Resolve to Be More Politically Active

 

After every election, we hear someone say they wish that they had voted. This was particularly true in the last Florence mayoral election when Andy Betterton won by a hand full of votes.

While we need to do better at the local level, the State of Alabama also needs more informed and involved citizens. Look at our legislature and the office of Attorney General. 

We know several who have reported various problems to Steve Marshall only to receive a canned reply that their complaint had been received. Some responses indicate a lack of time available to look into complaints. Yet Steve Marshall seems to have plenty of time to add his written opinion in problems involving other states. 

Then we have an even worse legislature that not only fails to solve legitimate problems, it passes unconstitutional laws which have to be defended with taxpayer dollars. While many of these laws concern induced abortion or illegal aliens, gun control seems to be still another hobby horse.

For several years, Sen. Gerald Allen has introduced a bill to make state law superior to Federal law on certain guns and their regulation, but has never been able to see these passed.  His 2022 S82 bill is already pre-filed and ready for the January 11th opening of our next legislative session. The problem? It can't stand up in federal court, and we taxpayers will be footing the bill to defend something that has no chance of becoming permanent law.

Yet the people of this state continue to elect the Steve Marshalls and Gerald Allens of Alabama. Isn't it time to vote more wisely? Who knows, the money saved could possibly replace sales tax on groceries. At least we can hope...

Flying Pigs and Nick Saban

 

Even Auburn fans (and our one Ohio State blogger) can give praise to Nick Saban when due. His response to the corona virus has been an inspiration. Here's an excellent article from APR that says it much better than we can:

Save Us, Nick Saban

While we're logically aware that God doesn't take sides in SEC football, we did have to speculate that He had good reason to be on UA's side in the Iron Bowl. 

*****

Before you get too excited about the new year, remember 2022 brings a state-wide election and the campaigns that go with it. Obviously in Alabama, the senate race is the one to watch, but this time there's a local element.

Two Shoals area men are running for the position of state auditor - Andrew Sorrell and Brent Woodall. We've known Andrew for some time and always appreciated his help with animal welfare issues. This week we ran into Brent while running errands and had a chance to speak with him briefly.

We were delighted to find Brent to be a sage and down to earth person who genuinely cares about the state. As of now, Andrew and Brent lead in most polls. It's going to be a very interesting election.

Ten Year-Old Muscle Shoals Track Now Outdated?

 

From a very ticked off Muscle Shoals Resident:

Lockhart and the three amigos just passed a resolution increasing giving the school system a hefty portion of the sales tax AFTER 78% of the citizens voting NOT to give the school system any additional money. We once again see where MSCS' priorities are - football.


They are laughing their butts off at the ignorant Muscle Shoals people.


This is the 2nd track for Basden after he sold Wooten a cock and bull sob story to get the current one less than 10 years ago. So, a track has a price tag of some $90K A YEAR. Could buy a lot of classroom supplies or a teacher with that kind of money.

Rogersville Bomb Target was a Fridge?

 

Late last week, there were numerous complaints of bombs just south or Rogersville. An informant has told us it was a substance called Tannerite (registered trademark) set off by some bored young boys in an attempt to take out a refrigerator.

Only two states ban Tannerite - California and Maryland. Others set age limits on the purchase. The Tannerite company suggests that it's not suitable for anyone under 21, and Academy Sports won't sell to anyone not yet 18.

We have no reports on how the fridge fared, but at least the boys weren't hurt. Well, at least not hurt until the Rogersville police came knocking at their doors to inform the parents of what was going on.

Police Impound Possible Hit&Run Vehicle

 

There were reportedly no witnesses to the hit and run that took the life of Lori Lynne Avery on December 20th. According to the Florence Police Department, debris collected at the scene was from a Nissan Altima. Yesterday, the FPD found a 2007 Altima with front end damage on South Kirkman Street in East Florence.

 

Sadly, as of early Monday night, the driver has not been located. With the information investigators now have, the name of the person who struck Miss Avery and left her to lie dying on the pavement should be made public.

