Party Central? We Have a Winner!

 

Some disgruntled Muscle Shoals firefighters have sent word that Station #2 by the airport is indeed Party Central. Can we have the CCTV coverage pulled to monitor the traffic?

*****

Muscle Shoals Fire Department lieutenant Nick Thomason, after two alcohol related arrests, has asked if he may be sent to rehab in order to keep his job. Our mole wants to know if that's with or without pay?

The firefighter dismissed after a domestic violence arrest (but no conviction as of yet) is said to be consulting employment attorneys. Is this the town Mikey Lockhart recently announced he's running so well?

Why Is Jivin' Jackie Hendrix Missing in Action?

 

A Florence citizen is looking for appointed District 2 representative Jackie Hendrix, but isn't having any luck. Like his predecessor Dick Jordan, Hendrix refuses to return phone calls.

The citizen, Tom Conroy, had his camper damaged at McFarland Park by a falling dead tree. Obviously, the City was remiss not to have removed the dangerous tree earlier, and also obviously Hendrix is avoiding the issue.

Best of luck to Mr. Conroy is his quest for damages. As for Jivin' Jackie, voters, are you listening?

There Was a Cyber Attack Where?

 

The good news is it's not like we have this store in Florence anymore any way. The bad news is you shouldn't plan to drive to Huntsville to use that gift card, or even any other plastic.

It seems some industrious hackers hit Victoria's Secret yesterday. Yes, we know, go figure. Apparently, all online orders are now cancelled, and a customer shouldn't expect anything electronic at their stores for some time.

A few locations have announced closings for two or three days...minimum. Did we just hear some yawns out there?

Ryland Calvert's Family Calls Out the FPD

 

The family of dead teen Ryland Calvert has shifted into hard ball gear. They camped out at the Lauderdale County Courthouse today, speaking with mayoral candidate Billy Ray Simpson, who used the protest as a photo-op.

Ryland's father Jon believes Florence chief Michael Holt has not been truthful with the Calvert family. We believe Chief Holt may have spoken in error, but had no evil intentions.

In Alabama, most criminal prosecutions require an indictment. It's certainly possible that a manslaughter or even stronger charge will be forthcoming against the 22 year-old shooter...or even other legal remedies in today's political climate.

How Auburn Outmaneuvered Florence for the Land Grant College

 

Per requests, we asked Gemini to give us the whole story on this "steal":

Auburn Chosen Over Florence for Alabama's Land-Grant College in 1872 After Legislative Maneuvering

In a closely watched decision in February 1872, the Alabama State Legislature selected Auburn as the site for the state's new land-grant college, an institution mandated by the federal Morrill Act of 1862. This outcome followed a "lively debate" and ultimately saw a minority report of a legislative selection committee, which favored Auburn, adopted over a majority report that had reportedly considered Florence the "most viable option."

The Morrill Act entitled Alabama to 240,000 acres of federal land to establish a college focused on agriculture and the mechanic arts. Several locations vied for the new institution, with Florence in Lauderdale County and Auburn in Lee County emerging as the primary contenders. Florence was proposed by Lauderdale County representative B.F. Taylor and was home to Florence Wesleyan University (which became the State Normal School at Florence later in 1872). Auburn's bid, championed by locals including Sheldon Toomer and J.L. Pennington, centered on the existing, albeit financially struggling, East Alabama Male College.

Special committees were formed by the legislature in December 1871 to evaluate the proposals and recommend a location. While Florence was initially seen by some as the stronger candidate, Auburn's offer to donate the entire campus, including land and buildings, of the East Alabama Male College proved to be a decisive factor. This existing infrastructure, despite the college's financial difficulties, provided a tangible starting point for the new land-grant institution.

The political climate of the Reconstruction era also played a significant role. The Republican-controlled state legislature and governorship ultimately made the decision. On February 13, 1872, the legislature opted to support the minority committee report advocating for Auburn. The bill officially designating Auburn as the site for the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama (now Auburn University) was passed on February 24, 1872.

While specific details of the majority and minority committee reports and the full scope of the legislative debates are not readily available in easily accessible public records today, historical accounts indicate that Auburn's tangible offer of existing facilities was a compelling argument. Key individuals like Sheldon Toomer, who had deep ties to Auburn as an alumnus, future faculty member, prominent businessman (founder of Toomer's Drugs and the Bank of Auburn), and eventual local and state politician, likely played a crucial role in advocating for Auburn's selection.

