You guys getting any rain at your place?

I can't think of anything more uninspiring or utterly more uninteresting than this upcoming "royal wedding" business. Especially in light of the condition of our fair city. So let's get down to brass tacks.

As you know, everything along the river is flooded.

Riverview Park (Greenwood Boat Docks) has been closed and will remain so until the water subsides. The Ohio River has reached the main parking area and will be threatening the playground before it finally retreats back to within its banks.

Note: Because of the seriousness of the flooding situation I won't be using any flood-related cliches.

The bad news keeps coming in, as more rain is in the forecast this week, the heaviest predicted for Wednesday. On Sunday, the National Weather Service stated the Louisville area had received a half-foot of rain in a week.

Governor Steve Beshear has declared a state of emergency.

As we here in Louisville are waiting to see how bad it gets, folks in and around Rough River Lake are highly alarmed at what is going on. The following is from the site's official facebook page:

As of 6:30 pm the lake level is 517.62 msl this is 22.62 ft above summer pool (495 msl) and still rising. The lake is expected to reach or exceed its record pool of 521.6 msl which was set in February 1989. If you have personal property in flowage easement we highly recommend you move it before it becomes inundated.

If you have any related photos you would like to share, please let me know. And don't try to drive over flooded roads.

Stay high and dry, and thanks for reading The Valley Report.

Spring is Block Watch season

Spring has arrived in its usual fashion, complete with 80 degree days followed by an unrelenting thunderstorm followed by 40 degree days, massive flooding and property damage.

Tree limbs are scattered about and your gutters are probably clogged with debris from those damned water maples, but it's all normal. So is what usually follows.

Now is the time of year to begin thinking seriously about the security of your neighborhood. School will be out soon and warmer evening temperatures will arrive, bringing temptation to the idle minds that will undoubtedly be wandering the streets.

Lock up your things and look out for each other. Take some pride in your community. Last year, break-ins and thefts from cars reached epidemic levels in Southwest Louisville. Now is the time to organize your neighbors and get to work to secure your property.

To get more information, or to put together a block watch in your neighborhood, contact LMPD at 502-574-7427.

April’s "District 12 Dialogue" to follow grand opening of SW metro office

Local and state lawmakers will be on hand for the next District 12 Dialogue set for Tuesday, April 19th. This month’s Dialogue will be held in conjunction with the opening of the new Southwest Regional Metro Council Office at the Southwest Government Center.

Council Members Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Bob Henderson (D-14) and David Yates (D-25) will join Blackwell along with State Representatives Joni Jenkins, Charlie Miller and State Senators Dennis Parrett and Perry Clark for the event.

The April Dialogue begins at 7:00pm following the grand opening of the new Southwest Regional Metro Council Office at 6:30pm.

There will also be representatives of Louisville Metro Police, the Division of Licensing and Permits and MSD to answer questions about programs. A representative of Congressman John Yarmuth's office will also be in attendance.

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

“Movies under the Stars” returns to Iroquois Amphitheater on May 13th

Hit Hollywood movies will soon return to the Iroquois Amphitheater when the 2011 edition of Movies under the Stars premieres on Friday, May 13th to begin a fun summer run.

“This is a very popular event for families. It’s free and gives everyone a chance to come out and have a good time during the summer at a wonderful place - Iroquois Amphitheater;” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15)

“Movies under the Stars” is held on the second weekend of each month, May through September. Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Mr. Potato Head will help kick off the new season with “Toy Story 3” beginning at 9:00pm.

Joining Butler in sponsoring the free movies are Council Members David James (D-6), Rick Blackwell (D-12), Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Bob Henderson (D-14) Dan Johnson (D-21), Jim King (D-10), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David Yates (D-25), Jon Ackerson (R-18), Robin Engel (R-22) and Brent Ackerson (D-26).

Here is the schedule of films for 2011 “Movies under the Stars”

Toy Story 3 May 13th, 9:00pm

Secretariat June 12th, 9:00pm

Morning Glory July 10th 9:00pm

Shrek: Forever After August 14th, 9:00pm

Little Fockers September 11th, 8:00pm

Concessions will be available.

“We hope everyone will come and enjoy with family and friends,” says Butler. “It is going to be a great summer of movie fun.”

For more information about the 2011 “Movies under the Stars” line up and times, contact Councilwoman Butler’s office at 574-1115. Or you can contact the Iroquois Amphitheater at 368-5865.

To see a schedule of events at the Iroquois Amphitheater through the year go to: www.iroquoisamphitheater.com

SW District news: It's all good

- Councilman David Yates (D-25) is inviting district residents to the grand opening of the Southwest Regional Metro Council Office on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. The new office will allow area residents better access to council services and access to their representatives in their own neighborhood rather than making the trip downtown. The office is a partnership of Council members Rick Blackwell (12), Bob Henderson (14), Vicki Welch (13) and Yates. It will be located in the Southwest Government Center at 7219 Dixie Highway. The office will offer extended office hours and will be staffed by various council staff.

Nicole Candler has been named the Southwest Regional Metro Council Office Coordinator. She can be reached at Nicole.Candler@louisvilleky.gov

- The spring schedule is set for the Metro Arts Center. The center, located at 8360 Dixie Highway, 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. Please visit www.louisvilleky.gov/metroparks/recreation/metroarts for a schedule of spring classes.

- Southwest Louisville residents are being encouraged to apply for positions on the city's various Boards and Commissions. Please visit www.louisvilleky.gov to apply for opportunities that interest you. Let's take a little ownership here and fill these boards and commissions with Southwest residents.

- REMINDER: The Southwest Women's Roundtable is Wednesday, April 13 and will be held at the Jewish Hospital Medical Center Southwest's Community Room, 9700 Stonestreet Road. Start time is 8:30 a.m. The meeting's focus will be health and wellness. For more information and to RSVP, email Erica Harper.

April "Coffee with your Councilwoman" to be at Jefferson Memorial Forest

It is one of the largest urban forests in the United States and on Saturday, April 16th residents of District 13 will have a chance to learn more about the Jefferson Memorial Forest during this month’s “Coffee with your Councilwoman”.

“Anyone who has been to the forest knows what a treasure it is for Southwest Jefferson County,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13). “I am sure there are people who have not had the chance to discover this jewel and I want to give them the chance to learn more about it.”

Bennett Knox, Executive Director of the Jefferson Memorial Forest, will be on hand to talk about the wide range of educational programs, attractions and improvements to hiking and equestrian trails. He will also discuss what the future holds with the Forest Master Plan.

“This is also an opportunity to learn more about the 2011 Forest Fest on May 21st,” says Welch. “I and members of the Metro Council have joined in with others to sponsor a free day of Bluegrass music for all of Metro Louisville.”

The April “Coffee with your Councilwoman” will be held at the First String Family Sports Grill, 5921 New Cut Road. It begins at 9:00am

“I hope everyone will come out and visit with us,” says Welch. “While we want to focus on the great things going on in the forest, I also want to hear about any other concern or issue you may have in the district.”

For more information about the April “Coffee with your Councilwoman, contact Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113.

Free Junk Drop-off Sunday, April 17th

Free Junk Drop-off Sunday, April 17th

Waste Management Landfill

2673 Outer loop

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Residents wanting to get rid of bulk waste or junk will have an opportunity to drop off items at the Waste Management Landfill on April17th. This is a free service provided by a partnership between the Louisville Metro Division of Solid Waste Management and Waste Management of Kentucky.

Items that would normally not be picked-up during regular garbage service, such as appliances, furniture, and mattresses will be accepted but, metal must be separated for recycling purposes.

Yard waste, hazardous materials, paint, tires and commercial trash will not be allowed for drop-off on the 17th.

Bulk waste and junk can also be disposed of for free throughout the year at the Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Ave. but, there is a limit of three items per drop-off.

Any residents wishing to get rid of paints, fertilizers, batteries, and household chemicals can do so at the Louisville Metro Household Materials Collection Center ( or HAZ BIN ) at 7501 Grade Ln.

There is no charge.

For more information, go to louisvilleky.gov or call MetroCall at 311 or 574-5000.

Get outside: Thursday Updates

- The weather has greatly improved this week. Please be on the lookout for motorcycles. And, if you don't mind, share the road. We need to stop running over people on bicycles, too.

- The SW Satellite office at the SW Government Center is on track for an April grand opening. That's one-stop shopping, if you ask me.

- If you are visiting Riverview Park this week or weekend, make sure to keep an eye out for scofflaws riding off-road 4 wheelers. They are not allowed in the park. If you see them, call police. The vehicles and their operators are responsible for thousands of dollars in damages to the recently renovated park. Let's keep what we have, or we won't get any more.

- Southwest Women's Roundtable: Next meeting - Weds. April 13th at Jewish Hospital Medical Center Southwest. Focus is health and wellness, with exhibits, door prizes and lots of networking! FREE - so invite a friend! RSVP to Erica at erica@schardein.com. Go to SWWRT's Facebook page for more information. [The Local Weekly]

Upcoming events: Merger meeting and drug toss

- The Merger 2.0 Task Force, recently appointed by Mayor Fischer to look at changes needed over the next decade of merger, began a series of public meetings this week. Citizens are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on what they want to see in their government. The dates and locations are as follows -- all hearings start at 7 PM:

April 11th - Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway

April 13th - Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop

- Medications should never be flushed, burned, or thrown in the trash. They can get into drinking and ground water, kill helpful bacteria, cause drug resistant bacteria, pollute the air, or be scavenged for illegal use or sale. Louisville residents can safely get rid of unused and expired medications during the bi-annual drug toss Saturday, April 9, at three locations:

J.B. Atkinson Elementary, 2811 Duncan Street
First Gethsemane Baptist Church, 1159 Algonquin Pkwy
UofL Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, 2800 S. Floyd Street

Each drive-up drug toss is 10 am- 2pm (you need not leave your vehicle to drop off items.) Please black out all personal information on ALL medication containers, and place tablets and capsules into a zip-lock bag prior to drop-off. Vials, bottled liquids and tubes should be placed in separate bags.
No used or unused sharps, needles or lances. No cosmetics, personal care or hygiene items. No clinics, medical offices or pharmacies can participate. Reps from LMPD and Metro Solid Waste will make sure all products are safely collected and properly disposed of. The drug toss is sponsored by: 7th Street Corridor PAL Coalition, Building Resiliency in Campus and Community Coalition, First Gethsemane Baptist Church, LMPD, and Portland Now Prevention Partnership.

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.