We've been told that Lori had posted on a work bulletin board that she would pay $40.00 a week for a ride to and from work. Unfortunately no one offered to assist her. Let's not fail her twice.

Props to the FPD investigators for continuing to work this case.

New Colbert Sex Offender Law?

 

The Alabama Legislature will meet again in January, and there may be some interesting changes in Colbert County. The county is proposing a ban on more than one registered sex offender per address unless in a residential facility with licensed oversight. 

This law would make the Four-Way facility on Highway 43 illegal as well as some private homes that often house two or three offenders. The last time a bill like this was before the legislature, it failed to go the distance.

This time, we're hoping there's enough support that it will be passed. A great many sex offenders never realize what they've done wrong. When paired with similar offenders, the effect is synergistic and the proverbial "ticking time bomb."

When the bill number is announced, we'll publish it here so that the citizens of Colbert County can contact their representatives to urge its passing.

Merry Christmas 2021

 

Obviously, the past two years have not been easy going for most of us. Yet Spring will come and with it a sense of normalcy. This Christmas let's look forward to a better year in 2022!

All of Us at Shoalanda Speaks

Breaking: Bombs in Rogersville?

 

One of our bloggers located in the Rogersville area has reported several explosions just south of the small town. Authorities have speculated these explosions are located near Highway 70.

The explosions could be felt for a 15 mile radius, from Anderson to Elgin. Local law enforcement is investigating and not ruling anything out at this time. 

We'll update this report when more information is available. 

Step Away from the Eggnog, Coach

 

It's easy to over indulge this time of year, especially in alcohol for those who are so inclined. Last Saturday night, a Lauderdale County School System coach was arrested in Florence for a DUI. (Please note this says system, not Lauderdale County High School.)

He isn't the first school employee to be arrested on this charge, and we venture it's a safe guess that he won't be the last. At this point, the young man has only been charged and not convicted.

Still, this coach doesn't have any tenure. In Alabama, a teacher/coach must be employed for three consecutive years and hired for the fourth in order to achieve any job security. We're sure there are at least ten other young men in the wings waiting to take this man's job...men who have no DUI arrests/convictions and would be better role models.

It may be too late for this man to save his job, but for others who are partying between now and New Year's, think about how easy it is to blow your career in a matter of minutes...or even much worse.

Please, just put down that eggnog until you're back in your own home.

Reward in Florence Hit & Run

 

So far there have been no arrests in the Monday hit and run death of Lori Lynne Avery. There was an interesting news article today concerning the State of Alabama offering a $5,000.00 reward in a Selma hit and run from November 2020. That's right - the crime is 13 months old and still unsolved.

While some killers are never caught, most are. It shouldn't take 13 months or longer. Sometimes a reward can encourage others to do the right thing.

Shoals Crime Stoppers, sponsored by WAFF in Huntsville, offers small rewards for tips leading to an arrest. We have no idea what amount will be up for grabs in this case, but often as much as $1,000.00. 

This blog is going to add $100.00 to whatever amount Crime Stoppers offers. This financial incentive is strictly for a tip that leads to the arrest of Miss Avery's killer.

You can reach Crime Stoppers at 53-CRIME. You will remain anonymous; you'll simply be given a number to claim your reward if your tip results in an arrest.

We hope others will step up and add to this reward. In the interim, the driver knows what he/she did. We hope it's not resting easily on his conscience...if he has one.

Take the McFarland Park Master Plan Survey

 

Much has been said concerning the again proposed College Street bridge, but the City of Florence has another large project in the making. If you're of a certain age, you've heard it called McFarland Bottom; it's now known as McFarland Park. You don't have to be all that old to know that the area is prone to flooding. 

The park is made up of 360 acres, with a large portion unused. This survey is to assist in planning for the park to be "enlarged and activated." If you're like us, you have no idea what "activated" means, but we'll hope it's a good thing.

So if you live in Florence or simply enjoy spending time in our city and park, be sure to make your ideas known:

McFarland Park Use Survey

Who Killed Lori Lynne Avery?

