Five Million Page Views/Selling CBD Oil?

As of earlier this week, our blog hit five million page views. Thanks to everyone this (almost) past ten years. We appreciate all our readers, even those offering unflattering critiques. We're here to give the Shoals a voice, and all non-profane, non-violent opinions are welcome.

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If you're a merchant who has been selling CBD oil and are now attempting to verify your options, you may wish to contact an attorney. One local lawyer who has been researching this conundrum is Elizabeth Gonce. 

Whomever you may choose to represent you in this matter, good luck. We realize that many businesses have large and expensive inventories of CBD oil which they can't afford to simply toss out the window.

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One theory is that it's legal to possess CBD oil, but not sell it. What's next?

Alabama: You can have legal sex with only your spouse.

Lauderdale County: You can't legally marry anyone in this state.

Hmmm. Sounds about right...

Witts/Two-Ups/Still Waiting on Waterloo!

Ah, what can we say about the extremely litigious Resa & Terry Witt? Earlier this year, they attempted to sue/bring charges against/besmirch the good name of a local veterinarian, an animal control officer, and a Colbert County deputy. Now they're after the Florence police, a small burger chain, and even the civil rights attorney who obviously saw right through them. 

Stay tuned...we can hardly wait for the next installment.

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Returning to the two Hartline children who lost their lives in a Franklin County ATV accident, we've had several tell us the road on which the accident happened was not public. We've even had some say the ATV had been specially tricked out to hold more passengers.

While we can't say if the road could possibly be private or not, we can say that these after market back seats, called "two-ups," are not meant for passengers. Here's a great article on them:

Two-Ups

We have heard that the Hartline mother who managed to ditch her husband, move to a different town, find a job, and re-marry, but didn't get her life together enough to take custody of her kids, has stated she will sue DHR over the children's deaths. Okay, so that was no surprise.

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A short word for the few who feel that all helmet/seat belt laws should be ditched. Perhaps for adults, but not for children. We're pretty sure a four-year old isn't capable of making such a life or death decision.

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Still waiting to hear from anyone from Waterloo who contacted us about the possible illegal recruiting who also stood up to the county on the Paradise Drive situation a few years ago. Anyone at all...

Terry Holden Said What?/How Many in Waterloo?

From a TD article:


The state forensics laboratory in Huntsville tested the substance Monday afternoon and determined it contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), Police Chief Terry Holden said.

"You look nationwide and people are dying from overdoses using this," he said of the two drugs identified.

Could Chief Holden name one person who has died from consuming these substances? We've read some studies which say one would have to consume 1,500# of pot in 15 minutes for it to be fatal.

No, we're not advising anyone smoke any of it, but we do believe in the truth.

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A few questions about RPD's 'following protocol' re: the alleged 'THC/CBD exposure incident':



* IF protocol was followed, as the mayor has stated publicly, WHY were RPD officers handling unknown drug paraphernalia without PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT?


*IF protocol was followed, HOW did other emergency responders become contaminated?


*IF protocol was followed, WERE non-emergency personal allowed to handle unknown drug paraphernalia without having proper PPE?


*With an evidence backlog measured in YEARS, HOW did RPD manage to get even 'preliminary lab redults' back from the State Crime Lab so fast?


*As has been suggested elsewhere, did ANYONE consider the possibility that all involved were suffering from NICOTINE POISONING? SURELY any reasonably competent crime lab would have caught THAT? Right?


As always,

Elk River Native

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Now a question for all you Waterloo football fans who so vigorously supported the school, coach, and football team against allegations of improper recruitment: How many of you wrote a letter to anyone (that includes e-mails) or appeared at a county commission meeting to speak against the condition of Paradise Drive where a young man lost his life?


Take your time. We'll be returning to this.

Shoalanda Was Wrong! It Was 80%!

A political pundit based in Muscle Shoals had said the tax vote would be 80% against. We had felt it would be 70-30 against. Final vote? 81% no!

The fact that the yes side didn't win was through no fault of their own. One beleaguered teacher sent us this:

Click to Enlarge

Since the polls didn't close until 7:00, we're at a loss as to why the school system would feel the need to give any time off. Hmmm. Desperation at its worst?

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Will Rusty now go into retirement? We caught up with him just after the official vote came in:

"Retire? No way. I'm on a roll for accountability. Have red tie, will fight for the right!"

