Why couldn't it have been Bryan Harsin? No, Auburn still has that albatross around its neck. It was the University of North Alabama that canned head coach Chris Willis. Counting his previous positions in the football program, Willis had been with our local university for 21 years. News articles indicate the hasty decision was made Saturday night after UNA's latest loss.
While UNA representatives are remaining mum on most aspects of this sudden dismissal, we do know Willis will not even be allowed to finish the season. In other words, he's gone...outta here...dead from stab wounds to the back.
Does latest UNA athletic director Josh Looney have a wife? If so, we advise her not to burn the toast...
Does it bother anyone that a visiting professor can rape a student, but then retain his job for months, when a two-decade coach can be fired overnight for losing a football game?
Have a happy Halloween and stay safe tonight. If you see any handsome vampires, send them our way!
Perhaps you've heard that Whataburger is coming to Florence next year, but where? According to the address listed on the company's website, the new eatery will be on the corner of Florence Boulevard and Patton Street:
This former bank building has been vacant for years. Located between Hickory Hills Plaza and Walmart Mkt., the fast food franchise should be assured of heavy traffic. If anyone has experience with Whataburger, send us your opinion of the offerings.
Dr. Robert L. Potts served as president of the University of North Alabama for 14 years. Dr. Potts possessed not only a Juris Doctorate, but also a Masters of Law. These post-doctorate degrees are rare and highly coveted.
He led the way to make our local university special. Never once did he put the university above the community good, but sincerely desired the best for both. Even after his retirement, he never stopped working for Florence and its institutions.
Our sincerest sympathy to the family of Dr. Potts. In his memory, let's all strive to be more like him.
In April 2019, Steve and Marlene Patrick moved their pizzeria from Thorsby (a small town south of Birminham where they had been for 19 months) to Sheffield. The 312 North Montgomery Avenue building had been home to Rhoda P's until that eatery moved to a larger location farther north in the city. Sheffield was eager to have the building occupied, and the Sheffield Redevelopment Authority footed the bill for new tables and chairs. For those who claimed the City didn't offer Vertillo's needed help, we're going to at least partially disagree.
Thirty months later, Vertillo's closed the Sheffield location, moving to a larger building on Florence Boulevard. Photos indicate the tables and chairs went with the owners.
Vertillo's officially opened in the former Pizza Hut location on October 20, 2021. The eatery officially closed on October 26, 2022.
For those looking for a rationale to the establishment's closing, there probably isn't one single factor. Like most businesses, their choices were not always popular, but the pandemic logically played a much larger role in sinking the small pizzeria than missing posters, stolen flags, and wife beaters.
We do have to ask if the Sheffield Redevelopment Authority will now reclaim the furnishings?
Note: 10/29 - Per Kim Auld who identifies herself as a friend of the owners, new furniture was purchased for the Florence establishment. The furniture purchased by the Sheffield Redevelopment Authority was placed in basement of Montgomery Avenue location unclaimed.
Jason Wade Means was 42 when he died last Saturday at St. Clair Correctional Facility. That institution saw four prisoner deaths in September. In other words, it's not a nice place to be.
Public records indicate the last official address for Means was on Dearborn Avenue in Muscle Shoals; he also had a Tuscumbia post office box. Cause of death? The Alabama Department of Corrections has not as yet been forthcoming.
Means is the third relatively young inmate from this area to die in recent memory. Nathan Boyd, 40, passed away last December, and in August 38 year-old Cory Luke White similarly died while in his cell.
With no pre-existing conditions and no signs of violence, these deaths usually fall under the umbrella of cause undetermined or overdose. Yes, drugs are found in abundance in these overcrowded prisons, and inmates regularly partake of them.
There's plenty of blame to go around, but perhaps we should first address the problem of corruption in the ADOC that allows easy access to these sometimes fatal substances?
Did you ever wonder about the origins of the ALS ice water challenge? It was chosen to raise both money and awareness of the effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. When ice water hits a person's neck, shoulders, and back, its effects are similar to ALS. The person who's doused has momentary pain, numbness, and difficulty in moving.
