Blame City of Florence? UNA Should Get Half the Blame!

 

For the past two years, a Florence group called Jammin' for Justice has put on a Juneteenth celebration. The organization is led by Melissa Hardin, and by all accounts, the galas have been very successful.

This year, the City of Florence and the University of North Alabama have joined forces to put on their own Juneteenth event. No one from either the city or the university asked for Ms. Hardin's help or advice.

We'll ask you to ponder the ethics of this, but our main complaint is that various other organizations are upset with the city. Yes, apparently just the City of Florence - UNA has escaped similar reproach.

Can the area have two celebrations at relatively the same time? Certainly. Yet it does seem a waste of resources. Why couldn't this third organization have been added as a sponsor? Who in the city or university felt it would be prudent to leave Jammin' for Justice out of the equation? 

Charles Canida Said/Russellville Citizens Said

 

Charles Canida is head of the Russellville Electric Board. Canida recently asked the city for a 3.1% rate increase, which the council granted. Then the citizens of Russellville received their January utility bills. When residents complained to the city council, Canida offered some interesting explanations.

Canida said the January temps were 25 degrees lower than normal. Official sources stated if that were true, the daytime temp would have averaged 23 degrees and the nighttime temp would have been a chilling 8 degrees. Perhaps Canida is mathematically challenged?

Canida then went on to claim that he's streamlined the budget. He cited hiring a new janitorial service to reduce the $40k yearly fee of the previous one. Both financial records and the former service have established that it was actually less than $9K. We have no idea how Canida could have been so mistaken in his calculations.

As we've previously mentioned, a city council member is conducting a person audit of the board's finances. It should be interesting.

*****

Rain and fog are God's ways of showing you how many IDIOTS have Drivers' Licenses:

* Driver's DON'T have headlights ON when STATE LAW requires them to be ON
* Driver's use their Auto ON' headlight feature and are TOTALLY OBLIVIOUS to the fact that their TAIL LIGHTS aren't ON
* Driver's think(?) that 'parking lights' are 'good enough.'

Nursing Home Rapist on Probation is Jailed on New Charge

 

He Raped a Man Who Couldn't Walk!

The neanderthal pictured above is Zachariah Lee Reeves. At one time he worked in some minor capacity at the Walmart Market in Florence. Very few there liked him, with good reason. Just a personal opinion, but hitting on male employees in the dark recesses of the stockroom isn't too PC.

We're not sure why Reeves' employment ended at Walmart, but he was somehow able to obtain a job as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing & Rehab. In November 2017, another CNA entered the room of a 68 year-old man who was physically impaired. There she found Reeves straddling the patient as he sodomized him. The witness stated that Reeves begged her to tell no one - he would never do it again. 

The witness did report it. Reeves was indicted on charges of First Degree Sodomy, Second Degree Sodomy, and Elder Abuse. The second sodomy charge was due to the patient being forced to perform oral sex on Reeves. This patient also received an injury to his hand while attempting to push his 190# attacker away.

Nevertheless, the Lauderdale District Attorney's Office offered Reeves a plea deal. He would do 18 months in prison, then be on probation for 60 months. Convicted in November 2018, Reeves would complete his prison time in May 2019. He registered as a sex offender and proceeded to move to Vina. (What did Vina ever do to deserve him?)

On Saturday, Reeves was arrested in Lauderdale County for a "probation violation." As of this time, the county is providing no further details. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the now 26 year-old Reeves could be held for a few days and then released on probation again. Let's hope that's not the case.  If anyone ever deserved to serve the remaining 8.5 years of his sentence, it's Reeves.

Perhaps most of you have heard the comment on forgiveness, "God Will, but I Won't." That's a sad commentary; however, there is a difference between forgiveness and turning a blind eye. What kind of punishment do you think Zachariah Lee Reeves deserves? If you wish to reply to this question online, we'll suspend our language rules on this blog entry.

Michelle Eubanks, the TimesDaily, & Tourism

 

Florence Councilwoman Michelle Eubanks has recently faced a great deal of criticism from the public concerning the F!rence fiasco. At least some of the critics are greatly confused about Mrs. Eubanks.

We've seen many call the District 4 councilwoman an editor for the TimesDaily. While she did write at one time for our daily rag, she was never an editor, has never worked for the current editor, and has for some years worked as a publicist for the University of North Alabama. 

