Just Another Day in Cherokee

Just Another Day in Cherokee

A Guest Commentary By

C. R.

Tuesday morning City Clerk Melinda Malone got caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Malone clocked in at city hall at 8:00 a.m. Four different people saw and reported that Malone was at a volleyball game between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The game was at Cherokee High School. The concerned citizens started to call city hall to see if anyone was there and no one answered the phone. The citizens started to call members of the city council and the mayor.

When the mayor and councilwomen Thelma Lambert arrived at city hall, Malone’s time card showed she checked in at 8:00 a.m. and never clocked back out. Later on in the day, Councilwomen Thelma Lambert asked Malone why she was clocked in at work when she was not there for three hours. Malone started to raise her voice, and an augment broke out. Malone’s voice was raised so loud that the Assistant Chief of Police came out of his office to see what was going on. The next council meeting is Tuesday--we will have to see what will happen. Remember Malone’s husband is on the council.

-()-

Mayor Lansdell has hired a new part time clerk or assistant. The new part time clerk Marsha Allen was the clerk when Mignon Willis became mayor. Willis removed the clerk and police chief and hired Melinda Malone as the new clerk. Later, Willis promoted Steve Glover to police chief. When Mignon Willis was Mayor she hired a part time clerk without council approval. This is okay by Alabama law. Willis hired the mother-in-law of councilman Steve Glover. The mother-in-law has hurt herself at city hall and can no longer perform her part time duties. Mayor Lansdell moved to fill the vacancy because Malone has been taking off a lot and leaving the town with out anyone being in the city hall.

-()-

Former Mayor Mignon Willis and current City water board member believes she is above the law. Per federal law all persons responsible for gas department operations must summit to drug testing. Willis has refused to summit to the testing.

In other Mignon Willis news, she has appealed the verdict of the court case in Lee County, Mississippi. Willis was ordered to pay over $185,000. back to her former employer.

There are a lot of court papers from Florida circulating around Cherokee. In one case Mignon Willis was ordered to pay over $16,000. to the plaintiff. The suit was in relation to Willis failing to return property of the plaintiff. Court papers also show Willis failed to receive an occupational license for her accounting business in Florida. More court papers show Willis failed to pay her accounting business taxes on time for several years.

*****

It's been a violent week--hold someone you love...




Shoalanda

The Prisoner's New Clothes

Look closely at the photo of Michael W. Houston and you'll note that he's shirtless. Colbert County authorities arrested Houston for public nudity and apparently failed to provide him with a top for his booking photo. Let's hope deputies at least gave the 52 year-old married Cherokee resident a pair of pants.

*****

Sources tell us that Douglas "Slugo" Craig's beating victim was the sister of Mark Anthony Hurley, aka the Reedtown Rapist. Had Craig survived his knife wounds, we feel sure he would have fared much worse at the hands Hurley.

*****

Do you have a weight problem? Okay, that wasn't the best way to phrase the question; let's just say would you like to lose some weight? Sixty percent of Alabamians are overweight, and that may be a conservative estimate. So...what do we do about it?

Buckle down? Take the bull by the horns? Any other cliche' you can think of? Obviously, it's easy to talk the talk, but walking the walk? One local woman has decided to walk the walk and watch the scales. In fact, she's so determined to lose weight, she's started her own blog so that we can follow her progress in achieving that goal.

Flab Wars is a humorous read, but it also offers those of us who need to slim down the encouragement we may be lacking. I haven't met Elisa yet, but I feel that I know a great deal about her already. She's witty and writes well--two pluses right there.

So don't be shy; click on the link, read Elisa's thoughts as she embarks on the journey of a lifetime, and (if you so desire) leave her your comments. We sense a thin star in the making...


Shoalanda

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

A Guest Commentary By

J. J. Ray

The response by the person to your article about the black man that was beating his ex girl friend’s roommate was not racist. Truth is domestic violence is not racist. It does have gender. Most violence is directed against women because they are the most vulnerable. Today we are seeing women revolt and finally take up for themselves. The victims are becoming the victors. It is past time.

Ask any police officer about domestic abuse and they will tell you horror stories. The numbers are shocking and reaching epidemic proportions. Here are some facts:

One in four women (25%) has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.
(The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The National Institute of Justice, Extent, Nature, and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence, July 2000. The Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman’s Lifespan: 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, 1999)

Estimates range from 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend to 3 million women who are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend per year. (U.S. Department of Justice, Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends, March 1998. The Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman’s Lifespan: 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, 1999)

Women accounted for 85% of the victims of intimate partner violence, men for approximately 15%. (Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief, Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001, February 2003)

Between 600,000 and 6 million women are victims of domestic violence each year, and between 100,000 and 6 million men, depending on the type of survey used to obtain the data. Women ages 20-24 are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.

Women of all races are about equally vulnerable to violence by an intimate partner.
(Bureau of Justice Statistics, Violence Against Women: Estimates from the Redesigned Survey, August 1995)

The health-related costs of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year. Of that amount, nearly $4.1 billion are for direct medical and mental health care services, and nearly $1.8 billion are for the indirect costs of lost productivity or wages.
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States, April 2003)

Gender trends: Women make up 3/4 of the victims of homicide by an intimate partner. Actually, 33% of all women murdered (of course, only cases which are solved are included) are murdered by an intimate partner. Women make up about 85% of the victims of non-lethal domestic violence. In all, women are victims of intimate partner violence at a rate about five times that of males.

Racial and Ethnic trends: Black women and men suffer from the highest rates of domestic violence. "Black females experienced domestic violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white females, and about 22 times the rate of women of other races. Black males experienced domestic violence at a rate about 62% higher than that of white males and about 22 times the rate of men of other races."

As one can see from the statistics, race does make a difference but that is not racism. It is our responsibility as a nation to stop the senseless waste of our women and men regardless of race. Think about it this way, one woman out of four who reads this article has been a victim or will be. That is not racist. That is tragic.

*****

The Chief of Police of Killen is a real gunslinger. No, that wasn't an insult. It seems that Mark Parker is a crack shot and president of the North Alabama Regulators where he goes by the moniker of Lawman Mark.

You can read about the Lawman at this link.

*****

Russville? Well, if we can have Shurfill, we can certainly have Russville. We think you'll love this blog.

Shoalanda

Sympathy for Rapists/Abusers/Child Molesters?

It always astounds us that anyone has sympathy for men who commit crimes against women and others who are weaker than they, sometimes even children. Yesterday we published a communication from an individual who defended Douglas "Slugo" Craig, the man recently stabbed to death while beating a woman whose apartment he broke into.