Hemp v. MJ/Illegal Means Illegal

We've certainly gotten the input over the CBD press conference held by the Colbert/Lauderdale district attorney offices. Many of the comments are unpublishable. Imagine that. 

No one here is an attorney, but the arguments on hemp/THC/etc. are very convincing. We'll add that we've been asked to join in an online store selling the med, but had never followed through. It seems a good thing that we haven't as yet. 

There are two petitions out there that we've linked to our FB page. Sign if you're so inclined to ask these two offices to take a second look. We're sure there will be more at a later date.

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We preceded our blog yesterday with the comment that it was not open for discussion. Yet we had those who defended the parents and the foster mother of the two dead Franklin County children. These people not only have bad judgment, they also can't read.

It's two in the morning and a light snow is falling. The driver is tried and wants to get home from a late shift. The light is red, but there is no traffic. Couldn't he ignore the traffic signal just once? Of course he could, and the police officer he didn't see will promptly pull him over. Are you surprised?

Yet some say it's okay to break the laws concerning ATVs on public highways. Really? How is this different? There's also the little matter of illegal passengers on the ATV. No, the foster mother knew she was breaking the law and she killed two children. She deserves to be charged with manslaughter.

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Illegal is illegal. If you teach your children they can break one law, they think it's all right to break others.

There's a family in a small local town that is known to disregard the law. We've seen FB posts daring local law enforcement to arrest the children for riding ATVs on public streets. Now the older son, still in high school no less, is under indictment for armed robbery. You think his father's attitude toward the law just may have played a part in that?

Franklin County Killed the Hartline Children...and They Deserve Justice

Note: This is about justice for the two Hartline children. If you feel this should all be swept under the rug, stop reading now. Otherwise, no complaints.

In February 2015, neighbors summoned police to the Red Bay residence of Richard and Emily Hartline. Police found numerous drugs, including meth, along with their two children being left virtually unsupervised. The Hartlines were arrested, and authorities had the two children tested for drugs. The four year- old boy tested negative, but the 15 month-old girl showed signs of methamphetamine in her system. DHR immediately took the children.

The Hartlines have faced several legal problems since then; Richard Hartline is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center on charges related to the original arrest as well as newer crimes. 

At this point, the two Hartline children should have been placed for adoption. Yes, this is our viewpoint and apparently not the stance of the Franklin County DHR. What DHR did was to leave the Hartline children in foster care for over three years. Yes, three years and six months to be exact. Why?

Foster parents are supposedly carefully vetted. Yes, that's why we have a Florida couple indicted in Lauderdale County awaiting trial on physical and sexual abuse. No, the foster mother of the two Hartline children, Roman Nicholas and Haven Grace, decided to place the two on the back of the ATV she was driving on a public road.

Since many news agencies and their writers are obtuse concerning ATVs, many readers are also. ATVs and UTVs are two different machines. ATVs are essentially just two motorcycles with a seat in between. There are no roll bars on ATVs. Unless specially outfitted, they are illegal on public highways. It's also illegal with all models to transport more than two people...usually illegal to transport more than one, depending on the model. 

We don't know what this 47 year-old woman was thinking, but she obviously didn't care. Kill these two foster children and the state will give her some more? Let us sincerely hope not.

In fact, let's hope that Franklin County prosecutes this woman to the max. The two Hartline children never had a chance in life. Shall we repeat that?

The State of Alabama made sure the two Hartline children never had a chance in life.

Hartline Children Obituary

Talking Back to Rusty

On Thursday we published the following guest blog: A Little Advice from Rusty.

We have received the following from Mr. Brett Pittman, minister of Highland Park Baptist Church:

I am the pastor at Highland Park. Our student pastor’s wife was hired as a special education teacher in Russellville, not Muscle Shoals. My wife is the music teacher at Howell Graves preschool. She teaches 4 days a month and her pay is the daily substitute rate. Despite what this article says, she does have a degree in education from Athens State University and taught for several years in the Madison County School System. To insinuate that she does not have a degree is completely untrue. 

We are always happy to publish rebuttals and corrections. Several have asked us why we have published nothing from the "Yes" supporters of the tax vote. Our answer is simple - we have received nothing from anyone supporting the tax. 

Again, apologies to Mr. Pittman for any misinformation concerning teachers in the Muscle Shoals system.

