One Vote Mattered in Sheffield!

When you say your vote doesn't matter, look at Sheffield. We've heard/read numerous individuals state they failed to vote for Penny Freeman and are now sorry. So what's the word? Sorry? Sorry, you don't have a second chance in situations like this. Vote!

Many don't seem to understand what a provisional ballot is. Anyone can go to any polling place, produce an ID, and ask to vote. If that person's name isn't on the official list, it could be with just cause, but it could also be due to an error. That person is allowed to then cast a provisional ballot.

Just casting the ballot doesn't mean it will be counted. In most cases, it makes no difference. In the case of Sheffield's mayoral race, provisional ballots were in the spotlight. We are curious as to why Ms. Freeman has not asked for an official recount. Aren't they standard?

Everyone ready for the runoff?

PSS Says Bad Italian Food?

We hadn't planned to mention Project Say Something in our blog after the monument defacement incident; however, a reader has asked us which downtown Florence restaurant the organization dislikes so much:

Is it Ricatoni's Italian Grill or the Pie Factory? Readers are welcome to venture a polite guess...

Isn't it time everyone places the blame for the non-removal of the monument firmly on the heads of the county commissioners where it belongs?

Sheffield Runoff Candidates to Be Announced Tuesday

As of now, one vote separates Sheffield mayoral candidates Steve Stanley and Penny Freeman. It will all come down to the provisional ballots to be counted on Tuesday at noon. The candidate with the greater number of votes will then face leader David Johnson in the October runoff.

Of course, the ballot count could end in a tie. What happens then? More recounts. Even lawsuits. Political races aren't pretty, are they?

Speaking of Sheffield, we've been asked what happens to Inspiration Landing if anything unfortunate happened to 72 year-old John Elkington. We imagine it would depend on his will. Elkington has a wife and three sons, the youngest of whom is not of legal age. We don't think the ultimate owner of Inspiration Landing could be counted on to finish any projects...assuming these projects are actually begun at some point. 

COVID Rumors Abound in Local Schools

During the past two weeks, this blog has received many accounts of COVID-19 infections among local students, teachers, coaches, and parents. Are they all true? We honestly have no way to confirm one way or the other.

* Did a social club initiation infect the head coach father of one young teen?

* Did a county coach hide his star quarterback's positive status as long as possible in order let him play today?

* Is one superintendent openly defying state health orders to avoid conflict with parents?

The list goes on and on. We suggest that concerned parents first call the school in question to ascertain what facts may be available. If still not satisfied, call your county health department for any information they may have.

We know home schooling is not ideal for all working parents; however, we highly recommend it. If you have to send your child to a public school, you have every right to ask questions...and to demand answers.

Opposition to Ag Center Mounts

How Some Pundits See The Ag Center

Opposition to the announced Lauderdale County agriculture center continues to mount. This is not surprising; we wonder only why it's taken so long for more to come forward.

From its first announcement, the center has met with criticism from the public:

Ag Center Transparency Project

Lauderdale Republicans Condemn Ag Center

Now some concerned citizens have filed a lawsuit against the center that has been slowed only moderately by COVID-19:

Lauderdale County Citizens for Responsive Government

Will this lawsuit slow or stop the center that is supposed to be completed by the fall of next year? We have no concrete projections on yes or no, but advise everyone to stock up on popcorn.

And what of a similar boondoggle across the river - Inspiration Landing? Has work ever begun on Phase I? (Yes, we know a modicum of work has been done on Phase II, if that makes sense to anyone.)

Has anyone congratulated Ian Sanford on gettin' out while the gettin' was good?

Colbert Super Shuns Masks?

A reader wrote: I love Dr. Satchel, but when she said she took the mandate more “as a suggestion,” I was hoping she would change her mind on that. I guess not.

Masks Work - Wear Them!

Sheffield Teachers Unhappy with Keith Davis

For the next two days we'll take a break from the muck of elections to consider two school systems where educators are unhappy with leadership, policy, or both. First we'll hear from a Sheffield educator:

I am a teacher (in) the Sheffield City School System. I love working there and have been with the system for a long time. I am just frustrated with some decisions that have been made concerning teacher/staff extra work time. I’m also a mother to three children. This early requirement is challenging for me as well as others parents working for SCS because we have to be at work before other schools begin. Most of our own children attend other school systems. Dr. Davis is refusing to pay Sheffield City School employees the extra time he is mandating faculty and staff to be at school. Also, substitute teachers are being asked to be at our schools earlier and not being paid for their extra time as well. Teacher contract hours are 7:45-3:15 which is still in the board policy manual. Now it is 7:15-3:30 without any pay increase. 