We will not identify the sender of that e-mail, but say that she is a woman and has sent a second communication in which she stated: Go find some other...innocent to write about. Yes, apparently Craig with a a rap sheet as long the Alabama State Constitution was innocent to this woman.

This is not a unique case; whenever a woman/teenager/child is raped or beaten or just abused emotionally, there are always those who take to the local forums and proclaim the guilt of the victims. After all, they were asking for it, they weren't virgins, they're lying, ad nauseum. Certainly some who press charges lie--most don't, and we feel we can safely rule out as liars those victims who lost their lives to their attackers.

Yet we have those who defend these men and even go as far as to initiate Facebook pages in their honor, telling bits and pieces of their stories and requesting "fans." No, we don't expect the families of such men to condemn them; we do expect disinterested parties to recognize their guilt. Unfortunately, in today's world many choose to laud the perpetrator instead--a sad commentary on the human race.

*****

The subject of race arose after our blog on Slugo Craig. We've been publishing now for approximately 20 months and have written many columns on those who physically and emotionally abuse women. Let's see how they break out by race.

Andrew Daniel (Hottie Scottie) Scott - white
Charles Sennett - white
David Saccocci - white
Delmer Duboise - white
Derek (The Rogue) Logue - white
Greg Brewer - white
James Roy Sibley - white
Jason Bart Naylor - white
Jason Lyn Gasque - white
Keith McGuire - white
Kenneth Dyar Wood - white
Lawayne Harrison - white
Mark Anthony Hurley (The Reedtown Rapist) - black
Randall Scott Shook - white
Russell Hough - white
Shaun Shapley - white
Slugo Craig - black
Tommy Arthur - white
Valentino Vasquez Miranda - Hispanic Indian
Zachary W. Mullins - white

Interesting, out of 21 miscreants, only three were non-white. Yes, we can see how that's extremely racist...


Shoalanda

Shoalanda: Slightly Racist?

While we're sure that Shoalanda, both in real life and in her blogger persona, has been called many things, racist has never been one of them--until now. After our blog on Douglas "Slugo" Craig two days ago, we received the following communication:

Your very coldhearted story on Douglas Craig is greatly unappreciated!!!In comes off slightly racist!!!the nerve of some people...i am certain you're white n obviously ignorant also!!!No matter the circumstance this man had children and was someone's child!!!Thanks so much for your thought and consideration for his grieving family and fyi she killed him but i'm sure she misses him jus tha same!!!Black white r watever!!!Pain has no color n it pains me 2 think that simple minded people like you choose not to open your minds to change!!!Which is so evident in your decision to jump on this tragic situation DAY OF and play the color card...pathetic cause like it or not the white suspect chose douglas craig!!!And i pray the day that we as the human race honor the senseless killing of another with a medal NEVA COMES!!!N u would call yourself a christian hmm i'd say u need 2 fall on your knees in search your heart!!!God is love miss and your story drips with hate!!!!God bless you!!!I am not angry just thought i'd return my raw ,uncensored opinion with you!!!One thing we will all do-is stand before Christ in account of our actions on judgement day!!!I pray u b ready!!!

Let's analyze what this anonymous reader has to say...

1. I'm white - guilty as charged
2. I'm simple and ignorant - I've probably been called worse
3. Craig's white girlfriend chose him - First, we didn't know she was white; second, she may have chosen him once, but after he beat her up last June and attempted to steal her car, we're pretty sure she un-chose him; third, men don't usually have to break in to their girlfriend's apartments if they're "chosen."
4. Senseless killing - Craig was beating her roommate to a pulp, so how was it "senseless?"
5. Our account drips with hate - No one here hates anyone. I do personally hate the actions of those who choose violence--especially against those who are weaker.
6. I played the color card - Yes, we mentioned that Craig was black. In a county where whites and Hispanic Indians dominate the population and almost all blacks live in the segregated Reedtown; this was deemed pertinent and was included in the information given us by our contact on the Russellville police force.

Still think we're racist here at Shoalanda? Tomorrow, let's review our blogs on men who have emotionally and physically abused women, classifying them by race--it should be interesting.


Shoalanda

Justin (the Wrong) Cummings...Again

Justin Earl Wayne Cummings, aka Bo, has been in trouble all his adult life. Since the age of 22, Cummings has averaged at least one burglary arrest each year. Now he's charged with instigating his second standoff with Russellville police.

Cummings' first standoff began around 5:00 a.m. on August 15, 2007; it ended when authorities decided to rush Fred's Discount Store ten hours later, only to find Cummings lying in the middle of the store, his body covered in morphine patches. That little bit of theatrics sent Cummings to the Intensive Care Unit of Russellville Hospital for several days, but apparently didn't deter his life of crime.

Later the same year, Cummings was charged along with two other men in connection with break-ins at Hibbett Sporting Goods and Fred's Discount Store. Yes, he actually went back to Fred's a second time--guess there is something to be said for repeat business.

Now after several arrests in the interim, Cummings is charged with threatening to take not only his own life, but that of any police officers who tried to interfere. The 27 year-old lives with his parents Justin W., 53, and Regina Ann, 49; let's hope Mr. and Mrs. Cummings get their son some help this time.

*****

This is the second high profile crime in Russellville in as many days. Perhaps there's something in the water, but we're sure Roger Bedford can throw some tax dollars at it.

As for any updates on the stabbing death of Douglas "Slugo" Craig, the Russellville authorities have been strangely quiet. Perhaps they're having to tend to Slugo's stash of chickens as they investigate.


Shoalanda

"Slugo" Craig Won't Be Slugging Anyone Else

Douglas Laverne Craig was universally called "Slugo." The 42 year-old Russellville man won't be slugging anyone else; this particular infamous felon has been brought down by one the many women he abused over the years.

Just last year, Craig was arrested for a carjacking/kidnapping involving his then girlfriend. Despite the numerous charges precipitated by that crime, Craig was soon free to walk the streets of Russellville where, with his reed-thin frame and striking goatee, the black man projected a memorable presence. Not given to work, Craig was often seen with with items he attempted to sell for quick cash, including live chickens he had appropriated from the poultry plant where his father Douglas Craig Sr. worked. Like his son, the elder Craig is also well known to Franklin County authorities for various crimes, usually involving harassment.

Sources say that after breaking into the apartment of a sometime girlfriend last night, Slugo Craig was stabbed as many as 13 times, with at least one wound severing his spine. Russellville police have not as yet charged either Craig's erstwhile girlfriend or her roommate. We're sure many in Russellville will wish to give both women a medal.


