Carlos Nelson: An Opportunity for Change

 

Sheffield City Schools has a new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Carlos Nelson is to be congratulated on his appointment to the position, as well as for his many years of service.

It is no secret that Sheffield City Schools has more than its share of problems. Its graduation rate is among the lowest in the state. Its student disciplinary issues are equally high. Its teacher and employee morale are 'in the tank', and its school board turns a deaf ear to administrators' pleas for support, especially with beligerant and unruly 'parents'.

Dr. Nelson indeed has his work cut out for him. It is my hope and prayer that God provides him with the wisdom to be the leader that the system desperately needs, and that the school board will work with him in raising Sheffield City Schools back up to where it once was; shining bright as a beacon to all others.

Memorial Day 2022

 

We hope all our readers will take just two minutes to reflect on those who gave their lives for our country. It's sad, but in a hundred years or so, this may no longer be an official holiday in the U.S. We're not faulting immigrants who have no family or friends who have died in service; we're merely pointing out that in a generation or so, memorials will not be so personal as they are for many of us now.

Here's a list of previous blogs we have published on specific U.S. veterans who gave all for their country:

Joseph David Pate

Robert Burton LeCates

Matthew D. Conley

Don Leslie Michael

Barry Keith Henderson

Lionel Allen Terry

Samuel Earl Coker

Want More Casey White? He Now Has a FB & Go Fund Me Page

 

In case you're having Casey White withdrawals, you may relax. There's a great deal more to come. Pictured is Casey's mother Connie L. Moore, aka Connie Thigpen, Connie McBride, and Connie White. With Connie is the son of Addison LaShae White, Casey's daughter.

Both Connie and Addison injected themselves into the spotlight big time this past week when they appeared at a press conference with Casey's new attorneys from Huntsville. Many have asked how the Whites are funding these big guns. Ask no more; they now have a Go-Fund-Me and Facebook page in Casey's name, ostensibly run by Addison.

You may also be asking how a Go Fund Me account is legal. The answer is it's not. Nice try, though. Earlier on Saturday, the account was still active, but it has been reported and has been taken down. For future reference, such accounts to raise bond money or legal fees are not allowed on Go Fund Me. 

One caveat: Have the Emetrol ready before you read the comments on the Facebook page. It's cluttered with posts from women who punctuate their theories with hearts. Our favorite is that Casey didn't escape - he was simply escorted out for a little R&R...

New Cases of Abused & Mutilated Animals in the Shoals

 

Stock Photo of Mutilated Dog

In January 2019, a dead cat was found by openers at Logan's Roadhouse in Muscle Shoals. Only the top half of the animal was ever found. Upon investigation, it was determined that the unfortunate moggie was not the only recent animal victim in Colbert County. Detectives even had a suspect who was spotted purchasing rope and knives at Walmart. Yet there was never enough evidence to arrest this alleged abuser.

Over the past three years, there have been many instances of serial abuse, but few arrests. Now there seems to be a new abuser at work in Franklin County. A dog, now dubbed Angel, was recently found with muzzle taped shut, broken legs, and a bullet in her spine. 

Angel is expected to recover, but how many more have not and will not? These animals will die horrible deaths if this man (and they are always men) is not stopped.

We're working on a reward to bring this sub-human to justice. We will have more on this later. In the interim, if you have information on this abuser, please call the Franklin County Sheriff's Department at 256-332-8820.

Angel

First Part of SBC Sex Offender Report Published

 

We know at least three of us here are Baptists. At least one is Methodist. Some we have no idea of their beliefs, if any. This blog is strictly on the SBC's long-awaited abuser report released this week:

The Southern Baptist Convention has released its report on sex offenders in the church, 33 of those from Alabama. In fact, several are from in and around the Shoals:


Charles Kyle Adcock - Woodward Avenue Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals 2016 - Rape & Sodomy


John Langston Anderson Jr. - Southside Baptist Church in Russellville 2002 - Sexual Abuse


Jeffrey Dale Eddie - Highland Park Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals 2014 - Sexual Abuse, Sodomy, & Possession of Child Porn.


