Relax, Franklin County, You Can Keep Your Guns

 

If you live in Franklin County, rest easy. The Franklin County Commission won't let the U.S. Government come after your guns. Feel better now?

Wait...you didn't know these rights were in jeopardy? Recently, County Commissioner Joseph Baldwin introduced a resolution to block any federal or state law that would “dilute or violate the important Second Amendment rights of the citizens of Franklin County.”

First, how many think our state legislature would ever do such a thing? The federal government, perhaps? We can hardly wait for the Franklln County v. the United States lawsuit to be filed. Dibs on printing tickets.

Second, why did Commissioner Baldwin think such a resolution was needed? It seems his friends in Chilton County have passed a similar resolution, and he didn't want Franklin left out.

Let's see, the Franklin County Commission has no idea when the child of one of the commissioners steals over a quarter-million dollars from the county, but it keeps up with nonsensical resolutions from South Alabama counties. Priorities and all that.

Does the commission take equal pains to ensure any real legal issues are handled correctly? According to the commissioners themselves, they have no idea how a recent county insurance snafu was originally handled or how the county came to oppose work release for the aforementioned county embezzler. They leave those things up to Roger Bedford, the county attorney.

And these five men (yes, they're all male) actually draw a check for meeting twice a month?

Richard Herston Has His Knickers in a Twist

 

We've heard Rogersville mayor Richard Herston called some choice names in the past, but none that we could ever publish...until now. Businessman Steve Modas is calling Herston childish for returning a $2,500.00 donation.

If you came in late, several months ago Mr. Modas made the donation to the Rogersville Police Department. Then earlier this month, a wanted man who had been banned from Modas' liquor store caused a ruckus at the shop. When a Rogersville officer arrived, he was arrogant and refused to arrest the felon. Modas was not happy and made his dissatisfaction with the police known on Facebook.

Now, Big Steve has received his donation back. Childish? In our opinion, yes. Herston is not known for his intelligence or political acumen. Again he's proving the point by hurting his own police force.

Hey, Rogersville, need a new mayor? Florence will send you theirs for free...

Trigger - Part II: The Blame Game

 

We've seen so many comment on social media that Trigger's owners, especially "Randy," were to blame for his death. After all, if they hadn't been arguing, no deputies would have been needed at their home. So exactly how does that work?

In 2021, Randy had a violent episode requiring deputies, so he was responsible for his own dog's death. Sounds good, but wait. What if...

In 1980, Randy's dad beat him senseless, initiating his lifelong violent streak. So Randy's dad was responsible for Trigger's death, but wait. What if...

In 1950, Randy's dad received a head injury when hit by an impaired driver causing his violent nature. So the impaired driver was responsible for Trigger's death, but wait. What if...

In 1940, the impaired driver's husband had an affair, causing her to take too many pills for the rest of her life. So the driver's husband was responsible for Trigger's death, but wait. What if...

In 1910, the husband's mother abandoned him as an infant, causing him to seek out the wrong kind of attention from women. So the early 20th Century mother was to blame for Trigger's death.

We've now gone back 111 years in this blame game. No matter what happens to anyone in life, each one of us is responsible for our own actions. Trigger's death may have been a total accident, but if it should prove to be the result of the action of any deputy, then he's to blame and no one else.

Trigger - Part I: Talkative Lauderdale County Deputies

 

We have absolutely no idea what ethical standards deputies are held to in relation to cases they investigate. We do know that it's never a good idea to discuss work information with the general public.

Remember the June 2019 Shoal Creek boating accident when a Lauderdale deputy spread the word that a certain Florence attorney was there in some capacity. The attorney vehemently denied the deputy's accusation.

What the Deputy Saw

Now we have a similar case, except it may be magnified by six. For the purposes of this story, we'll call the arrestee Randy. Randy was arrested Sunday morning for domestic violence, and during the arrest his Yorkie was killed. Randy's partner soon posted on social media concerning the fate of her beloved terrier, and comments flooded in. Many pro deputy comments referenced information that very few individuals would have.

1. The dog's parents weren't really married. Court records or inside knowledge of the deputies?

2. Randy had outstanding warrants. Court records, police records? County warrants are not posted online for everyone to read. Deputies have access to this information.

