What Is Going on at Colbert Shelter?

 

A month into the new administration at the Colbert Animal Shelter, are things better or worse? We don't mean talking a good game, we mean better service/care for the animals. 

At least one animal activist, a former Colbert political candidate, has been banned from the premises since the new director took charge. This is not a good way to appear open and transparent.

What was her "sin?" While there may be several things involved, she reported to Colbert citizens that there was a problem with donated dog/cat food making it to the animals. Is this true? We have no proof one way of the other, but this activist put her name to the complaint on social media.

We're not sure how the ethics commission will react to a complaint of stolen dog food; however, it is a legitimate concern. We hope this is pursued to the fullest.

In a recent blog we recommended directing all donations to the Florence Animal Services. We still feel this way, especially in light of recent events. You may feel good giving to a shelter in your own county, but if the animals never receive any of your donations, what is the point? We know ALL donations make it to the animals at the Florence shelter. 

If you have any more information about this situation, please contact us.

The Documented 1970s/1980s Southern Baptist Stand on Induced Abortion

 

“Religious liberty, human equality and justice are advanced by the Supreme Court abortion decision,” read the January 31, 1973, piece by W. Barry Garrett, The Baptist Press’s Washington bureau chief.

If you would like to read the entire article on the stance of the Southern Baptist Church on induced abortion, it's here:

When Southern Baptists Were Pro-Choice

Our question: Did the Bible change or did the Southern Baptist Convention? 

Now we have Tim Melson and Phillip Pettus (the first!) advocating against induced abortion for ANY reason; neither man is a member of the Baptist Church. Shades of George Wallace?

We had intended to endorse Tim Melson in his bid for re-election. We certainly never intended to endorse Pettus who helped steal votes away from Florence citizens. Now Melson's position has drastically changed our opinion of him.

Read what each man stands for; would you espouse it if your 13 year-old daughter had been a victim of rape?

On May 24th, vote:

John Sutherland for District 1 state senator

Maurice McCaney for District 1 state representative

*****

We continue to advocate taking the money spent on unwinnable lawsuits and giving it to sex education and access to contraceptives. We firmly believe the abortion rate in Alabama will decrease 80% to 90%.

Brent Woodall Receives Coveted Endorsement

 

Candidate for Public Service Commission Place 1 Brent Woodall announced today that he received the endorsement of the Alabama Republican Assembly at their endorsement convention today in Tuscaloosa. The Alabama Republican Assembly is a grassroots organization dedicated to small government, lower taxes, free market capitalism, a strong defense, the right to life, and the Constitution.

Woodall said, “I am both honored and humbled to have been endorsed by an organization as principled as the Alabama Republican Assembly. Its members are conservatives who recognize the need to have those holding office respect the constitution and the proper role of government. In order to win their endorsement I had to explain my platform and make myself available to answer their questions regarding my plans for the Public Service Commission. 

This process clearly demonstrates how seriously the members of the Alabama Republican Assembly approach their job of identifying those candidates who most closely align with their political philosophy. My recent victory in the Eagle Forum straw poll in Wetumpka combined with this endorsement from the Alabama Republican Assembly shows that momentum is on my side as I seek to win the Republican nomination for the Alabama Public Service Commission Place 1 seat. It is time to remove the RINO currently occupying that position and I ask all conservative Republicans in Alabama for their vote in the primary on May 24.”

Woodall is a lifelong Republican who has served on the Morgan County Republican Executive Committe and the Elmore County Republican Executive Committee. He also chaired the Morgan County Young Republicans and was the State Treasurer of the Young Republican Federation of Alabama. In 2016 he proudly served as a delegate for President Donald Trump at the National Republican Convention in Cleveland, OH.

Now Phillip Pettus Joins Campaign Against Rape Victims

 

Disclaimer: While this blog opposes induced abortion as a method of birth control, we understand its necessity when a pregnancy results from rape.

When the Alabama Legislature passed its famous anti-abortion law two years ago, many members of the house and senate came forward to stress that rape was omitted as an exception simply in order to make the bill provocative enough to bring it before the Supreme Court. They assured voters that if the bill withstood the legal test, this exception would be added.

