PFAs on the House in Muscle Shoals/New YouTube Site

 

A reader asked what the "POA" referenced in yesterday's blog stood for. We had no idea, since we were pretty sure it wasn't power of attorney. When contacted, our guest submitter replied that it was a typo - it should have read "PFA" which stands for protection from abuse.

So why would new police officers be served with protection from abuse orders? It seems a recent Muscle Shoals recruit lacked only two weeks completing his basic training when his wife had him served. Really nice guy; we're sure he would have fit right in. (For the intellectually impaired, that last statement was sarcasm.)

*****

If any missed the two Ashton McCluskey videos from last week, you're out of luck now. The site is down. Well, at least the indicted teacher's original site is down. There's a new site using her name. At present the new owner is hawking soccer betting; who knows what might come next...

Muscle Shoals Refuses to Relinquish Title of Craziest City

 

A Muscle Shoals reader challenges Florence to reach the level of that town's depravity:

Being the ever so patient armchair observer, It appears Florence aspires to be Muscle Shoals. Mr. Butterman and Mr. Dicky are quickly turning Florence into the object of constant criticism. For the sake of my good friends in Florence, we all hope the rest of the city council collectively has oversight and governing rule of their inept management and rather distasteful embarrassing behavior.

Across the pond to the fish bowl called Muscle Shoals, we decided a while back that Muscle Shoals will never be #1 in football like we were promised by that little fella from Cordova a dozen years or so ago, but we will not have our status of #1 in small town backroom secrets taken away. Unlike Florence, our stinky politics is tightly woven between the city and school. In little towns like ours, it’s imperative to have those placed in areas that provide cover for one another’s bad and sometimes illegal acts.

Without a doubt, Muscle Shoals could be a t.v. comedy series. As Jeff Foxworthy would say, you may be from Muscle Shoals IF you....

.... have a sump pump under your house
.... wish you had built your house on stilts
.... think fine dining is a smiley face on your styrofoam carry our box
.... your co-workers have to be a spouse, sister, brother, son, daughter, cousin, aunt, uncle, mother, daddy, boyfriend, baby-mother, lover, and not to forget about the star football player’s daddy and mommy

.... rain means sandbagging and replacing your landscape after flooding
.... hoping your pet doesn’t disappear in a sink hole
.... 50 police cars sit in a row at all times
.... police chief hires new offices each month that has 31 days in it.
.... city council writes policy to keep police officers from transferring to other departments
.... newly hired police officers quit after training
.... police officers have personal calendars marking the days till retirement
.... POA served at midnight on new patrolman before he completes training
.... City council woman calls police chief “sweetie” “hon” during council meeting

Now folks, the best material for Jeff is true stories. Nowhere but the south. We are the king of crazy.

Muscle Shoals will keep our #1 status of murky waters - not just in the ponds.

Muscle Shoals Council Meeting - Best Comedy Show in Town

Bouncing Busty Brooks Babes on YouTube?

 

Because as we all know, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa doesn't know what a sports bra is:

(Video Hidden While Checking Conflicting Reports of Subject)

Junior High Tour? Just in case a domestic terrorist needs the floor plan? Was this authorized?

At least now we know why the Brooks Lions need to pray...

Whorton & Hanes Seek to Up Alabama Death Rate

 

Richie Whorton - A Swimming Pool Salesman from Madison County

Tommy Hanes - A Firefighter from Jackson County

Ronnie Whorton and Tommy Hanes are currently sponsoring HB 278. The bill proposes a lot of "freedoms" for state citizens, but what does it do at the very worst? 

The bottom line is that no business in the state can refuse to hire you, nor can they fire you, if you don't receive vaccinations that most normal individuals see the value in. 

This bill would prohibit an employer from 10 taking adverse action against an employee based on 11 the employee's immunization status. 12 This bill would prohibit an occupational 13 licensing board from denying, suspending, revoking, 14 or refusing to renew or reinstate a license for the 15 holder of, or applicant for, a license issued by 16 that board because of the immunization status of 17 that license holder or applicant.