The Vote Is Fast Approaching

Can you match the pug to his prop? Okay, Pee Wee isn't much of a pug, but then neither is Roy or Brian. 

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Just in from a Muscle Shoals parent (If you don't read anything else, read this):

Can we please stop all the hatefulness for just a few minutes? This has gotten out of hand and it’s giving our great city a big ugly black eye. Without a doubt, I will be labeled many things for writing this including, but not limited to: liar, manipulator, coward, vicious, uncaring, hateful, misinformed, and the list goes on. This could possibly come from people on both sides of the issue. For this reason, I wish to remain anonymous. Unfortunately, some of you will stop reading right there. Why? Because you’ve already decided that anonymous automatically makes everything I’m about to say untrue. I’m hoping that won’t be the case, but we shall see.

Just a few short weeks ago each “side” of the proposed property tax referendum began to draw their lines in the sand. They began to make their pleas to those that would listen. Today, there are folks on both sides that no amount of information will sway them to change their mind. I’m not writing to those individuals; I’m writing to those of you who are still trying to wade through the muddy waters surrounding the issue. The ones who are stuck in the middle and trying to determine the truth amidst a sea of “facts” flying around. 

I must divulge some important information. I am not from the “Shoals”. I live here now and I am raising my family here, but I did not grow up here. That may change your opinion of me and if so, that’s ok. There’s a flood of opinions out there right now and social media is being overrun with them. How you feel about me will not change my daily routine. I love this city. I didn’t think I would, but I do. I have kids in the school system so trust me when I say I have a vested interest in how this whole thing plays out. Pass or fail, there are repercussions either way.

While trying to make the best educated, informed decision I can, some interesting (and also troubling) information has come to light. I could travel down numerous roads half-truths and whole lies, but that simply clouds some important points being glazed over with all the personal attacks and mudslinging going on. We could run on for days about the definition of “new” and whether or not adding wings to an aging school can be called “new”. We could argue about the proposed FEMA storm shelters and exactly how many they can hold and if they will actually be available to the public. We could also argue over the band facility which seems to be planned too small for current growth much less future growth. Or we could hash it out over all the “little” things being promised such as new lockers and “equipment”. But let’s save all of that for some more important things to consider.

Point #1: Are we being lied to about what exactly this money is going for? The term earmarking comes up often and there seems to be some disagreement on whether or not any true earmarking has been done. Why is this important? Without earmarking (as I understand it), the Superintendent and the BOE can change the “projects” as they see fit. Wonder what would be cut from the list first?

Point #2: After reading some information this past week, I took it upon myself to do some fact checking. It seems there is a major disagreement over the value of a mil. The “Vote for Progress” side claims one amount, the “Vote NO” side claims a much different amount. Why does this matter? Because we are talking about a huge difference in “revenue” coming in to the school. Don’t take my word for it. I researched and checked the numbers myself. This is troubling considering these numbers are listed on an informational pamphlet promoting the tax and has been discussed in depth at some informational meetings. If you take your time you may see what I see. Numbers from the “Progress” side are being altered to paint a picture of underfunding. Again, don’t simply take my word, go to the Revenue Commissioner’s office and see for yourself. The numbers aren’t adding up. You might be shocked to discover just how much the school system is actually getting versus what they want you to think they are getting.

Point #3: New property tax assessments for 2018. Did you get yours yet? I did and I was a little taken back at the amount of increase. It was more than the previous 12 years combined. Why does this matter? Shouldn’t we be excited that our property values have increased?!? We should, it’s a good sign. However, this wasn’t taken into account when the tax referendum was proposed. Surely you’ve seen all the bickering and belittling over a $4-$8 a month increase. If you haven’t, consider yourself lucky. If you’re against this proposal, you’ll be made to feel small and petty. Or as I was told by someone, “maybe you should find healthier employment”. Really? Oh, and let’s not forget that you also apparently hate kids (and the schools). So back to an earlier point, the hatefulness and name calling is coming from both sides. Don’t let manufactured halos fool you. I came across a quote recently that fits perfectly here. It says, “People will provoke you until they bring out your ugly side, then play victim when you go there”. Both sides are guilty of taking the low road, but again, don’t let this cloud the issue. 

