A Law Enforcement Officer Speaks on Conduct

 

I write this article from the viewpoint of a former LEO and in light of recent events that a local LE agency has been forced to address.


There are few careers in which immediate and lasting impacts on society can be made. A few notable examples are those of law enforcement, education, and the medical field. Others are those of firemen, EMT, and the military. It was from these ranks that the heroes of my generation came.


When I was an LEO I took great pride in my job and the fact that my community had placed its faith and trust in me. I was also keenly aware that my actions, on duty and off, had a direct impact on my department, my fellow officers, my community, and my family.


This is something that some law enforcement officers today seem to have forgotten or have difficulty remembering. Some officers think wearing a badge and gun and driving a patrol car somehow makes them 'cool'. Wearing a badge is an honor and huge responsibility. It isn't a 'license' to bully, break traffic laws, or act like a total jerk.


For the few (thankfully) officers that abuse their position; your actions mean your fellow officers must work harder at an already difficult job. If you're not wearing a badge to help your community it's best for everyone that you look for a different career.


As always,

*****

This is Flop. Have you ever seen anything more beautiful in your life? He's a 4 month-old Great Pyrenees mix just waiting to meet you at the Florence shelter in the industrial park on Roberson Road:

Two More Days of $25 Adoptions

 

There's only two days left in this month. That means two days to take advantage of the $25.00 adoption fees at the Florence Lauderdale Animal Services.

Our personal favorite is Grover. Just look at that happy boy. He's been at the shelter entirely too long. Doesn't he deserve the home that only you can give?

Remember, it's not just dogs. Cats are also marked down...ahem. Don't you need a pair?

Here's a map to the shelter if you need it:

Roger Keith Pitts: 30 Years Later

 

If you're not familiar with Roger Keith Pitts, here's a blog from ten years ago: Roger Keith Pitts: 20 Years Later.

Has Pitts, now well into his middle years, aged out of crime? Hardly. On July 29th, Florence Police charged Pitts with:

* Narcotics Violation

* Shoplifting

* Burglary

For the Taylor family's sake, we hope they throw the book at him, but they never do.

*****

This is Dottie (Yes, really). She's 18 months old and a Dalmatian mix. You can adopt Dottie at the Florence Shelter on Roberson Road off Chisholm:

Why Did Bill Jordan End the Florence Swim Team?

 

We don't remember a time when Florence didn't have a swim team. It may not have had an otter mascot of a slick acronym, but it was extant and it was very competitive. Here's a mention of the team from May 7, 1961:

We know that the team goes back farther than 62 years, but sadly it's being ended by current Parks & Recreation head Bill Jordan (son of City Council President Dick Jordan). Yes, things change, but we see no reason for B. Jordan to drop the swim team. What will be next?

We're attempting to get more information, but for now here is a letter published by the current coach:

You May Click to Enlarge

*****

This is Isla. She's part Australian Shepherd and all love. At seven months, she has her entire life ahead of her and wants to spend it with you. Adopt Isla at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road off Chisholm:

NWSCC & Lumina - Part II

 

On the surface, it sounds great that NWSCC was one of ten recipients of branding grants given away by the Lumina Foundation in 2022. Yet what is Lumina? According to its website: Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all.

That certainly sounds commendable, but what else does its website say? Not very much; you still won't know what Lumina is by simply looking at its website. Plus, what does branding have to do with helping students beyond the high school level?

What does better branding do? It can, in some instances, cause a young person to look more deeply at a college site. Rather similar to cigarette and beer packaging, isn't it? Lure the customers in and all that.

But are students customers? Let's see if Wikipedia tells us anything more about Lumina. It seems Lumina was formed initially in 2000 from funds resulting from the sale of USA Group to what's commonly called Sallie Mae, a student loan marketing group.

At this time Lumina claims that its main thrust is to assure 60% of new high school graduates seek a college or comparable education by 2025. Is this totally altruistic?

Not only has Lumina been accused of promoting student loans, some say it also promotes leftist organizations including  Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Community Partners, the SEIU 1199 Training and Upgrading Fund, the Century Foundation, Demos, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, the Center for American Progress (CAP), the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Brookings Institution, Business Roundtable, Center for Law and Social Policy, and the New Venture Fund (NVF).