I think the public should know what is wrongfully happening to SCS employees. In my opinion, we should be paid more because of being required to be on campus before our contract hours. Many teachers do come to school early and/or stay late by their choice knowing we are not getting paid overtime. However, being required to be at school earlier with no pay increase is just NOT right, especially during a pandemic where we are at a higher risk of infection from the COVID-19 virus. I don’t know of any place of employment that requires a person to be at work and doesn’t pay them for it. Also, AEA has been contacted and Dr. Davis still refuses to pay the teachers/staff as well as substitute teachers for required extra working hours.

After receiving the above communication, we heard from a second educator who states Davis is not enforcing the mask requirements for parents who visit the schools. He should remember that unhappy teachers make for unhappy students.

How Were "Florence First" Grants Chosen?

In June, the City of Florence announced that it had selected 37 businesses to receive a Florence First Grant; 127 businesses had applied for consideration. The 37 grants totaled 1.6 million dollars. 

When a citizen of Florence questioned the makeup of the selection committee, she was referred to the Planning Commission or the City Clerk's Office. According to a communication sent to us, she has yet to hear exactly who chose these lucky 37 businesses.

Who benefited from the grants? Here's the list:

Allegro Dance and Fitness

Ally Communications

Armosa Studios LLC

Blinds, Shades, and Shutters

Bragwell Barber Shop

Café 222

China Doll Hair Salon

Die Tech

Esther’s Eatery

Florence Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Geronimo Gymnastics, LLC

Gunrunner Hotel

Marigail’s

Mefford Jewelers

Mitchell Printing

OCS Solutions

Odette

Party Pros

Pride Senior Care

Reclaimed Spirit Regal Nail

Safari Salon

Shoals Health and Fitness LLC

Shoals Nail and Spa

Shoals Theatre

Studio 23

Studio Nails and Spa

Sugarbakers

Sweetwater Paint

The London Shop

The Look

The Mailing Room

Unique Touch

Valley Broadcasting

Vogue Galleria and Salon

Williams Cleaners

Yumm Sushi and Beyond

We're not sure why our friend has had problems ascertaining the names of the selection committee, but when she informed us, we dug a little deeper. It seems the 127 businesses which applied were scored on a point basis...but what basis? Taxes paid in? Number of employees? 

It's easy to understand that the 90 businesses not receiving a grant were frustrated. While this is a part of life, we don't think it's too much to ask for scoring criteria or the names of those who assigned the points to each business. 

Go Vote Tuesday!!!

A Message from the Heart of Muscle Shoals

Did You Get This In The Mail?

Introduction: The following is written by a citizen of Muscle Shoals, a product of the school system who has many similarly educated family members. This is a must read for any informed voter!

Muscle Shoals City has an unbelievable opportunity on Tuesday, August 25th to give the citizens a constitutional government "For the people and by the people".

Historically, the good ole boy politics in Muscle Shoals has come in cycles. There was a 3 member commission which worked well for a number of years until corruption and kickbacks became a backroom game to benefit the corrupt officials. This forced the citizens to take city hall back by voting in a mayor/council form of government. 

Allen Noles, current councilman, is one of those first elected to the new government by promising transparency and open communication. That worked ok as long as Mr. Pampinto was the constant thorn in Mr. Noles' side and kept Mr. Noles on his toes.  Then enters Ken Sockwell, Chris Hall and Mike Lockhart. 

Shortly after, there appeared to be lines drawn between Hall and the resurgence in the good ole boy backroom politics. Citizens tried to speak to the many injustices throughout the city as they watched Mr. Noles and others that are now gone get their children hired in sweetheart jobs in city government departments over many experienced and qualified applicants. Still citizens remained vigilant and challenged the process to no avail.

As the city council tipped with a majority of the councilmen whose wives worked in the school system, the duty of care and focus on our City and the needs of the citizens became a nuisance to them. Flooding is at an all time high, in spite of a 1/2 cent sales tax being collected but not used for that purpose given all the lawsuits. The mayor found it easier and easier to stay away and rarely work, leaving the day to day decisions to the City Clerk. The councilmen whose wives are and were school employees became the voice of the school system at the city council table. 

When citizens requested the City Council call for a referendum on an elected school board after numerous problems with school management, Mr. Noles, Mr. Lockhart, Mr. Bradford and Mr. Willis all firmly said no. They, along with some school people said, "if it's not broke, don't fix it". 