Douglas Myers - Concord Baptist Church in Russellville 2007 - Sexual Abuse




The Convention has stated this list will almost certainly be updated. The blog Shoals Crime has previously highlighted some sexual predator clergy. Here's the link:

The Pulpit Abusers

An Educated Take on RVFD's Election Endorsements

 

Immediately before the Tuesday primary, we had two readers contact us about the Rogersville Volunteer Fire Dept. running two political ads for the Pettus family. One reader lives, as far as we know, in Lauderdale and the other in Limestone. We were not aware of this infraction until they informed our blog. There were NO ads for the two Pettus' opponents. Imagine that!

We did not mention the name of the person whom we believed to be responsible, but some did in the comments. Now this person, has published a rebuttal of sorts. Approximately half of his comment focused on candidates attending a fish fry. Never did we mention the fish fry. His comments were at best deflection from the real illegal acts.

The writer also claimed that we did not like Mayor Herston. We certainly don't like his actions, particularly his semi-false answer to his permitting drag racing in the city's industrial park and his Facebook post to ignore COVID and come shop in Rogersville. We were quite sickened by the idea of tax dollars over a person's life.

Now we have an expert's opinion on the legality of what the RVFD posted. We're also up to at least four who will be reporting the incident to several state watchdogs.

A municipality, such as the Town of Rogersville, may establish a municipal volunteer fire department by adopting an ordinance of general and permanent operation. Municipal volunteer fire departments can be funded by municipal appropriations, grants and/or donations. The Rogersville Town Council has final authority on the expenditure of these funds. If a volunteer fire department is recognized or sanctioned by a city, funds collected by that agency become city funds and should be included in the written financial mayor’s report to the council and should be audited with other city funds. 

The Lauderdale County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments Inc., with which the Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department is a member is a 501(c)(3) organization. The mission of the Lauderdale County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments is to promote the orderly and necessary formation of voluntary fire departments in Lauderdale County, Alabama and to assist in the continued operation of existing volunteer fire departments in Lauderdale County, Alabama. The association also promotes life-saving public safety services to the general public. 

Fundraisers at local volunteer fire departments have become big business in recent years. It is no surprise that these community gatherings are a hot spot for political candidates. A politician attending a fish fry and the Fire Department in fact endorsing candidates are two different things. The Rogersville Fire Department shared two political ads less than 24 hours before the election. One of the candidates was not even on the ballot for the people of Rogersville. As far as showing a lack of wisdom.... two strikes. As far as Mr. Lentz, who posted that he does oversee the Fire department's Facebook page, it may be his third strike. 

In 2008 Mr. Lentz was admonished by a judge for pulling up political signs at 3 a.m. Did he have the right to pull the signs up, yes. Did he have the right to share political ads for Phillip Pettus 1 & 2, possibly. But were either of those actions the wise thing to do? Absolutely not! In Mr. Lentz's long diatribe of excuses over sharing political ads on Facebook the first person to comment was Phillip Pettus' brother Rodney. Go figure. Oh, brother. Well, see you at church on Sunday.

 

Judge Whopper

Sheffield Housing Authority Faces Ethics Violation

 

Alabama law requires surplus property to be auctioned off. Recently, the Sheffield Housing Authority retired one of its buses. What did the authority do?

According to informed sources, the board donated the bus to a daycare. It was not just any daycare, but one sponsored by a religious body. It gets worse. An employee of this daycare is the child or a housing authority board member.

It's hard to make this situation any worse, but this is a time when Sheffield is paying on a bond issue to provide better infrastructure to Inspiration Landing. Yes, the City on the Bluff makes a payment each month to assist John Elkington's project. 

So now, Citizens of Sheffield, your tax dollars are going to not only a millionaire, but to a private daycare...a private religious daycare that may not be your theological cup of tea. Shouldn't you tell the mayor and council how you feel about that?