We are not sure the "leftist" organizations listed are even mildly reprehensible. We are sure that first time students enrolling in community colleges are likely customers for those who "sell" student loans. More students, more money to be made from loans.

It would be interesting to know if Lumina has provided grants to other local colleges/universities and its involvement with them. Read: Influence.

*****

This is Phantom. He's five months old and his breed isn't specified, but we suspect Lab mix. Whatever his lineage, he's adorable. You can adopt Phantom at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

NWSCC & Lumina - Part I

 

Several days ago, an employee of Northwest Shoals Community College contacted us about that institution's new logo and name. We found the change odd and did a short blog at the employee's request, mainly using the information sent in the e-mail. 

Due to complaints about the blog, we took another look at the situation and want to clarify the grant in question, plus bring Lumina's game plan to light. It may be simply good business, but it is nonetheless business.

1. One Nashville reader was highly critical of our even mentioning the small name change. Yet if you look at the press release, marketing director Trent Randolph devotes an entire paragraph to the change and why it took place. Since about 90% of our commenters couldn't even discern the change, we're not sure it will accomplish a more unified student body, but it is interesting to note that administration feels a lack of camaraderie between the campuses.

2. While the Lumina grant in question was for 100K, the community college probably didn't pay the entire amount to the public relations company. We find several instances of institutions mentioning payments totaling 50K to Rickabaugh Graphics; therefore, it's doubtful that NWSCC paid more.

3. How much for actually completing the change over? The press release said the changes would be completed as money became available, so it's safe to assume this is where the remaining 50K in grant money is going/has gone.

4. The actual grant? It was not taxpayer funded, but a gift from a foundation, Lumina, which gave ten such grants last year. Before you think that was a wonderfully altruistic act by Lumina, you need to discover what Lumina actually is...

Tomorrow: What is Lumina?

*****

This is Merrick. He's a five month-old Lab mix with a long life of love and companionship to offer. You can adopt Merrick or one of his litter mates at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road:

Why Does a Loony Anabaptist Control the State Republican Party?

 

John Wahl is an Athens native, a butterfly farmer, and the head of the Alabama Republican Party. He recently condemned a poll placing this state as tied with South Carolina for the fourth worst state in which to live and work (based on four areas). In fact, Wahl openly stated he would like Alabama to be at the top of the worst states to live in these areas.

We're not talking about weather, flora and fauna, friendliness, or any concept that might be subjective. We're talking about four...and only four...areas. Two of the areas are crime and health care which everyone should be concerned about.

That's right, John Wahl has said he would like Alabama to be known for the worst healthcare in the nation, as well as have the highest crime rate. How did this man get to be chairman of a party that controls our legislature? Is he on some pretty hard drugs or only brain damaged?

If you'd like to know more about Wahl, you're going to have a difficult time finding out. Even his exact birth date seems to be shrouded in mystery. Apparently his religion, Anabaptist, has a great disdain for many ordinary customs in today's world. He's against anyone, including police, using facial recognition software - it's the mark of the beast. He's basically a Mennonite sans the beard.

On the subject of healthcare, stray readers often ask why we haven't supported expanding Medicaid. This is actually something we've mentioned several times and greatly support. Just don't expect it to happen if John Wahl has anything to say about it.

*****

This is Mendez. He's mainly Australian Cattle Dog and a lotta love. He's a mere six months old and ready to come organize both your livestock and your home. You can visit with Mendez at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road:

Northwest-Shoals Community College Changes Name

 

In case you haven't heard, Northwest-Shoals Community College changed its name recently. It's now Northwest Shoals Community College. The old logo is above; the new is below:

The cost of this breathtaking makeover? $100,000.00. At least that's the amount paid to Rickabaugh Graphics. Before you start cursing the emperor's new tailors, the 100K was in the form of grant money.

The cost to replace the logos on everything? Unknown...now you can curse. In case you're wondering why the hyphen was removed - it makes the campuses feel closer to each other. We don't make this stuff up, folks.

