Winners...Plus Some Users & Abusers

Winners: Congratulations to those who are being sworn into office today. William Smith tells us that the investiture ceremonies for Billy Jackson, Carole Medley, and Gil Self will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Courtroom of the Lauderdale County Courthouse. The public is invited to attend the event.

Users: There seem to be new storms brewing concerning the renovation of Sweetwater Mansion, aka the Weeden Home. We have no idea how many underage (or adult) volunteers are involved in the interior part of the restoration, but O.B.'s thoughts on the matter are well worth reading...

Sweetwater...Fail...Part I

Abusers: We offer the following account in the "For What It's Worth Department." This short narrative of Andrea Gonzalez' death was sent to us quite some time ago. If it should be true, it's unfortunate that the tale doesn't include the disposition of the body. We doubt the skull found in the Fox Trap Community north of Russellville is that of the missing girl. If it should be, we would hope either Kim or Paul Gonzalez would come forward with more information concerning Andrea's death.

An alleged communication from Kim to her mother that was then forwarded to a third party:

Andrea was in bed between me and Paul. I heard her gagging and I woke up. She had vomited all over herself and had wet the bed. I took her to the bathroom and took off her pajamas. I tried to clean her up with a towel, but she kept fidgeting, so I decided to put her in the tub.

I ran the water and lifted Andi into the tub and she started screaming. I didn't think the water was that hot, but I lifted her out. She just kept on screaming. I told her to be quiet and not to wake up Paul. I figured he was pretty much out of it, but he didn't like to be woke up.

I got some Noxema and started putting it on her legs, but that just made her cry harder and she started to yell. In comes Paul and he was mad. He told her to shut up, but she didn't. Finally he slapped her and she fell and hit her head on the tub. I kept trying to wake her up, but she wouldn't come to. He didn't mean to do it.

A drug addicted prostitute for a mother, an abusive pot-head for a father, and a pregnant easily-controlled stepmother--which of these three was capable of raising Andrea? Obviously none of them. We hear over and over, "I would never give my child up to the state," or "I could never let my child be adopted." Really? Would you rather he or she ended up like Andrea? Think about it.



Shoalanda

Bama Fact Check?/Santa Back at North Pole

Have you visited the website Bama Fact Check? Here's a blurb in their own words:

Bama Fact Check aims to provide readers with regular investigations into the statements of state and local politicians and public figures. The statements of highest priority will be the policy ideas of political figures rather than their negative campaign advertisements or off-the-cuff remarks. Staff members hope to continue this endeavor throughout the general election and indefinitely. The project’s goal rests on a fundamental tenet of journalism and democracy: to provide society with the information it needs to be free and self-governing.

Each political statement researched by Bama Fact Check will receive a “Truth Rating” from a group of staff members. The ratings will range from five, meaning the statement is completely true, to zero, meaning the statement is void of any truth whatsoever.

The site states that Alabama politics will take front stage, but local politics will also be in the mix. We plan to regularly ask questions and hope all of you will as well: Link

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We're sure you know Santa managed to make his yearly rounds Friday night, but for those who want the juicy details of his release from Lauderdale custody, here's a report from J.J. Ray:

Santa was in court on the twenty third and as expected both Grinches were there. DA Chris Connolly failed in his effort to establish the illegal alien status of the bearded man. The report from Riverbend was read into the record and stated that the man though a little quirky was perfectly sane. There was no law against a person stopping to take a rest while exercising his reindeer.

A local vet testified that the reindeer in question were in remarkable condition given their age. One of the females was expecting though he didn't know the name. After hearing testimony and on a motion from Attorney Janice Keeton. Judge Medley ordered the defendant Kris Kringle was sane and free to go about his business, whatever that was.

Rhea Fulmer Michael Tays was furious and reminded the Judge that she was a Republican and there was another election coming up in six years. Judge Medley ignored the comment and left the court room. The DA would not comment stating he had to do some Christmas shopping. As Ms. Tays was pressed for a comment she uttered a profanity and left. The children are safe for tonight.

