Muscle Shoals Has Given Thousands of Dollars..

 

...to recruit new businesses. From fast food joints to factories, the City of Muscle Shoals has given almost limitless incentives to recruit new business. 

From a TimesDaily article:

City officials in Muscle Shoals have jumped into the game, recently giving away about $1 million in incentives to regional and national retailers picking the growing city for their next location.

Incentives package

Since 2013, the Muscle Shoals City Council has approved the return of up to $950,000 in sales tax collections and about $50,000 in site improvements. The incentives were offered to four developers through a 50-50 sharing of the city’s municipal sales tax collections generated by approved businesses.

The idea is these companies, with their branding power, will draw new consumers to the city, and new money into the city’s coffers. The sales tax revenues generated help offset the incentives offered, according to officials.

Mayor David Bradford said in putting together the redevelopment plan for the Woodward Avenue area of Muscle Shoals, city leaders pulled pieces from several different but similar incentives plans to come up with a formula he thinks works for Muscle Shoals.

The plan requires $1 million in annual sales, a business history and employment projections. The incentives plan is capped at $250,000, or five years of rebates, whichever happens first.

This is done to make sure the city is getting more than it is giving in these deals, Bradford said.

Muscle Shoals also requires any retail business that asks for a tax break must be a nationally known company. Mom-and-pop businesses are left out because they can’t showcase successes in other markets.

“Each of these is looked at individually,” Bradford said. “It seems to be working, but they are considered by the (city) council on a case-by-case basis.”

How about keeping the old? It's always been apparent that Aronov Realty is reluctant to invest new money in old property. According to the City, the Montgomery real estate firm has "repaired" the SouthGate water line 19 times; each time has proved a failure.

We're not sure how many established businesses are in SouthGate Mall at this time, but we know Tractor Supply and Burke's are big money makers. We believe there is also some sort of Bank Independent office in the complex. Aren't these current businesses worth anything to Muscle Shoals?

Yes, it IS Aronov's responsibility; however, if that company will NOT act, the city needs to do something. We understand that this is a situation Mayor Mike Lockhart has been aware of for some time, yet he's done nothing.

Whatcha doing, Mikey? Playing ball with Balacky while your city rots?

*****

This is Weevil. He's around seven months old and a mixed breed. You can adopt this nosey little fella at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

SouthGate Mall Closed & Aronov Fiddles

 

You've probably seen the name Aronov Realty on signs around Alabama. It's a Montgomery real estate company founded in 1952 and is the current owner of SouthGate Mall built in 1968. That makes the property 55 years old...or a few gazillion in retail years.

The north side of the mall where Rogers' once ruled has been vacant for years, but the other sides of the mall house stores with added outside entrances. After a shooting there approximately two years ago, the TimesDaily referred to the property as the old SouthGate Mall and that title seemed to stick in other news stories around the state. We doubt that Aronov was happy with that appellation. 

If you read any social media posts, you know that Tractor Supply and Burke's are the main draws of the mall itself. Now all the stores have abruptly been closed by the Muscle Shoals Fire Department. (Yes, ladies, you'll now have to drive to Russellville to get that heavily discounted designer lingerie.)

Why has the MSFD closed SouthGate? It says the water main no longer works; therefore, the sprinklers don't work, making it a fire hazard. What will Aronov do now? Perhaps more importantly, what will the tenants do now? How about the employees? 

How long has this situation gone on with no one attempting to find a solution? It would seem to be totally up to Aronov Realty to correct these problems. The company recently sold the Fairfield Mall to a Florida developer. If that happens here, don't be surprised.

*****

Russellville High School is a Real Winner!

 

U.S. News & World Reports has just published its list of top 25 public high schools in the state. Coming in at Number 18 was Russellville, the only local school to make the list.

Such rankings are never 100% objective; however, these accolades are not given at random. Congratulations to Russellville High School!

*****

This is Asha. She's a three year-old Siberian Huskey mix looking to move up in life. You can meet Asha at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road in the industrial park:

Here's a Banned Book for You

 

It's possible to read something sinister or "dirty" into almost anything. Looking at a book labeled controversial by one Alabama committee made us laugh and also made us think of one of our longtime bad boys. 

A few years ago, a young man from a good family was in trouble during his parole from a second stint in prison. When we wrote about him, his friend responded that all our bloggers were jealous of him because he was such a great softball player and we weren't. 

