"Moose! Rocko! Help the mayor find his checkbook, eh?!

In February, some unethical, foul-ball attorneys for the city presented yet another bogus argument on why Louisville should not have to pay it's firefighters back pay in a serious error involving a miscalculation on overtime. Every court decision thus far has favored the firefighters. This latest one was no exception. The mayor and his boys have tried to run out the clock on this issue, but now the time has come for them to write the long overdue check. An excerpt from an article in today's Courier-Journal states the following:

Louisville firefighters work an average of 56 hours a week, with 16 hours of overtime built into their schedules. Previously, the city had not included those hours in overtime calculations.

Metro government officials have estimated that the city owes firefighters at least $17.6 million, but no official total has been reached. Attorneys for firefighters are asking that their fees and damages and adjustments to pension payments also be included in what the city owes.

City officials did not return phone calls yesterday seeking comment on the latest decision. It is unclear whether they will appeal.

We shall wait and see if the city appeals this decision. Any further challenge by the city is certain to contribute to more ill feelings between the firefighters and the mayor's office, as well as add to already massive court costs caused by the city's refusal to pay what it owes.

But Wait...There's More

- More rampant idiocy. Officials at Louisville Metro Animal Services scrambled to come up with an explanation on why they tried to "spay" a male cat. They say it was a clerical error. Meanwhile, the animal is having complications from the botched surgery and the owner is hoping MAS will pick up the tab. WHAS11 has the story HERE.

Can this department be audited, please? Someone needs to get these dopes on a leash.

- Federal mine safety inspectors shut down a coal mine in eastern Kentucky today for the company's refusal to pay fines. This is good news. WAVE3 has it HERE.

Animal Services Gone To Dogs

The frightful nuttiness continues at Louisville Metro Animal Services, and authorities there are blaming the "dangerous dog" ordinance for their over-the-top actions. WAVE3 has a story on the deputized crew of dog snatchers HERE.

The report details the story of two sisters who contacted MAS to determine what type of license they needed in order to start a small-scale breeding business. The story ends with officials from MAS breaking into the home while the owner was away, snatching the dogs and leaving a search warrant on the door. Is this what was intended when the ordinance was written? Is a Miniature Schnauzer considered dangerous in the language of the ordinance? Is this intrusion legal?

I would like to hear your take on this mess.

Friday Roundup

- There was an impressive crowd gathered today for the unveiling of the "Welcome to Southwest Louisville" banner this afternoon. I was not able to attend, but my friend Trevor Hemingway of The Local Weekly was there and has a full report. See it HERE.

- The storm debris drop-off sites will be open again this weekend from 8am to 5pm.
Here are the locations:
• Hubbards Lane Public Works Facility, 595 Hubbards Lane
• Meriwether Public Works Facility, 600 Meriwether Ave.
• Behind the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway

- The NCAA tournament is in full swing this weekend, and the weather is supposed to be nice. Have some fun and be careful. Motorcycles are everywhere.

SW Banner Unveiling Friday

I have received the following information from Robert Price of the Southwest Dream Team. Please make arrangements to attend this event if possible. Let's make this a special day for the Southwest.

Reminder: The banner unveiling will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 12 noon at Jim Vincent’s Body Shop, 4411 Dixie Hwy. Transportation from area parking lots is being provided by Miller Transportation. Shively Police officers will direct the flow of traffic. Come early to help relieve traffic congestion. It may be a little chilly, but if you would like to wear your Southwest Pride T-shirt, please do so.

Please remind your friends and co-workers about this wonderful event. It’s going to be a great day in Southwest Louisville! See you tomorrow!

Are You Tired Of Storm Debris Yet?

- A week after Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson declared storm debris collection "on schedule", it has been revealed the city will have to hire outside contractors to get the job completed. The cost of hiring the contractors will mostly be covered by FEMA and the state. This situation with the debris disposal has been badly managed from the start, and has been a shameful embarrassment for the citizens of Louisville. The saga of incompetence continues. The CJ has a complete report HERE.

- WHAS11 reports that more guns are turning up in Jefferson County Schools this year. What do we do?

- Check out this promotional video touting this year's Southwest Festival:


- If you haven't done so already, please read Phillip Bailey's article in Leo Weekly about city government's reluctance to institute an anonymous "ethics" tip line. Pure excellence.