Rally at the River

 

It's hard to find a more worthy cause than St. Jude's. See you there this weekend!

That Sinkhole Cost How Much?

 

It took 60 days, but the famous John R. sinkhole in Muscle Shoals has been repaired. How much were taxpayers out?

The final bill was over $150K, including landscape repair in the amount of $4.8K for residential grass that was "disturbed" during the repair. There's a joke there, but you'll let you fill in the punch line.

Lauderdale Shooting Victim ID'd

 

The victim in the shooting west of Florence Friday morning has been identified as Antoine Abdallah Akl Jr., believed to be a Lebanese national. Akl had been residing in Toney, Alabama, at the time of his death. The body of the 33 year-old was taken to Morgan Funeral Chapel with no plans for services at this time.

As of Monday morning, no one has been charged in Akl's death. The shooter is believed to be a resident of the home on County Road 23 where the victim was visiting.

Latest Banned from UNA is Batty

 

Yes, the latest person banned from the University of North Alabama campus is Batty - Roy Wyatt Batty to be exact. The 50 year-old Batty was living in Sheffield at the time of his infraction on June 8th; however, he also has addresses in Nashville and San Francisco. 

If you see Roy Batty on the UNA campus, call the authorities at 256-765-4327 or 911.

Father's Day 2025

 

Did you get Dad a shirt and tie for Father's Day? Some things haven't changed much over the years, no matter how much the world evolves.

Children need their fathers. Be there for them. You can change the world for the better!

The Staff at Shoalanda Speaks

"We Will Call If Interested" He Said of Veterans

 

Recently, a candidate for the Florence City Council told everyone how he felt about helping animals. So how do the candidates feel about helping local veterans? It might surprise you.

Local activist Wendy Snitzer has been working on obtaining an abandoned school building in Colbert County to expand efforts for displaced veterans in both Lauderdale and Colbert Counties. This should be a priority for our area, but sadly it isn't.

Ms. Snitzer contacted several candidates in Florence, including Gunner Ford and Jackie Hendrix who are both seeking to fill the District 2 seat. Do you think that each immediately offered to do anything he could? Not quite.

Mr. Ford both wrote a check and offered his services to assist in the remodeling of the old building. What did Jackie Hendrix do?

He replied "We will call if interested."

What does this tell you about Jivin' Jackie? We speculate that Hendrix isn't familiar with Ms. Snitzer or her work with both animals and veterans. After all, Wendy doesn't live on some of the ritzier streets in his district, so why would he consider her someone he should keep up with?

How many veterans do you know who have taken their own lives, or perhaps just lost their way in general? We can name several, and certainly many are out there in our area. Many elected officials don't care. 

Jackie Hendrix doesn't care about veterans. He won't call to assist Wendy because he certainly isn't interested. 

Did Jivin' Jackie Hendrix just make sure he lost the election?

Martian Water Tower Throws It in Subdivision's Face

 

Remember the invading eight million dollar water tower from last December? If not, here's a refresher:

Martians on Bridlewood Drive

Now the tower is finished, and the Martians currently in control of the Florence Water Department have dared to place a picture of the strange ship on the cover of its latest quarterly report.

Just how much does this tower hurt adjoining houses? Our source says it devalues these properties between 5% and 15%.

Deadly Shooting Near Florence, AL, RV Park & Resort

 

Authorities were called to a residence near an RV park this morning after a deadly shooting. The Lauderdale sheriff's office stated the scene was near the Florence, AL, RV Park & Resort (pictured at top left in photo) on Highway 23 just west of Florence.

The victim has not been identified, but was stated to have been 33 years-old and meeting a 13 year-old whom friends online say was a female. A family member of the juvenile is reported to have shot the adult male while he was inside his truck.

We will have more on these crime(s) when the information is updated by the sheriff's office.

"Murder!" They Screamed

 

When we first began our blog, there were 19 enhancements to a Capital Murder charge in this state; now there are 21. If a senator from Baldwin County has his way, there will soon be 22.

The lawmaker from Daphne wants to make it a capital crime to murder someone when they're part of a crowd. He says it will deter such shootings. They always say that, and we always think just how dumb are these lawmakers?

