Tatum Design/Will Boyd

 

We shoot brands into the air,

Where they land, we do not care.

We're not to blame for what others chose,

You always knew...Andy Betterton wears no clothes.

We think we see part of the problem with the company that designed the new Florence logo. Just look at Tatum Design's own logo - an archer with no string in his bow. Apparently the less sense the symbols make, the happier clients are.

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Will Boyd, minister of a Florence Baptist church has joined the fray in the Alabama Senate race. Boyd is the second Democrat to place his name on the ballot. The minister has run unsuccessfully twice before.

We wish Will luck - he'll need it in this blood red state.

Florence Now International News

 

It could be worse: When Florence makes the Daily Mail, it's usually for a heinous crime or a sex scandal. On a down note, we hear that Florence Utilities now claims that a great big FU has always been its motto...

On a strictly serious bent, we have two more takes on the city's latest debacle:

Florence City Council member, Michelle Eubanks continues to refer to the coveted survey the city published on at least 1 social media outlet for at least 10 days (wow, talk about an informed sampling, 1 source for 10 days for a town of about 45,000 people sounds very skewed) as the opportunity that most residents passed up as their voice regarding the new logo for the city. 

THE SURVEY IS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE CHOICE OF LOGOS!!!!! I saw the survey myself and responded but nowhere in the survey was there a question that said “do you want a logo that is offensive, basically spelling out the F-bomb, that would draw controversy nationwide. Nowhere in the survey was there a scenario that had illustrations of potential logos, showing styles or asking questions about the shape, form, color or graphics about the actual logo. Ms Eubanks is totally missing the mark here by referring to the survey as the reason for the the screaming F-Off!!!

Three things have been weighing on my mind all week.
1. Did someone in the group of people who actually laid eyes on this logo prior to be being chosen not look at this logo and see what 100% of the citizens saw as a suggestive and offensive logo that screamed F-Off or F-You??
2. I do not understand why the Mayor and Council don’t just come out and say, “Ok Citizens of Florence, we hear ya and we “F-ed up, and our new plans now will be to totally call for a do-over, scrap this terrible logo and start from scratch!!!” If they cannot see that this logo is really “just that bad, “ I am afraid we have all elected a Mayor and Council who are way too dumb to run a city the size of Florence, Alabama.
3. What were the logos they did NOT choose???

I've heard the company which designed this monster has offered to re-do the logo at no charge but I do not have any knowledge of this being true. If that was a company I owned, I def would come out with a statement as to why or how this was “THE LOGO” that everyone decided to go with.

My last comment is this: This logo should be the new logo used for Inspiration Landing since John Elkington has given not only Sheffield the middle finger but the entire state of Alabama because he sure screwed us all.

Now here's another chance to make your voice heard, courtesy of political pundit River Zurinsky:

Florence Needs to Vote

Inspiration Landing Timeline: Now in its Eighth Year

 

2015 - December 11, city council takes first legal steps to development.

2016 - December 12, city says traffic study will be complete in six months.

2017 - April 12, John Elkington says partial opening by May 2018.

2018 - August 24, Elkington says work could start in October 2018,

2019 - November 23, groundbreaking should be coming soon.

2020 - May 6, Elkington says “a lot of progress” is being made.

2021 - April 18, construction begins on first project, the Slag. Venue opens late August; closes two weeks later.

2022 - January 2, Elkington says he’s confident amphitheater project will begin this year.

Addenda & Corrections on F!

 

Quick...what's the first thing you thought of when you saw "F!rence?" We consider ourselves pretty conservative, but we admit we thought "F*** You." So what is a stranger to Northwest Alabama going to think?

Corrections:

1. We've been told by a very informed reader that Zip Recruiting is totally inaccurate on the salary paid to Andy Betterton. It is probably one-half the amount named on the website. We appreciate a more accurate number, but does anyone think Napping Nancy deserves even this much?

2. We had mentioned to a reader that the giglio was older than the fleur de lis. We were mistaken; the fleur de lis was first used in France around 1150, while the giglio was officially incorporated into Italian symbolism around 1250. 

3. Further, more research shows the stamen are ALWAYS to be shown on giglio illustrations - think the floor of the rear library lobby. If Florence needs to change anything, it needs to revamp the flower symbol as in the above illustration from the same design company giving visitors the middle finger.

