Betterton Can't...But He Can...

 

For many years, Florence mayor Steve Holt visited the Florence-Lauderdale animal shelter regularly to be photographed with a dog and cat of the month, encouraging others to adopt. Sadly, our former mayor lost the last election by six votes, or four depending on which way one counts.

How often does Betterton visit the shelter? We've counted two times in his entire term - we're open to corrections. Don't forget, he's the same mayor who refused to have .2 of a mile on Roberson Road cleared during the last ice storm, causing a short period of unavoidable neglect of the animals. Why? You would have to ask Betterton, but most have surmised it's due to the majority of animal welfare advocates supporting Mr. Holt.

Yet, Betterton does seem to take an avid interest in some photo ops - just not in Florence. Pictured above is Andy in Muscle Shoals at the opening of the new Glice skating rink. Yes, we spelled that correctly; it's not ice, but a patented ice-like surface manufactured in Switzerland.

Do we know why Betterton chose to visit the opening day ceremonies of the Glice rink? Perhaps he sang? He does fancy himself quite the crooner. Perhaps he skated? If he did, we hope someone has a video that they'll share. 

Meanwhile, the animals at Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services are being tended by the real heroes of the City.

Buy a Toy Downtown on Thursday

 

If you work downtown, shop downtown, or just want to do a great deed, buy a toy and deliver it to the TimesDaily office Thursday by 5:00 p.m.  The bin is in the lobby of the office on West Tennessee Street.

You can be sure your donation remains in Northwest Alabama. So what are you waiting for, use your lunch hour for good!

*****

Ahem, is my mike on? Okay...here goes. I'm Karson and I'm a 14 week-old boy Staffordshire Terrier mix. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you consider adopting me? I'm at the Florence shelter in the industrial park. 10-4 and all that jazz:

Don't Like Humans? Here's Your Best Bet...

 

Don't want to give to any flea-infested humans? Don't want to have to pick through scores of dog and cat food on Amazon to find the right shelter gift?

You're in luck! Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services takes PayPal. Your cash donation makes it just a little easier for our local shelter when the mayor cuts off extras and the county commission turns a blind eye:

Donate to FLAS

This is How to End Police Chases!

 

We've recently had two readers who favor police chases. We don't believe either is in law enforcement. Almost everyone else sees the downside of such chases. What's the intelligent alternative?

A gentleman made us aware of this company:

StarChase - GPS Solutions

We had never heard of this concept or this company. It seems some agencies have already bought in on this means of catching the bad guy...or just the hapless party goer who's had too much to drink (remember: we suggest you forgo all alcohol if there's even a chance you may be driving).

A multitude of thanks to Mr. B. who sent this to us. Now let's get behind our legislature and local law enforcement agencies to purchase these products and save lives.

*****

Hi, I'm Apollo. I'm an 18 month-old male Boxer mix. You can say it - I'm cute! I'm waiting for you to come to the Florence shelter to adopt me. It's on Roberson Road in the industrial park:

Is Muscle Shoals Skating on Thin Ice?

 

From a Muscle Shoals reader:

Muscle Shoals Mayor Mike Lockhart and the City Clerk Brittany Walker have done some good things, but it's beginning to look like the bad things are outweighing those. The hard working employees of Muscle Shoals deserve to be treated better. Brittany has been given a big raise while she and Mike have cut the city employees' benefits. That is wrong.

They have also cut the Library funding and made it hard for the employees to work stress free. Now they have spent money to set up an ice skating rink that looks to be about a 30 foot square to lure people to their backyard and pay $12 to go on the ice. Are they going to charge to rent skates too when we see 70 degree days on Christmas sometimes and there probably isn't 1 in a 1000 people that own a pair of ice skates. 

Who thought this was a good idea to waste the taxpayers money setting up picnic tables at an ice skating rink while cutting the workers' benefits? At least they got rid of that park and rec. director that didn't want to let our team have Gattman Park.

If the city would just give us more money we could buy land and build our own. All they would give us at the school is a little more of the sales tax money. The millions they give us is not enough to get more football stuff and now they won't even give us a decent ball field of our own. We deserve to have control of the city ball fields because our coach is very hard working and needs more money. 