Anyone angry or crazy enough to hunt someone down in public to blow them away isn't going to be thinking about the punishment involved. He's doesn't even care at that point, or thinks he's smart enough to get away - right?

Currently, only 21 states have capital punishment on the books, or 42%. At least 12 of those states have considered doing away with that punishment. Why is Alabama one of the 9 states which wishes to kill more people?

Below is the current list of crimes eligible for capital enhancement:

(1) Murder by the defendant during a kidnapping in the first degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(2) Murder by the defendant during a robbery in the first degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(3) Murder by the defendant during a rape in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant; or murder by the defendant during sodomy in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(4) Murder by the defendant during a burglary in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(5) Murder of any police officer, sheriff, deputy, state trooper, federal law enforcement officer, or any other state or federal peace officer of any kind, or prison or jail guard, while the officer or guard is on duty, regardless of whether the defendant knew or should have known the victim was an officer or guard on duty, or because of some official or job-related act or performance of the officer or guard.

(6) Murder committed while the defendant is under sentence of life imprisonment.

(7) Murder done for a pecuniary or other valuable consideration or pursuant to a contract or for hire.

(8) Murder by the defendant during sexual abuse in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(9) Murder by the defendant during arson in the first or second degree committed by the defendant; or murder by the defendant by means of explosives or explosion.

(10) Murder wherein two or more persons are murdered by the defendant by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct.

(11) Murder by the defendant when the victim is a state or federal public official or former public official and the murder stems from or is caused by or is related to his official position, act, or capacity.

(12) Murder by the defendant during the act of unlawfully assuming control of any aircraft by use of threats or force with intent to obtain any valuable consideration for the release of the aircraft or any passenger or crewmen thereon, to direct the route or movement of the aircraft, or otherwise exert control over the aircraft.

(13) Murder by a defendant who has been convicted of any other murder in the 20 years preceding the crime; provided that the murder which constitutes the capital crime shall be murder as defined in subsection (b); and provided further that the prior murder conviction referred to shall include murder in any degree as defined at the time and place of the prior conviction.

(14) Murder when the victim is subpoenaed, or has been subpoenaed, to testify, or the victim had testified, in any preliminary hearing, grand jury proceeding, criminal trial or criminal proceeding of whatever nature, or civil trial or civil proceeding of whatever nature, in any municipal, state, or federal court, when the murder stems from, is caused by, or is related to the capacity or role of the victim as a witness.

(15) Murder when the victim is less than fourteen years of age.

(16) Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon fired or otherwise used from outside a dwelling while the victim is in a dwelling.

(17) Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon while the victim is in a vehicle.

(18) Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon fired or otherwise used within or from a vehicle.

(19) Murder by the defendant where a court had issued a protective order for the victim, against the defendant, pursuant to Section 30-5-1 et seq., or the protective order was issued as a condition of the defendant's pretrial release.

(20) Murder by the defendant in the presence of a child under the age of 14 years at the time of the offense, if the victim was the parent or legal guardian of the child. For purposes of this subsection, "in the presence of a child" means in the physical presence of a child or having knowledge that a child is present and may see or hear the act.

(21) Murder when the victim is a first responder who is operating in an official capacity. For the purposes of this subdivision, first responder includes emergency medical services personnel licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health and firefighters and volunteer firefighters as defined by Section 36-32-1.

The Tragedy at Tiny Tiger: A Stolen Breath

Payton Gann - Accused of Manslaughter

In the town of Red Bay, Alabama, the name "Tiny Tiger Day Care" now evokes a profound sense of sorrow and a chilling reminder of a trust tragically broken. The death of a four-month-old infant, Autumn Wells, in 2022 sent shock waves far beyond the town's borders, leaving a family shattered and a Franklin County community grappling with questions of safety, accountability, and the devastating consequences of negligence.

Boppy

The circumstances surrounding Autumn's death, as detailed in official reports and court documents, paint a harrowing picture of improper and dangerous sleeping practices. The infant was reportedly placed on her stomach on a "Boppy" pillow for an extended period, a practice that directly contravenes established safe sleep guidelines for infants, which unequivocally state that babies should be placed on their backs in a crib with a firm, flat mattress, free of any soft bedding. This fundamental failure to adhere to safety protocols resulted in a preventable tragedy, stealing the breath and the future of a helpless child.