We can't speak for all our bloggers, but Shoalanda herself is an utterly rotten softball player. We've never been that concerned since we do more cerebral things quite well. That's what we've always tried to instill in any young students we've mentored. And our young felon? He's currently appearing down south for the third time. Maybe his penal institution has a softball team?

That brings us to a book someone in Prattville wants banned. They inferred it had to do with gender. We don't see that, but we do see a great story to encourage kids who have failed at one thing to keep trying until they find their niche.

Here's Red: A Crayon's Story

Is Lauderdale County Commission Worthless?

 

A reader has asked us about the Lauderdale County Commission:

I've been hearing complaints about poor quality road work on some county roads in eastern Lauderdale County. Seems they are turning paved roads into gravel roads. Is it a stretch to say that County Commissioners uninvesting in infrastructure could be seen as an act of defiance against the American people? Is that how the new Civil War may play out? Our local elected officials, all Republican, have purposely downgraded tax-paying citizens' quality of life (turning paved roads into gravel roads) while working toward their own self-interest agenda (paving roads to their own property). To me, that seems like an act of war. We need new members on the County Commission in a bad way. When a local Water Board states that customers must fill out an application and be accepted before getting water service - could that also be seen as an act of the new Civil War?

We've been hearing about preferential treatment for some time. How do they get away with it? Because injured and neglected citizens don't call them out.

*****

This is Gracie. She's a two year-old Doberman mix and, guess what, she's available for adoption at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road:

Why Do Local Governments Fail to Support Animal Welfare?

 

From a Reader:

I’ve always noticed you include adoptable pets at the bottom of most all of your posting. That is why I’m writing to share my story, with the hope that it will reach a broad audience.

Last week while driving to work I passed what appeared to be three puppies abandoned on the side of the road. I wasn’t able to stop at that time. However, the next day I was on the road, there sat the same puppies. I stopped and was able to catch two. I took them to my vet. There they received an exam, puppy shots, dewormed, flea & tick treatment. All of this I agreed to pay for.

My wife and I spent the next couple days visiting the site hope to catch the third puppy, which we eventually did. We took him to our vet and he was treated. Again, I agreed to cover the cost.

I asked the vet to assist with locating either a rescue group or shelter where the puppies could be placed for adoption. Keeping the puppies myself was not an option. Employees at the vet have been making calls and trying to find a place for the three puppies. As you are aware our local shelters and rescue groups are slammed with abandoned and abused pets. So far the pups are still at the vet’s office.

Now I am being told by the vet that since I picked up the puppies and brought them in, they are now my responsibility. Again, I had no problem covering their initial treatment and even a few days boarding until a place was found for them. However, I can’t afford to keep covering their boarding fees indefinitely at $40 a day. With the initial treatment and boarding, the bill is already several hundred dollars. I guess good intentions don’t come with a discount.

Apparently the old saying, ”No good deed goes unpunished” applies here.

Our local government needs to step up and provide the support our local shelters need. It’s a shame that the shelters have to rely on donation to maintain their operations. The state Veterinary Association needs to stop creating roadblocks to the creation on more low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Until there are severe consequences for abandoning or abusing animals and something is done about the irresponsible breeders the problem will continue.

While I would do it all again to save the pups beside the road, it certainly causes pause to getting involved again.

*****

We're happy to report that all three of our reader's rescues have now been placed. A major part of the problem are county residents who face no consequences of random breeding and abandonment. A lack of caring city governments is a close second to the situation faced in Northwest Alabama. 

Let your county commissions and city councils know you expect better!

Sheffield Voters Will Remember at Next Municipal Elections

 

What, EXACTLY, does Sheffield's Street Department DO?


They don't fix pot holes. But they ARE keeping tire dealers and allignment shops in business.


They no longer clear the alleyways of weeds, tree limbs, etc, OR tend the gutters, which are part of the City's ROW. But they ARE helping Lowes and Tractor Supply sell mowers and weed killer.


They also apparently no longer pick up household debris. I'm still searching for the 'UPside' of that one.


As always,

*****

How long will Sheffield government use the problems at a local landfill as an excuse for not picking up household refuse?

How long will Sheffield waste money on Inspiration Landing?

How long will Sheffield cover up infighting in city government over problems with IL?