The takeaway: If anyone says the fleur de lis is racist, be sure to tell them that Florence's symbol is the giglio...

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From a New Orleans magazine: Anyone with the least bit of historic knowledge is aware of the vile racist origin of the fleur-de-lis in New Orleans. It was used by French colonialists to brand black slaves who ran away and were returned.

Hmmm, well it was news to us. Below is the cutesy illustration accompanying the article:

Don't Say You Didn't Know about the AG Center

 

How many comments have you seen from individuals who say they didn't know about the "rebranding" of Florence? We find references going back to 2015. It's that way with every new project. The AG Center? Please don't say you know nothing of how much money it's siphoned from schools, citizens, etc. Now the city and the AG Board are trying to sort out the sewer problem.

Here's an interesting blog from a reader:

Hello Florence, Alabama people. Has anyone other than me wondered how the Ag Center is putting in sewer lines? This has been the question of the day other than their new F! Logo. A local realtor has asked the question why developers can’t hook on to Florence sewer! Great question considering the Ag Center problems.

Florence has asked for Federal funds to pay for the AG Center sewer project. And since it’s Federal they are require to ask for public input concerning it.

There is a public input deadline of February 14, 2022, 5 Pm for members of the public who have concerns about the Ag Center projects impact on environment, including wetland, floodplains, or any historic properties. Email your concerns to ATRO-REO@eda.gov. Documents can be viewed at Florence City Hall or call 256-760-6300. Considering the homes directly across the road from this project, flooding could be a possibility.

Seems the city has applied for a $1,672,895 grant to fund the ag center sewer with AG Center matching 30%. Residents of Florence have outdated sewer lines according to what I’m reading and developers must pay to hook on to Florence. Seems to me that updating residential sewer system would be a top priority over AG Center? This proposal even says: Notice is hereby given that the project is proposed to be located in or may affect a floodplain and/or a wetland as defined by Executive Order 11911 and/or 11990. What about the environmental impact it’s already had. There was a huge population of deer and wildlife that inhabited that area. Every time I drive by Bell Meade I see dead deer. They have no where to go.

Now don't say no one told you...

Questions the Public Wants Answered

 

"Logistical" logo questions:

1. Is Andy Betterton, aka Napping Nancy, actually the highest paid mayor in the state?

2. Betterton indicated that around three agencies offered submissions for the logo; what was exact total and who were the also-rans?

3. Who paid for the logo launch party at the Shoals Theatre? (We have no official answer, but we're not afraid to guess the Florence taxpayers.)

*****

Something that we can definitely answer here is concerning the bid law. Professional services are exempt from the $15,000.00 cap. It hasn't been that many months since we asked how Chandler Painting won a 7.5K contract to prime a wall for a mural. The company had some bad reviews on Yelp and elsewhere, but we assume the owner knew someone at city hall. 

The Royal Avenue pool redo from a few years ago? Ditto. Bob Hill's brother "won" the coveted contract as well as some more.

*****

One of our regular bloggers continues to ask for a recall petition concerning Sheffield mayor Steve Stanley. Good luck...if the citizens of Florence haven't demanded Handy Dandy Andy's ouster yet, we feel Stanley is safe.

*****

On a final note, if Florence's logo must be named, it is a giglio, not a fleur de lis. Our sister city is in Italy, not France. And those citizens of Florence? We're Florentines - not Floalaenciantises. 

Charlie & the License Factory (Cliff Notes Version)

 

Chapter One: The Logan family purchases half of downtown Sheffield.

Chapter Two: Building inspector Charlie Grimmitt writes 54,029 citations concerning Logan properties.

Chapter Three: Mayor Steve Stanley makes huge mistake when he personally visits Laquita to tell her she's not in the city's good graces.

Chapter Four: Laquita places all Logan properties up for sale while several others join her in a mass exodus.

Chapter Five: City council fires Charlie Grimmitt.

Chapter Six: Charlie ups the ante at the civil service board which finds in his favor.

Chapter Seven: City forced to reinstate Charlie.

Chapter Eight: Mayor Stanley realizes his mistake when news reports deep six license stories and return to questioning status of Inspiration Landing.

Coming soon: Cliff Notes on Inspiration Landing - Now in its eighth year with zero revenue...

Flo's Back & She's Ready to Rumble!

 

Spend Your Money in Florence or Kiss My Grits!

