Copart's junkyard close to becoming reality

In a note to constituents today, Councilman David Yates (D-25) tells the awful truth about Copart and the company's plans to open what any sensible person would call a junkyard on Pond Station Road.

There has been significant outrage in the community since Copart's plans were revealed.

Yates' statement:

The District 25 office has been notified by Metro Planning and Design that the proposed Copart Facility does not require a Conditional Use Permit, citing that their operation does not exceed the already permitted use of the property under the Land Development Code.

Metro Planning and Design has based their decision on the contention that Copart has applied to only stores vehicle, will not "part" them out for sale, and may only store them in a manner that allows for ease of access.

After several meetings with Copart representatives and their legal counsel, we have voiced our objection to the proposed use at the proposed location. However, our office has continued to work diligently to assist Copart in finding an alternative resolution for all parties- that embraces new business, but protects the use and enjoyment of our neighbor’s properties and the integrity of neighborhoods. We have proposed four alternative suitable options as locations for the Copart facility in other, already heavily industrialized areas more suitable for their business, and we will continue to lobby for their consideration of another site.

It is an understatement to say that we are disappointed with Metro Planning and Designs decision. Based on the current Zoning of the proposed location, it was understood that your Metro Council did not have the authority to review the BOZA decision of the conditional use permit. However, both I and several of my colleges on the Metro Council were prepared to speak out for our constituents and voice our concerns with the proposed use. It is unfortunate that we will no longer be afforded the opportunity to make a public argument to a neutral board on behalf of the citizens directly and indirectly affected.

We will continue to keep you up to date on the progression of this issue.

Click HERE for a copy of the Opinion from Planning and Design.

Please contact our office should you have any concerns, or would like any additional information.

How this plan fits in with the Southwest Greenways project, the Louisville Loop project or the Dixie Highway Corridor Study plan isn't clear. That is because it doesn't fit.

Promised improvements to "quality of life" are obviously not coming for people here.

Just more junk.

The next time you see the mayor, you should ask him what he thinks of our new junkyard. Hell, maybe he will cut the ribbon on it.

While timing the traffic lights on Dixie Highway is nice and new bus shelters and trash cans are better than the over-turned shopping carts riders sit on to wait for the next TARC, these things do not make a real difference in people's lives.

It doesn't help political careers, either.

Last year, people said they didn't want Miller Transportation to build a giant bus maintenance facility at the entrance to a neighborhood. Residents lost.

Last year, people said they didn't want a developer to transfer a parcel of property over to the city because Metro Parks couldn't explain what they were going to do with it. Residents lost.

This year, people said they didn't want these yard sale or flea market businesses to be able to pop up just anywhere. Residents lost.

This year, people said we have finally have enough Family Dollar and Dollar General stores. Please stop granting them permits. Residents lost.

It is over.

We lost.

Forget the flea market, there's a REAL junk yard coming to Valley

A typical salvage auto auction yard

This Thursday, there will be a public meeting to discuss the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Copart USA to allow an auto storage and title processing facility on approximately 57 acres at 3100 Pond Station Road.

WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 2012 7 p.m. WHERE: Virgina Avenue United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall 10015 Stonestreet Road

Copart auctions used and salvage vehicles to auto parts dismantlers, rebuilders, used car dealers, wrecking yards, and the public for insurance and rental car companies.

I have spoken with several residents who are concerned this will be an auto junk yard in direct view from their homes. They cite increased traffic, noise, light pollution as reasons they are against issuing the permit. Also, they don't want anything that resembles a junk yard anywhere near their homes.

I don't blame them.

Copart operates a facility in Lexington, doing business as "Copart Salvage Auto Auctions".

Had enough? Old Melton's now a junk yard/flea market

The Valley Report facebook page has been buzzing with activity over the opening of yet another flea market/yard sale store in the space formerly occupied by Melton's Food Mart on Valley Station Road near the railroad tracks.

Commenters say they are "fed up" with this type of development.

Join our discussion and tell us how you feel about this latest store, and while you are there, check out the photos of this atrocity.

How long do you think it will last? How long can you live with this type of commerce?

He's back: Hawkins to battle Thieneman in 37th district primary

Like a bad rash that won't go away, former Metro Councilman Doug Hawkins is back on the ballot.

Hawkins joins fellow Republicans Chris Thieneman and John Yuen in filing for the State Senate's recently-redrawn 37th district - a political hot potato that is being thrown around in Franklin County Circuit Court.