Angeline Chamblee  - Owner

The legal fallout from this incident has been extensive and continues to unfold, revealing a disturbing pattern of alleged misconduct. The daycare's owner, Angelene Chamblee, along with several of her employees—Hannah Grace Letson, Payton Nicole Gann, Teia Kay Gann, and Madison Jade McCalpin—have faced a battery of serious charges, including manslaughter, violations of the Child Care Act, forgery, and tampering with witnesses. These accusations suggest a systemic disregard for regulations designed to protect the most vulnerable among us. The ongoing legal proceedings, including a recent push by the Franklin County District Attorney's Office to seek additional and more serious charges against Chamblee, underscore the gravity of the alleged offenses and the determination of the justice system to hold those responsible accountable.

Madison McCalpin - Youthful Offender

The case has cast a long shadow over the community of Red Bay, forcing parents to confront their deepest fears and to re-examine the trust they place in childcare providers. The closure of Tiny Tiger Day Care in the wake of Autumn's death served as a stark and immediate consequence, but the emotional and psychological impact on the community endures. For Autumn's family, the pain is immeasurable, a lifelong sentence of grief for a life that had only just begun.

Hannah Grace Letson

The tragedy at Tiny Tiger Day Care serves as a somber and urgent call to action. It highlights the critical importance of rigorous oversight and unwavering adherence to safety standards in all childcare settings. It is a devastating illustration of the fact that regulations are not mere bureaucratic hurdles, but are, in fact, safeguards that stand between a child's safety and a family's heartbreak. The memory of Autumn Wells must serve as a catalyst for renewed vigilance, for a commitment from providers, parents, and regulatory bodies to ensure that such a preventable loss is never repeated. While the legal process will run its course, the moral imperative for a safer future for all children is a verdict that has already been delivered.

Payton Gann's trial continues today in Franklin County.

Teia Gann

"Never Seen a Community of People Treated So Badly"

 

From a reader:

I believe the only way to see change in Sheffield is to get rid of the old guard and bring someone in that can work with all people- young, older, rich, poor and all ethnicities. I’ve seen Penny (Freeman) do just that year after year. 

Since the current mayor and board got rid of the meal barrel I’ve watched Penny use her own money and spend hours after working a full time job just trying her best to continue providing food for thousands. What people don’t realize is it’s not homeless people getting this food- it’s elderly, it’s grandparents raising their grandchildren, it’s college kids on their own, it’s veterans! 

When I went to the board meeting for them to vote on terminating the lease I was blown away at the complete disregard of the Sheffield community in attendance there. The current mayor was so condescending! The board members themselves were rude and even chastised one of the audience members for showing up instead of coming to her office to speak with her personally! 

I’ve lived in 5 states and never seen a community of people treated so badly. When I asked why it was so easily tolerated I was told that they’re so used to it. That’s a tragedy. Sheffield could be a beautiful city if it had a mayor that wanted success for all of the people not just the ones that look/act/think like him. 

NWSCC Wins over UNA Every Time

 

Statistics say 50% of high school grads in Alabama attend college. Where do they go? Certainly many choose to attend community college, at least at first, but schools such as UA, Auburn, Troy, and others are also choices. How about UNA?

Sorry, Dr. Kitts, but UNA didn't come out on top in any of Alabama's 67 counties. Here's the local data:

Colbert - NWSCC

Franklin - NWSCC

Lauderdale - NWSCC

Lawrence - Calhoun

Limestone - Calhoun

Marion - Bevell

We're sure the problem lies with the City of Florence not donating enough money to UNA...ahem...

Waterloo Mayor Accused of "Shady" Dealings

 

Just over a year ago, we wrote a scathing blog about appointed Waterloo Mayor Allen Caddell. Why? He had intentionally hurt some small children whom he seemingly insisted would soon get over it. His supporters were livid. Now someone else, someone who resides in or near Waterloo, has a problem with Caddell's ethics. Here's the skinny:

Allen Caddell is current mayor of Waterloo and the Director of Engineering and Operations for the FED (2nd in command).