They can raise taxes and charge more fees to help us out. It's time we call them out. I hope Mayor Lockart and Brittany Walker will do the right thing in the end. The school needs more money for our sports and the employees need their benefits back. Just charge more fees to the businesses and people that can afford it. 

We deserve better.

*****

When you log onto your Amazon account tomorrow for Cyber Monday, be sure to order food and litter for your county animal shelter:

Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services

3240 Roberson Rd.
Florence, AL 35630

Colbert County Animal Services

5010 Missouri St.
Tuscumbia, AL 35674

Sheffield FINALLY Asks for Public Input

 

Press Release:

The City of Sheffield is holding a public workshop to get input for its new Comprehensive Master Plan on Tuesday December 5 at 5:30 in the Courtroom at City Hall. Our new Comprehensive Master Plan will be used to guide the future development of the City of Sheffield. It will be the basis and justification for zoning regulations which control land use. It is very important that we get input from our citizens and interested members of the public to help city officials, NACOLG and their consultants know what needs to be included in the plan. Pleas (sic) plan to attend to share your vision of what Sheffield should become.

Now, let's look at the photo that accompanies the release:

Two observations:

1. Sheffield couldn't even issue a press release without having a typo.

2. The map of the city has several areas covered, including where the now infamous Inspiration Landing is located...or would be located if pigs ever learn to fly.

*****

Hi, I'm Beanie Wienie. I'm a two year-old female Lab mix. I could use a little fattening up, so what kinda Thanksgiving leftovers ya got at your house? Come see me at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Black Friday...or Giving Tuesday?

 

Sure it's nice to shop on Black Friday. Everyone needs to buy more, more, and more. Right? Or you could save your money to give on Tuesday, aka Giving Tuesday.

The war in Ukraine continues, and Winter is fast approaching. On Tuesday, please consider making a donation to a long-standing local program now offering aid to Ukrainian refugees:

Tuscumbia Church of Christ

102 East Fourth Street

Tuscumbia, AL 35674

         Attn: Ukrainian Missions 

We also ask that you consider aid to those horribly maimed and traumatized by Hamas' October 7th surprise attack on Israel. Below is a photo of eight young people who are currently hospitalized at the Sheba Integrated Rehab facility:

This group is a mix of young people, some who survived the massacre at the Nova music festival and the rest who survived the attack on the now-infamous shelter near Kibbutz Reim that turned into a death trap. They are all currently hospitalized at Sheba's Integrated Rehabilitation Hospital. These young people, part of Israel’s future, gathered with intentionality as a group, to strengthen and hug each other. To connect a bit of their shared pain, which those who did not go through the experience can possibly understand.

Please consider giving to: American Friends of Sheba Medical Center

When we think of those from Ukraine now left homeless because of Russian attacks or young Israelis whose lives have changed forever due to Palestinian terrorists, how can we say we really need more designer handbags or pointless widgets?

Happy Thanksgiving 2023

 

With rampant inflation, lack of leadership both nationally and locally, and threats of Russia and Hamas expanding their aggression, it's easy to forget to be thankful. Yet, here we all are with warm homes, more food than we need, and at least friends if not family. 

In other words, we should remember to thank God for our blessings today and every day. He will take care of tomorrow...

All of us at Shoalanda Speaks!

Update on "Christmas at Keestone"

 

Several readers from the Lawrence County area thought we were overly harsh with our announcement of the premiere of Christmas at Keestone. So, we're happy to do a second take.

First, the premiere was stated to have been today. For whatever reason, the initial airing is now scheduled for December 1st. We welcome reviews from those who have watched the romantic triumph of love over money.

Second, Marty Raybon has a part in the film. We know many are fans of his music, so here's a chance to see him exercise his acting chops.

Again, it's on Prime Video and YouTube!