After asking for more information on what happened at a recent Lexington-Sheffield game, we discovered it was not very much. No, despite rumors, Lexington didn't behave badly toward Sheffield. We're going to assume a very disgruntled Sheffield parent started the story, and it was then picked up by a local activist.
However, several did mention the Lexington ice water dousing of their own coaches. Our first reaction to that was "isn't that normal these days?" According to one coach's family, not everyone appreciates it, but no one wants to come across as a bad sport. One reader even commented it was the players' reward for winning the game.
So players get to torture their coaches for a few seconds as a prize? Whatever happened to carrying the coaches off the field on the team's shoulders?
For anyone who's doing this at whatever school, think about it. Ask all the coaches how they really feel. You might just be surprised.
One of this blog's absolutes is no encouragement of violence is allowed. In our 14 years of publishing, we have banned only one person for violating that rule. One of our bad boys RKP threatened violence against a girlfriend for speaking out about his behavior, and we quickly banned him.
Now we've banned a second male reader who claims we may call him a bigot if we wish, but he agrees with Kanye West. Yes, we call him a bigot and we promptly banned him.
If you're unsure how to feel about West or any other bastard making pronouncements against Jews, how would you feel if he had said he wanted to take a nap and then get up and bring death to Southern Baptists?
We have a pretty good idea that many of our readers would be outraged. Guess what? You should already be outraged, not just against West, but also against the Fox commentator who called Ye a Christian icon.
Why would anyone think violence against Jews is the way to bring them to Yeshua?
A month ago, we blogged on Killen preparing for a marijuana dispensary while Florence sat idle: Florence v Killen.
Now it seems the City of Florence has gotten up to speed on legislation to allow such a business in the Renaissance town. Happy? Not everyone is.
We commend the City for this action. For those opposed, why not start your condemnations with a real problem - alcohol? We'll await your logic in this.
Will Florence actually get a dispensary? There are current plans for only 37, or slightly more than one for every two Alabama counties.
If Florence truly wants one of these dispensaries, let's hope Tim Melson and other leaders are lobbying as we write this. This is good. This is the future. Let's support this!
The next Sheffield City Council meeting will be November 7th at 5:00 p.m. After the initial work session, John Elkington is scheduled to speak. What will he say?
Will he bring the city up to date on any progress at Inspiration Landing or will he announce a hiatus in the project due to the current financial climate? These events usually involve the Memphis land baron speaking followed by fawning. It's time to stop fawning and ask real questions.
At the time of the meeting, Sheffield will have made 11 payments on government loans used to finance the streets and other infrastructure of IL. The last official statement on the project was in early August when Elkington and company announced the group's January construction announcement was a no-go.
In October of 2021, Mayor Steve Stanley again stated he hoped things were back on track soon. It's been a year now; how long will Stanley keep wishing and hoping before he has a real confrontation with Elkington?
If you live in Sheffield, you need to be at city hall on Monday, November 7th. After all, it's your money...
Two very different reader takes on Dr. Carlos Nelson of Sheffield City Schools...
He said:A little over 4 months ago, things appeared to be looking up for Sheffield City Schools. The total lack of 'leadership' demonstrated by Dr. Kieth Davis was finally over, and Sheffield's own Dr. Carlos Nelson was at the helm. Things were looking up. Right?
Sheffield parents were expecting great things for its schools and their children. The students, faculty, and staff of Sheffield City Schools had a right to expect great things. Right?
Sheffield's football team's prospects were looking better than ever. L.E. Wilson Elementary School was recipient of the prestigious 'Blue Ribbon School' award, and Dr. Carlos Nelson was now 'in charge'. Right?
SCS was on a roll!
To be continued...
She said: My insiders said the lunchroom at high school (I think) was short staffed and Carlos Nelson put on a hair net and worked KP duty. What a refreshing change for Sheffield - Maybe Carlos Nelson is going to help their reputation. I hope I am not wrong.
Several weeks ago, we began receiving communications concerning the Muscle Shoals Library. These missives were very vague as people were afraid to talk.