Now two years later, we have both Sen. Tim Melson and Rep. Phillip Pettus (the first!) stating firmly they will oppose any induced abortion for any reason whatsoever. If you haven't received the latest Pettus flyer, here's how he really feels:

...protects the unborn without exception. Always.

The words are eerily similar to Melson's. Do they have the same (m)admen running their campaigns? Pettus' flyer also states he continues to protect "Alabama values." Tell us, Rep. Pettus, why did you promote and assist taking away the Florence voters' right to help select a county superintendent of education?

In case they've forgotten, women won the vote in the U.S. slightly over 100 years ago. They'll be voting for those who wish to protect them, not the ones who see them as chattel to be used and abused by the thugs of this world.

Tomorrow: A return to the Southern Baptist stance on induced abortion in Part III of this series.

Is Beheading Next?

What Did Sen. Tim Melson Just Say? Going after Catholic Vote?

 

 

Want to have some fun this weekend? Early Sunday afternoon, stand outside Shoney's, Lost Pizza, or Ray's at the Bank and ask those entering if they know who Tim Melson is. You'll probably get a 40% negative response.

Then ask those who are leaving if they know who John Sutherland is. You'll undoubtedly get around a 90% negative reply.

Are you scratching your head? Who's John Sutherland, right? He's Melson's opponent in the upcoming Republican primary.

Sutherland is currently making the rounds and apparently spooking Melson slightly. The current state senator just sent out a mailer asking for votes. In case you didn't take time to read it, you may have missed a bombshell.

Oh, you say you already knew Melson sometimes suffers from foot in mouth disease. Yes, but this is written words on campaign literature, and unless you're a Catholic, you probably don't hear these words used very often. What were they?

...he will always protect the unborn without exception.

Was this simply a nebulous statement that may have come out the wrong way or is it something he meant literally?  We'll be looking more into this outlying belief tomorrow.

Sorry, J.C. Penney Not Scheduled to Make Florence Comeback

 

You may have heard the rumors the past two days or so: J.C. Penney will return to Florence. As it stands now, this is incorrect, at least literally.

However, if you like Penney brands, you may be in luck. When Penney decided to file bankruptcy after closing almost 30% of its stores, a holding company purchased the stock, allowing the remaining stores to rebound under the direction of better management.

Now this holding company may be purchasing another troubled department store - Kohl's. If all goes well, the company will continue to manage the two retail giants separately. In other words, the name Kohl's wouldn't be eradicated to make way for a Penney sign over the door.

What it does mean is that the current plan is to do away with Kohl's brands and sell long time Penney brands at both stores, but don't get too excited yet. There may be as many as 20 companies vying to purchase Kohl's. Who knows? Elon Musk may even put in an appearance.

If it does happen, put on your walking shoes and rush over to Kohl's to get slashed prices on most of the store brands it now carries. You can even enhance the shopping experience by dining at Wendy's afterward.

Ron Tyler Backs Katie Britt

 

Today Ron Tyler went on record as endorsing Katie Britt for the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. We agree. You can read the Florence Police Chief's endorsement here: Yellowhammer News.

Mrs. Britt has two viable Republican candidates. The first is Rep. Mo Brooks. Do we really have to say anything about Brooks? If we do, remember he once lamented a shooting postponed a baseball game, literally ran from reporters rather than answering salient questions, and endorsed a man who was at best a soft-core child predator.

Then there's Mike Durant. Does anyone out there know what Durant stands for? Aside from owning a large Huntsville company, Durant has little interest in this state or its residents. If you think he's on your side, you need to take off whatever blinders you're wearing.

No candidate is going to please all the citizens, but we believe Mrs. Britt will do the best job of any on the current Republican slate. You need to think and pray about your choice. We don't think either has been very widespread in recent years.

How Did Convicted Killer Nathan Boyd Die?

Nathan Lee Boyd was a lifer in the Alabama Prison System. He was only 40 when he died earlier this year. The short announcement of his death simply said there was no foul play involved or any evidence of suicide. There was no mention of drug overdose, and we may never know the truth.

Boyd had almost no hope of leaving prison in any manner but a body bag. We may assume that the Florence native was at least tempted to lesson his problems with mind-altering drugs whether he actually did or not.

