDATE**

This is a follow up to my prior story on the Southwest Community Association of Neighborhoods and its Founder, President and Director Letty "Diana" Newton, a group that I had been told was no longer a going concern by several interested parties. According to the latest available information, Mrs. Newton is still an employee of Louisville Metro Government and works in the office of Councilman Doug Hawkins (R-25). I opined that the group appeared to be raising funds but not following the law in filing the proper IRS 990 forms.

After a little searching I found some information on the Kentucky Secretary of State's website that pertains to this group. It is, indeed, still operating, although not in any real sense in service to Southwest Louisville's neighborhoods. The group's mailing address has been changed to a P.O. Box downtown. The group has also been filing reports with the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office. To Wit:

My concerns are now amplified on this subject. We have this group, SCAN, that claims to be representing Southwest Louisville neighborhoods that is not doing anything of the sort. This group is also very possibly raising money, which should mean they are distributing money to others. After checking with the Internal Revenue Service, I found there are no records pertaining to the required yearly reports (Form 990) for this 501(c)3 group in the federal government's possession. And the group's founder, president and director, Mrs. Newton works for a Metro Councilman, which to any concerned citizen would logically seem like an enormous conflict of interest. The organization has a website, but it has been abandoned and has not been updated since 2004.

The questions are: When will SCAN file the required 990 reports with the IRS? Will Councilman Doug Hawkins disclose if he or anyone on the Metro Council has directed any city funds toward this group? Who is benefiting from any funds dispersed by the group? Is the group still based in Southwest Louisville now that it's chief officer has moved from the area? Is it legal or ethical for the group's leader to be working for and have access to city government or its resources?

These are questions being asked by me on behalf of the citizens of Southwest Louisville. Not out of malice, but because we need good, quality organizations that are looking out for our best interests. This is obviously not such a group. The questions asked here must be answered thoroughly, and soon.

More to come.

Winterfest Returns to Iroquois Park December 6th

Winterfest returns to Iroquois Park for the holidays
Seasonal lights and sounds return on Saturday, December 6th

Louisville – A holiday tradition will be making its return to one the city’s popular locations with the help of the Iroquois Area Business Association and the Louisville Metro Council.
“Winterfest at Iroquois Park – a Family experience” returns to spread holiday cheer and give a helping hand to the South Louisville Community Ministries. Winterfest was put on hold in 2007 after costs associated with the event surpassed $55,000.
“With a renewed spirit, it is good to see so many groups working together to bring holiday cheer to South Louisville” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15). “I applaud the businesses and social organizations that have come together for this event. By working together, costs were contained and families can gather for holiday festivities.”
Since its inception some 18 years ago, the festival has taken many forms and most importantly touched the lives of thousands of Louisville’s families.
Winterfest will officially kick off on Saturday December 6th at 12:30PM near the children’s play area.
“There are many holiday celebrations around Metro Louisville but this one is special to the people who live around Iroquois Park,” says Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21). “It is just one more reason why people have come to love Iroquois Park.”
Metro Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12), Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and Doug Hawkins (D-25) are join Johnson and Butler in being sponsors of Winterfest. The Council members are partnering with the Iroquois Area Business Association.
Area business owners, local government and the community have come together in support of the South Louisville Community Ministries (SLCM) outreach to those in need. In addition, Louisville Fire Department will be present demonstrating their many roles.
Among the highlights of Winterfest aside from glittering lights and holiday cheer will be, Santa, “hable ingles y espanol'' which arrives at 12:30. The Jolly Old Elf will hear children’s wishes until 6 p.m.

Bush-League Buffoonery on Butchertown Blog

The Butchertown Neighborhood Association started a blog a few days ago, and I posted a link on the left sidebar under "Links" for your enjoyment. It is a nice site and should be useful to the residents there. I commented on their site and welcomed them to the blog world, wishing them success and praising them for their commitment to their neighborhood.

Today, four days later, there was a confused and out of place response by Diana Newton, staff assistant for Metro Councilman Doug Hawkins, posted on the Butchertown site. Besides being quite obnoxious to the folks in Butchertown by injecting her rancid brand of politics to an otherwise neutral organization, she was also very insulting to me personally.