Now one person has brought the problem to Facebook, but again the actual situation remains nebulous. Will the library be closed as some have theorized? We're 99.99% certain that will never happen. The City has to have a library to attract new blood. What would those real estate sites say about a town the size of Muscle Shoals with no library?
How about cutting staff and hours? That seems plausible. Why does the City wish to scrimp on its library when it's spending profusely in other areas?
Stay tuned as we attempt to get our readers some answers.
Meanwhile in Sheffield...
At least one parent is unhappy with the new school superintendent. We'll be publishing his critique tomorrow.
Much like Inspiration Landing, Florence's tin man horn player has had many delays. This week, the Florence City Council voted to amend the contract with the sculptor for the fourth time.
The new arrival date for this abstract work is January 31st, 2023. Why has this project designed by a University of Alabama arts professor been delayed once again? We have three theories:
1. The sculptor has been delayed by illness.
2. The sculptor is waiting for a decrease in aluminum prices.
3. The sculptor isn't able to get out of bed after Saturday's loss to the Vols.
Speaking of a certain Colbert County folly:
They say that if at midnight on Halloween you say "Inspiration Landing" three times, a vision of a concert venue appears before you.
1. How was the original 25K transfer referenced in financial reports? (Assuming it was a transfer of funds.)
2. If it wasn't a transfer, where did the 25K come from? Was this a payment for some kind of services rendered that couldn't be legally explained?
We're also curious as to who told Sherry Smith to hide the account when legally she was obliged to provide the information concerning it. Just who is paying her salary?
Why are the agencies to which these REB shenanigans have been reported taking so long to step in and do something? By something, we mean charge with either an ethics violation or an actual crime.
Kelly Crotts is currently under indictment in Lauderdale County. The Central Hts. businessman is accused of sex crimes with three young victims. Out on bail, he's not permitted to leave the state without specific permission.
Now Crotts has asked for that permission. He's seeking to return to his native Greenville, Mississippi, in order to assist his ill brother. There are anecdotal reports that the brother, who has had declining health for years, needs help in working on a house he's flipping.
Should the Lauderdale legal system let him go? Those who have contacted us feel that he's a danger. We have mixed feelings about this. Perhaps an ankle monitor would be the answer to keeping Crotts corralled near his brother's home?
Your neighbor's lawn is over 12" high; the green lights of the building inspector's truck are seen more and more frequently as other neighbors complain. This neighbor then comes to you and asks you to take on his lawn care duties for a reasonable fee. Unfortunaely, you have to reply that you don't have the time or resources. When the inspector makes his anticipated visit the next day, your neighbor then blames you for the problem.
Does the above scenario seem fair? It's extremely similar to the situation involving the Lauderdale County Commission and the City of Florence. For years, citizens have complained of anything from a total lack of animal control/welfare to blundering deputies involved in animal cruelty cases in Lauderdale. We count five years that the pressure has been on, and nothing has been done.
Now the Commission wants to pay the City to take on these duties. We like this solution, but Mayor Andy Betterton has claimed a lack of resources to do so. We've previously chided him for his stance in refusing to negotiate with the county on this issue, but how much is actually the City's fault?
Commissioners, after all these years, it shouldn't take a second half-decade to do something on this issue. Now is the time to take action. The citizens are watching...
Lee Roy Cosbie is the owner of the land on which the Underwood Mountain fire has burned since June or July (officially reported to the ADEM on 7/20). Cosbie is also the owner of Affordable Tree Service.
When we published yesterday, we had the name of the tree service, but only via word of mouth. Now we've been sent proof of wrongdoing and legal action by the ADEM. This is not Cosbie's first offense; he was also cited in 2016:
According to the ADEM, Cosbie's company has run afoul of the law by burning prohibited material, not monitoring the fire, and disregarding legal notices. Below is the official notice of his fine, issued just yesterday:
Colbert County
Pursuant to the provisions of the Alabama Environmental Management Act, Ala. Code §§22-22A-1 to 22-22A-16 (2006 Rplc. Vol.), the Alabama Department of Environmental Management is proposing to issue an Administrative Order to Lee Roy Cosbie, owner of real property located in Tuscumbia, Colbert County, Alabama.