Back to the new assessments, maybe there’s some truth in the small numbers. Who truly doesn’t have an extra couple of bucks a month to throw at the school? Well, let’s expand this issue a tad bit more before we answer that.


By not taking into account the newest property assessments, this proposal is essentially double-dipping. Now, I would be lying if I said I never double dipped a chip. Maybe it was an accident, maybe I didn’t quite get enough dip the first time, or maybe I know exactly what I’m doing and I’m doing it in broad daylight while you’re watching. The money that’s being asked for seems to be completely covered by the newest assessments. So the question here is, why are we moving forward with this vote? The school system is going to be getting the money they asked for anyway. Funny thing is, no one from the progress side will acknowledge or address this, especially the current administration or BOE. If I am wrong, someone, anyone, show me the light.

Point #4: The ever increasing revenue. Look back over the past several years. Do you see it? As it was so well stated by someone recently, here it goes:

“In 2010, MSCS received $2.1 million in funding from ad valorem property taxes. By 2017 that number has grown to $4.1 million. This is an astounding 85% increase in property tax funding in just 8 years. But costs increase all the time right? According to current administrators, expenses have gone so far up that there isn’t enough money to meet the budget. According to the US government, the inflation rate since 2010 has been 1.63% per year, or 12% total. If you take inflation into account, MCSC has still seen an increase of 73% in funding in the last 8 years. Where is it going? I would love to hear an explanation that shows me this math is wrong or somehow justify a ridiculous increase in spending!” 

While there are additional points to consider, these are some of the main ones I keep seeing come up in conversation. This is not meant to be an attack on any individual on either side although I imagine if at all possible, it will be twisted that way. There also seems to be a fair amount of influence from outsiders. I continue to see people who have no vote in this matter voice their opinion. Regardless of the side they choose, why listen to them, at the end of the day it does not affect their wallet. 

The school system has made some questionable decisions along the way such as revising their own policies to use school time, property, and resources to promote a “Yes” vote. You really shouldn’t have to sell something so hard if it was truly beneficial for all. The bottom line is, without a doubt, there has been some mismanagement of funds. Needs were trumped by wants. Priorities were placed on the backburner. Should we really trust those who have made these mistakes to somehow be able to make the right decision now? I highly doubt it. Even more troubling, they feel that they have done right by our kids and this community. The evidence of this can be found by watching the MSCS “video series” promoting the tax. They seem to honesty believe what they are trying to sell you. We cannot tax our way to prosperity. Businesses will not want to locate here and the housing market could possibly stall. However, at the end of the day, revenue is increasing regardless of the vote. If those in position to make financial decisions actually decide to become good stewards of what they are being given, all these improvements will still happen. I urge you to make an educated, informed decision August 28th.

Sincerely,

Muscle Shoals Resident

Sheffield: An Inspiration?

From a Sheffield resident:

http://www.timesdaily.com/news/sheffield-dump-cleanup-resumes-after-brief-delay/article_c240aeb9-25a0-5de8-8392-dccd47184525.html

How can there be “no digging” on a proposed development site? They’re talking about an amphitheater, hotel, etc., but the wetland will be preserved as long as there’s “no digging”???? Also, who’s paying Sheffield Utilities workers to clean this up? Is the money coming from the $200,000 Brownfields grant, or is it coming from the ever-increasing and locally unparalleled utility bills of Sheffield residents?


http://www.timesdaily.com/news/inspiration-landing-work-could-start-in-october/article_4f3d035d-46ec-558c-a281-eee272cdef57.html

So...the “interpretive center” is going to showcase industry in Sheffield from 100 years ago? Why not highlight current industry? Oh, that’s right; there is none. Why is Jimmy Gardiner from Tuscumbia on this board? Why isn’t Sheffield’s representative on the county commission, Tommy Barnes, on it? Thank God for a microbrewery. Without alcohol, Sheffield couldn’t exist.

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The scheduled date for construction to begin on the amphitheatre is now October, a scant six to 10 weeks. There has been one delay so far, should we expect another? Let's hope things are finally on track.

But let's ask a very pertinent question. How will the tourists arrive at their destination? Whether they fly in via Muscle Shoals Regional Airport or drive in via Hwy. 43/20/72, they are sure to have an unsavory initial glance at the city. What are the council's plans to correct this situation?