3. Deputies had been called to Randy's home several times before. Definitely court records or personal experience of the deputies.

4. At least three conflicting stories of how Trigger died, but all from "eye-witnesses." The only eye-witnesses were deputies. Randy's partner was made to wait outside during the arrest.

In short, the only conclusion is that Lauderdale deputies were quick to disseminate their stories to the general public. You may ask the harm in that. Consider this:

Your spouse or child has brain damage or a chemical imbalance through no fault of his/her own. You're forced to call the deputies to your home on Friday night. By Saturday afternoon, the deputies' families and neighbors know about the blowup. By Sunday morning, everyone in the deputies' churches have heard the story. By Monday morning when your spouse goes back to work or your child to school, everyone knows what happened over the weekend. Is that what you want?

Also consider this: Project Say Something wants Sheriff Rick Singleton out of office. That group succeeded in swaying enough votes that Florence mayor Steve Holt lost his job last year (and you see how that's worked out). Rick, do you want PSS or any opponents to use the loose lips in your office to defeat you in the next election? We've always supported your administration, but many law enforcement friends tell us Lauderdale County has some of the most ill-trained deputies they've ever encountered.

No matter how Trigger died, the subsequent actions of the Lauderdale deputies have been totally unprofessional.

Photo of a Lauderdale Sheriff from Early 2000s

Florence Tourism Mole Dishes on the Board/Director

 

Rob Carnegie took over the helm at Florence Tourism in late 2015. Since that time, the Canadian has been a lightning rod for controversy. Now another insider has spoken out on Carnegie's job performance. We're presenting this as sent to us, the few typos uncorrected: 


Hired at a salary of $110,000 in September 2015

Moving expenses of almost $10,000

2017 bonus of 7% $7,700

January 2018 8% bonus $8,800

Board quote – Bonus based on his success in identifying and procuring new funding sources.

His contract is up for renewal in August and the only way for him to save money is to not rehire for any of the open positions and contract things out until the next budget year.

August 2018 renewed three-year contract and approved to raise salary to $118,5000

There was no bonus in 2019.

There is no vehicle policy. He may report the personal use of the vehicle on his taxes. There is nothing required by the board. However, the vehicle has a municipal tag and he has unlimited access to the use of the vehicle. Personal use, use when off, out of town for personal business.

Reserves to carry over each year

There was no effort or direction over the last five years to have a specific amount of reserves to carry over each year. From 2019 – 2021 reserves would range from $23,000 to $45,000 going into the new year.

Lodging Tax Revenues

Rob inherited the special event/bass tournament contracts in the 2016 budget. That was one of the largest budgets for special events to date. That is the last year there was a decent increase.

The 2017, 2018 and 2019 budgets had decreases in bass tournaments. Funds were spent on other local events and marketing campaigns.

Other big-ticket items include a Visit Florence AL App for $10,000 per year, Website for $80,000, Digital ad campaign $70,000.

Lodging tax revenue from Airbnb began being received by FLT and the Lauderdale County Commission four years ago.

New Boutique hotels – The GunRunner and Stricklin have also contributed to the collection of lodging tax.

Had it not been for Airbnb, The GunRunner and Stricklin, lodging revenues would have been considerably lower and would have shown a decrease.

A board member was quoted at the time they renewed Rob’s contract in august of 2018 that the reason lodging revenues were stagnant was due to the fact we have not had any new hotels built in the last several years.

FLT does lose a lot of room nights to Colbert County during tournaments. However, no real effort has been made to work with tournament organizations to correct that issue. Other DMO’s that have that problem do have ways to correct this.

Bass Tournaments

After four years of spending less money on bass tournaments, the budget was increased in 2020. COVID hit and many cancelled.

It has been since 2017 since any significant tournament was sponsored by FLT and held at Joe Wheeler State park.

The excuse is that tournament organization picks the location.

Previously, the Director and Sports Manager would spend lots of time cultivating relationships with organizations and work on location negotiations so that Joe Wheeler did have their fair share of tournaments.

2019 Line of Credit

After projecting monthly expenses/income for the entire year, it was determined there were months that have a shortfall. This was due to revenues being much less than originally budgeted.