Today only we're having a special on city logos. Yes, friends, for only $24,999.99 we're offering this oh, so original logo that's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face as you wonder "What Were They Thinking?"

Where does the buck stop? There are probably enough bucks to go around since Florence is so loaded, but we're going with Handy Dandy Andy here. He could have offered some rational advice...no, wait. We forgot whom we were talking about.

Sincerely, Florence Castleberry

Flo-Town

Friday Can't Get Here Soon Enough!

 

Friday the 28th will be the last day to qualify in the state's Republican primary. We already have enough gubernatorial candidates to field a baseball team.

We have lost one candidate this week. Jim Zeigler has withdrawn from the race for governor over funding issues. That still leaves enough contenders to ensure a runoff. Most of these would-be leaders are so inept that we may just write in Steve Holt's name. Doesn't everyone in Florence miss him now?

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Locally, we're sure many were surprised by Brad Holmes' decision not to seek another term as District 1 commissioner. While commissioners serve an important role, animal shelter funding and road maintenance shouldn't be hot topics. Yet they are.

This time, let's elect commissioners who will demand fairness in these two areas. Only two? We may be missing something. Readers are invited to send their wants for the Eastern end of the county. We'll publish all submissions.

I'm Canine-American Blogger Prince & I approve This Message

Heritage Protection of North Alabama

 

Those of you who read us regularly know that we support the removal of the Florence Confederate Monument to a more suitable location. That being said, we are always happy to publish well-written opposing thoughts. Today we're presenting a press release from the HPNA:

Distributed to the media, government officials, lawmakers, academia, educators, civic and historical organizations, law enforcement and others across North Alabama. HPNA’s professional historians recently spoke at four events: 1. January 10 – LtCol Ed Kennedy (US Army, Retired) spoke to the Jackson County Commission. 2. January 18 – Marjorie Reeves spoke to the Madison History Association (MHA). 3. January 18 – LtCol Ed Kennedy (US Army, Retired) spoke to the Jackson County GOP Executive Committee. 4. January 20 – LtCol Ed Kennedy (US Army, Retired) spoke to the Lauderdale County GOP Executive Committee. In addition, HPNA Leadership had a meeting with the Mayor of Stevenson, AL this month. HPNA is scheduled to speak at the Morgan County GOP Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 25th at 5:00 pm. The meeting will be held at Libby’s Catfish Restaurant located at 1400 Highway 67 South in Priceville, AL. Our work keeps the public mindful of the importance of the protection of our Southern heritage. It puts lawmakers and government officials on notice that we are watching, and will take action, relative to violations of our heritage. With a highly-qualified professional leadership team, and hundreds of active members, HPNA participates in educational events and heritage protection projects across North Alabama. Our ongoing work is presented on our website along with photographs of our activities, educational material and current news. To visit our website, click here: www.hpna-al.com HPNA is composed of volunteers and is an association of individuals who love America, Southern history, and Southern heritage. We are a group of like-minded citizens who work to prevent the destruction and relocation of all historical monuments and defend our Southern heritage. We have a dedicated leadership team and hundreds of members across North Alabama that are active daily. Our historians are available to speak to your organization. Join us today and support our important work. Membership in HPNA is free to all who share our dedication to protecting Southern heritage. To join and receive our email communications, send a request to hpna.usa@gmail.com. Please forward this email to your family, friends, civic organizations and local media. We Are Heritage Protection of North Alabama

Colbert County Number One in COVID

 

It's usually nice to be number one in something, but not this time. Colbert County is leading the state in new COVID cases.

From AL.com:

Meanwhile, many counties in north Alabama saw big increases over those two weeks. None saw a bigger spike than Colbert County, in northwestern Alabama in the Shoals area. The 7-day average per capita more than doubled there, up to a state-leading 48 cases per 10,000 residents per day.

All we can say is that must have been some Christmas party!

Now the question is why? Is Colbert an IT hub? Is Colbert near an Interstate? Has Colbert recently hosted a national event? We could go on, but you get the idea. 

History tells us that at one time no one understood how the Black Plague was transmitted. Even in the past 50 years, no one knew how AIDS was being transmitted. Now in 2022 everyone knows how COVID is transmitted. 

Bottom line: People just don't care...

Durant's Sister Calls Him Out

 

The curse of Roy Moore has now raised its ugly head in the current U.S. Senate race. Or perhaps for some of us, it's simply a matter of honesty. 