If concerned citizens want to play the blame game, we suggest they start with Melinda Morgan, Handy Dandy Andy's executive assistant. She seems to be the one to hold at least some of the keys to this debacle. Here's a bon mot for those who aren't aware: Melinda's mother-in-law Sandra Morgan held this position until about two years ago. Small world, isn't it?

Have you noticed how quiet Rob Carnegie has been through this whole new logo business? We thought rebranding was his specialty. Perhaps he's having to stump for renewed tourism in person. Now that would seal the city's fate.

More Criticism for Russellville Electric Board

 

From a member of Russellville government:

After reviewing some 2021 financial records of the Russellville Electric Board, the situation is more troubling than I first expected. In the months leading up to his asking for a rate increase due to 'declining revenue,' Charlie Canida authorized numerous frivolous purchases, with ratepayer money, including but not limited to:

--$1,962.99 for Lip Balm in July 2021.

--$5,477.50 for Thermometers in September 2021.

--$958.06 for Tumblers (metal cups) in July 2021.

--$8,721.33 for Calendars & Rain Gauges in November 2021.

This is the same man who urged the Russellville Electric Board to raise the rates of all REB customers in January, just weeks after he received a raise to $165,000.

How long are the citizens of Russellville going to tolerate this? I urge you to contact the REB Board of Directors, James McDuffa, Nick Willis, Chad Wells, Leeman Mosley and Bill Jackson to express your outrage at how your money is being wasted.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. More to come.

Thanks for at least one honest politician!

Is City Hampering Progress at Florence Mall Property?

 

The City of Florence has always been very outspoken about offering help to attract new tenants at Florence Mall. So far, Hull properties has not shown any interest, ostensibly holding onto the dilapidated shopping mecca as a tax write-off.

But is the city hampering progress in other ways? Around three years ago, a story made the rounds of a local group of physicians and other medical workers expressing an interest in the mall. It would be torn down and replaced with a huge medical office complex...near the new hospital.

Why would the city have opposed this? Tax dollars. Just like a man's farm truck is taxed at one rate, while his son's food truck is taxed at another, and his grandson's sports car taxed at still a third rate, retail stores are taxed at one rate (think high), while office buildings are taxed at a much lower rate.

Is this why the city showed no interest in at least lobbying for Hull to sell the 40 year-old white elephant? No matter how few stores are left in the Florence Mall, the city still makes more in tax revenue than it would from an office complex. 

As it stands now, Florence may be stuck with a decaying edifice for 40 more years...

Name of Lori's Killer Announced - Now Bring Him to Justice

 

Update: Vindel has been located in Atlanta and arrested. He's currently being held in the LCDC without bond. 12/01/23

Police believe the man pictured above ran down Lori Lynne Avery on December 20th of last year and fled the scene. This photo of Marlin Javier Vindel-Lopez is an obvious criminal mugshot taken in a county other than Lauderdale. In other words, he's no innocent and at 48 should know his responsibility. Many who have contacted us think that the driver deliberately took Lori's life.

Lori was not in good health and had a hearing impairment. She did not deserve to die at the hands of some deranged pervert. Please read the attached FPD press release and help law enforcement find this killer. Whatever the Crimestoppers reward is, this blog will add $100.00 to it.

Florence Police Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Marlin Javier Vindel Lopez, a person of interest involved in a traffic homicide hit and run which occurred on December 20, 2021.

Florence Police Officers responded to a deceased female, Lori Lynne Avery, located on Chisholm Road just South of Rasch Road. After an investigation, it was determined that she was struck by a Nissan Altima which then left the scene. Florence Police Officer N. White located the Nissan Altima in question in the 100 block of South Kirkman Street.

We are asking the public for any information on the whereabouts of Lopez. If you have any information on his location please contact the Florence Police Department, at 256.760.6610, text a tip to 274637 using keyword FPDTIP plus your message, or Crime Stoppers at 256.386.8685.

Marlin Javier Vindel Lopez

D.O.B. 1/2/1973 48 years of age

Hispanic Male

Oh, Snix! She Called the Brass Monkey a "Dive Bar"

 

Two years ago, there was an unfortunate shooting at a Florence Plaza night spot called the Brass Monkey. One Florence Police officer provided information to a local news source in which he called the establishment a biker club. It was certainly on after that.