How long will Mayor Stanley be in office? (Easy answer to that one - no more than two more years.)

Sheffield's New Tourist Attractions

 

Across From Sheffield High School

Autumn...Golden Leaves...Football...Trash At Sheffield Stadium...

Yes, our intrepid urban explorer J.R. has been on another photo shoot. If the pile of refuse adjacent to the high school isn't mind boggling enough, here's a shot of trash on 12th Street:

A Sheffield photo expose' wouldn't be complete without a rogue golf cart, would it? No matter how it's fitted out, this cart is not quite kosher, is it? The operator has apparently spooked the driver of the car driving north on Montgomery Avenue. Let's see if the owner/driver of the cart contacts us with a good excuse...

Hmmm. Did John Elkington and his industrialist friends see these views during their last visit?

*****

This is Shawn. He's a seven month-old Collie/German Shepherd mix who's ready to bust out of the shelter. You can find Shawn at the FLAS on Roberston Road in the industrial park:

Both Abusers Should Get Life!

 

No child should have to suffer what Kaiden Garner did. He was only three years-old when he died from a beating allegedly administered by his father's girlfriend. The father, Blake Townsend, received a life sentence for Child Abuse. Now Townsend's girlfriend has been convicted of Felony Murder. Her sentencing is to be next month, and obviously a life sentence is expected in her case as well.

Both Townsend and his girlfriend Yalrick Pride will be eligible for parole. We don't see that happening for 20 or 30 years, if then. That falls under the category of "not justice," but at least it shows that we as a society are still able to do the right thing.

There is one other thing that we can do to remember Kaiden. This group has been established in his memory:

The Kaiden Garner Project: Child Abuse Prevention Awareness

Let's do all we can to make sure this type of abuse never happens in the Shoals again.

*****

"Progressive School of Excellence"...Say What?!!!

 

Welcome to Acme Widgets. We're the only widget company to feature our 100% synthetic plastic fasteneroid system.

Yes, it's quite true. Acme is the only widget company to feature THEIR cheap plastic fasteners. Every other widget company in the country uses 100% stainless steel fasteners. Yet Acme's advertising blurb sounds really good, doesn't it?

After the recent news stories about the Franklin County Commission continuing a lawsuit in a years long saga of embezzlement, we were asked if the convicted miscreant's husband still worked in the Muscle Shoals School System. When we checked, we discovered the website heading featured above.

Muscle Shoals High School is a "Progressive School of Excellence." Wow! How many schools in the U.S. have won or achieved that "award?" When we googled the term, only two schools claimed that designation. Besides Muscle Shoals High, only Hymns School used that particular title. We would tell you what Hymns School is, but its website is no longer extant, so your guess is as good as ours.

But, hey, it looks good to those snowbirds who may wish to relocate to Northwest Alabama. Remember, this is 2023 where optics count, but substance doesn't.

Just don't think about it too closely or you'll come to the realization that not only did the school create its own header accolade, it doesn't seem to have any real awards that were worthy of incorporating into its title slot. Now excuse us while we jet off to pick up our award for Best Blogspot Blog Featuring an Author with the Word Shoals Incorporated into Her Name...

*****

Speaking of meaningless awards and titles, we recently saw this label on a Walmart Great Value product:

Is Elkington Now Recruiting Industry for Sheffield?

  

The Winkler family owns two Brothers Ice Cream factories - one in California and one in Wisconsin. If the family owns any individual dessert outlets, they're not mentioned in the company's website. 

Last week, Memphis developer John Elkington posted on social media: Recruiting Gary Winkler of California based Brothers Desserts and his sons Josh and Adam to Sheffield. There was no mention of Inspiration Landing in the brief update.

The Winkler family's main factory was established in California around 50 years ago. The Winsconsin factory was purchased in 2020. Would the Winklers have any desire to own a start-up plant in Sheffield?

We hope the Winklers enjoyed their stay in Sheffield. We have no idea what precipitated their visit, but we're not betting the farm that it was to scout locations for a third factory.

We're giving Mr. Elkington an A- for his recruiting efforts. For his actual building accomplishments? We'll be kind and give him a D-.

*****

This is Arvin. He's a year-old German Shepherd mix and ready for adventure with a family of his own. You can find Arvin at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

What Andy Betterton Tells Us about Bullying

 

What's the definition of bully? One who is habitually cruel, insulting, or threatening to others who are weaker, smaller, or in some way vulnerable. 