Mike Durant isn't doing as well as we thought he would. Now we consider that a good thing. Durant's sister has just called him out as a liar, and records seem to prove that. 

What does Durant say? He contends that his comments have been misconstrued. So we have a she said/he said. We're quite sure more will follow from both sides of this issue, but unless Durant can explain all this away, we doubt his truthfulness. 

You can say what you want about Tommy (and, no, we didn't personally vote for him), but at least he doesn't have any sex skeletons in his closet. 

Durant's Sister Speaks Out

We're Alive, You're Alive, Meatloaf Isn't...

 

His parents named him Marvin Lee Aday. At some point he changed it to Meatloaf in order to not reflect on his parents' New Testament beliefs. No matter what you called him, he was a mega-star. Now he's dead.

He took no vaccinations, much less booster shot. He refused to wear a mask or social distance. You could say he was the poster boy for the anti-vaxx movement...well, except for his untimely death that is.

So how about you? You feelin' lucky like Meatloaf? Five years from now, when you see those who received the vax living normal and healthy lives walking among you, but think of those who died, what will be your excuse then?

Carla DeVito, aka Mrs. Robby Benson

If You Think COVID is Bad, Try Tuberculosis in Decatur

 

A prisoner from the Staton Correctional Facility was recently transferred to the Decatur Work Center. The center's capacity is 740, with roughly 90% of the residents having at least one full time job in the community. 

Now this prisoner from Staton has been diagnosed with Tuberculosis. He's been transferred back to a regular holding facility, in quarantine. Everyone with whom he's been in contact will be tested. That includes Staton, Decatur, and anyone in the community where he's been working.

The Alabama DOC is not releasing the man's name or any location, either state or public, where he's been employed since arriving from Staton. Let's assume the worst that he had a job in the public sector; how bad could it be?

The work release program is utilized by some fast food outlets in Decatur, but it also stretches to the Pilgrim's plant in Russellville. Should anyone here locally be worried?

Usually Tuberculosis is transferred by very close contact. That would certainly include those living in the center. Would it include private jobs? That's anyone's guess at this point. If you have worked with any inmates from Decatur, you need to be checked. The State is currently compiling a list of those whom they think may be in danger, but now is the time to be proactive. You can receive a TB test for around $5.00 at Med Plus or other facilities. We urge you to do so.

Derek Logue Gets Lucky: Theft Charges Dropped

 

Three years ago, former Colbert County resident and current defender of deviants, Derek Warren Logue, was arrested on theft charges in Florida. Now the state has decided not to prosecute the anti-registration advocate.

Our blog must be highly favored by Logue, who sent most of his detractors one notice of his incredible luck, while sending us two. We're always happy to update on such cases even when defendants are released on a technicality. 

For those who support the registration of child predators (Derek's victim was 11 years-old), Logue at least added another state in which he is registered, bringing the total to four. 

Wedding Vows Update

 

It's always good to be aware of the newest trends. Here's the men's marriage vows updated last summer:

"In the name of God, I, _____, take you, _____, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death or you embezzle $750,000.00. This is my solemn vow."

To any prospective wives out there: Remember, if he did it to her, he sure won't feel bad about doing it to you.

Another Wife Beater Bites the Dust?

 

No, this isn't about Jay Barker, but we'll throw something in later for his fans. This is about the Public Service Commission.

We have a feeling that most voters in the state couldn't care less who serves on that three member board, but a weekend incident should make Place 1 voting slightly easier. John Hammock is running against the incumbent and another challenger in the May Republican primary. Hammock is also the current mayor of Tallassee, but hopefully not for long.

Orange Beach police have arrested Hammock for First Degree Domestic Violence. This is the second DV charge for the candidate. Will Hammock now drop out? Will the Republican Party kick him off the ballot? 

If by some miracle Hammock remains on the ballot, just remember he's the one not to vote for...

*****

Just so you won't be disappointed, we'll touch on Jay Barker. Here's a few documented facts:

1. Barker's wife petitioned for divorce in August, and so far the Alabama football icon has refused to respond to any of the court filings. 

2. Three others in Sara Evans vehicle attested to the alleged incident. One was Evans' daughter from her first marriage. 

3. Barker now lives in Homewood; in other words, no where near the home where the incident took place. Little details like that do bring up vague thoughts of stalking.

