Aunt Aggie's Yarn Barn to Take Over Freight Car Plant

 

Yes, Aunt Aggie's has been needing more floor space for quite some time and will be moving into the 2.2 million square foot Barton freight car plant. Didn't see that one coming? Only those blinded by over 15 years of freight car promises and 40 years of Yellow Creek/Teledyne blarney would believe that.

Yet, officials say the now vacant freight car plant, a one-mile long facility, has several prospects. Perhaps a new homeless shelter?

We eagerly await more news...

*****

Our guest blog on the closure of a local Subway has brought a very interesting rebuttal:

I realize that political opinions matter more to some people than actual facts but…. sometimes I just feel that facts and common sense matter. Case in point the Megan Rapinoe Subway comment.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/06/23/fact-check-megan-rapinoe-didnt-stomp-flag-isnt-subway-spokesperson/7734385002/ 

In addition the Subway ad campaign referenced has just recently begun showing on TV. Any Subway closing right now had troubles or reasons for closing long before Rapinoe. I suspect these rumors were created by people who are offended by Ms. Rapinoe being a lesbian. Which brings this question to mind - If Jared Fogel, a convicted pedophile, didn’t destroy Subway why would the STAR of the USWNT?

Mo: Whole Lotta Stompin' Going On

 

To say that Mo Brooks is ahead in the U.S. Senate election is akin to saying ducks like to swim. He has no need of negative attacks.

If you're not aware, Mo's two announced opponents are female, both Republican and one as staunch a Trump supporter as he is. Yet, our local representative made quite an interesting comment about the election:

"...we’ll stomp the absolute living daylights (out) of my two primary opponents in that area (North Alabama)."

Somehow, we're not sure such a statement, especially concerning two relatively small females, is good for the image of a man accused of promoting last January's violent insurrection. We have to wonder what he would have said if his opponent had been Luther Strange?

And just think...it's not even 2022 yet.

Time for a Few Public Farewells?

 

From a reader:

I see where another local Subway has bit the dust. Several Facebook comments blamed Megan Rapinoe who stars in their commercials. Many think Rapinoe hates the United States, its flag, and the national anthem. She certainly wasn't the best choice for Subway.

How about we have a man working for the State of Alabama in Montgomery who generally hates his surroundings? Would you vote for him or choose him to work in an important position if every word out of his mouth was an insult.

The woman in Lauderdale County who constantly criticizes the county office she works for? Think she should keep her job?

The man in Florence who earns a paycheck from the city, but never has one polite word for the town?

The woman in District 5 who wants to lead but thinks Walmart should be torched? Would you support her?

These are mainly mythical employees, mainly. Do you think any of these people deserve a job in our government?

I don't.

Joe Wheeler Esq.

The E. Coli Rumors

 

You may have heard the rumors about e.coli at a local facility. As far as we know, these are just rumors. It's still a good time to talk about toddler safety.

How often does your very young child open his mouth? We're betting a lot. It's not any different when he's in the pool. The same for touching his hands to his mouth. 

Kiddie pools and splash pads are fine for older children, but if yours is under the age of three, he's in danger of water intoxication from any pool or e.coli from a public pool/splash pad. Try a backyard water hose, and we guarantee they'll have just as much fun.

Will Dismukes: A Face of ALFA

 

Pictured is Will Dismukes, a Republican state legislator from Prattville outside Montgomery. Last August, Dismukes was arrested for First Degree Theft from a former employer. Now, over ten months later, Dismukes has finally been indicted for his alleged crime. 

Early in his career, the now 31 year-old Dismukes worked for ALFA, as his wife still does. Later, Dismukes worked for a flooring concern before opening his own company. His former employer brought the charges of theft against the legislator.

ALFA is also a large contributor to Dismukes, who astonishingly votes in that company's interest whenever possible (read: against animal welfare). We may assume ALFA Insurance would not benefit by losing Dismukes as an ally in the legislature.

We'll be watching this case closely. If Dismukes is convicted, he will automatically be removed from office. If that should be the case, we'll also be looking at those ALFA backs in the election to fill the vacated seat.