Incumbent Senator Perry Clark was drawn out of the district, and therefore is unable to retain his seat.

On the Democratic side, challengers include 21st District Metro Councilman Dan Johnson, attorney Robert Walker II and Democratic Party insider Steve Bittenbender.

Analysis: This should be an interesting race should all the candidates remain on the ballot. One item of particular interest is Chris Thieneman's current address. On the filing paperwork he submitted to the Secretary of State, Thieneman listed his address as 7650 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40258.

7650 Dixie Highway is the address for Fort Locks, a self-storage business of which Thieneman is listed as "manager".

Either Thieneman lives in a storage locker or something is wrong here.

Tan, rested and ready, Doug Hawkins tries to revive a dead political career by running in a race he's already lost. Hawkins was beaten by Perry Clark in a special election in 2006. The special election was ordered after it had been revealed the Republican winner had lied about her address.

The office of State Senate, like other state offices, has a residency requirement. For the Senate: "At the time of election, [the candidate] must be at least 30 years of age, a citizen of Kentucky, resided in the State 6 years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof in the district for which he may be chosen."

There will be more on this contest next week as the new, extended filing deadline approaches and as more information on the candidates becomes available.

Tell us what you think about newest retail/restaurant options

With the new year comes a flurry of announcements regarding new stores and restaurants scheduled to open in Southwest Louisville, but the quality of the merchants is up for discussion.

Many readers have asked about the new construction on Greenwood Road near the River City Bank location. The Valley Report has just confirmed the spot will be the site of another Family Dollar store.

A proposed Family Dollar store near Pendleton Road and a franchised salvage place opening next to Target on Dixie caused many residents to question the direction of economic development policy has taken in this part of town, and has strengthened my suspicion that we are doomed to a downward spiral of cash-based businesses that only sell "yard sale" quality goods or off-brand merchandise.

Several residents are now grumbling about the size of the new Cracker Barrel restaurant slated to appear on the corner of Dixie and Bethany Lane. The location is supposed to be considerably smaller than comparable locations throughout Louisville.

You know how I feel about these things.

It is now your turn to sound off about these new announcements. Yes or no? Will you visit these businesses? Or are you so disgusted with the new and existing options that you would consider moving away from the area?

Fire away with your opinions by leaving a comment, and thanks for reading the Valley Report.

Like gypsies in the night: LMPD 3rd Division crime trends for January, 2012

Courtesy of your SW Metro Council representatives, here are the most recent Crime Trends for the LMPD 3rd Division. Specific trends to be aware of are as follows:

There were three separate burglaries reported in the 4800-4900 blocks of Dixie Hwy. Each time, a concrete block was thrown through the front window of the business and all three happened after dark. One report had a suspect listed as a white male.

There was a home burglary reported in Hunters Point. The victim was inside when a white or Hispanic male wearing a red hat and blue jacket, forced his way in the back of the home. Please call police with any information you may have regarding this case.

A green utility trailer was reported stolen from a driveway off Upper Hunters. The trailer is reported to be metal with wooden sideboards and floorboards and has B &G Framing written on the side in black marker. If you spot this trailer, please call police.

3 car break-ins were reported on the lot of Wal-Mart at 7100 Raggard Rd. Police arrested the suspect, who admitted to breaking in to all 3 cars. All property was then returned to the victims.

A theft of a vehicle was reported on Freeman Ave. The vehicle was taken while the victim still had the keys. SUV is a red Mercury Mountaineer KY 040MBN.

A separate vehicle was reported stolen from Iroquois Gardens Dr. That vehicle is described as a 1997 black Honda Civic KY 111HES.

A home burglary was reported on Palatka Rd. where 2 guns were stolen, along with other valuables. The weapons are described as a .22 Springfield rifle and a Remington 12 gauge shotgun.

A burglary of a garage was reported on Elmer Ln. An unknown suspect kicked in the door and took tools along with a red Honda motorcycle.

Vehicle parts were taken from a car lot on National Turnpike during closed business hours. Parts were later recovered after being found by the business owner. Please keep an eye out if you are out along this road, especially during the overnight hours.

A burglary was reported on Gleam where the back door was kicked in and 2 guns, along with a computer were stolen. The weapons were a 12 gauge shotgun and a Remington 860.

2 thefts from autos were reported on East Dr. One vehicle had the window broken out and the other was left unlocked with a purse and its contents taken from inside. Remember to always lock your cars while away from them.