Fans of the club mobbed the news site to protest the appellation of biker. Many gave their own description of their favorite hang out with some calling it nothing less than paradise on earth. Sadly, we now hear that the business went belly up some weeks ago.

The humorous thing is that a UNA writer has done a short article on a new establishment coming soon to that location. The writer called the Brass Monkey a "dive bar." 

We don't know if this young lady has been attacked over her term or not. For those of us who've never seen fit to check out the bar personally, alas, now it's too late. We can rejoice that the shooting and angry aftermath gave Shoals cyperspace a new word. No longer is "poop" the only Shoalanda approved euphemism for feces; we can now all call it "snix!"

Apparently there's no new name yet for the club/cinema. We'll keep you posted.

More Closures at Florence Mall?

 

Sometimes shocking news seems common place and banal announcements carry a punch. While K-Mart is long gone from the Shoals, it was just announced that with the latest closings, there are now only four K-Mart outlets in the U.S. That's something to think about considering that retail icon was for years second only to Walmart.

How about other retail standbys? A source that didn't wish to be named has suggested to us that two more retail establishments will be leaving Florence Mall by March 31st. If you're like us, you haven't a firm grasp of what outlets are left in that Hull Property while elephant. A 2022 Hull advertisement lists the following:

 Shopping & Dining at Florence Mall 

We're not sure how accurate this Hull blurb is, but even taken as up to date, it's a sad commentary on what was once a jewel in Florence's crown. A large percentage of the stores listed here are on out-parcels and not part of the actual mall.

We've been hearing rumors of the demolition of this white elephant for at least five years. Supposedly this isn't on the table for Hull which uses the mall as a huge tax write-off.

We welcome any updates from the public...

Singleton Offers Endorsement in Sheriff's Race

 

No matter what happens on May 24th, there'll be a new sheriff in town in Lauderdale County. While initial polls indicate it's a tight race between Joe Hamilton (pictured) and John Randall McCrary, this may change in the next three months.

Now Sheriff Rick Singleton has endorsed Joe Hamilton for the office. It's been reported in several news outlets that there has been tension between Singleton and McCrary in the past.

Both candidates are well liked, have traditional families, and (as far as we can ascertain) no discipline problems or arrests. In short, either would seem to be good choices. We invite reader opinions on the two candidates. Our endorsement will come much later in the game.

Monument Hearing - Two Takes

 

We have received a press release from the HPNA on the monument hearing that took place on Friday. Before we present that, for those who are not familiar with our stance on this issue, we're presenting the Cliff Notes version:

1. We firmly believe the monument should be moved to a neutral location...legally.

2. Yes, we support the law (unlike many of our readers). Ergo, we believe the law should be changed.

3. If any organization wants to work for monument relocation, it needs first to work on getting the preservation act repealed.

4. Mr. Kennedy uses several ad hominem attacks on various actors in this debate, and we're disappointed in him. Who cares what an attorney's hair looks like? Would he prefer John Edwards?

5. HPNA states that monument ownership doesn't matter. It may in future, so that issue also needs to be decided by the courts.

Now the HPNA press release:

Lauderdale Court Hearing Update Issue

DON’T FORGET: WHY THE MONUMENT ISSUE IS STILL IMPORTANT  

We have laws for a purpose. Disregarding laws is wrong. We expect elected officials to follow the law passed by the representatives of the people.  Deterrence works. Other potential law-breakers will see there is a cost to conducting illegal acts if we take the initiative to make them pay a price.

Thanks to these Sons of Confederate Veteran men for their continued financial support to save our monuments: John R. Massey Camp 152, Fayetteville, Tennessee Capt John Rayburn Camp 452, Guntersville, Alabama Capt Thomas H. Hobbs Camp 768, Athens, Alabama COL Egbert Jones Camp 352, Huntsville, Alabama Check-out our new website: Hpna-al.com 

FOCUS ON FLORENCE: Lauderdale County Court House 4 th Floor – Judge Powell Presiding On Friday, 18 February we rallied at the Lauderdale Court House in Florence. A number of us attended the court held on 4th floor with a limited number of monument supporters allowed into the courtroom. 22 pro-monument and about 7 anti-monument supporters were allowed in the court room. Due to the overflow, another, adjacent court room was opened and the proceedings were “Zoomed” into that room. Overall, our side outnumbered the leftists; et.al. by at least three to one, maybe more. The notable attendee was the chairman of the Lauderdale County Commission, Danny Pettus (with his wife). Mrs. Pettus refused a pro-monument tag to wear that was offered to her. We passed-out a number of them to those on our side in the court room. 