*****

This is a photo of Gracie and Natalia. They're female Lab mixes slightly over one year old. No, you don't have to adopt together unless you're desperate for both. Of course, the sister act is super cute. You can see them at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Sheffield Mayor/Council Doesn't Use E-Mail?

 

After a recent blog on the lack of action of City of Sheffield government, we had several comments on attendance of citizens at the bi-monthly council meetings. These meetings are the first and third Mondays in the month, but are not widely advertised.

Many have told us they cannot attend due to work, health, transportation, etc. We understand this. Our idea was to compose a basic e-mail that could be adapted by individual citizens to meet their needs/inquiries. Good idea?

Several were not aware that the "Contact Me" in blue on the council web site was a link to the office holders' e-mails. Yes, this will take you directly to a G-Mail form where you can send your message to the various officials.

Tell us what you want to speak to your elected officials about and we'll incorporate these concerns into an all purpose message that you can copy and send. Then say a prayer that these officials will listen.

Current City of Sheffield page: City Officials

*****

This is Adaine. She's a year old Australian Cattle Dog mix and eager to join your family. You can adopt Adaine at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road in the industrial park:

Does Robert Aderholt Even Know Where We Are?

 

Assuming the newly adopted Congressional district maps are approved (our money is on the maps being tossed), all of the Florence area will be together and in the same district as Colbert, Franklin, and Marion. This is good. Other aspects of the map are hardly good. Welcome to Alabama.

We should find out in mid-August if the districts will be re-drawn still another time. There is a simple solution: Don't pay our legislators until an acceptable map is agreed upon. Unfortunately, it may be too late, and the courts may now take over this assignment.

In any event, it appears the Shoals will still be stuck with Robert Aderholt as our U.S. representative. In other words, Alabama now has little clout in Congress, and the Shoals has even less.

*****

This is Clayton. He's an eight year-old Boxer mix currently at the FLAS waiting for his own home. Please go take a look at this beautiful dog at the shelter in the industrial park:

Explain the Muscle Shoals BOE's Logic...and Math

 

In 2019, the Easter Seals Foundation was selling its vacated building on Avalon Avenue. The charity offered to sell to Muscle Shoals City Schools, which turned it down. The property was then purchased by two local developers for $857,250.00.

The developers then removed the asbestos from the building and razed the structure. We're sure this wasn't cheap, but we sincerely doubt the cost even approached 1.5 million.

The developers then placed the property on the market. Guess who purchased it?

Yes, the Muscle Shoals BOE paid $2,400,000.00 for the property it had refused to buy just four years before. Supt. Chad OG Holden stated: We couldn't afford to pass it up. 

One of our readers has asked where the Muscle Shoals OG studied math...

*****

This is Kennedy. He's eight months old, and we'll just say a Heinz. You can find Kennedy at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Shoals Fest? ShoalsFest? Who's on Third?

 

We've certainly had the comments, both public and private, about the "ShoalsFest Presents" concert coming to Huntsville. Here's what we've found out:

1. There is no ShoalsFest registered in either Alabama or Tennessee.

2. There is a Shoals Fest registered in Tennessee. It has three members and the authorized agent is a Lillian Williams, a partner in a firm that engages in business promotion. Unlike Alabama, Tennessee doesn't list individual members, but we may assume that Mr. Isbell is one.

3. Just an aside, but Ms. Williams calls herself "LilSpicee." Since this is an opinion site, we'll inject ours here. It's difficult enough for women to make it in the business world without sexually suggestive names being attached to them. Unless those you're trying to impress have the IQ of Kardashian fans, we suggest something a great deal more professional.

4. Could someone register the name ShoalsFest in Alabama or Tennessee? We asked a legal eagle friend who said it would be possible for a festival not involving music (wine tasting?), but could fail with another music festival. At best it might produce a lawsuit from Shoals Fest LLC.

5. Did noise complaints cause Isbell to "take a year off" from McFarland? That we don't know, but since it isn't easy to stage a concert of the size being presented, we can see Jason being disappointed in the amount of criticism from nearby residents. We also see the residents' point of view, and wish Mayor Betterton had attempted to find a better location for the festival.