In contrast, while Florence had an existing institution in Florence Wesleyan University, the specific resources it could offer or commit to the land-grant college's particular focus on agricultural and mechanical education, as compared to Auburn's outright donation of its college campus, may have been perceived as less advantageous by the legislators who voted in favor of the minority report. The exact financial condition and suitability of Florence Wesleyan University for this new role, in the eyes of the decision-makers, versus the immediate availability of the East Alabama Male College campus, likely tipped the scales in Auburn's favor.

Thus, Florence lost the bid for Alabama's land-grant college due to a combination of Auburn's strategic donation of existing infrastructure, effective advocacy by its proponents, and the prevailing political dynamics within the Reconstruction-era Alabama Legislature that led to the adoption of the minority committee report.

Muscle Shoals Fire Department: Party Central?

 

Several readers have contacted us with the same request: Be fair! If we publish information on the drunken arrest of a 20 year-old firefighter trainee, we need to publish the same info on a newly promoted lieutenant in the Muscle Shoals brigade.

On or around May 20th, 33 year-old Nicholas Donald Thomason was promoted, and congratulations dotted his Facebook page. Five days later, Thomason was arrested in Florence on a DUI charge. Thomason had a similar alcohol related arrest in Muscle Shoals in 2017.

We have two takeaways: 1) Is Florence out to get Muscle Shoals firefighters? (For the humor impaired, that's a joke) and 2) Is the MSFD promoting a party culture? We welcome thoughts on the latter.

City Lodge Murderer up for Parole

 

Before it was Eugene Sak's baby, the now desolate white elephant on Court Street in Florence was the scene of a brutal murder in 2013. While dubbed the City Lodge (one of its many incarnations), a career felon took a down on her luck woman to the aging motel where he strangled her and shoved her body under the bed.

The man charged with the death of 54 year-old Lula Teresa Addison had already served four prison sentences when he was arrested, having one robbery conviction and three for burglary. Eugene Lee Jones is currently serving a life sentence as a habitual offender, but is eligible for parole.

The 68 year-old Jones is housed in the Hamilton Work Release facility and will have a parole hearing scheduled on or after July 1st - just over four weeks from now. It's doubtful Jones will win release, but for those who wish to make sure he is never free to hurt anyone else, the parole board can be reached here:

Alabama Board of Pardons & Paroles

Re: Eugene Jones - AIS#125745

301 Ripley Street

Montgomery, AL 36104

Clean Up Sheffield!

 

We understand that a town the size of Sheffield, with its financial problems, can't build a new civic center or water park. What it can do is clean up its streets.

Today we're publishing four photos taken on Third Street. Does this town look like it's managed efficiently? 

Make sure you ask the mayoral candidates how they plan to handle this problem. If you live in Sheffield, the current administration is slapping you in the face every day.

Colbert County Joins ICE Program(s)

 

According to AL.com, Colbert County is now signed up for at least one of the ICE programs available to county law enforcement. That makes six state counties now considered adjuncts of the federal law enforcement agency.

Along with Franklin and Colbert, Crenshaw, Elmore, Etowah, and Henry are also part of the federal network. It's unknown at this time exactly which program(s) Colbert is now a part of. Houston County is also considering joining the program.

Previously: Shannon Oliver Signs Up for ICE Enforcement Program

Do You Live North of the Tennessee River?

 

Do you live in Lauderdale or Limestone Counties? Or anywhere north of the Tennessee River? If you do, get ready for a hot summer.

The latest models show that June, July, and August will be the hottest it's been in 30 years. How accurate is that forecast? 

Let's just hope these warnings are similar to some of those predictions of snow from last winter...

Memorial Day 2025

 

Today is more than a day for a barbecue or a furniture sale. Let's remember all those who gave their lives for our freedom.

How Many Foreign Students at UNA?

 

According to statistics for the year ending in 2023, the University of North Alabama had 10,500 students, with 1,100 being from a country outside the United States. The Washington Post indicates that over one million foreign students are currently enrolled in American universities.

