Tuesday October 14, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
SubscribeCouncilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14) has been appointed 2016 Vice-Chair of the National League of Cities’ Large Cities Council. The Large Cities Council provides a networking forum for members to discuss a wide array of issues that specifically affect large metropolitan areas, including infrastructure, economic development, and social issues.
The appointment was announced by NLC President Melodee Colbert-Kean, Councilmember- Joplin, MO.
As Vice-Chair of the council, Councilwoman Fowler will play a key role in informing NLC’s policy positions and advocating on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the Administration, and at home.
“I look forward to the conversations with leaders from across the United States in developing policy that will positively impact our cities,” says Fowler. “Large population centers, like Louisville, have unique problems and discussing these issues in an open forum with different points of view is the first step in identifying solutions that can benefit us all.”
Councilwoman Fowler has also been reappointed to the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources committee, which takes the lead in developing policy and platforms regarding air quality, water quality, noise control, and waste management.
For more information on NLC’s other committees and councils, visit http://www.nlc.org/influence-
The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns, and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.
Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21) has been reappointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2016 Transportation Infrastructure & Services committee.
This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions on issues involving transportation, including planning, funding, safety and security of public transit, streets and highways, aviation, railroads and ports.
The appointment was announced by NLC President Melodee Colbert-Kean, councilmember, Joplin, Mo.
“For many of our cities across our country, especially here in Louisville, repair, and modernization of our nation’s infrastructure is a number one priority,” says Johnson. “As a member of this committee, I believe it is crucial that we keep Congress focused on our transportation needs. Investment in our infrastructure is an investment in our future and our economy.”
As a member of the committee, Councilman Johnson will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the Administration and at home.
He has served as a member of the committee since 2009 and his interests have included public transportation, bridges, Federal airport regulations, infrastructure building, and emphasizing local control in decision-making. On the Metro Council, Johnson has previously served as chair of the Public Works Committee and has been assigned to the committee six times during his tenure.
Councilman Johnson has long made infrastructure a priority in District 21 and looks forward to learning more about the latest trends in order to better serve his constituents. Councilman Johnson has also been an advocate for the possibility of a light rail system in Louisville and looks forward to working with his NLC colleagues to further explore the potential.
For more information on the NLC’s Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee, visit
The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns, and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.
President Tandy to join Seven Counties Services for Grand Opening of “The Louisville Drop”
President David Tandy (D-4) will officially join Seven Counties Services for the grand opening of the “The Louisville Drop” on Thursday, December 10th.
“The Louisville Drop” is part of the TAYLRD (Transition Age Youth Launching Realized Dreams) program that reaches out to young people ages 16 to 25. It features drop-in centers equipped with pool tables, video gaming, board games, books, and snacks.
They are supportive places, with a computer lab and laundry facilities to help with basic needs. The facility offers support services in one location.
The TAYLRD Program is part of a $5 million grant from the federal government. This is Seven Counties Services second location for a drop-in center.
The grand opening will get under way at 2:30pm. “The Louisville drop” is located at 1020 East Broadway.
Norfolk Southern in the process of finishing installation
Councilman Pat Mulvihill (D-10) today announced that railroad-crossing gates at a dangerous intersection in Buechel are set to be operational by Christmas.
“Norfolk Southern Railroad has indicated a tentative completion date of December 18, barring any unforeseen problems such as weather,” says Mulvihill.
The railroad crossing gates are being installed because of fatalities and injuries at Crawford Avenue and Buechel Avenue, which have occurred over the years. Norfolk Southern began installation in November after signing an agreement of understanding with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
“I want to thank Norfolk Southern for getting this work done before the end of the year,” says Mulvihill. “It’s a matter of life and death.”
It is critical that motorists abide by the new warning signals and gates. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. In fact, within the past week, a 15-year-old and 12 year-old in the Atlanta area were killed when the driver ignored the warning signals and attempted to go around the crossing gates.
“The warnings signals and crossing gates are designed to stop traffic from coming in contact with a moving train. It is as simple as that. I know there will be drivers, who despite these additional safety measures, will ignore them,” says Mulvihill. “Please, Stop, Think, and Be Safe.”
For more information, contact Councilman Mulvihill’s office at 574-1110.
Local Company Offers Auto Repair In Exchange For New Winter Coats Through December
Councilman Tom Owen (D-8) is praising the effort of one local business to help keep children in need warm through the coming winter. AcuDENT’s “Dents for Kids” program is underway to assist young people at Boys & Girls Haven by trading automotive dent repairs for winter coats.
Every Friday in December, AcuDENT Paintless Dent Repair will offer up to one, 3-inch dent repair, normally a $159 value, for free. In return, the customer must provide an M-XL adult sized winter coat that equals $50 or greater that will be donated to Boys & Girls Haven.
“I believe this is an innovative way to help Boys & Girls Haven and at the same time shows community involvement by a local business during the holiday season,” says Owen. “Anytime we can help those in need, it helps all of us enjoy the spirit of this time of year.”