A footnote to this drama, my wife and I actually met Santa some years ago in upstate New York at a rest area. He was taking two of his reindeer to a vet. One of the reindeer was a baby and quite playful. Apparently the larger one was the mother because she was not too happy with my wife. He was a very jolly and cordial man. Santa actually gave his card to my wife who at the time was a non-believer. She has had the Christmas spirit ever since.

Merry Christmas to all.

J.J.



Shoalanda

Billy Reid Boring? Not to Us!

To a New York Times journalist, Florence designer Billy Reid may be boring. We consider him prudent. Read about his latest award here:

A Few Boring Ways to Spend $300,000

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A recent blog lamented the decadence of the English language in the United States. For an extremely interesting and accurate take on today's misuse of the native tongue, we urge everyone to read:

Why Are Language Rules So Baffling?

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Update on Santa's arrest from J.J. Ray:

It's official Santa was in court today. Judge Medley ordered him to Riverbend for an evaluation. Apparently she thinks he is delusional. He was represented by Attorney of record Janice Keaton. The evaluation is set for Monday the 20th. He is to return on the 23rd back to court for a final determination. The commissioner with the smile like a Grinch Commissioner Rhea Tays Michael Fulmer was in court. The DA Chris Connolly still insisted if in fact he was the real Santa then he had to be considered an illegal alien and should be remanded to ICE. Nothing else to report but will be back in court on the 23rd.

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The Lawrence County, Tennesse, courthouse in Lawrenceburg has been widely discussed in recent years. There are many who would like to see the current modern structure razed and an updated replica of the previous building erected in its place. Here's an image of the original on eBay: Link




Shoalanda

Saving Santa

Saving Santa

By J.J. Ray

Local attorney and Zip City resident Janice Keeton has agreed to represent Santa. He appeared before Republican Judge Carol Medley this morning. Judge Medley set bond at $100.00, which was immediately posted by some local citizens. Sheriff Ronnie Willis was chided for using the combined SWAT Teams from Muscle Shoals and Florence to affect the arrest as they were training in the Zip City community.

The eight reindeer have been placed in protective custody and have gone on an apparent hunger strike because of the loss of their owner. Keeton referred to the arrest of the portly old soul as, “A travesty of justice by Commissioner Rhea Tays Michael Fulmer and nothing more than headline grabbing by Chris Smith”. Sheriff Willis had no comment at this time as he was still yawning.

Judge Medley has ordered a competency hearing for the purported Santa and is going to settle the case before Christmas Eve. District Attorney Chris Connolly notified the press that he would personally undertake the prosecution of this case. He stated in an interview that, “The county and nation has to be protected form usurpers like this because in my opinion there is no such person as Santa Claus and on top of that he is probably a Republican. I am sure the Attorney General Eric Holder will send some help down from Washington. There is also a possibility that this person could be an 'Illegal Alien'”.

Commissioner Rhea Tays Michael Fulmer stated in an interview that it was her sworn duty to protect the county from trash like this. Apparently the SWAT team could not locate any reflective cones to put around the sleigh as Commissioner Fulmer had ordered them locked up to keep them away from the EMA director lest he once again use them for something other than county business.

One of the arresting officers said at the scene, “This was a huge and smelly mess”, speaking of the debris left by the eight reindeer. He also stated that he could not understand the constant smile on the face of Commissioner Rhea Tays Michael Fulmer as the cuffs were placed on Santa. He related the smile as “Grinch Like”.

Here’s hoping that Attorney Keeton can affect a resolution of this case soon as the days are getting short before Christmas Eve. I will report from the Trial as it progresses.

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There seems to be several new Christmas songs out this year. Here are some we predict will become classics:

Please Unwrap Me, Santa by Thelma & the Thongs

Viagra on the Niagara by Chuck Lansdell with backup by Hugh Hefner

Oh, Traffic Cone, Oh, Traffic Cone by Rhea & the Commissioners

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It's going to be cold for the next few days; please remember to bring in your pets or provide them with warm bedding and drinkable water.


Shoalanda

The Truth About Hottie Scottie

Isn't it funny how various paths in our lives cross at unexpected times? Yesterday, Carole Coil Medley won a hard fought election against Florence Municipal Judge James E. Hall II. I personally supported Carole, but if Judge Hall had won the election, I would have still felt the Lauderdale District Judgeship was in more than capable hands.

My pressing problem in that case would have been whether to support Janice Keeton or Marshall Gardner as his replacement (I had friends lobbying on both sides). Now, I'm sure Florence City Court is safe with Judge Hall for at least two more years.

Due to the elections and the problems facing Lauderdale EMA, this blog has been lax concerning various public announcements, causing a friend to inquire why the Community Health Fair was overlooked this year. My apologies to this wonderful effort combining the forces of the Community Health Clinic and the UNA School of Nursing. While it was too late to advertise the clinic, I did ask my friend to inquire concerning the status of Andrew Daniel Scott, aka Hottie Scottie, supposedly a student at the CON.

According to two faculty members, Scott never made it to the actual College of Nursing, although he probably did take some preparatory courses. One instructor for the small college (they accept approximately 50 applicants each year), said specifically they didn't want someone with Scott's record in their college. If this information should be in error, I'm sure Mr. Roger Scott, Andrew's father, will immediately contact this blog. Judging by the above poster condemning a fine attorney/judge, Scott is still in denial concerning his son's actions.

Most of Andrew Daniel Scott's supporters on his Facebook "Cause" page appear to be relatives or young individuals who simply failed to check the facts in the case before joining this more than misguided effort. I'm personally thankful that the Shoals area has attorneys and judges (yes, even Jimmy Sandlin) who support a two parent home, a home in which parents manage to stay off drugs, stay out of jail, and know the responsibilities of parenthood involve more than simply being a sperm donor.

The caption on the poster Roger Scott created reads: What you fight for tells everyone about your character. It certainly does; as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.

For more info on Andrew Daniel Scott:

Who Are Rylan's Real Parents?

"Soylent Green" Still Has Some Lessons for Us

Andrew Daniel Scott of Killen Arrested

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We understand an in depth article on the Lauderdale EMA will appear in The Connection tomorrow.



Shoalanda

Congratulations & Caveats

Congratulations to Lynn Greer, Chad Holden, Carole Coil Medley, and Shannon Oliver on victories in well-fought races. Other election results remain more nebulous.

Who will run for Lauderdale County Commission Chairman? We've already received several e-mails that Rhea Tayls Fulmer will be the first to cast her hat into the ring; we hope this part time position will lure several more learned candidates as well.

Liquor in Rogersville? As of right now, only one vote separates the Yes and No votes. Among those heading the "No" forces was Morris T. Lentz who worked tirelessly to keep Rogersville dry. Shanna Reed Dudley, a major force for the wet vote, did her cause no good with the, shall we say colorful, language she used to describe her opponents. She walks in beauty as the night...at the longshoreman's ball.

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It was a very close contest between Greg Burdine and Quinton Hanson. Perhaps Mr. Hanson should request some of his fees back on the ads in which the announcer couldn't pronounce "Yorkshire."

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Music Fell on Alabama? Get the definitive text on Amazon: Link




Shoalanda

Carole Coil Medley--A Better Choice

Sometimes selecting a candidate to endorse is easy; sometimes it's extremely difficult. When two more than qualified candidates vie for the same office, it's almost impossible. We chose not to endorse either James Hall II or John Odem for the Democratic nomination since we found them to be equally qualified. The choice has been similarly hard in selecting a candidate to support in the November 2nd general election.

However, we firmly believe Carole Coil Medley will make a great judge, that she is already making a great judge. Over the years, we heard many complaints concerning her predecessor. We aren't hearing those same complaints about Ms. Medley--she's obviously doing it right.

We wholeheartedly endorse Judge Medley for Lauderdale District Judge and ask that you consider her qualifications, that you pray about your decision before you vote. No matter the outcome of the election, we know that Carole will continue to serve the citizens of Lauderdale County--she's that kind of person.

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Colbert County will be electing a new district judge for the first time in 30 years. It's no secret that we here at Shoalanda have Republican leanings, but those leanings are influenced by that party almost always fielding the more qualified and desirable candidate.

Kyle Brown is, from what we know of him, a fine man and more than adequate prosecutor; however, his long association with the prosecutor's office is one reason for pause in this type of contest. Even excluding Mr. Brown's long held occupation, we find him to be lacking in the polish and personality that Chad Coker will bring to the office.

We urge you to look at Chad Coker, read his resume', and make your decision. This one shouldn't be hard. Chad Coker is the man for the job.

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Our loss seems to be your gain: If you haven't yet visited The Connection, please do so. We've been surprised at how quickly this new Internet magazine has grown. In just one week, it seems to be coming together as the go-to place for the Shoals. Congratulations Trader and Nan on your ingenuity and hard work.

The Connection

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Melody Court & Boat Docks? E-mail us if you have any idea where this complex was located.





Shoalanda

Should Our News Be Censored?

All the news that fits? Well, the TimesDaily isn't the Rolling Stone, and we're glad it isn't. We prefer to read the local news sans strings of profanity. Yet, just what should be censored?

Perhaps no two reporters or editors will find the same facts important, but we do wonder at much of what is omitted from the TimesDaily. Here's a few recent examples:

Teresa Lannahan arrest: While the TD did eventually report the arrest of the Leighton Town Council member, it failed to mention that Lannahan is the police commissioner of that Colbert County town.

Whitesell Mfg.: The TD did hit the highlights of the OSHA investigation into cost-cutting measures at Whitesell's two local facilities, but failed to report one of the most salient points. From WAFF...

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration called the inspection of Whitesell Corporation in Colbert County the worst inspection they have done on an Alabama organization in a decade.

Cherokee: Okay, we'll give them a pass on this one. If they printed all the shenanigans in that unfair city, it would cause a world shortage of ink.

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Have you read Osborne Ink's most recent blog? If not, be sure to check it out. Matt tells it like it is concerning UNA's proposed move to Division I athletics: Link

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The Lauderdale District Court Race: So far, both Carole Coil Medley and James Hall have run super clean campaigns. We've heard Florence Deputy Chief Tim Shaddix has placed signs supporting Medley at many of his rental properties, while much of the Florence Police Department is supporting Hall. We call it neck and neck at this point.

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Planning on getting connected? You can start by becoming a fan of The Connection here: Link

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It's Labor Day; let's go to Tuscumbia: Link




Shoalanda



Get Connected in September!

MUG.com is Moving!

Our friends at MUG.com are moving. Having outgrown their old facilities on Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals, this popular coffee shop is now located in Sheffield at 401 Cox Boulevard. They will reopen for business at 10:00 a.m. Monday morning.

Congratulations to Jim and Cindy. They have both worked hard to create a unique coffee shop/eatery in this area; we hope everyone will visit them in their new location. Be sure to send your comments on the new site to Trader who will be doing an update on the popular business.

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Apologies to Carole Coil Medley. Carole kicked off her campaign for Lauderdale District Judge last night at Wilson Park, and we failed to spotlight the shindig in our blog. Both Carole and her opponent, Democrat James Hall II, are excellent jurists, and we look forward to a vigorous campaign.

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Know of pet/animal abuse? Our friend Renee' Miskell has sent us a link to a great site; although we hate there is a necessity for such an organization. PetAbuse.com is a repository for data on animal abuse cases across the US. If you read of animal abuse in your area, please send the information to this website. You may also wish to check out this site if you regularly place pets or farm animals. Thanks to Renee' for making us aware of this work.

Renee' is still taking donations for her rescued animals. By August 19th, she should be able to begin placing these beautiful Arabian horses.

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Missing the old Florence Golf & Country Club already? This car tag might be the ideal purchase to commemorate the defunct institution. You can buy it here on eBay: Link


Shoalanda


Coming soon...get connected!

More About John Odem

Florence attorney John Odem is a remarkable man with a brilliant future. We first profiled Odem when he announced his candidacy for Lauderdale County District Judge several months ago. Odem, the son of Dennis Odem and his wife Carolyn, is not only a busy lawyer, but also a musician and a helicopter pilot--the youngest ever licensed in the state of Alabama.

Those who have seen John perform with his band the Cadillacs say he would have little problem making a living with his music, yet the second-generation attorney is serious about his law career. He practices criminal law as well as being an expert in pre-nuptial agreements--something he advocates for all future marriages. John is also staunchly against the death penalty. From a 2007 TimesDaily interview:

Florence attorney Dennis Odem, who represented Riley and Waldrop during their murder trials, contends the death penalty does not deter homicides."I don't think people who are committing a capital crime give one thought to, if I do this, I might be sentenced to death," he said.Odem said he expects Alabama will abandon the death penalty as a form of punishment.

When recently interviewed by the ShoalsInsider, Odem promptly answered questions concerning his relative youth:

A new broom sweeps clean. In my private practice of law I have handled hundreds of cases as plaintiff’s attorney in District and Circuit court. I have been specially appointed as a Prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office in Lauderdale County as well as the City of Tuscumbia. Between all these fields of practice I find myself in the District Court on a daily basis. I believe this experience makes me very qualified for the job. My friends Judge George Carpenter and Judge Ed Tease were 29 and 30 years old when elected to the bench. Debra Bell Pasuer was also elected at a very young age and the county benefited many years of her presiding on the District Judge bench. Decisions rendered by the court effect the lives of everyone concerned. I feel privileged to be in a position to continue the precedent of honor and dignity of the court set by previous Lauderdale County Judges.

Obviously, whether John Odem is the next Lauderdale District Judge or not, he's becoming a political force in the county. Kudos to Odem for having accomplished so much at such an early age and for having shown such integrity in his campaign. He will face Florence Municipal Judge James Hall II in the June 1st Democratic primary.

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Looking for a new vehicle? Hate the thought of trudging to local dealerships and paying extra for all your trouble? Then you need to check out Shoals Auto Finder. Beside cars and trucks, Shoals Auto Finder also showcases boats, motorcycles, and parts. The site administrator is Wayne Nix of the ShoalsInsider. We can promise that Wayne will bring you the best personalized service possible.


What's up with this: Those Sheffield merchants still displaying portable signs are now not only in violation of the city's sign law, but owe a total of $800.00 plus court costs. The total fine will rise $100.00 per day. Well, no one ever said civil disobedience was cheap--or intelligent.

Shoalanda

Bill Batson, Trevor Stokes, and Who's on Second?

Bill Batson is the Chairman of the Lauderdale County Republican Party; Trevor Stokes is a reporter for the Florence TimesDaily. Either one, or both, of these gentlemen is very confused.

Yesterday, we published John Odem's announcement of his candidacy for Lauderdale District Judge--an office currently held by appointed Republican Carole Coil Medley (pictured). Also publishing Odem's announcement was the TimeDaily. In an article written by Stokes, the TD announced the names of three current District Judges, all of whom are actually serving as Lauderdale Circuit Judges.

Perhaps the most startling aspect of Stokes' article was the quote by Bill Batson that no Republican has yet announced his or her intention of running for District Judge. In fact, Ms. Medley announced on August 13, 2009, that she would be seeking four more years of the district judgeship, a fact recorded in the TD by Stokes' fellow journalist Bernie Delinski.

And Lauderdale County often wonders why it's ignored in Montgomery?


What's up with this: Sources familiar with the now infamous Cherokee Council scuffle (dubbed Thrilla in the Kee by one local wag) are stating the Lansdell's son, known as Char-Char, will definitely be involved when all charges are finalized.

Shoalanda

Psychic? Try Madam Zara...

With Halloween just around the corner and talk of the Sweetwater fortune teller making the rounds, we received several inquiries about Madam Zara, the psychic secretary. Today, we bring you an exclusive interview with her.

SS: Hi, Zara. Is Zara Goldstein your real name?

ZG: Well, it's a real name; it was my grandmother's name. I choose to use it when I get in character as a means to honor her.

SS: I know you must hear this often, but I detect an accent. You're not a Shoals native?

ZG: No, I'm like that other picante sauce--I'm from New York City, but my family has lived in Huntsville and Florence for the past 30 years.

SS: Now, the hard stuff; how did you gain a claim for being psychic?

ZG: Actually two ways. When I attended Columbia University, I worked in the library as a secretary (that's where I took the name for my blog). It was my job to pull the vendors' files on the days they came to see the director. If I noticed one hadn't been around in a while, I'd pull his file as well. For whatever reason, they usually showed up that day, so the girls I worked with started to call me psychic and ask me about their love life. Then when I became a mother, my children definitely thought I was psychic, so I always played that up for them. Kept them out of a lot of trouble.

SS: So, you don't really claim any supernatural powers?

ZG: No, just common sense. That's what I try to use when I get questions from readers.

SS: Do you get a lot of questions? From what areas?

ZG: Not a great many. When ET started this blogging group, he asked me to do an entertainment blog, thinking we would get quite a few responses, but so far we haven't. Then again, we really haven't advertised Madam Zara very well. Several of the questions I've gotten have obviously been jokes, but a few have tugged at the heartstrings. I always try to answer in a positive way, using a common sense approach, and I always ask those who have real problems to keep in touch with me.

SS: You don't take money for your services, right?

ZG: That's absolutely right. I stress it's just entertainment. If you're approached to pay money to Madam Sheila or whoever is at Sweetwater or anyone else, remember if they were 100% in their abilities, they wouldn't be there, but on the New York Stock Exchange. For people like them, it's mainly some well placed questions and a lot of good acting.

SS: Okay, Zara, here's my question: Is there going to be a match up between James Hall and Carole Medley for the Lauderdale District judgeship, and if so, who will win?

ZG: You don't ask much do you? I live in Lauderdale County, so I'm interested in the election. I'm not sure who may join the fray later, but think it will boil down to those two. As for who will win...well, I don't claim to be that psychic. Give me some time and I'll think about it.


To read Madam Zara the Psychic Secretary or to ask her a question, visit this link.

Shoalanda

James E. Hall II Announces for Lauderdale District Judge

Florence Municipal Judge James Edwards Hall II has announced his candidacy for Lauderdale County District Judge. Many have speculated that Hall would seek the nomination for Circuit Court judge to succeed Jimmy Sandlin. Sandlin has indicated he will not seek a second term in that position.

Still early in the race, we can only speculate on others who might choose to run against Hall in the Democratic primary. Many, including us at Shoalanda, were surprised that Hall was not Gov. Bob Riley's choice to finish out the term of retiring Circuit Court Judge Mike Suttle; Hall now would appear on the road to an easy victory in the June 2010 primary.

This presents the political conundrum of Hall opposing Republican Carole Coil Medley in the fall general election. Mrs. Medley is well-liked and has acquitted herself well since Gov. Riley appointed her to the office vacated by Deborah Bell Paseur. A race between Hall and Medley would be close to call, but more to the point, the necessity for such a choice sets Lauderdale County up for a tremendous loss of talent no matter the outcome.


From our editor, commenting on Andrew Scott's recent appearance on WAFF: "I haven't seen so many inappropriate smiles since Jimmy Carter was in office."

Shoalanda