Still, the citizens persisted when they were met with much resistance. Citizens went to school board meetings where they were ignored as well. Their children became targets in the schools and parents were treated poorly.

Confidently, the school superintendent appeared with his troops before the City Council and were welcomed with open arms when the average citizen and groups were not. After one request by the school superintendent to raise property taxes on the citizens, the city council immediately approved and called for an election for a large property tax increase.

Once again, The citizens rose up. But this time - WE HAD A VOICE - OUR VOTE, and WE SPOKE LOUDLY. You can't stop our vote. You can't stop the process. You can't make us believe your lies. WE SAY NO MORE. WE VOTED AGAINST A HUGE INCREASE IN TAXES. We are not going to increase the feed for the fattened cow.

Today, we have seen another uprising. What started out as a normal election of a city council turned into a war zone caused by those who are offended when a citizen voices their own opinion. Those people attacking the citizens are the ones who pushed for new taxes on us. Those people are the ones who have controlled the city councilmen. 

This election process once again has become a backroom political power struggle to gain complete control of our city by a small group linked to the schools. Sad, but true that time is expended on city politics in the midst of a pandemic when the safety of our children should be their primary focus along with resuming educating our children after such a long absence.

Indulge me as I connect all the players in this web of deceit. Remember the past and think about the connections closely as you cast your vote Tuesday. 

A political action committee (PAC) was formed just a few short weeks ago. The disclosure on the State Secretary of State's website was the chairperson, John Saylor and Jennifer Bragwell, secretary/treasurer. Is that legal? Absolutely.

Stay with me and remember the names as we go. Mr. Saylor openly supported the high increase on our property taxes just 2 years ago which was his right, yet, we did not see the anti-tax group attacking him for his opinion. Mr. Saylor in his role as chairperson of this new PAC has been openly attacking the right of others to support their choice of candidates.

At one point, social media became a means to bully and degrade others in Muscle Shoals by accusations without merit and lies on some candidates' motives for running. As the social media attack was orchestrated, it became increasingly evident this was more than just a simple PAC.

One school employee's family member engaged in an attack on innocent citizens who contributed to several candidates and challenged their legitimacy. Those citizens under attack set the record straight in a very professional and courteous manner. The attacker was not satisfied and continued his personal attacks.

Others rose to the defense of the citizens under attack and called for the PAC to fully disclose their source of donations and the members of a group that called themselves "Citizens for a Better Muscle Shoals". Good Citizens for a Citizen Focused Muscle Shoals asked for clarity, and transparency. Still nothing from the PAC.

This past week, a mailer from Pennsylvania, courtesy of the PAC, was delivered to the mailboxes in Muscle Shoals. This PAC made up of unknown people sent the citizens of Muscle Shoals a mailer instructing them for whom to vote for city council and mayor on Tuesday, August 25th. There were no signatures by those concerned citizens in the PAC or disclosures of who was funding the mailers instructing the good citizens of Muscle Shoals on whom they were to vote for. 

Still, the good citizens of Muscle Shoals said, Who are you and what gives you the right to tell me how to vote? After much outcry from the good people of Muscle Shoals, Mr. Saylor's PAC published the "steering committee". 

According to their website: "bettermuscleshoals.com", the steering committee consisted of: Rodney Allman (wife works for school system), Sonya Allman (retired and still works for school system) Debbie Bradford (was MSCS foundation director), Jennifer Bragwell (kin to organizers/and a candidate), Joe McKinney (involved in football program and parolee re-entry program), Deirdre Rich Kennedy, Doug Ruggles, John Saylor (attorney for Chip Dillard/Tim Staggs in Human Trafficking Sex charges), and Rebecca Tedder. Yet it has no indication of the source of their donors.

After much research and navigating the Secretary of State's website, the following donors are shown as:

Joe McKinney - $1000.00
Stricklands - $200.00 (kin to Councilman Noles)
John Saylor - $500.00
Mr. Rodney Allman - $1000.00 (wife works in the school system) Brother-in-law openly attacked citizens for supporting other candidates
Mr. Tommy Whitehead - $350.00
Ms. Pam Clepper - $250.00
Ms. Teena Noles - $450.00 (wife of current Councilman Noles)
Southern Pride Pest Control - $500.00

If you have followed all the details and names in this saga and feel like you have just returned from a very dysfunctional family reunion, then you comprehend far better than you realize. Make your own decision on whom to vote for. You should not be criticized for your choice of candidates. That is not only insulting, but a sign of larger problems than just a political power grab. 

