Friday, August 15, 2025
Answering the Main Question about the Red Bay Murders
What's Really Happening with Social Security
- Restructuring and organizational changes within the SSA's internal offices and operations.
- A transition to fully electronic benefit payments. The SSA will no longer issue paper checks for most beneficiaries, starting September 30, 2025.
- Changes to how individuals access online services. These changes require the use of Login.gov or ID.me accounts instead of traditional Social Security usernames and passwords, according to the SSA.
- New rules regarding in-person services, potentially requiring appointments for visits to local SSA offices.
Florence School Board Needs a House Cleaning
The Florence School Board has long been criticized as being unresponsive to the citizens. During its last meeting, with only two weeks to go before the election, it voted Dr. Jimmy Shaw a four year extension on his contract. In other words, the 2025-2029 board will have no say in matter.
While we support Dr. Shaw, the board was totally out of line, perhaps realizing this would be the last snub in its current configuration? Voters have the chance to replace four of the six members on August 26th. Our choices are listed in bold.
Thursday, August 14, 2025
This Explains the "Missing" 40K in Muscle Shoals...
...and you can thank Mike Lockhart for it.
A few months ago, a friend asked us if we could find out what happened to $40,000.00 in grant money to Muscle Shoals for a veterans' memorial. It seems Lockhart was denying knowledge of it, at least to her. Below are some interesting thoughts and ideas that explain the "missing" money among other things:
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Buy a Beer for Sheffield High!
The Most Important Florence Election: Mayor
With seven candidates in the Florence mayoral race, a runoff is a given. Who will be the candidates?
Our prediction is Ron Tyler against either Steve Holt or Bill Griffin. Do we have a preference?
In the 2020 election, we supported Mayor Steve Holt. We were surprised that he lost to such an ineffectual candidate as Andy Betteron, even by 11 votes. We believe many Florence citizens learned their lesson during the past five stormy years.
If not for outside interference, we believe Mayor Holt would be well on his way to a third term. Do we believe he now should be given a second term?
That time may have passed. Is it time for another candidate to occupy the mayor's office? We posit that it is.
We encourage you to vote for Bill Griffin on August 26th.
A Word About Our Daily Dogs/Cats
You'll notice that all dogs/cat we post says "mix." That's mainly because these animals don't have papers and the shelter does not have the funds to do a DNA test on them.
That does not mean that none of these animals is a pure bred ball of fluff. When you adopt, you can do your own DNA testing and be totally surprised that your little spaniel has some mastiff in it...or that you do indeed have a pure blooded kiddo.
Remember, a pedigreed dog is entirely different, and barring a catastrophe*, you won't be able to register your animal. You'll love it just the same.
*During World War II in England, exceptions were made in pedigree requirements since many animals were killed and many others were moved into remote areas. You know the joke about the free puppies: Their mother is a pure blooded Cocker Spaniel and their father comes from a good neighborhood.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
The Chamber is Now a Political Authority and Polling Agency
From a Muscle Shoals watcher:
Is SEDA a Failure?
Monday, August 11, 2025
Rogersville Man Threatens to Kill Child
People say a lot of things they don't mean. We get it. Still, we remember a judge from another state who threatened to kill his girlfriend's daughter. He served time in prison.
This is Alabama, where domestic violence is taken all too lightly. The recent case of a Rogersville man proves that.
Silas Cain Hamm is 28 years-old - old enough to know better (some credit report records give his age as 25). He had been dating a Hartselle woman who was the parent of a young daughter. After an incident at a "social gathering" on June 28th, Hamm attacked his girlfriend and then threatened to kill her, her daughter, and himself.
The local dirt track racer was then arrested in Morgan County on charges of First and Second Degree Domestic Violence and Second Degree Burglary. When Hamm's arrest was announced, several other women came forward to tell similar stories.
Is Hamm still in the Morgan County jail? No, he posted the relatively small bond of $50,000.00 and will remain free until his trial.
Alabama needs to start taking domestic violence more seriously.
A Word from Stephanie Harvey

I was raised right here in Florence, attended city schools, and learned from my elders the values of honesty, hard work, and standing up for what’s right — even when it’s not easy. For years, I’ve been attending council meetings, speaking up about the conditions of our neighborhoods, and organizing cleanups and community efforts — not because I wanted recognition, but because I believe our district deserves better. My heart has always been in this work.
I’m not a career politician — I’m a neighbor, a listener, and a voice for the people who’ve been ignored for too long. For the past eight years, District 1 has been left off key city plans and agendas. Our concerns about abandoned properties, youth programs, business development, and senior services have been overlooked. I’m running to change that.
If elected, I will fight to get District 1 back on the map — starting with a cleanup initiative that removes blight, enforces property codes fairly, and restores pride in our streets. I will work to launch youth programs and mentorships that empower our young people and offer alternatives to violence and crime. I will prioritize safety with a strong neighborhood watch network, improved lighting, and pressure for better police responsiveness.