When Boyd's death was announced, we originally considered this a blessing for Nathan. We're sure there are some who felt he should have suffered 30 or 40 more years, but we find it difficult to contemplate what his life must have been like. Neither did we suspect his death was anything but natural causes until now.

Since the beginning of this year and the first week in April, there have been approximately nine deaths in the system in which violence and suicide have been ruled out. These nine deaths are reportedly being investigated, but we have no idea in how much depth.

Now an investigative reporter has latched onto the story. We reached out for her comment on Boyd's death specifically and received no reply. Drugs could obviously be a culprit in the death of a 40 year-old with no underlying health conditions.

As of now, there's only Nathan's mother and brother to mourn him. We're not sure how distressing anyone should find his death, but we do know that drugs should not be so easily available in the state system...or the county. 

So many failed Boyd in life. Will anyone persevere to find out the truth of his death?

*****

We have never published our complete account of the murder of Danny Sledge in our blog. It is available here: Murder in Muscle Shoals - Volume II.

Some History of Assaults at Lauderdale County High School

 

Each day we receive ten or more messages from readers who want certain things investigated or send us tips. We try to help everyone, but we are not detectives. We also attempt to ensure what is published here is 100% fact. Sometimes important stories about the Shoals are left to others with more resources.

Two years ago we received a message about an "assault" perpetrated by some LCHS bully athletes. We chose not to address all the allegations. Now we have received this from a reader:

I don’t know if you recall the accusation of bullying that was brought to you in 2020 regarding a boy in the basketball team who was assaulted by other boys on the team during a girls basketball game and the story you went with was about a man who “attacked” a child...well it looks as though the student athlete is at it again only this time with an assault with a sexual nature.

I think it’s sad how if two years ago something was done maybe the culture would have changed and things like this would not be happening.

Shameful journalism!!

Is our blog partially to blame for continued sexual/physical assaults among these high school athletes? Obviously we could have attempted to make sure Rogersville police did a thorough investigation. The CYA is strong in that end of the county. It's usually "don't ask; don't tell."

If the latest story is true, we sincerely hope members of the baseball team who participated are adjudicated as adults and, if found guilty, are placed on the sex offender registry.

Brent Woodall Wins Eagle Forum Straw Poll

 

From April 20th:

Candidate for Public Service Commission Place 1 Brent Woodall announced today that he won the straw poll conducted at the Eagle Forum River Region Candidate Fair held in Wetumpka last evening. Woodall said, 

“I am particularly happy to have won this straw poll because it was conducted in a setting in which all of my competitors for this seat were present and the attendees had the opportunity to personally speak with each of us before casting their vote. I was glad that I was able to talk with so many from the River Region and let them know about the hidden tax scam at the Public Service Commission and the real effect it has on the lives of so many people in Alabama. It is also very rewarding to have won this straw poll because it was taken at an event held by Eagle Forum, one of the leaders of the conservative movement since its founding by Phyllis Schlafly in 1972. The results of the poll demonstrate that Alabamians recognize the need to elect conservatives at all levels of government and that I am the conservative Alabama needs as its Public Service Commission Place 1 commissioner. The fact that the incumbent, a career politician who has held the seat far too long, failed to win this poll speaks volumes about the lack of confidence voters have in him. I ask all Republicans to vote for a true conservative and elect me as the Public Service Commission Place 1 commissioner on May 24.”

Woodall is a lifelong Republican who has served on the Morgan County Republican Executive Committe and the Elmore County Republican Executive Committee. He also chaired the Morgan County Young Republicans and was 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.

Should the City of Florence Assist Eugene R. Sak in Obtaining a 70 Million Dollar Loan?

 

If you live or own property in Florence, you have probably just received a flyer from the "Florence Opportunity Forum." This mass mail-out presents a rosy picture of a new hotel to be built at 400 South Court Street in Florence. While the mailer is ostensibly from the forum, there is obviously someone behind this name.

We find the property is owned by a company called "400 South Court Street LLC." This shell company is owned by Eugene R. Sak and represented, at least in 2020, by Florence attorney Andrew J. Spry.

The flyer makes several specious arguments. Among them:

1. The project offers "new job and career prospects for residents." Not to say there's no money is hotel management, but most of these jobs will pay minimum wage or close to it.