There is a newly formed committee consisting of city councilmen, county commissioners, and the mayors of all towns in Lauderdale County. This committee is tasked with helping organize and prioritize the work of the FED. You might be familiar with this new committee. As mayor of Waterloo, Mr Caddell serves on this committee, which is a direct conflict of interest.

Last week there was 2 days of work performed by the FED at the rock wall in Waterloo. This was removing trees along the wall. Most of these trees were not a threat to the power lines but rather a threat to falling in the roadway. This work was done at the order of Mr. Caddell and is outside the normal scope of work done by the FED since it didn’t involve clearing trees from an electrical right-of-way.

These are very valid concerns to me.

The Brutal Murder of Karen Lane

 

A Life for a Life: The Brutal Murder of Karen Lane

In the early morning hours of August 2, 1988, the quiet community of Cordova in Walker County, Alabama, was shattered by a crime of shocking brutality. Karen Lane, a 32-year-old woman, was found bludgeoned to death in her apartment. The investigation would swiftly point to a man she had been dating for a mere month, Gregory Hunt. Now, 37 years later, on this day, June 10, 2025, the long legal saga is scheduled to conclude with Hunt's execution by nitrogen hypoxia, a consequence of a crime that has left an indelible scar on the community and the families involved.

The relationship between Hunt and Lane was, by all accounts, brief and tumultuous. On the night of the murder, evidence presented at trial painted a grim picture of Hunt's obsessive pursuit of Lane. He was seen searching for her, and a neighbor testified to hearing glass break and witnessing Hunt enter Lane's apartment. The scene that awaited investigators was one of horrific violence. Lane had sustained over 60 injuries, a testament to a savage and prolonged attack.

The evidence against Hunt was overwhelming. A bloody palm print found at the scene was a direct match to his. His fingerprints were discovered on a window screen that had been tampered with. The prosecution built a case that portrayed Hunt as a jealous and violent man who, in a fit of rage, sexually assaulted and murdered Karen Lane.

The legal proceedings that followed were lengthy and contentious. In 1990, a Walker County jury convicted Gregory Hunt of capital murder. By a vote of 11 to 1, they recommended the death penalty, a sentence the judge subsequently imposed. For the next three and a half decades, Hunt's case would wind its way through the appellate court system. His defense attorneys raised numerous issues, including the non-unanimous jury verdict for a death sentence, a practice now outlawed in Alabama for cases after 2017.

A significant point of contention during the appeals process revolved around the testimony of the medical examiner. The prosecution had argued that a stick found at the crime scene had been used to sexually assault Lane, a key factor in the capital murder charge. Years later, it came to light that the medical examiner's testimony regarding the presence of cervical mucus on the stick was flawed, as Lane had previously undergone a hysterectomy and did not have a cervix. While the defense argued this undermined the sexual assault charge, the state maintained that other evidence supported the finding.

Despite the legal challenges and the controversy surrounding certain aspects of the evidence, Hunt's conviction and death sentence were repeatedly upheld. His confessions to both his sister and a cellmate, in which he admitted to the killing, were powerful pieces of evidence that were difficult to refute.

As the date of his execution neared, Gregory Hunt, now in his 60s, continued to express remorse for the murder of Karen Lane but maintained his innocence on the sexual assault charge. His case has drawn attention from death penalty opponents, who point to the non-unanimous jury recommendation and the questions surrounding the medical examiner's testimony as reasons for clemency.

The impending execution brings a sense of finality to a case that has spanned generations. For the family of Karen Lane, it represents a long-awaited form of justice. For the community of Walker County, it is a grim reminder of a violent tragedy that stole a life and set in motion a chain of events that would culminate in another death, decades later. 

Update: At 2:45 p.m., the Supreme Court refused to block Hunt's execution.

Billy Ray Simpson Disses the Animals

 

Florence mayoral candidate Billy Ray Simpson says he will put humans before animals. Just where in this small town are animals put first? Perhaps he means animals have a shelter (which is required by law for the benefit of everyone), and humans don't (thanks mainly to Dick Jordan who always opposed one).