The Board opened a line credit of $100,000 and quickly obtained the entire amount. The entire amount was paid off at the end of December.

The draws from the Line of Credit began again in January of 2020 and the entire amount was withdrawn with a few months. No payments were made to pay down the line in 2020.

The City or County can request the budget and see what the plan is to pay off the line of credit in 2021.

Building Refinance - $78,000 Annual Savings

The Board refinanced the building in September of 2019. The payments essentially went from $15,000 to $8,477 per month. A savings of $78,000 per year.

Staff Retention

Since 2016 a total of 9 employees have left. Most resigned because there was no effort to offer growth within the organization.

FLT went from 5 full-time to two in one month.

Current full-time staff include the President/CEO and the Director of Operations and Finance. There are two part-time Visitor Experience Specialist that work up front. They are not trained to use the mailing equipment for brochure fulfillment, website edits, adding events to the website or compiling the newsletter.

They have a contract with independent contractors to create social media posts and work sporting events.

COVID

The hospitality industry was devastated by COVID.

There were no reserves and many events cancelled.

Many items were taken out of the budget.

Events and hotel stays did pick back up in the summer.

Colbert County managed to have an increase.

FLT did receive a PPP loan for 75,000 in February 2021

Bottom Line Notes:

Before Rob, FLT always maintained a minimum reserve of $150,000 to $300,000 to carry over to the next year.

As reserves were decreased, the lodging tax revenue also decreased.

The marketing efforts were obviously not working, and nothing was done to change course.

His contract is up for renewal in August and the only way to save money is to not rehire for any of the open positions and contract things out until the next budget year.

There have not been any new revenue sources identified or procured.

Grants totaling over $30,000 were obtained by another staff member proficient in that process.

Rob has repeatedly gone to the City and Lauderdale County Commission to request much needed funding just to help FLT recover from COVID. And been repeatedly denied.

Had there been significant reserves and with the savings of the building refinance, there would have been no need of the line of credit.

There should have been enough money to get through 2020.

Sheffield to Citizens: You're on Your Own

 

We're painfully aware that even in Florence, cities fail to keep up gutters. Alleys and storm water ditches? We're not even sure we know what constitutes a storm water ditch. Does the city really want to depend on citizens to maintain something that helps control flooding?

*****

While on the subject of Sheffield, how's that open air dining area coming at Inspiration Landing? It's almost May. Those food truck vendors lining up to apply for positions yet?

Food trucks are quaint; they're not fine dining in an upscale development. You see any around Bridge Street in Huntsville?

And just how much will these casual vendors have to pay the city for the honor of doing business in IL? We've always heard the City of Tuscumbia priced their permits so high for the Keller Festival that most mobile food vendors gave that yearly to do a hard pass. What about IL is so different? Except for having far fewer people, that is...

Will Mo Brooks Come After the UNA Chinese?

 

Mo Brooks, infamous Alabama senatorial candidate who thinks rocks falling into the oceans cause receding shore lines, has come after the Chinese Communists who intermingle with us provincial folk at state universities. It seems the Department of Defense has cut funding to colleges with Confucius Institutes, causing Alabama A&M to oust the ostensibly cultural entity from its campus. Troy University remains non-committal, but may well do the same.

Remember the U.S.-China International Institute at UNA? The collaboration from almost a decade ago was a total failure. As far as we know, there's nothing left of the quack college, an institution which would have produced no degrees recognized in this country.

Still, our local university has an office in China that (we hope) has no ties to the Communist Party. Nor can we imagine what information this office might contain or produce that the Chinese government might seek. That might not stop Mo from finding fault. 

We're very interested in seeing just how far Rep. Brooks takes his anti-Chinese policies...

*****

This "Chinese blog" from seven years ago ranks in the top five of reader favorites:

A Fractured Florence Fairy Tale

Lauderdale Protest Bill Passed

 

Whether you want to protest for Confederate monument removal, gay pride, or against an alleged UNA rapist or a controversial city museum curator, you may now be waging an uphill battle in Lauderdale County. Tim Melson's SB152 was passed on April 13th with surprisingly little local news coverage.