This is what they look like: Also present was Alabama Senator Tim Melson who sparked the current monument suit with his attempt to drag the UDC into the fight with his letter to them. It was a veiled attempt to have the UDC agree to move Eternal Vigil. Amazingly, Pettus is still trying to push the illusion that he “supports the monument”. That is incredible since his county lawyer (representing Pettus) sat with the Project Say Something (our enemies) lawyer as a defendant in the lawsuit brought against them. Mr. Pettus’ lawyer is working with Project Say Something, a black lives matter affiliate organization! Yet, Mr. Pettus wants everyone to believe he is pro-monument. He is not! His actions speak for themselves. 

Lauderdale County Commissioner Danny Pettus: 

The protection of the Confederate soldier monument could be resolved so easily that even a caveman could do it but Mr. Pettus: • REFUSES to issue a “retraction” to his 22 June 2020 letter to the Florence city council giving implicit permission to ILLEGALLY remove the Confederate monument, “Eternal Vigil” • Is responsible for dragging this legal action on, wasting Lauderdale County tax dollars for legal actions……….just like Dale Strong! • Refuses to agree to injunction against monument’s illegal move. This is a simple solution but he will NOT do so. • Will not agree to hold a commission vote to sign a consent decree to fully obey the law! Pettus’ excuse: He is doing what his lawyers want. Really? Since when has the commissioner worked for the county attorney??? 

If Mr. Pettus would grow a spine and order the attorney to do a consent decree TO FOLLOW THE LAW, the matter would be ended. With the lawyers getting $300 an hour, it is good for them to drag this issue out. We are speculating, but they are likely dragging it out to make a lot of money at the taxpayer’s expense. They will become rich off the taxpayers of Lauderdale County. After all, most of the taxpayers don’t realize they are paying the attorney fees! The hearing today lasted almost an hour and a half with each side having the same amount of time to present their cases. What is described below is an incomplete summary of notes that I took and may have errors and are not totally comprehensive. 

The Florence city, Lauderdale county and Project Say Something (b.l.m. Marxists affiliates) argued that: a) the plaintiffs suing them did not have legal standing; b) that the 2017 Monument Protection Act was “unconstitutional”; c) that they do not “own” the monument; and d) that the case should be dismissed primarily on the issue of “standing”. The plaintiffs (our side) argued that a) they have standing as tax payers; b) there is no exclusion in the 2017 Monument Act that prevents private citizens suing; c) that the monument cannot be moved to the cemetery as it would be in violation of the original agreement to have it at the court house and there is no provision for the annulment of its intended use there. The lawyers for the plaintiffs reminded everyone that the constitutionality of the 2017 Monument Preservation Act has already been decided in state supreme court. It is constitutional!! Touché! 

There are a number of conversations that went on that were recorded briefly and will not be recounted here but a couple of notable points were made by the defendants and refuted by the plaintiffs. When the defendants (attorney Burris for the county and Pettus) argued to the judge that the suit has no merit because there is no evidence that there was a “concrete plan” --- their words --- to actually move the monument, therefore the suit has no basis in the 2017 Monument Protection Act. The judge disagreed and said that the pad laid for the monument the cemetery provides “concrete” evidence that there was a plan! Very perceptive! So, the defendants (Pettus, et.al.) were obviously losing traction with their arguments so they called in the “heavy guns”……….a leftist, activist lawyer for PSS / blm named David Gespass. Gespass is a far-north transplant who has made a name for himself defending communist sympathizers such as SDS1 students here in Alabama. 

His argument is the same, worn-out and tired smear that the monument is about “white supremacy”. He made a non-existent analogy between the German SS and Confederates, attempting to slime the soldiers who have thousands of descendants here in Florence. He did not make a great impression and his out-of-control hair makes him look like loon. Gespass with C.A.I.R. members from Alabama. C.A.I.R. is a radical organization that fronts for islamists in the United States. They have been connected to terrorist organizations. The hearing finished with the judge directly asking the attorney for the city if Florence intends to move the monument. The attorney got the “stunned mullet look” and there was a very awkward silence. The attorney finally said he did not know!!! 