The violations listed in the Order consist of: Lee Roy Cosbie operated in a manner that violated the state regulations in relation to open burning.
The Department is proposing a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000.00. The order, if issued, would require Lee Roy Cosbie to comply with all applicable requirements of ADEM Administrative Code div. 335-3 immediately upon the effective date of this Order and continuing each and every day thereafter.
Interested persons may submit written comments, including request for a hearing, within 30 days of the publication date of this notice, to:
Alabama Department of Environmental Management Attention: Ronald W. Gore Chief of the Air Division P.O. Box 301463 Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463
The comment period shall end at the close of business 30 days from the publication date of this notice. A copy of the proposed order is available on the ADEM web page at http://www.alabama.gov/compInfo/adminOrders.cnt or may be obtained by written request to the above address. A nominal fee for copying may be charged.
This notice is hereby given this 14th day of October, 2022, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
While this is good, air quality is not miraculously improved by such legal edict. Is there a civil suit in the works? We will have more on that as it becomes available.
The fire off Underwood Mountain Road has been burning since June and has consumed almost five acres. At least six volunteer fire departments have joined efforts to douse the blaze, using thousands of gallons of water. Four months later the fire still burns.
What does above air quality reading mean?
In July, it was discovered that even more brush had been added to the conflagration. Where did it come from? Who was, and perhaps still is, working against the county's efforts to control the fire that has brought air quality to an all time low?
As to who would dump such copious amounts of tree debris, we would naturally assume a professional tree service. Have such trucks been seen in the area? We're told they make nightly trips to dump more fuel on the fire.
We're also told a local utility employs this tree service to maintain safe rights-of-way. Would this local city utility be ultimately responsible for the fire?
If you visit YouTube at all, by now you've seen Florence Mayor Andy Betterton in a public service announcement to promote COVID-19 vaccinations. This is a good thing, and we commend our mayor for taking the time to do this.
Now we have a crisis at Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services on which Betterton has so far refused to act. Let's look back to the administration of Mayor Steve Holt.
While Mayor Holt supported the shelter in many ways, one of his most valued programs was the monthly visit in which he posed for photos to promote animal adoption. Mayor Betterton? By our count, he's visited the shelter a total of two times since his election. We have to believe the support Holt received from shelter workers and animal welfare workers plays a large part in Betterton's disdain for the animal haven.
There are currently two shelter issues which Betterton is now avoiding; however, the current census of confiscated animals is the most pressing. These dogs cannot be adopted out due to the court case. This may take years. No, the shelter needs immediately to place unencumbered animals in public foster care.
Many of us have put this issue before the public, but both animal welfare work and political blogging can be an insular world. We need a public announcement on YouTube and Facebook in order to reach more potential saviors for these dogs.
We would like to see local celebrities volunteer to make a short public service announcement. Note the word "volunteer" in the previous sentence. As for Mayor Andy Betterton, this should be a duty...a duty as yet unfulfilled.
Monday night's tragic crash on Hawk Pride Mountain Road may not be producing as much buzz as Casey and Vicky's flight north, but it's certainly coming close. Readers have sent us both comments and questions. One query several readers wanted answered was how dangerous is the stretch of road south of Tuscumbia?
Above is a map that shows a slightly winding road. Certainly drivers would need to take caution. Others have asked was it dark? At 8:15 it certainly would have been; sunset would have been at approximately 6:30.
The three most pertinent questions may not be that easy to answer. What was Tuscumbia officer Jay Steward doing on the rural road? While we don't know the answer, we do know it's been reported that he serves as a day shift supervisor, so reports of his being off duty appear to be correct.
Toxicology? We don't expect that to be made public at this time, and our sources have not heard any specifics. We do know that what some responders thought was alcohol could possibly have been the two bottles of hand sanitizer that the officer kept in his car.
Speed? That one is problematic. Our source says the vehicle's Event Data Recorder indicates a speed of 75 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Finally, there's no word on Officer Steward's condition. We wish him the best.
