SB152: Tim Melson v. Project Say Something

 

In case you're new to this state, Alabama has no "home rule." This means laws that apply to an unincorporated area must be approved by the state legislature. Welcome to the mess.

Laws affecting these areas may be passed at the state level if there's no opposition...of if they're sneaked in as with Lynn Greer's theft of voting rights from the citizens of Florence. This session, Sen. Tim Melson has introduced Senate Bill 152 that would change how protests, demonstrations, etc., may be handled in Lauderdale County. The bill has made its way 50% through the legislative process and shows no signs of slowing down.

Generally speaking, this new law would allow Lauderdale County to restrict where protests may be held and add fees for the demonstrations. How this would conflict with city regulations is almost anyone's guess. In other words, the county sheriff could restrict protest movements at the courthouse, but how about if the demonstrators moved to Ricatoni's?

Project Say Something has indicated that a lawsuit will be filed if the bill passes. Oh, well, it's only our tax dollars used to defend these questionable laws. We're calling this law questionable due in great part to an essay posted on Legiscan by Florence resident John Crowder:

The federal courts have been expansionist in their modern-era opinions on First Amendment speech. Unreasonably restrictive "free speech zones" are not lawful. A few years ago, the University of North Alabama had an unconstitutional policy that severely liminted speech making to a small area in front of the Guillot Center They have wisely and substantially modified that requirement. There are details of S152, a bill introduced in the Alabama Senate, that probably would not survive legal challenge. This could get interesting. See LegiScan for details of this bills status in the Senate.https://legiscan.com/AL/bill/SB152/2021...

Perhaps the most constitutionally questionable element of SB 152 is its definition in Section 1 (a) (3) :

"LIMITED PUBLIC FORUM. A designated public forum that is limited for use by certain types of groups or for discussion of certain subjects, or limited in another manner, but not limited based on viewpoint."

Give me a break! Prohibiting subjects other than the one(s) specified in some approved list is inherently a prohibition "based on viewpoint"! In essence, such a prohibition is itself the most extreme kind of viewpoint-limited requirement in that it utterly excludes some some viepoints altogether. And limiting a public forum to discussions by "certain types or groups" is equally extreme.

The City of Florence or some other municipality in Lauderdale County, should it elect to enact an ordinance as prescribed by this flagrantly unconstitutional act, would be saying that some persons or groups, but not others, may use a "designated public forum" for discussion of "certain subjects, " but not others . Interested persons might consider contacting Senator Melson's office directly to express your opinion on this proposed legislation. https://legiscan.com/AL/bill/SB152/2021... Office phone: 334-261-0773
Email: tim.melson@alsenate.gov

For those interested in concise information concerning government regulation of speech, this article from the Encyclopedia Britannica should be helpful: https://www.britannica.com/.../Permissible-restrictions... A pertinent excerpt from the article speaks to the issue at hand:

"Speech on government-owned sidewalks and in parks (often labeled “traditional public forums”) is as protected against government suppression as is speech on the speaker’s own property. The same is true for speech by public-university students, at least when the speech is not part of class discussions or class assignments."

Those wishing to pursue the topic of freedom of speech in America in depth might consider obtaining a copy of the definitive book on this subject: A WORTHY TRADITION, by Harry Kalven, Jr.

Now, isn't New Zealand looking pretty good right about now?

Pundits Say Alabama Senate Race Lost - No Matter What

 

After 2022, this state will have no real seniority in the U.S. Senate. Tommy will have only two years more tenure than whoever the rapscallion is that wins Richard Shelby's seat. Perhaps it's best for our own sanity if we all remain in the caves we've been inhabiting for the past year.

Or perhaps we should stock up on popcorn and smile, smile, smile. Let's rank the dubious hopefuls in some manner, but using what scale? We'll start with a simple point system and morph it as needed later in the contest.

First, as of now, there are only two announced candidates: Mo Brooks and Lynda Blanchard. Anyone ever heard of Blanchard? Brooks automatically gets a point for name recognition. 

Both are super Trumpers, so each gets a point for that in this political climate. We might as well face it, Blanchard loses a point in this state for being female. 

Enemies? We all know Mo has them after January 6th, so take one of his points away. Where does that leave us as of today?

That adds up to Brooks at 1, with Blanchard at 0. We can hardly wait for John Merrill to announce; we'll give everyone else a 100 points just for not being him.

Lauderdale Schools Virtual Thru May 2022/Consolidation?

 

Many are asking about the status of Lauderdale County Schools for the next year. Will they be virtual, or partially virtual?

As we understand it, there's a good possibility this is the case. There is a parent survey floating around that must be returned by April 1st. How much actual input parents will have is anyone's guess.

By now, you either believe in the reality of COVID-19 or you don't. Alabama is lagging drastically behind most states in vaccinations; what that means for local herd immunity is also anyone's guess. How safe local schools will be by late August of this year is merely speculation. Will parents see the need for as much virtual as possible or simply not care at this point?

While we support virtual schools, there is one caveat: In-home schooling brings the system just that much closer to consolidation. After all, isn't is easier to shutter a school that hasn't seen an actual student in two years than one that is currently teeming with the little future rocket scientists?

"Canceling" ALFA - Part II

 

The state of Alabama has always been behind the rest of the country; in many ways, much of its economy is still based on farming. The Alabama Farmers Federation carries a big stick and preaches that animals are for utilitarian purposes only. A dog is to guard the home or round up livestock; a cat is to rid the premises of vermin. Nothing more. ALFA puts its money behind these soulless rationales. After all, if you have to give a dog a warm house for winter, you just might be made to furnish your cows stereo headphones - that's what ALFA preaches.

ALFA gives big money to politicians who follow its orders, and that's a great many in this state. Of all the pols to toe the ALFA line, Danny Crawford of Athens is at the top of the list.

Now Crawford's been caught saying that ALFA virtually rules the legislature when it comes to animal welfare. How do you like that, those of you who love and care for the lesser ones among us? If ALFA rules one Alabama domain, it would follow that other interests in the state are run by similar unscrupulous companies. Is this what we want for Alabama?

The only way to win with ALFA is to hit the company's bottom line. Drop your ALFA insurance now. We'll be happy to publicize any other insurance companies that contact us. If you're a local insurance agent, we'll be here to help you get your message out there. 

The move to cancel ALFA began two years ago. It's still gaining momentum. Just watch, Montgomery...

"Canceling" ALFA - Part I

 

What would you say to someone who stated: Jane Medico is a wonderful woman, a homeroom mom, a Girl Scout leader, and a master gardener. She just happens to work the intake desk at a clinic that aborts fetuses? Most in this state at least would think Jane needs a new line of work.

How about this one: John Agent is a wonderful man, a Sunday school teacher, and the proud dad to five puppers. He just happens to work for ALFA, a company that fights any lifesaving measures for companion animals? (We actually heard that one last week.)

So it's wrong to work for the big bucks at an abortion clinic, but okay to work for the big bucks as an ALFA agent? We're sure some will say yes since they regularly support suspect religious organizations that occasionally do a good work.

For those of you who don't want to support an organization that consistently fights against animal welfare, isn't it time to find a new insurance company? 

Transparency Again Reduced in Florence

 

Under normal circumstances, arrest warrants are public record. Several Shoals cities publish either all or part of their Most Wanted list. Until recently, the City of Florence was one of these towns.

Now it seems this policy has changed under Andy Betteron: Warrants

This may be a relatively small thing, but it's nevertheless a step back on the path to transparent government.

Can you still call the Florence Police Department to get this information? Yes, but isn't it much easier to simply look up the list on the city's website?

*****

We now have a new question for our female readers: Have you ever taken a man back who caused you serious bodily harm or even tried to kill you? How did that work out?

If he tried to end your life, was it during or immediately after a divorce? In many cases, this is exactly what spurs a deranged mate to violence.

We appreciate all input, and all accounts are completely confidential.

The Ripples of a Family Murder

 

Some weeks ago, we asked our readers how they had personally been affected by a murder. While the ripples of homicides could be casual, they may also be extremely personal, as with this account. We thank our reader for sharing this with us:

You ask how does murder effect someone? Here’s my story. Four years ago my brother-in-law murdered my sister-in-law (my best friend/sista) and then turned the gun and blew his brains out. You know how we found out? Facebook and WAFF 48 news. Imagine driving over as fast as I can. There were two dogs we had to get out. I had to go back in for dog food, pads, etc. The scene? OMG! There was so much blood. And brain matter & blood all over the walls, ceiling. Imagine if you had to go in, step over where a dead body had been to get personal items and dog supplies. Imagine cleaning up the mess the SOB made.

I cannot forgive him for what he took away from us. I love you and will forever miss you, sista.

Then there’s the court thing. Legal matters where the other family disputes the will. I won’t go into specific details, but it was literally another couple of years of pure hell.

My husband's and my life changed in the blink of the eye. I suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety and I have flashbacks of the scene. Every time I hear a gunshot or fireworks, I cringe. Oh, and I lost my job due to how it has affected me.

I would like to add they were married 20 years. You just truly never know why he did what he did.

Click Synergy Moves Deshler to Muscle Shoals

 

For those Tuscumbians worried about suggestions to change the name of Deshler High School, Click Synergy has a better idea: Move the school to Muscle Shoals. For those who came in late, CS is a multi-purpose business located in Tuscumbia. Its PR services are used by both its hometown and Muscle Shoals.

From an observant reader:

Check out the FB - Click Synergy video of WAFF48 interview with (Ashley) Morrow. Boy she talks a good game for someone that has tried HER hand at how many businesses and now rents space for others to sell their wares.

Click Synergy, Shoppes at Coldwater - Tuscumbia based businesses located in same building - nothing like get your drawers and advertising here.

Lockhart hired Click Synergy as a campaign manager/consultant, (then) hires Click Synergy as soon as he takes office; $12,000.00 a year - after a set number of hours on the clock it adds $75.00 per hour for her fee.

Just recently Click Synergy, located in Tuscumbia, made a booboo on MSC website:

We understand Click Synergy has a contract with the City of Tuscumbia, while Mr. Bubba cuts city services & civil service employees and store fronts have "Closed" signs in windows.

While across the tracks - Muscle Shoals has plenty of money to waste on inept services.

You're welcome, Tuscumbia.

They soon took the post off MSC and put it on the Tuscumbia site.

As most good southern women would say, "Bless her heart".

Tax on, er, rock on, Lockhart....

How Much Time Will Carrie Cabri Witt Serve?

 

Former Decatur teacher Carrie Cabri Witt was arrested four years ago for having sex with two male students under the age of 19. Since that time, she's fought the charges with both prosaic and novel comebacks that bought her time, but failed to stop her ultimate conviction. This week, Witt pleaded guilty to one count of illicit sex with a student; her sentencing hearing will be in July.

How much time will carefree Carrie serve? Prosecutors have indicated she needs to be an example...being a woman and all, we suppose. That means a judge could very well sentence the former coach to 20 years.

What does this bode for the Brooks teacher many are calling "Nasty Ashton?" If convicted, Ashton McCluskey should hope for Judge Ben Graves. The lenient judge is especially kind to female offenders. Otherwise, McCluskey my similarly be made an example of. 

Was it worth it?

Mo Says It's a Go

 

It's official - Mo Brooks has become the second announced candidate to replace Richard Shelby in the U.S. Senate. Four more are rumored to be considering the prize, but who knows how many will actually toss toupees into the ring before qualifying time ends?

For some time, we've had a learned consultant to the blog who resides in the Madison County area. "Observant, Law-abiding American Citizen" had the pleasure of attending Rep. Brooks' official announcement. Held at Bullet & Barrel Gun Shop and Indoor Shooting Range, the event wasn't without its detractors.

OLAC tells us that the protesters, numbering no more than 15, were herded across the street from the gun shop and not allowed to disrupt proceedings. Here's some snaps:

How long has it been since North Alabama produced a senator? Is Mo ready to take on John Merrill? Is Merrill ready to do battle with Mo? 

We would point out that this could get very interesting, but since when are Alabama senate races anything less?

Remember This?

What the "TimesDaily" Thinks of Andy Betterton

 

The TimesDaily recently asked the Shoals' three new mayors to rate their first 100 days in office. After publishing the neophyte's opinions of themselves, the TD then rated each administrator on accomplishments or lack thereof.

Sheffield's Steve Stanley came out on top, but not unscathed. Mike Lockhart of Muscle Shoals also received some pointed jabs due to superficial leadership.

Yet the mayor most roasted by the editorial board of our local news outlet was Andy Betterton of Florence. Many don't have access to the TD, so we're publishing an excerpt from the column; this is a slightly longer quote than we would normally use, but we urge everyone to become involved and subscribe to this longstanding publication.

Handy Dandy Andy's First 100 Days:

Betterton’s platform while running for mayor of Florence included an emphasis on building a “multi-agency response team” to address homelessness in the city.

Where’s the team? To date, we’ve heard no mention of the creation of such a team, and as far as we can tell, there has been no organized push from city hall to tackle the homelessness problem.