Is it legal? Almost all with whom we've spoken say the new law won't stand up in court; however, until it's overturned, local police may limit any protests to certain small areas where they won't "interfere" with normal business and pleasure pursuits.

We assume it will be up to local governments to defend the law in court, meaning local taxpayers will foot the bill. Wonderful news, isn't it?

Often laws are given colloquial names. We have Rose's Law and Hollie's Law. Perhaps now we have Ricatoni's Law?

A Free Barf Bag for the Reader with the Best Caption!

An 8-Foot Privacy Fence at Kennedy-Douglass?

 

We've had several questions concerning a new 8-foot privacy fence to be erected in the rear of the Kennedy-Douglass Art Center in Florence. Why so high?

We have no clue as to the rationale, but have read it's often due to roaming deer which can jump at least six feet. We're going to guess this was not the issue in downtown Florence.

One fencing company calls this type fence a "fortress of privacy." Perhaps those late afternoon receptions get pretty wild?

We're much more interested in why an Athens company has been given the contract. Doesn't Florence have at least one company that would meet the lowest bid?

What DID Happen at Florence High School?

 

If you haven't been keeping up, there's such a thing as "Rape Day." The first mention of this hideous phenomenon was in 2011, but since 2019 the day (April 24th) has been gathering steam. Joke? Actual news for those with an IQ of 12 or under? We have no idea. It's just another sad commentary on the state of our nation.

Parents began to contact us this week about an alleged incident at Florence High. What actually happened? No one in authority is talking. These are the rumors:

* All boys were called to a central meeting...or not.

* Only 10th grade boys were called to a central meeting...or not.

* Cell phones were examined for a supposed list of proposed victims...or not.

* (According to parents) Officials have refused to answer questions about this event/non-event. This seems to be the only constant in the story.

We're not even sure which is worse - a lack of transparency from the school system or the fact that these young idiot males think the whole thing is humorous.

One takeaway: No matter who you are or who your son is, have a talk with him, not only about manners and morals, but how some things (rape and racism come to mind) have no place in our school system or anywhere else.

Jimmy Oliver to Brian Murphy: Don't Bite the Hand...

 

Pigs flew over Florence city hall Tuesday afternoon when Councilman Jimmy Oliver interrupted council president Dick Jordan to make a statement concerning controversial Florence museum curator Brian W. Murphy. We're seriously thinking Florence needs Mr. Oliver as its next mayor if former mayor Steve Holt chooses not to run in the next election.

The council meeting was filled with controversy on several levels. Mayor Andy Betterton didn't show up. Oh, well, not too much of a loss there. The new historical commission was filled en masse with the former members of the now defunct historical board. According to insiders, Dick Jordan had promised individual votes on the nine member commission, but pulled a fast one at the last minute.

The vote to ratify the nine members prompted Mr. Oliver's remarks concerning the controversial Murphy, the bottom line being Oliver stated he paid Murphy a personal visit during which he told the historian not to bite the hand that feeds him. City employee Murphy has recently taken part in demonstrations against the city and county governments. He's pictured above impersonating a counter-protester in what's been called performance art. Murphy's impersonation didn't go over well with the opposing demonstrator, a citizen of Florence no matter what you may think of his politics.

We're not sure if one can put the fear of the Lord into an atheist, but perhaps Mr. Oliver's admonition to Murphy will find fertile ground nonetheless. Florence needs unity, not divisiveness.

To Mr. Oliver, we say thank you for standing up to Council President Jordan and for all citizens of Florence! 

"Professor" Sam Does His Song & Dance

Complaints Against Rogersville Police Officer

 

Sometimes things aren't always black and white, but one does expect a modicum of respect and compassion from local police. One Rogersville businessman has come forward with the story of receiving only contempt from a patrol officer earlier this week.

A man who had been banned from a package store owned by Steve Modas entered the premises and attacked the clerk, Modas's son. The young Mr. Modas received a concussion and was treated at a local hospital. The attacker was let go.

This type crime may need to go through a magistrate to be prosecuted, but Mr. Modas feels he was made a victim twice when the attacker was released and Officer Jason Sexton failed to file a report on store damages. 