There is a reason branches of government are separate and some incorporated, some as departments of the City government. There has to be a level of separation and respect for the process without the bullying and degradation of citizens for voicing their opinion.

Remember, if they do these things publicly, can we expect them to do any better behind the closed doors when there are like minded people planning our futures and our children's educational system?

NO MORE BULLYING. NO MORE PRESSURE. NO MORE BACKROOM DEALS. NO MORE POWER CONTROLS. NO NEW TAXES

VOTE TUESDAY AUGUST 25th. - YOUR VOICE - YOUR VOTE.

The Florence Vote

The City of Florence is composed of six districts. This year, each of these districts is contested. Let's look at who's the best for the city:

District 1 - Kaytrina P. Simmons. Ms. Simmons has been in office for four years and worked tirelessly for the district. Let's go forward, not backward. Vote for Ms. Simmons in District 1.

District 2 - John D. Bowen. The current council member Dick Jordan has been in office since Shoalanda was in high school. No, that wasn't a joke. It would be different if he actually responded to the needs of the citizens; however, he does not. Vote Bowen in District 2.

District 3 - Matthew F. Sufczinski. Unfortunately, David Bradley chose not to seek re-election. We believe Mr. Sufczinski is the person to replace David on the council. He has stood up against the Salvation Army in the past and will continue to stand up for District 3. 

District 4 - Michelle Rupe Eubanks. Mrs. Eubanks has consistently pushed for the betterment of her district during the past four years. We can't think of an i not dotted or a t not crossed. Vote Mrs. Eubanks in District 4.

District 5 - Thomas Spence. Mr. Spence is a fresh voice in Florence politics. The city needs active council members, not chair sitters. Support Mr. Spence in District 5.

District 6 - Jimmy Oliver. There is no incumbent in this race. Both candidates have positive qualities; however, Oliver is a strong supporter of the Florence shelter and social work for those who have no voice of their own. Vote Mr. Oliver in District 6.

Bonus for the day: Looking over various political rants in this election, we suggest many need to look up...

1. The definition of the word "apostle."

2. The correct usage of "alumnus, alumna, and alumni."

That is unless you're actually trying to sound illiterate.

The Sheffield Vote

The next four years will prove 1) Will there actually be an Inspiration Landing? and 2) If there is an IL, just what will it eventually encompass? If the answer to the first question is "no" or if the answer to the second is "only a financial loss to Sheffield," then the sitting council will have some tough decisions to make.

We have looked at the candidates for the council's five seats and find most of them qualified. We do have one endorsement and that is in District 5. We're happy to support Randa Simpson Hovater:

"I am running for Sheffield City Council District 5. I’m attaching my campaign flyer. Alongside some of the issues and ideas I have listed here, I have spoken with residents about what their concerns and issues are in our district. Most have expressed issues in regard to an avenue of communication with their council member and I have decided that if elected, I’d like to host open discussion town halls for the residents of District 5 to participate in to bring up issues and concerns about different matters they may have."

Tuscumbia Council/New Lauderdale School Lawsuit?

Geraldine Byrd Thompkins is seeking a second term on the Tuscumbia city council. During the past four years, the town has made tremendous strides. The town's progress isn't due to just one person, but the combo it has now is working smoothly together. Let's keep a good thing going in District 2.

Vote for Ms. Thompkins on August 25th!

A Lauderdale "family" is threatening to sue the county school system. We've been asked about this and have been at a loss for words on the best answer.

This is just a thought, but if your brand of morals is hindering your children to such a degree, why not move to Utah or Mexico where you'll be accepted?

We're sure there's more to come...

A Muscle Shoals Taxpayer Speaks - Part II

A second Muscle Shoals resident/taxpayer/voter has sent in a take on the upcoming elections:

As I have watched videos and read Facebook posts of the candidates that have qualified for the upcoming municipal election, I have begun to notice a trend that I am concerned about. So, I have taken some time to investigate some issues and would like to make our citizens of Muscle Shoals aware of them.

My dad was a long time city employee for Muscle Shoals. I am a graduate from MSHS, along with my children and currently where my grandchildren attend school.  My dad has since passed away but I remember the hard work and dedication he gave to our city. I remember him telling us it takes everyone doing their job to keep this city running.

I’ve kept my eye on the candidates that are running and thought about some of the choices they have decided to run on.  All candidates have a good reputation and have done well in life.  It has come to my attention that certain candidates are dedicated to run on a platform that the School System is what keeps our City running.  