 

It's less than a week until Christmas, but not everyone will be having a happy holiday. A mother in North Carolina will be without her daughter. Two small dogs will be without their mama. Many employees at American Wholesale Book Company will be grieving the loss of a co-worker snatched from them by a hit-and-run driver.

It was still light on Monday afternoon when Lori Lynne Avery left her job in the Industrial Park to walk to her home in the Seven Points area. She was 56 years-old, not in the best of health, and at least slightly hearing impaired. Still, she should have felt safe walking on four-lane Chisholm Road with a prominently posted speed limit. Only she wasn't.

Florence Police say that Miss Avery was struck by a driver who then fled the scene. In case any are not aware, such actions are a felony. There are some anecdotal reports that the damaged vehicle has been located, but these have not been confirmed. As far as we know, the driver is still being sought by authorities.

Whoever the driver is, he (or she) knows exactly what he hit. He left the scene deliberately without stopping to assist the dying woman. He deserves the maximum punishment for his crime, or perhaps crimes if he was impaired by substance abuse.

Unfortunately, Miss Avery has no local relatives to encourage the judicial system to push for the appropriate sentence in this crime. Nevertheless, when his name is public, all will then know him for the person he is.

If you have information concerning this accident or the driver involved, call the FPD at 256-760-6610.

More Sales Tax for Sheffield's Bond Payment?

 

If any Sheffield residents aren't aware, sales tax in that city will be increasing .5% in March of next year. Mayor Stanley has indicated this will help recruit and keep a better type of First Responders.

Did anyone bother to ask if any of these new funds will be used to make the bond payments due on Inspiration Landing? Surely it's a pertinent question.

On that note, has anyone heard anything new from that wonderful Sheffield development recently? Any...any at all...construction of new businesses? How about the Slag? Any word on its reopening? No, we didn't think so.

How about this query: Any disgruntled Sheffield citizens out there?

A Reader's Brilliant Idea to Banish the Salvation Army

 

A reader recently asked why so many support the Salvation Army. Our main theory is that little is known about it, it's been around since before our grandparents were born, and it has its own press team working daily to maintain its image.

Quick: What are the Order of the Oddfellows? Probably most will have heard of this Masonic like fraternal order and its good deeds, but can't tell you anything more specific. It's just something that's been around "furevah," so it must be all right.  That's just simply not true in all cases.

Sorry, it's long past time to look at the Salvationists, and the church's current demands to apologize for being "white racists" is giving many that opportunity. One of our regular readers has just the thing to combat this organization:

Print up some Flyers and drop one in every SA Red Kettle you see......

“Redeemable for ONE WHITE APOLOGY in Lieu of Cash Donation”

“You go Woke, you WILL go Broke”

There ARE consequences for Stupidity.

We love the idea and say go for it!

Another reader has an interesting idea on combating pagan worship services on city property. If these rituals continue on Indian Mound, he intends to bring together a group of Baptists to hold an Easter sunrise service at the ancient burial ground. 

If those in charge of the mound choose to discriminate, the possibilities of lawsuits are numerous. It's time to hold our city governments accountable.

Salvation Army: "Say Sorry if You're White"

 

In the past, we've written about the Salvation Army's public statements on gays. We've also reported local shelter violence against women, discrimination in accommodations, and mismanagement of funds. If that didn't give you a better idea of what Salvationists are really like, perhaps this will.

It seems the church's main American office in Virginia has what's called an International Social Justice Commission. Does that title make you feel all warm and fuzzy or does it activate your Spidey senses?

The commission recently released a pamphlet entitled "Let's Talk about Racism."  While we're sure this booklet has at least some sage advice for all of us, there's one tenet that should come as a slap in the face to any normal person. 

It seems white supporters of the organization are being asked to offer a sincere apology for their race. In case you didn't get that, you (if you support the Salvationist Church in any way) need to say you're sorry for being white. 

We don't know about any of you, but we don't recall ever being asked what color we wished to be...or gender...or anything else...pre-conception. Does anyone out there with half a brain think that this request went over well?