Rogersville Volunteer Fire Dept. Accused of Illegal Candidate Support

 

Two readers have made us aware of the Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department openly supporting Phillip Pettus Jr, aka The Second! Assuming the Rogersville organization is a tax exempt entity, they can and will be reported to the attorney general, ethics commission, and secretary of state.

This same department has posted blurbs by Phillip Pettus (The First!). Again, we have individuals who think laws don't apply to them.  How very sad for those who claim to care for the well-being of others, then stomp all over those individuals' rights.

HPNA Election Bulletin

You May Click on Each Page to Enlarge

 

Joe Hamilton is Logical Choice for Next Sheriff

 

We've had a few readers ask if Joe Hamilton is actually more qualified than Randall McCrary. The answer is a resounding yes. 

If there is any criticism of Hamilton, it seems to be that he's Rick Singleton's hands down pick. Some feel that Rick's policies were little improvement over his bumbling predecessor's. Certainly there have been problems, but these were either the result of insufficient funding or a situation that no one could have anticipated.

We live, we learn, we build on our mistakes. Joe is not going to keep the department in the past. He will build on the good that Rick has done and learn from any mistakes the current sheriff may have made.

Is Joe Hamilton perfect? No. He is honest, well-respected, a loving husband, and thoroughly versed in today's law enforcement problems and procedures. We don't need a disgruntled wannabe reality star or a Barney Fife. 

What Lauderdale County needs is Joe Hamilton!

A Few State Offices...

 

 

We've so far failed to mention many important offices; here's a few more:

Auditor: Our own Andrew Sorrell is, as always, tops. He truly cares about the Shoals!

Secretary of State: Jim Zeigler has the experience. Despite being something of a firebrand, he'll get the job done.

District 3 Republican: No recommendation. The campaign has recently devolved. into the mud. Take your pick.

District 3 Democrat: Susan Bentley is a refreshing candidate who will get the work done. So all two of you Dems out there should consider yourselves lucky that she chose to run.

*****

How about Lauderdale County? 

We have only one endorsement. Vote for B.J. Tully for the county school board. He's accessible and cares about the future of our schools.

*****

Still undecided about the Lauderdale sheriff? We'll take a closer look at this office next.

Picks for Colbert County?

 

Our friends south of the river have two very hotly contested races. Angela Hulsey is currently an ADA hoping to become the next district attorney. She's running against Hal Hughston III, a Tuscumbia attorney. 

Despite Hughston having outspent Hulsey, we're told they're tied in local polls. Both seem to be more than qualified; therefore, we have no recommendation in this race.

The contest for district judge is also close. We can safely attest that both candidates are more than qualified. Chad Smith is a Tuscumbia attorney, while Mary Baschab-Haslacker is also an attorney, practicing in Muscle Shoals. We've been greatly impressed by both and advise voters to carefully weigh their talking points and make an educated choice.

*****

Mrs. Baschab-Haslacker has sent us some remarks to close out her campaign:

Colbert County, Tuesday you have ONE opportunity for years to come to pick your District Judge.  Your one decision will empower a single person to make thousands of decisions FOR YOU.  When you pull that trigger, make sure you are on target.  There is no putting the bullet back in the chamber.  Be sure your candidate has a work ethic to take on the heaviest caseload in this county. Be sure your candidate has hands on experience with children of all ages, all incomes, and all abilities. Be sure your candidate has a proven track record of integrity and honesty.  Be sure your candidate will be transparent and accountable to you.  I AM THAT CANDIDATE. I have spoken to thousands of you in your homes, on the street, and at your work. I know what matters to you. I know what you value. I am you. Its time for a breath of fresh air. Vote Mary in the Republican priMary on May 24 for Colbert County District Judge. 

Homeless in Sheffield? Good Luck with That...

 

Before the Sunrise Center, there was the Pilgrim House on Second Street in Sheffield. Operating roughly between 1999 and 2001, thanks to the best efforts of Sheffield and Montgomery, it was shut down.