My spouse and I called a few friends and asked if they happen to notice a Power Struggle over this issue?

 

Most of the answers we got were...

It seems the School System is having a hard time financially and wants control over who resides in City Hall.  

One friend also said, it was sad to see how the School System thinks they are above others and wants the City to support them financially at all cost.

I did have a friend that thought the school administrators and teachers were some of the best we have ever had. I agreed with them, but they were still upset that the School System is putting certain people to run against candidates.

I have also been told that the School System has created a Facebook page that is a PAC to push their candidates. Purpose: This PAC raises money and submits donations to support certain causes as well as candidates running for public office who understand and support our interest and concerns on the issues facing our local community.

I called and asked a few questions to a City Councilman. He was kind enough to answer my questions without his input. The City of Muscle Shoals has always supported the School System and gives up to 1.5 million dollars yearly to the School System. They have purchased land and helped with bond issues over the years. They were a big help financially when building the new high school, career academy and stadium. There is no way the City will ever pull the plug on helping the School System.  He and I both agree the City will always be great supporters for our School System.

After watching the Mayoral debate Thursday night... I can see where Mike Lockhart wants the job, but can’t find his way out of the hole he has dug by being a lazy councilman for the last 8 years.  He talks in circles and has definitely NOT got a vision for this City. He had aligned himself with SEDA, Shoals Chamber and NexGen. He is also paying Click Sygenry a lot of money to manage his campaign. He has to have all these people to market him, and in my opinion they are doing a very poor job or he's just not got what it takes. I asked some questions about his campaign finances and learned where I could acquire them, they are public knowledge. Let me make something clear about SEDA & Shoals Chamber, they are one of the best assets to our community and we are very fortunate to have them. SEDA was created and put in place to work with each city/community and SEDA is funded by local governments and area businesses together. Shoals Chamber is a membership program and their board of directors are ALL businessmen and women from Florence. Shoals Chambers works hard for those who pay for memberships. I do not think if you, as a political candidate, have not been involved with them in the past will in no way hinder your abilities if you are elected. All our political candidates will be more than glad to get involved with them once elected. As for Mike Lockhart he is trying to show he has "experience" by using a multitude of people, places and things he has not been involved in, but is now paying them for advice. Rumor is... one candidate did not do the Mayoral Forum because NexGen is backing Mike Lockhart and that should be a conflict of interest.

Mike mentioned the School System more times than I could count and even referenced having several meetings with superintendent Dr. Holden recently.  Mike Lockhart has sold himself to the School System for all their votes.  

So why is it the School System has decided to push certain candidates?  I’m still asking those questions and maybe you should too!!!!

As I watched a recent video of a candidate, she stated she is not backed by the school system, but openly told many she had been approached to run and which council seat she needed to run for- Place 2 or Place 5.  What was bothersome is what she went on to say... how our School System is what makes this town what it is.  Basically what she is saying is... the School System keeps the lights on for this City and that the City has profited greatly from the School System.  It has received sidewalks and it has created revenue for this City by people moving here because of the School System.  I agree the School System has brought many families to this area.  It has helped our community greatly and I think our citizens and ALL the candidates that are running will agree to that.  BUT if you knew the City’s revenues and grants that have been received you would know the City itself does quite well and has done well in the past.  Many grants have been applied for and received to pay for the amenities we have here in the city.  Ford and Renyolds had well paying jobs a long time ago, families came to Muscle Shoals then and put this City on the map.  Our School System began a journey to excellence a long time ago from the hard working families that this City has been in the past.  For those people that keep saying “everyone moves here for the School System”, we appreciate you but this City was great before you came.  

Having a father as an employee of the city - the City of Muscle Shoals has always been good stewards of their money and taken care of the City.  Maybe we should remember that our City has been the pillar for our School System not the other way around.   To those that think the School System is the most important aspect of ourCity... the City keeps THEIR lights on and the City has been the driving force behind the community and school.   We are fortunate to have such a wonderful City that dedicates itself to having great employees, city departments, citizens and a school system.  

Our City leadership is important!!  But let’s not get that confused with our School System and keep in mind who should run our City.  We need to see the difference between the two and it should not be a Power Struggle to have our City run by the School System.  

Sincerely,

A Concerned Citizen

A Muscle Shoals Taxpayer Speaks - Part I

A Muscle Shoals voter has critiqued each of the six candidates endorsed by the political PAC Citizens for a Better Muscle Shoals:

Thanks for publishing the endorsements by NEW PAC. Who are the donors of this PAC? Your psychic powers were spot on concerning the Smoke and Mirrors politics in Muscle Shoals. 

