Did Your Favorite Florence Candidate Care Enough?

 

From River Zurinsky:

Michael White invited all of the candidates running for City Council and Mayor of Florence to join him at Broadway Recreation Center yesterday to discuss their ambitions for running and answer questions from voters. This was the first opportunity I had since announcing my candidacy for Florence City Council District 2 to answer questions directly from voters, and I enjoyed getting to meet some of you and listen to your concerns. This was also my first opportunity to meet Alisa Sumsion Dickson who is running for Florence City Council District 3, and Ricky Pickett who is running for Mayor. Billy Ray Simpson who is running for Mayor, and Chapel King who is running for Florence City Council District 6 also took time out of their day to attend this event. I was disappointed when none of the candidates running for Florence City Council District 1, District 4, or District 5 showed up. I'm committed to making myself available to answer questions from the public whenever I have the opportunity to do so, and I hope that many of you will stop by my table at First Friday! I will be in Booth 80 in front of Rosie's Cantina beginning at 5:15 PM! Right now there is a 60% chance of rain on Friday morning, but I'm hopeful that the sky will be clear by Friday night.

Mr. Zurinsky not only appeared at the event to answer questions, he took the time to report on the meeting. It takes initiative to serve on the Florence City Council. Where were the other candidates?

SPLC Places Both Deshlers on its Newest List

 

About six years ago, the Southern Poverty Law Center created a list of Confederate-named entities in the United States. Some were rather suspect, as in Joe Wheeler who returned to the U.S. Army after the Civil War, but others such as James Desher were obvious targets.

One of our readers sent us a blog at that time: Rename Desher High?

Now the SPLC has released a fourth edition of its hit list, and both Deshler High and Deshler Middle School made it:

(We took a screenshot directly from the SPLC map and have no idea why an unrelated school is listed between the two Tuscumbia schools.)

Will this new list change anything about Deshler? We doubt it. If we knew the evil some well-known Alabama names had done, we would think nothing of the young Tuscumbia general.

Trump Says "No" to Weight-Loss Drugs; Kennedy Says "Maybe"

 

Attention Readers: Are you just a tad overweight? Well, we have good news and bad news for some of you.

Currently Medicaid programs in 14 states pay at least some on modern weight-loss drugs, with four of these states being in the South. Biden was about to instruct all states to authorize Medicaid and Medicare to pay for these drugs.

However, now Trump says no way, while RFK Jr. says the program is coming. He's waiting for the cost to go down. One source says these drugs now cost between $1,000.00 and $1,400.00 a month. Ouch!

But wait, there's more! Are you a woman with a BMI over 30? If you are, your regular insurance may pay for those treatments. These insurance policies will also pay if you have sleep apnea. If you're not sure, it won't hurt to check.

In the meantime, RFK has suggested eating less. Don't tell us that this man isn't a genius!

Shannon Oliver Signs Up for ICE Enforcement Program

 

Franklin County's Shannon Oliver is one of three Alabama sheriffs to sign up for a new ICE enforcement program. The program is designed to educate local law enforcement officers in rules and regulations that ICE agents must follow. Once they have completed the course(s), these officers will carry the same weight and responsibility as any other ICE officers in certain areas.

There are several aspects of the program, and Oliver is signed up for two modules: the Task Force and the Warrant Officer programs. According to the Associated Press, Sheriff Oliver did not return a phone call seeking information about the new program.

According to his website, Shannon Oliver is in his third term as Franklin County sheriff. He has 28 years experience in law enforcement.

A POLL OF THE FLORENCE CITY ELECTION

 

There is a poll which is current on a few local political Facebook pages concerning the upcoming  city election. This "poll" is very unscientific, but it has been up now for 10 hours and has 524 votes. The results for some races are just as expected and for one or two there is a surprise. If  this “poll” as stands is any indication, the mayor's race will be a run-off between Ron Tyler and Bill Griffin thanks to Christian CJ McCoy. This has been predicted, and this little poll is showing it will happen. Tyler leads by 9 points, 46% to Griffins 37%. McCoy has a total of 8%. If McCoy’s votes had gone to either Tyler or Griffin, they would have the election sewed up. Ricky Pickett and Billy Ray Simpson both did not receive any votes in this poll. 