So, Freddy the Flounder was put on the spot and the truth comes out. The judge finished by saying he will give 90 days and allow for “discovery” to the dismay of the city and county which means the issue of the concrete pad will lead to the fact one of them was planning to move the monument. We guess it is the city since Mr. Pettus relinquished permission in his letter and the city owns the cemetery. During “discovery”, “our side” will be able to depose those involved in the plan to move the monument illegally which will prove that they planned to move the monument. Even the judge understands a concrete pad is there for the monument and this will be presented as evidence. 

In the meantime, a “Stay” will continue in effect meaning the monument cannot be moved. So, in mid-May, it is back to court. Of real concerns are that:  The judge’s wife sat with the PSS people. She is friends with them. That is not good. If the judge’s wife is a leftist sympathizer, what does that mean? Common sense says it will influence the judge. 1 The SDS --- Students for a Democratic Society, is a far left, violent organization. A Marxist based organization that believes violence is a legitimate means of “revolution”, the group largely dissolved by the late 1970s. However, leftists re-started the SDS in 2006 and it has resumed its activities, mainly on college campuses.  

We have folks who think Pettus is still for the monument remaining at the court house. Look at what he has written and what he is doing, NOT what he is saying! His actions do not support his claim he is for the monument!!! I ask that folks supporting Pettus look again at which side of the court that Pettus’ county lawyer is sitting!! It is with PSS’ lawyer --- the people who want to move or destroy the Confederate monument! Think! That should say it all.  Why is Senator Tim Melson taking off from his medical practice to attend court? Likely he is now worried that his actions to remove the monument (cited in his letter to the UDC) will be made public with his letter to the UDC and his real intentions uncovered! Who is pulling his ‘strings’?

When Did Mark Rudd Turn Into Alec Baldwin?

Alabama: Where You Can't Tell a Skunk from a Politician - Part I

 

You know the old joke: How can you tell a run-over snake from a run-over attorney? There are skid marks in front of the snake....badaboom!

Now it's been reported this past week that the highly elusive spotted skunk has been seen in Cullman County. What should you do if you see one?

Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is looking for a stinky little friend

We are looking for SPOTTED SKUNKS.

Spotted skunks are a different species than the more commonly-seen striped skunk. If you see a spotted skunk (dead or alive!) please email details to: nicholas.sharp@dcnr.alabama.gov

The info you provide helps our biologists learn more about the habits and distribution of this species. More about them: https://www.outdooralabama.com/carn.../eastern-spotted-skunk

Let's hope that a certain game warden in Colbert County doesn't find any of these.

Now let's turn to political candidates. They range from the incompetent to wife beaters to goodness only knows what else.

There are five candidates for the Lauderdale County Commission Place I. You have to wonder how someone with so much negative press can even consider running for elected office, but Lowery Davis proves that at least some think they can. Davis has been almost universally trounced in his previous positions. Do people pay attention?

Here's an article from Pen-N-Sword concerning Davis' malfeasance while working at the sheriff's department:

Lauderdale Deputy Fiddles

Roads? Animals? Children? All need better protection. The county commission needs to move forward, not take ten steps backward.

How to tell a spotted skunk from a local politician? The skunk can do handstands. The politician can nap in his office while the city burns around him.

Judge Terry Dempsey Death

 

Franklin County Circuit Court Judge Terry L. Dempsey is reported to have passed away while at UAB Hospital earlier today. He had been seriously ill for the past week.

Dempsey had served in Franklin County for several years and was perhaps most known for not accepting a jury recommendation to sentence child killer Christie Scott to Life in Prison. Instead, Dempsey gave Scott the death penalty. 

More details on arrangements are expected on Friday.

Don't remember Scott? Christie Scott's Road to Death Row.

Debate Deadline Nears/Ed Kennedy Bio

 

Will there be a Kennedy-Pettus debate on Thursday? So far there's been no update. Our main concern is that Lauderdale County will be sued and the taxpayers will be on the hook for legal fees. Welcome to 2022...