Nothing new in the swamp - other than it needs to be drained.

Lockhart manages Helen Keller multi million dollar annual budgets? Kyle Buchanan must be the poster image to shield Lockhart from the public. Last check showed him (Lockhart) as manager of the housekeeping department. Would love to see him interviewed explaining Huntsville Hospital's operations in Sheffield, Alabama and Huntsville Hospital/Keller Hospital accounting functions in Huntsville.

Nelson - Am I missing something in her resume concerning government operations. TVA operations are in Chattanooga, aren't they? No local TVA employee has publicly pushed for those operations to be in Muscle Shoals where the charter clearly specified. She wants to be innovative and proactive - that's great - how has she been up till now?  Never too late to start anew I guess.

Clark - Her resume is a little narrow. Advocate for the school system? Maybe she needs to apply for the school board first for a better understanding. But, she does stick with a job - 31 years selling houses.

Thompson was a plant manager? Grants for flood mitigation? Shoppers/citizens in Muscle Shoals pay 1/2 cent sales tax earmarked for flooding. His concern about the school system's aging buildings should have been expressed when he was pushing for a football facility, huge press box, new stadium and a lineup of football coaches.

Sockwell understands government yet doesn't know he has nothing to do with the salaries & operations of the School System, Electric Department, Gas Department, Utilities Dept. past appointing board members? 

Lanier writes about his Muscle Shoals school career, yet fails to mention he is a teacher/coach at Central High School? Who is short changed in his career as a realtor - and squeezing in teaching and coaching at Lauderdale County Schools? 

Hot Dog! Madam Shoalanda Nailed It!

Remember our predictions from two days ago concerning the forthcoming endorsement from a PAC called Citizens for a Better Muscle Shoals?

Our blog: PAC's Predicted Picks

PAC's endorsements: Candidates Acceptable to Them

How did we do it? More importantly, are the voters of Muscle Shoals going to fall for voting for more taxes and less control over their own school system?

Why Are YOU Running?!!!

You have to ask why some individuals are running for office. Their platforms are mainly supporting business and apple pie. The most troubling thing is that they're running against qualified incumbents who have been huge successes in office. Is it an ego thing? Are they that blind? 

Yet sometimes they win. Look at Strat Byars in Frankln County who unseated a certified long time county employee for whatever deluded reasons he had. He did mention his father's service to the county. We have a Lauderdale candidate like that in the municipal elections; he's actually listed his father's 49 years in government as one of HIS accomplishments. Ignorance isn't the word. Then we have one in another Lauderdale city who actually said vote for a "man." Too bad he couldn't show us a real one.

Vote wisely on August 25th.

In case you missed it, woman beater/thief Ryan Kent Pollard was arrested again. He's also out on bond again. What does it take?

Ryan Kent Pollard

By request:

Madam Shoalanda Predicts CFBMS Endorsements

There's a new political group in the area: Citizens for a Better Muscle Shoals. The group has sent questionnaires to the candidates for mayor and council and will be endorsing shortly.

As regular readers know, Madam Shoalanda has a great track record in making predictions concerning the small town of Muscle Shoals. She predicted the 82% defeat of increased property tax and the school superintendent's successor Chad O.G. Holden. Now, she's ready to make some major predictions for this group's endorsements.

Madam Shoalanda says Citizens for a Better Muscle Shoals will endorse:

MAYOR - Mike Lockhart
Place 1 - Rita Nelson
Place 2 - Gina Clark
Place 3 - Willis Thompson
Place 4 - Ken Sockwell
Place 5 - Jody Lanier

She will next go into a deeper trance to contact her spirit guide Opurrah Whisker and attempt to answer the questions of who runs this group and who constitutes their donor base.

Stay tuned...

Unless the citizens of Muscle Shoals want their taxes raised to support a high school football program and similar endeavors, we recommend voting for anyone but those listed above.

Meanwhile in Lauderdale County:

Peggy McGee has announced she’s running for another term on the Lexington Town Council. Ms. McGee has been a council member since 2004 and served with both dedication and integrity. Rather than run on vague promises or distant political connections, Ms. McGee is running on her record of service and unblemished integrity while in office.

Ms. McGee not only resides in Lexington, but also works in that growing community, making her acutely aware of the problems the town faces on a day to day basis. On Tuesday, August 25th, vote for Peggy McGee, the candidate of unquestioned integrity.