Let's consider this scenario from May 2023:

Jenny is 25 and expecting her first child. She's had her vaccinations, but her immune system is weak. Her physician places her in NAMC overnight for some tests. Kasey is 23, a UNA graduate, and dedicated RN. She comes from an anti-vaxxer home and has never had any inoculations. Thanks to current law in Alabama, this is no impediment to her career.

Kasey was feeling feverish on the day Jenny was admitted to NAMC, but she decided to work since the hospital was short staffed. She worked closely with Jenny and spent extra time with her in hopes of reassuring her. The next morning Jenny left the hospital not knowing that Kasey had called in sick with a fever and rash later identified as German Measles.

Two weeks later, Jenny developed the same symptoms. Seven months later, Jenny's child was born deaf and mentally challenged, the victim of Congenital Rubella Syndrome. 

Is this what you want for our state?

Is Brooks Another Case of What the Janitor Saw?

 

Many cases involving sex are "he said/she said." Yet some like that of the infamous Jeff Eddie rely on witnesses like janitors. We've been asked why, if rumors are correct, a Brooks High math teacher wasn't charged with second degree rape.

Our knowledge of the case is mainly second hand, but apparently it wasn't the victim who reported his seducer. If true that a janitor accidentally caught an illicit act in a school bathroom, and if true that cell phone images back up the affair, Ashton McCluskey may receive a stern sentence. Yet as strong as the evidence is, it doesn't prove the affair began before the youth turned 16.

A sad ending to what could have been a wonderful teaching career. Welcome to Alabama where we're first in teacher-student sex if nothing else.

*****

We see where City of Florence employee "Bob White" has again been out trolling. Doesn't he have enough to do? What does he get out of denigrating an area he professes to love so much? 

Disgruntled Sportsplex Employees Ask Betterton for Help

 

Florence has a sportsplex that would be the envy of many larger towns. In the past, there has been minor controversy over killing feral hogs who see the fields as giant bowls of truffles and hometown kids v. money-throwing outsiders. Yes, real problems, but not earth shattering ones.

This week, a group of sportsplex employees contacted Mayor Andy Betterton and several Shoals news outlets concerning what they see as hostile working conditions. The workers' list of complaints enumerates COVID working conditions and shoddy management, among other things. We're not going to publish the employees' list since some could be considered libelous.

Nevertheless, the letter made us aware of just how widespread the employee discontent is. How will Handy Dandy Andy handle it?

*****

Here's a song that's usually considered words from an abused lover. Interesting that it could also apply to a mayor serenading the town council president:

Who Are "Freedom Property & Investments?"

 

Seven years ago, someone came up with a name that is really irritating. Property is singular, but Investments is plural. This was their best shot?

Now we have this company announced as the new owners of the old ECM property...in a manner of speaking. The "Joel R. Anderson" would have to be the senior Joel who is now deceased. Who inherited his share in the company? It could have been Joel Jr. exclusively or it could have been several individuals.

So do all these three or more individuals have a dream of a dog park off College Street or is something else afoot? How about a retail gateway to a new football stadium?

*****

We recently gave up on ever getting our original Twitter account to work. We'll be posting sporadically from our new account. Please join us.

TrulyShoalanda

*****

Alabama Last in the Country in Still Another Category

 

Look at the above vaccination rate map. See one...and only one...state that is lighter than the others? Looks a great deal like Alabama, doesn't it? 

Yes, Alabama is in a category of failure all its own. That's Alabama that boasts how wonderful UAB is. That's Alabama that calls itself a progressive state. That's Alabama which apparently threw up its hands years ago and said "What the heck? Let's play football."

Our new motto: Welcome to Alabama where we make those countries ending in ...stan look good.