Yet, Simpson goes farther:

No where in our Bible does it say not to love animals. How about yours?

Perhaps Simpson could tell us what "rights" the City of Florence has given animals?

Here again Simpson tells us not to love animals. What kind of man is he...and Andy as well?

Here he says it's all right to like animals, but not to love. Has Simpson ever owned a puppy or kitten?

Finally, he expresses his opinion on kissing your babies and star boarders. So much mental illness and so few shrinks to go around.

Anyone out there actually voting for the man who calls himself "reverend?"

Suspected Case of Rubeola (Red Measles) in Auburn Area

 

The above cat looks more like it has shingles than measles, but whatever it is, you don't want it. Here's an important release from the ADPH:

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), as part of its standard communicable disease procedure, is investigating a suspected case of measles in an unvaccinated person who was not yet eligible for vaccine. This investigation is in Lee County, Alabama. ADPH is collaborating with local medical providers to identify any other unvaccinated persons who may need to receive the MMR vaccine. At this time, given that most eligible Alabamians are vaccinated against measles, the risk for an outbreak remains low, but some persons will need to be vaccinated as part of this investigation.

“Measles vaccine is safe and highly effective in producing lifelong immunity against this potentially deadly disease. Our citizens can protect themselves and others by ensuring that all eligible persons are vaccinated,” said ADPH Chief Medical Officer and pediatrician, Dr. Karen Landers.

Persons who have been potentially exposed to measles and need vaccination are being contacted by ADPH or their healthcare provider. As a matter of privacy and under HIPAA guidelines, ADPH does not discuss patient information. This is all the information ADPH can provide, at this time, as this is an ongoing investigation.

Guidelines for vaccine eligibility, and other measles information, can be found at the measles page on the ADPH Immunization website.

What Happened to This Phil Campbell Man?

 

Timothy O'Neal Campbell was last seen on the morning of Thursday, October 26, 2024. At approximately 10:30 a.m., he was at his residence on Wade Road. It is believed that he then left aboard his red all-terrain vehicle, a familiar sight to those who knew him. Described as a white male, standing 5'9" and weighing 160 pounds, his aunt fondly recalls his love for being outdoors, with his red four-wheeler a frequent companion on his excursions.

As daylight faded and Campbell failed to return, a comprehensive search was launched, a testament to the tight-knit fabric of the Franklin County community. Family, friends, and neighbors joined forces with a host of official agencies, including the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Firefighters and the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) also combed the rugged terrain.

The investigation into Campbell's disappearance took a grim turn with a discovery in nearby woods. Blood, later confirmed through testing to be his, was found, casting a sinister pall over the case. This stark piece of evidence transformed a missing person case into one fraught with the possibility of foul play, deepening the anguish for his loved ones and intensifying the urgency of the search. His family believes neighbors with whom he had quarreled are involved in the disappearance.

If you have knowledge of Campbell's whereabouts, call the Franklin County Sheriff's office at 256-332-8820.

Get Your Applications Starting Tomorrow

 

Pipefitters Local Union 760

APPRENTICE APPLICATION WEEK - 2025

WHEN: June 9, 2025 -June 13, 2025

WHERE: 2803 E Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL

HOURS: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (offices closed 12:00-1:00)

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Valid Driver's License, a high school diploma or GED, and must be 18 years old**

Applications may be picked up starting at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025 and must be returned by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025 - Early applications will not be given out - Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted -Electronic applications are not available at this time

Required Documents - please have paper/printed copies of items below ready to turn in with your application:

- Driver’s License**

- Transcript of Grades from an accredited High School**

- Diploma or GED Certificate with Test Results

- DD214 (if applicable)

** Applicants must turn 18 by September 1, 2025

** Driver's License - black and white copy of front side only

** Transcripts do not need to be in a sealed envelope

** Resumes, letters of recommendation, college transcripts, and/or other certifications can be turned in but are not required

Anyone having previously applied must reapply

EEO Pledge: The UA Local 760 JATC is committed to providing equal opportunity for all apprentices and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or military/veteran status.