The church has since withdrawn the pamphlet, calling it written for only church members and suggesting the booklet's statements were all taken the wrong way. This came after donations began to plummet. The pamphlet is "under review," so it may show up in some form in the near future.

The Luck o' the Jordans

 

Did you ever feel if not for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all? All of us do from time to time. Well, perhaps not the Jordan family.

Consider that in 2013, Libby Watts Jordan (wife of Florence councilman Dick) was one of 30 candidates for the position of director at the Rosenbaum Home. Her expertise? Most bios list her degree as in geology; however, we have to speculate that it's actually geography. No matter which, it certainly wasn't in the arts or history.

Now consider that in 2021, Bill Jordan (son of Dick) was one of 39 who applied to become the newest director of the parks and recreation department. Bet you can't guess who got that little plum.

But wait, there's apparently more. Bill says that he's worked for the Florence Electricity Department for 23 years...and for 23 years has been a supervisor. That means, at the approximate age of 28, young Bill was hired to serve in a supervisory position. 

When Libby Jordan was selected as director of the Rosenbaum Home, there was at least one lawsuit filed amid the 29 losers. Now that there are 38 losers in this newest appointment, should the citizens of Florence expect to pay more legal fees?

Andy Fails to Avoid the Appearance of Evil

 

Some years ago, this blog received a spate of complaints concerning the government in a small Northwest Alabama town. The police chief of this town was married to the city clerk, and many thought this was "illegal." We never knew what specific incident(s) triggered these sudden complaints, but we did investigate the policies of other areas.

Many stated that their official policy was not to allow anything that could be construed as nepotism. Others stated that while their towns/states had no official policy, they always avoided the appearance of evil.

Ah...the appearance of evil. It would seem that Florence mayor Andy Betterton failed to avoid that when he appointed the son of the city council president as a new department head. 

Wasn't it only a few months ago that Betterton terminated the employment of a long time human resources officer for activating an employment application window for only ten minutes so that a late comer could apply? So this wasn't ethical, but appointing Dick Jordan's son to a well-paid position is?

Our mail box has been inundated with comments on this. Many simply state their unhappiness with this appointment, while others have offered actual info to check out. Rest assured, we will.

To be continued...

A Pagan Solstice Ceremony on City of Florence Property - Part II

 

What cultures celebrate the solstices? Among indigenous North Americans, we find only the Zuni and Hopi of the Southwest; we find no mention of tribes in the U.S. Southeast, but we're open to correction.

When one hears "solstice celebration," one usually thinks of ancient Druids. The Druids were a Celtic people who believed intensely in nature and wore white during their religious ceremonies. The word Druid probably originates from an older word meaning Oak Tree. That explains the ancient English customs of Yule Logs and Mistletoe. 

Most people like Christmas, and we can understand that. As the Guess Who once said: Colored lights can hypnotize. So how should we feel about a Greek Orthodox Christmas mass at Pope's Tavern? Don't worry; that's not gonna happen - we hope.

What has been happening for the past two to three years, are CORE celebrations to the "Devine" taking place at the Indian Mound Museum and, according to director Brian W. Murphy, co-sponsored by the Florence museum. The museum is called a "partner" with the CORE Center. 

So is this harmful or merely educational?  Let's look at a few specifics:

1. Attendees are asked to wear white (this would indicate Druid influence).

2. Attendees are asked to bring offerings of a certain nature to ensure the earth's blessings.

We could go on, but that last one should be enough. Why are we reminded of Joel Osteen and countless other charlatans? 

After yesterday's introductory blog, we had several skeptics who thought most of these claims were merely hyperbole. Here are two screen shots:

Newest Event to Take Place 12/21. Note That it's Filed under Religion.

The Most Telling Ad, Requesting Gifts to Secure Blessings. No Clue as to What "Wowmonoma" May Mean.

The bottom line is do we want taxpayer dollars to provide this venue? How about cleanup? Before you ask if these sacrifices to Mother Earth don't simply return to nature, you should consider that corn meal is a danger to many types of wild life, most especially deer and birds.