2. It will offer the city a "state of the art conference center." Possibly - right next door to the Community Crossroads Outreach where Florence Police have been forced to remove city benches and our own J. Redmon has reported witnessing public urination in the middle of the day.

3. The city's investment can be protected by "several different guarantors." Alas, the flyer failed to mention even one of these guarantors. 

4. In its attention to detail, the flyer has seemingly reversed the webpage and Facebook page logos at the bottom left of the flyer. If this is the attention to detail we can expect from this group, we need to pass on this project.

Progress is good; foolhardiness is not.

John Elkington Lists His Demands

 

The following is merely satire; however, we suspect it's still right on the money...

Memphis developer John Elkington has listed his demands to assure his continuing presence in the Inspiration Landing project in Sheffield:

1. Absolutely no traffic delays caused by the railways.

2. Zero percent run-down buildings within a two-mile radius of IL.

3. No shootings of any kind within Sheffield city limits.

4. The Rock'n'Roll stature on North Montgomery Avenue will be removed and replaced with one of Elkington himself.

5. Sheffield government will morph into an appointed council - all members appointed by Elkington.

If these demands aren't met, the entire state of Alabama will be ghosted by the developer in his finite wisdom.

If the demands are met, be prepared for page two of demands to arrive shortly. 

Welcome to Sheffield's version of the Great Pumpkin - now in its eighth year.

Meet Chad Smith - Colbert Candidate for District Judge

 

Colbert County is blessed with supremely qualified candidates in the 2022 election. Here's a brief bio of Chad Smith, candidate for District Judge:

Chad Smith is…

• a Lifelong Resident of Colbert County, AL

• an Active Member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscumbia, AL

• Husband to Jennifer Curtis Smith

• Dad to Curt, Wyatt, and Lillie Cecilia

• an Alumnus of Deshler High School & The University of Alabama

• a Graduate of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law (Cum Laude)

• an Active Member of Tuscumbia Kiwanis Club

• 10 Years of Private Law Practice in Colbert County

• Tuscumbia Municipal Judge

• Certified Guardian ad Litem

*****

We'll have more on Chad in the next few days. We suggest everyone in Colbert County plan to research all candidates and, most importantly, vote on May 24th.

Easter 2022

 

Each year we try to suggest a way to bring a much-needed moral awakening to our lives, especially here in the Shoals. Perhaps the salient question is where to start. We may not know where to begin, but God does.

Let's pray fervently for our city governments...and don't forget to become more involved in the political events of your town. Together we can make a better world.

Shoalanda and Staff

Drug & Sell Your Own Daughter for Sex, Get 40 Months?

 

Bobby Joe Speegle has now made it to Kilby Receiving where he will be processed and given a permanent prison assignment. Not familiar with Bobby? Here's his criminal bio:

Bobby Joe Speegle

If you think a ten year sentence is too short for Bobby, here's two other tidbits to think about. First, his sentence is accruing correctional incentive time, meaning he will totally finish his time in October 2024.

Second, a family member has informed us that Bobby's daughter...his own daughter...was the female he drugged and sold for meth. What kind of sentence does the 45 year-old Colbert County man actually deserve? We're thinking along the lines of horse whipping, followed by an acid bath. 

Why would anyone think that 40 months is sufficient punishment in this case?

Report the UNA Rapist!

 

Pike Spike?

If you attend the University of North Alabama...or almost any other university for that matter...you're pretty much on your own. Don't expect very much help from the powers that be in finding or prosecuting your rapist.

Let's break this down into two statements:

1. Don't drink with people you don't know. Better yet, if you have to consume alcohol, do it in the privacy of your own home/dorm room. At least carry "date rape" tests that easily identify a spiked drink. Not every man is a gentleman, especially when he's drunk.

2. If the worst happens, go IMMEDIATELY to the hospital. Don't worry about ruining his life. What has he just done to yours? Don't blame yourself! Next, report and cooperate with authorities. Not all agencies will be supportive, but remember you're doing the right thing. Today it was you, but tomorrow it could be a 14 year-old girl. Rapists don't stop. It was NOT your fault and he won't stop with you. Let's say that once again. You will not be your rapist's last victim if you don't report him!