What's up with this: Sheffield's population is shrinking? Well, it's hardly news, but what of the River Walk/Golf Course project?

Shoalanda

Case & Logan Don't Know?

Those who have been following the ongoing alcohol fueled antics of Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan are aware that the long-time officer has asked for a trial in Lauderdale County Circuit Court to determine guilt or innocence in his DUI arrest. Unfortunately, the Chief and his defense attorney Tim Case don't seem to know as much as the lay people keeping tabs on the situation. Quoted in Today's TimesDaily, Case offered these words in Judge Gil Self's courtroom:

Defense attorney Tim Case declined to enter a plea for Logan during an arraignment hearing Tuesday, arguing the charges against the police chief are vague. “We don’t know what we are charged with at this time,” Case said.

Sad, isn't it, when a veteran law enforcement officer and a juris doctor can't fathom simple DUI charges. Perhaps Case's strategy may get Logan off, but this prolonged theatre of the absurd isn't garnering any respect for Tony Logan. If Logan should win his case, just imagine the resulting chaos in Florence Municipal Court for all future DUI trials.

*****

Sources tell us that Randall Scott Shook was a second cousin to Kenny Strickland, convicted murderer of Rusty Earnest. According to other sources, Shook had approximately 15 felony convictions, as well as an extensive juvenile record. He was also awaiting trial for a recent assault conviction.

We suspect, like Tony Logan, Scott Shook had a serious problem with alcohol. While we have heard rumors that responsible drinkers are out there, they don't seem to live in the Shoals.

*****

Apparently, the e-mail sent to Colbert County Bar Association members concerning Tim Milam's move back to Mississippi was all in fun. Milam has a new Facebook page where he touts his expertise. A reader tells us one post on DUI defense was hastily removed.

See the last statement in the Scott Shook update...

Shoalanda

Did He or Didn't He?

According to Snopes, the validity of this account is undetermined. Pershing was a tactical genius; it sounds quite reasonable to us.


Thought for the day: Apparently Gen. Pershing discovered the political advantages of pork 40 years before Roger Bedford was born.

Shoalanda

All Shook Up?

On June 20, 2010, Chasity Shook, 22, shot and killed her husband Randall Scott Shook, a man with a lengthy assault record. Scott, the son of Gregory Scott and Blanche Annette Shook of Killen, also had a history of domestic violence.The shooting occurred after a night of drinking in celebration of Scott's 27th birthday.

What, besides alcohol, brought this marriage to such a violent end? According to family sources, Scott had recently told Chasity he was again to become a father--with a single woman he knew from work. After weeks of arguing, Chasity had decided to forgive her roving man and planned a romantic outing for his birthday.

However, once at the bar, the evening began to prove a little too romantic, when Scott ran into still another girlfriend. Already inebriated, Scott made no attempt to hide his interest in this old flame, and Chasity demanded the evening be cut short.

Once home, Scott berated his young wife for spoiling his birthday celebration, picked up a rifle, and walked towards her. Unfortunately for Scott, the alcohol had taken a toll on his balance, and he tripped, dropping the gun in the process. Chasity retrieved the weapon and pointed it at her wayward husband, who then lunged. Firing once, Chasity struck Scott in the torso--a wound that would prove fatal.

Now, Chasity Shook is charged with manslaughter, and her children are without a father. Judging from Randall Scott Shook's track record, they may be better off.


For the one reader who asked, yes, we're supporting England in the World Cup. Does that make us unpatriotic? No, that just means it doesn't matter since few in the Shoals know a WAG from a wag.

Shoalanda

For All Our Daddies Who Loved Jimmie Rodgers

Happy Father's Day!

A Tale of Two Accessories to Murder

In 2005, Joe Jones stood outside a store and watched for customers as a second man robbed, shot, and killed the clerk. Jones then took the gun used in the crime to the home he shared with his mother and hid it in his bedroom. Joe Jones admitted these facts under questioning of both the police and, at his trial, the Lauderdale County District Attorney.

In 1998, John Smith drove to a business on the request of his brother. Smith claimed he waited in his truck as his younger sibling entered to ask for money supposedly owned him. When his brother exited the building, he was carrying a broken knife and soaked with blood stains. Smith, under the influence of alcohol, then drove his brother to a bar where they both spent the money the younger brother had stolen from the man he killed. Forensics could not disprove Smith's story during his trial, an account that the man still adamantly claims is true.

Which man was charged with and indicted for Felony Murder and which for Capital Murder?

Before you answer that question, let us state that no one here thinks any of the four young men involved in these two murders is an angel. We also think it's a strong possibility that John Smith was and is lying when he stated he did not enter the business where his brother admitted killing the proprietor; however, since there was no evidence connecting him to the actual killing, we cannot be sure of his guilt. We cannot in good conscience unequivocally link him to the murder as some members of the victim's family have.

The above accounts are cited to prove that justice isn't equal for everyone. Over six years separated these Lauderdale County murders, as well as the election of a new District Attorney. Steve Graham asked for and received an indictment of Capital Murder for John Smith, who is in reality Eric Boyd. A jury convicted Boyd of the lesser charge of Felony Murder, allowing him to be paroled at some point. Chris Connolly stated it could not be proved that Joe Jones had murderous intent; a jury did convict Jones, who is in reality Duwon Jones, of Felony Murder, allowing an admitted participant in the murder to be eligible for parole.

Now Duwon Jones' partner in crime has been afforded a new trial. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has stated errors on the part of both Chris Connolly and Judge Mike Jones in referencing David Riley's juvenile record.

No, justice is never equal. Neither Duwon Jones nor David Riley deserves to see the free world again.

*****

Sources report that David Saccocci, the Littleville police officer arrested Saturday after an 11 hour standoff is a Rhode Island native and a 1997 graduate of Burrillville High School. He, along with his wife, and young daughter have been Colbert County residents for a short period of time.

The source further states that Saccocci has been charged with making terrorist threats due to statements made in the presence of his estranged wife's family. He also threatened to kill himself before being overcome with tear gas and taken to a local hospital.

The area needs more police officers--just not ones like David Saccocci. Not only will Littleville remember this incident for years to come, unfortunately so will his daughter.


Shoalanda

Tim Milam Leaving Colbert County?

We were forwarded the following e-mail from a reader in Colbert County. We assume the original recipients were members of the Colbert County Bar Association.

"After coming in 4th place, I hear Tim Milam is selling his law practice and moving to Mississippi. He's already resigned as a deacon at his church. So, I thought as bar members, we could all work together to help him pack up and move. If anyone can help pack or has a truck/trailer he can borrow, we need to get together and get him packing. If you know of anyone who might be interested in helping him move or buying his practice, you might wanna forward them this email."