Florence Animal Services (Shelter) Needs Your Help

 

A great many readers have asked how to help the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services. The facility is in great need of donations and at this point receives almost no support from the city for unexpected expenses. Here's what you can do...

Directions:

From Seven Points, take Chisholm Road north. 

Cross Cox Creek Pky. 

Travel north approximately two miles. Roberson Road is on the right (Lauderdale County Health Department location). 

Travel two blocks to the shelter located on your right. The facility is open weekdays, but at this time, you may have to knock.

Needs (We recommend one-stop shopping at the DG):

1. Paper towels - any brand or size

2. Cat litter - any brand or content

3. Chlorine bleach - 5% to 6% sodium hypochlorite

4. Cardboard flats - any size to use for litter trays

5. Wet cat food - any canned brand (cats need the wet food for digestion and it's often not donated)

6. Ultra dishwashing liquid - Dawn or generic

7. Any other dog or cat food, treats, and toys. These are not necessities, but the animals and staff will love you for it.

Do a twofer and purchase a flat of cat food!

*****

We've been asked if Handy Dandy Andy Betterton could possibly be prosecuted for animal neglect/cruelty. That might be a legal stretch, but we say great if any attorney wants to pursue it.

This Message Has Been Approved By Canine-American Blogger Prince

Florence Mayor Andy Betterton Refuses to Clear Shelter Road

 

That's Right! I Don't Give a Rip if the Shelter Animals Die!

According to most reports, only the town of Muscle Shoals has come even close to maintaining local street and road conditions during this current ice storm. While we don't expect every small town to own ten snowplows, we do expect them to be prepared and to make an effort where needed. That brings us to a hot button issue in Florence.

The Florence Animal Services building is located on Roberson Road within the city limits. It sits just two blocks to the east of Chisholm Road, a road that was at least halfway scraped of snow and ice. Yet the two, relatively short, blocks that lead to the animal shelter were left covered in ice.

Despite requests, Mayor Betterton refused to authorize any work to these two blocks. After all, why should the animals need fresh food and water or clean kennels?

Rest assured that a faithful employee decided to camp out and spend countless hours working to assist the unfortunate animals who could have been left starving for days...or worse.

Perhaps his siestas on the job aren't the only reason Betterton's called Napping Nancy?

Did Someone Say Asleep at the Wheel?

No Truth to Jail House Death Rumors

 

The Lauderdale County Detention Center recently experienced its second death this month. The inmate who died this week was a known alcoholic, and at least one family member is blaming the staff at the detention center. Should that facility be held accountable?

1. The healthcare staff at the jail monitored this inmate from the moment he entered the facility.

2. The inmate was transferred to NAMC as soon as he exhibited signs of distress.

3. Incarceration and hospitalization are difficult for alcoholics/drug addicts; however, (without trying to sound cruel) there is little recourse in a violent crime.

4. This inmate had been hospitalized last year, almost dying. At the time, he told friends that he had cancer - something a family member denies. An autopsy should establish a definitive cause of death.

Jail is not a Cancun vacation; you only get one of those if you're Ted Cruz. One way to avoid the detention center is not to stab your girlfriend. Pretty simple for most of us...

*****

We understand that the PSS rally scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled. We have no information on the anti-Marxism gathering, but advise any intelligent person to stay home and keep warm. You might live longer...

The Devil Went Down to College Street; He Was Lookin' for a Council to Steal

 

We've long thought that the Devil loves Facebook because it wastes the time of so many, as well as spreading false news to divide cultures. Somehow we've never thought of it as evil simply because an elected official doesn't want to have to deal with the individuals who elected him or her. Yet now it's been said.

Yes, Florence City councilman Jimmy Oliver is leaving Facebook. Apparently, he's also leaving e-mail since he says the only way to reach him is via a phone call or face to face. We assume he'll still receive snail mail, but whether he'll read it or not is anyone's guess. What the heck...it's not like Dick Jordan reads his either.