District 1 is kind of surprising. Personally, I think for the good of the district Kaytrina P Simmons  does not need to run unopposed. Especially since this will be her third term. And apparently so  do the participants in this poll. On each district ballot there was the option to choose;  ANOTHER CANDIDATE. That could have been worded as “none of the above” but that pick did  put a positive spin on the choice. Anyway, at least these poll participants want ANOTHER  CANDIDATE in District 1. Another Candidate currently stands at 75% of the vote to Simmons 25%. Will hats be thrown in the ring in West Florence? How about North Florence? With the  redistricting there could be a viable candidate out there that does not know they are now in the  district. 

District 2 is another that is not as expected. Many of the participants in this poll are from the Facebook group “Florence City Council: Vote Em All Out” But not all. The poll was shared to 6 different FB groups, 3 of which are mainly informational and a vehicle for local advertising. So, the current results of this poll having River Zurinsky at 60%, Jackie Hendrix at 18% and Another Candidate at 22%. This is not as expected even factoring in the leanings of some of the  participants in the poll. Could this turn into a protest vote to show the city of Florence they  cannot “appoint” a representative to the council without a vote as they did Hendrix? 

District 3 is just as expected. Of the 129 votes cast: 93% were for newcomer to Florence politics, Alisa Dickson. Another local political novice who seems to have declared to run then sort of disappeared, Cory Richardson only received 4% of the votes and “Another Candidate” got 3%.  Andy Betterton received 0% of the vote. It seems his switch to District 3 is not going to work. 

District 4 is a runaway. At least in this poll. Of 123 votes Josh Bowling received 91%, Another  Candidate got 8% and Michele Eubanks got 2%. Something tells me her voters do not subscribe to FB groups who discuss Florence politics. More like the Zodiac Theater crowd. So, this poll may be a little lopsided. But it is a barometer. Josh Bowling was a strong contender in the last  election, and it seems he has enough support this time to get over the top. 

District 5 does not have current councilman Blake Edwards listed. As of now, he evidently is not  running. No announcement in the paper or on social media can be found anyway. So, there  were 4 names on this ballot. Brandon Balentine got 53% of the vote. Thomas Spence is at 26%  and John Hicks at 21%. Another Candidate got 3% which with 115 votes that is 3 votes. Another newcomer to Florence politics shows political strength in Balentine.  

District 6 in this poll looks like a runaway but many of the participants are also very active at the Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter. So is Chapel King. She has based her campaign around improving the conditions at the shelter. So, it is not surprising that she received 83% of the 134 votes cast leaving only 12% for current councilman Jimmy Oliver and Another Candidate  receiving 5%. “Another Candidate” might overcome Oliver with a little door knocking! LOL. No, this race will be much tighter. Oliver is a popular councilman in his district. 

This is a VERY unscientific poll. But it is a look at how some people will vote. The main  takeaway is it seems the voters in Florence want a CHANGE at city hall. The unknown and new candidates seem to be doing the best. August 26 will be here before you know it. Get involved and become an informed voter.

Where Is "Dr." David Dickerson Today?

 

If you've forgotten the specifics of the David Brian Dickerson affair at the University of North Alabama, you can refresh your memory here:

The UNA Rapist?

Now Dickerson, whose claim to a PhD is highly suspect, has popped up on LinkedIn touting himself as an investment advisor in Newport Beach, California, where he's worked for the past 11 months.

Before that? Nothing. Perhaps you can trust your money to the good "doctor," but we highly advise keeping your daughters locked up.

*****

Why the questions surrounding Dickerson's PhD? After the rape charge, his credentials were looked at more closely. According to one UNA veep, the university hadn't done due diligence in checking Dickerson out. It was doubtful that the visiting instructor had the credentials he claimed.

Looking at Cambridge's current requirements, a PhD in business requires four years of study. That was something Dickerson didn't have. 

At least the 62 year-old David Dickerson is no longer working with young women...we hope.

Five Spaniel Mix Pups Available Now!