If you live in Florence and don't want your precious tax dollars to support this voodoo hoodoo, not to mention actually harming Florence's wildlife and ecosystems, please contact your council representative:

Kaytrina P. Simmons - District 1

(256) 760-6401

William (Dick) Jordan - Council President/District 2

(256) 760-6402

Bill Griffin - District 3

(256) 760-6403

Michelle Rupe Eubanks - District 4

760-6404

Blake Edwards - District 5

(256) 760-6405

Jimmy Oliver - District 6

(256) 760-6406

A final takeaway: Alabama school teachers aren't allowed to say Namaste in class, but we can say Wowmonoma at a city museum?

Namaste to everyone and enjoy the "colored lights":

Breaking News: Nathan Boyd Dead at 40

 

Convicted Florence killer Nathan Lee Boyd has been found dead in his cell at the William Donaldson Correctional Facility. Nathan and his brother were both tried for the robbery/murder of Danny Sledge in 1999. Nathan, ostensibly the mastermind, was sentenced to life without parole. Eric, who was never connected to the actual crime by physical evidence, is currently serving a similar sentence, but with a chance at parole.

Authorities say the Tuesday afternoon death has been ruled as from natural causes.  Eric Wayne Boyd is currently in the Limestone Correctional Facility with a parole hearing scheduled for August 2024.

The entire chilling story of the grisly crime can be found here:

Murder in Muscle Shoals Vol. II

Why is the City of Florence Presenting a Pagan Ritual? - Part I

 

The Yule Log - An Ancient Pagan Custom

How many of you are familiar with an organization called CORE? We're guessing very few since the non-profit's Facebook page boasts only eight followers. Just what is CORE?

From its FB page: The mission of the C.O.R.E. Center is to honor all beings of divine expression through love, truth, and integrity and maintain an environment of conscious co-creation with the Divine.

If any readers want to know what "conscious co-creation" may be...good luck!

This organization has offices in Muscle Shoals and sponsors some interesting events, not to mention using the description "grocery store" on its FB page. Its director is Deborah A. Carter, a naturopath. Don't confuse a naturopath with an allopath or osteopath, the two main types of physicians in the U.S.

From Dr. Carter's online bio:

Dr. Deborah Carter is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in private Practice at the Shoals Natural Healthcare Center located in Muscle Shoals, AL. Her specialty is internal family natural medicine. Over the past 16 years, Dr. Carter has given lectures and workshops to groups and organizations in the area and state on complementary/alternative and preventive medicines. She also coordinate a biannual Natural Detoxification Program for the community and is founder and director of the CORE Center which is a nonprofit human potential center. Dr. carter’s education background: Talladega College, (B.A.-Chemistry), Auburn University,(M.S.-Medicinal Chemistry, and National College of Naturopathic Medicine,(N.D.-Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.)

That's certainly an impressive resume'; however, most will find some of the treatments offered in her practice just a little too out there. Feel the need for a healing crystal light bed?

That would certainly be up to you. Your money, your choice of treatments or activities. How about when it's taxpayer money? Did you know that CORE is listed as a "partner" in events with a City of Florence endeavor?

How do you feel about a pagan ritual on public property? 

Tomorrow: Welcoming the Winter Solstice at the Indian Mound Museum.

Christmas Miracle in Sheffield?

 

From J. Redmon:

Sheffield is actually paving Cox Blvd. Well ...part of it, at least!

And on the subject of Sheffield schools:

There are far TOO FEW 'parents' today that take an active role in raising their children and being involved in their children's education. Instead, there are those that only seem interested in 'seeing how big of a pain in the ass' they can be for their children's school(s). It's almost like it's a form of 'entertainment' for them. There are no better examples of such behavior than those found in Sheffield City and Florence City schools. Why those school boards continue to allow such behavior boarders on incompetence.

From a faithful reader:

Seems as if there's an uptick in wife beatings. Isn't it time to call it what it is and call out those who get away with it?