I’m also passionate about restoring economic opportunity in District 1. That means advocating for small business support, job training programs, and attracting new developments that serve our residents — not push us out. We’ve been shut out of progress for too long. I believe the people of District 1 deserve investment, not just promises.
I’ve already taken steps to build long-term support for our community by forming a nonprofit called The Foundation for Community Growth, which will focus on cleanup efforts, youth development, safety initiatives, and business support — all things District 1 urgently needs. Whether elected or not, I will continue working for the people of this district — because I believe in service that’s rooted in action.
I believe in honesty, transparency, and accountability. I believe that if you’re elected to serve, you need to show up — not just during campaign season, but every week, every month, every time your community calls. That’s the kind of leader I will be. Someone who walks the blocks, listens to the people, and takes action.
If you want real change, vote Stephanie Harvey on August 26th. You can follow my journey, reach out, or get involved through my Facebook page: Stephanie Harvey for Florence City Council District 1.
Let’s rise together.
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Does Andy Have Dementia? Cataracts?
There's a new sculpture on Florence's River Heritage Trail. Mayor Andy Betterton was so enamored of it that he made a special post on the artwork that was designed in collaboration with Tuscaloosa artist Craig Wedderspoon - look, see his name on line six of the identifying sign.
Then two posts from the top of his entry, Andy says:
That's right, the good mayor ever so formally calls Mr. Wedderspoon "The Singing River Sculpture guy." After all, it's not like he could simply consult the top of his own post to retrieve the name if it slipped his mind.
That's our Andy...leaving the building soon.
Does APR Have It in for Andrew Sorrell?
Tuscumbia? Katie Logan!
We've previously endorsed mayoral candidates Billy Hudson in Muscle Shoals and Penny Freeman in Sheffield. That leaves Tuscumbia in Colbert County; who is the best candidate among the three seeking office?
Little is known of T. W. Billings, and he's failed to utilize many of the standard campaign avenues to make himself available to the public. That leaves appointed mayor William Foster and Katie Logan.
If Foster hasn't proved himself ineffectual with the Singing River statue debacle, he's certainly done so with his handling of the recent major storm damage in his city. In contrast, Katie Logan has made herself available to the public.
It's easy to say "transparent," but Logan has actually put herself out there to serve the public. Katie Logan for the win!
Saturday, August 9, 2025
How Long, Mayor Stanley?
When Ron Tyler Ran the Shelter
From a reader:
Many don’t know years ago when Ron Tyler police chief was over Florence Animal Shelter he let it run into the ground, and Steve Holt had to take it back under his direction. The dog pound director at the time was let go due to horrible conditions and bad management. He ran off volunteers and told them to never come back.
Friday, August 8, 2025
Are You Ready for Some Fall Spirit (Halloween)?
The Most Important Florence Council Seat? - Part 2
In part one of our take on District 2, we established why Jackie Hendrix's lack of caring, out for himself attitude, and total "bow down to the machine" mentality make him the one choice no intelligent voter would support. That leaves us with Gunner Ford and River Zurinsky.
Both Ford and Zurinsky have run for local offices before and been defeated. We feel it was just the wrong time for their campaigns, as both men have much to offer the citizens. So, is one preferable to the other for this position?
Yes, one is more dedicated to and adept for serving city citizens. That one person is River Zurinsky.
River knows his district better than any and, we firmly believe, cares more than 90% of those on the ballot. While we've never heard from Mr. Ford, River has been communicating with us for almost six years, keeping us abreast of his plans and activities. In short, he elicits feedback from the public.
River Zurinsky is someone who makes the city, not his billfold, a better place. We hope you'll support his candidacy on August 26th.
Walmart Raising Prices on These
Most of us are pretty savvy shoppers, meaning that we do a great deal of our purchasing at Wally World. That's not to mention the store's home delivery that grabs still more of the buying public. What will Walmart raise prices on due to new tariffs?
According to a store spokesperson, prices will begin to increase at some point around November. Increases of at least 2.5% can be expected on:
Baby gear
Kitchenware
Toys
Uh oh! Toys?!!! Merry Christmas!
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Enjoying the Fire Ants This Summer?
How did those pesky fire ants get up here in Northwest Alabama? Here's a short American bio for those ubiquitous pests:
Fire ants were introduced to the United States through the port of Mobile, Alabama, on multiple occasions in the early 20th century.
Two primary species of imported fire ants established themselves in the U.S. The black imported fire ant is believed to have arrived around 1918.
These ships, likely tramp freighters, would take on soil as ballast in their home ports to maintain stability during their voyages. Upon reaching Mobile, this soil was offloaded to make room for cargo, inadvertently releasing the fire ant colonies into a new environment where they thrived and spread throughout the southern United States.
So if you encounter a nest, call out Que les bons moments roulent and they should quickly disperse. Mobile is welcome to them.
The Most Important Florence Council Seat? - Part 1