 

Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services now has five Cocker Spaniel mix puppies available for adoption. These pupsters are 11 weeks-old. Both male and female are looking for furever homes. You can see them at 3240 Roberson Road in the Florence Industrial Park, just a short drive off Chisholm Road in Florence.

Where Did These Kids Come From?

 

An educator recently asked us to comment on the latest statistics for Florence High School. The academic numbers didn't surprise us as much as the number of students classified as disadvantaged.

The report card listed 58% of the student body as disadvantaged. The percentage of citizens living below the poverty line is 19. Why the difference?

Poorer people have more children? That's probably true. The more affluent send their children to one of the religious schools based in Florence? That's also probably true.

Are different standards used for these measurements? If anyone has another take on this, please send it to us.

*****

What does AI call someone from Waterloo? We were surprised to learn that it was Waterlooser. We've always used Waterloosian to designate someone from that small Lauderdale town. How do you in Waterloo feel?

NACOLG Does Sheffield

 

After redoing City of Florence voting districts, NACOLG has taken its shears to Sheffield. The interesting thing to us was District 5, where the city gurus moved only four voters. We have to ask if that disruption was really necessary.

If you're wondering if you fall into those picked up and plucked down in a new district, the new maps are on public display. You can see them during business hours at Sheffield City Hall.

*****

Addenda/Correction: We stated yesterday that Florence controlled floors 2,4, & 6 of the Florence-Lauderdale Building. In October 2020, Florence sold their share of the office building in anticipation of the new Municipal complex.

As of now, Florence occupies only floors 2 and 4, with the Lauderdale County Commission offices ensconced on the 6th floor. We're still not sure who's on first.

Andy's Confused

Another Animal Activist Speaks

 

Another animal activist speaks out on the upcoming municipal elections. (Note: This blog has not as yet endorsed anyone running for either mayor Council in Northwest Alabama.)

Good morning. This is Debbie Rappuhn. I have spent a lot of time thinking about this, and a lot of years fighting for the animals in our areas, and surrounding areas. If you want help for our animals, then please take note. If you do not care about our animals, then just stop reading.

We have GOT to change the way our elected officials are handing our precious animals here. Changing laws at the state level, and being able to prosecute ones that do not uphold them, is a MUST. For the 17 years I have been doing this work, that many years, I have known all of them. I tried to work with them, and begged for changes that I never got. I will not be quiet any longer. I know that Chapel King, before she ever even thought about running for the City Council, was fighting like me. Doing every thing she could to help. She has already been to Montgomery, just as a citizen fighting for them. Do you know of any others that has done that? NO. She was again there a few weeks ago, and is starting to get help changing laws.

Without this, nothing will ever change. For my 17 years, I pray that I will see a positive change in the way our animals are treated, and taken care off before I die. In the 17 years of my work, it has only gotten worse. Worse and worse daily. I WANT TO SEE A CHANGE BEFORE I DIE! The only way we are going to see that, is if we get the right people in these council seats, and the Mayor's office. I know some of you saw the last council meeting that I attended. I made myself very clear that night. We have got to get Chapel King in the seat she is running for, we have to, or THIS WILL NEVER CHANGE. No one else will go to Montgomery to fight and keep fighting. No one!

And as far as the Mayor's office, only ONE will help our cause. Bill Griffin. He cares. He doesn't want to toot his own horn, so I am tooting it for him. He is the only only one that goes regularly to the Animal Shelter and cleans and scoops poop, and takes his kids to help. He is not there for just a photo op. He cares!!!!! We need him as our Mayor, with a Mayor that finally cares, for a chance. I know the other person running, too well, and I can promise you, it will be no different that it has been, if he gets elected. We have to make these CHANGES NOW! Our animals cannot wait any longer. They are dying by the second, as it is now. WE HAVE TO CHANGE! DO YOU CARE? DO YOU?

If you do, help me make these changes. Call or text me if you have questions. I have 17 years of answers. Chapel King and Bill Griffin are the most caring and helpful people I have never met that is trying to make the changes we have all been waiting for. Chapel does all in her power to help the citizens here and the animals. She wants to be HELP for the community, humans and animals, alike. Ed, also. Watch him help the community, by actually working, like Chapel, actually working, not just going places to get photo ops. I am so very passionate about this. This is my brain and my heart typing. Are you going to help? Are you going to make a difference. If so VOTE for liked minded humans. PLEASE, LET'S DO THIS, FINALLY!!!!

And Now a Word about Sheffield...

Our blogger J. Redmon says the above scene of strewn garbage is a common sight on one of his regular Sheffield routes. He's complained to the City, but to no avail.

Moving on to another pressing issue, what do you call a person from Sheffield? Our AI consultant say the answer is Sheffielder. That's not all our AI expert mentioned. It spat out the label of Sheffvegas and Sheffganistan as town nicknames. Wow, it's on the ball.

Last, and we certainly don't have to say not least, is a new political candidate on the City's horizon. Kelsey Brook Quesenberry Williams is running for the District 3 seat in the city council. Here's a little about Kelsey in her own words:

Most of everyone already knows me, but for those of you who don’t—as stated I am a mother and a wife. I have 2 beautiful daughters and I was also blessed with a beautiful step-daughter. I served as a police officer for the City of Sheffield for nearly 3 years. I am also a Sergeant in the Alabama Army National Guard. I have had the privilege of serving in the Alabama Army National Guard for 11 years. During my career in the military I have served in two tours overseas. I have a passion for serving and being the voice for those that are not always heard.

An Animal Activist Speaks Out

 

While we are not yet endorsing any candidates for mayor/council positions in the Shoals, we found this essay very interesting:

I can not imagine for a second why anyone would want another term of THIS!!! Should you need any clarification on why NOT to vote for this man, just go thru and look at his participation or for the better word ( lack of) at any city council meeting . Where he sits so bothered, so uninterested in the public’s thoughts and concerns . Now what Mr. Hendrix is concerned about is the $$$$ of the taxpayer’s of Florence and he s great at spending it at will. Really the last thing Florence needs is another YES man seems as if the Council is already full of those!!

Muscle Shoals Says "Off with Their Trashy Roofs"

 

There's nothing like kicking someone when they're down, and the City of Muscle Shoals has it down to an art form. We're not sure how many manufactured homes were damaged in the recent tornado, but they won't be repaired. Nor will they be replaced with new structures. Muscle Shoals has spoken.

It seems that Pounders Trailer Park and Muscle Shoals Trailer Park adjoin each other and are located in zones where trailers are not allowed. The parks were grandfathered in, but the zoning regulations specifically state that if these manufactured homes are damaged in any way, they can neither be repaired nor replaced. 

In other words, several of the parks' occupants were not only physically hurt (one was hospitalized), even more are receiving a proverbial punch in the gut thanks to Muscle Shoals.

But, you say, that's the law. We agree; however, one would think the City would attempt to find new accommodations for these storm victims. Think again. These displaced victims are on their own as far as the City of Muscle Shoals is concerned.

Now we know why Muscle Shoals has been so slow in storm cleanup for these two parks. The City doesn't want to encourage any illegal habitation of these damaged structures.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mike Lockhart gets ready for the August election...

Florence Throws Away Two Million?

 

If you've fallen behind in the ongoing saga of Who's on First at Florence City Hall, here's a quick primer:

* For years and years, several City offices have been located in the Florence-Lauderdale Government Building on Court Street.

* In the relatively recent past, the City moved the Board of Education back to Riverview Drive and made room for Andy's office (we assume the Government Building had better napping acoustics than City Hall).

* In the past few months, the Florence Utilities payment department has moved to its new facilities on Seville Street, freeing up at least a small amount of space in City Hall.

However, with cries of black mold lighting fixtures and asbestos door knobs, the current Florence City Council has ordered a new building from Amazon. Yes, that previous sentence was written with tongue in cheek, but the idea is the same. The council wants a new building, complete with their names on a plague in the lobby. With only months to go in their terms, something has to be done quickly.

The cost of this new Taj Mahal central office office is rising every day, but the council now thinks it has a solution. The new municipal building will be smaller, with the more minor offices stuffed .8 mile away in a tin can that Bank Independent will no longer need for an Operations Center once its new marble palace is complete on the TVA Reservation. (See photo above.)

 

Cost of the Veterans Drive tin can? Two Million. Look carefully at the photo of the Bank Independent Operations Center above. We assume the building is worth $9,999.99, with the prime real estate being valued at $1,990,000.01.

Can the Florence City Council not find a better (and perhaps cheaper) building within .8 mile of the Municipal Building? Or is the council simply scratching Macke Mauldin's back?

Even better, can the council not come up with some kind of alternative financing to complete the original plan for a new City Hall adjacent to the current outdated one? At this rate, Florence will be replacing its facilities more often than Burger King or Mickey D's.

Billy Ray Simpson "Names" Shooter

 

The Florence shooting that took place at Southern Oaks Village Apartments has been shrouded in mystery. The initial press releases were so convoluted that it appeared to some that as many as four or more individuals may have been involved. We had called it a triple-cross, when in fact it may have been only a double-cross at worst.

We don't know if Florence Police are still actively seeking any information on a fourth party who may have been involved, but it appears the alleged fourth party in Facebook "gossip" was the seller himself. What do we know about him?

Florence mayoral candidate Billy Ray Simpson has published a photo of the shooter; we're covering his face here with a rabbit silhouette (it is the Easter season after all). We'll simply refer to him as "M." He is 22, and therefore not a juvenile. Simpson has announced that the FPD should have arrested M and not the 17 year-old Russellville athlete.

It's entirely possible that Florence Police may arrest M at a later date (after the autopsy results are in); however, Simpson's constant criticism of Chief Michael Holt is very unbecoming.

Should Simpson call for Holt's termination? Who would replace him? This is an extremely poor political platform. It's also unethical to publish a photo of someone the FPD has, at least for now, called the victim in an unfortunate crime. 

Second guessing the police chief isn't the best of form.

Really?

Happy Easter 2025

 

It's Easter again, a time for renewal. Think about that. Whatever needs to be renewed in your life, let it be now. We know you can do it!

Happy Easter,

All of Us at Shoalanda Speaks

John & Noah: Real Harvey Wahl Bangers!

 

John C. and Noah Leviticus Wahl are brothers living in Limestone County. The two Anabaptist political activists assist their family in running an extremely profitable butterfly farm, as well as Wisemen Trading & Supply, not far from the Lauderdale County line on Lentzville Road.

Noah is head of the Limestone County Republican Party, while John heads the Alabama Republicans. One could easily say the two are movers and shakers in the state and have been for over the past decade. They have become comfortable on their figurative thrones.

Besides Wisemen Trading & Supply, the brothers also own WT&S Consulting, a highly profitable political consulting firm especially active in Limestone County (John has recently denied his association with this company). Both the supply company and the consulting firm are usually referred to as simply WT&S. This has become especially confusing in financial statements provided the State.

Is John a partner to Noah in the consulting firm? His name is on various documents and websites, as well as being listed as the primary email contact, yet John contends he was totally unaware of this. He also contends that even though the firm is raking in thousands of dollars, this was not the primary goal of the consulting company.

Did we just mention big bucks? Members of the Limestone County Republican Party say that John and Noah have repeatedly denied them access to financial records. In short, most members of the Limestone committee are angry and have turned over information on the alleged misdoings to several legal agencies.

We're sure John and Noah won't go down without a fight. We'll have more on the situation in the upcoming weeks.

Get Your Billy Ray Simpson Brooms Here!

 

Who cares about Pickett, Tyler, McCoy, or Griffin? Ambassador Billy Ray Simpson has brooms for all the Florence ladies. It doesn't matter if you're black or white, there's no charge for one of his special straw flying implements.

We don't know how the rest of the Florence females feel, but it's never been our highest hope to be called a witch...no matter how it's pronounced. In the meantime, other candidates are getting down to work!

Who Did This at Lagrange?

 

Some little vandal really proved his stuff at Lagrange Cemetery. The ugly piece of snix not only defaced several graves, he got in an advertisement for the Prince of Darkness.

If you know who painted this Satanic graffiti on several grave sites at the historic cemetery, please report it to the Colbert County sheriff. If it results in a conviction, we'll provide a reward of $100.00.

Parents, do you know what your little darlings are doing?