*****

Hi, I'm Inspiration Landing. Come see me in Sheffield before I'm turned into a trash dump:

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

 

The item on the agenda for the 11/21/23 meeting of the Florence City council that had received the most “buzz” on social media after the agenda was published online was 12 (g). It read: “A Resolution to amend the City of Florence Manual for Supervisors and Employees regarding Department Heads, sponsored by Mayor Betterton and Musgrove.” That was it! No explanation really and it gave way to much speculation. The posters online in the different Facebook groups which primarily discuss Florence City government were stating their displeasure with the amount of nepotism that had been apparent in the hiring of department heads. Disapproval reigned supreme in the remarks, and it usually included the name JORDAN. It has been the subject since the hire was made of Dick Jordan’s wife and son. Nobody seemed to like that he had included members of his family on the city payroll.

The work session is the time that department heads usually explain what they have presented to the council to be approved as an agenda item. When it came time for Bill Musgrove, city attorney, to present the explanation of item 12 (g), he stated that it was a “clean-up” in the city employee handbook. He had noticed some wording required changing and that jobs were more aptly hired, especially in a tight labor market and at the entry level, if they were presented to the public at the same time as they were to city employees. At present, there has been a 7-day waiting period for city employees to apply for jobs first. 12-G eliminated the waiting period for the public. Talk about a let down! Live stream posters were ballistic! How can the mayor or former mayor have so much sway over who gets hired? As it turns out, blame it on the higher ups!

The code of Alabama regarding municipality’s governance gives the mayor the absolute right to hire any department head he sees fit. If he does not violate any state or federal hiring guidelines, he can hire anyone from his neighbor to his nephew. I did not know this but when I thought about it, it is following the same order as the President of the United States and his cabinet. Donald Trump had both his daughter and his son-in-law. Dick Jordan can hire his wife BUT did not hire his son. He got Andy Betterton to do it. Bill Musgrove in a more “tactful” way explained this to the “council” but it was for the public’s benefit. As he left the podium to sit back down after making his presentation, Mr. Musgrove thanked Dick Jordan for hiring him.

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔽𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖

Congressional Candidate Indicted

 

Many of our readers have told us how dissatisfied they are with Dale Strong, the current U.S. representative for District 5 which covers much of Lauderdale County. Is there hope of an upset?

No Democrats are opposing Strong, and only one individual is running against him in the Republican primary. Does this lone Republican have a chance? We hope not.

Daniel Bowman, the challenger, is currently under indictment for theft from an estate. This seems to be a common problem for some attorneys. Due to the alleged theft and other problems with Bowman's public demeanor (using the N-word), he no longer has a license to practice law in this state.

Strong and Bowman are the best Alabama can muster? How should you vote come March. Sorry, you're on your own in this one.

*****

Hi, I'm Genna and I'm all ears. Seriously, I'm a 7 month-old Lab/German Shepherd mix just waiting for my new home. If it helps, I can pick up signals from radio stations in the Caribbean. Come see me at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Special: Bicycles for Kids

  

Can you refurbish bicycles? If you can, we have three, or perhaps four, ready to be donated to children who need them.

We, along with donations from readers, can help pay for parts. You would be out only your time.

We also need suggestions. Assuming we can get this program started, what age should be the limit? No kids over 12?

We want your ideas!

Live in Florence or Killen? Have a Clue What Congressional District You Reside In?

 

For decades...and decades and decades...all of Lauderdale County was part of the Fifth Congressional District. Since the 2020 census, part of this county is now in the Fourth. Look at this map closely (you may click to enlarge):

See the red line? That's the line of demarcation between the Fourth and Fifth Congressional Districts. Florence appears evenly divided, as least by acreage, and one-fifth of Killen appears to lie in District 4, while the rest remains in District 5. Are you confused yet?

We recently offered an early endorsement for Rep. Robert Aderholt (apologies for misspelling his name) in District 4. Not only is he the lesser of two evils, he's recently endorsed the eradication of Hamas and won even greater support from many of us. 

But what about District 5? Many residents are totally displeased with Mo Brooks' replacement, but now it's gotten even worse. 

Tomorrow: The Indicted Candidate

*****

HI, I'm Sneakers. I'm standing here wondering who the hey named me. Don't worry, if you adopt me, you can change my name to something much more girly. I'm 20 months-old and a German Shepherd/Lab mix. I'll be waiting for you at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Before You Date, Know Alabama's Odd Age of Consent Laws

 

We just saw an odd arrest of a Mississippi man who was in possession of sexual pics of a Tennessee teen. He was arrested in Tennessee even though he was not the one who took the snaps. 