A Little Advice from Rusty

For 50 years, I worked every day without any thanks. Nor did I get attention, maintenance or appreciation for the thankless work I did. Like a worn out old shoe, I find that Superintendent Lindsey thinks I have come to the end of my usefulness, only to be publicly ridiculed for my failing health and inability to continue to be the unappreciated servant I have been for over 50 years at Highland Park Elementary School.

My once hard as steel body has worn down from excessive abuse and no attention. I now struggle to keep my self respect as Brian Lindsey drags me around making me the spectacle of the community.
 
I worry about my family that still works unappreciated, unattended, and never maintained. My cousin Filtera that keeps the air conditioner cooling, or Fibrene who is strung through the walls keeping the lights on, and little Piper that is choking on the corrosion building up inside him as he tries to not be the next victim ripped out, only to be ridiculed in the next campaign for more money.
 
I am not going to be thrown in a pile of rust to be taken to a dump. I am standing up and celebrating my rust. Yes - This once strong shiny steel body was buried in a hole and abandoned to survive without any regards or consideration, but will not go down without a fight!
 
I watched Lindsey spend millions of dollars on an athletic facility and a track. I only wanted an occasional cleaning, and I heard people say they only wanted to walk on that track. Neither of those would cost anything - but he refused.

I heard Brian Lindsey has other things more important than taking care of me. Things like being chairman of the personnel committee at his church. He is an important man, doing all that stuff, but I think those little children I love so much are more important.

I heard Brian Lindsey makes up more jobs in the schools for the people at his church. This school year while he was yanking me out of the ground, I heard about a new employee coming to Highland Park. I heard them say it is the wife of the new youth minister at his church. I wish he would take care of the building and the children before he does favors for his buddies with your money.

Lindsey may have thrown me in a corner waiting till the next time he wants to show off my worn out body so he can get more money, but I'm not dead! I heard him hire the wife of his preacher for some kind of job like music appreciation. I can't say for sure, but I think they said she really doesn't have a music or education degree, but she is married to his preacher and she might sing in the choir, so I guess that is important. Or, at least it seems to be more important to him than keeping the buildings in good shape for the children. 

I may not be shiny any more, have a lot of rust and holes, and I can be replaced, but it is going to cost a whole heap of a lot more money than it would if he had just taken a little time and attention to me every so often to keep me in working order. Older schools in our area pay attention to their workers - I know, because my other relatives work there. Some of them have been serving those schools for over 100 years, so I guess I can be called a young whipper snapper, just worn down before my time. 

Muscle Shoals, you will never learn. Just keep on sending the money. They like it like that.

For now,


Rusty

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The above "Advice from Rusty" was sent to us by Rusty's agent, and we can take no credit for it. Now here's an interesting take on the upcoming tax election from a Florence resident:

This story was handed down in my family about my third great-grandfather. In the 1770s, he and a friend hid under the porch of a home in Sussex County, Virginia, and watched from behind the lattice work as enemy soldiers marched by. Ephraim was fascinated by the red uniforms, but didn't dare call attention to himself since he'd been told the British troops killed, cooked, and ate children of the colonists. Yes, the enemy are always devils.

Now I see where the wife of one of the principal actors on the "Yes" side of the Muscle Shoals tax vote has said those opposed are of the devil. Really? While I don't live in Muscle Shoals, I've always been taught that Christians are good stewards with money, especially other people's money. Has your good Dr. Lindsey been a proper steward?

Those voting no are no more devils than were the British troops my ancestor was so afraid of. They've cited real figures and not played to emotions. How dare you call them devils?

Down Muscle Shoals Memory Sidewalk

Original Work of Art Entitled: Rusty Rebukes the Devil!

THOUGHT I MIGHT BE THE ONLY ONE WHO REMEMBERED BUT FOUND OUT THAT’S NOT THE CASE…MANY FOLKS REMEMBER!!!

Remember when Scott Basden became the football coach at Muscle Shoals High School some 10(+) years ago. Remember the speech he gave…YEP! So glad I recorded the speech. And as we remember what the good coach said on that night:

I will have a state football championship in 5 years here at Muscle Shoals. If in 5 years I haven’t got a state football championship you won’t have to ask me to leave because I’ll leave on my own. I’m all about winning. I want to win so bad I’d slit my kid's throat for a victory. You think I’m kidding but I’m not because that’s just how passionate I am about winning.