Scott (Rooster) Michael

 

From Sheffield Shelly:

“The owner, Scott Michael of Oxford, Mississippi,.......” The owner of WHAT? The Slag Yard? The lights and portable restrooms? Furnace Hill? What does Scott Michael own? This story doesn’t tell us that. Russ Corey, Steve Stanley, and John Elkington may know what he owns, but the average subscriber to the Times Daily has no clue. This vague sentence just further muddies the already very murky waters of Inspiration Landing. (You and I know that Michael owns Rooster’s Blues House, but it’s not mentioned here.)

Pictured above is a novel Scott Michael published four years ago. Don't try to use the link to purchase it - it won't work.

We're going to assume Mr. Michael owns at least the name and equipment. He possibly owns the land on which the Slag Yard will be built. Michael is also rumored to be opening a restaurant in the complex.

Note to whomever is responsible for the Slag Yard Facebook page, the Shoals is currently on Central Daylight Time and will be until November 7th. 

Venue launch in 56 days...

Time for Florence to Admit it Has a Homeless Problem

 

Within the past year or so, Florence has:

1. Turned off power to electric outlets in Wilson Park.

2. Set up a de facto no-panhandling zone near Court Street bars and eateries. (Violators are arrested.)

3. Removed benches near a homeless day center.

It would be nice if as much effort could be spent on finding mental health care for these individuals. Whose responsibility is it? We welcome readers' ideas on solving this problem.

Florence Public Art Committee

 

The following make up the public art committee for Florence. These six individuals selected the artist and subject matter for the new College Street mural:

Libby Jordan - Director of Florence Museums

Christi Britten - Kennedy-Douglass employee

Chiong-Yiao Chen - Art professor UNA

Aaron Benson - Asst. art professor UNA

Mary White - Alabama Council of Arts

Billy Ray Warren - Florence City Historian

If you haven't seen the mural, rest assured it is indeed beautiful. Yet we're hearing criticism on several levels. We've seen one comment on Facebook that suggested additions that could be made to the mural in the middle of the night. Let's hope not!

For those who have contacted us with ideas for future murals, please contact the members of the art committee listed above. If you would like to serve on the committee in future, you should contact the Florence City Council. 

Speaking of the council:

Not Florence Council

Looks like, again, it was Andy all along...

Where Is the Truth about Inspiration Landing?

 

From a Sheffield observer:

The TD article also mentions the music venue being developed “near the roundabout”. The plans show that the roundabout will be located where West Montgomery, Shop Pike, Douglas Street, and Hook Street all merge. I drove over that stretch of property Sunday. First of all, there’s no sign of even the beginnings of a roundabout, just potholes big enough to sink a car. Second, that area is quite a distance from where the plans are showing that the music venue will be. All lies.

*****

Did someone say music venue? Remember those concerts scheduled to start in early July? They've disappeared from the Slag Yard's Facebook page. Nothing is showing as scheduled.

But wait. Isn't Paul Thorn coming on July 10th? He certainly is...to Singin' River Brewing Company in Florence. $25.00 cover charge. At least you'll get real seats.

The Steeldrivers? No, that group won't be on stage with Thorn...or anywhere near the Shoals ever according to insiders.

*****

So who pays for the roundabout? The city? Who pays for the music venue? John Elkington's company? Who's expecting much at this point? No one we know.

Meanwhile At The Box Office

Brent Woodall & a Church of God Preacher

 

The race for Alabama State Auditor has added two new contenders. Originally from Decatur, attorney Brent Woodall has spent most of his adult life in Montgomery, but moved to the Shoals to take over the law practice of retiring Billy Underwood. Woodall seems universally liked and will make an interesting addition to the race.

Also chiming in is a Church of God preacher called Stan Cooke. As of now, Cooke is quite the outlier. Well, it is Alabama. 

Others are predicted to join the fray in the next few weeks. Jackie Zeigler, wife of current Auditor Jim Zeigler, is the name most mentioned. 

*****

Anyone attending the big to-do in Tuscumbia on Tuesday? Send us your take on the announcement and those in attendance. 

*****

It's Inspiration Landing...on its face again. Even Singin' River Brewing is outdoing the new venue. Stay tuned...

Too Classy for the Shoals?

Father's Day 2021

 

This Father's Day is a twofer. Not only is it the day to honor or remember our fathers, it's the First Day of Summer. That's right, summer starts at 10:32 tonight in the Shoals.