That reminded us of our Alabama age of consent laws. Is the magic number 16, 17, or 19? If you're a young man out there dating some sweet young thing, you really should know.

* The age of consent for sex is 16 (and it could be lower if the other partner is not more than two years older.)

* The age of consent for nude or sexual photos is 17. In other words, a 16 year old can have sex with practically anyone, but better not send any porn to their phone.

* The age of consent for a student dating a teacher or similar school authority figure is 19.

Now, are you thoroughly confused? Perhaps the smart thing is not to have sex at all until one has finished school and is established in a career...or even married. How's that?

Have You Had an Untoward Encounter with Officer Jarrod Webster?

 

The past two days, we've had at least three communications from readers concerning encounters with former Killen officer Jarrod Webster, now under indictment for rape and sodomy. While these incidents weren't sexual in nature, they speak of a sadistic, cruel officer who enjoyed few friends during the short time he was employed by the City of Florence.

Webster Charged with Rape

If you have been unfairly accosted by Webster, have lost confiscated property, or are the victim of physical or sexual assault, you may call the sheriff’s office at 256-760-5734 or the FBI at 256-764-3613.

We believe that most officers in most departments are caring and fair. We also know that a few officers are not. Kudos to Florence Chief Ron Tyler for heading a department that falls into the first category.

Here's an Idea for our Legislature: Make the Parents Pay

 

Earlier this week, Muscle Shoals Police Chief Clint Reck stated the parents of a wayward middle school youth knew the child had a gun. He further stated he planned on taking action against them. How should they be punished?

If our State Legislature really wanted to cut down on such incidents, it would impose a $25,000.00 fine on parents/guardians who failed to keep firearms secured and a $50,000.00 fine on those who knew their child was in possession of a firearm used in these incidents. 

*****

Hi, I'm Brenda. Don't I have beautiful teefies? I'm a three year-old German Shepherd just waiting to be adopted from the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Muscle Shoals High Now Wants Two Gattman Ball Fields

 

Not an Actual Photo of Belacky Beck

For months, even years, the Muscle Shoals Board of Education has said it wanted one field exclusively for Muscle Shoals High Baseball. Now that there is a new Parks & Rec. director, the BOE says it wants two...actually all four when Muscle Shoals games are in session. This arrangement would apply at least from November until May. We say at least, since the needs for early practice or late tournaments are not addressed.

Gattman Park was established as a trust for the citizens of Muscle Shoals to use as a free city park, not as a school ball field. If any residents are upset over this, it's ostensibly set to be discussed and perhaps voted on during the next Muscle Shoals Council meeting. The City attorney is looking into the legality of the proposal due to the conditions of the Gattman trust.

Ah, just think of double the cursing from Balacky if he has two fields at his disposal...

*****

Hi, I'm Gladiator and I'm officially challenging Belacky Beck to a wrestling match. Okay, that was a joke - I know Belacky would run and hide if he saw me. I'm a five year old Staffordshire Terrier mix in need of some new digs. Come check me out at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Ledbetter Talks Medicaid Expansion for Next Legislative Session

 

Last Thursday, Speaker of the Alabama House Nathaniel Ledbetter listed the topics he expected to be before that governing body during the Spring session. One topic was Medicaid expansion which he said "scares" a lot of people. We take that to mean he's not supporting it.

Let's look at some facts about this proposed expansion:

1. How many more Alabama citizens would be eligible for Medicaid under this program? Approximately 204,000.

2. How much would the state pay toward this expansion? For the first two years, the federal government would pay 95% of the costs. After that, the federal government would pay 90%. The State would pay the balance.

3. Which states have already adopted this expansion? 40 states and the District of Columbia have adopted expanded Medicaid, with Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida so far opting out.

4. What is the income level for the expanded program? Currently, anyone at or below the poverty line not receiving other health coverage qualifies. In expanded Medicaid, that level will be 138% of the poverty line:

When we return to the subject of Medicaid expansion, we'll address pros and cons. We welcome questions.