An air conditioning unit theft from a church was reported on Deering Rd.
 
A business burglary was reported on Valley Station Rd. Entry was made to the building and a safe with cash inside was taken.

Another air conditioning unit theft was reported from a church on Valley Station Rd.

Sun Valley on Ashby Ln. was burglarized last week when an unknown suspect/s gained entry to the parking lot and building and took a trailer and valuables. Any information you may have regarding this, please call the police.

There were 5 home burglaries reported South of Greenwood Rd and North of Hwy 841 during the last week, all were entered with force. Keep an eye out, especially if you are home during the day, for any suspicious activity or people that may be around your neighbors or your own home. Never hesitate to call the police with any concerns.

2 home burglaries were reported on Kinross Dr. The back door was pried on one and valuables were taken from inside both homes.

A John Deere green and yellow Gator was reported stolen from a construction site on Lower River Rd. Any information you may have in regards to this theft, please pas along to police.

Again, 2 separate vehicles were reported to have been “broken in” to by the victims leaving them UNLOCKED. If you have anything inside valuable enough to report to the police, LOCK YOUR CAR.

We appreciate any help from the community to solve crime. Please talk to all of your friends, family members, social and professional organizations and make them aware of this new service the Louisville Metro Police Department is offering. The more the information gets out to the community the better our chances of keeping Louisville safe.

Valley Station pimped by dollar stores- residents flee

The latest edition of Councilman Bob Henderson's email newsletter arrived a few days ago and attached was an interesting story about economic development in the 14th District:

There will be an informational meeting on December 14th at 1pm concerning the property at 13313 Dixie Hwy (north east corner of Dixie and Pendleton Road) for a possible Family Dollar Store at that site. The meeting will be held at 514 West Liberty Street in downtown Louisville.

Case #16208

Let's talk about it.

What do you think about this development? Is it the right thing for SW Louisville? Is it the best we can get? Do you think it is a good thing? Is any business a good business? Is our area over-served by dollar stores?

The facts are clear. The area is already saturated with dollar stores, from the Dollar Tree to Dollar General and now Family Dollar.

But what I want to know is what YOU think of this new situation.

Blast away.....

Council seeks to limit constable powers

The following is a press release from Tony Hyatt on behalf of the Louisville Metro Council regarding the stupid and insane behavior of "Constable" David Whitlock. Wanna-be Whitlock and his outrageous mockery of law enforcement ended with a shooting in the parking lot of a south west Louisville Wal-Mart last month.

Tony Hyatt is certainly nicer and more diplomatic than I would be about it. Perhaps that is why he is the Communications Director for the Majority Caucus and I blog about Valley Station. Whitlock is a punk and a poser with a badge and a gun, and the state legislature should eliminate this ridiculous title from the ballot. It isn't 1850 anymore. We don't need constables. -Brian

For Immediate Release:

Council members propose resolution calling for the investigation of Constable David Whitlock

Ordinance proposed to tighten controls over constables


Louisville – After meeting with Chief Robert White, three Louisville Metro Council members are moving forward with a proposed resolution and ordinance which deals with Jefferson County Constable David Whitlock.

Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12), Kelly Downard (R-16) and David James (D-6) have been in the process of reviewing the duties of Constables since a shooting last month involving Whitlock.

The resolution calls upon the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to review alleged violations of Kentucky Revised Statues by the Constable. The resolution says the review should determine if there has been misfeasance or malfeasance in office or willful neglect in the discharge of his official duties.

“In reviewing what actions can be taken, this appears to be the proper course of action in dealing with an elected state official,” says Blackwell. “As a matter of public safety, the time has come to review someone who is allegedly not interested in upholding the laws of the Commonwealth.”

The resolution cites Whitlock in several alleged violations; wearing a uniform and using a badge, failure to file monthly reports on activity with the Jefferson County clerk, using oscillating blue lights and a siren which has not been allowed by law since 2007 and illegally deputizing staff members to perform the duties of deputy constables.

The proposed ordinance re-enforces what a constable can and cannot do in Jefferson County.

“The ordinance will clearly spell out that a constable can wear a badge and a uniform but the uniform must not resemble that of the Jefferson County Sheriff or Sheriff’s Deputy and it must not resemble the uniform of a Louisville Metro Police Officer. The staff of the Constable will not be allowed to wear a uniform or carry a badge.” says James.