If you're a dad, make this summer count. Spend some extra time with your offspring while you can. We can promise you that nothing else will yield such a high reward.

Shoalanda & Staff

Big Announcement in Tuscumbia on Tuesday?

 

According to several of our contacts, there will be a big announcement coming out of Tuscumbia on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. E-mail invitations have been sent out to summon the select to a political reception hosted by a local office holder.

May we assume this local politician will be seeking to fill the position of state representative being vacated by Andrew Sorrell? Would we also be safe to assume that the race for this office is going to become another free-for-all?

*****

We've always believed that a big frog in a small political pond can do much more to help a community than a small frog in a big political pond. Obviously, not everyone sees it that way. Good luck to Mayor Kerry Underwood in whatever path he chooses.

Martin Supply Takes on City of Florence

 

First a comment we received on yesterday's blog concerning the proposed demolition of the city auditorium (Current incarnation since April 1983):

I really liked the latest blog. It shows perfectly the conflict of interest within the whole city government. They have no problem tearing down a historic building but want others to get permission to repaint. This group is the worst ever.

*****

The second objection to Florence's new downtown master plan? The demolition of the approximately 50 year-old parking deck. Who and why?

Martin Supply was founded in Sheffield in 1934 by Louis Martin. The company moved its headquarters from Colbert County to the old Rogers Department Store building several years ago. Pictured above is a pedestrian bridge that the city paid for to connect the deck with the Rogers building at the request of Martin Supply.

Today the Martin Company is managed by Louis' three grandsons who are opposed to the razing of the parking deck. Two city council members requested a delay in the vote. Jimmy Oliver and Bill Griffin are at best on the fence. The two councilmen voted against an immediate decision; that vote is now scheduled for July 6th.

Would Martin leave the 125 Court Street location if the deck is demolished? We sincerely doubt it for several reasons. Does the council president care how the Ruggles brothers feel about the deck? We sincerely doubt that also.

Florence Courts More Controversy

 

So far, we've seen two complaints concerning Florence's plans to tear down the old city hall and parking deck. The first concerns what is now the City Auditorium at 102 Pine Street.

This historic building has gone through several remodels, but is still structurally sound. Will the new Historical Commission fight to keep it? At least one commission member would be conflicted. Brian W. Murphy also works for the city which has chosen to raze the building...at least if we understand the plans for this multi-million project. 

Remember the Frank Perry Home for Nurses? It was an absolutely breathtaking Art Deco structure that was torn down with the old ECM complex. Many wondered why until the land was sold to Joel Anderson Jr. for a nebulous project. 

Apparently historic isn't that historic if money is involved.

Mo's Right on This One!

 

While we had some fun yesterday about Mo's description of process servers, we have to agree with him on trespassing claims. Not everyone does; Alabama Political Reporter columnist Josh Moon claims an attached garage is not part of one's home. Really?

Moon might want to check court rulings on that. Also, that would mean at least one local capital murder indictment is unfounded. Remember Benjamin Davenport, currently charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling, killing a Muscle Shoals woman?

Speaking of Davenport, we understand his trial has been postponed. That's not surprising in capital cases, yet it's never a positive thing. We're sure the family of his victim, as well as his spurned wife, want a swift end to this legal limbo.

Mo Brooks Needs Remedial Sex Education

 

Peahen & Peacock

We're pretty sure we've never before had a good laugh while reading the political section of the news, but Mo Brooks has given us one this week. This is a quote from our U.S. Representative concerning a lawsuit:

"Swalwell’s attorneys lied again when they strutted in front of the news media like peacocks in heat and falsely accused me of avoiding Swalwell’s lawsuit service when the fact is they could have served me roughly a hundred times before, during or after both Swalwell and I voted together on the House floor, or served me by U.S. Mail to my home address. In fact, when they finally got serious about serving me with the lawsuit, they served me not once, not twice, but three times, all within one week!"

In case you've forgotten (like Mo), only female animals come into heat. Males are ready to rumble 365 days a year. We're guessing Mo has never considered that all peacocks are male. Female peafowl are called peahens. 

A certain Alabama senator from the Plains was heard to exclaim: Elect Mo! He makes me look intelligent!