*****

For those who have have asked for a blog showcasing Kyle Brown, Republican candidate for Colbert District Judge, we will not be focusing on any candidates in the November general election until after the July 13th runoff.

*****

E-Mails: If you wish to contact us, please do so via our Google e-mail address, rather than through our Facebook page. Thanks,


Shoalanda

Let's All Thank the Mexican Consulate

Two shocking reports came out of a Knoxville court room yesterday. One--there was an accomplice in the brutal rape and murder of Jennifer Lee Hampton. The good news is that Valentino Vasquez Miranda has promised to identify the second male involved in the homecoming queen's murder.

Two--according to the Mexican Consulate, since there are no birth certificates issued in Mexico, there's a possibility that Miranda was not 19 at the time of the slaying. He could have been as young as 17, too young to execute under Federal and Tennessee laws.

The plea bargain calls for this grease ball, uh, Miranda to be repatriated to Mexico if he should ever be paroled. Let's just hope he never makes parole. Whether he's 70 or 72 in 51 years, that's years of life and freedom that Jennifer Lee Hampton will never enjoy.




What's up with this: No birth certificates issued in Mexico? So that's why all of them think this is their home...

Shoalanda

Jennifer Hampton Deserves More from the State of Tennessee

Charles Dick put a glass of whiskey to his lips, set it on the bar of the Ponderosa Night Club just north of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and looked at the man to his right, "I think we should take this outside." As Dick and the second man moved toward the door, both checked their pockets for knives.

Once in the parking lot, the two long-time alcoholics began first to push each other; then the pushes turned to punches. Dick was not a violent drunk, but the first blow to his face angered him. He reached for this knife just as the second middle-aged man reached for his. Both stepped back and began to swing. Dick's knife reached its target first, cutting an artery in the man he had once called a drinking buddy.

The State of Tennessee charged Charles Dick with First Degree Murder. The married father of two teen-aged girls hadn't held a steady job in years, and he certainly didn't have funds to secure a defense attorney. Dick's family was surprised when told the State would ask for the death sentence.

The fact that Dick's victim was an alcoholic with a long criminal history came into play, and Tennessee allowed him to plead to a lesser charge. He's currently serving his sentence in a Tennessee prison.

We ask you, if a such a man as Charles Dick can be charged with First Degree Murder and face the death penalty, why can not the State of Tennessee go forward with such charges against Valentino Vasquez Miranda (pictured), an illegal immigrant who brutally raped and murdered a productive citizen?

Jennifer Hampton deserves more from everyone.


Read Jennifer's story here: link

Shoalanda

FAA Out to Get Darby Aviation?

Darby Aviation, a company offering charter flights around the US, has gone on record as saying the FAA is out to get them. After twice revoking their license in the past five years, the FAA is certainly no ally of the Colbert County business, but would an arm of the Federal Government really have it in for Darby, dba Alpha Jet?

After Darby Aviation first lost its license in 2005 due to actions of its agent Platinum Aviation, the Muscle Shoals business underwent inspections by the NTSB, OSIP, and NASIP in order to have its legal standing restored. At that time, governing bodies found the Birmingham Field Office of the FAA was equally culpable in the fraud that resulted in Platinum Aviation officials serving sentences in Federal prison.

According to Darby's attorney Deanna Weidner, this finding resulted in a reprimand for the Birmingham Flight Service District Office. Weidner, of the Birmingham legal firm of Anderson & Weidner, has stated the field office initiated the current license revocation in retaliation. The FAA's Birmingham office has documented its April 8 decision with a laundry list of charges against Darby, including positing that neither Darby's chief pilot nor Director of Operations was qualified to hold such positions.

The charges and counter charges are still working their way through the system, but in the mean time Darby Aviation if obviously suffering. The Hiller Group, the major supplier of aviation fuels in the western United States, has sued Darby for almost 39K in unpaid services.

For Darby Aviation's complete response to the FAA charges, you may visit their site. Interestingly, the site seems to have been erected in response to this current crisis. One wonders if, like Southern Sash, this Darby company is about to become obsolete.

*****

We haven't reported on Leighton and its ongoing problems with Mayor LaWayne Harrison in some time. According to one source, Harrison recently ejected a reporter from a town council meeting. We'll be having an update shortly.

*****

US 43 work on schedule? According to Alabama Department of Transportation officials, the second leg of widening this major artery in Lauderdale County will begin in 2014. The original plan was to have work completed in Alabama at the same time the project was finished in Tennessee--that would have been approximately three years ago. Ah, well, schedules change with the administration in Alabama.


Shoalanda

More, More, More (Sans Rebel Yell)

More on Charles Sennett: Since our Friday blog, we've received several communications regarding the killer/minister. One source, that we were unable to verify, stated that Sennett's first wife was alive in Florida--hence, no investigation into her supposed death. Several sources have mentioned that Sennett had lived in the Tampa area, so we find this report plausible.

An impeccable source has told us that Sennett was for many years on lithium, having abruptly discontinued the medication three months before his wife's murder. We stated earlier that we believed the preacher to have been a sociopath; however, bi-polar disorder would also explain the excessive spending, huge sexual appetites, and violent mood swings.

One source believes the alleged suicide note may still be locked away in records located in the Colbert County District Attorney's office. If so, perhaps some decades from now a remodeling project will bring the questionable document to light.

*****

More on James Roy Sibley: According to a former co-worker of Sibley, the pipe fitter known to his friends as Jimmy was indeed a Viet Nam veteran, and one of seemingly normal intelligence. Known as a "Tunnel Rat," Sibley crawled through man-made excavations in search of Viet Kong soldiers. Certainly something went very wrong with Sibley; while we appreciate his service to our country, we feel that his persistent pedophilia can't be explained away with the words "post-traumatic stress disorder."

Our source further tells us that Sibley was married and had children at one time. While working at Brown's Ferry, he was reprimanded for his incessant preaching and distribution of religious pamphlets, on which he often spent his entire income. It's not unusual for some pedophiles to present a veneer of religiosity to the public, while secretly abusing those who are too young or incapacitated to defend themselves.

Our main concern has to be with his victims. We hope any who have not come forward already will do so now. James Roy Sibley is a menace to the society he once defended and needs to be placed where he will never hurt another child.

*****

More on Ron Sparks: A member of our blogging group felt we were too hard on Ron Sparks. Maybe yes, maybe no. No matter, we do want to say something positive about Ron Sparks. Hmmm, about as close as we can come would be accolades for Ron (Mael of the group) Sparks. Here for your listening enjoyment are Ron and Russell Mael, aka Sparks:






Shoalanda

Let's Eat in North Florence...