We first attempted to reach an elected official approximately 20 years ago. We wrote the Lauderdale County Commission and the Florence City Council. How many replies did we get? It was a nice round figure. In the intervening years, we have had exactly one council member reply to us concerning pressing issues. How hard is it to set up an automated response stating the message has been received? 

Now we have a council member blaming Satan for not doing the job he was elected to do. No, not everyone who writes has a valid point. Not everyone can do something for you. Not everyone likes you. They still deserve a response - how hard is that to understand?

Here's an idea, Jimmy. Why don't you walk down the hall and wake Mayor Andy Betterton up from his nap. We're sure Napping Nancy will be happy to help you make a dent in your communications.

Two Opposing Rallies on Saturday

 

While it hasn't been highly advertised, there's a rally planned in Wilson Park this Saturday...a rally against cultural Marxism. We'll just go ahead and state up front that we place as much belief in cultural Marxism as we do cold fusion, but many among us need their conspiracy theories to add purpose to life (apparently WandaVision just isn't enough).

The rally starts at 1:00 p.m., but if you're bored, come early. There's a noon meeting at the court house hosted by Project Say Something. The PSS rally is scheduled to end just as the anti-Marxism meeting begins. Anyone see any possibilities here? 

We already know many who will no longer visit downtown Florence under any circumstances. The only amusing thing about this is that now Rob Carnegie has to work just that much harder for his outrageous salary.

City of Florence Cries Out for Help - Part II

 

This is the second installment of reader essays on problems facing the City of Florence. We welcome blogs to this series from any perspective.

The Stench Coming from Our Historical Board

Brian W. Murphy is the current chairman of the Florence Historical Board. Since he assumed that position, he has:

1. Written an article ridiculing the Sons of Confederate Veterans - Educating Allies

2. Openly participated in a rally at Florence City Hall against his own employer - November 3, 2020.

3. Temporarily shut down the city's Pope's Tavern Museum Facebook page when faced with criticism over his conduct - December 2020.

4. Called police on lawful demonstrators outside Pope's Tavern even though this is what he had personally been participating in at the court house and city hall for weeks - January 2021.

5. Dressed and styled himself to impersonate a court house counter protester, thus ridiculing a Florence taxpayer - Fall 2020 (see photo).

By his own admission, the position of historian is Murphy's fifth career, and he's only 35 years old. Now please tell us: Is the type of person you want to represent our city? The citizens and voters of Florence await your answers.

Richard Barrett

Valentine's Day 2021

 

Snow for Valentine's Day? It appears that much of the Shoals is already covered in something white. Everyone please exercise extreme caution out there; your significant other will greatly appreciate it - we promise!

Spread a little love around each day. Make the world a better place...

City of Florence Cries Out for Help - Part I

First in a series on current Florence problems presented from different viewpoints:

City of Florence residents are tired of playing mind games:

I am often reminded of that old Hank Jr. song; this ain't Dallas and this ain't Dynasty. This is a real-life two job working family. And I ain't J.R. You ain't Suellen. We're just a man and a woman holding things together.

I am afraid that the City of Florence Mayor and Council believe that life really is like a soap opera.

We've all heard about the possibility of the Lauderdale County Confederate Monument being moved to Soldier's Rest, in the City of Florence Cemetery. What has failed to have been mentioned is that, if that were to happen, it would be a direct violation of a city ordinance.

Section 6-9 - Removal of offensive monuments, etc.
If any monument, effigy or enclosure, or any structure placed in, or upon any lot in any city cemetery shall be determined to be offensive or improper, such monument or structure shall be removed by the owner thereof upon notice by the sexton.

Several people, with very good intentions, have offered-up compromises to the cemetery; Veteran's Museum at Veteran's Park, near the Splash Pad overlooking the Tennessee River, and most recently Pope's Tavern.

I find it very curious that individuals who desperately want the monument moved would be so intolerant to suggestions other than their own.