Why would Florence mayor Andy Betterton support anyone who was a bully? That's a good question, and every citizen of Florence should be concerned about the mayor's behavior.

In the past, Betterton has shied away from controversy. If there's an unpleasant task on the calendar, the Florence mayor has been known to schedule a vacation. Why would Betterton now support a bully, bringing the abuser closer to the heart of city government?

Anyone who keeps up with Florence politics knows that Brian Murphy and David Carson are polar opposites. We don't agree with either of them in their attempts to influence municipal government. At one time, we had both men banned from our Facebook page. 

Yet there is a marked difference between the two activists - Brian W. Murphy is a city employee, one whose salary is paid by the citizens of Florence. For that reason, Murphy should be careful of his actions. Is he? 

No. Murphy has chosen to ridicule and insult Carson. Does Andy Betterton care? It would seem he doesn't. It appears that Betterton supports Murphy's bullying behavior...even rewards it by choosing Murphy to become a department head in the city.

Lest you think David Carson is Murphy's only victim in the bullying department, let's consider his actions concerning former Pope's Tavern director Wayne Higgins. While Murphy was employed at the Rosenbaum Home, he wrote a scathing review of activities at Pope's Tavern under Mr. Higgins' directorship. ("Educating Allies," first published in Garden Spices.)

In an era where young people kill themselves over bullying, is Andy Betterton the example you wish to see run your city?

*****

This is Belinda. She's four months-old and waiting patiently for her new home. Breed isn't specified, but you have to admit she's super cute. You can meet Belinda at the Florence shelter just off Chisholm Road:

Brian Murphy Leaves Historical Commission

 

As of August 1st, political activist/performance artist Brian Murphy officially became head of Florence Arts & Museums Department, replacing Libby Jordan. Some background on Murphy:

Brian Murphy

Murphy has now resigned as head of the Florence Historical Commission in order to avoid any conflict of interest. The New York transplant, as do all department heads, serves at the pleasure of the mayor. In other words, while Mayor Betterton appointed Murphy, the next mayor can replace him. It's sad that Betterton feels ridiculing any Florence citizen is acceptable. August 2025 can't arrive soon enough.

*****

This is Starburst. She's a six month-old Lab mix with the most soulful eyes. She's obviously looking for you. You can adopt Starburst at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Mold at Magnolia Gardens: Is Management Overstepping?

 

Magnolia Gardens is a three building housing complex owned by the Florence Housing Authority. It primarily serves the retired community and those who have a pronounced handicap. We understand that additional vacant units are sometimes made available to other members of the public. The rents are reasonable and controlled, making it very desirable to many, but still others are not fond of the many regulations involved in living in these units.

Now the Florence Housing Authority, via the manager of Magnolia Gardens, has initiated new rules concerning heating and cooling in the complex. These regulations are intended to prevent the spread of mold after reports that it may have become a problem.

Not all residents are happy; many don't wish to live in such cool temps and feel that this is quite the overreach. We can see both sides of this issue; however, shouldn't the primary focus be on eliminating the mold? Isn't the underlying reason for the mold poor moisture control?

Lower temperatures may slow mold growth, but cooler air won't address the primary problem. Perhaps it's time to contact the Florence City Council or Housing and Urban Development which provides the City of Florence with financial subsidies for the facility?

*****

This is Max G. Ooh, dem eyes! He's ten months old and seeking a home where he can expand his horizons. You can adopt Max through the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

A Major New Program for Shoals Veterans

 

Our veterans deserve more than our country offers. For those of you who are not aware of some of the problems local veterans have faced:

1. He came back from Afghanistan missing part of a leg. He was in constant pain. He eventually turned to what are called street drugs and succumbed to some "bad heroin" during the Heroin 22 era in the Shoals. Don't say it can't happen again. One of the dealers arrested in that sting was arrested again just last month. Let's pray he's put away for good this time.

2. He came back from his tour of duty severely depressed. He was handed a bottle of pills and told to come back in 30 days. Before the 30 days passed, he had killed himself.

3. He was a Vietnam vet living in a house he was remodeling. When he approached a neighbor for water, the woman also offered lemonade. The homeless vet at first refused because he couldn't pay her. When he took the drink, he remarked it had been a long time since anyone did anything nice for him.