Here's hoping Trader won't mind if we step on his toes, but we want to introduce our readers to two new enterprises in North Florence, as well as remind them of two older ones. Those of you who frequently traverse Chisholm Road just north of the Seven Points intersection have seen the recent construction at the corner of Chisholm and North Pine Street (formerly Cleveland Avenue).

We're delighted that Frostbite Frozen Treats is now open, and Montagu's will be open within the next ten days. Frostbite specializes in yogurt and will be rotating a large range of flavors and toppings each day. Everyone who has visited so far has had only rave reviews for this new North Florence destination, but one word of warning: The yogurt is strictly gourmet, so expect to pay a little more than you would for the Dannon's at Hometown Market. Once you taste it, we're sure you won't want anything else.

Directly to the west of Frostbite is Montagu's Sandwich Shop. Both shops have the same owners and are connected by a large patio. Since Montagu's hasn't yet opened, we can't offer a review, but if the sandwiches are half as good as their yogurt, you can't go wrong.

Should you not be in the mood for a sub sandwich, that old standby Southern Barbecue is immediately across the street. We've always found Southern's french fries to be the best in the Shoals area, and their chicken fingers hold their own with any served at larger and more formal restaurants.

Another old favorite that's still alive and kicking is the Chat'N'Chew Drive-In just a few miles north on Cloverdale Road in Petersville. They moved into a new location a few years ago, but they still serve the same delicious staples. Our favorite? That would be hard to say, but their sign says 30 varieties of milk shakes. We can't think of anywhere else in the Shoals that offers such a large variety. It's definitely worth the drive.

*****

While we're on the subject of food, Trader Evaluates just published a review of MUG.com in Muscle Shoals. If you've never dropped in to meet Jim and Cindy, we think you'll put it on your list after reading Trader's review.

*****

If you've visited OB's Corner, you know that the Donut Shoppe is one of his favorites. Their new location in the old Wendy's building on Florence Boulevard has been open for several weeks now, but so far we've managed to muster up the will power to drive by without stopping. That is until now; we understand besides donuts, the store sells terrific Monkey Bread. If you're like us, you've never gotten over the loss of Culpepper's Bakery, so the mention of this old favorite should be all it takes to reel in half the Shoals.


Shoalanda

James Roy Sibley: Mentally Incapacitated?

James Roy Sibley was 50 years old when he lured three boys to a secluded location in Lauderdale County and sexually abused the five, six, and nine year-olds. After a 1996 conviction for his crimes, Sibley spent four years in prison, being released in January of 2000. Ten years later, the now 65 year-old Sibley has been arrested again. Florence Police have charged Sibley with non-compliance of the sex-offender laws and the enticement of three boys aged eight, ten, and twelve.

Sibley's registered address was a cheap motel in Sheffield, sometimes referred to as Sexual Predator Central. When arrested in May, Sibley was squatting in the back of a Weeden Heights business on Huntsville Road--both without the knowledge or permission of the business owner. Sources report to us that Sibley was illegally gaining entrance to Nichols Heating and Air Conditioning, located near Weeden Elementary School.

A second source reports that Sibley is a Viet Nam veteran who receives monthly VA benefits, but who has the cognitive and emotional age of a five year-old. We have to ask how such a person ever served in the United States military to start with. If this is indeed Sibley's current mental condition, he should be placed in a suitable Veteran's Administration facility for the remainder of his life.

Whether a veteran or not, James Roy Sibley is a threat to our children. Yes, we have to ask where were the parents of these three boys, but we cannot logically or legally control the upbringing of these children. We can as tax payers, and should, control what happens to Sibley.

*****

Update on Jason Bart Naylor: Yesterday we identified Elizabeth T. Naylor as Jason Naylor's mother. She is actually the stepmother of the accused rapist; Naylor's mother has been identified as Billie Jo Livingston of Moulton, from whom he has been estranged since September 2005.

Naylor lived with his father and stepmother from the age of 11 until he was 18. According to family sources, both father and stepmother attempted to instill proper values in Jason and are appalled at his current actions, in no way supporting him at this time.

Naylor has a long arrest record in both Moulton and Lawrence County, with more charges coming in his latest arrest. According to a reliable source, rather than four initial charges of rape, there were actually six. There will also be several more charges in the current rape case when presented to a grand jury. Naylor is expected to refuse any plea and will demand a jury trial. His attorney is Chris Malcolm, current candidate for Lawrence County Circuit Judge.

As for Naylor's wife, she initially refused to believe the charges against her husband--one reason for other family members supporting the accused rapist and posting his bond. Now, Melonie Naylor is divorcing her husband and will testify against him at all future trials.

As with James Roy Sibley, Jason Bart Naylor is a man who should be put away as a habitual offender. We pay tax dollars for prisons--let's use them.


Shoalanda

Jason Bart Naylor: Preying on His Own Family

It's difficult to quantify rape. Is one rape worse than another? If the answer to that question is yes, then the rape of a family member has to be among the worst offenses. Jason Bart Naylor of East Lawrence should be numbered among those who have preyed on members of their own family.

In April 2008, Naylor twice raped a then 15 year-old girl. It was not until the next year that the victim informed family members who reported Naylor to the county sheriff's department in September. On October 6, 2009, Naylor was arrested on four counts of rape (two in the first degree and two in the second), but was later released on $95,000.00 bond.

Naylor, the son of Roger D. and Elizabeth T. Naylor of Hartselle, was living in the small Northwest Alabama community near Moulton at the time of his first arrest. The former Gulf Shores resident shared a home with his wife Melonie Jackson Jeffreys Naylor and their son Bart. It's believed the victim was a relative of Melonie Naylor and not genetically related to her attacker.

Now, the 39 year-old Naylor has been charged with rape and sodomy after he attacked a young family member at his home last Tuesday. Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Mitchell states that Naylor's previous bond should be revoked after a hearing next week.

We realize that, due to its small size, Lawrence County doesn't conduct grand jury hearings each month; however, we hope the district attorney's office now places Naylor's case on the fast track. We're sure there's a special cell block just waiting for him down south.

*****

Coker v. Ruggles - Could Polly have beaten Chad in the July 13th runoff? We've seen some speculation that she could have; however, assuming Coker and Ruggles each kept their original votes in tact, Chad needed to glean only 9% from the other three candidates' supporters in order to win. We won't say it was a complete impossibility for Polly to have pulled it off, but it would have been highly unlikely.