Betterton also talked during the campaign about building the River Heritage Trail, and focusing on the redevelopment of Veterans Drive. We were glad to see the River Heritage Trail listed among his long-term goals with a target of letting bids this year.

As for development along Veterans Drive, it didn’t make his Top 5 mentions for his first 3 months in office, and wasn’t among his long-term goals.

Prior to his election and in his first week in office, Betterton affirmed his commitment to see the Confederate monument moved from the downtown area to the Soldier’s Rest area of the Florence City Cemetery.

That remains on his Top 5 list for his first 100 days, although nothing has been accomplished. The monument still stands exactly where it was when Betterton took office, and the city’s hands are tied because county officials will not give them permission to move it from county property.

That seems like a stalemate, not an accomplishment.

Perhaps the most perplexing top priority Betterton listed for his first months in office was “enhanced communication.” He lauded his effort to restructure a personal weekly newsletter that he plans to use to let citizens know about community events, business news and updates on city projects.

However, he failed to mention his support for new rules passed in November limiting the public’s access to council meetings, and muzzling their freedom to speak for or against council proposals or actions.

In effect, council meetings are now closed to the public because of COVID-19 concerns; members of the public who want to sign up to attend a meeting must sign up in advance; those approved to speak will be led to council chambers one at a time and be allowed just 1 minute to speak, and they can only talk about items that are on the agenda.

This stifling of public input can hardly be viewed as “enhanced communications,” and yet Betterton supported the changes.

Vaccine: Free & Available!

 

Vaccine Facts

Cost? Vaccine is absolutely free - paid for by federal government. If you have insurance, the administration of the injection will be billed to your carrier (hence asking for insurance card).

Availability? The vaccine is easily obtainable at local Walmarts. You may have to wait about six days for an appointment, but you will get one.

Sign up? Here's the link; now get started: Locations/Appointments

Lynn Greer Seeks One More Capital Crime Enhancement

Here's something Alabama is number one in: Capital punishment is a legal penalty in the U.S. state of Alabama. Alabama has the highest per capita capital sentencing rate in the country. In some years, its courts impose more death sentences than Texas, a state that has a population five times as large.

Alabama also currently has a great many capital enhancements. In other words, kill someone while committing this crime or under these circumstances and it's automatically a capital case:

Murder by the defendant during a kidnapping in the first degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

Murder by the defendant during a robbery in the first degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

Murder by the defendant during a rape in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant; or murder by the defendant during sodomy in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

Murder by the defendant during a burglary in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

Murder of any police officer, sheriff, deputy, state trooper, federal law enforcement officer, or any other state or federal peace officer of any kind, or prison or jail guard, while such officer or guard is on duty, regardless of whether the defendant knew or should have known the victim was an officer or guard on duty, or because of some official or job-related act or performance of such officer or guard.

Murder committed while the defendant is under sentence of life imprisonment.

Murder done for a pecuniary or other valuable consideration or pursuant to a contract or for hire.

Murder committed during sexual abuse in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

Murder committed during arson in the first or second degree committed by the defendant; or murder by the defendant by means of explosives or explosion.

Murder wherein two or more persons are murdered by the defendant by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct.

Murder committed when the victim is a state or federal public official or former public official and the murder stems from or is caused by or is related to his official position, act, or capacity.

Murder committed during the act of unlawfully assuming control of any aircraft by use of threats or force with intent to obtain any valuable consideration for the release of said aircraft or any passenger or crewmen thereon or to direct the route or movement of said aircraft, or otherwise exert control over said aircraft.

Murder committed by an offender convicted of any other murder in the 20 years preceding the crime which constitutes the capital crime under Alabama law at the time.

Murder is related to the capacity or role of the victim as a witness.

Murder of a victim less than 14 years of age.

Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon fired or otherwise used from outside a dwelling while the victim is in a dwelling.

Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon while the victim is in a vehicle.

Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon fired or otherwise used within or from a vehicle.

Murder by the defendant where a court had issued a protective order for the victim against the defendant.

Murder by the defendant in the presence of a child under the age of 14 years at the time of the offense, if the victim was the parent or legal guardian of the child.  


This week Lynn Greer of Rogersville stated he would like to include death for anyone (usually a physician) who performs an abortion resulting in a live birth who doesn't render aid to the child. How often does this occur? This has been brought up over the past few years, and only one case has ever been mentioned. Those who say it happened refuse to name the date or location or even how the situation was handled.