Well, the time has come and gone, no state football championship, and he’s still here. Well, he has brought something from the State here to our fair city that we’ve never had before…Recruitment violation resulting in a suspension – 1 st in the history of our school system.

Of course he blames that on the wife beater coach who was severely disciplined by him and Lindsey…suspended him a few days for putting his wife in the hospital after the beating he gave her. At least that coach got help and got the heck out of Muscle Shoals.

Now this is what has basically destroyed our once great school system. This type of philosophy and you question why Athletics at Muscle Shoals trumps Academics. We are in desperate need of good leadership at the Board of Education and even more at City Hall. We haven’t had a real Superintendent since Martha Livingston. If she were still here our school system wouldn’t be in this mess and you can bet the ACT scores would be much better than they are.

All Mayor David Bradford is concerned about are sidewalks. Forget job creation and job recruitment just build him a few more sidewalks. Oh I apologize, Mayor Bradford did get us another Jack’s Hamburger joint. Kudos Mayor Bradford. And by the way David, who in the world designed sidewalks that are within touching distance of traffic on 6th Street. Really? You think we’d walk or let our kids ride their bikes on that dangerous stretch of sidewalk? I haven’t seen you or any of your family walking on it and probably won’t. What a legacy you’ll leave being known as the infamous “SIDEWALK MAYOR”.


Muscle Shoals Pundit

Run, Ricky, Run!

What's in a name? Quite a bit if you're Sheffield police captain Ricky Joe Terry. For several weeks we've been getting input from citizens who had stories about Terry, but couldn't find the links or remember the exact details. Had he been accused of brutality? Was he connected to a Florence crime family? 

No, it seems there are two officers with very similar names in the department. After checking, we can't find any negative stories about Capt. Ricky Terry. We do know that he can run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes. Does that qualify him for chief?

We asked a retired homicide detective who was baffled by the speed requirement. In fact, he used the word "crazy" to describe that being added to the job description. A chief should be in charge of administration, why would he need to run that fast? Indeed, why was this qualifier, or should we say disqualifier, even added to the list?

Let's hope the City of Sheffield looks a second time at the six candidates who were disqualified due to their running times. Perhaps if the position were to be advertised again, even more would apply? Or perhaps the City of Sheffield has little appeal in law enforcement circles?

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Still on the subject of Capt. Ricky Terry, a reader has asked where the interim chief lives. According to official records, he resides in Tuscumbia. How up to date these records are, we don't know; however, the address is dated this year. 

From a reader:

From what I am told, this Interim Chief Ricky Terry has already tried and failed to deceive the city school system by using an address in the city, that was not his residence, so his child could change schools and participate in sports. This should be a red flag about the character of this individual.  As a police officer, who is supposed to have honesty and integrity as a character trait, he has already lied to the city.  

What kind of example would this set for the other officers in the department. I’m sure Ricky Terry would discipline or terminate another officer for falsifying documents, but apparently the Mayor wants to promote him for it. I think there might be a deeper issue here with any of Ricky Terry’s cases. It seems Terry’s credibility, at a minimum, along with his character are in question. Mayor, take applications again, leave the politics out of it by getting an outside the city panel to grade the interviews in an unbiased manner, and do what is best for the citizens of Sheffield, not your own agenda. 

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So there we have the good, bad, and mediocre on Capt. Ricky Terry. If the citizens of Sheffield want better, they should attend a city council meeting and let the members know.

Is There...

A Colbert County Building Department? The powers that be have told the Quad-Cities Daily that this department must approve plans for the new half-way house. Colbert County Corruption can find no such department. Will Chester ever see his sex offender dream come true? We shall soon see.

A fee for county students to attend Florence City Schools? We have always been told that there is, but a reader has suggested there is not. If not, that makes three schools to which Central football players could transfer, and nine out of ten chose Waterloo. Hmmmmm...

A better Lauderdale County Board of Education in our future? This comment was posted on a recent blog:

I suggest you voice your displeasure at the ballot box? It is time for a CHANGE all the way around in Lauderdale county and there are TWO candidates who are not career politicians running for places on the Lauderdale BOE places 2 and 4.....Carolyn Waterman and Beki Robbins Ferguson. At least check out their campaign pages on facebook. We need NEW leaders all the way around in the Shoals and Alabama!