Violation of the proposed ordinance would be a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine ranging from $250 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.

“We are adding more teeth to the current ordinance,” says James. “The public should know that a constable is restricted by the State Constitution to certain legal duties. There is a major safety concern when we have peace officers that are untrained and unwilling to follow the law.”

Both measures will receive first reading on Thursday night during the Metro Council’s regular meeting.

This weekend: Forest hiking and keeping Louisville Gonzo

- This Saturday, October 15, is the 7th annual Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest from 10am-2pm. There will be plenty of fun for people of all ages – including a children’s exploration area, Alpine Tower climbs, pumpkin decorating for the kids, hayrides, and canoe and kayaking demonstrations. There will also be a wide array of informational booths from local nature and hiking organizations promoting health, eating right, and living green.

The volunteer trail team and Forest staff will lead hikes at various skill levels and introduce visitors to the native plants and wildlife in the forest. The event is free to the public and the first 500 participants will receive a T-shirt. Mayor Greg Fischer will kick off the event before the hiking and festivities begin.  The hike will be located in the Horine Reservation section of Jefferson Memorial Forest (12304 Holsclaw Hill Road).

The Fall 2011 version of the Jefferson Memorial Forest newsletter is now online. Click here to view it and read about American Chestnut Plantings, the Clifton Heights Greenway update, available public programs, and much more. *Thanks to Vicki Welch's Office

- Also on Saturday is the 2nd Annual Gonzo Fest at the Monkey Wrench. Gonzo Fest is an annual tribute to the works and life of native Louisvillian and world-famous writer Dr. Hunter S. Thompson.

Come on out for a day of art, spoken word, and music. $20 in advance, $25 day of event, $15 with a discount card available at the Monkey Wrench. 21 and over. The Monkey Wrench is located at 1025 Barret Avenue.

Check out the event's Facebook page for more info.

SURPRISE! Old Kroger store will be newest flea market on Dixie

Note: As I have done here only one time before, I feel it is necessary to warn you of the foul mood the following story has put me in. I am liable to use a swear word or two. Proceed with caution. You have been warned. - Brian

Most of the hopes and dreams I had for my neighborhood died a terrible but quick death today, as I experienced with my own eyes what I think may be the final nail in the coffin that contained them.

When I started this site, it was my hope that residents of Valley Station would organize into a single voice to advocate for sustainable progress that made sense. Everyone I talked to had the same hopes for retail, housing and jobs. We may sometimes agree on little else, but we could all say we put our neighborhood first.

But with time, as all other things, the landscape has changed- both economically and politically.

Perhaps our plans were too grand. Maybe we had too narrow a focus. And maybe we misjudged our neighbors. Suppose they don't want the same thing. Suppose they like what we have here and are thrilled with things just as they are?

In January, Business First featured an article about the new owners of the Dixie Valley Shopping Center at 10445 Dixie Highway. The anchor tenant is the Valley Station Wal-Mart.

The shopping center was purchased in foreclosure by a Denver company for $3.3 million dollars.

In a news release, Baceline Investments, LLC said they would undertake an "aggressive revitalization plan for Dixie Valley designed to attract top tenants intended to build on the momentum created by the Wal-Mart renovation."

There were many rumors about what type of tenants might be interested, and the speculation grew as residents began to see improvements made to the center's exterior.

In March, during my meeting with David Yates (D-25), the councilman said he and his staff were excited about the possibilities for the center and pledged to do whatever they could, to the extent possible, to help bring some sought-after merchants to the struggling development.

So it is with a heavy heart I report to you that the former Kroger store in the Dixie Valley Center will now be occupied by another fucking Peddler's Mall flea market. This one is called "Vendor's Village".

What was that about "top tenants"?

I don't know how many of you reading this frequent these places but obviously they have enough business to be profitable and remain open. My personal opinion, as expressed here many times before, is that they are a cancer on the community - a pox upon our houses that keep out good retail development and keep SW Louisville as the punchline to some pretty bad redneck jokes. I am not alone in opposing these places but, evidently, we seem to be in the minority here.

There are now several of these businesses located on Dixie. One is located at the "front door" of Shively at the old Bacon's Department Store. Now this one is at the "front door" of SW Louisville.

I don't know what else to say except that I am immensely disappointed, and I don't know how much longer I can continue to advocate for better if that's not what the community wants. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe the best we can have is check-cashing stores, used car lots, pawn shops and flea markets. But I remember a time, not too long ago, when we had nice things in SW Louisville.

