Saturday, July 5, 2025

Russellville High - Only Team with a Player Awaiting Trial for Murder





We have not used the name of the 17 year-old Russellville student arrested for murder in Florence, but two news outlets have. We won't use it here either, but according to reliable sources the young man was barred from competing in track in the weeks after the crime.

Now he's being allowed to play his senior year on the football team, possibly in search of a state championship. We don't know the case Lauderdale County has against the extremely versatile athlete, and obviously this was the coach's decision no matter the young man's guilt or innocence.

Our take? It's as bad as ****** ******.




Friday, July 4, 2025

Independence Day 2025



 

We just read that John Adams favored July 2nd as our Independence Day. We know others favored other days. Yet today is officially the 249th anniversary of our freedom from England. 

We also read that more and more have lost hope in our country. That's extremely sad. Can't we give it one more try and see if we're not in a better place in 2026?




Jennifer Underwood Uncovers Info Discrediting Muscle Shoals City Government



 

For some time, in fact for the entire administration of Muscle Shoals mayor Mike Lockhart and the current council, we've heard rumblings of what might be called shenanigans at City Hall. Yet no one had ever produced these links for us...until now.

Jennifer Underwood is a candidate for Place 4 on the Muscle Shoals City Council. Below is a synopsis of her findings on some extremely suspect business dealings by the current administration:


Candidate Jennifer Underwood, running for Muscle Shoals City Council Place 4, has uncovered an incestuous relationship in two (2) of the biggest announcements of projects by the City of Muscle Shoals. On the 14th of August, 2024, Mayor Mike Lockhart entered into an agreement to lease property for a solar farm with Sixth Street Solar, LLC, which coincidentally is owned by Brad Williams. This is the same Brad Williams who is the part-time Engineer for the City of Muscle Shoals. What is controversial about this agreement is that the solar panels will be emptying at least nine additional feet of water into the basin on 6th Street in Muscle Shoals every year. The panels will not allow rain water to soak into the earth.

Underwood said it is just questionable engineering by the part-time City Engineer. They are creating a permanent lake on 6th Street which, during a copious rainfall, will flood 6th Street.

Underwood further stated the additional water is increasing the health hazards and mosquito problems for Beacon Point Subdivision. The 1,040 residents of this subdivision deserve better. Beacon Point citizens in the rear of the subdivision are already facing a swamp created by the City. They are receiving over eight million gallons of water every two months from the Nathan Estate pond. It seems sadly apparent the City's solution is to spray toxic mosquito chemical repellent into the subdivision when numerous children are out playing. The City does not want to try to find a way to get the contaminated water to the river, which is the best solution.

It has also been disclosed the City entered into a contract with Strategic Construction Solutions, LLC, owned by Rusty Carbine, Luke Alexander, and Brad Williams - the Muscle Shoals City part-time Engineer. They own this company and Muscle Shoals City will pay $1,170,000.00 over 39 months to oversee the City's $65.5 million dollar Sportsplex. 

Further, there is even more money for these three in the contract. They will receive at the end of the project all tax incentives and energy efficiency deductions the City receives, plus 5% from the City on any bills they pay.

The solar panel farm on 6th Street is also owned by Rusty Carbine, Luke Alexander, and Brad Williams - partners at Strategic Construction.

The $1.17 million payment the City gives Carbine and friends on the Sportsplex equals $30,000 per month, plus overtime payroll is extra. Underwood says this does not appear kosher, and she is going to get to the truth of how the City Engineer and his friends are doing this much business with the City. 

Remember: Every Muscle Shoals City Councilman and Councilwoman voted for these projects.




Thursday, July 3, 2025

Needed Immediately at Florence Animal Services

 



Due to the recent confiscation, there are over 150 dogs at the Florence-Lauderdale shelter. This was unexpected and staff and services are being pushed to their limits...once again thanks to the same individual breeder/hoarder.

This is what's needed Immediately:

* Dry dog food without dyes - if you're feeling generous, throw in some wet cat food

* New or used blankets of small to medium size

* Dog toys

* Fosters for the adoptable dogs

* Volunteers to do laundry and walk dogs



Please Share!


* The shelter is located at 3240 Roberson Road in Florence.

* From Seven-Points intersection, take Chisholm Road north.

* Roberson Road is on the right by the Lauderdale Health Department.

* The shelter is approximately .4 mile.




A Reader Expresses Her Unhappiness with Muscle Shoals





As Muscle Shoals, AL, nears the 2025 municipal election, I’m speaking as a newcomer to address a documented pattern of favoritism and exclusion that’s too often ignored. Who will step up to fix this and make our community truly inclusive?

My family relocated here for military work at Lockheed Martin, sacrificing closeness to loved ones. Like many new families, especially with children of different ages, we’ve struggled to integrate. We’ve had to prove ourselves repeatedly to join community activities, which is exhausting when you’re just learning local basics like restaurants or school programs. Information about these opportunities is often shared selectively, leaving newcomers feeling left out. A town welcome package and clear school activity guides would help bridge this gap.

We’ve seen favoritism firsthand—a pattern many locals quietly recognize. I have documented evidence of these issues, which I’m willing to share privately with leadership to avoid public conflict. I believe local leaders are unaware due to the demands of managing a growing town. When informed, they’ve handled matters professionally, allowing us to move forward together. Yet, these challenges persisted across multiple settings due to our children’s varied ages.

I want to praise McBride Elementary’s exceptional leadership and staff, who made us feel included from the start. I also give a shoutout to the coaches and leaders of my daughter’s recreational activities—their efforts transformed her life, and I’m deeply grateful. Muscle Shoals is growing, and I see the positive changes, but more work is needed.

I speak for those who feel unheard. Many newcomers share stories of exclusion, and I’ve felt their pain. People hesitate to approach leadership, perhaps fearing dismissal, but I believe leaders want to help. This pattern isn’t just a rumor—it’s documented and needs addressing. For example, interactions with figures like Heather Wright at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, whose attitude toward community members has felt dismissive, show a disconnect that doesn’t serve the people. We need leaders who listen and act, not dismiss concerns.

Who among the 2025 candidates—for mayor or city council—will take responsibility to end this cycle? We need leadership that fosters unity, making every family, especially newcomers, feel like part of Muscle Shoals’ family, regardless of differing views. I’m not here for drama but because I care about this town and its people. I’ve seen proof of these issues, and they’re real. Candidates, who will step up to ensure every voice is heard and our community thrives as one? 

*****

The above is from a reader. We can tell her it won't be Mike Lockhart or his second in command or most on the council to make newcomers feel accepted. They've got theirs and are looking for more. Sc**w you...





Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Your Rate Will Go Up, but You May Win a Gift Card

 



According to the latest from local utilities, TVA is increasing its rate in August to cover increased usage and decreased production of electricity. If you live in Florence, don't worry:




If you choose to use paperless billing, you may win a gift card! We haven't read all the fine print, but we're sure it will be a stupendous prize. 

Just think, if you're serviced by Sheffield, Tuscumbia, or Muscle Shoals, you're in a lose/lose situation. Oh, well, maybe your city will have a contest during the next cold snap.




29 More Dogs Rescued from Counce

 



Teresa Gay Counce, either in collaboration with a relative or due to addiction, is an animal hoarder. She previously had 82 dogs...yes, 82 dogs...seized from her Lauderdale property; now she's been caught with 29 more in a hot, ramshackle shed.




The dogs have gone to the Florence shelter. Fosters are needed. Food is needed. Prayers are needed. Better laws are needed.