Andrew Sorrell to Run for State Auditor

 

Andrew Sorrell of Muscle Shoals is currently the state representative from District 3; however, that may soon change. Sorrell has announced he will be running for State Auditor in 2022.

Current auditor Jim Zeigler is in his second term and not eligible to run for a third at this time. During Zeigler's tenure, the state has reduced the number of employees in the auditor's office, ostensibly due to budget constraints.

There has been discussion of completely eliminating the office and allowing each state department to police the areas currently covered by the auditor. If that doesn't sound problematic to you, it should.

Since Andrew has been in office, he has consistently fought for this area, as well as animal welfare and fewer business restrictions. There have been a few times we've disagreed with him, but have never doubted his honesty or work ethic.

At this point, we don't know who will be running against Rep. Sorrell, but we can't imagine anyone of more integrity in the position. Good luck, Andrew!

City of Florence Kicks Handy Museum to the Curb

 

Editor's Note: Do you know the definition of "cultural worker?" According to Devyn Springer, it's a term used by socialists, Black nationalists, and other radical organizers to describe some who work in the art field.

Now here's an interesting take on Florence's museum situation by a reader who is billed as the Astute Professor:

Anticipation has already begun for the return of this year's W.C. Handy Music Festival. One question on everyone's mind is why did the city remove the W.C. Handy Museum from its official webpage?

Three years ago ownership of the W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum and Library was handed over to the foundation. That action effectively delivered ownership of the historic west Florence home back to the Handy family.

Is that why the newly built www.florencealmuseums.com only includes Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Pope's Tavern Museum, Florence Indian Mound Museum, and Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House?

Could the deletion of the museum be due in part to the fact that the new site solicits donations? That would be a good reason, but does not explain why the Children's Museum received the same treatment. It is questionable if that museum is even open to the public, but a fundraiser at the Children's Museum was held on June 12. If that museum is no longer in operation where did that money go?

I understand that supporting tourism is no longer a hip thing in Florence, but why all the unnecessary confusion? For example, the new website has this to say about Pope's Tavern:

"Located in downtown Florence, the Pope’s Tavern Museum interprets the early history of the city of Florence and Lauderdale County through educational programming, public discourse, and community engagement.

"Programs at the museum include historical talks, films, and workshops centered on early Florence history. The Museum aims to become a downtown institution, known for creative, historical events and gatherings focused on understanding the past and the present."

How many misnomers can you find in those two paragraphs? A city of Florence museum employee recently described herself and colleagues as "cultural workers." Maybe that is the problem?

ANOTHER Ag Center!

 

Obviously agriculture centers can come in varying sizes, but it seems the Lauderdale County Ag Center will have some close competition. Wayne County, directly north of Lauderdale in Tennessee, is building its own venue. There's not a time table on construction yet, but the Wayne County Commission is hopeful of starting in the not too distant future.

The new event center is currently slated to be built just north of Collinwood on Highway 13. Lauderdale's will lie just west of Killen. The above map indicates how close the two ag centers will be once built.

In the interim, how's the Slag Yard coming at Inspiration Landing?

Support Your Local Drug Trafficker

 

Even drug traffickers need to plan ahead. Apparently Arana Robert Simone of Sheffield failed to put any ill-gotten gains aside in case of arrest and now has no funds for whatever he may need during his incarceration.

We're not sure who's running his Facebook page, but they aren't shy about asking for money. Anyone out there who feels the urge to help out a down on his luck drug dealer?

The Next Principal at Lauderdale Career Tech?

 

Allen Thornton Career Technical Center - Is it the future of Lauderdale Education? The facility is currently located in Killen. 

Killen? Yes, so good they say it twice on their website. Doesn't anyone ever proof these things?

Now the principal for the past two years has been transferred. Is that a kind way of saying "given the boot?"

Who will take his place? We've asked around and have had no definitive answers. We're not sure if that's good or bad. 

We do see that the school still has a fax machine number listed. Parents, if you want to make the ultra-forward thinking Principal Gary Dan Williams' day, ask him why he's wasting money on a separate number for outmoded technology...