The monument will only be moved if it is deemed to be too offensive to remain at it's current location. By moving it to Soldiers Rest the city will be given the right to take ownership of the monument and legally have the right to remove it permanently within hours of it's arrival to the cemetery.

Why has the City of Florence been advocating an idea that goes against it's own code?

Could it be the same reason the city has ignored ordinance section 2-9?

Sec. 2-9. - City historian.
(a)The historical heritage of the city is among its most valued and important assets and is of special value to the youth of the city as a constant reminder of the circumstances under which the city was born and nurtured. To further foster the understanding and preservation of our heritage, there is hereby created and established the position of city historian.(b)The city historian shall be appointed by the city council.(c)The city historian shall serve as an ex officio member of the city historical board.

Brian Murphy must be removed from the volunteer position of president of the city historical board. Simply put, he is not qualified for the position.

Signed,

Professor Astute

When You're a Special City Councilman

 

Seen recently on Facebook:

Inquiring minds just wondering. Why do all the Florence City council people have florenceal.org email addresses on the Florence City web site but Dynasty Dick Jordan has his insurance company as his email for the city? We mean it's ok to have a few different email addresses, but shouldn't the one connected to the city NOT be your BUSINESS email? A little "subliminal self promotion" which seems to be Tricky Dicky's MO in a lot of areas concerning the city of Florence! Let's talk about it from a question of security issues also! As we said inquiring minds are asking A LOT of questions about DD's decisions for the good of the citizens of Florence!

As the days pass, we're seeing more and more individuals ask questions about Florence city government. Will this be a city changing movement? Sigh...

It's extremely hard to keep movements alive. We're hoping this one grows and that Tricky Dick and Big Daddy Betterton realize that all areas of their lives are under a microscope.

That microscope includes others as well, even those appointed to various city positions. After all, you don't really think that everyone in those special groups of yours keep your secrets just because the bylaws say they have to, do you?

West Florence Project/What If?

From an astute reader:

In 2017 the largest private development deal in more than 50 years occurred in the area of West Florence. A new housing, gated, community was constructed for students attending the University of North Alabama. 

Two years later the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the City of Florence a $200,000 Assessment Grant and a $100,000 Community-wide Hazardous Substances Grant to study the nearby ECM property. 

In 2020 the City of Florence purchased a site redevelopment plan for the former Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital. The plan was based on recreation, housing, and retail needs of the area.  

The $300,000 grant projection period was October 2019 until September 2022. The City of Florence agreed to sale the property to Mr. Jr. Anderson at the beginning of 2021. 

The amount of the sale splits between the city and county. The county has yet to agree to this deal.

Much uncertainty remains concerning the future of property in the western side of Florence. Also, many would like to know exactly where is the funding for this project to be found?

Most of us play "What If" from time to time. You know...what if I had married a millionaire or what if Tony Stark is alive in another universe? So let's play What If with UNA.

What if the university's intention isn't to build its Division 1 stadium north of Cox Creek Parkway, but near the terminus of College Street?

Rating Napping Nancy on His First 100 Days

 

Napping Nancy? That's apparently what several city hall employees call Florence mayor Andy Betterton. Our take is that Handy Dandy Andy should work half-days until he regains his stamina after COVID. Of course, some could be referring to his oblivious lack of concern about the city.

Betterton is one of several new mayors who have rated themselves on their accomplishments during the first 100 days of their terms. Self-rating? Let's try something more objective, shall we?

1. Finances? Is losing the city $205,000.00 on ECM property deal.

2. Staffing? Refuses to listen to employee complaints, resulting in even more ill-will.

3. Animal Shelter? Hasn't made even a publicity appearance there. Funding remains at barely enough for half staff.

4. Monument? Not even a unique regurgitation of why it can't be legally moved.

5. Passing the Buck? Aha! We finally have something Andy excels at.

So, how do we rate Napping Nancy?