Now a question for UNA. The Pike fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) has been called out as harboring a rapist...and not for the first time. What are you doing about it, Dr. Kitts?

"Good Friday" at Calvary Baptist (Courtesy the REB)

 

It's very unusual, not to mention unethical, for a government organization to give funds to a religious body. Aside from the City of Florence donating to the Salvation Army Church, we can't think of one instance of this in recent memory.

Yet in September 2021, the Russellville Electric Board donated $2,500.00 to the Calvary Baptist Church which Charles Canida reportedly attends. A notation indicates that it's for "Hurricane Relief," but doesn't specify any other particulars.

Why no donations to the Methodist Church? To the Episcopal? To the Church of Christ? To the Muslim Temple? Since when do honest officials play favorites? Since when do church leaders not know this is unethical/illegal?

Now look down the listing (click to enlarge). You see the bonuses for board members? Is Jeff Bowling a board member? No. He's the board's attorney. Attorneys get bonuses?

 

We need to start our own charity for the ethically impaired...

Joe Hamilton: An Exceptional Candidate

 

We don't usually endorse candidates this early in the game; however, in the race for Lauderdale County Sheriff, while both real candidates are capable, one stands far above the other. Not only is Lt. Joe Hamilton more than qualified professionally, he is a man of strong morals and work ethic. 

Here's a little about Joe. Please read the following and then do your own research:

It is clear to those who have done their research into the candidates for Lauderdale County Sheriff, that there is only one option, Lt. Joe Hamilton. No one knows that better than Sheriff Rick Singleton. “If you compare the resumes of each candidate, he is by far the most qualified to assume the tremendous responsibilities of the office,” Singleton said during his public endorsement of Lt. Hamilton February 3, 2022.

Lt. Joe Hamilton has served the citizens of Lauderdale County for the past 28 years. He began his career in law enforcement with on-the-job training at the age of 16, when he signed up and volunteered for the Ranger Program with the Florence Police Department. While a Ranger, he rode with and assisted officers. While still volunteering helping officers, Lt. Hamilton was hired as a Dispatcher with the Florence Police Department at the age of 19. He was also awarded Dispatcher of the year during his time there.

Lt. Hamilton left the Florence Police Department at the age of 25 when he was hired as a deputy with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department. Lt. Hamilton has been with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department for 20 years and is 3rd in command in the department. He currently serves as the Lt. over patrol and Internal Affairs Investigations.

Lt. Hamilton is the only candidate who has served the citizens of Lauderdale County his entire career. Throughout his time with the Sheriff’s Department, he has patrolled all areas of Lauderdale County, assisted on drug, property, and persons investigations, and served as the Commander of the Lauderdale County S.W.A.T. team. Lt. Hamilton was also awarded supervisor of the year.

Lt. Hamilton is the only candidate for sheriff who has experience running a Sheriff’s Department. With 11 years of supervisory experience and seven years in a command position within the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, he helps oversee a multi-million-dollar budget and over 100 employees. No other candidate has this experience.

Lt. Hamilton will run a Sheriff’s Department that Lauderdale County will be proud of. “As sheriff, I will serve honestly and with integrity from day one. We will build on the foundation laid by Sheriff Rick Singleton. It is my goal that our department be the best department in the state and one that is a model for other departments in protecting and serving citizens with the utmost professionalism. Now is not the time to go backwards. I will continue to move the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department forward,” said Hamilton.

Lt. Hamilton is a man of commitments and not empty political promises. He has clearly laid out his commitments as Sheriff from day one and they have not changed. Lt. Hamilton is the only candidate committed to protecting our children and elders.

Lt. Hamilton is a lifelong Republican and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County. He will apply his conservative values in leading the department and protecting the citizens of Lauderdale County.

Lt. Hamilton is married to Lauderdale Chief Assistant District Attorney, Angie Hamilton, and they have three boys in the school system in Lauderdale County. He has not only served Lauderdale County through Law Enforcement, but he has also volunteered in youth sports for the past 10 years. Protecting children and investing in their future are important to Lt. Hamilton.

Lt. Hamilton is a leader and will lead on day one. As a Pro- Life Christian, husband, father of three amazing boys, and a Lieutenant with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, he understands the importance of having a professional sheriff’s department. His experience, commitment and leadership make him the most qualified candidate for Sheriff of Lauderdale County, Alabama.

