Saturday, July 5, 2025
Russellville High - Only Team with a Player Awaiting Trial for Murder
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.
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.
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?
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:
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.