Move to Relocate Monument to Pope's Tavern

 

In the past, we have supported the relocation of the Confederate memorial to the Florence City Cemetery; however, there's a new movement afoot that may catch traction. Should the city move the monument to Pope's Tavern?

This may be a much more appealing idea to satisfy several points of view. Yet no relocation can seemingly be considered until the repeal of current laws. The repeal lies in the hands of the state legislature. Need we say more on what could go wrong here?

Still, the idea of Pope's Tavern gives us renewed hope for a quicker solution to this problem. The idea originated with UNA professor emeritus Dr. Thomas Ott. Kudos to Dr. Ott for an excellent plan.

Thanks to the reader who reported a non-working link on our e-book Ron Wikkid. We have it repaired for those murderinos who think this Shoals crime tale makes a perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Purchase Here

Shoals "Woke" Dis the Yokels

 

Certain elements regularly accuse others of racism, whether deserving of such criticism or not. One would think these same individuals would wish to see all areas of the Shoals and the state equally served in opportunity and availability of necessary infrastructure. Apparently not.

Are there any so ignorant out there who don't know ATT U-Verse is not available to all citizens? Comcast? Sorry, that's not available to all either. Sad isn't it.

So why would a "woke" activist criticize a politician for living in an area with only dial-up Internet available. Does it make this politician, whose ideas you don't like, seem even worse because he's forced to use Juno.com at home? Says a lot about you, doesn't it? It certainly says a lot more about you than it does about him.

We're not particularly overjoyed with some of this official's policies either. There's plenty to criticize without stooping to his home, vehicle, or Internet connection. Oh, yes, you've criticized his Christianity also...since yours is so much better?

Why don't we all get on board with helping our state and local leaders secure improved Internet service to under-served areas. After all, these "yokels" might just get a little more woke themselves if they had more information at their fingertips.

The Good, the Bad, the Inspiration...

 

Our blog team member Sheffield Shelly has pointed out that her hometown has an updated website thanks to its new mayor, Steve Stanley. Here's the link:

City of Sheffield

That's in the "Good" column. In the "Bad" column is the announcement that the Inspiration Landing project will be requiring additional funding to complete the basic infrastructure. If that isn't bad enough, today's TimesDaily article on the project goes so far as to mention a big what if.

What if...Inspiration Landing never comes to fruition? Sheffield leaders commented that the work done on the area will be a great improvement for the city no matter what.

Plans now call for an open air venue to be up and running by May. Assuming that means late May, the city has 14 weeks to accomplish this milestone.

And that movie theater with its extra .50 admission price? Has anyone told the Inspiration Landing planners that those who can afford the price of a movie ticket now prefer to watch films from the privacy and comfort of their own COVID/disease free home?

While it's sad, many motion picture houses will now go the way of one-hour photo shops, video stores, and dry cleaners. You want a brave, new world? There may just be no room for Inspiration Landing in it.

New Minimum Wage? Worth It?

 

$15.00 Minimum Wage

By Dr. G. Brooks

   

First, let’s start by saying this. This is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue, or a Biden issue or a Trump issue. This is a Business and Economical issue some people might have not considered. As most of the readers here know, President Biden has made it known that he wants to change the Minimum Wage pay from $7.25 per hour to $15.00 per hour. It sounds good in theory, but let’s look at some things.

Most people do not realize that if the Minimum Wage goes up, to cover costs, employers as well as business owners are going to have to raise prices to cover this overhead. So for example, if your McDonald’s Happy Meal costs $3.99 at the moment, in all probability, the costs will be raised to approximately $5.99 to offset the cost of the Minimum Wage increase. Services that are provided will have to increase their prices.

Let me say from the start that I am in favor of an increase of Minimum Wage. No one can live on $7.25 per hour. However, it should be a gradual increase so that a business can rework their Business Plan, hopefully not putting them out of business, but making it profitable for them to continuing to stay open. A drastic increase, such as $15 per hour, may and can put a business out of business.

Now, let’s take a step in another direction. There needs to be an increase in pay for certain professions. While doing research for this article, I found that a local Ambulance Service is paying its EMTs less than $10.00 per hour. We have one City that pays its Police and Fire Service employees slightly above that. These people have to live in Government Subsidized Housing with their families due to their pay. That is very sad.

Employees should take pride in their work. It is a privilege that they can work. It’s a job. Act responsibly and get paid according to that. One of the areas that I have heard, stating they should get a big raise, is the restaurant area. I will say that I agree with this to an extent. Since most restaurants pay their employees by tips, a standardized pay system could help them.

However, let’s look at an example that happened last night when I stopped at a local Sonic on the way home from the Hospital. I drive to the speaker to order. I order a Foot Long Hot Dog Combo with mustard only. This is what transpired:

Sonic: Can I take your order?

Me: I would like a Foot Long Hot Dog Combo, Mustard only.

Sonic: Foot Long Hot Dog Combo, is that all?

Me: Did you get the Mustard only?

Sonic: You just want Mustard?

Me: Yes, please

Sonic: No Chili?

Me: That is correct

Sonic: Does that mean you don’t want Cheese?

Me: That is correct. Mustard only

Sonic: So no Chili?

Me: I want a bun, a hot dog and mustard only

Sonic: Drive around

Let me interrupt for a moment. As I drive around, I see two females dancing inside the store. I am not just talking about a slight swaying, but a full dance including twirls. Must be Happy Hour at Sonic. I get to the window and the female hands me my order. As I check it, I see it has Chili, Cheese and Mustard. I hand it back to her and tell her it is not my order. She looks at it and asks “why?’ I explained to her that I wanted Mustard only.

A few minutes she comes back with another hot dog with Mustard only. She hands it to me and says “Here is your Mustard dog.” Looking at her, I think to myself, “and this is what $15.00 per hour gets you?"

But wait a minute; we have a closing statement that wraps this story up just right. She asks me if I would like a napkin? I look in the bag and see that there is not napkins. I look at her and just say “yes”. Here is the best part. She hands me one napkin. I have had enough. I just leave. $15 per hour?

So sad.

The Heartbeat of the Shoals Area

Still No Arrests in Larimore Home Arson

 

This month marks two years since the state fire marshal concluded the fire that destroyed the Larimore home was arson. At that time, the remains of the structure were determined too far gone to save and were razed.

Larimore Home Fire

As yet, no arrests have been made. If there are suspects in the crime, the Florence Police Department has not made it known. There are theories - conspiracy theories.

We're not particularly into such theories, but nothing can be ruled out at this point. There have been no similar fires in the 30 months since the Larimore arson, leading one to believe the home was a deliberate target set ablaze to accomplish one purpose.

Now Aunt Jane has a message for you ladies out there. He being the kind of man he is, he's mentioned the crime during pillow talk. You don't owe him anything. If he hasn't hurt you already, he'll hurt you in the future. Please come forward now with any information you have. You can do it anonymously and remain safe. Kudos in advance...

Shoals Doesn't Rate a Large-Scale COVID Clinic?

 

Monday will see large-scale vaccination clinics coming to the following cities: Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Selma, and Tuscaloosa. For the geographically impaired, two of those towns are smaller than Florence. 

Before anyone becomes too irate over the snub, it's not been guaranteed that these clinics will have an adequate supply of the vaccine, but ADPH officials are hoping it arrives in time to vaccinate 1,000 individuals each day for the five days they are open. 

If you don't want the COVID vaccine, we support you in your freedom of choice. If like most of us, you are eagerly awaiting the jab, then you should ask what your mayor and other elected officials are doing to secure the vaccine for the Shoals.

Kerry Underwood, are you listening?

Steve Stanley, are you listening?

Mike Lockhart, didn't you campaign on your expertise in medical/hospital supply?

Andy Betterton, we're not interrupting your afternoon nap some members of your staff have told us you take, are we?