The above are just a few of our local veterans. This does not speak well of us as a country. Now there's a new program for these individuals. Here's a brief synopsis of what's coming:

CU360 is a newly formed registered non profit that has been working in the homeless and marginally income reduced sectors for 8 years here, specifically Veterans. Neither of our VAs get $1 in federal funding because Montgomery says we don't have a homeless problem which is untrue. We will work with Veterans court on both sides of the water as well as our VAs by providing immediate shelter and access to resources for any displaced Veteran.

We're going to have more on this in upcoming days. A huge thanks to Wendy Snitzer for helping to bring all this together!

*****

This is Gerard. He's a litter mate of Geraldine whom we recently mentioned in The Hidden Shoals. You can adopt this four month-old ball of love at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Those Texts, E-Mails, & Letters...

 

About two weeks ago we received a direct phone message "from Bank Independent" stating our debit card had been compromised. Since this was news to us, we called the bank directly. It took a while, since the bank uses an outside company to process debit payments, but after several phone calls, we were happy to know our plastic was perfectly safe.

A few days ago, one of our regular readers reported receiving an e-mail "from Regions" stating something similar about their credit card. Another scam.

Now this week, readers and one of our bloggers have received a letter "from Walgreens" referencing prescriptions and ostensibly using actual script numbers. Still another scam.

Perhaps we ought to add the infamous Florence Utilities debacle from a few years ago. A great deal of taxpayer money was lost on that electronic hostage game.

How do you know if the text, e-mail, or letter you receive is a hoax? Unless there's a reference to a Nigerian prince, you may not be able to tell from the document itself. We understand AI is now producing ransom scams using duplicate voices of the marks' loved ones. 

We urge everyone to take a deep breath and call the company alleged to have sent the communication. If you've received scam mail from other entities, send us the information and we'll add it to this list. Good luck!

*****

This is Rush. He's a Fox Hound mix, so we're suggesting you rename him something a little more snooty. You can visit with Rush at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road:

Downtown Florence Walgreens to Close? Update!

 

Update: Tuesday - According to the store manager and a regional officer, while the first part of this info on closings is true, the second part regarding the Florence store is untrue. According to a third source, the Sheffield store will remain closed. It's currently unknown who has sent these letters. If you receive any communication with private information on script holders, please forward to the a Walgreens regional office: Walgreen Co. 108 Wilmot Road Deerfield, IL 60015.

Walgreens announced in June that it would close 150 more U.S. locations before the end of 2023. Now patrons with prescriptions at the Hicks Boulevard location in downtown Florence have received letters informing them their records have been transferred to the location on Florence Boulevard. There has been no mention of the North Wood Avenue Store which originally was home to a CVS.

The downtown Florence location has been of value to many who live in Courtview Towers and other nearby apartments , many of whom rely on motorized scooters for shopping trips. The former Montgomery Avenue location in Sheffield is scheduled to house a new Dollar Tree. Let's hope the Florence store will be able to do the same.

*****

This is Willie. He's part German Shepherd and all good looks. This seven month-old canine is guaranteed to complete your home. You can find Willie at the Florence shelter in the industrial park

Sheffield's Attempt to Clean Up Trash

 

According to minutes from the latest Sheffield City Council meeting, 167 nuisance/blighted properties have been identified in that city. That number includes both residential and business sites. Let it sink in that 167 properties in a town with a population of 9,337 (2021 U.S. Census data) are considered so far gone that the City has had to step in. That's one property for every 60 citizens.

These properties didn't become blighted overnight. While Mayor Steve Stanley was occupied having verbal confrontations with citizens over fire extinguishers, these structures were crumbling. 

The last concentrated clean-up program was at the request of John Elkington in January 2019. Over four years later, Sheffield still has at least 167 eyesores? At least the City isn't being hasty in compiling the list. In fairness, Elkington's complaints involved property along routes to Inspiration Landing. Other areas of the Colbert County town have taken a backseat until now. 

Speaking of John Elkington, Inspiration Landing seems to have gone unmentioned in the latest council session. Remember this basic rule: If you don't mention it, it will go away...

*****

This is Shortstack. He's a three year-old Basset/Bulldog mix just waiting to adopt you! You can see Shortstack at the Florence shelter in the industrial park on Roberson Road:

New Mayors? The 24-Month Countdown Starts Now

 

Due to the finite wisdom of our state legislature, it's not 12 months, but 24 until the Shoals will return to the polls for municipal elections. Most of our readers have indicated they're looking forward to cleaning house...or should we say city hall?