Don't worry. As of now, Harvard is the only institution in danger of losing its foreign students, approximately 30% of the student body. 

Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman? (Hint: She's Not Coming to Huntsville)

 

Marjorie Taylor Greene is coming to Huntsville. Protests are planned; imagine that. Do you think it's because of her Jewish Space Laser theory?

Or possibly the two extra-marital affairs her ex-husband accused her of when he divorced her?

Or maybe it's how you never see a photo of her with voters unless she's consuming alcohol?

Psst, Marjorie, not everyone can afford to hire a sober driver!

Meanwhile...at the Muscle Shoals Fire Department

 

Trying to Keep Them in Line

It's difficult for small towns to recruit and retain police officers and firefighters. The City of Muscle Shoals has had a particularly hard time of it recently.

First, a City firefighter was arrested and charged with domestic violence. That employee's resulting termination left a convenient opening for Mayor Mike Lockhart to fill.

For whatever reason (surely it wasn't the two grants the City received via Rep. Kerry Underwood?), the department hired Walker Underwood. Alas, Walker had problems of his own - a DUI among them. Lockhart decided to get rid of Walker as well.

Now it's reported another firefighter has resigned to seek greener pastures. You can look for the city clerk to be posting a job opening soon. We suggest she don her running shoes just in case.

About That Muscle Shoals Job Posting

 

Brittoni Walrus in Her Natural Habitat

From a Muscle Shoals pundit:

Concerning the posting for a city staff attorney. One would call it a Job "Prescription", hardly a Job "Description". Are these jokers playing poker with the future of Muscle Shoals or what?

The infamous City job posting for a staff attorney, zoning and planning, economic developer, and advisor on contracts, etc.for Muscle Shoals City Clerk Brittoni Walrus is rolled into one position. The not so professional criteria has raised a whole new set of questions for examination. 

Obviously the Chamber has a few disgruntled board members that believe they would be best served with relieving the Chamber president Caitlyn Burns Holland Jackson of her job. We hear Ms Caitlyn Burns Holland Jackson has her eyes on the gig at the City. But, there is a kink in the backroom deal after insiders reveal a local attorney that works as Muscle Shoals Municipal Court prosecutor would  also like to have the newly created full time attorney job. 

The game is close, On one hand, Ms. Caitlyn Burns Holland Jackson has used the Chamber to pay for another trip to Las Vegas / California for Mayor Lockhard  with her and a few others  attempting to get windmills or someone to bring their business to the Shoals. and of course to give her an ace in this poker game for the winner's price of a lucrative newly created position. But wait, the city prosecutor, married to a local judge and also a neighbor to Mrs. Brittoni Walrus  has a pretty good hand in this poker game and may have an ace in the hole herself. 

If this plays out as observers say it will,  we will see which one of these ladies have the best poker hand when the dirty dealer reveals his choice.  The winner could be determined by which card trumps the deck - The Vegas/California Card - or the - Friend/Neighbor Ace in the Hole. Don't take this blog as faulting these 2 ladies, I'm sure they both need a high paying job at Party Hall, benefits, retirement and expense account on the taxpayers' back

On second thought, when it comes to our money, I figure we can fault anyone we want to. It's just plain wrong and we're crying foul. If you're tired from reading about this tangled web of deception and corruption, you're not alone. This poker gig is going to have a lot of losers - all the taxpayers of Muscle Shoals.

VOTE IN AUGUST! - Check the box of any newcomer to politics and send the current council and mayor home. TIME FOR A COMPLETE CHANGE!!!

Where Is Je Maria Jackson?

 

On Wednesday, May 21st, Je Maria Jackson walked away from a residence on Franklin Street near the Broadway Recreation Center in Weeden Heights. Jackson, 16, is presumed at this time to be a runaway.

She is a Black female, 5'9", 120#. If you have seen Je Maria or have any information about her whereabouts, call the Florence Police at 256-760-6610.

Guerra & Ingram Sentenced to Federal Prison

 

Francisco Guerra and Jason Ingram (pictured) have been sentenced to federal prison in an elaborate bribery scheme. Guerra, a one-time stage magician who owns the multi-faceted Guerra Holdings in Lexington will serve five years for his part in the illicit plan.