Lauderdale Principal's a Sore Loser

 

At this point, it seems inevitable that there will be an Ag Center in Lauderdale County and with it a new career tech center. Apparently, the Lauderdale Board of Education is making plans to secure this endeavor's future by bringing in new admins. Goodbye, Gary Dan Williams.

Yes, Principal Williams will be moving to the alternative school and he's not happy. He says the move is a direct result of his facing off against the current superintendent in the last election. He's gone so far as to call the TimesDaily and offer the local rag his version of events.

We're guessing Williams is close to having his 30 years in with the state education system, if he doesn't already. It sounds good to us. Williams gets a nice piece of change each month, plus he gets to work as a consultant around the Southeast for an even larger chunk of change. That is unless prospective contract employers get a whiff of his current antics. 

Leaving the stage gracefully at the end of a performance is highly underrated...

Jeremy James Thigpen: Kidnapping is no Joke

 

On Monday, a Killen man was arrested in Tuscumbia on charges of Second Degree Kidnapping. The 28 year-old welder was also charged with Second Degree Domestic Violence/Assault and Interfering with an Emergency Call. In short, he's in a lot of trouble.

We linked a news post on the alleged kidnapping, making a humorous statement. We promptly received two replies concerning how depraved this man's actions were and lambasting us for making light. The criticism was certainly merited. This man, if guilty, is both sick and a danger to the general public. Let's take a look at the reported deviant.

Jeremy James Thigpen is a Rogers High School graduate with a number of Facebook pages. All of his personal pages reflect his low opinion of females. One refers to women as "whores," while another seems to advocate slapping as a way to discipline them.

Somewhere along the way, Thigpen acquired a son without benefit of clergy. When the child's mother married, the Bigbee Steel worker indicated he could take care of this new man in his son's life. The ex-girlfriend called Thigpen unfit; we do also.

What will happen to the alleged kidnapper now? A grand jury could fail to indict or could up the charges when it does deliver an indictment. Obviously, most felons today opt for a plea and hope for a slap on the wrist, but that's not always a given. What could Mr. Macho expect if convicted?

Second Degree Kidnapping (felony) - 10 years to life

Second Degree Domestic Assault (felony) - Two to 20 years

Interfering with an Emergency Call (misdemeanor) - Six months

Our prediction is a plea on Thigpen's part, plus a new girlfriend. Don't say "surely not." We can already hear the protests of "But he's changed."

Whose $7K Wall?

 

Below is the estimate to paint a relatively short wall located in downtown Florence on property belonging to Southern Pipe:

Oddly enough, the description of the wall states it's across the street from Singin' River Brewing Company. Did that nearness have anything to do with the city's desire to upgrade the area's visual appeal? We have to ask if there were complaints from the general public about the graffiti covered wall and, if so, who made them?

In case you're wondering about a CMU wall, it stands for "concrete masonry unit." Makes it sound much more expensive than plain ol' "concrete block," doesn't it?

The wall is to be painted on both sides. We wouldn't want the much overlooked pipe community to feel left out, would we?

The first coat is to be Sherwin-Williams Loxon Primer/Filler. The second coat is to be Loxon XP Finisher. Both products are sold locally at a retail price of under $200.00 for a five gallon can. If any of our readers have a better idea of wholesale pricing, we're happy to update this.

Total cost of the project is not to exceed $7,000.00 unless there are unforeseen problems. Now we have to ask, how many of us think that we're in the wrong line of business?

Steve Marshall Campaigns Against Correctional Incentive Time

 

Current Alabama attorney general Steve Marshall wants the public to know that he's against a "broken" policy in this state. CIT is actually a law and it was 40 years old in 2020. Is this the best campaign issue Marshall can come up with?

No matter what one thinks of Correctional Incentive Time, these policies shouldn't be news to Marshall after four decades. Nor should these programs be news to any crime victims if local district attorneys are doing their job.

Marshall recently latched onto this almost dog whistle when the family of a sexual assault victim reported to the press that the rapist was being released "early." If any victim wants to know the scheduled released date of any Alabama prisoner, it's online and shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Here's a screen shot of the rapist's DOC page:

But Steve Marshall thinks this is a pressing problem that needs to be corrected? Why doesn't someone ask him why he hasn't already mentioned this pressing problem during the past 52 months he's been in office?