Several have asked about Ed Kennedy who has challenged Danny Pettus to this debate. Here's a short bio:

Ed is no local yocal/country bumpkin. West Point grad. 20+ years Army. Certified Army historian. He was one of our tactics instructors when I was a student (2006-2007) at US Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC), Fort Leavenworth, KS; (2004-20011) and CGSC satellite institution at Redstone Arsenal (2011-2018). He also conducts battlefield tours and staff rides (Shiloh, Chickamauga, etc) for ROTC, CGSC, JROTC, West Point, etc. He is the president of the Huntsville Civil War Roundtable. Has consulted with numerous roundtables as far away as London, UK.

On a lighter note, New Zealand again should be taking in refugees in a few months. Don't wait, get on the list now!

Politicians Who Don't Even Know Their Name...

 

We've covered this before. John Q. Dough Jr. is not the same as John Q. Dough II. Use the wrong one if you want to look like an ill-educated wannabe politician...or just someone who's never been to school a day in his life.

This is the correct use of the two:

Jr represents a direct link between the first and the next, meaning father and son, where as II is used when there is no direct line, like between uncle and nephew or grandfather and grandson.


Or...


Both are used to identify that the person is the second in the family to have the name.

Jr is used when the son has the same name as the father.

The second (II) is used when the elder family member is anyone other than the father.

The Shoals is drowning in politicians with IQs less than 100. Let's not elect anymore...please!

Monument Lawsuit to be Heard Friday

 

From a reader:

This Friday. "Just a reminder - on February 18th at 9 am a judge will make a ruling on the lawsuit against moving the monument in front of the Courthouse ! If ya can make it for a rally at the Statue at 9 am on that day it would be great to show support for keeping the Statue in place !"

More on Ed Kennedy who has challenged Danny Pettus to debate:

LTC Ed Kennedy, Danny Pettus or no Danny Pettus, plans, to be in Florence ready to debate, or, be interviewed by the media. FYI: Ed is no local yocal/country bumpkin. West Point grad. 20+ years Army. Certified Army historian. He was one of our tactics instructors when I was a student (2006-2007) at US Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC), Fort Leavenworth, KS; (2004-20011) and CGSC satellite institution at Redstone Arsenal (2011-2018). He also conducts battlefield tours and staff rides (Shiloh, Chickamauga, etc) for ROTC, CGSC, JROTC, West Point, etc. He is the president of the Huntsville Civil War Roundtable. Has consulted with numerous roundtables as far away as London, UK.

So there you have it. The Chicken Colonel is obviously no chicken.

.

New Blood for Lauderdale County Commission!

 

There's never been a time when the Lauderale County Commission pleased everyone, nor will that time ever come. The past few years have seen little done concerning major road issues (think Paradise Drive in Waterloo) and problems with too little support for animal services. If you don't speak up, who will? Now is the time to get involved.

Here's the announcement from Chapel King that she will be running for the seat Brad Holmes is vacating. Read it. We think you'll like her:

I am a candidate for County Commission in Lauderdale County, District 1. I recently qualified to run and will be on the Republican Primary Ballot on May 24th.

I have deep roots in Lauderdale County; my family owned a local business (Ingram's) for 60 years. This background gives me a strong appreciation for our small businesses and entrepreneurs.

My husband, Phillip King, was a Volunteer Fireman at the Underwood-Petersville Volunteer Fire Department for five years. I served as Secretary of my graduating nursing class and since then I have been a Registered Nurse for 19 years. I am a conservative, Christian mother of three.

Currently, I serve as the Vice-President of Friends of the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services. I am an active volunteer helping take care of animals. In recent years, I have also worked diligently to build support in the Alabama Legislature for an Outdoor Shelter Bill.

I have worked with the Lauderdale County Commission in the effort to set up a County Animal Control Department. I also gained experience working for the County Commission as a nurse. My duties there included maintaining the medical budget for the jail for 3 years.

I have never run for office before, though I have been active in local politics for several years. During that time, I have frequently attended County Commission Meetings and Work Sessions. My experience has prepared me to seek this office.

If I become your Commissioner, I intend to fund law enforcement and first responders within the county adequately, as well as address our infrastructure needs. I will vote to use your tax dollars wisely. I will truly listen to the people of District 1 and put their desires and needs first.

I have both the passion and the knowledge to succeed on the Commission. Many of you have seen me act and get results on animal issues; now let me show you what I can do for you!