*****

For those who e-mailed concerning the missing comics, they're not missing--just moved. Check out the larger widget at the bottom of the blog. It offers more space and easier viewing. Enjoy!


Shoalanda

Charles Sennett: Husband, Father, Preacher, Sociopath

Art by John Forrest Parker, executed yesterday for the murder of Elizabeth Sennett

Charles Sennett was many things to many people. When he met the future mother of his children, he portrayed himself as a grieving widower. To the Sheffield congregation where he served as pulpit minister, he appeared to be a man who loved the word of God. To congregant Doris Tidwell, he presented a man unhappy in his marriage to a profligate wife. To those who knew him away from Colbert County, he was a sometime high roller who spent money he didn't have. If he had lived long enough to be professionally evaluated for his crimes, he would have in all probability been diagnosed as a sociopath, a man who loved only himself and would stop at nothing to get what he thought he deserved in life.

Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett thought the man she married had tragically lost his first wife at a young age. After the brutal murder of the woman friends called Liz, many who knew the minister well announced their fears that the death of the first Mrs. Sennett was suspicious; however, with no living suspect, there was little or no investigation into the previous death.

Charles Sennett lived on a modest income from preaching, investments, and other endeavors, but he never had much money--at least for long. After the death of his heavily insured second wife, many speculated the good minister had a gambling problem, but as with suspicions concerning his first wife, these claims were never fully investigated.

Doris Tidwell knew her minister as someone who took both an emotional and physical interest in her, someone who seemed to need money through no fault of his own. When Sennett asked his lover for $3,000.00 to repay a bank loan, she gladly gave it to him. Instead the preacher contacted Billy Gray Williams, a black man who rented property from him. Williams later contended he didn't realize his landlord was seeking a hit man, but a Colbert County jury dismissed Williams' claims, convicting him of felony murder for his role in the slaying of Liz Sennett.

Williams, a Florence resident, then approached John Forrest Parker and Kenneth Eugene Smith, contracting with them to commit the crime for $1,000.00 each. The three defendants in the case were tried separately, but because of Williams' race, Parker had once contended that blacks were unfairly dismissed from the jury pool during his trial. This and other appeals were denied, and he died by lethal injection at 6:41 p.m. yesterday. Smith has not yet had an execution date scheduled, and Williams is serving a sentence of Life without the Possibility of Parole for his part in facilitating the murder.

What of Charles Sennett? Colbert County investigators informed the minister on the first day of the murder investigation that he was a suspect in his wife's death. One week later, Sennett was found dead at a relative's home, shot in the chest and ostensibly a suicide. Why ostensibly?

We have received communications that there were questions about his alleged suicide note and many believe a relative of Liz Sennett killed her husband in retribution. Do we believe it? Nothing can be ascertained at this late date, nor do we believe Charles Sennett's death should be further investigated; however, we have always found it odd that a true sociopath would take his own life. Now the pieces of the puzzle seem complete.

*****

Westside Church of Christ where Charles Sennett served

We favor the death penalty only in the rare circumstance when the murderer would live a better life in prison than he would have in the free world. Obviously, this would be in only a handful of cases. We do understand how most families of victims desire retribution--they would not be human if they didn't.

It's not often that the families of the accused are even considered, but they suffer also. We have been in contact with the family of John Forrest Parker, a young man who lost his way and paid with his life. Our blog today is showcasing a work of art drawn by Parker within the past few weeks. It shows his state of mind at the end of his life on this plane. It also shows that with training he could have become an accomplished artist, could have contributed to society. Now all that is lost.

Our sincerest sympathies to both the Sennett and Parker families.


Shoalanda

John Forrest Parker's Path to the Death Chamber

It took less than a month to arrest John Forrest Parker in the brutal March 18,1988, slaying of Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett of Cherokee. In another year, the then 20 year-old Parker was tried and convicted in the murder of the Colbert County woman. Now, 21 years later, Parker is about to pay the ultimate penalty for his part in the death of this unwanted wife.

John Parker has such a low IQ that he spent most of his Florence school years in special education programs. The same can be said for his partner in the murder for hire, Kenneth Eugene Smith. Together, they entered the Sennett home on Coon Dog Cemetery Road and beat Mrs. Sennett into submission, then gouged her eyes out and eviscerated the minister's wife.

Parker had no previous criminal history, and his friends and family contended the youth was not capable of committing such a violent crime. Parker's court appointed attorneys, Tom Heflin and Gene Hamby, obviously felt the best they could do for their client was to ensure a sentence of Life without the Possibility of Parole, asking potential jurors in Judge Inge Johnson's courtroom how they viewed the death penalty.

The attorneys also asked for a change in venue due to the amount of local publicity the crime had garnered, as well as Judge Johnson's recusal since she had presided over the trial of Billy Gray Williams, the Florence man who recruited Parker and Smith to carry out the actual crime. Both requests were denied, even though Judge Pride Tompkins had already moved Smith's trial to Birmingham.

After two days of jury selection, the trial began; Colbert County District Attorney Gary Alverson presented incontrovertible evidence that the two Florence youths had committed the heinous murder. According to testimony at the trial, Parker himself initially approached Colbert County Investigator Ronnie May, a friend of Parker's brother. Parker informed May that he had been paid one thousand dollars for the use of his car and that Williams and Smith had committed the actual crime.

May became suspicious of Parker's story, and further questioning revealed Parker was under the influence of illicit drugs on the day of the murder. Before asking for an attorney, Parker also agreed to a second interview with May in which he confessed to holding Mrs. Sennett down while Smith repeatedly stabbed her with a survival knife. Reportedly, at that time Parker knelt, asked God's forgiveness, and stated he needed help.

Parker's two attorneys could offer little in rebuttal of the confession, and after a relatively short deliberation, the jury found John Forrest Parker guilty of capital murder, recommending that he spend the remainder of his natural life in prison. Judge Johnson stated the murder for hire was so brutal that she would not honor the recommendation, but sentenced the Florence man to death.

Over the past 20 years, attorneys for Parker have presented numerous appeals to various courts on behalf of their client. Now, there are no more appeals, no more chances for Parker to cheat his sentence. Barring any last minute surprises, the State of Alabama will tonight take the life of John Forrest Parker. Whether we agree with the death penalty or not, 20 years is too long for a family to wait for justice.


Tomorrow: Charles Sennett--He escaped justice.

Shoalanda

Troy Oliver: Increasing Our Word Power

"We need to vote; we get wrapped all around the axlem, and we can't get past it," Mayor Troy Oliver said. TimesDaily, June 8, 2010


There's nothing we like more than learning new words, so when the mayor of Russellville says that town's city council can't get past an axlem, we're enthralled--or we were until we discovered the word is not in any dictionary.