6. What is the real reason this Huntsville gig is using "ShoalsFest Presents?" We'll speculate that it's purely financial. Since it is NOT a copyright/trademark necessity, the main aim would seem to be to bring funds into the Shoals Fest LLC bank account. Perhaps a new company should be formed...say Green Hill Hootenanny? (For the humor impaired, that was a joke.)

We featured Jason Isbell's version of Refugee at the blog intro. It's actually better than Tom Petty's and is on our YouTube personal playlist.

*****

This is Luke B (we call animal cruelty!). He's a four year-old Lab mix in need of a new home and a new name. You can make him yours at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

A Sheffield Audit in Progress?

 

First, who pays taxes in Sheffield? Anyone owning property in Sheffield and anyone making a purchase in Sheffield usually pay taxes. You have a right to know where this money goes.

After one reader suggested an audit of the town, another regular commenter has stated there is currently one in progress. We look forward to learning more about this; however, at this point we believe only one of our regular bloggers resides in that Colbert County town. In other words, while we're happy to expose malfeasance here, there is a limit as to what we can do.

We realize that there's only so much elected officials in Sheffield are able to say about numerous lawsuits now in progress, but we see no impediment to a statement concerning the status of Inspiration Landing. Has there been any work done on this property in the past year, property now belonging to John Elkington, that has been paid for by anyone other than the City of Sheffield?

*****

This is Anne. She's a Golden Retriever mix just under two years old. She promises to love you forever is you'll visit the Florence Shelter to adopt her:

City of Sheffield: Something Good/Something Evil

 

Today we received two publishing requests almost simultaneously. One was to say "something good" about Sheffield and the other was to relate an opinion that wasn't so good.

First the good: A 14 year veteran of the Sheffield Police Department has been promoted to captain. Chris Tate is pictured below. We hope all our readers will congratulate Capt. Tate:

Now the not so good. The following essay is from Sheffield citizen Mark Daily. He asked that he be credited as the author:

Perhaps I may have overlooked the latest happenings in town, but it's strikingly quiet except for the jolt I experience whenever I encounter that specific pothole on Jackson Highway. There are two major issues looming over Sheffield, and the lack of communication from city hall leaves me uncertain. 

Let's address the unpleasant matter first. Have you recently driven through Barton? Perhaps the odor has improved, but the county's waste problem continues to worsen. In my line of work, when projects veer off course to this extent, we hold regular meetings and ensure accountability updates. Has anyone received any substantial updates regarding the landfill situation? I'm referring to real updates, not recycled trivial information. 

Speaking of projects, when I draft contracts, I usually incorporate performance clauses. In the case of our illustrious road to nowhere, also known as Inspiration Landing, when will we invoke the penalty phase? Money is flowing out, but nothing is coming in. The most recent statement from city hall attempted to justify demolishing the old recycling business building as a catalyst for progress at the landing. The taxpayers footed the bill for its removal. 

Yet, we are now back to complete silence. At some point, taxpayers deserve either action or accountability. City leadership should publicly disclose contracts and cash flow without needing a formal request for information. Eventually, the citizens of Sheffield will have to hold their leaders accountable if they can't ensure the same for these so-called out-of-town investors and speculators. 

It's peculiar that I can't even drive along our main road in Sheffield without risking damage to my vehicle, while a beautifully paved road sits waiting for nature to overtake it with grass. If we were in need of a picturesque road to travel, we should have considered investing in our existing infrastructure. If we wish to attribute our missteps to past leadership, so be it. However, the current administration must eventually take charge and guide us towards success. It could begin with a public announcement detailing the true state of affairs.

*****

This beautiful girl is Kate. Her breed info simply says that she's a "dog." Who woulda thunk it? She's around one year old and seeking her new home. You can see Kate at the shelter on Roberson Road just off Chisholm in Florence:

ShoalsFest 2023 to be Held in Huntsville

 

What better way to salute the Shoals than to present a concert in Huntsville? We hear that Florence mayor Andy Betterton has had a large part in banishing this annual concert. While not intentional, Betterton seems to have this effect on people.

Vote in August 2025! You know whom to send packing!