Your vote in the Republican Primary on May 24th is critical for change.

Please join me in fighting for what is right for Lauderdale County. Together we can bring true citizen leadership to our County Commission.

Danny Pettus Challenged to a Duel...of Words

 

From HPNA:

Danny Pettus has been put on notice and has been challenged to an OPEN, MEDIA COVERAGE AND PUBLIC WELCOME debate by HPNA.

Dear Chairman Pettus: 

I regret that you were not at the Republican Executive Committee meeting when I spoke. I expected you to be there and was disappointed you chose to be absent. If you have taken umbrage at my accurate remarks, I propose you and I meet for a debate. I suggest a debate over your actions and those of the other Lauderdale County Commissioners who planned to illegally give away “Eternal Vigil” in 2020 and brought a lawsuit upon the county to stop your illegal act. That lawsuit asks you to obey the law but you and your fellow commissioners refuse. 

Here is my proposal: 15 (Tuesday) or 17 (Thursday) February 2022 at at your commission chamber in the courthouse. News media is invited. Debate to be recorded both audio and video. Public allowed to attend. No debate moderator. No surrogates. No interrupters. The debate is only between you and me. I begin the debate with 5 minutes of remarks followed by you with five minutes of remarks. We then alternate twice, each time with 10 minute segments of remarks. We conclude with closing comments of five minutes each. This gives each of us a total of 30 minutes to present our arguments to the public and voters of your county to whom you commissioners owe an explanation. 

If either of us does not show up, the one who does, has the forum to himself to hold a press conference. This will give you a chance to explain why you and other commissioners defy the will of the vast majority of Republicans in your county. Please let me hear from you promptly. 

Sincerely, 

Ed Kennedy Lieutenant Colonel US Army (retired) 

Heritage Protection of North Alabama

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Send inquiries to shoalanda.speaks@gmail.com

Over 12K Facebook followers.

The HPNA Says...

 

Below is the latest statement from the HPNA:

Phin

Ownership of protected memorials is not the issue and has never been. The fact is, that by operation of Alabama law, no historical monument of any type, including any to Confederate Soldiers, Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver or Martin Luther King, Jr., may be moved from any public land if it has been in place for 40 years or more. Who owns the monument does not change the 2017 Alabama Memorial Preservation Act. No “owner” can consent to violating the Act. 

Here is an issue for consideration. Why was State Senator Tim Melson, who voted for the Memorial Preservation Act in 2017, secretly negotiating to remove the one in his home county just three years later? Please find attached a letter of repudiation sent to Senator Melson by Attorney Jack B. Hinton for the President of the Alabama Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). Senator Melson had earlier told then Alabama Division President, Ms. Suzanna Rawlins, that the monument was not wanted by the people of Lauderdale County. Melson did this, though he had access to polling that showed the people of Lauderdale County wanted the monument to stay where it is currently located by a 2 to 1 margin. 

An earlier letter refers to the terms of some verbal negotiation Melson had conducted with Ms. Rawlins. The persuasive Dr./Senator Melson convinced Ms. Rawlins she could give the Eternal Vigil monument away. The UDC is not a wealthy organization and was not in a position to legally contend for a monument 200 miles away from Montgomery if the local citizens would not step up to protect their local memorial. The side issue of ownership may be decided by a declaratory judgement after a full presentation of facts to the judge. However, the only issue that has current import in this case is whether the elected Florence City and Lauderdale County officials will obey the law. They, so far, have taken action to move the monument to the Florence City Cemetery by pouring a pad for it’s relocation, held votes to move the monument, sent purported “letters of permission” and currently contend through their legal arguments to the court that the monument, “Eternal Vigil,” is county property that may be disposed of as they see fit. We simply ask that City of Florence and Lauderdale County officials retract their communications that show intent to violate the law and consent to an order of the court that ensures the officials will act in a way to protect Eternal Vigil. 

These two things will end the litigation with no additional costs to the County or City of Florence. There are no fines asked for by plaintiffs. In fact, they have not even asked for their legal costs. So why do our elected officials chose to contend for the “right” to do what they say they will not do and are legally forbidden to do by Alabama Law?

Our thoughts?

1. Ownership does matter. If the memorial does belong to the City of Florence, Lauderdale County should have no say in its removal. (If it should become legal.)