Is an axlem:

Bigger than a bread box?

Something we might find in our homes?

Something belonging to BP that our sweet/street talking chief exec wants to kick?

Something found only in the county seat of Franklin and does it need to be kicked?

If any readers know what's so hard to get past, please shoot us an e-mail

*****

$68.00 per vote: We recently wrote that Polly Ruggles spent 2K more than Chad Coker on their campaign for Colbert County District Judge. An update on figures reports that at last look, Coker has now outspent Ruggles by 2.5K. Perhaps the most interesting revelation is that Tim Milam spent 73K in his failed attempt to win the judgeship, or roughly $68.00 for each vote he received.

With the exception of Nathan Johnson, this was the initial campaign for the candidates in this race. In other words, they were trying out the waters; who knows how many of the four also-rans will attempt another race in two to four years. We hope they have good stock portfolios.

*****

Famous comedy teams: Abbott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy, Martin & Lewis, Lansdell & Lambert. We understand that last act is extremely hard to get tickets for; Chuck Lansdall and Thelma Lambert have been a no-show at their last three gigs. Let's hope Cherokee voters who favor these George Jones wannabes are also a no-show in the next election.


Shoalanda

Hats Off to Pamela Casey

At least two of us here at Shoalanda and several of our readers met Pamela L. Casey last July while she was working as special state prosecutor in the Keith McGuire rape trial in Lauderdale County. Pamela has just taken the first step toward becoming Blount County's newest District Attorney with 38% of the votes in the Republican Primary.

Pam will face the runner up in the July 13th runoff. If any Blount County voters should be reading this blog, take note of Miss Casey--she's going places in Alabama politics.

*****

Our friend Don Spurlin came in second in the District 9 State Senate race. If you live in the Albertville area, be sure to check out Don's vision for his district before the runoff; we think you'll like him.

*****

Republicans outnumbered Democrats in last week's primary by 33% to continue a trend in the making since 2002. Yet, many in Northwest Alabama still claim the Democratic mantle. Yea, some are even proud of it.

It's rare that we agree with the blog Left in Alabama, and today was certainly not one of those times. These staunch Dems called for the abolition of not just Jefferson Davis' Birthday as a state holiday, but the Federal celebration of Columbus Day as well.

I'm pretty sure Paul Bryant didn't invent football, but he did popularize it at a time interest in the sport was flagging. Similarly, Christopher Columbus may not have discovered the Americas, but he did create worldwide interest in the Western Hemisphere.

If we don't remember history, we are doomed to repeat it. It may not always be pretty, but it's ours--let's celebrate it.


Shoalanda

Sealed Divorce Records?

When we called June 1st Titanic Tuesday, we weren't referring to any actual campaigns going down as a result of unforeseen political juggernauts, but we might as well have been--think the Artur Davis campaign. For some time it had been suggested that Ron Sparks campaigners often referred to Davis as a closet gay. We sincerely doubt that accusation is true, but since the Harvard graduate lost and is retiring from the political arena, the only ones it should now matter to are his wife and family.

That brings us to Ron Sparks--he who would make Bubba LeRoy Smuckpucker II sound literate. What about the undistinguished Agriculture Commissioner from Ft. Payne?

We can't verify that the rumors originated from the Davis campaign, but there have been rumors. One hard to lay to rest story involved multiple marriages, but since this would have involved multiple divorces as well, that tale seems to have been effectively quashed in most journalistic circles. Apparently there has been only one woman who had both the bad eyesight and total lack of sensibility to marry Ron Sparks. The salient question now is: Where are the divorce records?

Most individuals have neither the funds nor interest required to subscribe to AlaCourt, and we're no exception. Those who do subscribe tell us that Sparks' divorce is not to be found in that banal monument to the Alabama court system. Why, you may ask.

It seems the records of Democratic nominee Ron Sparks' divorce are sealed. While we're sure there must be some in the DeKalb County area who know the former Mrs. Sparks' name, even that appears to have been expunged from any official biographies. That leaves us only unofficial sources, commonly referred to as rumors.

We keep hearing of spousal abuse. That sounds more than likely. After all, if forced to sit through more than 30 minutes of Sparks' mangling the English language, I myself would take a Louisville slugger to him.

*****

Notice the blond sitting next to Ron Sparks at the 2008 Democratic National Convention pictured above? Of course you did--she's the one who both accidentally spilled an entire bottle of peroxide on her hair and shrank her only outfit two sizes the day the photo was snapped.

Just think, if Sparks should win the governorship, this lovely creature could be our new first lady. That's right--while we don't know her name, we've been informed by those in the know that she's still his main squeeze.

And some of you thought Patsy Riley was embarrassing...


Shoalanda

Wash Your Mouth Out Or...

...killing two vivisectionists with one stone.

Certain words have always been unacceptable in polite society. We have it on good authority that they still are; it's just that less and less of society is polite these days.

Does anyone care? It seems some sites do have language filters, and that brings us to the TimesDaily forum. One can't post the word "fag" as a colloquialism for a cigarette. In fact, one can't even post the word Glucophage, since that's so obviously a way to call someone a homosexual. I trust you're following the TimesDaily's reasoning, since we aren't. What you can say is p*ssed off, or t**d, or several similar words that don't convey a strong anathema or social condemnation.

Are filters even the answer to this problem, or is it even a problem? We're not going to attempt to answer that question since our blog today is not about vulgarities, but the misuse and misspelling or common words--even if it took us two paragraphs to get there. There is logic to this approach; if the average person will strive to use words correctly, perhaps he or she will not feel the need to curse in order to express themselves. Let's look at some horrible and very public gaffes.

The Praisin' Cajun - We've all seen his online ads, but would you buy a car from someone who thinks "y'all" is spelled "ya'll?"

Bernie Delinski - This TimesDaily staffer once admitted he'd never heard the work "fob" and today suggested that inmate "trustees" perform work at the old Tuscumbia Post Office. We're pretty sure once they've been convicted, they're no longer trustees of any organization. Could Bernie have meant "trusties?"

Billy Jackson - Yes, we do think he will make a fantastic Lauderdale Circuit Court Judge, but we're also pretty sure he's not an "alumni" of UNA as his website informs us. Mr. Jackson is an "alumnus."

*****

Now, for that second vivisectionist... OB's Corner recently featured a blurb for handmade specialty soaps. If you've never used any of these luxurious highly-scented soaps, you've been missing a real treat. Patricia Daniel sells her Daniel Tradition soaps at First Fridays in downtown Florence.