Greer's suggestion didn't become law. A law did pass making the above a Class A Felony. One case in 50 years; aren't you glad your legislators are tending to such pressing issues in this state? If we're really lucky, perhaps someone will again present a law to make dog fighting legal as was done last year.

Supt. Hand, Take a Page from Brian Lindsey's Book

 

Over the years, this blog has received numerous complaints concerning former Muscle Shoals School superintendent Brian Lindsay. Regular readers know that we've had some fun at his expense. Yet there's at least one area where Dr. Lindsey performed admirably.

When a Muscle Shoals teacher was suspended, Dr. Lindsey may not have provided the details to the press, but he did make it known that the employee's faux pas didn't involve anything of a sexual nature or otherwise harmful to students. This was a relatively innocuous statement and didn't violate any confidences. Belated hats off to you, Dr. Lindsey.

This week we've had a similar situation at Cherokee High School. Parents have been left in the dark concerning the events that led up to the suspension of a coach. In fact, no one knows if Jason Lindsey was suspended, terminated, or ridden out of the building on a rail. Dr. Chris Hand has refused to comment.

To make matters worse, a student was injured last Friday in an accident; multiple calls were made to 911. When Lindsey was escorted from the building on Monday, the rumor mill cranked out a story that the coach had attacked the young man (or woman).

All it would have taken to clear things up was a simple statement from Hand. It wasn't forthcoming.

Now we're left to wonder if Anthony Olivis was Hand's role model...

Tell the Truth, Greg Hamilton

 

Greg Hamilton is the current superintendent of education in Franklin County. More than that, his online bio proudly proclaims he was a coach for over 20 years. From potter to physician, roots run deep. We may assume that Hamilton identifies strongly with coaches and supports them whenever possible.

We're pretty sure Hamilton was taken slightly aback to find out that his Phil Campbell coach Jordan Benford admitted to a felony as well as that pesky little moral crime of adultery earlier this week. Hamilton promptly placed the pariah on leave. He just won't tell the citizens of Franklin County what kind of leave.

That's right - Hamilton says any pay the disgraced lech may be receiving is none of the business of Franklin County citizens. Obviously, in some cases where the crime is denied (think Ashton McCluskey), authorities have to wait for an indictment to cut off the teacher's salary. Apparently in Franklin County, an educator can admit to the crime of seducing a student and still receive pay. After all, if Hamilton has stopped Benford's pay, why not say so?

Is Hamilton alone in this mindset? Tomorrow: Colbert Supt. Chris Hand misbehaves.

It's Nice To Have Friends In High Places...And Short Skirts

Got Beer? Apparently Not...

 

We regularly receive complaints about business favoritism in Muscle Shoals. Here's an interesting one from our own J. Redmon:

Why can the Jalopeno Grill on Avalon in Muscle Shoals serve beer outside, but The Pie Factory in Muscle Shoals can't?

Any of our readers have a clue? Anyone up to channeling Alvin Holmes?

How many of you think you can make a lucid point in 60 seconds? Years ago, the Florence City Council allowed unlimited comments from the public. We can see how this wasn't practical. For some time, comments were limited to three minutes. That seems reasonable. Now it's one minute.

We have an idea: Write out the comment, edit to the bone, produce an audio recording, then use Audacity software to ensure the comment's run time isn't overly long. If you become extremely proficient in audio technique, insert a subliminal message insulting the councilperson of your choice...or the mayor...preferably the mayor.

From Preacher to Teacher to Lecher

 

Jerry Jordan Benford identifies himself as a preacher in one online biography. A reader has told us the accused sex offender is a youth minister, and we have now confirmed that he works with Pleasant Hill First Congregational Methodist Church* in Phil Campbell. 

                        Coming Soon to the Sex Offender Registry?

Jordan is certainly a teacher. Phil Campbell High School, until today, claimed him as both a science teacher and a girls' softball coach. The 28 year-old husband and father has now been placed on an unidentified type of leave, and the Franklin County Board of Education refuses to elaborate.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department identified Jordan as a lecher when they arrested him late Sunday night. If our reports are correct, Jordan and his family hadn't seen the end of his career coming. Unfortunately for the family, there may be even more unpleasant details to follow.

One of the three primary focuses of this blog has always been to bring teacher predators to light. How many times are these bad boys coaches? Apparently Julius E. Kelp can keep his pants on. Why can't the coaches?

* Amended name of church at 3:00 p.m. on March 16th.

SHOALANDA GETS BANNED FROM TARGET

 

We're still laughing over this. People actually find time to surf the Net while shopping in Target? Please, show us one blog we've ever written that was racist...

At Target you are allowed to use any restroom you so choose. Did you know that you are not allowed to read your favorite blog, on your own phone, while using the store's facilities?

Along with public restrooms Target offers employees and customers free use of their WIFI. The Shoalanda Speaks blog has been blocked from the server of every Target in the United States due to being flagged for "hate and racism."

Last year the Target Corporation was accused of restricting workers' rights after an employee activist website was also blocked from the store server and flagged for "hate and racism." 

According to a Target spokesperson, a third-party company is responsible for blocking and flagging would-be problematic websites on Target's server. 

A local employee who did not want to be identified had this to say. "I thought this was the kind of thing that the Chinese government would do. I understand that Target is a company and not the government, but don't corporations control the government?"

Could this be a fluke, a coincidence, or yet another episode of the ongoing culture war that is being played out in our very own back yard?

City employee and culture warrior Brian Murphy recently stated this in a WAFF expose about the ongoing culture war. "Anyone who knows me knows the kind of work I do and what I'm capable of." While some  are saying that is the understatement of the century, the former chairperson of the Florence historical board, was not available for a quote on this story.

Another city employee released this public statement about the ongoing culture war in our area. "I am sure some would cast this off with an eye roll as another battle in the “culture war” but this has serious consequences for how we move forward." 

Although many have asked it was not expanded upon exactly who or what she was referring to. More will be reported as it is released.

A.P.

Counselors Not Cops at Sheffield Schools?

 

Did you ever pay a small fortune for the latest widget, only to discover a week later that your prized possession had been declared passe' even before you purchased it? It's seemingly like that in 2021 schools; just when an SRO is established in each facility, we're told that "While the complete emotional, social and financial impact of daily police presence in schools is not fully understood, it is clear that students and their families are criminalized, and that school-based arrests and referrals to law enforcement go up when police have a regular presence in schools."

Insiders tell us this is a theory Sheffield City Schools Superintendent Keith Davis is a fan of. Most teachers are not. 

Before we get into details, you might want to read up on the trendy program, often called by various names:

Dignity in Schools

*****

Returning to our elitist mayor of Florence, here's what one disgruntled former city employee is saying about Handy Dandy Andy:

Too bad she didn't say what she really felt...

When You're not "ELITE" Enough for Andy Betterton

 

Warning: This column contains strong opinions and personal bias based on experiences with our current mayor. If this offends you, don't read farther.

Have you read the latest TimesDaily article on Andy Betterton? It seems the mayor decided to favor a certain group of tourists because they are "elite." In fact, the word "elite" was used at least four times in the relatively short article. The tourists/regulars who weren't elite were kicked to the curb. Apparently Handy Dandy Andy saw nothing wrong with doing this and then bragging about it.

So, are we at Shoalanda elite? We doubt it. How about any of you reading out there? Not sure if you're among Florence's elite or not? Does that make us the Florence equivalent of Deplorable in card-carrying Democrat Andy's book? 

Think this is something new with Bigdaddy B? Think again. Let's return to the mid-nineties when Andy was a totally private person. Here's an interesting tale you might enjoy...

A UNA grad moved back to the Shoals after 20 years. He was more educated than Andy, smarter than Andy, and probably had more money than Andy. Alas, he certainly was not more dapper than bow-tied Andy. In other words, you wouldn't have mistaken this professional man for a GQ model.

Having been asked to attend a business reception, the newly returned gentleman saw this as a good way to make contacts. He was taken around and introduced to several in attendance. He later related that it was a pleasurable event until presented to Andy. As this man extended his hand, Andy walked off without a word. Why? Our only conclusion is that our friend was not dressed in an ELITE manner.

That was Andy Betterton 25 years ago. Has he changed that much over the decades...or is he still a sorry sack of snobbish excrement?

Moi?

Help: Child Dead, Fetus Stillborn, Mother Injured

 

Last week, a four vehicle pile-up in Muscle Shoals claimed the life of four year-old Weston Dennis. Weston's mother was hospitalized in Huntsville and underwent surgery. Reagan Dennis also lost the fetus she was carrying.

Due to the extraordinary expenses facing Reagan and her husband, a Good Samaritan account has been set up at Listerhill Credit Union. It is in the name of Reagan Bumgart Dennis.

If you're unable to assist this young couple financially, please remember them in your prayers. There is a long road ahead for them.