To wit:

DianaNewtonSW14 said...I trust that you will INCLUDE those in the Butchertown community that have vigilantly fought FOR the area for years and have received nothing but scorn from the Abramson administration for doing so.

On a related note,
the posting above from Brian Tucker is a perfect example of someone who is carrying Abramson's water. And Tucker is a political hack! He is not anyone's role model.

Mrs. Newton, I know you have visited my site before, and I know you and others in your office have done so on the city's time. Perhaps someone should suggest cutting your position in city government if all you have to do during your day is to surf the web and leave nasty comments on blogs. It looks like the city could use the extra $9360.

Anyway, I hope the folks in Butchertown are not offended by this lack of decency, and I want them as well as everyone else to know that "Crazy Lady Newton" does not speak for Southwest Louisville residents in any way, shape or form. And we apologize for her buffoonery.

Southwest Beautification Project Wrap-Up

This is the last in the series of five places in Southwest Louisville that need beautification. They are in no particular order, and there are many more to come. The next series of five will begin in the coming weeks. Until then, take a look at the latest submission and browse through the set below:

This area is just south of Dixie Highway behind Walgreen's at Valley Station Road...the site of the old H&S Hardware Store. There is an empty parcel of land connected to the store that extends to Valley Station Road. You can see the old H&S sign in the vacant lot, and the run-down condition of the building, now occupied by a flea market/peddler's mall. The parking lot looks like it was 'carpet bombed'. We can do so much better then this.







Past Beautification Project Ideas:
Project #1
Project#2
Project #3
Project #4

Kenwood Warning Siren UPDATE

It has been eight days and counting since I last spoke with Scott Harrington, Legislative Assistant to Doug Hawkins (R-25) on the issue of the warning siren at Kenwood Elementary, and there has been no response to the public safety concerns expressed by the citizens. The last I heard, Harrington was going into a meeting with city emergency management over the siren. I have not been contacted by the office since last Wednesday.

Please contact Councilman Hawkins and remind him of the importance of having warning sirens in working order, and tell him it needs to be repaired. You may reach him at 502-574-1125 or by clicking HERE.

UPDATE 11/21/2008, 3:45pm: I received the following information today. Please see below.

Kenwood Outdoor Siren will be Relocated To Increase Coverage Area


The winds from Hurricane Ike in mid September knocked down the Outdoor Emergency Siren located at Kenwood Elementary School. The outdoor siren was damaged and removed.

Doug Hamilton, Director of Emergency Management, has been diligently working on replacing the old outdoor siren with a new outdoor siren that will cover a larger area.

The Kenwood outdoor siren was a 1950’s era type known as a Thunderbolt.
It did not have battery backup so if the electricity went out, the outdoor siren would be inoperable.

Jim McKinney, Emergency Management Siren Coordinator, said the new outdoor warning sirens have battery backup and have the ability to communicate with a central control office. The newer outdoor warning sirens use four 12-volt marina batteries and are activated by radio signals. “This is a far superior outdoor siren,” said McKinney. He added “…not only does it have battery back-up but it encompasses a greater coverage area.”

There are three outdoor sirens that overlap the same areas that the Kenwood outdoor siren once covered. The other outdoor sirens are located at Auburndale Elementary School, Guthermuth Elementary School, and Fairdale Fire House located on Third Street Road. Consequently, a new outdoor siren was installed at Medora Elementary School last year to cover a large area that previously had no warning sirens.

There are 120 outdoor sirens in Jefferson County which provides coverage to 97% of the population and 67% of the total metro acreage.
However, there is a avoid in outdoor siren coverage in the area just north of Iroquois Park. Emergency Management will install a new outdoor siren just south of Iroquois Park. “The Kenwood outdoor siren will be relocated just north of the existing location. The new location will not compromise existing coverage but will expand coverage to the North,” said McKinney.

Councilman Doug Hawkins has ensured that Emergency Management is working closely with Jefferson County Public Schools and the students attending Kenwood Elementary will continue to be alerted in case of an emergency.
“The public school system has approved relocating the outdoor siren and they will continue to have a full proof system to alert the school,”
said McKinney. The new location of the outdoor siren will be able to reach Iroquois Park to alert people outside to go indoors.