The company has worked with Boys and Girls Haven in the past, and realized the specific need for coats for the boys and girls in this organization.
“AcuDENT is always looking for ways to give back to the community,” says owner Gavin Reherman. “This seemed liked the opportunity with the largest impact. Many of these children go through the winter without any type of protection from the cold.”
Since 2004, AcuDENT has served clients from its retail shop, newly located at 1647 Norris Place, and from several reputable car dealerships and body shops in the area. To participate in the program, please call AcuDENT-Paintless Dent Repair to make an appointment at (502) 648-2693.
Boys & Girls Haven began in 1950 and currently serves over 800 children each year from across the state of Kentucky through a variety of programs. The kids they serve have come to Boys & Girls Haven to heal from abuse and neglect. Boys & Girls Haven gives these kids a sense of belonging and a home. They receive the therapy they need to recover in a warm and caring environment.
Christmas Baskets to be delivered on Saturday, December 19th
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge will join members of the Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron (Undergraduate Members at the University of Louisville) Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Louisville Kappa League for a very special task on Saturday, December 19th.
Their holiday mission is to deliver Christmas Meal Baskets to needy families throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“The holiday season is a time of giving from those of us who can help to those in need. There are many families in our community who would not have a good holiday if it were not for the generosity of others,” says Woolridge. “Kappa Alpha Psi is a dedicated organization of caring individuals in our city who understand this need and I am honored to work with them.”
Kappa Alpha Psi began this annual initiative after deciding those in need should not go without food on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Joining Councilwoman Woolridge and the Fraternity in this effort are First Choice Food Market, which is located in District 3, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, and the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS).
“We are thankful for Councilwoman Woolridge – for all the support that she gives to Kappa and the compassion that she shows to the residents of our city,” says Noah L. Lucas, President of the Louisville (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. “Compassion, community service, and giving are all ingredients to a healthy and blessed holiday spirit. Our fraternity has a rich tradition of community service, especially at this time of year. The Councilwoman continues her tradition of being a supporting partner year after year. We are delighted to continue this collaboration with the Councilwoman, First Choice Food Market, Big Brother Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, and the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS).”
Kappa Alpha Psi has already identified the families in need and on Saturday, will deliver Christmas baskets with food to cook a full course meal that will feed at least four people. Since 1984, over 1,150 baskets have been delivered during the holidays. This equates to over 39,500 pounds of food.
“Kappa Alpha Psi provides a great benefit to the community and they are also using this program as a teaching moment. I commend the members for showing younger members the positive benefits of community service,” says Woolridge. “While this is a special time of year, we must always remember those who are less fortunate who need a helping hand.”
The Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi will purchase food items to create the boxes to be packaged and delivered from First Choice Food Market. Each box will represent one of the 10 founders of the 104 year old fraternity. Kappa will also deliver baskets to widows of the fraternity’s members who have passed away. Members of Kappa Alpha Psi’s youth mentoring program – Louisville Kappa League will also play a big role in preparation and delivery of the baskets.
“Achievement is one of the mottos that we live by and build upon, and that’s what we are doing with the young men that we mentor – we are training them to achieve in all human endeavors – with compassion and selflessness at the forefront. We are training them to achieve common goals as a team and cohesive unit, or what we like to call – as a family. We instill in them that, achievement through community service and giving back is at the core of a true leader,” says Noah L. Lucas.
Here is the schedule for the Kappa Christmas Meal Giveaway on Saturday, December 19, 2015:
9:00 AM Meet at First Choice Food Market for set up
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Delivery of Baskets to Families
Law enforcement, firefighters, lawmakers, service men, and women along with veterans invited to help
Louisville – On December 5th, Councilman David Yates (D-25) and Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) will join a special group of people who will bring holiday cheer to local children in need when they participate in the Eighth Annual “Shop with a Hero” Program hosted by the Valley View Church.
Both Council members invite anyone who is in the field of public safety or the military to come and help this Saturday.
“I am honored to join police officers, firefighters, judges, doctors, nurses, sheriff’s deputies, military personnel, veterans, and others to help children during the holiday season. I implore all public safety officials to volunteer an hour this Saturday to help make a child’s holiday season a little brighter,” says Yates.
This year “Shop with a Hero” will again take place at the Kohl’s Store on Preston Highway, 11811 Standiford Plaza Drive from 9:00am to12:00pm.
“Welcome heroes and shoppers to the Kohl’s in District 13 once again this year. It is my pleasure to partner with Valley View Church and thank them for this annual event to assist those families in need at Christmas time. It always melts my heart to hear the appreciation from kids & parents when they receive their gift cards and are able to shop together as a family,” says Welch.
“Shop with a Hero” was created by Valley View Church as a way to give needy children an opportunity to feel the joy of shopping for Christmas gifts – to give and receive. With the donations raised for this program, children are able to buy presents for their siblings, parents, or themselves.
The Heroes in this program help children make their shopping selections. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Councilman David Yates’ office by phone at 574-1125 or by email atDavid.Yates@louisvilleky.gov.