It sure used to be different out here.

The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved

Note: It is Friday -Derby Eve- and is the usual custom around here, I offer the following for your enjoyment. It is a timeless classic written by a native Louisvillian. Have a safe and exciting weekend. And remember the "good times" as detailed in the story below - back when the horses were bred and run for the sport instead of the money. - Brian

The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved

by Hunter S. Thompson


I got off the plane around midnight and no one spoke as I crossed the dark runway to the terminal. The air was thick and hot, like wandering into a steam bath. Inside, people hugged each other and shook hands...big grins and a whoop here and there: "By God! You old bastard! Good to see you, boy! Damn good...and I mean it!"

In the air-conditioned lounge I met a man from Houston who said his name was something or other — "but just call me Jimbo" — and he was here to get it on. "I'm ready for anything, by God! Anything at all. Yeah, what are you drinkin?" I ordered a Margarita with ice, but he wouldn't hear of it: "Naw, naw...what the hell kind of drink is that for Kentucky Derby time? What's wrong with you, boy?" He grinned and winked at the bartender. "Goddam, we gotta educate this boy. Get him some good whiskey..."

I shrugged. "Okay, a double Old Fitz on ice." Jimbo nodded his approval.

"Look." He tapped me on the arm to make sure I was listening. "I know this Derby crowd, I come here every year, and let me tell you one thing I've learned — this is no town to be giving people the impression you're some kind of faggot. Not in public, anyway. Shit, they'll roll you in a minute, knock you in the head and take every goddam cent you have."

I thanked him and fitted a Marlboro into my cigarette holder. "Say," he said, "you look like you might be in the horse business...am I right?"

"No," I said. "I'm a photographer."

"Oh yeah?" He eyed my ragged leather bag with new interest. "Is that what you got there--cameras? Who you work for?"

"Playboy," I said.

He laughed. "Well, goddam! What are you gonna take pictures of — nekkid horses? Haw! I guess you'll be workin' pretty hard when they run the Kentucky Oaks. That's a race just for fillies." He was laughing wildly. "Hell yes! And they'll all be nekkid too!"

I shook my head and said nothing; just stared at him for a moment, trying to look grim. "There's going to be trouble," I said. "My assignment is to take pictures of the riot."

"What riot?"

I hesitated, twirling the ice in my drink. "At the track. On Derby Day. The Black Panthers." I stared at him again. "Don't you read the newspapers?"

The grin on his face had collapsed. "What the hell are you talkin' about?"

Judy Green says you are too stupid to understand April Fools Day

"This LEO letter is as real as my commitment to ethics!"

The scandal surrounding Councilwoman Judy Green is something I have chosen not to write about because it makes my skull feel like it's going to explode. Sheer idiocy. Besides, there are plenty of better writers out there covering the madness.

But I feel like I have to say something about this news release I received today. The release, sent by Democratic caucus Communications Director Tony Hyatt, includes a comment by Green about this week's issue of LEO Weekly.

It is a yearly tradition at LEO to put out an April Fools issue that includes bogus news stories and letters to the editor.

Here's a copy of the release from Hyatt:

Green issues statement concerning “LEO FAKE Issue Letter”

Louisville – Metro Councilwoman Judith Green (D-1) has issued the following statement concerning a “fake” letter to the Editor that was included in the March 30th issue of LEO Weekly’s Annual Fake Issue.

“I have been made aware of a letter written in the LEO this week that has my name attached to it. While I understand that this is a yearly issue made up of false stories as part of an April Fool’s joke, too many people have contacted me believing this letter is authentic and was written by me.

I have not written nor have I instructed anyone to write a letter that is critical of the paper or any of its current or former reporters.

While I can understand the spirit of the “Fake” issue, I hope that in the future the publication will give serious thought to its choice of words with regard to current events because sometimes the public does not get the joke.”

Yes, Judy. Just as we are too stupid to realize this was a fake letter, you are too stupid to know when you have been caught red handed. Quit while you are ahead, and save the rest of us from the embarrassment of having you thrown out on your ass.

Have a safe weekend.

Good times, bad times: Midweek Update

- Many people have become angry about the newest dildo store on Dixie Highway in Shively, saying Shively officials "gave in" to a high-priced attorney's "scare tactics" in granting the store a general business license. Here's the thing: If no one shops there, it will close. That's how you get rid of things like that, so stop going in there. [CJ]

- Ford CEO Alan Mulally was in town last night for GLI's annual meeting. A WHAS11 report says he is "optimistic" about the future of the Louisville Assembly Plant and gives the United Auto Workers union high praise for cooperating with the company. [WHAS11]

Insiders attending the meeting say Mulally then went on to shamelessly promote the awful idea of passing the Korea/US Free Trade Agreement, saying Ford was still unable to compete without the deal. More on the proposed agreement and its effect on U.S. jobs - [Insider Louisville]

- The Local Weekly has a nice story about Mary Lou Rippy of Dixie Florist. Mary Lou was a finalist for the 2010 Epic Award given by the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Louisville Chapter.[The Local Weekly]

- REMINDER: Saturday, March 19,  Councilwoman Vicki Welch hosts her next "Coffee with Your Councilwoman" at First String Family Sports Grill at 5921 New Cut Road. This month's coffee features District 5 school board representative Linda Duncan and gets underway at 9am.

- Valley High School Alumni Association has their regular monthly meeting this Thursday, March 17th, at 6:30 PM in the old TV Science Room. All alumni are welcome to join. Membership dues are $10 per year. Come on out.

Big Ern, The Weasel and "Honest" Dick: An inside view of Kentucky's worst

Note: Terry Boyd of Insider Louisville contributed to this report.

Ah, it’s spring, and the scent of corruption and generally poor governance is wafting gently on the breeze here in Louisville. (Certainly more entertaining than the tree pollen to follow.)

LEO’s Philip Bailey got the jump on the Courier-Journal last week with “It’s not easy being Green,” his story about Dr. Judy Green, 1st District metro councilwoman.

Green has, uhm, issues related to very poor judgment – everything from tax evasion to creating a bogus “jobs programs” with her “Green Clean Team.”

Last summer, the Green Clean Team program ground to a halt after the city auditor tried to figure out what happened to the $55,000 grant to fund the program. (Oddly, Dr. Judy and husband James Green owe $55,000 to the Internal Revenue Services, a bill going back to 1998. How does that work?)

The finding – shockingly, a lot of the money went to 12 Green family members “working” in the program. The rest apparently evaporated into the ether, and nothing was accomplished except getting other Metro Council members out of their overall stupor long enough to start ethics proceedings.

The CJ followed up with a story about how the president and treasurer for 100 Black Men confirmed that the group had a side deal with Judy Green to request more city funding than needed, then redirect a portion of the cash at Green’s direction.

Oh, and then there’s the matter of the $25,000 Dr. Judy and her husband ran up on the credit card of Judy Green’s legislative aide, Andrea Jackson, a credit card the councilwoman took out with out Jackson’s consent!

To their credit, CJ reporters did a great job in 2005 of covering Green’s habitual failure to pay taxes - just the trait you want in an elected government official - and much of Bailey’s reporting in “It’s Not Easy Being Green” is built on their work

You can bet there’s more.

Westboro weirdness and Monday updates

Thankfully, this did not happen in Louisville

- The crazy train passed through Louisville yesterday and stopped in front of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in southwest Louisville.

Five (5) members of the infamous attention whores from Westboro Baptist Church held a laughable demonstration, proving once again that not all religions are interested in "loving one another".

The counter-demonstrators are said to have numbered around 400 and were articulate, peaceful and promoted a positive message. 

It was a good showing from the community. [CJ]

- Deborah Koch, who lives in District 13, has been awarded a $15,000 METCO loan for her new business in Valley Station. Deborah will open an art gallery in the shopping area at the corner of Bethany Lane and Dixie Hwy. She has 47 artists who will participate in the gallery. Eventually she hopes to offer art classes at this location also. Deborah led the efforts and organized the teens who painted the pool house mural at Hornbeck Park in Fairdale. Thanks to Councilwoman Vicki Welch and The Local Weekly for this news.

- The Southwest Pride Community Cleanup 2011 is upon us. This year there will be two starting locations thanks to the Valley Station Area Business Association to help serve our community on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Both locations will start with registration at 8:30 am and begin the cleanup promptly at 9:00 a.m. Come early and enjoy coffee and donuts. All the supplies you need will be available at these sites.

The two locations are 7053 Dixie Highway next to Fairleigh Pet Center in PRP and 10719 Dixie Highway next to Kroger’s in Valley Station. *If you received a yellow Southwest Pride t-shirt from a previous cleanup, please wear it again so that we will have an ample supply for our new volunteers**

We hope that you will be a part of this community event. Your support of this cleanup effort is greatly appreciated and we encourage you to spread the news of this event. If you know of a school, church, business, sports team or anyone interested in helping, please call 367-3880 or email prpaba@insightbb.com.

Once again, cash prizes will be offered to the largest groups who participate in this event. Volunteers must be present at the sign-in booth and list their group they are volunteering to qualify for this prize. Completed forms for Community Service Hours will be available upon request.

Councilman Ackerson hits Kentucky Derby Festival over admission charge

The silliness surrounding the "name change" of the Kentucky Derby Festival by dropping the "Kentucky" part will never end. I, for one, will continue to call the festival by it's proper name.

But that's not the only new and generally stupid idea that is "all new" for this year's Kentucky Derby Festival.

In what seems to be the beginning of the end, the gang is instituting a cover charge for Great Lawn seating for the fireworks. (I hope it snows.)

In light of this embarrassing and greedy cash-grab, Councilman Brent T. Ackerson (D-26) has issued the following statement to the Kentucky Derby Festival:

“Like other members of the Metro Council, I represent people who could easily afford this new cost for admission. But I also serve families for whom this would be a great burden. Our waterfront serves as the People’s Park, a park which their tax dollars helped to build and continues to maintain. And Thunder is one of the signature events during the Kentucky Derby Festival which appeals to nearly everyone. We should not allow Waterfront Park and Thunder Over Louisville to be fenced off, placed out of the economic reach for our citizens, especially when the revenues from the sale of the Pegasus Pins are not going to the public coffers.”

Hats off to Councilman Ackerson. Now, will someone on the council please introduce an ordinance that prohibits charging citizens admission for the use of their own public park space for a public event?

Searching for Pimp Z's 'Little Black Book', and other Louisville Metro news

- Now that Louisville Metro Animal Services is rid of alleged pimp and rumored scofflaw Wayne Zelinsky, the main question that should be on everyone's mind is: "Where's the 'Little Black Book' of clients?"

If such a thing exists, it may just have the power to destroy the entire city government as we know it, exposing everyone connected to the Derby City VIP operation. Read about the events that lead to Zelinsky's resignation from the agency. Then ask where the black book is being hidden. [Ville Voice] Any thoughts?

- In today's second item of incredible stupidity, a riveting article on the CJ website explains how the brain trust running the Kentucky Derby Festival has decided that it will drop the "Kentucky" part of the name for this year, leaving just the words "Derby Festival".

Among the organization's ludicrous claims for the move: "streamlining promotions".

For perhaps the first time in courierjournal.com history, everyone agrees with one another in the 'comments' section. That has to mean something is terribly wrong with this decision.

No word on the fate of the awful Pegasus sport coats yet, however.

- For those of you living within the boundaries of Kentucky's 29th House District: Rep. Kevin Bratcher (R-29) has told me that he "will not vote for" HB281- the measure that would require all cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine to be available only with a doctor's prescription. A prescription mandate is not an effective law enforcement tool. Bratcher agrees with me in that this is NOT the right way to address our state's meth production problem.

Special thanks to Rep. Bratcher for answering my letter so quickly, and thanks for taking the concerns of your constituents seriously.

Midweek Updates...HOT!!

- It is expected to be announced today that Louisville Metro Animal Services Director Wayne Zelinsky will be resigning, effective immediately. Alleged pimp and rumored scofflaw Zelinsky has been the target of a relentless campaign by the LMAS Rainbow Bridge project for the poor treatment of animals handled by the city agency while under his watch, among other high-profile shenanigans. [Ville Voice]

- Residents of the St. Denis neighborhood in southwest Louisville are freaking out about the possibility of a zoning change that would allow a very thoughtful and nice woman to operate a transitional home for foster kids who actually want to do something with their lives. When will people learn to fight the fights that need fighting and let the good things happen? [CJ]

- Gov. Beshear used his State of the Commonwealth speech last night to run hard and fast to the political right, whining about federal spending and coal mining regulation in the wake of several high-profile, easily preventable mine disasters. Someone should ask his running mate Jerry Abramson how he feels about those words. Former mayor Abramson's administration accepted millions upon millions of federal dollars in stimulus money, some of which ended up in state coffers. Hey Governor Hair Helmet, my state taxes are higher than my federal taxes. What are you going to do about that? [Barefoot & Progressive]