Now the Sunrise Center is closing. According to one source, mayor Steve Stanley has denied any part in the closure and further stated he had not heard of the center's demise until the director was terminated and contacted him about the abusive actions of the Sheffield Police Department.

Now, of course, there's no more homeless in Sheffield. Just ask John Elkington. Isn't that how it works?

How's Inspiration Landing coming along? How about the search for a new building inspector? Oh, you hadn't heard? Charlie Grimmett has resigned. And no one in Sheffield wept...

Only 11 Years of Public Service? Sorry, You Lost That Contest...

 

This is a test of logic: If you have three opponents in an election, all with 20 or more years of public service, would you brag in campaign literature that you have 11? Sorry Phillip Pettus Jr.'s latest mail-out is another failure.

Brad Black - Over 20 years in education.

Lowery Davis - Over 20 years in law enforcement.

Chapel King - Over 20 years in nursing and social work. Our pick!

Think before you vote on May 24th!

******

We're not even going to make an endorsement in the Democratic governor's race. Of the Republicans, Kay Ivey has the experience, education, and what passes for tact in this state. The others? Not so much. Kay Ivey on May 24th!

District and county races next...

Tim Melson Claimed What?

 

Your laugh for the day courtesy of Tim Melson:

Tim Melson was born and raised in North Alabama and understands the hardship families face from rising costs...

Really? 

Tim's father was a medical doctor who died in a crash of his own small aircraft. Does that sound as if our state senator faced ANY monetary hardships while growing up?

We also remember John Sutherland's father, a local jewelry store owner. Not quite on the same economic plane as Melson, but we're sure he lacked for little materially. The main difference is that John isn't trying to present a false image to the public.

Vote for John Sutherland on May 24th!

Why Not Brad Black for County Commission?

 

All of us here have been pleasantly surprised by Brad Black. We've heard absolutely no damaging tales of bad behavior as we have the other two male candidates. He's also qualified, unlike Davis and Pettus the younger.

We have two criticisms, one of which is very minor. For future reference, Black needs to look up the word "continuous," unless he does want to block travel and pay huge amounts of overtime for 24/7 road work.

The second criticism is with his priorities. Like others, he mentions broadband. It seems every one wishes to reinvent the wheel. He fails to mention the neglect shown the county/city animal shelter. We have no idea why since this is in the purview of the commission and has cost city residents unfairly in recent years.

We also have to ask why he is the choice of Tim Melson? At this point that endorsement is similar to a recommendation by Al Capone or Jack the Ripper.

Should Mr. Black be elected, we believe he will be a more than competent commissioner. Yet we feel he is currently unaware of many of the problems facing our county. Let's install someone who can hit the ground running - Chapel King.

If You'd Listened to Chapel, Steve Holt Would Still be Mayor!

Pithy Questions for Phillip Pettus Jr.

 

If you reside in the eastern half of Lauderdale County, you've just received a slick mail-out from Phillip Pettus Jr. (who pretentiously refers to himself as "II." This flyer specifically mentions four goals he seeks to make a reality.

1. You say you'll "get broadband done." By what means? Please give us a hint. Charter began laying 1K miles of new cable in January. If you worked on getting this done, please elucidate us.

2. You want road improvements. Could you possibly state your plans to secure the money for the work and just which roads will come first?

3. You want to work with our legislators to secure more money for the area. How do you plan to do that? Which legislators do you think aren't doing their bit?

4. You want a paramedic on every ambulance. That's great. What will you do when you discover an ambulance service isn't doing what it was contracted to do? Isn't that what's happening now?

Interesting how you fail to even give lip service to the county's animal problem. How about funding for the sheriff's office? Your position on a new jail? 

Now some questions that your mail-out itself has brought up:

1. You picture yourself in Greenhill firefighter garb, but fail to mention you work in Muscle Muscle Shoals. Why is that?