2. The Memorial Preservation Act was ill thought out, as apparently most of the state's legislation is. Using this rationale, the City of Enterprise couldn't even move the boll weevil statue. 

3. Melson and Company are mortgaging this county through 2121, but the war memorial is the most important issue? 

4. Finally, are we in for another hot summer of protests that drive locals and tourists alike from the downtown? 

How's this for a law? If anyone can't immediately identify this war, they will have their voting rights rescinded forever:

So the City of Florence Doesn't Own the Memorial?

 

In June 2020, the United Daughters of the Confederacy wrote in an official letter that the Confederate Monument belonged to the City of Florence. In other words, the city was the recipient in 1903. Then the following August an attorney appeared who stated it was all a mistake. Basically, the UDC still owns the monument..and it has no intention of allowing it to be moved.

Now we think the city might have problems with this "Indian Giving" two months later; however, it does get Florence off the hook of responsibility. We do wonder if the UDC will reimburse the city for the preparations that were made in the city cemetery to display the monument.

The letter:

Somehow we're reminded of how an attorney will go broke if he's the only one in town, but make a fortune if he's one of two. 

Latest Press Release from Brent Woodall

 

Florence attorney Brent Woodall has announced his candidacy for the Alabama Public Service Commission Place 1 seat. Woodall served as a prosecutor with both the Alabama Attorney General's office and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama before becoming a chief-of-staff at the Public Service Commission, where he learned about how valuable the Commission is to the people of the State of Alabama. He is also a lifelong Republican, having served on the Morgan County Republican Executive Committee and the Elmore County Republican Executive Committee in addition to having led the Morgan County Young Republicans and serving as the State Treasurer of the Young Republican Federation of Alabama. In 2016 he was honored to have served as a delegate for President Donald Trump at the National Republican Convention in Cleveland, OH.

Woodall said, “I am the conservative who can bring about the changes that are needed in the office of Public Service Commission Place 1. Because I spent several years serving the State of Alabama as the chief-of-staff for a commissioner at the Public Service Commission, I understand what those changes are and why they are needed.

“My opponent is a career politician who, throughout his time in the offices he has held, has repeatedly failed the citizens of Alabama and, just as often, proven himself to be a RINO rather than a conservative. Just last month, he told two people in Madison that the Public Service Commission doesn't do anything. Maybe he misspoke and should have said simply that HE doesn't do anything at the Public Service Commission. Or maybe, because he doesn't spend enough time at his office, he simply doesn't know that the merit system employees at the Public Service Commission do work very hard and serve this state well.

“I pledge to the people of Alabama that, when I am elected as their Public Service Commission Place 1 commissioner, I will go to work, that I will keep my office adequately staffed, and that I will never vote for a tax that is hidden from the people who paid it. A lot of people don't know this but the Public Service Commission does not receive tax money from Alabama's General Fund; it is funded by money paid by the companies it regulates for the privilege of being regulated. Far too frequently, the Public Service Commission requires those utilities to pay more than is needed. When that happens, the money is often given, not back to the people who overpaid on their utility bills, but rather to the Alabama legislature that then places it in the General Fund where it is combined with money received from taxes collected from citizens throughout our state. That money is then spent in parts of Alabama on projects which will never be enjoyed by the ratepayers from whom it was received. No conservative would ever approve such a hidden taxation scam but my opponent regularly does so. I will never vote to take from the ratepayers of the utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission their hard-earned money and convert it to uses for which it was not collected. Although my opponent has had years to stop this hidden tax scam he has failed to do so; I will do what he has been unable or unwilling to accomplish.”

Woodall had, for several months, traveled the state speaking about the Office of State Auditor as he contemplated running for that office. Over a week before the qualifying period ended, however, he was contacted about running for the Place 1 seat at the Public Service Commission. Woodall had known from his time at the Public Service Commission that a change was needed in that position and, after seeking counsel from conservative Republicans he respects and praying about his decision, decided to offer himself as a candidate for that office.

If anyone would like to support Woodall, they can contact his campaign at Post Office Box 740594, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 or by telephone at (334) 590-3388.

We know Mr. Woodall personally and can think of no better candidate for this office. We always encourage readers to do their own homework; we believe you'll come to agree with us that Brent is the candidate for the people of this state.