The Mice of St. Andrews

WLKY is reporting on a story that needs some attention. Two local guys are renting an apartment at the complex known as "The Oaks of St. Andrews", located in South Louisville on Brooklawn Drive. It seems to have what professionals may deem a "rodent problem". The men became aware of the infestation in January and notified the out-of-town landlord. Anonymous tenants claim there were 13 dead mice occupying a single unit, and residents say they cannot bring food or children into the space because of the rotten living conditions. The manager of the complex laughed at tenants when they complained.

I searched for more information about the complex, and came up with a sales pitch on why you should move there:

Maybe you long for a quiet, comfortable home with an excellent location or the prompt maintenance. Perhaps it's the friendly atmosphere. Whatever the reason, The Oaks at St. Andrews is apartment living at its best! This community is what easy living is all about. It features all the amenities and comforts any discriminating apartment shopper could want. And it's close to major employers, fine restaurants, Dixie Manor, Westland Mall and Southern Terrace. The Oaks at St. Andrews... you'll be proud to call it home.

I cannot imagine anyone having to live in these conditions, especially in America, 2009. The two guys have a lease that isn't up until August, and if they took the owner's offer to move to a new location, the guys would be out many green dollars transferring things like cable installation and utilities. Not to mention the guys would still be living under the same group of slumlord's that allowed this situation to spiral out of control. Someone connected with the case called Metro Call 311 to complain, but the operator reportedly told the caller it would be 20 days before someone could handle the problem.

Think about this, and if there are any attorneys out there who want to do a good deed, look these guys up. Tip O' the Hat goes to my friend Steve from Louisville History & Issues.

And Now For Something Completely Different....

Readers,

The month of April is still with us, but The Valley Report has already received a record number of visitors for any month. I want to express my thanks to you for making this blog a part of your day. Visitor participation has grown steadily over the last few months, page views are way up and the time spent on the site is growing dramatically. We have done all of this mostly through word of mouth and some favors from my buddy at The Local Weekly. A few generous readers have kicked in the PayPal "Tip Jar", and to you, I am humbled and very grateful. Thank you. Your donations have enabled me to upgrade equipment and add some things that aid in the reporting of more stories of interest to Southwest Louisville. As funds become available, a major ad blitz is among the possibilities.

I have been busy with errands lately and posting has been light. Once the schedule clears I will be back full-time. Look this evening for another Hicks Home update. In the meantime, please keep sending in those leads and emails. You have made this effort worthwhile.

Thanks again,
BT

Tuesday's "Dr. Hicks" Home Update

The more I hear about the home located at 8601 Dixie Highway, the more I suspect it may be in need of a formal, organized historical preservation effort by people with much more knowledge than myself. I have received more information today regarding the pre-1940's era of the home, and I am hoping someone reading this can help corroborate these statements. I need a true or false answer here, folks. To wit:

"Prior to the man known as Dr. Hicks owning the house, the home was a 'stop off' point for people coming from the country that were headed into town, and served as a motel for overnight guests. The place even offered laundry service. This was back when Dixie was a 2-lane gravel road and was the only route through to Florida and points in between." Time period: circa 1920.

"Dr. Hicks also had a son named Stanley,(now deceased) who drove a Jefferson County school bus and a son, John, who also worked for the Jeff. Co. Schools in some support capacity. John and his family lived in a nice brick home on the hill directly above his father's home....Part of the house was also rented in the 1950's to a family named Ferguson...who had a daughter named Dorothy...who married a Kenneth Bales...and they live somewhere near Leavenworth area in Indiana. Dorothy could probably furnish lots of info on the old house since she lived in it for many years."

Other statements include memories of a cattle farm and hay production. I am working with many different folks and trying to piece these statements together on a timeline. I need help. If anyone has any experience dealing with historic preservation and would like to have a shot at the place, please let me know. I have many contacts.

A thousand THANKS go to the people who have furnished such detailed information. I realize we may have to rely on memories here, but as long as the home gets its due, that's ok with me. Thanks again.

Mayor Strolls Out of SW Louisville Smiling

First, allow me to say Stuart Middle School needs new chairs. Stuart has been a middle school for well over 20 years, yet the highly uncomfortable, worn out seats still proclaiming "Stuart H.S." are in full use. Mine had something very old carved in the seat. I think it said "Moses". Have a look at the hardware:



Okay. The mayor's Community Conversation for the month of April was lightly attended. It has been mentioned that perhaps Southwest residents are satisfied with their lot, hence the lack of complaints, challenges or traditional outbursts at the meeting tonight. Whatever the reason, the mayor seemed happy, upbeat and emerged completely unscathed.

There were a few up and coming guys in local politics present, and I was glad to get a few moments with them to ask about their positions on issues. Marty Meyer is running for State Senate in District 38. He's very knowledgeable when it comes to the 38th District. If you see him out somewhere, talk to him. You will not be disappointed.

David Yates was also present. Yates is a young attorney with a remarkable record on consumer protection litigation. He also has a great family. Watch this guy closely. He will be a power player. Trust me, I know these things.

Welcome The Mayor To Our 'Hood Tonight

- If you have some free time this evening, stop by the Mayor's Community Conversation. This month's meeting is being held at Stuart Middle School, 4601 Valley Station Road. The fun begins at 6:30 PM. I hope to see many of you there.

- WHAS11 is running an "Ask the Mayor" segment once a month. Questions can be submitted HERE.

Historical Dixie Hwy. Home Feedback

Since my request for information was published by my good friend Trevor Hemingway of The Local Weekly, emails have been coming in with some delightful memories and very valuable information. I am in the process of compiling the facts and making contacts regarding the structure, located at 8601 Dixie Highway.

The home apparently belonged to a Dr. Hicks who maintained a medical office in the rear of the home.

There will be much more information made available on the home shortly.