According to Mr. Modas, neither Mayor Herston nor Police Chief Brian Hudson will speak with him about the incident. Modas has previously been a big supporter of local law enforcement and is pictured above presenting Herston with a check for $2,500.00. Now Modas has contacted an attorney and initiated the hashtag "FireSexton" on social media.

Over the years, we've certainly had copious reports of wrongdoing by Mayor Herston and others in the small Lauderdale County town that has often been accused of being a speed trap. Think the town is crooked? Tax dollars talk; shop elsewhere.

Why Are UNA's Graduation Rates So Low?

 

New national college graduation rates have been posted, and the University of North Alabama came out in the lower half of the Alabama rankings, 44% to be exact. Two colleges tied with UNA, 12 fared better, and 11 had less success than UNA. The kindest critique would be that our local university made the middle of the pack.

To put the 44% in perspective, the graduation rate was based on eight years. In other words, a newly minted high school grad who began studies at UNA in the fall of 2012 and managed to graduate by spring 2020 was included in this statistic.

UNA boasts of record enrollment, campus aesthetics, diversity, Division I football, and a unique mascot, but rarely mentions graduation rates. Just how important is the graduation rate? Earnest.com states:

It not only is a transparent metric that holds a school accountable, but it also can help a student measure the quality of the school.

In other words, the current quality of education at UNA may be considered mediocre. Welcome to the University of North Alabama where you may not get an outstanding education, but at least it won't be abysmal.   

Interesting fact: UNA may not offer a major in gender studies, but it does offer a minor in women's studies. 

Lauderdale Coaching Move Spurs Complaint - Part II

 

When we did a blog on a troubled Lauderdale County high school principal, we discovered that those who hold that office are also considered to be the school's athletic director. Yet many school systems have a designated director for the entire network. Is this coming to Lauderdale County?

This week we learned that there's been a new coaching organization established without the consent of the board of education. We've been given the name of the alleged founder, but also told that more may be involved.

This organization requires that each school pay $450.00 to a kitty to be used for...whatever. There are seven high schools in the system, making the dues over 3K that isn't controlled by the board, but by an unofficial body.

Some of the parents feel this is simply a gateway to creating the position of athletic director. This seems like a stretch, but it could be the aim of some operating outside the board. 

We don't see how the high schools are obligated to pay this sum to an organization that has merely been thrust upon them. Like the kindergarten lottery, the board needs to step up and make a policy concerning non-official organizations in the system.

Lauderdale County Schools Draw Two Complaints - Part I

 

This week we've received two complaints about the Lauderdale County School system. One is a problem we hardly expected to hear. The schools have admission lotteries, and they're rigged, at least according to some parents.

Our information about this lottery system is scant, so we appreciate any input from parents on the subject. The bottom line is some parents believe their child's name has been removed from pools for preferred kindergartens. It seems the picks aren't done by computer program and the names are simply thrown into an open container that can be accessed by several individuals before the drawing.

On the surface, fighting to get into a specific county kindergarten seems humorous, but we're sure it can be upsetting to parents who feel their child has been cheated. What has the board of education said?

So far the board has remained silent on any irregularities with the drawings. Surely parents deserve some answers...and a better system.

Next: Just who came up with the idea for a new coaches' organization?

The $20,000,000.00 College Street Bridge Project - Part II

 

As we stated in Part I, since 2013, there have been three semi-official plans involving College Street and the proposed College Street Bridge. The first plan, made in conjunction with the state and later abandoned, is not available online. The City of Florence may not have paid anything toward the plan rejected by the state highway department except for salaries of staff who worked on the project.

The second plan was contracted to a Huntsville company, Morgan Farmer. We used the date 2018 in Part I; however, the MF website uses the date 2020. This may be the completion date of its study, but it's interesting to note since, according to Florence City Council president Dick Jordan, plans were already in the works to sell the former home of ECM Hospital to Joel Anderson Jr. and two of his business partners during this time frame.

What exactly is Morgan Farmer? From its website:

We work with regional councils and development districts in pursuing economic development strategies for municipal clients. We provide planning, design and construction management expertise. In addition, we’ve entered the renewable energy market through development of photovoltaic projects which include finance development, design and construction management for municipal entities.