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We'll be having much to say about the November elections, but first we have one week to go before the August 28th tax referendum in Muscle Shoals. Can we expect any late August surprises? We're guessing no. We've heard that the vote should go 80% "No;" however, we're predicting it will be closer to 70% against the tax increase. 

Ahh, horse races!

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Next: Run, Ricky, Run!

Sheffield Struggles/Franklin Fails

From J. Redmon:

Let's see: Sheffield's 'powers that be' can't seem to find common ground on hiring a new Chief of Police, can't seem to find the time to hire a new Court Clerk, can't find funds to do much-needed paving of its streets, and have yet to make any meaningful progress on 'Desperation' Landing...

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Remember our mention of Steve Hargrove leaving the Sheffield Board of Education? We've been told that Christy Casiday has taken his place. Now here's a trivia question for you: How many members of the Sheffield Board of Education actually have children in the system? Let's hope you guessed zero or you don't know Sheffield very well. 

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Meanwhile, one county to the south: Did you notice that the name of one Franklin County commissioner was absent from the TD article on improvements in the county check writing/account balancing? We would have loved to have been the proverbial fly on the wall in that meeting.

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Ever heard of Ridgecrest Estates in Russellville? No, neither had we. This complex is owned by Sunbelt out of Albertville, but does have a local property manager on site...for what it's worth.

One resident has been sharing her living quarters with bedbugs since April. Think that's not legal? Legalities aside, the two inhabitants of this particular apartment have to spray the sofa and loveseat each night before she and her child retire. Why are they sleeping on a sofa and loveseat? It seems they can't get into the bedroom for the bugs...and leaks.

Yet the Four-Way Motel in Tuscumbia was condemned because it wasn't fit for men leaving prison? Think about that...

Central, Waterloo, & the Law of Averages

Several who have been attempting to defend any real or alleged actions by coaches at Waterloo High School have told us to look to Central for answers. Obviously, no conduct by Central High coaches has any salient bearing on the conduct of coaches at other schools; however, are there problems at Central?

The only issues reported to us are late practices and coaches not returning calls. For those parents who are concerned, first you should call/e-mail the principal:

duane.keener@lcschools.org

If you receive no satisfaction there, call the Lauderdale County Board of Education. You may even wish to appear at a meeting to speak. Goodness knows if creepy band directors and Baptist preachers who have misunderstood the Great Commission have done it, you can too. 

 (256) 760-1300

These are internal problems and do not involve any AHSAA rules being violated. That is the major difference between accusations against Central and those against Waterloo. Let's look at just two of the aspects of Waterloo's alleged wrongdoing.

First we have the manager of Fox Sports Radio Shoals assuring us the young man he photographed wasn't practicing; he was merely standing on the field. Since he wasn't registered, he could not have as of that time signed an indemnity waiver. Some say he couldn't be hurt just standing on the field. We disagree with that, but let's look at the second and more important point.

A total of ten football players (at least) have left Central High School this fall. That's one out of every 5.5 players at the school. Think about that. (And if we were in the BOE office, we would want to know why.) Of those ten, nine transferred to Waterloo while one transferred to Wilson. While Florence is the closest school to Central, it is also a city school, and these students would be required to pay tuition if they moved there. Wilson is the next closest for most of these students. Considering the law of averages, why did 90% pick one school over the other closer school? 

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 242367
Montgomery, AL 36124-2367

Physical address:
7325 Halcyon Summit Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: 334-263-6994
Fax: 334-387-0075

Fax to Officials Program,
Coaches Association:
Fax: 334-387-0076

Email to AHSAA:
Staff Directory

To the parents concerned with shenanigans at Waterloo, you need to contact the AHSAA. We give everyone a voice, but we have no authority to make anyone behave legally or ethically. 

Tax Mills & Football Shills

Let’s talk facts on the upcoming millage increase proposal and vote…

In the Vote Yes pamphlet printed by Muscle Shoals School System, the following statements were made:

1.  A “NEW” elementary school will be built…Commitment to the future…

While a new building will be erected, a “NEW” school will NOT be built.  The drawing provided by the Superintendent is only two wings built onto the existing Howell Graves Pre-School to house the 1st and 2nd grade students, a new Gym and Cafeteria to house the overflow from Highland Park and Webster Elementary and two Pre-K classrooms. If there is indeed a problem with the enrollment, it would appear the first step would to serve only citizens (taxpayers) and not allow so many non-resident students. After all, the school employees that live outside the city and do not pay property taxes have FREE access for their children to attend without paying a non-resident fee. Is that really legal?