Today's meme? Yes, one Shoals mayor is a registered Democrat and has run on that party's ticket from time to time. That's worked out well, hasn't it? Nevertheless, we believe in voting for the candidate, not the party. Apparently many don't understand to vote for the best candidate, not the worst. Two years isn't as long as it sounds. Get ready to produce some changes...

Can you match these mayors with their cities?

Hoping more feces doesn’t hit the fan before his term ends __________

Does whatever the council president tells him __________

Can’t do anything without his predecessor checking in __________

Terminates whatever employee his golf club pal tells him to __________       

Demise of Local Swim Teams - Part IV Shoals Aquatic Club

 

It's called the Shoals Aquatic Club and is personally recommended by Bill Jordan to fill any voids left by the dissolution of the Florence Swim Team. Is there a website? Not that we can find. A reader did send us a cropped section (of a handout?) that lists monthly fees.

It would appear that a "regular" membership may be had for as little as $65.00. Our source also stated that the club is working on obtaining funding and scholarships to assist with the fees parents are expected to pay.

One reader asked us about the club's liability in case of accidents. While we haven't found the club itself registered with the Alabama Secretary of State, we have found the Turbo Corporation listed for Reese Shirey. As we understand it, Turbo is an umbrella entity that would cover the swim club.

The bottom line for us and many here in Florence is that something in existence since 1955 has now been thrown out as no longer needed by Shoals youth. How very sad.

*****

This is Heinz. Yes, he's really named that, but you can feel free to change it if you adopt! You can visit five year-old Heinz at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road off Chisholm:

Mike Lockhart Fires Ashley Wheeles

 

Ashley & Rusty Wheeles

In a major act of calculated revenge, Muscle Shoals mayor Mike Lockhart today fired Mrs. Rusty (Ashley) Wheeles from her part time job with the city. According to a source close to Mrs. Wheeles, besides her paid work, she also volunteered when needed at various Park & Rec. events.

We understand Mrs. Wheeles' termination will be added to the federal law suit in the works. Muscle Shoals taxpayers, this is how Lockhart is abusing his position and throwing your money away.

Is a recall election doable at this point?

*****

This is Vala. She's a two year-old German Shepherd mix with the most mesmerizing golden eyes. Doesn't she belong with your family? You can meet Vala at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road.

Former Fire Marshal: "The School Board is Running the City"

 

Mayor & School Board Employee Wife

By now you probably know that Rusty Wheeles was allowed to retire from his position with Muscle Shoals. At this point, we're sure the betrayed former Parks & Rec director wants nothing more to do with the small, white-bread town.

Donald Ray Coons, the town's former fire marshal, has stated the school board is running the city. We totally agree.

Another interesting comment came from Mr. Wheeles' father who stated he had always considered Lockhart a friend, but now the mayor won't even speak to him. Not quite the definition of friendship is it?

Why would the mayor turn on his own employees to support the school board? Perhaps that's the only way the mayor's wife can keep her job with city schools?

Even more an enigma is why the school board would support its profane baseball coach? Not setting a very good example for today's youth, are they?

*****

This is Dynamo. He's six months-old of unknown origins. We're pretty sure his father came from a good neighborhood. You can meet Dynamo at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road:

Demise of Local Swim Teams - Part III All about Money?

 

At this point, there is no swim team in either Sheffield or Florence. Bill Jordan has suggested he will initiate a summer program of some ilk in 2024. His detractors say only six weeks of swimming is not enough to keep the participants in competitive form. 

But wait, Bill has another suggestion. Those who wish to swim year round can join a swim club. In fact, he has a friend who manages a local swim club. The catch? Instead of parents forking over $90.00 a year, they will now pay Reese Shirey $1,200.00 each year. It's not all bad; club members will also receive character building lessons. We're all for improving the character of Shoals children, but we don't believe it's the swim club kids who need such instruction the most.

Yes, the swim team was costing Florence money. Guess what? So does softball and soccer and a great many other things. Perhaps we should start a pool on which program Bill Jordan will scupper next?

*****

This is Monkey Bread. She's a three year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix. You can adopt her at the Florence shelter in the industrial park: