More Questions...More Answers

A faithful reader writes: Did you get the pictures of the "Shoals Eyesore" that I sent?

Yes, we did, and we are today adding a parcel that is believed to belong to Sanderson Trucking. This lot contains Sanderson trailers, bags, bundles, and we feel sure a kitchen sink in there somewhere. Traveling east from the Hwy 43/Hwy 20 intersection, turn left onto Wilson Dam Road and the Sanderson lot is the second on the left. Not a very pretty picture for a well-traveled Tuscumbia road.


Another reader writes: Do you know who's running for Probate Judge and Commission Chair in Lauderdale County?

No, we do not, but we would like to. May we suggest William Smith or Robert Smith for the former and Brad Holmes or Quinton Hanson for the latter. If anyone has made the decision to throw his hat or her chapeau into the ring, please contact us. We're hoping that should a new probate judge be in the county's future, he or she will have one of those, what do you call it? Oh, yes, a law degree...

(Congratulations to Brad & Sara Holmes on their new addition!)

From another regular reader: I've worked in Lauderdale County law enforcement for many years and all the women I ever worked with looked like the lovely Miss Wanda Fribbish. Do you have a photo of Nancy Sartain, Ronnie Willis's new assistant?

Why, yes. We just happen to have one taken from Nancy Hammond Sartain's Facebook page:

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Happy Mother's Day to all human/cat/dog/lizard/etc. moms out there!



Shoalanda

Colbert Sheriff Ronnie May: Worried?

Ronnie May: Worried?

A Guest Commentary By

C. R.

The “Click It or Ticket It” traffic safety program has returned to our roads again. The "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to run from May 24 through June 6, 2010. The mobilization, expected to involve more than 10,000 police agencies, is supported by $8 million in national advertising funded through Congress and coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The program focuses on seat belt use, DUI, and aggressive driving. This program is a valuable tool to help local law enforcement lower the death rates on our highways during holiday periods. The program is paid for by a grant and costs the sheriff’s office nothing.

Most local law enforcement agencies are involved with this program except one. The Colbert County Sheriff’s Office turned down the opportunity to be included in the May 24 through June 6, 2010, program. The sheriff’s office has participated in the program before. When several deputies started to ask where was the sign up sheet for the program, they were informed by a supervisor that the program was canceled this time because it was an election year and the sheriff was afraid to offend someone.

I guess the sheriff is more worried about re-election than protection of the citizens.

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The Shoals Republican Club along with Shoals2DC will host a candidate cookout for all Republican candidates on the state, local, and federal levels on Friday, May 28th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McFarland Park, Picnic Shelter #2. McFarland Park is located on the northern shore of the Tennessee River in Florence off Alabama Highway 20 at the intersection of U.S. 72 before O’Neal Bridge.

All Alabama Republican candidates on the state, local, and federal levels have been invited to attend. The event is open to the public and free. Come out and meet the candidates. This is your opportunity to ask the candidates about themselves and the important issues facing our country, the state and the Shoals area. The Republican Primary is Tuesday, June 1st. The Shoals Republican Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. All meetings of the Shoals Republican Club are open to the public. For more information, contact Shoals Republican Club President William Smith at (256) 767-4529, or ShoalsRepublicanClub@gmail.com.

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Most recent release from Jeff Masterson, showing presumably questionable use of campaign funds by HD 18 Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow: Link

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Florence attorney Greg Burdine, Florence City Councilman Hermon Graham, and Florence businesswoman Candy Haddock are seeking the Democratic nomination for Alabama House District 1. Haddock has few political connections and is a very dark horse. Graham has demonstrated from past behavior that he is far from a team player. That leaves Burdine, who does have the education and political contacts to represent this district.

We have previously asked Burdine for a vision statement and have received no response; therefore, we will not endorse anyone in the Democratic Primary. We make no secret that we feel Republican Brad Holmes is the man for the job.


Shoalanda

Party Like a Russellville Chicken Worker?

Brinley Brothers' Bistro has never been afraid of controversy, having taken some recent hits concerning its Beer Pong tournaments. Now, the downtown Florence eatery has taken on one-third of Russellville's population--Hispanics.

We doubt that Brinley's is worried about any backlash from the PC crowd, but we'll take this opportunity to educate a few folks. Mexico has a Caucasian population of 15%--think Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro or singer Placido Domingo. The other 85% is an indigenous people or a mixture; many don't even speak Spanish and are technically not Hispanic. Besides, a large percentage of chicken plant workers are Guatemalan and have an inbred animosity toward Mexicans--in other words, they won't be celebrating Mexico's Independence Day.

Now, for the salient question. Did Tim James show up?

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Update: The preliminary hearing scheduled April 30th for Andrew Daniel Scott of Killen has been postponed until May 24th. The UNA nursing student faces charges of possession of a controlled substance(s) and drug paraphernalia. Scott's battle to wrest his biological child from its custodial parents is set to be heard by the Alabama Appeals Court in June.

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House of Representatives candidate Brad Holmes has a new video on You Tube:




Shoalanda

Brad Holmes in 2010!

As if you didn't already know, Tammy Irons is not seeking re-election to the Alabama House of Representatives, Place 1. It could be called a wide open field or even a crap shoot, but three Democrats and two Republicans are seeking to succeed Rep. Irons.

Two days ago we profiled one of the Republicans, Quinton Hanson, a man who may have great ideas for the state, but who hasn't yet shared them with the electorate. We previously introduced you to Brad Holmes in June 2009. During the past 10 months, Brad has made it a point to meet the voters and talk with them about their concerns and their vision for combating the problems this state faces. If you haven't yet met Brad, we suggest you take a look at his Facebook page in order to get a better grasp of his character and views.

It gives us great pleasure to endorse Brad Holmes as the Republican candidate for Alabama House Place 1. Keep up the good work, Brad.

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It's Saturday, so it must be raining. We're sure rain and the accompanying thunderstorms have put a damper on the highly publicized re-enactment events that were scheduled today at the Weeden-Sweetwater home. The house was once beautiful, and if it should lose its battle with demolition in the name of progress, it would be a great loss to the Shoals.

However, the home is still in private hands, owned by Susan Leigh Smithson of Atlanta, and also for sale for the small sum of six million dollars. Any money generated by these tours goes to the restoration fund, still presumably controlled by Smithson. If the house and grounds should be sold (we assume Ms. Smithson would take much less than her asking price), any edifices on the property could immediately be torn down.

Sweetwater is not protected by the State or any other government organization. If you wish to tour Sweetwater, by all means do so (tours are confined to the grounds, since the buildings present unsafe conditions), but if you wish to give money to preserve Alabama history, we suggest your money would be better used by the Joe Wheeler home or other organizations over which there is local control.

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The Shoals Forum Daily Trivia is now simply Shoals Daily Trivia. The site provides seven different themes each week via the Fun Trivia organization. If you'd like to compete against other Shoals residents, click on this link or the one provided under Shoals Web Sites to the left of this blog.


Shoalanda

What Now for the Florence Golf & Country Club?

The City of Florence is preparing to enter into the final stages of the Florence Golf and Country Club purchase. If this mega-real estate deal is finalized, Florence will own a 157+ acre country club for which it has no immediate plans.

Currently, the City fathers state that an addition to the existing landfill will be at least five years away. Obviously, during the next five years, administration may change and plans for the property be scuttled. Even if this is not the case, Florence will enter into five years of grounds keeping for the acreage and its elaborate clubhouse. Even if the golf course is not maintained, the property will have to be manicured to some degree in order to retain most of its current value.

If the City should decide not to use the FG&CC as a new landfill, has anyone considered how much the taxpayers will have invested in its upkeep? Or if the funds aren't invested in maintaining the property, just who will be willing to purchase what may have become another run-down, overgrown municipal white elephant?

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Brad Holmes in 2010: Republican candidate Brad Holmes announced his candidacy for Alabama House of Representatives (Place One) some months ago. As spring approaches, campaigning is gaining momentum. If you are interested in becoming part of the movement to elect Brad to the Alabama Legislature, be sure to visit his site: Brad has much to offer Lauderdale County and Northwest Alabama--Go, Brad!

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Tomorrow is a big day for two of our loyal readers. Kari-Kay Harp and Emily Davis Oliver will both be...let's see, sweet sixteen seems about right. Don't forget to contact them via phone, Facebook, or other social network to wish them a wonderful day.

Shoalanda

Brad Holmes Officially Launches Campaign

Republican Brad Holmes has officially launched his campaign for the State House of Representatives District 1. You can learn more about Brad at his website, or better yet, meet him tonight at the Florence Christmas parade. Brad is a novelty in the political world--someone who genuinely cares and means what he says. Whether you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, we invite you to get to know Brad Holmes and his wife Sara. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Florence's Christmas parade begins tonight at 7:00 p.m., weather permitting. Besides several local candidates, you can expect a multitude of floats, the Pride of Dixie marching band, and the guest of honor, St Nicholas himself. See you there.


Congratulations: To Morris Lentz on being re-elected President of the Lauderdale County Association of Volunteer Firefighters. We'll have more on this later.

Shoalanda

Tina Parker Kick-Off Picnic This Saturday

Shoals attorney Tina Miller Parker is having a picnic this Saturday and wants to see you there! We understand there will be a special announcement for all citizens of Colbert County, plus plenty of food, sodas, and entertainment. We've even heard rumors of karaoke, so you might want to bring the throat spray and plan to join in.

For more information about the event, please visit this link.

Two or Tina's favorite causes, animal welfare and the eradication of violence against women, have long been at the top of our list also. We feel sure that once you meet Tina you'll become a fan just as we are.

Besides Tina, you can expect to visit with Brad Holmes, announced candidate for Alabama House of Representatives, and several other local politicians who are eager to hear what Shoals citizens have to say about problems facing this area. Now is the time to make your voice heard, as well as have a good time with friends both old and new. We hope to see you there.


What's up with this: We understand authorities are looking into just who leaked information concerning the subpoenas of accused rapist Keith McGuire's phone records. It's beginning to look like the McGuire trial may prove as riveting as that of Christie Bray Scott.

Brad Holmes - A Name You Should Remember

A few weeks ago, Brad Holmes contacted us concerning his possible candidacy for the Alabama House of Representatives District I. This seat is currently held by Tammy Irons, who is seeking the State Senate seat being vacated by Bobby Denton. We were very pleased with Brad's take on campaigning and are extremely glad he has chosen to pursue this office. The following is Brad Holmes' official press release:

HOLMES ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR ALABAMA STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 1

Shoals businessman Brad Holmes announces his candidacy for House seat in 2010 in order to provide “serious, consistent, and proactive representation” for all citizens of District 1.

Florence, AL (June 22, 2009) – Former Florence Police Sergeant turned businessman, Brad Holmes, has officially announced his candidacy for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 1, in the Republican primary scheduled for June 2010. Current Representative Tammy Irons has announced her intention to seek the State Senate seat which is being vacated by retiring long-time Senator Bobby Denton.

“I have decided to run because District 1 deserves serious, consistent, and proactive representation at the State level,” stated Holmes, a Florence native. “With many critical issues facing our community, I am concerned about the future of its citizens. I am committed to listening and understanding the needs of our citizens in order to provide the new and progressive leadership that will lead our community forward.”

While Holmes admits that many issues of the 2010 election cycle are still evolving, he has committed to addressing each issue “head-on and with the best interest of the community in mind.” Holmes stated that the core of his campaign will focus on education, economic development, and ethics reform. He added, “Regardless of what happens in our state and community over the next year, these issues will remain constant and must be at the root of all decisions.”

Holmes currently serves on the Shoals Economic Development Authority Board of Directors, Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors, and as Vice-President of the University of North Alabama National Alumni Association. Holmes is also a member of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Florence Business Association (DFU), Association of General Contractors-Shoals Chapter, and UNA Sportsman’s Club.

A 1997 graduate of Coffee High School, Holmes continued his education at the University of North Alabama where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. He has been married to his wife, Sara Nicholas Holmes, for five years. The Holmeses attend Highland Baptist Church in Florence.

What Do You Want from Your State Legislator?

So far, nine individuals have expressed interest in the District I House seat to be vacated by Tammy Irons. While it's not a given that each of these possible candidates will run, it's quite likely that others will enter the fray before the April 2010 deadline.

That's quite a covey of candidates from which to choose. Ideally, we would look at the field and choose the one who best personifies our interests and goals for state government. Sometimes that isn't possible, and we must choose by a process of elimination. In this particular election, we may have to settle for the latter.

Florence businessman Brad Holmes is one of those mulling the feasibility of joining the race for the District I seat. We will have more on Mr. Holmes in future columns, but today I will pose the question to our readers that Holmes set before us: What do you want from your State Legislator?

State Representatives often become State Senators, as Tammy Irons hopes to do. State Senators may become Governor, or perhaps a U.S. Senator. Therefore, it's important to choose wisely in House races. No office is small, but some offices are filled by small people. We don't need anymore small people in our state government; we need those with both probity and vision.

We urge you to make a list of what you think will improve this state, especially the Shoals area. We also ask that you e-mail your lists to us at shoalanda.speaks@gmail.com. During the coming months we'll be compiling these lists and researching the candidates' positions on each. Together, we can make a difference--a long overdue difference.


What's up with this: Apparently FloGas' Roger Lovelace isn't the only one who knows where the bodies are buried...stay tuned.