The 47 year-old Ingram, whose online bio states he's a Lauderdale County High School grad who owns SNC Auto in Rogersville and is vice president of Guerra Defense, will serve two.*

* Amended from three years at 2:20 on 5/24.

Another Take on Alabama Music Hall of Fame Corruption

 

This is an op-ed sent to us from a reader; rebuttals are always welcome:

Let's talk about the new interim director of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.  First, the board in all its brilliance, voted to allow Judy Hood to find the interim director and handle all aspects of hiring her.  That is smart since she is so good at management.

Wait, did I say management?  I meant to say bullying.  Judy Hood handling any business at the Hall of Fame is like letting the fox watch the hen house.  

Who is the new interim director?  Kelly Flippo Hall McDonald.  Did they poach her away from another successful museum, or was she a tourism professional from another city who can navigate the hall of fame into record breaking attendance numbers or perhaps a strong background in music history.  No would be the correct answer to all of these questions.  Her background in is pharmaceutical sales.  

But let's not forget that she was once married to FAME Studio's owner, Rodney Hall.  (you gotta wonder what the Halls think about this move). Now, however, she is married to Mayor of Huntsville Tommy Battle's best friend.  Funny how that worked out.  She lives in Huntsville with her new husband and drives all the way from Huntsville to Tuscumbia to work???  Well, when she is actually at work.  But that's not all, she is also closely related to US Congressman Robert Aderholt's wife, Caroline McDonald Aderholt.  Smell a rat yet? She is the daughter of former political powerhouse Ronnie Flippo.   

But hey, she was a lot better choice than Debbie Wilson, who we all feared would be the pick of her bff Judy Hood. Debbie Wilson and Judy Hood have run their game of bullying people for far too long, with the help of their close personal friend, Lee Sentell, the state Tourism Director, who should have retired 15 years ago when he turned 65 and now has the beginning stages of dementia.   Now they have Anna Hyde involved as she is now working at the Hall of Fame as well as Muscle Shoals Sound.  I mean someone has to do the work since Judy is clueless and Debbie, well, Debbie never works.  

It's all a plan to move the Alabama Music Hall of Fame to Huntsville.   That is what Judy is being paid for doing now that the Orion stopped paying her for whatever "services" she was supposed to be doing for them.   It was recently overheard at a meeting at the Muscle Shoals Music Association, Huntsville is trying to steal the legacy of Muscle Shoals music and Judy Hood is leading the way.

It's time for Judy Hood to take all of her empty wine bottles, go to the house, and start taking care of her ailing husband, who she often and publicly refers to as her "toddler" since he cannot be left alone due to his sickness.  Isn't that a great way to describe a legend like David Hood? She has ridden his coat tails long enough.  Have you ever seen anything more self serving than when she created the "Swampette Tours?"  "Everyone look at Judy Hood, its all about her." 

Call the Governor's office and send a message that Judy Hood and Debbie Wilson both need to go home.  

Let's Not Ever Mention Nepotism - Part II Lauderdale

 

We cannot remember a time when it wasn't said that you couldn't get a job with the Lauderdale County school system if you weren't related to someone already in power there. Unfortunately, after all these years, it's still true.

Pictured above is Lauderdale Superintendent Jerry Hill. Doesn't he have a son named Austin? (Everyone seems to have a son.) From the minutes of yesterday's school board meeting:

Let's Not Ever Mention Nepotism - Part I Florence

 

Until a few years ago, the last name of the Florence City Council president and two department heads was Jordan. We still have one department head named Jordan. Is this a good thing?

Remember the $5.00 parking charge at the sportsplex? From a reader:

I saw the park director and asked where free parking was and he said there was not any he knew of within walking distance. I said this is the only venue I have been to for high school softball that charged for parking. He said everyone he spoke with liked to pay for parking. What a sarcastic person. He was with some employees, must be trying to impress them. Explains the whole fiasco if he did the planning.

A Muscle Shoals Taxpayer is Fed Up!

 

From a Muscle Shoals taxpayer - Rebuttals are welcome.

How much does a taxpayer pay for a legislator's son a job? In the form of "grants", aka taxpayers' money, Bubba Underwood secures employment for his son.