End of week news - Keeping Dr. Berman, Ford in the money and the pledge is un-American

- The Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression has joined the Louisville NAACP, Brent McKim and school board member Linda Duncan to support keeping JCPS Superintendent Sheldon Berman. That makes two groups and two people versus everyone else. No one expects the decision to remove Berman to be reversed. And I mean NO ONE. [CJ]

- The Pledge of Alleigance is/was a socialist plot developed by a Christian Socialist named Francis Bellamy. More on this later. [Camden County Tea Party Patriots]

- Ford Motor Co. will show an $8 billion profit for 2010. Eight Billion Dollars. Profit. And all without having hired one new, single, solitary worker at half the wages. That means they can afford the current wages and benefits of the employees and still make a ton of money. All they have to do is design good cars. Earth to UAW President Bob King: Wake up....you've been had!!  [Insider Louisville]

-What effect, if any, do you think the new Cracker Barrel will have on the locally owned restaurants like Jessie's in Southwest Louisville? After seeing the demise of Mr. Lou's, Wick's and The Pie Pantry, will this help or hurt? Or will people be too busy hogging at the trough to even notice?

Will Kentucky be the next Arizona? Observations of a heavily armed liberal in Louisville

Re-posted from my 'Tucker Everblasting' blog at Insiderlouisville.com:
 
My thoughts on this weekend’s events are many, and they are complicated. In a few instances, they are contradictory.

But so what? I lived for eight years under the presidency of George W. Bush in these United States, and I never once tried to jack up a member of Congress.

These are strange and terrible times in Arizona and everywhere else in America, and we were warned. Hell, I even warned a few people.

So maybe we all share in the blame as a society for this weekend’s brutal murder of six people and the wounded survivors that include the main target, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. One didn’t have to own a crystal ball to see what was coming.

On one hand, I can’t stand any more progressives or liberals taking the “high road” on this. Those types of self-righteous, “non-violent” attitudes and holier-than-thou missives thrown from ivory towers are what got us here to begin with.

They refused to champion their own ideals and let the steamroller of Stone Age beliefs embodied in the Tea Party curb-stompers roll straight into power.

They sat on their hands and let Keith Olbermann do the talking as Sarah Palin’s “hit list” map was revealed, were quiet as church mice while crackpot Sharron Angle declared her “Second Amendment Solution” time after time on national television and kept silent as the conversation in this country turned curiously toward violence.

Hundreds of rally signs spotted and photographed at Tea Party rallies said, “I came unarmed … this time.”

All the left could muster to counter those now non-idle threats was a letter writing campaign to the New York Times.

Violence is the only thing these people understand, and the only thing the Republicans fear is a group of heavily-armed liberals.

But the right doesn’t have to worry about a gunfight. They’re fighting the Democrats.

They traditionally surrender before the fight starts. And they are doing it again by refusing to call a spade a spade when it comes to saying, out loud, why this happened.

On the other hand, I see many of my teabagging friends have lost their Internet connections and phone service this weekend. Nary a sound from them, except for a few who call the alleged shooter a “communist liberal.”

They should be, to preserve their own standing – or what is left of it – unilaterally condemning these types of actions. Considering that the far right has stoked the flames of violence to this degree is sickening.

They owe this country – indeed the world – an apology for turning what should be the envy of the planet (America) into a shooting match in a grocery store parking lot.

As of this writing, I am personally unaware of any public statements from Rush, Hannity, Palin or any other of those dingbats and dunces that own this mess.

Why not a call to “lock ‘em all up” or demand end to such crazed threats and actions? I believe they all share responsibility for the recent threats and violence because they never say “Don’t do that.” Instead, they put out political propaganda with gun targets on people’s faces and say “Let’s take ‘em out!”

What does that say to crazy people?

As I read on Facebook today, “It’s like Pontius Pilate saying, ‘Let’s not put any religious significance into this crucifixion thing.’ “

The left will react predictably and use this as an opportunity to push for tighter gun control. The right will do as always and attempt to distance itself from the heavily armed nutcases and wackos it relies upon to win elections.

What is next for America in 2011?

It looks like the best the public can hope for is the return of “Dancing With The Stars” or “American Idol” to soothe the psyche and properly numb the mind. Then the rest of us can get back to business.

As for me, I’m taking the advice of a long time friend just as I always have: “Buy more ammo.”