The current exterior condition of Howell Graves Pre-School is embarrassing because it doesn’t look like it’s been cleaned since Dr. Livingston built it close to 30 years ago.  Anyone heard of “pressure washing” the masonry finish or possibly painting? If this is indeed a commitment to the future as they say, why are more classrooms not being built for the 1st and 2nd grades?  Are they really planning for future growth and expansion or did this just sound like something they thought the voters of Muscle Shoals would buy into?  Only commitment to the future here is guaranteed traffic jams and increased tax payments on homeowners and businesses for 30 years.

2.  Eliminate costly annual repairs and maintenance to Webster and Highland Park Schools…

NEWSFLASH maintenance director… every building in the MSCS system should be on a preventative maintenance schedule and funds budgeted each year for implementation but obviously that hasn’t been done.  If you build a house it’s a given fact 15-20 years down the road you’ll have to replace the HVAC unit and probably the roof so you budget and set aside funds for those major expenditures.  Making updates every 3-5 years to remain “in style” also requires forethought and budgeting for these items also. Do you think adding two new wings to an old building, a new gym and cafeteria will eliminate annual repairs and maintenance?  Do they really expect the good taxpayers of Muscle Shoals to believe this? This rationale falls short of sanity given the aging facilities throughout the city that our city workers maintain.

3.  Dedicated tornado shelter and safe room for the Elementary School and Band Facility…

Upon review of the drawing they have provided, we fail to see this tornado shelter / safe room.  Is the location a secret or is this just simply more small talk expecting the voters of Muscle Shoals to believe?  And how many students will be housed at the Howell Graves facility when complete? 500-700 sound feasible? The High School…800-1000 sound feasible?  And they’re going to build 2 tornado shelters that will house that many students and teachers? Let’s be realistic, we all know that can’t be done so why do they put out this idle chatter.  And open to the community? According to Dr. Lindsey and the School Board, this couldn’t possibly be done because the insurance carrier won’t allow it - remember the excuse for closing the track at the multi-million sports facility?? Is there some insurance policy out there that insures one school ground while not another?  And they think we believe they’ll open this facility to the public…

4.  Provide indoor practice area for color guard and majorettes…

They have their state of the art indoor athletic practice facility.  Why doesn’t the color guard and majorettes have access to this facility?  Doesn’t the band, color guard and majorettes play an equally important role on Friday night or are they deemed unworthy by the Athletic Department? Has the administration and school board ever heard of Title IX?

5.  Value of One Mill Property Tax in Muscle Shoals…

Dr. Lindsey and the school board want you to believe that one mill in Muscle Shoals is $167,498.  However, the Colbert County Tax Assessor says one mill in Muscle Shoals is $250,000(+).  Also, they have stated Muscle Shoals has the lowest millage rate for schools in Colbert County, however, once again the Tax Assessor says NO.  School mill rates are as follows, Muscle Shoals – 16 mills, Tuscumbia – 13.5 mills, Sheffield – 10 mills…and we’re the lowest?  Are our schools in Muscle Shoals really that run down and structurally inferior to Tuscumbia and Sheffield schools?  Some choose to believe Dr. Lindsey and the school board and don’t want this tax issue to be clouded by factual information provided by the Colbert County Tax Assessor. 




Who do you believe…the man who writes the check (taxes) or the one asking for more of your hard earned tax dollars?  The choice is yours on August 28th.      


Muscle Shoals Citizen

*****

An interesting take on the Waterloo football transfer issue:

As for all the things being said about Waterloo, no there is no "money" being given but these new players are being helped to find homes, they and their parents are being given jobs, and they are being guaranteed playing time. Coming from larger schools to Waterloo the playing time is a huge increase. 

The sad part is there are students who have attended Waterloo their entire school life that have "paid their dues" to gain the spots in these sports and the new recruits are replacing them. These students have fought since 7th grade to have the positions that are now being recruited and filled by outsiders. 

One statement made is that Waterloo is a tight community and takes care of their own. That is also bull; they take care of their own as long as you are liked and accepted in that community. I have seen that first hand!


Native Waterloosian