You can read more about Lt. Hamilton’s commitments as sheriff on his Facebook page Joe Hamilton for Sheriff of Lauderdale County 2022 and his website Hamilton4Sheriff.com.

Rogersville Lovers' Lane Park: Unethical or Merely Profligate

 

The Lovers' Lane Public Park in eastern Lauderdale County lies approximately one mile south of the Rogersville city limits. It has for many years been a familiar site in the area, but no more. Now it's the subject of controversy.

The private park was an informal affair before the formation of a board to oversee the recreational area in 2001. Recently the board, under the direction of Ben Thomas Watkins, decided to sell the park, perhaps because of disuse since the advent of the water park in the nearby town?

This sale has caused at least two kerfluffles among residents of the area. The property was sold to Charles Michael Roberson (pictured above), the brother-in-law of Lauderdale County Commissioner Roger Garner. Roberson owns a farm adjacent to the property, but many feel the businessman's intentions are to erect low-income housing on the county land which carries few restrictions.

While that's not an issue that goes far beyond the eastern end of the county, the second, more troubling issue extends to the entire state. In 2008, 2015, and 2016, the park received grants from the Research Conservation and Development authority, a taxpayer funded entity. These grants were earmarked either entirely or partially for playground equipment. The newest equipment would be around five years old.

Since purchasing the park, Roberson has advertised the equipment for sale, even specifically stating its approximate age. In other words, the well-connected farmer knew the state-funded equipment had value.

Now many are asking:

1. Isn't money owed the taxpayers of the state? If so...

2. Does the park board owe the money?

3. Does Roberson owe the money?

We're going with the park board. This is just one of many instances where public funds are given out willy-nilly with no follow-up. If the park board refuses to address the issue, it would seem this is another fitting subject to present to the Alabama Ethics Commission.

*****

One reader has asked us what the board did with the money received from the sale. Besides public grants, many private citizens donated to the park. The reader also asked if a board can legally sell a public entity, could the Ag Center board someday sell that white elephant to someone's brother-in-law?

It's a very salient question; could it?

The Joke's on Jokers, but Is It Cursed?

 

The City of Sheffield has revoked the business license of Jokers Indian Kitchen on Hatch Boulevard. This comes after the third death in four months at the club. One death was ruled suicide, but the remaining two were deemed the result of violent confrontations.

Now many ask is the building at 4840 Hatch Boulevard cursed? In one word, no. When a business fails for whatever reason, the owner may reduce the price of the property in order to make a quick sale. The next owner will do the same. Eventually, those who purchase a location have little invested and may not make the wisest business decisions. This seems to be the pattern with this building.

*****

We understand that one person questioned in relation to the death of Mark Anthony Harris was almost immediately released. There have been no actual arrests in this case. One source tells us the crime scene was grossly contaminated by the crowds who thronged the parking lot and that any shooter will plead self-defense. In other words, it's possible the only charge may be for a type of obstruction of justice.

*****

Election watch: There are two viable candidates for county sheriff in Colbert, one being the incumbent. There are also two in Lauderdale, both seeking to fill a soon vacant office.

We invite all four to send us any information about their qualifications and candidacy for upcoming articles. Good luck to each of them.

Mary Baschab-Haslacker for Colbert County District Judge

 

Mary Baschab-Haslacker, Muscle Shoals attorney, announces her qualification to seek Republican Nomination for Colbert County District Judge The People’s Candidate, Mary Baschab-Haslacker, has qualified to seek the Republican Party nomination for Colbert County District Judge. “I am running for District Judge because the people deserve a judge who is honest, efficient, innovative, impartial, accessible, and dedicated to the rule of the law. So many people feel disenchanted and hopeless about their government. They need new leaders they can trust and believe in to put them first and to protect and uphold the Constitution,” said Baschab-Haslacker. 

“My upbringing, education, and work experience have made me prudent, even-tempered, and judicious. I expect every person to act in a way that promotes respect for the law, the values of our Country, and the rights given us by God. I have strong faith, respect for life and the family, and an ethic of work, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. I will bring the energy and passion to ensure the Court works for the people of Colbert County. I pledge that as District Judge I will run the court efficiently and effectively, relying solely on the law and the facts before me. That is why the people of Colbert County should pick Mary in the priMary.” 