During the recent primary, a government sponsored organization in Rogersville published campaign material for one candidate. A spokesperson for the group denied knowing this was quite an ethics breach.
At that time, many supporters of the organization openly disparaged this blog for even commenting on the infraction against state ethics laws. One lovely Rogersville lady wrote that she had never heard of our blog, but that she found it scary that we had 12,000 followers. If she's reading this, we'd like her to know that around nine o'clock this morning, we hit 13K.
Jay Scott Steward is a 34 year-old Phil Campbell native, currently employed at the Tuscumbia Police Department. He's previously worked for the City of Decatur and Colbert County. Last night at approximately 8:15, he was involved in a fatal accident just south of Tuscumbia on Hawk Pride Mountain.
Due to an officer being involved, ALEA is handling the investigation into the wreck that took the life of 60 year-old Terry Hinton, a pedestrian who was reportedly retrieving his post. It may be days before even the initial report on the tragedy.
A source (one whom we trust and greatly respect) has provided us with some major details of the accident; however, since they are not official, we will not report all the information we have been given. We can say that Steward was off duty when the accident happened, but was driving a city cruiser. We will also add, knowing that many of our readers are greatly upset over these events, that it's our belief this incident will be turned over to a Colbert County grand jury.
Many have asked us why we asked for prayers for Tuscumbia Chief Tony Logan. Tony is also someone we admire for his dedication to law enforcement. He now has to face a problem that no chief should have to negotiate. He has offered immediate transparency, and we cannot say how highly we respect him for it. Please continue to pray for Tony and the Hinton family.
We hope by now that you know what our junior senator recently more than implied at a Trump rally - black people commit all the crimes. How about Kanye? How does killing some or all Jewish people sound?
While Alabamians go homeless and jobless, Tommy was sidetracked to Nevada. There he lumped all Democrats together. Think all Republicans should be placed in the same slot? All Independents?
We don't think Tommy scored any points where he needed them. This is why Alabama is near the bottom in almost every pertinent category. We don't see us rising up the ranks with Tommy as our soon to be senior senator.
Now, while it's painful, let's look at Kanye. He recently appeared on Tucker Carlson where he was called something akin to a Christian leader. I'll pause while the genteel among our readers get the emesis basin.
We don't know what planet Carlson is from, but little of West's behavior is ever Christian. At least he has a mental disorder while Tommy has no excuses. No Christian wants to kill Jews or any other group simply based on their being of a different ethnicity.
Now is the time to make some noise. Tell Tommy he needs to shove it and tell Carlson he needs to stop glorifying people like Kanye.
We have an emergency in Lauderdale County. Unfortunately, it's one that Bruce Banner Bulldog isn't able to handle. He's leaving it up to you.
The Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter is overwhelmed. Confiscated dogs and puppies are everywhere, and the shelter needs everything. Some of these dogs are injured or have previous problems due to some subhuman(s) whose idol is obviously Michael Vick. In other words, it's not their fault that they're where they are now.
From a post by Mark Simpson:
There has been a major event with the animal shelter (over 60 dogs from one location)and they are desperately in need of food. I am working with them to get the word out and we will also be a drop-off location at our Killen location and the wrecker service in Florence.
Simpson's Collision Repair
401 Highway 72
Killen, AL 35645
and
Simpson's Wrecker Service
835 Rickwood Road
Florence, AL 35630
We need dog food, especially canned wet and treats such as busy bones for large dogs. Dry food we ask for no dyes just brown colored food. People can also drop off 8-5 7 days a week at the Florence Lauderdale Animal Services at 3240 Roberson rd Florence 35630. They can leave at door. Also having items shipped via Amazon etc is an option.
(Everyone remember Mr. Simpson's kindness when in need of wrecker services!)
For now, we have two rebuttals to recent reader critiques of the two candidates for Colbert County Sheriff...
Sheriff Frank Williamson: It would appear that the lawsuits presented to show Williamson's incompetence only show how underfunded is the department. He can't hire proficient deputies on the salary the county currently pays. Any sheriff will face these lawsuits under these conditions. Keeping Frank in office is the best way to bring this department up to snuff. He's performed some miracles already, so let him keep the job he's earned.