Interesting question. We'll have more thoughts in the next few days.

Will Larry Stutts Put a Dent in Correctional Incentive Time?

 

In January, Sen. Larry Stutts will be attempting to modify Alabama's Correctional Incentive Time law by excluding any plea bargains from the mix. Good idea or bad?

We'll leave that up to the legislature, but many don't realize that CIT doesn't apply to Class A felonies or to sentences over 15 years. In other words, we're not too sure how many felons would be affected at all in the future. 

What we did find odd was a statement that WAAY attributed to Stutts:

Under his new bill, Stutts is certain that people like Risner's accused killer will be unable to further endanger law-abiding citizens.

So how does that work? A released former felon who has completed an entire sentence will never hurt anyone again? Do these lawmakers even consider what they're saying?

A Russellville School System Oddity?

 

While doing some research into the Franklin County School Board appointments, we came upon some very interesting information concerning the Russellville School System. Is it meaningful? Obviously, school demographics play at least a small role, if not a large one, in school success.

Several years ago, we discussed the meaning of Hispanic, a word widely misused. A Hispanic is a person from Central or South America whose first language is Spanish. Yet not all agencies/systems use the word correctly. That limits what statistics can tell us, but they are nevertheless interesting in this case. 

According to the most recent census, the population of Russellville is approximately 35% Hispanic. The number of Hispanic students in the Russellville system? Approximately 54%. While we expected a difference, we didn't expect it to be 19%.

What could account for this? There would seem to be four possibilities:

1. Hispanic families have more children than their non-Hispanic counterparts.

2. Non-Hispanic residents of Russellville send a large percentage of their children to county or private schools.

3. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Russellville City School System are using vastly differing definitions of Hispanic.

4. Russellville City Schools are somehow inflating the number of Hispanic students.

Perhaps we should add that more than one of these scenarios could be involved. The most troubling is that the system could be inflating the number of Hispanic children for tax dollars. 

It will be interesting to look at these same two stats in five years...

Don't Have a Mental Health Crisis in Florence...

 

...or Huntsville or perhaps any city in Alabama. That being said, our state legislature has done nothing to ensure that victims of mental illness receive prompt and safe treatment. In other words, if a citizen of Florence has a psychotic episode, the Lauderdale County Detention Center is not prepared to care for him due to both a lack of funding and training.

Some things we can at least understand, but a "hole in the wall" between cells? The city can't afford brick masons or whoever repairs such damage? Here's a troubling story that our county commission should address. At least the victim's injuries were not life threatening:

My brother suffers from schizophrenia and had an episode Friday night and he was sure he was in danger and was carrying a knife around at my mom's and went outside with the knife so was arrested. The police officer assured it would be best for him to go and calm down there because he would be by himself due to his mindset.

He was put in a holding cell until Saturday afternoon sometime and as soon as the officer turned his back to leave the other inmates in A8 asked if anyone knew him and because no one did he was jumped.

Officers got him out and put in the cell beside that one, A6 I believe and he said there was a hole in the wall that A8 could talk through and they had the other guys jump him. The inmates justify this by being over crowded and wanting no one new in their cell because some do not have beds as it is. He was taken to the nurse and given ibuprofen and a bandaid over his bleeding ear and put back in a holding cell. 

Asking to use the phone after he was never allowed to, he fell asleep soon after and woke up Monday. He was told by inmates in the holding cell that they had been trying to wake him to check on him and get him to eat but wasn't able to get him to come to. He was released Monday evening/night and not allowed to use the phone for a ride and walked with only a t-shirt on in the cold with a swollen face! 

He has medication to take daily they did not send with him and only gave him on Monday and not at the proper time that is clearly stated on the bottle, these medicines are for his mental state!

Obviously, there are several problems that need to be addressed here; however, besides a lack of jail maintenance, overcrowding seems to be the major factor in this situation. Will Lauderdale get a new jail anytime soon? Will Colbert County?

It may not be popular to say,  but pandemic relief funds could go a long way to solving many of these problems. What say you, county commissions?