There are a couple of locations that are being considered for installing the new outdoor siren. Last week, Emergency Management was approved under the State’s Declaration of Emergency to receive funding for a new outdoor siren and expect to have it installed as soon as possible.

It is important to note that Outdoor Warning Sirens are designed to alert people who are outdoors to seek shelter indoors. Emergency Management says that the best way to be alerted of severe weather is by having a battery powered weather radio.


Scott W. Harrington

Legislative Assistant to

25th District Councilman Doug Hawkins

601 West Jefferson Street

Louisville, Kentucky 40202-2741

Mayor's Community Conversation 11/17/2008

A large group of concerned citizens turned out tonight at Pleasure Ridge Park High School for the year's last "Community Conversation". It was a well-behaved group, unlike the mob that showed up for the MSD meeting last week at the Southwest Government Center. Although it lacked the carnival-like atmosphere, I managed to get some good feedback from residents, and it was a pretty good time. Photos below:



Notice the picture of the guy in the gray jacket,looking at the camera. His name is Tom Yonders, He is a property owner near the area of Sun Valley park that has been turned into a dump for windstorm debris by the city. Mr. Yonders has owned the property for 3 years, and has never had a rodent problem. Since the dumping began, the residents along the area have reported a rat problem. Metro Parks and the Public Works Departments say it is the fault of the residents. Never mind the massive piles of branches and garbage. Mr. Yonders is very upset with the notion residents are somehow responsible for the rat invasion. He has taken several photos to back up his assertion. From the pictures I saw, the city has some explaining to do.

I attempted to take some video of the conversation between Mr. Yonders and the mayor, but the audio is awful. (Feel free to kick in the "tip jar" to help me get a real video camera) You can, however, hear the mayor's pre-planned answer that "Limbs don't attract rodents."

No, Mr. Mayor limbs alone do not attract rodents. But the rotting garbage that was dumped with the limbs do.




The answer is, obviously, to stop dumping trash-strewn storm debris in the park, and begin the cleanup process. But, as Mr. Yonders was told by Public Works tonight, dumping will continue until "at least until the end of this week" and cleanup will might be finished "probably around Christmas." Happy Holidays.

Update 11/18/2009, 10:30pm: Rick @ The 'Ville Voice, who was not at the Community Conversation, whacks hard on "whining" Southwest Louisville Residents based on one interview by one resident on one TV station (WLKY). Read his account here: http://thevillevoice.com/2008/11/18/complaints-in-the-south-end-of-course/

Southwest Beautification - Project #4

This small, triangular piece of land sits next to an abandoned service center/gas station on Third Street Road at the Pages Lane intersection. A real opportunity, and a perfect area for some attention.



Notice the for-profit organization that dumped a donation box in this spot. It must be removed. The Bobby Nichols Golf Course is a few miles away, and this little spot of land should be used to welcome visitors as well as residents. The affluent Bridgegate and Stoneridge Landing subdivisions are nearby. It is across the street from a hair salon housed in a beautiful "A-Frame". Unfortunately, there's a check-cashing joint on the corner. Comments? Suggestions?

Southwest Beautification - Project Idea #3

Here is a view of Dixie Highway between the intersections of Pages Lane and Johnsontown Road, looking south. The trees and other growth around the tracks hide speed limit and bus stop signs. A few years ago, all the growth was ripped out and trees were trimmed. It gave a clean appearance, but still lacked something that made it pleasing to look at.


The object would not be to hide the railroad tracks, but to find a way to incorporate them in a plan that makes this area more appealing to the eye and more accessible to pedestrians or bus riders. Walking down this side of Dixie is highly unrecommended.

Southwest Beautification - Project Idea #2

This hidden gem is a real delight. Gravel, gravel everywhere. This mess is located just northeast of the railroad tracks on Valley Station Road, near Dixie Highway. It looks as though railroad employees may need access to part of this small area, but I do not know for sure. Still, a prime example of space that can be cleaned up and improved.


In between this area and Jigg's Produce is a small, ratty-looking building that has housed everything from a barbershop to an "I-eBay-it for-you" store. An A1 candidate for the wrecking ball. How about this one?