Officer Eric Balentine: Attached is a document that answers the questions concerning Eric's supposed police brutality -
As the election draws nearer, we'll publish more material if warranted.
1. In November 2011, Graham shot an unarmed man on property belonging to Graham's father.
2. Graham was eventually indicted for Felony Murder; in 2015, a jury convicted him of First Degree Manslaughter with enhanced sentencing due to the use of a gun.
3. While Graham could have been sentenced to up to 20 years, the morbidly obese Red Bay man was sentenced to only two actual years to serve.
4. Once in prison, Graham never left the infirmary due to his many alleged medical conditions.
5. The ADOC suggested sending Graham home to die, and a Franklin County judge approved the move with the condition if Graham didn't die within a set time frame, he would return to prison to finish the eight months remaining on his sentence.
6. Graham returned to Red Bay in August 2016. Supposedly under intense supervision, he began to roam Franklin County freely. It's now almost 2020, and the murderer of David Andrasik is still very much alive and still very much free.
Graham, who reportedly died earlier today, lived slightly over six years after being sent home to die. Was justice served?
Whatever justice Red Bay's answer to Vladimir Putin may have earned, we have no doubt that he's now receiving it.
Ideally, outdoor music venues are situated away from residential areas. Before you place McFarland Park in that niche, think again without being county-centric. Perhaps there are extremely few Lauderdale County homes within close range to the City of Florence park, but there are many very close just across the river. These home owners don't like music festivals or Fourth of July celebrations courtesy of the Lauderdale County seat.
While we're sure some just grit their teeth as they insert their earplugs and hand out Xanax to their companion animals, others have told us just what they think. One of these others is our own J. Redmon:
Have you ever been subjected to a Shoals Fest concert from the Sheffield side of the river? Everything echos off LEW school. It's AWFUL... especially at night. As far as the ridiculous noise levels, everyone after 9pm.
and...
My dad said the 'noise' from McFarland Park was so loud today it was rattling the windows and he couldn't hear his TV church service.
and...
10:05pm on SUNDAY NIGHT and the concerts are STILL GOING!!!! What noise curfew ordinance is Florence abiding by?
and (pardon the language)...
Per Florence PD, the concert goes until 11PM! On a Sunday night! Whoever approved the schedule is an ASSHOLE! Tell them J. Redmon said so!
Our take? Where's Dick Jordan when you really need him?
We live in a lawsuit happy time. Our part one on the sheriff's race was obviously proof of that. Now we look at an incident from 2012 that centers on Eric Balentine:
Balentine's detractors have also published lesser anecdotal incidents which they feel are problematic. We believe this is the most pertinent in their list of allegations against the candidate.
Of our current bloggers, we count three who are residents of Colbert County. One has endorsed Balentine, while the other two have not commented. We plan to make no endorsement in this particular election, but will be happy to publish any additional information or rebuttal between now and the election.
Think it's not a Halloween graphic? It looks pretty scary to us!
Some facts about "Bloodstained Men" coming to Muscle Shoals on Friday at 10:00 a.m.:
1. Group (usually includes six men) has been previously arrested in Mobile and Tuscaloosa for disturbing the peace or lewd behavior. (Their signs include language not permitted in this blog.)
2. The group's leader calls himself "Brother K," while one member legally changed his name to "Moe Love." We predict uncircumcised males in the US will usually get less love due to problems with STIs.
3. Group disses their mothers and mothers in general.
4. Group advocates removal of religion from our society.
5. Group seeks large class-action lawsuits against physicians, mainly pediatricians whom they accuse of malpractice.
6. Group's standard m.o. is to harass motorists at large intersections, even when told they're scaring small children.
The group will be in Muscle Shoals for only two hours on Friday before heading to Huntsville with their dubious message. We suggest avoiding the Avalon Avenue/Woodward Avenue intersection between 10:00 a.m. and Noon on Friday. If you can't avoid this area, a water gun filled with ammonia should keep them from your vehicle and children.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
%20Facebook%20-%20www.facebook.com.png)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