Taxpayers should be asking why the city was paying for a study related to "economic development" when the center of said study was to be sold to a private investing group? Here's the final plan, indicating "future bridge construction" at proposed location of College Street bridge:

We also have to ask why, according to business owners, the 2013 project involved no public meetings concerning the widening of College Street? This project would have affected blocks of property owners. Yet the city held a neighborhood meeting of McFarland Heights residents to discuss a supposed current residential project that covers only two or so blocks?

If you think it may involve a football stadium, you could be right, but probably not in the way it's been previously discussed.

Part III: UNA's Highway 20 Connection...

Is Sheffield City Schools' Vaccine Policy Legal?

 

We've been sent the following information concerning Sheffield City Schools:

SCS BOE recently voted to DENY federal relief funds to any employee that refuses to be vaccinated and later contracts COVID.

First, we'll assume this is true. Second, is it legal?

That would have to be decided in the courts; however, there is an established legal precedent concerning flu vaccines. Anyone working in a large public endeavor (hospital or school) may be legally required to be vaccinated unless they have a valid medical excuse or can prove they have religious objections.

Our advice would be to find another job where you're in no danger of infecting innocent people if you refuse to be vaccinated.

A Word about Two of Dick Jordan's Pals

 

We asked our friend Nigel if Rob Carnegie would be leaving Florence:

Oh, he will stay. Why should he leave??? He is now bringing in over $120,000 a year for a salary, has been given an SUV to drive anywhere he wants to go and all the gas he can burn is paid for from tourism money. Right now, he has driven that SUV on his vacation. Two years ago he got a $20,000 bonus on top of everything else. He leaves the office everyday (at least the days he comes in to work) for two hours to go to the gym to workout. He drives that SUV to Nashville every weekend to try to get someone to listen to him sing. He is all set. All he has to do is exactly what Dick Jordan dictates through his minions that he has hand picked for the tourism board. Dick wants tourism dissolved so the city of Florence can take over and his wife can then be in charge of it all.

In the last general election, we called a candidate out for referring to himself as a UNA professor on his resume'. Apparently there are others who think no one will notice that little lie when they utter it.

What is a professor? From Oxford Languages Dictionary:

A teacher of the highest rank in a college or university.

Here's another definition from Google:

In the United States and Canada, the title of professor applies to most post-doctoral academics, so a larger percentage are thus designated. In these areas, professors are scholars with doctorate degrees (typically PhD degrees) or equivalent qualifications who teach in four-year colleges and universities.

Here's another little hint: There's no such thing as an "adjunct professor." When your description on your employer's website calls you an "adjunct instructor," it may just be that's what you are. When you call yourself a professor, it pretty much says either you're lying or you're too ill-educated to know what you actually are.

Rob Carnegie Vacations as Tourism Office "Burns"

 

In the past month, the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism office has lost four employees. Aside from President & CEO Rob Carnegie, only one employee remains. Who is this brave soul?

Our sources say a 24 year old who had been on the job three days as of Friday. We're also told that he's fresh out of seminary. Unless there's a newer, hip meaning of "seminary," we infer he's been studying for the ministry - not tourism promotion.

Hold on. It just gets better...

Our sources say Rob left for vacation on Friday and won't be back for a week. Either Robbie Baby is totally clueless or he's someone who has unlimited job security. Or perhaps the Canadian Country singer is visiting a new employment prospect? 

Could Florence be that lucky?

The $20,000,000.00 College Street Bridge Project - Part I

 

Some interesting facts concerning the defunct old and proposed new College Street bridges:

1. The last bridge connecting the end of College Street in West Florence was razed in the early 1950s. In other words, there has been no bridge at this location for almost 70 years.

2. In 2013, the City of Florence applied for a state/federal grant to widen College Street and build a new bridge. The estimated cost at that time was 20 million.

3. We personally spoke with two College Street merchants who would have lost their parking lots in this project. Neither one had been contacted by the city or any other government entity. Hold on to that thought...

4. In 2016/17, the state rejected the city's request for the grant as written. Instead, much more meager funding was awarded to do some minor street widening.

5. In 2018, the City of Florence paid for a new College Street study that focused on the former ECM Hospital property and an extended street ending at a bridge to County Road 2/State Highway 20.

6. In 2019, the University of North Alabama took a cursory look at the ECM property in connection with a new football stadium. Hold on to this thought also...

7. In 2020, the city proposed to sell the ECM property to a three-man LLC to turn into a residential development. The city lost money on the deal.

8. In 2021, Florence City Council president Dick Jordan, who initiated the ECM sale, announced a new College Street bridge is the most "critical" project on the city's infrastructure list.

9. The city initiated an $88,000.00 study on the proposed bridge. This is in addition to the state study from 2013 and the city study from 2018.

10. We'll throw in just for comic relief that Mayor Andy Betterton stated the bridge would likely help open up the Savannah Highway to West Florence. Really, Andy? Did you need an engineering degree to make that observation?

Next: ECM property, a football stadium, and new hope for a 50 year-old land investment.

If Andy Designs the Bridge...

             

Randa Simpson Hovater on Leaving Florence-Lauderdale Tourism

 

Last year we were happy to endorse Randa Simpson Hovater as she sought a place on the Sheffield City Council. Mrs. Hovater's credentials speak for themselves. Now it seems she's leaving her position with Florence-Lauderdale Tourism, an organization that more than ever needs all the help it can get. Here in Randa's own words...

For quite some time now I have been contemplating and praying about something that I knew would have a great impact on my life. The past several weeks I have been manifesting finding my dream job - one where I was valued as an employee for my talents, my work ethic, my organizational skills, my education and my literal existence within the office. Most importantly, I wanted to work somewhere that had administration that valued me as an individual with no strings attached. I had that in my first position in Birmingham and I thoroughly enjoyed going into work and working alongside my boss, Casey each day. Casey instilled in me the value of a non-toxic work environment and I am so thankful to have had that experience. This week I took a break from my manifestation, prayers and hopes of a dream job until yesterday morning. I felt led to sit at my desk and write a letter to myself that stated, “You are powerful, talented and intelligent. Some day you will find a space where those qualities— and all your qualities will be valued. You just have to be patient.”

Today, it is with a very light heart that I announce I am no longer affiliated with Florence - Lauderdale Tourism. I am so looking forward to this next chapter in life and I cannot wait to update everyone with the news of my next step professionally. If you’ve known me from my time at FLT— please don’t be a stranger! I still am so devoted to the tourism industry and would be happy to help you in any facet of tourism, especially in Colbert County where I live and where my heart is. Right now for a small amount of time, I will be taking this time to focus on some Sheffield City Council projects I haven’t had time to complete and digging deeper roots into this city I am so blessed to call home. I have no regrets whatsoever regarding this news and I have no harsh feelings toward most of my past coworkers and the colleagues and friends I have made at FLT. The relationships I have formed in the tourism industry in the Shoals and across the nation are absolutely invaluable to me.

Chaos at Florence-Lauderdale Tourism

 

Rob Carnegie Learns to Dance from Tucker Carlson

Things are certainly looking grim for the Florence Lauderdale Tourism office. Seems like Canada Rob and his idiot board have finally accomplished what Alex Nelson and David Mullendorf were appointed to do many years ago. What exactly was their mission, as dictated by The Dick Jordan? Destroy tourism in Florence and Lauderdale County. 

First was the appointment of the puppets with absolutely ZERO tourism experience at all to the board. Next they treated former director Debbie Wilson like she was scum of the earth, even though during her reign tourism soared to the greatest numbers and visitors ever. After she moved ahead to a greater career with the State of Alabama Tourism Department (don’t you know that pissed them off royally), they hired Canada Rob to come save the day. 

In just a few short months he managed to take Florence Lauderdale Tourism from a healthy, prosperous, thriving organization down to a struggling, weak and broke organization. There has been less than 1% growth max since he has taken over. Now, as of last week, Alison Stanfield has retired, and let's just call it like it is, she should have been named the Director after Debbie Wilson left. She is a better person than most people. Most people would have left the moment they hired Canada Rob, who came in to the job making nearly double the salary that Alison or Debbie Wilson made a year. 

Now we are hearing that Mary Fuller is leaving as of today. Tyler Dolan has resigned with his last day coming next week. As of yesterday, I hear that Canada Rob has terminated the employment of his ONLY full time employee left, Randa Simpson Hovator who is a tourism superstar. 