If you can't wait until the next First Friday, K's Cove in Elgin has a large selection of handmade soaps in a variety of fragrances, plus other handmade gifts and a huge selection of used paperbacks.

Between Patricia and K, we should have enough soap for the political name-calling season.

*****

We may have to apologize to Quinton Hanson for stating he hasn't taken a real stand on any issues. We see where he recently Tweeted about the security dangers of the office copy machine. Well, we didn't say it was a logical stand.


Shoalanda

Chad Coker or Polly Ruggles?

On July 13th, Tuscumbia attorney Chad B. Coker will face Sheffield Municipal Judge Polly Ruggles to decide who will have the greatest chance to succeed retiring District Judge George Carpenter. Even though Ruggles outspent her opponent by several thousand dollars, she came in second to Coker, who also serves as the municipal judge in Cherokee.

We do not dispute Polly Ruggles' qualifications for the judgeship. She has paid her dues, and with the exception of her Sheffield School Board membership, enjoys an unsullied reputation in Colbert County. Ruggles is also married into the family that currently owns Martin Supply and was once large shareholders in the now defunct Martin Industries; in other words, she lacks for very little in life. Monetary success is not a bad thing in itself, but it can affect the way such industrialists look at others. The farther removed from poverty one is, the harder it is to have empathy for those who struggle to put food on the table--the exact people one is more apt to meet in District Court.

We've looked at Chad Coker's life and experience, just as we have looked at Ruggles'. There's no doubt that Coker has worked for the success he enjoys. There should also be no doubt that he is the the obvious choice for the next Colbert County District Judge.


Thought for the day: Only in Alabama would a Harvard law degree be an impediment to winning the office of governor. Thank God for the Republican Party.

Shoalanda

Money...or Justice?

Money...or Justice

A Guest Commentary by

Germaine Lauderdale

People initiate legal proceedings in court to obtain justice. But what is there to do when none is found?

It is especially risky to speak an ugly truth publicly, but how can change occur without awareness?

For an observer to understand, information is required. One must know the conditions at a particular home, what forced a family to court in the first place, what the judge knew, how the court intervened (or failed to intervene), as well as what resulted.

Getting information to the public is a risk, emotionally, physically, and financially. Public judgment heaped on top of these already heavy burdens helps no one. Is the messenger the appropriate target?

Read the forums. Read the websites. Read the blogs. Examine who endorses whom and for what purpose. Like attracts like. Supporters know the illegal, immoral, and unethical actions, and still, they are using the full might of their reputations, their money, their time, their energy to endorse a very weak man who has shown us, over and over and over again, the stuff of which he is made.

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them." Maya Angelou's words are applicable.

We have seen his work for six years in our area. This election affects our families and friends; it matters in the most important ways.

Be an informed voter in the upcoming run-off election. The information is there for you because someone took the risks necessary to provide it.

*****

When we received the above guest commentary, it was without title. We have taken the liberty of naming this blog, taking the title from Jimmy Sandlin's political ads. He says there's one million reasons to vote for him--the one million dollars in court and social work funding he states he's responsible for. Money talks, but in this instance we hope every voter in Lauderdale County will also hear the echo of ethics that have been kicked to the curb.

Wednesday's TimesDaily published a photo of Billy Jackson with his wife and four daughters. This picture of a united family was worth more than a thousand words. In fact, it's worth more that Jimmy Sandlin's million reasons.

We proudly endorse Billy Jackson in the July 13th runoff. One million dollars can't come close to buying what this man possesses and what he will bring to the office of Circuit Court Judge.


Shoalanda

Get to Know Terrell Potter

If anything surprised us about the Franklin County Sheriff's race, it was the fact Terrell Potter came in a very close second--we felt he could carry Franklin County with at least 90% of the vote. We assume those who did not vote for Mr. Potter did not know him.

We hope everyone who has not met Mr. Potter will take the time to learn about this icon of Franklin County law enforcement before the runoff. For too long this Northwest Alabama county has suffered from mediocre law enforcement, from apathetic officers who don't really care about the citizens or their welfare.

We can't promise you that Mr. Potter will be perfect. We can promise you he is honest and will put the good of Franklin County first. Vote for Terrell Potter on July 13th.

*****

Kudos to Brad Holmes for running a clean and thoughtful campaign. We hope Brad will become a driving force in local politics for many years to come. As with Mr. Potter, we can only assume that those who didn't vote for Brad had not met him. It's the Shoals Area's loss.

*****

We hope the Cherokee golf cart issue is finally behind that small Colbert County town. Now, if Tina Lansdell could just decide from which disease she suffers...


Shoalanda

Expectoration--Not Good for the Nation

Approximately a generation ago, John Hartford penned a humorous song that included the line: Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, good for the country, good for the nation. What is not good for anyone, or at least bystanders, is expectoration, or in plainer terms, spitting.

Today's TimesDaily is reporting that the February incident involving two Muscle Shoals police officers has been turned over to the Colbert County District Attorney's office. The case will then be presented to the grand jury by an independent prosecutor. The account does not name the officers, nor will we. We will elaborate that our sources indicate the incident was precipitated by an inebriated prisoner spitting at the officers--not a pleasant picture.

*****

Last night was certainly a night of surprises in several Shoals elections, but before we consider the November General Primary, several same party races will have to be fought to a conclusion at the polls. Over the next few days, we'll be offering additional information on these candidates.

Congratulations to the winners, as well as to those who ran extremely clean campaigns. Among the latter was John Odem of Lauderdale County. We predict an especially bright future for John.

*****

We understand a certain Colbert County Baptist minister has been researching our family tree. We apparently have cousins of which we were not aware--either that or the minister is, uh, mistaken...


Shoalanda

Titanic Tuesday

No, we don't think the state is sinking like a certain ocean liner from the last century; we feel this is one of the largest and most important elections for Alabama and its Northwest counties in many years, if not decades. We urge everyone to vote today. It's your future--take control.

*****

Good luck to all those whom we endorsed. We also wish the best to Chad Coker, James Hall II, John Odem, and Billy Jackson--all fine candidates who, if they should be chosen by the electorate, would make great District and Circuit judges.

*****

Our poll in the Colbert County District Judge's race closed at 1:59 this morning. With 549 votes cast, the results were as follows:

Parker - 198
Coker - 187
Ruggles - 70
Milam - 51
Johnson -43

We look forward to comparing our results with tonight's actual tabulations.

*****

In the next few days we will be launching a blog directory for the Shoals Area. If you have a blog not currently listed with us, please email us the pertinent data. All listings are free.


Shoalanda