Around $55,000 of the taxpayer's money was given to the MS Fire Dept. when the new fire department was recently built. This month, more "grant" money was given to the MS Fire Dept just prior to Bubba Underwood's son being arrested for a DUI in Florence. The 20 year old blew an impressive high number of .08. We hear he can't score high enough to pass the tests at his new job in the MS Fire Dept.

Maybe the previous fireman Lockhart pushed out because of his domestic violence arrest to make room for the Kingpin's Beer Guzzling son wasn't quite as bad - he did pass the tests to be a certified fireman.

Mikie and Bubba are keeping the backroom hot and our bank accounts drained.

Welcome to Muscle Shoals and the corrupt halls of doom.

Who Is Autumn's Killer Logan Michael Rogers?

 

Logan Michael Rogers calls himself loganboy0005 online. He has 2024 and 2025 arrests in Marion County, having lived in Hamilton. The '24 arrest was for third degree domestic violence.

His most recent Florence address is 2238 North Wood Avenue where the remains of Autumn Paige Strickland was found earlier today. The 28 year-old Rogers is currently being held without bond in the Lauderdale County Detention Center. 

Autumn Hours Before Her Murder

Missing: Chasity Galbreath

 

Chasity Galbreath has been missing since around January 9, 2025. She is also known as Chasity Ann Terry. According to her online bio, she was living in Tuscumbia; she was last seen in Bear Creek or possibly at a Love's truck stop in Jasper.

If you have any information concerning the 39 year-old Galbreath's whereabouts, call the Hamilton Police at 205-921-7424.

What's Really Wrong with the Alabama Music Hall of Fame?

 

Slowly Sinking AMHOF

This is a guest blog; we'll be presenting more in days to come:

For starters, Judy Hood who is now the chairperson of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board is not really even a member of the board. Her term ended in July 2024 and, as of today, she still has not been reappointed to that board.

Judy Hood has been working behind the scenes for over two years now to get the Alabama Music Hall of Fame to move to Huntsville, due to her strong ties with the Orion Theater from whom she draws a paycheck, which is why she quickly hired an interim director who lives in Huntsville.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame by-laws state that four of the seven members of the board must also be members of the Muscle Shoals Music Association, but it appears that Judy Hood is the ONLY board member that is also a MSMA member. The list goes on and on, but we do know that some of the unauthorized charges mentioned were actually things like payment to the band members for the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Induction Banquet that was all arranged by Mrs. Hood, with several payments being made to her husband who played in that band. There is another "unauthorized" charge that was paid to another board member for performing at the Hall of Fame last year.

I think we all know that Judy Hood has tried to run that museum for WAY too long. That is why people like Wayne Perkins, Travis Wammack, Shenandoah, Wayne Chaney, Billy Lawson, Hank Williams Jr., Jamey Johnson (...the list goes on and on), have never been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. She controls that list completely.

It is time for Judy Hood to go to the house and stop pretending she cares about the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Just like everything else she does, it's all about her own agenda. I even heard she has mentioned inducting the Drive-By Truckers into the hall of fame. Come on, Judy, that is your step-son's band.

More info will surface as this all comes out. Stay tuned.

Missing: Autumn Paige Mack Strickland

 

Autumn Paige Mack Strickland is a 38 year-old Caucasian female missing from Florence. She was last seen Saturday at 1:50 a.m. leaving the Stricklin Hotel on Court Street. She is believed to be endangered.

Strickland's last address of record is on Bradfod Street north of Florence. Her hair may now be dark brown. She has previously lived in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, and Ocala, Florida.

If you have any information on Strickland's whereabouts, call 256-760-6610 or text 274637 using the keyword FPDTIP.

Group of UNA Employees Feel "Sold Out"

 

The University of North Alabama has terminated all its custodial employees, opting to use a professional service instead. Current custodial employees, if they choose to remain with the private company, will lose the State benefits they've become accustomed to.

In fact, these employees say they'll now be working to pay the exorbitant insurance costs, with little left for anything else. We wonder how many faithful employees will actually transfer to the private company. Perhaps the university will soon regret its decision.

*****

Will other departments soon see a similar move? The future of campus police may be surprising...

Bubba Bond Kingpin

 

From an astute Colbert Countian:

As a taxpayer and observant  Colbert County individual, I can't help but think how some of our elected officials in the little swamp towns are quick to fight everything those cities and county across the pond do - or don't do.

This latest Bru-Ha-Ha with the SEDA taxation issue isn't a single prong on the fork of many tines. Ask the average citizen WHO SEDA is or if they even know what SEDA was created to do and is now doing. SEDA gained control of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce building by bailing out a failing Chamber headed by the wife of the SEDA director Kevin Jackson. The back room story that led to the 2 broken homes that preceded their marriage is too salacious even for your blog. SEDA and Chamber board members are pretty much lifelong members as they help aid and abet the activities and expensive budget. 

As a concerned Colbert County taxpayer, I do not want Lauderdale County dictating or getting in the way of sales tax decisions that affect MY sales tax I pay among all the other HIGH TAXES AND FEES IN COLBERT COUNTY CITIES, nor do I want to tell Lauderdale County how to manage their taxes and  how to get control of waste and frivolous spending.

The statement we in Colbert County have to go to Florence to eat and shop is about as asinine as electing the lifelong politicians over here that are great at flapping their gums and making empty promises. ASK WHY THESE ELECTED OFFICIALS IN COLBERT COUNTY AREN'T GETTING US NICE RESTAURANTS AND PLACES TO SHOP. While they, led by Bubba Underwood aka Bond and Slush fund Kingpin, are quick to pull the plug on another county serving their constituents by pulling their taxes from a run-a-way party house (SEDA/CHAMBER) to put money into education and job training shows the stupidity of people in Colbert County. 

It's no wonder we are the black hole in the state of Alabama and only get leftovers and pitiful little projects that in reality are lining pockets of a select few. Let's end with, if DOGE came to this side of the river, Bubba and his little cronies would have a lot of 'splaining to do.

*****

Going Out to "Bubba" and Jivin' Jackie

How to Stop Business Chats

 

For about nine to 12 months, we've been aware of our readers on Facebook receiving unsolicited messages from our account. We were unsure why, but had not been able to get a copy of one of these messages until today.

If you receive a message from us that is marked "Business Chat," it is not actually from us! We are attempting to find a way to make sure none is generated on our end, but until then you can simply type the reply:

Stop Messages From AI

We apologize that it's taken so long even to partially figure this out. At this time, we have no plans on sending any messages in the Business Chat format and are, again, sorry for any inconvenience.

Another "Misdirection" from John Wahl

 

Alabama GOP Chair John Wahl is pictured above in an Instagram photo (he apparently wasn't too allergic to photos when asked by the right person). Recently, per a Josh Moon article in Alabama Political Reporter:

When asked by Poor if he goes by his middle name, Wahl said, “Yeah, as do millions of other Americans, and especially in the entertainment industry and the political field.” 

Except, small problem there, on the speeding ticket he received, Wahl’s full name was listed: Nehemiah Ezekiel Wahl. Not a “John” to be found. 

Surely Wahl wasn't trying to hide the truth by actually telling (another) falsehood? Then, only today, Wikipedia updated its bio of Wahl by adding:

Wahl was reported in 2021 to be residing in Limestone County, Alabama, where his butterfly farm is located.^[13] However, questions have arisen over his residency ever since Wahl attempted to vote with a homemade ID in the 2020 election.^[40] One member of the Wahl family stated in a deposition that his Anabaptist family has religious objections to state IDs. However, further questions arose after the story broke of a traffic ticket Wahl received in Morgan County, Alabama in 2023, where he presented a Tennessee driver's license with a previously unknown name to the Alabama State Trooper.^[41] Since this news was reported, Wahl has been unable to explain why he was able to obtain a state issued ID in Tennessee but not Alabama, where he votes and serves as Chair of the ALGOP.

It's interesting since it seems things have been getting hotter and hotter for Wahl in Limestone County. Do we think the ethics complaints will bring about any significant change in Alabama Republican Party leadership? We're guessing not for the moment, but it will be fun to watch.

When Politicians Don't Care Enough to Reply

 

Ask almost anyone and they'll have a story about a local politician who never answers his phone or email messages. Until recently Florence's Dick Jordan held the record in the Shoals.

When do you give up? After one month? How about one year?

One Sheffield gentleman has been attempting to contact Kerry Underwood for a year now. No reply.

Does Kerry (Bubba) Underwood actually expect to get re-elected?