2. You mention high school, but you don't refer to any advanced degrees. Could you elaborate on your formal education?

3. This is a biggie - everyone pay attention: You have a website at https://www.phillippettusii.com/  There are four headings. Home - you merely ask for help with your campaign. Meet Phillip - you again ask for help with campaign but don't tell us anything about you. Get Involved - This section shows us three ways to help with your campaign. The final one is Donate - You ask here for money.

4. How will you balance your time while working for two separate fire departments, participating in family life, and presumably assisting your home congregation? 

5. How many actual commission meetings have you ever attended?

6. Another biggie - Your campaign mail-out is professional. Layout, printing, and mailing all cost money. Are you sure you know what your contributors want in return for their donations? Remember, if you're elected, your life will be under a large spotlight.

7. We're told Tim Melson is not supporting you. Is this true? 

Hoping you'll take the time to answer some of these questions.

Lillie Mae Boddie Resurfaces in U.S.Senate Race

 

In 2016, Lillie Mae Boddie of Florence ran for mayor. Not many, in fact almost no one, could supply any information on Miss Boddie or her agenda. Now she's a fringe candidate for the U.S. Senate.

An informant who did not wish to be named, has told us that Miss Boddie is a Florence native who retired from the U.S. Army and later worked at the Pentagon. The current North Florence resident abruptly left her employment, returned home, and leads a reclusive life.

Why run? We can't answer that question in detail; however our informant states that Miss Boddie has multiple sources of personal funds, lives very frugally considering her income, and is given to what most would call strange whims.

Obviously, no matter her intentions, Miss Boddie has very little chance of winning this race. Who does and who will be best for Alabama?

Mo Brooks? No, not even Trump wants him. Mike Durant? Please save us from this candidate. Katie Britt?

Yes! Mrs. Britt is a real winner. Consider the other two front runners and make a wise decision. Katie Britt is truly the people's candidate.

So You Think You Know What the Ag Center is Really Costing You?

 

Think about this whenever you put gasoline in your vehicles...or not if you now go across the river to avoid the extra Lauderdale tax courtesy of Tim Melson and Phillip Pettus.

Want to know more about John Sutherland? Watch this:

(Conflicting) New Info on Central HIgh Accident

 

A few months ago, a local activist confronted Sheriff Rick Singleton over the performance of his deputies in some very botched cases. While Rick is always more than willing to discuss cases in more detail, this time he plainly told the gentleman that  perhaps he should try to work with his budget and an undertrained, underfunded department.

When the story broke last week about the young woman injured by a deputy at Central High School, our blog partially blamed a lack of back-up cameras in squad cars. Now the school is amending past reports, stating the victim was in front of the vehicle when she was run over.

Shianne Sanders continues to recover in a Birmingham hospital. The school and the deputy are apologetic. Yet we have to ask how someone, in a familiar vehicle, runs over a student he should know was immediately in his path, in broad daylight? 

We 100% believe this was an accident, yet we have to again ask how this could have happened. A lack of back-up cameras had nothing to do with it. Does the blame lie in a lack of training?

The Lauderdale County Commission has failed the sheriff's department. This needs to change with a new commission. Start these changes on May 24th.

Vote Chapel King (long-time social worker for change for better) for Lauderdale Commission Place 1.

Vote Joe Hamilton (honest, trained, and experienced) for Lauderdale Sheriff. 

Another Endorsement for Brent Woodall!

 

On May 13th, candidate for Alabama Public Service Commission Place 1 Brent Woodall announced that he has been endorsed by the Common Sense Campaign. The Common Sense Campaign is a grassroots movement whose goal is to restore our Constitutional Republic “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” The sample ballot on which Woodall's name was marked as part of the Common Sense Campaign's endorsement may be found on their website at: www.commonsensecampaign.org.

Woodall said, “I am very thankful to have been endorsed by the Common Sense Campaign. This is another in a growing list of endorsements I have received which demonstrate that true conservatives in Alabama recognize that the incumbent in the Alabama Public Service Commission Place 1 seat is not a conservative and that I am. I ask every Republican in Alabama to vote for me on May 24 to ensure that we have the conservative we need in that office.”