Barker probably doesn't need to worry about his image. Just look at how many football fans adored Ken Stabler until his dying day.

Ross (Trey) Wooten Taken into Lauderdale Sheriff's Custody

 

Ross Newton Wooten, aka Trey, was taken into Lauderdale County custody on Friday. According to the little information available from the LCDC, Wooten is being held without bond per Judge Will Powell.

The 35 year-old Shoals native was indicted on two counts of manslaughter over 28 months ago. Wooten was residing in Augusta, Georgia, when he was involved in a Shoal Creek boat crash that killed his girlfriend and her young daughter. Wooten and his son were also injured in the accident.

Some background on the crime: Wooten Indictment

Thanks to the Lauderdale County District Attorney's office for pursuing justice in this case even when it was an unpopular thing to do.

Justice for Blakely Cowart

New Bail Schedule for Alabama

 

Readers frequently ask why bail differs from county to county. The bottom line is the judge has discretion to set the amount or to withhold bond in certain cases. Now new bail guidelines are going into effect in Alabama. Here's the suggested range for each type of charge:

Felonies:


Capital felony: $ 50,000 to no bail


Murder $ 15,000 to $1,500,000


Class A felony $10,000 to $60,000


Class B felony $5,000 to $30,000


Class C felony $2,500 to $15,000


Drug manufacturing and trafficking $5,000 to $1,500,000


Class D felony $1,000 to $10,000



Misdemeanors (not included elsewhere in the schedule):


Class A misdemeanor $300 to $6,000


Class B misdemeanor $300 to $3,000


Class C misdemeanor $300 to $1,000



Violation $300 to $500

Municipal-Ordinance Violations: $300 to $1,000


Traffic-Related Offenses:


DUI $1,000 to $7,500


Reckless Driving $300 to $1,000


Speeding $300 to $500


Other traffic violations $300 to $500

Another bottom line is: Don't do the crime...

How Will Judges Handle Parental Alienation?

 

For years, this blog has received mail from parents who have lost custody of their children. Some have blamed a crooked DHR office or a sketchy judge. It's not a subject that has easy answers. If Rep. Mike Ball's HB120 is passed, custody battles will become even more heated. 

The bill states:

Under existing law a court may consider certain factors when making child custody determinations

This bill would allow the court to consider evidence of parental alienation when making child custody determinations

Relating to child custody; to amend Sections 30-3-2 and 30-3-152, Code of Alabama 1975, to allow the court to consider evidence of parental alienation in child custody decisions.

Whether the bill will have a positive outcome on child custody or a negative one, it means more vitriolic accusations from parents and longer case delays. Both are extremely undesirable. The bill was sent to the judiciary committee which may not let it progress. 

After all, what could possibly go wrong with our state legislature meddling in divorce and custody?

What Was the Russellville Electric Board's Intention?

 

There was recently a community event in Russellville; however, most of the community didn't know about it. The District II councilman had this to say:

Did you know the Russellville Electric Board hosted a ‘Community Appreciation Day’ chili, stew and soup luncheon at the Russellville Electric Board Warehouse today? This event, paid for out of ratepayer funds, was supposedly open to the public.

Unfortunately, you can’t attend an event you don’t know about.

As a city councilman for the City of Russellville, I was not notified about this event and was not invited. Were you?

I would like to know if any District Two residents were notified and/or invited to attend this supposedly free, open to the public luncheon? 

I want to determine whether this was an intentional failure to notify and/or invite District Two residents, or if most all of the city’s residents who comprise REB’s ratepayers, were not invited to an event in their honor. If the public was not notified, it stands to reason that this was simply a way to provide a lavish free luncheon for the REB General Manager, Board Members, employees and their families.
Either way, it’s unacceptable.

This is the kind of thing that motivated me to run. And it’s the kind of activity that has gone on too long with nobody daring to ask the necessary questions. Why were flyers not posted to promote the event? Why was notice of the ‘Community Appreciation’ luncheon not in the local newspaper? There was no reference to this on the REB’s Facebook page.

Darren Woodruff
City Councilman District Two

Another Convicted Shoals Killer Dies in Prison

 

Twelve days after the demise of Nathan Lee Boyd, another convicted killer from Lauderdale County has been found dead. The December 26th death of Reeder A. Danley Jr. was officially confirmed just two days ago. There is a pending autopsy report, after which more details will be released.

Danley was convicted in 2003 of the July 4, 1998, murder of Green Hill resident James Davis. The now 45 year-old Danley and an accomplice broke into the Davis home, tied the victim up, and stabbed him three times. Two of those stab wounds were slits to the throat. 

During Danley's trial, the district attorney's office offered a plea to Danley: If he pleaded guilty to the crime, he would be sentenced to Felony murder instead of a capital crime. Danley accepted the plea and was given life with the possibility of parole. At the time of his death, the board had rejected any bid for Danley's freedom.

While Boyd had been serving his sentence at the Donaldson Correctional Facility, Danley was incarcerated at Easterling. At this time, there is no connection in their deaths at a relatively young age.

New Sentence for "Jody's" Killer Shaun Ryan

 

Early in the morning of January 24, 2015, a Florence man and woman met their death at Jody's, a Colbert County restaurant. The male, Gary Baskins, was shot execution style, while the female, Kayla Glover, was considered collateral damage. 

Detectives soon had information linking the crime to three individuals. One of the alleged suspects remains free, a second is incarcerated awaiting another murder charge, while the third, Shaun Michael Ryan, was arrested in January 2021 and charged with Capital Murder.

Ryan, at the age of 22, had been released from prison only two months before. Between his release and arrest in the shooting, he accumulated at least two more separate arrests in Lauderdale County.

The now 28 year-old Ryan was convicted of drug crimes in October of last year and sentenced as a violent habitual offender. He received a term of life with the possibility of parole and is currently in the Lauderdale County Detention Center. 

Due to current pandemic conditions, it's unknown if the department of corrections will now transfer Ryan to a state facility or if he will first face the Capital Murder charges in Colbert. If found guilty there, he faces a future of never seeing the free world again.

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Read a full account of the murders here: Murder in Muscle Shoals Vol. II

Two Takes on Muscle Shoals

 

Some readers have complained that the City of Muscle Shoals failed to put out rock salt or other chemicals during the short snow period earlier this month. One has indicated this was left out of Muscle Shoals' budget.

Perhaps the city could borrow funds from the school system to prevent any further shortages?

*****

Next we have a complaint about Walmart in Muscle Shoals. Our reader wanted to know what was going on:

This is the milk case at the store. We can personally testify that just before Christmas, a Walmart in Florence looked equally bare of milk, so it's not just a Muscle Shoals stocking problem. 

You may not be aware, but Walmart owns its own dairies and uses its own trucks to deliver its milk. So how does it run short? In case you think it's just milk, below is a snap of the pasta aisle in Muscle Shoals.

We're pretty sure most of the pasta is made in this country, so how does one explain this? We sometimes think this area is ranked among the last any wholesale grocery services.

Legislature: Gambling Not a Priority

 

For the first time in 22 years, there's not a gambling bill currently before the Alabama Legislature. That doesn't mean that one won't be introduced before the end of the session. Who is pushing hardest for this?

One problem seems to be choosing between a straight paper type lottery or a lottery combined with casinos. Look at the above ad; you see the sponsor? Apparently all four tracks in the state are ready with casino plans should the bill pass. 

*****

If gambling isn't enough controversy for you, gubernatorial candidate Chad Martin is supporting legalized recreational marijuana. If you're opposed to the legal sale of pot, don't worry. Martin is a Democrat...

Three Questions about Lauderdale 16 Bridge

 

A reader asked us to look into the status of a new bridge over Cypress Creek at Lauderdale County Road 16. We were woefully ignorant of the situation, but did do a quick study, with more in depth research to come.

Three questions seem to jump out:

1. The old bridge was decommissioned in 2017 due to its dangerous state. Why was no one aware of the problem in time to bring it temporarily up to code while a new bridge was being built?

2. The county was to have sent out bid requests on December 4th. Apparently this wasn't done. Why?

3. In doing preliminary studies of the area, Native American artifacts were found which had to be preserved. Students from the University of Alabama performed the search of the site, sending the found items back to Tuscaloosa and then onto the University's Moundville Park (pictured). We'll assume a protocol for these kinds of finds was set up years ago, but in a case where an area has its own Indian museum, shouldn't their permanent home be in Lauderdale County? Why didn't Lauderdale County Commissioners and the Indian Mound Museum step in to request these ancient items be returned after UA's initial studies.

If any readers have insight into the bid status of this bridge or other pertinent information, please contact us.