*****

Hi, I'm Comet. I guess that means I'm a Ball of Fire! I'm a 17 month-old female Jack Russell mix just waiting for the next stage of my life. You may have the honor of visiting with me at the Florence shelter on Roberson Road:

Jason McGee Scholarship

 

Mark White, a Lauderdale County High grad, has begun a scholarship in memory of fellow alumnus Jason McGee. If you would like to donate, you may send via TMWS VENMO or donate at any Regions Bank to the Jason McGee Memorial Scholarship Fund.

VENMO: @TheMarkWhiteShow

*****

Here's where you can listen to Mark:

Below are the stations where the show airs on Sunday. During the week, shows are available at 9 p.m. on FB and a few minutes after on various podcast platforms. On Saturday at 9 a.m.

6a CST 105.1 WRFS The Lake

Stream: 1051WRFS.com

6a CST RadioAlabama’s KiX 96.3 FM

Stream: KiX963.com

7a CST 98.1 The Beat

Stream: 981TheBeat.com

7:30a CST Southern Roots Radio

Stream: SouthernRootsRadio.com

10-11a 96.7 WVNA

*****

Hi, I'm Thalia. I"m a year-old female mix of Alaskan Huskey and Carolina dog. Do I have to mention that I have fantastic eyes? You can see me at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

The Antisemitism Arrived Today

 

She's just a kid. She posted a comment on our humorous blog about Walmart attempting to be like home. At first M.A., a Brooks graduate living in Tuscumbia, began with indignation over our comments about Walmart. Then she mentioned that we were terrible because of our Facebook profile picture.

At first it didn't sink in. Then she added a message supporting the killing of Jews. We sat there. It still didn't sink in that this girl had this hate in her heart...but she did. 

About a year ago, a male reader posted something similar to our Facebook page. We asked him to clarify. Surely he didn't mean what we thought he said. Had we misunderstood? Unfortunately, his reply was that we hadn't.

We cannot make it anymore clear - anyone supporting death to Jews or blowing Israel out of existence will be banned. Will that take the hate from their hearts? Sadly, no. We simply want them to know they and their antisemitism are not welcome here ever.

Praying for the over 240 hostages held in Palestine by Hamas and the families of the 1,400 raped and slaughtered on October 7th. We ask you to pray also.

Support the Homeless? You Betcha!

 

Yesterday, we had several ask why we didn't "support the homeless." No, they were not regular readers, but individuals sent by others who know nothing about our blog, mingled with some still disgruntled over our commenting on a Rogersville man who was arrested for a felony probation violation.

We did a quick search, and we have 21 separate blogs asking for support for Room in the Inn. Also, for the past four or five years, we've had a donation link for RITI at the bottom of our blog. Thanksgiving is coming, so if you feel inclined, think of others and click on the link to donate.

*****

This also goes for Medicaid expansion. We didn't count the blogs where we've mentioned the need for this, but regular readers know we are in favor of expanding the program. There is to be a new push next spring, and we'll certainly be listing the appropriate addresses for our legislators at that time.

*****

Hi, I'm Eli, an 18 month-old Lab mix. If you say Mz. Shoala doesn't support the Florence animal shelter, I'll send Prince over to biiiiite you! Ahem! Anyway come spring me from this joint. I'm at the shelter on Roberson Road in the industrial park:

Four Red Tabbies Want You!

 

There are four red tabbies waiting for you at Florence Lauderdale Animal Services. These four-month old moggies have medium length fur and are simply beautiful.

Starfish, Marigold, and Persimmon are all female, with Koi being the only male. That's a bit of an oddity, since usually only one in five red cats is female. If you're looking for a girl with beautiful red stripes, now's the time to visit the shelter.

Here's directions:

Special: Do You Really Want Walmart to Feel Like Home?

 

Attention, Walmart shoppers! Do you like sensory free shopping? If you don't even know what that is, we don't imagine you're alone.

Starting last Friday, all Walmarts have a new game plan to make Wally World feel more like home. From 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., music will be turned off and lights will be dimmed. That should make it easier for those homeless to get to sleep in the lesser used aisles. 

It seems this model was tested for back to school shoppers and was a hit. Why would parents of young children not be used to noise?

If any of our readers are up and awake and need milk and bread that early, tell us how this works for you. Did it really feel like home? If it did, why would you admit it?