Prior to this endorsement by the Common Sense Campaign, Woodall had also been endorsed by the Alabama Republican Assembly and Conservative Party Alabama. He also won a straw poll in Wetumpka conducted by Eagle Forum. Woodall is an attorney engaged in private practice and is a lifelong Republican who served as a delegate for President Donald Trump at the 2016 National Republican Convention in Cleveland, OH.

Will Lynn Greer Be Replaced on Ag Center Board?

Republican District 2 representative will soon, thankfully, be leaving office. He is currently on the Ag Center Board. Will he now be replaced by his successor?

Similarly, if Phillip Pettus (the First!) of District 1 is defeated, will he retain his place on the board? We've heard some say the members have life appointments. Let's hope not.

This would also apply to Sen. Tim Melson. Most feel his seat is secure; however, we do endorse John Sutherland for the office. We feel he is honest and has the financial well-being of the area on his list of priorities.

*****

How is the Ag Center coming? Unless you compare it to Inspiration Landing, it's not breaking any records.

*****

Our mailbox has been inundated with support for Casey White. Yes, we're surprised. Apparently if he's a real user, he'll have numerous local ladies to choose from.

For Casey:

Illegal Political Signs at Brooks

 

Someone in Killen has reported:

Want to tell me why Brooks High School has two big political signs for Jason Black? On the back at the softball press box and at the entrance of the baseball field. That’s illegal on school grounds.

It certainly is illegal, but obviously makes someone "feel good," so that's all that matters. Ask yourselves: If he/she will cheat in an election, what will they do once elected?

Now a pithy comment on the District 1 House contest and county commission race:

What has Pettus done for the people of his district? Absolutely nothing! I vote for people who want to make a difference. Not just someone wanting a job with benefits. What about his son running for county commission? Has he ever once been to a county commission? Has he ever once been to a county commission meeting in his life? I don't think so. He just wants "in on it". It is terribly disgusting.

If you want an honest, educated representative in County District 1, vote for Chapel King on May 24th.

Best Picks for Republican Executive Committee

 

Best candidates to serve Alabama Republican Party:

State Committee Place 1: Angela Broyles State Committee Place 2: Kimberly A. Butler State Committee Place 3: Matthew Sorrell County Committee Place 1: Barry Morris County Committee Place 2: Zachary Young County Committee Place 3: Suzanne B. Morris County Committee Place 5: Jay McCaney County Committee Place 6: Jim Brasfield County Committee Place 7: Cheyenne Dodd County Committee Place 8: F.E. Sonny Baltimore County Committee Place 11: Bobby Dolan (These are on the back of the Ballot) County Committee Place 12: Maurice McCaney County Committee Place 13: Ralph D. Long County Committee Place 14: Judy Grady County Committee Place 15: John Sutherland County Committee Place 20: Kimberly Butler County Committee Place 22: Josh Dodd County Committee Place 23: Johnny Wagnon County Committee Place 25: Matthew Sorrell

Use this List to Vote on May 24th!

Phillip Pettus Single-Handedly Wipes Out Unemployment?

 

Phillip Pettus Sittin' on a Bale of Hay,

He Ain't Good Lookin' but He Sure Can Play (with our money).

With Apologies to Charlie & Elvin...

Philip Pettus must be running scared; he's just sent out his third major mailer. This time, he mentions the low unemployment rate as one of his accomplishments. Did he also bring down the rate in Idaho? How about Vermont? Arizona? Does anyone think Pettus (the First!) is responsible for this?

We can tell you what he is responsible for: Helping spend money rightfully belonging to schools and your grandchildren on a boondoggle that is enriching the pockets of the Ag Center Board. Let's not forget taking away a right to vote for Florence citizens in choosing a county school superintendent. Certainly don't forget he seeks to take away the right of a child to have an induced abortion after a sexual assault.

Haven't we moved beyond the overalls/tractor/bale of hay mentality by now in the 21st Century? We have a choice...a great choice with an actual plan for this area. Remember Maurice McCaney's name when you vote on May 24th!