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Dear Neighbors,
2013 was a great year and I am proud of the continued progress we have made to improve District 25!
One of my primary objectives since taking office was to fund the repaving of the neighborhoods that needed it the most. I am happy to report that we received the most funding out of any district in the city for repaving projects. I hope you are enjoying our new roads! We aren’t finished yet, so be on the lookout for even more paving projects in 2014.
In July 2013, the New Southwest Regional Library broke ground. I am proud to announce that our regional library will be the largest library in the city and feature Community meeting rooms, a large Children's library, 100,000 more books, "Green" eco-friendly design, state-of-the-art technology, Computers for all ages, touch-screen computers, a dedicated teen library, and quiet cozy places to read. The construction will be complete in 2014, and I hope you are looking forward to this “jewel” in the south end as much as I am!
 I am also excited to report that The Dixie Highway redevelopment plan took large steps forward in 2013. This project will provide safety improvements for motorists and pedestrians and landscaping improvements throughout the area to beautify our area for increased economic development! We are enjoying many new retail and restaurant establishments in our area due to the work that has already begun, and I am excited to continue this work to bring even more retail and restaurants to our area.
Throughout 2013 I have worked with Metro Parks and the Louisville Dog Run Association to begin the development and construction of a Dog Park in our own beautiful Waverly Park. I anticipate Waverly Dog Park to become a social center for pets and people. I look forward to its opening in the spring so humans and animals may meet others that share their passion for our 4-legged friends.
 Last but not least, at City Hall I am now heading the Ad Hoc Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs (in addition to my work on the Public Safety, Planning and Zoning, and Contracts committees). I made it my goal to ensure tax dollars are always spent appropriately. It is imperative to me that the public knows anytime tax dollars are being spent that there are checks and balances in place to keep them from being abused.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Councilman in 2013. I look forward to working harder than ever on all of these projects and more in 2014.
Thank you for another great year!
Sincerely,
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Mayor Greg Fischer released his annual report to citizens, highlighting the accomplishments of 2013 and looking ahead to 2014.
“From regaining all the jobs lost during the recession to Louisville's growing reputation as an epicenter of innovation and compassion, our city's momentum is strong,” Fischer said. “2013 was a banner year for job creation, bridge construction and increasing the city's national and international reputation through recognitions in publications as diverse as Lonely Planet and Forbes.”
The Progress Louisville report can be viewed at Progress Louisville
Highlights include:
- Regaining all jobs lost during the recession and creating 12,400 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. New companies include Gazelle in Riverport and BEAM Brands Global Business Support Center downtown.
- Starting a strategic initiative with JCPS to improve education through the Education Commitment. The city, with others, also created a special focus on Out of School Time programs.
- Reducing crime. Homicides were among the lowest rate since merger -- 51 homicides, compared to 60 last year, a 10-year low. Through the end of November, violent crime (murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault) was down 8 percent.
- Creating a city of compassion, including a visit by the Dalai Lama and 107,000 acts of compassion during the annual Give a Day week of service.
Looking ahead, the Mayor said some of the priorities for the new year include:
- Growing the economy, with an intentional focus on innovation and 21st century jobs and growing wages “In addition, my team is working on some important capital projects that will not only create jobs but bring new retail and services to several neighborhoods," Fischer said.
- Growing the local food/spirits sector and culture with the bourbon and local food work group. “The goal: best food and bourbon city in America -- and that translates to jobs,” Fischer said.
- Building even more strongly on the city's education efforts, with a particular focus on kindergarten readiness. Data shows that only 35% of children entering kindergarten are ready. Also, research shows that there is a 30 million word gap by the time a child from a low-income family reaches four years old when compared to their high-income peers.
“We want to focus on the quality of existing preschool programming while at the same time working to expand access to preschool services for our children from lower-income families,” Fischer said. “Addressing these issues requires the involvement of families, schools, private childcare providers, business and philanthropy, among others.”
 Please join us for our 2014 Meeting.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 at 5:30pm
WHERE: Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway
There will be updates from LIBA, Leadership Louisville and one more presentation of design concepts for the Dixie Corridor Improvements. The meeting should end around 6:30 and there will be pizza and networking at PRP Pizza on Greenwood Road from 6:30-8:00pm.
The agenda is as follows:
5:30 to 5:50: Updates on what the Dream Team has been focusing on and where we are going in 2014.
5:50 to 6:00: Leadership Louisville will talk about their mission and their plans to reach out to Southwest Louisville.
6:00 to 6:10: Jennifer Rubenstein from Louisville Independent Business Alliance will talk about their group and the partnership with the Dream Team.
6:10 ot 6:30: we can view the presentation for the Dixie Corridor Project and learn more about this $5 Million "Dixie Do-Over"
Please come, learn, and get involved.
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 Looking for a job this summer? Know someone who needs a summer job? High School or College kids needing Kentucky Kingdom has the opportunity for you!
Kentucky Kingdom is hosting a Job Fair this Saturday! The refurbished amusement park is looking for 1,000 seasonal workers for their re-opening on May 24th after being closed since 2009.
Job Fair Details:
WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane, near Gate 1 to the Kentucky Exposition Center, where the theme park is located.
WHEN: Saturday, January 4th, 2014 from 10am - 4pm
WAGES: $8.50 - $10 an hour
- Attendance at the job fair is not mandatory for hiring, but attendance is recommended.
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Applications can only be submitted online at the park website: www.kentuckykingdom.com.
- Candidates must be at least 16 years old. A few positions, including ride operators and security workers, are open only to those who are at least 18.
- It is not necessary for job fair attendees to bring resumes or other personal information to the event.
- Seasonal jobs are expected to be available through September, including during the Kentucky State Fair in August.
- Perks include uniforms, employee sports leagues and parties, tickets for family and friends, and free access to all park facilities when not working.
The job fair is intended to introduce potential employees to the park’s managers and to explain the types of jobs that are available. Park managers will meet individually with attendees to explain the positions.
Kentucky Kingdom is offering jobs in more than 20 departments, including guest services, health services, food services, catering, sanitation, ride operations, horticulture, merchandise sales, games, security and water safety.
 Drop-off sites will be to all available for Louisville residents to recycle their Christmas Trees.
WHEN: January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th from 9:00am - 4:00pm
WHERE: Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway
The Southwest Government Center will offer to instantly recycle trees in to mulch that will be offered back to citizens for home use.
Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. For every five trees recycled, approximately 35 pounds of mulch can be created and used to help new plant and tree growth. This mulch performs particularly well for acid-loving plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons.
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 The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.
Louisville Metro Animal Services is investigating a serious case of animal cruelty and is searching for the suspect(s):
Monday December 30th at the corner of Valley College Drive and Stonestreet Road LMAS officers, responding to a phone call, found a mutilated dog at a gas station.
The Dog: A medium, brown and black intact male German Shepard mix was deceased upon arrival. The dog suffered severe mutilation to its entire body. The dog has a distinctive black spot on the front of its left leg, just above its foot.
The Crime: LMAS believes the dog was dumped between 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 29th and 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 30th.
LMAS Senior Manager Margaret Brosko:
“Unfortunately, we deal with animal abuse tragedies on a daily basis. But this case is one of the more horrific our officers have faced. It is our responsibility to hold people accountable for these types of acts. We need the community’s help to bring them to justice and send a clear message that these actions will not be tolerated.”
“If you have seen a brown or black German Shepard type dog in your neighborhood that is no longer around, please call us. Someone knows who is responsible for this horrific incident.”
Please call Louisville Metro Animal Services at (502) 363-6609 if you have any information that may help solve this terrible crime.
 LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!!!!
The Center For Neighborhoods is now accepting registrations for the Neighborhood Institute 2014. Class size is limited. Enrollment is based on first come, first served.
The classes will run every Tuesday (January 28-April 15, 2014) from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. with dinner provided at New Directions Housing Corp, 1000 E Liberty Street.
Through comprehensive training, the participants are educated and instructed on a range of topics including...
- Getting Your Message Out
- Conflict Resolution
- Working With Public Officials
- Accessing Resources
- Organization Building
- Strategic Planning
- Code Enforcement
- Block Watch & Public Safety
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Planning, Zoning & Land Use Issues
The Neighborhood Institute Spring 2014 is open to all neighborhoods, Metro Council Districts and the whole community.
To register for the 12-week program, contact Lisa at 502.589.0343 or lisad@centerforneighborhoods.org
 The dog of the day is Shadow! Shadow is a black
Labrador retriever mix who loves to play ball. An old soul, he is very
laid back when it’s time to rest, but loves to play in the yard after he has
had his afternoon nap! Preferring to be the only dog, Shadow would be
very loyal to whichever lucky individual or family adopts him.
You can visit Shadow at the Louisville Metro Animal House
Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, or contact LMAS at (502) 473-PETS (7387)
for more information. Check out his friends:
louisvilleky.gov/animalservices
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 STUBS! Stubs is the cat of the day. He loves to hang out
with humans, cats and does pretty well with understanding dogs. When he is
excited to see you, his tail shakes, which is pretty cute because it’s only
about 1/3 there (hence the name). Stubs would be a great addition to any home
as he is a very balanced cat—playful and fun but also very sweet and easy
going.
You can visit him at the Animal House Adoption Center, 3516
Newburg Road, or contact LMAS at (502) 473-PETS (7387) for more
information.
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Keep track of the Crime in your area.
Check out the LMPD web application to keep up to date with the Crime reports and trends for your neighborhood.
Click HERE to get started.
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