After many years working retail, restaurants, and in boat yards, Baschab-Haslacker earned her undergraduate degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. She met her husband of 15 years, Christopher Haslacker, in college in North Carolina and they both worked as wilderness educators. In 2011, she graduated with honors from the University of Alabama School of Law. Her first job as an attorney was working for then-Senator Jeff Session on the United States Judiciary Committee. She became a staff attorney for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which hears all appeals from the United States District Courts in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. After she had her first of four children, she worked as law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Inge Johnson. When Judge Johnson retired, Baschab-Haslacker served as a United States Probation Officer for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. She completed the National Training Academy, including four weeks of firearms training, and was a certified Officer Safety Instructor for the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services. 

In November of 2020, she was appointed to serve as prosecutor for the town of Leighton and Town Attorney for the towns of Cherokee and Leighton. In February of 2021, she opened a law office in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where she has a successful general practice of law. 

Baschab-Haslacker has deep family roots in Colbert County through her ancestors the Gaissers from Cherokee. As a woman with deep Christian faith, she prioritizes serving her family and her community. She comes from a family tradition of strong Republican values-patriotism and service to country and community. Her father Roger Baschab is a retired US Air Force officer. Her mother Judge Pamela Baschab is a retired Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals judge.

Election Watch: It's now 43 days until the Alabama primary. We'll be spotlighting various candidates as well as answering questions from readers about campaign platforms until then.

If you have any questions or concerns, please forward them to us and we'll attempt to get you answers. In the interim, continue to research the candidates for any and all offices in order to make the most informed decisions on election day.

Joker's Victim ID'd

 

The victim in the early morning shooting at Joker's on Hatch Boulevard has been identified; however authorities are saying little about the death of Mark Harris of Sheffield. According to his social media, he graduated from Sheffield High School, but was a native of Detroit, Michigan. Harris also stated on Facebook that he never carried a gun. 

The alleged shooter is reportedly in custody, but has not been identified by Sheffield police. Harris is survived by his mother in Leighton as well as other relatives.

Hootchie Mama Duds or Tumblers...Hmmm...

You may have seen some interesting posts on Facebook over the past 24 hours or so. It seems the family and friends of the Russellville Electric Board's director have claimed that his $987.00 purchase from LL Boutique was from a store that sells tumblers. Could this possibly be true? Let's look:

There are two boutiques in the U.S. with similar names. L&L Boutique does sell tumblers, and expensive ones at that. 

The other is LL Boutique which peddles what we previously called beach wear. We won't be that kind today.

So how would one know the difference without subpoenaing the credit card records? Perhaps those who concocted that story didn't look very hard at the bank statement?

The bill clearly states LL Boutique - California. The hootchie mama clothes are sold from a store in Los Angeles, California. The tumbler peddler? That website references southern Louisiana as its home.

For those Russellville citizens who are as mad as Peter Finch in Network, you can always report these shenanigans to the Alabama Ethics Commission. We would suggest a better way for immediate results is to pay a visit to the next Russellville City Council meeting...en masse. By the time the public is through speaking, the representatives will realize that you mean business.

Anti-Murphy Protests Plague Alabama Historical Association Conference

 

Not since the late 1980s, when the head of the Muscle Shoals Regional Library System was ousted, have citizens been so polarized about a government employee. This week the animosity toward Florence's Pope's Tavern director Brian Murphy boiled over into the annual Alabama Historical Association meeting in a very public way. This is obviously not the image the City of Florence wished to project to the visiting dignitaries.

Murphy himself was scheduled to be one of the speakers at the annual conference. Perhaps his topic of choice, the reimaging of Pope's Tavern, was not the best theme if the city wished to avoid any more protests over the director's job performance? We know that morals clauses are passe'; however, we feel public employees should have certain restraint when dealing with the citizens.

Perhaps it's time to discuss the "State of Pope's Tavern?" Just what was the museum's role in the city when it was inaugurated sixty years ago and what is it now? Is Murphy's vision of the museum innovative or revisionist?

We'll be presenting the second part in this series in days to come.