So mission accomplished for Ashley Madison’s #1 customer, Big Alex Nelson, David “mid-life crisis guy” Mullendorf, and the biggest player of the game, of course behind the scenes as always, The DICK Jordan. I bet this has something to do with DICK always looking for his wife Libby a bigger and better job. Sounds like the perfect storm for a takeover of tourism in the entire Shoals area. 

The City of Florence and Lauderdale County should completely cut off all funding to this terrible train wreck. The four mayors and cities and the two counties should combine Colbert and Lauderdale tourism offices and start fresh. Who could ever imagine that Colbert County is the leader in tourism in the Shoals area?? 

Now, the response from the Florence Lauderdale Tourism board in regards to the LOSS of the entire staff of the office, "we don’t get involved with the operations of the office.” Hmmmmm.  Then what in the hell do you do?

If John Merrill Gave Truthful Interviews...

 

John Merrill Gives His Team A Plug (That He Had Left Over) 

SS: Today we have Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill visiting our blog. Thank you for stopping by, Sec. Merrill.

JM: I would have visited earlier, but I've been tied up quite a bit. You'd be surprised at the knotty situations some legal assistants can create.

SS: But things must have slowed down since the election last November?

JM: Just a little, but I'm not one to sit on my tush.

SS: So your latest lady friend has reported. How have these revelations affected your wife?

JM: Good question. If they ever let me back in Phil Campbell, I'll be sure to try to find out.

SS: Since you've admitted to this extra-marital affair, do you have anything to say about the accusations from 2015 that you so vigorously denied?

JM: Not unless a second tape turns up. Can you believe the gall of some people to record life's most intimate bondage moments? 

SS: Well, she is from Montgomery. Do you plan to return to Tuscaloosa permanently now that your political career is finished?

JM: I'm glad you asked that. After much thought and prayer, I've decided to become the new chaplain for the Crimson Tide football team. Tuscaloosa is home, after all, plus it's close to the noted dermatologist Dr. Robert Bentley. I need him to check out this rash on my, umm, cheeks.

There you have it. John Merrill making Mo Brooks look good since this morning...

Candidate Andy Betterton v. Mayor Andy Betterton

 

"I Swear on my Bow Tie to Tell the Truth, so Help Me Richard Nixon"

Candidate Andy Betterton: "The growing daily division has become a powder keg that endangers the citizens of Florence. Both our sister cities, Birmingham and Mobile, have taken action and we should, too."

Mayor Andy Betterton: "...although I agree the law needs to be changed to allow for relocation, I will not be arrested for breaking it."

How many voted for Handy Dandy Andy because they thought he would move the Confederate monument? Exact answer unknown, but we're sure quite a few.

How many votes did Andy win by? Ten. That's right - only ten.

Is it too much of a leap to surmise that Andy, who was famous for doing nothing while on the city council, won his present position as mayor solely due to his perceived stance on the monument? 

This seems like a good time to announce Shoalanda's plans to run for mayor. She promises to sell the SportsPlex and split the proceeds with every citizen of Florence over the age of 21. How's that sound? Hey, you believed Andy, didn't you?

The Florence Hysterical Historical Show

 

Like historical homes? Like wrestling where it's all pretend, but some can't help but participate anyway? Then come to Florence, Alabama!

See a historical board turned into a historical commission right before your eyes. (Except it really didn't happen on Tuesday afternoon for whatever reason.) See David Carson call Brian Murphy everything he might really be plus some things that just sounded bad at the moment. (Neither one has the sense to retire to the shadows gracefully.)

In case you missed the comedy show known as a Florence City Council meeting, the entire question of our greatly maligned historical board was once again sidestepped. We'll have more on this later, but in the meantime, citizens would do well to again turn their thoughts to the long-proposed College Street Bridge. Stay tuned...

*****

Several have contacted us about the ADA violations now ongoing at the Florence SportsPlex. PNS did an informative article, but the actual address of the complex would be helpful. It's 17700 County Road 2, also known as Coffee Road. 

We know that many have already filed a complaint against the city and the mayor, but a few more won't hurt. How long it will take to initiate any action, we have no idea. Good luck to those struggling to attend games this year.