Don't Most Robbers Wear Masks? Pictured is Andy in Full Cult Mode:

A Word for Muscle Shoals on Workplace Violence

 

Above is a list of abusive coaching behavior compiled by expert attorneys. The list refers to those being coached (usually students), but we understand a Muscle Shoals coach has had recent confrontations with two city/school employees in addition to conflicts previously mentioned here.

We've asked our own expert to comment and here's the bottom line:

We have not seen any public action or discussion in the city council meetings on workplace violence policies. It seems the city council is wading into a violence in the workplace protection liability. If I were a city employee and was harassed and attacked on the job, I would be filing charges against the city and the thugs that are attacking employees and women.

Are any of the council members going to speak out and protect the citizens and the employees from any parent - or school employee - that clearly have anger issues they cannot control?

That coach doesn't only speak volumes of his own morals - but what about parents that would entrust their children to such a volatile and aggressive person who doesn't respect the rules and laws? If that coach does it to someone in public - imagine what happens behind closed doors.

*****

This is Curusoe. He's just under two years old and patiently waiting for a new home. What breed is Curusoe? That's not yet determined, but we bet it doesn't hinder him from passionate face licks. You can adopt this beautiful boy at the Florence Shelter in the industrial park:

Will Dismukes Throws Father under the Bus - Part III

 

Will Dismukes and ALFA - two entities without either morals or a conscience - had parted ways. The struggling Alabama representative was now working for a private flooring company and presumably not making the fortune he thought he was worth. Then he came up with a plan.

Dismukes ensured his father got jobs with the flooring concern and that checks for an over-billed number of hours were made out to "William Dismukes," a name he and the elder Dismukes shared. Will then cashed the checks, paid his father the correct amount, and pocketed the rest.

It didn't take long for the flooring company to get wise to Will's ruse. When confronted, he did what any scalawag would do - he blamed his father for the theft. Don't you just love these ALFA people?

When indicted and arrested, Will chose to plead not guilty. There was a much postponed trial at which the elder Dismukes was forced to testify. After Bill Dismukes' testimony and a subsequent guilty verdict, both Will and his latest wife Carol visited the older man and harangued and cursed him for not lying to save his son. Bill Dismukes wrote a letter to his daughters and killed himself the next day.

On Monday, July 17th, William Dismukes III will be sentenced. His three sisters are hoping for the maximum of 20 years.

*****

This is Baxley. She's a Lab mix and just under two years old. You can adopt Baxley at the Florence Shelter in the industrial park on Roberson Road:

Will Dismukes: A Son of Confederate Veterans - Part II

 

Now that William Dismukes III was running for a seat in the U.S. Congress, he needed money more than ever. Contributions weren't exactly pouring in, but Will was still betting on his MAGA charisma to see him through. Then the erstwhile golden boy was branded a racist.

Dismukes was publicly connected to a local chapter of Sons of Confederate Veterans. Many have been quick to brand the group as racist and subversive, yet its rolls have included the likes of Harry Truman, Pat Buchanan, and Clint Eastwood. We do wonder why the Sons of Union Veterans is never mentioned. Both groups have often worked in tandem to promote war memorials and knowledge of the conflict that split the nation.

That being said, the naming of a Montgomery chapter after Nathan Bedford Forrest was neither the best political nor moral move. Also problematic was Dismukes serving as chaplain for a meeting held at the same time as a memorial service for civil rights icon John Lewis. In short, Will's followers began to desert his campaign, and he was forced to end his quest for Congress due to a lack of funds.

Will had by this time also left ALFA. While a smart move, we doubt that Dismukes was concerned by ALFA's own moral deficiencies. His wife? She at first remained with ALFA, but ditched her falling star of a lawfully wedded husband. 

Dismukes' own behavior became more and more erratic. The sometime Baptist preacher had left his small church, but picked up more baggage during his dramatic fall from political grace. 

Will quickly married a woman named Carol Rhye and fathered still another child:

To be continued...

*****

This is Officer Riddick. Officer? Yes, he appears to be a high muckety muck in the Order of Anatolian Shepherds. He's only one year old and looking for love. You can meet Riddick at the Florence Shelter in the industrial park: